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diff --git a/15475-h/15475-h.htm b/15475-h/15475-h.htm new file mode 100644 index 0000000..5811fd0 --- /dev/null +++ b/15475-h/15475-h.htm @@ -0,0 +1,72672 @@ +<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?> + +<!DOCTYPE html + PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD XHTML 1.0 Strict//EN" + "http://www.w3.org/TR/xhtml1/DTD/xhtml1-strict.dtd" > + +<html xmlns="http://www.w3.org/1999/xhtml" lang="en"> + <head> + <title> + The Mahabharata, Volume II., Book 4-7 by Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </title> + <style type="text/css" xml:space="preserve"> + + body { margin:5%; background:#faebd0; text-align:justify} + P { text-indent: 1em; margin-top: .25em; margin-bottom: .25em; } + H1,H2,H3,H4,H5,H6 { text-align: center; margin-left: 15%; margin-right: 15%; } + hr { width: 50%; text-align: center;} + .foot { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; text-indent: -3em; font-size: 90%; } + blockquote {font-size: 97%; font-style: italic; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%;} + .mynote {background-color: #DDE; color: #000; padding: .5em; margin-left: 10%; margin-right: 10%; font-family: sans-serif; font-size: 95%;} + .toc { margin-left: 10%; margin-bottom: .75em;} + .toc2 { margin-left: 20%;} + div.fig { display:block; margin:0 auto; text-align:center; } + div.middle { margin-left: 20%; margin-right: 20%; text-align: justify; } + .figleft {float: left; margin-left: 0%; margin-right: 1%;} + .figright {float: right; margin-right: 0%; margin-left: 1%;} + .pagenum {display:inline; font-size: 70%; font-style:normal; + margin: 0; padding: 0; position: absolute; right: 1%; + text-align: right;} + pre { font-style: italic; font-size: 90%; margin-left: 10%;} + +</style> + </head> + <body> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> +The Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana +Vyasa, Volume 2 + +This eBook is for the use of anyone anywhere at no cost and with +almost no restrictions whatsoever. You may copy it, give it away or +re-use it under the terms of the Project Gutenberg License included +with this eBook or online at www.gutenberg.org + + +Title: The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa, Volume 2 + Books 4, 5, 6 and 7 + +Translator: Kisari Mohan Ganguli + +Release Date: March 26, 2005 [EBook #15475] +Last Updated: November 6, 2016 + +Language: English + +Character set encoding: UTF-8 + +*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA VOL 2 *** + + + + +Produced by John B. Hare, David King, and David Widger + + + +</pre> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h1> + <h4> + of + </h4> + <h2> + Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + VOLUME 2 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOKS 4 to 7 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h4> + by + </h4> + <h2> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h2> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + [1883-1896] + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <div class="mynote"> + <p> + The text file scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2003, and proofed at + Distributed Proofing, Juliet Sutherland, Project Manager. Additional + proofing and formatting of the text file at sacred-texts.com, by J. B. + Hare. + </p> + <br /> + </div> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 4 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0001"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0002"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0003"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0004"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0005"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0006"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0007"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0008"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0009"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0010"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0011"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0012"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0013"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0014"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0015"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0016"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0017"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0018"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0019"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0020"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0021"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0022"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0023"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0024"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0025"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0026"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0027"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0028"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0029"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0030"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0031"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0032"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0033"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0034"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0035"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0036"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0037"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0038"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0039"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0040"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0041"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0042"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0043"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0044"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0045"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0046"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0047"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0048"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0049"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0050"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0051"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0052"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0053"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0054"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0055"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0056"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0057"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0058"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0059"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0060"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0061"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0062"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0063"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0064"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0065"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0066"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0067"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0068"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0069"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0070"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0071"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link42H_4_0072"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link42H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link42H_4_0001" id="link42H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <h3> + (Pandava-Pravesa Parva) + </h3> + <p> + OM! Having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted of male + beings, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “How did my great-grandfathers, afflicted with the fear + of Duryodhana, pass their days undiscovered in the city of Virata? And, O + Brahman, how did the highly blessed Draupadi, stricken with woe, devoted + to her lords, and ever adoring the Deity<a href="#linknote-41" + name="linknoteref-41" id="linknoteref-41">1</a>, spend her days + unrecognised?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Listen, O lord of men, how thy great grandfathers + passed the period of unrecognition in the city of Virata. Having in this + way obtained boons from the god of Justice, that best of virtuous men, + Yudhishthira, returned to the asylum and related unto the Brahmanas all + that had happened. And having related everything unto them, Yudhishthira + restored to that regenerate Brahmana, who had followed him the churning + staff and the fire-sticks he had lost. And, O Bharata, the son of the god + of Justice, the royal Yudhishthira of high soul then called together all + his younger brothers and addressed them, saying, ‘Exiled from our kingdom, + we have passed twelve years. The thirteenth year, hard to spend, hath now + come. Do thou therefore, O Arjuna, the son of Kunti, select some spot + where we may pass our days undiscovered by our enemies.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘Even by virtue of Dharma’s boon, we shall, O lord of + men, range about undiscovered by men. Still, for purposes of residence, I + shall mention some spots that are both delightful and secluded. Do thou + select some one of them. Surrounding the kingdom of the Kurus, are many + countries beautiful and abounding in corn, such as Panchala, Chedi, + Matsya, Surasena, Pattachchara, Dasarna, Navarashtra, Malla, Salva, + Yugandhara, Saurashtra, Avanti, and the spacious Kuntirashtra. Which of + these, O king, wouldst thou choose, and where, O foremost of monarchs, + shall we spend this year?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O thou of mighty arms, it is even so. What that + adorable Lord of all creatures hath said must become true. Surely, after + consulting together, we must select some delightful, auspicious, and + agreeable region for our abode, where we may live free from fear. The aged + Virata, king of the Matsyas, is virtuous and powerful and charitable, and + is liked by all. And he is also attached to the Pandavas. Even in the city + of Virata, O child, we shall, O Bharata, spend this year, entering his + service. Tell me, ye sons of the Kuru race, in what capacities ye will + severally present yourselves before the king of the Matsyas!’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘O god among men, what service wilt thou take in Virata’s + kingdom? O righteous one, in what capacity wilt thou reside in the city of + Virata? Thou art mild, and charitable, and modest, and virtuous, and firm + in promise. What wilt thou, O king, afflicted as thou art with calamity, + do? A king is qualified to bear trouble like an ordinary person. How wilt + thou overcome this great calamity that has overtaken thee?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira replied, ‘Ye sons of the Kuru race, ye bulls among men, hear + what I shall do on appearing before king Virata. Presenting myself as a + Brahmana, Kanka by name, skilled in dice and fond of play, I shall become + a courtier of that high-souled king. And moving upon chess-boards + beautiful pawns made of ivory, of blue and yellow and red and white hue, + by throws of black and red dice, I shall entertain the king with his + courtiers and friends. And while I shall continue to thus delight the + king, nobody will succeed in discovering me. And should the monarch ask + me, I shall say, “Formerly I was the bosom friend of Yudhishthira.” I tell + you that it is thus that I shall pass my days (in the city of Virata). + What office wilt thou, O Vrikodara, fill in the city of Virata?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0002" id="link42H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “Bhima said, ‘I intend to present myself before the lord of Virata as a + cook bearing the name of Vallabha. I am skilled in culinary art, and I + shall prepare curries for the king, and excelling all those skilful cooks + that had hitherto dressed his food I shall gratify the monarch. And I + shall carry mighty loads of wood. And witnessing that mighty feat, the + monarch will be pleased. And, O Bharata, beholding such superhuman feats + of mine, the servants of the royal household will honour me as a king. And + I shall have entire control over all kinds of viands and drinks. And + commanded to subdue powerful elephants and mighty bulls, I will do as + bidden. And if any combatants will fight with me in the lists, then will I + vanquish them, and thereby entertain the monarch. But I shall not take the + life of any of them. I shall only bring them down in such way that they + may not be killed. And on being asked as regards my antecedent I shall say + that—“Formerly I was the wrestler and cook of Yudhishthira.” Thus + shall I, O king, maintain myself.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘And what office will be performed by that mighty + descendant of the Kurus, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, that foremost of + men possessed of long arms, invincible in fight, and before whom, while he + was staying with Krishna, the divine Agni himself desirous of consuming + the forest of Khandava had formerly appeared in the guise of a Brahmana? + What office will be performed by that best of warriors, Arjuna, who + proceeded to that forest and gratified Agni, vanquishing on a single car + and slaying huge Nagas and Rakshasas, and who married the sister of Vasuki + himself, the king of the Nagas? Even as the sun is the foremost of all + heat-giving bodies, as the Brahmana is the best of all bipeds, as the + cobra is the foremost of all serpents, as Fire is the first of all things + possessed of energy, as the thunderbolt is the foremost of all weapons, as + the humped bull is the foremost of all animals of the bovine breed, as the + ocean is the foremost of all watery expanses, as clouds charged with rain + are the foremost of all clouds, as Ananta is the first of all Nagas, as + Airavata is the foremost of all elephants, as the son is the foremost of + all beloved objects, and lastly, as the wife is the best of all friends, + so, O Vrikodara, is the youthful Gudakesa, the foremost of all bowmen. And + O Bharata, what office will be performed by Vibhatsu, the wielder of + Gandiva, whose car is drawn by white horses, and who is not inferior to + Indra or Vasudeva Himself? What office will be performed by Arjuna who, + dwelling for five years in the abode of the thousand-eyed Deity (Indra) + shining in celestial lustre, acquired by his own energy the science of + superhuman arms with all celestial weapons, and whom I regard as the tenth + Rudra, the thirteenth Aditya, the ninth Vasu, and the tenth Graha, whose + arms, symmetrical and long, have the skin hardened by constant strokes of + the bowstring and cicatrices which resemble those on the humps of bulls,—that + foremost of warriors who is as Himavat among mountains, the ocean among + expanses of water, Sakra among the celestial, Havya-vaha (fire) among the + Vasus, the tiger among beasts, and Garuda among feathery tribes!’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘O lord of the Earth, I will declare myself as one of the + neuter sex. O monarch, it is, indeed difficult to hide the marks of the + bowstring on my arms. I will, however, cover both my cicatrized arms with + bangles. Wearing brilliant rings on my ears and conch-bangles on my wrists + and causing a braid to hang down from my head, I shall, O king, appear as + one of the third sex, Vrihannala by name. And living as a female I shall + (always) entertain the king and the inmates of the inner apartments by + reciting stories. And, O king, I shall also instruct the women of Virata’s + palace in singing and delightful modes of dancing and in musical + instruments of diverse kinds. And I shall also recite the various + excellent acts of men and thus conceal myself, O son of Kunti, by feigning + disguise. And, O Bharata should the king enquire, I will say that, I lived + as a waiting maid of Draupadi in Yudhishthira’s palace. And, O foremost of + kings, concealing myself by this means, as fire is concealed by ashes, I + shall pass my days agreeably in the palace of Virata.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, Arjuna, that best of men and + foremost of virtuous persons, became silent. Then the king addressed + another brother of his."<a href="#linknote-42" name="linknoteref-42" + id="linknoteref-42">2</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0003" id="link42H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Tender, possessed of a graceful presence, and + deserving of every luxury as thou art, what office wilt thou, O heroic + Nakula, discharge while living in the dominions of that king? Tell me all + about it!’ + </p> + <p> + “Nakula said, ‘Under the name of Granthika, I shall become the keeper of + the horses of king Virata. I have a thorough knowledge (of this work) and + am skilful in tending horses. Besides, the task is agreeable to me, and I + possess great skill in training and treating horses; and horses are ever + dear to me as they are to thee, O king of the Kurus. At my hands even + colts and mares become docile; these never become vicious in bearing a + rider or drawing a car.<a href="#linknote-43" name="linknoteref-43" + id="linknoteref-43">3</a> And those persons in the city of Virata that may + enquire of me, I shall, O bull of the Bharata race, say,—“Formerly I + was employed by Yudhishthira in the charge of his horses.” Thus disguised, + O king, I shall spend my days delightfully in the city of Virata. No one + will be able to discover me as I will gratify the monarch thus!’<a + href="#linknote-44" name="linknoteref-44" id="linknoteref-44">4</a> + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘How wilt thou, O Sahadeva, bear thyself before that + king? And what, O child, is that which thou wilt do in order to live in + disguise.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sahadeva replied, ‘I will become a keeper of the kine of Virata’s king. I + am skilled in milking kine and taking their history as well as in taming + their fierceness. Passing under the name of Tantripal, I shall perform my + duties deftly. Let thy heart’s fever be dispelled. Formerly I was + frequently employed to look after thy kine, and, O Lord of earth, I have a + particular knowledge of that work. And, O monarch, I am well-acquainted + with the nature of kine, as also with their auspicious marks and other + matters relating to them. I can also discriminate bulls with auspicious + marks, the scent of whose urine may make even the barren being forth + child. Even thus will I live, and I always take delight in work of this + kind. Indeed, no one will then be able to recognise me, and I will + moreover gratify the monarch.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘This is our beloved wife dearer to us than our lives. + Verily, she deserveth to be cherished by us like a mother, and regarded + like an elder sister. Unacquainted as she is with any kind of womanly + work, what office will Krishna, the daughter of Drupada, perform? Delicate + and young, she is a princess of great repute. Devoted to her lords, and + eminently virtuous, also, how will she live? Since her birth, she hath + enjoyed only garlands and perfumes and ornaments and costly robes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi replied, ‘There is a class of persons called Sairindhris,<a + href="#linknote-45" name="linknoteref-45" id="linknoteref-45">5</a> who + enter the services of other. Other females, however (that are respectable) + do not do so. Of this class there are some. I shall give myself out as a + Sairindhri, skilled in dressing hair. And, O Bharata, on being questioned + by the king, I shall say that I served as a waiting woman of Draupadi in + Yudhishthira’s household. I shall thus pass my days in disguise. And I + shall serve the famous Sudeshna, the wife of the king. Surely, obtaining + me she will cherish me (duly). Do not grieve so, O king.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Krishna, thou speakest well. But O fair girl, thou + wert born in a respectable family. Chaste as thou art, and always engaged + in observing virtuous vows, thou knowest not what is sin. Do thou, + therefore, conduct thyself in such a way that sinful men of evil hearts + may not be gladdened by gazing at thee.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0004" id="link42H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Ye have already said what offices ye will + respectively perform. I also, according to the measure of my sense, have + said what office I will perform. Let our priest, accompanied by + charioteers and cooks, repair to the abode of Drupada, and there maintain + our Agnihotra fires. And let Indrasena and the others, taking with them + the empty cars, speedily proceeded to Dwaravati. Even this is my wish. And + let all these maid-servants of Draupadi go to the Panchalas, with our + charioteers and cooks. And let all of them say,—“We do not know + where the Pandavas have gone leaving us at the lake of Dwaitavana.”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having thus taken counsel of one another and told one + another the offices they would discharge, the Pandavas sought Dhaumya’s + advice. And Dhaumya also gave them advice in the following words, saying, + ‘Ye sons of Pandu, the arrangements ye have made regarding the Brahmanas, + your friends, cars, weapons, and the (sacred) fires, are excellent. But it + behoveth thee, O Yudhishthira, and Arjuna specially, to make provision for + the protection of Draupadi. Ye king, ye are well-acquainted with the + characters of men. Yet whatever may be your knowledge, friends may from + affection be permitted to repeat what is already known. Even this is + subservient to the eternal interests of virtue, pleasure, and profit. I + shall, therefore speak to you something. Mark ye. To dwell with a king is, + alas, difficult. I shall tell you, ye princes, how ye may reside in the + royal household, avoiding every fault. Ye Kauravas, honourably or + otherwise, ye will have to pass this year in the king’s palace, + undiscovered by those that know you. Then in the fourteenth year, ye will + live happy. O son of Pandu, in this world, that cherisher and protector of + all beings, the king, who is a deity in an embodied form, is as a great + fire sanctified with all the mantras. <a href="#linknote-46" + name="linknoteref-46" id="linknoteref-46">6</a> One should present himself + before the king, after having obtained his permission at the gate. No one + should keep contact with royal secrets. Nor should one desire a seat which + another may covet. He who doth not, regarding himself to be a favourite, + occupy (the king’s) car, or coach, or seat, or vehicle, or elephant, is + alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household. He that sits not upon a + seat the occupation of which is calculated to raise alarm in the minds of + malicious people, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household. No one + should unasked offer counsel (to a king). Paying homage in season unto the + king, one should silently and respectfully sit beside the king, for kings + take umbrage at babblers, and disgrace-laying counsellors. A wise person + should not contact friendship with the king’s wife, nor with the inmates + of the inner apartments, nor with those that are objects of royal + displeasure. One about the king should do even the most unimportant acts + and with the king’s knowledge. Behaving thus with a sovereign, one doth + not come by harm. Even if an individual attain the highest office, he + should, as long as he is not asked or commanded, consider himself as + born-blind, having regard to the king’s dignity, for O repressers of foes, + the rulers of men do not forgive even their sons and grandsons and + brothers when they happen to tamper with their dignity. Kings should be + served with regardful care, even as Agni and other gods; and he that is + disloyal to his sovereign, is certainly destroyed by him. Renouncing + anger, and pride, and negligence, it behoveth a man to follow the course + directed by the monarch. After carefully deliberating on all things, a + person should set forth before the king those topics that are both + profitable and pleasant; but should a subject be profitable without being + pleasant, he should still communicate it, despite its disagreeableness. It + behoveth a man to be well-disposed towards the king in all his interests, + and not to indulge in speech that is alike unpleasant and profitless. + Always thinking—“I am not liked by the king”—one should banish + negligence, and be intent on bringing about what is agreeable and + advantageous to him. He that swerveth not from his place, he that is not + friendly to those that are hostile to the king, he that striveth not to do + wrong to the king, is alone worthy to dwell in a royal household. A + learned man should sit either on the king’s right or the left; he should + not sit behind him for that is the place appointed for armed guards, and + to sit before him is always interdicted. Let none, when the king is + engaged in doing anything (in respect of his servants) come forward + pressing himself zealously before others, for even if the aggrieved be + very poor, such conduct would still be inexcusable.<a href="#linknote-47" + name="linknoteref-47" id="linknoteref-47">7</a> It behoveth no man to + reveal to others any lie the king may have told inasmuch as the king bears + ill will to those that report his falsehoods. Kings also always disregard + persons that regard themselves as learned. No man should be proud thinking—“I + am brave, or, I am intelligent,” but a person obtains the good graces of a + king and enjoys the good things of life, by behaving agreeably to the + wishes of the king. And, O Bharata, obtaining things agreeable, and wealth + also which is so hard to acquire, a person should always do what is + profitable as well as pleasant to the king. What man that is respected by + the wise can even think of doing mischief to one whose ire is a great + impediment and whose favour is productive of mighty fruits? No one should + move his lips, arms and thighs, before the king. A person should speak and + spit before the king only mildly. In the presence of even laughable + objects, a man should not break out into loud laughter, like a maniac; nor + should one show (unreasonable) gravity by containing himself, to the + utmost. One should smile modestly, to show his interest (in what is before + him). He that is ever mindful of the king’s welfare, and is neither + exhilarated by reward nor depressed by disgrace, is alone worthy of + dwelling in a royal household. That learned courtier who always pleaseth + the king and his son with agreeable speeches, succeedeth in dwelling in a + royal household as a favourite. The favourite courtier who, having lost + the royal favour for just reason, does not speak evil of the king, regains + prosperity. The man who serveth the king or liveth in his domains, if + sagacious, should speak in praise of the king, both in his presence and + absence. The courtier who attempts to obtain his end by employing force on + the king, cannot keep his place long and incurs also the risk of death. + None should, for the purpose of self-interest, open communications with + the king’s enemies.<a href="#linknote-48" name="linknoteref-48" + id="linknoteref-48">8</a> Nor should one distinguish himself above the + king in matters requiring ability and talents. He that is always cheerful + and strong, brave and truthful, and mild, and of subdued senses, and who + followeth his master like his shadow, is alone worthy to dwell in a royal + household. He that on being entrusted with a work, cometh forward, saying,—“I + will do this”—is alone worthy of living in a royal household. He + that on being entrusted with a task, either within the king’s dominion or + out of it, never feareth to undertake it, is alone fit to reside in a + royal household. He that living away from his home, doth not remember his + dear ones, and who undergoeth (present) misery in expectation of (future) + happiness, is alone worthy of dwelling in a royal household. One should + not dress like the king, nor should one indulge in laughter in the king’s + presence nor should one disclose royal secrets. By acting thus one may win + royal favour. Commissioned to a task, one should not touch bribes for by + such appropriation one becometh liable to fetters or death. The robes, + ornaments, cars, and other things which the king may be pleased to bestow + should always be used, for by this, one winneth the royal favour. Ye + children, controlling your minds, do ye spend this year, ye sons of Pandu, + behaving in this way. Regaining your own kingdom, ye may live as ye + please.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘We have been well taught by thee. Blessed be thou. + There is none that could say so to us, save our mother Kunti and Vidura of + great wisdom. It behoveth thee to do all that is necessary now for our + departure, and for enabling us to come safely through this woe, as well as + for our victory over the foe.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Yudhishthira, Dhaumya, that + best of Brahmanas, performed according to the ordinance the rites ordained + in respect of departure. And lighting up their fires, he offered, with + mantras, oblations on them for the prosperity and success of the Pandavas, + as for their reconquest of the whole world. And walking round those fires + and round the Brahmanas of ascetic wealth, the six set out, placing + Yajnaseni in their front. And when those heroes had departed, Dhaumya, + that best of ascetics, taking their sacred fires, set out for the + Panchalas. And Indrasena, and others already mentioned, went to the + Yadavas, and looking after the horses and the cars of the Pandavas passed + their time happily and in privacy." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0005" id="link42H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Girding their waists with swords, and equipped with + finger-protectors made of iguana skins and with various weapons, those + heroes proceeded in the direction of the river Yamuna. And those bowmen + desirous of (speedily) recovering their kingdom, hitherto living in + inaccessible hills and forest fastnesses, now terminated their forest-life + and proceeded to the southern bank of that river. And those mighty + warriors endued with great strength and hitherto leading the lives of + hunters by killing the deer of the forest, passed through Yakrilloma and + Surasena, leaving behind, on their right, the country of the Panchalas, + and on their left, that of the Dasarnas. And those bowmen, looking wan and + wearing beards and equipped with swords, entered Matsya’s dominions + leaving the forest, giving themselves out as hunters. And on arriving at + that country, Krishna addressed Yudhishthira, saying, ‘We see footpaths + here, and various fields. From this it appears that Virata’s metropolis is + still at a distance. Pass we here what part of the night is still left, + for great is my fatigue.’" </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira answered, ‘O Dhananjaya of Bharata’s race, do thou take up + Panchali and carry her. Just on emerging from this forest, we arrive at + the city.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thereupon like the leader of a herd of elephants, + Arjuna speedily took up Draupadi, and on coming to the vicinity of the + city, let her down. And on reaching the city, Ruru’s son (Yudhishthira), + addressed Arjuna, saying, ‘Where shall we deposit our weapons, before + entering the city? If, O child, we enter it with our weapons about us, we + shall thereby surely excite the alarm of the citizens. Further, the + tremendous bow, the Gandiva, is known to all men, so that people will, + without doubt, recognise us soon. And if even one of us is discovered, we + shall, according to promise, have to pass another twelve years in the + forest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Hard by yon cemetery and near that inaccessible peak is a + mighty Sami tree, throwing-about its gigantic branches and difficult to + ascend. Nor is there any human being, who, I think, O Pandu’s son, will + espy us depositing our arms at that place. That tree is in the midst of an + out-of-the way forest abounding in beasts and snakes, and is in the + vicinity of a dreary cemetery. Stowing away our weapons on the Sami tree, + let us, O Bharata, go to the city, and live there, free from anxiety!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having O bull of the Bharata race spoken thus to + king Yudhishthira the just, Arjuna prepared to deposit the weapons (on the + tree). And that bull among the Kurus, then loosened the string of the + large and dreadful Gandiva, ever producing thundering twang and always + destructive of hostile hosts, and with which he had conquered, on a single + car, gods and men and Nagas and swelling provinces. And the warlike + Yudhishthira, that represser of foes, unfastened the undecaying string of + that bow with which he had defended the field of Kurukshetra. And the + illustrious Bhimasena unstrung that bow by means of which that sinless one + had vanquished in fight the Panchalas and the lord of Sindhu, and with + which, during his career of conquest, he had, single-handed, opposed + innumerable foes, and hearing whose twang which was like unto the roar of + the thunder or the splitting of a mountain, enemies always fly (in panic) + from the field of battle. And that son of Pandu of coppery complexion and + mild speech who is endued with great prowess in the field, and is called + Nakula in consequence of his unexampled beauty in the family, then + unfastened the string of that bow with which he had conquered all the + regions of the west. And the heroic Sahadeva also, possessed of a mild + disposition, then untied the string of that bow with which he had + subjugated the countries of the south. And with their bows, they put + together their long and flashing swords, their precious quivers, and their + arrows sharp as razors. And Nakula ascended the tree, and deposited on it + the bows and the other weapons. And he tied them fast on those parts of + the tree which he thought would not break, and where the rain would not + penetrate. And the Pandavas hung up a corpse (on the tree), knowing that + people smelling the stench of the corpse would say—‘here sure, is a + dead body,’ and avoid the tree from a distance. And on being asked by the + shepherds and cowherds regarding the corpse, those repressers of foes said + unto them, ‘This is our mother, aged one hundred and eighty years. We have + hung up her dead body, in accordance with the custom observed by our + forefathers.’ And then those resisters of foes approached the city. And + for purposes of non-discovery Yudhishthira kept these (five) names for + himself and his brothers respectively, viz., Jaya, Jayanta, Vijaya, + Jayatsena, and Jayatvala. Then they entered the great city, with the view + to passing the thirteenth year undiscovered in that kingdom, agreeably to + the promise (to Duryodhana)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0006" id="link42H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And while Yudhishthira was on his way to the + delightful city of Virata, he began to praise mentally the Divine Durga, + the Supreme Goddess of the Universe, born on the womb of Yasoda, and fond + of the boons bestowed on her by Narayana, sprung from the race of cowherd + Nanda, and the giver of prosperity, the enhancer (of the glory) of (the + worshipper’s) family, the terrifier of Kansa, and the destroyer of Asuras,—and + saluted the Goddess—her who ascended the skies when dashed (by + Kansa) on a stony platform, who is the sister of Vasudeva, one who is + always decked in celestial garlands and attired in celestial robes,—who + is armed with scimitar and shield, and always rescues the worshipper sunk + in sin, like a cow in the mire, who in the hours of distress calls upon + that eternal giver of blessings for relieving him of their burdens. And + the king, desirous with his brothers of obtaining a sight of the Goddess, + invoked her and began to praise her by reciting various names derived from + (approved) hymns. And Yudhishthira said, ‘Salutations to thee, O giver of + boons. O thou that art identical with Krishna, O maiden, O thou that hast + observed the vow of Brahmacharya, O thou of body bright as the newly-risen + Sun, O thou of face beautiful as the full moon. Salutations to thee, O + thou of four hands and four faces, O thou of fair round hips and deep + bosom, O thou that wearest bangles made of emeralds and sapphires, O thou + that bearest excellent bracelets on thy upper arm. Thou shinest, O + Goddess, as Padma, the consort of Narayana. O thou that rangest the + etherial regions, thy true form and thy Brahmacharya are both of the + purest kind. Sable as the black clouds, thy face is beautiful as that of + Sankarshana. Thou bearest two large arms long as a couple of poles raised + in honour of Indra. In thy (six) other arms thou bearest a vessel, a + lotus, a bell, a noose, a bow, a large discus, and various other weapons. + Thou art the only female in the universe that possessest the attribute of + purity. Thou art decked with a pair of well-made ears graced with + excellent rings. O Goddess, thou shinest with a face that challengeth the + moon in beauty. With an excellent diadem and beautiful braid with robes + made of the bodies of snakes, and with also the brilliant girdle round thy + hips, thou shinest like the Mandara mountain encircled with snakes. Thou + shinest also with peacock-plumes standing erect on thy head, and thou hast + sanctified the celestial regions by adopting the vow of perpetual + maiden-hood. It is for this, O thou that hast slain the Mahishasura, <a + href="#linknote-49" name="linknoteref-49" id="linknoteref-49">9</a> that + thou art praised and worshipped by the gods for the protection of the + three worlds. O thou foremost of all deities, extend to me thy grace, show + me thy mercy, and be thou the source of blessings to me. Thou art Jaya and + Vijaya, and it is thou that givest victory in battle. Grant me victory, O + Goddess, and give me boons also at this hour of distress. Thy eternal + abode is on Vindhya—that foremost of mountains. O Kali, O Kali, thou + art the great Kali, ever fond of wine and meat and animal sacrifice. + Capable of going everywhere at will, and bestowing boons on thy devotees, + thou art ever followed in thy journeys by Brahma and the other gods. By + them that call upon thee for the relief of their burdens, and by them also + that bow to thee at daybreak on Earth, there is nothing that cannot be + attained in respect either of offspring or wealth. And because thou + rescuest people from difficulties whether when they are afflicted in the + wilderness or sinking in the great ocean, it is for this that thou art + called Durga<a href="#linknote-410" name="linknoteref-410" + id="linknoteref-410">10</a> by all. Thou art the sole refuge of men when + attacked by robbers or while afflicted in crossing streams and seas or in + wilderness and forests. Those men that remember thee are never prostrated, + O great Goddess. Thou art Fame, thou art Prosperity, thou art Steadiness, + thou art Success; thou art the Wife, thou art men’s Offspring, thou art + Knowledge, and thou art the Intellect. Thou art the two Twilights, the + Night Sleep, Light—both solar and lunar, Beauty, Forgiveness, Mercy, + and every other thing. Thou dispellest, worshipped by the devotees their + fetters, ignorance, loss of children and loss of wealth, disease, death, + and fear. I, who have been deprived of my kingdom, seek thy protection. + And as I bow to thee with bended head, O Supreme Goddess, grant me + protection, O thou of eyes like lotus leaves. And be thou as boon-giving + Truth unto us that are acting according to Truth. And, O Durga, kind as + thou art unto all that seek thy protection, and affectionate unto all thy + devotees, grant me protection!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus praised by the son of Pandu, the Goddess + showed herself unto him. And approaching the king, she addressed him in + these words, ‘O mighty armed king, listen, O Lord, to these words of mine. + Having vanquished and slain the ranks of the Kauravas through my grace, + victory in battle will soon be thine. Thou shalt again lord it over the + entire Earth, having made thy dominions destitute of thorns. And, O king, + thou shalt also, with thy brothers, obtain great happiness. And through my + grace, joy and health will be thine. And they also in the world who will + recite my attributes and achievements will be freed from their sins, and + gratified. I will bestow upon them kingdom, long life, beauty of person, + and offspring. And they, O king, who will invoke me, after thy manner, in + exile or in the city, in the midst of battle or of dangers from foes, in + forests or in inaccessible deserts, in seas or mountain fastnesses, there + is nothing that they will not obtain in this world. And ye sons of Pandu, + he will achieve success in every business of his that will listen to, or + himself recite with devotion, this excellent hymn. And through my grace + neither the Kuru’s spies, nor those that dwell in the country of the + Matsyas, will succeed in recognising you all as long as ye reside in + Virata’s city!’ And having said these words unto Yudhishthira, that + chastiser of foes, and having arranged for the protection of the sons of + Pandu, the Goddess disappeared there and then." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0007" id="link42H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then tying up in his cloth dice made of gold and set + with lapis lazuli, and holding them below his arm-pit, king Yudhishthira,—that + illustrious lord of men—that high-souled perpetuator of the Kuru + race, regarded by kings, irrepressible in might, and like unto a snake of + virulent poison,—that bull among men, endued with strength and + beauty and prowess, and possessed of greatness, and resembling in form a + celestial though now like unto the sun enveloped in dense clouds, or fire + covered with ashes, first made his appearance when the famous king Virata + was seated in his court. And beholding with his followers that son of + Pandu in his court, looking like the moon hid in clouds and possessed of a + face beautiful as the full moon, king Virata addressed his counsellors and + the twice-born ones and the charioteers and the Vaisyas and others, + saying, ‘Enquire ye who it is, so like a king that looketh on my court for + the first time. He cannot be a Brahmana. Methinks he is a man of men, and + a lord of earth. He hath neither slaves, nor cars, nor elephants with him, + yet he shineth like the very Indra. The marks on his person indicate him + to be one whose coronal locks have undergone the sacred investiture. Even + this is my belief. He approacheth me without any hesitation, even as an + elephant in rut approacheth an assemblage of lotuses!’ + </p> + <p> + “And as the king was indulging in these thoughts, that bull among men, + Yudhishthira, came before Virata and addressed him, saying, ‘O great king, + know me for a Brahmana who, having lost his all hath come to thee for the + means of subsistence. I desire, O sinless one, to live here beside thee + acting under thy commands,<a href="#linknote-411" name="linknoteref-411" + id="linknoteref-411">11</a> O lord.’ The king then, well-pleased, replied + unto him saying, ‘Thou art welcome. Do thou then accept the appointment + thou seekest!’ And having appointed the lion among kings in the post he + had prayed for, king Virata addressed him with a glad heart, saying, ‘O + child, I ask thee from affection, from the dominions of what king dost + thou come hither? Tell me also truly what is thy name and family, and what + thou hast a knowledge of.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘My name is Kanka, and I am a Brahmana belonging to + the family known by the name of Vaiyaghra. I am skilled in casting dice, + and formerly I was a friend of Yudhishthira.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata replied, ‘I will grant thee whatever boon thou mayst desire. Do + thou rule the Matsyas.—I shall remain in submission to thee. Even + cunning gamblers are liked by me. Thou, on the other hand, art like a god, + and deservest a kingdom.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘My first prayer, O lord of earth, is that I may not + be involved in any dispute (on account of dice) with low people. Further, + a person defeated by me (at dice) shall not be permitted to retain the + wealth (won by me). Let this boon be granted to me through thy grace.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata replied, ‘I shall certainly slay him who may happen to displease + thee, and should he be one of the twice-born ones, I shall banish him from + my dominions. Let the assembled subjects listen! Kanka is as much lord of + this realm as I myself. Thou (Kanka) shalt be my friend and shalt ride the + same vehicles as I. And there shall also be at thy disposal apparel in + plenty, and various kinds of viands and drinks. And thou shalt look into + my affairs, both internal and external. And for thee all my doors shall be + open. When men out of employ or of strained circumstances will apply to + thee, do thou at all hours bring their words unto me, and I will surely + give them whatever they desire. No fear shall be thine as long as thou + residest with me.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having thus obtained an interview with Virata’s king, + and received from him boons, that heroic bull among men, began to live + happily, highly regarded by all. Nor could any one discover him as he + lived there." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0008" id="link42H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then another endued with the dreadful strength and + blazing in beauty, approached king Virata, with the playful gait of the + lion. And holding in hand a cooking ladle and a spoon, as also an + unsheathed sword of sable hue and without a spot on the blade, he came in + the guise of a cook illumining all around him by his splendour like the + sun discovering the whole world. And attired in black and possessed of the + strength of the king of mountains, he approached the king of the Matsyas + and stood before him. And beholding that king-like person before him, + Virata addressed his assembled subjects saying, ‘Who is that youth, that + bull among men, with shoulders broad like those of a lion, and so + exceedingly beautiful? That person, never seen before, is like the sun. + Revolving the matter in my mind, I cannot ascertain who he is, nor can I + with even serious thoughts guess the intention of that bull among men (in + coming here). Beholding him, it seems to me that he is either the king of + the Gandharvas, or Purandara himself. Do ye ascertain who it is that + standeth before my eyes. Let him have quickly what he seeks.’ Thus + commanded by king Virata, his swift-footed messengers went up to the son + of Kunti and informed that younger brother of Yudhishthira of everything + the king had said. Then the high-souled son of Pandu, approaching Virata, + addressed him in words that were not unsuited to his object, saying, ‘O + foremost of kings, I am a cook, Vallava by name. I am skilled in dressing + dishes. Do thou employ me in the kitchen!’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘I do not believe, O Vallava, that cooking is thy office. + Thou resemblest the deity of a thousand eyes; and in grace and beauty and + prowess, thou shinest among these all as a king!’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima replied, ‘O king of kings, I am thy cook and servant in the first + place. It is not curries only of which I have knowledge, O monarch, + although king Yudhishthira always used in days gone by to taste my dishes. + O lord of earth, I am also a wrestler. Nor is there one that is equal to + me in strength. And engaging in fight with lions and elephants, I shall, O + sinless one, always contribute to thy entertainment.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘I will even grant thee boons. Thou wilt do what thou + wishest, as thou describest thyself skilled in it. I do not, however, + think, that this office is worthy of thee, for thou deservest this + (entire) earth girt round by the sea. But do as thou likest. Be thou the + superintendent of my kitchen, and thou art placed at the head of those who + have been appointed there before by me.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus appointed in the kitchen, Bhima soon became + the favourite of king Virata. And, O king, he continued to live there + unrecognised by the other servants of Virata as also by other people!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0009" id="link42H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Binding her black, soft, fine, long and faultless + tresses with crisped ends into a knotted braid, Draupadi of black eyes and + sweet smiles, throwing it upon her right shoulders, concealed it by her + cloth. And she wore a single piece of a black and dirty though costly + cloth. And dressing herself as a Sairindhri, she began to wander hither + and thither in seeming affliction. And beholding her wandering, men and + women came to her hastily and addressed her, saying, ‘Who are you? And + what do you seek?’ And she replied, ‘I am a king’s Sairindhri. I desire to + serve any one that will maintain me.’ But beholding her beauty and dress, + and hearing also her speech that was so sweet, the people could not take + her for a maid-servant in search of subsistence. And it came to pass that + while looking this way and that from the terrace, Virata’s beloved queen, + daughter of the king of Kekaya, saw Draupadi. And beholding her forlorn + and clad in a single piece of cloth, the queen addressed her saying, ‘O + beautiful one, who are you, and what do you seek?’ Thereupon, Draupadi + answered her, saying, ‘O foremost of queens, I am Sairindhri. I will serve + anybody that will maintain me.’ Then Sudeshna said, ‘What you say + (regarding your profession) can never be compatible with so much beauty. + (On the contrary) you might well be the mistress of servants both male and + female. Your heels are not prominent, and your thighs touch each other. + And your intelligence is great, and your navel deep, and your words + solemn. And your great toes, and bust and hips, and back and sides, and + toe-nails, and palms are all well-developed. And your palms, soles, and + face are ruddy. And your speech is sweet even as the voice of the swan. + And your hair is beautiful, and your bust shapely, and you are possessed + of the highest grace. And your hips and bust are plump. And like a + Kashmerean mare you are furnished with every auspicious mark. And your + eye-lashes are (beautiful) bent, and your nether-lip is like the ruddy + ground. And your waist is slender, and your neck bears lines that resemble + those of the conch. And your veins are scarcely visible. Indeed, your + countenance is like the full moon, and your eyes resemble the leaves of + the autumnal lotus, and your body is fragrant as the lotus itself. Verily, + in beauty you resemble Sri herself, whose seat is the autumnal lotus. Tell + me, O beautiful damsel, who thou art. Thou canst never be a maidservant. + Art thou a Yakshi, a Goddess, a Gandharvi, or an Apsara? Art thou the + daughter of a celestial, or art thou a female Naga? Art thou the guardian + goddess of some city, a Vidyadhari, or a Kinnari,—or art thou Rohini + herself? Or art thou Alamvusha, or Misrakesi, Pundarika, or Malini, or the + queen of Indra, or of Varuna? Or, art thou the spouse of Viswakarma, or of + the creative Lord himself? Of these goddesses who art renowned in the + celestial regions, who art thou, O graceful one?’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi replied, ‘O auspicious lady, I am neither a goddess nor a + Gandharvi, nor a Yakshi, nor a Rakshasi. I am a maid-servant of the + Sairindhri class. I tell thee this truly. I know to dress the hair, to + pound (fragrant substances) for preparing unguents, and also to make + beautiful and variegated garlands, O beauteous lady, of jasmines and + lotuses and blue lilies and Champakas. Formerly I served Krishna’s + favourite queen Satyabhama, and also Draupadi, the wife of the Pandavas + and the foremost beauty of the Kuru race. I wander about alone, earning + good food and dress; and as long as I get these, I continue to live in the + place where they are obtainable. Draupadi herself called me Malini (maker + of garlands).’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this, Sudeshna said, ‘I would keep thee upon my head itself, if + the doubt did not cross my mind that the king himself would be attracted + towards thee with his whole heart. Attracted by thy beauty, the females of + the royal household and my maids are looking at thee. What male person + then is there that can resist thy attraction? Surely, O thou of + well-rounded hips, O damsel of exquisite charms, beholding thy form of + superhuman beauty, king Virata is sure to forsake me, and will turn to + thee with his whole heart. O thou of faultless limbs, O thou that art + endued with large eyes casting quick glances, he upon whom thou wilt look + with desire is sure to be stricken. O thou of sweet smiles, O thou that + possessest a faultless form, he that will behold thee constantly, will + surely catch the flame. Even as a person that climbs up a tree for + compassing his own destruction, even as the crab conceives for her own + ruin, I may, O thou of sweet smiles, bring destruction upon myself by + harbouring thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi replied, ‘O fair lady, neither Virata nor any other person will + be able to have me, for my five youthful husbands, who are Gandharvas and + sons of a Gandharva king of exceeding power, always protect me. None can + do me a wrong. It is the wish of my Gandharva husbands that I should serve + only such persons as will not give me to touch food already partaken of by + another, or tell me to wash their feet. Any man that attempts to have me + like any common woman, meeteth with death that very night. No one can + succeed in having me, for, O beautiful lady, O thou of sweet smiles, those + beloved Gandharvas, possessed of great energy and mighty strength always + protect me secretly.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sudeshna said, ‘O thou that bringest delight to the heart, if it is as + thou sayest, I will take thee into my household. Thou shalt not have to + touch food that hath been partaken of by another, or to wash another’s + feet.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Virata’s wife, O Janamejaya, + Krishna (Draupadi) ever devoted to her lords, began to live in that city. + Nor could anyone ascertain who in reality she was!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0010" id="link42H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then clad in a cowherd’s dress, and speaking the + dialect of cowherds, Sahadeva came to the cowpen of Virata’s city. And + beholding that bull among men, who was shining in splendour, the king was + struck with amazement. And he directed his men to summon Sahadeva. And + when the latter came, the king addressed him, saying, ‘To whom dost thou + belong? And whence dost thou come? And what work dost thou seek? I have + never seen thee before. O bull among men, tell me truly about thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having come before the king that afflicter of foes, Sahadeva answered in + accents deep as the roar of the cloud, ‘I am a Vaisya, Arishtanemi by + name. I was employed as a cowherd in the service of those bulls of the + Kuru race, the sons of Pandu. O foremost of men, I intend now to live + beside thee, for I do not know where those lions among kings, the sons of + Pritha, are. I cannot live without service, and, O king, I do not like to + enter into the service of anyone else save thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words, Virata said, ‘Thou must either be a Brahmana or a + Kshatriya. Thou lookest as if thou wert the lord of the entire earth + surrounded by the sea. Tell me truly, O thou that mowest down thy foes. + The office of a Vaisya is not fit for thee. Tell me from the dominions of + what king thou comest, and what thou knowest, and in what capacity thou + wouldst remain with us, and also what pay thou wouldst accept.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sahadeva answered, ‘Yudhishthira, the eldest of the five sons of Pandu, + had one division of kine numbering eight hundred and ten thousand, and + another, ten thousand, and another, again, twenty thousand, and so on. I + was employed in keeping those cattle. People used to call me Tantripala. I + know the present, the past, and the future of all kine living within ten + Yojanas, and whose tale has been taken. My merits were known to that + illustrious one, and the Kuru king Yudhishthira was well-pleased with me. + I am also acquainted with the means which aid kine in multiplying within a + short time, and by which they may enjoy immunity from disease. Also these + arts are known to me. I can also single out bulls having auspicious marks + for which they are worshipped by men, and by smelling whose urine, the + barren may conceive.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘I have a hundred thousand kine divided into distinct herds. + All those together with their keepers, I place in thy charge. Henceforth + my beasts will be in thy keep.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then, O king, undiscovered by that monarch, that + lord of men, Sahadeva, maintained by Virata, began to live happily. Nor + did anyone else (besides his brothers) recognise him." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0011" id="link42H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Next appeared at the gate of the ramparts another + person of enormous size and exquisite beauty decked in the ornaments of + women, and wearing large ear-rings and beautiful conch-bracelets overlaid + with gold. And that mighty-armed individual with long and abundant hair + floating about his neck, resembled an elephant in gait. And shaking the + very earth with his tread, he approached Virata and stood in his court. + And beholding the son of the great Indra, shining with exquisite lustre + and having the gait of a mighty elephant,—that grinder of foes + having his true form concealed in disguise, entering the council-hall and + advancing towards the monarch, the king addressed all his courtiers, + saying, ‘Whence doth this person come? I have never heard of him before.’ + And when the men present spoke of the newcomer as one unknown to them, the + king wonderingly said, ‘Possessed of great strength, thou art like unto a + celestial, and young and of darkish hue, thou resemblest the leader of a + herd of elephants. Wearing conch-bracelets overlaid with gold, a braid, + and ear-rings, thou shinest yet like one amongst those that riding on + chariots wander about equipped with mail and bow and arrows and decked + with garlands and fine hair. I am old and desirous of relinquishing my + burden. Be thou like my son, or rule thou like myself all the Matsyas. It + seemeth to me that such a person as thou can never be of the neuter sex.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I sing, dance, and play on instruments. I am proficient in + dance and skilled in song. O lord of men, assign me unto (the princess) + Uttara. I shall be dancing-master to the royal maiden. As to how I have + come by this form, what will it avail thee to hear the account which will + only augment my pain? Know me, O king of men, to be Vrihannala, a son or + daughter without father or mother.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘O Vrihannala, I give thee what thou desirest. Instruct my + daughter, and those like her, in dancing. To me, however, this office + seemeth unworthy of thee. Thou deservest (the dominion of) the entire + earth girt round by the ocean.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The king of the Matsyas then tested Vrihannala in + dancing, music, and other fine arts, and consulting with his various + ministers forthwith caused him to be examined by women. And learning that + this impotency was of a permanent nature, he sent him to the maiden’s + apartments. And there the mighty Arjuna began giving lessons in singing + and instrumental music to the daughter of Virata, her friends, and her + waiting-maids, and soon won their good graces. And in this manner the + self-possessed Arjuna lived there in disguise, partaking of pleasures in + their company, and unknown to the people within or without the palace." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0012" id="link42H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After a while, another powerful son of Pandu was seen + making towards king Virata in haste. And as he advanced, he seemed to + everyone like solar orb emerged from the clouds. And he began to observe + the horses around. And seeing this, the king of the Matsyas said to his + followers, ‘I wonder whence this man, possessed of the effulgence of a + celestial, cometh. He looks intently at my steeds. Verily, he must be + proficient in horse-lore. Let him be ushered into my presence quickly. He + is a warrior and looks like a god!’ And that destroyer of foes then went + up to the king and accosted him, saying, ‘Victory to thee, O king, and + blest be ye. As a trainer of horses, I have always been highly esteemed by + kings. I will be a clever keeper of thy horses.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘I will give thee vehicles, wealth, and spacious quarters. + Thou shalt be the manager of my horses. But first tell me whence thou + comest, who thou art, and how also thou happenest to come here. Tell us + also all the arts thou art master of.’ Nakula replied, ‘O mower of + enemies, know that Yudhishthira is the eldest brother of the five sons of + Pandu. I was formerly employed by him to keep his horses. I am acquainted + with the temper of steeds, and know perfectly the art of breaking them. I + know also how to correct vicious horses, and all the methods of treating + their diseases. No animal in my hands becometh weak or ill. Not to speak + of horses, even mares in my hands will never be found to be vicious. + People called me Granthika by name and so did Yudhishthira, the son of + Pandu.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘Whatever horses I have, I consign to thy care even from + today. And all the keepers of my horses and all my charioteers will from + today be subordinate to thee. If this suits thee, say what remuneration is + desired by thee. But, O thou that resemblest a celestial, the office of + equerry is not worthy of thee. For thou lookest like a king and I esteem + thee much. Thy appearance here hath pleased me as much as if Yudhishthira + himself were here. Oh, how does that blameless son of Pandu dwell and + divert himself in the forest, now destitute of servants as he is.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “That youth, like unto a chief of the Gandharvas, + was treated thus respectfully by the delighted king Virata. And he + conducted himself there in such a manner as to make himself dear and + agreeable to all in the palace. And no one recognised him while living + under Virata’s protection. And it was in this manner then the sons of + Pandu, the very sight of whom had never been fruitless, continued to live + in the country of the Matsyas. And true to their pledge those lords of the + earth bounded by her belt of seas passed their days of incognito with + great composure notwithstanding their poignant sufferings." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0013" id="link42H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Samayapalana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “While living thus disguised in the city of the Matsyas, + what did those descendants of the Kuru race endued with great prowess, do, + O regenerate one!" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hear, O king, what those descendants of Kuru did while + they dwelt thus in disguise in the city of the Matsyas, worshipping the + king thereof. By the grace of the sage Trinavindu and of the high-souled + lord of justice, the Pandavas continued to live unrecognised by others in + the city of Virata. O lord of men, Yudhishthira, as courtier made himself + agreeable to Virata and his sons as also to all the Matsyas. An adept in + the mysteries of dice, the son of Pandu caused them to play at dice + according to his pleasure and made them sit together in the dice-hall like + a row of birds bound in a string. And that tiger among men, king + Yudhishthira the Just, unknown to the monarch, distributed among his + brothers, in due proportion, the wealth he won from Virata. And Bhimasena + on his part, sold to Yudhishthira for price, meat and viands of various + kinds which he obtained from the king. And Arjuna distributed among all + his brothers the proceeds of worn-out cloths which he earned in the inner + apartments of the palace. And Sahadeva, too, who was disguised as a + cowherd gave milk, curds and clarified butter to his brothers. And Nakula + also shared with his brothers the wealth the king gave him, satisfied with + his management of the horses. And Draupadi, herself in a pitiable + condition, looked after all those brothers and behaved in such a way as to + remain unrecognized. And thus ministering unto one another’s wants, those + mighty warriors lived in the capital of Virata as hidden from view, as if + they were once more in their mother’s womb. And those lords of men, the + sons of Pandu, apprehensive of danger from the son of Dhritarashtra, + continued to dwell there in concealment, watching over their wife + Draupadi. And after three months had passed away, in the fourth, the grand + festival in honour of the divine Brahma which was celebrated with pomp in + the country of the Matsyas, came off. And there came athletes from all + quarters by thousands, like hosts of celestials to the abode of Brahma or + of Siva to witness that festival. And they were endued with huge bodies + and great prowess, like the demons called Kalakhanjas. And elated with + their prowess and proud of their strength, they were highly honoured by + the king. And their shoulders and waists and necks were like those of + lions, and their bodies were very clean, and their hearts were quite at + ease. And they had many a time won success in the lists in the presence of + kings. And amongst them there was one who towered above the rest and + challenged them all to a combat. And there was none that dared to approach + him as he proudly stalked in the arena. And when all the athletes stood + sad and dispirited, the king of the Matsyas made him fight with his cook. + And urged by the king, Bhima made up his mind reluctantly, for he could + not openly disobey the royal behest. And that tiger among men then having + worshipped the king, entered the spacious arena, pacing with the careless + steps of a tiger. And the son of Kunti then girded up his loins to the + great delight of the spectators. And Bhima then summoned to the combat + that athlete known by the name of Jimuta who was like unto the Asura + Vritra whose prowess was widely known. And both of them were possessed of + great courage, and both were endued with terrible prowess. And they were + like a couple of infuriate and huge-bodied elephants, each sixty years + old. And those brave tigers among men then cheerfully engaged in a + wrestling combat, desirous of vanquishing each other. And terrible was the + encounter that took place between them, like the clash of the thunderbolt + against the stony mountain-breast. And both of them were exceedingly + powerful and extremely delighted at each other’s strength. And desirous of + vanquishing each other, each stood eager to take advantage of his + adversary’s lapse. And both were greatly delighted and both looked like + infuriate elephants of prodigious size. And various were the modes of + attack and defence that they exhibited with their clenched fists.<a + href="#linknote-412" name="linknoteref-412" id="linknoteref-412">12</a> + And each dashed against the other and flung his adversary to a distance. + And each cast the other down and pressed him close to the ground. And each + got up again and squeezed the other in his arms. And each threw the other + violently off his place by boxing him on the breast. And each caught the + other by the legs and whirling him round threw him down on the ground. And + they slapped each other with their palms that struck as hard as the + thunderbolt. And they also struck each other with their outstretched + fingers, and stretching them out like spears thrust the nails into each + other’s body. And they gave each other violent kicks. And they struck knee + and head against head, producing the crash of one stone against another. + And in this manner that furious combat between those warriors raged on + without weapons, sustained mainly by the power of their arms and their + physical and mental energy, to the infinite delight of the concourse of + spectators. And all people, O king, took deep interest in that encounter + of those powerful wrestlers who fought like Indra and the Asura Vritra. + And they cheered both of them with loud acclamations of applause. And the + broad-chested and long-armed experts in wrestling then pulled and pressed + and whirled and hurled down each other and struck each other with their + knees, expressing all the while their scorn for each other in loud voices. + And they began to fight with their bare arms in this way, which were like + spiked maces of iron. And at last the powerful and mighty-armed Bhima, the + slayer of his foes, shouting aloud seized the vociferous athlete by the + arms even as the lion seizes the elephant, and taking him up from the + ground and holding him aloft, began to whirl him round, to the great + astonishment of the assembled athletes and the people of Matsya. And + having whirled him round and round a hundred times till he was insensible, + the strong-armed Vrikodara dashed him to death on the ground. And when the + brave and renowned Jimuta was thus killed, Virata and his friends were + filled with great delight. And in the exuberance of his joy, the + noble-minded king rewarded Vallava then and there with the liberality of + Kuvera. And killing numerous athletes and many other men possessed of + great bodily strength, he pleased the king very much. And when no one + could be found there to encounter him in the lists, the king made him + fight with tigers and lions and elephants. And the king also made him + battle with furious and powerful lions in the harem for the pleasure of + the ladies. And Arjuna, too, pleased the king and all the ladies of the + inner apartments by singing and dancing. And Nakula pleased Virata, that + best of kings, by showing him fleet and well-trained steeds that followed + him wherever he went. And the king, gratified with him, rewarded him with + ample presents. And beholding around Sahadeva a herd of well-trained + bullocks, Virata that bull among men, bestowed upon him also wealth of + diverse kinds. And, O king, Draupadi distressed to see all those warriors + suffer pain, sighed incessantly. And it was in this way that those eminent + persons lived there in disguise, rendering services unto king Virata." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0014" id="link42H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Kichaka-badha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Living in such disguise, those mighty warriors, the + sons of Pritha, passed ten months in Matsya’s city. And, O monarch, + although herself deserving to be waited upon by others, the daughter of + Yajnasena, O Janamejaya, passed her days in extreme misery, waiting upon + Sudeshna. And residing thus in Sudeshna’s apartments, the princess of + Panchala pleased that lady as also the other females of the inner + apartments. And it came to pass that as the year was about to expire, the + redoubtable Kichaka, the Commander of Virata’s forces, chanced to behold + the daughter of Drupada. And beholding that lady endued with the splendour + of a daughter of the celestials, treading the earth like a goddess, + Kichaka, afflicted with the shafts of Kama, desired to possess her. And + burning with desire’s flame, Virata’s general came to Sudeshna (his + sister) and smilingly addressed her in these words, ‘This beauteous lady + had never before been seen by me in king Virata’s abode. This damsel + maddens me with her beauty, even as a new wine maddens one with its + fragrance. Tell me, who is this graceful and captivating lady possessed of + the beauty of a goddess, and whose she is, and whence she hath come. + Surely, grinding my heart she hath reduced me to subjection. It seems to + me that (save her) there is no other medicine for my illness. O, this fair + hand-maid of thine seemeth to me to be possessed of the beauty of a + goddess. Surely, one like her is ill suited to serve thee. Let her rule + over me and whatever is mine. O, let her grace my spacious and beautiful + palace, decked with various ornaments of gold, full of viands and drinks + in profusion, with excellent plates, and containing every kind of plenty, + besides elephants and horses and cars in myriads.’ And having consulted + with Sudeshna thus, Kichaka went to princess Draupadi, and like a jackal + in the forest accosting a lioness, spoke unto Krishna these words in a + winning voice, ‘Who and whose art thou, O beautiful one? And O thou of + beautiful face, whence hast thou come to the city of Virata? Tell me all + this, O fair lady. Thy beauty and gracefulness are of the very first order + and the comeliness of thy features is unparalleled. With its loveliness + thy face shineth ever like the resplendent moon. O thou of fair eye-brows, + thy eyes are beautiful and large like lotus-petals. Thy speech also, O + thou of beautiful limbs, resembles the notes of the cuckoo. O thou of fair + hips, never before in this world have I beheld a woman possessed of beauty + like thine, O thou of faultless features. Art thou Lakshmi herself having + her abode in the midst of lotuses or, art thou, O slender-waisted one, she + who is called Bhuti<a href="#linknote-413" name="linknoteref-413" + id="linknoteref-413">13</a>. Or, which amongst these—Hri, Sri, Kirti + and Kanti,—art thou, O thou of beautiful face? Or possessed of + beauty like Rati’s, art thou, she who sporteth in the embraces of the God + of love? O thou that possessest the fairest of eye-brows, thou shinest + beautifully even like the lovely light of the moon. Who is there in the + whole world that will not succumb to the influence of desire beholding thy + face? Endued with unrivalled beauty and celestial grace of the most + attractive kind, that face of thine is even like the full moon, its + celestial effulgence resembling his radiant face, its smile resembling his + soft-light, and its eye-lashes looking like the spokes on his disc? Both + thy bosoms, so beautiful and well-developed and endued with unrivalled + gracefulness and deep and well-rounded and without any space between them, + are certainly worthy of being decked with garlands of gold. Resembling in + shape the beautiful buds of the lotus, these thy breast, O thou of fair + eye-brows, are even as the whips of Kama that are urging me forward, O + thou of sweet smiles. O damsel of slender waist, beholding that waist of + thine marked with four wrinkles and measuring but a span, and slightly + stooping forward because of the weight of thy breasts, and also looking on + those graceful hips of thine broad as the banks of a river, the incurable + fever of desire, O beauteous lady, afflicteth me sore. The flaming fire of + desire, fierce as a forest conflagration, and fanned by the hope my heart + cherisheth of a union with thee is consuming me intensely. O thou of + exceeding beauty quench thou that flaming fire kindled by Manmatha. Union + with thee is a rain-charged cloud, and the surrender of thy person is the + shower that the cloud may drop. O thou of face resembling the moon, the + fierce and maddening shafts of Manmatha whetted and sharpened by the + desire of a union with thee, piercing this heart of mine in their + impetuous course, have penetrated into its core. O black-eyed lady, those + impetuous and cruel shafts are maddening me beyond endurance. It behoveth + thee to relieve me from this plight by surrendering thyself to me and + favouring me with thy embraces. Decked in beautiful garlands and robes and + adorned with every ornament, sport thou, O sweet damsel, with me to thy + fill. O thou of the gait of an elephant in rut, deserving as thou art of + happiness though deprived of it now, it behoveth thee not to dwell here in + misery. Let unrivalled weal be thine. Drinking various kinds of charming + and delicious and ambrosial wines, and sporting at thy pleasure in the + enjoyment of diverse objects of delight, do thou, O blessed lady, attain + auspicious prosperity. This beauty of thine and this prime of thy youth, O + sweet lady, are now without their use. For, O beauteous and chaste damsel, + endued with such loveliness, thou dost not shine, like a graceful garland + lying unused and unworn. I will forsake all my old wives. Let them, O thou + of sweet smiles, become thy slaves. And I also, O fair damsel, will stay + by thee as thy slave, ever obedient to thee, O thou of the most handsome + face.’ Hearing these words of his, Draupadi replied, ‘In desiring me, a + female servant of low extraction, employed in the despicable office of + dressing hair, O Suta’s son, thou desirest one that deserves not that + honour. Then, again, I am the wife of others. Therefore, good betide thee, + this conduct of thine is not proper. Do thou remember the precept of + morality, viz., that persons should take delight only in their wedded + wives. Thou shouldst not, therefore, by any means bend thy heart to + adultery. Surely abstaining from improper acts is ever the study of those + that are good. Overcome by ignorance sinful men under the influence of + desire come by either extreme infamy or dreadful calamity.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by the Sairindhri, the wicked + Kichaka losing control over his senses and overcome by lust, although + aware of the numerous evils of fornication, evils condemned by everybody + and sometimes leading to the destruction of life itself,—then spoke + unto Draupadi, ‘It behoveth thee not, O beauteous lady, O thou of graceful + features, thus to disregard me who am, O thou of sweet smiles, under the + power of Manmatha on thy account. If now, O timid one, thou disregardest + me who am under thy influence and who speak to thee so fair, thou wilt, O + black-eyed damsel, have to repent for it afterwards. O thou of graceful + eye-brows, the real lord of this entire kingdom, O slender-waisted lady, + is myself. It is me depending upon whom the people of this realm live. In + energy and prowess I am unrivalled on earth. There is no other man on + earth who rivals me in beauty of person, in youth, in prosperity, and in + the possession of excellent objects of enjoyment. Why it is, O auspicious + lady, that having it in thy power to enjoy here every object of desire and + every luxury and comfort without its equal, thou preferest servitude. + Becoming the mistress of this kingdom which I shall confer on thee, O thou + of fair face, accept me, and enjoy, O beauteous one, all excellent objects + of desire.’ Addressed in these accursed words by Kichaka, that chaste + daughter of Drupada answered him thus reprovingly, ‘Do not, O son of a + Suta, act so foolishly and do not throw away thy life. Know that I am + protected by my five husbands. Thou canst not have me. I have Gandharvas + for my husbands. Enraged they will slay thee. Therefore, do thou not bring + destruction on thyself. Thou intendest to tread along a path that is + incapable of being trod by men. Thou, O wicked one, art even like a + foolish child that standing on one shore of the ocean intends to cross + over to the other. Even if thou enterest into the interior of the earth, + or soarest into the sky, or rushest to the other shore of the ocean, still + thou wilt have no escape from the hands of those sky-ranging offspring of + gods, capable of grinding all foes. Why dost thou today, O Kichaka, + solicit me so persistently even as a sick person wisheth for the night + that will put a stop to his existence? Why dost thou desire me, even like + an infant lying on its mother’s lap wishing to catch the moon? For thee + that thus solicitest their beloved wife, there is no refuge either on + earth or in sky. O Kichaka, hast thou no sense which leads thee to seek + thy good and by which thy life may be saved?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0015" id="link42H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Rejected thus by the princess, Kichaka, afflicted with + maddening lust and forgetting all sense of propriety, addressed Sudeshna + saying, ‘Do thou, Kekaya’s daughter, so act that thy Sairindhri may come + into my arms. Do thou, O Sudeshna, adopt the means by which the damsel of + the gait of an elephant may accept me; I am dying of absorbing desire.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing his profuse lamentations, that gentle + lady, the intelligent queen of Virata, was touched with pity. And having + taken counsel with her own self and reflected on Kichaka’s purpose and on + the anxiety of Krishna, Sudeshna addressed the Suta’s son in these words, + ‘Do thou, on the occasion of some festival, procure viands and wines for + me. I shall then send my Sairindhri to thee on the pretence of bringing + wine. And when she will repair thither do thou in solitude, free from + interruption, humour her as thou likest. Thus soothed, she may incline her + mind to thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, he went out of his sister’s + apartments. And he soon procured wines well-filtered and worthy of a king. + And employing skilled cooks, he prepared many and various kinds of choice + viands and delicious drinks and many and various kinds of meat of + different degrees of excellence. And when all this had been done, that + gentle lady Sudeshna, as previously counselled by Kichaka, desired her + Sairindhri to repair to Kichaka’s abode, saying, ‘Get up, O Sairindhri and + repair to Kichaka’s abode to bring wine, for, O beauteous lady, I am + afflicted with thirst.’ Thereupon the Sairindhri replied, ‘O princess, I + shall not be able to repair to Kichaka’s apartments. Thou thyself knowest, + O queen, how shameless he is. O thou of faultless limbs, O beauteous lady, + in thy palace I shall not be able to lead a lustful life, becoming + faithless to my husbands. Thou rememberest, O gentle lady, O beautiful + one, the conditions I had set down before entering thy house. O thou of + tresses ending in graceful curls, the foolish Kichaka afflicted by the god + of desire, will, on seeing me, offer me insult. Therefore, I will not go + to his quarters. Thou hast, O princess, many maids under thee. Do thou, + good betide thee, send one of them. For, surely, Kichaka will insult me.’ + Sudeshna said, ‘Sent by me, from my abode, surely he will not harm thee.’ + And having said this, she handed over a golden vessel furnished with a + cover. And filled with apprehension, and weeping, Draupadi mentally prayed + for the protection of the gods, and set out for Kichaka’s abode for + fetching wine. And she said, ‘As I do not know another person save my + husbands, by virtue of that Truth let Kichaka not be able to overpower me + although I may approach his presence.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And that helpless damsel then adored Surya for a + moment. And Surya, having considered all that she urged, commanded a + Rakshasa to protect her invisibly. And from that time the Rakshasa began + to attend upon that blameless lady under any circumstances. And beholding + Krishna in his presence like a frightened doe, the Suta rose up from his + seat, and felt the joy that is felt by a person wishing to cross to the + other shore, when he obtains a boat." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0016" id="link42H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + “Kichaka said, ‘O thou of tresses ending in beautiful curls, thou art + welcome. Surely, the night that is gone hath brought me an auspicious day, + for I have got thee today as the mistress of my house. Do what is + agreeable to me. Let golden chains, and conchs and bright ear-rings made + of gold, manufactured in various countries, and beautiful rubies and gems, + and silken robes and deer-skins, be brought for thee. I have also an + excellent bed prepared for thee. Come, sitting upon it do thou drink with + me the wine prepared from the honey flower.’ Hearing these words, Draupadi + said, ‘I have been sent to thee by the princess for taking away wine. Do + thou speedily bring me wine, for she told me that she is exceedingly + thirsty.’ And this, Kichaka said, ‘O gentle lady, others will carry what + the princess wants.’ And saying this, the Suta’s son caught hold of + Draupadi’s right arm. And at this, Draupadi exclaimed, ‘As I have never, + from intoxication of the senses, been unfaithful to my husbands even at + heart, by that Truth, O wretch, I shall behold thee dragged and lying + powerless on the ground.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Seeing that large-eyed lady reproving him in that + strain, Kichaka suddenly seized her by the end of her upper garment as she + attempted to run away. And seized with violence by Kichaka, the beautiful + princess, unable to tolerate it, and with frame trembling with wrath, and + breathing quickly, dashed him to the ground. And dashed to the ground + thus, the sinful wretch tumbled down like a tree whose roots had been cut. + And having thrown Kichaka down on the ground when the latter had seized + her, she, trembling all over rushed to the court, where king Yudhishthira + was, for protection. And while she was running with all her speed, Kichaka + (who followed her), seizing her by the hair, and bringing her down on the + ground, kicked her in the very presence of the king. Thereupon, O Bharata, + the Rakshasa that had been appointed by Surya to protect Draupadi, gave + Kichaka a shove with a force mighty as that of the wind. And overpowered + by the force of Rakshasa, Kichaka reeled and fell down senseless on the + ground, even like an uprooted tree. And both Yudhishthira and Bhimasena + who were seated there, beheld with wrathful eyes that outrage on Krishna + by Kichaka. And desirous of compassing the destruction of the wicked + Kichaka, the illustrious Bhima gnashed his teeth in rage. And his forehead + was covered with sweat, and terrible wrinkles appeared thereon. And a + smoky exhalation shot forth from his eyes, and his eye-lashes stood on + end. And that slayer of hostile heroes pressed his forehead with his + hands. And impelled by rage, he was on the point of starting up with + speed. Thereat king Yudhishthira, apprehensive of discovery, squeezed his + thumbs and commanded Bhima to forbear. And Bhima who then looked like an + infuriate elephant eyeing a large tree, was thus forbidden by his elder + brother. And the latter said, ‘Lookest thou, O cook, for trees for fuel. + If thou art in need of faggots, then go out and fell trees.’ And the + weeping Draupadi of fair hips, approaching the entrance of the court, and + seeing her melancholy lords, desirous yet of keeping up the disguise + duty-bound by their pledge, with eyes burning in fire, spoke these words + unto the king of the Matsyas, ‘Alas, the son of a Suta hath kicked today + the proud and beloved wife of those whose foe can never sleep in peace + even if four kingdoms intervene between him and them. Alas, the son of a + Suta hath kicked today the proud and beloved wife of those truthful + personages, who are devoted to Brahmanas and who always give away without + asking any thing in gift. Alas! the son of a Suta hath kicked today the + proud and beloved wife of those, the sounds of whose kettle-drums and the + twangs of whose bow-strings are ceaselessly heard. Alas, the son of a Suta + hath kicked today the proud and beloved wife of those who are possessed of + abundant energy and might, and who are liberal in gifts and proud of their + dignity. Alas, the son of a Suta hath kicked today the proud and beloved + wife of those who, if they had not been fettered by the ties of duty, + could destroy this entire world. Where, alas, are those mighty warriors + today who, though living in disguise, have always granted protection unto + those that solicit it? Oh, why do those heroes today, endued as they are + with strength and possessed of immeasurable energy, quietly suffer, like + eunuchs, their dear and chaste wife to be thus insulted by a Suta’s son? + Oh, where is that wrath of theirs, that prowess, and that energy, when + they quietly bear their wife to be thus insulted by a wicked wretch? What + can I (a weak woman) do when Virata, deficient in virtue, coolly suffereth + my innocent self to be thus wronged by a wretch? Thou dost not, O king, + act like a king towards this Kichaka. Thy behaviour is like that of a + robber, and doth not shine in a court. That I should thus be insulted in + thy very presence, O Matsya, is highly improper. Oh, let all the courtiers + here look at this violence of Kichaka. Kichaka is ignorant of duty and + morality, and Matsya also is equally so. These courtiers also that wait + upon such a king are destitute of virtue.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “With these and other words of the same kind the + beautiful Krishna with tearful eyes rebuked the king of the Matsyas. And + hearing her, Virata said, ‘I do not know what your dispute has been out of + our sight. Not knowing the true cause how can I show my discrimination?’ + Then the courtiers, having learnt every thing, applauded Krishna, and they + all exclaimed, ‘Well done!’ ‘Well done!’ and censured Kichaka. And the + courtiers said, ‘That person who owneth this large-eyed lady having every + limb of hers endued with beauty for his wife, possesseth what is of + exceeding value and hath no occasion to indulge in any grief. Surely, such + a damsel of transcendent beauty and limbs perfectly faultless is rare + among men. Indeed, it seems to us that she is a goddess.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And while the courtiers, having beheld Krishna + (under such circumstances), were applauding her thus, Yudhishthira’s + forehead, from ire, became covered with sweat. And that bull of the Kuru + race then addressed that princess, his beloved spouse, saying, ‘Stay not + here, O Sairindhri; but retire to the apartments of Sudeshna. The wives of + heroes bear affliction for the sake of their husbands, and undergoing toil + in ministering unto their lords, they at last attain to region where their + husbands may go. Thy Gandharva husbands, effulgent as the sun, do not, I + imagine, consider this as an occasion for manifesting their wrath, + inasmuch as they do not rush to thy aid. O Sairindhri, thou art ignorant + of the timeliness of things, and it is for this that thou weepest as an + actress, besides interrupting the play of dice in Matsya’s court. Retire, + O Sairindhri; the Gandharvas will do what is agreeable to thee. And they + will surely display thy woe and take the life of him that hath wronged + thee.’ Hearing these words the Sairindhri replied, ‘They of whom I am the + wedded wife are, I ween, extremely kind. And as the eldest of them all is + addicted to dice, they are liable to be oppressed by all.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And having said this, the fair-hipped Krishna + with dishevelled hair and eyes red in anger, ran towards the apartments of + Sudeshna. And in consequence of having wept long her face looked beautiful + like the lunar disc in the firmament, emerged from the clouds. And + beholding her in that condition, Sudeshna asked, ‘Who, O beauteous lady, + hath insulted thee? Why, O amiable damsel, dost thou weep? Who, gentle + one, hath done thee wrong? Whence is this thy grief?’ Thus addressed, + Draupadi said, ‘As I went to bring wine for thee, Kichaka struck me in the + court in the very presence of the king, as if in the midst of a solitary + wood.’ Hearing this, Sudeshna said, ‘O thou of tresses ending in beautiful + curls, as Kichaka, maddened by lust hath insulted thee that art incapable + of being possessed by him, I shall cause him to be slain if thou wishest + it.’ Thereupon Draupadi answered, ‘Even others will slay him,—even + they whom he hath wronged, I think it is clear that he will have to go to + the abode of Yama this very day!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0017" id="link42H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus insulted by the Suta’s son, that illustrious + princess, the beautiful Krishna, eagerly wishing for the destruction of + Virata’s general, went to her quarters. And Drupada’s daughter of dark hue + and slender waist then performed her ablutions. And washing her body and + cloths with water Krishna began to ponder weepingly on the means of + dispelling her grief. And she reflected, saying, ‘What am I to do? Whither + shall I go? How can my purpose be effected?’ And while she was thinking + thus, she remembered Bhima and said to herself, ‘There is none else, save + Bhima, that can today accomplish the purpose on which my heart is set!’ + And afflicted with great grief, the large-eyed and intelligent Krishna + possessed of powerful protectors then rose up at night, and leaving her + bed speedily proceeded towards the quarters of Bhimasena, desirous of + beholding her lord. And possessed of great intelligence, the daughter of + Drupada entered her husband’s quarters, saying, ‘How canst thou sleep + while that wretched commander of Virata’s forces, who is my foe, yet + liveth, having perpetrated today that (foul act)?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then the chamber where Bhima slept, breathing + hard like a lion, being filled with the beauty of Drupada’s daughter and + of the high-souled Bhima, blazed forth in splendour. And Krishna of sweet + smiles, finding Bhimasena in the cooking apartments, approached him with + the eagerness of a three-year old cow brought up in the woods, approaching + a powerful bull, in her first season, or of a she-crane living by the + water-side approaching her mate in the pairing season. And the Princess of + Panchala then embraced the second son of Pandu, even as a creeper embraces + a huge and mighty Sala on the banks of the Gomati. And embracing him with + her arms, Krishna of faultless features awaked him as a lioness awaketh a + sleeping lion in a trackless forest. And embracing Bhimasena even as a + she-elephant embraceth her mighty mate, the faultless Panchali addressed + him in voice sweet as the sound of a stringed instrument emitting Gandhara + note. And she said, ‘Arise, arise! Why dost thou, O Bhimasena, lie down as + one dead? Surely, he that is not dead, never suffereth a wicked wretch + that hath disgraced his wife, to live.’ And awakened by the princess, + Bhima of mighty arms, then rose up, and sat upon his couch overlaid with a + rich bed. And he of the Kuru race then addressed the princess—his + beloved wife, saying, ‘For what purpose hast thou come hither in such a + hurry? Thy colour is gone and thou lookest lean and pale. Tell me + everything in detail. I must know the truth. Whether it be pleasurable or + painful, agreeable, or disagreeable, tell me all. Having heard everything, + I shall apply the remedy. I alone, O Krishna, am entitled to thy + confidence in all things, for it is I who deliver thee from perils again + and again! Tell me quickly what is thy wish, and what is the purpose that + is in thy view, and return thou to thy bed before others awake.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0018" id="link42H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘What grief hath she not who hath Yudhishthira for her + husband? Knowing all my griefs, why dost thou ask me? The Pratikamin + dragged me to the court in the midst of an assembly of courtiers, calling + me a slave. That grief, O Bharata, consumeth me. What other princess, save + Draupadi, would live having suffered such intense misery? Who else, save + myself, could bear such second insult as the wicked Saindhava offered me + while residing in the forest? Who else of my position, save myself, could + live, having been kicked by Kichaka in the very sight of the wicked king + of the Matsyas? Of what value is life, O Bharata, when thou, O son of + Kunti, dost not think me miserable, although I am afflicted with such + woes? That vile and wicked wretch, O Bharata, known by the name of + Kichaka, who is the brother-in-law of king Virata and the commander of his + forces, every day, O tiger among men, addresses me who am residing in the + palace as a Sairindhri, saying, “Do thou become my wife.”—Thus + solicited, O slayer of foes, by that wretch deserving to be slain, my + heart is bursting like a fruit ripened in season. Censure thou that elder + brother of thine addicted to execrable dice, through whose act alone I + have been afflicted with such woe. Who else, save him that is a desperate + gambler, would play, giving up kingdom and everything including even + myself, in order to lead a life in the woods? If he had gambled morning + and evening for many years together, staking nishkas by thousand and other + kinds of substantial wealth, still his silver, and gold, and robes, and + vehicles, and teams, and goats, and sheep, and multitudes of steeds and + mares and mules would not have sustained any diminution. But now deprived + of prosperity by the rivalry of dice, he sits dumb like a fool, reflecting + on his own misdeeds. Alas, he who, while sojourning, was followed by ten + thousand elephants adorned with golden garlands now supports himself by + casting dice. That Yudhishthira who at Indraprastha was adored by kings of + incomparable prowess by hundreds of thousands, that mighty monarch in + whose kitchen a hundred thousand maid-servants, plate in hand, used every + day to feed numerous guests day and night, that best of liberal men, who + gave (every day) a thousand nishkas, alas, even he overwhelmed with woe in + consequence of gambling which is the root of all evil, now supporteth + himself by casting dice. Bards and encomiasts by thousands decked with + ear-rings set with brilliant gems, and gifted with melodious voice, used + to pay him homage morning and evening. Alas, that Yudhishthira, who was + daily waited upon by a thousand sages of ascetic merit, versed in the + Vedas and having every desire gratified, as his courtiers,—that + Yudhishthira who maintained eighty-eight thousands of domestic Snatakas + with thirty maid-servants assigned unto each, as also ten thousand yatis + not accepting anything in gift and with vital seed drawn up,—alas, + even that mighty king now liveth in such guise. That Yudhishthira who is + without malice, who is full of kindness, and who giveth every creature his + due, who hath all these excellent attributes, alas—even he now + liveth in such guise. Possessed of firmness and unbaffled prowess, with + heart disposed to give every creature his due, king Yudhishthira, moved by + compassion, constantly maintained in his kingdom the blind, the old, the + helpless, the parentless and all others in his dominions in such distress. + Alas, that Yudhishthira becoming a dependant and a servant of Matsya, a + caster of dice in his court, now calls himself Kanka. He unto whom while + residing at Indraprastha, all the rulers of earth used to pay timely + tribute,—alas, even he now begs for subsistence at another’s hands. + He to whom the kings of the earth were in subjection,—alas, even + that king having lost his liberty, liveth in subjection to others. Having + dazzled the entire earth like the sun by his energy, that Yudhishthira, + alas, is now a courtier of king Virata. O Pandu’s son, that Pandava who + was respectfully waited upon in court by kings and sages, behold him now + waiting upon another. Alas, beholding Yudhishthira a courtier sitting + beside another and breathing adulatory speeches to the other, who can help + being afflicted with grief? And beholding the highly wise and virtuous + Yudhishthira, undeserving as he is of serving others, actually serving + another for sustenance, who can help being afflicted with grief? And, O + hero, that Bharata who was worshipped in court by the entire earth, do + thou now behold him worshipping another. Why then, O Bharata, dost thou + not regard me as one afflicted with diverse miseries, like one forlorn and + immersed in a sea of sorrow?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0019" id="link42H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘This O Bharata, that I am going to tell thee is another + great grief of mine. Thou shouldst not blame me, for I tell thee this from + sadness of heart. Who is there whose grief is not enhanced at sight of + thee, O bull of the Bharata race, engaged in the ignoble office of a cook, + so entirely beneath thee and calling thyself as one of Vallava caste? What + can be sadder than this, that people should know thee as Virata’s cook, + Vallava by name, and therefore one that is sunk in servitude? Alas, when + thy work of the kitchen is over, thou humbly sittest beside Virata, + calling thyself as Vallava the cook, then despondency seizeth my heart. + When the king of kings in joy maketh thee fight with elephants, and the + women of the inner apartments (of the palace) laugh all the while, then I + am sorely distressed. When thou fightest in the inner apartments with + lions, tigers, and buffaloes, the princess Kaikeyi looking on, then I + almost swoon away. And when Kaikeyi and those maidservants, leaving their + seats, come to assist me and find that instead of suffering any injury in + limbs mine is only a swoon, the princess speaks unto her women, saying, + “Surely, it is from affection and the duty begot of intercourse that this + lady of sweet smiles grieveth for the exceedingly powerful cook when he + fights with the beasts. Sairindhri is possessed of great beauty and + Vallava also is eminently handsome. The heart of woman is hard to know, + and they, I fancy, are deserving of each other. It is, therefore, likely + that the Sairindhri invariably weepeth (at such times) on account of her + connection with her lover. And then, they both have entered this royal + family at the same time. And speaking such words she always upbraideth me. + And beholding me wroth at this, she suspects me to be attached to thee.” + When she speaketh thus, great is the grief that I feel. Indeed, on + beholding thee, O Bhima of terrible prowess, afflicted with such calamity, + sunk as I already am in grief on account of Yudhishthira. I do not desire + to live. That youth who on a single car had vanquished all celestials and + men, is now, alas, the dancing master of king Virata’s daughter. That + Pritha’s son of immeasurable soul, who had gratified Agni in the forest of + Khandava, is now living in the inner apartments (of a palace) like fire + hid in a well. Alas, the bull among men, Dhananjaya, who was ever the + terror of foes, is now living in a guise that is despaired by all. Alas, + he whose mace-like arms have been cicatrized in consequence of the strokes + of his bow-string, alas that Dhananjaya is passing the days in grief + covering his wrists with bracelets of conchs. Alas, that Dhananjaya the + twang of whose bow-string and the sound of whose leathern fences made + every foe tremble, now entertains only gladdened women with his songs. Oh, + that Dhananjaya whose head was formerly decked with a diadem of solar + splendour, is now wearing braids ending in unsightly curls. O Bhima, + beholding that terrible bowman, Arjuna, now wearing braids and in the + midst of women, my heart is stricken with woe. That high-souled hero who + is master of all the celestial weapons, and who is the repository of all + the sciences, now weareth ear-rings (like one of the fair sex). That youth + whom kings of incomparable prowess could not overpower in fight, even as + the waters of the mighty ocean cannot overleap the continents, is now the + dancing-master of king Virata’s daughters and waits upon them in disguise. + O Bhima, that Arjuna the clatter of whose car-wheels caused the entire + earth with her mountains and forests, her mobile and immobile things to + tremble, and whose birth dispelled all the sorrows of Kunti, that exalted + hero, that younger brother of thine, O Bhimasena, now maketh me weep for + him. Beholding him coming towards me, decked in golden ear-rings and other + ornaments, and wearing on the wrists bracelets of conchs, my heart is + afflicted with despondency. And Dhananjaya who hath not a bowman equal + unto him on earth in prowess, now passeth his days in singing, surrounded + by women. Beholding that son of Pritha who in virtue, heroism and truth, + was the most admired in the world, now living in the guise of a woman, my + heart is afflicted with sorrow. When I behold, the godlike Partha in the + music-hall like an elephant with rent temples surrounded by she-elephants + in the midst of females, waiting before Virata the king of the Matsyas, + then I lose all sense of directions. Surely, my mother-in-law doth not + know Dhananjaya to be afflicted with such extreme distress. Nor doth she + know that descendant of the Kuru race, Ajatasatru, addicted to disastrous + dice, to be sunk in misery. O Bharata, beholding the youngest of you all, + Sahadeva, superintending the kine, in the guise of a cowherd, I grow pale. + Always thinking of Sahadeva’s plight, I cannot, O Bhimasena, obtain sleep,—what + to speak you of the rest? I do not know, O mighty-armed one, what sin + Sahadeva may have committed for which that hero of unbaffled prowess + suffereth such misery. O foremost of the Bharatas, beholding that beloved + brother of thine, that bull among men, employed by Matsya in looking after + his kine, I am filled with woe. Seeing that hero of proud disposition + gratifying Virata, by living at the head of his cowherds, attired in robes + dyed in red, I am attacked with fever. My mother-in-law always applauds + the heroic Sahadeva as one possessed of nobility, excellent behaviour, and + rectitude of conduct. Ardently attached to her sons, the weeping Kunti + stood, embracing Sahadeva while he was about to set out (with us) for the + great forest. And she addressed me saying, “Sahadeva is bashful and + sweet-speeched, and virtuous. He is also my favourite child. Therefore, O + Yajnaseni, tend him in the forest day and night. Delicate and brave, + devoted to the king, and always worshipping his elder brother, do thou, O + Panchali, feed him thyself.” O Pandava, beholding that foremost of + warriors, Sahadeva, engaged in tending kine, and sleeping at night on + calf-skins, how can I bear to live? He again who is crowned with the three + attributes of beauty, arms, and intelligence, is now the superintendent of + Virata’s steeds. Behold the change brought on by time. Granthika (Nakula), + at sight of whom hostile hosts fled from the field of battle, now traineth + horses in the presence of the king, driving them with speed. Alas, I now + see that handsome youth wait upon the gorgeously decked and excellent + Virata, the king of the Matsyas, and display horses before him. O son of + Pritha, afflicted as I am with all these hundred kinds of misery on + account of Yudhishthira, why dost thou, O chastiser of foes, yet deem me + happy? Listen now to me, O son of Kunti, as I tell thee of other woes far + surpassing these. What can be sadder to me than miseries so various as + these should emaciate me while ye are alive.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0020" id="link42H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘Alas, on account of that desperate gambler, I am now + under Sudeshna’s command, living in the palace in the guise of a + Sairindhri. And, O chastiser of foes, behold the plight of poignant woe + which I, a princess, am now in. I am living in expectation of the close of + this stated period.<a href="#linknote-414" name="linknoteref-414" + id="linknoteref-414">14</a> The extreme of misery, therefore, is mine. + Success of purpose, victory, and defeat, as regards mortals, are + transitory. It is in this belief that I am living in expectation of the + return of prosperity to my husbands. Prosperity and adversity revolve like + a wheel. It is in this belief that I am living in expectation of the + return of prosperity to my husbands. That cause which bringeth on victory, + may bring defeat as well. I live in this hope. Why dost thou not, O + Bhimasena, regard me as one dead? I have heard that persons that give may + beg: that they who slay may be slain; and that they who over-throw others + may themselves be overthrown by foes. Nothing is difficult for Destiny and + none can over-ride Destiny. It is for this that I am awaiting the return + of favourable fortune. As a tank once dried, is filled up once again, so + hoping for a change for the better, I await the return of prosperity. When + one’s business that hath been well-provided for is seen to be frustrated, + a truly wise person should never strive for bringing back good fortune. + Plunged as I am in sorrow, asked or unasked by thee to explain the purpose + of these words spoken by me, I shall tell thee everything. Queen of the + sons of Pandu and daughter of Drupada, who else, save myself, would wish + to live, having fallen into such a plight? O represser of foes, the + misery, therefore, that hath overtaken me, hath really humiliated the + entire Kuru race, the Panchalas, and the sons of Pandu. Surrounded by + numerous brothers and father-in-law and sons, what other woman having such + cause for joy, save myself, would be afflicted with such woe? Surely, I + must, in my childhood, have committed act highly offensive to Dhatri + through whose displeasure, O bull of the Bharata race, I have been visited + with such consequences. Mark, O son of Pandu, the pallour that hath come + over my complexion which not even a life in the woods fraught as it was + with extreme misery, could bring about. Thou, O Pritha’s son, knowest what + happiness, O Bhima, was formerly mine. Even, I, who was such have now sunk + into servitude. Sorely distressed, I can find no rest. That the + mighty-armed and terrible bowman, Dhananjaya the son of Pritha, should now + live like a fire that hath been put out, maketh me think of all this as + attributable to Destiny. Surely, O son of Pritha, it is impossible for men + to understand the destinies of creatures (in this world). I, therefore, + think this downfall of yours as something that could not be averted by + forethought. Alas, she who hath you all, that resemble Indra himself to + attend to her comforts—even she, so chaste and exalted, hath now to + attend to the comforts of others, that are to her far inferior in rank. + Behold, O Pandava, my plight. It is what I do not deserve. You are alive, + yet behold this inversion of order that time hath brought. She who had the + whole Earth to the verge of the sea under her control, is now under the + control of Sudeshna and living in fear of her. She who had dependants to + walk both before and behind her, alas, now herself walketh before and + behind Sudeshna. This, O Kaunteya, is another grief of mine that is + intolerable. O, listen to it. She who had never, save for Kunti, pounded + unguents even for her own use, now, good betide thee, poundeth sandal (for + others). O Kaunteya, behold these hands of mine which were not so before.’ + Saying this she showed him her hands marked with corns. And she continued, + ‘she who had never feared Kunti herself nor thee and thy brothers, now + standeth in fear before Virata as a slave, anxious of what that king of + kings may say unto her regarding the proper preparation of the unguents, + for Matsya liketh not sandal pounded by others.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Relating her woes thus, O Bharata, unto + Bhimasena, Krishna began to weep silently, casting her eyes on Bhima. And + then, with words choked in tears, and sighing repeatedly, she addressed + Bhima in these words, powerfully stirring his heart, ‘Signal, O Bhima, + must have been my offence of old unto the gods, for, unfortunate as I am. + I am yet alive, when, O Pandava, I should die.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then that slayer of hostile heroes, Vrikodara, + covering his face with those delicate hands of his wife marked with corns, + began to weep. And that mighty son of Kunti, holding the hands of Draupadi + in his, shed copious tears. And afflicted with great woe, he spoke these + words." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0021" id="link42H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + “Bhima said, ‘Fie on the might of my arms and fie on the Gandiva of + Falguni, inasmuch as thy hands, red before, now become covered with corns. + I would have caused a carnage in Virata’s court but for the fact that + Kunti’s son eyed me (by way of forbidding it), or like a mighty elephant. + I would, without ado, have crushed the head of Kichaka intoxicated with + the pride of sovereignty. When, O Krishna, I beheld thee kicked by + Kichaka, I conceived at that instant a wholesale slaughter of the Matsyas. + Yudhishthira, however, forbade me by a glance, and, O beauteous lady, + understanding his intention I have kept quiet. That we have been deprived + of our kingdom, that I have not yet slain the Kurus, that I have not yet + taken the heads of Suyodhana and Karna, and Suvala’s son Sakuni, and the + wicked Duhsasana, these acts and omissions, O lady, are consuming every + limb of mine. The thought of those abides in my heart like a javelin + implanted in it. O thou of graceful hips, do not sacrifice virtue, and, O + noble-hearted lady, subdue thy wrath. If king Yudhishthira hear from thee + such rebukes, he will surely put an end to his life. If also Dhananjaya + and the twins hear thee speak thus, even they will renounce life. And if + these, O slender-waisted maiden, give up life, I also shall not be able to + bear my own. In olden days Sarjati’s daughter, the beautiful Sukanya, + followed into the forest Chyavana of Bhrigu’s race, whose mind was under + complete control, and over whom, while engaged in ascetic meditation, the + ants had built a hill. Thou mayst have heard that Indrasena also who in + beauty was like unto Narayani herself, followed her husband aged a + thousand years. Thou mayst have heard that Janaka’s daughter Sita, the + princess of Videha, followed her lord while living in dense woods. And + that lady of graceful hips, Rama’s beloved wife, afflicted with calamities + and persecuted by the Rakshasas, at length regained the company of Rama. + Lopamudra also, O timid one, endued with youth and beauty, followed + Agastya, renouncing all the objects of enjoyment unattainable by men. And + the intelligent and faultless Savitri also followed the heroic Satyavan, + the son of Dyumatsena, alone into the world of Yama. Even like these + chaste and beautiful ladies that I have named, thou, O blessed girl, + bloomest with every virtue. Do thou spend a short while more that is + measured by even a half month. And when the thirteenth year is complete, + thou wilt (again) become the Queen regnant of a king.’ Hearing these + words, Draupadi said, ‘Unable, O Bhima, to bear my griefs, it is from + grief alone that I have shed these tears. I do not censure Yudhishthira. + Nor is there any use in dwelling on the past. O Bhima of mighty strength, + come quickly forward to the work of the hour. O Bhima, Kaikeyi, jealous of + my beauty, always pains me by her endeavours to prevent the king from + taking a fancy to me. And understanding this disposition of hers, the + wicked-souled Kichaka of immoral ways constantly solicits me himself. + Angry with him for this, but then suppressing my wrath I answer that + wretch deprived of sense by lust, saying, “O Kichaka, protect thyself. I + am the beloved queen and wife of five Gandharvas. Those heroes in wrath + will slay thee that art so rash.” Thus addressed, Kichaka of wicked soul + replied unto me, saying, “I have not the least fear of the Gandharvas, O + Sairindhri of sweet smiles. I will slay hundred thousand Gandharvas, + encountering them in battle. Therefore, O timid one, do thou consent.” + Hearing all this, I again addressed the lust-afflicted Suta, saying, “Thou + art no match for those illustrious Gandharvas. Of respectable percentage + and good disposition, I ever adhere to virtue and never wish for the death + of any one. It is for this that thou I vest, O Kichaka!” At this, that + wight of wicked soul burst out into a loud laughter. And it came to pass + that Kaikeyi previously urged by Kichaka, and moved by affection for her + brother, and desirous of doing him a good turn, despatched me to him, + saying “Do thou, O Sairindhri, fetch wine from Kichaka’s quarters!” On + beholding me the Suta’s son at first addressed me in sweet words, and when + that failed, he became exceedingly enraged, and intended to use violence. + Understanding the purpose of the wicked Kichaka, I speedily rushed towards + the place where the king was. Felling me on the ground the wretch then + kicked me in the very presence of the king himself and before the eyes of + Kanka and many others, including charioteers, and royal favourites, and + elephant-riders, and citizens. I rebuked the king and Kanka again and + again. The king, however, neither prevented Kichaka, nor inflicted any + chastisement on him. The principal ally of king Virata in war, the cruel + Kichaka reft of virtue is loved by both the king and the queen. O exalted + one, brave, proud, sinful, adulterous, and engrossed in all objects of + enjoyment, he earneth immense wealth (from the king), and robs the + possessions of others even if they cry in distress. And he never walketh + in the path of virtue, nor doth he any virtuous act. Of wicked soul, and + vicious disposition, haughty and villainous, and always afflicted by the + shafts of Kama, though repulsed repeatedly, if he sees me again, he will + outrage me. I shall then surely renounce my life. Although striving to + acquire virtue (on my death) your highly meritorious acts will come to + naught. Ye that are now obeying your pledge, ye will lose your wife. By + protecting one’s wife one’s offspring are protected, and by protecting + one’s offspring, one’s own self is protected. And it is because one begets + one’s own self in one’s wife that the wife is called Jaya<a + href="#linknote-415" name="linknoteref-415" id="linknoteref-415">15</a> by + the wise. The husband also should be protected by the wife, thinking,—“How + else will he take his birth in my womb?”—I have heard it from + Brahmanas expounding the duties of the several orders that a Kshatriya + hath no other duty than subduing enemies. Alas, Kichaka kicked me in the + very presence of Yudhishthira the Just, and also of thyself, O Bhimasena + of mighty strength. It was thou, O Bhima, that didst deliver me from the + terrible Jatasura. It was thou also that with thy brothers didst vanquish + Jayadratha. Do thou now slay this wretch also who hath insulted me. + Presuming upon his being a favourite of the king, Kichaka, O Bharata, hath + enhanced my woe. Do thou, therefore, smash this lustful wight even like an + earthen pot dashed upon a stone. If, O Bharata, tomorrow’s sun sheds his + rays upon him who is the source of many griefs of mine, I shall, surely, + mixing poison (with some drink), drink it up,—for I never shall + yield to Kichaka. Far better it were, O Bhima, that I should die before + thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, Krishna, hiding her face in + Bhima’s breast began to weep. And Bhima, embracing her, consoled her to + the best of his power. And having abundantly consoled that slender-waisted + daughter of Drupada by means of words fraught with grave reason and sense, + he wiped with his hands her face flooded with tears. And thinking of + Kichaka and licking with his tongue the corners of his mouth, Bhima, + filled with wrath thus spake to that distressed lady." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0022" id="link42H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + “Bhima said, ‘I will, O timid one, do even as thou sayest. I will + presently slay Kichaka with all his friends. O Yajnaseni of sweet smiles, + tomorrow evening, renouncing sorrow and grief, manage to have a meeting + with Kichaka. The dancing-hall that the king of the Matsya hath caused to + be erected is used by the girls for dancing during the day. They repair, + however, to their homes at night. There in that hall, is an excellent and + well-placed wooden bed-stead. Even there I will make him see the spirits + of his deceased grandsires. But, O beautiful one, when thou holdest + converse with him, thou must manage it so that others may not espy thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having thus conversed with others, and shed tears + in grief, they waited for the dawn of that night with painful impatience. + And when the night had passed away, Kichaka, rising in the morning, went + to the palace, and accosted Draupadi saying, ‘Throwing thee down in the + court I kicked thee in the presence of the king. Attacked by his mighty + self, thou couldst not obtain protection. This Virata is in name only the + king of the Matsyas. Commanding the forces of this realm it is I who am + the real lord of the Matsyas. Do thou, O timid one, accept me cheerfully. + I shall become thy slave. And, O thou of graceful hips, I will immediately + give thee a hundred nishkas, and engage a hundred male and a hundred + female servants (to tend thee), and will also bestow on thee cars yoked + with she-mules. O timid lady, let our union take place.’ Draupadi replied, + ‘O Kichaka, know even this is my condition. Neither thy friends nor thy + brothers should know thy union with me. I am in terror of detection by + those illustrious Gandharvas. Promise me this, and I yield to thee.’ + Hearing this Kichaka said, ‘I will, O thou of graceful hips, do even as + thou sayest. Afflicted by the god of love, I will, O beauteous damsel, + alone repair to thy abode for union with thee, O thou of thighs round and + tapering like the trunks of the plantain,—so that those Gandharvas, + effulgent as the sun, may not come to know of this act of thine.’ Draupadi + said, ‘Do thou, when it is dark, go to the dancing-hall erected by the + king of the Matsyas where the girls dance during the day, repairing to + their respective homes at night. The Gandharvas do not know that place. We + shall then without doubt, escape all censure.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Reflecting on the subject of her conversation + with Kichaka, that half a day seemed to Krishna as long as a whole month. + And the stupid Kichaka also, not knowing that it was Death that had + assumed the form of a Sairindhri, returning home experienced the greatest + delight. And deprived of sense by lust, Kichaka became speedily engaged in + embellishing his person with unguents and garlands and ornaments. And + while he was doing all this, thinking of that damsel of large eyes, the + day seemed to him to be without an end. And the beauty of Kichaka, who was + about to forsake his beauty for ever, seemed to heighten, like the wick of + a burning lamp about to expire. And reposing the fullest confidence in + Draupadi, Kichaka, deprived of his senses by lust and absorbed in the + contemplation of expected meeting, did not even perceive that the day had + departed. Meanwhile, the beautiful Draupadi approaching her husband Bhima + of the Kuru race, stood before him in the kitchen. And that lady with + tresses ending in beautiful curls then spake unto him, saying, ‘O + chastiser of foes, even as thou hadst directed, I have given Kichaka to + understand that our meeting will take place in the dancing-hall. Alone + will he come at night to the empty hall. Slay him there, O thou of mighty + arms. Do thou, O son of Kunti, repair to that dancing-hall, and take the + life, O Pandava, of Kichaka, that son of a Suta intoxicated with vanity. + From vanity alone, that son of a Suta slights the Gandharvas. O best of + smiters, lift him up from the earth even as Krishna had lifted up the Naga + (Kaliya) from the Yamuna. O Pandava, afflicted as I am with grief, wipe + thou my tears, and blessed be thou, protect thy own honour and that of thy + race.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima said, ‘Welcome, O beauteous lady. Except the glad tidings thou + bringest me, I need, O thou of exceeding beauty, no other aid whatever. + The delight that I feel, O thou of great beauty, on hearing from thee + about my coming encounter with Kichaka, is equal to what I felt in slaying + Hidimva. I swear unto thee by Truth, by my brothers, and by morality, that + I will slay Kichaka even as the lord of the celestials slew Vritra. + Whether secretly or openly, I will crush Kichaka, and if the Matsyas fight + for him, then I will slay them too. And slaying Duryodhana afterwards, I + shall win back the earth. Let Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, continue to + pay homage unto the king of Matsya.’ Hearing these words of Bhima, + Draupadi said, ‘In order that, O lord, thou mayst not have to renounce the + truth already pledged to me, do thou, O hero, slay Kichaka in secret.’ + Bhima assuring her said, ‘Even today I shall slay Kichaka together with + his friends unknown to others during the darkness of the night. I shall, O + faultless lady, crush, even as an elephant crusheth a vela fruit, <a + href="#linknote-416" name="linknoteref-416" id="linknoteref-416">16</a> + the head of the wicked Kichaka who wisheth for what is unattainable by + him!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Repairing first to the place of assignation at + night, Bhima sat down, disguising himself. And he waited there in + expectation of Kichaka, like a lion lying in wait for a deer. And Kichaka, + having embellished his person as he chose, came to the dancing-hall at the + appointed time in the hope of meeting Panchali. And thinking of the + assignation, he entered the chamber. And having entered that hall + enveloped in deep gloom, that wretch of wicked soul came upon Bhima of + incomparable prowess, who had come a little before and who was waiting in + a corner. And as an insect approacheth towards a flaming fire, or a puny + animal towards a lion, Kichaka approached Bhima, lying down in a bed and + burning in anger at the thought of the insult offered to Krishna, as if he + were the Suta’s Death. And having approached Bhima, Kichaka possessed by + lust, and his heart and soul filled with ecstacy smilingly said, ‘O thou + of pencilled eye-brows, to thee I have already given many and various + kinds of wealth from the stores earned by me, as well as hundred maids and + many fine robes, and also a mansion with an inner apartment adorned with + beauteous and lovely and youthful maid servants and embellished by every + kind of sports and amusements. And having set all those apart for thee, I + have speedily come hither. And all on a sudden, women have begun to praise + me, saying, ‘There is not in this world any other person like unto thee in + beauty and dress!’ Hearing this, Bhima said, ‘It is well that thou art + handsome, and it is well thou praisest thyself. I think, however, that + thou hadst never before this such pleasurable touch! Thou hast an acute + touch, and knowest the ways of gallantry. Skilled in the art of + love-making, thou art a favourite with women. There is none like thee in + this world!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Saying this, that son of Kunti, the mighty-armed + Bhima of terrible prowess, suddenly rose up, and laughingly said, ‘Thy + sister, O wretch, shall today behold thee dragged by me to the ground, + like a mighty elephant, huge as a mountain, dragged to the ground by a + lion. Thyself slain Sairindhri will live in peace, and we, her husbands, + will also live in peace.’ Saying this, the mighty Bhima seized Kichaka by + the hairs of his head, which were adorned with garlands. And thus seized + with force by the hair, that foremost of mighty persons, Kichaka, quickly + freed his hair and grasped the arms of Bhima. And then between those lions + among men, fired with wrath, between that chief of the Kichaka clan, and + that best of men, there ensued a hand-to-hand encounter, like that between + two powerful elephants for a female elephant in the season of spring, or + like that which happened in days of yore between those lions among + monkeys, the brothers Vali and Sugriva. And both equally infuriate and + both eager for victory, both those combatants raised their arms resembling + snakes furnished with five hoods, and attacked each other with their nails + and teeth, wrought up to frenzy of wrath. Impetuously assailed by the + powerful Kichaka in that encounter, the resolute Bhima did not waver a + single step. And locked in each other’s embraces and dragging each other, + they fought on like two mighty bulls. And having nails and teeth for their + weapons, the encounter between them was fierce and terrible like that of + two furious tigers. And felling each other in fury, they encountered each + other like a couple of elephants with rent temples. And the mighty Bhima + then seized Kichaka, and Kichaka, that foremost of strong persons threw + Bhima down with violence. And as those mighty combatants fought on, the + crash of their arms produced a loud noise that resembled the clatter of + splitting bamboos. Then Vrikodara throwing Kichaka down by main force + within the room, began to toss him about furiously even as a hurricane + tosseth a tree. And attacked thus in battle by the powerful Bhima, Kichaka + grew weak and began to tremble. For all that, however, he tugged at the + Pandava to the best of his power. And attacking Bhima, and making him wave + a little, the mighty Kichaka struck him with his knees and brought him + down to the ground. And overthrown by the powerful Kichaka, Bhima quickly + rose up like Yama himself with mace in hand. And thus that powerful Suta + and the Pandava, intoxicated with strength and challenging each other, + grappled with each other at midnight in that solitary place. And as they + roared at each other in wrath, that excellent and strong edifice began to + shake every moment. And slapped on the chest by the mighty Bhima, Kichaka + fired with wrath moved not a single pace. And bearing for a moment only + that onslaught incapable of being born on earth, the Suta, overpowered by + Bhima’s might, became enfeebled. And seeing him waning weak, Bhima endued + with great strength forcibly drew Kichaka towards his breast, and began to + press hard. And breathing hard again and again in wrath, that best of + victors, Vrikodara, forcibly seized Kichaka by the hair. And having seized + Kichaka, the mighty Bhima began to roar like a hungry tiger that hath + killed a large animal. And finding him exceedingly exhausted, Vrikodara + bound him fast with his arms, as one binds a beast with a cord. And then + Bhima began for a long while, to whirl the senseless Kichaka, who began to + roar frightfully like a broken trumpet.<a href="#linknote-417" + name="linknoteref-417" id="linknoteref-417">17</a> And in order to pacify + Krishna’s wrath Vrikodara grasped Kichaka’s throat with his arms and began + to squeeze it. And assailing with his knees the waist of that worst of the + Kichakas, all the limbs of whose body had been broken into fragments and + whose eye-lids were closed, Vrikodara slew him, as one would slay a beast. + And beholding Kichaka entirely motionless, the son of Pandu began to roll + him about on the ground. And Bhima then said, ‘Slaying this wretch who + intended to violate our wife,—this thorn in the side of Sairindhri, + I am freed from the debt I owed to my brothers, and have attained perfect + peace.’ And having said this, that foremost of men, with eyes red in + wrath, relinquished his hold of Kichaka, whose dress and ornaments had + been thrown off his person, whose eyes were rolling, and whose body was + yet trembling. And that foremost of mighty persons, squeezing his own + hands, and biting his lips in rage, again attacked his adversary and + thrust his arms and legs and neck and head into his body like the wielder + of the Pinaka reducing into shapeless mass the deer, which form sacrifice + had assumed in order to escape his ire. And having crushed all his limbs, + and reduced him into a ball of flesh, the mighty Bhimasena showed him unto + Krishna. And endued with mighty energy that hero then addressed Draupadi, + that foremost of all women, saying, ‘Come princess of Panchala, and see + what hath become of that lustful wretch!’ And saying this, Bhima of + terrible prowess began to press with his feet the body of that wicked + wight. And lighting a torch then and showing Draupadi the body of Kichaka, + that hero addressed her, saying, ‘O thou of tresses ending in beautiful + curls, those that solicit thee, endued as thou art with an excellent + disposition and every virtue, will be slain by me even as this Kichaka + hath been, O timid one.’ And having accomplished that difficult task so + highly agreeable to Krishna—having indeed slain Kichaka and thereby + pacified his wrath, Bhima bade farewell to Krishna, the daughter of + Drupada, and quickly went back to the kitchen. And Draupadi also, that + best of women, having caused Kichaka to be slain had her grief removed and + experienced the greatest delight. And addressing the keepers of the + dancing-hall, she said, ‘Come ye and behold Kichaka who had violated after + other people’s wives lieth down here, slain by my Gandharva husbands.’ And + hearing these words the guards of the dancing hall soon came by thousands + to that spot, torches in hand. And repairing to that room, they beheld the + lifeless Kichaka thrown on the ground, drenched with blood. And beholding + him without arms and legs, they were filled with grief. And as they gazed + at Kichaka, they were struck with amazement. And seeing that superhuman + act, viz., the overthrow of Kichaka, they said, ‘Where is his neck, and + where are his legs?’ And beholding him in this plight they all concluded + that he had been killed by a Gandharva.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0023" id="link42H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then all the relatives of Kichaka, arriving at that + place, beheld him there and began to wail aloud, surrounding him on all + sides. And beholding Kichaka with every limb mangled, and lying like a + tortoise dragged to dry ground from the water, all of them were overcome + with exceeding fright, and the bristles of their bodies stood on end. And + seeing him crushed all over by Bhima, like a Danava by Indra, they + proceeded to take him outside, for performing his funeral obsequies. And + then those persons of the Suta clan thus assembled together espied Krishna + of faultless limbs hard by, who stood reclining on a pillar. And all the + Kichakas assembled there, exclaimed, ‘Let this unchaste woman be slain for + whom Kichaka hath himself lost his life. Or, without slaying her here, let + us cremate her with him that had lusted after her,—for it behoveth + us to accomplish in every way what is agreeable to that deceased son of + Suta.’ And then they addressed Virata, saying, ‘It is for her sake that + Kichaka hath lost his life. Let him, therefore, be cremated along with + her. It behoveth thee to grant this permission.’ Thus addressed by them, + king Virata, O monarch, knowing fully well the prowess of the Suta gave + his assent to Sairindhri being burnt along with the Suta’s son. And at + this, the Kichakas approaching the frightened and stupefied Krishna of + lotus-like eyes, seized her with violence. And binding that damsel of + slender waist and placing her upon the bier, they set out with great + energy towards the cemetery. And, O king, while thus forcibly carried + towards the cemetery by those sons of the Suta tribe, the blameless and + chaste Krishna living under the protections of her lords, then wailed + aloud for the help of her husbands, saying, ‘Oh, let Jaya, and Jayanta, + and Vijaya and Jayatsena, and Jayatvala listen to my words. The Sutas are + taking me away. Let those illustrious Gandharvas endued with speed of + hand, the clatter of whose cars is loud and the twang of whose bowstrings + in the midst of the mighty conflict are heard like the roar of thunder, + listen to my words,—the Sutas are taking me away!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing those sorrowful words and lamentations of + Krishna, Bhima, without a moment’s reflection started up from his bed and + said, ‘I have heard, O Sairindhri the words thou hast spoken. Thou hast, + therefore, O timid lady, no more fear at the hands of the Sutas.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, the mighty-armed Bhima desirous + of slaying the Kichakas, began to swell his body. And carefully changing + his attire, he went out of the palace by a wrong egress. And climbing over + a wall by the aid of a tree, he proceeded towards the cemetery whither the + Kichakas had gone. And having leapt over the wall, and gone out of the + excellent city, Bhima impetuously rushed to where the Sutas were. And, O + monarch, proceeding towards the funeral pyre he beheld a large tree, tall + as palmyra-palm, with gigantic shoulders and withered top. And that slayer + of foes grasping with his arms that tree measuring ten Vyamas, uprooted + it, even like an elephant, and placed it upon his shoulders. And taking up + that tree with trunk and branches and measuring ten Vyamas, that mighty + hero rushed towards the Sutas, like Yama himself, mace in hand. And by the + impetus of his rush<a href="#linknote-418" name="linknoteref-418" + id="linknoteref-418">18</a> banians and peepals and Kinsukas falling down + on the earth lay in clusters. And beholding that Gandharva approach them + like a lion in fury, all the Sutas trembling with fear and greatly + distressed, became panic-struck. And they addressed each other, saying, + ‘Lo, the powerful Gandharva cometh hither, filled with rage, and with an + upraised tree in hand. Let Sairindhri, therefore, from whom this danger of + ours hath arisen, be set free.’ And beholding the tree that had been + uprooted by Bhimasena, they set Draupadi free and ran breathlessly towards + the city. And seeing them run away, Bhima, that mighty son of the + Wind-god, despatched, O foremost of kings, by means of that tree, a + hundred and five of them unto the abode of Yama, like the wielder of the + thunderbolt slaying the Danavas. And setting Draupadi free from her bonds, + he then, O king, comforted her. And that mighty-armed and irrepressible + Vrikodara, the son of Pandu, then addressed the distressed princess of + Panchala with face bathed in tears, saying, ‘Thus, O timid one, are they + slain that wrong thee without cause. Return, O Krishna, to the city. Thou + hast no longer any fear; I myself will go to the Virata’s kitchen by + another route.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “It was thus, O Bharata, that a hundred and five + of those Kichakas were slain. And their corpses lay on the ground, making + the place look like a great forest overspread with uprooted trees after a + hurricane. Thus fell those hundred and five Kichakas. And including + Virata’s general slain before, the slaughtered Sutas numbered one hundred + and six. And beholding that exceedingly wonderful feat, men and women that + assembled together, were filled with astonishment. And the power of + speech, O Bharata, was suspended in every one." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0024" id="link42H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And beholding the Sutas slain, the citizens went to + the king, and represented unto him what had happened, saying, ‘O king, + those mighty sons of the Sutas have all been slain by the Gandharvas. + Indeed, they lie scattered on the earth like huge peaks of mountains riven + by thunder. Sairindhri also, having been set free, returneth to thy palace + in the city. Alas, O king, if Sairindhri cometh, thy entire kingdom will + be endangered. Sairindhri is endued with great beauty; the Gandharvas also + here exceedingly powerful. Men again, without doubt, are naturally sexual. + Devise, therefore, O king, without delay, such means that in consequence + of wrongs done to Sairindhri, thy kingdom may not meet with destruction.’ + Hearing those words of theirs, Virata, that lord of hosts, said unto them, + ‘Do ye perform the last rites of the Sutas. Let all the Kichakas be burnt, + in one blazing pyre with gems and fragrant unguents in profusion.’ And + filled with fear, the king then addressed his queen Sudeshna, saying, + ‘When Sairindhri comes back, do thou tell her these words from me, + ‘Blessed be thou, O fair-faced Sairindhri. Go thou whithersoever thou + likest. The king hath been alarmed, O thou of graceful hips, at the defeat + already experienced at the hands of the Gandharvas. Protected as thou art + by the Gandharvas, I dare not personally say all this to thee. A woman, + however, cannot offend, and it is for this that I tell thee all this + through a woman.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus delivered by Bhimasena after the slaughter + of the Sutas, the intelligent and youthful Krishna relieved from all her + fears, washed her limbs and clothes in water, and proceeded towards the + city, like a doe frightened by a tiger. And beholding her, the citizens, O + king, afflicted with the fear of the Gandharvas fled in all directions. + And some of them went so far as to shut their eyes. And then, O king at + the gate of the kitchen, the princess of Panchala saw Bhimasena staying, + like an infuriate elephant of gigantic proportions. And looking upon him + with wonder-expanded eyes, Draupadi, by means of words intelligible to + them alone, said, ‘I bow unto that prince of the Gandharvas, who hath + rescued me.’ At these words of her, Bhima said, ‘Hearing these words of + hers in obedience to whom those persons were hitherto living in the city, + they will henceforth range here, regarding themselves as freed from the + debt.’”<a href="#linknote-419" name="linknoteref-419" id="linknoteref-419">19</a> + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then she beheld the mighty-armed Dhananjaya, in + the dancing-hall instructing king Virata’s daughters in dancing. And + issuing with Arjuna from the dancing-hall, all those damsels came to + Krishna who had arrived there, and who had been persecuted so sorely, all + innocent though she was. And they said, ‘By good luck also it is, O + Sairindhri, that thou hast been delivered from thy dangers. By good luck + it is that thou hast returned safe. And by good luck also it is that those + Sutas have been slain that had wronged thee, innocent though thou art.’ + Hearing this, Vrihannala said, ‘How hast thou, O Sairindhri, been + delivered? And how have those sinful wretches been slain? I wish to learn + all this from thee exactly as it occurred.’ Sairindhri replied, ‘O blessed + Vrihannala, always passing thy days happily in the apartments of the + girls, what concern hast thou with Sairindhri’s fate to say? Thou hast no + grief to bear that Sairindhri hath to bear! It is for this, that thou + askest me thus, distressed as I am in ridicule.’ Thereat Vrihannala said, + ‘O blessed one, Vrihannala also hath unparalleled sorrows of her own. She + hath become as low as a brute. Thou dost not, O girl, understand this. I + have lived with thee, and thou, too hast lived with us. When, therefore, + thou art afflicted with misery, who is it that will not, O thou of + beautiful hips, feel it? But no one can completely read another’s heart. + Therefore it is, O amiable one, that thou knowest not my heart!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then Draupadi, accompanied by those girls entered + the royal abode, desirous of appearing before Sudeshna. And when she came + before the queen, Virata’s wife addressed her at the command of the king, + saying, ‘Do thou, O Sairindhri, speedily go whithersoever thou likest. The + king, good betide thee, hath been filled with fear at this discomfiture at + the hands of the Gandharvas. Thou art, O thou of graceful eye-brows, young + and unparalleled on earth in beauty. Thou art, besides, an object of + desire with men. The Gandharvas again, are exceedingly wrathful.’ Thereat + Sairindhri said, ‘O beauteous lady, let the king suffer me to live here + for only thirteen days more. Without doubt, the Gandharvas also will be + highly obliged at this. They will then convey me hence and do what would + be agreeable to Virata. Without doubt, the king, by doing this, with his + friends, will reap great benefit.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0025" id="link42H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “At the slaughter of Kichaka and brothers, people, O + king, thinking of this terrible feat, were filled with surprise. And in + the city and the provinces it was generally bruited about that for bravery + the king’s Vallava and Kichaka were both mighty warriors. The wicked + Kichaka, however, had been an oppressor of men and a dishonourer of other + people’s wives. And it was for this that wicked of sinful soul had been + slain by the Gandharvas. And it was thus, O king, that people began to + speak, from province to province of the invincible Kichaka, that slayer of + hostile ranks. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, the spies employed by Dhritarashtra’s son, having searched + various villages and towns and kingdoms and done all that they had been + commanded to do and completed their examination, in the manner directed, + of the countries indicated in their orders, returned to Nagarupa, + gratified with at least one thing that they had learnt.<a + href="#linknote-420" name="linknoteref-420" id="linknoteref-420">20</a> + And seeing Dhritarashtra’s son king Duryodhana of the Kuru race seated in + his court with Drona and Karna and Kripa, with the high-souled Bhishma, + his own brothers, and those great warriors—the Trigartas, they + addressed him, saying, ‘O lord of men, great hath been the care always + bestowed by us in the search after the sons of Pandu in that mighty + forest. Searched have we through the solitary wilderness abounding with + deer and other animals and overgrown with trees and creepers of diverse + kind. Searched have we also in arbours of matted woods and plants and + creepers of every species, but we have failed in discovering that track by + which Pritha’s son of irrepressible energy may have gone. Searched have we + in these and other places for their foot-prints. Searched have we closely, + O king, on mountain tops and in inaccessible fastnesses, in various + kingdoms and provinces teeming with people, in encampments and cities. No + trace have yet been found of the sons of Pandu. Good betide thee, O bull + among men, it seems that they have perished without leaving a mark behind. + O foremost of warriors, although we followed in the track of those + warriors, yet, O best of men, we soon lost their footprints and do not + know their present residence. O lord of men, for some time we followed in + the wake of their charioteers. And making our inquiries duly, we truly + ascertained what we desired to know. O slayer of foes, the charioteers + reached Dwaravati without the sons of Pritha among them. O king, neither + the sons of Pandu, nor the chaste Krishna, are in that city of Yadavas. O + bull of the Bharata race, we have not been able to discover either their + track or their present abode. Salutations to thee, they are gone for good. + We are acquainted with the disposition of the sons of Pandu and know + something of the feats achieved by them. It behoveth thee, therefore, O + lord of men, to give us instructions, O monarch, as to what we should next + do in the search after the sons of Pandu. O hero, listen also to these + agreeable words of ours, promising great good to thee. King Matsya’s + commander, Kichaka of wicked soul, by whom the Trigartas, O monarch, were + repeatedly vanquished and slain with mighty force, now lieth low on the + ground with all his brothers, slain, O monarch, by invisible Gandharvas + during the hours of darkness, O thou of unfading glory. Having heard this + delightful news about the discomfiture of our enemies, we have been + exceedingly gratified, O Kauravya. Do thou now ordain what should next be + done.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0026" id="link42H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <h3> + (Go-harana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having listened to these words of his spies, king + Duryodhana reflected inwardly for some time and then addressed his + courtiers, saying, ‘It is difficult to ascertain the course of events + definitely. Discern ye all, therefore, whither the sons of Pandu have + gone, of this thirteenth year which they are to pass undiscovered by us + all, the greater part hath already expired. What remains is by much the + smaller. If, indeed, the sons of Pandu can pass undiscovered what remains + of this year, devoted to the vow of truth as they are, they will then have + fulfilled their pledge. They will then return like mighty elephants with + temporal juice trickling down, or like snakes of virulent poison. Filled + with wrath, they will, without doubt, be inflicters of terrible + chastisement on the Kurus. It behoveth ye, therefore, to make such efforts + without loss of time as may induce the sons of Pandu, acquainted as they + are with the proprieties of time, and staying as they now are in painful + disguise, to re-enter the woods suppressing their rage. Indeed, adopt ye + such means as may remove all causes of quarrel and anxiety from the + kingdom, making it tranquil and foeless and incapable of sustaining a + diminution of territory.’ Hearing these words of Duryodhana, Karna said, + ‘Let other spies, abler and more cunning, and capable of accomplishing + their object, quickly go hence, O Bharata. Let them, well-disguised, + wander through swelling kingdoms and populous provinces, prying into + assemblies of the learned and delightful retreats of provinces. In the + inner apartments of palaces, in shrines and holy spots, in mines and + diverse other regions, the sons of Pandu should be searched after with + well-directed eagerness. Let the sons of Pandu who are living in disguise + be searched after by well-skilled spies in large numbers, devoted to their + work, themselves well-disguised, and all well-acquainted with the objects + of their search. Let the search be made on the banks of rivers, in holy + regions, in villages and towns, in retreats of ascetics, in delightful + mountains and mountain-caves.’ When Karna ceased, Duryodhana’s second + brother Dussasana, wedded to a sinful disposition, then addressed his + eldest brother and said, ‘O monarch, O lord of men, let those spies only + in whom we have confidence, receiving their rewards in advance, once more + go after the search. This and what else hath been said by Karna have our + fullest approval. Let all the spies engage themselves in the search + according to the directions already given. Let these and others engage in + the search from province to province according to approved rules. It is my + belief, however, that the track the Pandavas have followed or their + present abode or occupation will not be discovered. Perhaps, they are + closely concealed; perhaps, they have gone to the other side of the ocean. + Or, perhaps, proud as they are of their strength and Courage, they have + been devoured by wild beasts; or perhaps, having been overtaken by some + unusual danger, they have perished for eternity. Therefore, O prince of + the Kuru race, dispelling all anxieties from thy heart, achieve what thou + wilt, always acting according to thy energy.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0027" id="link42H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Endued with mighty energy and possessed of great + discernment, Drona then said, ‘Persons like the sons of Pandu never perish + nor undergo discomfiture. Brave and skilled in every science, intelligent + and with senses under control, virtuous and grateful and obedient to the + virtuous Yudhishthira, ever following in the wake of their eldest brother + who is conversant with the conclusions of policy and virtue and profit, + who is attached to them as a father, and who strictly adhereth to virtue + and is firm in truth,—persons like them that are thus devoted to + their illustrious and royal brother, who gifted with great intelligence, + never injureth any body and who in his turn himself obeyeth his younger + brothers, never perish in this way. Why, then, should not (Yudhishthira) + the son of Pritha possessing a knowledge of policy, be able to restore the + prosperity of his brothers who are so obedient and devoted and + high-souled? It is for this that they are carefully waiting for the + arrival of their opportunity. Men such as these never perish. This is what + I see by my intellect. Do, therefore, quickly and without loss of time, + what should now be done, after proper reflection. And let also the abode + which the sons of Pandu with souls under control as regards every purpose + of life, are to occupy, be now settled. Heroic and sinless and possessed + of ascetic merit, the Pandavas are difficult to be discovered (within the + period of non-discovery). Intelligent and possessed of every virtue, + devoted to truth and versed in the principles of policy, endued with + purity and holiness, and the embodiment of immeasurable energy, the son of + Pritha is capable of consuming (his foes) by a glance alone of his eyes. + Knowing all this, do what is proper. Let us, therefore, once more search + after them, sending Brahmanas and Charanas, ascetics crowned with success, + and others of this kind who may have a knowledge of those heroes!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0028" id="link42H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then that grandsire of the Bharatas, Bhishma the son + of Santanu, conversant with the Vedas, acquainted with the proprieties of + time and place, and possessing a knowledge of every duty of morality, + after the conclusion of Drona’s speech, applauded the words of the + preceptor and spake unto the Bharatas for their benefit these words + consistent with virtue, expressive of his attachment to the virtuous + Yudhishthira, rarely spoken by men that are dishonest, and always meeting + with the approbation of the honest. And the words that Bhishma spake were + thoroughly impartial and worshipped by the wise. And the grandsire of the + Kurus said, ‘The words that the regenerate Drona acquainted with the truth + of every affair hath uttered, are approved by me. I have no hesitation in + saying so. Endued with every auspicious mark, observant of virtuous vows, + possessed of Vedic lore, devoted to religious observances, conversant with + various sciences, obedient to the counsels of the aged, adhering to the + vow of truth, acquainted with the proprieties of time, observant of the + pledge they have given (in respect of their exile), pure in their + behaviour, ever adhering to the duties of the Kshatriya order, always + obedient to Kesava, high-souled, possessed of great strength, and ever + bearing the burthens of the wise, those heroic ones can never wither under + misfortune. Aided by their own energy, sons of Pandu who are now leading a + life of concealment in obedience to virtue, will surely never perish. It + is even this that my mind surmiseth. Therefore, O Bharata, I am for + employing the aid of honest counsel in our behaviour towards the sons of + Pandu. It would not be the policy of any wise man to cause them to be + discovered now by means of spies,<a href="#linknote-421" + name="linknoteref-421" id="linknoteref-421">21</a> what we should do unto + the sons of Pandu, I shall say, reflecting with the aid of the intellect. + Know that I shall say nothing from ill will to thee. People like me should + never give such counsels to him that is dishonest, for only counsels (like + those I would give) should be offered unto them that are honest. Counsels, + however, that are evil, should under no circumstances be offered. He, O + child, that is devoted to truth and obedient to the aged, he, indeed, that + is wise, while speaking in the midst of an assembly, should under all + circumstances speak the truth, if the acquisition of virtue be an object + with him. I should, therefore, say that I think differently from all those + people here, in respect of the abode of Yudhishthira the just in this the + thirteenth year of his exile. The ruler, O child, of the city or the + province where king Yudhishthira resides cannot have any misfortune. + Charitable and liberal and humble and modest must the people be of the + country where king Yudhishthira resides. Agreeable in speech, with + passions under control, observant of truth, cheerful, healthy, pure in + conduct, and skilful in work must the people be of the country where king + Yudhishthira resides. The people of the place, where Yudhishthira is, + cannot be envious or malicious, or vain, or proud, but must all adhere to + their respective duties. Indeed, in the place where Yudhishthira resides, + Vedic hymns will be chanted all around, sacrifices will be performed, the + last full libations will always be poured, <a href="#linknote-422" + name="linknoteref-422" id="linknoteref-422">22</a> and gifts to Brahmanas + will always be in profusion. There the clouds, without doubt, pour + abundant rain, and furnished with good harvest the country will ever be + without fear. There the paddy will not be without grain, fruits will not + be bereft of juice, floral garlands will not be without fragrance, and the + conversation of men will always be full of agreeable words. There where + king Yudhishthira resides, the breezes will be delicious, the meetings of + men will always be friendly, and cause of fear there will be none. There + kine will be plentiful, without any of them being lean-fleshed or weak, + and milk and curds and butter will all be savoury and nutritious. There + where king Yudhishthira resides, every kind of corn will be full of + nutrition and every edible full of flavour. There where king Yudhishthira + resides, the objects of all the senses, viz.,—taste, touch, smell, + and hearing, will be endued with excellent attributes. There where king + Yudhishthira resides, the sights and scenes will be gladdening. And the + regenerate ones of that place will be virtuous and steady in observing + their respective duties. Indeed, in the country where the sons of Pandu + may have taken up their abode during this thirteenth year of their exile, + the people will be contented and cheerful, pure in conduct and without + misery of any kind. Devoted to gods and guests and the worship of these + with their whole soul, they will be fond of giving away, and filled with + great energy, they will all be observant of eternal virtue. There where + king Yudhishthira resides, the people, eschewing all that is evil, will be + desirous of achieving only what is good. Always observant of sacrifices + and pure vows, and hating untruth in speech, the people of the place where + king Yudhishthira may reside will always be desirous of obtaining what is + good, auspicious and beneficial. There where Yudhishthira resides, the + people will certainly be desirous of achieving what is good, and their + hearts will always incline towards virtue, and their vows being agreeable + they themselves are ever-engaged in the acquisition of religious merit. O + child, that son of Pritha in whom are intelligence and charity, the + highest tranquillity and undoubted forgiveness, modesty and prosperity, + and fame and great energy and a love for all creatures, is incapable of + being found out (now that he hath concealed himself) even by Brahmanas, + let alone ordinary persons. The wise Yudhishthira is living in close + disguise in regions whose characteristics I have described. Regarding his + excellent mode of life, I dare not say anything more. Reflecting well upon + all this, do without loss of time what thou mayst think to be beneficial, + O prince of the Kuru race, if indeed, thou hast any faith in me.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0029" id="link42H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then Saradwata’s son, Kripa said, ‘What the aged + Bhishma hath said concerning the Pandavas is reasonable, suited to the + occasion, consistent with virtue and profit, agreeable to the ear, fraught + with sound reason, and worthy of him. Listen also to what I would say on + this subject. It behoveth thee to ascertain the track they have followed + and their abode also by means of spies,<a href="#linknote-423" + name="linknoteref-423" id="linknoteref-423">23</a> and to adopt that + policy which may bring about thy welfare. O child, he that is solicitous + of his welfare should not disregard even an ordinary foe. What shall I + say, then, O child, of the Pandavas who are thorough masters of all + weapons in battle. When, therefore, the time cometh for the reappearance + of the high-souled Pandavas, who, having entered the forest,<a + href="#linknote-424" name="linknoteref-424" id="linknoteref-424">24</a> + are now passing their days in close disguise, thou shouldst ascertain thy + strength both in thy own kingdom and in those of other kings. Without + doubt, the return of the Pandavas is at hand. When their promised term of + exile is over, the illustrious and mighty sons of Pritha, endued with + immeasurable prowess, will come hither bursting with energy. Do thou, + therefore, in order to conclude an advantageous treaty with them, have + recourse to sound policy and address thyself to increase thy forces and + improve the treasury. O child, ascertaining all these, reckon thou thy own + strength in respect of all thy allies weak and strong.<a + href="#linknote-425" name="linknoteref-425" id="linknoteref-425">25</a> + Ascertaining the efficiency, and weakness, and indifference of thy forces, + as also who amongst them are well-affected and who are disaffected, we + should either fight the foe or make treaty with him. Having recourse to + the arts of conciliation, disunion, chastisement, bribery, presents and + fair behaviour, attack thy foes and subdue the weak by might, and win over + thy allies and troops and by soft speeches. When thou hast (by these + means) strengthened thy army and filled thy treasury, entire success will + be thine. When thou hast done all this, thou wilt be able to fight with + powerful enemies that may present themselves, let alone the sons of Pandu + deficient in troops and animals of their own. By adopting all these + expedients according to the customs of thy order, thou wilt, O foremost of + men, attain enduring happiness in due time!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0030" id="link42H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Discomfited before, O monarch, many a time and oft by + Matsya’s Suta Kichaka aided by the Matsyas and the Salyas, the mighty king + of the Trigartas, Susarman, who owned innumerable cars, regarding the + opportunity to be a favourable one, then spoke the following words without + losing a moment. And, O monarch, forcibly vanquished along with his + relatives by the mighty Kichaka, king Susarman, eyeing Karna in askance, + spoke these words unto Duryodhana, ‘My kingdom hath many a time been + forcibly invaded by the king of the Matsyas. The mighty Kichaka was that + king’s generalissimo. Crooked and wrathful and of wicked soul, of prowess + famed over all the world, sinful in deeds and highly cruel, that wretch, + however, hath been slain by the Gandharvas. Kichaka being dead, king + Virata, shorn of pride and his refuge gone, will, I imagine, lose all + courage I think, we ought now to invade that kingdom, if it pleases thee, + O sinless one, as also the illustrious Karna and all the Kauravas. The + accident that hath happened is, I imagine, a favourable one for us. Let + us, therefore, repair to Virata’s kingdom abounding in corn. We will + appropriate his gems and other wealth of diverse kinds, and let us go to + share with each other as regards his villages and kingdom. Or, invading + his city by force, let us carry off by thousands his excellent kine of + various species. Uniting, O king, the forces of the Kauravas and the + Trigartas, let us lift his cattle in droves. Or, uniting our forces well, + we will check his power by forcing him to sue for peace. Or, destroying + his entire host, we will bring Matsya under subjection. Having brought him + under subjection by just means, we will live in our kingdom happily, while + thy power also will, without doubt, be enhanced.’ Hearing these words of + Susarman, Karna addressed the king, saying, ‘Susarman hath spoken well; + the opportunity is favourable and promises to be profitable to us. + Therefore, if it pleases thee, O sinless one, let us, drawing up our + forces in battle array and marshalling them in divisions, speedily set + out. Or, let the expedition be managed as Saradwata’s son Kripa, the + preceptor Drona, and the wise and aged grandsire of the Kurus may think. + Consulting with each other, let us, O lord of earth, speedily set out to + attain our end. What business have we with the sons of Pandu, destitute as + they are of wealth, might, and prowess? They have either disappeared for + good or have gone to the abode of Yama. We will, O king, repair without + anxiety to Virata’s city, and plunder his cattle and other wealth of + diverse kinds.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Accepting these words of Karna, the son of Surya, + king Duryodhana speedily commanded his brother Dussasana, born immediately + after him and always obedient to his wishes, saying, ‘Consulting with the + elders, array without delay, our forces. We will, with all the Kauravas go + to the appointed place. Let also the mighty warrior, king Susarman, + accompanied by a sufficient force with vehicles and animals, set out with + the Trigartas for the dominions of Matsyas. And let Susarman proceed + first, carefully concealing his intention. Following in their wake, we + will set out the day after in close array, for the prosperous dominions of + king Matsya. Let the Trigartas, however, suddenly repair to the city of + Virata, and coming upon the cowherds, seize that immense wealth (of kine). + We also marching in two divisions, will seize thousands of excellent kine + furnished with auspicious marks.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then, O Lord of earth, those warriors, the + Trigartas, accompanied by their infantry of terrible prowess, marched + towards the south-eastern direction, intending to wage hostilities with + Virata from the desire of seizing his kine. And Susarman set out on the + seventh day of the dark fortnight for seizing the kine. And then, O king, + on the eighth day following of the dark fortnight, the Kauravas also + accompanied by all their troops, began to seize the kine by thousands." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0031" id="link42H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O mighty king, entering into king Virata’s service, + and dwelling in disguise in his excellent city, the high-souled Pandavas + of immeasurable prowess, completed the promised period of non-discovery. + And after Kichaka had been slain, that slayer of hostile heroes, the + mighty king Virata began to rest his hopes on the sons of Kunti. And it + was on the expiry of the thirteenth year of their exile, O Bharata, that + Susarman seized Virata’s cattle by thousands. And when the cattle had been + seized, the herdsman of Virata came with great speed to the city, and saw + his sovereign, the king of Matsyas, seated on the throne in the midst of + wise councillors, and those bulls among men, the sons of Pandu, and + surrounded by brave warriors decked with ear-rings and bracelets. And + appearing before that enhancer of his dominion—King Virata seated in + court—the herdsman bowed down unto him, and addressed him, saying, + ‘O foremost of kings, defeating and humiliating us in battle along with + our friends the Trigartas are seizing thy cattle by hundreds and by + thousands. Do thou, therefore, speedily rescue them. Oh, see that they are + not lost to thee.’ Hearing these words, the king arrayed for battle the + Matsya force abounding in cars and elephants and horses and infantry and + standards. And kings and princes speedily put on, each in its proper + place,<a href="#linknote-426" name="linknoteref-426" id="linknoteref-426">26</a> + their shining and beautiful armour worthy of being worn by heroes. And + Virata’s beloved brother, Satanika, put on a coat of mail made of + adamantine steel, adorned with burnished gold. And Madiraksha, next in + birth to Satanika, put on a strong coat of mail plated with gold<a + href="#linknote-427" name="linknoteref-427" id="linknoteref-427">27</a> + and capable of resisting every weapon. And the coat of mail that the king + himself of the Matsyas put on was invulnerable and decked with a hundred + suns, a hundred circles, a hundred spots, and a hundred eyes. And the coat + of mail that Suryadatta<a href="#linknote-428" name="linknoteref-428" + id="linknoteref-428">28</a> put on was bright as the sun, plated with + gold, and broad as a hundred lotuses of the fragrant (Kahlara) species. + And the coat of mail that Virata’s eldest son, the heroic Sanksha, put on + was impenetrable and made of burnished steel, and decked with a hundred + eyes of gold. And it was thus that those god-like and mighty warriors by + hundreds, furnished with weapons, and eager for battle, each donned his + corselet. And then they yoked unto their excellent cars of white-hue + steeds equipped in mail. And then was hoisted Matsya’s glorious standard + on his excellent car decked with gold and resembling the sun or the moon + in its effulgence. And other Kshatriya warriors also raised on their + respective cars gold-decked standards of various shapes and devices. And + king Matsya then addressed his brother Satanika born immediately after + him, saying, ‘Kanka and Vallava and Tantripala and Damagranthi of great + energy will, as it appears to me fight, without doubt. Give thou unto them + cars furnished with banners and let them case their persons in beautiful + coats of mail that should be both invulnerable and easy to wear. And let + them also have weapons. Bearing such martial forms and possessed of arms + resembling the trunk of mighty elephants, I can never persuade myself that + they cannot fight.’ Hearing these words of the king, Satanika, O monarch, + immediately ordered cars for those sons of Pritha, viz., the royal + Yudhishthira, and Bhima, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and commanded by the + king, the charioteers, with cheerful hearts and keeping loyalty in view, + very soon got cars ready (for the Pandavas). And those repressers of foes + then donned those beautiful coats of mail, invulnerable and easy to wear, + that Virata had ordered for those heroes of spotless fame. And mounted on + cars yoked with good steeds, those smiters of hostile ranks, those + foremost of men, the sons of Pritha, set out with cheerful hearts. Indeed, + those mighty warriors skilled in fight, those bulls of the Kuru race and + sons of Pandu, those four heroic brothers possessed of prowess incapable + of being baffled, mounting on cars decked with gold, together set out, + following Virata’s wake. And infuriate elephants of terrible mien, full + sixty years of age, with shapely tusks and rent temples and juice + trickling down and looking (on that account) like cloud pouring rain and + mounted by trained warriors skilled in fight, followed the king like unto + moving hills. And the principal warriors of Matsya who cheerfully followed + the king had eight thousand cars, a thousand elephants and sixty thousand + horses. And, O bull among the Bharatas, that force of Virata, O king, as + it marched forth marking the footprints of the cattle looked exceedingly + beautiful. And on its march that foremost of armies owned by Virata, + crowded with soldiers armed with strong weapons, and abounding in + elephants, horses and cars, looked really splendid." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0032" id="link42H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Marching out of the city, those heroic smiters the + Matsyas, arrayed in order of battle, overtook the Trigartas when the sun + had passed the meridian. And both excited to fury and both desirous of + having the king, the mighty Trigartas and the Matsyas, irrepressible in + battle, sent up loud roars. And then the terrible and infuriate elephants + ridden over by the skilful combatants of both sides were urged on with + spiked clubs and hooks. And the encounter, O king, that took place when + the sun was low in the horizon, between the infantry and cavalry and + chariots and elephants of both parties, was like unto that of old between + the gods and the Asuras, terrible and fierce and sufficient for making + one’s hair stand on end and calculated to increase the population of + Yama’s kingdom. And as the combatants rushed against one another, smiting + and slashing, thick clouds of dust began to rise, so that nothing could be + discovered. And covered with the dust raised by the contending armies, + birds began to drop down on the earth. And the sun himself disappeared + behind the thick cloud of arrows shot, and the firmament looked bright as + if with myriads of the fireflies. And shifting their bows, the staves of + which were decked with gold, from one hand to another, those heroes began + to strike each other down, discharging their arrows right and left. And + cars encountered cars, and foot-soldiers fought with foot-soldiers, and + horse-men with horsemen, and elephants with mighty elephants. And they + furiously encountered one another with swords and axes, bearded darts and + javelins, and iron clubs. And although, O king, those mighty-armed + warriors furiously assailed one another in that conflict, yet neither + party succeeded in prevailing over the other. And severed heads, some with + beautiful noses, some with upper lips deeply gashed, some decked with + ear-rings, and some divided with wounds about the well-trimmed hair were + seen rolling on the ground covered with dust. And soon the field of battle + was overspread with the limbs of Kshatriya warriors, cut off by means of + arrows and lying like trunks of Sala trees. And scattered over with heads + decked in ear-rings, and sandal-besmeared arms looking like the bodies of + snakes, the field of battle became exceedingly beautiful. And as cars + encountered cars, and horsemen encountered horsemen, and foot-soldiers + fought with foot-soldiers, and elephants met with elephants, the frightful + dust soon became drenched with torrents of blood. And some amongst the + combatants began to swoon away, and the warriors began to fight reckless + of consideration of humanity, friendship and relationship. And both their + course and sight obstructed by the arrowy shower, vultures began to alight + on the ground. But although those strong-armed combatants furiously fought + with one another, yet the heroes of neither party succeeded in routing + their antagonists. And Satanika having slain a full hundred of the enemy + and Visalaksha full four hundred, both those mighty warriors penetrated + into the heart of the great Trigarta host. And having entered into the + thick of the Trigarta host, those famous and mighty heroes began to + deprive their antagonists of their senses by causing a closer conflict to + set in—a conflict, in which the combatants seized one another by the + hair and tore one another with their nails.<a href="#linknote-429" + name="linknoteref-429" id="linknoteref-429">29</a> And eyeing the point + where the cars of the Trigartas had been mustered in strong numbers, those + heroes at last directed their attack towards it. And that foremost of + car-warriors, king Virata also, with Suryadatta in his van and Madiraksha + in his rear, having destroyed in that conflict five hundred cars, eight + hundred horses, and five warriors on great cars, displayed various skilful + manoeuvres on his car on that field of battle. And at last the king came + upon the ruler of the Trigartas mounted on a golden chariot. And those + high-souled and powerful warriors, desirous of fighting, rushed roaring + against each like two bulls in a cow-pen. Then that bull among men, + irrepressible in battle, Susarman, the king of the Trigartas, challenged + Matsya to a single combat on car. Then those warriors excited to fury + rushed against each other on their cars and began to shower their arrows + upon each other like clouds pouring torrents of rain.<a + href="#linknote-430" name="linknoteref-430" id="linknoteref-430">30</a> + And enraged with each other, those fierce warriors, both skilled in + weapons, both wielding swords and darts and maces, then moved about (on + the field of battle) assailing each other with whetted arrows. Then king + Virata pierced Susarman with ten shafts and each of his four horses also + with five shafts. And Susarman also, irresistible in battle and conversant + with fatal weapons, pierced king of Matsya with fifty whetted shafts. And + then, O mighty monarch, in consequence of the dust on the field of battle, + the soldiers of both Susarman and Matsya’s king could not distinguish one + another." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0033" id="link42H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then, O Bharata, when the world was enveloped in dust + and the gloom of night, the warriors of both sides, without breaking the + order of battle, desisted for a while.<a href="#linknote-431" + name="linknoteref-431" id="linknoteref-431">31</a> And then, dispelling + the darkness the moon arose illumining the night and gladdening the hearts + of the Kshatriya warriors. And when everything became visible, the battle + once more began. And it raged on so furiously that the combatants could + not distinguish one another. And then Trigarta’s lord, Susarman with his + younger brother, and accompanied by all his cars, rushed towards the king + of Matsya. And descending from their cars, those bulls among Kshatriyas, + the (royal) brothers, mace in hand, rushed furiously towards the cars of + the foe. And the hostile hosts fiercely assailed each other with maces and + swords and scimitars, battle-axes and bearded darts with keen edges and + points of excellent temper. And king Susarman, the lord of the Trigartas + having by his energy oppressed and defeated the whole army of the Matsyas, + impetuously rushed towards Virata himself endued with great energy. And + the two brothers having severally slain Virata’s two steeds and his + charioteer, as also those soldiers that protected his rear, took him + captive alive, when deprived of his car. Then afflicting him sorely, like + a lustful man afflicting a defenceless damsel, Susarman placed Virata on + his own car, and speedily rushed out of the field. And when the powerful + Virata, deprived of his car, was taken captive, the Matsyas, harrassed + solely by the Trigartas, began to flee in fear in all directions. And + beholding them panic-stricken, Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, addressed that + subduer of foes, the mighty-armed Bhima, saying, ‘The king of the Matsyas + hath been taken by the Trigartas. Do thou, O mighty-armed one, rescue him, + so that he may not fall under the power of the enemy. As we have lived + happily in Virata’s city, having every desire of ours gratified, it + behoveth thee, O Bhimasena, to discharge that debt (by liberating the + king).’ Thereat Bhimasena replied, ‘I will liberate him, O king, at thy + command. Mark the feat I achieve (today) in battling with the foe, relying + solely on the might of my arms. Do thou, O king, stay aside, along with + our brothers and witness my prowess today. Uprooting this mighty tree of + huge trunk looking like a mace, I will rout the enemy.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Beholding Bhima casting his eyes on that tree + like a mad elephant, the heroic king Yudhishthira the just spake unto his + brother, saying, ‘Do not, O Bhima, commit such a rash act. Let the tree + stand there. Thou must not achieve such feats in a super-human manner by + means of that tree, for if thou dost, the people, O Bharata, will + recognise thee and say, This is Bhima. Take thou, therefore, some human + weapon such as a bow (and arrows), or a dart, or a sword, or a battle-axe. + And taking therefore, O Bhima, some weapon that is human, liberate thou + the king without giving anybody the means of knowing thee truly. The twins + endued with great strength will defend thy wheels. Fighting together, O + child, liberate the king of the Matsyas!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, the mighty Bhimasena endued with + great speed, quickly took up an excellent bow and impetuously shot from it + a shower of arrows, thick as the downpour of a rain-charged cloud. And + Bhima then rushed furiously towards Susarman of terrible deeds, and + assuring Virata with the words—‘O good king!’<a href="#linknote-432" + name="linknoteref-432" id="linknoteref-432">32</a> said unto the lord of + the Trigartas,—‘Stay! Stay!’ Seeing Bhima like unto Yama himself in + his rear, saying, ‘Stay! Stay! Do thou witness this mighty feat,’—this + combat that is at hand!—the bull among warriors, Susarman, seriously + considered (the situation), and taking up his bow turned back, along with + his brothers. Within the twinkling of an eye, Bhima destroyed those cars + that sought to oppose him. And soon again hundreds of thousands of cars + and elephants and horses and horsemen and brave and fierce bowmen were + overthrown by Bhima in the very sight of Virata. And the hostile infantry + also began to be slaughtered by the illustrious Bhima, mace in hand. And + beholding that terrible onslaught, Susarman, irrepressible in fight, + thought within himself, ‘My brother seems to have already succumbed in the + midst of his mighty host. Is my army going to be annihilated?’ And drawing + his bow-string to his ear Susarman then turned back and began to shoot + keen-edged shafts incessantly. And seeing the Pandavas return to the + charge on their car, the Matsya warriors of mighty host, urging on their + steeds, shot excellent weapons for grinding the Trigarta soldiers. And + Virata’s son also, exceedingly exasperated began to perform prodigious + fears of valour. And Kunti’s son Yudhishthira slew a thousand (of the + foe), and Bhima showed the abode of Yama unto seven thousand. And Nakula + sent seven hundred (to their last account) by means of his shafts. And + powerful Sahadeva also, commanded by Yudhishthira, slew three hundred + brave warriors. And having slain such numbers, that fierce and mighty + warrior, Yudhishthira, with weapons upraised, rushed against Susarman. And + rushing impetuously at Susarman, that foremost of car-warriors, king + Yudhishthira, assailed him with vollies of shafts. And Susarman also, in + great rage, quickly pierced Yudhishthira with nine arrows, and each of his + four steeds with four arrows. Then, O king, Kunti’s son Bhima of quick + movements, approaching Susarman crushed his steeds. And having slain also + those soldiers that protected his rear, he dragged from the car his + antagonist’s charioteer to the ground. And seeing the king of Trigarta’s + car without a driver, the defender of his car-wheels, the famous and brave + Madiraksha speedily came to his aid. And thereat, leaping down from + Susarman’s car, and securing the latter’s mace the powerful Virata ran in + pursuit of him. And though old, he moved on the field, mace in hand, even + like a lusty youth. And beholding Susarman flee Bhima addressed him, + saying, ‘Desist, O Prince! This flight of thine is not proper! With this + prowess of thine, how couldst thou wish to carry off the cattle by force? + How also, forsaking thy follower, dost thou droop so amidst foes?’ Thus + addressed by Pritha’s son, the mighty Susarman, that lord of countless + cars saying unto Bhima, ‘Stay! Stay!’—suddenly turned round and + rushed at him. Then Bhima, the son of Pandu, leaping down from his car, as + he alone could do,<a href="#linknote-433" name="linknoteref-433" + id="linknoteref-433">33</a> rushed forward with great coolness, desirous + of taking Susarman’s life. And desirous of seizing Trigarta’s king + advancing towards him, the mighty Bhimasena rushed impetuously towards + him, even like a lion rushing at a small deer. And advancing impetuously, + the mighty-armed Bhima seized Susarman by the hair, and lifting him up in + wrath, dashed him down on the ground. And as he lay crying in agony, the + mighty-armed Bhima kicked him at the head, and placing his knee on his + breast dealt him severe blows. And sorely afflicted with that kicking, the + king of Trigartas became senseless. And when the king of the Trigartas + deprived of his car, had been seized thus, the whole Trigarta army + stricken with panic, broke and fled in all directions, and the mighty sons + of Pandu, endued with modesty and observant of vows and relying on the + might of their own arms, after having vanquished Susarman, and rescued the + kine as well as other kinds of wealth and having thus dispelled Virata’s + anxiety, stood together before that monarch. And Bhimasena then said, + ‘This wretch given to wicked deeds doth not deserve to escape me with + life. But what can I do? The king is so lenient!’ And then taking Susarman + by the neck as he was lying on the ground insensible and covered with + dust, and binding him fast, Pritha’s son Vrikodara placed him on his car, + and went to where Yudhishthira was staying in the midst of the field. And + Bhima then showed Susarman unto the monarch. And beholding Susarman in + that plight, that tiger among men king Yudhishthira smilingly addressed + Bhima—that ornament of battle,—saying, ‘Let this worst of men + be set free.’ Thus addressed, Bhima spoke unto the mighty Susarman, + saying, ‘If, O wretch, thou wishest to live, listen to those words of + mine. Thou must say in every court and assembly of men,—“I am a + slave.” On this condition only I will grant thee thy life. Verily, this is + the law about the vanquished.’ Thereupon his elder brother affectionately + addressed Bhima, saying, ‘If thou regardest us as an authority, liberate + this wicked wight. He hath already become king Virata’s slave.’ And + turning then to Susarman, he said, ‘Thou art freed. Go thou a free man, + and never act again in this way.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0034" id="link42H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by Yudhishthira Susarman was + overwhelmed with shame and hung down his head. And liberated (from + slavery), he went to king Virata, and having saluted the monarch, took his + departure. And the Pandavas also replying on the might of their own arms, + and endued with modesty and observant of vows, having slain their enemies + and liberated Susarman, passed that night happily on the field of battle. + And Virata gratified those mighty warriors, the sons of Kunti, possessed + of super-human prowess with wealth and honour. And Virata said, ‘All these + gems of mine are now as much mine as yours. Do ye according to your + pleasure live here happily. And ye smiter of foes in battle, I will bestow + on you damsels decked with ornaments, wealth in plenty, and other things + that ye may like. Delivered from perils today by your prowess, I am now + crowned with victory. Do ye all become the lords of the Matsyas.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And when the king of the Matsyas had addressed + them thus, those descendants of the Kurus with Yudhishthira at their head, + joining their hands, severally replied unto him saying, ‘We are + well-pleased with all that thou sayest, O monarch. We, however, have been + much gratified that thou hast today been freed from thy foes.’ Thus + answered, that foremost of kings, Virata the lord of the Matsyas, again + addressed Yudhishthira, saying, ‘Come, we will install thee in sovereignty + of the Matsyas. And we will also bestow on thee things that are rare on + earth and are objects of desire, for thou deservest everything at our + hands. O foremost of Brahmanas of the Vaiyaghra order I will bestow on + thee gems and kine and gold and rubies and pearls. I bow unto thee. It is + owing to thee that I once more behold today my sons and kingdom. Afflicted + and threatened as I had been with disaster and danger, it is through thy + prowess that I have not succumbed to the foe.’ Then Yudhishthira again + addressed the Matsyas, saying, ‘Well-pleased are we with the delightful + words that thou hast spoken. Mayst thou be ever happy, always practising + humanity towards all creatures. Let messengers now, at thy command, + speedily repair into the city, in order to communicate the glad tidings to + our friends, and proclaim thy victory.’ Hearing these words of him, king + Matsya ordered the messengers, saying, ‘Do ye repair to the city and + proclaim my victory in battle. And let damsels and courtesans, decked in + ornaments, come out of the city with every kind of musical instruments.’ + Hearing this command uttered by the king of the Matsyas, the men, laying + the mandate on their head, all departed with cheerful hearts. And having + repaired to the city that very night, they proclaimed at the hour of + sunrise the victory of the king about the city-gates." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0035" id="link42H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When the king of the Matsyas, anxious of recovering + the kine, had set out in pursuit of the Trigartas, Duryodhana with his + counsellors invaded the dominions of Virata. And Bhishma and Drona, and + Karna, and Kripa acquainted with the best of weapons, Aswatthaman, and + Suvala’s son, and Dussasana, O lord of men, and Vivinsati and Vikarna and + Chitrasena endued with great energy, and Durmukha and Dussaha,—these + and many other great warriors, coming upon the Matsya dominion speedily + drove off the cowherds of king Virata and forcibly took away the kine. And + the Kauravas, surrounding all sides with a multitude of cars, seized sixty + thousands of kine. And loud was the yell of woe set up by the cowherds + smitten by those warriors in that terrible conflict. And the chief of the + cowherds, greatly affrighted speedily mounted on a chariot and set out for + the city, bewailing in affliction. And entering the city of the king, he + proceeded to the palace, and speedily alighting from the chariot, got in + for relating (what had happened). And beholding the proud son of Matsya, + named Bhuminjaya, he told him everything about the seizure of the royal + kine. And he said, ‘the Kauravas are taking away sixty thousand kine. + Rise, therefore, O enhancer of the kingdom’s glory, for bringing back thy + cattle. O prince, if thou art desirous of achieving (the kingdom’s) good + set out thyself without loss of time. Indeed, the king of the Matsyas left + thee in the empty city. The king (thy father) boasteth of thee in court, + saying, “My son, equal unto me, is a hero and is the supporter of (the + glory of) my race. My son is a warrior skilled in arrows and weapons and + is always possessed of great courage.”—Oh, let the words of that + lord of men be true! O chief of herd-owners, bring thou back the kine + after vanquishing the Kurus, and consume thou their troops with the + terrific energy of thy arrows. Do thou like a leader of elephants rushing + at a herd, pierce the ranks of the foe with straight arrows of golden + wings, discharged from thy bow. Thy bow is even like a Vina. Its two ends + represent the ivory pillows; its string, the main chord; its staff, the + finger-board; and the arrows shot from it musical notes. Do thou strike in + the midst of the foe that Vina of musical sound.<a href="#linknote-434" + name="linknoteref-434" id="linknoteref-434">34</a> Let thy steeds, O lord, + of silvery hue, be yoked unto thy car, and let thy standard be hoisted, + bearing the emblem of the golden lion. Let thy keen-edged arrows endued + with wings of gold, shot by thy strong arms, obstruct the path of those + kings and eclipse the very sun. Vanquishing all the Kurus in battle like + unto the wielder of the thunderbolt defeating the Asuras, return thou + again to the city having achieved great renown. Son of Matsya’s king, thou + art the sole refuge of this kingdom, as that foremost of virtuous + warriors, Arjuna is of the sons of Pandu. Even like Arjuna of his + brothers, thou art, without doubt, the refuge of those dwelling within + these dominions. Indeed, we, the subject of this realm, have our protector + in thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by the cowherd in the presence of + the females, in words breathing courage, the prince indulging in + self-commendation within the female apartments, spoke these words." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0036" id="link42H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Firm as I am in the use of the bow, I would set out this + very day in the track of the kine if only some one skilled in the + management of horses becomes my charioteer. I do not, however, know the + man who may be my charioteer. Look ye, therefore, without delay, for a + charioteer for me that am prepared for starting. My own charioteer was + slain in the great battle that was fought from day to day for a whole + month or at least for eight and twenty nights. As soon as I get another + person conversant with the management of the steeds, I will immediately + set out, hoisting high my own standard. Penetrating into the midst of the + hostile army abounding with elephants and horses and chariots, I will + bring back the kine, having vanquished the Kurus who are feeble in + strength and weak in weapons. Like a second wielder of the thunderbolt + terrifying the Danavas, I will bring back the kine this very moment, + affrighting in battle Duryodhana and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and Drona + with his son, and other mighty bowmen assembled for fight. Finding none + (to oppose), the Kurus are taking away the kine. What can I do when I am + not there? The assembled Kurus shall witness my prowess today. And they + shall say unto one another, “Is it Arjuna himself who is opposing us?”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having heard these words spoken by the prince, + Arjuna fully acquainted with the import of everything, after a little + while cheerfully spake in private unto his dear wife of faultless beauty, + Krishna, the princess of Panchala, Drupada’s daughter of slender make, + sprung from the (sacrificial) fire and endued with the virtues of + truthfulness and honesty and ever attentive to the good of her husbands. + And the hero said, ‘Do thou, O beauteous one, at my request say unto + Uttara without delay, “This Vrihannala was formerly the accomplished + resolute charioteer of Pandu’s son (Arjuna). Tried in many a great battle, + even he will be thy charioteer.”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words uttered by the prince over + and over again in the midst of the women, Panchali could not quietly bear + those allusions to Vibhatsu. And bashfully stepping out from among the + women, the poor princess of Panchala gently spake unto him these words, + ‘The handsome youth, looking like a mighty elephant and known by the name + of Vrihannala, was formerly the charioteer of Arjuna. A disciple of that + illustrious warrior, and inferior to none in use of the bow, he was known + to me while I was living with the Pandavas. It was by him that the reins + were held of Arjuna’s excellent steeds when Agni consumed the forest of + Khandava. It was with him as charioteer that Partha conquered all + creatures at Khandava-prastha. In fact, there is no charioteer equal unto + him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Thou knowest, O Sairindhri, this youth. Thou knowest, what + this one of the neuter sex may or may not be, I cannot, however, O blessed + one, myself request Vrihannala to hold the reins of my horses.’ + </p> + <p> + “Draupadi said, ‘Vrihannala, O hero, will without doubt, obey the words of + thy younger sister<a href="#linknote-435" name="linknoteref-435" + id="linknoteref-435">35</a>—that damsel of graceful hips. If he + consents to be thy charioteer, thou wilt, without doubt, return, having + vanquished the Kurus and rescued thy kine.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by the Sairindhri, Uttara spake unto his sister, ‘Go + thyself, O thou of faultless beauty, and bring Vrihannala hither.’ And + despatched by her brother, she hastily repaired to the dancing-hall where + that strong-armed son of Pandu was staying in disguise.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0037" id="link42H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus despatched by her elder brother, the far-famed + daughter of king Matsya, adorned with a golden necklace, ever obedient to + her brother and possessed of a waist slender as that of the wasp,<a + href="#linknote-436" name="linknoteref-436" id="linknoteref-436">36</a> + endued with the splendour of Lakshmi herself,<a href="#linknote-437" + name="linknoteref-437" id="linknoteref-437">37</a> decked with the plumes + of the peacock of slender make and graceful limbs, her hips encircled by a + zone of pearls, her eye-lashes slightly curved, and her form endued with + every grace, hastily repaired to the dancing-hall like a flash of + lightning rushing towards a mass of dark clouds.<a href="#linknote-438" + name="linknoteref-438" id="linknoteref-438">38</a> And the faultless and + auspicious daughter of Virata, of fine teeth and slender waist, of thighs + close unto each other and each like the trunk of an elephant, her person + embellished with an excellent garland, sought the son of Pritha like a + she-elephant seeking her mate. And like unto a precious gem or the very + embodiment of prosperity of Indra, of exceeding beauty and large eyes, + that charming and adored and celebrated damsel saluted Arjuna. And saluted + by her, Partha asked that maiden of close thighs and golden complexion, + saying ‘What brings thee hither, a damsel decked in a necklace of gold? + Why art thou in such a hurry, O gazelle-eyed maiden? Why is thy face, O + beauteous lady, so cheerless? Tell me all this without delay!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Beholding, O king, his friend, the princess of + large eyes (in that plight), her friend (Arjuna) cheerfully enquired of + her (in these words) the cause of her arrival there and then. And having + approached that bull among men, the princess, standing in the midst of her + female attendants, the displaying proper modesty<a href="#linknote-439" + name="linknoteref-439" id="linknoteref-439">39</a>, addressed him, saying, + ‘The kine of this realm, O Vrihannala, are being driven away by the Kurus, + and it is to conquer them that my brother will set out bow in hand. Not + long ago his own charioteer was slain in battle, and there is none equal + unto the one slain that can act as my brother’s charioteer. And unto him + striving to obtain a charioteer, Sairindhri, O Vrihannala, hath spoken + about thy skill in the management of steeds. Thou wert formerly the + favourite charioteer of Arjuna, and it was with thee that that bull among + the sons of Pandu had alone subjugated the whole earth. Do thou, + therefore, O Vrihannala, act as the charioteer of my brother. (By this + time) our kine have surely been driven away by the Kurus to a great + distance. Requested by me if thou dost not act up to my words, I who am + asking this service of thee out of affection, will give up my life!’ Thus + addressed by this friend of graceful hips, that oppressor of foes, endued + with immeasurable prowess, went into the prince’s presence. And like unto + a she-elephant running after her young one, the princess possessed of + large eyes followed that hero advancing with hasty steps like unto an + elephant with rent temples. And beholding him from a distance, the prince + himself said, ‘With thee as his charioteer, Dhananjaya the son of Kunti + had gratified Agni at the Khandava forest and subjugated the whole world! + The Sairindhri hath spoken of thee to me. She knoweth the Pandavas. Do + thou, therefore, O Vrihannala, hold, as thou didst, the reins of my + steeds, desirous as I am of fighting with the Kurus and rescuing my bovine + wealth. Thou wert formerly the beloved charioteer of Arjuna and it was + with thee that that bull among the sons of Pandu had alone subjugated the + whole earth!’ Thus addressed, Vrihannala replied unto the prince, saying, + ‘What ability have I to act as a charioteer in the field of battle? If it + is song or dance of musical instruments or such other things, I can + entertain thee therewith, but where is my skill for becoming a + charioteer?’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘O Vrihannala, be thou a singer or a dancer, hold thou (for + the present), without loss of time, the reins of my excellent steeds, + mounting upon my car!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Although that oppressor of foes, the son of + Pandu, was acquainted with everything, yet in the presence of Uttara, he + began to make many mistakes for the sake of fun. And when he sought to put + the coat of mail on his body by raising it upwards, the large-eyed + maidens, beholding it, burst out into a loud laughter. And seeing him + quite ignorant of putting on armour, Uttara himself equipped Vrihannala + with a costly coat of mail. And casing his own person in an excellent + armour of solar effulgence, and hoisting his standard bearing the figure + of a lion, the prince caused Vrihannala to become his charioteer. And with + Vrihannala to hold his reins, the hero set out, taking with him many + costly bows and a large number of beautiful arrows. And his friend, Uttara + and her maidens then said unto Vrihannala, ‘Do thou, O Vrihannala, bring + for our dolls (when thou comest back) various kinds of good and fine + cloths after vanquishing the Kurus assembled for battle of whom Bhishma + and Drona are foremost!’ Thus addressed, Partha the son of Pandu, in a + voice deep as the roar of the clouds, smilingly said unto that bevy of + fair maidens, ‘If, thus Uttara can vanquish those mighty warriors in + battle, I will certainly bring excellent and beautiful cloths.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said these words, the heroic Arjuna urged + the steeds towards the Kuru army over which floated innumerable flags. + Just, however, as they were starting elderly dames and maidens, and + Brahmanas of rigid vows, beholding Uttara seated on his excellent car with + Vrihannala as charioteer and under that great banner hoisted on high, + walked round the car to bless the hero. And the women said, ‘Let the + victory that Arjuna treading like a bull had achieved of old on the + occasion of burning the forest of Khandava, be thine, O Vrihannala, when + thou encounterest the Kurus today with prince Uttara.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0038" id="link42H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having issued forth from the city, the dauntless son + of Virata addressed his charioteer, saying, ‘Proceed whither the Kurus + are. Defeating the assembled Kurus who have come hither from desire of + victory, and quickly rescuing my kine from them, I will return to the + capital.’ At these words of the prince, the son of Pandu urged those + excellent steeds. And endued with the speed of the wind and decked with + necklaces of gold, those steeds, urged by that lion among men, seemed to + fly through the air. And they had not proceeded far when those smiters of + foes, Dhananjaya and the son of Matsya, sighted the army of the powerful + Kurus. And proceeding towards the cemetery, they came upon the Kurus and + beheld their army arrayed in order of battle.<a href="#linknote-440" + name="linknoteref-440" id="linknoteref-440">40</a> And that large army of + theirs looked like the vast sea or a forest of innumerable trees moving + through the sky. And then was seen, O best among the Kurus, the dust + raised by that moving army which reached the sky and obstructed the sight + of all creatures. And beholding that mighty host abounding in elephants, + horses and chariots, and protected by Karna and Duryodhana and Kripa and + Santanu’s son, and that intelligent and great bowman Drona, with his son + (Aswatthaman), the son of Virata, agitated with fear and the bristles on + his body standing on their ends, thus spake unto Partha, ‘I dare not fight + with the Kurus. See, the bristles on my body have stood on their ends. I + am incapable of battling with this countless host of the Kurus, abounding + in the heroic warriors, that are extremely fierce and difficult of being + vanquished even by the celestials. I do not venture to penetrate into the + army of the Bharatas consisting of terrible bowmen and abounding in horses + and elephants and cars and footsoldiers and banners. My mind is too much + perturbed by the very sight of the foe on the field of battle on which + stand Drona and Bhishma, and Kripa, and Karna, and Vivinsati, and + Aswatthaman and Vikarna, and Saumadatti, and Vahlika, and the heroic king + Duryodhana also—that foremost of car-warriors, and many other + splendid bowmen, all skilled in battle. My hairs have stood on their ends, + and I am fainting with fear at the very sight of these smiters, the Kurus + arrayed in order of battle.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And the low-minded and foolish Uttara out of + folly alone, began to bewail (his fate) in the presence of the + high-spirited (Arjuna) disguised (as his charioteer) in these words, ‘My + father hath gone out to meet the Trigartas taking with him his whole army, + leaving me in the empty city. There are no troops to assist me. Alone and + a mere boy who has not undergone much exercise in arms, I am unable to + encounter these innumerable warriors and all skilled in weapons. Do thou, + therefore, O Vrihannala, cease to advance!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihannala said, ‘Why dost thou look so pale through fear and enhance the + joy of thy foes? As yet thou hast done nothing on the field of battle with + the enemy. It was thou that hadst ordered me, saying, Take me towards the + Kauravas. I will, therefore, take thee, thither where those innumerable + flags are. I will certainly take thee, O mighty-armed one, into the midst + of the hostile Kurus, prepared to fight as they are for the kine like + hawks for meat. I would do this, even if I regarded them to have come + hither for battling for a much higher stake such as the sovereignty of the + earth. Having, at the time of setting out, talked before both men and + women so highly of thy manliness, why wouldst thou desist from the fight? + If thou shouldst return home without recapturing the kine, brave men and + even women, when they meet together, will laugh at thee (in derision). As + regards myself, I cannot return to the city without having rescued the + kine, applauded as I have been so highly by the Sairindhri in respect of + my skill in driving cars. It is for those praises by the Sairindhri and + for those words of thine also (that I have come). Why should I not, + therefore, give battle to the Kurus? (As regards thyself), be thou still.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Let the Kurus rob the Matsyas of all their wealth. Let men + and women, O Vrihannala, laugh at me. Let my kine perish, let the city be + a desert. Let me stand exposed before my father. Still there is no need of + battle.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Saying this, that much affrighted prince decked + in ear-ring jumped down from his car, and throwing down his bow and arrows + began to flee, sacrificing honour and pride. Vrihannala, however, + exclaimed, ‘This is not the practice of the brave, this flight of a + Kshatriya from the field of battle. Even death in battle is better than + flight from fear.’ Having said this, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, coming + down from that excellent car ran after that prince thus running away, his + own long braid and pure red garments fluttering in the air. And some + soldiers, not knowing that it was Arjuna who was thus running with his + braid fluttering in the air, burst out into laughter at the sight. And + beholding him thus running, the Kurus began to argue, ‘Who is this person, + thus disguised like fire concealed in ashes? He is partly a man and partly + a woman. Although bearing a neuter form, he yet resembleth Arjuna. His are + the same head and neck, and his the same arms like unto a couple of maces. + And this one’s gait also is like unto his. He can be none else than + Dhananjaya. As Indra is among the celestials, so Dhananjaya is among men. + Who else in this world than Dhananjaya, would alone come against us? + Virata left a single son of his in the empty city. He hath come out from + childishness and not from true heroism. It is Uttara who must have come + out of the city, having, without doubt, made as a charioteer Arjuna, the + son of Pritha, now living in disguise. It seems that he is now flying away + in panic at sight of our army. And without doubt Dhananjaya runneth after + him to bring him back.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Beholding the disguised son of Pandu, the + Kauravas, O Bharata, began to indulge in these surmises, but they could + not come to any definite conclusion. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya, hastily + pursuing the retreating Uttara, seized him by the hair within a hundred + steps. And seized by Arjuna, the son of Virata began to lament most + woefully like one in great affliction, and said, ‘Listen, O good + Vrihannala, O thou of handsome waist. Turn thou quickly the course of the + car. He that liveth meeteth with prosperity. I will give thee a hundred + coins of pure gold and eight lapis lazuli of great brightness set with + gold, and one chariot furnished with a golden flag-staff and drawn by + excellent steeds, and also ten elephants of infuriate prowess. Do thou, O + Vrihannala, set me free.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, that tiger among men laughingly + dragged Uttara who was almost deprived of his senses and who was uttering + these words of lamentation towards the car. And the son of Pritha then + addressed the affrighted prince who had nearly lost his senses, saying, + ‘If, O chastiser of foes, thou dost not venture to fight with enemy, come + thou and hold the reins of the steeds as I fight with the foe. Protected + by the might of my arms, penetrate thou yon formidable and invincible + array of cars guarded by heroic and mighty warriors. Fear not, O chastiser + of foes, thou art a Kshatriya and the foremost of royal princes. Why dost + thou, O tiger among men, succumb in the midst of the foe? I shall surely + fight with the Kurus and recover the kine, penetrating into this + formidable and inaccessible array of cars. Be thou my charioteer, O best + of men, I will fight with the Kurus.’ Thus speaking unto Uttara, the son + of Virata, Vibhatsu, heretofore unconquered in battle, for a while + comforted him. And then the son of Pritha, that foremost of smiters, + raised on the car that fainting and reluctant prince stricken with fear!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0039" id="link42H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Beholding that bull among men seated on the car in the + habit of a person of the third sex, driving toward the Sami tree, having + taken (the flying) Uttara up, all the great car-warriors of the Kurus with + Bhishma and Drona at their head, became affrighted at heart, suspecting + the comer to be Dhananjaya. And seeing them so dispirited and marking also + the many wonderful portents, that foremost of all wielders of arms, the + preceptor Drona, son of Bharadwaja, said, ‘Violent and hot are the winds + that below, showering gravels in profusion. The sky also is overcast with + a gloom of ashy hue. The clouds present the strange sight of being dry and + waterless. Our weapons also of various kinds are coming out of their + cases. The jackals are yelling hideously affrighted at the conflagrations + on all sides.<a href="#linknote-441" name="linknoteref-441" + id="linknoteref-441">41</a> The horses too are shedding tears, and our + banners are trembling though moved by none. Such being the inauspicious + indications seen, a great danger is at hand. Stay ye with vigilance. + Protect ye your own selves and array the troops in order of battle. Stand + ye, expecting a terrible slaughter, and guard ye well the kine. This + mighty bowman, this foremost of all wielders of weapons, this hero that + hath come in the habit of a person of the third sex, is the son of Pritha. + There is no doubt of this.’ Then addressing Bhishma, the preceptor + continued, ‘O offspring of the Ganges, apparelled as a woman, this is + Kiriti called after a tree, the son of the enemy of the mountains, and + having on his banner the sign of devastator of the gardens of Lanka’s + lord. Vanquishing us he will surely take away the kine today! <a + href="#linknote-442" name="linknoteref-442" id="linknoteref-442">42</a> + This chastiser of foes is the valiant son of Pritha surnamed Savyasachin. + He doth not desist from conflict even with the gods and demons combined. + Put to great hardship in the forest he cometh in wrath. Taught by even + Indra himself, he is like unto Indra in battle. Therefore, ye Kauravas, I + do not see any hero who can withstand him. It is said that the lord + Mahadeva himself, disguised in the attire of a hunter, was gratified by + this son of Pritha in battle on the mountains of Himavat.’ Hearing these + words, Karna said, ‘You always censure us by speaking on the virtues of + Falguna. Arjuna, however, is not equal to even a full sixteenth part of + myself or Duryodhana!’ And Duryodhana said, ‘If this be Partha, O Radheya, + then my purpose hath already been fulfilled, for then, O king, if traced + out, the Pandavas shall have to wander for twelve years again. Or, if this + one be any other person in a eunuch’s garb, I will soon prostrate him on + the earth with keen-edged arrows.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The son of Dhritarashtra, O chastiser of foes, + having said this, Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Drona’s son all + applauded his manliness!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0040" id="link42H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having reached that Sami tree, and having ascertained + Virata’s son to be exceedingly delicate and inexperienced in battle, + Partha addressed him, saying, ‘Enjoined by me, O Uttara, quickly take down + (from this tree) some bows that are there. For these bows of thine are + unable to bear my strength, my heavy weight when I shall grind down horses + and elephants, and the stretch of my arms when I seek to vanquish the foe. + Therefore, O Bhuminjaya, climb thou up this tree of thick foliage, for in + this tree are tied the bows and arrows and banners and excellent coats of + mail of the heroic sons of Pandu, viz., Yudhishthira and Bhima and + Vibhatsu and the twins. There also is that bow of great energy, the + Gandiva of Arjuna, which singly is equal to many thousands of other bows + and which is capable of extending the limits of a kingdom. Large like a + palmyra tree, able to bear the greatest stress, the largest of all + weapons, capable of obstructing the foe, handsome, and smooth, and broad, + without a knot, and adorned with gold, it is stiff and beautiful in make + and beareth the heaviest weight. And the other bows also that are there, + of Yudhishthira and Bhima and Vibhatsu and the twins, are equally mighty + and tough.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0041" id="link42H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘It hath been heard by us that a corpse is tied in this + tree. How can I, therefore, being a prince by birth, touch it with my + hands? Born in the Kshatriya order, and the son of a great king, and + always observant of mantras and vows, it is not becoming of me to touch + it. Why shouldst thou, O Vrihannala, make me a polluted and unclean bearer + of corpses, by compelling me to come in contact with a corpse?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vrihannala said, ‘Thou shalt, O king of kings, remain clean and + unpolluted. Do not fear, there are only bows in this tree and not corpses. + Heir to the king of the Matsyas, and born in a noble family, why should I, + O prince, make thee do such a reproachable deed?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by Partha, Virata’s son, decked in + ear-rings, alighted from the car, and climbed up that Sami tree + reluctantly. And staying on the car, Dhananjaya, that slayer of enemies, + said, unto him, ‘Speedily bring thou down those bows from the top of the + tree.’ And cutting off their wrappings first and then the ropes with which + they were tied, the prince beheld the Gandiva there along with four other + bows. And as they were untied, the splendour of those bows radiant as the + sun, began to shine with great effulgence like unto that of the planets + about the time of their rising. And beholding the forms of those bows, so + like unto sighing snakes, he become afflicted with fear and in a moment + the bristles of his body stood on their ends. And touching those large + bows of great splendour, Virata’s son, O king, thus spake unto Arjuna!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0042" id="link42H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘To what warrior of fame doth this excellent bow belong, on + which are a hundred golden bosses and which hath such radiant ends? Whose + is this excellent bow of good sides and easy hold, on the staff of which + shine golden elephants of such brightness? Whose is this excellent bow, + adorned with three scores of Indragopakas <a href="#linknote-443" + name="linknoteref-443" id="linknoteref-443">43</a> of pure gold, placed on + the back of the staff at proper intervals? Whose is this excellent bow, + furnished with three golden suns of great effulgence, blazing forth with + such brilliancy? Whose is this beautiful bow which is variegated with gold + and gems, and on which are golden insects set with beautiful stones? Whose + are these arrows furnished with wing around, numbering a thousand, having + golden heads, and cased in golden quivers? Who owneth these large shafts, + so thick, furnished with vulturine wings whetted on stone, yellowish in + hue, sharp-pointed, well-tempered, and entirely made of iron? Whose is + this sable quiver, <a href="#linknote-444" name="linknoteref-444" + id="linknoteref-444">44</a> bearing five images of tigers, which holdeth + shafts intermixed with boar-eared arrows altogether numbering ten? Whose + are these seven hundred arrows, long and thick, capable of drinking (the + enemy’s) blood, and looking like the crescent-shaped moon? <a + href="#linknote-445" name="linknoteref-445" id="linknoteref-445">45</a> + Whose are these gold-crested arrows whetted on stones, the lower halves of + which are well-furnished with wings of the hue of parrots’ feather and the + upper halves, of well-tempered steels? <a href="#linknote-446" + name="linknoteref-446" id="linknoteref-446">46</a> Whose is this excellent + sword irresistible, and terrible to adversaries, with the mark of a toad + on it, and pointed like a toad’s head? <a href="#linknote-447" + name="linknoteref-447" id="linknoteref-447">47</a> Cased in variegated + sheath of tiger-skin, whose is this large sword of excellent blade and + variegated with gold and furnished with tinkling bells? Whose is this + handsome scimitar of polished blade and golden hilt? Manufactured in the + country of the Nishadas, irresistible, incapable of being broken, whose is + this sword of polished blade in a scabbard of cow-skin? Whose is this + beautiful and long sword, sable in hue as the sky, mounted with gold, + well-tempered, and cased in a sheath of goat-skin? Who owneth this heavy, + well-tempered, and broad sword, just longer than the breadth of thirty + fingers, polished by constant clash with other’s weapons and kept in a + case of gold, bright as fire? Whose is this beautiful scimitar of sable + blade covered with golden bosses, capable of cutting through the bodies of + adversaries, whose touch is as fatal as that of a venomous snake which is + irresistible and exciteth the terror of foes? Asked by me, O Vrihannala, + do thou answer me truly. Great is my wonder at the sight of all these + excellent objects.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0043" id="link42H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vrihannala said, ‘That about which thou hath first enquired is Arjuna’s + bow, of world-wide fame, called Gandiva, capable of devastating hostile + hosts. Embellished with gold, this Gandiva, the highest and largest of all + weapons belonged to Arjuna. Alone equal unto a hundred thousand weapons, + and always capable of extending the confines of kingdoms, it is with this + that Partha vanquisheth in battle both men and celestials. Worshipped ever + by the gods, the Danavas and the Gandharvas and variegated with excellent + colours, this large and smooth bow is without a knot or stain anywhere. + Shiva held it first for a thousand years. Afterwards Prajapati held it for + five hundred and three years. After that Sakra, for five and eighty years. + And then Soma held it for five hundred years. And after that Varuna held + it for a hundred years. And finally Partha, surnamed Swetavahana,<a + href="#linknote-448" name="linknoteref-448" id="linknoteref-448">48</a> + hath held it for five and sixty years.<a href="#linknote-449" + name="linknoteref-449" id="linknoteref-449">49</a> Endued with great + energy and of high celestial origin, this is the best of all bows. Adored + among gods and men, it hath a handsome form. Partha obtained this + beautiful bow from Varuna. This other bow of handsome sides and golden + handle is Bhima’s with which that son of Pritha, that chastiser of foes, + had conquered the whole of the eastern regions. This other excellent bow + of beautiful shape, adorned with images of Indragopakas, belongeth, O + Virata’s son, to king Yudhishthira. This other weapon with golden suns of + blazing splendour shedding a dazzling effulgence around, belongeth to + Nakula. And this bow adorned with golden images of insects and set also + with gems and stones, belongeth to that son of Madri who is called + Sahadeva. These winged arrows, thousand in number, sharp as razors and + destructive as the poison of snakes, belong, O Virata’s son, to Arjuna. + When shooting them in battle against foes, these swift arrows blaze forth + more brilliantly and become inexhaustible. And these long and thick shafts + resembling the lunar crescent in shape, keen-edged and capable of thinning + the enemy’s ranks, belong to Bhima. And this quiver bearing five images of + tigers, full of yellowish shafts whetted on stone and furnished with + golden wings belong to Nakula. This is the quiver of the intelligent son + of Madri, with which he had conquered in battle the whole of the western + regions. And these arrows, all effulgent as the sun, painted all over with + various colours, and capable of destroying enemies by thousands are those + of Sahadeva. And these short and well-tempered and thick shafts, furnished + with long feathers and golden heads, and consisting of three knots, belong + to king Yudhishthira. And this sword with blade long and carved with the + image of a toad and head shaped as a toad’s mouth, strong and irresistible + belongeth to Arjuna. Cased in a sheath of tiger-skin, of long blade, + handsome and irresistible, and terrible to adversaries, this sword + belongeth to Bhimasena. Of excellent blade and cased in a well-painted + sheath, and furnished with a golden hilt, this handsome sword belongeth to + the wise Kaurava—Yudhishthira the just. And this sword of strong + blade, irresistible and intended for various excellent modes of fight and + cased in a sheath of goat-skin, belongeth to Nakula. And this huge + scimitar, cased in a sheath of cow-skin, strong and irresistible belongeth + to Sahadeva.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0044" id="link42H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Indeed, these weapons adorned with gold, belonging to the + light-handed and high-souled Partha, look exceedingly beautiful. But where + are that Arjuna, the son of Pritha, and Yudhishthira of the Kuru race, and + Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhimasena, the sons of Pandu? Having lost their + kingdom at dice, the high-souled Pandavas, capable of destroying all foes, + are no longer heard of. Where also is Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, + famed as the gem among women, who followed the sons of Pandu after their + defeat at dice to the forest?’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I am Arjuna, called also Partha. Thy father’s courtier is + Yudhishthira and thy father’s cook Vallava is Bhimasena, the groom of + horses is Nakula, and Sahadeva is in the cow-pen. And know thou that the + Sairindhri is Draupadi, for whose sake the Kichakas have been slain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘I would believe all this if thou canst enumerate the ten + names of Partha, previously heard by me!’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I will, O son of Virata, tell thee my ten names. Listen + thou and compare them with what thou hadst heard before. Listen to them + with close attention and concentrated mind. They are Arjuna, Falguna, + Jishnu, Kiritin, Swetavahana, Vibhatsu, Vijaya, Krishna, Savyasachin and + Dhananjaya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Tell me truly why art thou called Vijaya, and why + Swetavahana. Why art thou named Krishna and why Arjuna and Falguna and + Jishnu and Kiritin and Vibhatsu, and for what art thou Dhananjaya and + Savyasachin? I have heard before about the origin of the several names of + that hero, and can put faith in thy words if thou canst tell me all about + them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘They called me Dhananjaya because I lived in the midst of + wealth, having subjugated all the countries and taking away their + treasures. They called me Vijaya because when I go out to battle with + invincible kings, I never return (from the field) without vanquishing + them. I am called Swetavahana because when battling with the foe, white + horses decked in golden armour are always yoked unto my car. They call me + Falguna because I was born on the breast of the Himavat on a day when the + constellation Uttara Falguna was on the ascendent. I am named Kiritin from + a diadem, resplendent like the sun, having been placed of old on my head + by Indra during my encounter with the powerful Danavas. I am known as + Vibhatsu among gods and men, for my never having committed a detestable + deed on the battle-field. And since both of my hands are capable of + drawing the Gandiva, I am known as Savyasachin among gods and men. They + call me Arjuna because my complexion is very rare within the four + boundaries of the earth and because also my acts are always stainless. I + am known among human beings and celestials by the name of Jishnu, because + I am unapproachable and incapable of being kept down, and a tamer of + adversaries and son of the slayer of Paka. And Krishna, my tenth + appellation, was given to me by my father out of affection towards his + black-skinned boy of great purity.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The son of Virata then, approaching nearer + saluted Partha and said, ‘My name is Bhuminjaya, and I am also called + Uttara. It is by good luck, O Partha, that I behold thee. Thou art + welcome, O Dhananjaya. O thou with red eyes, and arms that are mighty and + each like unto the trunk of an elephant, it behoveth thee to pardon what I + said unto thee from ignorance. And as wonderful and difficult have been + the feats achieved by thee before, my fears have been dispelled, and + indeed the love I bear to thee is great.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0045" id="link42H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘O hero, mounting on this large car with myself as driver, + which division of the (hostile) army wouldst thou penetrate? Commanded by + thee, I would drive thee thither.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I am pleased with thee, O tiger among men. Thou hast no + cause of fear. I will rout all thy foes in battle, O great warrior. And, O + thou of mighty arms, be at thy ease. Accomplishing great and terrible + feats in the melee, I will fight with thy foes. Tie quickly all those + quivers to my car, and take (from among those) a sword of polished blade + and adorned with gold.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Arjuna, Uttara cast off + all inactivity. And he speedily alighted from the tree, bringing with him + Arjuna’s weapons. Then Arjuna addressed him, saying, ‘Yes, I will fight + with the Kurus and recover thy kine. Protected by me, the top of this car + will be to thee as a citadel. The passages and alleys and other divisions + of this car will be the streets and edifices of that fortified city. These + my arms will be its ramparts and gateways. This treble pole and my quiver + will constitute defensive works inaccessible to the foe. This my banner—single + and grand—will it not alone be equal unto those of thy city? This my + bow-string will constitute the catapults and cannons for vomiting forth + missiles on the besieging host. My excited wrath will make that fortress + formidable, and the clatter of my car-wheels—will it not resemble + the kettle-drums of thy capital? Ridden by myself wielding the Gandiva, + this car will be incapable of being vanquished by the hostile host, O son + of Virata, let thy fear be dispelled.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘I am no longer afraid of these. I know thy steadiness in + battle, which is even like unto that of Kesava or Indra himself. But + reflecting on this, I am continually bewildered. Foolish as I am, I am + incapable of arriving at certain conclusion. By what distressful + circumstances could a person of such handsome limbs and auspicious signs + become deprived of manhood! Indeed, thou seemest to me to be Mahadeva, or + Indra, or the chief of the Gandharvas, dwelling in the guise only of one + of the third sex.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I tell thee truly that I am only observing this vow for a + whole year agreeable to the behest of my elder brother. O thou of mighty + arms, I am not truly one of the neuter sex, but I have adopted this vow of + eunuchism from subservience to another’s will and from desire of religious + merit. O prince, know me now to have completed my vow.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Thou hast conferred a great favour on me today, for I now + find that my suspicion was not altogether unfounded. Indeed, such a person + as thou, O best of men, cannot be of the neuter sex. I have now an ally in + battle. I can now fight with the celestials themselves. My fears have been + dispelled. What shall I do? Command me now. Trained in driving cars by a + learned preceptor I will, O bull among men, hold the reins of thy horses + that are capable of breaking the ranks of hostile cars. Know me, O bull + among men, to be as competent a charioteer as Daruka of Vasudeva, or + Matali of Sakra. The horse that is yoked unto the right-hand pole (of thy + car) and whose hoofs as they light on the ground are scarcely visible when + running, is like unto Sugriva of Krishna. This other handsome horse, the + foremost of his race, that is yoked unto the left pole, is, I regard, + equal in speed to Meghapushpa. This (third) beautiful horse, clad in + golden mail, yoked unto the rear-pole on the left, is, I regard, Sivya + equal in speed to but superior in strength. And this (fourth) horse, yoked + to the rear-pole on the right, is regarded as superior to Valahaka in + speed and strength. This car is worthy of bearing on the field of battle a + bowman like thee, and thou also art worthy of fighting on this car. This + is what I think!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then Arjuna, endued with great energy, took off + the bracelets from his arms and wore on his hands a pair of beautiful + gloves embroidered with gold. And he then tied his black and curling locks + with a piece of white cloth. And seated on that excellent car with face + turned to the east, the mighty-armed hero, purifying his body and + concentrating his soul, recalled to his mind all his weapons. And all the + weapons came, and addressing the royal son of Partha, said, ‘We are here, + O illustrious one. We are thy servants, O son of Indra.’ And bowing unto + them, Partha received them unto his hands and replied unto them, saying, + ‘Dwell ye all in my memory.’ And obtaining all his weapons, the hero + looked cheerful. And quickly stringing his bow, the Gandiva, he twanged + it. And the twang of that bow was as loud as the collision of two mighty + bulls. And dreadful was the sound that filled the earth, and violent was + the wind that blew on all sides. And thick was the shower of fallen + meteors <a href="#linknote-450" name="linknoteref-450" id="linknoteref-450">50</a> + and all sides were enveloped in gloom. And the birds began to totter in + the skies and large trees began to shake. <a href="#linknote-451" + name="linknoteref-451" id="linknoteref-451">51</a> And loud as the burst + of the thunder, the Kurus knew from that sound that it was Arjuna that + drew with his hands the string of his best of bows from his car. And + Uttara said, ‘Thou, O best of Pandavas, art alone. These mighty + car-warriors are many. How wilt thou vanquish in battle all these that are + skilled in every kind of weapon? Thou, O son of Kunti, art without a + follower, while the Kauravas have many. It is for this, O thou of mighty + arms, that I stay beside thee, stricken with fear.’ Bursting out into loud + laughter, Partha said unto him, ‘Be not afraid, O hero, what friendly + follower had I while fighting with the mighty Gandharvas on the occasion + of the Ghoshayatra? Who was my ally while engaged in the terrific conflict + at Khandava against so many celestials and Danavas? Who was my ally when I + fought, on behalf of the lord of the celestials against the mighty + Nivatakavachas and the Paulomas! And who was my ally, O child, while I + encountered in battle innumerable kings at the Swayamvara to the princess + of Panchala? Trained in arms by the preceptor Drona, by Sakra, and + Vaisravana, and Yama, and Varuna, and Agni, and Kripa, and Krishna of + Madhu’s race, and by the wielder of the Pinaka (Siva), why shall I not + fight with these? Drive thou my car speedily, and let thy heart’s fever be + dispelled.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0046" id="link42H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Making Uttara his charioteer, and circumambulating the + Sami tree, the son of Pandu set out taking all his weapons with him. And + that mighty car-warrior set out with Uttara as the driver of his car, + having taken down that banner with the lion’s figure and deposited it at + the foot of the Sami tree. And he hoisted on that car his own golden + banner bearing the figure of an ape with a lion’s tail, which was a + celestial illusion contrived by Viswakarman himself. For, as soon, indeed, + as he had thought of that gift of Agni, than the latter, knowing his wish, + ordered those superhuman creatures (that usually sat there) to take their + place in that banner. And furnished with a beautiful flag of handsome + make, with quivers attached to it, and adored with gold, that excellent + flag-staff of celestial beauty than quickly fell from the firmament on his + car. <a href="#linknote-452" name="linknoteref-452" id="linknoteref-452">52</a> + And beholding that banner arrived on his car, the hero circumambulated it + (respectively). And then the ape-bannered Vibhatsu, the son of Kunti, + called also Swetavahana, with fingers cased in leathern fences of the + Iguana skin, and taking up his bow and arrows set out in a northernly + direction. And that grinder of foes, possessed of great strength, then + forcibly blew his large conch-shell, of thundering sound, capable of + making the bristles of foes to stand on their ends. And at the sound of + that conch, those steeds endued with swiftness dropped down on the ground + on their knees. And Uttara also, greatly affrighted, sat down on the car. + And thereupon the son of Kunti took the reins himself and raising the + steeds, placed them in their proper positions. And embracing Uttara, he + encouraged him also, saying, ‘Fear not, O foremost of princes, thou art, O + chastiser of foes, a Kshatriya by birth. Why, O tiger among men, dost thou + become so dispirited in the midst of foes? Thou must have heard before the + blare of many conchs and the note of many trumpets, and the roar also of + many elephants in the midst of ranks arrayed for battle. Why art thou, + therefore, so dispirited and agitated and terrified by the blare of this + conch, as if thou wert an ordinary person?’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Heard have I the blare of many a conch and many a trumpet + and the roar of many an elephant stationed in the battle-array, but never + have I heard before the blare of such conch. Nor have I ever seen a banner + like this. Never before have I heard also the twang of a bow such as this. + Truly, sir, with the blare of this conch, the twang of this bow, the + superhuman cries of the creatures stationed on this banner, and the battle + of this car, my mind is greatly bewildered. My perception of the + directions also is confused, and my heart is painfully afflicted. The + whole firmament seemeth to me to have been covered by this banner, and + everything seemeth to be hidden from my view! My ears also have been + deafened by the twang of the Gandiva!’<a href="#linknote-453" + name="linknoteref-453" id="linknoteref-453">53</a> + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Firmly stand thou on the car, pressing thy feet on it, and + tightly catch hold of the bridles, for I will blow the conch again.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Arjuna then blew his conch again, that conch which + filled foes with grief and enhanced the joy of friends. And the sound was + so loud that it seemed to split hills and mountains, and pierce + mountain-caves and the cardinal points. And Uttara once again sat down on + the car, clinging to it in fear. And with the blare of the conch and the + rattle of the car-wheels, and the twang of the Gandiva, the earth itself + seemed to tremble. And beholding Uttara’s fight, Dhananjaya began to + comfort him again. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Drona said, ‘From the rattle of the car, and from the manner + in which the clouds have enveloped the sky and the earth itself trembles, + this warrior can be none else than Savyasachin. Our weapons do not shine, + our steeds are dispirited, and our fires, though fed with fuel, do not + blare up. All this is ominous. All our animals are setting up a frightful + howl, gazing towards the sun. The crows are perching on our banners. All + this is ominous. Yon vultures and kites on our right portend a great + danger. That jackal also, running through our ranks, waileth dismally. Lo, + it hath escaped unstruck. All this portends a heavy calamity. The bristles + also of ye all are on their ends. Surely, this forebodes a great + destruction of Kshatriyas in battle. Things endued with light are all + pale; beasts and birds look fierce; and there are to be witnessed many + terrific portents indicative of the destruction of Kshatriyas. And these + omens forebode great havoc among ourselves. O king, thy ranks seem to be + confounded by these blazing meteors, and thy animals look dispirited and + seem to be weeping. Vultures and kites are wheeling all around thy troops. + Thou shalt have to repent upon beholding thy army afflicted by Partha’s + arrows. Indeed, our ranks seem to have been already vanquished, for none + is eager to go to fight. All our warriors are of pale face, and almost + deprived of their senses. Sending the kine ahead we should stand here, + ready to strike, with all our warriors arrayed in order of battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0047" id="link42H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “King Duryodhana then, on the field of battle said unto + Bhishma, and unto Drona—that tiger among warriors, and unto Kripa—that + mighty car-warrior, these words, ‘Both myself and Karna had said this unto + the preceptors.<a href="#linknote-454" name="linknoteref-454" + id="linknoteref-454">54</a> I refer to the subject again, for I am not + satisfied with having said it once. Even this was the pledge of the sons + of Pandu that if defeated (at dice) they would reside to our knowledge in + countries and woods for twelve years, and one more year unknown to us. + That thirteenth year, instead of being over, is yet running. Vibhatsu, + therefore, who is still to live undiscovered hath appeared before us. And + if Vibhatsu hath come before the term of exile is at end, the Pandavas + shall have to pass another twelve years in the woods. Whether it is due to + forgetfulness (on their part) induced by desire of dominion, or whether it + is a mistake of ours, it behoveth Bhishma to calculate the shortness or + excess (of the promised period). When an object of desire may or may not + be attained, a doubt necessarily attaches to one of the alternatives, and + what is decided in one way often ends differently. <a href="#linknote-455" + name="linknoteref-455" id="linknoteref-455">55</a> Even moralists are + puzzled in judging of their own acts. <a href="#linknote-456" + name="linknoteref-456" id="linknoteref-456">56</a> As regards ourselves, + we have come hither to fight with the Matsyas and to seize their kine + stationed towards the north. If, meanwhile, it is Arjuna that hath come, + what fault can attach to us? We have come hither to fight against the + Matsyas on behalf of the Trigartas; and as numerous were the acts + represented unto us of the oppressions committed by the Matsyas, it was + for this that we promised aid to the Trigartas who were overcome with + fear. And it was agreed between us that they should first seize, on the + afternoon of the seventh lunar day, the enormous wealth of kine that the + Matsyas have, and that we should, at sunrise of the eighteen day of the + moon, seize these kine when the king of the Matsyas would be pursuing + those first seized. It may be that the Trigartas are now bringing away the + kine, or being defeated, are coming towards us for negotiating with the + king of the Matsyas. Or, it may be, that having driven the Trigartas off, + the king of the Matsyas, at the head of this people and his whole army of + fierce warriors, appeareth on the scene and advanceth to make + night-attacks upon us. It may be that some one leader among them, endued + with mighty energy, is advancing for vanquishing us, or, it may be that + the king himself of the Matsyas is come. But be it the king of the Matsyas + or Vibhatsu, we must all fight him. Even this hath been our pledge. Why + are all these of foremost car-warriors,—Bhishma and Drona and Kripa + and Vikarna and Drona’s son,—now sitting on their cars, + panic-stricken? At present there is nothing better than fighting. + Therefore, make up your minds. If, for the cattle we have seized, an + encounter takes place with the divine wielder himself of the thunderbolt + or even with Yama, who is there that will be liable to reach Hastinapura? + Pierced by the shafts (of the foe), how will the foot-soldiers, in flying + through the deep forest with their backs on the field, escape with life, + when escape for the cavalry is doubtful?’ Hearing these words of + Duryodhana, Karna said, ‘Disregarding the preceptor, make all + arrangements. He knoweth well the intentions of the Pandavas and striketh + terror in our hearts. I see that his affection for Arjuna is very great. + Seeing him only coming, he chanteth his praises. Make ye such arrangements + that our troops may not break. Everything is in confusion for Drona’s + having only heard the neigh of (Arjuna’s) steeds. Make ye such + arrangements that these troops, come to a distant land in this hot season + and in the midst of this mighty forest, may not fall into confusion and be + subjugated by the foe. The Pandavas are always the special favourites of + the preceptor. The selfish Pandavas have stationed Drona amongst us. + Indeed, he betrayeth himself by his speech. Who would ever extol a person + upon hearing the neigh only of his steeds? Horses always neigh, whether + walking or standing, the winds blow at all times; and Indra also always + showereth rain. The roar of the clouds may frequently be heard. What hath + Partha to do with these, and why is he to be praised for these? All this + (on Drona’s part), therefore, is due only to either the desire of doing + good to Arjuna or to his wrath and hatred towards us. Preceptors are wise, + and sinless, and very kind to all creatures. They, however, should never + be consulted at times of peril. It is in luxurious palaces, and assemblies + and pleasure-gardens, that learned men, capable of making speeches, seem + to be in their place. Performing many wonderful things, in the assembly, + it is there that learned men find their place, or even there where + sacrificial utensils and their proper placing and washing are needed. In a + knowledge of the lapses of others, in studying the characters of men, in + the science of horses and elephants and cars, in treating the diseases of + asses and camels and goats and sheeps and kine, in planning buildings and + gateways, and in pointing out the defects of food and drink, the learned + are truly in their own sphere. Disregarding learned men that extol the + heroism of the foe, make ye such arrangements that the foe may be + destroyed. Placing the kine securely, array the troops in order of battle. + Place guards in proper places so that we may fight the foe.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0048" id="link42H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘I behold all these blessed ones, looking as if alarmed and + panic-struck and unresolved and unwilling to fight. If he that is come is + the king of the Matsyas or Vibhatsu, even I will resist him as the banks + resist the swelling sea. Shot from my bow these straight and flying + arrows, like gliding snakes, are all sure of aim. Discharged by my light + hands, these keen-edged arrows furnished with golden wings shall cover + Partha all over, like locusts shrouding a tree. Strongly pressed by these + winged arrows, the bow-string will cause these my leathern fences to + produce sounds that will be heard to resemble those of a couple of + kettle-drums. Having been engaged in ascetic austerities for the (last) + eight and five years, Vibhatsu will strike me but mildly in this conflict, + and the son of Kunti having become a Brahmana endued with good qualities, + hath thus become a fit person to quietly receive shafts by thousands shot + by me. This mighty bowman is indeed, celebrated over the three worlds. I, + too, am, by no means, inferior to Arjuna, that foremost of human beings. + With golden arrows furnished with vulturine wings shot on all sides, let + the firmament seem today to swarm with fire-flies. Slaying Arjuna in + battle, I will discharge today that debt, difficult of repayments, but + promised of old by me unto Dhritarashtra’s son. When man is there, even + amongst all the gods and the Asuras, that will endure to stand in the + teeth of the straight arrows shot from my bow? Let my flying arrows, + winged and depressed at the middle, present the spectacle of the coursing + of the fire-flies through the welkin. Hard though he be as Indra’s + thunderbolt and possessed of the energy of the chief of the celestials, I + will surely grind Partha, even as one afflicts an elephant by means of + burning brands. A heroic and mighty car-warrior as he is, and the foremost + of all wielders of weapons I shall seize the unresisting Partha, even like + Garuda seizing a snake. Irresistible like fire, and fed by the fuel of + swords, darts, and arrows, the blazing Pandava-fire that consumeth foes, + will be extinguished even by myself who am like unto a mighty cloud + incessantly dropping an arrowy shower,—the multitude of cars (I will + lead) constituting its thunder, and the speed of my horses, the wind in + advance. Discharged from my bow, my arrows like venomous snakes will + pierce Partha’s body, like serpent penetrating through an ant-hill. + Pierced with well-tempered and straight shafts endued with golden wings + and great energy, behold ye today the son of Kunti decked like a hill + covered with Karnikara flowers. Having obtained weapons from that best of + ascetics—the son of Jamadagni, I would, relying on their energy, + fight with even the celestials. Struck with my javelin, the ape stationed + on his banner-top shall fall down today on the ground, uttering terrible + cries. The firmament will today be filled with the cries of the + (super-human) creatures stationed in the flagstaff of the foe, and + afflicted by me, they will fly away in all directions. I shall today pluck + up by the roots the long-existing dart in Duryodhana’s heart by throwing + Arjuna down from his car. The Kauravas will today behold Partha with his + car broken, his horses killed, his valour gone, and himself sighing like a + snake. Let the Kauravas, following their own will go away taking this + wealth of kine, or, if they wish, let them stay on their cars and witness + my combat.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0049" id="link42H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Kripa said, ‘O Radheya, thy crooked heart always inclineth to war. Thou + knowest not the true nature of things; nor dost thou take into account + their after-consequences. There are various kinds of expedients inferrable + from the scriptures. Of these, a battle hath been regarded by those + acquainted with the past, as the most sinful. It is only when time and + place are favourable that military operations can lead to success. In the + present instance, however, the time being unfavourable, no good results + will be derived. A display of prowess in proper time and place becometh + beneficial. It is by the favourableness or otherwise (of time and place) + that the opportuneness of an act is determined. Learned men can never act + according to the ideas of a car-maker. Considering all this, an encounter + with Partha is not advisible for us. Alone he saved the Kurus (from the + Gandharvas), and alone he satiated Agni. Alone he led the life of a + Brahmacharin for five years (on the breast of Himavat). Taking up Subhadra + on his car, alone he challenged Krishna to single combat. Alone he fought + with Rudra who stood before him as a forester. It was in this very forest + that Partha rescued Krishna while she was being taken away (by + Jayadratha). It is he alone that hath, for five years, studied the science + of weapons under Indra. Alone vanquishing all foes he hath spread the fame + of the Kurus. Alone that chastiser of foes vanquished in battle + Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas and in a moment his invincible + troops also. Alone he overthrew in battle the fierce Nivatakavachas and + the Kalakhanchas, that were both incapable of being slain by the gods + themselves. What, however, O Karna, hath been achieved by thee + single-handed like any of the sons of Pandu, each of whom had alone + subjugated many lords of earth? Even Indra himself is unfit to encounter + Partha in battle. He, therefore, that desireth to fight with Arjuna should + take a sedative. As to thyself, thou desirest to take out the fangs of an + angry snake of virulent poison by stretching forth thy right hand and + extending thy forefinger. Or, wandering alone in the forest thou desirest + to ride an infuriate elephant and go to a boar without a hook in hand. Or, + rubbed over with clarified butter and dressed in silken robes, thou + desirest to pass through the midst of a blazing fire fed with fat and + tallow and clarified butter. Who is there that would, binding his own + hands and feet and tying a huge stone unto his neck, cross the ocean + swimming with his bare arms? What manliness is there in such an act? O + Karna, he is a fool that would, without skill in weapons and without + strength, desire to fight with Partha who is so mighty and skilled in + weapons? Dishonestly deceived by us and liberated from thirteen years’ + exile, will not the illustrious hero annihilate us? Having ignorantly come + to a place where Partha lay concealed like fire hidden in a well, we have, + indeed, exposed to a great danger. But irresistible though he be in + battle, we should fight against him. Let, therefore, our troops, clad in + mail, stand here arrayed in ranks and ready to strike. Let Drona and + Duryodhana and Bhishma and thyself and Drona’s son and ourselves, all + fight with the son of Pritha. Do not O Karna, act so rashly as to fight + alone. If we six car-warriors be united, we can then be a match for and + fight with that son of Pritha who is resolved to fight and who is as + fierce as the wielder of the thunderbolt. Aided by our troops arrayed in + ranks, ourselves—great bowmen—standing carefully will fight + with Arjuna even as the Danavas encounter Vasava in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0050" id="link42H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + “Aswatthaman said, ‘The kine, O Karna, have not yet been won, nor have + they yet crossed the boundary (of their owner’s dominions), nor have they + yet reached Hastinapura. Why dost thou, therefore, boast of thyself? + Having won numerous battles, and acquired enormous wealth, and vanquished + hostile hosts, men of true heroism speak not a word of their prowess. Fire + burneth mutely and mutely doth the sun shine. Mutely also doth the Earth + bear creatures, both mobile and immobile. The Self-existent hath + sanctioned such offices for the four orders that having recourse to them + each may acquire wealth without being censurable. A Brahmana, having + studied the Vedas, should perform sacrifices himself, and officiate at the + sacrifices of others. And a Kshatriya, depending upon the bow, should + perform sacrifices himself but should never officiate at the sacrifices of + others. And of Vaisya, having earned wealth, should cause the rites + enjoined in the Vedas to be performed for himself. A Sudra should always + wait upon and serve the other three orders. As regards those that live by + practising the profession of flowers and vendors of meat, they may earn + wealth by expedients fraught with deceit and fraud. Always acting + according to the dictates of the scriptures, the exalted sons of Pandu + acquired the sovereignty of the whole earth, and they always act + respectfully towards their superiors, even if the latter prove hostile to + them. What Kshatriya is there that expressed delight at having obtained a + kingdom by means of dice, like this wicked and shameless son of + Dhritarashtra? Having acquired wealth in this way by deceit and fraud like + a vendor of meat, who that is wise boast of it? In what single combat + didst thou vanquish Dhananjaya, or Nakula, or Sahadeva, although thou hast + robbed them of their wealth? In what battle didst thou defeat + Yudhishthira, or Bhima that foremost of strong men? In what battle was + Indraprastha conquered by thee? What thou hast done, however, O thou of + wicked deeds, is to drag that princess to court while she was ill and had + but one raiment on? Thou hast cut the mighty root, delicate as the sandal, + of the Pandava tree. Actuated by desire of wealth, when thou madest the + Pandavas act as slaves, rememberest thou what Vidura said! We see that men + and others, even insects and ants, show forgiveness according to their + power of endurance. The son of Pandu, however, is incapable of forgiving + the sufferings of Draupadi. Surely, Dhananjaya cometh here for the + destruction of the sons of Dhritarashtra. It is true, affecting great + wisdom, thou art for making speeches but will not Vibhatsu, that slayer of + foes, exterminate us all! If it be gods, or Gandharvas or Asuras, or + Rakshasas, will Dhananjaya the son of Kunti, desist to fight from panic? + Inflamed with wrath upon whomsoever he will fall, even him he will + overthrow like a tree under the weight of Garuda! Superior to thee in + prowess, in bowmanship equal unto the lord himself of the celestials, and + in battle equal unto Vasudeva himself, who is there that would not praise + Partha? Counteracting celestial weapons with celestial, and human weapons + with human, what man is a match for Arjuna? Those acquainted with the + scriptures declare that a disciple is no way inferior to a son, and it is + for this that the son of Pandu is a favourite of Drona. Employ thou the + means now which thou hadst adopted in the match at dice,—the same + means, viz., by which thou hadst subjugated Indraprastha, and the same + means by which thou hadst dragged Krishna to the assembly! This thy wise + uncle, fully conversant with the duties of the Kshatriya order—this + deceitful gambler Sakuni, the prince of Gandhara, let him fight now! The + Gandiva, however, doth not cast dice such as the Krita or the Dwapara, but + it shooteth upon foes blazing and keen-edged shafts by myriads. The fierce + arrows shot from the Gandiva, endued with great energy and furnished with + vulturine wings, can pierce even mountains. The destroyer of all, named + Yama, and Vayu, and the horse-faced Agni, leave some remnant behind, but + Dhananjaya inflamed with wrath never doth so. As thou hadst, aided by thy + uncle, played at dice in the assembly so do fight in this battle protected + by Suvala’s son. Let the preceptor, if he chooses fight; I shall not, + however, fight with Dhananjaya. We are to fight with the king of the + Matsyas, if indeed, he cometh in the track of the kine.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0051" id="link42H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Drona’s son observeth well, and Kripa, too observeth + rightly. As for Karna, it is only out of regard for the duties of the + Kshatriya order that he desireth to fight. No man of wisdom can blame the + preceptor. I, however, am of opinion that fight we must, considering both + the time and the place. Why should not that man be bewildered who hath + five adversaries effulgent as five suns, who are heroic combatants and who + have just emerged from adversity? Even those conversant with morality are + bewildered in respect of their own interests. It is for this, O king, that + I tell thee this, whether my words be acceptable to you or not. What Karna + said unto thee was only for raising our (drooping) courage. As regards + thyself, O preceptor’s son, forgive everything. The business at hand is + very grave. When the son of Kunti hath come, this is not the time for + quarrel. Everything should now be forgiven by thyself and the preceptor + Kripa. Like light in the sun, the mastery of all weapons doth reside in + you. As beauty is never separated from Chandramas, so are the Vedas and + the Brahma weapon both established in you. It is often seen that the four + Vedas dwell in one object and Kshatriya attributes in another. We have + never heard of these two dwelling together in any other person than the + preceptor of the Bharata race and his son. Even this is what I think. In + the Vedantas, in the Puranas, and in old histories, who save Jamadagni, O + king, would be Drona’s superior? A combination of the Brahma weapon with + the Vedas,—this is never to be seen anywhere else. O preceptor’s + son, do thou forgive. This is not the time for disunion. Let all of us, + uniting, fight with Indra’s son who hath come. Of all the calamities that + may befall an army that have been enumerated by men of wisdom, the worst + is disunion among the leaders.’ Aswatthaman said, ‘O bull among men, these + thy just observations, need not be uttered in our presence; the preceptor, + however, filled with wrath, had spoken of Arjuna’s virtues. The virtues of + even an enemy should be admitted, while the faults of even one’s preceptor + may be pointed out; therefore one should, to the best of his power, + declare the merits of a son or a disciple.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Let the preceptor grant his forgiveness and let peace + be restored. If the preceptor be at one with us, whatever should be done + (in view of the present emergency) would seem to have been already done.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then, O Bharata, Duryodhana assisted by Karna and + Kripa, and the high-souled Bhishma pacified Drona. + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘Appeased I have already been at the words first spoken by + Bhishma, the son of Santanu. Let such arrangements be made that Partha may + not be able to approach Duryodhana in battle. And let such arrangements be + made that king Duryodhana may not be captured by the foe, in consequence + either of his rashness or want of judgment. Arjuna hath not, to be sure, + revealed himself before the expiry of the term of exile. Nor will he + pardon this act (of ours) today, having only recovered the kine. Let such + arrangements, therefore, be made that he may not succeed in attacking + Dhritarashtra’s son and defeating our troops. Like myself (who am doubtful + of the completion of period of exile) Duryodhana also had said so before. + Bearing it in mind, it behoveth the son of Ganga to say what is true.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0052" id="link42H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘The wheel of time revolves with its divisions, viz., with + Kalas and Kasthas and Muhurtas and days and fortnights and months and + constellations and planets and seasons and years. In consequence of their + fractional excesses and the deviations also of the heavenly bodies, there + is an increase of two months in every five years. It seems to me that + calculating this wise, there would be an excess of five months and twelve + nights in thirteen years. Everything, therefore, that the sons of Pandu + had promised, hath been exactly fulfilled by them. Knowing this to be + certain, Vibhatsu hath made his appearance. All of them are high-souled + and fully conversant with the meanings of the scriptures. How would they + deviate from virtue that have Yudhishthira for their guide? The sons of + Kunti do not yield to temptation. They have achieved a difficult feat. If + they had coveted the possession of their kingdom by unfair means, then + those descendants of the Kuru race would have sought to display their + prowess at the time of the match at dice. Bound in bonds of virtue, they + did not deviate from the duties of the Kshatriya order. He that will + regard them to have behaved falsely will surely meet with defeat. The sons + of Pritha would prefer death to falsehood. When the time, however, comes, + those bulls among men—the Pandavas—endued with energy like + that of Sikra, would not give up what is theirs even if it is defended by + the wielder himself of the thunderbolt. We shall have to oppose in battle + the foremost of all wielders of weapons. Therefore, let such advantageous + arrangements as have the sanction of the good and the honest be now made + without loss of time so that our possessions may not be appropriated by + the foe. O king of kings, O Kaurava, I have never seen a battle in which + one of the parties could say,—“we are sure to win.” When a battle + occurs, there must be victory or defeat, prosperity or adversity. Without + doubt, a party to a battle must have either of the two. Therefore, O king + of kings, whether a battle be now proper or not consistent with virtue or + not, make thy arrangements soon, for Dhananjaya is at hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘I will not, O grandsire, give back the Pandavas their + kingdom. Let every preparation, therefore, for battle be made without + delay.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Listen to what I regard as proper, if it pleases thee. I + should always say what is for thy good, O Kaurava. Proceed thou towards + the capital, without loss of time, taking with thee a fourth part of the + army. And let another fourth march, escorting the kine. With half the + troops we will fight the Pandava. Myself and Drona, and Karna and + Aswatthaman and Kripa will resolutely withstand Vibhatsu, or the king of + the Matsyas, or Indra himself, if he approaches. Indeed, we will withstand + any of these like the bank withstanding the surging sea.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “These words spoken by the high-souled Bhishma + were acceptable to them, and the king of the Kauravas acted accordingly + without delay. And having sent away the king and then the kine, Bhishma + began to array the soldiers in order of battle. And addressing the + preceptor, he said, ‘O preceptor, stand thou in the centre, and let + Aswatthaman stand on the left, and let the wise Kripa, son of Saradwata, + defend the right wing, and let Karna of the Suta caste, clad in mail, + stand in the van. I will stand in the rear of the whole army, protecting + it from that point.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0053" id="link42H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After the Kauravas, O Bharata, had taken their stand + in this order, Arjuna, filling the air with the rattle and din of his car, + advanced quickly towards them. And the Kurus beheld his banner-top and + heard the rattle and din of his car as also the twang of the Gandiva + stretched repeatedly by him. And noting all this, and seeing that great + car-warrior—the wielder of the Gandiva—come, Drona spoke thus, + ‘That is the banner-top of Partha which shineth at a distance, and this is + the noise of his car, and that is the ape that roareth frightfully. + Indeed, the ape striketh terror in the troops. And there stationed on that + excellent car, the foremost of car-warriors draweth that best of bows, the + Gandiva, whose twang is as loud as the thunder. Behold, these two shafts + coming together fall at my feet, and two others pass off barely touching + my ears. Completing the period of exile and having achieved many wonderful + feats, Partha saluteth me and whispereth in my ears. Endued with wisdom + and beloved of his relatives, this Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, is, + indeed, beheld by us after a long time, blazing with beauty and grace. + Possessed of car and arrows, furnished with handsome fences and quiver and + conch and banner and coat of mail, decked with diadem and scimitar and + bow, the son of Pritha shineth like the blazing (Homa) fire surrounded + with sacrificial ladles and fed with sacrificial butter.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Beholding the Kurus ready for battle, Arjuna + addressing Matsya’s son in words suitable to the occasion, said, ‘O + charioteer, restrain thou the steeds at such a point whence my arrows may + reach the enemy. Meanwhile, let me see, where, in the midst of this army, + is that vile wretch of the Kuru race. Disregarding all these, and singling + out that vainest of princes I will fall upon his head, for upon the defeat + of that wretch the others will regard themselves as defeated. There + standeth Drona, and thereafter him his son. And there are those great + bowmen—Bhishma and Kripa and Karna. I do not see, however, the king + there. I suspect that anxious to save his life, he retreateth by the + southern road, taking away with him the kine. Leaving this array of + car-warriors, proceed to the spot where Suyodhana is. There will I fight, + O son of Virata, for there the battle will not be fruitless. Defeating him + I will come back, taking away the kine.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, the son of Virata restrained the + steeds with an effort and turned them by a pull at the bridle from the + spot where those bulls of the Kuru race were, and urged them on towards + the place where Duryodhana was. And as Arjuna went away leaving that thick + array of cars, Kripa, guessing his intention, addressed his own comrades, + saying, ‘This Vibhatsu desireth not to take up his stand at a spot remote + from the king. Let us quickly fall upon the flanks of the advancing hero. + When inflamed with wrath, none else, unassisted, can encounter him in + battle save the deity of a thousand eyes, or Krishna the son of Devaki. Of + what use to us would the kine be or this vast wealth also, if Duryodhana + were to sink, like a boat, in the ocean of Partha?’ Meanwhile, Vibhatsu, + having proceeded towards that division of the army, announced himself + speedily by name, and covered the troops with his arrows thick as locusts. + And covered with those countless shafts shot by Partha, the hostile + warriors could not see anything, the earth itself and the sky becoming + overwhelmed therewith. And the soldiers who had been ready for the fight + were so confounded that none could even the flee from the field. And + beholding the light-handedness of Partha they all applauded it mentally. + And Arjuna then blew his conch which always made the bristles of the foe + stand erect. And twanging his best of bows, he urged the creatures on his + flagstaff to roar more frightfully. And at the blare of his conch and the + rattle of his car-wheels, and the twang of the Gandiva, and the roar of + the superhuman creatures stationed on his flagstaff, the earth itself + began to tremble. And shaking their upraised tails and lowing together, + the kine turned back, proceeding along the southern road.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0054" id="link42H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having disorganised the hostile host by force and + having recovered the kine, that foremost of bowmen, desirous of fighting + again, proceeded towards Duryodhana. And beholding the kine running wild + towards the city of the Matsyas, the foremost warriors of the Kurus + regarded Kiritin to have already achieved success. And all of a sudden + they fell upon Arjuna who was advancing towards Duryodhana. And beholding + their countless divisions firmly arrayed in order of battle with countless + banners waving over them, that slayer of foes, addressing the son of the + king of the Matsyas, said, ‘Urge on, to the best of their speed by this + road, these white steeds decked with golden bridles. Strive thou well, for + I would approach this crowd of Kuru lions. Like an elephant desiring an + encounter with another, the Suta’s son of wicked soul eagerly desireth a + battle with me. Take me, O prince, to him who hath grown so proud under + the patronage of Duryodhana.’ Thus addressed, the son of Virata by means + of those large steeds endued with the speed of the wind and furnished with + golden armour, broke that array of cars and took the Pandava into the + midst of the battle-field. And seeing this those mighty car-warriors, + Chitrasena and Sangramajit and Satrusaha and Jaya, desirous of aiding + Karna, rushed with arrows and long shafts, towards the advancing hero of + Bharata’s race. Then that foremost of men, inflamed with wrath, began to + consume by means of fiery arrows shot from his bow, that array of cars + belonging to those bulls among the Kurus, like a tremendous conflagration + consuming a forest. Then, when the battle began to rage furiously, the + Kuru hero, Vikarna, mounted on his car, approached that foremost of + car-warriors, Partha, the younger brother of Bhima,—showering upon + him terrible shafts thick and long. Then cutting Vikarna’s bow furnished + with a tough string and horns overlaid with gold, Arjuna cut off his + flagstaff. And Vikarna, beholding his flagstaff cut off, speedily took to + flight. And after Vikarna’s flight, Satruntapa, unable to repress his ire, + began to afflict Partha, that obstructer of foes and achiever of + super-human feats, by means of a perfect shower of arrows. And drowned, as + it were, in the midst of the Kuru-array, Arjuna, pierced by that mighty + car-warrior,—king Satruntapa—pierced the latter in return with + five and then slew his car-driver with ten shafts, and pierced by that + bull of the Bharata race with an arrow capable of cleaving the thickest + coat of mail, Satruntapa fell dead on the field of battle, like a tree + from a mountain-top torn up by the wind. And those brave bulls among men, + mangled in battle by that braver bull among men, began to waver and + tremble like mighty forests shaken by the violence of the wind that blows + at the time of the universal dissolution. And struck in battle by Partha, + the son of Vasava, those well-dressed heroes among men—those givers + of wealth endued with the energy of Vasava—defeated and deprived of + life, began to measure their lengths on the ground, like full-grown + Himalayan elephants clad in mails of black steel decked with gold. And + like unto a raging fire consuming a forest at the close of summer, that + foremost of men, wielding the Gandiva, ranged the field in all directions, + slaying his foes in battle thus. And as the wind rangeth at will, + scattering masses of clouds and fallen leaves in the season of spring, so + did that foremost of car-warriors—Kiritin—ranged in that + battle, scattering all his foes before him. And soon slaying the red + steeds yoked unto the car of Sangramajit, the brother of Vikartana’s son, + that hero decked in diadem and endued with great vigour then cut off his + antagonist’s head by a crescent-shaped arrow. And when his brother was + slain, Vikartana’s son of the Suta caste, mustering all his prowess, + rushed at Arjuna, like a huge elephant with out-stretched tusks, or like a + tiger at a mighty bull. And the son of Vikarna quickly pierced the son of + Pandu with twelve shafts and all his steeds also in every part of their + bodies and Virata’s son too in his hand. And rushing impetuously against + Vikarna’s son who was suddenly advancing against him, Kiritin attacked him + fiercely like Garuda of variegated plumage swooping down upon a snake. And + both of them were foremost of bowmen, and both were endued with great + strength, and both were capable of slaying foes. And seeing that an + encounter was imminent between them, the Kauravas, anxious to witness it, + stood aloof as lookers on. And beholding the offender Karna, the son of + Pandu, excited to fury, and glad also at having him, soon made him, his + horses, his car, and car-driver invisible by means of a frightful shower + of countless arrows. And the warriors of the Bharatas headed by Bhishma, + with their horses, elephants, and cars, pierced by Kiritin and rendered + invisible by means of his shafts, their ranks also scattered and broken, + began to wail aloud in grief. The illustrious and heroic Karna, however + counteracting with numberless arrows of his own those shafts by Arjuna’s + hand, soon burst forth in view with bow and arrows like a blazing fire. + And then there arose the sound of loud clapping of hands, with the blare + of conchs and trumpets and kettle-drums made by the Kurus while they + applauded Vikartana’s son who filled the atmosphere with the sound of his + bow-string flapping against his fence. And beholding Kiritin filling the + air with the twang of Gandiva, and the upraised tail of the monkey that + constituted his flag and that terrible creature yelling furiously from the + top of his flagstaff, Karna sent forth a loud roar. And afflicting by + means of his shafts, Vikartana’s son along with his steeds, car and + car-driver, Kiritin impetuously poured an arrowy shower on him, casting + his eyes on the grandsire and Drona and Kripa. And Vikartana’s son also + poured upon Partha a heavy shower of arrows like a rain-charged cloud. And + the diadem-decked Arjuna also covered Karna with a thick down-pour of + keen-edged shafts. And the two heroes stationed on their cars, creating + clouds of keen-edged arrows in a combat carried on by means of countless + shafts and weapons, appeared to the spectators like the sun and the moon + covered by clouds, and the light-handed Karna, unable to bear the sight of + the foe, pierced the four horses of the diadem-decked hero with whetted + arrows, and then struck his car-driver with three shafts, and his + flagstaff also with three. Thus struck, that grinder of all adversaries in + battle, that bull of the Kuru race, Jishnu wielding the Gandiva, like a + lion awaked from slumber, furiously attacked Karna by means of + straight-going arrows. And afflicted by the arrowy shower (of Karna), that + illustrious achiever of super-human deeds soon displayed a thick shower of + arrows in return. And he covered Karna’s car with countless shafts like + the sun covering the different worlds with rays. And like a lion attacked + by an elephant, Arjuna, taking some keen crescent-shaped arrows from out + of his quiver and drawing his bow to his ear, pierced the Suta’s son on + every part of his body. And that grinder of foes pierced Karna’s arms and + thighs and head and forehead and neck and other principal parts of his + body with whetted shafts endued with the impetuosity of the thunderbolt + and shot from the Gandiva in battle. And mangled and afflicted by the + arrows shot by Partha the son of Pandu, Vikartana’s son, quitted the van + of battle, and quickly took to flight, like one elephant vanquished by + another." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0055" id="link42H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After the son of Radha had fled from the field, other + warriors headed by Duryodhana, one after another, fell upon the son of + Pandu with their respective divisions. And like the shore withstanding the + fury of the surging sea, that warrior withstood the rage of that countless + host rushing towards him, arrayed in order of battle and showering clouds + of arrows. And that foremost of car-warriors, Kunti’s son Vibhatsu of + white steeds, rushed towards the foe, discharging celestial weapons all + the while. Partha soon covered all the points of the horizon with + countless arrows shot from the Gandiva, like the sun covering the whole + earth with his rays. And amongst those that fought on cars and horses and + elephants, and amongst the mail-clad foot-soldiers, there was none that + had on his body a space of even two finger’s breadth unwounded with sharp + arrows. And for his dexterity in applying celestial weapons, and for the + training of the steeds and the skill of Uttara, and for the coursing of + his weapons, and his prowess and light-handedness, people began to regard + Arjuna as the fire that blazeth forth during the time of the universal + dissolution for consuming all created things. And none amongst the foe + could cast his eyes on Arjuna who shone like a blazing fire of great + effulgence. And mangled by the arrows of Arjuna, the hostile ranks looked + like newly-risen clouds on the breast of a hill reflecting the solar rays, + or like groves of Asoka trees resplendent with clusters of flowers. + Indeed, afflicted by the arrows of Partha, the soldiers looked like these, + or like a beautiful garland whose flowers gradually wither and drop away: + And the all-pervading wind bore on its wings in the sky the torn flags and + umbrellas of the hostile host. And affrighted at the havoc amongst their + own ranks, the steeds fled in all directions, freed from their yokes by + means of Partha’s arrows and dragging after them broken portions of cars + and elephants, struck on their ears and ribs and tusks and nether lips and + other delicate parts of the body, began to drop down on the battle-field. + And the earth, bestrewn in a short time with the corpses of elephants + belonging to the Kauravas, looked like the sky overcast with masses of + black clouds. And as that fire of blazing flames at the end of the yuga + consumeth all perishable things of the world, both mobile and immobile, so + did Partha, O king, consumeth all foes in battle. And by the energy of his + weapons and the twang of his bow, and the preter-natural yells of the + creatures stationed on his flagstaff, and the terrible roar of the monkey, + and by the blast of his conch, that mighty grinder of foes, Vibhatsu, + struck terror into the hearts of all the troops of Duryodhana. And the + strength of every hostile warrior seemed, as it were, to be levelled to + the dust at the very sight of Arjuna. And unwilling to commit the daring + act of sin of slaying them that were defenceless, Arjuna suddenly fell + back and attacked the army from behind by means of clouds of keen-edged + arrows proceeding towards their aims like hawks let off by fowlers. And he + soon covered the entire welkin with clusters of blood-drinking arrows. And + as the (infinite) rays of the powerful sun, entering a small vessel, are + contracted within it for want of space, so the countless shafts of Arjuna + could not find space for their expansion even within the vast welkin. Foes + were able to behold Arjuna’s car, when near, only once, for immediately + after, they were with their horses, sent to the other world. And as his + arrows unobstructed by the bodies of foes always passed through them, so + his car, unimpeded by hostile ranks, always passed through the latter. + And, indeed, he began to toss about and agitate the hostile troops with + great violence like the thousand-headed Vasuki sporting in the great + ocean. And as Kiritin incessantly shot his shafts, the noise of the + bow-string, transcending every sound, was so loud that the like of it had + never been heard before by created beings. And the elephants crowding the + field, their bodies pierced with (blazing) arrows with small intervals + between looked like black clouds coruscated with solar rays. And ranging + in all directions and shooting (arrows) right and left, Arjuna’s bow was + always to be seen drawn to a perfect circle. And the arrows of the wielder + of the Gandiva never fell upon anything except the aim, even as the eye + never dwelleth on anything that is not beautiful. And as the track of a + herd of elephants marching through the forest is made of itself, so was + the track was made of itself for the car of Kiritin. And struck and + mangled by Partha, the hostile warriors thought that,—Verily, Indra + himself, desirous of Partha’s victory, accompanied by all the immortals is + slaying us! And they also regarded Vijaya, who was making a terrible + slaughter around, to be none else than Death himself who having assumed + the form of Arjuna, was slaying all creatures. And the troops of the + Kurus, struck by Partha, were so mangled and shattered that the scene + looked like the achievement of Partha himself and could be compared with + nothing else save what was observable in Partha’s combats. And he severed + the heads of foes, even as reapers cut off the tops of deciduous herbs. + And the Kurus all lost their energy owing to the terror begot of Arjuna. + And tossed and mangled by the Arjuna-gale, the forest of Arjuna’s foes + reddened the earth with purple secretions. And the dust mixed with blood, + uplifted by the wind, made the very rays of the sun redder still. And soon + the sun-decked sky became so red that it looked very much like the + evening. Indeed, the sun ceaseth to shed his rays as soon as he sets, but + the son of Pandu ceased not to shoot his shafts. And that hero of + inconceivable energy overwhelmed, by means of all celestial weapons, all + the great bowmen of the enemy, although they were possessed of great + prowess. And Arjuna then shot three and seventy arrows of sharp points at + Drona, and ten at Dussaha and eight at Drona’s son, and twelve at + Dussasana, and three at Kripa, the son of Saradwat. And that slayer of + foes pierced Bhishma, the son of Santanu, with arrows, and king Duryodhana + with a hundred. And, lastly, he pierced Karna in the ear with a bearded + shaft. And when that great bowmen Karna, skilled in all weapons, was thus + pierced, and his horses and car and car-driver were all destroyed, the + troops that supported him began to break. And beholding those soldiers + break and give way the son of Virata desirous of knowing Partha’s purpose, + addressed him on the field of battle, and said, ‘O Partha, standing on + this beautiful car, with myself as charioteer, towards which division + shall I go? For, commanded by thee, I would soon take thee thither.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna replied, ‘O Uttara, yonder auspicious warrior whom thou seest + cased in coat of tiger-skin and stationed on his car furnished with a + blue-flag and drawn by red steeds, is Kripa. There is to be seen the van + of Kripa’s division. Take me thither. I shall show that great bowman my + swift-handedness in archery. And that warrior whose flag beareth the + device of an elegant water-pot worked in gold, is the preceptor Drona—that + foremost of all wielders of weapons. He is always an object of regard with + me, as also with all bearers of arms. Do thou, therefore, circumambulate + that great hero cheerfully. Let us bend our heads there, for that is the + eternal virtue. If Drona strikes my body first, then I shall strike him, + for then he will not be able to resent it. There, close to Drona, that + warrior whose flag beareth the device of a bow, is the preceptor’s son, + the great car-warrior Aswatthaman, who is always an object of regard with + me as also with every bearer of arms. Do thou, therefore, stop again and + again, while thou comest by his car. There, that warrior who stayeth on + his car, cased in golden mail and surrounded by a third part of the army + consisting of the most efficient troops, and whose flag beareth the device + of an elephant in a ground of gold, is the illustrious king Duryodhana, + the son of Dhritarashtra. O hero, take before him this thy car that is + capable of grinding hostile cars. This king is difficult of being + vanquished in battle and is capable of grinding all foes. He is regarded + as the first of all Drona’s disciples in lightness of hand. I shall, in + battle, show him my superior swiftness in archery. There, that warrior + whose flag beareth the device of a stout chord for binding elephants, is + Karna, the son of Vikartana, already known to thee. When thou comest + before that wicked son of Radha, be thou very careful, for he always + challengeth me to an encounter. And that warrior whose flag is blue and + beareth the device of five stars with a sun (in the centre), and who + endued with great energy stayeth on his car holding a huge bow in hand and + wearing excellent fences, and over whose head is an umbrella of pure + white, who standeth at the head of a multitudinous array of cars with + various flags and banners like the sun in advance of masses of black + clouds, and whose mail of gold looks bright as the sun or the moon, and + who with his helmet of gold striketh terror into my heart, is Bhishma, the + son of Santanu and the grandsire of us all. Entertained with regal + splendour by Duryodhana, he is very partial and well-affected towards that + prince. Let him be approached last of all, for he may, even now, be an + obstacle to me. While fighting with me, do thou carefully guide the + steeds.’ Thus addressed by him, Virata’s son, O king, guided Savyasachin’s + car with great alacrity towards the spot where Kripa stood anxious to + fight." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0056" id="link42H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And the ranks of those fierce bowmen, the Kurus, + looked like masses of clouds in the rainy season drifting before a gentle + wind. And close (to those ranks of foot-soldiers) stood the enemy’s horses + ridden by terrible warriors. And there were also elephants of terrible + mien, looking resplendent in beautiful armour, ridden by skilled + combatants and urged on with iron crows and hooks. And, O king, mounted on + a beautiful car, Sakra came there accompanied by the celestials,—the + Viswas and Maruts. And crowded with gods, Yakshas, Gandharvas and Nagas, + the firmament looked as resplendent as it does when bespangled with the + planetary constellation in a cloudless night. And the celestials came + there, each on his own car, desirous of beholding the efficacy of their + weapons in human warfare, and for witnessing also the fierce and mighty + combat that would take place when Bhishma and Arjuna would meet. And + embellished with gems of every kind and capable of going everywhere at the + will of the rider, the heavenly car of the lord of the celestials, whose + roof was upheld by a hundred thousand pillars of gold with (a central) one + made entirely of jewels and gems, was conspicuous in the clear sky. And + there appeared on the scene three and thirty gods with Vasava (at their + head), and (many) Gandharvas and Rakshasas and Nagas and Pitris, together + with the great Rishis. And seated on the car of the lord of the + celestials, appeared the effulgent persons of kings Vasumanas and + Valakshas and Supratarddana, and Ashtaka and Sivi and Yayati and Nahusha + and Gaya and Manu and Puru and Raghu and Bhanu and Krisaswa and Sagara and + Nala. And there shone in a splendid array, each in its proper place the + cars of Agni and Isa and Soma and Varuna and Prajapati and Dhatri and + Vidhatri and Kuvera and Yama, and Alamvusha and Ugrasena and others, and + of the Gandharva Tumburu. And all the celestials and the Siddhas, and all + the foremost of sages came there to behold that encounter between Arjuna + and the Kurus. And the sacred fragrance of celestial garlands filled the + air like that of blossoming woods at the advent of spring. And the red and + reddish umbrellas and robes and garlands and chamaras of the gods, as they + were stationed there, looked exceedingly beautiful. And the dust of the + earth soon disappeared and (celestial) effulgence lit up everything. And + redolent of divine perfumes, the breeze began to soothe the combatants. + And the firmament seemed ablaze and exceedingly beautiful, decked with + already arrived and arriving cars of handsome and various make, all + illumined with diverse sorts of jewels, and brought thither by the + foremost of the celestials. And surrounded by the celestials, and wearing + a garland of lotuses and lilies the powerful wielder of the thunderbolt + looked exceedingly beautiful on his car. And the slayer of Vala, although + he steadfastly gazed at his son on the field of battle, was not satiated + with such gazing." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0057" id="link42H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Beholding the army of the Kurus arrayed in order of + battle, that descendant of the Kuru race, Partha, addressing Virata’s son, + said, ‘Do thou proceed to the spot where Kripa, the son of Saradwat, is + going by the southern side of that car whose flag is seen to bear the + device of a golden altar.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Dhananjaya, the son of + Virata urged, without a moment’s delay, those steeds of silvery hue decked + in golden armour. And making them adopt, one after another, every kind of + the swifter paces, he urged those fiery steeds resembling the moon in + colour. And versed in horse-lore, Uttara, having approached the Kuru host, + turned back those steeds endued with the speed of the wind. And skilled in + guiding vehicles, the prince of Matsya, sometimes wheeling about, and + sometimes proceeding in circular mazes, and sometimes turning to the left, + began to bewilder the Kurus. And wheeling round, the intrepid and mighty + son of Virata at last approached the car of Kripa, and stood confronting + him. Then announcing his own name, Arjuna powerfully blew that best of + conchs called Devadatta, of loud blare. And blown on the field of battle + by the mighty Jishnu, the blare of that conch was heard like the splitting + of a mountain. And seeing that the conch did not break into a hundred + fragments when blown by Arjuna, the Kurus with all their warriors began to + applaud it highly. And having reached the very heavens, that sound coming + back was heard even like the crash of the thunderbolt hurled by Maghavat + on the mountain breast. Thereupon that heroic and intrepid and mighty + car-warrior, Saradwat’s son Kripa, endued with strength and prowess, + waxing wroth at Arjuna, and unable to bear that sound and eager for fight, + took up his own sea-begotten conch and blew it vehemently. And filling the + three worlds with that sound, that foremost of car-warriors took up a + large bow and twanged the bow-string powerfully. And those mighty + car-warriors, equal unto two suns, standing opposed to each other, shone + like two masses of autumnal clouds. Then Saradwat’s son quickly pierced + Partha, that slayer of hostile heroes, with ten swift and whetted arrows + capable of entering into the very vitals. And Pritha’s son also, on his + part, drawing that foremost of weapons, the Gandiva, celebrated over the + world, shot innumerable iron-arrows, all capable of penetrating into the + very core of the body. Thereupon Kripa, by means of whetted shafts, cut + into hundreds and thousands of fragments, those blood-drinking arrows of + Partha before they could come up. Then that mighty car-warrior, Partha + also, in wrath displaying various manoeuvres, covered all sides with a + shower of arrows. And covering the entire welkin with his shafts, that + mighty warrior of immeasurable soul, the son of Pritha, enveloped Kripa + with hundred of shafts. And sorely afflicted by those whetted arrows + resembling flames of fire, Kripa waxed wroth and quickly afflicting the + high-souled Partha of immeasurable prowess with ten thousand shafts, set + up on the field of battle a loud roar. Then the heroic Arjuna quickly + pierced the four steeds of his adversary with four fatal arrows shot from + the Gandiva, sharp and straight, and furnished with golden wings. And + pierced by means of those whetted arrows resembling flames of fire those + steeds suddenly reared themselves, and in consequence Kripa reeled off his + place. And seeing Gautama thrown off his place, the slayer of hostile + heroes, the descendant of the Kuru race, out of regard for his opponent’s + dignity, ceased to discharge his shafts at him. Then regaining his proper + place, Gautama quickly pierced Savyasachin with ten arrows furnished with + feathers of the Kanka bird. Then with a crescent-shaped arrow of keen + edge, Partha cut off Kripa’s bow and leathern fences. And soon Partha cut + off Kripa’s coat of mail also by means of arrows capable of penetrating + the very vitals, but he did not wound his person. And divested of his coat + of mail, his body resembled that of a serpent which hath in season cast + off its slough. And as soon as his bow had been cut off by Partha, Gautama + took up another and stringed it in a trice. And strange to say, that bow + of him was also cut off by Kunti’s son, by means of straight shafts. And + in this way that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Pandu, cut off other + bows as soon as they were taken up, one after another, by Saradwat’s son. + And when all his bows were thus cut off, that mighty hero hurled, from his + car, at Pandu’s son, a javelin like unto the blazing thunderbolt. + Thereupon, as the gold-decked javelin came whizzing through the air with + the flash of a meteor, Arjuna cut it off by means of ten arrows. And + beholding his dart thus cut off by the intelligent Arjuna, Kripa quickly + took up another bow and almost simultaneously shot a number of + crescent-shaped arrows. Partha, however, quickly cut them into fragments + by means of ten keen-edged shafts, and endued with great energy, the son + of Pritha then, inflamed with wrath on the field of battle, discharged + three and ten arrows whetted on stone and resembling flames of fire. And + with one of these he cut off the yoke of his adversary’s car, and with + four pierced his four steeds, and with the sixth he severed the head of + his antagonist’s car-driver from off his body. And with three that mighty + car-warrior pierced, in that encounter, the triple bamboo-pole of Kripa’s + car and with two, its wheels. And with the twelfth arrow he cut off + Kripa’s flagstaff. And with the thirteenth Falguni, who was like Indra + himself as if smiling in derision, pierced Kripa in the breast. Then with + his bow cut off, his car broken, his steeds slain, his car-driver killed, + Kripa leapt down and taking up a mace quickly hurled it at Arjuna. But + that heavy and polished mace hurled by Kripa was sent back along its + course, struck by means of Arjuna’s arrows. And then the warriors (of + Kripa’s division), desirous of rescuing the wrathful son of Saradwat + encountered Partha from all sides and covered him with their arrows. Then + the son of Virata, turning the steed to the left began to perform + circuitous evolution called Yamaka and thus withstood all those warriors. + And those illustrious bulls among men, taking Kripa with them who had been + deprived of his car, led him away from the vicinity of Dhananjaya, the son + of Kunti." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0058" id="link42H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Kripa had thus been taken away, the invincible + Drona of red steeds, taking up his bow to which he had already stringed an + arrow, rushed towards Arjuna of white steeds. And beholding at no great + distance from him the preceptor advancing on his golden car, Arjuna that + foremost of victorious warriors, addressing Uttara, said, ‘Blessed be + thou, O friend, carry me before that warrior on whose high banner-top is + seen a golden altar resembling a long flame of fire and decked with + numerous flags placed around, and whose car is drawn by steeds that are + red and large, exceedingly handsome and highly-trained, of face pleasant + and of quiet mien, and like unto corals in colour and with faces of + coppery hue, for that warrior is Drona with whom I desire to fight. Of + long arms and endued with mighty energy possessed of strength and beauty + of person, celebrated over all the worlds for his prowess, resembling + Usanas himself in intelligence and Vrihaspati in knowledge of morality, he + is conversant with the four Vedas and devoted to the practice of + Brahmacharya virtues. O friend, the use of the celestial weapons together + with the mysteries of their withdrawal and the entire science of weapons, + always reside in him. Forgiveness, self-control, truth, abstention from + injury, rectitude of conduct,—these and countless other virtues + always dwell in that regenerate one. I desire to fight with that + highly-blessed one on the field. Therefore, take me before the preceptor + and carry me thither, O Uttara.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Arjuna, Virata’s son urged his + steeds decked with gold towards the car of Bharadwaja’s son. And Drona + also rushed towards the impetuously advancing Partha, the son of Pandu,—that + foremost of car-warriors,—like an infuriate elephant rushing towards + an infuriate compeer. And the son of Bharadwaja then blew his conch whose + blare resembled that of a hundred trumpets. And at that sound the whole + army become agitated like the sea in a tempest. And beholding those + excellent steeds red in hue mingling in battle with Arjuna’s steeds of + swan-like whiteness endued with the speed of the mind, all the spectators + were filled with wonder. And seeing on the field of battle those + car-warriors—the preceptor Drona and his disciple Partha—both + endued with prowess, both invincible, both well-trained, both possessed of + great energy and great strength, engaged with each other, that mighty host + of the Bharatas began to tremble frequently. And that mighty car-warrior + Partha, possessed of great prowess and filled with joy upon reaching + Drona’s car on his own, saluted the preceptor. And that slayer of hostile + heroes, the mighty armed son of Kunti, then addressed Drona in an humble + and sweet tone, saying, ‘Having completed our exile in the woods, we are + now desirous of avenging our wrongs. Even invincible in battle, it doth + not behove thee to be angry with us. O sinless one, I will not strike thee + unless thou strikest me first. Even this is my intention. It behoveth thee + to act as thou choosest.’ Thus addressed Drona discharged at him more than + twenty arrows. But the light-handed Partha cut them off before they could + reach him. And at this, the mighty Drona, displaying his lightness of hand + in the use of weapons, covered Partha’s car with a thousand arrows. And + desirous of angering Partha, that hero of immeasurable soul, then covered + his steeds of silvery whiteness with arrows whetted on stone and winged + with the feathers of the Kanka bird. And when the battle between Drona and + Kiritin thus commenced, both of them discharging in the encounter arrows + of blazing splendour, both well-known for their achievements, both equal + to the wind itself in speed, both conversant with celestial weapons, and + both endued with mighty energy, began shooting clouds of arrows to + bewilder the royal Kshatriyas. And all the warriors that were assembled + there were filled with wonder at sight of all this. And they all admired + Drona who quickly shot clouds of arrows exclaiming,—‘Well done! Well + done! Indeed, who else save Falguna, is worthy of fighting with Drona in + battle? Surely the duties of a Kshatriya are stern, for Arjuna fighteth + with even his own preceptor!’—And it was thus that they who stood on + the field of battle said unto one another. And inflamed with fire, those + mighty-armed heroes standing before other, and each incapable of + overcoming the other, covered each other with arrowy showers. And + Bharadwaja’s son, waxing worth, drew his large and unconquerable bow + plated on the back with gold, and pierced Falguna with his arrows. And + discharging at Arjuna’s car innumerable whetted arrows possessed of solar + effulgence, he entirely shrouded the light of the sun. And that great + car-warrior of mighty arms, violently pierced Pritha’s son with keen-edged + shafts even as the clouds shower upon a mountain. Then taking up that + foremost of bows, the Gandiva, destructive of foes and capable of + withstanding the greatest strain, the impetuous son of Pandu cheerfully + discharged countless shafts of various kinds adorned with gold, and that + powerful warrior also baffled in a moment Drona’s arrowy shower by means + of those shafts shot from his own bow. And at this the spectators wondered + greatly. And the handsome Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, ranging on his + car, displayed his weapons on all sides at the same time. And the entire + welkin covered with his arrows, became one wide expanse of shade. And at + this Drona become invisible like the sun enveloped in mist. And shrouded + by those excellent arrows on all sides, Drona looked like a mountain on + fire. And beholding his own car completely enveloped by the arrows of + Pritha’s son, Drona that ornament of battle, bent his terrible and + foremost of bows whose noise was as loud as that of the clouds. And + drawing that first of weapons, which was like unto a circle of fire, he + discharged a cloud of keen-edged shafts. And then there were heard on the + field loud sounds like the splitting of bamboos set on fire. And that + warrior of immeasurable soul, shooting from his bow arrows furnished with + golden wings, covered all sides, shrouding the very light of the sun. And + those arrows with knots well-peeled off, and furnished with golden wings, + looked like flocks of birds in the sky. And the arrows discharged by Drona + from his bow, touching one another at the wings, appeared like one endless + line in the sky. And those heroes, thus discharging their arrows decked + with gold, seemed to cover the sky with showers of meteors. And furnished + with feathers of the Kanka bird, those arrows looked like rows of cranes + ranging in the autumnal sky. And the fierce and terrible encounter that + took place between the illustrious Drona and Arjuna resembled that between + Virata and Vasava of old. And discharging arrows at each other from bows + drawn at their fullest stretch, they resembled two elephants assailing + each other with their tusks. And those wrathful warriors—those + ornaments of battle—fighting strictly according to established + usage, displayed in that conflict various celestial weapons in due order. + Then that foremost of victorious men, Arjuna, by means of his keen shafts + resisted the whetted arrows shot by that best of preceptors. And + displaying before the spectators various weapons, that hero of terrible + prowess covered the sky with various kinds of arrows. And beholding that + tiger among men, Arjuna, endued with fierce energy and intent upon + striking him, that foremost of warriors and best of preceptors (from + affection) began to fight with him playfully by means of smooth and + straight arrows. And Bharadwaja’s son fought on with Falguna, resisting + with his own the celestial weapons shot by the former. And the fight that + took place between those enraged lions among men, incapable of bearing + each other, was like unto encounter between the gods and the Danavas. And + the son of Pandu repeatedly baffled with his own, the Aindra, the Vayavya, + and the Agneya weapons that were shot by Drona. And discharging keen + shafts, those mighty bowmen, by their arrowy showers completely covered + the sky and made a wide expanse of shade. And then the arrows shot by + Arjuna, falling on the bodies of hostile warriors, produced the crash of + thunderbolt. O king, elephants, cars, and horses, bathed in blood, looked + like Kinsuka trees crowned with flowers. And in that encounter between + Drona and Arjuna, beholding the field covered with arms decked with + bangles, and gorgeously-attired car-warriors, and coats of mail variegated + with gold, and with banners lying scattered all about, and with warriors + slain by means of Partha’s arrows, the Kuru host became panic-stricken. + And shaking their bows capable of bearing much strain, those combatants + began to shroud and weaken each other with their shafts. And, O bull of + the Bharata race, the encounter that took place between Drona and Kunti’s + son was dreadful in the extreme and resembled that between Vali and + Vasava. And staking their very lives, they began to pierce each other with + straight arrows shot from their fully-stretched bow-strings. And a voice + was heard in the sky applauding Drona, and saying, ‘Difficult is the feat + performed by Drona, inasmuch as he fighteth with Arjuna,—that + grinder of foes, that warrior endued with mighty energy, of firm grasp, + and invincible in battle,—that conqueror of both celestials and + Daityas, that foremost of all car-warriors.’ And beholding Partha’s + infallibility, training, fleetness of hand, and the range also of Arjuna’s + arrows, Drona became amazed. And, O bull of the Bharata race, lifting up + his excellent bow, the Gandiva the unforbearing Partha drew it now with + one hand and now with another shot an arrowy shower. And beholding that + shower resembling a flight of locusts, the spectators wondering applauded + him exclaiming, ‘Excellent’! ‘Excellent’! And so ceaselessly did he shoot + his arrows that the very air was unable to penetrate the thick array. And + the spectators could not perceive any interval between the taking up of + the arrows and letting them off. And in that fierce encounter + characterised by lightness of hand in the discharge of weapons, Partha + began to shoot his arrows more quickly than before. And then all at once + hundreds and thousands of straight arrows fell upon Drona’s car. And, O + bull of the Bharata race, beholding Drona completely covered by the + wielder of the Gandiva with his arrows, the Kuru army set up exclamation + of ‘Oh’! and ‘Alas’! And Maghavat, together with those Gandharvas and + Apsaras that have come there, applauded the fleetness of Partha’s hand. + And that mighty car-warrior, the preceptor’s son, then resisted the + Pandava with a mighty array of cars. And although enraged with Arjuna, yet + Aswatthaman mentally admired that feat of the high-souled son of Pritha. + And waxing wroth, he rushed towards Partha, and discharged at him an + arrowy shower like a heavy down-pour by the cloud. And turning his steeds + towards Drona’s son, Partha gave Drona an opportunity to leave the field. + And thereupon the latter, wounded in that terrible encounter, and his mail + and banner gone sped away by the aid of swift horses." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0059" id="link42H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then, O mighty king, Drona’s son rushed to an + encounter with Arjuna in battle. And beholding his rush to the conflict + like a hurricane, showering shafts like a rain charged cloud Pritha’s son + received him with a cloud of arrows. And terrible was the encounter + between them, like that between the gods and the Danavas. And they shot + arrows at each other like Virata and Vasava. And the welkin being + enveloped on all sides with arrows, the sun was completely hidden, and the + air itself was hushed. And, O conqueror of hostile cities, as they + assailed and struck each other, loud sounds arose as of bamboos on fire. + And, O king, Aswatthaman’s horses being sorely afflicted by Arjuna, they + became bewildered and could not ascertain which way to go. And as Pritha’s + son ranged on the field, the powerful son of Drona finding an opportunity, + cut off the string of the Gandiva with an arrow furnished with a + horse-shoe head. And beholding that extraordinary feat of his, the + celestials applauded him highly. And exclaiming—‘Well done’!—‘Well + done’! Drona and Bhishma, and Karna, and the mighty warrior Kripa, all + applauded that feat of his greatly. And the son of Drona, drawing his + excellent bow, pierced with his shafts, furnished with the feathers of the + Kanka bird, the breast of Partha, that bull among warriors. Thereupon, + with a loud laughter, the mighty-armed son of Pritha attached a strong and + fresh string to Gandiva. And moistening his bow-string with the sweat that + stood on his forehead resembling the crescent moon, Pritha’s son advanced + towards his adversary, even as an infuriated leader of a herd of elephants + rusheth at another elephant. And the encounter that took place between + those two matchless heroes on the field of battle was exceedingly fierce + and made the bristles of the spectators stand on their ends. And as those + heroes endued with mighty energy fought on, the two mighty elephants, the + Kurus beheld them with wonder. And those brave bulls among men assailed + each other with arrows of snaky forms and resembling blazing fires. And as + the couple of quivers belonging to the Pandava was inexhaustible, that + hero was able to remain on the field immovable as a mountain. And as + Aswatthaman’s arrows, in consequence of his ceaseless discharge in that + conflict, were quickly exhausted, it was for this that Arjuna prevailed + over his adversary. Then Karna, drawing his large bow with great force + twanged the bow-string. And thereupon arose loud exclamation of ‘Oh’! and + ‘Alas’! And Pritha’s son, casting his eyes towards the spot where that bow + was twanged, beheld before him the son of Radha. And at that sight his + wrath was greatly excited. And inflamed with ire and desirous of slaying + Karna, that bull of the Kuru race stared at him with rolling eyes. And, O + king, beholding Partha turn away from Aswatthaman’s side, the Kuru + warriors discharged thousands of arrows on Arjuna. And the mighty-armed + Dhananjaya, that conqueror of foes, leaving Drona’s son, all on a sudden + rushed towards Karna. And rushing towards Karna, with eyes reddened in + anger the son of Kunti, desirous of a single combat with him, said these + words." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0060" id="link42H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘The time, O Karna, hath now come for making good thy + loquacious boast in the midst of the assembly, viz., that there is none + equal to thee in fight. Today, O Karna, contending with me in terrible + conflict, thou shalt know thy own strength, and shalt no longer disregard + others. Abandoning good breeding, thou hadst uttered many harsh words, but + this that thou endeavourest to do, is, I think, exceedingly difficult. Do + thou now, O Radha’s son, contending with me in the sight of the Kurus, + make good what thou hadst said before in disregard of myself. Thou who + hadst witnessed Panchala’s princess outraged by villains in the midst of + the court, do thou now reap the fruit of that act of thine. Fettered by + the bonds of morality before, I desisted from vengeance then. Behold now, + O son of Radha, the fruit of that wrath in conflict at hand. O wicked + wight, we have suffered much misery in that forest for full twelve years. + Reap thou today the fruits of our concentrated vengeance. Come, O Karna, + cope with me in battle. Let these thy Kaurava warriors witness the + conflict.’ Hearing these words, Karna replied, ‘Do thou, O Partha, + accomplish in deed what thou sayst in words. The world knows that thy + words verily exceed thy deed. That thou hadst foreborne formerly was owing + to thy inability to do anything. If we witness thy prowess even now, we + may acknowledge its truth. If thy past forbearance was due to thy having + been bound by the bonds of morality, truly thou art equally bound now + although thou regardest thyself free. Having as thou sayst, passed thy + exile in the woods in strict accordance with thy pledge and being + therefore weakened by practising an ascetic course of life, how canst thou + desire a combat with me now? O Pritha’s son, if Sakra himself fight on thy + side, still I would feel no anxiety in putting forth my prowess. Thy wish, + O son of Kunti, is about to be gratified. Do thou fight with me now, and + behold my strength.’ Hearing this, Arjuna said, ‘Even now, O Radha’s son, + thou hadst fled from battle with me, and it is for this that thou livest + although thy younger brother hath been slain. What other person, save + thee, having beheld his younger brother slain in battle would himself fly + from the field, and boast as thou dost, amid good and true men?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said these words unto Karna, the + invincible Vibhatsu rushed at him and charged a volley, of shafts capable + of penetrating through a coat of mail. But that mighty car-warrior, Karna, + received with great alacrity that discharge with an arrowy shower of his + own, heavy as the downpour of the clouds. And that fierce volley of arrows + covered all sides and severally pierced the steeds and arms and leathern + fences of the combatants. And incapable of putting up with that assault, + Arjuna cut off the strings of Karna’s quiver by means of a straight and + sharp arrow. Thereupon, taking out from his quiver another arrow, Karna + pierced the Pandava in the hand at which the latter’s hold of the bow was + loosened. And then the mighty-armed Partha cut off Karna’s bow into + fragments. And Karna replied by hurling a dart at his adversary, but + Arjuna cut it off by means of his arrows. And then the warriors that + followed the son of Radha rushed in crowds at Arjuna, but Partha sent them + all to the abode of Yama by means of arrows shot from the Gandiva. And + Vibhatsu slew the steeds of Karna by means of sharp and tough arrows shot + from the bow-string drawn to the ear, and deprived of life they dropped + down on the ground. And taking another sharp and blazing arrow endued with + great energy, the mighty son of Kunti pierced the breast of Karna. And + that arrow, cleaving through his mail, penetrated into his body. And at + this, Karna’s vision was obscured and his senses left him. And regaining + consciousness, he felt a great pain, and leaving the combat fled in a + northernly direction. And at this, the mighty car-warrior Arjuna and + Uttara, both began to address him contumely." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0061" id="link42H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having defeated Vikartana’s son, Arjuna said unto the + son of Virata, ‘Take me towards that division where yonder device of a + golden palmyra is seen. There our grandfather, Santanu’s son, like unto a + celestial, waiteth, desirous of an encounter with me.’ Thereupon, + beholding that mighty host thronged with cars and horses and elephants, + Uttara, sorely pierced with arrows, said, ‘O hero, I am no longer able to + guide thy excellent steeds. My spirits droop and my mind is exceedingly + bewildered. All the directions seem to be whirling before my eyes in + consequence of the energy of the celestial weapons used by thee and the + Kurus. I have been deprived of my senses by the stench of fat and blood + and flesh. Beholding all this, from terror my mind is, as it were, cleft + in twain. Never before had I beheld such a muster of horses in battle. And + at the flapping of fences, and the blare of conchs, the leonine roars made + by the warriors and the shrieks of elephants, and the twang of the Gandiva + resembling the thunder, I have, O hero, been so stupefied that I have been + deprived of both hearing and memory. And, O hero, beholding thee + incessantly drawing to a circle, in course of the conflict, the Gandiva + which resembleth a circle of fire, my sight faileth me and my heart is + rent asunder. And seeing thy fierce form in battle, like that of the + wielder of the Pinaka while inflamed with wrath, and looking also at the + terrible arrows shot by thee, I am filled with fear. I fail to see when + thou takest up thy excellent arrows, when thou fixest them on the + bow-string, and when thou lettest them off. And though all this is done + before my eyes, yet, deprived of my senses, I do not see it. My spirits + are drooping and earth itself seems to be swimming before me. I have no + strength to hold the whip and the reins.’ Hearing these words, Arjuna + said, ‘Do thou not fear. Assure thyself. Thou also hast, on the field of + battle performed, O bull among men, wonderful feats. Blessed be thou, thou + art a prince and born in the illustrious line of Matsyas. It behoveth thee + not to feel dispirited in chastising thy foes. Therefore, O prince, + stationed on my car, muster all thy fortitude and hold the reins of my + steeds, O slayer of foes, when I once more become engaged in battle.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this unto Virata’s son, that best of + men and foremost of car-warriors, the mighty-armed Arjuna, again addressed + the son of Virata, saying. ‘Take me without delay to the van of Bhishma’s + division. I will cut off his very bow-string in the battle. Thou shalt + behold today the celestial weapons of blazing beauty, shot by me, look + like flashes of lightning disporting amid the clouds in the sky. The + Kauravas shall behold the gold-decked back of my Gandiva today, and + assembled together the foe shall dispute, saying,—“By which hand of + his, the right or the left, doth he shoot?” And I shall cause a dreadful + river (of death) to flow today towards the other world with blood for its + waters and cars for its eddies, and elephants for its crocodiles. I shall + today, with my straight arrows, extirpate the Kuru forest having hands and + feet and heads and backs and arms for the branches of its trees. Alone, + bow in hand, vanquishing the Kuru host, a hundred paths shall open before + me like those of a forest in conflagration. Struck by me thou shalt today + behold the Kuru army moving round and round like a wheel (unable to fly + off the field). I shall show thee today my excellent training in arrows + and weapons. Stay thou on my car firmly, whether the ground be smooth or + uneven. I can pierce with my winged arrows even the mountain of Sumeru + that stands touching the very heavens. I slew of old, at Indra’s command, + hundreds and thousands of Paulomas and Kalakhanjas in battle. I have + obtained my firmness of grasp from Indra, and my lightness of hand from + Brahman, and I have learnt various modes of fierce attack and defence amid + crowds of foes from Prajapati. I vanquished, on the other side of the + great ocean, sixty thousands of car-warriors—all fierce archers—residing + in Hiranyapura. Behold, now I defeat the multitudinous host of the Kurus + like a tempest scattering a heap of cotton. With my fiery arrows I shall + today set the Kuru-forest to fire, having banners for its trees, the + foot-soldiers for its shrubs, and the car-warriors for its beasts of prey. + Like unto the wielder of the thunderbolt overthrowing the Danavas, alone I + shall, with my straight arrows, bring down from the chambers of their cars + the mighty warrior of the Kuru army stationed therein and struggling in + the conflict to the best of their power. I have obtained from Rudra the + Raudra, from Varuna the Varuna, from Agni the Agneya, from the god of Wind + the Vayava, and from Sakra the thunderbolt and other weapons. I shall + certainly exterminate the fierce Dhartarashtra-forest though protected by + many leonine warriors. Therefore, O Virata’s son, let thy fears be + dispelled.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus assured by Savyasachin, the son of Virata + penetrated into that fierce array of cars protected by Bhishma. The son of + Ganga, however, of fierce deeds, cheerfully withstood the mighty-armed + hero advancing from desire of vanquishing the heroes in battle. Jishnu, + then, confronting Bhishma, cut off his standard clean off at the roots by + shooting a gold-decked arrow pierced by which it fell to the ground. And + at this, four mighty warriors, Dussasana and Vikarna and Dussaha and + Vivinsati, skilled in weapons and endued with great energy, and all decked + with handsome garlands and ornaments, rushed towards that terrible bowman. + And advancing towards Vibhatsu—that fierce archer, these all + encompassed him around. Then the heroic Dussasana pierced the son of + Virata with a crescent-shaped arrow and he pierced Arjuna with another + arrow in the breast. And Jishnu, confronting Dussasana, cut off by means + of a sharp-edged arrow furnished with vulturine wings his adversary’s bow + plaited with gold, and then pierced his person in the breast by means of + five arrows. And afflicted by the arrows of Partha, Dussasana fled, + leaving the combat. Then Vikarna, the son of Dhritarashtra, pierced Arjuna—that + slayer of hostile heroes, by means of sharp and straight arrows furnished + with vulturine wings. But the son of Kunti within a moment hit him also in + the forehead with straight shafts. And pierced by Arjuna, he fell down + from his car. And at this, Dussaha, supported by Vivinsati, covered Arjuna + with a cloud of sharp arrows, impelled by the desire of rescuing his + brother. Dhananjaya, however, without the least anxiety, pierced both of + them almost at the same instant by means of a couple of keen-edged arrows + and then slew the steeds of both. And there upon, both those sons of + Dhritarashtra, deprived of their steeds and their bodies mangled were + taken away by the warrior behind them who had rushed forward with other + cars. Then the unvanquished Vibhatsu, the mighty son of Kunti, decked with + diadem and sure of aim, simultaneously attacked all sides with his + arrows." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0062" id="link42H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then, O thou of the Bharata race, all the great + car-warriors of the Kurus, united together, began to assail Arjuna to the + best of their might from all sides. But that hero of immeasurable soul + completely covered all those mighty car-warriors with clouds of arrows, + even as the mist covereth the mountains. And the roars of huge elephants + and conchs, mingling together, produced a loud uproar. And penetrating + through the bodies of elephants and horses as also through steel coats of + mail, the arrows shot by Partha fell by thousands. And shooting shafts + with the utmost celerity, the son of Pandu seemed in that contest to + resemble the blazing sun of an autumnal midday. And afflicted with fear, + the car-warriors began to leap down from their cars and the horse-soldiers + from horse-back, while the foot-soldiers began to fly in all directions. + And loud was the clatter made by Arjuna’s shafts as they cleft the coats + of mail belonging to mighty warriors, made of steel, silver, and copper. + And the field was soon covered with the corpses of warriors mounted on + elephants and horses, all mangled by the shafts of Partha of great + impetuosity like unto sighing snakes. And then it seemed as if Dhananjaya, + bow in hand, was dancing on the field of battle. And sorely affrighted at + the twang of the Gandiva resembling the noise of the thunder, many were + the combatants that fled from that terrible conflict. And the field of + battle was bestrewn with severed heads decked with turbans, ear-rings and + necklaces of gold, and the earth looked beautiful by being scattered all + over with human trunks mangled by shafts, and arms having bows in their + grasp and hands decked with ornaments. And, O bull of the Bharata race, in + consequence of heads cut off by whetted shafts ceaselessly falling on the + ground, it seemed as if a shower of stones fell from the sky. And that + Partha of formidable prowess, displaying his fierceness, now ranged the + field of battle, pouring the terrible fire of his wrath upon the sons of + Dhritarashtra. And beholding the fierce prowess of Arjuna who thus + scorched the hostile host, the Kuru warriors, in the very presence of + Duryodhana, became dispirited and ceased to fight. And, O Bharata, having + struck terror into that host and routed those mighty car-warriors, that + fore-most of victors, ranged on the field. And the son of Pandu then + created on the field of battle a dreadful river of blood, with waving + billows, like unto the river of death that is created by Time at the end + of the Yuga, having the dishevelled hair of the dead and the dying for its + floating moss and straw, with bows and arrows for its boats, fierce in the + extreme and having flesh and animal juices for its mire. And coats of mail + and turbans floated thick on its surface. And elephants constituted its + alligators and the cars its rafts. And marrow and fat and blood + constituted its currents. And it was calculated to strike terror into the + hearts of the spectators. And dreadful to behold, and fearful in the + extreme, and resounding with the yells of ferocious beasts, keen edged + weapons constituted its crocodiles. And Rakshasas and other cannibals + haunted it from one end to the other. And strings of pearls constituted + its ripples, and various excellent ornaments, its bubbles. And having + swarms of arrows for its fierce eddies and steeds for its tortoises, it + was incapable of being crossed. And the mighty car warrior constituted its + large island, and it resounded with the bleat of conchs and the sound of + drums. And the river of blood that Partha created was incapable of being + crossed. Indeed, so swift-handed was Arjuna that the spectators could not + perceive any interval between his taking up an arrow, and fixing it on the + bow-string, and letting it off by a stretch of the Gandiva." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0063" id="link42H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then while a great havoc was being made among the + Kurus, Santanu’s son, Bhishma, and grandsire of the Bharatas rushed at + Arjuna, taking up an excellent bow adorned with gold, and many arrows also + of keen points and capable of piercing into the very vitals of the foe and + afflicting him sorely. And in consequence of a white umbrella being held + over his head, that tiger among men looked beautiful like unto a hill at + sunrise. And the son of Ganga, blowing his conch cheered the sons of + Dhritarashtra, and wheeling along his right came upon Vibhatsu and impeded + his course. And that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Kunti, beholding + him approach, received him with a glad heart, like a hill receiving a + rain-charged cloud. And Bhishma, endued with great energy, pierced + Partha’s flag-staff with eight arrows. The arrows reaching the flag-staff + of Pandu’s son, struck the blazing ape and those creatures also stationed + in the banner-top. And then the son of Pandu, with a mighty javelin of + sharp edge cut off Bhishma’s umbrella which instantly fell on the ground. + And then the light-handed son of Kunti struck his adversary’s flag-staff + also with many shafts, and then his steeds and then the couple of drivers + that protected Bhishma’s flanks. And unable to bear this, Bhishma though + cognisant of the Pandava’s might, covered Dhananjaya with a powerful + celestial weapon. And the son of Pandu, of immeasurable soul, hurling in + return a celestial weapon at Bhishma, received that from Bhishma like a + hill receiving a deep mass of clouds. And the encounter that took place + between Partha and Bhishma, was fierce and the Kaurava warriors with their + troops stood as lookers on. And in the conflict between Bhishma and the + son of Pandu, shafts striking against shafts shone in the air like + fireflies in the season of rains. And, O king, in consequence of Partha’s + shooting arrows with both his right and left hands, the bent Gandiva + seemed like a continuous circle of fire. And the son of Kunti then covered + Bhishma with hundreds of sharp and keen-edged arrows, like a cloud + covering the mountain-breast with its heavy downpour. And Bhishma baffled + with his own arrows that arrowy shower, like the bank resisting the + swelling sea, and covered the son of Pandu in return. And those warriors, + cut into a thousand pieces in battle, fell fast in the vicinity of + Falguna’s car. And then there was a downpour, from the car of Pandu’s son, + of arrows furnished with golden wing, and raining through the sky like a + flight of locusts. And Bhishma again repelled that arrowy shower with + hundreds of whetted shafts shot by him. And then the Kauravas exclaimed.—‘Excellent! + Excellent!’—Indeed, Bhishma hath performed an exceedingly difficult + feat inasmuch as he hath fought with Arjuna. Dhananjaya is mighty and + youthful, and dexterous and swift of hand. Who else, save Bhishma, the son + of Santanu, or Krishna, the son of Devaki, or the mighty son of + Bharadwaja, the foremost of preceptors, is able to bear the impetus of + Partha in battle? And repelling weapons with weapons, those two bulls of + the Bharata race, both endued with great might, fought on playfully and + infatuated the eyes of all created beings. And those illustrious warriors + ranged on the field of battle, using the celestials weapons obtained from + Prajapati and Indra, and Agni and the fierce Rudra, and Kuvera, and + Varuna, and Yama, and Vayu. And all beings were greatly surprised, upon + beholding those warriors engaged in combat. And they all exclaimed,—‘Bravo + Partha of long arms! Bravo Bhishma!’ Indeed, this application of celestial + weapons that is being witnessed in the combat between Bhishma and Partha + is rare among human beings." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus raged that conflict with weapons between + those warriors conversant with all weapons. And when that conflict of + celestial weapons ceased, then commenced a conflict with arrows. And + Jishnu approaching his opponent, cut off with an arrow sharp like a razor + the gold-decked bow of Bhishma. Within the twinkling of the eye, however, + Bhishma, that mighty-armed and great car-warrior, took up another bow and + stringed it. And inflamed with wrath, he showered upon Dhananjaya a cloud + of arrows. And Arjuna, too, endued with great energy, rained upon Bhishma + innumerable sharp-pointed and keen-edged arrows. And Bhishma also shot + clouds of arrows upon Pandu’s son. And conversant with celestial weapons + and engaged in shooting at each other, arrows of keen points, no + distinction, O king, could then be perceived between those illustrious + warriors. And that mighty car-warrior, Kunti’s son, covered with a diadem, + and the heroic son of Santanu, obscured the ten directions with their + arrows. And the Pandava covered Bhishma, and Bhishma also covered the + Pandava, with clouds of shafts. And, O king, wonderful was this combat + that took place in this world of men. And the heroic warriors that + protected Bhishma’s car, slain by the son of Pandu, fell prostrate, O + monarch, beside the car of Kunti’s son. And the feathery arrows of + Swetavahana, shot from the Gandiva, fell in all directions as if with the + object of making a wholesale slaughter of the foe. And issuing forth from + his car those blazing arrows furnished with golden wings looked like rows + of swans in the sky. And all the celestials with Indra, stationed in the + firmament, gazed with wonder upon another celestial weapon hurled with + great force by that wonderful archer Arjuna. And beholding that wonderful + weapon of great beauty, the mighty Gandiva, Chitrasena, highly pleased, + addressed the lord of celestials, saying, ‘Behold these arrows shot by + Partha coursing through the sky in one continuous line. Wonderful is the + dexterity of Jishnu in evolving this celestial weapon! Human beings are + incapable of shooting such a weapon, for it does not exist among men. How + wonderful again is this concourse of mighty weapons existing from days of + old! No interval can be perceived between his taking up the arrows, fixing + them on the bow-string, and letting them off by stretching the Gandiva. + The soldiers are incapable of even looking at the son of Pandu, who is + like unto the midday sun blazing in the sky. So also none ventures to look + at Bhishma, the son of Ganga. Both are famous for their achievements, and + both are of fierce prowess. Both are equal in feats of heroism, and both + are difficult of being vanquished in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by the Gandharva about that combat between Partha and + Bhishma, the lord of the celestials, O Bharata, paid proper respect unto + both by a shower of celestial flowers. Meanwhile, Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, assailed Arjuna on the left side, while that drawer of the bow + with either hands was on the point of piercing him. And at this, Vibhatsu, + laughing aloud, cut off with an arrow of keen edge and furnished with + vulturine wings, the bow of Bhishma, that hero of solar effulgence. And + then Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, pierced Bhishma in the breast with ten + shafts although the latter was contending with all his prowess. And sorely + afflicted with pain Ganga’s son of mighty arms and irresistible in battle, + stood for a long time leaning on the pole of his car. And beholding him + deprived of consciousness the driver of his car-steeds, calling to mind + the instructions about protecting the warriors when in a swoon, led him + away for safety." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0064" id="link42H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Bhishma had fled, leaving the van of battle, the + illustrious son of Dhritarashtra hoisting high his flag approached Arjuna, + bow in hand and setting up a loud roar. And with a spear-headed shaft shot + from his bow stretched to the ear, he pierced on the forehead of that + terrible bowman of fierce prowess, Dhananjaya, ranging amidst the foes. + And pierced with that keen shaft of golden point on the forehead, that + hero of famous deeds looked resplendent, O king, like unto a beautiful + hill with a single peak. And cut by that arrow, the warm life-blood gushed + out profusely from the wound. And the blood trickling down his body shone + beautifully like a wreath of golden flowers. And struck by Duryodhana with + the shaft, the swift-handed Arjuna of unfailing strength, swelling with + rage, pierced the king in return, taking up arrows that were endued with + the energy of snakes of virulent poison. And Duryodhana of formidable + energy attacked Partha, and Partha also, that foremost of heroes, attacked + Duryodhana. And it was that those foremost of men, both born in the race + of Ajamida, struck each other alike in the combat. And then (seated) on an + infuriate elephant huge as a mountain and supported by four cars, Vikarna + rushed against Jishnu, the son of Kunti. And beholding that huge elephant, + advancing with speed, Dhananjaya struck him on the head between the + temples with an iron arrow of great impetus shot from the bow-string + stretched to the ear. And like the thunderbolt hurled by Indra splitting a + mountain, that arrow furnished with vulturine wings, shot by Partha, + penetrated, up to the very feathers, into the body of that elephant huge + as hill. And sorely afflicted by the shaft, that lord of the elephant + species began to tremble, and deprived of strength fell down on the ground + in intense anguish, like the peak of mountain riven by thunder. And that + best of elephants falling down on the earth, Vikarna suddenly alighting in + great terror, ran back full eight hundred paces and ascended on the car of + Vivinsati. And having slain with that thunder-like arrow that elephant + huge as a mighty hill and looking like a mass of clouds, the son of Pritha + smote Duryodhana in the breast with another arrow of the same kind. And + both the elephant and the king having thus been wounded, and Vikarna + having broken and fled along with the supporters of the king’s car, the + other warriors, smitten with the arrows shot from the Gandiva, fled from + the field in panic. And beholding the elephant slain by Partha, and all + the other warriors running away, Duryodhana, the foremost of the Kurus, + turning away his car precipitately fled in that direction where Partha was + not. And when Duryodhana was fast running away in alarm, pierced by that + arrow and vomitting forth blood, Kiritin, still eager for battle and + capable of enduring every enemy, thus censured him from wrath, + ‘Sacrificing thy great fame and glory, why dost thou fly away, turning thy + back? Why are not those trumpets sounded now, as they were when thou hadst + set out from thy kingdom? Lo, I am an obedient servant of Yudhishthira, + myself being the third son of Pritha, standing here for battle. Turn back, + show me thy face, O son of Dhritarashtra, and bear in thy mind the + behaviour of kings. The name Duryodhana bestowed on thee before is hereby + rendered meaningless. When thou runnest away, leaving the battle, where is + thy persistence in battle? Neither do I behold thy body-guards, O + Duryodhana, before nor behind. O foremost of men, fly thou away and save + thy life which is dear from the hands of Pandu’s son.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0065" id="link42H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus summoned to battle by the illustrious hero, + Dhritarashtra’s son turned back stung by those censures, like an infuriate + and mighty elephant pricked by a hook. And stung by those reproaches and + unable to bear them, that mighty and brave car-warrior endued with great + swiftness, turned back on his car, like a snake that is trampled under + foot. And beholding Duryodhana turn back with his wounds, Karna, that hero + among men, decked with a golden necklace, stopped the king on the way and + soothing him, himself proceeded along the north of Duryodhana’s car to + meet Partha in battle. And the mighty-armed Bhishma also, the son of + Santanu, turning back his steeds decked with gold, enormous in size, and + of tawny hue, rushed bow in hand, for protecting Duryodhana from Partha’s + hand. And Drona and Kripa and Vivinsati and Dussasana and others also, + quickly turning back, rushed forward with speed with drawn bows and arrows + fixed on the bow-strings, for protecting Duryodhana. And beholding those + divisions advance towards him like the swelling surges of the ocean, + Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, quickly rushed at them like a crane rushing + at a descending cloud. And with celestial weapons in their hands, they + completely surrounded the son of Pritha and rained on him from all sides a + perfect shower of shafts, like clouds showering on the mountain breast a + heavy downpour of rain. And warding off with weapons, all the weapons of + those bulls among the Kurus, the wielder of the Gandiva who was capable of + enduring all foes, evolved another irresistible weapon obtained from + Indra, called Sanmohana. And entirely covering the cardinal and other + directions with sharp and keen-edged arrows furnished with beautiful + feathers, that mighty hero stupefied their senses with the twang of the + Gandiva. And once more, taking up with both his hands that large conch of + loud blare, Partha, that slayer of foes, blew it with force and filled the + cardinal and other points, the whole earth, and sky, with that noise. And + those foremost of the Kuru heroes were all deprived of their senses by the + sound of that conch blown by Partha. And all of them stood still, their + bows, from which they were never separated, dropping down from their + hands. And when the Kuru army became insensible, Partha calling to mind + the words of Uttara, addressed the son of the Matsya king, saying, ‘O best + of men, go thou among the Kurus, so long as they remain insensible, and + bring away the white garments of Drona and Kripa, and the yellow and + handsome ones of Karna, as also the blue ones of the king and Drona’s son. + Methinks, Bhishma is not stupefied, for he knoweth how to counteract this + weapon of mine. So, pass thou on, keeping his steeds to thy left; for + those that are sensible should thus be avoided.’ Hearing these words, the + illustrious son of Matsya, giving up the reins of the steeds, jumped down + from the car and taking off the garments of the warriors, came back to his + place. And the son of Virata then urged the four handsome steeds with + flanks adorned with golden armours. And those white steeds, urged on, took + Arjuna away from the midst of battle-field and beyond the array of the + infantry bearing standards in their hands. And, Bhishma, beholding that + best of men thus going away, struck him with arrows. And Partha, too, + having slain Bhishma’s steeds, pierced him with ten shafts. And abandoning + Bhishma on the field of battle, having first slain his car-driver, Arjuna + with a good-looking bow in hand came out of that multitude of cars, like + the sun emerging from the clouds. And Dhritarashtra’s son, that foremost + of heroes among the Kurus, recovering his senses, saw the son of Pritha + standing like the lord of the celestials, alone on the battle-field. And + he said in hurry (unto Bhishma), ‘How hath this one escaped from thee? Do + thou afflict him in such a way that he may not escape.’ And at this, + Santanu’s son, smiling, said unto him, ‘Where had been this sense of + thine, and where had been thy prowess too, when thou hadst been in a state + of unconsciousness renouncing thy arrows and handsome bow? Vibhatsu is not + addicted to the commission of atrocious deeds; nor is his soul inclined to + sin. He renounceth not his principles even for the sake of the three + worlds. It is for this only that all of us have not been slain in this + battle. O thou foremost of Kuru heroes, go back to the city of the Kurus, + and let Partha also go away, having conquered the kine. Do thou never + foolishly throw away thy own good. Indeed, that which leadeth to one’s + welfare ought to be accomplished.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having listened to the words of the grandsire + that tended to his own welfare, the wrathful king Duryodhana no longer + eager for battle, drew a deep sigh and became silent. And reflecting that + the advice of Bhishma was beneficial and seeing that the Pandavas gaining + in strength, the other warriors also, desirous of protecting Duryodhana, + resolved to return. And beholding those foremost of Kuru heroes departing + for their city, Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, with a cheerful heart + followed them for a while, desirous of addressing and worshipping them. + And having worshipped the aged grandsire—the son of Santanu, as also + the preceptor Drona, and having saluted with beautiful arrows Drona’s son + and Kripa and other venerable ones among the Kurus, the son of Pritha + broke into fragments Duryodhana’s crown decked with precious gems, with + another arrow. And having saluted all the venerable and brave warriors + thus, he filled the three worlds with the twang of the Gandiva. And + suddenly blowing his conch called Devadatta, the hero pierced the hearts + of all his foes. And having humbled the hostile, he looked resplendent on + his car decked with a handsome flag. And beholding the Kurus depart, + Kiritin cheerfully said unto Matsya’s son, ‘Turn back thy steeds; thy kine + have been recovered; the foe is going away and do thou also return to thy + city with a cheerful heart.’ And the celestials also, having witnessed + that most wonderful encounter between Falguna and the Kurus, were highly + delighted, and went to their respective abodes, reflecting upon Partha’s + feats." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0066" id="link42H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having vanquished the Kurus in battle, that one with + eyes like those of a bull brought back that profuse cattle wealth of + Virata. And while the Dhritarashtra, after their rout, were going away, a + large number of Kuru-soldiers issuing out of the deep forest appeared with + slow steps before Partha, their hearts afflicted with fear. And they stood + before him with joined palms and with hair dishevelled. And fatigued with + hunger and thirst, arrived in a foreign land, insensible with terror, and + confused in mind, they all bowed down unto the son of Pritha and said,—‘We + are thy slaves.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Welcome, blessed be ye. Go ye away. Ye have no cause of + fear. I will not take the lives of them that are afflicted. Ye have my + assurance of protection.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of assurance, the assembled + warriors greeted him with benedictions in praise of his achievements and + fame and wishing him long life. And the Kauravas were unable to confront + Arjuna while after routing the foe he proceeded towards the city of + Virata, like an elephant with rent temples. And having routed the whole + army of the Kuru like a violent wind scattering the clouds, that slayer of + foes, Partha, regardfully addressing the prince of Matsya, said, ‘It is + known to thee alone, O child, that the sons of Pritha are all living with + thy father. Do not eulogise them upon entering the city, for then the king + of the Matsyas may hide himself in fear. On the other hand, entering the + city, do thou proclaim in the presence of thy father that the deed is thy + own, saying,—“By me hath the army of the Kurus been vanquished and + by me have the kine been recovered from the foe!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘The feat thou hast achieved is beyond my power. I do not + possess the ability to achieve it. I shall not, however, O Savyasachin, + discover thee to my father, as long as thou wilt not tell me to do it.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having vanquished the hostile army and wrested + the whole of the cattle wealth from the Kurus, Jishnu returned again to + the cemetery and having approached the same Sami tree stood there with + body mangled by the arrows of the enemy. Then that terrible monkey blazing + like fire ascended into the sky with those other creatures in the + flag-staff. And the illusion created (by Viswakarma) melted away and + Uttara’s own banner bearing the device of a lion was set up on the car + again. And having replaced the arrows and quivers of those foremost of the + Kuru princes, and also that other weapon the (Gandiva) which enhances the + fierceness of a battle, the illustrious prince of Matsya set out for the + city with a glad heart, having Kiritin as his charioteer. And having + achieved an exceedingly mighty feat and slain the foe, Partha also, that + slayer of foes, binding his hair into a braid as before, took the reins + from Uttara’s hands. And that illustrious hero entered the city of Virata, + with a cheerful heart rehabilitating himself as Vrihannala, the car-driver + of Uttara." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “When all the Kauravas utterly routed and + vanquished, set out in a dejected mood for Hastinapura, Falguna, on his + way back, addressed Uttara, saying, ‘O prince, O hero of mighty arms, + seeing the kine escorted in advance of us by the cowherds, we shall enter + Virata’s metropolis in the afternoon, having tended the steeds with drink + and a bath. Let the cowherds, despatched by thee, speedily repair to the + city with the good news and proclaim thy victory.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Agreeable to Arjuna’s words, Uttara speedily + ordered the messengers, saying, ‘Go ye and proclaim the king’s victory. + The foe hath been routed, and the kine have been recovered.’ And the + Matsya and the Bharata princes having thus consulted together + re-approached the same Sami tree. And gratified with the victory they had + won, and arrived at the foot of the Sami tree, they wore on their persons + and took up on their car the ornaments and robes they had left there. And + having vanquished the whole hostile army and recovered the whole of the + wealth from the Kurus, the heroic son of Virata returned to the city with + Vrihannala as his car-driver." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0067" id="link42H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having speedily recovered his wealth Virata owning a + large army entered his city with a cheerful heart, accompanied by the four + Pandavas. And having vanquished the Trigartas in battle and recovered all + the kine, that mighty monarch, along with the sons of Pritha, looked + resplendent and blazed forth in beauty. And as the brave king, that + enhancer of the joys of friends, was seated on his throne, all his + subjects headed by the Brahmanas stood before him. And worshipped by them, + the king of the Matsyas, at the head of his army, saluted the Brahmanas + and his subjects in return and dismissed them cheerfully. And Virata, the + king of the Matsyas owning a large army, enquired after Uttara, saying, + ‘Where hath Uttara gone?’ And the women and the maidens of the palace and + the other females living in the inner apartments joyfully said unto him, + ‘Our kine having been seized by the Kurus, Bhuminjaya incensed at this and + from excess of bravery hath issued forth alone with only Vrihannala as his + second, for vanquishing the six mighty car-warriors, Bhishma the son of + Santanu, and Kripa, and Karna, and Duryodhana, and Drona, and Drona’s son + who have all come with the Kuru army.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then king Virata, hearing that his brave son had + gone forth with only one car and with Vrihannala as his car-driver, became + filled with grief, and addressing his chief counsellors, said, ‘Without + doubt, the Kauravas and other lords of earth, learning the defeat of the + Trigartas, will never keep their ground. Therefore, let those of my + warriors that have not been wounded by the Trigartas go out, accompanied + by a mighty force, for the protection of Uttara.’ And saying this, the + king speedily despatched, for the sake of his son, horses and elephants + and cars and a large number of foot-soldiers, equipped and decked with + various kinds of weapons and ornaments. And it was thus that Virata, the + king of the Matsyas, owning a large army, quickly ordered out a large + division consisting of four kinds of troops. And having done this, he + said, ‘Learn ye, without loss of time whether the prince liveth still or + not! I myself think that he who hath got a person of the neuter sex for + his car-driver is not alive.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then king Yudhishthira the just, smilingly said + unto the afflicted king Virata, ‘If, O monarch, Vrihannala hath been his + charioteer, the foe will never be able to take away thy kine today. + Protected by that charioteer, thy son will be able to vanquish in battle + all the lords of earth allied with the Kurus, indeed, even the gods and + the Asuras and the Siddhas and the Yakshas together.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Meanwhile, the swift-footed messengers despatched + by Uttara, having reached Virata’s city, gave tidings of the victory. And + the minister-in-chief then informed the king of everything, viz., the + great victory that had been won, the defeat of the Kurus, and the expected + arrival of Uttara. And he said, ‘All the kine have been brought back, the + Kurus have been defeated, and Uttara, that slayer of foes, is well with + his car-driver.’ Then Yudhishthira said, ‘By good luck it is that the kine + have been recovered and the Kurus routed. I do not, however, regard it + strange that thy son should have vanquished the Kurus, for his victory is + assured that hath Vrihannala for his charioteer.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing of the victory of his son possessed of + immeasurable might, king Virata became so glad that the bristles of his + body stood erect. And having made presents of raiments unto the + messengers, he ordered his ministers, saying, ‘Let the highways be + decorated with flags, and let all the gods and goddesses be worshipped + with flowery offerings. And let princes and brave warriors, and musicians + and harlots decked in ornaments, march out to receive my son. And let the + bellman, speedily riding an intoxicated elephant, proclaim my victory at + places where four roads meet. And let Uttara, too, in gorgeous attire and + surrounded by virgins and chanters of eulogies, go forth to receive my + son.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having listened to these words of the king, all + the citizens with auspicious things in hand, and many amongst them with + cymbals and trumpets and conchs, and beautiful women attired in gorgeous + robes, and reciters of auspicious and sacred hymns, accompanied by + encomiasts and minstrels, and drummers and other kinds of musicians issued + forth from the city of the mighty Virata to welcome Uttara of immeasurable + prowess. And having despatched troops and maidens and courtesans decked in + ornaments, the wise king of the Matsyas cheerfully said these words, ‘O + Sairindhri, fetch the dice. And, O Kanka, let the play commence.’ The son + of Pandu replied, saying, ‘We have heard it said that one whose heart is + filled with joy should not play with a cunning gambler. I do not + therefore, dare gamble with thee that are so transported with joy. I am + ever desirous of doing what is for thy good. Let the play, however, + commence if it pleases thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘My female slaves and kine, my gold and whatsoever other + wealth I have, nothing of all this shall thou be able to protect today + even if I do not gamble.’ Kanka said in reply, ‘O monarch, O bestower of + honours, what business hast thou with gamble which is attended with + numerous evils? Gambling is fraught with many evils; it should, therefore, + be shunned. Thou mayst have seen or at least heard of Yudhishthira, the + son of Pandu. He lost his extensive and prosperous kingdom and his + god-like brothers at dice. For this, I am averse to gambling. But if thou + likest, O king, I will play.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “While the play was going on, Matsya said unto the + son of Pandu, ‘Lo, the Kauravas that are so formidable have been + vanquished in battle by my son.’ Upon this, the illustrious king + Yudhishthira said, ‘Why should not he conquer that hath Vrihannala for his + charioteer?’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed, King Matsya became angry and said unto Pandu’s son, ‘Thou + wretch of a Brahmana, dost thou compare one of the neuter sex with my son! + Hast thou no knowledge of what is proper and what improper for one to say? + Without doubt, thou disregardest me. Why should not my son vanquish all + those with Bhishma and Drona as their leaders? O Brahmana, for friendship + only I pardon thee this thy offence. Thou must not, however, say so again + if thou wishest to live.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘There where Bhishma and Drona and Drona’s son and the + son of Vikartana and Kripa and king Duryodhana and other royal and mighty + car-warriors are assembled or there where Indra himself is surrounded by + the Maruts, what other person than Vrihannala can fight, encountering them + all! None hath been, none will be, his equal in strength of arms! Indeed, + it is Vrihannala only whose heart is filled with joy at sight of a + terrible conflict. It is he who had vanquished the celestials and the + Asuras and human beings fighting together. With such a one for his ally, + why should not thy son conquer the foe?’ Virata said, ‘Repeatedly + forbidden by me, thou dost not yet restrain thy tongue. If there is none + to punish, no one would practise virtue.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Saying this, the king inflamed with anger + forcibly struck Yudhishthira in the face with a dice, and reproached him + angrily, saying, ‘Let it not occur again!’ And having been violently + struck, blood began to flow from his nose. But the son of Pritha held it + in his hands before it fell on the ground. And the virtuous Yudhishthira + then glanced at Draupadi who was standing by his side. Ever obedient to + the wishes of her lord, the faultless Draupadi, understanding his meaning, + and bringing a golden vessel filled with water, received the blood that + flowed from his nose. Meanwhile, Uttara, entertained with sweet perfumes + of diverse kinds and decked with floral chaplets, slowly entered the city, + received with respect by the citizens, the women, and the people of the + provinces. And approaching the gate of the palace he sent the news of his + arrival to his father. And the porter then, approaching the king, said, + ‘Thy son Uttara, waiteth at the gate with Vrihannala as his companion.’ + And the Matsya king, with a cheerful heart, said unto him, ‘Do thou usher + both, as I am very anxious to see them.’ Then Yudhishthira, the king of + the Kurus, gently whispered unto the ears of the warder, ‘Let Uttara enter + alone; Vrihannala must not come in. Such is the vow of that hero of mighty + arms that whoever causeth a wound on my person or sheddeth my blood except + in battle, shall not live. Inflamed with rage he will never bear patiently + to see me bleeding, but will slay Virata even now with his counsellors and + troops and steeds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0068" id="link42H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then Bhuminjaya, the eldest son of the king, entered, + and having worshipped the feet of his father approached Kanka. And he + beheld Kanka covered with blood, and seated on the ground at one end of + the court, and waited upon by the Sairindhri. And seeing this, Uttara + asked his father in a hurry, saying, ‘By whom, O king, hath this one been + struck? By whom hath this sinful act been perpetrated?’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘This crooked Brahmana hath been struck by me. He deserveth + even more than this. When I was praising thee, he praised that person of + the third sex.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Thou hast, O king, committed an improper act. Do thou + speedily propitiate him so that the virulent poison of a Brahmana’s curse + may not consume thee to thy roots!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having heard the words of his son, Virata, that + enhancer of the limits of his kingdom, began to soothe Kunti’s son, who + was like unto a fire hid in ashes, for obtaining his forgiveness. And unto + the king desirous of obtaining his pardon the Pandava replied, ‘O king, I + have long ago forgiven it. Anger I have none. Had this blood from my + nostrils fallen on the ground, then, without doubt, thou, O monarch, + wouldst have been destroyed with thy kingdom. I do not, however, blame + thee, O king, for having struck an innocent person. For, O king, they that + are powerful generally act with unreasoning severity.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “When the bleeding had stopped, Vrihannala entered + (the council-room) and having saluted both Virata and Kanka, stood silent. + And the king, having appeased the chief of the Kurus, began to praise, in + Savyasachin’s hearing, Uttara who had returned from the battle. And the + king said, ‘O enhancer of the joys of Kekaya’s princess, in thee have I + truly a son! I never had nor shall have, a son that is equal to thee! How, + indeed, couldst thou, O child, encounter that Karna who leaveth not a + single mark unhit amongst even a thousand that he may aim at all at once? + How couldst thou, O child, encounter that Bhishma who hath no equal in the + whole world of men? How also couldst thou, O child, encounter Drona, that + foremost of all wielders of weapons, that preceptor of the Vrishnis and + Kauravas, twice-born one who may be regarded as the preceptor of all the + Kshatriyas? How couldst thou meet in battle the celebrated Aswatthaman? + How couldst thou, O child, encounter that Duryodhana, the prince who is + capable of piercing even a mountain with his mighty arrows? My foes have + all been thrashed. A delicious breeze seems to blow around me. And since + thou hast recovered in battle the whole of my wealth that had been seized + by the Kurus, it seems that all those mighty warriors were struck with + panic. Without doubt, thou, O bull amongst men, has routed the foe and + snatched away from them my wealth of kine, like his prey from a tiger.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0069" id="link42H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘The kine have not been recovered by me, nor have the foe + been vanquished by me. All that hath been accomplished by the son of a + deity. Capable of striking like a thunderbolt, that youth of celestial + origin, beholding me running away in fear, stopped me and himself mounted + on my car. It was by him that the kine have been recovered and the + Kauravas vanquished. The deed, O father, is that hero’s and not mine. It + was he that repulsed with arrows Kripa and Drona and Drona’s son of + powerful energy, and the Suta’s son and Bhishma. That mighty hero then + spoke unto the affrighted prince Duryodhana who was running away like the + leader of a head of elephants, these words, “O prince of the Kuru race, I + do not see that thou art safe by any means even at Hastinapura. Protect + thy life by putting forth thy might. Thou shalt not escape me by flight. + Therefore, make up thy mind for fight. If victorious, the sovereignty of + the earth will be thine, or if slain, heaven itself will be thine." </p> + <p> + “‘Thus addressed, king Duryodhana—that tiger among men surrounded by + his counsellors,—sighing on his car like a snake turned back, + showered arrows endued with the speed and force of thunderbolts. Beholding + all this, venerable sire, my thighs began to quake. Then that celestial + youth pierced with arrows the Kuru army consisting of leonine warriors. + And having pierced and afflicted that crowd of cars, that youth, stout as + the lion, laughed at them and robbed them of their clothes and attires. + Indeed, the six great car-warriors of the Kurus were vanquished by that + hero alone, even like herds of animals ranging in the forest by a single + tiger in rage.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘Where is that mighty-armed and famous youth of celestial + origin, that hero who recovered in battle my wealth that had been seized + by the Kurus? I am anxious to behold and worship that mighty warrior of + celestial origin who hath saved thee and my kine also.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara replied, ‘The mighty son of a deity disappeared there and then. I + think, however, that he will show himself either tomorrow or the day + after.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Virata, that owner of a large army, remained + ignorant of the son of Pandu who was thus described unto him by Uttara, + and who was living in the palace in disguise. And permitted by the + high-souled Virata, Partha presented with his own hands the garments he + had brought, unto Virata’s daughter. And the beautiful Uttara, obtaining + those new and costly clothes of diverse kinds, became highly glad, along + with the son of the Matsya king." </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0070" id="link42H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then, on the third day, attired in white robes after a + bath, and decked in ornaments of all kinds, those great car-warriors, the + five Pandava brothers, having accomplished their vow, and with + Yudhishthira at their head, looked resplendent as they entered the + palace-gate like five intoxicated elephants. And having entered the + council-hall of Virata, they took their seats on the thrones reserved for + kings, and shone brilliantly like fires on the sacrificial altar. And + after the Pandavas had taken their seats, Virata, that lord of earth, came + there for holding his council and discharging other royal offices. And + beholding the illustrious Pandavas blazing like fires, the king reflected + for a moment. And then, filled with wrath, the Matsya king spoke unto + Kanka seated there like a celestial and looking like the lord of + celestials surrounded by the Maruts. And he said, ‘A player at dice thou + wert employed by me as a courtier! How couldst thou occupy the royal seat + thus attired in handsome robes and ornaments?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Virata, O king, and + desirous of jesting with him, Arjuna smilingly said in reply, ‘This + person, O king, deserveth to occupy the same seat with Indra himself. + Devoted to the Brahmanas, acquainted with the Vedas, indifferent to luxury + and carnal enjoyments, habitually performing sacrifices, steady in vows, + this one, indeed, is the very embodiment of virtue. The foremost of all + persons endued with energy and superior to every body on earth in + intelligence, devoted to asceticism, he is conversant with various + weapons. No other person among the mobile and immobile creatures of the + three worlds possesseth or will ever possess such knowledge of weapons. + And there is none even amongst the gods, or Asuras, or men, or Rakshasas, + or Gandharvas, or Yaksha chiefs, or Kinnaras, or mighty Uragas, who is + like him. Endued with great foresight and energy, beloved by the citizens + and inhabitants of the provinces, he is the mightiest of car-warriors + amongst the sons of Pandu. A performer of sacrifices, devoted to morality, + and of subdued passions, like unto a great Rishi, this royal sage is + celebrated over all the worlds. Possessed of great strength and great + intelligence, able and truthful, he hath all his senses under complete + control. Equal unto Indra in wealth and Kuvera in hoarding, he is the + protector of the worlds like unto Manu himself of mighty prowess. Endued + with great might, he is even such. Kind unto all creatures he is no other + than the bull of the Kuru race, king Yudhishthira the just. The + achievements of this king resemble the sun himself of blazing effulgence. + And his fame hath travelled in all directions like the rays of that + luminary. And like the rays following the risen sun of blazing effulgence, + ten thousand swift elephants followed him, O king, when he dwelt among the + Kurus. And, O king, thirty thousand cars decked in gold and drawn by the + best steeds, also used to follow him then. And full eight hundred bards + adorned with ear-rings set with shining gems, and accompanied by + minstrels, recited his praises in those days, like the Rishis adorning + Indra. And, O king, the Kauravas and other lords of earth always waited + upon him like slaves, as the celestials upon Kuvera. This eminent king, + resembling the bright-rayed sun, made all lords of earth pay tribute unto + him like persons of the agricultural class. And eighty-eight thousands of + high-souled Snatakas depended for their subsistence upon this king + practising excellent vows. This illustrious lord protected the aged and + the helpless, the maimed and the blind, as his sons, and he ruled over his + subjects virtuously. Steady in morality and self-control, capable of + restraining his anger, bountiful, devoted to the Brahmanas, and truthful, + this one is the son of Pandu. The prosperity and prowess of this one + afflict king Suyodhana with his followers including Karna and Suvala’s + son. And, O lord of men, the virtues of this one are incapable of being + enumerated. This son of Pandu is devoted to morality and always abstains + from injury. Possessed of such attributes, doth not this bull among kings, + this son of Pandu, deserve, O monarch, to occupy a royal seat?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0071" id="link42H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘If this one, indeed, be the Kuru king Yudhishthira the son + of Kunti, which amongst these is his brother Arjuna, and which, the mighty + Bhima. Which of these is Nakula, and which Sahadeva and where is the + celebrated Draupadi? After their defeat at dice, the sons of Pritha have + not been heard of by any one.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Even this one, O king, who is called Vallava and is thy + cook, is that Bhima of mighty arms and terrible prowess and furious + impetus. It was he who slew the furious Rakshasas on the mountains of + Gandhamadana, and procured for Krishna celestial flowers of great + fragrance. Even he is that Gandharva, who slew the Kichaka of wicked soul + and it was he who killed tigers and bears and boars in the inner apartment + of thy palace. He who had been the keeper of thy horse is that slayer of + foes called Nakula, and this one is Sahadeva, the keeper of thy kine. Both + these sons of Madri are great car-warriors, possessed of great fame and + beauty of person. These two bulls of the Bharata race, attired in handsome + robes and decked in excellent ornaments, are a match for a thousand great + car-warriors. And even this lady of eyes like lotus-petals and + slender-waist and sweet smiles is Drupada’s daughter, thy wife’s + Sairindhri, for whose sake, O king, the Kichakas were slain. I am, O king, + Arjuna who, it is evident, thou hast heard, is that son of Pritha, who is + Bhima’s junior and the senior of the twins! We have, O king, happily + passed in thy abode the period of non-discovery, like infants in the + womb!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After Arjuna had pointed out those heroes—the + five Pandavas, the son of Virata then spoke of Arjuna’s prowess. And + Uttara once again identified the sons of Pritha. And the prince said, + ‘That one whose complexion is bright like that of pure gold, who is stout + like a full-grown lion, whose nose is so prominent, whose eyes are large + and expansive, and whose face is broad and of coppery hue, is the king of + the Kurus. And behold, that one whose tread is like that of an infuriate + elephant, whose complexion is like that of heated gold, whose shoulders + are broad and expanded, and whose arms are long and thick, is Vrikodara. + And he who stands by his side, that youth of darkish hue, who is like unto + a leader of a herd of elephants, whose shoulders are broad like those of a + lion, whose tread is like that of a mighty elephant, and whose eyes are + large and expansive like lotus-leaves, is Arjuna that foremost of bowmen. + And lo, close to the king, are those foremost of men, the twins, like unto + Vishnu and Indra, and who have no equals, in the world of men, in beauty, + might, and behaviour. And close by them, behold, standeth Krishna, + beautiful as gold, like unto the very embodiment of light, possessing the + complexion of the blue lotus, like unto a celestial damsel, and resembling + the living embodiment of Lakshmi herself.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then Virata’s son began to describe the prowess + of Arjuna, saying, ‘Even this one is he that slew the foe, like unto a + lion devastating a flock of deer. Even he ranged through crowds of hostile + cars, slaying their best of car-warriors. By him was slain a huge, + infuriate elephant by means of a single arrow. Pierced by him, that huge + beast having its flanks adorned with an armour of gold, fell down piercing + the earth with his tusks. By him have the kine been recovered and the + Kauravas vanquished in battle. My ears have been deafened by the blare of + his conch. It was by this hero of fierce deeds that Bhishma and Drona, + along with Duryodhana, were vanquished. That achievement is his and not + mine.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of his, the mighty king of + the Matsyas, considering himself guilty of having offended Yudhishthira, + said unto Uttara in reply, ‘I think the time hath come for me to + propitiate the sons of Pandu. And, if thou likest, I shall bestow my + daughter Uttara upon Arjuna.’ + </p> + <p> + “Uttara said, ‘Worthy of our adorations and worship and respect, the time + hath come for worshipping the illustrious sons of Pandu who deserve to be + worshipped by us.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘When brought under the foe’s subjection in battle, it was + Bhimasena that rescued me. My kine also have been recovered by Arjuna. It + is through the might of their arms that we have obtained victory in + battle. Such being the case, all of us, with our counsellors, shall + propitiate Yudhishthira the son of Kunti. Blessed be thou, with all thy + brothers, O bull among the sons of Pandu. If, O king, we have ever said or + done anything in ignorance to offend thee, it behoveth thee to forgive us. + The son of Pandu is virtuous.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then the high-souled Virata, delighted greatly, + approached king Yudhishthira and made an alliance with him, and offered + him his whole kingdom together with the sceptre and treasury and + metropolis. And addressing all the Pandavas, and especially Dhananjaya, + the mighty king of the Matsyas repeatedly said, ‘By good luck it is that I + see you.’ And having again and again embraced Yudhishthira and Bhima and + the sons of Madri, and smelt their heads, Virata, that owner of a large + army, was not satiated with gazing at them. And being highly pleased, he + said unto king Yudhishthira, ‘By good luck it is that I see you safe from + woods. By good luck it is that ye have accomplished with difficulty the + period of exile, undiscovered by those wicked wights. I make over my + entire kingdom to the sons of Pritha, and what else I have. Let the sons + of Pandu accept these without the slightest hesitation. And let + Dhananjaya, called also Savyasachin, accept the hand of Uttara: for that + best of men is fit to be her lord.’ Thus addressed, king Yudhishthira the + just cast a look upon Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha. And looked at by his + brother, Arjuna said unto the Matsya king, ‘O monarch, I accept thy + daughter as my daughter-in-law. An alliance of this kind between the + Matsya and the Bharatas is, indeed, desirable.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_4_0072" id="link42H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘Why, O best among the Pandavas, dost thou not wish to + accept as wife this my daughter that I bestow upon thee?’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Residing in thy inner apartments, I had occasion always to + behold thy daughter, and she too, alone or in company trusted me as her + father. Well-versed in singing and dancing, I was liked and regarded by + her, and, indeed, thy daughter always regardeth me as her protector. O + king, I lived for one whole year with her though she had attained the age + of puberty. Under these circumstances, thyself or other men may not + without reason, entertain suspicions against her or me. Therefore, O king, + myself who am pure, and have my senses under control, beg to thee, O + monarch, thy daughter as my daughter-in-law. Thus do I attest her purity. + There is no difference between a daughter-in-law and a daughter, as also + between a son and son’s own-self. By adopting this course, therefore, her + purity will be proved. I am afraid of slanderous and false accusations. I + accept, therefore, O king, thy daughter Uttara as my daughter-in-law. + Surpassing all in knowledge of weapons, resembling a celestial youth in + beauty, my son, the mighty-armed Abhimanyu is the favourite nephew of + Vasudeva, the wielder of the discus. He, O king, is fit to be thy + son-in-law and the husband of thy daughter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Virata said, ‘It behoveth the best of the Kurus, Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti, who is so virtuous and wise, to say this. O son of Pritha, do thou + carry out what thou thinkest should be done after this. He that hath + Arjuna for the father of his son-in-law, hath all his desires gratified.’" </p> + <p> + “Vaisampayana continued, ‘The monarch having said this, Yudhishthira, the + son of Kunti, gave his assent to what was thus agreed upon between the + Matsya king and Arjuna. And, O Bharata, the son of Kunti sent invitations + to Vasudeva and to all his friends and relatives, and Virata also did the + same. And then, after the expiry of the thirteenth year, the five Pandavas + took up their abode in one of Virata’s towns called Upaplavya, and + Vibhatsu, the son of Pandu, brought over Abhimanyu and Janardana, and also + many people of the Dasarha race from the Anarta country. And the king of + Kasi, and also Saivya, being very friendly to Yudhishthira, arrived there, + each accompanied by an Akshauhini of troops. And the mighty Drupada, also + with the heroic sons of Draupadi and the unvanquished Sikhandin, and that + foremost of wielder of weapons, the invincible Dhrishtadyumna came there + with another Akshauhini of troops. And all the kings that came were not + only lords of Akshauhini, but performers of sacrifices with gifts in + profusion to Brahmanas, conversant with the Vedas endued with heroism, and + ready to die in battle. And beholding them arrived, that foremost of + virtuous men, the king of the Matsyas, adored them duly, and entertained + their troops and servants and carriers of burdens. And he was highly + pleased to bestow his daughter upon Abhimanyu. And after the kings had + come there from different parts of the country, there came Vasudeva decked + in floral garlands, and Halayudha, and Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, + and Yuyudhana, the son of Satyaki, and Anadhristi and Akrura, and Samva + and Nisatha. And these repressers of foes came there bringing with them + Abhimanyu and his mother. And Indrasena and others, having lived at + Dwaraka for one whole year, came there, bringing with them the well + adorned cars of the Pandavas. And there came also ten thousand elephants + and ten thousand cars, and hundred millions of horses and hundred billions + of foot-soldiers, and innumerable Vrishni and Andhaka and Bhoja warriors + of great energy, in the train of that tiger among the Vrishnis, Vasudeva + of great effulgence. And Krishna gave unto each of the illustrious sons of + Pandu numerous female slaves, and gems and robes. And then the nuptial + festival set in between the families of the Matsya king and the Pandavas. + And then conchs and cymbals and horns and drums and other musical + instruments appointed by the Pandavas, began to play in the palace of + Virata. And deer of various kinds and clean animals by hundreds were + slain. And wines of various kinds and intoxicating juices of trees were + profusely collected. And mimes and bards and encomiasts, versed in singing + and legendary lore, waited upon the kings, and chanted their praises and + genealogies. And the matrons of the Matsyas of symmetrical bodies and + limbs, and wearing ear-rings of pearls and gems, headed by Sudeshna, came + to the place where the marriage knot was to be tied. And amongst those + beautiful females of fair complexion and excellent ornaments, Krishna was + the foremost in beauty and fame and splendour. And they all came there, + leading forth the princess Uttara decked in every ornament and resembling + the daughter of the great Indra himself. And then Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti, accepted Virata’s daughter of faultless limbs on behalf of his son + by Subhadra. And that great king, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, who + stood there like Indra, also accepted her as his daughter-in-law. And + having accepted her, the son of Pritha, with Janardana before him, caused + the nuptial ceremonies to be performed of the illustrious son of Subhadra. + And Virata then gave him (as dowry) seven thousand steeds endued with the + speed of the wind and two hundred elephants of the best kind and much + wealth also. And having duly poured libations of clarified butter on the + blazing fire, and paid homage unto the twice-born ones, Virata offered to + the Pandavas his kingdom, army, treasury, and his own self. And after the + marriage had taken place, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, gave away unto + the Brahmanas all the wealth that had been brought by Krishna of unfading + glory. And he also gave away thousands of kine, and diverse kinds of + robes, and various excellent ornaments, and vehicles, and beds, delicious + viands of various kinds, and cardinal drinks of diverse species. And the + king also made gifts of land unto the Brahmanas with due rites, and also + cattle by thousands. And he also gave away thousands of steeds and much + gold and much wealth of other kinds, unto persons of all ages. And, O bull + of the Bharata race, the city of the Matsya king, thronged with men + cheerful and well-fed, shone brightly like a great festival.’" </p> + <p> + The end of Virata Parva + </p> + <p> + <a name="link42H_FOOT" id="link42H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-41" id="linknote-41"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-41">return</a>)<br /> [ Brahma Vadini—Nilakantha + explains this as Krishna-kirtanasila.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-42" id="linknote-42"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-42">return</a>)<br /> [ This speech of + Vaisampayana is not included in some texts within the second section. To + include it, however, in the third, is evidently a mistake.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-43" id="linknote-43"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-43">return</a>)<br /> [ The sloka commencing with + Adushta and ending ratheshu cha does not occur in texts except those in + Bengal.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-44" id="linknote-44"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-44">return</a>)<br /> [ A difference of reading is + observable here. The sense, however, is the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-45" id="linknote-45"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-45">return</a>)<br /> [ An independent female + artisan working in another person’s house.—Wilson.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-46" id="linknote-46"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-46">return</a>)<br /> [ Some of the Bengal text + read Sarvastramaya for Sarvamantramaya. The former is evidently + incorrect.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-47" id="linknote-47"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-47">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a very difficult + sloka. Nilakantha adopts the reading Sanjayet. The Bengal editions read + Sanjapet. If the latter be the correct reading, the meaning then would be,—‘Let + none talk about what transpires in the presence of the king. For those + even that are poor, regard it as a grave fault.’ The sense evidently is + that the occurrences in respect of a king which one witnesses should not + be divulged. Even they that are powerless regard such divulgence of what + occurs in respect of them as an insult to them, and, therefore, + inexcusable.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-48" id="linknote-48"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-48">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal editions, read + Rajna in the instrumental case. Following a manuscript text of a Pandit of + my acquaintance I read Rajnas in the genitive.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-49" id="linknote-49"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-49">return</a>)<br /> [ Mahishasura, the son of + Rambhasura. Durga had to fight for many many years before she could slay + this formidable Asura. The story occurs in the Markandeya Purana. To this + day, Bengal during the great Durga Puja festival in autumn, worships the + goddess with great veneration.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-410" id="linknote-410"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-410">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, one that + rescues from difficulty.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-411" id="linknote-411"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-411">return</a>)<br /> [ Kamachara is explained + by Nilakantha thus, although in other places it bears a quite different + meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-412" id="linknote-412"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-412">return</a>)<br /> [ Krita—attack; + Pratikrita—warding it off; Sankata—clenched. Some texts read + Sankatakais. The meaning then would be ‘cased in gauntlets.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-413" id="linknote-413"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-413">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhuti, Hri, Sri, Kirti + and Kanti are respectively the feminine embodiments of Prosperity, + Modesty, Beauty, Fame and Loveliness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-414" id="linknote-414"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-414">return</a>)<br /> [ What Draupadi means is + that instead of passing her days in joy and happiness, instead of being + able to wish time to be stationary with her, she is obliged in consequence + of her misery, to wish time to pass off quickly.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-415" id="linknote-415"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-415">return</a>)<br /> [ Jayate asyas—i.e., + she from whom one is born.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-416" id="linknote-416"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-416">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts read, Vilwam + nagaviodhara—i.e., ‘As an elephant lifts up a vela fruit.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-417" id="linknote-417"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-417">return</a>)<br /> [ Veri means both a + kettle-drum and a trumpet. The latter however conveys a better meaning + here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-418" id="linknote-418"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-418">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, force of his + thighs.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-419" id="linknote-419"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-419">return</a>)<br /> [ What Bhima says is this.—The + Gandharvas, your husbands, are always obedient to thee! If they have been + able to do thee a service, they have only repaid a debt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-420" id="linknote-420"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-420">return</a>)<br /> [ Krita-krita—Nilakantha + explains this to mean ‘imagining themselves to have achieved success in + their mission’ for having learnt of Kichaka’s death, they could readily + guess the presence of the Pandavas there. This is too far-fetched and does + not at all agree with the spirit of their report to Duryodhana below. And + then the same word occurs in the very last line of the Section. I take it + that in both places the word has been used in the same sense.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-421" id="linknote-421"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-421">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a very difficult + sloka. I am not sure that I have understood it alright. Both Nilakantha + and Arjuna Misra are silent. Instead of depending, however, on my own + intelligence, I have consulted several friends who have read the + Mahabharata thoroughly. The grammatical structure is easy. The only + difficulty consists in the second half of the sloka. The meaning, however, + I have given is consistent with the tenor of Bhishma’s advice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-422" id="linknote-422"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-422">return</a>)<br /> [ Indicating the + unobstructed completion of the sacrifice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-423" id="linknote-423"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-423">return</a>)<br /> [ The word tirtha here + means, as Nilakantha rightly explains spies and not holy spots.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-424" id="linknote-424"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-424">return</a>)<br /> [ Satram is explained by + Nilakantha to mean here ‘false disguise.’ I think, however, such an + interpretation to be far-fetched. It evidently means ‘forest’,—the + use of ‘pravisteshu’ in connection with it almost settles the point.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-425" id="linknote-425"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-425">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka is not + correctly printed in any of the texts that I have seen. The reading that I + adopt is that the second word is the participle of the root budh and not + the instrumental of budhi; the last word again of the second line is a + compound of valavatsu and avaleshu instead of (as printed in many books) + valavatswavaleshu. Any other reading would certainly be incorrect. I have + not consulted the Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-426" id="linknote-426"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-426">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhagasas lit., each in + its proper place. It may also mean, ‘according to their respective + division.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-427" id="linknote-427"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-427">return</a>)<br /> [ Kalyana-patalam is + explained by Nilakantha to mean suvarna pattachchaditam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-428" id="linknote-428"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-428">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the generals of + Virata.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-429" id="linknote-429"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-429">return</a>)<br /> [ Some differences of + reading are noticeable here, for Yasaswinau some texts read Manaswinau, + and for Vahusamravdhau—Vahusanrambhat; and for Nakha-naki—Ratha-rathi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-430" id="linknote-430"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-430">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts read + Ghanabiva for Ghanarva. The latter is unquestionably better in form.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-431" id="linknote-431"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-431">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the original + is Muhurta equal to 48 minutes. Nilakantha points out very ingeniously + that the night being the seventh of the dark fortnight, the moon would not + rise till after 14 Dandas from the hour of sunset, a Danda being equal to + 24 minutes. A Muhurta, therefore implies not 48 minutes exactly, but some + time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-432" id="linknote-432"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-432">return</a>)<br /> [ Some Vikshyainam, + Nilakantha explains Sama as a word spoken by Bhima for assuring the + captive Virata, and Vikshya as ‘assuring’ or ‘consoling by a glance.’ + Perhaps this is right.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-433" id="linknote-433"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-433">return</a>)<br /> [ The adjective + Bhima-sankasas as explained by Nilakantha is in this sense, quoting the + celebrated simile of Valmiki.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-434" id="linknote-434"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-434">return</a>)<br /> [ To understand the + comparison would require in the reader a knowledge of the mechanism of the + Indian Vina. Briefly, the Vina consists of a bamboo of about 3 cubits + attached to two gourds towards its ends. Along the bamboo which serves the + purpose of a finger-board, is the main chord and several thinner wires. + All these pass over a number of frets, two and a half heptachords, + representing the total compass of the instrument. The wires rest towards + their ends on two pieces of ivory called Upadhanas in Sanskrit or Swaris + in Urdu.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-435" id="linknote-435"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-435">return</a>)<br /> [ Some read kaniasi for + vaviasi. Both words are the same, and mean the same thing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-436" id="linknote-436"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-436">return</a>)<br /> [ Vedi-Vilagna madhya—Vedi + in this connection means a wasp and not, as explained by Mallinatha in his + commentary of the Kumarasambhava, a sacrificial platform. I would remark + in passing that many of the most poetic and striking adjectives in both + the Raghu and the Kumarasambhava of Kalidasa are borrowed unblushingly + from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-437" id="linknote-437"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-437">return</a>)<br /> [ Padma patrabha-nibha may + also mean ‘of the splendour of the gem called Marakata.’ Nilakantha, + however, shows that this would militate against the adjective + Kankojwalatwacham below.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-438" id="linknote-438"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-438">return</a>)<br /> [ The princess being of + the complexion of burnished gold and Arjuna dark as a mass of clouds, the + comparison is exceedingly appropriate. The Vaishnava poets of Bengal never + tire of this simile in speaking of Radha and Krishna in the groves of + Vrindavana.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-439" id="linknote-439"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-439">return</a>)<br /> [ The words in the + original is pranayam, lit., love. Nilakantha, however, explains it as + meaning modesty, humility. I think, Nilakantha is right. The relations + between Arjuna and the princess were like those between father and + daughter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-440" id="linknote-440"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-440">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka is not + correctly printed in any of the texts that I have seen. The Burdwan + Pandits read tat-samim. This I think, is correct, but then asasada in the + singular when the other verbs are all dual seems to be correct. The poet + must have used some other verb in the dual for asasada.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-441" id="linknote-441"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-441">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts read Diptasya + for Diptayam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-442" id="linknote-442"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-442">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka does not + occur in every text. This is a typical illustration of the round about + way, frequently adopted by Sanskrit writers, of expressing a simple truth. + The excuse in the present instance consists in Drona’s unwillingness to + identify the solitary hero with Arjuna, in the midst of all his hearers. + Nadiji is an exclamation referring to Bhishma, the son of the river Ganga. + Lankesa-vanari-ketu is simply ‘ape-bannered,’ or as rendered in the text, + having the devastator of the gardens of Lanka’s lord for the sign of his + banner. Nagahvaya is ‘named after tree’ for Arjuna is the name of an + Indian tree. Nagri-sunu is ‘Indra’s son’,—Indra being the foe of + mountains, for formerly it was he who cut off the wings of all mountains + and compelled them to be stationary. He failed only in the case of + Mainaka, the son of Himavat.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-443" id="linknote-443"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-443">return</a>)<br /> [ Indian insects of a + particular kind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-444" id="linknote-444"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-444">return</a>)<br /> [ Most editions read + chapas which is evidently wrong. The correct reading is avapas, meaning + quiver. The Burdwan Pandits give this latter reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-445" id="linknote-445"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-445">return</a>)<br /> [ Some read + chandrargha-darsanas. The correct reading is chandrardha-darsanas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-446" id="linknote-446"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-446">return</a>)<br /> [ Most editions read + hema-punkha and silasita in the instrumental plural; the correct reading + is their nominative plural forms.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-447" id="linknote-447"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-447">return</a>)<br /> [ Sayaka means here, as + explained by Nilakantha, a sword, and not a shaft.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-448" id="linknote-448"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-448">return</a>)<br /> [ From the colour of his + steeds.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-449" id="linknote-449"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-449">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha spends much + learning and ingenuity in making out that sixty-five years in this + connection means thirty-two years of ordinary human computation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-450" id="linknote-450"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-450">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts read,—‘One + large meteor fell.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-451" id="linknote-451"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-451">return</a>)<br /> [ In some editions read,—Bharata + dwijam, and Maha-hardam for maha-drumam. The meaning would then be,—‘The + banners (of the hostile army) began to tremble in the sky, and large lakes + were agitated.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-452" id="linknote-452"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-452">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts read + Maharatham (incorrectly) for hiranmayan. Indeed, Maharatham would give no + meaning in this connection. The incomplete edition of the Roy Press under + the auspices of the Principal of the Calcutta Sanskrit College abounds + with such incorrect readings and misprints.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-453" id="linknote-453"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-453">return</a>)<br /> [ The Roy Press edition + adds here a line which looks very much like an interpolation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-454" id="linknote-454"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-454">return</a>)<br /> [ The true reading is + Acharya in the dual number, meaning Drona and Kripa. Some texts read the + word in the singular form. Nilakantha notices both these reading, but + prefers the dual to the singular.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-455" id="linknote-455"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-455">return</a>)<br /> [ The meaning is rather + doubtful. Duryodhana seems to say that ‘the hostile appearance of Arjuna + has been an act of imprudence on his part. The Pandavas, after the expiry + of the thirteenth year, would claim their kingdom. I, Duryodhana, may or + may not accede to their demand. When, therefore, it was not certain that + Arjuna would be refused by me, his hostile appearance is unwise. He has + come sure of victory, but he may yet be defeated.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-456" id="linknote-456"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-456">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense seems to be + that when moralists even are puzzled in judging of the propriety or + otherwise of their acts, it can easily be imagined that the Pandavas, + however virtuous, have, in the matter of this their appearance, acted + wrongly, for, after all, the thirteenth year may not have really been over + as believed by them. Or, it may mean, that as regards our presence here, + we have not acted imprudently when even moralists cannot always arrive at + right conclusion. It seems that for this Duryodhana proceeds to justify + that presence in the following sentences.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h1> + <h4> + of + </h4> + <h2> + Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 5 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + UDYOGA PARVA + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h4> + by + </h4> + <h3> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h3> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h4> + [1883-1896] + </h4> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h2> + <h3> + UDYOGA PARVA + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#linkone"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0001"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0002"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0003"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0004"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0005"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0006"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0007"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0008"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0009"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0010"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0011"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0012"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0013"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0014"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0015"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0016"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0017"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0018"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0019"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0020"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0021"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0022"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0023"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0024"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0025"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0026"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0027"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0028"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0029"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0030"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0031"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0032"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0033"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0034"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0035"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0036"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0037"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0038"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0039"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0040"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0041"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0042"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0043"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0044"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0045"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0046"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0047"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0048"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0049"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0050"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0051"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0052"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0053"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0054"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0055"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0056"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0057"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0058"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0059"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0060"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0061"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0062"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0063"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0064"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0065"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0066"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0067"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0068"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0069"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0070"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0071"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0072"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0073"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0074"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0075"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0076"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0077"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0078"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0079"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0080"> SECTION LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0081"> SECTION LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0082"> SECTION LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0083"> SECTION LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0084"> SECTION LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0085"> SECTION LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0086"> SECTION LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0087"> SECTION LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0088"> SECTION LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0089"> SECTION XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0090"> SECTION XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0091"> SECTION XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0092"> SECTION XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0093"> SECTION XCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0094"> SECTION XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0095"> SECTION XCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0096"> SECTION XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0097"> SECTION XCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0098"> SECTION XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0099"> SECTION C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0100"> SECTION CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0101"> SECTION CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0102"> SECTION CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0103"> SECTION CIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0104"> SECTION CV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0105"> SECTION CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0106"> SECTION CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0107"> SECTION CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0108"> SECTION CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0109"> SECTION CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0110"> SECTION CXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0111"> SECTION CXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0112"> SECTION CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0113"> SECTION CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0114"> SECTION CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0115"> SECTION CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0116"> SECTION CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0117"> SECTION CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0118"> SECTION CXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0119"> SECTION CXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0120"> SECTION CXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0121"> SECTION CXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0122"> SECTION CXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0123"> SECTION CXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0124"> SECTION CXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0125"> SECTION CXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0126"> SECTION CXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0127"> SECTION CXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0128"> SECTION CXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0129"> SECTION CXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0130"> SECTION CXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0131"> SECTION CXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0132"> SECTION CXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0133"> SECTION CXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0134"> SECTION CXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0135"> SECTION CXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0136"> SECTION CXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0137"> SECTION CXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0138"> SECTION CXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0139"> SECTION CXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0140"> SECTION CXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0141"> SECTION CXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0142"> SECTION CXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0143"> SECTION CXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0144"> SECTION CXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0145"> SECTION CXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0146"> SECTION CXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0147"> SECTION CXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0148"> SECTION CXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0149"> SECTION CL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0150"> SECTION CLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0151"> SECTION CLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0152"> SECTION CLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0153"> SECTION CLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0154"> SECTION CLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0155"> SECTION CLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0156"> SECTION CLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0157"> SECTION CLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0158"> SECTION CLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0159"> SECTION CLX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0160"> SECTION CLXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0161"> SECTION CLXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0162"> SECTION CLXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0163"> SECTION CLXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0164"> SECTION CLXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0165"> SECTION CLXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0166"> SECTION CLXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0167"> SECTION CLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0168"> SECTION CLXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0169"> SECTION CLXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0170"> SECTION CLXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0171"> SECTION CLXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0172"> SECTION CLXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0173"> SECTION CLXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0174"> SECTION CLXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0175"> SECTION CLXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0176"> SECTION CLXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0177"> SECTION CLXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0178"> SECTION CLXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0179"> SECTION CLXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0180"> SECTION CLXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0181"> SECTION CLXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0182"> SECTION CLXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0183"> SECTION CLXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0184"> SECTION CLXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0185"> SECTION CLXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0186"> SECTION CLXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0187"> SECTION CLXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0188"> SECTION CLXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0189"> SECTION CXC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0190"> SECTION CXCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0191"> SECTION CXCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0192"> SECTION CXCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0193"> SECTION CXCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0194"> SECTION CXCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0195"> SECTION CXCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0196"> SECTION CXCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0197"> SECTION CXCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link52H_4_0198"> SECTION CXCIX </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link52H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="linkone" id="linkone"></a> + </p> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <p> + OM! HAVING BOWED down to Narayana, and Nara the most exalted of male + beings, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then those valiant descendants of Kuru, who belonged + to the same party (with Virata), having joyfully celebrated the nuptials + of Abhimanyu and rested themselves that night, presented themselves at + dawn, well pleased, in the court of Virata, And the chamber of the king of + the Matsya was full of riches, and variegated with choice gems and + precious stones, with seats methodically arranged, adorned with garlands, + and filled with fragrance. And those mighty monarchs of men all came to + that place. And on the seats in front sat the two kings Virata and + Drupada. And the revered and aged rulers of the earth, and Valarama and + Krishna along with their father, all sat there. And close to the king of + Panchala was seated the great hero of the race of Sini, together with the + son of Rohini. And side by side with the king of the Matsya sat Krishna + and Yudhishthira, and all the sons of king Drupada, and Bhima and Arjuna, + and the two sons of Madri, and Pradyumna and Samva, both valiant in + battle, and Abhimanyu with Virata’s sons. And those princes, the sons of + Draupadi, rivalling their fathers in valour, strength, grace, and prowess, + sat upon excellent seats inlaid with gold. And when those mighty heroes + wearing shining ornaments and robes had set themselves down, that gorgeous + assembly of kings looked beautiful like the firmament spangled with + resplendent stars. And those valiant men, assembled together, having + conversed with one another upon various topics, remained for some time in + a pensive mood, with their eyes fixed upon Krishna. And at the end of + their talk, Krishna drew their attention to the affairs of the Pandavas. + And those powerful kings together listened to Krishna’s speech, pregnant + and lofty. And Krishna said, ‘It is known to you all, how this + Yudhishthira was deceitfully defeated at dice by the son of Suvala, and + how he was robbed of his kingdom and how a stipulation was made by him + concerning his exile in the forest. And capable as they were of conquering + the earth by force, the sons of Pandu remained firm in their plighted + faith. And accordingly for six and seven years these incomparable men + accomplished the cruel task imposed upon them. And this last, the + thirteenth year, was exceedingly hard for them to pass. Yet unrecognised + by any one they have passed it, as known to you, suffering unendurable + hardships of various kinds. This is known to you all. These illustrious + men have spent the thirteenth year, employed in menial service of others. + This being so, it is for you to consider what will be for the good of both + Yudhishthira and Duryodhana, and what, as regards the Kurus and the + Pandavas, will be consistent with the rules of righteousness and propriety + and what will meet with the approbation of all. The virtuous king + Yudhishthira would not unrighteously covet even the celestial kingdom. But + righteously he would accept the rule even of a single village. How the + sons of Dhritarashtra fraudulently robbed him of his paternal kingdom, and + how he hath passed a life of unendurable hardships, are known to all the + kings assembled here. The sons of Dhritarashtra are incapable of + overcoming by strength Arjuna, the son of Pritha. Nevertheless, king + Yudhishthira and his friends have no other desire than the good of + Dhritarashtra’s son. These brave sons of Kunti, and the two sons of Madri, + ask for only what they themselves, achieving victory in battle, had won + from the defeated kings. You, no doubt, know full well how those enemies + of the Pandavas—with the object of possessing themselves of the + kingdom, endeavoured by various means to destroy them, when they were yet + mere boys, so wicked and rancorous they were. Consider, how grasping they + are and how virtuous Yudhishthira is. Consider also the relationship that + exists between them. I beseech you all to consult together and also think + separately. The Pandavas have always had a regard for truth. They have + fulfilled their promise to the very letter. If now treated wrongfully by + the sons of Dhritarashtra, they would slay them all though banded + together. They have friends, who, on being informed of their unworthy + treatment at the hands of others, would stand by them, engaged in fight + with their persecutors, and willingly slay them even if they should lose + their own lives for it. If you suppose them to be too few to be capable of + winning a victory over their enemies, you must know that united together + and followed by their friends, they would, no doubt, try their utmost to + destroy those enemies. What Duryodhana thinks is not exactly known, nor + what he may do. When the mind of the other side is not known, what opinion + can be formed by you as to what is best to be done? Therefore, let a + person, virtuous and honest and of respectable birth, and wary,—an + able ambassador, set out to beseech them mildly for inducing them to give + half the kingdom to Yudhishthira. Having listened to the speech of + Krishna, marked by prudence and a regard for virtue and showing a pacific + and impartial spirit, his elder brother then addressed the assembly + bestowing high encomiums on the words of the younger brother.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0001" id="link52H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “Baladeva said, ‘You have all listened to the speech of him who is the + elder brother of Gada, characterised as it is by a sense of virtue and + prudence, and salutary alike to Yudhishthira and king Duryodhana. These + valiant sons of Kunti are ready to give up half their kingdom, and they + make this sacrifice for the sake of Duryodhana. The sons of Dhritarashtra, + therefore, should give up half of the kingdom, and should rejoice and be + exceedingly happy with us that the quarrel can be so satisfactorily + settled. These mighty persons having obtained the kingdom would, no doubt, + be pacified and happy, provided the opposite party behave well. For them + to be pacified will redound to the welfare of men. And I should be + well-pleased if somebody from here, with the view of pacifying both the + Kurus and the Pandavas, should undertake a journey and ascertain what is + the mind of Duryodhana and explain the views of Yudhishthira. Let him + respectfully salute Bhishma the heroic scion of Kuru’s race, and the + magnanimous son of Vichitravirya, and Drona along with his son, and Vidura + and Kripa, and the king of Gandhara, along with the Suta’s son. Let him + also pay his respects to all the other sons of Dhritarashtra, to all who + are renowned for strength and learning, devoted to their proper duties, + heroic, and conversant with signs of the times. When all these persons are + gathered together and when also the elderly citizens are assembled, let + him speak words full of humility and likely to serve the interests of + Yudhishthira. At all events, let them not be provoked, for they have taken + possession of the kingdom with a strong hand. When Yudhishthira had his + throne, he forgot himself by being engaged in gambling and was + dispossessed by them of his kingdom. This valiant Kuru, this descendant of + Ajamida, Yudhishthira, though not skilled in dice and though dissuaded by + all his friends, challenged the son of the king of Gandhara, an adept at + dice, to the match. There were then at that place thousands of + dice-players whom Yudhishthira could defeat in a match. Taking however, no + notice of any of them, he challenged Suvala’s son of all men to the game, + and so he lost. And although the dice constantly went against him, he + would still have Sakuni alone for his opponent. Competing with Sakuni in + the play, he sustained a crushing defeat. For this, no blame can attach to + Sakuni. Let the messenger make use of words characterised by humility, + words intended to conciliate Vichitravirya’s son. The messenger may thus + bring round Dhritarashtra’s son to his own views. Do not seek war with the + Kurus; address Duryodhana in only a conciliatory tone. The object may + possibly fail to be gained by war, but it may be gained by conciliation, + and by this means also it may be gained enduringly.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “While that valiant scion of Madhu’s race was even + continuing his speech, the gallant son of the race of Sini suddenly rose + up and indignantly condemned the words of the former by these words of + his." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0002" id="link52H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Satyaki said, ‘Even as a man’s heart is, so doth he speak! Thou art + speaking in strict conformity with the nature of thy heart. There are + brave men, and likewise those that are cowards. Men may be divided into + these two well defined classes. As upon a single large tree there may be + two boughs one of which beareth fruits while the other doth not, so from + the self-same line of progenitors may spring persons that are imbecile as + well as those that are endowed with great strength. O thou bearing the + sign of a plough on thy banner, I do not, in sooth, condemn the words thou + hast spoken, but I simply condemn those, O son of Madhu, who are listening + to thy words! How, indeed, can he, who unblushingly dares attach even the + slightest blame in the virtuous king Yudhishthira be permitted to speak at + all in the midst of the assembly? Persons clever in the game of dice + challenged the magnanimous Yudhishthira unskilled as he is in play, and + confiding in them he was defeated! Can such persons be said to have + virtuously won the game? If they had come to Yudhishthira while playing in + this house with his brothers and defeated him there, then what they would + have won would have been righteously won. But they challenged Yudhishthira + who was bound in conscience to follow the rules observed by the military + caste, and they won by a trick. What is there in this conduct of theirs + that is righteous? And how can this Yudhishthira here, having performed to + the utmost the stipulations entered into by way of stakes in the play, + freed from the promise of a sojourn in the forest, and therefore entitled + to his ancestral throne, humble himself? Even if Yudhishthira coveted + other people’s possessions, still it would not behove him to beg! How can + they be said to be righteous and not intent on usurping the throne when, + although the Pandavas have lived out their sojourn of concealment + unrecognised, they still say that the latter had been recognised? They + were besought by Bhishma and the magnanimous Drona, but they would not yet + consent to give back to the Pandavas the throne that belongeth to them by + right of birth. The means with which I would beseech them would be sharp + arrows. I shall fight and with a strong hand force them to prostrate + themselves at the feet of the illustrious son of Kunti. If, however, they + do not bow at the feet of the wise Yudhishthira, then they and their + partisans must go to the regions of Yama. When Yuyudhana (myself) is + enraged and resolved to fight, they, to be sure, are unequal to withstand + his impetus, as mountains are unable to resist that of the thunderbolt. + Who can withstand Arjuna in fight, or him who hath the discus for his + weapon in battle, or myself as well? Who can withstand the unapproachable + Bhima? And who, having regard for his life, would come near the twin + brothers who firmly grasp their bows and resemble the death-dealing Yama + in intelligence? Who would approach Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Drupada, or + these five sons of the Pandavas who have added lustre to Draupadi’s name, + rivalling their fathers in valour, equal to them in every respect and full + of martial pride, or him of the powerful bow, Subhadra’s son, irresistible + by even the gods themselves; or Gada, or Pradyumna, or Samva, resembling + Yama or the thunderbolt or fire? We shall slay Dhritarashtra’s son and + Sakuni and Karna in battle, and place the Pandava on the throne. There is + no sin in slaying them that are bent on slaying us: but to be a beggar + before foes is both impious and infamous. I ask you to be diligent in + doing that which is heartily desired by Yudhishthira. Let Pandu’s son get + back the kingdom resigned by Dhritarashtra! Either Yudhishthira should get + back his kingdom this very day or all our enemies shall lie down on the + earth slain by me!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0003" id="link52H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + “Drupada said, ‘O mighty-armed one, it will, without doubt, be even as + thou hast said! Never will Duryodhana give up the kingdom by peaceful + means, and Dhritarashtra, who dotes on his son, will follow him in his + wish. And so will Bhishma and Drona from imbecility, and Karna and Sakuni + from folly. The words of Valadeva command themselves to my judgment; the + course pointed out by him should, indeed, be followed by a man who desires + peaceful settlement. But Duryodhana should never be addressed in mild + words. Vicious by nature, he, I believe cannot be brought to reason by + mildness. In respect of an ass, mildness is in place; but in respect of + animals of the bovine species, severity should be resorted to. If any one + were to speak mild words to Duryodhana, vicious by nature that wicked + wight would consider the speaker to be an imbecile person. If a mild + course is adopted towards him, the fool will think that he has won. Let us + do even this, let us make preparations; let us send word to our friends + that they may collect an army for us. Let speedy messengers go to Salya, + and Dhrishtaketu, and Jayatsena, and the prince of the Kekayas. Duryodhana + also, on his part, will send word to all the kings, Rightminded persons, + however, respond to the request of those that first beseech them. + Therefore, I ask you to make haste in first preferring your suit to these + rulers of men. Meseems that a great undertaking is awaiting us. Quickly + send word to Salya, and to the kings under him, and to king Bhagadatta of + immeasurable valour residing on the eastern sea-coast, and to fierce + Hardikya, and Ahuka, and the king of the Mallas of powerful understanding, + and Rochamana. Let Vrihanta be summoned and king Senavindu, and Vahlika + and Mudjakesa and the ruler of the Chedis, and Suparsva, Suvahu; and that + great hero, Paurava; and also the kings of the Sakas, the Pahlavas, and + the Daradas, and Surari, and Nadija, and king Karnavest, and Nila, and the + valiant king Viradharman; and Durjaya, and Dantavakra, and Rukmi, and + Janamejaya; and Ashada and Vayuvega, and king Purvapali; and Bhuritejas, + and Devaka, and Ekalaya with his sons; and also the kings of the Krausha + race, and the valiant Kshemamurti, and the kings of the Kamboja and the + Richika tribes, and of the western sea-coast; and Jayatsena and the king + of Kashi, and the rulers of the land of the five rivers, and the proud son + of Kratha, and the rulers of the mountain regions, and Janaki, and + Susarman and Maniman, and Potimatsyaka, and the valiant Dhrishtaketu, and + the ruler of the kingdom of Pansu; and Paundra, and Dandadhara, and the + brave Vrihatsena; and Aparajita, and Nishada and Srenimat and Vasumat; and + Vrihadvala of great strength, and Vahu the conqueror of hostile cities; + and the warlike king Samudrasena with his son; and Uddhava, and Kshemaka + and king Vatadhana; and Srutayus, and Dridhayus, and the gallant son of + Salwa; and the king of the Kalingas, and Kumara, unconquerable in battle. + Speedily send word to these. This is what recommends itself to me. And let + this my priest, learned Brahmana, be sent, O king, to Dhritarashtra. Tell + him the words he is to say and what Duryodhana should be told; and how + Bhishma is to be addressed, and how Drona, that best of car-warriors!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0004" id="link52H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <p> + “Krishna said, ‘These worlds are worthy of the chief of the Somaka tribe, + and are calculated to promote the interests of Pandu’s son of immeasurable + strength. As we are desirous of adopting a politic course, this is, no + doubt, our first duty; a man acting otherwise would be a great fool. But + our relationship to both the Kurus and the Pandus is equal, howsoever + these two parties may behave with each other. Both you and we have been + invited here on the occasion of a marriage. The marriage having now been + celebrated, let us go home well-pleased. You are the foremost of kings, + both in years and learning; and here we all, no doubt are as if your + pupils. Dhritarashtra has always entertained a great respect for you; and + you are also a friend of the preceptors Drona and Kripa. I, therefore, ask + you to send a message (to the Kurus) in the interests of the Pandavas. We + all resolve even upon this that you should send a message unto them. If + that chief of the Kuru race should make peace on equitable terms, then the + brotherly feelings between the Kuras and the Pandus will sustain no + injury. If on the other hand, the son of Dhritarashtra should wax haughty + and from folly refuse to make peace, then, having summoned others, summon + us too. The holder of Gandiva then will be fired with wrath and the + dull-headed and wicked Duryodhana, with his partisans and friends, will + meet his fate.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “King Virata, then having honoured Krishna, sent him + home with his followers and relatives. And after Krishna had set out for + Dwaraka, Yudhishthira and his followers, with king Virata, began to make + preparations for war. And Virata and his relatives sent word to all the + monarchs, and king Drupada also did the same. And at the request of those + lions of the Kuru race, as also of the two kings of the Matsyas and the + Panchalas, many lords of the earth possessed of great strength, came to + the place with cheerful hearts. And when the sons of Dhritarashtra heard + that the Pandavas had collected a large army, they also assembled many + rulers of the earth. And, O king, at that time the whole land became + thronged with the rulers of the earth who were marching to espouse the + cause of either the Kurus or the Pandavas. And the land was full of + military bands composed of four kinds of forces. And from all sides the + forces began to pour in. And the goddess Earth with her mountains and + forests seemed to tremble beneath their tread. And the king of the + Panchalas, having consulted the wishes of Yudhishthira, despatched to the + Kurus his own priest, who was old both in years and understanding." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0005" id="link52H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + “Drupada said, ‘Of beings those that are endowed with life are superior. + Of living beings those that are endowed with intelligence are superior. Of + intelligent creatures men are superior. Of men the twice-born are + superior. Of the twice-born, students of the Veda are superior. Of + students of the Veda those of cultured understanding are superior. Of + cultured men practical persons are superior. And finally, of practical men + those knowing the Supreme Being are superior. You, it seems to me, are at + the very top of those that are of cultured understanding. You are + distinguished both for age and learning. You are equal in intellect to + either Sukra or Vrihaspati, the son of Angiras. You know what kind of man + the chief of the Kuru race is, and what kind of man also is Yudhishthira, + the son of Kunti. It was with Dhritarashtra’s knowledge that the Pandavas + were deceived by their opponents. Though instructed by Vidura he yet + follows his son. Sakuni advisedly challenged Yudhishthira to a gambling + match although the latter was unskilled in gambling while the former was + an adept in it. Unskilled in play, Yudhishthira was guileless and firm in + following the rules of the military order. Having thus cheated the + virtuous king Yudhishthira, they will, by no means, voluntarily yield up + the kingdom. If you speak words of righteousness unto Dhritarashtra, you + will certainly gain the hearts of his fighting men. Vidura also will make + use of those words of yours and will thus alienate the hearts of Bhishma, + and Drona, and Kripa, and others. When the officers of state are alienated + and fighting men are backward, the task of the enemy will be to gain back + their hearts. In the meantime, the Pandavas will, with ease and with their + whole hearts, address themselves in preparing the army and in collecting + stores. And when the enemy’s adherents are estranged, and while you are + hanging about them, they will surely not be able to make adequate + preparations for war. This course seems expedient in this wise. On your + meeting with Dhritarashtra it is possible that Dhritarashtra may do what + you say. And as you are virtuous, you must therefore act virtuously + towards them. And to the compassionate, you must descant upon the various + hardships that the Pandavas have endured. And you must estrange the hearts + of the aged persons by discoursing upon the family usages which were + followed by their forefathers. I do not entertain the slightest doubt in + this matter. Nor need you be apprehensive of any danger from them, for you + are a Brahmana, versed in the Vedas; and you are going thither as an + ambassador, and more specially, you are an aged man. Therefore, I ask you + to set out without delay towards the Kauravas with the object of promoting + the interests of the Pandavas, timing your departure under the + (astrological) combination called Pushya and at that part of the day + called Jaya.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus instructed by the magnanimous Drupada, the + virtuous priest set out for Hastinapura (the city called after the + elephant). And that learned man, well-versed in the principles of the + science of politics, started with a following of disciples towards the + Kurus for the sake of promoting the welfare of Pandu’s sons." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0006" id="link52H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having despatched the priest to the city called after + the elephant they sent messengers to the kings of various countries. And + having sent messengers to other places, the Kuru hero Dhananjaya, that + bull among men and son of Kunti, himself set out for Dwaraka. And after + Krishna and Valadeva, the descendants of Madhu, had both departed for + Dwaraka with all the Vrishnis, the Andhakas and the Bhojas, by hundreds, + the royal son of Dhritarashtra had, by sending secret emissaries, + furnished himself with information of all the doings of the Pandavas. And + learning that Krishna was on his way, the prince went to the city of + Dwaraka by means of fine horses possessing the speed of the wind, and + taking with him a small number of troops. And on that very day the son of + Kunti and Pandu, Dhananjaya, also speedily arrived at the beautiful city + of the Anarta land. And the two scions of the Kuru race, those tigers + among men, on arriving there saw that Krishna was asleep, and drew near + him as he lay down. And as Krishna was sleeping, Duryodhana entered the + room, and sat down on a fine seat at the head of the bed. And after him + entered that wearer of the diadem the magnanimous Arjuna, and stood at the + back of the bed, bowing and joining his hands. And when the descendant of + Vrishni, Krishna awoke, he first cast his eyes on Arjuna. And having asked + them as to the safety of their journey, and having fitly bestowed his + greetings upon them, the slayer of Madhu questioned them as to the + occasion of their visit. Then Duryodhana addressed Krishna, with a + cheerful countenance, saying, ‘It behoveth you to lend me your help in the + impending war. Arjuna and myself are both equally your friends. And, O + descendant of Madhu, you also bear the same relationship to both of us. + And today, O slayer of Madhu, I have been the first to come to you. + Right-minded persons take up the cause of him who comes first to them. + This is how the ancients acted. And, O Krishna, you stand at the very top + of all right-minded persons in the world, and are always respected. I ask + you to follow the rule of conduct observed by rightminded men.’ Thereat + Krishna replied, ‘That you have come first, O king, I do not in the least + doubt. But, O king, the son of Kunti, Dhananjaya, has been first beheld by + me. On account of your first arrival, and on account of my having beheld + Arjuna first, I shall, no doubt, lend my assistance, O Suyodhana, to both. + But it is said that those who are junior in years should have the first + choice. Therefore, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, is entitled to first + choice. There is a large body of cowherds numbering ten crores, rivalling + me in strength and known as the Narayanas, all of whom are able to fight + in the thick of battle. These soldiers, irresistible in battle, shall be + sent to one of you and I alone, resolved not to fight on the field, and + laying down my arms, will go to the other. You may, O son of Kunti, first + select whichever of these two commends itself to you. For, according to + law, you have the right to the first choice.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Krishna, Dhananjaya the son of + Kunti selected Kesava who was not to fight on the battle-field, even + Narayana himself, the slayer of foes, increate, born among men at his own + will,—the foremost of all Kshatriyas and above all the gods and the + Danavas. And Duryodhana selected for himself that entire army (composed of + the Narayanas). And, O descendant of Bharata, having obtained those troops + numbering thousands upon thousands, he was exceedingly delighted, although + he knew that Krishna was not on his side. And having secured that army + possessed of terrible prowess, Duryodhana went to the son of Rohini of + great strength, and explained to him, the object of his visit. The + descendant of Sura in reply addressed the following words to + Dhritarashtra’s son, ‘Thou shouldst remember, O tiger among men, all that + I said at the marriage ceremony celebrated by Virata. O thou delighter of + the race of Kuru, for thy sake I then contradicted Krishna and spoke + against his opinions. And again and again I alluded to the equality of our + relationship to both the parties. But Krishna did not adopt the views I + then expressed; nor can I separate myself from Krishna for even a single + moment. And seeing that I cannot act against Krishna even this is + resolution formed by me, viz., that I will fight neither for Kunti’s sons + nor for you. And, O bull of the Bharatas, born as thou art in Bharata’s + race that is honoured by all the kings, go and fight in accordance with + the rules of propriety.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, Duryodhana embraced that hero + wielding a plough for his weapon of battle, and although knowing that + Krishna had been taken away from his side, he yet regarded Arjuna as + already vanquished. And the royal son of Dhritarashtra then went to + Kritavarman. And Kritavarman gave him a body of troops numbering an + Akshauhini. And surrounded by that military host, terrible to behold, the + Kaurava marched forth delighting his friends. And after Duryodhana had + departed, Krishna, the Creator of the world, clad in yellow attire, + addressed Kiritin, saying, ‘For what reason is it that you have selected + me who will not fight at all?’ + </p> + <p> + “Thereupon Arjuna answered, ‘I question not that you are able to slay them + all. I also am alone capable of slaying them, O best of men. But you are + an illustrious person in the world; and this renown will accompany you. I + also am a suitor for fame; therefore, you have been selected by me. It + hath been always my desire to have you for driving my car. I, therefore, + ask you to fulfil my desire cherished for a long time.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva’s son thereupon said, ‘It beseems thee well, O Kunti’s son, that + thou measurest thyself with me. I will act as thy charioteer; let thy wish + be fulfilled.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then with a glad heart, Kunti’s son, accompanied + by Krishna as well as by the flower of the Dasarha race, came back to + Yudhishthira." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0007" id="link52H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O king, having learnt the news from the messengers, + Salya, accompanied by a large body of troops and by his sons, all of whom + were mighty in battle, was coming to the Pandavas. His encampment covered + an area of one and a half yojana, so large was the force owned by that + best of men. He was the master, O king, of an Akshauhini and had great + prowess and valour. And there were in his army heroes bearing armour of + various colours, with diverse kinds of banners and bows and ornaments and + cars and animals, all wearing excellent garlands, and various robes and + ornaments. And hundreds and thousands of foremost of Kshatriyas were the + leaders of his troops, dressed and decorated in the manner of their native + land. And he proceeded by slow marches, giving rest to his troops, towards + the place where the Pandava was. And the creatures of the earth felt + oppressed and the earth trembled under the tread of his troops. And king + Duryodhana, hearing that magnanimous and mighty hero was on his way, + hastened towards him and paid him honours, O best of the Bharata race and + caused finely decorated places of entertainment to be constructed at + different spots for his reception, on beautiful sites, and whither many + artists were directed to entertain the guests. And those pavilions + contained garlands and meat and the choicest viands and drinks, and wells + of various forms, capable of refreshing the heart, and tanks of various + forms, and edibles, and roomy apartments. And arriving at those pavilions, + and waited upon like a very god by the servants of Duryodhana located at + different spots, Salya reached another house of entertainment resplendent + as a retreat of the celestials. And there, greeted with choice + creature-comforts fit for beings superior to man, he deemed himself + superior even to the lord himself of the gods and thought meanly of Indra + as compared with himself. And that foremost of Kshatriyas, well-pleased, + asked the servants, saying, ‘Where are those men of Yudhishthira, who have + prepared these places of refreshment? Let those men who made these be + brought to me. I deem them worthy of being rewarded by me. I must reward + them, let it so please the son of Kunti!’ The servants, surprised, + submitted the whole matter to Duryodhana. And when Salya was exceedingly + pleased and ready to grant even his life, Duryodhana, who had remained + concealed, came forward and showed himself to his maternal uncle. And the + king of the Madras saw him and understood that it was Duryodhana who had + taken all the trouble to receive him. And Salya embraced Duryodhana and + said, ‘Accept something that you may desire.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana thereupon said, ‘O thou auspicious one, let thy word be true, + grant me a boon. I ask thee to be the leader of all my army.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “And hearing this, Salya said, ‘Be it so! What + else is to be done?’ And the son of Gandhari repeated again and again, ‘It + is done.’ And Salya said, ‘O Duryodhana, O best of men, go to thy own + city. I shall proceed to pay a visit to Yudhishthira, the subduer of foes. + O king, I shall speedily come back, O ruler of men. That best of men, + Pandu’s son Yudhishthira, must, by all means, be visited by me.’ And + hearing this Duryodhana said, ‘O king, O ruler of the earth, having seen + the Pandava, come speedily back. I depend entirely upon thee, O king of + kings. Remember the boon that thou hast granted me.’ And Salya answered, + ‘Good betide thee! I shall come speedily back. Repair to thy own city, O + protector of men.’ And then those two kings Salya and Duryodhana embraced + each other. And having thus greeted Salya, Duryodhana came back to his own + city. And Salya went to inform the sons of Kunti of that proceeding of + his. And having reached Upaplavya, and entered the encampment, Salya saw + there all the sons of Panda. And the mighty-armed Salya having met the + sons of Panda, accepted as usual water for washing his feet, and the + customary gifts of honour including a cow. And the king of the Madras, + that slayer of foes, first asked them how they were, and then with great + delight embraced Yudhishthira, and Bhima, and Arjuna, and the sons of his + sister the two twin-brothers. And when all had sat down, Salya spoke to + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saying, ‘O tiger among kings, O thou + delighter of the race of Kuru, is it all well with thee? O best of + victors, how fortunately hast thou spent the term of thy residence in the + wilderness, O king. O lord of monarchs, it was an exceedingly hard task + that thou hast performed by dwelling in the wilderness together with thy + brothers and this noble lady here. An awfully difficult task again was + that sojourn of thine,—the period of concealment,—which task + also thou hast performed, O descendant of Bharata; for one pulled down + from a throne it is nothing but hardship that awaits him. O king, where is + there any happiness for him! O afflicter of thy foes, in compensation for + all this vast misery wrought by Dhritarashtra’s son, thou wilt attain to + proportional happiness after having killed thy foes, O great king. O lord + of men, the ways of the world are known to thee. Therefore, O my son, thou + art never guided by avarice in any of thy dealings. O descendant of + Bharata, do thou tread on the foot-prints of ancient saintly kings. My + son, Yudhishthira, be steady in the path of liberality, and + self-abnegation, and truth. And, O royal Yudhishthira, mercy and self + control, and truth and universal sympathy, and everything wonderful in + this world, are to be found in thee. Thou art mild, munificent, religious, + and liberal, and thou regardest virtue as the highest good. O king, many + are the rules of virtue that prevail amongst men, and all those are known + to thee. O my son, O afflicter of foes, thou knowest in fact everything + relating to this world. O king, O best of Bharata’s race, how lucky it is + that thou hast come out of this difficulty of thine. How lucky, O king, O + foremost of monarchs, O lord, it is that I see thee, so virtuous a soul, a + treasure-house of righteousness, freed with thy followers from this.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then, O descendant of Bharata, the king spoke of + his meeting with Duryodhana and gave a detailed account regarding that + promise of his and that boon granted by himself. And Yudhishthira said, ‘O + valiant king, it has been well-done by thee that being pleased at heart + thou hast plighted thy truth to Duryodhana. But good betide thee, O ruler + of the earth, I ask thee to do one thing only. O king, O best of men, thou + wilt have to do it solely for my sake, though it may not be proper to be + done. O valiant one, hear what I submit to thee. O great king, thou art + equal to Krishna on the field of battle. When, O best of kings, the single + combat between Karna and Arjuna will take place, I have no doubt thou wilt + have to drive Karna’s car. On that occasion, if thou art inclined to do + good to me, thou must protect Arjuna. O king, thou must likewise so act + that the Suta’s son Karna may be dispirited and the victory may be ours. + Improper it no doubt is; but, O my uncle, for all that thou must do it.’ + Salya said, ‘Good betide thee. Listen, O son of Pandu. Thou tellest me to + so act that the vile son of the Suta may be dispirited in fight. To be + sure, I shall be his charioteer on the field, for he always considers me + equal to Krishna. O tiger like descendant of Kuru, I shall certainly speak + to him, when desirous of fighting on the field of battle, words + contradictory and fraught with harm to him, so that bereft of pride and + valour, he may be easily slain by his antagonist. This I tell thee truly. + Asked by thee to do it, this I am determined to do, O my son. Whatever + else I may be able to bring about, I shall do for thy good. Whatever + troubles were suffered by thee together with Draupadi on the occasion of + the game at dice, the rude inhuman words uttered by the Suta’s son, the + misery inflicted by the Asura Jata and by Kichaka, O illustrious one, all + the miseries experienced by Draupadi, like those formerly experienced by + Damayanti,—will all, O hero, end in joy. Thou shouldst not be + aggrieved at this; for Destiny is all powerful in this world; and, O + Yudhishthira, high-minded persons have to endure miseries of various + kinds, nay, even the gods themselves, O king, have suffered misfortunes. O + king, O descendant of Bharata, it is narrated that the high-minded Indra, + the chief of the celestials, had to endure together with his wife very + great misery, indeed.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0008" id="link52H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O foremost of monarchs, I wish to know how it was + that great and unparalleled misery had to be endured by the illustrious + Indra together with his queen.’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Listen, O king, to me as I relate this ancient story of the + events of former days,—how, O descendant of Bharata, misery befell + Indra and his wife. Once Twashtri, the lord of creatures and the foremost + of celestials, was engaged in practising rigid austerities. And it is said + that from antipathy to Indra he created a son having three heads. And that + being of universal form possessed of great lustre hankered after Indra’s + seat. And possessed of those three awful faces resembling the sun, the + moon, and the fire, he read the Vedas with one mouth, drank wine with + another, and looked with the third as if he would absorb all the cardinal + points. And given to the practice of austerities, and mild being and + self-controlled, he was intent upon a life of religious practices and + austerities. And his practice of austerities, O subduer of foes, was rigid + and terrible and of an exceedingly severe character. And beholding the + austerities, courage, and truthfulness of this one possessed of + immeasurable energy, Indra became anxious, fearing lest that being should + take his place. And Indra reflected, “How may he be made to addict himself + to sensual enjoyments; how may he be made to cease his practice of such + rigid austerities? For were the three-headed being to wax strong, he would + absorb the whole universe.” And it was thus that Indra pondered in his + mind; and, O best of Bharata’s race, endued with intelligence, he ordered + the celestial nymphs to tempt the son of Twashtri. And he commanded them, + saying, “Be quick, and go without delay, and so tempt him that the + three-headed being may plunge himself into sensual enjoyment to the utmost + extent. Furnished with captivating hips, array yourselves in voluptuous + attires, and decking yourselves in charming necklaces, do ye display + gestures and blandishments of love. Endued with loveliness, do ye tempt + him and alleviate my dread. I feel restless in my heart, O lovely damsels. + Avert ye, ladies, this awful peril that hangs over me. Good betide you.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then the nymphs said, “O Indra, O slayer of Vala, we shall so endeavour + to allure him that thou wilt have nothing to fear at his hands. That very + receptacle of austerities, sitting now as if scorching everything with his + eyes, O god, we are going together to tempt. We shall try to bring him + under our control, and to put an end to your fears.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Commanded by Indra, they then went to the three-headed + being. And arriving there, those lovely damsels tempted him with various + gestures of love, displaying their fine figures. But engaged in the + practice of exceedingly severe austerities, although he looked at them, + yet he was not influenced by desire. Of subdued senses he was like the + ocean, full to the brim, in gravity. And the nymphs after having tried + their best, came back to Indra. And they all with joined hands spoke to + the lord of the celestials, saying, “O, that unapproachable being is + incapable of being disturbed by us. O highly gifted being, thou mayst do + what now may seem proper to thee.” The high-minded Indra honoured the + nymphs and then dismissed them reflecting, O Yudhishthira, solely upon + other means of destroying his foe. And endued with intelligence, he fixed + upon a contrivance for destroying the three-headed being. And he said, + “Let me today hurt my thunderbolt at him. By this means he will speedily + be killed. Even a strong person should not overlook a rising foe, + contemptible though he may be.” And thus reflecting upon the lessons + inculcated in treatises of learning, he was firmly resolved upon slaying + that being. Then Indra, enraged, hurled at the three-headed being his + thunderbolt which looked like fire and was terrible to behold, and which + inspired dread. And forcibly struck by that thunderbolt, he was slain and + fell down, as falls on the earth the loosened summit of a hill. And + beholding him slain by the thunderbolt, and lying down huge as a hill, the + chief of the celestials found no peace, and felt as if scorched by the + effulgent appearance of the dead; for though slain, he had a blazing and + effulgent appearance and looked like one alive. And, strange to say, + though lifeless, his heads seemed to be alive as they were beheld lying + low on the field. And exceedingly afraid of that lustre, Indra remained + plunged in thought. And at that time, O great king, bearing an axe on his + shoulder, a carpenter came to the forest and approached the spot where lay + that being. And Indra, the lord of Sachi, who was afraid, saw the + carpenter come there by chance. And the chastiser of Paka said unto him + immediately, “Do this my behest. Quickly cut off this one’s heads.” The + carpenter thereupon said, “His shoulders are broad: this axe will not be + able to cut them off. Nor shall I be able to do what is condemned by + righteous persons.” And Indra said, “Do not fear, quickly do what I say. + At my command thy axe shall equal the thunderbolt.” The carpenter said, + “Whom am I to take thee to be who hast done this frightful deed today? + This I wish to learn, tell me the exact truth.” And Indra said, “O + carpenter, I am Indra, the chief of the gods. Let this be known to thee. + Do thou act just as I have told thee. Do not hesitate, O carpenter!” The + carpenter said, “O Indra, how is it that thou art not ashamed of this thy + inhuman act? How it is that thou hast no dread of the sin of slaying a + Brahmana, after having slain this son of a saint?” Indra said, “I shall + afterwards perform some religious ceremony of a rigorous kind to purify + myself from this taint. This was a powerful enemy of mine whom I have + killed with my thunderbolt. Even now I am uneasy, O carpenter; I, indeed, + dread him even now. Do thou quickly cut off his heads, I shall bestow my + favour upon thee. In sacrifices, men will give thee the head of the + sacrificial beast as thy share. This is the favour I confer on thee. Do + thou quickly perform what I desire.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Hearing this, the carpenter, at the request of the great + Indra, immediately severed the heads of the three-headed one with his axe. + And when the heads were cut off, out flew therefrom a number of birds, + viz., partridges, quails and sparrows. And from the mouth wherewith he + used to recite the Vedas and to drink the Soma-juice, came out partridges + in quick succession. And, O king, O son of Pandu, from the mouth with + which he used to look at the cardinal points as if absorbing them all, a + number of quails came forth. And from that mouth of the three-headed being + which used to drink wine, out flew a number of sparrows and hawks. And the + heads having been cut off Indra was freed from his trepidation, and went + to heaven, glad at heart. And the carpenter also went back to his house. + And the slayer of Asuras, having killed his foe, considered his object + gained. Now when the lord of creatures, Twashtri, heard that his son had + been slain by Indra, his eyes became red with ire, and he spoke the + following words, “Since Indra hath killed my son who had committed no + offence at all, who was constantly engaged in the practice of austerities, + who was merciful, possessed of self-control, and of subdued passions, + therefore, for the destruction of Indra, I will create Vritra. Let the + worlds behold what power I possess, and how mighty is the practice of + austerities! Let that inhuman, wicked-minded lord of the gods also witness + the same!” And saying this, that enraged one, famous for his austerities, + washed his mouth with water, made offerings on the fire, created the + terrible Vritra, and spoke to him, saying, “O destined slayer of Indra, + grow in might even from the strength of my austere rites.” And that Asura + grew in might, towering towards the firmament, and resembling the son of + fire. And he asked, “Risen like the doomsday sun, what am I to do?” “Kill + Indra,” was the reply. And then he departed towards the celestial regions. + And next ensued a great fight between Vritra and Indra, both fired with + wrath. And there took place a terrible combat, O best of Kuru’s race. And + the heroic Vritra seized the celestial lord who had performed a hundred + sacrifices. And filled with wrath, he whirled Indra and threw him into his + mouth. And when Indra was swallowed up by Vritra, the terrified senior + gods, possessed of great might, created Jrimbhika to kill Vritra. And as + Vritra yawned and his mouth opened the slayer of the Asura, Vala + contracted the different parts of his body, and came out from within + Vritra’s mouth. And thenceforth the yawn attaches itself to the living + breath of animated beings in three worlds. And the gods rejoiced at the + egress of Indra. And once again commenced the terrible fight between + Vritra and Indra, both full of ire. And it was waged for a long while, O + best of Bharata’s race. And when Vritra, inspired with the mighty spirit + of Twashtri and himself endowed with strength, got the upper hand in + fight, Indra turned back. And on his retreat, the gods became exceedingly + distressed. And all of them together with Indra were overpowered by the + might of Twashtri. And they all consulted with the saints, O descendant of + Bharata. And they deliberated as to what was proper to be done, and were + overwhelmed with dread. And seated on the top of the Mandara mountain, and + bent on killing Vritra, they only bethought themselves of Vishnu, the + indestructible one.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0009" id="link52H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + “‘Indra said, “This whole indestructible universe, O gods, hath been + pervaded by Vritra. There is nothing that can be equal to the task of + opposing him. I was capable of yore, but now I am incapable. What good + betide you, can I do? I believe him to be unapproachable. Powerful and + magnanimous, possessing immeasurable strength in fight, he would be able + to swallow up all the three worlds with the gods, the Asuras, and the men. + Therefore, hear ye dwellers of heaven, this is my resolution. Proceeding + to the abode of Vishnu, in company with that high-souled Being must we + consult, and ascertain the means of slaying this ruthless wretch.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Indra having thus spoken, the gods with that host of + Rishis repaired to the mighty god Vishnu to place themselves under the + protection of that protector of all. And afflicted with the dread of + Vritra, they said unto the Supreme Lord of the deities, “Thou hadst in + former times covered the three worlds with three steps. Thou hadst + procured the ambrosial food, O Vishnu, and destroyed the Asuras in battle. + Thou didst bind the great Asura Vali and hadst raised Indra to the throne + of heaven. Thou art the lord of the gods, and this entire universe is + pervaded by thee. Thou art the God, the mighty Deity, saluted by all + persons. Be thou the refuge of all the celestials together with Indra, O + best of gods. The whole universe, O slayer of Asuras, hath been pervaded + by Vritra.” And Vishnu said, “I am no doubt bound to do what is for your + good. I shall, therefore, tell you of a contrivance whereby he may be + annihilated. Do ye with the Rishis and the Gandharvas repair to the place + where Vritra that bearer of a universal form is and adopt towards him a + conciliatory policy. You will thus succeed in overthrowing him. By virtue + of my power, victory, ye gods, will be won by Indra, for, remaining + invisible, I shall enter into his thunderbolt, that best of weapons. O + foremost of gods, depart ye with the Rishis and the Gandharvas. Let there + be no delay in effecting a peace between Indra and Vritra.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘When he had thus spoken, the Rishis and the celestials + placed Indra at their head, and uniting together, went away. Approaching + Indra they beheld Vritra glowing and resplendent as if scorching the ten + points, and swallowing all the three worlds, and resembling the sun or the + moon. And then the Rishis, came up to Vritra and spoke to him in + conciliatory terms, saying, “O thou unconquerable being, the whole of this + universe hath been pervaded by thy energy. Thou art not able however to + overpower Indra, O best of mighty beings. A long period hath now elapsed + since you began to fight. All beings, with the gods and the Asuras and + men, are suffering from the effects of the fight. Let there be eternal + friendship between thee and Indra. Thou shalt be happy and shall dwell + eternally in Indra’s regions.” And the mighty Vritra having heard the + words of the saints, bowed his head unto them. And the Asura (thus) spoke, + “What you, O highly-gifted beings, and also all these Gandharvas are + saying, I have heard. Ye stainless beings, hear also what I have got to + say. How can there be peace between us two, Indra and myself? How can + there be friendship, ye gods, between two hostile powers?” The Rishis + said, “Friendship among righteous persons happens at a single meeting. It + is a desirable object. Thereafter will happen what is fated to be. The + opportunity of forming friendship with a righteous person should not be + sacrificed. Therefore, the friendship of the righteous should be sought. + The friendship of the righteous is (like) excellent wealth, for he that is + wise would give advice when it is needed. The friendship of a good person + is of great use; therefore, a wise person should not desire to kill a + righteous one. Indra is honoured by the righteous, and is the refuge of + magnanimous persons, being veracious and unblamable, and knows what virtue + is, and is possessed of a refined judgment. Let there be eternal + friendship between thee and Indra, as described above. In this way, have + faith (in him); let not thy heart be differently inclined.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Hearing these words of the great Rishis, the illustrious + Asura spoke to them, “No doubt, the Rishis, endued with supernatural + powers, are to be respected by me. Let what I am going to say, ye gods, be + performed in its entirety; then I shall do everything that (these) best of + Brahmanas have said to me. Ye lords of the Brahmana race, ordain so that + Indra himself or the gods do not kill me by what is dry, or wet; by stone, + or by wood; by a weapon fit for close fight, or by a missile; in the day + time, or at night. On those terms eternal peace with Indra would be + acceptable to me,”—Very good! was what the Rishis told him, O best + of Bharata race. Thus peace having been concluded, Vritra was very much + pleased. And Indra also became pleased though constantly occupied with the + thought of killing Vritra. And the chief of the deities passed his time in + search of a loophole, uneasy (in mind). And on a certain day when it was + evening and the hour awful, Indra caught sight of the mighty Asura on the + coast of the sea. And he bethought himself of the boon that was granted to + the illustrious Asura, saying, “This is the awful evening time; it is + neither day, nor night; and this Vritra, my enemy, who hath stripped me of + my all, must undoubtedly be killed by me. If I do not kill Vritra, this + great and mighty Asura of gigantic frame, even by deceit, it will not go + well with me.” And as Indra thought of all this, bearing Vishnu in mind he + beheld at that instant in the sea a mass of froth as large as a hill. And + he said, “This is neither dry, nor wet, nor is it a weapon; let me hurl it + at Vritra. Without doubt, he will die immediately.” And he threw at Vritra + that mass of froth blended with the thunderbolt. And Vishnu, having + entered within that froth, put an end to the life of Vritra. And when + Vritra was killed, the cardinal points were free from gloom; and there + also blew a pleasant breeze; and all beings were much pleased. And the + deities with the Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas, with the great + snakes and saints, glorified the mighty Indra with various laudatory + hymns. And saluted by all beings, Indra spoke words of encouragement to + all. And his heart was glad as also that of everyone of the gods for + having killed the foe. And knowing the nature of virtue, he worshipped + Vishnu, the most praiseworthy of all objects in the world. Now when the + mighty Vritra, terrible to the gods, was killed, Indra became overpowered + by falsehood, and he became exceedingly sad; and he was also overpowered + by the sin of Brahmanicide on account of having killed the three-headed + son of Twashtri. And he betook himself to the confines of the worlds, and + became bereft of his senses and consciousness. And overpowered by his own + sins, he could not be recognised. And he lay concealed in water, just like + a writhing snake. And when the lord of celestials, oppressed with the + dread of Brahmanicide, had vanished from sight, the earth looked as if a + havoc had passed over it. And it became treeless, and its woods withered; + and the course of rivers was interrupted; and the reservoirs lost all + their water; and there was distress among animals on account of cessation + of rains. And the deities and all the great Rishis were in exceeding fear; + and the world had no king, and was overtaken by disasters. Then the + deities and the divine saints in heaven, separated from the chief of the + gods, became terrified, and wondered who was to be their king. And nobody + had any inclination to act as the king of the gods.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0010" id="link52H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Then all the Rishis and the superior gods said, “Let the + handsome Nahusha be crowned as king of the gods. He is powerful and + renowned, and devoted to virtue ever more.” And they all went and said to + him, “O lord of the earth, be thou our king.” And Nahusha intent on his + welfare, spoke to those gods and saints accompanied by the progenitors (of + mankind), “I am feeble; I am not capable of protecting you; it is a + powerful person who should be your king; it is Indra who hath always been + possessed of strength.” And all the gods, led by the saints, spoke again + to him, “Aided by the virtue of our austerities, rule thou the kingdom of + heaven. There is no doubt that we have all our respective fears. Be + crowned, O lord of monarchs, as the king of heaven. Whatever being may + stand within thy sight, whether he be a god, an Asura, a Yaksha, a saint, + a Pitri, or a Gandharva, thou shalt absorb his power and (thereby) wax + strong. Always placing virtue before (all other things), be thou the ruler + of the worlds. Protect also the Brahmarsis (Brahmana saints) and the gods + in heaven.” Then, O lord of monarchs, Nahusha was crowned king in heaven. + And placing virtue before (everything else), he became the ruler of all + the worlds. And though always of a virtuous disposition, yet when he + obtained that precious boon and the kingdom of heaven, Nahusha assumed a + sensual turn of mind. And when Nahusha became the king of the gods, he + surrounded himself with celestial nymphs, and with damsels of celestial + birth, and took to enjoyments of various kinds, in the Nandana groves, on + mount Kailasa, on the crest of Himavat, on Mandara, the White hill Sahya, + Mahendra and Malaya, as, also upon seas and rivers. And he listened to + various divine narratives that captivated both the ear and the heart, and + to the play of musical instruments of different sorts, and to sweet vocal + strains. And Viswavasu and Narada and bevies of celestial nymphs and bands + of Gandharvas and the six seasons in living shapes, attended upon the king + of the gods. And fragrant breezes, refreshingly cool, blew round him. And + while that wretch was thus enjoying himself, on one occasion the goddess + who was the favourite queen of Indra came in his sight. And that vicious + soul, having looked at her, said to the courtiers, “Why doth not this + goddess, the queen of Indra, attend upon me? I am the monarch of the gods, + and also the ruler of the worlds. Let Sachi make haste and visit me at my + house.” Saddened at hearing this, the goddess said to Vrihaspati, “Protect + me, O Brahmana, from this Nahusha. I come to you as my refuge. You always + say, O Brahmana, that I have got on my person all the auspicious marks, + being the favourite of the divine king; that I am chaste, devoted to my + lord, and destined never to become a widow. All this about me you have + said before. Let your words be made true. O possessor of great powers, O + lord, you never spoke words that were vain. Therefore, O best of + Brahmanas, this that you have said ought to be true.” Then Vrihaspati said + to the queen of Indra who was beside herself through fear, “What thou hast + been told by me will come to be true, be sure, O goddess. Thou shalt see + Indra, the lord of the gods, who will soon come back here. I tell thee + truly, thou hast no fear from Nahusha; I shall soon unite thee with + Indra.” Now Nahusha came to hear that Indra’s queen had taken refuge with + Vrihaspati, the son of Angiras. And at this, the king became highly + enraged.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0011" id="link52H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Seeing Nahusha enraged, the gods led by the saints spoke + unto him, “Who was now their king of awful mien? O king of gods, quit thy + wrath. When thou art in wrath, O lord, the Universe, with its Asuras and + Gandharvas, its Kinnaras, and great snakes, quaketh. Quit this wrath, thou + righteous being. Persons like thee do not put themselves out. That goddess + is another person’s wife. Be pacified, O lord of gods! Turn back thy + inclination from the sin of outraging another’s wife. Thou art the king of + gods, prosperity to thee! Protect thy subjects in all righteousness.” So + addressed, he heeded not the saying rendered senseless by lust. And the + king spoke to the gods, in allusion to Indra, “Ahalya of spotless fame, + the wife of a saint, was outraged by Indra while her husband was alive. + Why did ye not prevent him? Many were the deeds of inhumanity, of + unrighteousness, of deceit, committed by Indra in former times. Why did ye + not prevent him? Let the goddess do my pleasure; that would be her + permanent good. And so the same will ever more rebound to your safety, ye + gods!" </p> + <p> + “‘The gods said, “We shall bring to thee the queen of Indra even as thou + hast laid the command, O lord of heaven! Quit this wrath, thou valiant + soul! Be pacified, O lord of gods!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Thus having spoken to him, the gods with the saint went + to inform Vrihaspati and the queen of Indra of the sad news. And they + said, “We know, O foremost of Brahmanas, that the queen of Indra hath + betaken herself to thy house, for protection, and that thou hast promised + her protection, O best of divine saints! But we, the gods and Gandharvas + and saints, beseech thee, O thou of great lustre, to give up the queen of + Indra to Nahusha. Nahusha, the king of gods, of great effulgence, is + superior to Indra. Let her, that lady of choice figure and complexion, + choose him as her lord!” Thus addressed, the goddess gave vent to tears; + and sobbing audibly, she mourned in piteous accents. And she spoke to + Vrihaspati, “O best of divine saints, I do not desire Nahusha to be my + lord. I have betaken myself to thy protection, O Brahmana! Deliver me from + this great peril!" </p> + <p> + “‘Vrihaspati said, “My resolution is this, I shall not abandon one that + hath sought my protection. O thou of unblamable life, I shall not abandon + thee, virtuous as thou art and of a truthful disposition! I do not desire + to do an improper act, specially as I am a Brahmana knowing what + righteousness is, having a regard for truth, and aware also of the + precepts of virtue. I shall never do it. Go your ways, ye best of gods. + Hear what hath formerly been sung by Brahma with regard to the matter at + hand. He that delivereth up to a foe of a person terrified and asking for + protection obtaineth no protection when he himself is in need of it. His + seed doth not grow at seed-time and rain doth not come to him in the + season of rains. He that delivereth up to a foe a person terrified and + asking for protection never succeedeth in anything that he undertaketh; + senseless as he is, he droppeth paralysed from heaven; the gods refuse + offerings made by him. His progeny die an untimely death and his + forefathers always quarrel (among themselves). The gods with Indra and + their head dart the thunderbolt at him. Know it to be so, I shall not + deliver up this Sachi here, the queen of Indra, famous in the world as his + favourite consort. O ye best of gods, what may be for both her good and + mine I ask you to do. Sachi I shall never deliver up!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Then the gods and the Gandharvas said these words to + the preceptor of the gods, “O Vrihaspati, deliberate upon something that + may be conformable to sound policy!” Vrihaspati said, “Let this goddess of + auspicious looks ask for time from Nahusha in order to make up her mind to + his proposal. This will be for the good of Indra’s queen, and of us as + well. Time, ye gods, may give rise to many impediments. Time will send + time onward. Nahusha is proud and powerful by virtue of the boon granted + to him!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Vrihaspati having spoken so, the gods, delighted then + said, “Well hast thou said, O Brahmana. This is for the good of all the + gods. It is no doubt so. Only, let this goddess be propitiated.” Then the + assembled gods led by Agni, with a view to the welfare of all the worlds, + spoke to Indra’s queen in a quiet way. And the gods said, “Thou art + supporting the whole universe of things mobile and immobile. Thou art + chaste and true: go thou to Nahusha. That vicious being, lustful after + thee, will shortly fall: and Indra, O goddess, will get the sovereignty of + the gods!” Ascertaining this to be the result of that deliberation, + Indra’s queen, for attaining her end, went bashfully to Nahusha of awful + mien. The vicious Nahusha also, rendered senseless by lust, saw how + youthful and lovely she was, and became highly pleased.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0012" id="link52H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Now then Nahusha, the king of the gods, looked at her and + said, “O thou of sweet smiles, I am the Indra of all the three worlds. O + thou of beautiful thighs and fair complexion, accept me as thy lord!” That + chaste goddess, thus addressed by Nahusha, was terrified and quaked like a + plantain-stalk at a breezy spot. She bowed her head to Brahma, and joining + her hands spoke to Nahusha, the king of the gods, of awful mien, said, “O + lord of the deities, I desire to obtain time. It is not known what hath + become of Indra, or where he is. Having enquired into the truth regarding + him, if, O lord, I obtain no news of him, then I shall visit thee; this + tell I thee for truth.” Thus addressed by Indra’s queen, Nahusha was + pleased. And Nahusha said, “Let it be so, O lady of lovely hips, even as + thou art telling me. Thou wilt come, after having ascertained the news. I + hope thou wilt remember thy plighted truth.” Dismissed by Nahusha, she of + auspicious looks stepped out; and that famous lady went to the abode of + Vrihaspati. And, O best of kings, the gods with Agni at their head, when + they heard her words, deliberated, intent upon what would promote the + interests of Indra. And they then joined the powerful Vishnu, the God of + gods. And skilled in making speeches, the uneasy gods spoke the following + words to him, “Indra, the lord of all the gods, hath been overpowered by + the sin of Brahmanicide. Thou, O lord of the gods, art the first-born, the + ruler of the universe, and our refuge. Thou hadst assumed the form of + Vishnu for the protection of all beings. When Vritra was killed through + thy energy, Indra was overwhelmed by the sin of Brahmanicide. O best of + all the gods, prescribe the means of setting him free.” Having heard these + words of the gods, Vishnu said, “Let Indra offer sacrifice to me. Even I + shall purify the holder of the thunderbolt. The chastiser of Paka, having + performed the holy horse-sacrifice, will fearlessly regain his dignity as + lord of the gods. And the wicked-minded Nahusha will be led to destruction + by his evil deeds. For a certain period, ye gods, ye must be patient, + being vigilant at the same time.” Having heard these words of Vishnu, + words that were true, and pleasant like ambrosia to their ears, the gods, + with their preceptor, and with the Rishis proceeded to that spot where + Indra was uneasy with fear. And there, O king, was performed a great + horse-sacrifice, capable of removing the sin of Brahmanicide, for the + purification of the high-minded and great Indra. And the lord of the gods, + O Yudhishthira, divided the sin of Brahmanicide among trees and rivers and + mountains and the earth and women. And having distributed it thus among + those beings and parted with it, Indra was free from fever. And rid of his + sin, he came to himself. And at that place, the slayer of the Asura Vala, + quaked when he looked at Nahusha, before whom all animated beings felt + cowed, and who was unapproachable by virtue of the boon the Rishis had + granted to him. And the divine husband of Sachi vanished from sight once + again. And invisible to all beings, he wandered biding his time. And Indra + having disappeared, Sachi fell into grief. And exceedingly miserable, she + bewailed, “Alas! O Indra, if ever I have made a gift, or made offering to + the gods, or have propitiated my spiritual guides, if there is any truth + in me, then I pray that my chastity may remain inviolate. I bow myself to + this goddess Night,—holy, pure, running her course during this the + northern journey of the sun,<a href="#linknote-51" name="linknoteref-51" + id="linknoteref-51">1</a> let my desire be fulfilled.” Saying this, she, + in a purified condition of body and soul, worshipped the goddess Night. + And in the name of her chastity and truth she had recourse to divination.<a + href="#linknote-52" name="linknoteref-52" id="linknoteref-52">2</a> And + she asked, “Show me the place where the king of the gods is. Let truth be + verified by truth.” And it was thus that she addressed the goddess of + Divination.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0013" id="link52H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Then the goddess of Divination stood near that chaste and + beautiful lady. And having beheld that goddess, youthful and lovely, + standing before her, Indra’s queen, glad at heart, paid respects to them + and said, “I desire to know who thou art, O thou of lovely face.” And + Divination said, “I am Divination, O goddess, come near thee. Since thou + art truthful, therefore, O high-minded lady, do I appear in thy sight. + Since thou art devoted to thy lord, employed in controlling thyself, and + engaged in the practice of religious rites, I shall show thee the god + Indra, the slayer of Vritra. Quickly come after me, so may good betide + thee! Thou shalt see that best of gods.” Then Divination proceeded and the + divine queen of Indra went after her. And she crossed the heavenly groves, + and many mountains; and then having crossed the Himavat mountains, she + came to its northern side. And having reached the sea, extending over many + yojanas, she came upon a large island covered with various trees and + plants. And there she saw a beautiful lake, of heavenly appearance, + covered with birds, eight hundred miles in length, and as many in breadth. + And upon it, O descendant of Bharata, were full-blown lotuses of heavenly + appearance, of five colours, hummed round by bees, and counting by + thousands. And in the middle of that lake, there was a large and beautiful + assemblage of lotuses having in its midst a large white lotus standing on + a lofty stalk. And penetrating into the lotus-stalk, along with Sachi, she + saw Indra there who had entered into its fibres. And seeing her lord lying + there in a minute form, Sachi also assumed a minute form, so did the + goddess of divination too. And Indra’s queen began to glorify him by + reciting his celebrated deeds of yore. And thus glorified, the divine + Purandara spoke to Sachi, “For what purpose hast thou come? How also have + I been found out?” Then the goddess spoke of the acts of Nahusha. And she + said, “O performer of a hundred sacrifices, having obtained the + sovereignty of the three worlds, powerful and haughty and of a vicious + soul, he hath commanded me to visit him, and the cruel wretch hath even + assigned me a definite time. If thou wilt not protect me, O lord, he will + bring me under his power. For this reason, O Indra, have I come to thee in + alarm. O thou of powerful arms, slay the terrible Nahusha of vicious soul. + Discover thyself, O slayer of Daityas and Danavas. O lord, assume thy own + strength and rule the celestial kingdom.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0014" id="link52H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Thus addressed by Sachi, the illustrious god said to her + again, “This is not the time for putting forth valour. Nahusha is stronger + than I am. O beautiful lady, he hath been strengthened by the Rishis with + the merits of offerings to the gods and the Pitris. I shall have recourse + to policy now. Thou wilt have to carry it out, O goddess. O lady, thou + must do it secretly and must not disclose it to any person. O lady of a + beautiful waist, going to Nahusha in private, tell him, O lord of the + Universe, thou must visit me mounted on a nice vehicle borne by Rishis. In + that case I shall be pleased and shall place myself at thy disposal. This + shouldst thou tell him.” And thus addressed by the king of the gods, his + lotus-eyed consort expressed her consent and went to Nahusha. And Nahusha, + having seen her, smilingly addressed her, saying, “I welcome thee, O lady + of lovely thighs. What is thy pleasure, O thou of sweet smiles. Accept me, + O lady of propitious looks, who am devoted to thee. What is thy will, O + spirited dame. I shall do thy wish, O lady of propitious looks and slender + waist. Nor needst thou be bashful, O thou of lovely hips. Have trust in + me. In the name of truth I swear, O goddess, that I shall do thy bidding." </p> + <p> + “‘Sachi said, “O lord of the Universe, I wanted the time that thou hast + assigned to me. Thereafter, O lord of the gods, thou shalt be my husband. + I have a wish. Attend and hear, O king of the gods, what it is I shall + say, O king, so that thou mayst do what I like. This is an indulgence that + I ask from thy love for me. If thou grantest it, I shall be at thy + disposal. Indra had horses for carrying him, and elephants, and cars. I + want thee to have, O king of the gods, a novel vehicle, such as never + belonged to Vishnu, or Rudra, or the Asuras, or the Rakshasas, O lord. Let + a number of highly dignified Rishis, united together, bear thee in a + palanquin. This is what commends itself to me. Thou shouldst not liken + thyself to the Asuras or the gods. Thou absorbest the strength of all by + thy own strength as soon as they look at thee. There is none so strong as + to be able to stand before thee.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Thus addressed, Nahusha was very much pleased. And the + lord of the deities said to that lady of faultless features, “O lady of + the fairest complexion, thou hast spoken of a vehicle never heard of + before. I like it exceedingly, O goddess. I am in thy power, O thou of + lovely face. He cannot be a feeble person who employeth Rishis for bearing + him. I have practised austerities, and am mighty. I am the lord of the + past, the present, and the future. The Universe would be no more if I were + in rage. The whole Universe is established in me. O thou of sweet smiles, + the gods, the Asuras and Gandharvas, and snakes, and Rakshasas are + together unable to cope with me when I am in rage. Whomsoever I gaze upon + I divest him of his energy. Therefore, thy request I shall no doubt + fulfil, O goddess. The seven Rishis, and also the regenerate Rishis, shall + carry me. See our greatness and splendour, O lady of lovely complexion.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Having thus addressed that goddess of lovely face, and + having dismissed her thus, he harnessed to his heavenly car a number of + saints devoted to the practice of austerities. A disregarder of Brahmanas, + endued with power and intoxicated with pride, capricious, and of vicious + soul, he employed those saints to carry him. Meanwhile, dismissed by + Nahusha, Sachi went to Vrihaspati and said, “But little remaineth of the + term assigned by Nahusha to me. Be compassionate unto me who respect thee + so, and quickly find out Indra." </p> + <p> + “‘The illustrious Vrihaspati then said to her, “Very good, thou needst + not, O goddess, fear, Nahusha of vicious soul. Surely, he shall not long + retain his power. The wretch, in fact, is already gone, being regardless + of virtue and because, O lovely dame, of his employing the great saints to + carry him. And I shall perform a sacrifice for the destruction of this + vicious wretch, and I shall find out Indra. Thou needst not fear. Fare + thee well.” And Vrihaspati of great power then kindled a fire in the + prescribed form, and put the very best offerings upon it in order to + ascertain where the king of the gods was. And having put his offerings, O + king, he said to the Fire, “Search out Indra.” And thereupon that revered + god, the eater of burnt offerings, assumed of his own accord a wonderful + feminine form and vanished from sight at that very spot. And endued with + speed of the mind, he searched everywhere, mountains and forests, earth + and sky, and came back to Vrihaspati within the twinkling of the eye. And + Agni said, “Vrihaspati, nowhere in these places do I find the king of the + gods. The waters alone remain to be searched. I am always backward in + entering the waters. I have no ingress therein. O Brahmana, what I am to + do for thee.” The preceptor of the gods then said to him, “O illustrious + god, do thou enter the water." </p> + <p> + “‘Agni said, “I cannot enter the water. Therein it is extinction that + awaits me. I place myself in thy hand, O thou of great effulgence. Mayst + thou fare well! Fire rose from water, the military caste rose from the + priestly caste; and iron had its origin in stone. The power of these which + can penetrate all other things, hath no operation upon the sources from + which they spring.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0015" id="link52H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Vrihaspati said, “Thou art the mouth, O Agni, of all the gods. Thou art + the carrier of sacred offerings. Thou, like a witness, hast access to the + inner souls of all creatures. The poets call thee single, and again + three-fold. O eater of burnt offerings, abandoned by thee the Universe + would forthwith cease to be. The Brahmanas by bowing to thee, win with + their wives and sons an eternal region, the reward of their own + meritorious deeds. O Agni, it is thou who art the bearer of sacred + offerings. Thou, O Agni, art thyself the best offering. In a sacrificial + ceremony of the supreme order, it is thee that they worship with incessant + gifts and offerings. O bearer of offerings, having created the three + worlds, thou when the hour cometh, consumeth them in thy unkindled form. + Thou art the mother of the whole Universe; and thou again, O Agni, art its + termination. The wise call thee identical with the clouds and with the + lightning; flames issuing from thee, support all creatures. All the waters + are deposited in thee; so is this entire world. To thee, O purifier, + nothing is unknown in the three worlds. Every body taketh kindly to his + progenitor; do thou enter the waters without fear. I shall render thee + strong with the eternal hymns of the Veda.” Thus glorified, the bearer of + burnt offerings, that best of poets, well-pleased, spoke laudable words to + Vrihaspati. And he said, “I shall show Indra to thee. This I tell thee for + truth.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Then Agni entered the waters including seas and tiny + ponds, and came to that reservoir, where, O best of Bharata’s race, while + searching the lotus flowers, he saw the king of the gods lying within the + fibres of a lotus-stalk. And soon coming back, he informed Vrihaspati how + Indra had taken refuge in the fibres of a lotus-stalk, assuming a minute + form. Then Vrihaspati, accompanied by the gods, the saints and the + Gandharvas, went and glorified the slayer of Vala by referring to his + former deeds. And he said, “O Indra, the great Asura Namuchi was killed by + thee; and those two Asuras also of terrible strength, viz., Samvara and + Vala. Wax strong, O performer of a hundred sacrifices, and slay all thy + foes. Rise, O Indra! Behold, here are assembled the gods and the saints. O + Indra, O great lord, by slaying Asuras, thou hast delivered the worlds. + Having got the froth of waters, strengthened with Vishnu’s energy, thou + formerly slew Vritra. Thou art the refuge of all creatures and art + adorable. There is no being equal to thee. All the creatures, O Indra, are + supported by thee. Thou didst build the greatness of the gods. Deliver + all, together with the worlds by assuming thy strength, O great Indra.” + And thus glorified, Indra increased little by little; and having assumed + his own form, he waxed strong and spoke to the preceptor Vrihaspati + standing before. And he said, “What business of yours yet remaineth; the + great Asuras, son of Twashtri, hath been killed; and Vritra also, whose + form was exceedingly big and who destroyed the worlds." </p> + <p> + “‘Vrihaspati said, “The human Nahusha, a king, having, obtained the throne + of heaven by virtue of the power of the divine saints, is giving us + exceeding trouble." </p> + <p> + “‘Indra said, “How hath Nahusha obtained the throne of heaven, difficult + to get? What austerities did he practise? How great is his power, O + Vrihaspati!" </p> + <p> + “‘Vrihaspati said, “The gods having been frightened, wished for a king of + heaven, for thou hadst given up the high dignity of heaven’s ruler. Then + the gods, the Pitris of the universe, the saints, and the principal + Gandharvas, all met together, O Indra, and went to Nahusha and said, ‘Be + thou our king, and the defender of the Universe!’ To them said Nahusha, ‘I + am not able; fill me with your power and with the virtue of your + austerities!’ So told, the deities strengthened him, O king of the gods! + And thereupon Nahusha became a person of terrible strength, and becoming + thus the ruler of the three worlds, he hath put the great saints in + harness, and the wretch is thus journeying from world to world. Mayst thou + never see Nahusha who is terrible. He emitteth poison from his eyes, and + absorbeth the energy of all. All the gods are exceedingly frightened; they + go about concealed and do not cast a glance at him!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘While that best of Angira’s race was thus speaking, + there came that guardian of the world, Kuvera, and also Yama the son of + Surya, and the old god Soma, and Varuna. And arrived there they said to + the great Indra, “How lucky that the son of Twashtri hath been killed, and + Vritra also! How lucky, O Indra, that we are beholding thee safe and + sound, while all thy enemies have been killed!” Indra received all those + guardians of the worlds, and with a glad heart greeted them in proper form + with a view to requesting them in connection with Nahusha. And he said, + “Nahusha of terrible mien is the king of the gods; therein lend me your + assistance.” They replied, “Nahusha is of awful mien; his sight is poison; + we are afraid of him, O God. If thou overthrowest Nahusha, then we shall + be entitled to our shares of sacrificial offerings, O Indra.” Indra said, + “Let it be so. You and the ruler of the waters, and Yama, and Kuvera shall + this day be crowned along with me. Aided by all the gods, let us overthrow + the foe Nahusha of terrible gaze.” Then Agni also said to Indra, “Give me + a share in sacrificial offerings. I also shall lend you my assistance.” + Indra said to him, “O Agni, thou also shalt get a share in great + sacrifices,—there will be a single share (in such) for both Indra + and Agni.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Thus did the illustrious lord Indra, the chastiser of + Paka, the giver of boons, bestow, after deliberation upon Kuvera the + sovereignty over the Yakshas, and all the wealth of the world; upon Yama, + the sovereignty over the Pitris; and upon Varuna, that over the waters.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0016" id="link52H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Now when the great Indra, the intelligent chief of the gods, + was deliberating with the guardians of the world and other deities upon + the means of slaying Nahusha, there appeared at that spot the venerable + ascetic Agastya. And Agastya honoured the lord of the gods and said, “How + fortunate that thou art flourishing after the destruction of that being of + universal form, as also that of Vritra. And how fortunate, O Purandara, + Nahusha hath been hurled from the throne of heaven. How fortunate, O + slayer of Vala, that I behold thee with all thy enemies killed." </p> + <p> + “‘Indra said, “Hath thy journey hither been pleasant, O great saint, I am + delighted to see thee. Accept from me water for washing thy feet and face, + as also the Arghya and the cow.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Indra, well-pleased, began to question that best of + saints and greatest of Brahmanas when he was seated on a seat after + receiving due honours, thus, O revered saint, O best of Brahmanas, I wish + to have it recited by thee how Nahusha of vicious soul was hurled from + heaven. + </p> + <p> + “‘Agastya said, “Listen, O Indra, to the pleasant narrative how the wicked + and vicious Nahusha, intoxicated with pride of strength, had been hurled + from heaven. The pure-spirited Brahmanas and celestial saints, while + carrying him, weary with toil, questioned that vicious one, O best of + victors, saying, ‘O Indra, there are certain hymns in the Vedas, directed + to be recited while sprinkling the cows. Are they authentic or not?’ + Nahusha, who had lost his senses by the operation of the Tamas, told them + that they were not authentic. The saints then said, ‘Thou art tending + towards unrighteousness; thou takest not to the righteous path. The + greatest saints have formerly said they are authentic, O Indra.’ And + incited by Untruth, he touched me on my head with his foot. At this, O + lord of Sachi, he became divested of power and of good looks. Then, as he + was agitated and overpowered with fear, I spoke to him, ‘Since thou hast + pronounced as spurious the unexceptionable hymns of the Veda which have + been recited by Brahmarsis (Brahmana saints), and since thou hast touched + my head with thy foot, and since thou, O ignorant wretch, hast turned + these unapproachable saints, equal to Brahma, into animals for carrying + thee, therefore, O wretch, be divested of thy lustre, and being hurled + headlong, fall thou from heaven, the effect of all thy good deeds being + exhausted. For ten thousand years, thou shalt, in the form of an enormous + snake, roam over the earth. When that period is full, thou mayst come back + to heaven. Thus hath that wretch been hurled from the throne of heaven, O + repressor of foes.’ How fortunate, O Indra, that we are flourishing now. + That thorn of the Brahmanas hath been killed. O lord of Sachi, repair thou + to heaven, protect the worlds, subdue thy senses, subdue thy foes, and be + glorified by the great saints.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya continued, ‘Then, O ruler of men, the gods, and the bands of great + saints were exceedingly pleased. And so also were the Pitris, the Yakshas, + the Snakes, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas, and all the bands of celestial + nymphs. And the tanks, the rivers, the mountains, and the seas also were + highly pleased. And all came up and said, “How fortunate, O slayer of + foes, that thou art flourishing! How fortunate, that the intelligent + Agastya hath killed the vicious Nahusha! How fortunate that the vile + individual hath been turned into a snake to roam over the earth!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0017" id="link52H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Then Indra, glorified by the bands of Gandharvas and + celestial nymphs, mounted on Airavata, the king of elephants, + characterised by auspicious marks. And the illustrious Agni, and the great + saint Vrihaspati, and Yama, and Varuna, and Kuvera, the lord of riches, + accompanied him. And the lord Sakra, the slayer of Vritra, then went to + the three worlds surrounded by the gods together with the Gandharvas and + the celestial nymphs. And the performer of a hundred sacrifices, the king + of the deities, was thus united with his queen. And he began to protect + the worlds with exceeding gladness. Then the illustrious divine saint + Angiras arrived in the assembly of Indra and worshipped him duly by + reciting the hymns of the Atharva. And the great lord Indra became + satisfied and granted a boon to the Atharvangiras. And Indra said, “Thou + wilt be known as a Rishi of the name Atharvangiras in the Atharva Veda, + and thou wilt also get a share in sacrifices.” And having honoured + Atharvangiras thus, the great lord Indra, the performer of a hundred + sacrifices, parted with him, O great king. And he honoured all the deities + and all the saints endued with wealth of asceticism. And, O king, Indra, + well-pleased, governed the people virtuously. Thus was misery endured by + Indra with his wife. And with the view of slaying his foes, even he had to + pass a period in concealment. Thou shouldst not take it to heart that + thou, O king of kings, hast suffered with Draupadi as also with thy + high-minded brothers in the great forest. O king of kings, O descendant of + Bharata, O delighter of Kuru’s race, thou wilt get back thy kingdom in the + same way as Indra got his, after having killed Vritra. The vicious + Nahusha, that enemy of Brahmanas, of evil mind, was overthrown by the + curse of Agastya, and reduced to nothing for endless years. Similarly, O + slayer of foes, thy enemies, Karna and Duryodhana and others of vicious + souls will quickly be destroyed. Then, O hero, thou wilt enjoy the whole + of this earth, as far as the sea, with thy brothers and this Draupadi. + This story of the victory of Indra, equal to the Veda in its sacred + character, should be listened to by a king desirous of victory and when + his forces have been arrayed in order of battle. Therefore, O best of + victors, I am reciting it to thee for thy victory, O Yudhishthira. + High-souled persons attain prosperity when they are glorified. O + Yudhishthira, the destruction of high-souled Kshatriyas is at hand by + reason of the crimes of Duryodhana, and through the might also of Bhima + and Arjuna. He who readeth this story of Indra’s victory with a heart full + of religious faith, is cleansed of his sins, attaineth a region of bliss, + and obtaineth joy both in this world and in the next. He hath no fear of + his foes; he never becometh a sonless man, never encountereth any peril + whatever, and enjoyeth long life. Everywhere victory declareth for him, + and he knoweth not what defeat is.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “O best of Bharata’s race, the king, that best of + righteous men, thus encouraged by Salya, honoured him in proper form. And + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, of powerful arms, having heard the words + of Salya, spoke to the king of the Madras the following words, ‘There is + no doubt that thou wilt act as the charioteer of Karna. Thou must damp the + spirits of Karna then by recounting the praises of Arjuna.’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Let it be so. I shall do just as thou tellest me. And I + shall do for thee anything else that I may be able to do.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then Salya, the king of the Madras, bade farewell + to the sons of Kunti. And that handsome man then went with his army to + Duryodhana, O repressor of foes." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0018" id="link52H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then Yuyudhana, the great hero of the Satwata race, + came to Yudhishthira with a large army of foot, and horses and cars and + elephants. And his soldiers of great valour come from various lands, bore + various weapons of war, and heroic in look they beautified the Pandava + army. And that army looked splendid by reason of battleaxes, and missiles + and spears, and lances, and mallets, and clubs, and staves, and cords, and + stainless swords, and daggers, and arrows of various kinds, all of the + best temper. And the army, beautified by those weapons, and resembling in + colour the cloudy sky, assumed an appearance like to amass of clouds with + lightning-flashes in its midst. And the army counted an Akshauhini of + troops. And when absorbed in the troops of Yudhishthira it entirely + disappeared, as doth a small river when it enters the sea. And similarly, + the powerful chief of the Chedis, Dhrishtaketu, accompanied by an + Akshauhini, came to the sons of Pandu of immeasurable strength. And the + king of Magadha, Jayatsena of great strength, brought with him for + Yudhishthira an Akshauhini of troops. And similarly, Pandya, who dwelt on + the coast-land near the sea, came accompanied by troops of various kinds + to Yudhishthira, the king of kings. And, O king, when all these troops had + assembled, his army, finely dressed and exceedingly strong, assumed an + appearance pleasant to the eye. And the army of Drupada, also was + beautified by valiant soldiers who had come from various lands, and also + by his mighty sons. And similarly, Virata, the king of the Matsyas, a + leader of troops, accompanied by the king of the hilly regions, came to + Pandu’s sons. And for the high-souled sons of Pandu there were thus + assembled from various directions, seven Akshauhini of troops, bristling + with banners of various forms. And eager to fight with the Kurus, they + gladdened the hearts of the Pandavas. And in the same way king Bhagadatta, + gladdening the heart of Dhritarashtra’s son, gave an Akshauhini of troops + to him. And the unassailable mass of his troops, crowded with Chins and + Kiratas, all looking like figures of gold, assumed a beauty like to that + of a forest of Karnikara trees. And so the valiant Bhurisravas, and Salya, + O son of Kuru, came to Duryodhana, with an Akshauhini of troops each. And + Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, accompanied by the Bhojas, the Andhas, + and the Kukuras, came to Duryodhana with an Akshauhini of troops. And the + body of his troops composed of those mighty soldiers, who wore on their + persons garlands of many-coloured flowers, looked as graceful as a number + of sportive elephants that have passed through a wood. And others led by + Jayadratha, the dwellers of the land of Sindhusauvira, came in such force + that the hills seemed to tremble under their tread. And their force, + counting an Akshauhini, looked like a mass of clouds moved by the wind. + And Sudakshina, the king of the Kamvojas, O ruler of men, accompanied by + the Yavanas and Sakas, came to the Kuru chief with an Akshauhini of + troops. And the body of his troops that looked like a flight of locusts, + meeting with the Kuru force, was absorbed and disappeared in it. And + similarly came king Nila, the resident of the city of the Mahishmati, with + mighty soldiers from the southern country who carried weapons of pretty + make. And the two kings of Avanti, accompanied by a mighty force, brought + to Duryodhana, each a separate Akshauhini of troops. And those tigers + among men, the five royal brothers, the princes of Kekaya, hastened to + Duryodhana with an Akshauhini of troops, and gladdened his heart. And from + the illustrious king of other quarters there came, O best of Bharata’s + race, three large divisions of troops. And thus Duryodhana had a force + which numbered eleven Akshauhinis all eager to fight with the sons of + Kunti, and bristling with banners of various forms. And, O descendant of + Bharata, there was no space in the city of Hastinapura even for the + principal leaders of Duryodhana’s army. And for this reason the land of + the five rivers, and the whole of the region called Kurujangala, and the + forest of Rohitaka which was uniformly wild, and Ahichatra and Kalakuta, + and the banks of the Ganga, and Varana, and Vatadhana, and the hill tracts + on the border of the Yamuna—the whole of this extensive tract—full + of abundant corn and wealth, was entirely overspread with the army of the + Kauravas. And that army, so arranged, was beheld by the priest who had + been sent by the king of the Panchalas to the Kurus." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0019" id="link52H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then Drupada’s priest, having approached the Kaurava + chief, was honoured by Dhritarashtra as also by Bhishma and Vidura. And + having first told the news of the welfare of the Pandavas, he enquired + about the welfare of the Kauravas. And he spoke the following words in the + midst of all the leaders of Duryodhana’s army, ‘The eternal duties of + kings are known to you all. But though known, I shall yet recite them as + an introduction to what I am going to say. Both Dhritarashtra and Pandu + are known to be sons of the same father. There is no doubt that the share + of each to the paternal wealth should be equal. The sons of Dhritarashtra + obtained the paternal wealth. Why did not the sons of Pandu at all receive + their paternal portion? Ye are aware how formerly the sons of Pandu did + not receive their paternal property which was all usurped by + Dhritarashtra’s sons. The latter endeavoured in various ways to remove the + sons of Pandu from their path by employment even of murderous + contrivances; but as their destined terms of life had not wholly run out, + the sons of Pandu could not be sent to the abode of Yama. Then again, when + those high-souled princes had carved out a kingdom by their own strength, + the mean-minded sons of Dhritarashtra, aided by Suvala’s son, robbed them + of it by deceit. This Dhritarashtra gave his sanction even to that act as + hath been usual with him. And for thirteen years they were then sent to + sojourn in the great wilderness. In the council-hall, they had also been + subjected to indignities of various kinds, along with their wife, valiant + though they were. And great also were the sufferings that they had to + endure in the woods. Those virtuous princes had also to endure unspeakable + woes in the city of Virata,—such as are endured only by vicious men + when their souls transmigrate into the forms of inferior beings. Ye best + of Kuru’s race, overlooking all these injuries of yore they desire nothing + but a peaceful settlement with the Kurus! Remembering their behaviour, and + that of Duryodhana also, the latter’s friends should entreat him to + consent to peace! The heroic sons of Pandu are not eager for war with the + Kurus. They desire to get back their own share without involving the world + in ruin. If Dhritarashtra’s son assigns a reason in favour of war, that + can never be a proper reason. The sons of Pandu are more powerful. Seven + Akshauhinis of troops have been collected on behalf of Yudhishthira, all + eager to fight with the Kurus, and they are now awaiting his word of + command. Others there are tigers among men, equal in might to a thousand + Akshauhinis, such as Satyaki and Bhimasena, and the twin brothers of + mighty strength. It is true that these eleven divisions of troops are + arrayed on one side, but these are balanced on the other by the + mighty-armed Dhananjaya of manifold form. And as Kiritin exceeds in + strength even all these troops together, so also doth Vasudeva’s son of + great effulgence and powerful intellect. Who is there that would fight, in + view of the magnitude of the opposing force, the valour of Arjuna, and the + wisdom of Krishna? Therefore, I ask you to give back what should be given, + as dictated by morality and compact. Do not let the opportunity pass!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0020" id="link52H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having heard his words, Bhishma, senior in wisdom, and + endued with great effulgence, paid honours to him, and then spoke words + suitable to the occasion. And he said, ‘How fortunate that they are all + well, with Krishna! How fortunate that they have procured aid, and that + they are inclined to a virtuous course! How fortunate that those scions of + Kuru’s race desire peace with their cousins! There is no doubt that what + thou hast said is true. Thy words, however, are exceedingly sharp,—the + reason, I suppose, being that thou art a Brahmana. No doubt, the sons of + Pandu were much harassed both here and in the woods. No doubt, by law they + are entitled to get all the property of their father. Arjuna, the son of + Pritha, is strong trained in weapons, and is a great car-warrior. Who, in + sooth, can withstand in battle Dhananjaya the son of Pandu. Even the + wielder himself of the thunderbolt cannot,—other bowmen are hardly + worth mention. My belief is that he is a match for all the three worlds!’ + And while Bhishma was thus speaking, Karna wrathfully and insolently + interrupted his words, and looking at Duryodhana said, ‘There is no + creature in the world, O Brahmana, who is not informed of all these facts. + What is the good of repeating them again and again? On behalf of + Duryodhana, Sakuni formerly won in game of dice. Yudhishthira, the son of + Pandu went to the woods according to a stipulation. He is now paying no + regard to that stipulation, but confident of aid from the Matsyas and + Panchalas, he wisheth to get back his ancestral throne. O learned man, + Duryodhana would not yield even a single foot of land if thou appealest to + his fears, but if justice requires, he would give up the whole earth even + to a foe. If they wish to get back their ancestral throne, they should + pass the specified period of time in the forest as had been stipulated. + Afterwards let them live as the dependants of Duryodhana, safe and sound. + From dull-headedness, however, let them not turn their mind towards an + absolutely unrighteous course. If, nevertheless, abandoning the path of + virtue, they desire war, then when they encounter in battle these + praise-worthy Kurus, they will remember these my words.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘What is the use of thy talking, O Radha’s son? Thou + shouldst remember that occasion when Pritha’s son, single-handed, + over-powered in battle six car-warriors. If we do not act as this Brahmana + hath said, to be sure, we shall be all slain by him in battle!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then Dhritarashtra pacified Bhishma with words of + entreaty, rebuked the son of Radha, and spoke the following words, ‘What + Bhishma, Santanu’s son, hath said is salutary for us, as also for the + Pandavas, and likewise for the whole universe. I shall, however, after + deliberation, send Sanjaya to the sons of Pandu. So thou needst not wait. + Go thou to the son of Pandu this very day.’ The Kaurava chief then + honoured Drupada’s priest and sent him back to the Pandavas. And summoning + Sanjaya to the council-hall, he addressed him in the following words." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0021" id="link52H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘They say, O Sanjaya, that the Pandavas have arrived + at Upaplavya. Go thou and enquire after them. Thou must greet Ajatasatru + in the following words, “By good luck it is that (emerged from the woods) + thou hast reached such a city.” And to all of them thou must say, O + Sanjaya, these words. “Are ye well, having spent that harassing period of + sojourn, ye who were unworthy of such harassment?” In no time will they be + appeased towards us, for though treated treacherously (by foes), yet they + are righteous and good. In no case, O Sanjaya, have I ever met with any + untruthfulness on the part of the Pandavas. It was by their own valour + that they had won all their prosperity, and (yet) they were ever dutiful + to me. Though I scrutinized their conduct, I could never find fault with + them,—no, not even a single fault for which we might blame them. + They always act mindful of virtue and wealth; they never give way to love + of sensual enjoyments, or cold, or hunger, or thirst; they subdue sleep + and laziness and wrath and joy and heedlessness. The sons of Pritha, + mindful of both virtue and wealth, are ever pleasant to all. On proper + occasions they part with their wealth to friends. Friendship with them + never loses its ardour on account of length of time; for they bestow + honours and wealth on every one according to his deserts. Not a soul in + the race of Ajamida ever entertains hatred for them excepting this vile, + capricious, dull-headed Duryodhana, and excepting also the still more + mean-minded Karna. These two always enhance the energy of those + high-souled ones who have been divested of both friends and happiness. + Enterprising and brought up in every indulgence, Duryodhana reckons all + that to be well-done. It is childish on Duryodhana’s part to think that it + is possible to rob the Pandavas of their just share so long as they are + alive. It is wise to yield to Yudhishthira his due share before the war,—to + him whose steps are followed by Arjuna and Krishna and Bhima and Satyaki + and the two sons of Madri and the warriors of the Srinjaya race. That + wielder of the Gandiva, Savyasachin, seated on his car, would alone be + able to devastate the whole world. And likewise the victorious and + high-souled Krishna, the lord of the three worlds, incapable of defeat is + able to do the same. What mortal would stand before him who is the one + worthiest person in all the worlds and who discharges his multitude of + arrows that roar like the clouds, covering all sides, like flights of + swiftly-coursing locusts? Alone on his car, holding the Gandiva, he had + conquered the northern regions as also the Kurus of the north and brought + away with him all their wealth. He converted the people of the Dravida + land to be a portion of his own army. It was Falguna, the wielder of the + Gandiva, who defeating in the Khandava woods all the gods together with + Indra, made offerings to Agni, enhancing the honour and fame of the + Pandavas. Of all wielders again of the mace, there is none equal to Bhima; + and there is none also who is so skilful a rider of elephants. On car, + they say, he yields not to even Arjuna; and as to might of arms, he is + equal to ten thousand elephants. Well-trained and active, he who hath + again been rendered bitterly hostile, would in anger consume the + Dhartarashtras in no time. Always wrathful, and strong of arms, he is not + capable of being subdued in battle by even Indra himself. Of great heart, + and strong, and endued with great lightness of hand, the two (twin) + brothers, sons of Madri, carefully trained by Arjuna, would leave not a + foe alive, like to a pair of hawks preying upon large flocks of birds. + This our army, so full, to tell thee the truth, will be nowhere when it + will encounter them. In their side will be Dhrishtadyumna, endued with + great activity,—one who is regarded as one of the Pandavas + themselves. The chief of the Somaka tribe, with his followers, is, I have + heard, so devoted to the cause of the Pandavas that he is ready to lay + down his very life for them. Who would be able to withstand Yudhishthira + who hath the best of the Vrishni tribe (Krishna) for his leader? I have + heard that Virata, the chief of the Matsyas, with whom the Pandavas had + lived for some time and whose wishes were fulfilled by them, old in years, + is devoted, along with his sons to the Pandava cause, and hath become an + adherent of Yudhishthira. Deposed from the throne of the Kekaya land, and + desirous of being reinstated thereon, the five mighty brothers from that + land, wielding mighty bows, are now following the sons of Pritha ready to + fight. All who are valiant among the lords of the earth have been brought + together and are devoted to the Pandava cause. I hear that they are bold, + worthy, and respectful,—they who have allied themselves to the + virtuous king Yudhishthira from feelings of attachment to him. And many + warriors dwelling on the hills and inaccessible fastnesses, and many that + are high in lineage and old in years, and many Mleccha tribes also + wielding weapons of various kinds, have been assembled together and are + devoted to the cause of the Pandavas. And there hath come Pandya also, + who, hardly inferior to Indra on the field of battle, is followed when he + fights by numberless warriors of great courage. Remarkably heroic and + endued with prowess and energy that have no parallel, he is devoted to the + Pandava cause. That same Satyaki who, I have heard, obtained weapons from + Drona and Arjuna and Krishna and Kripa and Bhishma, and who is said to be + equal to the son of Krishna, is devotedly attached to the Pandava cause. + And the assembled kings of the Chedi and the Karusha tribes have all taken + the part of the Pandavas with all their resources. That one in their + midst, who, having been endued with blazing beauty, shone like the sun, + whom all persons deemed unassailable in battle and the very best of all + drawers of the bow on earth, was slain by Krishna in a trice, by help of + his own great might, and counting for naught the bold spirit of all the + Kshatriya kings. Kesava cast his eyes on that Sishupala and smote him, + enhancing the fame and honour of the sons of Pandu. It was the same + Sishupala who was highly honoured by those kings at whose head stood the + king of the Karusha tribe. Then the other kings, deeming Krishna + unassailable when seated on his car drawn by Sugriva and other steeds, + left the chief of the Chedis and ran away like small animals at the sight + of a lion. And it was thus that he, who, from audacity had sought to + oppose and encounter Krishna in a combat hand to hand, was slain by + Krishna and lay down lifeless, resembling a Karnikara tree uprooted by a + gale. O Sanjaya, O son of Gavalgana, what they have told me of the + activity of Krishna in cause of Pandu’s sons, and what I remember of his + past achievements, leave me no peace of mind. No foe whatsoever is capable + of withstanding them, who are under the lead of that lion of the Vrishni + tribe. My heart is trembling with fear upon learning that the two Krishnas + are seated on the selfsame car. If my dull-headed son forbear to fight + with those two, then may he fare well,—else those two will consume + the race of Kuru as Indra and Upendra consume the Daitya hosts. Dhananjaya + is, I conceive, equal to Indra, and the greatest of the Vrishni race, + Krishna, is the Eternal Vishnu himself. The son of Kunti and Pandu, + Yudhishthira, is virtuous and brave and eschews deeds that bring on shame. + Endued with great energy, he hath been wronged by Duryodhana. If he were + not high-minded, he would in wrath burn the Dhritarashtras. I do not so + much dread Arjuna or Bhima or Krishna or the twin brothers as I dread the + wrath of the king, O Suta, when his wrath is excited. His austerities are + great; he is devoted to Brahmacharya practices. His heart’s wishes will + certainly be fulfilled. When I think of his wrath, O Sanjaya, and consider + how just it is, I am filled with alarm. Go thou speedily on a car, + despatched by me, where the troops of the king of the Panchalas are + encamped. Thou wilt ask Yudhishthira about his welfare. Thou wilt + repeatedly address him in affectionate terms. Thou wilt also meet Krishna, + O child, who is the chief of all brave men and who is endued with a + magnanimous soul. Him also thou wilt ask on my part as to his welfare, and + tell him that Dhritarashtra is desirous of peace with Pandu’s sons. O + Suta, there is nothing that Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, would not do + at the bidding of Krishna. Kesava is as dear to them as their own selves. + Possessed of great learning, he is ever devoted to their cause. Thou wilt + also enquire about the welfare of all the assembled sons of Pandu and the + Srinjayas and Satyaki and Virata and all the five sons of Draupadi, + professing to be a messenger from me. And whatsoever also thou mayst deem + to be opportune, and beneficial for the Bharata race, all that, O Sanjaya, + thou must say in the midst of those kings,—everything, in sooth, + that may not be unpalatable or provocative of war.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0022" id="link52H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having heard these words of king Dhritarashtra Sanjaya + went to Upaplavya to see the Pandavas of immeasurable strength. And having + approached king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, he made obeisance to him + first and then spoke. And the son of Gavalgana, by name Sanjaya and by + caste a Suta, cheerfully spoke unto Ajatasatru, ‘How lucky, O king, that I + see you hale, attended by friends and little inferior to the great Indra. + The aged and wise king Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, hath enquired + about your welfare. I hope Bhimasena is well, and that Dhananjaya, that + foremost of the Pandavas, and these two sons of Madri, are well. I hope + princess Krishna also, the daughter of Drupada, is well,—she who + never swerves from the path of truth, that lady of great energy, that wife + of heroes. I hope she is well with her sons,—she in whom are centred + all your dearest joys and whose welfare you constantly pray for.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Sanjaya, the son of Gavalgana, hath thy journey + here been safe? We are pleased with thy sight. I ask thee in return how + thou art. I am, O learned man, in excellent health with my younger + brothers. O Suta, after a long while do I now receive news of the aged + king of the Kurus, that descendant of Bharata. Having seen thee, O + Sanjaya, I feel as if I have seen the king himself, so pleased I am! Is + our aged grandsire Bhishma, the descendant of Kuru, endued with great + energy and the highest wisdom and always devoted to the practices of his + own order, O sire, in health? I hope he still retains all his former + habits. I hope the high-souled king Dhritarashtra, the son of + Vichitravirya, is in health with his sons. I hope the great king Vahlika, + the son of Pratipa, endued with great learning, is also in health. I hope, + O sire, that Somadatta is in health, and Bhurisravas, and Satyasandha, and + Sala, and Drona with his son, and the Brahmana Kripa are also well. I hope + all those mighty bowmen are free from disease. O Sanjaya, all those + greatest and best of bowmen, endued with the highest intelligence and + versed in letters, and occupying the very top of those who wield weapons, + have attached themselves to the Kurus. I hope those bowmen receive their + honours due. I hope they are free from disease. How happy are they in + whose kingdom dwells the mighty and handsome bowman, the well-behaved son + of Drona! I hope Yuyutsu, the highly intelligent son of Dhritarashtra by + his Vaisya wife is in health. I hope, O sire, the adviser Karna, whose + counsels are followed by the dull-headed Suyodhana, is in health. I hope, + the aged ladies, the mothers of the Bharata race, and the kitchen-maidens, + the bond-maids, the daughters-in-law, the boys, the sister’s sons, and the + sisters, and the daughters’ sons of Dhritarashtra’s house are all free + from trouble. O sire, I hope the king still allows their former + subsistence to the Brahmanas. I hope, O Sanjaya, Dhritarashtra’s son hath + not seized those gifts to the Brahmanas that I made. I hope Dhritarashtra + with his sons meets in a spirit of forbearance any over-bearing conduct on + the part of the Brahmanas. I hope he never neglects to make provision for + them, that being the sole highway to heaven. For this is the excellent and + clear light that hath been provided by the Creator in this world of living + beings. If like dull-headed persons, the sons of Kuru do not treat the + Brahmanas in a forbearing spirit, wholesale destruction will overtake + them. I hope king Dhritarashtra and his son try to provide for the + functionaries of state. I hope there are no enemies for theirs, who, + disguised as friends, are conspiring for their ruin. O sire, I hope none + of these Kurus talk of our having committed any crimes. I hope Drona and + his son and the heroic Kripa do not talk of our having been guilty in any + way. I hope all the Kurus look up to king Dhritarashtra and his sons as + the protectors of their tribe. I hope when they see a horde of robbers, + they remember the deeds of Arjuna, the leader in all fields of battle. I + hope they remember the arrows shot from the Gandiva, which course through + the air in a straight path, impelled onwards by the stretched bow-string + in contact with the fingers of his hand, and making a noise loud as that + of the thunder. I have not seen the warrior that excels or even rivals + Arjuna who can shoot by a single effort of his hand sixty-one whetted and + keen-edged shafts furnished with excellent feathers. Do they remember + Bhima also, who, endued with great activity causeth hostile hosts arrayed + in battle to tremble in dread, like an elephant with rent temples + agitating a forest of reeds? Do they remember the mighty Sahadeva, the son + of Madri, who in Dantakura conquered the Kalingas, shooting arrows by both + the left and right hand? Do they remember Nakula, who, O Sanjaya, was + sent, under your eye, to conquer the Sivis and the Trigartas, and who + brought the western region under my power? Do they remember the disgrace + that was theirs when under evil counsels they came to the woods of + Dwaitavana on pretence of taking away their cattle? Those wicked ones + having been over-powered by their enemies were afterwards liberated by + Bhimasena and Arjuna, myself protecting the rear of Arjuna (in the fight + that ensued) and Bhima protecting the rear of the sons of Madri, and the + wielder of the Gandiva coming out unharmed from the press of battle having + made a great slaughter of the hostile host,—do they remember that? + It is not by a single good deed, O Sanjaya, that happiness can here be + attained, when by all our endeavours we are unable to win over the son of + Dhritarashtra!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0023" id="link52H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘It is even so as thou hast said, O son of Pandu! Dost thou + enquire about the welfare of the Kurus and of the foremost ones among + them? Free from illness of every kind and in the possession of excellent + spirit are those foremost ones among the Kurus about whom, O son of + Pritha, thou enquirest. Know, O son of Pandu, that there are certainly + righteous and aged men, as also men that are sinful and wicked about + Dhritarashtra’s son. Dhritarashtra’s son would make gifts even to his + enemies; it is not likely, therefore, that he should withdraw the + donations made to the Brahmanas. It is customary with you, Kshatriyas, to + follow a rule fit for butchers, that leads you to do harm to those that + bear no ill-will to you; but the practice is not good. Dhritarashtra with + his sons would be guilty of the sin of intestine dissension, were he, like + a bad man, to bear ill-will towards you who are righteous. He does not + approve of this injury (done to you); he is exceedingly sorry for it; he + grieves at his heart—the old man—O Yudhishthira,—for, + having communicated with the Brahmanas, he hath learnt that provoking + intestine dissensions is the greatest of all sins. O king of men, they + remember thy prowess on the field, and that of Arjuna, who taketh the lead + in the field of battle. They remember Bhima wielding his mace when the + sound of the conch-shell and the drum rises to the highest pitch. They + remember those mighty car-warriors, the two sons of Madri, who on the + field of battle career in all directions, shooting incessant showers of + shafts on hostile hosts, and who know not what it is to tremble in fight. + I believe, O king, that which Futurity hath in store for a particular + person cannot be known, since thou, O son of Pandu, who art endowed with + all the virtues, hast had to suffer trouble of such unendurable kind. All + this, no doubt, O Yudhishthira, thou wilt again make up by help of your + intelligence. The sons of Pandu, all equal to Indra would never abandon + virtue for the sake of pleasure. Thou, O Yudhishthira, wilt so make up thy + intelligence that they all, viz., the sons of Dhritarashtra and Pandu and + the Srinjayas, and all the kings who have been assembled here, will attain + peace. O Yudhishthira, hear what thy sire Dhritarashtra having consulted + with his ministers and sons, hath spoken to me. Be attentive to the + same.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0024" id="link52H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Here are met the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, and + Krishna, and Yuyudhana and Virata, O son of the Suta Gavalgana, tell us + all that Dhritarashtra hath directed thee to say.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I greet Yudhishthira, and Vrikodara and Dhananjaya, and + the two sons of Madri, and Vasudeva the descendant of Sura, and Satyaki, + and the aged ruler of the Panchalas, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of + Prishata. Let all listen to the words I say from a desire for the welfare + of the Kurus. King Dhritarashtra, eagerly welcoming the chance of peace, + hastened the preparation of my car for this journey here. Let it be + acceptable to king Yudhishthira with his brothers and sons and relations. + Let the son of Pandu prefer peace. The sons of Pritha are endowed with + every virtue with steadiness and mildness and candour. Born in a high + family, they are humane, liberal, and loath to do any act which would + bring on shame. They know what is proper to be done. A base deed is not + befitting you, for you are so high-minded, and have such a terrible + following of troops. If you committed a sinful act, it would be a blot on + your fair name, as a drop of collyrium on a white cloth. Who could + knowingly be ever guilty of an act, which would result in universal + slaughter, which would be sinful and lead to hell,—an act consisting + in the destruction (of men), an act the result of which, whether it be + victory or defeat, is of the self-same value? Blessed are they that have + served their relative’s cause. They are the true sons and friends and + relatives (of Kuru’s race) who would lay down life, life which is liable + to be abused by misdeeds, in order to ensure the welfare of the Kurus. If + you, ye sons of Pritha, chastise the Kurus, by defeating and slaying all + your foes,—that subsequent life of yours would be equivalent to + death, for what, in sooth, is life after having killed all your kinsfolk? + Who, even if he were Indra himself with all the gods on his side, would be + able to defeat you who are aided by Kesava and Chekitanas, and Satyaki, + and are protected by Dhrishtadyumna’s arms? Who again, O king, can defeat + in battle the Kurus who are protected by Drona and Bhishma, and + Aswatthaman, and Salya, and Kripa and Karna with a host of Kshatriya + kings? Who, without loss to himself, is able to slay the vast force + assembled by Dhritarashtra’s son? Therefore it is, that I do not see any + good either in victory or in defeat. How can the sons of Pritha, like base + persons of low lineage, commit an act of unrighteousness? Therefore, I + appease, I prostrate myself before Krishna and the aged king of the + Panchalas. I betake myself to you as my refuge, with joined hands, so that + both the Kurus and the Srinjayas may be benefited. It is not likely that + either Krishna or Dhananjaya will not act up to these my words. Either of + them would lay down his life, if besought (to do so). Therefore, I say + this for the success of my mission. This is the desire of the king and his + counsellor Bhishma, that there may be confirmed peace between you (and the + Kurus).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0025" id="link52H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘What words from me, O Sanjaya, hast thou heard, + indicative of war, that thou apprehendest war? O sire, peace is preferable + to war. Who, O charioteer, having got the other alternative would wish to + fight? It is known to me, O Sanjaya, that if a man can have every wish of + his heart without having to do anything, he would hardly like to do + anything even though it might be of the least troublesome kind, far less + would he engage in war. Why should a man ever go to war? Who is so cursed + by the gods that he would select war? The sons of Pritha, no doubt, desire + their own happiness but their conduct is ever marked by righteousness and + conducive to the good of the world. They desire only that happiness which + results from righteousness. He that fondly followeth the lead of his + senses, and is desirous of obtaining happiness and avoiding misery, + betaketh himself to action which in its essence is nothing but misery. He + that hankers after pleasure causeth his body to suffer; one free from such + hankering knoweth not what misery is. As an enkindled fire, if more fuel + be put upon it, blazeth forth again with augmented force, so desire is + never satiated with the acquisition of its object but gaineth force like + unkindled fire when clarified butter is poured upon it. Compare all this + abundant fund of enjoyment which king Dhritarashtra hath with what we + possess. He that is unfortunate never winneth victories. He that is + unfortunate enjoyeth not the voice of music. He that is unfortunate doth + not enjoy garlands and scents, nor can one that is unfortunate enjoy cool + and fragrant unguents, and finally he that is unfortunate weareth not fine + clothes. If this were not so, we would never have been driven from the + Kurus. Although, however, all this is true, yet none cherished torments of + the heart. The king being himself in trouble seeketh protection in the + might of others. This is not wise. Let him, however, receive from others + the same behaviour that he displays towards them. The man who casteth a + burning fire at midday in the season of spring in a forest of dense + underwood, hath certainly, when that fire blazeth forth by aid of the + wind, to grieve for his lot if he wisheth to escape. O Sanjaya, why doth + king Dhritarashtra now bewail, although he hath all this prosperity? It is + because he had followed at first the counsels of his wicked son of vicious + soul, addicted to crooked ways and confirmed in folly. Duryodhana + disregarded the words of Vidura, the best of his well-wishers, as if the + latter were hostile to him. King Dhritarashtra, desirous solely of + satisfying his sons, would knowingly enter upon an unrighteous course. + Indeed, on account of his fondness for his son, he would not pay heed to + Vidura, who, out of all the Kurus, is the wisest and best of all his + well-wishers, possessing vast learning, clever in speech, and righteous in + act. King Dhritarashtra is desirous of satisfying his son, who, while + himself seeking honours from others, is envious and wrathful, who + transgresses the rules for the acquisition of virtue and wealth, whose + tongue is foul, who always follows the dictates of his wrath, whose soul + is absorbed in sensual pleasures, and who, full of unfriendly feelings to + many, obeys no law, and whose life is evil, heart implacable, and + understanding vicious. For such a son as this, king Dhritarashtra + knowingly abandoned virtue and pleasure. Even then, O Sanjaya, when I was + engaged in that game of dice I thought that the destruction of the Kurus + was at hand, for when speaking those wise and excellent words Vidura + obtained no praise from Dhritarashtra. Then, O charioteer, did trouble + overtake the Kurus when they disregarded the words of Vidura. So long as + they had placed themselves under the lead of his wisdom, their kingdom was + in a flourishing state. Hear from me, O charioteer, who are the + counsellors now of the covetous Duryodhana. They are Dussasana, and Sakuni + the son of Suvala, and Karna the Suta’s son! O son of Gavalgana, look at + this folly of his! So I do not see, though I think about it, how there can + be prosperity for the Kurus and the Srinjayas when Dhritarashtra hath + taken the throne from others, and the far seeing Vidura hath been banished + elsewhere. Dhritarashtra with his sons is now looking for an extensive and + undisputed sovereignty over the whole world. Absolute peace is, therefore, + unattainable. He regardeth what he hath already got to be his own. When + Arjuna taketh up his weapon in fight, Karna believeth him capable of being + withstood. Formerly there took place many great battles. Why could not + Karna then be of any avail to them. It is known to Karna and Drona and the + grandsire Bhishma, as also to many other Kurus, that there is no wielder + of the bow, comparable to Arjuna. It is known to all the assembled rulers + of the earth, how the sovereignty was obtained by Duryodhana although that + repressor of foes, Arjuna, was alive. Pertinaciously doth Dhritarashtra’s + son believe that it is possible to rob the sons of Pandu of what is their + own, although he knoweth having himself gone to the place of fight, how + Arjuna comforted himself when he had nothing but a bow four cubits long + for his weapon of battle. Dhritarashtra’s sons are alive simply because + they have not as yet heard that twang of the stretched Gandiva. Duryodhana + believeth his object already gained, as long as he beholdeth not the + wrathful Bhima. O sire, even Indra would forbear to rob us of our + sovereignty as long as Bhima and Arjuna and the heroic Nakula and the + patient Sahadeva are alive! O charioteer, the old king with his son still + entertains the notion that his sons will not be perished, O Sanjaya, on + the field of battle, consumed by the fiery wrath of Pandu’s sons. Thou + knowest, O Sanjaya, what misery we have suffered! For my respect to thee, + I would forgive them all. Thou knowest what transpired between ourselves + and those sons of Kuru. Thou knowest how we comforted ourselves towards + Dhritarashtra’s son. Let the same state of things still continue. I shall + seek peace, as thou counsellest me to do. Let me have Indraprastha for my + kingdom, Let this be given to me by Duryodhana, the chief of Bharata’s + race.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0026" id="link52H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O Pandava, the world hath heard thy conduct being + righteous. I see it also to be so, O son of Pritha. Life is transient, + that may end in great infamy; considering this, thou shouldst not perish. + O Ajatasatru, if without war, the Kurus will not yield thy share, I think, + it is far better for thee to live upon alms in the kingdom of the Andhakas + and the Vrishnis than obtain sovereignty by war. Since this mortal + existence is for only a short period, and greatly liable to blame, subject + to constant suffering, and unstable, and since it is never comparable to a + good name, therefore, O Pandava, never perpetrate a sin. It is the + desires, O ruler of men, which adhere to mortal men and are an obstruction + to a virtuous life. Therefore, a wise man should beforehand kill them all + and thereby gain a stainless fame in the world, O son of Pritha. The + thirst after wealth is but like fetter in this world; the virtue of those + that seek it is sure to suffer. He is wise who seeketh virtue alone; + desires being increased, a man must suffer in his temporal concerns, O + sire. Placing virtue before all other concerns of life, a man shineth like + the sun when its splendour is great. A man devoid of virtue, and of + vicious soul, is overtaken by ruin, although he may obtain the whole of + this earth. Thou hast studied the Vedas, lived the life of a saintly + Brahman, hast performed sacrificial rites, made charities to Brahmanas. + Even remembering the highest position (attainable by beings), thou hast + also devoted thy soul for years and years to the pursuit of pleasure. He + who, devoting himself excessively to the pleasures and joys of life, never + employeth himself in the practice of religious meditation, must be + exceedingly miserable. His joys forsake him after his wealth is gone and + his strong instincts goad him on towards his wonted pursuit of pleasure. + Similarly, he who, never having lived a continent life, forsaketh the path + of virtue and commiteth sin, hath no faith in existence of a world to + come. Dull as he is after death he hath torment (for his lot). In the + world to come, whether one’s deeds be good or evil these deeds are in no + case, annihilated. Deeds, good and evil, precede the agent (in his journey + to the world to come); the agent is sure to follow in their path. Your + work (in this life) is celebrated by all as comparable to that food, + savoury and dainty, which is proper to be offered with reverence to the + Brahmanas—the food which is offered in religious ceremonies with + large donations (to the officiating priests). All acts are done, so long + as this body lasts, O son of Pritha. After death there is nothing to be + done. And thou hast done mighty deeds that will do good to thee in the + world to come, and they are admired by righteous men. There (in the next + world) one is free from death and decrepitude and fear, and from hunger + and thirst, and from all that is disagreeable to the mind; there is + nothing to be done in that place, unless it be to delight one’s senses. Of + this kind, O ruler of men, is the result of our deeds. Therefore, do not + from desire act any longer in this world. Do not, O Pandu’s son, betake to + action in this world and thereby thus take leave of truth and sobriety and + candour and humanity. Thou mayst perform the Rajasuya and the Aswamedha + sacrifices, but do not even come near an action which in itself is sin! If + after such a length of time, ye sons of Pritha, you now give way to hate, + and commit the sinful deed, in vain, for virtue’s sake, did ye dwell for + years and years in the woods in such misery! It was in vain that you went + to exile, after parting with all your army; for this army was entirely in + your control then. And these persons who are now assisting you, have been + always obedient to you,—this Krishna, and Satyaki, and Virata of the + golden car, of Matsya land, with his son at the head of martial warriors. + All the kings, formerly vanquished by you would have espoused your cause + at first. Possessed of mighty resources, dreaded by all, having an army, + and followed behind by Krishna and Arjuna, you might have slain your + foremost of foes on the field of battle. You might have (then) brought low + Duryodhana’s pride. O Pandava, why have you allowed your foes to grow so + powerful? Why have you weakened your friends? Why have you sojourned in + the woods for years and years? Why are you now desirous of fighting, + having let the proper opportunity slip? An unwise or an unrighteous man + may win prosperity by means of fighting; but a wise and a righteous man, + were he free from pride to betake to fight (against better instinct), doth + only fall away from a prosperous path. O Pritha’s son, your understanding + inclines not to an unrighteous course. From wrath you ever committed a + sinful act. Then what is the cause, and what is the reason, for which you + are now intent to do this deed, against the dictates of wisdom? Wrath, O + mighty king, is a bitter drug, though it has nothing to do with disease; + it brings on a disease of the head, robs one of his fair fame, and leads + to sinful acts. It is drunk up (controlled) by those that are righteous + and not by those that are unrighteous. I ask you to swallow it and to + desist from war. Who would incline himself to wrath which leads to sin? + Forbearance would be more beneficial to you than love of enjoyments where + Bhishma would be slain, and Drona with his son, and Kripa, and Somadatta’s + son, and Vikarna and Vivinsati, and Karna and Duryodhana. Having slain all + these, what bliss may that be, O Pritha’s son, which you will get? Tell me + that! Even having won the entire sea-girt earth, you will never be free + from decrepitude and death, pleasure and pain, bliss and misery. Knowing + all this, do not be engaged in war. If you are desirous of taking this + course, because your counsellors desire the same, then give up + (everything) to them, and run away. You should not fall away from this + path which leads to the region of the gods!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0027" id="link52H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Without doubt, O Sanjaya, it is true that righteous + deeds are the foremost of all our acts, as thou sayest. Thou shouldst, + however, ensure me having first ascertained whether it is virtue or vice + that I practise. When vice assumes the aspects of virtue and virtue itself + wholly seems as vice, and virtue, again, appears in its native form, they + that are learned should discriminate it by means of their reason. So, + again, virtue and vice, which are both eternal and absolute, exchange + their aspects during seasons of distress. One should follow without + deviation the duties prescribed for the order to which he belongs by + birth. Know, O Sanjaya, that duties in seasons of distress are otherwise. + When his means of living are totally gone, the man, that is destitute + should certainly desire those other means by which he may be able to + discharge the sanctioned duties of his order. One that is not destitute of + his means of living, as also one that is in distress, are, O Sanjaya, both + to be blamed, if they act as if the state of each were otherwise. When the + Creator hath ordained expiation for those Brahmanas, who, without wishing + for self-destruction, betake themselves to acts not sanctioned for them, + this proves that people may, in season of distress, betake to acts not + ordained for the orders to which they belong. And, O Sanjaya, thou + shouldst regard them as worthy that adhere to the practices of their own + order in usual times as also those that do not adhere to them in season of + distress; thou shouldst censure them that act otherwise in usual times + while adhering to their ordained practices during times of distress. As + regards men desiring to bring their minds under control, when they + endeavour to acquire a knowledge of self, the practices that are ordained + for the best, viz., the Brahmanas, are equally ordained for them. As + regards those, however, that are not Brahmanas and that do not endeavour + to acquire knowledge of self, those practices should be followed by them + that are ordained for their respective orders in seasons of distress or + otherwise. Even that is the path followed by our fathers and grandfathers + before us and those also that had lived before them. As regards those that + are desirous of knowledge and avoiding to act, even these also hold the + same view and regard themselves as orthodox. I do not, therefore, think + that there is any other path. Whatsoever wealth there may be in this + earth, whatsoever there may be among the gods, or whatsoever there may be + unattainable by them,—the region of the Prajapati, or heaven or the + region of Brahma himself, I would not, O Sanjaya, seek it by unrighteous + means. Here is Krishna, the giver of virtue’s fruits, who is clever, + politic, intelligent, who has waited upon the Brahmanas, who knows + everything and counsels various mighty kings. Let the celebrated Krishna + say whether I would be censurable if I dismiss all idea of peace, of + whether if I fight, I should be abandoning the duties of my caste, for + Krishna seeketh the welfare of both sides. This Satyaki, these Chedis, the + Andhakas, the Vrishnis, the Bhojas, the Kukuras, the Srinjayas, adopting + the counsels of Krishna, slay their foes and delight their friends. The + Vrishnis and the Andhakas, at whose head stands Ugrasena, led by Krishna, + have become like Indra, high-spirited, devoted to truth, mighty, and + happy. Vabhru, the king of Kasi, having obtained Krishna, that fructifier + of wishes, as his brother, and upon whom Krishna showers all the blessings + of life, as the clouds upon all earthly creatures, when the hot season is + over, hath attained the highest prosperity, O sire, so great is this + Krishna! Him you must know as the great judge of the propriety or + otherwise of all acts. Krishna is dear to us, and is the most illustrious + of men. I never disregard what Krishna sayeth.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0028" id="link52H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Krishna said, ‘I desire, O Sanjaya, that the sons of Pandu may not be + ruined; that they may prosper, and attain their wishes. Similarly, I pray + for the prosperity of king Dhritarashtra whose sons are many. For + evermore, O Sanjaya, my desire hath been that I should tell them nothing + else than that peace would be acceptable to king Dhritarashtra. I also + deem it proper for the sons of Pandu. A peaceful disposition of an + exceedingly rare character hath been displayed by Pandu’s son in this + matter. When Dhritarashtra and his sons, however, are so covetous, I do + not see why hostility should not run high. Thou canst not pretend, O + Sanjaya, to be more versed than I am or Yudhishthira is, in the niceties + of right and wrong. Then why dost thou speak words of reproach with + reference to the conduct of Yudhishthira who is enterprising, mindful of + his own duty, and thoughtful, from the very beginning, of the welfare of + his family, agreeably to the injunctions (of treatises of morality)? With + regard to the topic at hand, the Brahmanas have held opinions of various + kinds. Some say that success in the world to come depends upon work. Some + declare that action should be shunned and that salvation is attainable by + knowledge. The Brahmanas say that though one may have a knowledge of + eatable things, yet his hunger will not be appeased unless he actually + eats. Those branches of knowledge that help the doing of work, bear fruit, + but not other kinds, for the fruit of work is of ocular demonstration. A + thirsty person drinks water, and by that act his thirst is allayed. This + result proceeds, no doubt, from work. Therein lies the efficacy of work. + If anyone thinks that something else is better than work, I deem, his work + and his words are meaningless. In the other world, it is by virtue of work + that the gods flourish. It is by work that the wind blows. It is by virtue + of work that the sleepless Surya rises every day and becomes the cause of + day and night, and Soma passes through the months and the fortnights and + the combinations of constellations. Fire is kindled of itself and burns by + virtue of work, doing good to mankind. The sleepless goddess Earth, + sustains by force this very great burden. The sleepless rivers, giving + satisfaction to all (organised) beings, carry their waters with speed. The + sleepless Indra, possessed of a mighty force, pours down rain, resounding + the heaven and the cardinal points. Desirous of being the greatest of the + gods, he led a life of austerities such as a holy Brahmana leads. Indra + gave up pleasure, and all things agreeable to the heart. He sedulously + cherished virtue and truth and self-control, and forbearance, and + impartiality, and humanity. It was by work that he attained a position the + highest (of all). Following the above course of life, Indra attained the + high sovereignty over the gods. Vrihaspati, intently and with + self-control, led in a proper manner that life of austerities which a + Brahmana leads. He gave up pleasure and controlled his senses and thereby + attained the position of the preceptor of the celestials. Similarly, the + constellations in the other world, by virtue of work, and the Rudras, the + Adityas, the Vasus, king Yama, and Kuvera, and the Gandharvas, the + Yakshas, and the celestial nymphs, all attained their present position by + work. In the other world, the saints shine, following a life of study, + austerity and work (combined). Knowing, O Sanjaya, that this is the rule + followed by the best of Brahmanas, and Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas, and thou + being one of the wisest men,—why art thou making this endeavour on + behalf of those sons of Kurus? Thou must know that Yudhishthira is + constantly engaged in the study of the Vedas. He is inclined to the + horse-sacrifice and the Rajasuya. Again, he rides horses and elephants, is + arrayed in armour, mounts a car, and takes up the bow and all kinds of + weapons. Now, if the sons of Pritha can see a course of action not + involving the slaughter of the sons of Kuru, they would adopt it. Their + virtue would then be saved, and an act of religious merit also would be + achieved by them, even if they would have then to force Bhima to follow a + conduct marked by humanity. On the other hand, if in doing what their + forefathers did, they should meet with death under inevitable destiny, + then in trying their utmost to discharge their duty, such death would even + be worthy of praise. Supposing thou approvest of peace alone I should like + to hear what thou mayst have to say to this question,—which way doth + the injunction of religious law lie, viz., whether it is proper for the + king to fight or not?—Thou must, O Sanjaya, take into thy + consideration the division of the four castes, and the scheme of + respective duties allotted to each. Thou must hear that course of action + the Pandavas are going to adopt. Then mayst thou praise or censure, just + as it may please thee. A Brahmana should study, offer sacrifices, make + charities, and sojourn to the best of all holy places on the earth; he + should teach, minister as a priest in sacrifices offered by others worthy + of such help, and accept gifts from persons who are known. Similarly, a + Kshatriya should protect the people in accordance with the injunctions of + the law, diligently practise the virtue of charity, offer sacrifices, + study the whole Veda, take a wife, and lead a virtuous householder’s life. + If he be possessed of a virtuous soul, and if he practise the holy + virtues, he may easily attain the region of the Supreme Being. A Vaisya + should study and diligently earn and accumulate wealth by means of + commerce, agriculture, and the tending of cattle. He should so act as to + please the Brahmanas and the Kshatriyas, be virtuous, do good works, and + be a householder. The following are the duties declared for a Sudra from + the olden times. He should serve the Brahmanas and submit to them; should + not study; sacrifices are forbidden to him; he should be diligent and be + constantly enterprising in doing all that is for his good. The king + protects all these with (proper) care, and sets all the castes to perform + their respective duties. He should not be given to sensual enjoyments. He + should be impartial, and treat all his subjects on an equal footing. The + King should never obey the dictates of such desires as are opposed to + righteousness. If there be any body who is more praise-worthy than he, who + is well-known and gifted with all the virtues, the king should instruct + his subjects to see him. A bad (king), however, would not understand this. + Growing strong, and inhuman and becoming a mark for destiny’s wrath, he + would cast covetous eye on the riches of others. Then comes war, for which + purpose came into being weapons, and armour, and bows. Indra invented + these contrivances, for putting the plunderers to death. He also contrived + armours, and weapons, and bows. Religious merit is acquired by putting the + robbers to death. Many awful evils have manifested themselves on account + of the Kurus having been unrighteous, and unmindful of law and religion. + This is not right, O Sanjaya. Now, king Dhritarashtra with his sons, hath + unreasonably seized what lawfully belonged to Pandu’s son. He minds not + the immemorial law observable by kings. All the Kurus are following in the + wake. A thief who steals wealth unseen and one who forcibly seizes the + same, in open day-light, are both to be condemned, O Sanjaya. What is the + difference between them and Dhritarashtra’s sons? From avarice he regards + that to be righteous which he intends to do, following the dictates of his + wrath. The shares of the Pandavas is, no doubt, fixed. Why should that + share of theirs be seized by that fool? This being the state of things, it + would be praiseworthy for us to be even killed in fight. A paternal + kingdom is preferable to sovereignty received from a stranger. These + time-honoured rules of law, O Sanjaya, thou must propound to the Kurus, in + the midst of the assembled kings,—I mean those dull-headed fools who + have been assembled together by Dhritarashtra’s son, and who are already + under the clutches of death. Look once more at that vilest of all their + acts,—the conduct of the Kurus in the council-hall. That those + Kurus, at whose head stood Bhishma, did not interfere when the beloved + wife of the sons of Pandu, daughter of Drupada, of fare fame, pure life, + and conduct worthy of praise, was seized, while weeping, by that slave of + lust. The Kurus all, including young and old, were present there. If they + had then prevented that indignity offered to her, then I should have been + pleased with Dhritarashtra’s behaviour. It would have been for the final + good of his sons also. Dussasana forcibly took Krishna into the midst of + the public hall wherein were seated her fathers-in-law. Carried there, + expecting sympathy, she found none to take her part, except Vidura. The + kings uttered not a word of protest, solely because they were a set of + imbeciles. Vidura alone spoke words of opposition, from a sense of duty,—words + conceived in righteousness addressed to that man (Duryodhana) of little + sense. Thou didst not, O Sanjaya, then say what law and morality were, but + now thou comest to instruct the son of Pandu! Krishna, however, having + repaired to the hall at that time made everything right, for like a vessel + in the sea, she rescued the Pandavas as also herself, from that gathering + ocean (of misfortunes)! Then in that hall, while Krishna stood, the + charioteer’s son addressed her in the presence of her fathers-in-law + saying, “O Daughter of Drupada thou hast no refuge. Better betake thyself + as a bond-woman to the house of Dhritarashtra’s son. Thy husbands, being + defeated, no longer exist. Thou hast a loving soul, choose some one else + for thy lord.” This speech, proceeding from Karna, was a wordy arrow, + sharp, cutting all hopes, hitting the tenderest parts of the organisation, + and frightful. It buried itself deep in Arjuna’s heart. When the sons of + Pandu were about to adopt the garments made of the skins of black deer, + Dussasana spoke the following pungent words, “These all are mean eunuchs, + ruined, and damned for a lengthened time.” And Sakuni, the king of the + Gandhara land, spoke to Yudhishthira at the time of the game of dice the + following words by way of a wily trick, “Nakula hath been won by me from + you, what else have you got? Now you should better stake your wife + Draupadi.” You know, O Sanjaya, all these words of an approbrious kind + which were spoken at the time of the game of dice. I desire to go + personally to the Kurus, in order to settle this difficult matter. If + without injury to the Pandava cause I succeed in bringing about this peace + with the Kurus, an act of religious merit, resulting in very great + blessings, will then have been done by me; and the Kurus also will have + been extricated from the meshes of death. I hope that when I shall speak + to the Kurus words of wisdom, resting on rules of righteousness, words + fraught with sense and free from all tendency to inhumanity, + Dhritarashtra’s son will, in my presence, pay heed to them. I hope that + when I arrive, the Kurus will pay me due respect. Else thou mayst rest + assured that those vicious sons of Dhritarashtra, already scorched by + their own vicious acts, will be burnt up by Arjuna and Bhima ready for + battle. When Pandu’s sons were defeated (at the play), Dhritarashtra’s + sons spoke to them words that were harsh and rude. But when the time will + come, Bhima will, no doubt, take care to remind Duryodhana of those words. + Duryodhana is a big tree of evil passions; Karna is its trunk; Sakuni is + its branches; Dussasana forms its abundant blossoms and fruits; (while) + the wise king Dhritarashtra is its roots. Yudhishthira is a big tree of + righteousness; Arjuna is its trunk; and Bhima is its branches; the sons of + Madri are its abundant flowers and fruits; and its roots are myself and + religion and religious men. King Dhritarashtra with his sons constitutes a + forest, while, O Sanjaya, the sons of Pandu are its tigers. Do not, oh, + cut down the forest with its tigers, and let not the tigers be driven away + from the forest. The tiger, out of the woods, is easily slain; the wood + also, that is without a tiger, is easily cut down. Therefore, it is the + tiger that protects the forest and the forest that shelters the tiger. The + Dhritarashtras are as creepers, while, O Sanjaya, the Pandavas are Sala + trees. A creeper can never flourish unless it hath a large tree to twine + round. The sons of Pritha are ready to wait upon Dhritarashtra as, indeed, + those repressors of foes are ready for war. Let king Dhritarashtra now do + what may be proper for him to do. The virtuous and the high-souled sons of + Pandu, though competent to be engaged in fight, are yet now in place (with + their cousins). O learned man, represent all this truly (to + Dhritarashtra).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0029" id="link52H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I did thee farewell, O divine ruler of men. I will now + depart, O son of Pandu. Let prosperity be thine. I hope, I have not + carried away by the feelings of my heart, given utterance to anything + offensive. I would also bid farewell to Janardana, to Bhima and Arjuna, to + the son of Madri, to Satyaki, and to Chekitana, and take my departure. Let + peace and happiness be yours. Let all the kings look at me with eyes of + affection.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Permitted by us, O Sanjaya, take your leave. Peace to + thee! O learned man, thou never thinkest ill of us. Both they and we know + thee to be a person of pure heart in the midst of all in the court (of the + Kurus). Besides, being an ambassador now, O Sanjaya, thou art faithful, + beloved by us, of agreeable speech and excellent conduct, and + well-affected towards us. Thy mind is never clouded, and even if addressed + harshly thou art never moved to wrath. O Suta, thou never utterest harsh + and cutting words, or those that are false or bitter. We know that thy + words, free from malice, are always fraught with morality and grave + import. Amongst envoys thou art the most dear to us. Beside thee, there is + another, who may come here, and that is Vidura. Formerly, we always used + to see thee. Thou art, indeed, a friend to us as dear as Dhananjaya. + Proceeding hence, O Sanjaya, with all speed, thou shouldst wait upon those + Brahmanas of pure energy and devoted to study according to the + Brahmacharya mode,—those, namely, that are devoted to the study of + the Vedas while leading lives of mendicancy, those ascetics that + habitually dwell in the woods, as also the aged ones of other classes, + should all be addressed by thee in my name, O Sanjaya, and then their + welfare should be enquired into by thee. O Suta, repairing unto the priest + of king Dhritarashtra as also unto his preceptors and Ritwijas, thou + shouldst address them and enquire after their welfare. Even amongst them + that are, though not well-born at least aged, endued with energy, and + possessed of good behaviour and strength, who remembering speak of us and + practise according to their might even the least virtue, should first be + informed of my peace, O Sanjaya, and then shouldst thou enquire after + their welfare. Thou shouldst also enquire after the welfare of those that + live in the kingdom carrying on trade, and those that live there filling + important offices of state. Our beloved preceptor Drona, who is fully + versed in morality, who is our counsellor, who had practised the + Brahmacharya vow for mastering the Vedas, who once again hath made the + science of weapons full and complete, and who is always graciously + inclined towards us, should be greeted by thee in our name. Thou shouldst + also enquire into the welfare of Aswatthaman, endued with great learning, + devoted to the study of the Vedas, leading the Brahmacharya mode of life, + possessed of great activity, and like unto a youth of the Gandharva race, + and who, besides, hath once again made the science of weapons full and + complete. Thou must also, O Sanjaya, repair to the abode of Kripa, the son + of Saradwat, that mighty car-warrior and foremost of all persons having a + knowledge of self, and repeatedly saluting him in my name touch his feet + with thy hand. Thou shouldst also, touching his feet, represent me as hale + unto that foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma, in whom are combined bravery, + and abstention from injury, and asceticism, and wisdom and good behaviour, + and Vedic learning, and great excellence, and firmness. Saluting unto also + the wise, venerable, and blind king (Dhritarashtra), who possessed of + great learning and reverential to the old, is the leader of the Kurus. + Thou shouldst also, O Sanjaya, enquire, O sire, about the welfare of the + eldest of Dhritarashtra’s sons, Suyodhana, who is wicked and ignorant and + deceitful and vicious, and who now governs the entire world. Thou shouldst + also enquire about the welfare of even the wicked Dussasana, that mighty + bowman and hero among the Kurus, who is the younger of Duryodhana and who + possesses a character like that of his elder brother. Thou shouldst, O + Sanjaya, also salute the wise chief of the Vahlikas, who always cherishes + no other wish save that there should be peace among the Bharatas. I think, + thou shouldst also worship that Somadatta who is endued with numerous + excellent qualities, who is wise and possesses a merciful heart, and who + from his affection for the Kurus always controls his anger towards them. + The son of Somadatta is worthy of the greatest reverence among the Kurus. + He is my friend and is a brother to us. A mighty bowman and the foremost + of car-warriors, he is worthy in all respects. Thou shouldst, O Sanjaya, + enquire after his welfare along with that of his friends and counsellors. + Others there are of youthful age and of consideration amongst the Kurus, + who bear a relationship to us like that of sons, grandsons, and brothers. + Unto each of these thou must speak words which thou mayst consider + suitable, enquiring, O Suta, after his welfare. Thou must also enquire + about the welfare of those kings that have been assembled by + Dhritarashtra’s son for fighting with the Pandavas, viz., the Kekayas, the + Vasatis, the Salwakas, the Amvashthas, and the leading Trigartas, and of + those endued with great bravery that have come from the east, the north, + the south, and the west, and of those that have come from hilly countries, + in fact, of all amongst them that are not cruel and that lead good lives. + Thou shouldst also represent unto all those persons who ride on elephants, + and horses and cars, and who fight on foot,—that mighty host + composed of honourable men,—that I am well, and then thou must + enquire about their own welfare. Thou must also enquire about the welfare + of those that serve the king in the matter of his revenue or as his + door-keepers, or as the leaders of his troops, or as the accountants of + his income and outlay, or as officers constantly occupied in looking after + other important concerns. Thou must, O sire, also enquire about the + welfare of Dhritarashtra’s son by his Vaisya wife,—that youth who is + one of the best of the Kuru race,—who never falls into error, who + possesseth vast wisdom, who is endued with every virtue, and who never + cherishes a liking for this war! Thou shouldst also ask about the welfare + of Chitrasena who is unrivalled in the tricks of dice, whose tricks are + never detected by others, who plays well, who is well-versed in the art of + handling the dice, and who is unconquerable in play but not in fight. Thou + must also, O sire, enquire about the welfare of Sakuni, the king of the + Gandharas, that native of the hilly country, who is unrivalled in + deceitful games at dice, who enhances the pride of Dhritarashtra’s son, + and whose understanding naturally leads to falsehood. Thou must also + enquire about the welfare of Karna, the son of Vikartana, that hero who is + ready to vanquish, alone and unassisted, mounted on his car, the Pandavas + whom no one dares assail in battle, that Karna who is unparalleled in + deluding those that are already deluded. Thou must also enquire about the + welfare of Vidura, O sire, who alone is devoted to us, who is our + instructor, who reared us, who is our father and mother and friend, whose + understanding finds obstruction in nought, whose ken reaches far, and who + is our counsellor. Thou must also salute all the aged dames and those who + are known to be possessed of merit, and those who are like mothers to us, + meeting them gathered together in one place. Thou must tell them, O + Sanjaya, these words at first,—Ye mothers of living sons, I hope, + your sons comfort themselves towards you in a kindly, considerate, and + worthy way.—Thou must then tell them that Yudhishthira is doing well + with his sons. Those ladies, O Sanjaya, who are in the rank of our wives, + thou must ask as to their welfare also addressing them in these words,—I + hope, you are well-protected. I hope, your fair fame hath suffered no + injury. I hope, you are dwelling within your abodes blamelessly and + carefully. I hope, you are comforting yourselves towards your + fathers-in-law in a kindly, praise-worthy and considerate way. You must + steadily adopt such a conduct for yourselves as will help you to win your + husband’s favour! Those young ladies, O Sanjaya, who bear a relationship + to us like that of your daughters-in-law, who have been brought from high + families, who are possessed of merit and who are mothers of children,—thou + must meet them all and tell them that Yudhishthira send his kindly + greetings to them. Thou must, O Sanjaya, embrace the daughters of your + house, and must ask them about their welfare on my behalf. Thou must tell + them,—May your husbands be kindly and agreeable; may you be + agreeable to your husbands; may you have ornaments and clothes and + perfumery and cleanliness; may you be happy and have at your command the + joys of life; may your looks be pretty and words pleasant. Thou must ask, + O sire, the women of the house as to their welfare. Thou must also + represent unto the maid-servants and man-servants there, may be of the + Kurus, and also the many humpbacked and lame ones among them, that I am + doing well, and thou must then ask them about their welfare. Thou must + tell them,—I hope, Dhritarashtra’s son still vouchsafes the same + kindly treatment to you. I hope, he gives you the comforts of life.—Thou + must also represent unto those that are defective in limb, those that are + imbecile, the dwarfs to whom Dhritarashtra gives food and raiment from + motives of humanity, those that are blind, and all those that are aged, as + also to the many that have the use only of their hands being destitute of + legs, that I am doing well, and that I ask them regarding their welfare, + addressing them in the following words,—Fear not, nor be dispirited + on account of your unhappy lives so full of sufferings; no doubt, sins + must have been committed by you in your former lives. When I shall check + my foes, and delight my friends, I shall satisfy you by gifts of food and + clothes.—Thou shouldst also, O sire, at our request, enquire after + the welfare of those that are masterless and weak, and of those that + vainly strive to earn a living, and of those that are ignorant, in fact, + of all those persons that are in pitiable circumstances. O charioteer, + meeting those others, that coming from different quarters, have sought the + protection of the Dhritarashtras, and in fact, all who deserve our + greetings, thou shouldst also enquire about their welfare and peace. Thou + shouldst also enquire about the welfare of those who have come to the + Kurus of their own accord or who have been invited, as also of all the + ambassadors arrived from all sides and then represent unto them that I am + well. As regards the warriors that have been obtained by Dhritarashtra’s + son, there are none equal to them on earth. Virtue, however, is eternal, + and virtue is my power for the destruction of my enemies. Thou shouldst, O + Sanjaya, also represent unto Suyodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, the + following,—That desire of thine which torments thy heart, viz., the + desire of ruling the Kurus without a rival, is very unreasonable. It had + no justification. As for ourselves, we will never act in such a way as to + do anything that may be disagreeable to thee! O foremost of heroes among + the Bharatas, either give me back my own Indraprastha or fight with me!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0030" id="link52H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O Sanjaya, the righteous and the unrighteous, the + young and the old, the weak and the strong, are all under the control of + the Creator. It is that Supreme Lord who imparteth knowledge to the child + and childishness to the learned, according to his own will. If + Dhritarashtra ask thee about our strength, tell him everything truly, + having cheerfully consulted with everyone here and ascertained the truth. + O son of Gavalgana, repairing unto the Kurus, thou wilt salute the mighty + Dhritarashtra, and touching his feet enquire after his welfare speaking in + our name. And when seated in the midst of the Kurus, tell him from us.—“The + sons of Pandu, O king, are living happily in consequence of thy prowess. + It was through thy grace, O repressor of foes, that those children of + tender years had obtained a kingdom. Having first bestowed a kingdom on + them, thou shouldst not now be indifferent to them, for destruction then + would overtake them!” The whole of this kingdom, O Sanjaya, is not fit to + be owned by one person. Tell him again, from us.—“O sire, we wish to + live united. Do not suffer thyself to be vanquished by foes.”—Thou + shouldst again, O Sanjaya, bending thy head, in my name salute the + grandsire of the Bharatas, Bhishma, the son of Santanu. Having saluted our + grandsire, he should then be told.—“By thee, when Santanu’s race was + about to be extinct, it was revived. Therefore, O sire, do that according + to thy own judgment by which thy grandsons may all live in amity with one + another.” Thou shouldst then address Vidura also, that adviser of the + Kurus, saying.—“Counseleth peace, O amiable one, from desire of + doing good unto Yudhishthira.”—Thou shouldst address the + unforbearing prince Duryodhana also, when seated in the midst of the + Kurus, beseeching him again and again, saying,—“The insults thou + hadst offered to innocent and helpless Draupadi in the midst of the + assembly, we will quietly bear, simply because we have no mind to see the + Kurus slain. The other injuries also, both before and after that, the sons + of Pandu are quietly bearing, although they are possessed of might to + avenge them. All this, indeed, the Kauravas know. O amiable one, thou + hadst even exiled us dressed in deer-skins. We are bearing that also + because we do not want to see the Kurus slain. Dussasana, in obedience to + thee, had dragged Krishna, disregarding Kunti. That act also will be + forgiven by us. But, O chastiser of foes, we must have our proper share of + the kingdom. O bull among men, turn thy coveting heart from what belongeth + to others. Peace then, O king, will be amongst our gladdened selves. We + are desirous of peace; give us even a single province of the empire. Give + us even Kusasthala, Vrikasthala, Makandi, Varanavata, and for the fifth + any other that thou likest. Even this will end the quarrel. O Suyodhana, + give unto thy five brothers at least five villages,”—O Sanjaya, O + thou of great wisdom, let there be peace between us and our cousins. Tell + him also,—“Let brothers follow brothers, let sires unite with sons. + Let the Panchalas mingle with the Kurus in merry laughter. That I may see + the Kurus and the Panchalas whole and sound, is what I desire. O bull of + the Bharata race, with cheerful hearts let us make peace.” O Sanjaya, I am + equally capable of war and peace. I am prepared to acquire wealth as well + as to earn virtue. I am fit enough for severity as for softness.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0031" id="link52H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Dismissed with salutation by the Pandavas, Sanjaya set + out for (Hastinapura) having executed all the commands of the illustrious + Dhritarashtra. Reaching Hastinapura he quickly entered it, and presented + himself at the gate of the inner apartments of the palace. Addressing the + porter, he said, ‘O gate-keeper, say unto Dhritarashtra that I, Sanjaya, + have just arrived, coming from the sons of Pandu. Do not delay. If the + king be awake, then only shouldst thou say so, O keeper, for I like to + enter having first apprised him of my arrival. In the present instance I + have something of very great importance to communicate.’ Hearing this, the + gate-keeper went to the king and addressed him, saying, ‘O lord of earth, + I bow to thee. Sanjaya is at thy gates, desirous of seeing thee. He + cometh, bearing a message from the Pandavas. Issue your commands, O king, + as to what he should do.’ + </p> + <p> + “The king said, ‘Tell Sanjaya that I am happy and hale. Let him enter. + Welcome to Sanjaya. I am always ready to receive him. Why should he stay + outside whose admission is never forbidden?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Then, with the king’s permission, having entered + that spacious apartment, the Suta’s son, with joined hands, approached the + royal son of Vichitravirya who was protected by many wise, valiant, and + righteous persons, and who was then seated on his throne. And Sanjaya + addressed him, saying, ‘I am Sanjaya, O king. I bow unto thee. O chief of + men, proceeding hence I found the sons of Pandu. After having paid his + salutations to thee, Pandu’s son, the intelligent Yudhishthira, enquired + of thy welfare. And well-pleased, he also enquireth after thy sons, and + asketh thee whether thou art happy with thy sons and grandsons and friends + and counsellors, and, O king, all those that depend upon thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O child, giving my blessings to Ajatasatru, I ask + thee, O Sanjaya, whether that king of the Kauravas, Pritha’s son, is well + with his sons and brothers and counsellors.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Pandu’s son is well with his counsellors. He desires + possessions of that which he formerly had as his own. He seeketh virtue + and wealth without doing anything that is censurable, possesseth + intelligence and vast learning, and is, besides, far-sighted and of + excellent disposition. With that son of Pandu, abstention from injury is + even superior to virtue, and virtue superior to the accumulation of + wealth. His mind, O Bharata, is always inclined to happiness and joy, and + to such courses of action as are virtuous and conducive to the higher ends + of life. Even like a doll pulled this way and that by threads, man (in + this world) moveth, swayed by a force not his own. Beholding the + sufferings of Yudhishthira, I regard the force of destiny to be superior + to the effect of human exertion. Beholding again thy unworthy deeds, + which, besides, being highly sinful and unspeakable, are sure to terminate + in misery, it seemeth to me that one of thy nature winneth praise only so + long as his able foe bideth his time. Renouncing all sin, even as a + serpent casteth off its worn out slough which it cannot any longer retain, + the heroic Ajatasatru shineth in his natural perfection, leaving his load + of sins to be borne by thee. Consider, O king, thy own acts which are + contrary to both religion and profit, and to the behaviour of those that + are righteous. Thou hast, O king, earned a bad repute in this world, and + wilt reap misery in the next. Obeying the counsels of thy son thou hopest + to enjoy this doubtful property, keeping them aloof. This unrighteous deed + is loudly bruited about in the world. Therefore, O foremost of the + Bharatas, this deed is unworthy of thee. Calamity overtaketh him who is + deficient in wisdom, or who is of low birth, or who is cruel, or who + cherisheth hostility for a long time, or who is not steady in Kshatriya + virtues, or is devoid of energy, or is of a bad disposition, in fact, him + who hath such marks. It is by virtue of luck that a person taketh his + birth in good race, or becometh strong, or famous, or versed in various + lore, or possesseth the comforts of life, or becometh capable of subduing + his senses, or discriminating virtue and vice that are always linked + together. What person is there, who, attended upon by foremost of + counsellors, possessed of intelligence, capable of discriminating between + virtue and vice in times of distress, not destitute of the rituals of + religion, and retaining the use of all his faculties, would commit cruel + deeds. These counsellors, ever devoted to thy work, wait here united + together. Even this is their firm determination (viz., that the Pandavas + are not to get back their share). The destruction of the Kurus, therefore, + is certain to be brought about by the force of circumstances. If, provoked + by the offences, Yudhishthira wisheth for misery to thee, the Kurus will + be destroyed prematurely, while, imparting all his sins to thee, the blame + of that deed will be thine in this world. Indeed, what else is there save + the will of the Gods, for Arjuna, the son of Pritha, leaving this world + ascended to the very heavens and was honoured there very greatly. This + proves that individual exertion is nothing. There is no doubt as to this. + Seeing that the attributes of high birth, bravery, etc., depended for + their development or otherwise on acts, and beholding also prosperity and + adversity and stability and instability (in persons and their + possessions), king Vali, in his search after causes, having failed to + discover a beginning (in the chain of acts of former lives one before + another), regarded the eternal Essence to be the cause of everything. The + eye, the ear, the nose, the touch, and the tongue, these are the doors of + a person’s knowledge. If desire be curbed, these would be gratified by + themselves. Therefore, cheerfully and without repining one should control + the senses. Others there are that think differently. They hold that if a + person’s acts are well-applied, these must produce the desired result. + Thus the child begot by the act of the mother and the father grows when + duly tended with food and drink. Men in this world become subject to love + and hate, pleasure and pain, praise and blame. A man is praised when he + behaves honestly. Thee I blame, since these dissensions of the Bharatas + (whose root thou art) will surely bring about the destruction of + innumerable lives. If peace be not concluded, then through thy fault + Arjuna will consume the Kurus like a blazing fire consuming a heap of + dried grass. O ruler of men, thou alone of all the world, yielding to thy + son whom no restraints can blind, hadst regarded thyself as crowned with + success and abstained from avoiding dispute at the time of the match at + dice. Behold now the fruit of that (weakness of thine)! O monarch, by + rejecting advisers that are faithful and accepting those that deserve no + confidence, this extensive and prosperous empire, O son of Kuru, thou art + unable to retain owing to thy weakness. Wearied by my fast journey and + very much fatigued, I solicit thy permission to go to bed now, O lion of + men, for tomorrow morning will the Kurus, assembled together in the + council-hall, hear the words of Ajatasatru.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0032" id="link52H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “King Dhritarashtra endued with great wisdom (then) + said to the orderly-in-waiting, ‘I desire to see Vidura. Bring him here + without delay.’ Despatched by Dhritarashtra, the messenger went to + Kshattri and said, ‘O thou of great wisdom, our lord the mighty king + desireth to see thee.’ Thus addressed, Vidura (set out and) coming to the + palace, spoke unto the orderly, ‘Apprise Dhritarashtra of my arrival.’ + Thereupon the orderly went to Dhritarashtra, and said, ‘O foremost of + kings, Vidura is here at thy command. He wisheth to behold thy feet. + Command me as to what he is to do.’ Thereupon Dhritarashtra said, ‘Let + Vidura of great wisdom and foresight enter. I am never unwilling or + unprepared to see Vidura.’ The orderly then went out and spoke unto + Vidura, ‘O Kshattri, enter the inner apartments of the wise king. The king + says that he is never unwilling to see thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having entered Dhritarashtra’s chamber, Vidura + said with joined hands unto that ruler of men who was then plunged in + thought, ‘O thou of great wisdom, I am Vidura, arrived here at thy + command. If there is anything to be done, here I am, command me!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Vidura, Sanjaya hath come back. He hath gone away + after rebuking me. Tomorrow he will deliver, in the midst of the court, + Ajatasatru’s message. I have not been able today to ascertain what the + message is of the Kuru hero. Therefore, my body is burning, and that hath + produced sleeplessness. Tell us what may be good for a person that is + sleepless and burning. Thou art, O child, versed in both religion and + profit. Ever since, Sanjaya hath returned from the Pandavas, my heart + knoweth no peace. Filled with anxiety about what he may deliver, all my + senses have been disordered’. + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Sleeplessness overtaketh a thief, a lustful person, him + that hath lost all his wealth, him that hath failed to achieve success, + and him also that is weak and hath been attacked by a strong person. I + hope, O king, that none of these grave calamities have overtaken thee. I + hope, thou dost not grieve, coveting the wealth of others.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I desire to hear from thee words that are beneficial + and fraught with high morality. In this race of royal Rishis thou alone + art reverenced by the wise.’ Vidura replied, ‘King (Yudhishthira), graced + with every virtue, is worthy of being the sovereign of the three worlds; + yet, O Dhritarashtra, however worthy of being kept by thy side, he was + exiled by thee. Thou art, however, possessed of qualities which are the + very reverse of those possessed by him. Although virtuous and versed in + morality, thou hast yet no right to a share in the kingdom owing to thy + loss of sight. In consequence of his inoffensiveness and kindness, his + righteousness, love of truth and energy, and his remembering the reverence + that is due to thee, Yudhishthira patiently bears innumerable wrongs. + Having bestowed on Duryodhana and Suvala’s son and Karna, and Dussasana + the management of the empire, how canst thou hope for prosperity? He that + is not served from the high ends of life by the aid of self-knowledge, + exertion, forbearance and steadiness in virtue, is called wise. These + again are the marks of a wise man, viz., adherence to acts, worthy of + praise and rejection of what is blamable, faith, and reverence. He whom + neither anger nor joy, nor pride, nor false modesty, nor stupefaction, nor + vanity, can draw away from the high ends of life, is considered as wise. + He whose intended acts, and proposed counsels remain concealed from foes, + and whose acts become known only after they have been done, is considered + wise. He whose proposed actions are never obstructed by heat or cold, fear + of attachment, prosperity or adversity, is considered wise. He whose + judgment dissociated from desire, followeth both virtue and profit, and + who disregarding pleasure chooseth such ends as are serviceable in both + worlds, is considered wise. They that exert to the best of their might, + and act also to the best of their might, and disregard nothing as + insignificant, are called wise. He that understandeth quickly, listeneth + patiently, pursueth his objects with judgment and not from desire and + spendeth not his breath on the affairs of others without being asked, is + said to possess the foremost mark of wisdom. They that do not strive for + objects that are unattainable, that do not grieve for what is lost and + gone, that do not suffer their minds to be clouded amid calamities, are + regarded to possess intellects endued with wisdom. He who striveth, having + commenced anything, till it is completed, who never wasteth his time, and + who hath his soul under control, is regarded wise. They that are wise, O + bull of the Bharata race, always delight in honest deeds, do what tendeth + to their happiness and prosperity, and never sneer at what is good. He who + exulteth not at honours, and grieveth not at slights, and remaineth cool + and unagitated like a lake in the course of Ganga, is reckoned as wise. + That man who knoweth the nature of all creatures (viz., that everything is + subject to destruction), who is cognisant also of the connections of all + acts, and who is proficient in the knowledge of the means that men may + resort to (for attaining their objects), is reckoned as wise. He who + speaketh boldly, can converse on various subjects, knoweth the science of + argumentation, possesseth genius, and can interpret the meaning of what is + writ in books, is reckoned as wise. He whose studies are regulated by + reason, and whose reason followeth the scriptures, and who never + abstaineth from paying respect to those that are good, is called a wise + man. He, on the other hand, who is ignorant of scripture yet vain, poor + yet proud, and who resorteth to unfair means for the acquisition of his + objects, is a fool. He who, forsaking his own, concerneth himself with the + objects of others, and who practiseth deceitful means for serving his + friends, is called a fool. He who wisheth for those things that should not + be desired, and forsaketh those that may legitimately be desired, and who + beareth malice to those that are powerful, is regarded to be a foolish + soul. He who regardeth his foe as his friend, who hateth and beareth + malice to his friend, and who committeth wicked deeds, is said to be a + person of foolish soul. O bull of the Bharata race, he who divulgeth his + projects, doubteth in all things, and spendeth a long time in doing what + requireth a short time, is a fool. He who doth not perform the Sraddha for + the Pitris, nor worshippeth the deities, nor acquireth noble-minded + friends, is said to be a person of foolish soul. That worst of men who + entereth a place uninvited, and talketh much without being asked, and + reposeth trust on untrustworthy wights, is a fool. That man who being + himself guilty casteth the blame on others, and who though impotent giveth + vent to anger, is the most foolish of men. That man, who, without knowing + his own strength and dissociated from both virtue and profit, desireth an + object difficult of acquisition, without again adopting adequate means, is + said to be destitute of intelligence. O king, he who punisheth one that is + undeserving of punishment, payeth homage to persons without their + knowledge, and waiteth upon misers, is said to be of little sense. But he + that, having attained immense wealth and prosperity or acquired (vast) + learning, doth not bear himself haughtily, is reckoned as wise. Who, + again, is more heartless than he, who, though possessed of affluence, + eateth himself and weareth excellent robes himself without distributing + his wealth among his dependents? While one person committeth sins, many + reap the advantage resulting therefrom; (yet in the end) it is the doer + alone to whom the sin attacheth while those that enjoy the fruit escape + unhurt. When a bowman shooteth an arrow, he may or may not succeed in + slaying even a single person, but when an intelligent individual applieth + his intelligence (viciously), it may destroy an entire kingdom with the + king. Discriminating the two by means of the one, bring under thy + subjection the three by means of four, and also conquering the five and + knowing the six, and abstaining from the seven, be happy. Poison slayeth + but one person, and a weapon also but one; wicked counsels, however, + destroy an entire kingdom with king and subject. Alone one should not + partake of any savoury viand, nor alone reflect on concerns of profit, nor + alone go upon a journey, nor alone remain awake among sleeping companions. + That Being who is One without a second, and whom, O king, thou hast not + been able to comprehend, is Truth’s self, and the Way to heaven, even like + a boat in the ocean. There is one only defect in forgiving persons, and + not another; that defect is that people take a forgiving person to be + weak. That defect, however, should not be taken into consideration, for + forgiveness is a great power. Forgiveness is a virtue of the weak, and an + ornament of the strong. Forgiveness subdueth (all) in this world; what is + there that forgiveness cannot achieve? What can a wicked person do unto + him who carrieth the sabre of forgiveness in his hand? Fire falling on a + grassless ground is extinguished of itself. An unforgiving individual + defileth himself with many enormities. Righteousness is the one highest + good; and forgiveness is the one supreme peace; knowledge is one supreme + contentment; and benevolence, one sole happiness. Even as a serpent + devoureth animals living in holes, the earth devoureth these two, viz., a + king who is incompetent to fight, and a Brahmana who doth not sojourn to + holy places. A man may attain renown in this world by doing two things, + viz., by refraining from harsh speech, and by disregarding those that are + wicked. O tiger among men, these two have not a will of their own, viz., + those women who covet men simply because the latter are coveted by others + of their sex, and that person who worships another simply because the + latter is worshipped by others. These two are like sharp thorns afflicting + the body, viz., the desires of a poor man, and the anger of the impotent. + These two persons never shine because of their incompatible acts, viz., a + householder without exertion, and a beggar busied in schemes. These two, O + king, live (as it were) in a region higher than heaven itself, viz., a man + of power endued with forgiveness, and poor man that is charitable. Of + things honestly got, these two must be looked upon as misuse, viz., making + gifts to the unworthy and refusing the worthy. These two should be thrown + into the water, tightly binding weights to their necks, viz., a wealthy + man that doth not give away, and a poor man that is proud. These two, O + tiger among men, can pierce the orb itself of the sun, viz., a mendicant + accomplished in yoga, and a warrior that hath fallen in open fight. O bull + of the Bharata race, persons versed in the Vedas have said that men’s + means are good, middling, and bad. Men also, O king, are good, + indifferent, and bad. They should, therefore, be respectively employed in + that kind of work for which they may be fit. These three, O king, cannot + have wealth of their own, viz., the wife, the slave, and the son, and + whatever may be earned by them would be his to whom they belong. Great + fear springeth from these three crimes, viz., theft of other’s property, + outrage on other’s wives, and breach with friend. These three, besides + being destructive to one’s own self, are the gates of hell, viz., lust, + anger, and covetousness. Therefore, every one should renounce them. These + three should never be forsaken even in imminent danger, viz., a follower, + one who seeks protection, saying,—I am thine,—and lastly one + who hath come to your abode. Verily, O Bharata, liberating a foe from + distress, alone amounteth in point of merit, to these three taken + together, viz., conferring a boon, acquiring a kingdom, and obtaining a + son. Learned men have declared that a king, although powerful, should + never consult with these four, viz., men of small sense, men that are + procrastinating, men that are indolent, and men that are flatterers. O + sire, crowned with prosperity and leading the life of a householder, let + these four dwell with thee, viz., old consanguineous relatives, high-born + persons fallen into adversity, poor friends, and issueless sisters. On + being asked by the chief of the celestials, Vrihaspati, O mighty king + declared four things capable of fructifying or occurring within a single + day, viz., the resolve of the gods, the comprehensions of intelligent + persons, the humility of learned men, and the destruction of the sinful. + These four that are calculated to remove fear, bring on fear when they are + improperly performed, viz., the Agni-hotra, the vow of silence, study, and + sacrifice (in general). O bull of the Bharata race, these five fires, + should be worshipped with regard by a person, viz., father, mother, fire + (proper), soul and preceptor. By serving these five, men attain great fame + in this world, viz., the gods, the Pitris, men, beggars, and guests. These + five follow thee wherever thou goest, viz., friends, foes, those that are + indifferent, dependants, and those that are entitled to maintenance. Of + the five senses beholding to man, if one springeth a leak, then from that + single hole runneth out all his intelligence, even like water running out + from a perforated leathern vessel. The six faults should be avoided by a + person who wisheth to attain prosperity, viz., sleep, drowsiness, fear, + anger, indolence and procrastination. These six should be renounced like a + splitting vessel in the sea, viz., a preceptor that cannot expound the + scriptures, a priest that is illiterate, a king that is unable to protect, + a wife that speaketh disagreeable words, a cow-herd that doth not wish to + go to the fields, and a barber that wisheth to renounce a village for the + woods. Verily, those six qualities should never be forsaken by men, viz., + truth, charity, diligence, benevolence, forgiveness and patience. These + six are instantly destroyed, if neglected, viz., kine, service, + agriculture, a wife, learning, and the wealth of a Sudra. These six forget + those who have bestowed obligations on them, viz., educated disciples, + their preceptors; married persons, their mothers; persons whose desires + have been gratified, women; they who have achieved success, they who had + rendered aid; they who have crossed a river, the boat (that carried them + over); and patients that have been cured, their physicians. Health, + unindebtedness, living at home, companionship with good men, certainty as + regards the means of livelihood, and living without fear, these six, O + king, conduce to the happiness of men. These six are always miserable, + viz., the envious, the malicious, the discontented, the irascible, the + ever-suspicious, and those depending upon the fortunes of others. These + six, O king, comprise the happiness of men, viz., acquirement of wealth, + uninterrupted health, a beloved and a sweet-speeched wife, an obedient + son, and knowledge that is lucrative. He that succeedeth in gaining the + mastery over the six that are always present in the human heart, being + thus the master of his senses, never committeth sin, and therefore + suffereth calamity. These six may be seen to subsist upon other six, viz., + thieves, upon persons that are careless; physicians, on persons that are + ailing; women, upon persons suffering from lust; priests, upon them that + sacrifice; a king, upon persons that quarrel; and lastly men of learning, + upon them that are without it. A king should renounce these seven faults + that are productive of calamity, inasmuch as they are able to effect the + ruin of even monarchs firmly established; these are women, dice, hunting, + drinking, harshness of speech, severity of punishment, and misuse of + wealth. These eight are the immediate indications of a man destined to + destruction, viz., hating the Brahmanas, disputes with Brahmanas, + appropriation of a Brahmana’s possessions, taking the life of Brahmana, + taking a pleasure in reviling Brahmanas, grieving to hear the praises of + Brahmanas, forgetting them on ceremonious occasions, and giving vent to + spite when they ask for anything. These transgressions a wise man should + understand, and understanding, eschew. These eight, O Bharata, are the + very cream of happiness, and these only are attainable here, viz., meeting + with friends, accession of immense wealth, embracing a son, union for + intercourse, conversation with friends in proper times, the advancement of + persons belonging to one’s own party, the acquisition of what had been + anticipated, and respect in society. These eight qualities glorify a man, + viz., wisdom, high birth, self-restraint, learning, prowess, moderation in + speech, gift according to one’s power, and gratitude. This house hath nine + doors, three pillars, and five witnesses. It is presided over by the soul. + That learned man who knoweth all this is truly wise. O Dhritarashtra, + these ten do not know what virtue is viz., the intoxicated, inattentive, + the raving, the fatigued, the angry, the starving, the hasty, the + covetous, the frightened, and the lustful. Therefore, he that is wise must + eschew the company of these. In this connection is cited the old story + about what transpired between Suyodhana and (Prahlada), the chief of the + Asuras in relation to the latter’s son. That king who renounceth lust and + anger, who bestoweth wealth upon proper recipients, and is discriminating, + learned, and active, is regarded as an authority of all men. Great + prosperity attends upon that king who knoweth how to inspire confidence in + others, who inflicteth punishment on those whose guilt hath been proved, + who is acquainted with the proper measure of punishment, and who knoweth + when mercy is to be shown. He is a wise person who doth not disregard even + a weak foe; who proceeds with intelligence in respect of a foe, anxiously + watching for an opportunity; who doth not desire hostilities with persons + stronger than himself; and who displayeth his prowess in season. That + illustrious person who doth not grieve when a calamity hath already come + upon him, who exerteth with all his senses collected, and who patiently + beareth misery in season, is certainly the foremost of persons, and all + his foes are vanquished. He who doth not live away from hope uselessly, + who doth not make friends with sinful persons, who never outrageth + another’s wife, who never betrayeth arrogance, and who never committeth a + theft or showeth ingratitude or indulgeth in drinking is always happy. He + who never boastfully striveth to attain the three objects of human + pursuit, who when asked, telleth the truth, who quarreleth not even for + the sake of friends, and who never becometh angry though slighted, is + reckoned as wise. He who beareth not malice towards others but is kind to + all, who being weak disputeth not with others, who speaketh not + arrogantly, and forgeteth a quarrel, is praised everywhere. That man who + never assumeth a haughty mien, who never censureth others praising himself + the while, and never addresseth harsh words to others for getting himself, + is ever loved by all. He who raketh not up old hostilities, who behaveth + neither arrogantly nor with too much humility, and who even when + distressed never committeth an improper act, is considered by respectable + men a person of good conduct. He who exulteth not at his own happiness, + nor delighteth in another’s misery, and who repenteth not after having + made a gift, is said to be a man of good nature and conduct. He who + desireth to obtain a knowledge of the customs of different countries, and + also the languages of different nations, and of the usages of different + orders of men, knoweth at once all that is high and low; and wherever he + may go, he is sure to gain an ascendancy over even those that are glad. + The intelligent man who relinquisheth pride, folly, insolence, sinful + acts, disloyalty towards the king, crookedness of behaviour, enmity with + many, and also quarrels with men that are drunk, mad and wicked, is the + foremost of his species. The very gods bestow prosperity upon him who + daily practiseth self-restraint, purification, auspicious rites, worship + of the gods, expiatory ceremonies, and other rites of universal + observance. The acts of that learned man are well-conceived, and + well-applied who formeth matrimonial alliances with persons of equal + positions and not with those that are inferior, who placeth those before + him that are more qualified, and who talketh, behaveth and maketh + friendships with persons of equal position. He who eateth frugally after + dividing the food amongst his dependants, who sleepeth little after + working much, and who, when solicited giveth away even unto his foes, hath + his soul under control, and calamities always keep themselves aloof from + him. He whose counsels are well-kept and well-carried out into practice, + and whose acts in consequence thereof are never known by others to injure + men, succeedeth in securing even his most trifling objects. He who is + intent upon abstaining from injury to all creatures, who is truthful, + gentle, charitable, and pure in mind, shineth greatly among his kinsmen + like a precious gem of the purest ray having its origin in an excellent + mine. That man who feeleth shame even though his faults be not known to + any save himself, is highly honoured among all men. Possessed of a pure + heart and boundless energy and abstracted within himself, he shineth in + consequence of his energy like the very sun. King Pandu consumed by a + (Brahmana’s) curse, had five sons born unto him in the woods that are like + five Indras. O son of Ambika, thou hast brought up those children and + taught them everything. They are obedient to thy commands. Giving them + back their just share of the kingdom, O sire, filled with joy, be thou + happy with thy sons. Then, O monarch, thou shalt inspire confidence in + both the gods and men.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0033" id="link52H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me what may be done by a person that is + sleepless and burning with anxieties, for thou alone amongst us, O child, + art versed in both religion and profit. Advise me wisely, O Vidura. O thou + of magnanimous heart, tell me what thou deemest to be beneficial for + Ajatasatru and what is productive of good to the Kurus. Apprehending + future evils. I look back only on my previous guilt: I ask thee with + anxious heart, O learned one, tell me what is exactly in Ajatasatru’s + mind.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Even if unasked, one should speak truly, whether his words + be good or bad, hateful or pleasing, unto him whose defeat one doth not + wish. I shall, therefore, say, O king, what is for the good of the Kurus. + I shall say what is both beneficial and consistent with morality. Listen + to me. Do not, O Bharata, set the heart upon means of success that are + unjust and improper. A man of intelligence must not grieve if any purpose + of his doth not succeed, notwithstanding the application of fair and + proper means. Before one engageth in an act, one should consider the + competence of the agent, the nature of the act itself, and its purpose, + for all acts are dependent on these. Considering these one should begin an + act, and not take it up on a sudden impulse. He that is wise should either + do an act or desist from it fully considering his own ability, the nature + of the act, and the consequence also of success. The king who knoweth not + proportion or measure as regards territory, gain, loss, treasury, + population, and punishment, cannot retain his kingdom long. He, on the + other hand, who is acquainted with the measures of these as prescribed in + treatises, being necessarily possessed of the knowledge of religion and + profit, can retain his kingdom. As the stars are affected by the planets, + so is this world affected by the senses, when they are directed, + uncontrolled, to their respective objects. Like the moon during the + lighted fortnight, calamities increase in respect of him who is vanquished + by the five senses in their natural state, which ever lead him towards + various acts. He who wisheth to control his counsellors before controlling + his own self, or to subdue his adversaries before controlling his + counsellors, at last succumbs deprived of strength. He, therefore, who + first subdueth his own self regarding it as a foe, never faileth to subdue + his counsellors and adversaries at last. Great prosperity waiteth upon him + who hath subdued his senses, or controlled his soul, or who is capable of + punishing all offenders, or who acteth with judgment or who is blessed + with patience. One’s body, O king, is one’s car; the soul within is the + driver; and the senses are its steeds. Drawn by those excellent steeds, + when well-trained, he that is wise, pleasantly performeth the journey of + life, and awake in peace. The horses that are unbroken and incapable of + being controlled, always lead an unskilful driver to destruction in the + course of the journey; so one’s senses, unsubdued, lead only to + destruction. The inexperienced wight, who, led by this unsubdued senses, + hopeth to extract evil from good and good from evil, necessarily + confoundeth misery with happiness. He, who, forsaking religion and profit, + followeth the lead of his senses, loseth without delay prosperity, life, + wealth and wife. He, who is the master of riches but not of his senses, + certainly loseth his riches in consequence of his want of mastery over his + senses. One should seek to know one’s self by means of one’s own self, + controlling one’s mind, intellect, and senses, for one’s self is one’s + friend as, indeed, it is one’s own foe. That man, who hath conquered self + by means of self, hath his self for a friend, for one’s self is ever one’s + friend or foe. Desire and anger, O king, break through wisdom, just as a + large fish breaks through a net of thin cords. He, who in this world + regarding both religion and profit, seeketh to acquire the means of + success, winneth happiness, possessing all he had sought. He, who, without + subduing his five inner foes of mental origin, wisheth to vanquish other + adversaries, is, in fact, overpowered by the latter. It is seen that many + evil-minded kings, owing to want of mastery over their senses, are ruined + by acts of their own, occasioned by the lust of territory. As fuel that is + wet burneth with that which is dry, so a sinless man is punished equally + with the sinful in consequence of constant association with the latter. + Therefore, friendship with the sinful should be avoided. He that, from + ignorance, faileth to control his five greedy foes, having five distinct + objects, is overwhelmed by calamities. Guilelessness and simplicity, + purity and contentment, sweetness of speech and self-restraint, truth and + steadiness,—these are never the attributes of the wicked. + Self-knowledge and steadiness, patience and devotion to virtue, competence + to keep counsels and charity,—these, O Bharata, never exist in + inferior men. Fools seek to injure the wise by false reproaches and evil + speeches. The consequence is, that by this they take upon themselves the + sins of the wise, while the latter, freed from their sins, are forgiven. + In malice lieth the strength of the wicked; in criminal code, the strength + of kings, in attentions of the weak and of women; and in forgiveness that + of the virtuous. To control speech, O king, is said to be most difficult. + It is not easy to hold a long conversation uttering words full of meaning + and delightful to the hearers. Well-spoken speech is productive of many + beneficial results; and ill-spoken speech, O king, is the cause of evils. + A forest pierced by arrows, or cut down by hatchets may again grow, but + one’s heart wounded and censured by ill-spoken words never recovereth. + Weapons, such as arrows, bullets, and bearded darts, can be easily + extracted from the body, but a wordy dagger plunged deep into the heart is + incapable of being taken out. Wordy arrows are shot from the mouth; + smitten by them one grieveth day and night. A learned man should not + discharge such arrows, for do they not touch the very vitals of others. + He, to whom the gods ordain defeat, hath his senses taken away, and it is + for this that he stoopeth to ignoble deeds. When the intellect becometh + dim and destruction is nigh, wrong, looking like right, firmly sticketh to + the heart. Thou dost not clearly see it, O bull of the Bharata race, that + clouded intellect hath now possessed thy sons in consequence of their + hostility to the Pandavas. Endued with every auspicious mark and deserving + to rule the three worlds, Yudhishthira is obedient to thy commands. Let + him, O Dhritarashtra, rule the earth, to the exclusion of all thy sons. + Yudhishthira is the foremost of all thy heirs. Endued with energy and + wisdom, and acquainted with the truths of religion and profit, + Yudhishthira, that foremost of righteous men, hath, O king of kings, + suffered much misery out of kindness and sympathy, in order to preserve + thy reputation.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0034" id="link52H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O thou of great intelligence, tell me again words + such as these, consistent with religion and profit. My thirst for hearing + them is not quenched. What thou sayst is charming!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Ablution in all the holy places and kindness to all + creatures,—these two are equal. Perhaps, kindness to all creatures + surpasseth the former. O master, show kindness unto all thy sons, for by + that winning great fame in this world, thou wilt have heaven hereafter. As + long as a man’s good deeds are spoken of in this world, so long, O tiger + among men, is he glorified in heaven. In this connection is cited an old + story about the conversation between Virochana and Sudhanwan, both suitors + for Kesini’s hand. Once on a time, O king, there was a maiden of the name + of Kesini, unrivalled for beauty; moved by the desire of obtaining a good + husband, she resolved to choose her lord in Swayamvara. Then one of the + sons of Diti, Virochana by name, went to that spot, desirous of obtaining + the maiden. Beholding that chief of the Daityas, Kesini addressed him, + saying, “Are Brahmanas superior, O Virochana, or are the sons of Diti + superior? And why also should not Sudhanwan sit on the sofa?” Virochana + said, “Sprung from Prajapati himself, we, O Kesini, are the best and at + the top of all creatures, and this world is ours without doubt. Who are + the gods, and who are the Brahmanas?” Kesini said, “We will, O Virochana, + stay here in this very pavilion. Sudhanwan will come here on the morrow, + and let me see both of you sitting together.” Virochana said, ‘O amiable + and timid girl, I will do what thou sayst. Thou wilt behold Sudhanwan and + myself met together in the morning.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘When the night had passed away and the solar disc had + risen, Sudhanwan, O best of kings, came to that place where, O master, + Virochana was waiting with Kesini. And Sudhanwan saw there both Prahlada’s + son and Kesini. And beholding the Brahmana arrived, Kesini, O bull of the + Bharata race, rising up from hers, offered him a seat, water to wash his + feet, and Arghya. And asked by Virochana (to share his seat) Sudhanwan + said, “O son of Prahlada, I touch thy excellent golden seat. I cannot, + however, suffer myself to be regarded as thy equal, and sit on it with + thee.” Virochana said, “A piece of wooden plank, an animal skin, or a mat + of grass or straw,—these only, O Sudhanwan, are fit for thee. Thou + deservest not, however, the same seat with me.” Sudhanwan said, “Father + and son, Brahmanas of the same age and equal learning, two Kshatriyas, two + Vaisyas and two Sudras, can sit together on the same seat, Except these, + no other can sit together. Your father used to pay his regards to me, + taking a seat lower than that occupied by me. Thou art a child, brought up + in every luxury at home and thou understandest nothing.” Virochana said, + “Staking all the gold, kine, horses, and every other kind of wealth that + we have among the Asuras, let us, O Sudhanwan, ask them this question that + are able to answer.” Sudhanwan said, “‘Let alone your gold, kine, and + heroes, O Virochana. Making our lives forfeited, we will ask them this + question that are competent.” Virochana said, “Wagering our lives where + shall we go? I will not appear before any of the gods and never before any + among men.” Sudhanwan said, “Having wagered our lives, we will approach + thy father, for he, Prahlada, will never say an untruth even for the sake + of his son." </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘Having thus laid a wager, Virochana and Sudhanwan, + both moved by rage, proceeded to that place where Prahlada was. And + beholding them together, Prahlada said, “These two who had never before + been companions, are now seen together coming hither by the same road, + like two angry snakes. Have ye now become companions,—ye who were + never companions before? I ask thee, O Virochana, has there been + friendship between thee and Sudhanwan?” Virochana said, “There is no + friendship between me and Sudhanwan. On the other hand, we have both + wagered our lives. O chief of the Asuras, I shall ask thee a question, do + not answer it untruly!” Prahlada said, “Let water, and honey and curds, be + brought for Sudhanwan. Thou deservest our worship, O Brahmana. A white and + fat cow is ready for thee.” Sudhanwan said, “Water and honey and curds, + have been presented to me on my way hither. I shall ask thee a question, + Prahlada, answer it truly! are Brahmanas superior, or is Virochana + superior?” Prahlada said, “O Brahmana, this one is my only son. Thou also + art present here in person. How can one like us answer a question about + which ye two have quarrelled?” Sudhanwan said, “Give unto thy son thy kine + and other precious wealth that thou mayst have, but, O wise one, thou + shouldst declare the truth when we two are disputing about it.” Prahlada + said, “How doth that misuser of his tongue suffer, O Sudhanwan, who + answereth not truly but falsely, a question that is put to him? I ask thee + this.” Sudhanwan said, “The person that misuseth his tongue suffers like + the deserted wife, who pineth, at night, beholding her husband sleeping in + the arms of a co-wife; like a person who hath lost at dice, or who is + weighed down with an unbearable load of anxieties. Such a man hath also to + stay, starving outside the city gates, into which his admission is barred. + Indeed, he that giveth false evidence is destined to always find his foes. + He that speaketh a lie on account of an animal, casteth down from heaven + five of his sires of the ascending order. He that speaketh a lie on + account of a cow casteth down from heaven ten of his ancestors. A lie on + account of a horse causeth the downfall of a hundred; and a lie on account + of a human being, the downfall of a thousand of one’s sires of the + ascending order. An untruth on account of gold ruineth the members of + one’s race both born and unborn, while an untruth for the sake of land + ruineth everything. Therefore, never speak an untruth for the sake of + land.” Prahlada said, “Angiras is superior to myself, and Sudhanwan is + superior to thee, O Virochana. The mother also of Sudhanwan is superior to + thy mother; therefore, thou, O Virochana, hath been defeated by Sudhanwan. + This Sudhanwan is now the master of thy life. But, O Sudhanwan, I wish + that thou shouldst grant Virochana his life.” Sudhanwan said, “Since, O + Prahlada, thou hast preferred virtue and hast not, from temptation, said + an untruth, I grant thy son his life that is dear to thee. So here is thy + son Virochana, O Prahlada, restored by me to thee. He shall, however, have + to wash my feet in the presence of the maiden Kesini.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘For these reasons, O king of kings, it behoveth thee + not to say an untruth for the sake of land. Saying an untruth from + affection for thy son, O king, hasten not to destruction, with all thy + children and counsellors. The gods do not protect men, taking up clubs in + their hands after the manner of herdsmen; unto those, however, they wish + to protect, they grant intelligence. There is no doubt that one’s objects + meet with success in proportion to the attention he directs to + righteousness and morality. The Vedas never rescue from sin a deceitful + person living by falsehood. On the other hand, they forsake him while he + is on his death-bed, like newly fledged birds forsaking their nests. + Drinking, quarrels, enmity with large numbers of men, all connections with + connubial disputes, and severance of relationship between husband and + wife, internal dissensions, disloyalty to the king,—these and all + paths that are sinful, should, it is said, be avoided. A palmist, a thief + turned into a merchant, a fowler, a physician, an enemy, a friend, and a + minstrel, these seven are incompetent as witness. An Agnihotra performed + from motives of pride, abstention from speech, practised from similar + motives, study and sacrifice from the same motives,—these four, of + themselves innocent, become harmful when practised unduly. One that + setteth fire to a dwelling house, an administerer of poison, a pander, a + vendor of the Soma-juice, a maker of arrows, an astrologer, one that + injureth friends, an adulterer, one that causeth abortion, a violator of + his preceptor’s bed, a Brahmana addicted to drink, one that is + sharp-speeched, a raker of old sores, an atheist, a reviler of the Vedas, + and taker of bribes, one whose investiture with the sacred thread has been + delayed beyond the prescribed age, one that secretly slayeth cattle, and + one that slayeth him who prayeth for protection,—these all are + reckoned as equal in moral turpitude as the slayers of Brahmanas. Gold is + tested by fire; a well-born person, by his deportment; an honest man, by + his conduct. A brave man is tested during a season of panic; he that is + self-controlled, in times of poverty; and friends and foes, in times of + calamity and danger. Decrepitude destroyeth beauty; ambitious hopes, + patience; death, life; envy, righteousness; anger, prosperity; + companionship with the low, good behaviour; lust, modesty, and pride, + everything. Prosperity taketh its birth in good deeds, groweth in + consequence of activity, driveth its roots deep in consequence of skill, + and acquireth stability owing to self-control. Wisdom, good lineage, + self-control, acquaintance with the scriptures, prowess, absence of + garrulity, gift to the extent of one’s power, and gratefulness,—these + eight qualities shed a lustre upon their possessor. But, O sire, there is + one endowment which alone can cause all these attributes to come together; + the fact is, when the king honoureth a particular person, the royal favour + can cause all these attributes to shed their lustre (on the favourite). + Those eight, O king, in the world of men, are indications of heaven. Of + the eight (mentioned below) four are inseparably connected, with the good, + and four others are always followed by the good. The first four which are + inseparably connected with the good, are sacrifice, gift, study and + asceticism, while the other four that are always followed by the good, are + self-restraint, truth, simplicity, and abstention from injury to all. + </p> + <p> + “‘Sacrifice, study, charity, asceticism, truth, forgiveness, mercy, and + contentment constitute the eight different paths of righteousness. The + first four of these may be practised from motives of pride, but the last + four can exist only in those that are truly noble. That is no assembly + where there are no old men, and they are not old who do not declare what + morality is. That is not morality which is separated from truth, and that + is not truth which is fraught with deceit. Truth, beauty, acquaintance + with the scriptures, knowledge, high birth, good behaviour, strength, + wealth, bravery, and capacity for varied talk,—these ten are of + heavenly origin. A sinful person, by committing sin, is overtaken by evil + consequences. A virtuous man, by practising virtue, reapeth great + happiness. Therefore, a man, rigidly resolved, should abstain from sin. + Sin, repeatedly perpetrated, destroyeth intelligence; and the man who hath + lost intelligence, repeatedly committeth sin. Virtue, repeatedly + practised, enhanceth intelligence; and the man whose intelligence hath + increased, repeatedly practiseth virtue. The virtuous man, by practising + virtue, goeth to regions of blessedness. Therefore, a man should, firmly + resolved, practise virtue. He that is envious, he that injureth others + deeply, he that is cruel, he that constantly quarreleth, he that is + deceitful, soon meeteth with great misery for practising these sins. He + that is not envious and is possessed of wisdom, by always doing what is + good, never meeteth with great misery; on the other hand, he shineth + everywhere. He that draweth wisdom from them that are wise is really + learned and wise. And he that is wise, by attending to both virtue and + profit, succeedeth in attaining to happiness. Do that during the day which + may enable thee to pass the night in happiness; and do that during eight + months of the year which may enable thee to pass the season of rains + happily. Do that during youth which may ensure a happy old age; and do + that during thy whole life here which may enable thee to live happily + hereafter. The wise prize that food which is easily digested, that wife + whose youth hath passed away, that hero who is victorious and that ascetic + whose efforts have been crowned with success. The gap that is sought to be + filled by wealth acquired wrongfully, remaineth uncovered, while new ones + appear in other places. The preceptor controlleth them whose souls are + under their own control; the king controlleth persons that are wicked; + while they that sin secretly have their controller in Yama, the son of + Vivaswat. The greatness of Rishis, of rivers, of river-banks, of + high-souled men, and the cause of woman’s wickedness, cannot be + ascertained. O king, he that is devoted to the worship of the Brahmanas, + he that giveth away, he that behaveth righteously towards his relatives, + and the Kshatriya that behaveth nobly, rule the earth for ever. He that is + possessed of bravery, he that is possessed of learning, and he that knows + how to protect others,—these three are always able to gather flowers + of gold from the earth. Of acts, those accomplished by intelligence are + first; those accomplished by the arms, second; those by the thighs, and + those by bearing weights upon the head, are the very worst. Reposing the + care of thy kingdom on Duryodhana, on Sakuni, on foolish Dussasana, and on + Karna, how canst thou hope for prosperity? Possessed of every virtue, the + Pandavas, O bull of the Bharata race, depend on thee as their father. O, + repose thou on them as on thy sons!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0035" id="link52H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘In this connection is cited the old story of the discourse + between the son of Atri and the deities called Sadhyas is as heard by us. + In days of old, the deities known by the name of Sadhyas questioned the + highly wise and great Rishi of rigid vows (the son of Atri), while the + latter was wandering in the guise of one depending on eleemosynary charity + for livelihood. The Sadhyas said, “We are, O great Rishi, deities known as + Sadhyas. Beholding thee, we are unable to guess who thou art. It seemeth + to us, however, that thou art possessed of intelligence and self-control + in consequence of acquaintance with the scriptures. It, therefore, + behoveth thee to discourse to us in magnanimous words fraught with + learning.” The mendicant Rishi answered, “Ye immortals, it hath been heard + by me that by untying all the knots in the heart by the aid of + tranquillity, and by mastery over all the passions, and observance of true + religion, one should regard both the agreeable and the disagreeable like + his own self. One should not return the slanders or reproaches of others + for the pain that is felt by him who beareth silently, consumeth the + slanderer; and he that beareth, succeedeth also in appropriating the + virtues of the slanderer. Indulge not in slanders and reproaches. Do not + humiliate and insult others. Quarrel not with friends. Abstain from + companionship with those that are vile and low. Be not arrogant and + ignoble in conduct. Avoid words that are harsh and fraught with anger. + Harsh words burn and scorch the very vitals, bones, heart, and the very + sources of the life of men. Therefore, he that is virtuous, should always + abstain from harsh and angry words. That worst of men is of harsh and + wrathful speech, who pierceth the vitals of others with wordy thorns, + beareth hell in his tongue, and should ever be regarded as a dispenser of + misery to men. The man that is wise, pierced by another’s wordy arrows, + sharp-pointed and smarting like fire or the sun, should, even if deeply + wounded and burning with pain, bear them patiently remembering that the + slanderer’s merits become his. He that waiteth upon one that is good or + upon one that is wicked, upon one that is possessed of ascetic merit or + upon one that is a thief, soon taketh the colour from that companion of + his, like a cloth from the dye in which it is soaked. The very gods desire + his company, who, stung with reproach, returneth it not himself nor + causeth others to return it, or who being struck doth not himself return + the blow nor causeth other to do it, and who wisheth not the slightest + injury to him that injureth him. Silence, it is said, is better than + speech; if speak you must, then it is better to say the truth; if truth is + to be said, it is better to say what is agreeable; and if what is + agreeable is to be said, then it is better to say what is consistent with + morality. A man becometh exactly like him with whom he liveth, or like him + whom he regardeth, or like that which he wisheth to be. One is freed from + those things from which one abstaineth, and if one abstaineth from + everything he hath not to suffer even the least misery. Such a man neither + vanquisheth others, nor is vanquished by others. He never injureth nor + opposeth others. He is unmoved by praise or blame. He neither grieveth nor + exalteth in joy. That man is regarded as the first of his species who + wisheth for the prosperity of all and never setteth his heart on the + misery of others, who is truthful in speech, humble in behaviour, and hath + all his passions under control. That man is regarded as a mediocre in + goodness who never consoleth others by saying what is not true; who giveth + having promised; and who keepeth an eye over the weakness of others. + These, however, are the indications of a bad man, viz., incapacity to be + controlled; liability to be afflicted by dangers; proneness to give way to + wrath, ungratefulness; inability to become another’s friend, and + wickedness of heart. He too is the worst of men, who is dissatisfied with + any good that may come to him from others who is suspicious of his own + self, and who driveth away from himself all his true friends. He that + desireth prosperity to himself, should wait upon them that are good, and + at times upon them that are indifferent, but never upon them that are bad. + He that is wicked, earneth wealth, it is true, by putting forth his + strength, by constant effort, by intelligence, and by prowess, but he can + never win honest fame, nor can he acquire the virtues and manners of high + families (in any of which he may be born).”’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘The gods, they that regard both virtue and profit + without swerving from either, and they that are possessed of great + learning, express a liking for high families. I ask thee, O Vidura, this + question,—what are those families that are called high?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Asceticism, self-restraint, knowledge of the Vedas, + sacrifices, pure marriages, and gifts of food,—those families in + which these seven exist or are practised duly, are regarded as high. There + are high families who deviate not from the right course whose deceased + ancestors are never pained (by witnessing the wrong-doings of their + descendants), who cheerfully practise all the virtues, who desire to + enhance the pure fame of the line in which they are born, and who avoid + every kind of falsehood. Families that are high, fall down and become low + owing to the absence of sacrifices, impure marriages, abandonment of the + Vedas, and insults offered to Brahmanas. High families fall off and become + low owing to their members disregarding or speaking ill of Brahmanas, or + to the misappropriation, O Bharata, of what had been deposited with them + by others. Those families that are possessed of members, wealth and kine, + are not regarded as families if they be wanting in good manners and + conduct, while families wanting in wealth but distinguished by manners and + good conduct are regarded as such and win great reputation. Therefore, + should good manners and good conduct be maintained with care, for, as + regards wealth, it cometh or goeth. He that is wanting in wealth is not + really wanting, but he that is wanting in manners and conduct is really in + want. Those families that abound in kine and other cattle and in the + produce of the field are not really worthy of regard and fame if they be + wanting in manners and conduct. Let none in our race be a fomenter of + quarrels, none serve a king as minister, none steal the wealth of others, + none provoke intestine dissensions, none be deceitful or false in + behaviour, and none eat before serving the Rishis, the gods, and guests. + He, in our race, who slayeth Brahmanas, or entertaineth feelings of + aversion towards them, or impedeth or otherwise injureth agriculture, doth + not deserve to mix with us. Straw (for a seat), ground (for sitting upon), + water (to wash the feet and face), and, fourthly sweet words,—these + are never wanting in the houses of the good. Virtuous men devoted to the + practice of righteous acts, when desirous of entertaining (guests), have + these things ready for being offered with reverence. As the Sandal tree, O + king, though thin, is competent to bear weights which timbers of other + trees (much thicker) cannot; so they that belong to high families are + always able to bear the weight of great cares which ordinary men cannot. + He is no friend whose anger inspireth fear, or who is to be waited upon + with fear. He, however, on whom one can repose confidence as on a father, + is a true friend. Other friendships are nominal connection. He that + beareth himself as a friend, even though unconnected by birth of blood, is + a true friend, a real refuge, and a protector. He, whose heart is + unsteady, or who doth not wait upon the aged, or who is of a restless + disposition cannot make friends. Success (in the attainment of objects) + forsaketh the person whose heart is unsteady, or who hath no control over + his mind, or who is a slave of his senses, like swans forsaking a tank + whose waters have dried up. They that are of weak minds suddenly give way + to anger and are gratified without sufficient cause; they are like clouds + that are so inconstant. The very birds of prey abstain from touching the + dead bodies of those who having been served and benefited by friends, show + ingratitude to the latter. Beest thou poor or beest thou rich, thou + shouldst honour thy friends. Until some service is asked, the sincerity or + otherwise of friends cannot be known. Sorrow killeth beauty; sorrow + killeth strength; sorrow killeth the understanding; and sorrow bringeth on + disease. Grief, instead of helping the acquisition of his object, drieth + up the body, and maketh one’s foes glad. Therefore, do not yield to grief. + Men repeatedly die and are reborn; repeatedly they wither away and grow; + repeatedly they ask others for help, and they themselves are asked for + help; repeatedly they lament and are lamented. Happiness and misery, + plenty and want, gain and loss, life and death, are shared by all in due + order. Therefore, he that is self-controlled should neither exult in joy + nor repine in sorrow. The six senses are always restless. Through the most + predominant one amongst them one’s understanding escapeth in proportion to + the strength it assumes, like water from a pot through its holes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘King Yudhishthira who is like a flame of fire, has + been deceived by me. He will surely exterminate in battle all my wicked + sons. Everything, therefore, seems to me to be fraught with danger, and my + mind is full of anxiety. O thou of great intelligence, tell me such words + as may dispel my anxiety.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O sinless one, in nothing else than knowledge and + asceticism, in nothing else than restraining the senses, in nothing else + than complete abandonment of avarice, do I see thy good. Fear is dispelled + by self-knowledge; by asceticism one winneth what is great and valuable; + by waiting upon superiors learning is acquired; and peace is gained by + self-restraint. They that desire salvation without having acquired the + merit attainable by gifts, or that which is attainable by practising the + ritual of the Vedas, do not sojourn through life, freed from anger and + aversion. The happiness that may be derived from a judicious course of + study, from a battle fought virtuously, from ascetic austerities performed + rigidly, always increaseth at the end. They that are no longer in peace + with their relatives, obtain no sleep even if they have recourse to + well-made beds; nor do they, O king, derive any pleasure from women, or + the laudatory hymns of bards and eulogists. Such persons can never + practise virtue. Happiness can never be theirs, in this world. Honours can + never be theirs, and peace hath no charm for them. Counsels that are for + their benefit please them not. They never acquire what they have not, nor + succeed in retaining what they have. O king, there is no other end for + such men save destruction. As milk is possible in kine, asceticism in + Brahmanas, and inconstancy in women, so fear is possible from relatives. + Numerous thin threads of equal length, collected together, are competent + to bear, from the strength of numbers, the constant rolling of the + shuttle-cock over them. The case is even so with relatives that are good. + O bull of the Bharata race, separated from one another, burning brands + produce only smoke; but brought together they blaze forth into a powerful + flame. The case is even so, O Dhritarashtra, with relatives. They, O + Dhritarashtra, who tyrannise over Brahmanas, women, relatives, and kine, + soon fall off their stalks, like fruits that are ripe. And the tree that + stands singly, though gigantic and strong and deep-rooted, hath its trunk + soon smashed and twisted by a mighty wind. Those trees, however, that grow + in close compact are competent owing to mutual dependence to resist winds + more violent still. Thus he that is single, however, endowed with all the + virtues, is regarded by foes as capable of being vanquished like an + isolated tree by the wind. Relatives, again, in consequence of mutual + dependence and mutual aid, grow together, like lotus-stalks in a lake. + These must never be slain, viz., Brahmanas, kine, relatives, children, + women, those whose food is eaten, and those also that yield by asking for + protection. O king, without wealth no good quality can show itself in a + person. If, however, thou art in health, thou canst achieve thy good, for + he is dead who is unhealthy and ill. O king, anger is a kind of bitter, + pungent, acrid, and hot drink, painful in its consequences: it is a kind + of headache not born of any physical illness, and they that are unwise can + never digest it. Do thou, O king, swallow it up and obtain peace. They + that are tortured by disease have no liking for enjoyments, nor do they + desire any happiness from wealth. The sick, however, filled with sorrow, + know not what happiness is or what the enjoyments of wealth are. Beholding + Draupadi won at dice, I told thee before, O king, these words,—They + that are honest avoid deceit in play. Therefore, stop Duryodhana! Thou + didst not, however, act according to my words. That is not strength which + is opposed to softness. On the other hand, strength mixed with softness + constitutes true policy which should ever be pursued. That prosperity + which is dependent on crookedness alone is destined to be destroyed. That + prosperity, however, which depends on both strength and softness, descends + to sons and grandsons intact. Let, therefore, thy sons cherish the + Pandavas, and the Pandavas also cherish thy sons. O king, let the Kurus + and the Pandavas, both having the same friends and the same foes, live + together in happiness and prosperity. Thou art, today, O king, the refuge + of the sons of Kuru. Indeed, the race of Kuru, O Ajamida, is dependent on + thee. O sire, preserving thy fame unsullied, cherish thou the children of + Pandu, afflicted as they are with the sufferings of exile. O descendant of + Kuru, make peace with the sons of Pandu. Let not thy foes discover thy + holes. They all, O god among men, are devoted to truth. O king of men, + withdraw Duryodhana from his evil ways.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0036" id="link52H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O son of Vichitravirya, Manu, the son of the Self-created, + hath, O king, spoken of the following seven and ten kinds of men, as those + that strike empty space with their fists, or seek to bend the vapoury bow + of Indra in the sky, or desire to catch the intangible rays of the sun. + These seven and ten kinds of foolish men are as follow: he who seeketh to + control a person that is incapable of being controlled; he who is content + with small gains; he who humbly pays court to enemies; he who seeks to + restrain women’s frailty; he who asketh him for gifts who should never be + asked; he who boasteth, having done anything; he who, born in a high + family, perpetrateth an improper deed; he who being weak always wageth + hostilities with one that is powerful; he who talketh to a person + listening scoffingly; he who desireth to have that which is unattainable; + he who being a father-in-law, jesteth with his daughter-in-law; he who + boasteth at having his alarms dispelled by his daughter-in-law; he who + scattereth his own seeds in another’s field; he who speaketh ill of his + own wife; he who having received anything from another sayeth that he doth + not remember it, he who, having given away anything in words in holy + places, boasteth at home when asked to make good his words, and he who + striveth to prove the truth of what is false. The envoys of Yama, with + nooses in hand, drag those persons to hell. One should behave towards + another just as that other behaveth towards him. Even this is consistent + with social polity. One may behave deceitfully towards him that behaveth + deceitfully, but honestly towards him that is honest in his behaviour. Old + age killeth beauty; patience, hope; death, life; the practice of virtue, + worldly enjoyments; lust, modesty; companionship with the wicked, good + behaviour; anger, prosperity; and pride, everything.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Man hath been spoken of in all the Vedas as having + hundred years for the period of his life. For what reason then, do not all + men attain the allotted period?’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Excess of pride, excess in speech, excess in eating, anger, + the desire of enjoyment, and intestine dissensions,—these, O king, + are six sharp swords that cut off the period of life allotted to + creatures. It is these which kill men, and not death. Knowing this, + blessed be thou!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘He who appropriates to himself the wife of one who hath confided in him; + he who violates the bed of his preceptor; that Brahmana, O Bharata, who + becomes the husband of a Sudra woman, or drinks wines; he who commendeth + Brahmanas or becometh their master, or taketh away the lands that support + them; and he who taketh the lives of those who yield asking for + protection, are all guilty of the sin of slaying Brahmanas. The Vedas + declare that contact with these requires expiation. He that accepts the + teaching of the wise; he that is acquainted with the rules of morality; he + that is liberal; he that eateth having first dedicated the food to the + gods and Pitris; he that envieth none; he that is incapable of doing + anything that injureth others; he that is grateful, truthful, humble and + learned, succeedeth in attaining to heaven. + </p> + <p> + “‘They are abundant, O king, that can always speak agreeable words. The + speaker, however, is rare, as also the hearer, of words that are + disagreeable but medicinal. That man who, without regarding what is + agreeable or disagreeable to his master but keeping virtue alone in view, + sayeth what is unpalatable, but medicinal, truly addeth to the strength of + the king. For the sake of the family a member may be sacrificed; for the + sake of the village, a family may be sacrificed; for the sake of a kingdom + a village may be sacrificed; and for the sake of one’s soul, the whole + earth may be sacrificed. One should protect his wealth in view of the + calamities that may overtake him; by his wealth one should protect his + wives, and by both his wealth and wives one should protect his own self. + From very olden times it hath been seen that gambling provoketh quarrels. + Therefore, he that is wise, should not resort to it even in jest. O son of + Pratipa, at the time of that gambling match I told thee, O king—this + is not proper. But, O son of Vichitravirya, like medicine to a sick man, + those words of mine were not agreeable to thee. O king, thou desirest to + vanquish the sons of Pandu, who are just as peacocks of variegated + plumage, whereas thy sons are all as crows. Forsaking lions thou art + protecting jackals! O king, when the time cometh, thou wilt have to grieve + for all this. That master, O sire, who doth not give vent to his + displeasure with devoted servants zealously pursuing his good, enlisteth + the confidence of his servants. In fact, the latter adhere to him even in + distress. By confiscating the grants to one’s servants or stopping their + pay, one should not seek to amass wealth, for even affectionate + counsellors deprived of their means of life and enjoyment, turn against + him and leave him (in distress). Reflecting first on all intended acts and + adjusting the wages and allowances of servants with his income and + expenditure, a king should make proper alliances, for there is nothing + that cannot be accomplished by alliances. That officer who fully + understanding the intentions of his royal master dischargeth all duties + with alacrity, and who is respectable himself and devoted to his master, + always telleth what is for his master’s good, and who is fully acquainted + with the extent of his own might and with that also of those against whom + he may be engaged, should be regarded by the king as his second self. That + servant, however, who commanded (by his master) disregardeth the latter’s + injunctions and who enjoined to do anything refuseth to submit, proud as + he is of his own intelligence and given to arguing against his master, + should be got rid of without the least delay. Men of learning say that a + servant should be endued with these eight qualities, viz., absence of + pride, ability, absence of procrastination, kindness, cleanliness, + incorruptibility, birth in a family free from the taint of disease, and + weightiness of speech. No man should confidently enter an enemy’s house + after dusk even with notice. One should not at night lurk in the yard of + another’s premises, nor should one seek to enjoy a woman to whom the king + himself might make love. Never set thyself against the decision to which a + person hath arrived who keepeth low company and who is in the habit of + consulting all he meeteth. Never tell him,—“I do not believe thee,”—but + assigning some reason send him away on a pretext. A king who is + exceedingly merciful, a woman of lewd character, the servant of a king, a + son, a brother, a widow having an infant son, one serving in the army, and + one that hath suffered great losses, should never be engaged in pecuniary + transactions of lending or borrowing. These eight qualities shed a lustre + on men, viz., wisdom, high lineage, acquaintance with scriptures, + self-restraint, prowess, moderation in speech, gift to the extent of one’s + power, and gratefulness. These high qualities, O sire, are necessarily + brought together by one only by gifts. When the king favours a person, + that incident (of royal favour) bringeth in all others and holdeth them + together. He that performeth ablutions winneth these ten, viz., strength, + beauty, a clear voice, capacity to utter all the alphabetical sounds, + delicacy of touch, fineness of scent, cleanliness, gracefulness, delicacy + of limbs, and beautiful women. He that eateth sparingly winneth these six, + viz., health, long life, and ease; his progeny also becometh healthy, and + nobody reproacheth him for gluttony. One should not give shelter to these + in his house, viz., one that always acteth improperly, one that eateth too + much, one that is hated by all, one that is exceedingly deceitful, one + that is cruel, one that is ignorant of the proprieties of time and place, + and one that dresseth indecently. A person, however distressed, should + never solicit a miser for alms, or one that speaketh ill of others, or one + that is unacquainted with the shastras, or a dweller in the woods, or one + that is cunning, or one that doth not regard persons worthy of regard, or + one that is cruel, or one that habitually quarrels with others, or one + that is ungrateful. A person should never wait upon these six worst of + men, viz., one that is a foe, one that always errs, one that is wedded to + falsehood, one that is wanting in devotion to the gods, one that is + without affection, and one that always regards himself competent to do + everything. One’s purposes depend (for their success) on means; and means + are dependent, again, on the nature of the purposes (sought to be + accomplished by them). They are intimately connected with each other, so + that success depends on both. Begetting sons and rendering them + independent by making some provision for them, and bestowing maiden + daughters on eligible persons, one should retire to the woods, and desire + to live as a Muni. One should, for obtaining the favours of the Supreme + Being, do that which is for the good of all creatures as also for his own + happiness, for it is this which is the root of the successful of all one’s + objects. What anxiety hath he for a livelihood that hath intelligence, + energy, prowess, strength, alacrity and perseverance? + </p> + <p> + “‘Behold the evils of a rupture with the Pandavas which would sadden the + very gods with Sakra. These are, first, enmity between them that are all + thy sons; secondly, a life of continued anxiety; thirdly, the loss of the + fair fame of the Kurus; and lastly, the joy of those that are thy enemies. + The wrath of Bhishma, O thou of the splendour of Indra, of Drona, and the + king Yudhishthira, will consume the whole world, like a comet of large + proportions falling transversely on the earth. Thy hundred sons and Karna + and the sons of Pandu can together rule the vast earth with the belt of + the seas. O king, the Dhartarashtras constitute a forest of which the + Pandavas are, I think, tigers. O, do not cut down that forest with its + tigers! O, let not the tigers be driven from that forest! There can be no + forest without tigers, and no tigers without a forest. The forest shelters + the tigers and tigers guard the forest!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘They that are sinful never seek so much to ascertain the good qualities + of others as to ascertain their faults. He that desires the highest + success in all matters connected with worldly profit, should from the very + beginning practise virtue, for true profit is never separated from heaven. + He whose soul hath been dissociated from sin and firmly fixed on virtue, + hath understood all things in their natural and adventitious states; he + that followeth virtue, profit, and desire, in proper seasons, obtaineth, + both here and hereafter, a combination of all three. He that restraineth + the force of both anger and joy, and never, O king, loseth his senses + under calamities, winneth prosperity. Listen to me, O king. Men are said + to have five different kinds of strength. Of these, the strength of arms + is regarded to be of the most inferior kind. Blessed be thou, the + acquisition of good counsellors is regarded as the second kind of + strength. The wise have said that the acquisition of wealth is the third + kind of strength. The strength of birth, O king, which one naturally + acquireth from one’s sires and grandsires, is regarded as the fourth kind + of strength. That, however, O Bharata, by which all these are won, and + which is the foremost of all kinds of strength, is called the strength of + the intellect. Having provoked the hostility of a person who is capable of + inflicting great injury on a fellow creature, one should not gather + assurance from the thought that one liveth at a distance from the other. + Who that is wise that can place his trust on women, kings, serpents, his + own master, enemies, enjoyments, and period of life? There are no + physicians nor medicines for one that hath been struck by the arrow of + wisdom. In the case of such a person neither the mantras of homa, nor + auspicious ceremonies, nor the mantras of the Atharva Veda, nor any of the + antidotes of poison, are of any efficacy. Serpents, fire, lions, and + consanguineous relatives,—none of these, O Bharata, should be + disregarded by a man; all of these are possessed of great power. Fire is a + thing of great energy in this world. It lurketh in wood and never + consumeth it till it is ignited by others. That very fire, when brought + out by friction, consumeth by its energy not only the wood in which it + lurketh, but also an entire forest and many other things. Men of high + lineage are just like fire in energy. Endued with forgiveness, they betray + no outward symptoms of wrath and are quiet like fire in wood. Thou, O + king, with thy sons art possessed of the virtue of creepers, and the sons + of Pandu are regarded as Sala trees. A creeper never groweth unless there + is a large tree to twine round. O king, O son of Ambika, thy son is as a + forest. O sire, know that the Pandavas are the lions of that forest. + Without its lions the forest is doomed to destruction, and lions also are + doomed to destruction without the forest (to shelter them).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0037" id="link52H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘The heart of a young man, when an aged and venerable person + cometh to his house (as a guest), soareth aloft. By advancing forward and + saluting him, he getteth it back. He that is self-controlled, first + offering a seat, and bringing water and causing his guest’s feet to be + washed and making the usual enquiries of welcome, should then speak of his + own affairs, and taking everything into consideration, offer him food. The + wise have said that man liveth in vain in whose dwelling a Brahmana + conversant with mantras doth not accept water, honey and curds, and kine + from fear of being unable to appropriate them, or from miserliness and + unwillingness with which the gifts are made. A physician, a maker of + arrows, even one that hath given up the vow of Brahmacharya before it is + complete, a thief, a crooked-minded man, a Brahmana that drinks, one that + causeth miscarriage, one that liveth by serving in the army, and one that + selleth the Vedas, when arrived as a guest, however undeserving he may be + the offer of water should be regarded (by a householder) as exceedingly + dear. A Brahmana should never be a seller of salt, of cooked food, curds, + milk, honey, oil, clarified butter, sesame, meat, fruits, roots, potherbs, + dyed clothes, all kinds of perfumery, and treacle. He that never giveth + way to anger, he that is above grief, he that is no longer in need of + friendship and quarrels, he that disregardeth both praise and blame, and + he that standeth aloof from both what is agreeable and disagreeable, like + one perfectly withdrawn from the world, is a real Yogin of the Bhikshu + order. That virtuous ascetic who liveth on rice growing wild, or roots, or + potherbs, who hath his soul under control, who carefully keepeth his fire + for worship, and dwelling in the woods is always regardful of guests, is + indeed, the foremost of his brotherhood. Having wronged an intelligent + person, one should never gather assurance from the fact that one liveth at + a distance from the person wronged. Long are the arms which intelligent + persons have, by which they can return wrongs for wrongs done to them. One + should never put trust on him who should not be trusted, nor put too much + trust on him who should be trusted, for the danger that ariseth from one’s + having reposed trust on another cutteth off one’s very roots. One should + renounce envy, protect one’s wives, give to others what is their due, and + be agreeable in speech. One should be sweet-tongued and pleasant in his + address as regards one’s wives, but should never be their slave. It hath + been said that wives that are highly blessed and virtuous, worthy of + worship and the ornaments of their homes, are really embodiments of + domestic prosperity. They should, therefore, be protected particularly. + One should devolve the looking over of his inner apartments on his father; + of the kitchen, on his mother; of the kine, on somebody he looks upon as + his own self; but as regards agriculture, one should look over it himself. + One should look after guests of the trader-caste through his servants, and + those of the Brahmana caste through his sons. Fire hath its origin in + water; Kshatriyas in Brahmanas; and iron in stone. The energy of those + (i.e., fire, Kshatriyas, and iron) can affect all things but is + neutralised as soon as the things come in contact with their progenitors. + Fire lieth concealed in wood without showing itself externally. Good and + forgiving men born of high families and endued with fiery energy, do not + betray any outward symptoms of what is within them. That king whose + counsels cannot be known by either outsiders or those about him, but who + knoweth the counsels of others through his spies, enjoyeth his prosperity + long. One should never speak of what one intends to do. Let anything thou + doest in respect of virtue, profit, and desire, be not known till it is + done. Let counsels be not divulged. Ascending on the mountain-top or on + the terrace of a palace, or proceeding to a wilderness devoid of trees and + plants, one should, in secrecy, mature his counsels. O Bharata, neither a + friend who is without learning, nor a learned friend who hath no control + over his senses, deserveth to be a repository of state secrets. O king, + never make one thy minister without examining him well, for a king’s + finances and the keeping of his counsels both depend on his minister. That + king is the foremost of rulers, whose ministers know his acts in respect + of virtue, profit and desire, only after they are done. The king whose + counsels are kept close, without doubt, commandeth success. He that from + ignorance committeth acts that are censurable, loseth his very life in + consequence of the untoward results of those acts. The doing of acts that + are praise-worthy is always attended with ease. Omission to do such acts + leadeth to repentance. As a Brahmana without having studied the Vedas is + not fit to officiate at a Sraddha (in honour of the Pitris), so he that + hath not heard of the six (means for protecting a kingdom) deserveth not + to take part in political deliberations. O king, he that hath an eye upon + increase, decrease, and surplus, he that is conversant with the six means + and knoweth also his own self, he whose conduct is always applauded, + bringeth the whole earth under subjection to himself. He whose anger and + joy are productive of consequences, he who looketh over personally what + should be done, he who hath his treasury under his own control, bringeth + the whole earth under subjection to himself. The king should be content + with the name he wins and the umbrella that is held over his head. He + should divide the wealth of the kingdom among these that serve him. Alone + he should not appropriate everything. A Brahmana knoweth a Brahmana, the + husband understandeth the wife, the king knoweth the minister, and + monarchs know monarchs. A foe that deserveth death, when brought under + subjection should never be set free. If one be weak one should pay court + to one’s foe that is stronger, even if the latter deserves death; but one + should kill that foe as soon as one commandeth sufficient strength, for, + if not killed, dangers soon arise from him. One should, with an effort, + control his wrath against the gods, kings, Brahmanas, old men, children, + and those that are helpless. He that is wise should avoid unprofitable + quarrels such as fools only engage in. By this one winneth great fame in + this world and avoideth misery and unhappiness. People never desire him + for a master whose grace is fruitless and whose wrath goest for nothing, + like women never desiring him for a husband who is a eunuch. Intelligence + doth not exist for the acquisition of wealth, nor is idleness the cause of + adversity; the man of wisdom only knoweth, and not others, the cause of + the diversities of condition in this world. The fool, O Bharata, always + disregardeth those that are elderly in years, and eminent in conduct and + knowledge, in intelligence, wealth, and lineage. Calamities soon come upon + them that are of wicked disposition, devoid of wisdom, envious, or sinful, + foul-tongued, and wrathful. Absence of deceitfulness, gifts, observance of + the established rules of intercourse, and speech well-controlled, bring + all creatures under subjection. He that is without deceitfulness, he that + is active, grateful, intelligent, and guileless, even if his treasury be + empty, obtaineth friends, counsellors, and servants. Intelligence, + tranquillity of mind, self-control, purity, absence of harsh speech and + unwillingness to do anything disagreeable to friends,—these seven + are regarded as the fuel of prosperity’s flame. The wretch who doth not + give to others their due, who is of wicked soul, who is ungrateful, and + shameless, should, O king, be avoided. The guilty person who provoketh + another about him that is innocent, cannot sleep peacefully at night, like + a person passing the night with a snake in the same room. They, O Bharata, + who upon being angry endanger one’s possessions and means of acquisition, + should always be propitiated like the very gods. Those objects that depend + upon women, careless persons, men that have fallen away from the duties of + their caste, and those that are wicked in disposition, are doubtful of + success. They sink helplessly, O king, like a raft made of stone, who have + a woman, a deceitful person, or a child, for their guide. They that are + competent in the general principles of work, though not in particular + kinds of work are regarded by men as learned and wise for particular kinds + of work, are subsidiary. That man who is highly spoken of by swindlers, + mimes and women of ill fame, is more dead than alive. Forsaking these + mighty bowmen of immeasurable energy, viz., the sons of Pandu, thou hast, + O Bharata, devolved on Duryodhana, the cares of a mighty empire. Thou + shalt, therefore, soon see that swelling affluence fall off, like Vali + fallen off from the three worlds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0038" id="link52H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Man is not the disposer of either his prosperity or + adversity. He is like a wooden doll moved by strings. Indeed, the Creator + hath made man subject to Destiny. Go on telling me, I am attentive to what + thou sayest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O Bharata, by speaking words out of season even Vrihaspati + himself incurreth reproach and the charge of ignorance, one becometh + agreeable by gift, another by sweet words, a third by the force of + incantation and drugs. He, however, that is naturally agreeable, always + remaineth so. He that is hated by another is never regarded by that other + as honest or intelligent or wise. One attributeth everything good to him + one loveth; and everything evil to him one hateth. O king, as soon as + Duryodhana was born I told thee,—thou shouldst abandon this one son, + for by abandoning him thou wouldst secure the prosperity of thy hundred + sons,—and by keeping him, destruction would overtake thy hundred + sons, that gain should never be regarded highly which leadeth to loss. On + the other hand, that loss even should be regarded highly which would bring + on gain. That is no loss, O king, which bringeth on gain. That, however, + should be reckoned as loss which is certain to bring about greater losses + still. Some become eminent in consequence of good qualities; others become + so in consequence of wealth. Avoid them, O Dhritarashtra, that are eminent + in wealth but destitute of good qualities!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘All that you sayest is approved by the wise and is + for my future good. I dare not, however, abandon my son. It is well-known + that where there is righteousness there is victory.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘He that is graced with every virtue and is endued with + humility, is never indifferent to even the minutest sufferings of living + creatures. They, however, that are ever employed in speaking ill of + others, always strive with activity quarrelling with one another and in + all matters, calculated to give pain to others. There is sin in accepting + gifts from, and danger in making gifts to them, whose very sight is + inauspicious and whose companionship is fraught with danger. They that are + quarrelsome, covetous, shameless, deceitful, are known to be unrighteous, + and their companionship should always be avoided. One should also avoid + those men that are endued with similar faults of a grave nature. When the + occasion that caused the friendship is over the friendship of those that + are low, the beneficial result of that connection, and the happiness also + derivable from it, all come to an end. They then strive to speak ill of + their (late) friend and endeavour to inflict loss on him, and if the loss + they sustain be even very small, for all that they, from want of + self-control, fail to enjoy peace. He that is learned, examining + everything carefully and reflecting well, should, from a distance, avoid + the friendship of vile and wicked-minded persons such as these. He that + helpeth his poor and wretched and helpless relatives, obtain children and + animals and enjoyeth prosperity that knoweth no end. They that desire + their own benefit should always succour their relatives. By every means, + therefore, O king, do thou seek the growth of thy race. Prosperity will be + thine, O Monarch, if thou behavest well towards all thy relatives. Even + relatives that are destitute of good qualities should be protected. O bull + of the Bharata race, how much more, therefore, should they be protected + that are endued with every virtue and are humbly expectant of thy favours? + Favour thou the heroic sons of Pandu, O monarch, and let a few villages be + assigned to them for their maintenance. By acting thus, O king, fame will + be thine in this world. Thou art old; thou shouldst, therefore, control + thy sons. I should say what is for thy good. Know me as one that wishes + well to thee. He that desireth his own good should never quarrel, O sire, + with his relatives. O bull of the Bharata race, happiness should ever be + enjoyed with one’s relatives, and not without them, to eat with one + another, to talk with one another, and to love one another, are what + relatives should always do. They should never quarrel. In this world it is + the relatives that rescue, and the relatives that ruin (relatives). Those + amongst them that are righteous rescue; while those that are unrighteous + sink (their brethren). O king, be thou, O giver of honours, righteous in + thy conduct towards the sons of Pandu. Surrounded by them, thou wouldst be + unconquerable by thy foes. If a relative shrinks in the presence of a + prosperous relative, like a deer at sight of a hunter armed with arrows, + then the prosperous relative hath to take upon himself all the sins of the + other. O best of men, repentance will be thine (for this thy inaction at + present) when in future thou wilt hear of the death of either the Pandavas + or thy sons. O, think of all this. When life itself is unstable, one + should in the very beginning avoid that act in consequence of which one + would have to indulge in regrets having entered the chamber of woe. True + it is that a person other than Bhargava, the author of the science of + morality is liable to commit actions that go against morality. It is seen, + however, that a just notion of consequence is present in all persons of + intelligence. Thou art an aged scion of Kuru’s race. If Duryodhana + inflicted these wrongs on the sons of Pandu, it is thy duty, O king of + men, to undo them all. Re-instating them in their position, thou wilt, in + this world, be cleansed of all thy sins and be, O king of men, an object + of worship with even those that have their souls under control. Reflecting + on the well-spoken words of the wise according to their consequences, he + that engageth in acts never loseth fame. The knowledge imparted by even + men of learning and skill is imperfect, for that which is sought to be + inculcated is ill-understood, or, if understood, is not accomplished in + practice. That learned person who never doth an act, the consequences of + which are sin and misery, always groweth (in prosperity). The person, + however, of wicked soul, who from folly pursueth his sinful course + commenced before falleth into a slough of deep mire. He that is wise + should ever keep in view the (following) six conduits by which counsels + become divulged, and he that desireth success and a long dynasty should + ever guard himself from those six. They are, intoxication, sleep, + inattention to spies, set over one by another, one’s own demeanour as + dependent on the working of one’s own heart, confidence reposed on a + wicked counsellor, and unskilful envoys. Knowing these six doors (through + which counsels are divulged), he that keepeth them shut while pursuing the + attainment of virtue, profit, and desire, succeedeth in standing over the + heads of his foes. Without an acquaintance with the scriptures and without + waiting upon the old, neither virtue nor profit can be known (or won) by + persons blessed even with the intelligence of Vrihaspati. A thing is lost + if cast into the sea; words are lost if addressed to one that listens not; + the scriptures are lost on one that hath not his soul under control; and a + libation of clarified butter is lost if poured over the ashes left by a + fire that is extinguished. He that is endued with the intelligence maketh + friendships with those that are wise, having first examined by the aid of + his intelligence, repeatedly searching by his understanding, and using his + ears, eyes, and judgment. Humility removeth obloquy, ears, failure, + prowess; forgiveness always conquereth anger; and auspicious rites destroy + all indications of evil. One’s lineage, O king, is tested by his objects + of enjoyment, place of birth, house, behaviour, food, and dress. When an + object of enjoyment is available, even that one who hath attained + emancipation is not unwilling to enjoy; what, again, need be said of him + that is yet wedded to desire? A king should cherish a counsellor that + worshippeth persons of wisdom, is endued with learning, virtue, agreeable + appearance, friends, sweet speech, and a good heart. Whether of low or + high birth, he who doth not transgress the rules of polite intercourse, + who hath an eye on virtue, who is endued with humility and modesty, is + superior to a hundred persons of high birth. The friendship of those + persons never cooleth, whose hearts, secret pursuits, and pleasures, and + acquirements, accord in every respect. He that is intelligent should avoid + an ignorant person of wicked soul, like a pit whose mouth is covered with + grass, for friendship with such a person can never last. The man of wisdom + should never contract friendship with those that are proud, ignorant, + fierce, rash and fallen off from righteousness. He that is grateful, + virtuous, truthful, large-hearted, and devoted, and he that hath his + senses under control, preserveth his dignity, and never forsaketh a + friend, should be desired for a friend. The withdrawal of the senses from + their respective objects is equivalent to death itself. Their excessive + indulgence again would ruin the very gods. Humility, love of all + creatures, forgiveness, and respect for friends,—these, the learned + have said, lengthen life. He who with a firm resolution striveth to + accomplish by a virtuous policy purposes that have once been frustrated, + is said to possess real manhood. That man attaineth all his objects, who + is conversant with remedies to be applied in the future, who is firmly + resolved in the present, and who could anticipate in the past how an act + begun would end. That which a man pursueth in word, deed, and thought, + winneth him for its own; therefore, one should always seek that which is + for his good. Effort after securing what is good, the properties of time, + place, and means, acquaintance with the scriptures, activity, + straightforwardness, and frequent meetings with those that are good,—these + bring about prosperity. Perseverance is the root of prosperity, of gain, + and of what is beneficial. The man that pursueth an object with + perseverance and without giving it up in vexation, is really great, and + enjoyeth happiness that is unending. O sire, there is nothing more + conducive of happiness and nothing more proper for a man of power and + energy as forgiveness in every place and at all times. He that is weak + should forgive under all circumstances. He that is possessed of power + should show forgiveness from motives of virtue; and he, to whom the + success or failure of his objects is the same, is naturally forgiving. + That pleasure the pursuit of which doth not injure one’s virtue and + profit, should certainly be pursued to one’s fill. One should not, + however, act like a fool by giving free indulgence to his senses. + Prosperity never resides in one who suffers himself to be tortured by a + grief, who is addicted to evil ways, who denies Godhead, who is idle, who + hath not his senses under control, and who is divested of exertion. The + man that is humble, and who from humility is modest is regarded as weak + and persecuted by persons of misdirected intelligence. Prosperity never + approacheth from fear the person that is excessively liberal, that giveth + away without measure, that is possessed of extraordinary bravery, that + practiseth the most rigid vows, and that is very proud of his wisdom. + Prosperity doth not reside in one that is highly accomplished, nor in one + that is without any accomplishment. She doth not desire a combination of + all the virtues, nor is she pleased with the total absence of all virtues. + Blind, like a mad cow, prosperity resides with some one who is not + remarkable. The fruits of the Vedas are ceremonies performed before the + (homa) fire; the fruits of an acquaintance with the scriptures are + goodness of disposition and conduct. The fruits of women are the pleasures + of intercourse and offspring; and the fruits of wealth are enjoyment and + charity. He that performeth acts tending to secure his prosperity in the + other world with wealth acquired sinfully, never reapeth the fruits of + these acts in the other world, in consequence of the sinfulness of the + acquisitions (spent for the purpose). In the midst of deserts, or deep + woods, or inaccessible fastnesses, amid all kinds of dangers and alarms or + in view of deadly weapons upraised for striking him, he that hath strength + of mind entertaineth no fear. Exertion, self-control, skill, carefulness, + steadiness, memory, and commencement of acts after mature deliberation,—know + that these are the roots of prosperity. Austerities constitute the + strength of ascetics; the Vedas are the strength of those conversant with + them; in envy lieth the strength of the wicked; and in forgiveness, the + strength of the virtuous. These eight, viz., water, roots, fruits, milk, + clarified butter (what is done at) the desire of a Brahmana, (or at) the + command of a preceptor, and medicine, are not destructive of a vow. That + which is antagonistic to one’s own self, should never be applied in + respect of another. Briefly even this is virtue. Other kinds of virtue + there are, but these proceed from caprice. Anger must be conquered by + forgiveness; and the wicked must be conquered by honesty; the miser must + be conquered by liberality, and falsehood must be conquered by truth. One + should not place trust on a woman, a swindler, an idle person, a coward, + one that is fierce, one that boasts of his own power, a thief, an + ungrateful person, and an atheist. Achievements, period of life, fame, and + power—these four always expand in the case of him that respectfully + saluteth his superiors and waiteth upon the old. Do not set thy heart + after these objects which cannot be acquired except by very painful + exertion, or by sacrificing righteousness, or by bowing down to an enemy. + A man without knowledge is to be pitied; an act of intercourse that is not + fruitful is to be pitied; the people of a kingdom that are without food + are to be pitied; and a kingdom without a king is to be pitied. These + constitute the source of pain and weakness to embodied creatures: the + rains, decay of hills and mountains; absence of enjoyment; anguish of + women; and wordy arrows of the heart. The scum of the Vedas is want of + study; of Brahmanas, absence of vows; of the Earth, the Vahlikas; of man, + untruth; of the chaste woman, curiosity; of women, exile from home. The + scum of gold is silver; of silver, tin; of tin, lead; and of lead, useless + dross. One cannot conquer sleep by lying down; women by desire; fire by + fuel; and wine by drinking. His life is, indeed, crowned with success who + hath won his friends by gifts, his foes in battle, and wife by food and + drink; they who have thousands live; they, who have hundreds, also live. O + Dhritarashtra, forsake desire. There is none who cannot manage to live by + some means or other. Thy paddy, wheat, gold, animals, and women that are + on earth all cannot satiate even one person. Reflecting on this, they that + are wise never grieve for want of universal dominion. O king, I again tell + thee, adopt an equal conduct towards thy children, i.e., towards the sons + of Pandu and thy own sons.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0039" id="link52H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘Worshipped by the good and abandoning pride, that good man + who pursueth his objects without outstepping the limits of his power, soon + succeedeth in winning fame, for they that are good, when gratified with a + person, are certainly competent to bestow happiness on him. He that + forsaketh, of his own accord, even a great object owing to its being + fraught with unrighteousness, liveth happily, casting off all foes, like a + snake that hath cast off its slough. A victory gained by an untruth, + deceitful conduct towards the king, and insincerity of intentions + expressed before the preceptor,—these three are each equal to the + sin of slaying a Brahmana. Excessive envy, death, and boastfulness, are + the causes of the destruction of prosperity. Carelessness in waiting upon + a preceptor, haste, and boastlessness, are the three enemies of knowledge. + Idleness, inattention, confusion of the intellect, restlessness, gathering + for killing time, haughtiness, pride, and covetousness,—these seven + constitute, it is said, the faults of students in the pursuit of learning. + How can they that desire pleasure have knowledge? Students, again, engaged + in the pursuit of learning, cannot have pleasure. Votaries of pleasure + must give up knowledge, and votaries of knowledge must give up pleasure. + Fire is never gratified with fuel (but can consume any measure thereof). + The great ocean is never gratified with the rivers it receives (but can + receive any number of them). Death is never gratified even with entire + living creatures. A beautiful woman is never gratified with any number of + men (she may have). O king, hope killeth patience; Yama killeth growth; + anger killeth prosperity; miserliness killeth fame; absence of tending + killeth cattle; one angry Brahmana destroyeth a whole kingdom. Let goats, + brass, silver, honey, antidotes of poison, birds, Brahmanas versed in the + Vedas, old relatives, and men of high birth sunk in poverty, be always + present in thy house. O Bharata, Manu hath said that goats, bulls, sandal, + lyres, mirrors, honey, clarified butter, iron, copper, conch-shells, + salagram (the stony-image of Vishnu with gold within) and gorochana should + always be kept in one’s house for the worship of the gods. Brahmanas, and + guests, for all those objects are auspicious. O sire, I would impart to + thee another sacred lesson productive of great fruits, and which is the + highest of all teachings, viz., virtue should never be forsaken from + desire, fear, or temptation, nay, nor for the sake of life itself. Virtue + is everlasting; pleasure and pain are transitory; life is, indeed, + everlasting but its particular phases are transitory. Forsaking those + which are transitory, betake thyself to that which is everlasting, and let + contentment be thine, for contentment is the highest of all acquisitions. + Behold, illustrious and mighty kings, having ruled lands abounding with + wealth and corn, have become the victims of the Universal Destroyer, + leaving behind their kingdoms and vast sources of enjoyment. The son + brought up with anxious care, when dead, is taken up and carried away by + men (to the burning ground). With the dishevelled hair and crying + piteously, they then cast the body into the funeral pyre, as if it were a + piece of wood. Others enjoy the deceased’s wealth, while birds and fire + feast on the elements of his body. With two only he goeth to the other + world, viz., his merits and his sins which keep him company. Throwing away + the body, O sire, relatives, friends, and sons retrace their steps, like + birds abandoning trees without blossoms and fruits. The person cast into + the funeral pyre is followed only by his own acts. Therefore, should men + carefully and gradually earn the merit of righteousness. In the world + above this, and also in that below this, there are regions of great gloom + and darkness. Know, O king, that those are regions where the senses of men + are exceedingly afflicted. Oh, let not any of those places be thine. + Carefully listening to these words, if thou canst act according to them, + thou wilt obtain great fame in this world of men, and fear will not be + thine here or hereafter. O Bharata, the soul is spoken of as a river; + religious merit constitutes its sacred baths; truth, its water; + self-control, its banks; kindness, its waves. He that is righteous + purifieth himself by a bath therein, for the soul is sacred, and the + absence of desire is the highest merit. O king, life is a river whose + waters are the five senses, and whose crocodiles and sharks are desire and + anger. Making self-control thy raft, cross thou its eddies which are + represented by repeated births! Worshipping and gratifying friends that + are eminent in wisdom, virtue, learning, and years, he that asketh their + advice about what he should do and should not do, is never misled. One + should restrain one’s lust and stomach by patience; one’s hands and feet + by one’s eyes; one’s eyes and ears by one’s mind; and one’s mind and words + by one’s acts. That Brahmana who never omitteth to perform his ablutions, + who always weareth his sacred thread, who always attendeth to the study of + the Vedas, who always avoideth food that is unclean, who telleth the truth + and performeth acts in honour of his preceptor, never falleth off from the + region of Brahma. Having studied the Vedas, poured libations into fire, + performed sacrifices, protected subjects, sanctified his soul by drawing + weapons for protecting kine and Brahmanas, and died on the field of + battle, the Kshatriya attaineth to heaven. Having studied the Vedas, and + distributed in proper time, his wealth among Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and + his own dependents, and inhaled the sanctified smoke of the three kinds of + fires, the Vaisya enjoyeth heavenly bliss in the other world. Having + properly worshipped Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas in due order, and + having burnt his sins, by gratifying them, and then peacefully casting off + his body, the Sudra enjoyeth the bliss of heaven. The duties of the four + orders are thus set forth before thee. Listen now to the reason of my + speech as I discourse it. Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, is falling off + from the duties of the Kshatriya order. Place him, therefore, O king, in a + position to discharge the duties of kings.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘It is even so as thou always teachest me. O amiable + one, my heart also inclineth that very way of which thou tellest me. + Although, however, I incline in my mind towards the Pandavas even as thou + teachest me to do, yet as soon as I come in contact with Duryodhana it + turneth off in a different way. No creature is able to avert fate. Indeed, + Destiny, I think, is certain to take its course; individual exertion is + futile.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0040" id="link52H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <h3> + (Sanat-sujata Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘If there is anything still left unsaid by thee, O + Vidura, say it then, as I am ready to listen to thee. The discourse is, + indeed, charming.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O Dhritarashtra, O thou of the Bharata race, that ancient + and immortal Rishi Sanat-sujata who, leading a life of perpetual celibacy, + hath said that there is no Death,—that foremost of all intelligent + persons,—will expound to thee all the doubts, in thy mind, both + expressed and unexpressed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Dost thou not know what that immortal Rishi will say + unto me? O Vidura, do thou say it, if indeed, thou hast that degree of + wisdom.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘I am born in the Sudra order and, therefore, do not venture + to say more than what I have already said. The understanding, however, of + that Rishi leading a life of celibacy, is regarded by me to be infinite. + He that is a Brahmana by birth, by discoursing on even the profoundest + mysteries, never incurreth the censure of the gods. It is for this alone + that I do not discourse to thee, upon the subject.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Vidura, how with this body of mine I can + meet with that ancient and immortal one?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then Vidura began to think of that Rishi of rigid + vows. And knowing that he was thought of, the Rishi, O Bharata, showed + himself there. Vidura then received him with the rites prescribed by + ordinance. And when, having rested a while, the Rishi was seated at his + ease, Vidura addressed him, saying, ‘O illustrious one, there is a doubt + in Dhritarashtra’s mind which is incapable of being explained away by me. + It behooveth thee, therefore, to expound it, so that listening to thy + discourse, this chief of men may tide over all this sorrows, and to that + gain and loss, what is agreeable and what disagreeable, decrepitude and + death, fright and jealously, hunger and thirst, pride and prosperity, + dislike, sleep, lust and wrath, and decrease and increase may all be borne + by him!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0041" id="link52H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Then the illustrious and wise king Dhritarashtra, + having applauded the words spoken by Vidura, questioned Sanat-sujata in + secret, desirous of obtaining the highest of all knowledge. And the king + questioned the Rishi saying, ‘O Sanat-sujata, I hear that thou art of the + opinion that there is no Death. Again it is said that the gods and the + Asuras, practise ascetic austerities in order to avoid death. Of these two + opinions, then, which is true?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Some say, death is avertable by particular acts; in + others’ opinion there is no death; thou hast asked me which of these is + true. Listen to me, O king, as I discourse to thee on this, so that thy + doubts may be removed. Know, O Kshatriya, that both of these are true. The + learned are of opinion that death results from ignorance. I say that + ignorance is Death, and so the absence of ignorance (Knowledge) is + immortality. It is from ignorance that the Asuras became subject to defeat + and death, and it is from the absence of ignorance that the gods have + attained the nature of Brahman. Death doth not devour creatures like a + tiger; its form itself is unascertainable. Besides this, some imagine Yama + to be Death. This, however, is due to the weakness of the mind. The + pursuit of Brahman or self-knowledge is immortality. That (imaginary) god + (Yama) holdeth his sway in the region of the Pitris, being the source of + bliss to the virtuous and of woe to the sinful. It is at his command that + death in the form of wrath, ignorance, and covetousness, occurreth among + men. Swayed by pride, men always walk in unrighteous path. None amongst + them succeeds in attaining to his real nature. With their understanding + clouded, and themselves swayed by their passions, they cast off their + bodies and repeatedly fall into hell. They are always followed by their + senses. It is for this that ignorance receives the name of death. Those + men that desire the fruits of action when the time cometh for enjoying + those fruits, proceed to heaven, casting off their bodies. Hence they + cannot avoid death. Embodied creatures, from inability to attain the + knowledge of Brahman and from their connection with earthly enjoyments, + are obliged to sojourn in a cycle of re-births, up and down and around. + The natural inclination of man towards pursuits that are unreal is alone + the cause of the senses being led to error. The soul that is constantly + affected by the pursuit of objects that are unreal, remembering only that + with which it is always engaged, adoreth only earthly enjoyments that + surround it. The desire of enjoyments first killeth men. Lust and wrath + soon follow behind it. These three, viz., the desire of enjoyments, lust, + and wrath, lead foolish men to death. They, however, that have conquered + their souls, succeed by self-restraint, to escape death. He that hath + conquered his soul without suffering himself to be excited by his + ambitious desire, conquereth these, regarding them as of no value, by the + aid of self-knowledge. Ignorance, assuming the form of Yama, cannot devour + that learned man who controlled his desires in this manner. That man who + followeth his desires is destroyed along with his desires. He, however, + that can renounce desire, can certainly drive away all kinds of woe. + Desire is, indeed, ignorance and darkness and hell in respect of all + creatures, for swayed by it they lose their senses. As intoxicated persons + in walking along a street reel towards ruts and holes, so men under the + influence of desire, misled by deluding joys, run towards destruction. + What can death do to a person whose soul hath not been confounded or + misled by desire? To him, death hath no terrors, like a tiger made of + straw. Therefore, O Kshatriya, if the existence of desire, which is + ignorance, is to be destroyed, no wish, not even the slightest one, is + either to be thought of or pursued. That soul, which is in thy body, + associated as it is with wrath and covetousness and filled with ignorance, + that is death. Knowing that death arises in this way, he that relies on + knowledge, entertaineth no fear of death. Indeed, as the body is destroyed + when brought under the influence of death, so death itself is destroyed + when it comes under the influence of knowledge.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘The Vedas declare the emancipating capacity of those + highly sacred and eternal regions, that are said to be obtainable by the + regenerate classes by prayers and sacrifices. Knowing this, why should not + a learned person have recourse to (religious) acts?’<a href="#linknote-53" + name="linknoteref-53" id="linknoteref-53">3</a> + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Indeed, he that is without knowledge proceedeth + thither by the path indicated by thee, and the Vedas also declare that + thither are both bliss and emancipation. But he that regardeth the + material body to be self, if he succeeds in renouncing desire, at once + attaineth emancipation (or Brahman). If, however, one seeketh emancipation + without renouncing desire, one must have to proceed along the (prescribed) + route of action, taking care to destroy the chances of his retracing the + routes that he hath once passed over.‘<a href="#linknote-54" + name="linknoteref-54" id="linknoteref-54">4</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Who is it that urgeth that Unborn and Ancient One? + If, again, it is He that is all this Universe in consequence of His having + entered everything (without desire as He is) what can be His action, or + his happiness? O learned sage, tell me all this truly.‘<a + href="#linknote-55" name="linknoteref-55" id="linknoteref-55">5</a> + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘There is great objection in completely identifying + (as here) the two that are different creatures always spring from the + union of Conditions (with what in its essence is without Conditions). This + view doth not detract from the supremacy of the Unborn and the Ancient + One. As for men, they also originate in the union of Conditions. All this + that appears is nothing but that everlasting Supreme Soul. Indeed, the + universe is created by the Supreme Soul itself undergoing transformations. + The Vedas do attribute this power (of self-transformation) to the Supreme + Soul. For the identity, again, of the power and its possessor, both the + Vedas and others are the authority.‘<a href="#linknote-56" + name="linknoteref-56" id="linknoteref-56">6</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘In this world, some practise virtue, and some + renounce action or Karma (adopting what is called Sannyasa Yoga). + (Respecting those that practise virtue) I ask, is virtue competent to + destroy vice, or is it itself destroyed by vice?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘The fruits of virtue and of (perfect) inaction are + both serviceable in that respect (i.e., for procuring emancipation). + Indeed, both are sure means for the attainment of emancipation. The man, + however, that is wise, achieveth success by knowledge (inaction). On the + other hand, the materialist acquireth merit (by action) and (as the + consequence thereof) emancipation. He hath also (in course of his pursuit) + to incur sin. Having obtained again fruits of both virtue and vice which + are transitory, (heaven having its end as also hell in respect of the + virtuous and the sinful), the man of action becometh once more addicted to + action as the consequence of his own previous virtues and vices. The man + of action, however, who possesseth intelligence, destroyeth his sins by + his virtuous acts. Virtue, therefore, is strong, and hence the success of + the man of action.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, according to their gradation, of those + eternal regions that are said to be attainable, as the fruits of their own + virtuous acts, by regenerate persons, engaged in the practice of virtue. + Speak unto me of others’ regions also of a similar kind. O learned sire, I + do not wish to hear of actions (towards which man’s heart naturally + inclineth, however interdicted or sinful they may be).’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Those regenerate persons that take pride in their + Yoga practices, like strong men in their own strength, departing hence, + shine in the region of Brahman. Those regenerate persons that proudly + exert in performing sacrifices and other Vedic rites, as the fruit of that + knowledge which is theirs, in consequence of those acts, freed from this + world, proceed to that region which is the abode of the deities. There are + others, again, conversant with the Vedas, who are of opinion that the + performance of the sacrifices and rites (ordained by the Vedas) is + obligatory (their non-performance being sinful). Wedded to external forms, + though seeking the development of the inner self (for they practise these + rites for only virtue’s sake and not for the accomplishment of particular + aims), these persons should not be regarded very highly (although some + respect should be theirs). Wherever, again, food and drink worthy of a + Brahmana are abundant, like grass and reeds in a spot during the rainy + season, there should the Yogin seek for his livelihood (without afflicting + the householder of scanty means); by no means should he afflict his own + self by hunger and thirst. In a place, where there may be both + inconvenience and danger to one, for one’s aversion, to disclose one’s + superiority, he that doth not proclaim his superiority is better than he + that doth. The food offered by that person who is not pained at the sight + of another disclosing his superiority, and who never eateth without + offering the prescribed share to Brahmanas and guests, is approved by the + righteous. As a dog oftentimes devoureth its own evacuations to its + injury, so those Yogins devour their own vomit who procure their + livelihood by disclosing their pre-eminence. The wise know him for a + Brahmana, who, living in the midst of kindred, wishes his religious + practices to remain always unknown to them. What other Brahmana deserveth + to know the Supreme Soul, that is unconditioned, without attributes, + unchangeable, one and alone, and without duality of any kind? In + consequence of such practices, a Kshatriya can know the Supreme Soul and + behold it in his own soul. He that regardeth the Soul to be the acting and + feeling Self,—what sins are not committed by that thief who robbeth + the soul of its attributes? A Brahmana should be without exertion, should + never accept gifts, should win the respect of the righteous, should be + quiet, and though conversant with the Vedas should seem to be otherwise, + for then only may he attain to knowledge and know Brahman. They that are + poor in earthly but rich in heavenly wealth and sacrifices, become + unconquerable and fearless, and they should be regarded as embodiments of + Brahman. That person even, in this world, who (by performing sacrifices) + succeedeth in meeting with the gods that bestow all kinds of desirable + objects (on performers of sacrifices), is not equal to him that knoweth + Brahman for the performer of sacrifices hath to undergo exertions (while + he that knoweth Brahman attaineth to Him without such exertions). He was + said to be really honoured, who, destitute of actions, is honoured by the + deities. He should never regard himself as honoured who is honoured by + others. One should not, therefore, grieveth when one is not honoured by + others. People act according to their nature just as they open and shut + their eyelids; and it is only the learned that pay respect to others. The + man that is respected should think so. They again, in this world, that are + foolish, apt to sin, and adepts in deceit, never pay respect to those that + are worthy of respect; on the other hand, they always show disrespect to + such persons. The world’s esteem and asceticism (practices of Mauna), can + never exist together. Know that this world is for those that are + candidates for esteem, while the other world is for those that are devoted + to asceticism. Here, in this world, O Kshatriya, happiness (the world’s + esteem) resides in worldly prosperity. The latter, however, is an + impediment (to heavenly bliss). Heavenly prosperity, on the other hand, is + unattainable by one that is without true wisdom. The righteous say that + there are various kinds of gates, all difficult of being guarded, for + giving access to the last kind of prosperity. These are truth, + uprightness, modesty, self-control, purity of mind and conduct and + knowledge (of the Vedas). These six are destructive of vanity and + ignorance.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0042" id="link52H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘What is the object of asceticism (mauna)? Of the two + kinds of mauna (viz., the restraining of speech and meditation), which is + approved by thee? O learned one, tell me the true aspect of mauna. Can a + person of learning attain to a state of quietude and emancipation (moksha) + by that mauna? O Muni, how also is asceticism (mauna) to be practised + here?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Since the Supreme Soul cannot be penetrated by both + the Vedas and the mind, it is for this that Soul itself is called mauna. + That from which both the Vedic syllable Om and this one (ordinary sounds) + have arisen, that One, O king, is displayed as the Word.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Is he that knoweth both the Rig and the Yajus Vedas, + is he that knoweth the Sama Veda, sullied by sins or not when he commiteth + sins?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘I tell thee truly that the man that hath not + restrained his senses is not rescued from his sinful acts by either the + Sama or the Rig, or the Yajus Veda. The Vedas never rescue from sin the + deceitful person living by deceit. On the other hand, like newfledged + birds forsaking their nest, the Vedas forsake such a person at the end.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O thou that hast restrained thy senses, if, indeed, + the Vedas are not competent to rescue a person without the aid of virtue, + whence then is this delusion of the Brahmanas that the Vedas are always + destructive of sins?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘O magnanimous one, this universe hath sprung from + that Supreme Soul by the union of Conditions respecting name, form, and + other attributes. The Vedas also, pointing it out duly, declare the same, + and inculcate that the Supreme Soul and the universe are different and not + identical. It is for attaining to that Supreme Soul that asceticism and + sacrifices are ordained, and it is by these two that the man of learning + earneth virtue. Destroying sin by virtue, his soul is enlightened by + knowledge. The man of knowledge, by the aid of knowledge, attaineth to the + Supreme Soul. Otherwise, he that coveteth the four objects of human + pursuit, taking with him all that he doth here, enjoyeth their fruits + hereafter, and (as those fruits) are not everlasting cometh back to the + region of action (when the enjoyment is over). Indeed, the fruits of + ascetic austerities performed in this world have to be enjoyed in the + other world (as regards those persons who have not obtained the mastery of + their souls). As regards those Brahmanas employed in ascetic practices + (who have the mastery of their souls), even these regions are capable of + yielding fruits.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Sanat-sujata, how can ascetic austerities which + are all of the same kind, be sometimes successful and sometimes + unsuccessful? Tell us this in order that we may know it!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘That asceticism which is not stained by (desire and + other) faults is said to be capable of procuring emancipation, and is, + therefore, successful, while the asceticism that is stained by vanity and + want of true devotion is regarded as unsuccessful. All thy enquiries, O + Kshatriya, touch the very root of asceticism. It is by asceticism that + they that are learned, know Brahman and win immortality!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I have listened to what thou hast said about + asceticism unstained by faults, and by which I have succeeded in knowing + an eternal mystery. Tell me now, O Sanat-sujata, about asceticism that is + stained by faults!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘O king, the twelve, including anger, as also the + thirteen kinds of wickedness, are the faults of asceticism that is + stained. Anger, lust, avarice, ignorance of right and wrong, discontent, + cruelty, malice, vanity, grief, love of pleasure, envy, and speaking ill + of others, are generally the faults of human beings. These twelve should + always be avoided by men. Any one amongst these can singly effect the + destruction of men, O bull among men. Indeed, every one of these wait for + opportunity in respect of men, like a hunter expectant of opportunities in + respect of deer. Assertion of one’s own superiority, desire of enjoying + others’ wives, humiliating others from excess of pride, wrathfulness, + fickleness, and refusing to maintain those worthy of being maintained, + these six acts of wickedness are always practised by sinful men defying + all dangers here and hereafter. He that regards the gratification of lust + to be one of life’s aims, he that is exceedingly proud, he that grieves + having given away, he that never spends money, he that persecutes his + subjects by exacting hateful taxes, he that delights in the humiliation of + others, and he that hates his own wives,—these seven are others that + are also called wicked. Righteousness, truth (abstention from injury and + truthfulness of speech), self-restraint, asceticism, delight in the + happiness of others, modesty, forbearance, love of others, sacrifices, + gifts, perseverance, knowledge of the scriptures,—these twelve + constitute the practices of Brahmanas. He that succeeds in acquiring these + twelve, becomes competent to sway the entire earth. He that is endued with + three, two, or even one, of these, should be regarded of heavenly + prosperity. Self-restraint, renunciation, and knowledge of Self,—in + these are emancipation. Those Brahmanas that are endued with wisdom, say + that these are attributes in which truth predominates. Self-restraint is + constituted by eighteen virtues. Breaches and non-observance of ordained + acts and omissions, falsehood, malice, lust, wealth, love of (sensual) + pleasure, anger, grief, thirst, avarice, deceit, joy in the misery of + others, envy, injuring others, regret, aversion from pious acts, + forgetfulness of duty, calumniating others, and vanity—he that is + freed from these (eighteen) vices is said by the righteous to be + self-restrained. The eighteen faults (that have been enumerated) + constitute what is called mada or pride. Renunciation is of six kinds. The + reverse of those six again are faults called mada. (The faults, therefore, + that go by the name of mada are eighteen and six). The six kinds of + renunciation are all commendable. The third only is difficult of practice, + but by that all sorrow is overcome. Indeed, if that kind of renunciation + be accomplished in practice, he that accomplishes it overcomes all the + pairs of contraries in the world. + </p> + <p> + “‘The six kinds of renunciation are all commendable. They are these: The + first is never experiencing joy on occasions of prosperity. The second is + the abandonment of sacrifices, prayers, and pious acts. That which is + called the third, O king, is the abandonment of desire or withdrawing from + the world. Indeed, it is in consequence of this third kind of renunciation + of desire, which is evidenced by the abandonment of all objects of + enjoyment (without enjoying them) and not their abandonment after having + enjoyed them to the fill, nor by abandonment after acquisition, nor by + abandonment only after one has become incompetent to enjoy from loss of + appetite. The fourth kind of renunciation consists in this: One should not + grieve nor suffer his self to be afflicted by grief when one’s actions + fail, notwithstanding one’s possession of all the virtues and all kinds of + wealth. Or, when anything disagreeable happens, one feeleth no pain. The + fifth kind of renunciation consists in not soliciting even one’s sons, + wives, and others that may all be very dear. The sixth kind consists in + giving away to a deserving person who solicits, which act of gifts is + always productive of merit. By these again, one acquires the knowledge of + Self. As regards this last attribute, it involves eight qualities. These + are truth, meditation, distinction of subject and object, capacity for + drawing inferences, withdrawal from the world, never taking what belongeth + to others, the practices of Brahmacharya vows (abstinence), and + non-acceptance (of gifts). + </p> + <p> + “‘So also the attribute of mada (the opposite of dama or self-restraint) + hath faults which have all been indicated (in the scriptures). These + faults should be avoided. I have spoken (to thee) of renunciation and + self-knowledge. And as self-Knowledge hath eight virtues, so the want of + it hath eight faults. Those faults should be avoided. O Bharata, he that + is liberated from this five senses, mind, the past and the future, becomes + happy. O king, let thy soul be devoted to truth; all the worlds are + established on truth; indeed, self-control, renunciation, and + self-knowledge are said to have truth for their foremost attribute. + Avoiding (these) faults, one should practise asceticism here. The Ordainer + hath ordained that truth alone should be the vow of the righteous. + Asceticism, that is dissociated from these faults and endued with these + virtues, becomes the source of great prosperity. I have now briefly told + this about that sin-destroying and sacred subject which thou hadst asked + me and which is capable of liberating a person from birth, death, and + decrepitude.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘With Akhyana (Puranas) as their fifth, the Vedas + declare the Supreme Soul to be this universe consisting of mobile and + immobile things. Others regard four God-heads; and others three; others + again regard two; and others only one; and others regard Brahman alone as + the sole existent object (there being nothing else possessing a separate + existence). Amongst these, which should I know to be really possessed of + the knowledge of Brahman.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘There is but one Brahman which is Truth’s self. It is + from ignorance of that One, that god-heads have been conceived to be + diverse. But who is there, O king, that hath attained to Truth’s self or + Brahman? Man regardeth himself wise without knowing that One Object of + knowledge, and from desire of happiness is engaged in study and the + practices of charity and sacrifices. They have deviated from Truth + (Brahman) and entertain purposes corresponding (with their state) and + hence relying on the truth of Vedic texts thereof perform sacrifices. Some + perform (or attain the object of) sacrifices by the mind (meditation), + some by words (recitation of particular prayers, or Yapa); and some by + acts (actual consummation of the Yatishtoma and other costly rites). The + person, however, who seeketh Brahman through Truth, obtaineth his desired + objects at home. When however, one’s purposes become abortive (through + absence of knowledge of Self), one should adopt vows of silence and such + like, called Dikshavrata. Indeed, Diksha cometh from the root Diksha, + meaning the observance of vows. As regards those that have knowledge of + Self, with them Truth is the highest object of pursuit.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘The fruits of knowledge are visible; asceticism yieldeth fruits + hereafter. A Brahmana who (without knowledge and asceticism) hath only + read much should only be known as a great reader. Therefore, O Kshatriya, + never think that one can be a Brahman (Brahman-knowing) by only reading + the scriptures. He, on the other hand, should be known by thee to be + possessed of the knowledge of the Brahman who doth not deviate from Truth. + O Kshatriya, the verses that were recited by Atharvan to a conclave of + great sages, in days of old, are known by the name of Chhandas. They are + not be regarded as acquainted with the Chhandas who have only read through + the Vedas, without having attained to the knowledge of Him who is known + through the Vedas. The Chhandas, O best of men, become the means of + obtaining Brahman independently and without the necessity of anything + foreign. They cannot be regarded as acquainted with the Chhandas who are + acquainted only with the modes of sacrifice enjoined in the Vedas. On the + other hand, having waited upon those that are acquainted with the Vedas, + have not the righteous attained to the Object that is knowable by the + Vedas? There is none who hath truly caught the sense of the Vedas or there + may be some who have, O king, caught the sense. He that hath only read the + Vedas, doth not know the Object knowable by them. He, however, that is + established in Truth, knows the Object knowable by the Vedas. Amongst + those faculties which lead to perception of the body as the acting agent, + there is none by which true knowledge may be acquired. By the mind alone + one cannot acquire the knowledge of Self and Not-Self. Indeed, he that + knoweth Self also knoweth what is Not-self. He, on the other hand, that + knoweth only what is Not-self, doth not know Truth. He, again, that + knoweth the proofs, knoweth also that which is sought to be proved. But + what that Object in its nature is (which is sought to be proved) is not + known to either the Vedas or those that are acquainted with the Vedas. For + all that, however, those Brahmanas that are (truly) acquainted with the + Vedas succeed in obtaining a knowledge of the Object knowable (by the + Vedas) through the Vedas. As the branch of a particular tree is sometimes + resorted to for pointing out the lunar digit of the first day of the + lighted fortnight so the Vedas are used for indicating the highest + attributes of the Supreme Soul. I know him to be a Brahmana (possessing a + knowledge of Brahman) who expoundeth the doubts of others, having himself + mastered all his own doubts, and who is possessed of the knowledge of + Self. One cannot find what the Soul is by seeking in the East, the South, + the West, the North, or in the subsidiary directions or horizontally. Very + rarely can it be found in him who regardeth this body to be the Self. + Beyond the conception of even the Vedas, the man of Yoga-meditation only + can behold the Supreme. Completely restraining all thy senses and thy mind + also seek thou that Brahman which is known to reside in thy own Soul. He + is not a Muni who practiseth only Yoga-meditation; nor he who liveth only + in the woods (having retired from the world). He, however, is a Muni and + is superior to all who knoweth his own nature. In consequence of one’s + being able to expound every object (Vyakarana), one is said to be endued + with universal knowledge (Vaiyakarana); and, indeed, the science itself is + called Vyakarana owing to its being able to expound every object to its + very root (which is Brahman). The man who beholdeth all the regions as + present before his eyes, is said to be possessed of universal knowledge. + He that stayeth in Truth and knoweth Brahman is said to be a Brahmana, and + a Brahmana possesseth universal knowledge. A Kshatriya also, that + practises such virtues, may behold Brahman. He may also attain to that + high state by ascending step by step, according to what is indicated in + the Vedas. Knowing it for certain, I tell thee this.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0043" id="link52H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Excellent, O Sanat-sujata, as this thy discourse is, + treating of the attainment of Brahman and the origin of the universe. I + pray thee, O celebrated Rishi, to go on telling me words such as these, + that are unconnected with objects of worldly desire and are, therefore, + rare among men.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘That Brahman about which thou askest me with such joy + is not to be attained soon. After (the senses have been restrained and) + the will hath been merged in the pure intellect, the state that succeeds + in is one of utter absence of worldly thought. Even that is knowledge + (leading to the attainment of Brahman). It is attainable only by + practising Brahmacharya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Thou sayest that the knowledge of Brahman dwelleth + of itself in the mind, being only discovered by Brahmacharya; that is + dwelling in the mind, it requires for its manifestation no efforts (such + as are necessary for work) being manifested (of itself) during the seeking + (by means of Brahmacharya). How then is the immortality associated with + the attainment of Brahman?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Though residing in and inherent to the mind, the + knowledge of Brahman is still unmanifest. It is by the aid of the pure + intellect and Brahmacharya that that knowledge is made manifest. Indeed, + having attained to that knowledge, Yogins forsake this world. It is always + to be found among eminent preceptors. I shall now discourse to thee on + that knowledge.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘What should be the nature of that Brahmacharya by + which the knowledge of Brahman might be attained without much difficulty? + O regenerate one, tell me this.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘They, who, residing in the abodes of their preceptors + and winning their good will and friendship, practise Brahmacharya + austerities, become even in this world the embodiments of Brahman and + casting off their bodies are united with the Supreme Soul. They that in + this world desirous of obtaining the state of Brahman, subdue all desires, + and endued as they are with righteousness, they succeed in dissociating + the Soul from the body like a blade projected from a clump of heath. The + body, O Bharata, is created by these, viz., the father and the mother; the + (new) birth, however, that is due to the preceptor’s instructions is + sacred, free from decrepitude, and immortal. Discoursing upon Brahman and + granting immortality, he who wraps all persons with (the mantle of) truth, + should be regarded as father and mother; and bearing in mind the good he + does, one should never do him any injury. A disciple must habitually + salute his preceptor with respect, and with purity (of body and mind) and + well-directed attention, he must betake to study. He must not consider any + service as mean, and must not harbour anger. Even this is the first step + of Brahmacharya. The practices of that disciple who acquires knowledge by + observing the duties ordained for one of his class are regarded also as + the first step of Brahmacharya. A disciple should, with his very life and + all his possessions, in thought, word and deed, do all that is agreeable + to the preceptor. This is regarded as the second step of Brahmacharya. He + should behave towards his preceptor’s wife and son also in the same way as + towards his preceptor himself. This also is regarded as the second step of + Brahmacharya. Bearing well in mind what has been done to him by the + preceptor, and understanding also its object, the disciple should, with a + delighted heart think,—I have been taught and made great by him. + This is the third step of Brahmacharya. Without requiring the preceptor by + payment of the final gift, a wise disciple must not betake to another mode + of life; nor should he say or even think of in his mind,—I make this + gift. This is the fourth step of Brahmacharya. He attaineth the first step + of (knowledge of Brahman which is) the object of Brahmacharya by aid of + time; the second step, through the preceptor’s prelections; the third, by + the power of his own understanding; and finally, the fourth, by + discussion. The learned have said that Brahmacharya is constituted by the + twelve virtues, the Yoga-practices are called its Angas, and perseverance + in Yoga-meditation is called its Valam and one is crowned with success in + this in consequence of the preceptor’s aid and the understanding of the + sense of the Vedas. Whatever wealth a disciple, thus engaged, may earn, + should all be given to the preceptor. It is thus that the preceptor + obtaineth his highly praise-worthy livelihood. And thus also should the + disciple behave towards the preceptor’s son. Thus stationed (in + Brahmacharya), the disciple thriveth by all means in this world and + obtaineth numerous progeny and fame. Men also from all directions shower + wealth upon him; and many people come to his abode for practising + Brahmacharya. It is through Brahmacharya of this kind that the celestials + attained to their divinity, and sages, highly blessed and of great wisdom, + have obtained the region of Brahman. It is by this that the Gandharvas and + the Apsaras acquired such personal beauty, and it is through Brahmacharya + that Surya riseth to make the day. As the seekers of the philosopher’s + stone derive great happiness when they obtain the object of their search + those mentioned above (the celestials and others), on completing their + Brahmacharya, derive great happiness in consequence of being able to have + whatever they desire. He, O king, who devoted to the practice of ascetic + austerities, betaketh himself to Brahmacharya in its entirety and thereby + purifieth his body, is truly wise, for by this he becometh like a child + (free from all evil passions) and triumpheth over death at last. Men, O + Kshatriya, by work, however pure, obtain only worlds that are perishable; + he, however, that is blessed with Knowledge, attaineth, by the aid of that + Knowledge, to Brahman which is everlasting. There is no other path (than + Knowledge or the attainment of Brahman) leading to emancipation.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘The existence of Brahman, thou sayest, a wise man + perceiveth in his own soul. Now, is Brahman white, or red, or black or + blue, or purple? Tell me what is the true form and colour of the + Omnipresent and Eternal Brahman?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Indeed, Brahman as (perceived) may appear as white, + red, black, brown, or bright. But neither on the earth, nor in the sky, + nor in the water of the ocean, is there anything like it, Neither in the + stars, nor in lightning, nor in the clouds, is its form to be seen, nor is + it visible in the atmosphere, nor in the deities, nor in the moon, nor in + the sun. Neither in the Riks, nor among the Yajus, nor among the + Atharvans, nor in the pure Samans, it is to be found. Verily, O king, it + is not to be found in Rathantara or Varhadratha, nor in great sacrifices. + Incapable of being compassed and lying beyond the reach of the limited + intellect, even the universal Destroyer, after the Dissolution, is himself + lost in it. Incapable of being gazed at, it is subtle as the edge of the + razor, and grosser than mountains. It is the basis upon which everything + is founded; it is unchangeable; it is this visible universe (omnipresent); + it is vast; it is delightful; creatures have all sprung from it and are to + return to it. Free from all kinds of duality, it is manifest as the + universe and all-pervading. Men of learning say that it is without any + change, except in the language used to describe it. They are emancipated + that are acquainted with That in which this universe is established.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0044" id="link52H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘Sorrow, anger, covetousness, lust, ignorance, + laziness, malice, self-importance, continuous desire of gain, affection, + jealousy and evil speech,—these twelve, O monarch, are grave faults + that are destructive of men’s lives. Each of these, O monarch, wait for + opportunities to seize mankind. Afflicted by them, men lose their senses + and commit sinful acts. He that is covetous, he that is fierce, he that is + harsh of speech, he that is garrulous, he that is given to nursing anger, + he that is boastful,—these six of wicked disposition, on obtaining + wealth, cannot treat others with courtesy. He that regardeth sensual + gratification as the end of life, he that is self-conceited, he that + boasteth having made a gift, he that never spendeth, he that is weak in + mind, he that is given to self-admiration, and he that hateth his own + wife,—these seven are counted as wicked men of sinful habits. + Righteousness, truth, asceticism, self-restraint, contentment, modesty, + renunciation, love of others, gift, acquaintance with the scriptures, + patience, and forgiveness,—these twelve are the practices of a + Brahmana. He that doth not fall off from these twelve, may sway the entire + earth. He that is endued with three, or two, or even one, of these, doth + never regard anything as his own to the exclusion of others. + Self-restraint, renunciation, and knowledge,—in these reside + emancipation. These are the attributes of Brahmanas endued with wisdom and + regarding Brahman as the highest of all objects of attainment. True or + false, it is not laudable for a Brahmana to speak ill of others; they that + do this have hell for their abode. Mada hath eighteen faults which have + not yet been enumerated by me. They are ill-will towards others, throwing + obstacles in the way of virtuous acts, detraction, falsehood in speech, + lust, anger, dependence, speaking ill of others, finding out the faults of + others for report, waste of wealth, quarrel, insolence, cruelty to living + creatures, malice, ignorance, disregard of those that are worthy of + regard, loss of the senses of right and wrong, and always seeking to + injure others. A wise man, therefore, should not give way to mada, for the + accompaniments of mada are censurable. Friendship is said to possess six + indications: firstly, friends delight in the prosperity of friends, and + secondly, are distressed at their adversity. If any one asketh for + anything which is dear to his heart, but which should not be asked for, a + true friend surely giveth away even that. Fourthly, a true friend who is + of a righteous disposition, when asked, can give away his very prosperity, + his beloved sons, and even his own wife. Fifthly, a friend should not + dwell in the house of a friend, on whom he may have bestowed everything, + but should enjoy what he earneth himself. Sixthly, a friend stoppeth not + to sacrifice his own good (for his friend). The man of wealth who seeketh + to acquire those good qualities, and who becometh charitable and righteous + restraineth his five senses from their respective objects. Such restraint + of the senses is asceticism. When it groweth in degree, it is capable of + winning regions of bliss hereafter (unlike knowledge which leadeth to + success even here). They that have fallen off from patience (and are + incapable, therefore, of attaining to Knowledge) acquire such asceticism + in consequence of the purpose they entertain, viz., the attainment of + bliss in the high regions hereafter. In consequence of his ability to + grasp that Truth (Brahman) from which sacrifices flow, the Yogin is + capable of performing sacrifices by the mind. Another performeth + sacrifices by Words (Yapa) and another by Work. Truth (Brahman) resides in + him who knoweth Brahman as vested with attributes. It dwelleth more + completely in him who knoweth Brahman as divested of attributes. Listen + now to something else from me. This high and celebrated philosophy should + be taught (to disciples). All other systems are only a farrago of words. + The whole of this (universe) is established in this Yoga-philosophy. They + that are acquainted with it are not subjected to death. O king, one + cannot, by Work, however well-accomplished, attain to Truth (Brahman). The + man that is destitute of knowledge even if he poureth homa libations or + performeth sacrifices, can never, by Work, O king, attain to immortality + (emancipation). Nor doth he enjoy great happiness at the end. Restraining + all the external senses and alone, one should seek Brahman. Giving up + Work, one should not exert mentally. One should also (while thus engaged) + avoid experiencing joy at praise or anger at blame. O Kshatriya, by + conducting himself in this way according to the successive steps indicated + in the Vedas, one may, even here, attain to Brahman. This, O learned one, + is all that I tell thee.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0045" id="link52H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanat-sujata said, ‘The primary Seed (of the universe), called Mahayasas, + is destitute of accidents, is pure Knowledge, and blazeth with effulgence. + It leadeth the senses, and it is in consequence of that Seed that Surya + shineth. That Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by + their mental eye). It is in consequence of that Seed (which is Joy’s self) + that Brahman becomes capable of Creation and it is through it that Brahman + increaseth in expansion. It is that Seed which entering into luminous + bodies giveth light and heat. Without deriving its light and heat from any + other thing it is self-luminous, and is an object of terror to all + luminous bodies. The Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins + (by their mental eye). The body composed of the five grosser elements, + that are themselves sprung from the five subtler ones,—the latter, + in their turn, originating in one homogeneous substance called Brahman—is + upheld (realised) in consciousness by both the creature-Soul endued with + life and Iswara. (These two, during sleep and the universal dissolution, + are deprived of consciousness). Brahman on the other hand, which is never + bereft of consciousness, and which is the Sun’s Sun, upholdeth both these + two and also the Earth and the Heaven. The Eternal One endued with + Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). The Seed upholdeth the + two gods, the Earth and the Heaven, the Directions, and the whole + Universe. It is from that Seed that directions (points of the compass) and + rivers spring, and the vast seas also have derived their origin. The + Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental + eye). The body is like a car destined to destruction. Its acts, however, + are undying. Tied to the wheels of that car (which are represented by the + acts of past lives), the senses, that are as steeds, lead, through the + region of consciousness, the man of wisdom towards that Increate and + Unchangeable One, that One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by + their mental eye). The form of that One cannot be displayed by any + comparison. None ever beholdeth Him by the eye. They that know him by the + rapt faculties, the mind, and the heart, become freed from death. The + Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental + eye). The stream of illusion is terrible; guarded by the gods, it hath + twelve fruits. Drinking of its waters and beholding many sweet things in + its midst, men swim along it to and fro. This stream flows from that Seed. + That Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental + eye). Destined to sojourn to and fro, the creature-Soul, having reflected + enjoyeth (in the other world) only half of the fruits of his acts. It is + that creature-Soul which is Iswara, pervading everything in the universe. + It is Iswara that hath ordained sacrifices. That Eternal One endued with + Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). Souls divested of + accidents, resorting to Avidya, which is like unto a tree of golden + foliage, assume accidents, and take births in different orders according + to their propensities. That Eternal One endued with Divinity (in Whom all + those Souls are united) is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). + Accidents (which coming in contact with Brahman make the latter assume + many forms) raise the universe in its Fulness from that Brahman which is + full. Those accidents also, in their Fulness, arise from Brahman in its + Fulness. When one succeeds in dispelling all accidents from Brahman which + is ever Full, that which remains is Brahman in its Fulness. That Eternal + One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). It is + from that Seed that the five elements have arisen, and it is in it that + the power resideth for controlling them. It is from that Seed that both + the consumer and the consumed (called Agni and Soma) have sprung, and it + is in it that the living organisms with the senses rest. Everything should + be regarded to have sprung from it. That Seed called in the Vedas TATH + (Tad), we are unable to describe. That Eternal One endued with Divinity is + beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). The vital air called Apana is + swallowed up by the Air called Prana; Prana is swallowed up by the Will, + and the Will by the Intellect, and the Intellect by the Supreme Soul. That + Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental + eye). The Supreme Soul endued with four legs, called respectively Waking, + Dream, profound Sleep, and Turiya, like unto a swan, treading above the + unfathomable ocean of worldly affairs doth not put forth one leg that is + hid deep. Unto him that beholdeth that leg (viz., Turiya) as put forth for + the purpose of guiding the other three, both death and emancipation are + the same. That Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by + their mental eye). Of the measure of the thumb, ever Full, and different + from this eternal organism, coming in contact with the Vital airs, the + Will, the Intellect, and the ten Senses, it moveth to and fro. That + Supreme Controller, worthy of reverential hymns, capable of everything + when vested with accidents and the prime cause of everything, is manifest + as Knowledge in creature-Souls. Fools alone do not behold him; that + Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental + eye). Among individuals there are those that have obtained the mastery of + their minds, and those that have not. Yet in all men the Supreme Soul may + be seen equally. Indeed, it resideth equally in him that is emancipate and + in him that is not, with only this difference that they that are + emancipate obtain honey flowing in a thick jet. That Eternal One endued + with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). When one maketh + life’s Sojourn, having attained to the knowledge of Self and Not-Self, + then it matters little whether his Agni-hotra is performed or not. O + monarch, let not such words as “I am thy servant” fall from their lips. + The Supreme Soul hath another name, viz., Pure Knowledge. They only that + have restrained their minds obtain Him. That Eternal One endued with + Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). Even such is He. + Illustrious and Full, all living creatures are merged into Him. He that + knoweth that embodiment of Fullness attaineth to his object (emancipation) + even here. That Eternal One endued with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by + their mental eye). That which flieth away stretching forth thousands of + wings, yea, if endued with the speed of the mind, must yet come back to + the Central Spirit within the living organism (in which the most distant + things reside). (That Eternal One endued with Divinity) is beheld by + Yogins (by their mental eye). His form cannot be an object of sight. They + only, that are of pure hearts, can behold him. When one seeketh the good + of all, succeedeth in controlling his mind, and never suffereth his heart + to be affected by grief, then he is said to have purified his heart. Those + again that can abandon the world and all its cares, become immortal. (That + Supreme Soul which is undying),—that Eternal One endued with + Divinity—is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). Like serpents + concealing themselves in holes, there are persons who following the + dictates of their preceptors, or by their own conduct conceal their vices + from scrutiny’s gaze. They that are of little sense are deceived by these. + In fact, bearing themselves outwardly without any impropriety, these + deceive their victims for leading them to hell. (Him, therefore, who may + be attained by companionship with persons of the very opposite class), + that Eternal One endued with Divinity—is beheld by Yogins (by their + mental eye). He that is emancipate thinks,—this transitory organism + can never make me liable to joy and grief and the other attributes + inhering to it: nor can there be, in my case, anything like death and + birth: and, further, when Brahman, which hath no opposing force to contend + against and which is alike in all times and all places, constitutes the + resting-place of both realities and unrealities, how can emancipation be + mine? It is I alone that am the origin and the end of all causes and + effects.—(Existing in the form of I or Self) that Eternal One endued + with Divinity is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). The + Brahman-knowing person, who is equal unto Brahman itself, is neither + glorified by good acts nor defiled by bad ones. It is only in ordinary men + that acts, good or bad, produce different results. The person that knoweth + Brahman should be regarded as identical with Amrita or the state called + Kaivalya which is incapable of being affected by either virtue or vice. + One should, therefore, disposing his mind in the way indicated, attain to + that essence of sweetness (Brahman). That Eternal One endued with Divinity + is beheld by Yogins (by their mental eye). Slander grieveth not the heart + of the person that knoweth Brahman not the thought—I have not + studied (the Veda), or, I have not performed my Agni-hotra. The knowledge + of Brahman soon imparteth to him that wisdom which they only obtain who + have restrained their mind. (That Brahman which freeth the Soul from grief + and ignorance)—that Eternal One endued with Divinity—is beheld + by Yogins (by their mental eye). He, therefore, that beholdeth his own + Self in everything, hath no longer to grieve, for they only have to grieve + who are employed in diverse other occupations of the world. As one’s + purposes (appeasing thirst, etc.) may be served in a well as in a large + reservoir or vast expanse, so the various purposes of the Vedas may all be + derivable by him that knoweth the Soul. Dwelling in the heart, and of the + measure of the thumb, that illustrious One—the embodiment of + Fullness—is not an object of sight. Unborn he moveth, awake day and + night. He that knoweth him, becometh both learned and full of joy. I am + called the mother and father. I am again the son. Of all that was, and of + all that we will be, I am the Soul. O Bharata, I am the old grandsire, I + am the father, I am the son. Ye are staying in my soul, yet ye are not + mine, nor am I yours! The Soul is the cause of my birth and procreation. I + am the warp and woof of the universe. That upon which I rest is + indestructible. Unborn I move, awake day and night. It is I knowing whom + one becometh both learned and full of joy. Subtler than the subtle, of + excellent eyes capable of looking into both the past and the future, + Brahman is awake in every creature. They that knows Him know that + Universal Father dwelleth in the heart of every created thing!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0046" id="link52H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vaisampayana said, ‘Thus conversing with Sanat-sujata and the learned + Vidura, the king passed that night. And after the night had passed away, + all the princes and chiefs, entered the court-hall with joyous hearts and + desirous of seeing that Suta (who had returned). And anxious to hear the + message of Partha’s, fraught with virtue and profit, all the kings with + Dhritarashtra at their head, went to that beautiful hall. Spotlessly white + and spacious, it was adorned with a golden floor. And effulgent as the + moon and exceedingly beautiful, it was sprinkled over with sandal-water. + And it was spread over with excellent seats made of gold and wood, and + marble and ivory. And all the seats were wrapped with excellent covers. + And Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Salya, and Kritavarman and Jayadratha, + and Aswatthaman and Vikarna, and Somadatta and Vahlika and Vidura of great + wisdom and Yuyutsu, the great car-warrior,—all these heroic kings in + a body, O bull among the Bharatas, having Dhritarashtra at their head, + entered that hall of great beauty. And Dussasana and Chitrasena, and + Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Durmukha and Dussaha, Karna and Uluka and + Vivinsati,—these also, with Duryodhana, the wrathful king of the + Kurus, at their head, entered that hall, O monarch, like the celestials + forming the train of Sakra himself. And filled with these heroes possessed + of arms like maces of iron, that hall looked, O king, like a mountain-cave + filled with lions. And all these mighty bowmen, endued with great energy + and blazing, with solar effulgence, entering the hall, seated themselves + on those beautiful seats. And after all those kings, O Bharata, had taken + their seats, the orderly-in-waiting announced the arrival of the Suta’s + son, saying, “Yonder cometh the car that was despatched to the Pandavas. + Our envoy hath returned quickly, by the aid of well-trained steeds of the + Sindhu breed.” And having approached the place with speed and alighted + from the car, Sanjaya adorned with ear-rings entered that hall full of + high-souled kings. And the Suta said, “Ye Kauravas, know that having gone + to the Pandavas I am just returning from them. The sons of Pandu offer + their congratulations to all the Kurus according to the age of each. + Having offered their respects in return, the sons of Pritha have saluted + the aged ones, and those that are equal to them in years, and those also + that are younger, just as each should, according to his years, be saluted. + Listen, ye kings, to what I, instructed before by Dhritarashtra, said to + the Pandavas, having gone to them from this place.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0047" id="link52H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I ask thee, O Sanjaya, in the presence of my boy and + of these kings, what words were said by the illustrious Dhananjaya of + might that knoweth no diminution,—that leader of warriors,—that + destroyer of the lives of the wicked?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Let Duryodhana listen to the words which the high-souled + Arjuna, eager for fight, uttered, with Yudhishthira’s sanction and in the + hearing of Kesava. Fearless (in battle) and conscious of the might of his + arms, the heroic Kiritin, eager for fight, spoke thus unto me in the + presence of Vasudeva, “Do thou, O suta, say unto Dhritarashtra’s son, in + the presence of all the Kurus, and also in the hearing of that Suta’s son, + of foul tongue and wicked soul, of little sense, stupid reason, and of + numbered days, who always desires to fight against me, and also in the + hearing of those kings assembled for fighting against the Pandavas, and do + thou see that all the words now uttered by me are heard well by that king + with his counsellors.” O monarch, even as the celestials eagerly listen to + the words of their chief armed with the thunderbolt, so did the Pandavas + and the Srinjayas listen to those words of grave import uttered by + Kiritin. Just these are the words spoken by Arjuna, the wielder of + Gandiva, eager for the fight and with eyes red as the lotus, “If + Dhritarashtra’s son doth not surrender to king Yudhishthira of the Ajamida + race, his kingdom, then (it is evident) there must be some sinful act + committed by the sons of Dhritarashtra, whose consequences are yet + unreaped by them, for it can be nothing else when they desire battle with + Bhimasena and Arjuna, and the Aswins and Vasudeva and Sini’s son, and + Dhrishtadyumna infallible in arms, and Sikhandin, and Yudhishthira, who is + like Indra himself and who can consume heaven and earth by merely wishing + them ill. If Dhritarashtra’s son desireth war with these, then will all + objects of the Pandavas be accomplished. Do not, therefore, propose peace + for the sons of Pandu, but have war if thou likest. That bed of woe in the + woods which was Yudhishthira’s when that virtuous son of Pandu lived in + exile. Oh, let a more painful bed than that, on the bare earth, be now + Duryodhana’s and let him lie down on it, as his last, deprived of life. + Win thou over those men that were ruled by the wicked Duryodhana of unjust + conduct to the side of Pandu’s son endued with modesty and wisdom and + asceticism and self-restraint and valour and might regulated by virtue. + Endued with humility and righteousness, with asceticism and self-restraint + and with valour regulated by virtue, and always speaking the truth, our + king, though afflicted by numerous deceptions, hath forgiven all and hath + patiently borne great wrongs. When the eldest son of Pandu, of soul under + proper control, will indignantly dart at the Kurus his terrible wrath + accumulated for years, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this + war. As a blazing fire burning all around consumeth dry grass in the hot + season, so will Yudhishthira, inflamed with wrath, consume the + Dhritarashtra host by glance alone of his eye. When Dhritarashtra’s son + will behold Bhimasena, that wrathful Pandava of terrific impetus, + stationed on his car, mace in hand, vomiting the venom of his wrath, then + will Duryodhana repent for this war. Indeed, when he will behold + Bhimasena, who always fighteth in the van, accoutred in mail, scarcely + capable of being looked at even by his own followers felling hostile + heroes and devastating the enemy’s ranks like Yama himself, then will the + exceedingly vain Duryodhana recollect these words. When he will behold + elephants, looking like mountain-peaks, felled by Bhimasena, blood flowing + their broken heads like water from broken casks, then will Dhritarashtra’s + son repent for this war. When falling upon the sons of Dhritarashtra the + fierce Bhima of terrible mien, mace in hand, will slaughter them, like a + huge lion falling upon a herd of kine, then will Duryodhana repent for + this war. When the heroic Bhima undaunted even in situations of great + danger and skilled in weapons—when that grinder of hostile hosts in + battle,—mounted on his car, and alone will crush by his mace crowds + of superior cars and entire ranks of infantry, seize by his nooses strong + as iron, the elephants of the hostile army, and mow down the + Dhritarashtra’s host, like a sturdy woodsman cutting a forest down with an + axe, then will Dhritarashtra’s son repent for this war. When he will + behold the Dhartarashtra’s host consumed like a hamlet full of straw-built + huts by fire, or a field of ripe corn by lightning,—indeed when he + will behold his vast army scattered, its leaders slain, and men running + away with their back towards the field afflicted with fear, and all the + warriors, humbled to the dust, being scorched by Bhimasena with the fire + of his weapons,—then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this + war. When Nakula, that warrior of wonderful feats, that foremost of all + car-warriors, dexterously shooting arrows by hundreds, will mangle the + car-warriors of Duryodhana, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for + this war. Accustomed to enjoy all the comforts and luxuries of life, when + Nakula, recollecting that bed of woe on which he had slept for a long time + in the woods, will vomit the poison of his wrath like an angry snake, then + will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. Ready to lay down their + very lives, the (allied) monarchs, O Suta, urged to battle by king + Yudhishthira the just, will furiously advance on their resplendent cars + against the (hostile) army. Beholding this, the son of Dhritarashtra will + certainly have to repent. When the Kuru prince will behold the five heroic + sons of (Draupadi), tender in years but not in acts, and all well-versed + in arms, rush, reckless of their lives, against the Kauravas, then will + that son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When bent upon carnage + Sahadeva, mounted on his car of noiseless wheels, and motion incapable of + being obstructed, and set with golden stars, and drawn by well-trained + steeds, will make the heads of monarchs roll on the field of battle with + volleys of arrows,—indeed, beholding that warrior skilled in + weapons, seated on his car in the midst of that frightful havoc, turning + now to the left and now to the right and falling upon the foe in all + directions, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. + Indeed, when the modest but mighty Sahadeva, skilled in battle, truthful, + conversant with all the ways of morality, and endued with great activity + and impetuousness, will fall upon the son of Gandhari in fierce encounter + and rout all his followers, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for + this war. When he will behold the sons of Draupadi, those great bowmen, + those heroes skilled in weapons and well-versed in all the ways of + chariot-fighting, dart at the foe like snakes of virulent poison, then + will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When that slayer of + hostile heroes, Abhimanyu, skilled in arms like Krishna himself, will + overpower the foe showering upon them, like the very clouds, a thick + downpour of arrows, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this + war. Indeed, when he will behold that son of Subhadra, a child in years + but not in energy, skilled in weapons and like unto Indra himself, falling + like Death’s self upon the ranks of the foe, then will the son of + Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When the youthful Prabhadrakas, endued + with great activity, well-versed in battle, and possessed of the energy of + lions will overthrow the sons of Dhritarashtra with all their troops, then + will Duryodhana repent for this war. When those veteran car-warriors + Virata and Drupada will assail, at the head of their respective divisions, + the sons of Dhritarashtra and their ranks, then will Duryodhana repent for + this war. When Drupada, skilled in weapons, and seated on his car, + desirous of plucking the heads of youthful warriors, will wrathfully + strike them off with arrows shot from his bow, then will the son of + Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When that slayer of hostile heroes, + Virata will penetrate into the ranks of the foe, grinding all before him + with the aid of his Matsya warriors of cool courage, then will the son of + Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When he will behold in the very van the + eldest son of the Matsya king, of cool courage and collected mien, seated + on his car and accoutred in mail on behalf of the Pandavas, then will the + son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. I tell thee truly that when that + foremost of Kaurava heroes, the virtuous son of Santanu, will be slain in + battle by Sikhandin, then all our foes, without doubt, will perish. + Indeed, when, overthrowing numerous car-warriors, Sikhandin, seated on his + own well-protected car, will proceed towards Bhishma, crushing multitudes + of (hostile) cars by means of his own powerful steeds, then will the son + of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When he will behold Dhrishtadyumna + unto whom Drona hath imparted all the mysteries of the science of weapons, + stationed in splendour in the very van of the Srinjaya ranks, then will + the son of Dhritarashtra repent. Indeed, when the leader of the Pandava + host, of immeasurable prowess and capable of withstanding the rush of any + force, will proceed to attack Drona in battle, crushing with his arrows + the Dhritarashtra ranks, then will Duryodhana repent for this war. What + enemy can withstand him who hath, for fighting in his van, that lion of + the Vrishni race, that chief of the Somakas, who is modest and + intelligent, mighty and endued with great energy, and blessed with every + kind of prosperity? Say also this (unto Duryodhana),—Do not covet + (the kingdom). We have chosen, for our leader, the dauntless and mighty + car-warrior Satyaki, the grandson of Sini, skilled in weapons and having + none on earth as his equal. Of broad chest and long arms, that grinder of + foes, unrivalled in battle, and acquainted with the best of weapons, the + grandson of Sini, skilled in arms and perfectly dauntless, is a mighty + car-warrior wielding a bow of full four cubits’ length. When that slayer + of foes, that chief of the Sinis, urged by me, will shower, like the very + clouds, his arrows on the foe, completely overwhelming their leaders with + that downpour, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. + When that illustrious warrior of long arms and firm grasp of the bow, + musters his resolution for fight, the foe then, like kine getting the + scent of the lion, fly away from him before even commencing the encounter. + That illustrious warrior of long arms and firm grasp of the bow is capable + of splitting the very hills and destroying the entire universe. Practised + in weapons, skilled (in battle), and endued with exceeding lightness of + hand, he shineth on the field of battle like the sun himself in the sky. + That lion of the Vrishni race, that scion of Yadu’s line, of superior + training, hath diverse wonderful and excellent weapons. Indeed, Satyaki is + possessed of a knowledge of all those uses of weapons that are said to be + of the highest excellence. When he will behold in battle the golden car of + Satyaki of Madhu’s race, drawn by four white steeds, then will that wretch + of uncontrolled passions, the son of Dhritarashtra, repent. When he will + also behold my terrible car, endued with the effulgence of gold and bright + gems, drawn by white steeds and furnished with the banner bearing the + device of the Ape and guided by Kesava himself, then will that wretch of + uncontrolled passions repent. When he will hear the fierce twang produced + by the constant stretch of the bow-string with fingers cased in leather + gloves,—that terrible twang, loud as the rolling of the thunder, of + my bow Gandiva wielded by me in the midst of the great battle,—then + will that wicked wretch, the son of Dhritarashtra repent, beholding + himself abandoned by his troops, flying away like kine from the field of + battle in all directions, overwhelmed with the darkness created by my + arrowy downpour. When he will behold innumerable keen-edged arrows, + furnished with beautiful wings, and capable of penetrating into the very + vitals, shot from the string of Gandiva, like fierce and terrible flashes + of lightning emitted by the clouds, destroying enemies by thousands, and + devouring numberless steeds and elephants clad in mail, then will the son + of Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When he will behold the arrows shot + by the enemy turned off, or turned back struck by my shafts, or cut to + pieces pierced transversely by my arrows, then will the foolish son of + Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When broad-headed arrows shot by my + hands will strike off the heads of youthful warriors, like birds picking + off fruits from the tree-tops, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent + for this war. When he will behold excellent warriors of his falling down + from their cars, and elephants and steeds rolling on the field, deprived + of life by my arrows, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this + war. When he will behold his brothers, even before fairly coming within + the range of the enemy’s weapons, die all around, without having achieved + anything in battle, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for this + war. When pouring my blazing shafts incessantly, I will, like Death + himself with mouth wide-open, destroy on all sides multitudes of cars and + foot-soldiers, then will that wretch repent. When he will behold his own + troops, covered with the dust raised by my car, wander in all directions, + torn to pieces by Gandiva and reft of senses, then will that wretch + repent. When he will behold his whole army running away in fear in all + directions, mangled in limbs, and bereft of senses; when he will behold + his steeds, elephants, and foremost of heroes slain; when he will see his + troops thirsty, struck with panic, wailing aloud, dead and dying, with + their animals exhausted; and hair, bones and skulls lying in heaps around + like half-wrought works of the Creator, then will that wretch repent. When + he will behold on my car, Gandiva, Vasudeva, and the celestial conch + Panchajanya, myself, my couple of inexhaustible quivers, and my conch + called Devadatta as also my white steeds, then will the son of + Dhritarashtra repent for this war. When I consume the Kauravas, like Agni + consuming innumerable wicked souls assembled together at the time of + ushering in another Yuga at the end of the last one, then Dhritarashtra + with all his sons repent. When the wicked-hearted and the wrathful son of + Dhritarashtra will be deprived of prosperity with brothers and army and + followers, then, reft of pride and losing heart and trembling all over, + will that fool repent. One morning when I had finished my water-rites and + prayers, a Brahmana spoke unto me these pleasant words, ‘O Partha, thou + shalt have to execute a very difficult task. O Savyasachin, thou shalt + have to fight with thy foes. Either Indra riding on his excellent steed + and thunderbolt in hand will walk before thee slaying thy foes in battle, + or Krishna, the son of Vasudeva will protect thee from behind riding on + his car drawn by the steeds headed by Sugriva.’ Relying on those words, I + have, in this battle passing over Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, + preferred Vasudeva as my ally. That Krishna hath been obtained by me for + the destruction of those wicked ones. I see the hand of the gods in all + this. The person whose success is only wished for by Krishna, without the + latter’s actually taking up arms in his behalf, is certain to prevail over + all enemies, even if those be the celestials with Indra at their head, + while anxiety there is none if they be human. He that wisheth to conquer + in battle that foremost of heroes, Vasudeva’s son Krishna endued with + great energy, wisheth to cross by his two arms alone the great ocean of + wide expanse and immeasurable water. He that wisheth to split by a slap of + his palm the high Kailasa mountain, is not able to do the slightest damage + to the mountain although his hand only with its nails is sure to wear + away. He that would conquer Vasudeva in battle, would, with his two arms, + extinguish a blazing fire, stop the Sun and the Moon, and plunder by force + the Amrita of the gods,—that Vasudeva, viz., who having mowed down + in battle by main force all the royal warriors of the Bhoja race, had + carried off on a single car Rukmini of great fame for making her his wife; + and by her was afterwards born Pradyumna of high soul. It was this + favourite of the gods, who, having speedily smashed the Gandharas and + conquered all the sons of Nagnajit, forcibly liberated from confinement + king Sudarsana of great energy. It was he that slew king Pandya by + striking his breast against his, and moved down the Kalingas in battle. + Burnt by him, the city of Varanasi remained for many years without a king, + incapable of being defeated by others. Ekalavya, the king of the Nishadas, + always used to challenge this one to battle; but slain by Krishna he lay + dead like the Asura Jambha violently thrashed on a hillock. It was + Krishna, who, having Baladeva for his second, slew Ugrasena’s wicked son + (Kansa), seated in court in the midst of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas, + and then gave unto Ugrasena the kingdom. It was Krishna who fought with + king Salya, the lord of Saubha, stationed in the skies, fearless in + consequence of his powers of illusion; and it was he, who, at the gate of + Subha caught with his hands the fierce Sataghni (hurled by Saubha’s lord). + What mortal is able to bear his might? The Asuras had a city named + Pragjyotisha, which was formidable, inaccessible and unbearable. It was + there that the mighty Naraka, the son of the Earth, kept the jewelled + ear-rings of Aditi, having brought them by force. The very gods, who, + fearless of death, assembled together with Sakra at their head were + incapable of conquering him. Beholding Kesava’s prowess and might, and + weapon that is irresistible, and knowing also the object of his birth, the + gods employed him for the destruction of those Asuras. Vasudeva, too, + endued with all the divine attributes that ensure success, agreed to + undertake that exceedingly difficult task. In the city of Nirmochana that + hero slew six thousand Asuras, and cutting into pieces innumerable + keen-edged shafts, he slew Mura and hosts of Rakshasas, and then entered + that city. It was there, that an encounter took place between the mighty + Naraka and Vishnu of immeasurable strength. Slain by Krishna, Naraka lay + lifeless there, like a Karnikara tree uprooted by the wind. Having slain + the Earth’s son, Naraka, and also Mura, and having recovered those + jewelled ear-rings, the learned Krishna of unparalleled prowess came back, + adorned with beauty and undying fame. Having witnessed his terrible feats + in that battle, the gods then and there blessed him saying, ‘Fatigue will + never be thine in fights, neither the firmament nor the waters shall stop + thy course, nor shall weapons penetrate thy body.’ And Krishna, by all + this, regarded himself amply rewarded. Immeasurable, and possessed of + great might, in Vasudeva ever exist all the virtues. And yet the son of + Dhritarashtra seeketh to vanquish that unbearable Vishnu of infinite + energy, for that wretch often thinks of imprisoning him. Krishna, however, + beareth all this for our sake only. That wretch seeketh to create a sudden + disunion between Krishna and myself. How far, however, he is capable of + taking away the affection of Krishna from the Pandavas, he will see on the + field of battle. Having bowed down unto Santanu’s son, and also Drona with + his son, and the unrivalled son of Saradwat, I shall fight for regaining + our kingdom. The God of justice himself, I am sure, will bring destruction + on that sinful man who will fight with the Pandavas. Deceitfully defeated + at dice by those wretches, ourselves, of royal birth, had to pass twelve + years in great distress in the forest and one long year in a state of + concealment. When those Pandavas are still alive, how shall the sons of + Dhritarashtra rejoice, possessing rank and affluence? If they vanquish us + in fight, aided by the very gods headed by Indra, then the practice of + vice would be better than virtue, and surely there would be nothing like + righteousness on earth. If man is affected by his acts, if we be superior + to Duryodhana, then, I hope that, with Vasudeva as my second, I shall slay + Duryodhana, with all his kinsmen. O lord of men, if the act of robbing us + of our kingdom be wicked, if these our own good deeds be not fruitless, + than beholding both this and that, it seems to me, the overthrow of + Duryodhana is certain. Ye Kauravas, ye will see it with your eyes that, if + they fight, the sons of Dhritarashtra shall certainly perish. If they act + otherwise instead of fighting, then they may live; but in the event of a + battle ensuing, none of them will be left alive. Slaying all the sons of + Dhritarashtra along with Karna, I shall surely wrest the hole of their + kingdom. Do ye, meanwhile, whatever ye think best, and enjoy also your + wives and other sweet things of life. There are, with us, many aged + Brahmanas, versed in various sciences, of amiable behaviour, well-born, + acquainted with the cycle of the years, engaged in the study of astrology, + capable of understanding with certainty the motions of planets and the + conjunctions of stars as also of explaining the mysteries of fate, and + answering questions relating to the future, acquainted with the signs of + the Zodiac, and versed with the occurrences of every hour, who are + prophesying the great destruction of the Kurus and the Srinjayas, and the + ultimate victory of the Pandavas, so that Yudhishthira, who never made an + enemy, already regardeth his objects fulfilled in consequence of the + slaughter of his foes. And Janardana also, that lion among the Vrishnis, + endued with the knowledge of the invisible future, without doubt, + beholdeth all this. And I also, with unerring foresight, myself behold + that future, for that foresight of mine, acquired of old, is not + obstructed. The sons of Dhritarashtra, if they fight, will not live. My + bow, Gandiva, yawneth without being handled; my bow-string trembleth + without being stretched; and arrows also, issuing from my quiver’s mouth, + are again and again seeking to fly. My bright scimitar issueth of itself + from its sheath, like a snake quitting its own worn off slough; and on the + top of my flag-staff are heard terrific voices,—When shall thy car + be yoked, O Kiritin? Innumerable jackals set up hideous howls at night, + and Rakshasas frequently alight from the sky; deer and jackals and + peacocks, crows and vultures and cranes, and wolves and birds of golden + plumage, follow in the rear of my car when my white steeds are yoked unto + it. Single-handed I can despatch, with arrowy showers, all warlike kings, + to the regions of death. As a blazing fire consumeth a forest in the hot + season, so, exhibiting diverse courses, I will hurl those great weapons + called Sthur-karna, Pasupata, and Brahma, and all those that Sakra gave + me, all of which are endued with fierce impetuosity. And with their aid, + setting my heart on the destruction of those monarchs, I will leave no + remnant of those that come to the field of battle. I will rest, having + done all this. Even this is my chief and decided resolve. Tell them this, + O son of Gavalgana. Look at the folly of Duryodhana! O Suta, they that are + invincible in battle even if encountered with the aid of the very gods + headed by Indra,—even against them that son of Dhritarashtra + thinketh of warring! But so let it be even as the aged Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, and Kripa, and Drona with his son, and Vidura endued with great + wisdom, are saying, ‘May the Kauravas all live long!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0048" id="link52H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “In the midst, O Bharata, of all those assembled kings, + Bhishma, the son of Santanu, then said these words unto Duryodhana, ‘Once + on a time, Vrihaspati and Sakra went to Brahma. The Maruts also with + Indra, the Vasus with Agni, the Adityas, the Sadhyas, the seven celestial + Rishis, the Gandharvas, Viswavasu, and the beautiful tribes of the + Apsaras, all approached the ancient Grandsire. And having bowed down unto + the Lord of the universe, all those dwellers of heaven sat around him. + Just then, the two ancient deities, the Rishis Nara and Narayana, as if + drawing unto themselves by their own energy the minds and energies of all + who were present there, left the place. Thereupon, Vrihaspati asked + Brahma, saying,—“Who are these two that leave the place without + worshipping thee? Tell us, O Grandsire, who are they?” Thus asked, Brahma + said, “These two, endued with ascetic merit, blazing with effulgence and + beauty, illuminating both the earth and the heaven, possessed of great + might, and pervading and surpassing all, are Nara and Narayana, dwelling + now in the region of Brahman having arrived from the other world. Endued + with great might and prowess, they shine in consequence of their own + asceticism. By their acts they always contribute to the joy of the world. + Worshipped by the gods and the Gandharvas, they exist only for the + destruction of Asuras.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma continued, ‘Having heard these words, Sakra went to the spot + where those two were practising ascetic austerities, accompanied by all + the celestials and having Vrihaspati at their head. At that time, the + dwellers of heaven had been very much alarmed in consequence of a war + raging between themselves and the Asuras. And Indra asked that illustrious + couple to grant him a boon. Thus solicited, O best of the Bharata race, + those two said,—“Name thou the boon.”—Upon this Sakra said + unto them,—“Give us your aid.”—They then said unto Sakra,—“We + will do what thou wishest.” And then it was with their aid that Sakra + subsequently vanquished the Daityas and the Danavas. The chastiser of + foes, Nara, slew in battle hundreds and thousands of Indra’s foes among + the Paulomas and the Kalakhanjas. It was this Arjuna, who, riding on a + whirling car, severed in battle, with a broad-headed arrow, the head of + the Asura Jambha while the latter was about to swallow him. It was he who + afflicted (the Daitya city of Hiranyapura) on the other side of the ocean, + having vanquished in battle sixty thousands of Nivatakavachas. It was this + conqueror of hostile towns, this Arjuna of mighty arms, that gratified + Agni, having vanquished the very gods with Indra at their head. And + Narayana also hath, in this world, destroyed in the same way numberless + other Daityas and Danavas. Even such are those two of mighty energy that + are now seen united with each other. It hath been heard by us that the two + heroic and mighty car-warriors, Vasudeva and Arjuna, that are now united + with each other, are those same ancient gods, the divine Nara and + Narayana. Amongst all on earth they are incapable of being vanquished by + the Asuras and the gods headed by Indra himself. That Narayana is Krishna, + and that Nara is Falguna. Indeed, they are one Soul born in twain. These + two, by their acts, enjoy numerous eternal and inexhaustible regions, and + are repeatedly born in those worlds when destructive wars are necessary. + For this reason their mission is to fight. Just this is what Narada, + conversant with the Vedas, had said unto the Vrishnis. When thou, O + Duryodhana, wilt see Kesava with conch-shell and discus, and mace in hand, + and that terrible wielder of the bow, Arjuna, armed with weapons, when + thou wilt behold those eternal and illustrious ones, the two Krishnas + seated on the same car, then wilt thou, O child, remember these my words. + Why should not such danger threaten the Kurus when thy intellect, O child, + hath fallen off from both profit and virtue? If thou heedest not my words, + thou shalt then have to hear of the slaughter of many, for all the + Kauravas accept thy opinion. Thou art alone in holding as true the + opinion, O bull of the Bharata race, only three persons, viz., Karna, a + low-born Suta’s son cursed by Rama, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and thy + mean and sinful brother Dussasana.’ + </p> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘It behoveth thee not, O blessed grandsire, to use such words + towards me, for I have adopted the duties of the Kshatriya order without + falling off from those of my own. Besides, what wickedness is there in me? + I have no sin known to any one of Dhritarashtra’s people. I have never + done any injury to Dhritarashtra’s son; on the other hand, I will slay all + the Pandavas in battle. How can they that are wise make peace again with + those that have before been injured? It is always my duty to do all that + is agreeable to king Dhritarashtra, and especially to Duryodhana, for he + is in possession of the kingdom.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having listened to these words of Karna, Bhishma + the son of Santanu, addressing king Dhritarashtra, again said, ‘Although + this one often boasteth saying,—“I shall slay the Pandavas,”—yet + he is not equal to even a sixteenth part of the high-souled Pandavas. Know + that the great calamity that is about to overtake thy sons of wicked + souls, is the act of this wretched son of a Suta! Relying upon him, thy + foolish son Suyodhana hath insulted those heroes of celestial descent, + those chastisers of all foes. What, however, is that difficult feat + achieved by this wretch before that is equal to any of those achieved of + old by every one of the Pandavas? Beholding in the city of Virata his + beloved brother slain by Dhananjaya who displayed such prowess, what did + this one then do? When Dhananjaya, rushing against all the assembled + Kurus, crushed them and took away their robes, was this one not there + then? When thy son was being led away as a captive by the Gandharvas on + the occasion of the tale of the cattle, where was this son of a Suta then + who now belloweth like a bull? Even there, it was Bhima, and the + illustrious Partha, and the twins, that encountered the Gandharvas and + vanquished them. Ever beautiful, and always unmindful of both virtue and + profit, these, O bull of the Bharata race, are the many false things, + blessed be thou, that this one uttereth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having heard these words of Bhishma, the high-souled son of Bharadwaja, + having paid due homage unto Dhritarashtra and the assembled kings, spoke + unto him these words, ‘Do that, O king, which the best of the Bharatas, + Bhishma, hath said. It behoveth thee not to act according to the words of + those that are covetous of wealth. Peace with the Pandavas, before the war + breaks out, seems to be the best. Everything said by Arjuna and repeated + here by Sanjaya, will, I know, be accomplished by that son of Pandu, for + there is no bowman equal unto him in the three worlds!’ Without regarding, + however, these words spoken by both Drona and Bhishma, the king again + asked Sanjaya about the Pandavas. From that moment, when the king returned + not a proper answer to Bhishma and Drona, the Kauravas gave up all hopes + of life." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0049" id="link52H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘What did that Pandava king, the son of Dharma, say, + O Sanjaya, after hearing that a large force hath been assembled here for + gladdening us? How also is Yudhishthira acting, in view of the coming + strife, O Suta, who amongst his brothers and sons are looking up to his + face, desirous of receiving his orders? Provoked as he is by the + deceptions of my wicked sons, who, again, are dissuading that king of + virtuous behaviour and conversant with virtue, saying,—“Have + peace”?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘All the Panchalas, along with the other sons of Pandu, are + looking up to Yudhishthira’s face, blessed be thou, and he too is + restraining them all. Multitudes of cars belonging to the Pandavas and the + Panchalas are coming in separate bodies for gladdening Yudhishthira, the + son of Kunti, ready to march to the field of battle. As the sky brightens + up at the advent of the rising sun, so the Panchalas are rejoicing at + their union with Kunti’s son of blazing splendour, risen like a flood of + light. The Panchalas, the Kekayas, and the Matsyas, along with the very + herdsmen that attend on their kine and sheep, are rejoicing and gladdening + Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu. Brahmana and Kshatriya girls and the very + daughters of the Vaisyas, in large number, are coming in playful mood for + beholding Partha accounted in coat of mail.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell us, O Sanjaya, of the forces of Dhrishtadyumna, + as also of the Somakas, and of all others, with which the Pandavas intend + to fight with us.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus interrogated, in the midst of the Kurus and + in their very hall, the son of Gavalgana became thoughtful for a moment + and seemed to draw repeatedly deep and long sights; and suddenly he fell + down in a swoon without any apparent reason. Then in that assembly of + kings, Vidura said loudly, ‘Sanjaya, O great king, hath fallen down on the + ground senseless, and cannot utter a word, bereft of sense and his + intellect clouded.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Without doubt, Sanjaya, having seen those mighty + car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, hath his mind filled with great anxiety + in consequence of those tigers among men.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having recovered consciousness, and being + comforted, Sanjaya addressed king Dhritarashtra in the midst of that + concourse of Kurus in that hall, saying, ‘Indeed, O king of kings, I saw + those great warriors, the sons of Kunti, thinned in body, in consequence + of the restraint in which they had lived in the place of the king of the + Matsyas. Hear, O King, with whom the Pandavas will contend against you. + With that hero Dhrishtadyumna as their ally, they will fight against you. + With that personage of virtuous soul, who never forsaketh truth through + anger or fear, temptation, or for the sake of wealth, of disputation; and + who is, O King, a very authority in matters of religion, himself being the + best of those that practise virtue;—with him, who hath never made an + enemy, the sons of Pandu will fight against you. He unto whom no one on + earth is equal in might of arms, and who, wielding his bow had brought all + kings under subjection, and who, vanquishing of old all the people of Kasi + and Anga and Magadha, as also the Kalingas;—with that Bhimasena will + the sons of Pandu fight against you. Indeed, he through whose might the + four sons of Pandu quickly could alight on the earth, having issued forth + from the (burning) house of lac that son of Kunti, Vrikodara, who became + the means of their rescue from the cannibal Hidimva; that son of Kunti, + Vrikodara, who became their refuge when the daughter of Yajnasena was + being carried away by Jayadratha; indeed, with that Bhima who rescued the + assembled Pandavas from the conflagration at Varanavata; even with him (as + their ally) will they fight against you. He, who for the gratification of + Krishna slew the Krodhavasas, having penetrated the rugged and terrible + mountains of Gandhamadana, he to whose arms hath been imparted the might + of ten thousand elephants; with that Bhimasena (as their ally) the + Pandavas will fight against you. That hero, who, for the gratification of + Agni, with Krishna only for his second, bravely vanquished of yore + Purandara in fight; he who gratified by combat that God of gods, the + trident-bearing lord of Uma—Mahadeva himself having the mountains + for his abode; that foremost of warriors who subjugated all the kings of + the earth—with that Vijaya (as their ally) the Pandavas will + encounter you in battle. That wonderful warrior Nakula, who vanquished the + whole of the western world teeming with Mlecchas, is present in the + Pandava camp. With that handsome hero, that unrivalled bowman, that son of + Madri, O Kauravya, the Pandavas will fight against you. He who vanquished + in battle the warriors of Kasi, Anga, and Kalinga,—with that + Sahadeva will the Pandavas encounter you in battle. He, who in energy hath + for his equals only four men on earth, viz., Aswatthaman and Dhrishtaketu + and Rukmi and Pradyumna,—with that Sahadeva, youngest in years, that + hero among men, that gladdener of Madri’s heart, with him, O King, will + you have a destructive battle. She, who, while living of yore as the + daughter of the king of Kasi, had practised the austerest penances; she, + who, O bull of the Bharata race, desiring even in a subsequent life to + compass the destruction of Bhishma, took her birth as the daughter of + Panchala, and accidentally became afterwards a male; who, O tiger among + men, is conversant with the merits and demerits of both sexes; that + invincible prince of the Panchala who encountered the Kalingas in battle, + with that Sikhandin skilled in every weapon, will the Pandavas fight + against you. She whom a Yaksha for Bhishma’s destruction metamorphosed + into a male, with that formidable bowman will the Pandavas fight against + you. With those mighty bowmen, brothers all, those five Kekaya princes, + with those heroes clad in mail will the Pandavas fight against you. With + that warrior of long arms, endued with great activity in the use of + weapons, possessed of intelligence and prowess incapable of being baffled, + with that Yuyudhana, the lion of the Vrishni race, will you have to fight. + He, who had been the refuge of the high-souled Pandavas for a time, with + that Virata, will ye have an encounter in battle. The lord of Kasi, that + mighty car-warrior who ruleth in Varanasi hath become an ally of theirs; + with him the Pandavas will fight against you. The high-souled sons of + Draupadi, tender in years but invincible in battle, and unapproachable + like snakes of virulent poison, with them, will the Pandavas fight against + you. He, that in energy is like unto Krishna and in self-restraint unto + Yudhishthira, with that Abhimanyu, will the Pandavas fight against you. + That war-like son of Sisupala, Dhrishtaketu of great fame, who in energy + is beyond comparison and who when angry is incapable of being withstood in + battle, with that king of the Chedis who has joined the Pandavas at the + head of an Akshauhini of his own, will the sons of Pandu fight against + you. He that is the refuge of the Pandavas, even as Vasava is of the + celestials, with that Vasudeva, the Pandavas will fight against you. He + also, O bull of Bharata race, Sarabha the brother of the king of the + Chedis, who again is united with Karakarsa, with both these, the Pandavas + will fight against you. Sahadeva, the son of Jarasandha, and Jayatsena, + both unrivalled heroes in battle, are resolved upon fighting for the + Pandavas. And Drupada too, possessed of great might, and followed by a + large force, and reckless of his life, is resolved to fight for the + Pandavas. Relying upon these and other kings by hundreds, of both the + eastern and northern countries, king Yudhishthira the just, is prepared + for battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0050" id="link52H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘All these named by thee are, indeed, endued with + great courage, but all of them together are equal to Bhima singly. My + fear, O child, from the wrathful Bhima is, indeed, very great, like that + of fat deer from an enraged tiger. I pass all my nights in sleeplessness, + breathing deep and hot sighs afraid of Vrikodara, O child, like an animal + of any other species afraid of the lion. Of mighty arms, and in energy + equal unto Sakra himself, I see not in this whole army even one that can + withstand him in battle. Exceedingly wrathful and determined in animosity, + that son of Kunti and Pandu smileth not even in jest, is mad with rage, + casteth his glances obliquely, and speaketh in a voice of thunder. Of + great impetuosity and great courage, of long arms and great might, he will + not, in battle, leave even one of my foolish sons alive. Indeed, + Vrikodara, that bull among the Kurus, whirling his mace in battle, will, + like a second Yama mace in hand slay all my sons who are afflicted by a + heavy calamity. Even now I see that terrible mace of his, with eight sides + made of steel, and adorned with gold, uplifted like a Brahmana’s curse. As + a lion of mighty strength among a flock of deer, Bhima will range among my + troops. He only (amongst his brothers) always displayed his strength + cruelly towards my sons. Eating voraciously, and endued with great + impetuosity, from his very childhood he hath been behaving inimically + towards my children. My heart trembleth (to remember) that even in their + childhood, Duryodhana and other sons of mine, while fighting with him + (sportively) were always ground down by the elephant-like Bhima. Alas, my + sons have always been oppressed by his might, and it is that Bhima of + terrible prowess that hath been the cause of this rupture. Even now I + behold Bhima, mad with rage, fighting in the very van, and devouring the + whole of my host consisting of men, elephants, and steeds. Equal unto + Drona and Arjuna in weapons, his speed equal unto the velocity of the + wind, and in wrath like unto Maheswara himself, who is there, O Sanjaya, + that would slay that wrathful and terrible hero in battle? I think it to + be a great gain that my sons were not even then slain by that slayer of + enemies who is endued with such energy. How can a human being withstand + the impetuosity of that warrior in battle who slew Yakshas and Rakshasas + of terrible might before? O Sanjaya, even in his childhood he was never + completely under my control. Injured by my wicked sons, how can that son + of Pandu come under my control now? Cruel and extremely wrathful, he would + break but not bend. Of oblique glances and contracted eye-brows, how can + he be induced to remain quiet? Endued with heroism, of incomparable might + and fair complexion, tall like a palmyra tree, and in height taller than + Arjuna by the span of the thumb, the second son of Pandu surpasseth the + very steeds in swiftness, and elephants in strength, speaketh in + indistinct accents, and possesseth eyes having the hue of honey. As + regards form and might, even such was he in his very boyhood, as I truly + heard long before from the lips of Vyasa! Terrible and possessed of cruel + might, when angry he will destroy in battle with his iron mace cars and + elephants and men and horses. By acting against his wishes, that foremost + of smiters who is ever wrathful and furious, hath before been, O child, + insulted by me. Alas, how will my sons bear that mace of his which is + straight, made of steel, thick, of beautiful sides, adorned with gold, + capable of slaying a hundred, and producing a terrible sound when hurled + at the foe? Alas, O child, my foolish sons are desirous of crossing that + inaccessible ocean constituted by Bhima, which is really shoreless, + without a raft on it, immeasurable in depth, and full of currents + impetuous as the course of arrows. Fools in reality though boasting of + their wisdom, alas, my children do not listen to me even though I cry out. + Beholding only the honey they do not see the terrible fall that is before + them. They that will rush to battle with Death himself in that human + shape, are certainly doomed to destruction by the Supreme Ordainer, like + animals within the lion’s view. Full four cubits in length, endued with + six sides and great might, and having also a deadly touch, when he will + hurl his mace from the sling, how shall my sons, O child, bear its + impetus? Whirling his mace and breaking therewith the heads of (hostile) + elephants, licking with his tongue the corners of his mouth and drawing + long breaths, when he will rush with loud roars against mighty elephants, + returning the yells of those infuriated beasts that might rush against + him, and when entering the close array of cars he will slay, after taking + proper aim, the chief warriors before him, what mortal of my party will + escape from him looking like a blazing flame? Crushing my forces and + cutting a passage through them, that mighty armed hero, dancing with mace + in hand, will exhibit the scene, witnessed during the universal + Dissolution at the end of a Yuga. Like an infuriated elephant crushing + trees adorned with flowers, Vrikodara, in battle will furiously penetrate + the ranks of my sons. Depriving my warriors of their cars, drivers, + steeds, and flag-staff, and afflicting all warriors fighting from cars and + the backs of elephants, that tiger among men will, O Sanjaya, like the + impetuous current of Ganga throwing down diverse trees standing on its + banks, crush in battle the troops of my sons. Without doubt, O Sanjaya, + afflicted by the fear of Bhimasena, my sons and their dependents and all + the allied kings will fly in different directions. It was this Bhima who, + having entered of old, with Vasudeva’s aid, the innermost apartments of + Jarasandha, overthrew that king endued with great energy; that lord of + Magadha, the mighty Jarasandha, having fully brought under his subjection + the goddess Earth, oppressed her by his energy. That the Kauravas in + consequence of Bhishma’s prowess, and the Andhakas and the Vrishnis in + consequence of their policy, could not be subjugated by him was due only + to their good fortune. What could be more wonderful than that the heroic + son of Pandu, of mighty arms and without any weapons, having approached + that king, slew him in a trice? Like a venomous snake, whose poison hath + accumulated for years, Bhima will, O Sanjaya, vomit in battle the poison + of his wrath upon my sons! Like the foremost of the celestials, the great + Indra, smiting the Danavas with his thunderbolt, Bhimasena will, mace in + hand, slay all my sons! Incapable of being withstood or resisted, of + fierce impetus and powers, and with eyes of a coppery hue, I behold even + now that Vrikodara falling upon my sons. Without mace or bow, without car + or coat of mail, fighting with his bare arms only, what man is there that + can stand before him? Bhishma, that regenerate Drona, and Kripa the son of + Saradwat,—these are as much acquainted as I myself with the energy + of the intelligent Bhima. Acquainted with the practice of those that are + noble, and desirous of death in battle, these bulls among men will take + their stand in the van of our army. Destiny is everywhere powerful, + especially in the case of a male person, for beholding the victory of the + Pandavas in battle, I do not yet restrain my sons. These mighty bowmen of + mine, desirous of treading in that ancient track leading up to heaven, + will lay down their lives in battle, taking care, however, of earthly + fame. O child, my sons are the same to these mighty bowmen as the Pandavas + are to them, for all of them are grandsons of Bhishma and disciples of + Drona and Kripa. O Sanjaya, the little acceptable services that we have + been able to do unto these three venerable ones, will certainly be repaid + by them owing to their own noble dispositions. It is said that death in + battle of a Kshatriya, who hath taken up arms and desireth to observe + Kshatriya practices is, indeed, both good and meritorious. I weep, + however, for all those that will fight against the Pandavas. That very + danger hath now come which was foreseen by Vidura at the outset. It seems, + O Sanjaya, that wisdom is incapable of dispelling woe; on the other hand, + it is overwhelming woe that dispelleth wisdom. When the very sages, that + are emancipated from all worldly concerns and that behold, standing aloof, + all the affairs of the universe, are affected by prosperity and adversity, + what wonder is there that I should grieve, I who have my affections fixed + on a thousand things such as sons, kingdom, wives, grandsons, and + relatives? What good can possibly be in store for me on the accession of + such a frightful danger? Reflecting on every circumstance, I see the + certain destruction of the Kurus. That match at dice seems to be the cause + of this great danger of the Kurus. Alas, this sin was committed from + temptation by foolish Duryodhana, desirous of wealth; I believe all this + to be the untoward effect of ever-fleeting Time that bringeth on + everything. Tied to the wheel of Time, like its periphery, I am not + capable of flying away from it. Tell me, O Sanjaya, where shall I go? What + shall I do, and, how shall I do it? These foolish Kauravas will all be + destroyed, their Time having come. Helplessly I shall have to hear the + wailing of women when my hundred sons will all be slain. Oh, how may death + come upon me? As a blazing fire in the summer season, when urged by the + wind, consumeth dry grass, so will Bhima, mace in hand, and united with + Arjuna, slay all on my side!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0051" id="link52H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘He whom we have never heard to speak a falsehood, he + who hath Dhananjaya to fight for him, may have the sovereignty of even the + three worlds. Reflecting from day to day I do not find the warrior who + may, on his car, advance in battle against the wielder of Gandiva. When + that wielder of Gandiva will shoot winged arrows and Nalikas and shafts + capable of piercing the breast of warriors, there is no rival of his in + battle. If those bulls among men, those heroes,—Drona and Karna,—those + foremost of mighty men, versed in weapons and invincible in battle, + withstand him, the result may be very doubtful, but I am sure that the + victory will not be mine. Karna is both compassionate and heedless, and + the preceptor is aged and hath affection for his pupil. Partha, however, + is able and mighty, of firm grasp (of the bow). Terrible will be the + encounter between them, without resulting in any one’s defeat. Conversant + with weapons and endued with heroism, all of them have earned great fame. + They may relinquish the very sovereignty of the gods, but not the chance + of winning victory. There would be peace, without doubt, upon the fall of + either of these two (Drona and Karna) or of Falguna. There is none, + however, who can either slay or vanquish Arjuna. Alas, how may his wrath + that hath been excited against my foolish sons be pacified. Others there + are acquainted with the use of weapons, that conquer or are conquered; but + it is heard that Falguna always conquereth. Three and thirty years have + passed away since the time, when Arjuna, having invited Agni, gratified + him at Khandava, vanquishing all the celestials. We have never heard of + his defeat anywhere, O child. Like the case of Indra, victory is always + Arjuna’s, who hath for his charioteer in battle Hrishikesa, endued with + the same character and position. We hear that the two Krishnas on the same + car and the stringed Gandiva,—these three forces,—have been + united together. As regards ourselves, we have not a bow of that kind, or + a warrior like Arjuna, or a charioteer like Krishna. The foolish followers + of Duryodhana are not aware of this. O Sanjaya, the blazing thunderbolt + falling on the head leaveth something undestroyed, but the arrows, O + child, shot by Kiritin leave nothing undestroyed. Even now I behold + Dhananjaya shooting his arrows and committing havoc around, picking off + heads from bodies with his arrowy showers! Even now I behold the arrowy + conflagration, blazing all around, issuing from the Gandiva, consuming in + battle the ranks of my sons. Even now it seemeth to me that, struck with + panic at the rattle of Savyasachin’s car, my vast army consisting of + diverse forces is running away in all directions. As a tremendous + conflagration, wandering in all directions, of swelling flames and urged + by the wind, consumeth dry leaves and grass, so will the great fame of + Arjuna’s weapons consume all my troops. Kiritin, appearing as a foe in + battle, will vomit innumerable arrows and become irresistible like all + destroying Death urged forward by the Supreme Ordainer. When I shall + constantly hear of evil omens of diverse kinds happening in the homes of + the Kurus, and around them and on the field of battle, then will + destruction, without doubt, overtake the Bharats.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0052" id="link52H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Endued with great prowess and eager for victory, + even as the sons themselves of Pandu are, so are their followers, who are + all resolved to sacrifice their lives and determined to win victory. Even + thou, O son, hast told me of my mighty enemies, viz., the kings of the + Panchalas, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, and the Magadhas. He, again, who at + his will can bring under his subjection all the three worlds with Indra at + their head, even that Creator of the universe, the mighty Krishna is bent + on giving victory upon the Pandavas. As regards Satyaki, he acquired in no + time the whole science of arms from Arjuna. That scion of Sini’s race will + stand on the battle-field, shooting his shafts like husbandmen sowing + seeds. The prince of Panchala, Dhrishtadyumna, that mighty car-warrior of + merciless deeds, acquainted with all superior weapons, will fight with my + host. Great is my fear, O child from the wrath of Yudhishthira, from the + prowess of Arjuna, and from the Twins and Bhimasena. When those lords of + men will, in the midst of my army, spread their superhuman net of arrows, + I fear my troops will not come out of it. It is for this, O Sanjaya, that + I weep. That son of Pandu, Yudhishthira, is handsome, endued with great + energy, highly blessed, possessed of Brahma force, intelligent, of great + wisdom, and virtuous soul. Having allies and counsellors, united with + persons ready for battle, and possessing brothers and father-in-law who + are all heroes and mighty car-warriors, that tiger among men, the son of + Pandu, is also endued with patience, capable of keeping his counsels, + compassionate, modest, of powers incapable of being baffled, possessed of + great learning, with soul under proper control, ever waiting upon the + aged, and subdued senses; possessed thus of every accomplishment, he is + like unto a blazing fire. What fool, doomed to destruction and deprived of + sense, will jump, moth-like, into that blazing and irresistible Pandava + fire! Alas, I have behaved deceitfully towards him. The king, like unto a + fire of long flames, will destroy all my foolish sons in battle without + leaving any alive. I, therefore, think that it is not proper to fight with + them. Ye Kauravas, be ye of the same mind. Without doubt, the whole race + of Kuru will be destroyed, in case of hostilities being waged. This + appears to me very clearly, and if we act accordingly, my mind may have + peace. If war with them doth not seem beneficial to you, then we will + strive to bring about peace. Yudhishthira will never be indifferent when + he sees us distressed, for he censures me only as the cause of this unjust + war.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0053" id="link52H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘It is even so, O great king, as thou, O Bharata, sayest. + On the event of battle, the destruction of the Kshatriyas by means of + Gandiva is certain. This, however, I do not understand, how when thou art + always wise and especially acquainted with the prowess of Savyasachin, + thou followest yet the counsels of thy sons. Having O bull of the Bharata + race, injured the sons of Pritha from the very beginning, having in fact, + committed sins repeatedly, this is not, O great king, the time (to + grieve). He that occupies the position of a father and a friend, if he is + always watchful and of good heart, should seek the welfare (of his + children); but he that injures, cannot be called a father. Hearing of the + defeat of the Pandavas at dice, thou hadst, O king, laughed like a child, + saying, “This is won, this is acquired!” When the harshest speeches were + addressed to the sons of Pritha, thou didst not then interfere, pleased at + the prospect of thy sons winning the whole kingdom. Thou couldst not + however, then see before the inevitable fall. The country of the Kurus, + including the region called Jangala is, O king, thy paternal kingdom. Thou + hast, however, obtained the whole earth by those heroes. Won by the + strength of their arms, the sons of Pritha made over to thee this + extensive empire. Thou thinkest, however, O best of kings, that all this + was acquired by thee. When thy sons, seized by the king of the Gandharvas, + were about to sink in a shoreless sea without a raft to save them, it was + Partha, O king, that brought them back. Thou hadst, like a child, + repeatedly laughed, O monarch, at the Pandavas when they were defeated at + dice and were going into exile. When Arjuna poureth a shower of keen + arrows, the very oceans dry up, let alone beings of flesh and blood. + Falguna is the foremost of all shooters; Gandiva is the foremost of all + bows; Kesava is the foremost of all beings; the Sudarsana is the foremost + of all weapons; and of cars, that furnished with the banner bearing the + blazing Ape on it is the foremost. That car of his, bearing all these and + drawn by white steeds, will, O king, consume us all in battle like the + upraised wheel of Time. O bull of the Bharata race, his is even now the + whole earth and he is the foremost of all kings, who hath Bhima and Arjuna + to fight for him. Beholding the host sinking in despair when smitten by + Bhima, the Kauravas headed by Duryodhana will all meet destruction. Struck + with the fear of Bhima and Arjuna, the sons, O king, and the kings + following them, will not, O lord, be able to win victory. The Matsyas, the + Panchalas, the Salwas and the Surasenas, all decline to pay thee homage + now and all disregard thee. Acquainted with the energy of that wise king, + all of them, however, have joined that son of Pritha, and for their + devotion to him they are always opposed to thy sons. He that, by his evil + deeds, afflicted the sons of Pandu, who are all wedded to virtue and + undeserving of destruction, he that hateth them even now,—that + sinful man, O monarch, who is none else than thy son,—should, with + all his adherents, be checked by all means. It behoveth thee not to bewail + in this strain. Even this was said by myself as well as by the wise Vidura + at the time of the gambling match at dice. These thy lamentations in + connection with the Pandavas, as if thou wert a helpless person, are, O + king, all useless.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0054" id="link52H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Fear not, O king. Nor shouldest thou grieve for us. O + monarch, O lord, we are quite able to vanquish the foe in battle. When the + Parthas had been exiled to the woods, there came unto them the slayer of + Madhu with a vast army in battle array and capable of crushing hostile + kingdoms; and there also came unto them the Kekayas, and Dhrishtaketu, and + Dhrishtadyumna of Pritha’s race and numerous other kings in their train; + and all those great car-warriors were assembled in a place not far from + Indraprastha; and having assembled together they censured thee and all the + Kurus. And O Bharata, all those warriors with Krishna at their head paid + their homage unto Yudhishthira clad in deerskin and seated in their midst. + And all those kings then suggested to Yudhishthira that he should take + back the kingdom. And all of them desired to slay thee with all thy + followers. And hearing of all this, O bull of the Bharata race, I + addressed Bhishma and Drona and Kripa, struck with fear, O king, at the + prospect of the ruin that threatened our kindred. And I said unto them, “I + think the Pandavas will not abide by the agreement made by them; Vasudeva + desireth our utter extinction. I think also that with the exception of + Vidura all of you will be slain, although the chief of the Kurus, + Dhritarashtra, conversant with morality, will not be included in the + slaughter. O sire, effecting our complete destruction, Janardana wisheth + to bestow upon Yudhishthira the entire kingdom of the Kurus. What should + be done? Shall we surrender, or fly, or shall we fight the foe giving up + every hope of life? If, indeed, we stand up against them, our defeat is + certain, for all the kings of the earth are under Yudhishthira’s command. + The people of the realm are all annoyed with us, and all our friends also + are angry with us. All the kings of the earth are speaking ill of us, and + especially all our friends and relatives. There can be no fault in our + surrender, for from time immemorial, the weaker party is known to conclude + peace. I grieve, however, for that lord of men, my blind father, who may, + on my account, be overtaken by woe and misery that is endless. [It is + known to thee, O king, even before this, that thy other sons were all + opposed to the foe for pleasing me only]. Those mighty car-warriors, the + sons of Pandu, will, indeed, avenge their wrongs by destroying the whole + race of king Dhritarashtra with all his counsellors.”—(It was thus + that I addressed them, and) seeing me afflicted by great anxiety and my + senses tortured, Drona and Bhishma and Kripa and Drona’s son then + addressed me, saying, “Fear not, O represser of foes, for if the foe wage + hostilities with us, they will not be able to vanquish us when we take the + field. Every one of us is singly capable of vanquishing all the kings of + the earth. Let them come. With keen-edged arrows we will curb their pride. + Inflamed with anger upon the death of his father, this Bhishma (amongst + us) in days of old had conquered all the kings of the earth, on a single + car. O Bharata, his wrath excited, that best of the Kurus smote numberless + ones amongst them, whereupon from fear, they are surrendered to this + Devavrata seeking his protection. That Bhishma, united with us, is still + capable of vanquishing the foe in battle. Let thy fears, therefore, O bull + of the Bharata race, be all dispelled.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana continued, ‘Even this was the resolve then formed by these + heroes of immeasurable energy. The whole earth was formerly under the + foe’s command. Now, however, they are incapable of vanquishing us in + battle, for our enemies, the sons of Pandu, are now without allies and + destitute of energy. O bull of the Bharata race, the sovereignty of the + earth now resteth in me, and the kings also, assembled by me, are of the + same mind with me in weal or woe. Know thou, O best of the Kuru race, that + all these kings, O slayer of foes, can, for my sake, enter into the fire + or the sea. They are all laughing at thee, beholding thee filled with + grief and including in these lamentations like one out of his wits, and + affrighted at the praises of the foe. Every one amongst these kings is + able to withstand the Pandavas. Indeed, sire, every one regardeth himself; + let thy fears, therefore, be dispelled. Even Vasava himself is not capable + of vanquishing my vast host. The Self-create Brahma himself, if desirous + of slaying it, cannot annihilate it. Having given up all hopes of a city, + Yudhishthira craveth only five villages, affrighted, O lord, at the army I + have assembled and at my power. The belief thou entertainest in the + prowess of Vrikodara, the son of Kunti, is unfounded. O Bharata, thou + knowest not the extent of my prowess. There is none on earth equal to me + in an encounter with the mace. None have ever surpassed me in such an + encounter, nor will any surpass me. With devoted application and + undergoing many privations, I have lived in my preceptor’s abode. I have + completed my knowledge and exercises there. It is for this that I have no + fear either of Bhima or of others. When I humbly waited upon Sankarshana + (my preceptor), blessed be thou, it was his firm conviction that + Duryodhana hath no equal in the mace. In battle I am Sankarshana’s equal, + and in might there is none superior to me on earth. Bhima will never be + able to bear the blow of my mace in battle. A single blow, O king, that I + may wrathfully deal unto Bhima will certainly, O hero, carry him without + delay to the abode of Yama. O king, I wish to see Vrikodara mace in hand. + This hath been my long-cherished desire. Struck in battle with my mace, + Vrikodara, the son of Pritha, will fall dead on the ground, his limbs + shattered. Smitten with a blow of my mace, the mountains of Himavat may + split into a hundred thousands fragments. Vrikodara himself knoweth this + truth, as also Vasudeva and Arjuna, that there is no one equal to + Duryodhana in the use of mace. Let thy fears, therefore, caused by + Vrikodara be dispelled, for I will certainly slay him in fierce conflict. + Do not, O king, give way to melancholy. And after I have slain him, + numerous car-warriors of equal or superior energy, will, O bull among the + Bharatas, speedily throw Arjuna down. Bhishma, Drona, Kripa and Drona’s + son, Karna and Bhurisravas, Salya, the king of Pragjyotish, and + Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhus,—every one of these, O Bharata, + is singly capable of slaying the Pandavas. When united together, they + will, within a moment, send Arjuna to the abode of Yama. There, indeed, is + no reason why the united army of all the kings will be incapable of + vanquishing Dhananjaya singly. A hundred times shrouded by immeasurable + arrows shot by Bhishma and Drona and Drona’s son and Kripa, and deprived + of strength, Partha will have to go unto Yama’s abode. Our grandsire born + of Ganga is, O Bharata, superior to Santanu himself. Like unto a + regenerate saint, and incapable of being withstood by the very celestials, + he took his birth amongst men. There is no slayer of Bhishma, O king, on + earth, for his father, being gratified, gave him the boon,—“Thou + shalt not die except when it is thy own wish.” And Drona took his birth in + a water-pot from the regenerate saint Bharadwaja. And from Drona hath + taken birth his son, having a knowledge of the highest weapons. And this + the foremost of preceptors, Kripa also, hath taken his birth from the + great Rishi Gautama. Born in a clump of heath this illustrious one, I + think, is incapable of being slain. Then again, O king, the father, mother + and maternal uncle of Aswatthaman,—these three,—are not born + of woman’s womb. I have that hero also on my side. All these mighty + car-warriors, O king, are like unto celestials, and can, O bull of the + Bharata race, inflict pain on Sakra himself in battle. Arjuna is incapable + of even looking at any one of these singly. When united together, these + tigers among men will certainly slay Dhananjaya. Karna also, I suppose, is + equal unto Bhishma and Drona and Kripa. O Bharata, Rama himself had told + him,—“Thou art equal unto me.” Karna had two ear-rings born with + him, of great brilliance and beauty; for Sachi’s gratification Indra + begged them of that repressor of foes, in exchange, O king, of an + infallible and terrible shaft. How would Dhananjaya, therefore, escape + with life from Karna who is protected by that arrow? My success, + therefore, O king, is as certain as a fruit held fast in my own grasp. The + utter defeat also of my foes is already bruited about on earth. This + Bhishma, O Bharata, killeth every day ten thousand soldiers. Equal unto + him are these bowmen, Drona, Drona’s son and Kripa. Then, O repressor of + foes, the ranks of the Samsaptaka warriors have made this resolution,—“Either + we will slay Arjuna or that Ape-bannered warrior will slay us.” There are + other kings also, who firm in their resolve of slaying Savyasachin, regard + him as unequal to themselves. Why dost thou then apprehend danger from the + Pandavas? When Bhimasena will be slain, O Bharata, who else (amongst them) + will fight? Tell me this, O repressor of foes, if thou knowest any amongst + the foes. The five brothers, with Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki,—these + seven warriors of the enemy, O king, are regarded as their chief strength. + Those, however, amongst us, that are our chief warriors, are Bhishma, + Drona, Kripa, Drona’s son, Karna, Somadatta, Vahlika, and Salya, the king + of Pragjyotisha, the two kings (Vindha and Anuvinda) of Avanti, and + Jayadratha; and then, O king, thy sons Dussasana, Durmukha, Dussaha, + Srutayu; Chitrasena, Purumitra, Vivinsati, Sala, Bhurisravas, and Vikarna. + O king, I have assembled one and ten Akshauhinis. The army of the enemy is + less than mine, amounting only to seven Akshauhinis. How then can I be + defeated? Vrihaspati hath said that an army which is less by a third ought + to be encountered. My army, O king, exceedeth that of the foe by a third. + Besides, O Bharata, I know that the enemy hath many defects, while mine, O + lord, are endued with many good virtues. Knowing all this, O Bharata, as + also the superiority of my force and the inferiority of the Pandavas, it + behoveth thee not to lose thy senses.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, O Bharata, that conqueror of hostile chiefs, + Duryodhana, asked Sanjaya again, anxious to known more about the doings of + the Pandavas." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0055" id="link52H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Having obtained, O Sanjaya, an army numbering seven + Akshauhinis, what is Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, with the other kings + in his company, doing in view of the war?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Yudhishthira, O king, is very cheerful in view of the + battle. And so also are Bhimasena and Arjuna. The twins also are perfectly + fearless. Desirous of making an experiment of the mantras (obtained by + him), Vibhatsu, the son of Kunti, yoked his celestial car illuminating all + the directions. Accoutred in mail, he looked like a mass of clouds charged + with lightning. After reflecting for a while, he cheerfully addressed me, + saying,—“Behold, O Sanjaya, these preliminary signs. We will + certainly conquer.” Indeed, what Vibhatsu said unto me appeared to me to + be true.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Thou rejoicest to applaud those sons of Pritha defeated + at dice. Tell us now what sort of steeds are yoked unto Arjuna’s car and + what sort of banners are set up on it?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O great king, the celestial artificer called Tashtri or + Bhaumana, aided by Sakra and Dhatri, created forms of diverse kinds and + great beauty for Arjuna’s car. And displaying divine illusion they placed + on his flagstaff those celestial forms, large and small, of great value. + And at Bhimasena’s request, Hanumat, the son of the Wind-god, will also + place his own image on it. And Bhaumana has, in its creation, had recourse + to such illusion that that banner covers, both perpendicularly and + laterally, an area of one yojana, and even if trees stand in its way, its + course cannot be impeded. Indeed, even as Sakra’s bow of diverse colours + is exhibited in the firmament, and nobody knows of what it is made, so + hath that banner been contrived by Bhaumana, for its form is varied and + ever varying. And as a column of smoke mixed with fire riseth up, covering + the sky and displaying many bright hues and elegant shapes, so doth that + banner contrived by Bhaumana rear its head. Indeed, it hath no weight, nor + is it capable of being obstructed. And unto that car are a century of + excellent celestial steeds of white hue and endued with the speed of the + mind, all presented by Chitrasena (the king of the Gandharvas). And + neither on earth, O king, nor in the sky, nor in heaven, their course can + be impeded. And formerly a boon hath been granted to the effect that their + number would always remain full how often so ever they might be slain. And + unto Yudhishthira’s car are yoked large steeds of equal energy and white + in colour like ivory. And unto Bhimasena’s car are yoked coursers endued + with the speed of the wind and the splendour of the seven Rishis. And + steeds of sable bodies and backs variegated like the wings of the Tittri + bird, all presented by his gratified brother Falguna, and superior to + those of the heroic Falguna himself, cheerfully carry Sahadeva. And Nakula + of Ajamida’s race, the son of Madri, is borne, like Indra the slayer of + Vritra, by excellent steeds, presented by the great Indra himself, all + mighty as the wind and endued with great speed. And excellent steeds of + large size, equal unto those of the Pandavas themselves in years and + strength, endued with great swiftness and of handsome make, and all + presented by the celestials, carry those youthful princes, the sons of + Subhadra and Draupadi.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0056" id="link52H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Whom hast thou, O Sanjaya, seen to have, from + affection, arrived there, and who will, on behalf of the Pandavas, fight + my son’s forces?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I have seen Krishna, the foremost of the Andhakas and the + Vrishnis, arrived there, and Chekitana, as also Satyaki, otherwise called + Yuyudhana. And those two mighty car-warriors, proud of their strength and + famed over all the world, have joined the Pandavas, each with a separate + Akshauhini of troops. And Drupada, the king of the Panchalas, surrounded + by his ten heroic sons—Satyajit and others—headed by + Dhrishtadyumna, and well-protected by Sikhandin, and having furnished his + soldiers with every necessary thing, hath come there with a full + Akshauhini, desirous of honouring Yudhishthira. And that lord of earth, + Virata, with his two sons Sankha and Uttara, as also with those heroes + Suryadatta and others—headed by Madiraksha and surrounded by one + Akshauhini of troops, hath thus accompanied by brothers and sons, joined + the son of Pritha. And the son of Jarasandha, the king of Magadha, and + Dhrishtaketu, the king of the Chedis, have separately come there, each + accompanied by an Akshauhini of troops. And the five brothers of Kekaya, + all having purple flags, have joined the Pandavas, surrounded by an + Akshauhini of troops. Then numbering to this extent, have I seen assembled + there, and these, on behalf of the Pandavas, will encounter the + Dhartarashtra host. That great car-warrior, Dhrishtadyumna, who is + acquainted with human, celestial, Gandharva and Asura arrays of battle, + leadeth that host. O king, Bhishma, the son of Santanu, has been assigned + to Sikhandin as his share; and Virata with all his Matsya warriors will + support Sikhandin. The mighty king of the Madras hath been assigned to the + eldest son of Pandu as his share, though some are of opinion that those + two are not well-matched. Duryodhana with his sons and his ninety-nine + brothers, as also the rulers of the east and the south, have been assigned + to Bhimasena as his share. Karna, the son of Vikartana, and Jayadratha the + king of the Sindhus, have been assigned to Arjuna as his share. And those + heroes also on the earth who are incapable of being withstood and who are + proud of their might, have been accepted by Arjuna as his share. And those + mighty bowmen, the five royal brothers of Kekaya, will put forth their + strength in battle, accepting the Kekaya warriors (on Dhritarashtra’s + side) as antagonists. And in their share are included the Malavas also, + and the Salwakas, as also, the two famous warriors of the Trigarta host + who have sworn to conquer or die. And all the sons of Duryodhana and + Dussasana, as also king Vrihadvala, have been assigned to Subhadra’s son + as his share. And those great bowmen, the sons of Draupadi, having cars + furnished with gold-embroidered banners, all headed by Dhrishtadyumna, + will, O Bharata, advance against Drona. And Chekitana on his car desireth + to encounter Somadatta in single combat with him, while Satyaki is anxious + to battle against the Bhoja chief, Kritavarman. And the heroic son of + Madri, Sahadeva, who setteth up terrible roars in battle, hath intended to + take as his share thy brother-in-law, the son of Suvala. And Nakula also, + the son of Madravati, hath intended to take as his share the deceitful + Uluka and the tribes of the Saraswatas. As for all the other kings of the + earth, O Monarch, who will go to battle, the sons of Pandu have, by naming + them, distributed them in their own respective shares. Thus hath the + Pandava host been distributed into divisions. Do thou now, without delay, + with thy sons, act as thou thinkest best.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Alas, all my foolish sons, addicted to deceitful + dice, are already dead when it is the mighty Bhima with whom they desire + to encounter in the field of battle. All the kings of the earth too, + consecrated by Death himself for sacrifice, will rush to the Gandiva, like + so many moths into fire. Methinks my host is already put to flight by + those illustrious warriors formerly injured by me. Who, indeed, shall + follow to battle my warriors, whose ranks will be broken by the sons of + Pandu in the encounter? All of them are mighty car-warriors, possessed of + great bravery, of famous achievements, endued with great prowess, equal + unto the fiery sun in energy, and all victorious in battle. Those that + have Yudhishthira for their leader, the slayer of Madhu for their + protector, the heroic Savyasachin and Vrikodara for their warriors, and + Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, and + Satyaki, and Drupada, and Dhrishtaketu with his son, and Uttamaujas, and + the unconquerable Yudhamanyu of the Panchalas, and Sikhandin, and + Kshatradeva, and Uttara, the son of Virata, and Kasayas, the Chedis, the + Matsyas, the Srinjayas, Vabhru the son of Virata, the Panchalas, and the + Prabhadrakas, for fighting for them, those, indeed, from whom Indra + himself cannot, if they are unwilling, snatch this earth,—those + heroes, cool and steady, in fight, who can split the very mountains—alas, + it is with them that are endued with every virtue and possessed of + superhuman prowess that this wicked son of mine, O Sanjaya, desireth to + fight, disregarding me even though I am crying myself hoarse!’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Both the Pandavas and ourselves are of the same race; + both they and we tread upon the same earth, why dost thou think that + victory will declare itself for only the Pandavas? Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, + the unconquerable Karna, Jayadratha, Somadatta, and Aswatthaman—all + mighty bowmen and endued with great energy,—are incapable of being + vanquished by Indra himself united with the celestials. What sayst thou + then, O father of the Pandavas? All these noble and heroic kings of the + earth, bearing weapons, O father, are quite capable, for my sake, of + withstanding the Pandavas, while the latter are not capable of even gazing + at my troops. I am powerful enough to encounter in battle the Pandavas + with their sons. O Bharata, all those rulers of the earth, who are anxious + for my welfare, will certainly seize all the Pandavas like a herd of young + deer by means of net. I tell thee, in consequence of our crowds of cars + and snares of arrows, the Panchalas and the Pandavas will all be routed.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Sanjaya, this my son speaketh like a mad man, for + he is incapable of vanquishing in battle Yudhishthira the just. This + Bhishma truly knoweth the might of the famous, powerful, virtuous, and + high-souled Pandavas and their sons, for he doth not wish a battle with + those illustrious ones. But tell me again O Sanjaya, of their movements. + Tell me, who are inciting those illustrious and mighty bowmen endued with + great activity, like priests enkindling (Homa) fires with libations of + clarified butter?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O Bharata, Dhrishtadyumna is always urging the Pandavas to + war, saying, “Fight ye, best among the Bharatas. Do not entertain the + least fear. All those rulers of the earth, who, courted by Dhritarashtra’s + son, will become in that fierce encounter targets of showers of weapons,—indeed, + I alone will encounter all those angry kings assembled together with their + relatives, like a whale seizing little fishes from the water. Bhishma and + Drona and Kripa and Karna and Drona’s son and Salya and Suyodhana,—them + all I withstand, like the bank resisting the swelling sea.” Unto him + saying thus, the virtuous king Yudhishthira said, “The Panchalas and the + Pandavas wholly depend upon thy prowess and steadiness. Rescue us safely + from the war. I know, O mighty-armed one, that thou art firm in the duties + of the Kshatriya order. Thou art, indeed, quite competent to smite alone + the Kauravas. When the latter, eager for fight, will stand before us, what + thou, O repressor of foes, wilt arrange, will certainly be for our good. + Even this is the opinion of those acquainted with the scriptures, that the + hero, who, displaying his prowess, relieth on those that after the rout + run away from the battle-field, seeking for protection, is to be bought + with a thousand. Thou, O bull among men, art brave, mighty, and powerful. + Without doubt, thou art that deliverer of those that are over-powered with + fear on the field of battle.” And when the righteous Yudhishthira the son + of Kunti said this, Dhrishtadyumna fearlessly addressed me in these words, + “Go thou, O Suta, without delay, and say unto all those that have come to + fight for Duryodhana, say unto the Kurus of the Pratipa dynasty with the + Vahlikas, the son of Saradwata and Karna and Drona, and Drona’s son, and + Jayadratha, and Dussasana, and Vikarna and king Duryodhana, and Bhishma,—Do + not suffer yourselves to be slain by Arjuna, who is protected by the + celestials. Before that happens, let some good man approach Yudhishthira + and entreat that son of Pandu, that best of men, to accept the kingdom + (surrendered by them) without delay. There is no warrior on the earth like + unto Savyasachin, son of Pandu, of prowess incapable of being baffled. The + celestial car of the holder of Gandiva is protected by the very gods. He + is incapable of being vanquished by human beings. Do not, therefore, bend + your mind to war!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0057" id="link52H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Yudhishthira the son of Pandu is endued with + Kshatriya energy and leadeth the Brahmacharya mode of life from his very + youth. Alas, with him these foolish sons of mine desire to fight, + disregarding me that am thus bewailing. I ask thee, O Duryodhana, O + foremost of the Bharata race, desist from hostility. O chastiser of foes, + under any circumstances, war is never applauded. Half the earth is quite + enough for the maintenance of thyself and all thy followers. Give back + unto the sons of Pandu, O chastiser of foes, their proper share. All the + Kauravas deem just this to be consistent with justice, that thou shouldst + make peace with the high-souled sons of Pandu. Reflect thus, O son, and + thou wilt find that this thy army is for thy own death. Thou understandest + not this from thy own folly. I myself do not desire war, nor Vahlika, nor + Bhishma, nor Drona, nor Aswatthaman, nor Sanjaya, nor Somadatta, nor + Salya, nor Kripa, nor Satyavrata, nor Purumitra, nor Bhurisravas,—in + fact, none of these desireth war. Indeed, those warriors upon whom the + Kauravas, when afflicted by the foe, will have to rely, do not approve of + the war. O child, let that be acceptable to thee. Alas, thou dost not seek + it of thy own will, but it is Karna and the evil-minded Dussasana and + Sakuni, the son of Suvala, that are leading thee to it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘I challenge the Pandavas to battle, without depending + upon thyself, Drona, or Aswatthaman, or Sanjaya, or Vikarna, or Kamvoja, + or Kripa, or Vahlika, or Satyavrata, or Purumitra, or Bhurisravas, or + others of thy party. But, O bull among men, only myself and Karna, O sire, + are prepared to celebrate the sacrifice of battle with all the necessary + rites, making Yudhishthira the victim. In that sacrifice, my car will be + the altar; my sword will be the smaller ladle, my mace, the large one, for + pouring libations; my coat of mail will be the assembly of spectators; my + four steeds will be the officiating priests; my arrows will be the blades + of Kusa grass; and fame will be the clarified butter. O king, performing, + in honour of Yama, such a sacrifice in battle, the ingredients of which + will all be furnished by ourselves, we will return victoriously covered + with glory, after having slain our foes. Three of us, O sire, viz., myself + and Karna and my brother Dussasana,—will slay the Pandavas in + battle. Either I, slaying the Pandavas, will sway this Earth, or the sons + of Pandu, having slain me, will enjoy this Earth. O king, O thou of + unfading glory, I would sacrifice my life, kingdom, wealth, everything, + but would not be able to live side by side with the Pandavas. O venerable + one, I will not surrender to the Pandavas even that much of land which may + be covered by the sharp point of a needle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I now abandon Duryodhana for ever. I nevertheless + grieve for you all, ye kings, that will follow this fool who is about to + proceed to Yama’s abode. Like tigers among a herd of deer, those foremost + of smiters—the sons of Pandu,—will smite down your principal + leaders assembled for battle. Methinks, the Bharata host, like a helpless + woman, will be afflicted and crushed and hurled to a distance by Yuyudhana + of long arms. Adding to the strength of Yudhishthira’s army, which without + him was already sufficient, Sini’s son will take up his stand on the field + of battle and scatter his arrows like seeds on a cultivated field. And + Bhimasena will take up his position in the very van of the combatants, and + all his soldiers will fearlessly stand in his rear, as behind a rampart. + Indeed, when thou, O Duryodhana, wilt behold elephants, huge as hills, + prostrated on the ground with their tusks disabled, their temples crushed + and bodies dyed with gore,—in fact, when thou wilt see them lying on + the field of battle like riven hills, then, afraid of a clash with him, + thou wilt remember these my words. Beholding thy host consisting of cars, + steeds, and elephants, consumed by Bhimasena, and presenting the spectacle + of a wide-spread conflagration’s track, thou wilt remember these my words. + If ye do not make peace with the Pandavas, overwhelming calamity will be + yours. Slain by Bhimasena with his mace, ye will rest in peace. Indeed, + when thou wilt see the Kuru host levelled to the ground by Bhima, like a + large forest torn up by the roots, then wilt thou remember these my + words.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this unto all those rulers of the + earth, the king addressing Sanjaya again, asked him as follows." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0058" id="link52H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O thou of great wisdom, what high-souled + Vasudeva and Dhananjaya said. I am anxious to hear from thee all about + this.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, as I tell thee the state in which I found + Krishna and Dhananjaya. I will also, O Bharata, tell thee what those + heroes said, O king, with looks bent down and hands joined together, and + with senses well restrained, I entered the inner apartments for conferring + with those gods among men. Neither Abhimanyu nor the Twins can repair to + that place where are the two Krishnas and Draupadi and lady Satyabhama. + There I beheld those chastisers of foes, exhilarated with Bassia wine, + their bodies adorned with garlands of flowers. Attired in excellent robes + and adorned with celestial ornaments, they sat on a golden dais, decked + with numerous gems, and covered over with carpets of diverse texture and + hue. And I beheld Kesava’s feet resting upon Arjuna’s lap while those of + the high-souled Arjuna rested upon the laps of Krishna and Satyabhama. + Partha then pointed out to me (for a seat) a foot-stool made of gold. + Touching it with my hand, I seated myself down on the ground. And when he + withdraw his feet from the foot-stool, I beheld auspicious marks on both + his soles. Those consisted of two longitudinal lines running from heels to + fore-toe. O sire, endued with black complexions, of high statures, and + erect like Sala trunks, beholding those youthful heroes, both seated on + the same seat, a great fear seized me. They seemed to me to be Indra and + Vishnu seated together, though Duryodhana of dull sense knoweth it not, in + consequence of his reliance on Drona and Bhishma and on the loud vaunts of + Karna. That very moment, I was convinced that the wishes of Yudhishthira + the just, who had those two for obeying his orders, were certain to + succeed. Being hospitably entertained with food and drink, and honoured + with other courtesies, I conveyed to them thy message, placing my joined + hands on my head. Then Partha, removing Kesava’s auspicious foot from his + lap, with his hand scarred by the flappings of the bow-string, urged him + to speak. Sitting up erect like Indra’s banner, adorned with every + ornament, and resembling Indra himself in energy, Krishna then addressed + me. And the words which that best of speakers said were sweet, charming + and mild, though awful and alarming to the son of Dhritarashtra. Indeed, + the words uttered by Krishna, who alone is fit to speak, were of correct + emphasis and accent, and pregnant with meaning, though heart-rending in + the end. And Vasudeva said, “O Sanjaya, say thou these words unto the wise + Dhritarashtra and in the hearing of that foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma, + and also of Drona, having first saluted at our request, O Suta, all the + aged ones and having enquired after the welfare of the younger ones, ‘Do + ye celebrate diverse sacrifices, making presents unto the Brahmanas, and + rejoice with your sons and wives, for a great danger threatens ye? Do ye + give away wealth unto deserving persons, beget desirable sons, and do + agreeable offices to those that are dear to thee, for king Yudhishthira is + eager for victory?’” While I was at a distance, Krishna with tears + addressing me said, “That debt, accumulating with time, hath not yet been + paid off by me. Ye have provoked hostilities with that Savyasachin, who + hath for his bow the invincible Gandiva, of fiery energy, and who hath me + for his helpmate. Who, even if he were Purandara himself, would challenge + Partha having me for his help-mate, unless, of course, his span of life + were full? He that is capable of vanquishing Arjuna in battle is, indeed, + able to uphold the Earth with his two arms, to consume all created things + in anger and hurl the celestials from Heaven. Among the celestials, + Asuras, and men, among Yakshas, Gandharvas, and Nagas, I do not find the + person that can encounter Arjuna in battle. That wonderful story which is + heard of an encounter in the city of Virata between a single person on one + side and innumerable warriors on the other, is sufficient proof of this. + That ye all fled in all directions being routed in the city of Virata by + that son of Pandu singly, is sufficient proof of this. Might, prowess, + energy, speed, lightness of hand, indefatiguableness, and patience are not + to be found in any one else save Partha.” Thus spoke Hrishikesa cheering + up Partha by his words and roaring like rain-charged clouds in the + firmament. Having heard these words of Kesava, the diadem-decked Arjuna, + of white steeds, also spoke to the same effect.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0059" id="link52H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having heard these words of Sanjaya, the monarch + endued with the eye of wisdom, took that speech into his consideration as + regards its merits and demerits. And having counted in detail the merits + and demerits as far as he could, and having exactly ascertained the + strength and weakness of both parties, the learned and intelligent king, + ever desirous of victory to his sons, then began to compare the powers of + both sides. And having at last ascertained that the Pandavas were endued + with strength and energy both human and divine, and that the Kurus were + much weaker Dhritarashtra said unto Duryodhana, “This anxiety, O + Duryodhana, always filleth me. Indeed, it doth not leave me. Truly, it + seemeth that I behold it with my eye. This conviction is not a matter of + inference. All created beings show great affection for their offsprings, + and do, to the best of their power, what is agreeable and beneficial to + them. This is generally to be seen also in the case of benefactors. They + that are good always desire to return the good done to them and to do what + is highly agreeable to their benefactors. Remembering what was done to him + to Khandava, Agni will, no doubt, render aid to Arjuna in this terrible + encounter between the Kurus and the Pandavas. And from parental affection, + Dharma, and other celestials duly invoked, will come together to the aid + of the Pandavas. I think that to save them from Bhishma and Drona and + Kripa, the celestials will be filled with wrath, resembling the + thunderbolt in its effects. Endued with energy and well-versed in the use + of weapons, those tigers among men, the sons of Pritha, when united with + the celestials, will be incapable of being even gazed upon by human + warriors. He who hath the irresistible, excellent and celestial Gandiva + for his bow, he who hath a couple of celestial quivers obtained from + Varuna,—large, full of shafts, and inexhaustible, he on whose + banner, that is unobstructed like smoke in its action, is stationed the + monkey-image of celestial origin, whose car is unequalled on the earth + girt by the four seas, and the rattle of which as heard by men is like the + roar of the clouds, and which like the rolling of the thunder frightens + the foe; he whom the whole world regards as superhuman in energy; he whom + all the kings of the earth know to be the vanquisher of the very gods in + battle; he that taketh up five hundred arrows at a time and in the + twinkling of the eye, shooteth them, unseen by other, to a great distance; + that son of Pritha and tiger among car-warriors and chastiser of foes, + whom Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Drona’s son and Salya, the king of + the Madras, and in fact, all impartial persons, regard as incapable of + being vanquished by even earthly kings of superhuman prowess, when ready + for fight who shooteth at one stretch full five hundred arrows, and who is + equal unto Kartavirya in strength of arms; that great bowman, Arjuna, + equal unto Indra or Upendra in prowess,—I behold that great warrior + committing a great havoc in this terrible battle. O Bharata, reflecting + day and night on this, I am unhappy and sleepless, through anxiety for the + welfare of the Kurus. A terrible destruction is about to overtake the + Kurus, if there is nothing but peace for ending this quarrel. I am for + peace with the Parthas and not for war. O child, I always deem the + Pandavas mightier than the Kurus.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0060" id="link52H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of his father, the passionate son + of Dhritarashtra inflamed with great wrath, again said these words, of + envy, of “Thou thinkest the Parthas having the celestials for their + allies, are incapable of being vanquished. Let this thy fear, O best of + kings, be dispelled. The gods attained to their divinity for absence of + desire, covetousness, and of enmity, as also for their indifference to all + worldly affairs. Formerly, Dwaipayana-Vyasa and Narada of great ascetic + austerities, and Rama, the son of Jamadagni, told us this. The gods never + like human beings to engage in work, O bull of the Bharata race, from + desire, or wrath, or covetousness, or envy. Indeed, if Agni, or Vayu, or + Dharma, or Indra, or the Aswins had ever engaged themselves in works from + worldly desire, then the sons of Pritha could never have fallen into + distress. Do not, therefore, by any means, indulge in such anxiety, + because the gods, O Bharata, always set their eyes on affairs worthy of + themselves. If, however, envy or lust become noticeable in the gods in + consequence of their yielding to desire, then, according to what has been + ordained by the gods themselves, such envy or lust can never prevail. + Charmed by me, Agni will be instantly extinguished, even if he blazes up + all around for consuming all creatures. The energy with which the gods are + endued is, indeed, great, but know, O Bharata, that mine is greater than + that of the gods. If the Earth herself cleaves in twain, or mountain + crests split, I can re-unite them, O king, by my incantations before the + eyes of all. If for the destruction of this universe of animate and + inanimate, mobile and immobile creatures, there happeneth a terrific + tempest or stony shower of loud roar, I can always, from compassion for + created beings, stop it before the eyes of all. When the waters are + solidified by me, even cars and infantry can move over them. It is I who + set agoing all the affairs of both gods and Asuras. Unto whatever + countries I go with my Akshauhinis on any mission, my steeds move + whithersoever I desire. Within my dominions there are no fearful snakes, + and protected by my incantations, creatures within my territories are + never injured by others that are frightful. The very clouds, O king, pour, + as regards those dwelling in my dominions, showers as much as they desire + and when they desire. All my subjects, again, are devoted to religion and + are never subject to calamities of season. The Aswins, Vayu, Agni, Indra + with the Maruts, and Dharma will not venture to protect my foes. If these + had been able to protect by their might my adversaries, never would the + sons of Pritha have fallen into such distress for three and ten years. I + tell thee truly that neither gods, nor Gandharvas nor Asuras nor Rakshasas + are capable of saving him who hath incurred my displeasure; I have never + before been baffled as regards the reward to punishment that I intended to + bestow or inflict on friend or foe. If ever, O repressor of foes, I said + this is to be,—that hath always been. People, therefore, have always + known me as a speaker of truth. All persons can bear witness to my + greatness, the fame of which hath spread all around. I mention this, O + king, for thy information and not from pride. Never had I, O king, praised + myself before, for to praise one’s own self is mean. Thou wilt hear of + defeat of the Pandavas and the Matsyas, the Panchalas and the Kekayas, of + Satyaki and Vasudeva, at my hands. Indeed, as rivers, on entering the + ocean, are entirely lost in it, so the Pandavas with all their followers, + on approaching me, will all be annihilated. My intelligence is superior, + my energy is superior, my prowess is superior, my knowledge is superior, + my resources are superior by far to those of the Pandavas. Whatever + knowledge of weapons is in the Grandsire, in Drona, and Kripa, and Salya, + and Shalya, exist in me as well." </p> + <p> + “‘Having said these words, O Bharata, Duryodhana, that repressor of foes, + again asked Sanjaya, in order to ascertain the proceedings of Yudhishthira + bent upon war.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0061" id="link52H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Without much minding Dhritarashtra, the son of + Vichitravirya who was about to ask of Partha, Karna said unto + Dhritarashtra’s son these words, cheering up the spirit of the assembled + Kurus, ‘Coming to know of the false pretence under which I obtained the + Brahma weapon of old from Rama, the latter told me,—“When thy hour + will come thy memory will fail thee in respect of this weapon.” Even for + so great an offence I was cursed so lightly by that great Rishi, my + preceptor. That great Rishi of fierce energy is capable of consuming even + the entire Earth with her seas. By attention and personal bravery, I + appeased his heart. I have that weapon with me still, and my period is not + yet run. I am, therefore, fully competent (to win victory). Let the + responsibility be mine. Having obtained the favour of that Rishi, I will + slay within the twinkling of an eye the Panchalas, the Karushas, the + Matsyas, and the sons of Pritha with their sons and grandsons, and bestow + on thee numerous regions won by my weapons. Let the Grandsire and Drona + and all the kings stay with thee. I will slay the sons of Pritha, marching + forth with the chief warriors of my army. Let that task be mine.’ Unto him + speaking thus, Bhishma said, ‘What sayest thou, O Karna? Thy intellect is + clouded at the approach of thy hour. Knowest thou not, O Karna, that when + the chief is slain, the sons of Dhritarashtra will all be slain? Having + heard of the feat achieved by Dhananjaya, with Krishna only as his ally, + at the burning of the Khandava forest, it behoveth thee with thy friends + and relatives to restrain thy mind. The shaft that the illustrious and + adorable chief of the celestials, the great Indra, gave thee, thou wilt + see, will be broken and reduced to ashes when struck by Kesava with his + discus. That other shaft of serpentine mouth that shineth (in thy quiver) + and is respectfully worshipped by thee with flowery garlands, will, O + Karna, when struck by the son of Pandu with his shafts, perish with thee. + O Karna, the slayer of Vana and Bhumi’s son (Naraka), Vasudeva himself, + who hath, in the thickest of battle, slain foes equal and even superior to + thee, protecteth the diadem-decked Arjuna.’ + </p> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘Without doubt, the chief of the Vrishnis is even so. + Further, I admit, that that high-souled one is even more than that. Let, + however, the Grandsire listen to the effect of the bit of harsh speech + that he hath uttered. I lay down my weapons. The Grandsire will henceforth + behold me in court only and not in battle. After thou hast become quiet, + the rulers of the earth will behold my prowess in this world.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, that great bowman (Karna), + leaving the court went to his own abode. Bhishma, however, O king, + addressing Duryodhana in the midst of the Kurus, and laughing aloud, said, + ‘How truly doth the Suta’s son keep his promise. Why having repeatedly + given his pledge, saying,—The kings of Avanti and Kalinga, + Jayadratha, and Chediddhaja and Valhika standing as spectators, I will + slay hostile warriors by thousands and tens of thousands,—how will + he discharge that obligation? Having distributed his divisions in + counter-array and scattering heads by thousands, behold the havoc + committed by Bhimasena. Indeed, that moment, when, representing himself as + a Brahmana unto the holy and blameless Rama, Vikartana’s son obtained that + weapon, that vile wretch lost both his virtue and asceticism.’ O king of + kings, when Bhishma said this after Karna had gone away giving up his + weapons, Duryodhana, that foolish son of Vichitravirya’s son, addressed + Santanu’s son in these words." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0062" id="link52H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘The sons of Pritha are all as other men, and are, in + fact, of earthly birth as other men. Why then dost thou think that they + are sure to win victory? Both ourselves and they are equal in energy, in + prowess, in age, in intelligence, in knowledge of the scriptures, in + weapons, in the art of war, in lightness of hand, and in skill. All of us + are of the of same species, all being men by birth. How then, O grandsire, + dost thou know that victory will be theirs? I do not seek the + accomplishment of my aims by relying upon thee, or Drona, or Kripa or + Valhika, or upon the other kings. Myself, and Karna, the son of Vikartana, + and my brother Dussasana, will slay in battle the five sons of Pandu by + sharpened arrows. Then shall we, O king, gratify Brahmanas by performing + great sacrifices of diverse kinds, with abundant Dakshinas, and by gifts + of kine and horses and wealth. When my troops will drag by the aid of + their mighty arms the Pandavas in battle, like hunters dragging a herd of + deer by a net, or whirlpools drawing a crewless boat, then the sons of + Pandu, beholding us their foe, supported by crowds and cars and elephants, + will give up their pride, and not they alone but Kesava also.’ Hearing + this, Vidura said, ‘Venerable persons of infallible knowledge say that in + this world self-restraint is highly beneficial. In the case of Brahmana + especially, it is his duty. He whose self-restraint followeth charity, + asceticism, knowledge, and study of the Vedas, always winneth success, + forgiveness, and the fruit of his gifts. Self-restraint enhanceth energy, + and is an excellent and holy attribute. Freed from sin and his energy + increased by Self-restraint, one acquireth even Brahma through it. People + are always afraid of those that are without self-restraint, as if the + latter were very Rakshasas. And it is for keeping these under check that + the self-Existent created the Kshatriyas. It hath been said that + Self-restraint is an excellent vow for all the four modes of life. I + regard those attributes as its indications which owe their origin to + self-restraint. Those indications are forgiveness, firmness of mind, + abstention from injury, an equal regard for all things, truthfulness of + speech, simplicity, control over the senses, patience, gentleness of + speech, modesty, steadiness, liberality, mildness, contentment, and faith, + he that hath self-restraint casteth off lust, avarice, pride, wrath, + sleep, boastfulness, self-esteem, malice, and sorrow. Purity and absence + of crookedness and fraud, are the distinctive marks of a man of + self-restraint. He that is not covetous, that is satisfied with a little, + that regardeth not objects provoking lust, and that is as grave as the + ocean, is known as a man of self-restraint. He that is well-behaved, of + good disposition and contented soul, that knoweth his own self is + possessed of wisdom, winneth great regard here and attaineth to a blissful + state hereafter. Possessed of mature wisdom, he that hath no fear of other + creatures and whom other creatures fear not, is said to be the foremost of + men. Seeking the good of all, he is a universal friend, and no one is made + unhappy by him. Endued with gravity, like that of the ocean and enjoying + contentment in consequence of his wisdom, such a man is always calm and + cheerful. Regulating their conduct according to the acts practised by the + righteous olden times and before their eyes, they that are + self-restrained, being devoted to peace, rejoice in this world. Or, + abandoning Action, because contented in consequence of Knowledge, such a + person, with his senses under control moveth quickly in this world, + waiting for the inevitable hour and absorption into Brahma. And as the + track of feathery creatures in the sky is incapable of being perceived, so + the path of the sage enjoying contentment in consequence of Knowledge is + not visible. Abandoning the world he that betaketh himself, in pursuit of + emancipation, to the Sannyasa mode of life, hath bright and eternal + regions assigned to him in heaven.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0063" id="link52H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘We have heard, O sire, from old men, that once on a time a + fowler spread his net on the ground for catching feathery denizens of the + air. And in that net were ensnared at the same time two birds that lived + together. And taking the net up, the two winged creatures soared together + into the air. And seeing them soar into the sky, the fowler, without + giving way to despair, began to follow them in the direction they flew, + Just then, an ascetic living in a hermitage (close by), who had finished + his morning prayers, saw the fowler running in that manner hoping still to + secure the feathery creatures. And seeing that tenant of the earth quickly + pursuing those tenants of the air, the ascetic, O Kaurava, addressed him + in this Sloka,—O fowler, it appears very strange and wonderful to me + that thou, that art a treader of the earth, pursuest yet a couple of + creatures that are tenants of the air. The fowler said, “These two, united + together, are taking away my snare. There, however, where they will + quarrel they will come under my control.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Vidura continued, ‘The two birds, doomed to death, soon after quarrelled. + And when the foolish pair quarrelled, they both fell on the earth. And + when, ensnared in the meshes of death, they began to contend angrily + against each other, the fowler approached unperceived and sized them both. + Even thus those kinsmen who fall out with one another for the sake of + wealth fall into the hands of the enemy like the birds I have cited, in + consequence of their quarrel. Eating together, talking together,—these + are the duties of kinsmen, and not contention under any circumstances. + Those kinsmen, that with loving hearts wait on the old, become + unconquerable like a forest guarded by lions. While those, O bull of the + Bharata race, that having won enormous riches nevertheless, behave like + mean-minded men, always contribute to the prosperity of their foes. + Kinsmen, O Dhritarashtra, O bull of the Bharata race, are like charred + brands, which blaze up when united but only smoke when disunited. I will + now tell thee something else that I saw on a mountain-breast. Having + listened to that also, do, O Kaurava, what is for thy best. Once on a time + we repaired to the northern mountain, accompanied by some hunters and a + number of Brahmanas, fond of discoursing on charms and medicinal plants. + That northern mountain, Gandhamadana, looked like a grove. As its breast + was overgrown on all sides with trees and diverse kinds of luminous + medicinal herbs, it was inhabited by Siddhas and Gandharvas. And there we + all saw a quantity of honey, of a bright yellow colour and of the measure + of a jar, placed on an inaccessible precipice of the mountain. That honey, + which was Kuvera’s favourite drink, was guarded by snakes of virulent + poison. And it was such that a mortal, drinking of it would win + immortality, a sightless man obtain sight, and an old man would become a + youth. It was that those Brahmanas conversant with sorcery spoke about + that honey. And the hunters, seeing that honey, desired, O king, to obtain + it. And they all perished in that inaccessible mountain-cave abounding + with snakes. In the same way, this thy son desireth to enjoy the whole + earth without a rival. He beholdeth the honey, but seeth not, from folly, + the terrible fall. It is true, Duryodhana desireth an encounter in battle + with Savyasachin, but I do not see that energy or prowess in him which may + carry him safe through it. On a single car Arjuna conquered the whole + earth. At the head of their hosts Bhishma and Drona and others were + frightened by Arjuna and utterly routed at the city of Virata. Remember + what took place on that occasion. He forgiveth still, looking up to thy + face and waiting to know what thou wouldst do. Drupada, and the king of + Matsyas, and Dhananjaya, when angry, will, like flames of fire urged by + the wind, leave no remnant (of thy army). O Dhritarashtra, take king + Yudhishthira on thy lap since both parties can, under no circumstances, + have victory when thy will be engaged in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0064" id="link52H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Consider, O Duryodhana, O dear son, what I tell + thee. Like an ignorant traveller thou thinkest, the wrong path to be the + right one, since thou art desirous of robbing the energy of the five sons + of Pandu, who are even as the five elements of the universe in their + subtle form upholding all mobile and immobile things. Without the certain + sacrifice of thy life thou art unable to vanquish Yudhishthira, the son of + Kunti, who is the foremost of all virtuous persons in this world. Alas, + like a tree defying the mighty tempest, thou chafest at Bhimasena who hath + not his peer (among men) in might and who is equal unto Yama himself in + battle. What man of sense would encounter in battle the wielder of + Gandiva, who is the foremost of all wielders of weapons, as the Meru among + mountains? What man is there whom Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of Panchala, + cannot overthrow, shooting his arrows among the foes, like the chief of + the celestials hurling his thunderbolt? That honoured warrior among the + Andhakas and the Vrishnis, the irresistible Satyaki, ever engaged in the + good of the Pandavas, will also slaughter thy host. What man of sense, + again, would encounter the lotus-eyed Krishna, who, as regards the measure + of his energy and power, surpasseth the three worlds? As regards Krishna, + his wives, kinsmen, relatives, his own soul and the whole earth, put on + one scale, weigheth with Dhananjaya on the other. That Vasudeva, upon whom + Arjuna relieth, is irresistible, and that host where Kesava is, becometh + irresistible everywhere. Listen, therefore, O child, to the counsels of + those well-wishers of thine whose words are always for thy good. Accept + thou thy aged grandsire, Bhishma, the son of Santanu, as thy guide. Listen + thou to what I say, and what these well-wishers of the Kurus, Drona, and + Kripa, and Vikarna, and king Vahlika say. These all are as I myself. It + behoveth thee to regard them as much as thou regardest me, since, O + Bharata, all these are conversant with morality and bear affection to thee + as much as I myself do. The panic and rout, before thy eyes, at the city + of Virata, of all thy troops with thy brothers, after surrender of the + king,—indeed, that wonderful story that is heard of an encounter at + that city between one and many, are sufficient proof (of the wisdom of + what I say). When Arjuna singly achieves all that, what will not the + Pandavas achieve when united together? Take them by the hands as thy + brothers, and cherish them with a share of the kingdom.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0065" id="link52H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having addressed Suyodhana thus, the highly blessed + and wise Dhritarashtra again asked Sanjaya, saying, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, + what thou hast not yet said, viz., what Arjuna told thee after the + conclusion of Vasudeva’s speech, for great is my curiosity to hear it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having heard the words spoken by Vasudeva, the + irresistible Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, when the opportunity came, said + these words in the hearing of Vasudeva. “O Sanjaya, our grandsire, the son + of Santanu, and Dhritarashtra, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and king + Vahlika, and Drona’s son, and Somadatta, and Sakuni the son of Suvala; and + Dussasana, and Sala, and Purumitra, and Vivinsati; Vikarna, and + Chitrasena, and king Jayatsena, and Vinda and Anuvinda, the two chiefs of + Avanti, and Bhurisravas, and king Bhagadatta, and king Jarasandha and + other rulers of the earth, assembled there to fight for the good of the + Kauravas, are all on the eve of death. They have been assembled by + Dhritarashtra’s son for being offered up as libations on the blazing + Pandava-fire. In my name, Sanjaya, enquire after the welfare of those + assembled kings according to their respective ranks, paying them proper + regard at the same time. Thou shouldest also, O Sanjaya, say this, in the + presence of all kings, unto Suyodhana—that foremost of all sinful + men. Wrathful and wicked, of sinful soul and exceedingly covetous, do + thou, O Sanjaya, see that that fool with his counsellors hears all that I + say.” And with this preface, Pritha’s son Dhananjaya, endued with great + wisdom, and possessed of large eyes with red corners, glancing at + Vasudeva, then spoke unto me these words pregnant with both virtue and + profit, “Thou hast already heard the measured words spoken by the + high-souled chief of the Madhu’s race. Say unto the assembled kings that + those are also my words. And say this also for me, unto those kings,—‘Do + ye together try to act in such a way that libations may not have to be + poured into the arrowy fire of the great sacrifice of battle, in which the + rattle of car-wheels will sound as mantras, and the rank-routing bow will + act as the ladle. If, indeed, ye do not give up unto Yudhishthira, that + slayer of foes, his own share in the kingdom asked back by him, I shall + then, by means of my arrows, send all of you, with cavalry, infantry, and + elephants, into the inauspicious regions of departed spirits.’” Then + bidding adieu unto Dhananjaya and Hari of four arms and bowing unto them + both, I have with great speed come hither to convey those words of grave + import to thee, O thou that art endued with effulgence equal that of the + very gods.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0066" id="link52H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra, showed + little regard for the words spoken by Sanjaya, and when the rest remained + silent, the assembled kings rose up and retired. And after all the kings + of the earth had retired, king Dhritarashtra, who always followed the + counsels of his son from affection, wishing success to the assembled + kings, began to enquire in secret of Sanjaya about the resolve of his own + party, and of the Pandavas who were hostile to him. And Dhritarashtra + said, “Tell me truly, O son of Gavalgana, in what consists the strength + and weakness of our own host. Minutely acquainted as thou art with the + affairs of the Pandavas, tell me in what lies their superiority and in + what, their inferiority. Thou are fully conversant with the strength of + both parties. Thou knowest all things, and art well-versed in all matters + of virtue and profit. Asked by me, O Sanjaya, say which of the parties, + when engaged in battle, will perish?”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I will not say anything to thee in secret, O king, for + then thou mayst entertain ill-feelings towards me. Bring thou hither, O + Ajamida, thy father Vyasa of high vows and thy queen Gandhari. Conversant + with morality, of keen perception, and capable of arriving at the truth, + they will remove any ill-feelings thou mayst cherish against me. In their + presence, O king, I will tell thee everything about the intensions of + Kesava and Partha.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, Dhritarashtra caused both + Gandhari and Vyasa to be brought there. And introduced by Vidura they + entered the court without delay. And understanding the intentions of both + Sanjaya and his son, Krishna-Dwaipayana endued with great wisdom said, + Say, O Sanjaya, unto the enquiring Dhritarashtra everything that he + desireth to know. Tell him truly all that thou knowest about Vasudeva and + Arjuna.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0067" id="link52H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Those adorable bowmen, Arjuna and Vasudeva, who are + perfectly equal unto each other in respect of their godlike nature, have + taken their births of their own will. O lord, the discus owned by + Vasudeva, of abundant energy, occupieth a space full five cubits in + diameter, is capable also of being hurled at the foe (in forms large or + small) according to the will of the wielder himself, and it dependeth on + illusion. Always conspicuous by its effulgence, it is invisible to the + Kurus; and in ascertaining the strength or weakness of the Pandavas, that + discus offers the best ground. Indeed, that scion of Madhu’s race, endued + with great might, vanquished with an effort and in seeming playfulness the + formidable Naraka and Samvara and Kansa and (Sisupala) the chief of + Chedis. Possessed of divinity and of soul superior to everything, that + most exalted of male beings can, by his will alone, bring the earth, + firmament, and heaven under his control. Thou askest me repeatedly, O + king, about the Pandavas for knowing their strength and weakness. Listen + now to all that in brief. If the whole universe be placed on one scale and + Janardana on the other, even then Janardana will outweigh the entire + universe. Janardana, at his pleasure, can reduce the universe to ashes, + but the entire universe is incapable of reducing Janardana to ashes. + Wherever there is truthfulness, wherever virtue, wherever modesty, + wherever simplicity, even there is Govinda. And thither where Krishna is, + success must be. That soul of all creatures, most exalted of male beings, + Janardana, guideth, as if in sport, the entire earth, the firmament, and + the heaven. Making the Pandavas the indirect means, and beguiling the + whole world, Janardana wisheth to blast thy wicked sons that are all + addicted to sin. Endued with divine attributes, Kesava, by the power of + his soul causeth the wheel of Time, the wheel of the Universe, and the + wheel of the Yuga, to revolve incessantly. And I tell thee truly that + glorious Being is alone the Lord of Time, of Death, and of this Universe + of mobile and immobile objects. That great ascetic Hari, though the Lord + of the whole Universe, still betaketh himself to work, like a humble + labourer that tilleth the fields. Indeed, Kesava beguileth all by the aid + of His illusion. Those men, however, that have attained to Him are not + deceived.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0068" id="link52H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘How hast thou, O Sanjaya, been able to know Madhava + as the Supreme Lord of the universe? And how is it that I am unable to + know Him as such? Tell me this, O Sanjaya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king! Thou hast no Knowledge, whereas my + Knowledge hath suffered no diminution. He that is without Knowledge and is + shrouded with the darkness of ignorance, knoweth not Kesava. Aided by my + knowledge, O sire, I know the slayer of Madhu to be the union of the + Gross, the Subtle and the Cause; and that He is the Creator of all, but is + Himself increate; and also that, endued with Divinity, it is He from whom + everything springs and it is He unto whom all things return.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O son of Gavalgana, what is the nature of that Faith + which thou hast in Janardana and in consequence of which thou knowest the + slayer of Madhu to be the union of the Gross, the Subtle, and the Cause?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Blessed be thou, O king, I have no regard for the illusion + (that is identified with worldly pleasures) and I never practise the + useless virtues (of vows and work without reliance on Him and purity of + Soul). Having obtained purity of Soul through Faith, I have known + Janardana from the scriptures.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Duryodhana, seek thou the protection of Janardana, + otherwise called Hrishikesa. O child, Sanjaya is one of our trustiest + friends. Seek refuge with Kesava.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘If the divine son of Devaki united in friendship with + Arjuna, were to slay all mankind, I cannot, even then, resign myself to + Kesava.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘This evil-minded son of thine, O Gandhari, is + resolved to sink in misery. Envious, wicked-souled, and vain, he setteth + aside the words of all his superiors.’ + </p> + <p> + “Gandhari said, ‘Thou covetous wretch that disregardest the commands of + the aged, abandoning thy father and myself and giving up prosperity and + life, enhancing the joy of thy foes, and afflicting me with deep distress, + thou wilt, O fool, remember thy father’s words, when struck by Bhimasena, + thou wilt bite the dust.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said, ‘Listen to me, O king! Thou, O Dhritarashtra, art the beloved + of Krishna. When Sanjaya hath been thy envoy, he will verily lead thee to + thy good. He knoweth Hrishikesa,—that ancient and exalted One. If + thou listenest to him with attention, he will certainly save thee from the + great danger that hangs upon thee. O son of Vichitravirya, subject to + wrath and joy, men are entangled in various snares. They that are not + contented with their own possessions, deprived of sense as they are by + avarice and desire, they repeatedly become subject to Death in consequence + of their own acts, like blind men (falling into pits) when led by the + blind. The path that is trod by the wise is the only one (that leadeth to + Brahma). They that are superior, keeping that path of view, overcome death + and reach the goal by it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, of that path without terrors by + which, obtaining Hrishikesa, salvation may be mine.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘A man of uncontrolled mind can by no means know Janardana + whose soul is under perfect command. The performance of sacrifices without + controlling one’s senses is even no means to that end. Renunciation of the + objects of our excited senses is due to spiritual light; both spiritual + light and abstention from injury arise doubtless from true wisdom. + Therefore, O king, resolve to subdue thy senses with all possible vigour; + let not thy intellect deviate from true knowledge; and restrain thy heart + from worldly temptations that surround it. Learned Brahmanas describe this + subjugation of the senses to be true wisdom; and this wisdom is the path + by which learned men proceed to their goal. O king, Kesava is not + obtainable by men who have not subdued their senses. He that hath subdued + his senses, desireth spiritual knowledge, awakened by the knowledge of + scriptures and the pleasure of Yaga-absorption.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0069" id="link52H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I request thee, O Sanjaya, to tell me again of the + lotus-eyed Krishna; for, by being acquainted with the import of his names, + I may, O son, obtain that most exalted of male beings.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The auspicious names (of Kesava) have been previously + heard by me. Of those I will tell thee as many as I know. Kesava, however, + is immeasurable, being above the power of speech to describe. He is called + Vasudeva in consequence of his enveloping all creatures with the screen of + illusion, or of his glorious splendour, or of his being the support and + resting-place of the gods. He is called Vishnu because of his + all-pervading nature. He is called Madava, O Bharata, because of his + practising as a Muni, concentration of mind on truth and Yoga-absorption. + He is called Madhusudana because of his having slain the Asura Madhu, and + also because of his being the substance of the twenty-four objects of + knowledge. Born of the Sattwata race, he is called Krishna because he + uniteth in himself what are implied by the two words Krishi which + signifieth “what existeth” and na which signifieth “eternal peace.” He is + called Pundarikaksha from Pundarika implying his high and eternal abode, + and Aksha implying “indestructible;” and he is called Janardana because he + striketh fear into the hearts of all wicked beings. He is called Sattwata, + because the attribute of Sattwa is never dissociated from him and also + because he is never dissociated from it; and he is called Vrishabhakshana + from Vrishabha implying the “Vedas” and ikshana implying “eye,” the union + of the two signifying that the Vedas are his eyes, or the Vedas are the + eyes through which he may be seen. That conqueror of hosts is called Aja, + or “unborn,” because he hath not taken his birth from any being in the + ordinary way. That Supreme Soul is called Damodara because unlike the gods + his effulgence is increate and his own, and also because he hath + self-control and great splendour. He is called Hrishikesa, from Hrishika + meaning “eternal happiness” and Isa meaning “the six divine attributes,” + the union signifying one having joy, happiness, and divinity. He is called + Mahavahu, because he upholdeth the earth and the sky with his two arms. He + is called Adhakshaja, because he never falleth down or suffereth any + deterioration, and is called Narayana from his being the refuge of all + human beings. He is called Purusottama from Puru implying “he that + createth and preserveth” and so meaning “he that destroyeth, the union + signifying one that createth, preserveth, and destroyeth the universe”. He + possesseth a knowledge of all things, and, therefore, is called Sarva. + Krishna is always in Truth and Truth is always in him, and Govinda is + Truth’s Truth. Therefore, he is called Satya. He is called Vishnu because + of his prowess, and Jishnu because of his success. He is called Ananta + from his eternity, and Govinda from his knowledge of speech of every kind. + He maketh the unreal appear as real and thereby beguileth all creatures. + Possessed of such attributes, ever devoted to righteousness, and endued + with divinity, the slayer of Madhu, that mighty-armed one incapable of + decay, will come hither for preventing the slaughter of the Kurus.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0070" id="link52H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Sanjaya, I envy those gifted with sight, who will + behold before them that Vasudeva whose body endued with great beauty + shineth with effulgence, illuminating the cardinal and subsidiary points + of the compass; who will give utterance to words that will be listened to + with respect by the Bharatas,—words that are auspicious to the + Srinjayas, acceptable, by those desirous of prosperity, faultless in every + respect, and unacceptable by those that are doomed to death; who is full + of high resolves, eternal, possessed of unrivalled heroism, who is the + bull of the Yadavas and their leader, and who is the slayer and + awe-inspirer of all foes, and who is the destroyer of the fame of every + enemy. The assembled Kauravas will behold that high-souled and adorable + One, that slayer of foes, that chief of the Vrishnis, uttering words full + of kindness, and fascinating all of my party. I put myself in the hand of + that Eternal one, that Rishi endued with knowledge of Self, that ocean of + eloquence, that Being who is easily attainable by ascetics, that bird + called Arishta furnished with beautiful wings, that destroyer of + creatures, that refuge of the universe; that one of a thousand heads, that + Creator and Destroyer of all things, that Ancient one, that one without + beginning, middle, or end, that one of infinite achievements, that cause + of the Prime seed, that unborn one, that Eternity’s self, that highest of + the high, that Creator of the three worlds, that Author of gods, Asuras, + Nagas, and Rakshasas, that foremost of all learned persons and rulers of + men, that younger brother of Indra.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0071" id="link52H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <h3> + (Bhagwat Yana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “When good Sanjaya (leaving the Pandava camp) went back + to the Kurus, what did my grandsires, the sons of Pandu, then do? O + foremost of Brahmanas, I desire to hear all this. Tell me this, + therefore." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Sanjaya had gone, Yudhishthira the just, + addressed Krishna of the Dasarha race—that chief of all the + Sattwatas, saying, ‘O thou that art devoted to friends, the time hath come + for friends to show their friendship. I do not see any other persons + besides thee that can save us in this season of distress. Relying on thee, + O Madhava, we have fearlessly asked back our share from Duryodhana who is + filled with immeasurable pride and from his counsellors. O chastiser of + foes, thou protectest the Vrishnis in all their calamities, do thou now + protect the Pandavas also from a great danger, for they deserve thy + protection.’ + </p> + <p> + “Divine Krishna said, ‘Here am I, O mighty-armed one. Tell me what thou + desirest to say, for I will, O Bharata, accomplish whatever thou wilt tell + me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Thou hast heard what the intention is of + Dhritarashtra and his son. All that Sanjaya, O Krishna, said unto me hath + certainly the assent of Dhritarashtra. Sanjaya is Dhritarashtra’s soul, + and spoke out his mind. An envoy speaketh according to his instructions, + for if he speaketh otherwise he deserveth to be slain. Without looking + equally on all that are his, moved by avarice and a sinful heart, + Dhritarashtra seeketh to make peace with us without giving us back our + kingdom. Indeed, at Dhritarashtra’s command we spent twelve years in the + woods and one additional year in concealment, well-believing, O lord, that + Dhritarashtra would abide firmly by that pledge of ours. That we did not + deviate from our promise is well-known to the Brahmanas who were with us. + The covetous king Dhritarashtra, is now unwilling to observe Kshatriya + virtues. Owing to affection for his son, he is listening to the counsels + of wicked men. Abiding by counsels of Suyodhana, the king, O Janardana, + actuated by avarice and seeking his own good, behaveth untruthfully + towards us. What can be more sorrowful, O Janardana, than this, that I am + unable to maintain my mother and my friends? Having the Kasis, the + Panchalas, the Chedis, and the Matsyas, for my allies and with thee, O + slayer of Madhu, for my protector, I prayed for only five villages, etc., + Avishthala, Vrikasthala, Makandi, Varanavata, with any other, O Govinda, + as the fifth;—“Grant us,” we said, “five villages or towns, O sire, + where we five may dwell in union, for we do not desire the destruction of + the Bharatas.”—The wicked-minded son of Dhritarashtra, however, + regarding the lordship of the world to be in him, doth not agree to even + that. What can be more sorrowful than this? When a man born and brought up + in a respectable family, coveteth the possessions of others, that avarice + of his destroyeth his intelligence; and intelligence being destroyed, + shame is lost; and loss of shame leadeth to diminution of virtue; and loss + of virtue bringeth on loss of prosperity. Destruction of prosperity, in + its turn, ruineth a person, for poverty is a person’s death. Kinsmen and + friends and Brahmanas shun a poor man as birds avoid, O Krishna, a tree + that beareth neither flower nor fruits. Even this, O sire, is death to me + that kinsmen shun me, as if I were a fallen one like the breath of life + quitting a dead body. Samvara said that no condition of life could be more + distressful than that in which one is always racked by the anxiety caused + by the thought—“I have no meat for today, what will become of me + tomorrow?”—It is said that wealth is the highest virtue, and + everything depends on wealth. They that have wealth are said to live, + whereas those that are without wealth are more dead than alive. They that + by violence rob a man of his wealth not only kill the robbed but destroy + also his virtue, profit and pleasure. Some men when overtaken by poverty + choose death; others remove from cities to hamlets; others retire into the + wood; while others, again, become religious mendicants to destroy their + lives. Some for the sake of wealth are driven to madness; others for + wealth, live under subjection to their foes; while many others, again, for + the sake of wealth, betake themselves to the servitude of others. A man’s + poverty is even more distressful to him than death, for wealth is the sole + cause of virtue and pleasure. The natural death of a person is not much + regarded, for that is the eternal path of all creatures. Indeed, none + among created beings can transgress it. O Krishna, a man who is poor from + birth is not so much distressed as one, who, having once possessed great + prosperity and having been brought up in luxury, is deprived of that + prosperity. Having through his own fault fallen into distress, such a + person blameth the very gods with Indra and his own self. Indeed, + knowledge of even the entire scriptures faileth to mitigate his pains. + Sometimes he getteth angry with his servants, and sometimes he cherisheth + malice towards even his well-wishers. Subject to constant anger, he loseth + his very senses, and his senses being clouded, he practiseth evil deeds. + Through sinfulness such a person contributeth to a fusion of castes. A + fusion of castes leadeth to hell and is the foremost of all sinful acts. + If he is not awakened in time, he goeth, certainly, O Krishna, to hell, + and, indeed, wisdom is the only thing that can awaken him, for if he + obtaineth back the eye of wisdom, he is saved. When wisdom is regained, + such a man turneth his attention to scriptures; and attention to + scriptures aideth his virtue. Then shame becometh his best ornament. He + that hath shame hath an aversion against sin, and his prosperity also + increaseth; and he that hath prosperity truly becometh a man. He that is + ever devoted to virtue, and hath his mind under control, and always acteth + after deliberation, never inclineth towards unrighteousness and never + engageth in any act that is sinful. He that is without shame and sense is + neither man nor woman. He is incapable of earning religious merit, and is + like a Sudra. He that hath shame gratifieth the gods, the Pitris, and even + his own self, and by this he obtaineth emancipation, which indeed, is the + highest aim of all righteous persons.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Thou hast, O slayer of Madhu, seen all this in me with thy own eyes. It + is not unknown to thee, how, deprived of kingdom, we have lived these + years. We cannot lawfully abandon that prosperity (which had been ours). + Our first efforts will be such that, O Madhava, both ourselves and the + Kauravas, united in peace, will quietly enjoy our prosperity. Otherwise, + we shall, after slaying the worst of the Kauravas, regain those provinces, + although success through bloodshed by destruction of even despicable foes + that are related to us so dearly is the worst of all fierce deeds, O + Krishna. We have numerous kinsmen, and numerous also are the revered + seniors that have taken this or that other side. The slaughter of these + would be highly sinful. What good, therefore, can there be in battle? + Alas, such sinful practices are the duties of the Kshatriya order! + Ourselves have taken our births in that wretched order! Whether those + practices be sinful or virtuous, any other than the profession of arms + would be censurable for us. A Sudra serveth; a Vaisya liveth by trade; the + Brahmana have chosen the wooden bowl (for begging), while we are to live + by slaughter! A Kshatriya slayeth a Kshatriya; fishes live on fish; a dog + preyeth upon a dog! Behold, O thou of the Dasarha race, how each of these + followeth his peculiar virtue. O Krishna, Kali is ever present in + battle-fields; lives are lost all around. It is true, force regulated by + policy is invoked; yet success and defeat are independent of the will of + the combatants. The lives also of creatures are independent of their own + wishes, and neither weal nor woe can be one’s when the time is not come + for it, O best of the Yadu’s race. Sometimes one man killeth many, + sometimes many united together kill one. A coward may slay a hero, and one + unknown to fame may slay a hero of celebrity. Both parties cannot win + success, nor both be defeated. The loss, however, on both sides may be + equal. If one flieth away, loss of both life and fame is his. Under all + circumstances, however, war is a sin. Who in striking another is not + himself struck? As regard the person, however, who is struck, victory and + defeat, O Hrishikesa, are the same. It is true that defeat is not much + removed from death, but his loss also, O Krishna, is not less who winneth + victory. He himself may not be killed, but his adversaries will kill at + least some one that is dear to him, or some others and thus the man, O + sire, deprived of strength and not seeing before him his sons and + brothers, becometh indifferent, O Krishna, to life itself. Those that are + quiet, modest, virtuous, and compassionate, are generally slain in battle, + while they that are wicked escape. Even after slaying one’s foes, + repentance, O Janardana, possesseth the heart. He that surviveth among the + foes giveth trouble, for the survivor, collecting a force, seeketh to + destroy the surviving victor. In hopes of terminating the dispute, one + often seeketh to exterminate the foe. Thus victory createth animosity, and + he that is defeated liveth in sorrow. He that is peaceful, sleepeth in + happiness, giving up all thoughts of victory and defeat, whereas he that + hath provoked hostility always sleepeth in misery, with, indeed, an + anxious heart, as if sleeping with a snake in the same room. He that + exterminates seldom winneth fame. On the other hand, such a person reapeth + eternal infamy in the estimation of all. Hostilities, waged over so long, + cease not; for if there is even one alive in the enemy’s family, narrators + are never wanted to remind him of the past. Enmity, O Kesava, is never + neutralised by enmity; on the other hand, it is fomented by enmity, like + fire fed by clarified butter. Therefore, there can be no peace without the + annihilation of one party, for flaws may always be detected of which + advantage may be taken by one side or other. They that are engaged in + watching for flaws have this vice. Confidence in one’s own prowess + troubleth the core of one’s heart like an incurable disease. Without + either renouncing that at once, or death, there can be no peace. It is + true, O slayer of Madhu, that exterminating the foe by the very roots, may + lead to good result in the shape of great prosperity, yet such an act is + most cruel. The peace that may be brought about by our renouncing the + kingdom is hardly different from death, which is implied by the loss of + kingdom, in consequence of the design of the enemy and the utter ruin of + ourselves. We do not wish to give up the kingdom, nor do we wish to see + the extinction of our race. Under these circumstances, therefore, the + peace that is obtained through even humiliation is the best. When these + that strive for peace by all means without of course wishing for war, find + conciliation fail, war becomes inevitable, and then is the time for the + display of prowess. Indeed, when conciliation fails, frightful results + follow. The learned have noticed all this in a canine contest. First, + there comes the wagging of tails, then the bark, then the bark in reply, + then the circumambulation, then the showing of teeth, then repeated roars, + and then at last the fight. In such a contest, O Krishna, the dog that is + stronger, vanquishing his antagonist, taketh the latter’s meat. The same + is exactly the case with men. There is no difference whatever. They that + are powerful should be indifferent to avoid disputes with the weak who + always bow down. The father, the king, and he that is venerable in years, + always deserve regard. Dhritarashtra, therefore, O Janardana, is worthy of + our respect and worship. But, O Madhava, Dhritarashtra’s affection for his + son is great. Obedient to his son, he will reject our submission. What + dost thou, O Krishna, think best at this juncture? How may we, O Madhava, + preserve both our interest and virtue? Whom also, besides thee, O slayer + of Madhu, and foremost of men, shall we consult in this difficult affair? + What other friend have we, O Krishna, who like thee is so dear to us, who + seeketh our welfare so, who is so conversant with the course of all + actions, and who is so well-acquainted with truth?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed, Janardana replied unto + Yudhishthira the just, saying, ‘I will go to the court of the Kurus for + the sake of both of you. If without sacrificing your interests I can + obtain peace, O king, an act of great religious merit will be mine, + productive of great fruits. I shall then also save from the meshes of + death the Kurus and the Srinjayas inflamed with wrath, the Pandavas and + the Dhritarashtras, and, in fact, this entire earth.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘It is not my wish, O Krishna, that thou wilt go to + the Kurus, for Suyodhana will never act according to thy words, even if + thou advisest him well. All the Kshatriyas of the world, obedient to + Duryodhana’s command, are assembled there. I do not like that thou, O + Krishna, shouldst proceed into their midst. If any mischief be done to + thee, O Madhava, let alone happiness; nothing, not even divinity, nor even + the sovereignty over all the gods will delight us.’ + </p> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘I know, O monarch, the sinfulness of Dhritarashtra’s + son, but by going there we will escape the blame of all the kings of the + earth. Like other animals before the lion, all the kings of the earth + united together are not competent to stand still before me in battle when + I am enraged. If, after all, they do me any injury, then I will consume + all the Kurus. Even this is my intention. My going thither, O Partha, will + not be fruitless, for if our object be not fulfilled, we shall at least + escape all blame.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Do, O Krishna, as it pleaseth thee. Blessed be thou, + go then to the Kurus. I hope to behold thee return successful and + prosperous. Going unto the Kurus, make thou, O Lord, such a peace that all + the sons of Bharata may live together with cheerful hearts and + contentedly. Thou art our brother and friend, dear to me as much as to + Vibhatsu. Such hath been our intimacy with thee that we apprehend no + neglect of our interest from thee. Go thou there for our good. Thou + knowest us, thou knowest our antagonists, thou knowest what our purposes + are, and thou knowest also what to say. Thou wilt, O Krishna, say unto + Suyodhana such words as are for our benefit. Whether peace is to be + established by (apparent) sin or by any other means, O Kesava, speak such + words as may prove beneficial to us.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0072" id="link52H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘I have heard Sanjaya’s words and now I have heard + thine. I know all about his purposes as also of thyself. Thy heart + inclineth to righteousness, whereas their inclination is towards enmity. + That which is obtained without war is of great value to thee. A long-life + Brahmacharya is not, O lord of earth, the duty of a Kshatriya. Indeed, men + of all the four orders have said that a Kshatriya should never subsist on + alms; victory or death in battle, hath been eternally ordained by the + Creator; even that is the duty of a Kshatriya. Cowardice is not applauded + (in a Kshatriya). Subsistence, O Yudhishthira, is not possible by + Cowardice, O thou of mighty arms. Display thy prowess, and vanquish, O + chastiser of foes, thy enemies. The covetous son of Dhritarashtra, O + chastiser of foes, living for a long time (with many kings) has by + affection and friendship become very powerful. Therefore, O king, there is + no hope of making his peace with thee. They regard themselves strong, + having Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and others with them. As long, O king, + as thou, O grinder of foes, wilt behave with them mildly, they will + withhold thy kingdom. Neither from compassion, nor from mildness, nor from + a sense of righteousness, will the sons of Dhritarashtra, O chastiser of + foes, fulfil thy wishes. This, O son of Pandu, is another proof that they + will not make peace with thee. Having pained thee so deeply by making thee + put on a Kaupina, they were not stung with remorse. In the very sight of + the Grandsire (Bhishma) and Drona and the wise Vidura, of many holy + Brahmanas, the king, the citizens, and all the chief Kauravas, the cruel + Duryodhana, deceitfully defeating thee at dice,—thee that are + charitable, gentle, self-restrained, virtuous, and of rigid vows was not, + O king, ashamed of his vile act. Do not, O monarch, show any compassion + for that wretch of such disposition. They deserve death at the hands of + all, how much more then of thee, O Bharata? O Bharata, with what improper + speeches did Duryodhana with his brothers, filled with gladness and + indulging in many a boast, afflict thee with thy brothers! He said, The + Pandavas now have nothing of their own in this wide earth. Their very + names and lineage are extinct. In time, which is never-ending, defeat will + be theirs. All their virtues having merged in me, they will now be reduced + to the five elements. While the match at dice was in progress, the + wretched Dussasana of most wicked soul, seizing that weeping lady by the + hair dragged princess Draupadi, as if she had no protectors, to the + assembly of kings, and in the presence of Bhishma and Drona and others, + repeatedly called her—“cow, cow!” Restrained by thee, thy brothers + of terrible prowess, bound also by the bonds of virtue, did nothing to + avenge it; and after thou hadst been exiled to the woods, Duryodhana + having uttered such and other cruel words, boasted amid his kinsmen. + Knowing thee innocent, they that were assembled sat silent in the + assembly-house, weeping with choked voice. The assembled kings with the + Brahmanas did not applaud him for this. Indeed, all the courtiers present + there censured him. To a man of noble descent, O grinder of foes, even + censure is death. Death is even many times better than a life of blame. + Even then, O king, he died when, upon being censured by all the kings of + the earth, he felt no shame! He whose character is so abominable may + easily be destroyed even like a rootless tree standing erect on a single + weak root. The sinful and evil-minded Duryodhana deserveth death at the + hands of every one, even like a serpent. Slay him, therefore, O killer of + foes, and hesitate not in the least. It behoveth thee, O sinless one, and + I like it too, that thou shouldst pay homage unto thy father Dhritarashtra + and also unto Bhishma. Going thither I will remove the doubts of all men + who are still undecided as to the wickedness of Duryodhana. Thither in the + presence of all kings I will enumerate all those virtues of thine that are + not to be met in all men, as also all the vices of Duryodhana. And hearing + me speak beneficial words, pregnant with virtue and profit, the rulers of + various realms will regard thee as possessed of a virtuous soul, and as a + speaker of truth, while at the same time, they will understand how + Duryodhana is actuated by avarice. I will also tell the vice of + Duryodhana, before both the citizens and the inhabitants of the country, + before both the young and the old, of all the four orders that will be + collected there. And as thou askest for peace no one will charge thee + sinful, while all the chiefs of the earth will censure the Kurus and + Dhritarashtra; and when Duryodhana will be dead in consequence of his + being forsaken by all men, there will be nothing left to do. Do then what + should now be done. Going unto the Kurus, I shall strive to make peace + without sacrificing thy interests, and marking their inclination for war + and all their proceedings, I will soon come back, O Bharata, for thy + victory. I think war with the enemy to be certain. All the omens that are + noticeable by me point to that. Birds and animals set up frightful + screeches and howls at the approach of dusk. The foremost of elephants and + steeds assume horrible shapes; the very fire exhibiteth diverse kinds of + terrible hues! This would never have been the case but for the fact of the + world-destroying Havoc’s self coming into our midst! Making ready their + weapons, machines, coats of mail, and cars, elephants, and steeds, let all + thy warriors be prepared for battle, and let them take care of their + elephants and horses and cars. And, O king, collect everything that thou + needest for the impending war. As long as he liveth, Duryodhana will, by + no means, be able to give back unto thee, O king, that kingdom of thine + which, abounding in prosperity, have before been taken by him at dice!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0073" id="link52H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Bhima said, ‘Speak thou, O slayer of Madhu, in such a strain that there + may be peace with the Kurus. Do not threaten them with war. Resenting + everything, his wrath always excited, hostile to his own good and + arrogant, Duryodhana should not be roughly addressed. Do thou behave + towards him with mildness. Duryodhana is by nature sinful of heart like + that of a robber, intoxicated with the pride of prosperity, hostile to the + Pandavas, without foresight, cruel in speech, always disposed to censure + others, of wicked prowess, of wrath not easily to be appeased, not + susceptible of being taught, of wicked soul, deceitful in behaviour, + capable of giving up his very life rather than break or give up his own + opinion. Peace with such a one, O Krishna, is, I suppose, most difficult. + Regardless of the words of even his well-wishers, destitute of virtue, + loving falsehood, he always acts against the words of his counsellors and + wounds their hearts. Like a serpent hid within reeds, he naturally commits + sinful acts, depending on his own wicked disposition, and obedient to the + impulse of wrath. What army Duryodhana hath, what his conduct is, what his + nature, what his might, and what his prowess, are all well-known to thee. + Before this, the Kauravas with their son passed their days in + cheerfulness, and we also with our friends rejoiced like the younger + brother of Indra, with Indra himself. Alas, by Duryodhana’s wrath, O + slayer of Madhu, the Bharatas will all be consumed, even like forests by + fire at the end of the dewy seasons, and, O slayer of Madhu, well-known + are those eighteen kings that annihilated their kinsmen, friends, and + relatives. Even as, when Dharma became extinct, Kali was born in the race + of Asuras flourishing with prosperity and blazing with energy, so was born + Udavarta among the Haihayas, Janamejaya among the Nepas, Vahula among the + Talajanghas, proud Vasu among the Krimis, Ajavindu among the Suviras, + Rushardhik among the Surashtras, Arkaja among the Valihas, Dhautamulaka + among the Chinas, Hayagriva among the Videhas, Varayu among the + Mahaujasas, Vahu among the Sundaras, Pururavas among the Diptakshas, + Sahaja among the Chedis and Matsyas, Vrishaddhaja among the Praviras, + Dharana among the Chandra-batsyas, Bigahana among the Mukutas and Sama + among the Nandivegas. These vile individuals, O Krishna, spring up, at the + end of each Yuga, in their respective races, for the destruction of their + kinsmen. So hath Duryodhana, the very embodiment of sin and the disgrace + of his race, been born, at the end of the Yuga, amongst us the Kurus. + Therefore, O thou of fierce prowess, thou shouldst address him slowly and + mildly, not in bitter but sweet words fraught with virtue and profit, and + discourse fully on the subject so as to attract his heart. All of us, O + Krishna, would rather in humiliation follow Duryodhana submissively, but, + oh, let not the Bharatas be annihilated. O Vasudeva, act in such a way + that we may rather live as strangers to the Kurus than incurring the sin + of bringing about the destruction of the whole race should touch them, O + Krishna, let the aged Grandsire and the other counsellors of the Kurus be + asked to bring about brotherly feelings between brothers and to pacify the + son of Dhritarashtra. Even this is what I say. King Yudhishthira also + approveth of this, and Arjuna too is averse to war, for there is great + compassion in him.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0074" id="link52H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words from Bhima, that were fraught with + such mildness and that were, as unexpected as if the hills had lost their + weight and fire had become cold, Rama’s younger brother Kesava of Sura’s + race and mighty arms, wielding the bow called Saranga, laughed aloud, and + as if to stimulate Bhima by his words, like the breeze fanning a fire, + addressed him who was then so overwhelmed by the impulse of kindness, + saying, ‘At other times, O Bhimasena, thou applaudest war only, desirous + of crushing the wicked sons of Dhritarashtra that take delight in the + destruction of others. O chastiser of foes, thou dost not sleep but wakest + the whole night, sitting up face downwards. Thou often utterest frightful + exclamation of wrath, indicative of the storm within thy heart. Inflamed + with the fire of thy own fury, thou sighest, O Bhima with an unquiet + heart, like a flame of fire mixed with smoke. Withdrawing from company + thou liest down breathing hot sighs, like a weak man pressed down by a + heavy load. They, who do not know the cause regard thee as insane. As an + elephant breaking into fragments uprooted trees lying on the ground + grunteth in rage while trampling them under his feet, so thou also, O + Bhima, runnest on, breathing deep sighs and shaking the earth under thy + tread. Here in the region thou takest no delight in company but passest + thy time in privacy. Night or day, nothing pleases thee so much as + seclusion. Sitting apart thou sometimes laughest aloud all on a sudden, + and sometimes placing thy head between thy two knees, thou continuest in + that posture for a long time with closed eyes. At the other times, O + Bhima, contracting thy brows frequently and biting thy lips, thou starest + fiercely before thee. All this is indicative of wrath. At one time, thou + hadst, in the midst of thy brothers, grasped the mace, uttering this oath, + “As the sun is seen rising in the east displaying his radiance, and as he + truly setteth in the west journeying around the Meru, so do I swear that I + will certainly slay insolent Duryodhana with this mace of mine, and this + oath of mine will never be untrue.” How then doth that same heart of + thine, O chastiser of foes, now follow the counsels of peace? Alas, when + fear entereth thy heart, O Bhima, it is certain that the hearts of all who + desire war are upset when war becometh actually imminent. Asleep or awake, + thou beholdest, O son of Pritha, inauspicious omens. Perhaps, it is this + for which thou desirest peace. Alas, like a eunuch, thou dost not display + any sign indicative of manliness in thee. Thou art overwhelmed by panic, + and it is for this that thy heart is upset. Thy heart trembleth, thy mind + is overwhelmed by despair, thy thighs tremble, and it is for this that + thou desirest peace. The hearts of mortals, O Partha, are surely as + inconstant as the pods of the Salmali seed exposed to the force of the + wind. This frame of thy mind is as strange as articulate speech in kine. + Indeed, the hearts of thy brothers are about to sink in an ocean of + despair,—like swimmers in the sea without a raft to rescue them. + That thou, O Bhimasena, shouldst utter words so unexpected of thee is as + strange as the shifting of a hill. Recollecting thy own deeds and the race + also in which thou art born, arise, O Bharata, yield not, to grief, O + hero, and be firm. Such langour, O repressor of foes, is not worthy of + thee, for a Kshatriya never enjoyeth that which he doth not acquire + through prowess.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0075" id="link52H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by Vasudeva, the ever-wrathful Bhima, + incapable of bearing insults, was immediately awakened like a steed of + high metal, and replied, without losing a moment, saying, ‘O Achyuta, I + wish to act in a particular way; thou, however, takest me in quite a + different light. That I take great delight in war and that my prowess is + incapable of being baffled, must, O Krishna, be well-known to thee in + consequence of our having lived together for a long time. Or it may be, + thou knowest me not, like one swimming in a lake ignorant of its depth. It + is for this that thou chidest me in such unbecoming words. Who else, O + Madhava, knowing me to be Bhimasena, could address me with such unbecoming + words as thou dost? Therefore, I shall tell thee, O delighter of the + Vrishnis, about my own prowess and unrivalled might. Although to speak of + one’s own prowess is always an ignoble act, yet, pierced as I am by thy + unfriendly strictures, I will speak of my own might. Behold, O Krishna, + these—the firmament and the earth—which are immovable, + immense, and infinite, and which are the refuge of, and in which are born + these countless creatures. If through anger these suddenly collide like + two hills, just I, with my arms, can keep them asunder with all their + mobile and immobile objects. Behold the joints of these my mace-like arms. + I find not the person who can extricate himself having once come within + their grasp. The Himavat, the ocean, the mighty wielder of the thunderbolt + himself, viz., the slayer of Vala,—even these three cannot, with all + their power extricate the person attacked by me. I will easily trample on + the ground under my feet all the Kshatriyas, who will come to battle + against the Pandavas. It is not known to thee, O Achyuta, with what + prowess I vanquished the kings of the earth and brought them under + subjection. If, indeed, thou really knowest not my prowess which is like + the fierce energy of the midday sun thou wilt then know it, O Janardana, + in the fierce melee of battle. Thou woundest me with thy cruel words, + paining me with the pain of opening a foetid tumour. But know me to be + mightier than what I have said of myself of my own accord. On that day, + when the fierce and destructive havoc of battle will begin, thou will then + see me felling elephants and car-warriors combatants on steeds and those + on elephants, and slaying in rage the foremost of Kshatriya warriors. + Thou, as well as others, wilt see me doing all this and grinding down the + foremost of combatants. The marrow of my bones hath not yet decayed, nor + doth my heart tremble. If the whole world rusheth against me in wrath, I + do not yet feel the influence of fear. It is only for the sake of + compassion, O slayer of Madhu, that I am for displaying goodwill to the + foe. I am far quietly bearing all our injuries, lest the Bharata race be + extirpated.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0076" id="link52H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘It was only through affection that I said all this, + desiring to know thy mind, and not from the desire of reproaching thee, + nor from pride of learning, nor from wrath, nor from desire of making a + speech. I know thy magnanimity of soul, and also thy strength, and thy + deeds. It is not for that reason that I reproached thee. O son of Pandu, a + thousand times greater will be the benefit conferred by thee on the + Pandava’s cause than that which thou thinkest thyself to be capable of + conferring on it. Thou, O Bhima, with thy kinsmen and friends, art exactly + that which one should be that has taken his birth in a family like thine, + that is regarded by all the kings of the earth. The fact, however, is that + they can never arrive at the truth, who under the influence of doubt + proceed to enquire about the consequences hereafter of virtue and vice, or + about the strength and weakness of men. For it is seen that what is the + cause of the success of a person’s object becometh also the cause of his + ruin. Human acts, therefore, are doubtful in their consequences. Learned + men, capable of judging of the evils of actions pronounce a particular + course of action as worthy of being followed. It produces, however, + consequences, the very opposite of what were foreseen, very much like the + course of the wind. Indeed, even those acts of men that are the results of + deliberation and well-directed policy, and that are consistent with + considerations of propriety, are baffled by the dispensations of + Providence. Then, again, Providential dispensations, such as heat and cold + and rain and hunger and thirst, that are not the consequences of human + acts, may be baffled by human exertion. Then again, besides those acts + which a person is pre-ordained (as the result of the act of past lives) to + go through, one can always get rid of all other acts begun at his + pleasure, as is testified by both the Smritis and the Srutis. Therefore, O + son of Pandu, one cannot go on the world without acting. One should, + hence, engage in work knowing that one’s purpose would be achieved by a + combination of both Destiny and Exertion. He that engageth in acts under + this belief is never pained by failure, nor delighted by success. This, O + Bhimasena, was the intended import of my speech. It was not intended by me + that victory would be certain in an encounter with the foe. A person, when + his mind is upset should not lose his cheerfulness and must yield neither + to langour nor depression. It is for this that I spoke to thee in the way + I did. When the morrow comes, I will go, O Pandava, to Dhritarashtra’s + presence. I will strive to make peace without sacrificing your interests. + If the Kauravas make peace, then boundless fame will be mine. Your + purposes will be achieved, and they also will reap great benefit. If, + however, the Kauravas, without listening to my words, resolve to maintain + their opinion, then there will undoubtedly be a formidable war. In this + war burthen resteth on thee, O Bhimasena. That burthen should also be + borne by Arjuna, while other warriors should all be led by both of you. In + case of war happening, I will certainly be the driver of Vibhatsu’s car, + for that, indeed, is Dhananjaya’s wish and not that I myself am not + desirous of fighting. It is for this that, hearing thee utter thy + intention, I rekindled that thy energy, O Vrikodara.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0077" id="link52H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘O Janardana, Yudhishthira hath already said what should be + said. But, O chastiser of foes, hearing what thou hast said, it seemeth to + me that thou, O lord, does not think peace to be easily obtainable either + in consequence of Dhritarashtra’s covetousness or from our present + weakness. Thou thinkest also that human prowess alone is fruitless, and + also that without putting forth one’s prowess one’s purposes cannot be + achieved. What thou hast said may be true, but at the same time it may not + always be true. Nothing, however, should be regarded as impracticable. It + is true, peace seemeth to thee to be impossible in consequence of our + distressful condition, yet they are still acting against us without + reaping the fruits of their acts. Peace, therefore, if properly proposed, + O lord, may be concluded. O Krishna, strive thou, therefore, to bring + about peace with the foe. Thou, O hero, art the foremost of all friends of + both the Pandavas and the Kurus, even as Prajapati is of both the gods and + the Asuras. Accomplish thou, therefore, that which is for the good of both + the Kurus and the Pandavas. The accomplishment of our good is not, I + believe, difficult for thee. If thou strivest, O Janardana, such is this + act that it will be soon effected. As soon as thou goest thither, it will + be accomplished. If, O hero, thou purposest to treat the evil-minded + Duryodhana in any other way, that purpose of thine will be carried out + exactly as thou wishest. Whether it be peace or war with the foe that thou + wishest, any wish, O Krishna, that thou mayest entertain, will certainly + be honoured by us. Doth not the evil-minded Duryodhana with his sons and + kinsmen deserve destruction when, unable to bear the sight of + Yudhishthira’s prosperity and finding no other faultless expedient, that + wretch, O slayer of Madhu, deprived us of our kingdom by the sinful + expedient of deceitful dice? What bowman is there, who, born in the + Kshatriya order, and invited to combat, turneth away from the fight even + if he is sure to die? Beholding ourselves vanquished by sinful means and + banished to the woods, even then, thou of the Vrishni race, I thought that + Suyodhana deserved death at my hands. What thou, however, O Krishna, + wishest to do for thy friends is scarcely strange, although it seems + inexplicable how the object in view is capable of being effected by either + mildness or its reverse. Or, if thou deemest their immediate destruction + to be preferable, let it be effected soon without further deliberation. + Surely, thou knowest how Draupadi was insulted in the midst of the + assembly by Duryodhana of sinful soul and how also we bore it with + patience. That Duryodhana, O Madhava, will behave with justice towards the + Pandavas is what I cannot believe. Wise counsels will be lost on him like + seed sown in a barren soil. Therefore, do without delay what thou, O thou + of Vrishni race, thinkest to be proper and beneficial for the Pandavas, or + what, indeed, should next be done.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0078" id="link52H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘It shall be, O thou of mighty arms, what thou, O + Pandavas, sayest, I will strive to bring about that which would be + beneficial to both the Pandavas and the Kurus. Between the two kinds of + acts, war and peace, the latter, O Vibhatsu, is perhaps within my power. + Behold, the soil is moistened and divested of weeds by human exertion. + Without rain, however, O son of Kunti, it never yieldeth crops. Indeed, in + the absence of rain some speak of artificial irrigation, as a means of + success due to human exertion, but even then it may be seen that the water + artificially let in is dried up in consequence of providential drought. + Beholding all this, the wise men of old have said that human affairs are + set agoing in consequence of the cooperation of both providential and + human expedients. I will do all that can be done by human exertion at its + best. But I shall, by no means, be able to control what is providential. + The wicked-souled Duryodhana acteth, defying both virtue and the world. + Nor doth he feel any regret in consequence of his acting in that way. + Moreover, his sinful inclinations are fed by his counsellors Sakuni and + Karna and his brother Dussasana. Suyodhana will never make peace by giving + up the kingdom, without, O Partha, undergoing at our hands a wholesale + destruction with his kinsmen. King Yudhishthira the just doth not wish to + give up the kingdom submissively. The wicked-minded Duryodhana also will + not at our solicitation surrender the kingdom. I, therefore, think that it + is scarcely proper to deliver Yudhishthira’s message to him. The sinful + Duryodhana of Kuru’s race will not, O Bharata, accomplish the objects + spoken of by Yudhishthira. If he refuses compliance, he will deserve death + at the hands of all. Indeed, he deserves death at my hands, as also, O + Bharata, of every one since in your childhood he always persecuted you + all, and since that wicked and sinful wretch robbed you of your kingdom + and could not bear the sight of Yudhishthira’s prosperity. Many a time, O + Partha, he strove to withdraw me from thee, but I never reckoned those + wicked attempts of his. Thou knowest, O thou of mighty arms, what the + cherished intentions of Duryodhana are, and thou knowest also that I seek + the welfare of king Yudhishthira the just. Knowing, therefore, + Duryodhana’s heart and what my most cherished wishes are, why then dost + thou, O Arjuna, entertain such apprehensions in respect of myself like one + unacquainted with everything? That grave act also which was ordained in + heaven is known to thee. How then, O Partha, can peace be concluded with + the foe? What, however, O Pandavas, is capable of being done by either + speech or act, will all be done by me. Do not, however, O Partha, expect + peace to be possible with the foe. About a year ago, on the occasion of + attacking Virata’s kine, did not Bhishma, on their way back, solicit + Duryodhana about this very peace so beneficial to all? Believe me, they + have been defeated even then when their defeat was resolved by thee. + Indeed, Suyodhana doth not consent to part with the smallest portion of + the kingdom for even the shortest period of time. As regards myself, I am + ever obedient to the commands of Yudhishthira, and, therefore, the sinful + acts of that wicked wretch must have again to be revolved in my mind!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0079" id="link52H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Nakula said, ‘Much hath been said, O Madhava, by king Yudhishthira the + just who is conversant with morality and endued with liberality, and thou + hast heard what hath been said by Falguni also. As regards my own opinion, + O hero, thou hast repeatedly expressed it. Hearing first what the wishes + of the enemy are and disregarding all, do what thou regardest to be proper + for the occasion. O Kesava, diverse are the conclusions arrived at as + regards diverse matters. Success, however, O chastiser of foes, is won + when a man doth that which ought to be done in view of the occasion. When + a thing is settled in one way on one occasion, it becometh unsuitable when + the occasion becometh different. Persons, therefore, in this world, O + foremost of men, cannot stick to the same opinion throughout. While we + were living in the woods, our hearts were inclined towards a particular + course of action. While we were passing the period of concealment, our + wishes were of one kind, and now, at the present time, O Krishna, when + concealment is no longer necessary, our wishes have become different. O + thou of the Vrishni race, while we wandered in the woods, attachment for + the kingdom was not so great as now. The period of our exile having + ceased, hearing, O hero, that we have returned, an army numbering full + seven Akshauhinis hath, through thy grace, O Janardana, been assembled. + Beholding these tigers among men, of inconceivable might and prowess, + standing equipped for battle armed with weapons, what man is there that + will not be struck with fear? Therefore going into the midst of the Kurus, + speak thou first words fraught with mildness and then those fraught with + threats, so that the wicked Suyodhana may be agitated with fear. What + mortal man is there, of flesh and blood, who would encounter in battle + Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, the invincible Vibhatsu and Sahadeva, myself, + thyself and Rama, O Kesava, and Satyaki of mighty energy, Virata with his + sons, Drupada with his allies, and Dhrishtadyumna, O Madhava, and the + ruler of Kasi of great prowess and Dhrishtaketu the lord of the Chedis? No + sooner wilt thou go there than thou wilt, without doubt, accomplish, O + thou of mighty arms, the desired object of king Yudhishthira the just. + Vidura, and Bhishma and Drona and Vahlika, these talents, O sinless one, + will understand thee when thou wouldst utter words of wisdom. They will + solicit that ruler of men, Dhritarashtra and Suyodhana of sinful + disposition, with his counsellors, to act according to the advice. When + thou, O Janardana, art the speaker and Vidura the listener, what subject + is there that cannot be rendered smooth and plain?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0080" id="link52H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sahadeva said, ‘What hath been said by the king is, indeed, eternal + virtue, but thou, O chastiser of foes, shouldst act, in such a way that + war may certainly happen. Even if the Kauravas express their desire for + peace with the Pandavas, still, O thou of Dasarha’s race, provoke thou a + war with them. Having seen, O Krishna, the princess of Panchala brought in + that plight into the midst of the assembly, how can my wrath be appeased + without the slaughter of Suyodhana. If, O Krishna, Bhima and Arjuna and + king Yudhishthira the just are disposed to be virtuous, abandoning virtue + I desire an encounter with Duryodhana in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Satyaki said, ‘The high-souled Sahadeva, O thou of mighty arms, hath + spoken the truth. The rage I feel towards Duryodhana can be appeased only + by his death. Dost thou not remember the rage thou too hadst felt upon + beholding in the woods the distressed Pandavas clad in rags and + deer-skins? Therefore, O foremost of men, all the warriors assembled here + unanimously subscribe to what the heroic son of Madri, fierce in battle, + hath said!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “At these words of the high-souled Yuyudhana, a + leonine roar was set up by all the warriors assembled there. And all the + heroes, highly applauding those words of Satyaki, praised him, saying, + ‘Excellent! Excellent!’ And anxious to fight, they all began to express + their joy." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0081" id="link52H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing the peaceful words of the king that were + fraught with both virtue and profit, king Drupada’s daughter Krishna, of + long black tresses, afflicted with great grief, applauding Sahadeva and + that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, addressed Madhava seated by his side. And + beholding Bhimasena declare for peace, that intelligent lady, overwhelmed + with woe and with eyes bathed in tears, said, ‘O slayer of Madhu, it is + known to thee, O thou of mighty arms, by what deceitful means, O righteous + one, the son of Dhritarashtra with his counsellors robbed the Pandavas, O + Janardana, of their happiness. Thou knowest also, O thou of Dasarha’s + race, what message was privately delivered to Sanjaya by the king. Thou + hast also heard all that was said unto Sanjaya. O thou of great + effulgence, these words were even these, “Let only five villages be + granted to us, viz., Avishthala, and Vrikasthala, and Makandi, and + Varanavata, and for the fifth, any other,”—O thou of mighty arms, O + Kesava, even this was the message that was to have been delivered to + Duryodhana and his counsellors. But, O Krishna, O thou of Dasarha’s race, + hearing those words of Yudhishthira, endued with modesty and anxious for + peace, Suyodhana hath not acted according to them. If, O Krishna, + Suyodhana desireth to make peace without surrendering the kingdom, there + is no necessity of going thither for making such a peace. The Pandavas + with the Srinjayas, O thou of mighty arms, are quite able to withstand the + fierce Dhritarashtra host inflamed with rage. When they are no longer + amenable to the arts of conciliation, it is not proper, O slayer of Madhu, + that thou shouldst show them mercy. Those enemies, O Krishna, with whom + peace cannot be established by either conciliation or presents, should be + treated with severity by one desirous of saving his life. Therefore, O + mighty-armed Achyuta, heavy should be the punishment that deserves to be + speedily inflicted upon them by thyself aided by the Pandavas and the + Srinjayas. Indeed, even this would become the son of Pritha, and add to + thy glory, and if accomplished, will, O Krishna, be a source of great + happiness to the whole Kshatriya race. He that is covetous, whether + belonging to the Kshatriya or any other order, save of course a Brahmana, + even if most sinful, ought surely to be slain by a Kshatriya, who is true + to the duties of his own order. The exception in the case of a Brahmana, O + sire, is due to a Brahmana’s being the preceptor of all the other orders, + as also the first sharer of everything. Persons conversant with the + scriptures declare, O Janardana, that sin is incurred in slaying one that + deserveth not to be slain. So there is equal sin in not slaying one that + deserveth to be slain. Act thou, therefore, O Krishna, in such a way with + the forces of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, that sin may not touch thee. + From excess of confidence in thee, O Janardana, I will repeat what hath + been said again and again. Whatever woman, O Kesava, is there on earth + like me? I am the daughter of king Drupada, risen from the sacrificial + altar. I am the sister of Dhrishtadyumna, thy dear friend, O Krishna. I + have by marriage become a lady of Ajamida’s race,—the + daughter-in-law of the illustrious Pandu. I am the queen of Pandu’s sons, + who resemble five Indras in splendour. I have, by these five heroes, five + sons that are all mighty car-warriors, and that are morally bound to thee, + O Krishna, as Abhimanyu himself. Being such, O Krishna, I was seized by + the hair, dragged into the assembly and insulted in the very sight of the + sons of Pandu and in thy life-time. O Kesava, the sons of Pandu, the + Panchalas, and the Vrishnis being all alive, exposed to the gaze of the + assembly I was treated as a slave by those sinful wretches. And when the + Pandavas beholding it all sat silent without giving way to wrath, in my + heart I called upon thee, O Govinda, saying,—“Save me, O save me!”—Then + the illustrious king Dhritarashtra, my father-in-law, said unto me, “Ask + thou any boon, O princess of Panchala. Thou deservest boons and even + honour at my hands.” Thus addressed I said, “Let the Pandavas be free men + with their cars and weapons.” Upon this the Pandavas, O Kesava, were freed + but only to be exiled into the woods. O Janardana, thou knowest all these + sorrows of mine. Rescue me, O lotus-eyed one, with my husbands, kinsmen, + and relatives, from that grief. Morally, O Krishna, I am the + daughter-in-law of both Bhishma and Dhritarashtra. Though such, I was yet + forcibly made a slave. Fie to Partha’s bowmanship, oh, fie to Bhimasena’s + might since Duryodhana, O Krishna, liveth for even a moment. If I deserve + any favour at thy hands, if thou hast any compassion for me, let thy + wrath, O Krishna, be directed towards the sons of Dhritarashtra.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, the beautiful Krishna of eyes + that were black in hue and large like lotus leaves, bathed in tears, and + walking like a cow-elephant, approached the lotus-eyed Krishna, and taking + with her left hand her own beautiful tresses of curly ends, deep-blue in + hue and scented with every perfume, endued with every auspicious mark, and + though gathered into a braid, yet soft and glossy like a mighty snake, + spake these words, ‘Lotus-eyed one that art anxious for peace with the + enemy, thou shouldst, in all thy acts, call to thy mind these tresses of + mine seized by Dussasana’s rude hands! If Bhima and Arjuna, O Krishna, + have become so low as to long for peace, my aged father then with his + war-like sons will avenge for me in battle. My five sons also that are + endued with great energy, with Abhimanyu, O slayer of Madhu, at their + head, will fight with the Kauravas. What peace can this heart of mine know + unless I behold Dussasana’s dark arm severed from his trunk and pulverised + to atoms? Thirteen long years have I passed in expectation of better + times, hiding in my heart my wrath like a smouldering fire. And now + pierced by Bhima’s wordy darts that heart cf mine is about to break, for + the mighty-armed Bhima now casteth his eye on morality.’ Uttering these + words with voice choked in tears, the large-eyed Krishna began to weep + aloud, with convulsive sobs, and tears gushed down her cheeks. And that + lady, with hips full and round, began to drench her close and deep bosom + by the tears she shed which were hot as liquid fire. The mighty-armed + Kesava then spoke, comforting her in these words, ‘Soon wilt thou, O + Krishna, behold the ladies of Bharata’s race weep as thou dost. Even they, + O timid one, will weep like thee, their kinsmen and friends being slain. + They with whom, O lady, thou art angry, have their kinsmen and warriors + already slain. With Bhima and Arjuna and the twins, at Yudhishthira’s + command, and agreeably to fate, and what hath been ordained by the + Ordainer, I will accomplish all this. Their hour having arrived, the sons + of Dhritarashtra, if they do not listen to my words, will surely lie down + on the earth turned as morsels of dogs and jackals. The mountains of + Himavat might shift their site, the Earth herself might split into a + hundred fragments, the firmament itself with its myriads of stars might + fall down, still my words can never be futile. Stop thy tears, I swear to + thee, O Krishna, soon wilt thou see thy husbands, with their enemies + slain, and with prosperity crowning them.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0082" id="link52H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Thou art now, O Kesava, the best friend of all the Kurus. + Related with both the parties, thou art the dear friend of both. It + behoveth thee to bring about peace between the Pandavas and the sons of + Dhritarashtra. Thou, O Kesava, art competent and, therefore, it behoveth + thee to bring about a reconciliation. O lotus-eyed one, proceeding hence + for peace, O slayer of foes, say unto our ever-wrathful brother Suyodhana, + what, indeed, should be said, “If the foolish Duryodhana doth not accept + thy auspicious and beneficial counsels fraught with virtue and profit, he + will surely then be the victim of his fate.”’ + </p> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘Yes, I will go to king Dhritarashtra, desirous of + accomplishing what is consistent with righteousness, what may be + beneficial to us, and what also is for the good of the Kurus.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The night having passed away, a bright sun arose + in the east. The hour called Maitra set in, and the rays of the sun were + still mild. The month was (Kaumuda Kartika) under the constellation + Revati. It was the season of dew, Autumn having departed. The earth was + covered with abundant crops all around. It was at such a time that + Janardana, the foremost of mighty persons, in enjoyment of excellent + health, having heard the auspicious, sacred-sounding and sweet words of + gratified Brahmanas, like Vasava himself hearing the adorations of the + (celestial) Rishis,—and having also gone through the customary acts + and rites of the morning, purified himself by a bath, and decked his + person with unguents and ornaments, worshipped both the Sun and Fire. And + having touched the tail of a bull and reverently bowed to the Brahmanas, + walked round the sacred fire, and cast his eyes on the (usual) auspicious + articles placed in view, Janardana recollected Yudhishthira’s word and + addressed Sini’s grandson Satyaki, seated near, saying, “Let my car be + made ready and let my conch and discus along with my mace, and quivers and + darts and all kinds of weapons, offensive and defensive, be placed on it, + for Duryodhana and Karna and Suvala’s son are all of wicked souls, and + foes, however contemptible, should never be disregarded by even a powerful + person.” Understanding the wishes of Kesava, the wielder of the discus and + the mace, his attendants immediately addressed themselves to yoke his car. + And that car resembled in effulgence the fire that shows itself at the + time of the universal dissolution, and itself in speed. And it was + provided with two wheels that resembled the sun and the moon in lustre. + And it bore emblazonments of moons, both crescent and full, and of fishes, + animals, and birds and it was adorned with garlands of diverse flowers and + with pearls and gems of various kinds all around. And endued with the + splendour of the rising sun, it was large and handsome. And variegated + with gems and gold, it was furnished with an excellent flag-staff bearing + beautiful pennons. And well-supplied with every necessary article, and + incapable of being resisted by the foe, it was covered with tiger-skins, + and capable of robbing the fame of every foe, it enhanced the joy of the + Yadavas. And they yoked unto it those excellent steeds named Saivya and + Sugriva and Meghapushpa and Valahaka, after these had been bathed and + attired in beautiful harness. And enhancing the dignity of Krishna still + further, Garuda, the lord of the feathery creation, came and perched on + the flag-staff of that car producing a terrible rattle. And Saurin then + mounted on that car, high as the summit of the Meru, and producing a + rattle, deep and loud as the sound of the kettle-drum or the clouds and + which resembled the celestial car coursing at the will of the rider. And + taking Satyaki also upon it, that best of male beings set out, filling the + earth and the welkin with the rattle of his chariot-wheels. And the sky + became cloudless, and auspicious winds began to blow around, and the + atmosphere freed from the dust became pure. Indeed, as Vasudeva set out, + auspicious animals and birds, whirling by the right side, began to follow + him, and cranes and peacocks and swans all followed the slayer of Madhu, + uttering cries of good omens. The very fire, fed with Homa libations in + accompaniment with Mantras, freed from smoke blazed up cheerfully, sending + forth its flames towards the right. And Vasishtha and Vamadeva, and + Bhuridyumna and Gaya, and Kratha and Sukra and Kusika and Bhrigu, and + other Brahmarshis and celestial Rishis united together, all stood on the + right side of Krishna, that delighter of the Yadavas, that younger brother + of Vasava. And thus worshipped by those and other illustrious Rishis and + holy men, Krishna set out for the residence of the Kurus. And while + Krishna was proceeding, Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, followed him, as + also Bhima and Arjuna and those other Pandavas, viz., the twin sons of + Madri. And the valiant Chekitana and Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of the + Chedis, and Drupada and the king of Kasi and that mighty car-warrior + Sikhandin, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata with his sons, and the princes + of Kekaya also,—all these Kshatriyas followed that bull of the + Kshatriya race to honour him. And the illustrious king Yudhishthira the + just, having followed Govinda to some distance, addressed him in these + words in the presence of all those kings. And the son of Kunti embraced + that foremost of all persons, who never, from desire, or anger, or fear, + or purpose of gain committed the least wrong, whose mind was ever steady, + who was a stranger to covetousness, who was conversant with morality and + endued with great intelligence and wisdom, who knew the hearts of all + creatures and was the lord of all, who was the God of gods, who was + eternal, who was possessed of every virtue, and who bore the auspicious + mark on his breast. And embracing him the king began to indicate what he + was to do.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘That lady who hath brought us from our infancy; who + is ever engaged in fasts and ascetic penances and propitiatory rites and + ceremonies; who is devoted to the worship of the gods and guests; who is + always engaged in waiting upon her superiors; who is fond of her sons, + bearing for them an affection that knows no bounds; who, O Janardana, is + dearly loved by us; who, O grinder of foes, repeatedly saved us from the + snares of Suyodhana, like a boat saving a ship-wrecked crew from the + frightful terrors of the sea; and who, O Madhava, however undeserving of + woe herself, hath on our account endured countless sufferings,—should + be asked about her welfare—Salute and embrace, and, oh, comfort her + over and over, overwhelmed with grief as she is on account of her sons by + talking of the Pandavas. Ever since her marriage she hath been the victim, + however undeserving, of sorrow and griefs due to the conduct of her + father-in-law, and suffering hath been her position. Shall I, O Krishna, + ever see the time when, O chastiser of foes, my afflictions being over, I + shall be able to make my sorrowing mother happy? On the eve of our exile, + from affection for her children, she ran after us in anguish, crying + bitterly. But leaving her behind, we went into the woods. Sorrow doth not + necessarily kill. It is possible, therefore, that she is alive, being + hospitably entertained by the Anartas, though afflicted with sorrow on + account of her sons. O glorious Krishna, salute her for me, the Kuru king + Dhritarashtra also, and all those monarchs who are senior to us in age, + and Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and king Vahlika, and Drona’s son and + Somadatta, and in fact, every one of the Bharata race, and also Vidura + endued with great wisdom, that counsellor of the Kurus, of profound + intellect and intimate acquaintance with morality,—should all, O + slayer of Madhu, be embraced by thee!’ Having in the presence of the + kings, said these words unto Kesava, Yudhishthira, with Krishna’s + permission, came back having at first walked round him. Then Arjuna, + proceeding a few steps, further said unto his friend, that bull among men, + that slayer of hostile heroes, that invincible warrior of Dasarha’s race, + ‘It is known to all the kings, O illustrious Govinda, that at our + consultation it was settled that we should ask back the kingdom. If + without insulting us, if honouring thee, they honestly give us what we + demand, then, O mighty armed one, they would please me greatly and would + themselves escape a terrible danger. If, however, Dhritarashtra’s son, who + always adopts improper means, acts otherwise, then I shall surely, O + Janardana, annihilate the Kshatriya race.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “When Arjuna said these words, Vrikodara was + filled with delight. And that son of Pandu continually quivered with rage; + and while still quivering with rage and the delight that filled his heart + upon hearing Dhananjaya’s words, he set forth a terrible shout. And + hearing that shout of his, all the bowmen trembled in fear and steeds and + elephants were seen to pass urine and excreta. And having addressed Kesava + then and informed him of his resolution, Arjuna with Janardana’s + permission, came back, having first embraced him. And after all the kings + had desisted following him, Janardana set out with a cheerful heart on his + car drawn by Saivya, Sugriva, and others. And those steeds of Vasudeva, + urged by Daruka, coursed onwards, devouring the sky and drinking the road. + And on his way Kesava of mighty arms met with some Rishis blazing with + Brahmic lustre, standing on both sides of the road, And soon alighting + from his car, Janardana saluted them reverently. And worshipping them + duly, he enquired of them, saying, ‘Is there peace in all the world? Is + virtue being duly practised? And the other three orders obedient to the + Brahmanas?’ And having duly worshipped them, the slayer of Madhu again + said, ‘Where have ye been crowned with success? Whither would ye go, and + for what object? What also shall I do for yourselves? What has brought + your illustrious selves down on the earth?’ Thus addressed, Jamadagni’s + son, the friend of Brahma—that lord of both gods and Asuras,—approached + Govinda the slayer of Madhu, embraced him, and said, ‘The celestial Rishis + of pious deeds, and Brahmanas of extensive acquaintance with the + scriptures, and royal sages, O Dasarha, and venerable ascetic,—these + witnesses, O illustrious one, of the former feats of gods and Asuras,—are + desirous of beholding all the Kshatriyas of the earth assembled from every + side as also the counsellors sitting in the assembly, the kings, and + thyself the embodiment of truth, O Janardana. O Kesava, we will go thither + for beholding that grand sight. We are also anxious, O Madhava, to listen + to those words fraught with virtue and profit, which will be spoken by + thee, O chastiser of foes, unto the Kurus in the presence of all the + kings. Indeed, Bhishma, and Drona, and others, as also the illustrious + Vidura and thyself, O tiger among the Yadavas,—Ye all will be + assembled together in conclave! We desire, O Madhava, to hear the + excellent, truthful, and beneficial words that thou wilt utter and they + also, O Govinda. Thou art now informed of our purpose, O thou of mighty + arms. We will meet thee again. Go thither safely, O hero. We hope to see + thee in the midst of the conclave, seated on an excellent seat mustering + all thy energy and might.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0083" id="link52H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “O smiter of foes, when Devaki’s son of mighty arms set + out (for Hastinapura), ten mighty car-warriors, capable of slaying hostile + heroes, fully armed, followed in his train. And a thousand foot-soldiers, + and a thousand horsemen, and attendants by hundreds, also formed his + train, carrying, O king, provisions in abundance." </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “How did the illustrious slayer of Madhu, of Dasarha’s + race, proceed on his journey? And what omens were seen when that hero set + out?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Listen to me as I narrate all those natural and + unnatural omens that were noticed at the time when the illustrious Krishna + departed (for Hastinapura). Though there were no clouds in the sky, yet + the roll of thunder accompanied by flashes of lightning was heard. And + fleecy clouds in a clear sky rained incessantly in the rear! The seven + large rivers including the Sindhu (Indus) though flowing eastwards then + flowed in opposite directions. The very directions seemed to be reversed + and nothing could be distinguished. Fires blazed up everywhere, O monarch, + and the earth trembled repeatedly. The contents of wells and water-vessels + by hundreds swelled up and ran out. The whole universe was enveloped in + darkness. The atmosphere being filled with dust, neither the cardinal nor + the subsidiary points of the horizon could, O king, be distinguished. Loud + roars were heard in the sky without any being being visible from whom + these could emanate. This wonderful phenomenon, O king, was noticed all + over the country. A south-westerly wind, with the harsh rattle of the + thunder, uprooting trees by the thousands, crushed the city of + Hastinapura. In those places, however, O Bharata, through which he of + Vrishni’s race passed, delicious breezes blew and everything became + auspicious. Showers of lotuses and fragrant flowers fell there. The very + road became delightful, being free from prickly grass and thorns. At those + places where he stayed, Brahmanas by thousands glorified that giver of + wealth with (laudation) and worshipped him with dishes of curds, ghee, + honey, and presents of wealth. The very women, coming out on the road, + strewed wild flowers of great fragrance on the person of that illustrious + hero, devoted to the welfare of all creatures. He then came upon a + delightful spot called Salibhavana which was filled with every kind of + crops, a spot that was delicious and sacred, after having, O bull of the + Bharata race, seen various villages abounding in bees, and picturesque to + the eye, and delightful to the heart, and after having passed through + diverse cities and kingdoms. Always cheerful and of good hearts, + well-protected by the Bharatas and therefore free from all anxieties on + account of the designs of invaders, and unacquainted with calamities of + any kind, many of the citizens of Upaplavya, coming out of their town, + stood together on the way, desirous of beholding Krishna. And beholding + that illustrious one resembling a blazing fire arrived at the spot, they + worshipped him who deserved their worship with all the honours of a guest + arrived in their abode. When at last that slayer of hostile heroes, + Kesava, came to Vrikasthala, the sun seemed to redden the sky by his + straggling rays of light. Alighting from his car, he duly went through the + usual purificatory rites, and ordering the steeds to be unharnessed, he + set himself to say his evening prayers. And Daruka also, setting the + steeds free, tended them according to the rules of equine science, and + taking off the yokes and traces, let them loose. After this was done, the + slayer of Madhu said, ‘Here must we pass the night for the sake of + Yudhishthira’s mission.’ Ascertaining that to be his intention, the + attendants soon set a temporary abode and prepared in a trice excellent + food and drink. Amongst the Brahmanas, O king, that resided in the + village, they that were of noble and high descent, modest, and obedient to + the injunctions of the Vedas in their conduct, approached that illustrious + chastiser of foes, Hrishikesa, and honoured him with their benedictions + and auspicious speeches. And having honoured him of Dasarha’s race that + deserveth honour from every one, they placed at the disposal of that + illustrious person their houses, abounding in wealth. Saying unto them—‘Enough’—the + illustrious Krishna paid them proper homage, each according to his rank, + and wending with them to their house, he returned in their company to his + own (tent). And feeding all the Brahmanas with sweet-meats and himself + taking his meals with them, Kesava passed the night happily there." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0084" id="link52H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Meanwhile, understanding from his spies that the + slayer of Madhu had set out, Dhritarashtra, with his hair standing erect, + respectfully addressing the mighty-armed Bhishma and Drona and Sanjaya and + the illustrious Vidura, said these words unto Duryodhana and his + counsellors, ‘O scion of Kuru’s race, strange and wonderful is the news + that we hear. Men, women and children, are talking of it. Others are + speaking of it respectfully, and others again assembled together. Within + houses where men congregate and in open spots, people are discussing it. + All say that Dasarha of great prowess will come hither for the sake of + Pandavas. The slayer of Madhu is, by all means, deserving of honour and + worship at our hands. He is the Lord of all creatures, and on him resteth + the course of every thing in the universe. Indeed, intelligence and + prowess and wisdom and energy, all reside in Madhava. Worthy of honour at + the hands of all righteous persons he is the foremost of all men, and is, + indeed, eternal Virtue. If worshipped he is sure to bestow happiness; and + if not worshipped he is sure to inflict misery. If that smiter of foes, + Dasarha be gratified with our offerings, all our wishes may be obtained by + us, through his grace, in the midst of the kings. O chastiser of foes, + make without loss of time every arrangement for his reception. Let + pavilions be set up on the road, furnished with every object of enjoyment. + O mighty-armed son of Gandhari, make such arrangements that he may be + gratified with thee. What doth Bhishma think in this matter?’ At this, + Bhishma and others, all applauding those words of king Dhritarashtra, + said,—‘Excellent.’ King Duryodhana then, understanding their wishes, + ordered delightful sites to be chosen for the erection of pavilions. Many + pavilions were thereupon constructed abounding with gems of every kind, at + proper intervals and at delightful spots. And the king sent thither + handsome seats endued with excellent qualities, beautiful girls, and + scents and ornaments, and fine robes, and excellent viands, and drink of + diverse qualities, and fragrant garlands of many kinds. And the king of + the Kurus took especial care to erect, for the reception of Krishna, a + highly beautiful pavilion at Vrikasthala, full of precious gems. And + having made all these arrangements that were god-like and much above the + capacity of human beings, king Duryodhana informed Dhritarashtra of the + same. Kesava, however, of Dasarha’s race, arrived at the capital of the + Kurus, without casting a single glance at all those pavilions and all + those gems of diverse kinds." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0085" id="link52H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Vidura, Janardana hath set out from Upaplavya. He + is now staying at Vrikasthala and will come here tomorrow. Janardana is + the leader of the Ahukas, the foremost person amongst all the members of + the Sattwata race, is high-souled, and endued with great energy and great + might. Indeed, Madhava is the guardian and protector of the prosperous + kingdom of Vrishnis and is the illustrious Great-Grandsire of even the + three worlds. The Vrishnis adore the wisdom of the intelligent Krishna, + even as the Adityas, the Vasus, and the Rudras adore the wisdom of + Vrihaspati. O virtuous one, I will in thy presence, offer worship unto + that illustrious scion of Dasarha’s race. Listen to me about that worship. + I will give him sixteen cars made of gold, each drawn by four excellent + and well-adorned steeds of uniform colour and of the Vahlika breed. O + Kaurava, I will give him eight elephants with temporal juice always + trickling down and tusks as large as poles of ploughs, capable of smiting + hostile ranks, and each having eight human attendants. I will give him a + century of handsome maid-servants of the complexion of gold, all virgins, + and man-servants I will give him as many. I will give him eighteen + thousand woolen blankets soft to the touch, all presented to us by the + hill-men. I will also give him a thousand deer-skins brought from China + and other things of the kind that may be worthy of Kesava. I will also + give him this serene gem of the purest rays that shines day and night, for + Kesava alone deserves it. This car of mine drawn by mules that makes a + round of full fourteen Yojanas a day, I will also give him. I will place + before him every-day provisions eight times greater than what is necessary + for the animals and attendants that form his train. Mounted on their cars, + having their person well-adorned, all my sons and grandsons, save + Duryodhana, will go out to receive him. And thousands of graceful and + well-decked dancing girls will go out on foot to receive the illustrious + Kesava. And the beautiful girls that will go out of the town for receiving + Janardana will go out unveiled. Let all the citizens with their wives and + children behold the illustrious slayer of Madhu with as much respect and + devotion as they show when casting their eyes on the morning sun. Let the + canopy all round, at my command, be crowded with pendants and banners, and + let the road, by which Kesava will come, be well-watered and its dusts + removed. Let Dussasana’s abode, which is better than Duryodhana’s, be + cleansed and well-adorned without delay. That mansion consisting of many + beautiful buildings, is pleasant and delightful, and abounds with the + wealth of all seasons. It is in that abode that all my wealth, as also + Duryodhana’s, are deposited. Let all that scion of the Vrishni race + deserves be given unto him.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0086" id="link52H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Vidura said, ‘O monarch, O best of men, thou art respected by three + worlds. Thou, O Bharata, art loved and regarded by every body. Venerable + in year as thou art, what thou wilt say at this age can never be against + the dictates of the scriptures or the conclusions of well-directed reason, + for thy mind is ever calm. Thy subjects, O king, are well-assured that, + like characters on stone, light in the sun, and billows in the ocean, + virtue resideth in thee permanently. O monarch, every one is honoured and + made happy in consequence of thy numerous virtues. Strive, therefore, with + thy friends and kinsmen to retain those virtues of thine. Oh, adopt + sincerity of behaviour. Do not from folly, cause a wholesale destruction + of thy sons, grandsons, friends, kinsmen, and all that are dear to thee. + It is much, O king, that thou wishes to give unto Kesava as thy guest. + Know, however, that Kesava deserves all this and much more, aye, the whole + earth itself. I truly swear by my own soul that thou dost not wish to give + all this unto Krishna either from motives of virtue or for the object of + doing what is agreeable to him. O giver of great wealth, all this betrays + only deception, falsehood, and insincerity. By the external acts, O king, + I know thy secret purpose. The five Pandavas, O king, desire only five + villages. Thou, however, dost not wish to give them even that. Thou art, + therefore, unwilling to make peace. Thou seekest to make the mighty-armed + hero of Vrishni’s race thy own by means of thy wealth; in foot, by this + means, thou seekest to separate Kesava from the Pandavas. I tell thee, + however, that thou art unable, by wealth, or attention, or worship, to + separate Krishna from Dhananjaya. I know the magnanimity of Krishna; I + know the firm devotion of Arjuna towards him, I know that Dhananjaya, who + is Kesava’s life, is incapable of being given up by the latter. Save only + a vessel of water, save only the washing of his feet, save only the + (usual) enquiries after the welfare (of those he will see), Janardana will + not accept any other hospitality or set his eyes on any other thing. Offer + him, however, O king, that hospitality which is the most agreeable to that + illustrious one deserving of every respect, for there is no respect that + may not be offered to Janardana. Give unto Kesava, O king, that object in + expectation of which, from desire of benefiting both parties, he cometh to + the Kurus. Kesava desires peace to be established between thee and + Duryodhana on one side and the Pandavas on the other. Follow his counsels, + O, monarch. Thou art their father, O king, and the Pandavas are thy sons. + Thou art old, and they are children to thee in years, behave as father + towards them, that are disposed to pay thee filial regard.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0087" id="link52H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘All that Vidura hath said about Krishna, hath indeed, + been truly said; for Janardana is greatly devoted to the Pandavas and can + never be separated from them. All the diverse kinds of wealth, O foremost + of kings, that are proposed to be bestowed upon Janardana ought never to + be bestowed upon him. Kesava is, of course, not unworthy of our worship, + but both time and place are against it, for he (Krishna), O king, on + receiving our worship, will very likely think that we are worshipping him + out of fear. This is my certain conviction, O king, that an intelligent + Kshatriya must not do that which may bring disgrace upon him. It is + well-known to me that the large-eyed Krishna deserveth the most + reverential worship of the three worlds. It is quite out of place, + therefore, O illustrious king, to give him anything now, for war having + been decided upon, it should never be put off by hospitality.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of his, the Grandsire of the + Kurus spoke these words unto the royal son of Vichitravirya, ‘Worshipped + or not worshipped, Janardana never becometh angry. None, however, can + treat him with disrespect, for Kesava is not contemptible. Whatever, O + mighty one, he purposeth to do is incapable of being frustrated by anybody + by every means in his power. Do without hesitation what Krishna of mighty + arms sayeth and bring about peace with the Pandavas through Vasudeva as + the means. Truly Janardana, possessed of virtuous soul, will say what is + consistent with religion and profit. It behoveth thee, therefore, with all + thy friends, to tell him what only is agreeable to him.’ + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘O Grandsire, I can, by no means, live by sharing this + swelling prosperity of mine with the Pandavas. Listen, this, indeed, is a + great resolution which I have formed. I will imprison Janardana who is the + refuge of the Pandavas. He will come here tomorrow morning; and when he is + confined, the Vrishnis and the Pandavas, aye, the whole earth, will submit + to me. What may be the means for accomplishing it, so that Janardana may + not guess our purpose, and so that no danger also may overtake us, it + behoveth thee to say.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these fearful words of his son about + imprisoning Krishna, Dhritarashtra, with all his counsellors, was very + much pained and became deeply afflicted. King Dhritarashtra then spoke + those words unto Duryodhana, ‘O ruler of men, never say this again, this + is not immemorial custom. Hrishikesa cometh here as an ambassador. He is, + besides, related to and is dear to us. He hath done us no wrong; how then + doth he deserves imprisonment?’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘This wicked son of thine, O Dhritarashtra, hath his hour + come. He chooseth evil, not good, though entreated by his well-wishers. + Thou also followest in the wake of this wicked wretch of sinful + surroundings, who treadeth a thorny path setting at naught the words of + his well-wisher. This exceedingly wicked son of thine with all his + counsellors coming in contact with Krishna of unstained acts, will be + destroyed in a moment. I dare not listen to the words of this sinful and + wicked wretch that hath abandoned all virtue.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, that aged chief of the Bharata race, Bhishma of + unbaffled prowess, inflamed with rage rose and left that place." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0088" id="link52H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Rising up (from his bed) at day-dawn, Krishna went + through his morning rites, and taking leave of the Bharatas, set out for + the city (of the Kurus). And all the inhabitants of Vrikasthala, bidding + farewell unto that mighty one of long arms while he was about to depart, + all returned to their homes. And all the Dhartarashtras except Duryodhana, + attired in excellent robes, and with Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, and others, + went out to meet him. And the citizens by thousands, O king, on cars of + diverse kinds, and many on foot, also came out, desirous of beholding + Hrishikesa. And meeting on the way Bhishma of spotless deed, and Drona, + and Dhritarashtra’s sons, he entered the city, surrounded by them all. And + in honour of Krishna, the city was beautifully adorned, and the principal + streets were decorated with diverse jewels and gems. And, O king, O bull + of the Bharata race, on that occasion no one,—man, woman, or child,—remained + in doors, so eager were the citizens for beholding Vasudeva. And all the + citizens came out and lined the streets and bent their heads down to the + ground singing eulogies in his honour, O king, when Hrishikesa entered the + city and passed through it. And substantial mansions, filled with + high-born ladies, seemed to be on the point of falling down on the ground + in consequence of their living weight. And although Vasudeva’s steeds were + endued with great speed, yet they moved very slowly through that dense + mass of human beings. And that lotus-eyed grinder of foes then entered + Dhritarashtra’s ash-coloured palace which was enriched with numerous + buildings. And having passed through the first three chambers of the + palace, that chastiser of foes, Kesava, came upon the royal son of + Vichitravirya. And upon that son of Dasarha’s race approaching his + presence, the blind monarch of great fame stood up along with Drona and + Bhishma, Kripa and Somadatta, and king Vahlika also,—all stood up + for honouring Janardana. And the Vrishni hero, having approached king + Dhritarashtra of great fame, worshipped him and Bhishma with proper words + and without losing any time. And having offered that worship unto them + according to established usage, Madhava the slayer of Madhu, greeted the + other kings according to their seniority in years. And Janardana then + accosted the illustrious Drona and his son, and Vahlika, and Kripa, and + Somadatta. And there in that chamber lay a spacious seat of beautiful + workmanship, made of gold and set with jewels. And at Dhritarashtra’s + request, Achyuta took that seat; and the priests of Dhritarashtra duly + offered Janardana a cow, honey and curds and water. And after the rites of + hospitality were over, Govinda remained there for a while, surrounded by + the Kurus, laughing and jesting with them according to their relationship + with him. And that illustrious grinder of foes, honoured and worshipped by + Dhritarashtra, came out with the king’s permission. And Madhava having + duly greeted all the Kurus in their assembly, then went to the delightful + abode of Vidura; and Vidura, having approached Janardana of Dasarha’s race + thus arrived at his abode, worshipped him with every auspicious and + desirable offering. And he said, ‘What use, O lotus-eyed one, in telling + thee of the joy I feel at this advent of thine, for thou art the inner + Soul of all embodied creatures.’ And after the hospitable reception was + over, Vidura, conversant with all the principles of morality, enquired of + Govinda, the slayer of Madhu, about the welfare of Pandavas. And that + scion of Dasarha’s race, that chief of the Vrishnis, unto whom the past + and the future were as the present, knowing that Vidura was loved by the + Pandavas and friendly towards them, and learned, and firm in morality, and + honest, and harbouring no wrath (against the Pandavas), and wise, began to + tell him everything in detail about the doings of the sons of Pandu." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0089" id="link52H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XC + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Janardana, the chastiser of foes, after his meeting + with Vidura, went then in the afternoon to his paternal aunt, Pritha. And + beholding Krishna whose countenance beamed with the effulgence of the + radiant sun arrived at her abode, she encircled his neck with her arms and + began to pour forth her lamentations remembering her sons. And at the + sight, after a long time, of Govinda of Vrishni’s race, the companion of + those mighty children of hers, the tears of Pritha flowed fast. And after + Krishna, that foremost of warriors, had taken his seat having first + received the rites of hospitality, Pritha, with a woe-begone face and + voice choked with tears addressed him, saying, ‘They, who, from their + earliest years have always waited with reverence on their superiors; they, + who, in friendship are attached to one another; they, who, deprived + deceitfully of their kingdom had gone to seclusion, however worthy of + living in the midst of friends and attendants,—they, who have + subjugated both wrath and joy, are devoted to Brahmans, and truthful in + speech,—those children of mine, who, abandoning kingdom and + enjoyments and leaving my miserable self behind, had gone to the woods, + plucking the very roots of my heart,—those illustrious sons of + Pandu, O Kesava, who have suffered woe however undeserving of it,—how, + alas, did they live in the deep forest abounding with lions and tigers and + elephants? Deprived in their infancy of their father, they were all + tenderly brought up by me. How, also, did they live in the mighty forest, + without seeing both their parents? From their infancy, O Kesava, the + Pandavas were aroused from their beds by the music of conchs and drums and + flutes. That they who while at home, used to sleep in high palatial + chambers on soft blankets and skins of the Runku deer and were waked up in + the morning by the grunt of elephants, the neighing of steeds, the clatter + of car-wheels and the music of conchs and cymbals in accompaniment with + the notes of flutes and lyres,—who, adored at early dawn with sacred + sounding hymns uttered by Brahmanas, worshipped those amongst them that + deserved such worship with robes and jewels and ornaments, and who were + blessed with the auspicious benedictions of those illustrious members of + the regenerate order, as a return for the homage the latter received,—that + they, O Janardana, could sleep in the deep woods resounding with the + shrill and dissonant cries of beasts of prey can hardly be believed, + undeserving as they were of so much woe. How could they, O slayer of + Madhu, who were roused from their beds by music of cymbals and drums and + conchs and flutes, with the honeyed strains of songstresses and the + eulogies chanted by bards and professional reciters,—alas, how could + they be waked in the deep woods by the yells of wild beasts? He that is + endued with modesty, is firm in truth, with senses under control and + compassions for all creatures,—he that hath vanquished both lust and + malice and always treadeth the path of the righteous, he that ably bore + the heavy burthen borne by Amvarisha and Mandhatri, Yayati and Nahusha and + Bharata and Dilip and Sivi the son of Usinara and other royal sages of + old, he that is endued with an excellent character and disposition, he + that is conversant with virtue, and whose prowess is incapable of being + baffled, he that is fit to become the monarch of the three worlds in + consequence of his possession of every accomplishment, he that is the + foremost of all the Kurus lawfully and in respect of learning and + disposition, who is handsome and mighty-armed and hath no enemy,—Oh, + how is that Yudhishthira of virtuous soul, and of complexion like that of + pure gold? He that hath the strength of ten thousand elephants and the + speed of the wind, he that is mighty and ever wrathful amongst the sons of + Pandu, he that always doth good to his brothers and is, therefore, dear to + them all, he, O slayer of Madhu, that slew Kichaka with all his relatives, + he that is the slayer of the Krodhavasas, of Hidimva, and of Vaka, he that + in prowess is equal unto Sakra, and in might unto the Wind-god, he that is + terrible, and in wrath is equal unto Madhava himself, he that is the + foremost of all smiters,—that wrathful son of Pandu and chastiser of + foes, who, restraining his rage, might, impatience, and controlling his + soul, is obedient to the commands of his elder brother,—speak to me, + O Janardana, tell me how is that smiter of immeasurable valour, that + Bhimasena, who in aspect also justifies his name—that Vrikodara + possessing arms like maces, that mighty second son of Pandu? O Krishna, + that Arjuna of two arms who always regardeth himself as superior to his + namesake of old with thousand arms, and who at one stretch shooteth five + hundred arrows, that son of Pandu who in the use of weapons is equal unto + king Kartavirya, in energy unto Aditya, in restraint of senses unto a + great sage, in forgiveness unto the Earth, and in prowess unto Indra + himself,—he, by whose prowess, O slayer of Madhu, the Kurus amongst + all the kings of the earth have obtained this extensive empire, blazing + with effulgence,—he, whose strength of arms is always adored by the + Pandavas,—that son of Pandu, who is the foremost of all car-warriors + and whose prowess is incapable of being frustrated,—he, from an + encounter with whom in battle no foe ever escapeth with life,—he, O + Achyuta, who is the conqueror of all, but who is incapable of being + conquered by any,—he, who is the refuge of the Pandavas like Vasava + of the celestials,—how, O Kesava, is that Dhananjaya now, that + brother and friend of thine? He that is compassionate to all creatures, is + endued with modesty and acquainted with mighty weapons, is soft and + delicate and virtuous,—he that is dear to me,—that mighty + bowman Sahadeva, that hero and ornament of assemblies,—he, O + Krishna, who is youthful in years, is devoted to the service of his + brothers, and is conversant with both virtue and profit, whose brothers, O + slayer of Madhu, always applaud the disposition of that high-souled and + well-behaved son of mine,—tell me, O thou of the Vrishni race, of + that heroic Sahadeva, that foremost of warriors, that son of Madri, who + always waiteth submissively on his elder brothers and so reverentially on + me. He that is delicate and youthful in years, he that is brave and + handsome in person,—that son of Pandu who is dear unto his brothers + as also unto all, and who, indeed, is their very life though walking with + a separate body,—he that is conversant with various modes of + warfare,—he that is endued with great strength and is a mighty + bowman,—tell me, O Krishna, whether that dear child of mine, Nakula, + who was brought up in luxury, is now well in body and mind? O thou of + mighty arms, shall I ever behold again Nakula of mine, that mighty + car-warrior, that delicate youth brought up in every luxury and + undeserving of woe? Behold, O hero, I am alive today, even I, who could + know peace by losing sight of Nakula for the short space of time taken up + by a wink of the eye. More than all my sons, O Janardana, is the daughter + of Drupada dear to me. High-born and possessed of great beauty, she is + endued with every accomplishment. Truthful in speech, she chose the + company of her lords, giving up that of her sons, Indeed, leaving her dear + children behind, she followeth the sons of Pandu. Waited upon at one time + by a large train of servants, and adored by her husbands with every object + of enjoyment, the possessor of every auspicious mark and accomplishment, + how, O Achyuta, is that Draupadi now? Having five heroic husbands who are + all smiters of foes and all mighty bowmen, each equal unto Agni in energy, + alas, woe hath yet been the lot of Drupada’s daughter. I have not for + fourteen long years, O chastiser of foes, beheld the princess of Panchala, + that daughter-in-law of mine who herself hath been a prey to constant + anxiety on account of her children, whom she hath not seen for that + period. When Drupada’s daughter endued with such a disposition, doth not + enjoy uninterrupted happiness, it seemeth, O Govinda, that the happiness + one enjoyeth is never the fruit of one’s acts. When I remember the + forcible dragging of Draupadi to the assembly, then neither Vibhatsu nor + Yudhishthira, nor Bhima, nor Nakula, nor Sahadeva, becometh an object of + affection to me. Never before had a heavier grief been mine than what + pierced my heart when that wretch Dussasana, moved by wrath and + covetousness, dragged Draupadi, then in her flow, and therefore clad in a + single raiment, into the presence of her father-in-law in the assembly and + exposed her to the gaze of all the Kurus. It is known that amongst those + that were present, king Vahlika, Kripa, Somadatta, were pierced with grief + at this sight, but of all present in that assembly, it was Vidura whom I + worship. Neither by learning, nor by wealth doth one become worthy of + homage. It is by disposition alone that one becomes respectable, O + Krishna, endued with great intelligence and profound wisdom, the character + of the illustrious Vidura, like unto an ornament (that he wears) adorns + the whole world.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Filled with delight at the advent of Govinda, and + afflicted with sorrow (on account of her sons) Pritha gave expression to + all her diverse griefs. And she said, ‘Can gambling and the slaughter of + deer, which, O chastiser of foes, occupied all wicked kings of old, be a + pleasant occupation for the Pandavas? The thought consumeth, O Kesava, + that being dragged into the presence of all the Kurus in their assembly by + Dhritarashtra’s sons, insults worse than death were heaped on Krishna, O + chastiser of foes, the banishment of my sons from their capital and their + wanderings in the wilderness,—these and various other griefs, O + Janardana, have been mine. Nothing could be more painful to me or to my + sons themselves, O Madhava, than that they should have had to pass a + period of concealment, shut up in a stranger’s house. Full fourteen years + have passed since the day when Duryodhana first exiled my sons. If misery + is destructive of fruits of sins, and happiness is dependent on the fruits + of religious merit, then it seems that happiness may still be ours after + so much misery. I never made any distinction between Dhritarashtra’s sons + and mine (so far as maternal affection is concerned). By that truth, O + Krishna, I shall surely behold thee along with the Pandavas safely come + out of the present strife with their foes slain, and the kingdom recovered + by them. The Pandavas themselves have observed their vow with such + truthfulness sticking to Dharma that they are incapable of being defeated + by their enemies. In the matter of my present sorrows, however, I blame + neither myself nor Suyodhana, but my father alone. Like a wealthy man + giving away a sum of money in gift, my father gave me away to Kuntibhoja. + While a child playing with a ball in my hands, thy grandfather, O Kesava, + gave me away to his friend, the illustrious Kuntibhoja. Abandoned, O + chastiser of foes, by my own father, and my father-in law, and afflicted + with insufferable woes, what use, O Madhava, is there in my being alive? + On the night of Savyasachin’s birth, in the lying-in-room, an invisible + voice told me, “This son of thine will conquer the whole world, and his + fame will reach the very heavens. Slaying the Kurus in a great battle and + recovering the kingdom, thy son Dhananjaya will, with his brothers, + perform three grand sacrifices.” I do not doubt the truth of that + announcement. I bow unto Dharma that upholds the creation. If Dharma be + not a myth, then, O Krishna, thou wilt surely achieve all that the + invisible voice said. Neither the loss of my husband, O Madhava, nor loss + of wealth, nor our hostility with the Kurus ever inflicted such rending + pains on me as that separation from my children. What peace can my heart + know when I do not see before me that wielder of Gandiva, viz., + Dhananjaya, that foremost of all bearers of arms? I have not, for fourteen + years, O Govinda, seen Yudhishthira, and Dhananjaya, and Vrikodara. Men + perform the obsequies of those that are missed for a long time, taking + them for dead. Practically, O Janardana, my children are all dead to me + and I am dead to them.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Say unto the virtuous king Yudhishthira, O Madhava, that “Thy virtue, O + son, is daily decreasing. Act thou, therefore, in such a way that thy + religious merit may not diminish.” Fie to them that live, O Janardana, by + dependence on others. Even death is better than a livelihood gained by + meanness. Thou must also say unto Dhananjaya and the ever-ready Vrikodara + that—“The time for that event is come in view of which a Kshatriya + woman bringeth forth a son. If you allow the time to slip without your + achieving anything, then, though at present ye are respected by all the + world, ye will be only doing that which would be regarded as contemptible. + And if contempt touches you, I will abandon you for ever. When the time + cometh, even life, which is so dear, should be laid down.” O foremost of + men, thou must also say unto Madri’s sons that are always devoted to + Kshatriya customs.—“More than life itself, strive ye to win objects + of enjoyment, procurable by prowess, since objects won by prowess alone + can please the heart of a person desirous of living according to Kshatriya + customs.” Repairing thither, O mighty-armed one, say unto that foremost of + all bearers of arms, Arjuna the heroic son of Pandu,—“Tread thou the + path that may be pointed out to thee by Draupadi.” It is known to thee, O + Kesava, that when inflamed with rage, Bhima and Arjuna, each like unto the + universal Destroyer himself, can slay the very gods. That was a great + insult offered unto them, viz., that their wife Krishna, having been + dragged into the assembly was addressed in such humiliating terms by + Dussasana and Karna. Duryodhana himself hath insulted Bhima of mighty + energy in the very presence of the Kuru chiefs. I am sure he will reap the + fruit of that behaviour, for Vrikodara, provoked by a foe, knoweth no + peace. Indeed, once provoked, Bhima forgets it not for a long while, even + until that grinder of foes exterminates the enemy and his allies. The loss + of kingdom did not grieve me; the defeat at dice did not grieve me. That + the illustrious and beautiful princess of Panchala was dragged into the + assembly while clad in a single raiment and made to hear bitter words + grieved me most. What, O Krishna, could be a greater grief to me? Alas, + ever devoted to Kshatriya customs and endued with great beauty, the + princess, while ill, underwent that cruel treatment, and though possessing + powerful protectors was then as helpless as if she had none. O slayer of + Madhu, having thee and that foremost of all mighty persons, Rama, and that + mighty car-warrior Pradyumna for me and my children’s protectors and + having, O foremost of men, my sons the invincible Bhima and the + unretreating Vijaya both alive, that I had still such grief to bear is + certainly strange!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by her, Sauri the friend of + Partha, then comforted his paternal aunt, Pritha, afflicted with grief on + account of her sons. And Vasudeva said, ‘What woman is there, O aunt, in + the world who is like thee? The daughter of king Surasena, thou art, by + marriage, admitted into Ajamida’s race. High-born and highly married, thou + art like a lotus transplanted from one mighty lake into another. Endued + with every prosperity and great good fortune, thou wert adored by thy + husband. The wife of a hero, thou hast again given birth to heroic sons. + Possessed of every virtue, and endued with great wisdom, it behoveth thee + to bear with patience, both happiness and misery. Overcoming sleep and + langour, and wrath and joy, and hunger and thirst, and cold and heat, thy + children are always in the enjoyment of that happiness, which, as heroes, + should by theirs. Endued with great exertion and great might, thy sons, + without affecting the comforts derivable from the senses such as satisfy + only the low and the mean, always pursue that happiness which as heroes + they should. Nor are they satisfied like little men having mean desires. + They that are wise enjoy or suffer the same of whatever enjoyable or + sufferable. Indeed, ordinary persons, affecting comforts that satisfy the + low and the mean, desire an equable state of dullness, without excitement + of any kind. They, however, that are superior, desire either the acutest + of human suffering or the highest of all enjoyments that is given to man. + The wise always delight in extremes. They find no pleasure betwixt; they + regard the extreme to be happiness, while that which lies between is + regarded by them as misery. The Pandavas with Krishna saluteth thee + through me. Representing themselves to be well, they have enquired after + thy welfare. Thou wilt soon behold them become the lords of the whole + world, with their foe slain, and themselves invested with prosperity.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus consoled by Krishna, Kunti, afflicted with grief on account of her + sons, but soon dispelling the darkness caused by her temporary loss of + understanding, replied unto Janardana, saying, ‘Whatever, O mighty-armed + one, thou, O slayer of Madhu, regardest as proper to be done, let that be + done without sacrificing righteousness, O chastiser of foes, and without + the least guile. I know, O Krishna, what the power of thy truth and of thy + lineage is. I know also what judgment and what prowess thou bringest to + bear upon the accomplishment of whatever concerns thy friends. In our + race, thou art Virtue’s self, thou art Truth, and thou art the embodiment + of ascetic austerities. Thou art the great Brahma, and everything rests on + thee. What, therefore, thou hast said must be true.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Bidding her farewell and respectfully walking + round her, the mighty-armed Govinda then departed for Duryodhana’s + mansion." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0090" id="link52H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “With Pritha’s leave and having walked round her, the + chastiser of foes, Govinda, also called Sauri, went to Duryodhana’s palace + that was furnished with great wealth, adorned with beautiful seats, and + was like unto the abode of Purandara himself. Unobstructed by the + orderlies-in-waiting, that hero of great fame crossed three spacious yards + in succession and then entered that mansion looking like a mass of clouds, + high as the summit of a hill, and blazing forth in splendour. And he there + beheld Dhritarashtra’s son of mighty arms seated on his throne in the + midst of a thousand kings and surrounded by all the Kurus. And he also + beheld there Dussasana and Karna and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, seated on + their respective seats by the side of Duryodhana. And on that scion of + Dasarha’s race entering the court, Dhritarashtra’s son of great fame rose + up from his seat with his counsellors for honouring the slayer of Madhu. + And Kesava then greeted Dhritarashtra’s sons and all his counsellors as + also all the kings that were present there, according to their respective + ages. And Achyuta of Vrishni’s race then took his seat on a beautiful seat + made of gold and overlaid with carpet embroidered with gold. And the Kuru + king then offered unto Janardana a cow, and honey and curds and water, and + placed at his service palaces and mansions and the whole kingdom. And then + the Kauravas, with all the kings there present, worshipped Govinda on his + seat and resembling the sun himself in splendour. The worship being over, + king Duryodhana invited him of Vrishni’s race—that foremost of + victors—to eat at his house. Kesava, however did not accept the + invitation. The Kuru king Duryodhana seated in the midst of the Kurus, in + a gentle voice but with deception lurking behind his words, eyeing Karna, + and addressing Kesava, then said, ‘Why, O Janardana, dost thou not accept + the diverse kinds of viands and drinks, robes and beds that have all been + prepared and kept ready for thee? Thou hast granted aid to both sides; + thou art engaged in the good of both parties. Thou art again the foremost + of Dhritarashtra’s relations and much loved by him. Thou, O Govinda, also + knowest fully, and all things in details, both religion and profit. I, + therefore, desire to hear, O bearer of the discus and the mace, what the + true reason is of this thy refusal.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The high-souled Govinda, of eyes like lotus + leaves, then raising his mighty (right) arm, and in a voice deep as that + of the clouds, replied unto the king in excellent words fraught with + reasons,—words that were clear, distinct, correctly pronounced, and + without a single letter dropped, saying, ‘Envoys, O king, eat and accept + worship only after the success of their missions. Therefore, O Bharata, + after my mission becomes successful, thou mayest entertain me and my + attendants.’ Thus answered, Dhritarashtra’s son again said unto Janardana, + ‘It behoveth thee not, O Kesava, to behave towards us in this way. Whether + thou becomest successful, or unsuccessful, we are endeavouring to please + thee, O slayer of Madhu, because of thy relationship with us. It seems, + however, that all our efforts, O thou of Dasarha’s race, are fruitless. + Nor do we see the reason, O slayer of Madhu, in consequence of which, O + foremost of men, thou acceptest not the worship offered by us from love + and friendship. With thee, O Govinda, we have no hostility, no war. + Therefore, on reflection, it will seem to thee that words such as these + scarcely become thee.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by the king, Janardana of + Dasarha’s race, casting his eyes on Dhritarashtra’s son and all his + counsellors, replied, saying, ‘Not from desire, nor from wrath, nor from + malice, nor for gain, nor for the sake of argument, nor from temptation, + would I abandon virtue. One taketh another’s food when one is in distress. + At present, however, O king, thou hast not inspired love in me by any act + of thine, nor have I myself been plunged into distress. Without any + reason, O king, thou hatest, from the moment of their birth, thy dear and + gentle brothers,—the Pandavas—endued with every virtue. This + unreasonable hatred of thine for the sons of Pritha ill becometh thee. The + sons of Pandu are all devoted to virtue. Who, indeed, can do them the + least injury? He that hateth them, hateth me; he that loveth them, loveth + me. Know that the virtuous Pandavas and my own self have but a common + soul. He, who, following the impulses of lust and wrath, and from darkness + of soul, hateth and seeketh to injure one that is possessed of every good + quality, is regarded as the vilest of men. That wrathful wretch of every + good quality, is regarded as the vilest of men. That wrathful wretch of + uncontrolled soul, who, from ignorance and avarice hateth his kinsmen + endued with every auspicious quality, can never enjoy his prosperity long. + He, on the other hand, who, by good offices, winneth over persons endued + with good qualities, even if he beareth aversion of them within his heart, + enjoyeth prosperity and fame for ever and ever. Defiled by wickedness, all + this food, therefore, deserveth not to be eaten by me. The food supplied + by Vidura alone, should, I think, be eaten by me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this unto Duryodhana who was ever incapable of bearing + anything against his own wishes, Kesava of mighty arms then came out of + that blazing palace of Dhritarashtra’s son. And the high-souled Vasudeva + of mighty arms, coming out of that mansion, directed his steps towards the + abode of the illustrious Vidura. And while that mighty-armed one staying + within Vidura’s abode, thither came unto him Drona, and Kripa, and + Bhishma, and Vahlika, and many of the Kauravas. And the Kauravas that came + there addressed Madhava, the heroic slayer of Madhu, saying, ‘O thou of + Vrishni’s race, we place at thy disposal our houses with all the wealth + within them.’ + </p> + <p> + “The slayer of Madhu, of mighty energy, answered them saying, ‘Ye may go + away. I am much honoured by these your offers.’ And after all the Kurus + had gone away, Vidura, with great care entertained that unvanquished hero + of Dasarha’s race with every object of desire. And Kunti then placed + before the illustrious Kesava clean and savoury food in abundance. + Therewith the slayer of Madhu first gratified the Brahmanas. Indeed, from + that food he first gave a portion, along with much wealth, unto a number + of Brahmanas conversant with the Vedas, and then with his attendants, like + Vasava in the midst of the Marutas, he dined on what remained of the clean + and savoury food supplied by Vidura." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0091" id="link52H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Kesava had dined and been refreshed, Vidura said + unto him during the night, ‘O Kesava, this advent of thine hath not been a + well judged one, for, O Janardana, Dhritarashtra’s son transgresseth the + rules of both profit and religion, is wicked and wrathful, insulteth + others, though himself desirous of honours, and disobeyeth the commands of + the aged. He is, O Madhava, a transgressor of the scriptures, ignorant, + and of wicked soul, already overtaken by fate, untractable, and disposed + to do evil to those that seek his good. His soul is possessed by desire + and lust. He foolishly regardeth himself as very wise. He is the enemy of + all his true friends. Ever-suspicious, without any control over his soul, + and ungrateful, he hath abandoned all virtue and is in love with sin. He + is foolish, with understanding uncultivated, a slave of his senses, ever + obedient to the impulses of lust and avarice, and irresolute in every act + that should be done. He is endued with these and many other vices. + Although thou wilt point out to him what is for his good, he will yet + disregard it all, moved by pride and anger. He hath great faith in + Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son, and Jayadratha, + and, therefore, he never setteth his heart on peace, O Janardana. + Dhritarashtra’s sons, with Karna, firmly believe that the Pandavas are + incapable of even looking at Bhishma, Drona, and other heroes, not to + speak of fighting against them. The foolish Duryodhana of limited sight, + having assembled a huge army regardeth, O slayer of Madhu, that his + purposes are already achieved. The foolish son of Dhritarashtra hath + arrived at the conclusion that Karna, single-handed, is competent to + vanquish his foes. He will, therefore, never make peace. Thou, O Kesava, + desirest to establish peace and brotherly feelings between the two + parties. But know that all the sons of Dhritarashtra have come to the + conclusion that they would not give unto the Pandavas what, indeed, the + latter have a right to. With those that are so resolved thy words will + certainly prove vain. Where, O slayer of Madhu, words, good or bad, are of + the same effect, no wise man would spend his breath for nothing, like a + singer before the deaf. As a Brahmana before a conclave of Chandalas, thy + words, O Madhava, would command no respect among those ignorant and wicked + wretches that have no reverence for all that deserveth reverence. Foolish, + as long as he hath strength, he will never obey thy counsels. Whatever + words thou mayest speak to him will be perfectly futile. It doth not seem + proper to me, O Krishna, that thou shouldst go into the midst of these + wicked-minded wretches seated together. It doth not seem proper to me, O + Krishna, that going thither thou shouldst utter words against those + wicked-souled, foolish, unrighteous wights, strong in number. In + consequence of their having never worshipped the aged, in consequence of + their having been blinded by prosperity and pride, and owing to the pride + of youth and wrath, they will never accept the good advice thou mayest + place before them. He hath mustered a strong force, O Madhava, and he hath + his suspicions of thyself. He will, therefore, never obey any counsel that + thou mayest offer. The sons of Dhritarashtra, O Janardana, are inspired + with the firm belief that at present Indra himself, at the head of all the + celestials, is incapable of defeating them in battle. Efficacious as thy + words always are, they will prove to be of no efficacy with persons + impressed with such a conviction and who always follow the impulses of + lust and wrath. Staying in the midst of his ranks of elephants and his + army consisting of cars and heroic infantry, the foolish and wicked + Duryodhana, with all fears dispelled, regardeth the whole earth to have + already been subjugated by him. Indeed, Dhritarashtra’s son coveteth + extensive empire on the earth without any rivals. Peace, therefore, with + him is unattainable. That which he hath in his possession he regardeth as + unalterably his. Alas, the destruction on the earth seems to be at hand + for the sake of Duryodhana, for, impelled by fate, the kings of the earth, + with all the Kshatriya warriors, have assembled together, desirous of + battling with the Pandavas. All those kings, O Krishna, are in enmity with + thee and have all been deprived of their possessions before this by thee. + Through fear of thee those heroic monarchs have joined together with Karna + and made an alliance with Dhritarashtra’s sons. Reckless of their very + lives, all those warriors have united with Duryodhana and are filled with + delight at the prospect of fighting the Pandavas. O hero of Dasarha’s + race, it doth not commend itself to me that thou shouldst enter into their + midst. How, O grinder of foes, wilt thou repair into the midst of those + numerous enemies of thine, of wicked souls, and seated together? O thou of + mighty arms, thou art, indeed, incapable of being vanquished by the very + gods, and I know, O slayer of foes, thy manliness and intelligence. O + Madhava, the love I bear to thee is equal to that I bear to the sons of + Pandu. I say, therefore, these words to thee from my affection, regard, + and friendship for thee. What need is there in expressing to thee the + delight that has been mine at sight of thy persons, for, thou, O thou of + eyes like lotus, art the inner Soul of all embodied creatures.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0092" id="link52H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIII + </h2> + <p> + “The holy one said, ‘That, indeed, which should be said by a person of + great wisdom: that, indeed, which should be said by one possessed of great + foresight; that indeed, which should be said by one like thee to a friend + like me; that indeed, which is deserving of thee, being consistent with + virtue and profit, and truth; that, O Vidura, hath been said by thee, + father and mother-like, unto me. That which thou hast told me is certainly + true, worthy of approbation and consistent with reason. Listen, however, + with attention, O Vidura, to the reason of my coming. Well knowing the + wickedness of Dhritarashtra’s son and the hostility of the Kshatriyas that + have sided with him, I have still, O Vidura, come to the Kurus. Great will + be the merit earned by him who will liberate from the meshes of death the + whole earth, with her elephants, cars and steeds, overwhelmed with a + dreadful calamity. If a man striving to the best of his abilities to + perform a virtuous act meets with failure, I have not the least doubt that + the merit of that act becomes his, notwithstanding such failure. This also + is known to those that are conversant with religion and scripture, that if + a person having intended mentally to commit a sinful act does not actually + commit it, the demerit of that act can never be his. I will sincerely + endeavour, O Vidura, to bring about peace between the Kurus and the + Srinjayas who are about to be slaughtered in battle. That terrible + calamity (which hangs over them all) hath its origin in the conduct of the + Kurus, for it is directly due to the action of Duryodhana and Karna, the + other Kshatriyas only following the lead of these two. The learned regard + him to be a wretch who doth not by his solicitation seek to save a friend + who is about to sink in calamity. Striving to the best of his might, even + to the extent of seizing him by the hair, one should seek to dissuade a + friend from an improper act. In that case, he that acteth so, instead of + incurring blame, reapeth praise. It behoveth Dhritarashtra’s son, + therefore, O Vidura, with his counsellors, to accept my good and + beneficial counsels that are consistent with virtue and profit and + competent to dispel the present calamity. I will, therefore, sincerely + endeavour to bring about the good of Dhritarashtra’s sons and of the + Pandavas, as also of all the Kshatriyas on the face of the earth. If while + endeavouring to bring about the good (of my friends), Duryodhana judgeth + me wrongly, I shall have the satisfaction of my own conscience, and a true + friend is one who assumeth the functions of an intercessor when + dissensions break out between kinsmen. In order, again, that unrighteous, + foolish, and inimical persons may not afterwards say that though + competent, still Krishna did not make any attempt to restrain the angry + Kurus and the Pandavas from slaughtering one another I have come here. + Indeed, it is to serve both parties that I have come hither. Having + striven to bring about peace, I will escape the censure of all the kings. + If after listening to my auspicious words, fraught with virtue and profit, + the foolish Duryodhana accept them not, he will only invite his fate. If + without sacrificing the interests of the Pandavas I can bring about peace + among the Kurus, my conduct will be regarded as highly meritorious, O + high-souled one, and the Kauravas themselves will be liberated from the + meshes of death. If the sons of Dhritarashtra reflect coolly on the words + I shall utter—words fraught with wisdom, consistent with + righteousness, and possessed of grave import,—then that peace which + is my object will be brought about and the Kauravas will also worship me + (as the agent thereof). If, on the other hand, they seek to injure me, I + tell thee that all the kings of the earth united together, are no match + for me, like a herd of deer incapable of standing before an enraged + lion.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said these words, that bull of the Vrishni + race and delighter of Yadavas, then laid himself down on his soft bed for + sleep." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0093" id="link52H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “In such conversation between those two distinguished + persons, both of whom were endued with great intelligence, that night, lit + with bright stars, passed away. Indeed, the night passed away against the + wishes of the illustrious Vidura, who had been listening to the varied + conversation of Krishna fraught with virtue, profit, and desire, and made + up of delightful words and syllables of agreeable import; and also those + of Krishna himself, of immeasurable prowess, listening to discourses equal + in style and character. Then, at early dawn a band of choristers and bards + gifted with melodious voices, awoke Kesava with sweet sounds of conchs and + cymbals. And rising from bed, Janardana of Dasarha’s race, that bull + amongst all the Sattwatas, went through all the customary acts of the + morning. And having cleansed himself by a bath, recited the sacred Mantras + and poured libations of clarified butter on the sacrificial fire, Madhava + decked his person and began to worship the rising sun. And while the + unvanquished Krishna of Dasarha’s race was still engaged in his morning + devotions, Duryodhana and Suvala’s son Sakuni came to him and said, + ‘Dhritarashtra is seated in his court, with all the Kurus headed by + Bhishma and with all the kings of the earth. They are all soliciting thy + presence, O Govinda, like the celestials in heaven desiring the presence + of Sakra himself,’—thus addressed, Govinda greeted them both with + sweet and courteous enquiries. And when the sun had risen a little higher, + Janardana, that chastiser of foes, summoning a number of Brahmanas, made + them presents of gold and robes and kine and steeds. + </p> + <p> + “And after he had thus given away much wealth and taken his seat, his + driver (Daruka) came and saluted that unvanquished hero of Dasarha’s race. + And Daruka soon returned with his master’s large and blazing car furnished + with rows of tinkling bells and harnessed with excellent steeds. And + understanding that his handsome car adorned with every ornament and + producing a rattle, deep as the rumbling of the mighty masses of clouds, + was ready, the high-souled Janardana, that delighter of all the Yadavas, + walking round the sacred fire and a band of Brahmanas, and putting on the + gem known by the name of Kaustubha, and blazing with beauty, surrounded by + the Kurus, and well-protected by the Vrishnis, mounted on it. And Vidura, + conversant with all the precepts of religion, followed on his own car that + scion of Dasarha’s race, that foremost of all living creatures, that first + of all persons gifted with intelligence. And Duryodhana and Suvala’s son + Sakuni also on one car followed Krishna, that chastiser of foes. And + Satyaki and Kritavarman and the other mighty car-warriors of the Vrishni + race, all rode behind Krishna on cars and steeds and elephants. And, O + king, the handsome cars of those heroes, adorned with gold and drawn by + excellent steeds and each producing a loud rattle, as they moved forward, + shone brilliantly. And Kesava, endued with great intelligence, and beaming + with beauty, soon came upon a broad street that had previously been swept + and watered, and that was fit to be used by the highest of kings. And when + that scion of Dasarha’s race set out, cymbals began to play, and conchs + began to be blown, and other instruments also to pour forth their music. + And great number of youthful heroes, foremost in the world for heroism, + and possessed of lion-like prowess, proceeded, surrounding Sauri’s car. + And many thousands of soldiers, attired in a variegated dresses, bearing + swords and lances and axes, marched in advance of Kesava. And there were + full five hundred elephants, and cars by thousands, that followed that + unvanquished hero of Dasarha’s race while he proceeded. And, O chastiser + of foes, all the citizens of the capital, of all ages and both sexes, + desirous of beholding Janardana came out into the streets. And the + terraces and balconies of the houses were so thronged by ladies that the + houses were on the point of falling down with the weight. And worshipped + by the Kurus, and listening to various sweet speeches, and returning the + greetings of all as each deserved, Kesava went along the street, casting + his eyes on all. And at last, when Kesava reached the Kuru court, his + attendants loudly blew their conchs and trumpets and filled the welkin + with that blare. And, thereupon, that whole assembly of kings, of + immeasurable prowess, trembled with delight at the expectation of soon + setting their eyes on Krishna. And hearing the rattle of his car, that + rumbled like the deep roll of rain-charged clouds, the monarchs understood + Krishna to be near, and the hair of their bodies stood erect with delight. + And having reached the gate of the court, Sauri, that bull among the + Satwatas, alighting from his car, that resembled the summit of Kailasa, + entered the court which looked like a mass of newly-risen clouds, and + blazed forth with beauty, and resembled the very abode of the great Indra. + And that illustrious hero entered the court, arm-in-arm with Vidura and + Satyaki on either side, and overshadowing with his own the splendour of + all the Kurus, like the sun overshadowing the radiance of lesser lights in + the firmament. And before Vasudeva sat Karna and Duryodhana, while behind + him were seated the Vrishnis with Kritavarman. And Bhishma and Drona, and + others with Dhritarashtra were on the point of rising up from their seats + for honouring Janardana. Indeed, as soon as he, of Dasarha’s race, came, + the illustrious blind monarch, Drona and Bhishma, all rose up from their + seats. And when that mighty ruler of men, king Dhritarashtra, rose up from + his seat, those kings by thousands around him all rose up also. And at + Dhritarashtra’s command, a seat beautiful all over, and adorned with gold, + had been kept there for Krishna. And after taking his seat, Madhava + smilingly greeted the king, and Bhishma, and Drona, and all other rulers, + each according to his age. And all the kings of the earth, and all the + Kurus also, beholding Kesava arrived in that assembly, worshipped him + duly. And as that chastiser of foes, that vanquisher of hostile cities, + that hero of Dasarha’s race, was seated there, he beheld the Rishis whom + he had seen while proceeding to Hastinapura, staying in the firmament. And + beholding those Rishis with Narada at their head, he of Dasarha’s race, + slowly addressed Bhishma the son of Santanu, saying, ‘O king, the Rishis + have come to see this earthly conclave of ours. Invite them with offer of + seats and abundant courtesy, for if they are not seated, no one here is + capable of taking his seat. Let proper worship, therefore, be speedily + offered unto these Rishis with souls under proper control.’ And beholding + the Rishis then at the gate of the palace, Santanu’s son quickly ordered + the servants to bring seats for them. And soon enough they brought large + and beautiful seats embroidered with gold and set with gems. And after the + Rishis, O Bharata, had taken their seats and accepted the Arghyas offered + to them, Krishna took his seat, so also all the kings. And Dussasana gave + an excellent seat to Satyaki, while Vivinsati gave another golden one to + Kritavarman. And not far from where Krishna sat, that illustrious and + wrathful pair, Karna and Duryodhana, sat together on the same seat. And + Sakuni, the king of Gandhara, surrounded by the chiefs of his country, sat + there, O king, with his son beside him. And the high-souled Vidura sat on + a begemmed seat covered with a white deer-skin that almost touched + Krishna’s seat. And all the kings in the assembly, although they gazed at + Janardana of Dasarha’s race for a long while, were not, however, gratified + with their gaze, like drinkers of the Amrita, that are never satiated with + quaffing measure after measure. And Janardana attired in yellow robes + having the complexion of the Atasi flower, sat in the midst of that + assembly like a sapphire mounted on gold. And after Govinda had taken his + seat, a perfect silence ensued, for none present there spoke a single + word." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0094" id="link52H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “And after all the kings had been seated and perfect + silence had ensued, Krishna possessing fine teeth and having a voice deep + as that of the drum, began to speak. And Madhava although he addressed + Dhritarashtra, spoke in a voice deep as the roll of clouds in the rainy + season, making the whole assembly hear. And he said, ‘In order that, O + Bharata, peace may be established between the Kurus and the Pandavas + without a slaughter of the heroes, I have come hither. Besides this, O + king, I have no other beneficial words to utter. O chastiser of foes, + everything that should be learnt in this world is already known to thee. + This thy race, O king, owing to its learning and behaviour, and owing also + to its being adorned with every accomplishment, is most distinguished + among all royal dynasties. Joy in the happiness of others, grief at sight + of other people’s misery, desire to alleviate distress, abstention from + injury, sincerity, forgiveness, and truth,—these, O Bharata, prevail + amongst the Kurus. Then thy race, therefore, O king, is so noble, it would + be a pity if anything improper were done by any one belonging to it, and + greater pity still if it were done by thee. O chief of the Kurus, thou art + the first of those that should restrain the Kurus if they behave + deceitfully towards strangers or those numbering with themselves. Know, O + thou of Kuru’s race, that those wicked sons of thine, headed by + Duryodhana, abandoning both virtue and profit, disregarding morality, and + deprived of their senses by avarice, are now acting most unrighteously + towards, O bull of men, their foremost of kinsmen. That terrible danger + (which threatens all) hath its origin in the conduct of the Kurus. If thou + becomest indifferent to it, it will then produce a universal slaughter. + If, O Bharata, thou art willing, thou mayest be able to allay that danger + even yet, for, O bull of Bharata’s race, peace, I think, is not difficult + of acquisition. The establishment of peace, O king, depends on thee and + myself, O monarch. Set right thy sons, O thou of Kuru’s race, and I will + set the Pandavas right. Whatever be thy command, O king, it behoveth thy + sons with their followers to obey it. If again they live in obedience to + thee, that would be the very best they could do. If thou strivest for + peace by restraining thy sons, it will be to thy profit, O king, as also + to the benefit of the Pandavas. Having reflected carefully, act thou + thyself, O king. Let those sons of Bharata (the Pandavas), be, O ruler of + men, thy allies. Supported by the Pandavas, O king, seek thou both + religion and profit. By every exertion in thy power, thou canst not have, + O king, such allies as they who are such. Protected by the illustrious + sons of Pandu, Indra himself at the head of the celestials will not be + able to vanquish thee. How would it be possible then for mere earthly + kings to withstand thy prowess? If with Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, and + Karna, and Vivinsati, and Aswatthaman, Vikarna, and Somadatta, and Vahlika + and the chief of the Sindhus, and the ruler of the Kalingas, and + Sudakshina, the king of the Kamvojas, there were Yudhishthira, and + Bhimasena and Savyasachin, and the twins, and if Satyaki of mighty energy, + and Yuyutsu, that mighty car warrior, are stationed, who is there, O bull + of Bharata’s race, of such misdirected intelligence that would fight + these? If, O slayer of foes, thou hast both the Kurus and the Pandavas at + thy back, the sovereignty of the whole world and invincibility before all + foes will be thine. All the rulers of the earth, O monarch, that are + either equal to thee or superior, will then seek alliance with thee. + Protected on all sides by sons, grandsons, fathers, brothers, and friends, + thou wilt then be able to live in exceeding happiness. Keeping these + before thee and treating them with kindness as in days of yore, thou, O + monarch, wilt enjoy the sovereignty of the whole earth. With these as thy + supporters and with the sons of Pandu also, thou wilt, O Bharata, be able + to conquer all thy foes. Even this is thy best advantage. If, O chastiser + of foes, thou art united with thy sons and kinsmen and counsellors, thou + wilt enjoy sovereignty of the whole earth won for thee by them. In battle, + O great king, nothing but wholesale destruction is visible. Indeed, in the + destruction of both the parties, what merit dost thou see? If the Pandavas + are slaughtered in battle, or if thy own mighty sons fall, tell me, O bull + of Bharata’s race, what happiness wilt thou enjoy? All of them are brave + and skilled in weapons. All of them are desirous of battle, the Pandavas + as also thy sons. Oh, save them from the terrible danger that threatens + them. After the battle thou wilt not behold all the Kurus or all the + Pandavas. Car-warriors slain by car-warriors, thou wilt behold the heroes + of both parties reduced in numbers and strength. All the rulers of the + earth, O best of kings, have been assembled together. Inflamed with wrath, + they will certainly exterminate the population of the earth. Save, O king, + the world. Let not the population of the earth be exterminated. O son of + Kuru’s race, if thou regainest thy natural disposition, the earth may + continue to be peopled as now. Save, O king, these monarchs, who are all + of pure descent, endued with modesty and liberality and piety, and + connected with one another in bonds of relationship or alliance, from the + terrible danger that threatens them. Abandoning wrath and enmity, O + chastiser of foes, let these kings, embracing one another in peace, eating + and drinking with one another, dressed in excellent robes and decked with + garlands, and doing courtesies to one another, return to their respective + homes. Let the affection thou hadst for the Pandavas be revived in thy + bosom, and let it, O bull of Bharata’s race, lead to the establishment of + peace. Deprived of their father while they were infants, they were brought + up by thee. Cherish them now as becomes thee, O bull of Bharata’s race, as + if they were thy own sons. It is thy duty to protect them. And especially + it is so when they are distressed. O bull of Bharata’s race, let not thy + virtue and profit be both lost. Saluting and propitiating thee, the + Pandavas have said unto thee, “At thy command we have, with our followers, + suffered great misery. For these twelve years have we lived in the woods, + and for the thirteenth year have we lived incognito in an uninhabited part + of the world. We broke not our pledge, firmly believing that our father + also would abide by his. That we violated not our word is well-known to + the Brahman as who were with us. And as we, O bull of the Bharata race, + have abided by our promise, also do thou abide by thine. Long have we + suffered the greatest misery, but let us now have our share of the + kingdom. Fully conversant as thou art with virtue and profit, it behoveth + thee to rescue us. Knowing that our obedience is due to thee, we have + quietly undergone much misery. Behave thou then unto us like a father or + brother. A preceptor should behave as a preceptor towards his disciples, + and as disciples we are willing to behave as such towards thee, our + preceptor. Act thou, therefore, towards us as a preceptor should. If we go + wrong, it is the duty of our father to set us right. Therefore, set us on + the way and tread thou also the excellent path of righteousness.” Those + sons of thine, O bull of the Bharata race, have also said unto these kings + assembled in the court these words, “If the members of an assembly are + conversant with morality, nothing improper should be permitted by them to + happen. Where, in the presence of the virtuous members of an assembly, + righteousness is sought to be overpowered by unrighteousness, and truth by + the untruth, it is those members themselves that are vanquished and slain. + When righteousness, pierced by unrighteousness, seeketh the protection of + an assembly, if the arrow is not extracted, it is the members themselves + that are pierced by that arrow. Indeed, in that case, righteousness + slayeth the members of that assembly, like a river eating away the roots + of the trees on its bank.” Judge now, O bull of the Bharata race. The + Pandavas, with their eyes turned towards righteousness and reflecting on + everything, are maintaining a calm attitude, and what they have said is + consistent with truth and virtue and justice. O ruler of men, what canst + thou say unto them, but that thou art willing to give them back their + kingdom? Let these rulers of earth that are sitting here say (what the + answer should be)! If it appears to thee that what I have said after + reflecting well on virtue to be true, save all these Kshatriyas, O bull of + the Bharata race, from the meshes of death. Effect peace, O chief of + Bharata’s race, and yield not to anger. Giving unto the Pandavas their + just share of the paternal kingdom, enjoy thou then, with thy sons, O + chastiser of foes, happiness and luxury, thy wishes being all crowned with + success. Know that Yudhishthira always treadeth the path that is trod by + the righteous. Thou knowest also, O king, what the behaviour of + Yudhishthira is towards thee and thy sons. Although thou hadst sought to + burn him to death and hadst exiled him from human habitation, yet he came + back and once more repose confidence in thee. Again, didst thou with thy + sons, banish him to Indraprastha? While there, he brought all the kings of + the earth to subjection and yet looked up to thy face, O king, without + seeking to disregard thee. Although he behaved in this way, yet Suvala’s + son, desirous of robbing him of his dominions and wealth and possessions, + applied the very efficacious means of dice. Reduced to that condition and + even beholding Krishna dragged into the assembly, Yudhishthira of + immeasurable soul, did not yet swerve from the duties of a Kshatriya. As + regards myself, I desire, O Bharata, thy good as also theirs. For the sake + of virtue, of profit, of happiness, make peace, O king, and do not allow + the Earth’s population to be slaughtered, regarding evil as good and good + as evil. Restrain thy sons, O monarch, who have from covetousness + proceeded too far. As regards the sons of Pritha, they are equally ready + to wait upon thee in dutiful service or to fight. That which, O chastiser + of foes, seems to thee to be for thy good, do thou adopt!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “All the rulers of earth there present highly + applauded these words of Kesava within their hearts, but none of them + ventured to say anything in the presence of Duryodhana." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0095" id="link52H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words uttered by the high-souled Kesava, + all the persons who sat in that assembly remained silent, their hair + standing on their ends. And all the kings thought within themselves that + there was no man who could dare reply to that speech. And seeing that all + the kings sat silent, Jamadagni’s son (addressing Duryodhana) then said + these words in that assembly of Kurus, ‘Listen confidingly to my words + illustrated by an example, and seek thy own good if my speech recommends + itself to thee. There was a king of yore named Dambhodbhava, who was the + Head of the earth. It hath been heard by us that his sovereignty extended + over the whole world. And that mighty car-warrior, rising every morning + after the night had passed away, called the Brahmanas and the Kshatriyas + unto himself and asked them, saying, “Be he a Sudra, a Vaisya, a + Kshatriya, or a Brahmana, is there any one who is superior or even equal + to me in battle?” And uttering these words that king wandered over the + earth, intoxicated with pride and thinking of nothing else. And it so + happened that certain Brahmanas endued with high souls, conversant with + the Vedas, and fearing nothing on earth, counselled the monarch, + repeatedly boasting of his prowess, to curb his pride. But though + forbidden by those Brahmanas to boast in that way, the king continued to + ask the Brahmanas as before the same question day after day. And some + high-souled Brahmanas then, endued with ascetic merit and acquainted with + the proofs furnished by the Vedas, were inflamed with anger, and + addressing that proud and boastful king intoxicated with prosperity, told + him, “There are two persons who are foremost of all men and who are always + victorious in battle. Thou, O king, wilt by no means be equal to them if + thou seekest an encounter with any one of them.” And thus addressed by + them, the king asked those Brahmanas, saying, “Where may those two heroes + be found? In what race are they born? What feats have they achieved? And + who are they?” And the Brahmanas answered him, saying, “It had been heard + by us that those two persons are ascetics called Nara and Narayana. They + have both taken their births in the race of man. Go and fight with them, O + king. It is that illustrious pair, Nara and Narayana, who are now + practising the severest of penances in some hidden region of the mountains + of Gandhamadana.” Hearing those words of the Brahmanas, that king speedily + mustered his large army consisting of six kinds of forces,<a + href="#linknote-57" name="linknoteref-57" id="linknoteref-57">7</a> and + unable to bear their reputation, marched to the spot where those + unvanquished ascetics were, and arrived at the rugged and frightful + mountains of Gandhamadana. He began to search after those Rishis, and at + last, came upon them concealed within the woods. And beholding those two + best of persons emaciated with hunger and thirst, their veins swollen and + visible, and themselves much afflicted with cold winds, and the hot rays + of the sun, he approached them, and touching their feet, enquired after + their welfare. And the two Rishis received the king hospitably, with + fruits and roots, and a seat and water. And they then enquired after the + king’s business, saying, “Let it be done.” And thus addressed by them, the + king said unto them the same words that he was in the habit of saying unto + all. And he said, “The whole earth has been conquered by the might of my + arms. All my foes have been slain. Desiring a battle with you both I have + come to this mountain. Offer me this hospitality. I have been cherishing + this wish from a long time.” Thus addressed, Nara and Narayana said, “O + best of kings, wrath and covetousness have no place in this retreat. How + can a battle, therefore, be possible here? There are no weapons here, and + nothing of unrighteousness and malice. Seek battle elsewhere. There are + many Kshatriyas on earth.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Rama continued, ‘Although thus addressed, the king still pressed them for + giving him battle. The Rishis, however, continually soothed him and + overlooked his importunity. King Dambhodbhava, still desirous of battle, + repeatedly summoned those Rishis to fight. Nara, then, O Bharata, taking + up a handful of grass-blades, said, “Desirous of battle as thou art, come, + O Kshatriya, and fight! Take up all thy arms, and array thy troops. I will + curb thy eagerness for battle hereafter!” Dambhodbhava then said, “If, O + ascetic, thou thinkest this weapon of thine fit to be used against us, I + shall fight with thee though thou mayest use that weapon, for I have come + hither desirous of fighting.” Saying this, Dambhodbhava with all his + troops, desirous of slaying that ascetic, covered all sides with a shower + of arrows. That ascetic, however, by means of those blades of grass, + baffled all those terrible shafts of the king that were capable of + mangling the bodies of hostile warriors. The invincible Rishi then let off + towards the king his own terrible weapon made of grass-blades and which + was incapable of being counteracted. And highly wonderful was that which + happened, for that ascetic, incapable of missing his aim, pierced and cut + off, by those grass-blades alone, the eyes and ears and noses of the + hostile warriors, aided also by his power of illusion. And beholding the + entire welkin whitened by those grass-blades, the king fell at the feet of + the Rishi and said, “Let me be blessed!” Ever inclined to grant protection + unto those that sought it, Nara then, O king, said unto that monarch, “Be + obedient to the Brahmanas and be virtuous. Never do so again. O king, O + tiger among monarchs, a conqueror of hostile towns, a Kshatriya mindful of + the duties of his own order, should never, within even his heart, be as + thou art. Filled with pride, never insult anybody on any occasion, be he + inferior or superior to thee. Even such conduct would befit thee. + Acquiring wisdom, abandoning covetousness and pride, controlling thy soul, + restraining thy passions, practising forgiveness and humility, and + becoming amiable, O king, go, and cherish thy subjects. Without + ascertaining the strength and weakness of men, never insult any one under + any circumstances. Blessed be thou, and with our leave, go hence, and + never again behave in this way. At our command, enquire thou always of the + Brahmanas as to what is for thy good.” The king then, worshipping the feet + of those two illustrious Rishis, returned to his city, and from that time + began to practise righteousness. Great indeed, was that feat achieved of + old by Nara. Narayana, again, became superior to Nara in consequence of + many more qualities. Therefore, O king, besides such weapons as Kakudika, + Suka, Naka, Akshisantarjana, Santana, Nartana, Ghora, and Asyamodaka, are + placed on the string of that best of bows called Gandiva, go thou unto + Dhananjaya, laying aside thy pride. Struck with these weapons, men always + yield up their lives. Indeed, these weapons have other means corresponding + with the eight passions, such as lust, wrath, covetousness, vanity, + insolence, pride, malice, and selfishness. Struck with them, men are + confounded, and move about frantically deprived of their senses. Under + their influence, persons always sleep heavily, cut capers, vomit, pass + urine and excreta, weep, and laugh incessantly. Indeed, that Arjuna is + irresistible in fight, who hath for his friend Narayana—the Creator + and Lord of all the worlds—fully acquainted with the course of + everything. Who is there in the three worlds, O Bharata, who would venture + to vanquish that hero—the Ape-bannered Jishnu—who hath no + equal in battle? Countless are the virtues that reside in Partha. + Janardana again, is superior to him. Thou art thyself well-acquainted with + Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti. They that were Nara and Narayana in days of + yore are now Arjuna and Kesava. Know then, O great king, who those brave + and foremost of persons are. If thou believest in this and dost not + mistrust me adopt thou a virtuous resolution and make peace with the sons + of Pandu. If thou regardest this as thy good, viz., that there should be + no disunion in thy family, then make peace, O foremost of Bharata’s race, + and do not set thy heart upon battle. O thou, that are foremost of Kuru’s + line, the race to which thou belongest is highly regarded on earth. Let + that regard continue to be paid to it. Blessed be thou, think of what + conduces to thy own welfare.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0096" id="link52H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having listened to the words of Jamadagnya, the + illustrious Rishi Kanwa also said these words unto Duryodhana in that + assembly of the Kurus." </p> + <p> + “Kanwa said, ‘Brahman, the Grandsire of the universe, is indestructible + and eternal. Those illustrious Rishis, Nara and Narayana, are of the same + character. Of all the sons of Aditi, Vishnu alone is eternal. He alone is + unconquerable and indestructible, existing for ever, the Lord of all, and + the possessor of divine attributes. All others, such as the sun and the + moon, earth and water, wind, fire and firmament, planets, and stars, are + liable to destruction. All these, when the end of the universe cometh, + take leave of the three worlds. They are destroyed and created again and + again. Others also, such as men and animals and birds, and creatures + belonging to other orders of living existence,—indeed, all that move + on this world of men,—are endued with short lives. And as regards + kings, all of them, having enjoyed great prosperity, reach, at last, the + hour of destruction and are reborn in order to enjoy the fruits of good + and evil deeds. It behoveth thee then to make peace with Yudhishthira. Let + the Pandavas and the Kauravas both rule this earth. O Suyodhana, one + should not think in this way, viz., I am strong!—for O bull among + men, it is seen that there are persons stronger than those generally + regarded strong. O son of Kuru’s race, physical strength is scarcely + regarded as strength by those that are really strong. As regards the + Pandavas, endued as they all are with prowess equal to that of the + celestials, they are also regarded as strong. In this connection is cited + an old story, as an example, the story, viz., of Matali searching for a + bridegroom upon whom to bestow his daughter. The king of the three worlds + (Indra) had a charioteer, named Matali, whom he dearly loved. Unto him was + born a daughter celebrated over the world for beauty. Endued with the + celestial beauty, that daughter of Matali was known by the name of + Gunakesi. And, indeed, in both loveliness and symmetry of bodily figure, + she far excelled other members of her sex. Knowing that the time for + giving her away had come, Matali with his wife became very anxious, + thinking, O monarch, of what he was to do next. And he thought within + himself, “Alas, the birth of a daughter in the families of those that are + well-behaved and high-born and possess reputation and humility of + character, is always attended with evil results. Daughters, when born in + respectable families, always endanger the honour of three families, viz., + their maternal and paternal families and the family into which they are + adopted by marriage. Glancing in my mind’s eye the worlds of gods and men, + I have searched both, but no eligible bridegroom have I found.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘And it so happened that amongst the gods, the Daityas + and Gandharvas, men and numerous Rishis, none was regarded by Matali as an + eligible husband for his daughter. And having held a consultation then in + the night with his wife Sudharma, Matali set his heart upon making a + journey to the world of the Nagas. And he thought within himself, “Amongst + both gods and men I have not found a husband fit, in respect of beauty, + for my Gunakesi. Surely, one may be found amongst the Nagas.” And saying + this, he took his wife’s leave and sniffing the head of his daughter, + Matali entered the nether regions.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0097" id="link52H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Kanwa said, ‘When Matali was wending his way, he saw the great Rishi + Narada proceeding at his pleasure to pay a visit to Varuna (the god of the + waters). And beholding Matali, Narada asked him, saying, “Whither dost + thou go? Is it, O charioteer, on any mission of thy own, or is it at + Satakratu’s command, that this journey of thine is undertaken?” Thus + addressed on the way by Narada who was proceeding towards his destination, + Matali duly informed Narada, of his mission. And the Rishi, informed of + everything, then said unto Matali, “We shall go together. As regards + myself, it is to see the Lord of the waters that I am proceeding, having + left the heavens, searching the nether regions, I shall tell you + everything. After a good search there, we shall select a bridegroom, O + Matali.” And penetrating then into nether regions, that illustrious + couple, Matali and Narada, beheld that Regent of the world—the Lord + of the waters. And there Narada received worship due to a celestial Rishi, + and Matali received that equal to what is offered to the great Indra. And + both of them skilful in business, informed Varuna of their purpose, and + obtaining his leave they began to wander in that region of the Nagas. And + Narada who knew all the residents of the nether regions then began to + describe in detail unto his companion all about the dwellers of the Naga + world.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And Narada said, “Thou hast, O charioteer, seen Varuna surrounded by his + sons and grandsons. Behold the dominions of the Lord of the waters. It is + delightful all round, and full of riches. The son, endued with great + wisdom, of Varuna, the Lord of the Ocean, is even much distinguished for + his conduct and disposition and for his holiness. Possessed of eyes like + lotus leaves, this Pushkara is, indeed, Varuna’s much-loved son, endued + with great beauty and delightful to behold. He has been chosen by Soma’s + daughter as her husband. That daughter of Soma, equal in beauty unto a + second Sree, is known by the name of Jyotsnakali. Indeed, it is said, that + she had once before chosen the eldest and foremost of Aditi’s son as her + lord. Behold now, O companion of the Lord of the celestials, that abode, + made entirely of gold, and full of the wine called Varuni. Indeed, having + obtained that wine, the gods acquired their god-heads. These blazing + weapons also of every kind that thou seest, belonged, O Matali, to the + Daityas who have been deprived of their sovereignty. These weapons are + incapable of deterioration, and when hurled at the foe always return into + the hand that hurleth them. Obtained by the gods as the booty of war, they + require considerable mental energy to be used against foes. Here dwelt in + days of yore many tribes of Rakshasas and Daityas, possessed of many kinds + of celestial weapons, but they were all vanquished by the gods. Behold, + there, in Varuna’s lake is that fire of blazing flames, and that discus of + Vishnu surrounded by the lustrous splendour of mighty caloric. Behold, + there lieth that knotty bow that was created for the destruction of the + world. It is always protected with great vigilance by the gods, and it is + from this bow that the one wielded by Arjuna hath taken its name. Endued + with the strength of a hundred thousand bows, the power it assumes at the + hour of battle is indescribably great. It punishes all punishable wicked + kings endued with the nature of Rakshasas. This fierce weapon was first + created by Brahman, the utterer of the Vedas. The great preceptor Sukra + hath said that this weapon is a terrible one in respect of all kings. + Endued with great energy, it is held by the sons of the Lord of waters. + Behold, there in the umbrella-room is the umbrella of the Lord of the + waters. It droppeth refreshing showers like the clouds. The water dropped + from this umbrella, though pure as the moon, is yet enveloped by such + darkness that it cannot be seen by anybody. There, in these regions, O + Matali, innumerable are the wonders to be seen. Your business, however, + will suffer if we spend more time here. We will, therefore, leave this + region soon.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0098" id="link52H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada continued, “Here in the very centre of the world of the Nagas is + situated the city known by the name of Patalam. Celebrated over all the + universe, it is worshipped by the Daityas and the Danavas. Creatures + inhabiting the earth, if brought hither by force of the water’s current, + shriek loudly, afflicted with fear. Here the fire known by the name of the + Asura-fire<a href="#linknote-58" name="linknoteref-58" id="linknoteref-58">8</a> + and which is fed by water, continually blazeth forth. Held fast by the + fiat of the celestials, it moveth not, regarding itself as bound and + confined. It was here that the gods, having first vanquished and slain + their foes, quaffed the Amrita and deposited the residue. It is from this + place that the waning and waxing of the moon are seen. It is here that son + of Aditi, the Horse-headed (Vishnu), on the recurrence of every auspicious + occasion, riseth, filling at such times the universe, otherwise called + Suvarna,<a href="#linknote-59" name="linknoteref-59" id="linknoteref-59">9</a> + with the sound of Vedic hymns and Mantras. And because all watery forms + such as the Moon and others shower their water on the region, therefore + hath this excellent region been called Patala.<a href="#linknote-510" + name="linknoteref-510" id="linknoteref-510">10</a> It is from here that + the celestial elephant Airavata, for the benefit of the universe, taketh + up cool water in order to impart it to the clouds, and it is that water + which Indra poureth down as rain. Here dwell diverse kinds of aquatic + animals, of various shapes such as the Timi and others, which subsist on + the rays of the moon. O charioteer, here are many kinds of creatures that + die during the day, being pierced by the rays of the sun, but all of whom + revive in the night, the reason being that the moon, rising here every + day, laying those deceased creatures with Amrita by means of rays, that + constitute his arms, resuscitate them by that touch. Deprived of their + prosperity by Vasava, it is here that many sinful Danavas live confined, + defeated by him and afflicted by Time. It was here that the Lord of + creatures—that great Master of all created things—Mahadeva—had + practised the severest of ascetic austerities for the benefit of all + creatures. Here dwell many regenerate and great Rishis observant of vows + called ‘Go’ and emaciated with the recitation and study of the Vedas, and + who, having suspended the vital air called Prana, have attained to heaven + by force of their austerities. A man is said to adopt the vow called Go, + when he sleepeth wherever he listeth, and when he subsisteth on anything + that others place before him, and is clad with robes that others may + supply. Here in the race of the celebrated elephant Supratika were born + those best of elephants known by the names of Airavata, Vamana, Kumuda and + Anjana, the first being the king of his tribe. Look, O Matali, if there be + any bridegroom here, that is distinguished by the possession of superior + merits, for then I will go to him for respectfully soliciting him to + accept thy daughter. Behold, here lieth an egg in these waters, blazing + with beauty. From the commencement of the creation it is here. It moveth + not, nor doth it burst. I have never heard any body speaking of its birth + or nature. Nobody knoweth who its father or mother is. It is said, O + Matali, that when the end of the world cometh, mighty fire burst forth + from within it, and spreading consumeth the three worlds with all their + mobile and immobile objects.’ Hearing those words of Narada, Matali + answered him, saying, ‘No one here seems to me to be eligible. Let us go + hence, therefore, without delay!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0099" id="link52H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION C + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada continued, “Here is that spacious and celebrated city of cities, + called Hiranyapura, belonging to the Daityas and Danavas, possessing a + hundred diverse kinds of illusion. Here in these regions called Patala, it + hath been built with great care by the divine artificer, and planned by + the Danava Maya. Endued with great energy and heroism, many Danavas, + having obtained boons (from Brahman) in days of old, lived here, + exhibiting a thousand different kinds of illusion. They were incapable of + being vanquished by Sakra or any other celestial, that is, by either Yama, + or Varuna, or the Lord of treasures (Kuvera). Here dwell, O Matali, those + Asuras called Kalakhanjas who sprang from Vishnu, and those Rakshasas also + called Yatudhanas who sprang from the feet of Brahman. All of them are + endued with frightful teeth, terrible impetus, the speed and prowess of + the wind, and great energy depending on powers of illusion. Besides these, + another class of Danavas called Nivatakavachas, who are invincible in + battle, have their abode here. Thou knowest how Sakra is unable to + vanquish them. Many times, O Matali, thou, with thy son Gomukha, and the + chief of the celestials and lord of Sachi, along with his son, had to + retreat before them. Behold their homes, O Matali, that are all made of + silver and gold, and well-adorned with decorations done according to the + rules of art. All those mansions are decked with lapis lazuli and corals, + and made effulgent with the lustre of the Arkasphatika, and the radiance + of gem called Vajrasara. And many of those palatial residences seem as if + they have been made of the shine of these gems called Padmaragas, or of + bright marble, or of excellent wood. And they are also possessed of the + radiance of the sun, or blazing fire. And all the edifices, adorned with + gems and jewels, are very high and stand close to another. Of spacious + proportions and great architectural beauty, it is impossible to say of + what material these mansions are built or to describe their style of + beauty. Indeed, they are exceedingly beautiful in consequence of their + decorations. Behold these retreats of the Daityas for recreation and + sport, these beds of theirs for sleep, these costly utensils of theirs set + with precious stones, and these seats also for their use. Behold these + hills of theirs, looking like clouds, those fountains of water, these + trees also that move of their own will and that yield all fruits and + flowers that one may ask. See, O Matali, if any bridegroom may be had + here, acceptable to thee. If no one can be found, we shalt, if thou + likest, go hence to some other part of the world.” Thus addressed, Matali + answered Narada, saying, “O celestial Rishi, it behoveth me not to do + anything that may be disagreeable to dwellers of heaven. The gods and the + Danavas, though brothers, are ever at hostility with each other. How can + I, therefore, make an alliance with those that are our enemies? Let us + repair, therefore, to some other place. It behoveth me not to search among + the Danavas. As regards thyself, I know thy heart is ever set on fomenting + quarrels.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0100" id="link52H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada said, “This region belongeth to the birds, all of whom possess + excellent feathers. They all subsist on snakes. They never feel any + fatigue in putting forth their prowess, or in making journeys, or in + bearing burthens. This race, O charioteer, hath multiplied from the six + sons of Garuda. They are Sumukha, Sunaman, Sunetra, Suvarchas, Suanch and + that prince of birds called Suvala. Born of Kasyapa’s line and enhancing + the glory of Vinata’s race, many winged creatures, the foremost of their + species, have by begetting children founded and increased a thousand + dynasties of birds, all endued with nobility of blood. All these creatures + are endued with great prosperity, have the auspicious whirl called + Sreevatsa, possess great wealth, and are inspired with great might. By + their acts they may be said to belong to the Kshatriya order, but they are + all without any compassion, subsisting as they do on snakes. They never + attain to spiritual enlightenment in consequence of their preying on their + kinsmen. I will now enumerate the chiefs by their names, listen to me, O + Matali. This race is much regarded in consequence of the favour that is + shown to it by Vishnu. They all worship Vishnu, and Vishnu is their + protector. Vishnu always dwelleth in their hearts, and Vishnu is their + great refuge. These then are their names—Suvarnachuda, Nagasin + Daruna, Chandatundaka, Anala, Vaisalaksha, Kundalin, Pankajit, + Vajraviskambha, Vainateya, Vamana, Vatavega, Disachakshu, Nimisha, + Animisha, Trirava, Saptarava, Valmiki, Dipaka, Daityadwipa, Saridwipa, + Sarasa, Padmaketana, Sumukha, Chitraketu, Chitravara, Anagha, Meshahrit, + Kumuda, Daksha, Sarpanta, Somabhojana, Gurubhara, Kapota, Suryanetra, + Chirantaka, Vishnudharman, Kumara, Parivarha, Hari, Suswara, Madhuparka, + Hemavarna, Malaya, Matariswan, Nisakara and Divakara. These sons of Garuda + that I name dwell in only a single province of this region. I have + mentioned those only that have won distinction by might, fame and + achievements. If thou likest none here, come, we will go hence. O Matali. + I will take thee to another region where thou mayest find an eligible + husband for thy daughter.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0101" id="link52H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada said, “The region where we now are is called Rasatala and is the + seventh stratum below the Earth. Here dwelleth Surabhi, the mother of all + kine, she, who was born of the Amrita. She always yieldeth milk which is + the essence of all the best things of the earth, and which, excellent as + it is, and of one taste, springeth from the essence of the six different + kinds of tastes (that are talked of). The faultless Surabhi herself sprang + in days of old from the mouth of the Grandsire, gratified with drinking + the Amrita and vomiting the best things. A single jet only of her milk, + falling on the earth, created what is known as the sacred and the + excellent ‘Milky Ocean.’ The verge of that ocean all round is always + covered with white foam resembling a belt of flowers. Those best of + ascetics that are known by the name of the Foam-drinkers dwell around this + ocean, subsisting on that foam only. They are called Foam-drinkers because + they live, O Matali, on nothing else save that foam. Engaged in the + practice of the severest of austerities, the very gods are known to fear + them. From her are born four other kine, O Matali, supporting the four + quarters and therefore are they called the supporters of the quarters + (Dikpali). Born of Surabhi herself, she who supporteth the eastern quarter + is called Surupa. She, who supporteth the southern quarter is called + Hansika. That illustrious cow, O Matali, of universal form, who supporteth + the western quarter ruled by Varuna is known by the name of Subhadra. The + northern quarter comprising the region of virtue, and called after Kuvera + the Lord of treasures, is supported by the cow named Sarva-kamadugha. The + gods, uniting with the Asuras, and making the Mandara mountain their pole, + churned the waters of the ocean and obtained the wine called Varuni, and + (the Goddess of Prosperity and Grace called) Lakshmi, and Amrita, and that + prince of steeds called Uchchhaisrava, and that best of gems called + Kaustubha. Those waters, O Matali, that yielded these precious things had + all been mixed with the milk of these four cows. As regards Surabhi, the + milk she yielded becometh Swaha unto those that live on Swaha, Swadha unto + those that live on Swadha, and Amrita unto those that live on Amrita. The + couplet that was sung by the dwellers of Rasatala in days of old, is still + heard to be recited in the world by the persons of learning. That couplet + is this,—Neither in the region of the Nagas, nor in Swarga, nor in + Vimana, nor in Tripishtapa is residence so happy as in Rasatala!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0102" id="link52H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada said, “This foremost of cities that thou beholdest and which + resembles the Amaravati of the chief of the celestials himself, is known + by the name of Bhogavati. It is ruled over by Vasuki, the king of the + Nagas. That Shesha dwelleth here, who, in consequence of his ascetic + austerities of the foremost order, is able to support this earth with all + her vastness. His body is like that of a white mountain. He is decked in + celestial ornaments. He hath a thousand heads. His tongues are blazing + like flames of fire, and he is endued with great strength. There dwell in + happiness innumerable Nagas—sons of Surasa—possessed of + diverse forms, and decked in ornaments of diverse kinds, bearing the signs + of gems, Swastika, circles and drinking vessels. All of them endued with + great strength are by nature fierce. Some have a thousand heads, some five + hundred, and some three. And some have two heads, and some five, and some + have seven faces. And all of them are possessed of huge bodies that + resemble the mountains stretching over the earth. Millions and tens of + millions are they, in fact, uncountable, even as regards those of them + that belong to a single race. Listen, however, to me as I name a few of + the more famous ones amongst them. They are Vasuki, Takshaka, Karkotaka, + Dhanjaya, Kaliya, Nahusha, Aswatara, Vakyakunda, Mani, Apurana, Khaga, + Vamana, Elapatra, Kukura, Kukuna, Aryaka, Nandaka, Kalasa, Potaka, + Kalilasaka, Pinjaraka, Airavata, Sumanmukha, Dadhimukha, Sankha, Nanda, + Upanandaka, Apta, Kotaraka, Sikhi, Nishthuraka, Tittiri, Hastibhadra, + Kumuda, Maylapindaka, the two Padmas, Pundarika, Pushpa, Mudgaraparnaka, + Karavira, Pitharaka, Samvritta, Vritta, Pindara, Vilwapatra, Mushikada, + Sirishaka, Dilipa, Sankha-sirsha, Jyotishka, Aparajita, Kauravya, + Dhritarashtra, Kuhara, Krisaka, Virajas, Dharana, Savahu, Mukhara, Jaya, + Vidhira, Andha, Visundi, Virasa, and Sarasa. These and many others there + are amongst the sons of Kasyapa. See O Matali, if there is anybody here + whom thou canst elect.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Matali, meanwhile, had been looking attentively at a + person that stood by. And after Narada had ceased speaking, the celestial + charioteer with gratified mind asked the Rishi, saying, “Of what race is + he the delighter—that comely youth of great radiance—who + standeth before Aryaka of Kauravya’s line? Who is his father, and who is + his mother? Of what Naga’s race is he? Indeed, of what line doth he stand + as a high flag-staff? In consequence of his intelligence, his patience, + his beauty, and his youth, my heart, O celestial Rishi, hath been + attracted towards him. That youth will make the best of husbands for my + Gunakesi.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Beholding Matali’s gratification at seeing the Naga + called Sumukha, Narada informed him of the nobility of his parentage and + of his feats. And he said, “Born in the race of Airavata this prince of + Nagas is named Sumukha. He is the favourite grandson of Aryaka, and the + daughter’s son of Vamana. The father of this youth was, O Matali, the Naga + called Chikura. Not long before was he slain by Vinata’s Son.” Hearing + this Matali became highly pleased, and addressing Narada, the charioteer + said, “This best of Nagas is, O sire, very acceptable to me for a + son-in-law. Make an endeavour to secure him, for I am highly pleased at + the thought of bestowing on this Naga, O Muni, my dear daughter.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0103" id="link52H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Narada then said, “This one is the charioteer of the name of Matali. He + is besides a dear friend of Sakra. Pure in conduct, he hath an excellent + disposition and possesses numerous virtues. Endued with strength of mind, + he hath great energy and great might. He is the friend, counsellor, and + charioteer of Sakra. It has been seen in every battle that small is the + difference that exists between him and Vasava as regards prowess and + strength. In all the battles between the gods and Asuras, it is this + Matali that driveth, by his mind alone, that ever-victorious and best of + cars belonging to Indra, which is drawn by thousand steeds. Vanquished by + his management of the steeds, the enemies of the gods are subjugated by + Vasava by the use of his hands. Defeated before-hand by Matali, the Asuras + are subsequently slain by Indra. Matali hath an excellent daughter, who in + beauty is unrivalled in the world. Truthful and possessed of every + accomplishment, she is known by the name of Gunakesi. He was searching the + three worlds for an eligible bridegroom. O thou that art possessed of the + splendour of a celestial, thy grandson, Sumukha, hath become acceptable to + him as a husband for his daughter. If O best of serpents, his proposal be + acceptable to thee, quickly make up thy mind, O Aryaka, to take his + daughter in gift for thy grandson. As Lakshmi in Vishnu’s house, or Swaha + in that of Agni so let the slender-waisted Gunakesi be a wife in thy race. + Let Gunakesi, therefore be accepted by thee for thy grandson, like Sachi + for Vasava who deserveth her. Although this youth hath lost his father, + yet we choose him for his virtues, and for the respectability of Airavata + and thy own. Indeed, it is in consequence of Sumukha’s merits, his + disposition, purity, self-restraint and other qualifications that Matali + hath become himself desirous of giving away his daughter unto him. It + behoveth thee, therefore, to honour Matali.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Thus addressed by Narada, Aryaka beholding his grandson + elected as a bridegroom and remembering the death of his son was filled + with delight and sorrow at the same time. And he then addressed Narada and + said, “How, O celestial Rishi, can I desire Gunakesi for a + daughter-in-law! It cannot be, O great Rishi, that thy words are not + highly honoured by me, for who is there that would not desire an alliance + with the friend of Indra? I hesitate, however, O great Muni, in + consequence of the instability of the very cause that would not make that + alliance lasting. O thou of great effulgence, the author of this youth, + viz., my son, hath been devoured by Garuda. We are afflicted with sorrow + on that account. But worse still, O lord, Vinata’s son, at the time of + leaving these regions, said, ‘After a month I will devour this Sumukha + also.’ Surely, it will happen as he hath said, for we know with whom we + have to deal. At these words, therefore, of Suparna we have become + cheerless!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Matali then said unto Aryaka, “I have formed a plan. + This thy grandson is elected by me as my son-in-law. Let this Naga then, + proceeding with me and Narada, come to the Lord of heaven the chief of the + celestials, O best of Nagas. I shall then endeavour to place obstacles in + the way of Suparna, and as a last resource, we will ascertain the period + of life that hath been vouchsafed to Sumukha. Blessed be thou, O Naga, let + Sumukha, therefore, come with me to the presence of the Lord of the + celestials.” Saying this, they took Sumukha with them, and all the four, + endued with great splendour, coming to heaven beheld Sakra the chief of + the gods seated in all his glory. And it so happened that the illustrious + Vishnu of four arms was also present there. Narada then represented the + whole story about Matali and his choice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Hearing all that Narada said, Vishnu directed + Purandara, the Lord of the universe, saying, “Let Amrita be given to this + youth, and let him be made immortal like gods themselves. Let Matali, and + Narada, and Sumukha, O Vasava, all attain their cherished wish through thy + grace.” Purandara, however, reflecting on the prowess of Vinata’s son, + said unto Vishnu, “Let Amrita be given unto him by thee.” Thus addressed, + Vishnu said, “Thou art the Lord of all mobile and immobile creatures. Who + is there, O lord, that would refuse a gift that may be made by thee?” At + these words Sakra gave unto that Naga length of days. The slayer of Vala + and Vritra did not make him a drinker of Amrita. Sumukha, having obtained + that boon, became Sumukha<a href="#linknote-511" name="linknoteref-511" + id="linknoteref-511">11</a> (in reality) for his face was suffused with + marks of joy. And having married Matali’s daughter, he cheerfully returned + home. And Narada and Aryaka also filled with delight at the success of + their object, went away, after having worshipped the glorious chief of the + celestials.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0104" id="link52H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CV + </h2> + <p> + “Kanwa said, ‘Meanwhile, O Bharata, the mighty Garuda heard what had + happened, viz., the bestowal by Sakra of length of days on the Naga + Sumukha. And inflamed with great anger, that ranger of the firmament, + Suparna, smiting the three worlds by the hurricane caused by the flappings + of his wings, quickly came to Vasava. And Garuda said, “O illustrious one, + disregarding me why hast thou interfered with my sustenance. Having + granted me a boon of thy own will, why dost thou now withdraw it? The + Supreme Lord of all creatures hath, from the beginning, ordained what my + food is to be. Why dost thou then stand in the way of that divine decree? + I had selected this great Naga and had fixed time, for O god, I had + intended to offer the meat of his body, as sustenance to my numerous + progeny. When he, therefore, hath obtained a boon from thee and hath + become indestructible by me, how can I henceforth dare kill another of his + species? Dost thou sport thus, O Vasava, as thou listest? I, however, + shall have to die, as also the members of my family and the servants whom + I have engaged in my house. That will, I think, gratify thee, O Vasava! + Indeed, O slayer of Vala and Vritra, I deserve all this, nay more, since + being the lord of the three worlds in might, I yet consented to become the + servant of another. O monarch of the three worlds, Vishnu, however, is not + the only cause of my inferiority, for though, O Vasava, I am quite thy + equal, yet the sovereignty of the three worlds resteth on thee, O chief of + the celestials. Like thee, I also have a daughter of Daksha for my mother + and Kasyapa for my father. Like thee, I also can, without any fatigue, + bear the weight of the three worlds. I have strength that is immeasurable + and incapable of being resisted by any creature. In the war with the + Daityas I also achieved grand feats. Srutasri and Srutasena and Vivaswat, + and Rochanamukha, and Prasrura, and Kalakaksha amongst the sons of Diti + were slain by me. Perching yet on the flag-staff of thy younger brother’s + car I carefully protect it in battle, and sometimes also I bear that + brother of thine on my back. It is, perhaps, for this that thou + disregardest me. Who else in the universe is there that is capable of + bearing such heavy burthens? Who is there that is stronger than myself? + Superior though I am, I yet bear on my back this younger brother of thine + with all his friends. When, however, disregarding me thou hast interfered + with my foods, thou hast, O Vasava, inflicted disgrace on me, like this + younger brother of thine that had hitherto been disgracing me by making me + bear him on my back. As regards thyself, O Vishnu, amongst all those + endued with prowess and strength that have been born of Aditi’s womb, thou + art superior in strength. Yet thee I bear without any fatigue, with only + one of my feathers. Think coolly then, O brother, who amongst us is + stronger?”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘Hearing the proud words of that bird foreshadowing + danger the bearer of the discus, provoking Tarkshya still more, said unto + him, “Though so very weak, why dost thou, O Garuda, yet regard thyself + strong, O oviparous creature, it ill behoveth thee to vaunt thus in our + presence. The three worlds united together cannot bear the weight of my + body. I myself bear my own weight and thine also. Come now, bear thou the + weight of this one right arm of mine. If thou canst bear even this, thy + boast would be regarded as reasonable.” Saying this, the holy one placed + his arms on Garuda’s shoulders. Thereupon the latter fell down, afflicted + with its weight, confounded, and deprived of his senses. And Garuda felt + that the weight of that one arm of Vishnu was as great as that of the + entire Earth with her mountains. Endued with might infinitely greater, + Vishnu, however, did not afflict him much. Indeed, Achyuta did not take + his life. That ranger of the sky, afflicted then by that immense weight, + gasped for breath, and began to cast off his feathers. With every limb + weakened, and utterly confounded, Garuda was almost deprived of his + senses. The winged offspring of Vinata then, thus confounded and almost + deprived of his senses, and rendered utterly helpless, bowing unto Vishnu + with bent bead, feebly addressed him, saying, “O illustrious Lord, the + essence of that strength which sustains the universe dwelleth in this body + of thine. What wonder, therefore, that I should be crushed down to the + earth by a single arm of thine, stretched out at thy pleasure. It behoveth + thee, O divine Lord, to forgive this winged creature that perches on thy + flag-staff—this fool intoxicated with pride of strength, but now + rendered utterly helpless. Thy great strength, O divine Lord, was never + known to me before. It was for this that I regarded my own might to be + unequalled.” Thus addressed, the illustrious Vishnu became gratified, and + addressing Garuda with affection, said, “Let not thy behaviour be such + again.” And saying this, Upendra threw Sumukha with the toe of his foot + upon Garuda’s breast. And from that time, O king, Garuda hath ever lived + in friendship with that snake. It was thus, O king, that mighty and + illustrious Garuda, the son of Vinata, afflicted by the might of Vishnu, + was cured of his pride.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kanwa continued, ‘In the same way, O son of Gandhari, thou livest, O son, + as long as thou approachest not the heroic sons of Pandu in battle. Who is + there whom Bhima, that foremost of smiters, that mighty son of Vayu and + Dhananjaya, the son of Indra, cannot slay in battle? Vishnu himself, and + Vayu and Dharma, and the Aswins,—these gods are thy enemies. Let + alone an encounter with them, thou art not competent even to look at them + on the field. Therefore, O prince, do not set thy heart upon war; let + peace be made through the agency of Vasudeva. It behoveth thee to save thy + race thus. This great ascetic Narada witnessed with his own eyes the + incident (I have related to thee) which shows the greatness of Vishnu, and + know that this Krishna is that bearer of the discus and the mace!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of the Rishi, Duryodhana + contracted his eye-brows and began to breathe heavily. And casting his + eyes then on Radha’s son, he burst out into a loud laughter. And setting + at naught those words of the Rishi, that wicked wretch began to slap his + thigh that resembled the trunk of an elephant. And addressing the Rishi, + he said, ‘I am, O great Rishi, precisely what the Creator hath made me. + What is to be, must be. What also hath been ordained in my case must + happen, I cannot act otherwise. What can these senseless declamations, + therefore, avail?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0105" id="link52H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVI + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “Interminably wedded to evil, blinded by avarice, + addicted to wicked courses, resolved upon bringing destruction on his + head, inspiring grief in the hearts of kinsmen, enhancing the woes of + friends, afflicting all his well-wishers, augmenting the joys of foes, and + treading the wrong path, why did not his friends seek to restrain him, and + why also did not that great friend (of Kuru’s race), the holy One with + tranquil soul, or the Grandsire tell him anything from affection?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Yes, the holy one did speak. Bhishma also spoke what + was beneficial. And Narada too said much. Listen to all that these said." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Narada said, ‘Persons that listen to the counsels + of friends are rare. Friends again are rare that offer beneficial + counsels, for a friend (in need of counsel) is never there where a friend + (offering counsel) is. O son of Kuru’s race, I think, the word of friends + ought to be listened to. Obstinacy ought to be avoided; for it is fraught + with great evil. In this connection is cited an old story regarding + Galava’s having met with disgrace through obstinacy. In ancient times, in + order to test Viswamitra, who was then engaged in ascetic austerities. + Dharma personally came to him, having assumed the form of the Rishi, + Vasishtha. Thus assuming, O Bharata, the form of the one of the seven + Rishis, and feigning himself hungry and desirous of eating, he came, O + king, to the hermitage of Kausika. Thereupon, Viswamitra struck with awe, + began to cook Charu (which was a preparation of rice and milk). And in + consequence of the care he took in preparing that excellent food, he could + not properly wait upon his guest. And it was not till after the guest had + dined on the food offered by the other hermits that Viswamitra succeeded + in approaching him with the Charu he had cooked and which was still + steaming. “I have already dined; wait here,”—were the words that the + holy one said. And having said that the holy one went away. And thereupon, + the illustrious Viswamitra, O king, waited there. And bearing that food on + his head and holding it with his arms, that ascetic of rigid vow stood in + his hermitage, still as a post, subsisting on air. And as he stood there, + an ascetic of the name of Galava, from motives of respect and reverence + and from affection and desire of doing what was agreeable, began to wait + upon him. And after a hundred years had passed away, Dharma, again + assuming the form of Vasishtha, came to Kausika from desire of eating. And + beholding the great Rishi Viswamitra, who was endued with high wisdom, + standing there with that food on his head, himself subsisting all the + while on air, Dharma accepted that food which was still warm and fresh. + And having eaten that food, the god said,—“Gratified am I, O + regenerate Rishi.” And saying this, he went away. And at those words of + Dharma, Viswamitra divested of Kshatriyahood because endued with the + status of a Brahmana and was filled with delight<a href="#linknote-512" + name="linknoteref-512" id="linknoteref-512">12</a>. And pleased as he was + with the services and devotion of his discipline, the ascetic Galava, + Viswamitra, addressed him and said, “With my leave, O Galava, go + whithersoever thou mayest wish.” Thus commanded by his preceptor, Galava, + highly pleased, said in a sweet voice unto Viswamitra of great effulgence, + “What final gift shall I make thee in consequence of thy services as + preceptor? O giver of honours, it is in consequence of the (final) present + that a sacrifice becometh successful. The giver of such gifts obtains + emancipation. Indeed, these gifts constitute the fruit (that one enjoys in + heaven). They are regarded as peace and tranquillity personified. What, + therefore, shall I procure for my preceptor? Oh, let that be said.” The + illustrious Viswamitra knew that he had really been conquered by Galava by + means of the latter’s services, and the Rishi, therefore, sought to + dismiss him by repeatedly saying, “Go, Go.” But though repeatedly + commanded by Viswamitra to go away, Galava still addressed him saying, + “What shall I give?” And seeing this obstinacy on the part of ascetic + Galava, Viswamitra felt a slight rise of anger and at last said, “Give me + eight hundred steeds, every one of which should be as white as the rays of + the moon, and every one of which should have one ear black. Go now, O + Galava, and tarry not.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0106" id="link52H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Thus addressed by Viswamitra of great intelligence Galava + was filled with such anxiety that he could not sit or lie down, or take + his food. A prey to anxiety and regret, lamenting bitterly, and burning + with remorse, Galava grew pale, and was reduced to a skeleton. And smitten + with sorrow, O Suyodhana, he indulged in these lamentations, “Where shall + I find affluent friends? Where shall I find money? Have I any savings? + Where shall I find eight hundred steeds of lunar whiteness? What pleasure + can I have in eating? What happiness can be mine in objects of enjoyment? + The very love of life is extinct in me. What need have I of life? + Repairing to the other shore of the great ocean, or to the furthest verge + of the earth, I will relinquish my life. Of what use can life be to me? + What happiness, without severe exertion, can be his who is poor, + unsuccessful, deprived of all the good things of life, and burthened with + debt? Death is preferable to life as regards him who having enjoyed the + wealth of friends through their friendship for himself, is unable to + return their favour. The religious acts of that man lose their efficacy + who having promised to do an act fails to perform it and is thus stained + with falsehood. One that is stained by falsehood cannot have beauty, or + children, or power, or influence. How, therefore, can such a one attain to + a blissful state? What ungrateful man hath ever earned fame? Where, + indeed, is his place, and where his happiness? An ungrateful person can + never win esteem and affection. Salvation also can never be his. He that + is destitute of wealth is a wretch that can scarcely be said to live. Such + a wretch cannot support his kinsmen and friends. Unable to make any return + for the benefits he receiveth, he certainly meeteth with destruction. Even + I am that wretch, ungrateful, destitute of resources, and stained with + falsehood, for having obtained my objects from my preceptor, I am unable + to do his bidding. Having first endeavoured to the utmost, I will lay down + my life. Before this, I never craved for any thing from the very gods. The + deities regard me for this in sacrificial place. I will go and seek the + protection of Vishnu, the divine Lord of the three worlds, of Krishna the + great refuge of all who are blessed with protection. Bowing down unto him, + I desire to see that highest of all ascetics, the Eternal Krishna from + whom flow all those possessions and enjoyments that are owned by both gods + and Asuras.” And while Galava was thus lamenting, his friend Garuda, the + son of Vinata, appeared in his sight. And Garuda, from desire of doing him + good, cheerfully addressed him, saying, “Thou art a dear friend of mine. + It is the duty of a friend, when himself in prosperity, to look to the + accomplishment of the wishes of his friends. The prosperity that I have, O + Brahmana, is constituted by Vasava’s younger brother Vishnu. Before this, + I spoke to him on thy behalf and he hath been pleased to grant my wishes. + Come now, we will go together. I will bear thee comfortably to the other + shore of the ocean, or to the furthest extremity of the earth. Come, O + Galava, do not tarry.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0107" id="link52H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Garuda said, “O Galava, commanded I have been by God, who is the cause + of all knowledge. I ask thee, towards which quarter shall I first take + thee to see what lie there? The eastern, the southern, the western, or the + northern, towards which, O best of regenerate persons, shall I go, O + Galava? That quarter towards which Surya the illuminator of the universe + first riseth; where, at eve, the Sadhyas engage in their ascetic + austerities; where that Intelligence, which pervades the whole universe + first springeth; where the two eyes of Dharma, as well as he himself, are + stationed; where the clarified butter first poured in sacrifice + subsequently flowed all around; that quarter, O best of all regenerate + persons, is the gate of Day and Time. There the daughters of Daksha, in + primeval times, gave birth to their children. There the sons of Kasyapa + first multiplied. That quarter is the source of all the prosperity of the + gods, for it was there that Sakra was first anointed as the king of the + celestials. It was there, O regenerate Rishi, that both Indra and the gods + underwent their ascetic penances. It is for this, O Brahmana, that this + quarter is called Purva (the first). And because in the earliest of times + this quarter was overspread by the Suras, it is for this that it is called + Purva. The gods, desirous of prosperity, performed all their religious + ceremonies here. It was here that the divine Creator of the universe first + sang the Vedas. It was here that the Gayatri was first preached by Surya + unto the reciters of that sacred hymn. It was here, O best of Brahmanas, + that the Yajurvedas were delivered by Surya (unto Yajnavalkya). It was + here that the Soma juice, sanctified by boons, was first drunk in + sacrifices by Suras. It was here that the Homa-fires, (gratified by + mantras), first drank articles of cognate origin.<a href="#linknote-513" + name="linknoteref-513" id="linknoteref-513">13</a> It was here that Varuna + first repaired to the nether regions, and attained to all his prosperity. + It was here, O bull among the twice-born, that the birth, growth, and + death of the ancient Vasishtha took place. Here first grew the hundred + different branches of Om!<a href="#linknote-514" name="linknoteref-514" + id="linknoteref-514">14</a> It was here that the smoke-eating Munis are + the smoke of sacrificial fires. It was in that region that myriads of + boars and other animals were killed by Sakra and offered as sacrificial + portions unto the gods. It is here that the thousand-rayed sun, arising, + consumeth, out of ire, all those that are wicked and ungrateful among men + and the Asuras. This is the gate of the three worlds. This is the path of + heaven and felicity. This quarter is called Purva (east). We will go + hither, if it pleaseth thee. I shall always do what is agreeable to him + who is my friend. Tell me, O Galava, if any other quarter pleaseth thee, + for we will then go there. Listen now to what I say of another quarter.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0108" id="link52H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Garuda continued, “In days of yore, Vivaswat, having performed a + sacrifice, gave this quarter away as a present (Dakshina) unto his + preceptor. And it is for this that this region is known by the name of + Dakshina (south). It is here that the Pitris of the three worlds have + their habitation. And, O Brahmana, it is said that a class of celestials + subsisting upon smoke alone also live there. Those celestials also that go + by the name of Viswedevas always dwell in this region along with the + Pitris. Worshipped in sacrifices in all the worlds, they are equal sharers + with the Pitris. This quarter is called the second door of Yama. It is + here that the periods allotted to men are calculated in Trutis and Lavas.<a + href="#linknote-515" name="linknoteref-515" id="linknoteref-515">15</a> In + this region always dwell the celestial Rishis, the Pitriloka Rishis, and + the royal Rishis, in great happiness. Here are religion and truth. It is + here that the acts (of persons) exhibit their fruits. This region, O best + of the twice-born, is the goal of the acts of the dead. It is this region, + O best of regenerate persons, whither all must repair. And as creatures + are all overwhelmed by darkness, they cannot, therefore, come hither in + bliss. Here, O bull among regenerate persons, are many thousands of + Malevolent Rakshasas in order to be seen by the sinful. Here, O Brahmana, + in the bowers on the breast of Mandara and in the abodes of regenerate + Rishis, the Gandharvas chant psalms, stealing away both the heart and the + intellect. It was here that Raivata (a Daitya), hearing the Sama hymns + sung in a sweet voice, retired to the woods, leaving his wife and friends + and kingdom. In this region, O Brahmana, Manu and Yavakrita’s son together + set a limit which Surya can never overstep. It was here that the + illustrious descendant of Pulastya, Ravana, the king of the Rakshasas, + undergoing ascetic austerities, solicited (the boon of) immortality from + the gods. It was here that (the Asura) Vritra, in consequence of his + wicked conduct, incurred the enmity of Sakra. It is in this region that + lives of diverse forms all come and are then dissociated into their five + (constituent) elements. It is in this region, O Galava, that men of wicked + deeds rot (in tortures). It is here that the river Vaitarani flows, filled + with the bodies of persons condemned to hell. Arrived here, persons attain + to the extremes of happiness and misery. Reaching this region, the sun + droppeth sweet waters and thence proceeding again to the direction named + after (Vasishtha), once more droppeth dew. It was here that I once + obtained (for food), a prodigious elephant battling with an enormous + tortoise. It was here that the great sage Chakradhanu took his birth from + Surya. That divine sage afterwards came to be known by the name of Kapila, + and it was by him that the (sixty thousand) sons of Sagara were afflicted. + It was here that a class of Brahmanas named Sivas, fully mastering the + Vedas, became crowned with (ascetic) success. Having studied all the Vedas + they at last attained eternal salvation. In this region is the city called + Bhogavati that is ruled by Vasuki, by the Naga Takshaka and also by + Airavata. They that have to journey hither (after death) encounter here a + thick gloom. And so thick is that gloom that it cannot be penetrated by + either the Sun himself or by Agni. Worthy of worship as thou art, even + thou shalt have to pass this road. Tell me now if thou wishest to sojourn + towards this direction. Else, listen to an account of the western + direction.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0109" id="link52H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Garuda said, “This quarter is the favourite one of king Varuna, the + ruler of the ocean. Indeed, the lord of the waters had his origin here, + and it is hither that sovereignty lieth. And since it is here that towards + the day’s end (paschat) the sun dismisseth his rays that this quarter, O + best of the twice-born ones, is called the west (paschima). For ruling + over all aquatic creatures and for the protection of the water themselves, + illustrious and divine Kasyapa installed Varuna here (as the king of this + region). Quaffing all the six juices of Varuna, the moon, the dispeller of + darkness, becometh young again in the beginning of the fortnight. It was + in the quarter, O Brahmana, that the Daityas were routed and bound fast by + the wind-god. And afflicted by a mighty tempest, and breathing hard (as + they fled), they at last laid themselves down in this region to sleep (the + sleep that knows no waking). Hither is that mountain called Asta which is + the cause of the evening twilight, and which (daily) receiveth the sun + lovingly turning towards it. It is from this quarter that both Night and + Sleep, issuing out at the close of day, spread themselves, as if, for + robbing all living creatures of half their allotted periods of life. It + was here that Sakra, beholding (his stepmother) the goddess Diti lying + asleep in a state of pregnancy, cut off the foetus (into forty-nine + parts), whence sprang the (forty-nine) Maruts. It is towards this + direction that the roots of Himavat stretch towards the eternal Mandara + (sunk in the ocean). By journeying for even a thousand years one cannot + attain to the end of those roots. It is in this region that Surabhi (the + mother of cows), repairing to the shores of the extensive lake, adorned + with golden lotuses, poureth forth her milk. Here in the midst of the + ocean is seen the headless trunk of the illustrious Swarbhanu (Rahu) who + is always bent upon devouring both sun and the moon. Here is heard the + loud chanting of the Vedas by Suvarnasiras, who is invincible and of + immeasurable energy, and whose hair is eternally green. It is in this + region that the daughter of Muni Harimedhas remained transfixed in the + welkin in consequence of Surya’s injunction couched in the words—Stop, + Stop. Here, O Galava, wind, and fire, and earth, and water, are all free, + both day and night, from their painful sensations. It is from this region + that the sun’s course begins to deviate from the straight path, and it is + in this direction that all the luminous bodies (the constellations) enter + the solar sphere. And having moved for twenty-eight nights with the sun, + they come out of the sun’s course to move in accompaniment with the moon. + It is in this region that the rivers which always feed the ocean have + their sources. Here, in the abode of Varuna, are the waters of the three + worlds. In this region is situate the abode of Anarta, the prince of + snakes. And here is the unrivalled abode also of Vishnu, who is without + beginning and without end. In this region is also situate the abode of the + great Rishi Kasyapa, the son of Maricha. The western quarter is thus + narrated to thee in course of telling thee of the different points. Tell + me now, O Galava, towards which side, O best of regenerate persons, shall + we go?”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0110" id="link52H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Garuda said, “O Brahmanas, since this quarter saveth from sin, and since + one attaineth to salvation here, it is for this saying (Uttarana) power + that it is called the north (uttara). And, O Galava, because the abode of + all the treasures of the north stretches in a line towards the east and + the west, therefore is the north sometimes called the central region + (madhyama). And, O bull among the twice-born, in this region that is + superior to all, none can live that is unamiable, or of unbridled + passions, or unrighteous. Hither, in the asylum, known by the name of + Vadari, eternally dwell Krishna who is Narayana’s self, and Jishnu that + most exalted of all male beings, and Brahman (the Creator). Hither, on the + breast of Himavat always dwelleth Maheswara endued with the effulgence of + the fire that blazeth up at the end of the Yuga. As Purusha, he sporteth + here with Prakriti (the universal mother). Except by Nara and Narayana, he + is incapable of being seen by the diverse classes of Munis, the gods with + Vasava at their head, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, and the Siddhas. Though + invested with Maya, him the eternal Vishnu alone, of a thousand heads and + thousand legs, can behold. It was in this region that Chandramas (the + moon) was installed into the sovereignty of the entire regenerate order. + It was in this region, O thou foremost of all acquainted with Brahma, that + Mahadeva first receiving her on his head, afterwards let (the sacred + stream) Ganga fall from the heavens to the world of men. It was here that + the Goddess (Uma) underwent her ascetic austerities from her desire of + obtaining Maheswara (as her Lord). It was in this region that Kama, the + wrath (of Siva), Himavat, and Uma, all together shone brilliantly. It was + here, on the breast of Kailasa, O Galava, that Kuvera was installed on the + sovereignty of the Rakshasas, the Yakshas, and the Gandharvas. It is in + this region that (Kuvera’s gardens called) Chitraratha lie, and it is here + that the asylum of (the Munis called the) Vaikhanasas is situate. It is + here, O bull among the twice-born, that the celestial stream called + Mandakini, and the mountain Mandara are to be seen. It is here that the + gardens called Saugandhi-kanaka are always guarded by the Rakshasas. Here + are many plains covered with grassy verdure, as also the plantain forest, + and those celestial trees called the Sautanakas. It is in this region, O + Galava, that the Siddhas, with souls ever under control and always + sporting at will, have their fit abodes, abounding with every object of + enjoyment. It is here that the seven Rishis with Arundhati may be seen. It + is here that the constellation Swati is to be seen, and it is here that it + first rises to the view. It is in this region that the Grandsire Brahman + dwelleth in the vicinity of Yajna (sacrifice embodied). It is in this + quarter that the sun, the moon, and the other luminaries are seen to + revolve regularly." </p> + <p> + “‘"It is in this region, O foremost of Brahmanas, that those illustrious + and truth-speaking Munis called by the name of Dharma, guard the source of + the Ganges. The origin and physical features and ascetic penances of these + Munis are not known to all. The thousand dishes they use for serving the + food offered in hospitality and the edibles also they create at will, are + all a mystery. The man, O Galava, that passeth beyond the point guarded by + these Munis, is certain, O foremost of Brahmanas, to meet with + destruction. None else, O bull among Brahmanas, save the divine Narayana, + and the eternal Nara called also Jishnu, succeeded in passing beyond the + point so guarded. It is in this region that the mountains of Kailasa lie, + the abode of Ailavila (Kuvera). It is here that the ten Apsaras known by + the name of Vidyutprabha had their origin. In covering, O Brahmana, the + three worlds with three steps in the sacrifice of Vali (the Asura king), + Vishnu had covered this whole northern region; and, accordingly, there is + a spot here called Vishnupada. And it is so called after the footprint of + Vishnu caused on that occasion. Here, in this quarter, at a place called + Usiravija, by the side of the golden lake, king Marutta performed, O + foremost of Brahmanas, a sacrifice. It is here that the brilliant and + shining gold mines of Himavat exhibit themselves to the illustrious and + regenerate Rishi Jimuta. And Jimuta gave away the whole of that wealth to + the Brahmanas. And having given it away, that great Rishi solicited them + to call it after his own name. And hence that wealth is known by the name + of the Jaimuta gold. Here, in this region, O bull among Bharatas, the + regents of the worlds, O Galava, every morning and evening, proclaim, + ‘What business of what person shall we do?’ It is for these, O foremost of + Brahmanas, and other incidents, that the northern region is superior to + all quarters. And because this region is superior (uttara) to all, + therefore, it is called the north (uttara). The four regions have thus, O + sire, been, one after another described to thee in details. Towards which + quarter then dost thou desire to go? I am ready, O foremost of Brahmanas, + to show thee all the quarters of the earth!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0111" id="link52H_4_0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Galava said, “O Garuda, O slayer of foremost snakes, O thou of beautiful + feathers, O son of Vinata, carry me, O Tarkhya, to the east where the two + eyes of Dharma are first opened. O, take me to the east which thou hast + first described, and whither, thou hast said, the gods are always present. + Thou hast said that thither both truth and virtue reside. I desire to meet + all the gods. Therefore, O younger brother of Aruna, take me thither, so + that I may behold the gods.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Thus addressed, the son of Vinata replied unto that + Brahmana saying, “Mount thou on my back.” And thereupon, the Muni Galava + rode on the back of Garuda. And Galava said, “Thy beauty, O devourer of + snakes, as thou proceedest, seemeth to be like that of the sun himself in + the morning, that maker of the day endued with a thousand rays. And, O + ranger of the skies, thy speed is so great that the very trees, broken by + the storm caused by the flapping of thy wings, seem to pursue thee in the + course. Thou seemest, O tenant of the welkin, to drag by the storm caused + by the wings, the very Earth with all the waters of her oceans, and with + all her mountains, woods and forests. Indeed, the tempest caused by the + motion of thy wings seems to continually raise into mid air the waters of + the sea, with all their fishes and snakes and crocodiles. I see fishes + possessed of similar faces, and Timis and Timingilas and snakes endued + with human faces, all crushed by the tempest raised by thy wings. My ears + are deafened by the roar of the deep. So stunned am I that I can neither + hear nor see anything. Indeed, I have forgotten my own purpose. Slacken + thy speed, O ranger of the sky, remembering the risk to a Brahmana’s life. + O sire, neither the sun, nor the cardinal points, nor the welkin itself, + is any longer perceptible to me. I see only a thick gloom around me. The + body is no longer visible to me. I see only thy two eyes, O oviparous + being, resembling two radiant gems. I cannot see either thy body or my + own. At every step, I behold sparks of fire emitted from thy frame. Stop + without delay these sparks of fire and extinguish the dazzling radiance of + thy eyes. O son of Vinata, slacken this exceeding speed of thy course. O + devourer of snakes, I have no business to go with thee. Desist, O blessed + one, I am unable to bear this speed of thine. I have promised to give my + preceptor eight hundred white steeds of lunar effulgence, each having one + ear black in hue. I see no way, O oviparous being, of fulfilling my + pledge. There is but one way that I can see, and that is to lay down my + own life. I have no wealth of my own, nor any wealthy friend, nor can + wealth, however immense, procure the accomplishment of my object.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Unto Galava uttering these and many other words of + entreaty and sorrow, the son of Vinata, without slackening his speed, + laughingly replied, saying, “Thou hast little wisdom, O regenerate Rishi, + since thou wishest to put an end to thy own life. Death can never be + brought about by one’s effort. Indeed, Death is God himself. Why didst + thou not, before this, inform me of thy purpose? There are excellent means + by which all this may be accomplished. Here is this mountain called + Rishabha on the seaside. Resting here for some time and refreshing + ourselves with food, I will, O Galava, return.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0112" id="link52H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Alighting then on the peak of the Rishabha, the Brahmana + and the Bird beheld a Brahmana lady of the name of Sandili, engaged there + on ascetic penances. And Galava and Garuda both saluted her by bending + their heads, and worshipped her. And thereupon, the lady enquired after + their welfare and gave them seats. And having taken their seats, both of + them took the cooked food the lady offered them, after having first + dedicated it to the gods with Mantras. And having taken that food, they + laid themselves down on the ground and fell into a profound sleep. And + Garuda, from desire of leaving that place, upon awakening, found that his + wings had fallen off. Indeed, he had become like a ball of flesh, with + only his head and legs. And beholding him come to that plight, Galava + sorrowfully enquired, saying, “What is this condition that has overtaken + thee as the consequence of thy sojourn here? Alas, how long shall we have + to reside here? Hadst thou harboured any evil and sinful thought in thy + mind? It cannot, I am sure, be any trivial sin of which thou hast been + guilty.” Thus addressed, Garuda replied unto the Brahmana, saying, + “Indeed, O regenerate one, I entertained the thought of carrying away this + lady crowned with ascetic success from this spot to where the Creator + himself, the divine Mahadeva, the eternal Vishnu, and both Virtue and + Sacrifice personified, live together, for as I thought this lady should + live there. I shall now, from desire of doing myself good, prostrate + myself before this holy lady, and pray unto her, saying,—‘with a + heart full of pity, I had, indeed, entertained such a thought. Whether I + acted rightly or wrongly, even this was the wish, evidently against thy + own, that was cherished by me from my respect for thee. It behoveth thee, + therefore, to grant me forgiveness, from the nobility of thy heart.’” That + lady became gratified with that prince of birds and that bull of + Brahmanas. And addressing Garuda, she said, “Fear not, O thou of beautiful + feathers. Resume thy wings, and cast off thy fears. I was contempted by + thee, but know that I do not pardon contempt. That sinful being who + entertains contempt for me, would speedily fall away from all blissful + regions. Without a single inauspicious indication about me, and perfectly + blameless as I am, I have, in consequence of the purity of my conduct, + attained to high ascetic success. Purity of conduct beareth virtue as its + fruit. Purity of conduct beareth wealth as its fruit. It is purity of + conduct that bringeth on prosperity. And it is purity of conduct that + driveth away all inauspicious indications. Go thou, O blessed prince of + birds, whithersoever thou wishest, from this place. Never entertain + contempt for me, and take care that thou dost not contempt women that may + even be truly blamable. Thou shalt again be, as before, invested with both + strength and energy.” At these words of that lady Garuda had his wings + again, and they became even stronger than before. And then with Sandili’s + leave, Garuda with Galava on his back took his departure. But they failed + to find the kind of steeds they were in search of. And it so happened that + Viswamitra met Galava on the way. And thereupon, that foremost of speakers + addressed Galava in the presence of Vinata’s son and said, “O regenerate + one, the time is already come when thou shouldst give me the wealth thou + hadst promised me of thy own accord. I do not know what thou mayst. I have + waited so long. I will wait for some time more. Seek thou the way by which + thou mayst succeed (in the matter of thy promise).” Hearing these words, + Garuda addressed cheerless Galava who was overwhelmed with sorrow, saying, + “What Viswamitra said unto thee before hath now been repeated in my + presence. Come, therefore, O Galava, best of Brahmanas, we will deliberate + on the matter. Without giving thy preceptor the whole of the wealth + (promised by thee), thou canst not even sit down.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0113" id="link52H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Garuda then, that foremost of winged beings, addressed the + cheerless Galava and said, “Because it is created by Agni, in the bowels + of the earth and augmented by Vayu, and because also the earth itself is + said to be Hiranmaya, therefore, is wealth called Hiranya. And because + wealth supports the world and sustains life, therefore, is it called + Dhana. It is for serving these ends that Dhana (wealth) exists from the + beginning in the three worlds. On that Friday, when either of the two + constellations—the Purvabhadra or the Uttarabhadra—is + ascendant, Agni, creating wealth by a fiat of his will, bestoweth it on + mankind for the increase of Kuvera’s stock. The wealth that is embowelled + in the Earth is guarded by the deities called the Ajaikapats and the + Ahivradnas, and also by Kuvera. Exceedingly difficult of attainment, that + wealth, therefore, O bull among Brahmanas, is rarely attained. Without + wealth there is no chance of thy acquisition of the promised steeds. Beg + thou, therefore, of some king born in the race of some royal sage, who + may, without oppressing his subjects, crown our suit with success. There + is a king born in the lunar race, that is my friend. We shall go to him, + for he, amongst all on Earth, hath great wealth. That royal sage is known + by the name of Yayati, and he is the son of Nahusha. His prowess is + incapable of being baffled. Solicited by thee in person, and urged by me, + he will give what we seek, for he hath immense wealth, equal unto what + belongeth to Kuvera, the lord of treasures. Even thus, by accepting a + gift, O learned one, pay off thy debt to thy preceptor.” Talking thus, and + thinking upon what was best to be done, Garuda and Galava together went to + king Yayati, who was then in his capital called Pratisthana. The king + received them hospitably and gave them excellent Arghya and water to wash + their feet. And the king then asked them the cause of their advent. And + thereupon Garuda answered, saying, “O son of Nahusha, this ocean of + asceticism, called Galava, is my friend. He had been, O monarch, a + disciple of Viswamitra for many thousand years. This holy Brahmana, when + commanded by Viswamitra to go away whithersoever he chose, addressed his + preceptor at that time, saying,—‘I desire to give something as + preceptor’s fee.’ Knowing this one’s resources to be poor, Viswamitra did + not ask for anything. But when he was repeatedly addressed by this + Brahmana on the subject of the tutorial fee, the preceptor, under a slight + accession of wrath, said, ‘Give me eight hundred white steeds of good + pedigree and of lunar radiance, and each having one ear black in hue. If, + O Galava, thou desirest to give anything to thy preceptor, let this then + be given!’ It was thus that Viswamitra endued with wealth of asceticism + said unto him in anger. And this bull among Brahmanas is on that account + smarting with great grief. Unable to fulfil that command (of his + preceptor), he hath now come to take thy shelter. O tiger among men, + accepting this as alms from thee, and filled once more with cheerfulness, + he will, after paying his preceptor’s debt, devote himself again to serve + ascetic penances. A royal Rishi as thou art, and, therefore, endued with + wealth of asceticism of thy own, this Brahmana, by giving thee a portion + of his wealth of asceticism, will make thee richer in wealth of that kind. + As many hairs, O lord of men, as there are on a horse’s body, so many + regions of bliss, O ruler of Earth, are attained by him that giveth away a + horse in gift. This one is as fit to accept a gift as thou art to make a + gift. Let therefore, thy gift in this instance be like milk deposited in a + conch-shell.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0114" id="link52H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXV + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Thus addressed by Suparna in excellent words fraught with + truth, that performer of thousand sacrifices, that foremost of givers, + that liberal ruler of all the Kasis, the lord Yayati, revolving those + words in his mind and reflecting on them coolly, and seeing before him his + dear friend, Tarkshya, and that bull among Brahmanas, Galava, and + regarding the alms sought as an indication, highly praiseworthy, of + (Galava’s) ascetic merit, and in view particularly of the fact that those + two came to him having passed over all the kings of the Solar race, said, + “Blessed is my life today, and the race also in which I am born, hath, + indeed, been blessed today. This very province also of mine hath equally + been blessed by thee, O sinless Tarkshya. There is one thing, however, O + friend, that I desire to say unto thee, and that is, I am not so rich now + as thou thinkest, for my wealth hath suffered a great diminution. I + cannot, however, O ranger of the skies, make thy advent here a fruitless + one. Nor can I venture to frustrate the hopes entertained by this + regenerate Rishi. I shall, therefore, give him that which will accomplish + his purpose. If one having come for alms, returneth disappointed, he may + consume the (host’s) race. O son of Vinata, it is said that there is no + act more sinful than that of saying, ‘I have nothing’—and thus + destroying the hope of one that cometh, saying, ‘Give.’ The disappointed + man whose hopes have been killed and his object not accomplished, can + destroy the sons and grandsons of the person that faileth to do him good. + Therefore, O Galava, take thou this daughter of mine, this perpetrator of + four families. In beauty, she resembleth a daughter of the celestials. She + is capable of prompting every virtue. Indeed, owing to her beauty, she is + always solicited (at my hands) by gods and men, and Asuras. Let alone + twice four hundred steeds each with a black ear, the kings of the earth + will give away their whole kingdoms as her dower. Take thou, therefore, + this daughter of mine, named Madhavi. My sole desire is that I may have a + daughter’s son by her.” Accepting that daughter in gift, Galava then, with + Garuda, went away, saying, “We will again see thee”. And they took that + maiden with them. And Galava’s oviparous friend addressed him, saying, + “The means have at last been obtained whereby the steeds may be obtained.” + And saying this, Garuda went away to his own abode, having obtained + Galava’s permission. And after the prince of birds had gone, Galava, with + that maiden in his company, began to think of going to some one among the + kings who would be able to give (fit) dower for the maiden. And he first + thought of that best of kings, Haryyaswa of Ikshaku’s race, who ruled at + Ayodhya, was endued with great energy, possessed of a large army + consisting of four kinds of forces, had a well-filled treasury and + abundance of corn, and who was dearly loved by his subjects, and who loved + the Brahmanas well. Desirous of offspring, he was living in quiet and + peace, and engaged in excellent austerities. And the Brahmana Galava, + repairing unto Haryyaswa, said, “This maiden, O king of kings, will + increase the family of her husband by bringing forth offspring. Accept her + from me, O Haryyaswa, as thy wife, by giving me a dower. I will tell thee + what dower thou shalt have to give. Hearing it, settle what thou shalt + do.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0115" id="link52H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘That best of monarchs, king Haryyaswa, after reflecting for + a long while and breathing a long and hot sigh about the birth of a son, + at last said, “Those six limbs<a href="#linknote-516" + name="linknoteref-516" id="linknoteref-516">16</a> that ought to be high + are high in this maiden. Those seven, again, that ought to be slender are + slender in her. Those three, again, which ought to be deep are deep in + her. And lastly, those five that ought to be red are red in her. It seems + that she is worth being looked at by even the gods and the Asuras, and is + accomplished in all the arts and sciences. Possessed of all auspicious + signs, she will certainly bring forth many children. She is even capable + of bringing forth a son who may become an emperor. Having regard to my + wealth, tell me, O foremost of Brahmanas, what should be her dower.” + Galava said, “Give me eight hundred steeds, born in a good country, of + lunar whiteness, and each with one ear black in hue. This auspicious and + large-eyed maiden will then become the mother of thy sons, like the + fire-stick becoming the genetrix of fire.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘Hearing these words, that royal sage, king Haryyaswa, + filled with sorrow, but blinded by lust, addressed Galava, that foremost + of Rishis, saying, “I have only two hundred steeds about me of the kind + wanted by thee, although of other kinds all worthy of sacrifice, I have + many thousand moving about (in my dominions). O Galava, I desire to beget + only one son upon this damsel. Kindly grant this request of mine.” Hearing + these words of the king, that damsel said unto Galava, “A reciter of + Brahma granted me a boon that I would after each delivery, be a maiden + again. Give me away, therefore, to this king, accepting his excellent + steeds. In this way, full eight hundred steeds may be obtained by thee + from four kings in succession, and I also may have four sons. Collect thou + the wealth intended for thy preceptor, in this way. Even this is what I + think. It depends, however, on thee, O Brahmana, as to how thou shouldst + act.” Thus addressed by that maiden, the Muni Galava said these words unto + king Haryyaswa, “O Haryyaswa, O best of men, accept this damsel for a + fourth part of the dower that I have settled, and beget only one son upon + her.” Taking then that maiden and worshipping Galava, the king in due time + and place had by her a son of the kind wished for. And the son so born + came to be called by the name of Vasumanas. Richer than all the wealthy + kings of the earth, and resembling one of the Vasus themselves he became a + king and giver of great wealth. + </p> + <p> + “‘After some time, intelligent Galava came back and approaching the + delighted Haryyaswa, said unto him, “Thou hast, O king obtained a son. + Indeed, this child is like the sun himself in splendour. The time hath + come, O foremost of men, for me to go to some other king for alms.” + Hearing these words, Haryyaswa who was even truthful in speech and steady + in acts of manliness, and remembering that the balance of six hundred + steeds could not be made up by him, gave Madhavi back to Galava. And + Madhavi also, abandoning that blazing, kingly prosperity, and once more + becoming a maiden, followed the footsteps of Galava. And Galava too, + saying, “Let the steeds remain with thee,” then went, accompanied by the + maiden, to king Divodasa.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0116" id="link52H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Galava then, addressing Madhavi, said, “The ruler of the + Kasis is an illustrious king known by the name of Divodasa. He is the son + of Bhimasena, is endued with great prowess, and is a mighty sovereign. O + blessed maiden, we are now going to him. Follow me slowly and grieve not. + That ruler of men is virtuous and devoted to truth and hath his passions + under control.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘When the muni came before that king he was received + with due hospitality by the latter. Galava, then, began to urge the + monarch for begetting a child. Thus addressed, Divodasa said, “I heard of + all this before. Thou needest not speak much, O Brahmana. I may tell thee, + O best of Brahmanas, that as soon as I heard of this matter, my heart was + set upon it. This also is a mark of great honour to me that passing over + all other kings thou hast come to me. Without doubt, thy object will be + gained. In the matter of the steeds, O Galava, my wealth is like that of + king Haryyaswa. I shall, therefore, beget only one royal son upon this + maiden.” Hearing these words, that best of Brahmanas gave that damsel unto + the king, and the king, thereupon, duly wedded her. And the royal sage + then sported with her, as Surya with Prabhavati, Agni with Swaha, Vasava + with Sachi, Chandra with Rohini, Yama with Urmila, Varuna with Gauri, + Kuvera with Riddhi, Narayana with Lakshmi, Sagara with Jahnavi, Rudra with + Rudrani, the Grandsire with Saraswati, Vasishtha’s son Saktri with + Adrisyanti, Vasishtha with Arundhati (called also Akshamala), Chyavana + with Sukanya, Pulastya with Sandhya, Agastya with the princess of Vidarbha + Lopamudra, Satyavan with Savitri, Bhrigu with Puloma, Kasyapa with Aditi, + Richika’s son Jamadagni with Renuka, Kusika’s son Viswamitra with + Himavati, Vrihaspati with Tara, Sukra with Sataprava, Bhumipati with + Bhumi, Pururavas with Urvasi, Richika with Satyavati, Manu with Saraswati, + Dushyanta with Sakuntala, the eternal Dharma with Dhriti, Nala with + Damayanti, Narada, with Satyavati, Jaratkaru with Jaratkaru, Pulastya with + Pratichya, Urnayus with Menaka, Tumvuru with Rambha, Vasuki with + Satasirsha, Dhananjaya with Kamari, Rama with the princess of Videha Sita, + or Janardana with Rukmini. And unto king Divodasa, that sporting with and + taking delight in her, Madhavi bore a son named Pratardana. And after she + had borne him a son, the holy Galava came to Divodasa at the appointed + time, and said unto him, “Let the maiden come with me, and let the steeds + also thou art to give me remain with thee, for I desire to go elsewhere, O + ruler of Earth, for dower.” Thus addressed, the virtuous king Divodasa, + who was devoted to truth, thereupon, gave back the maiden to Galava at the + appointed time.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0117" id="link52H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘The illustrious Madhavi, faithful to her promise, + abandoning that prosperity and once more becoming a maiden, followed the + footsteps of the Brahmana Galava. And Galava, whose heart was set upon the + accomplishment of his own business, reflecting upon what he should do next + then went to the city of the Bhojas for waiting upon king Usinara. And + arrived before that king of unbaffled prowess, Galava addressed him, + saying, “This maiden will bear thee two royal sons. And, O king, begetting + upon her two sons equal unto the Sun and the Moon, thou mayst attain all + thy objects both here and hereafter. As her dower, however, O thou that + art conversant with every duty, thou shalt have to give me four hundred + steeds of lunar splendour, each having ear black of hue. This effort of + mine for obtaining the steeds is only on account of my preceptor, + otherwise I myself have nothing to do with them. If thou art able to + accept (my terms), do as I bid thee without any hesitation. O royal sage, + thou art now childless. Beget, O king, a couple of children. With + offspring so begot as a raft, save they Pitris and thyself also. O royal + sage, he that hath fruit in the shape of offspring to enjoy, never falleth + from heaven. Nor hath such a person to go to that frightful hell whither + the childless are doomed to go.” Hearing these and other words of Galava, + king Usinara, replied unto him, saying, “I have heard what thou, O Galava, + hast said. My heart also is inclined to do thy bidding. The Supreme + Ordainer, however, is all-powerful. I have only two hundred steeds of the + kind indicated by thee, O best of Brahmanas. Of other kinds, I have many + thousands moving about in my dominions. I will, O Galava, beget only one + son upon her, by treading the path that hath been told by others such as + Haryyaswa and Divodasa. I will act after their manner in the matter of the + dower. O best of Brahmanas, my wealth exists for only my subjects residing + in the city and the country, and not for my own comforts and enjoyment. + That king, O virtuous one, who giveth away for his own pleasure the wealth + that belongeth to others, can never earn virtue or fame. Let this maiden, + endued with the radiance of a celestial girl, be presented to me. I will + accept her for begetting only one child.” Hearing these and many other + words that Usinara spoke, that best of Brahmanas, Galava, then applauded + the monarch and gave him the maiden. And making Usinara accept that + damsel, Galava went into the woods. And like a righteous man enjoying the + prosperity (won by his deeds), Usinara began to sport with and enjoy that + damsel in valleys and dales of mountains by fountains and falls of rivers, + in mansions, delightful chambers, variegated gardens, forests and woods, + agreeable places, and terraces of houses. And, in due time, was born unto + him a son of the splendour of the morning sun, who afterwards became an + excellent king, celebrated by the name Sivi. And after the birth of that + son, the Brahmana Galava came to Usinara, and taking back from him the + maiden went, O king, to see the son of Vinata.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0118" id="link52H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Seeing Galava, Vinata’s son smilingly addressed him, + saying, “By good luck it is, O Brahmana, that I behold thee successful.” + Galava, however, hearing the words spoken by Garuda informed him that a + fourth part of the task was still unfinished. Garuda then, that foremost + of all speakers, said unto Galava, “Do not make any endeavour (to obtain + the remaining two hundred), for it will not succeed. In days of yore, + Richika sought at Kanyakuyja Gadhi’s daughter, Satyavati, for making her + his wife. Thereupon Gadhi, O Galava, addressing the Rishi, said, ‘O holy + one, let a thousand steeds of lunar brightness, each with one ear black of + hue, be presented to me.’ Thus requested, Richika said, ‘So be it’. And + then wending his way to the great mart of steeds (Aswatirtha) in Varuna’s + abode, the Rishi obtained what he sought and gave them unto the king. + Performing a sacrifice then of the name of Pundarika, that monarch gave + away those steeds (as Dakshina) unto the Brahmanas. The three kings to + whom thou hadst applied had purchased those horses from the Brahmanas, + each to the number of two hundred. The remaining four hundred, O best of + Brahmanas, while being transported over the river, were taken by the + Vitasta.<a href="#linknote-517" name="linknoteref-517" id="linknoteref-517">17</a> + Therefore, O Galava, thou canst never have that which is not to be had. Do + thou then, O virtuous one, present unto Viswamitra this maiden as an + equivalent for two hundred steeds, along with the six hundred thou hast + already obtained. Thou wilt then, O best of Brahmanas, be freed from thy + grief and crowned with success.” Galava then, saying, “So be it,” and + taking with him both the maiden and the steeds, went with Garuda in his + company unto Viswamitra. And arrived in his presence, Galava said, “Here + are six hundred steeds of the kind demanded by thee. And this maiden is + offered as an equivalent for the remaining two hundred. Let all these be + accepted by thee. Upon this maiden have been begotten three virtuous sons + by three royal sages. Let a fourth, foremost of all, be begotten upon her + by thee. And thus let the number of steeds, eight hundred, be regarded by + thee as full, and let me also, being freed from thy debt, go and practise + ascetic penances as I list.” Viswamitra then, beholding Galava in the + company of the bird, and that highly beautiful maiden, said, “Why, O + Galava, didst thou not give me this maiden before? Four sons then, + sanctifiers of my race, would all have been mine alone. I accept this + maiden of thine for begetting upon her one son. As regards the steeds, let + them graze in my asylum.” Saying this, Viswamitra of great effulgence + began to pass his time happily with her. And Madhavi bore him a son of the + name of Ashtaka. And as soon as that son was born, the great Muni + Viswamitra addressed him to both virtue and profit, and gave him those six + hundred steeds. Ashtaka then went to a city, bright as the city of Soma. + And Kusika’s son Viswamitra also having made over the damsel to his + disciple, himself went into the woods. And Galava also, with his friend + Suparna, having in this way succeeded in giving his preceptor the fee he + had demanded, with a cheerful heart addressed that maiden and said, “Thou + hast borne a son who is exceedingly charitable, and another who is + exceedingly brave, and a third who is devoted to truth and righteousness, + and yet another who is a performer of great sacrifices. O beautiful + maiden, thou hast, by these sons, saved not only thy father, but four + kings and myself, also. Go now, O thou of slender waist.” Saying this, + Galava dismissed Garuda that devourer of snakes, and returning the maiden + unto her father himself went into the woods.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0119" id="link52H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXX + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘King Yayati then, desirous again of disposing of his + daughter in Swayamvara, went to a hermitage on the confluence of the Ganga + and the Yamuna, taking Madhavi with him on a chariot, her person decked + with garlands of flowers. And both Puru and Yadu followed their sister to + that sacred asylum. And in that spot was assembled a vast concourse of + Nagas and Yakshas and human beings, of Gandharvas and animals and birds, + and of dwellers of mountains and trees and forests, and of many + inhabitants of that particular province. And the woods all around that + asylum were filled with numerous Rishis resembling Brahman himself. And + while the selection had commenced of husband, that maiden of the fairest + complexion, passing over all the bridegrooms there assembled, selected the + forest as her lord. Descending from her chariot and saluting all her + friends, the daughter of Yayati went into the forest which is always + sacred, and devoted herself to ascetic austerities. Reducing her body by + means of fasts of various kinds and religious rites and rigid vows, she + adopted the deer’s mode of life. And subsisting upon soft and green + grass-blades, resembling the sprouts of lapis lazuli and which were both + bitter and sweet to the taste, and drinking the sweet, pure, cool, + crystal, and very superior water of sacred mountain-streams, and wandering + with the deer in forests destitute of lions and tigers, in deserts free + from forest-conflagration, and in thick woods, that maiden, leading the + life of a wild doe, earned great religious merit by the practice of + Brahmacharya austerities. + </p> + <p> + “‘(Meanwhile) king Yayati, following the practice of kings before him, + submitted to the influence of Time, after having lived for many thousands + of years. The progeny of two of his sons—those foremost of men—Puru + and Yadu, multiplied greatly, and in consequence thereof, Nahusha’s son + won great respect both in this and the other world. O monarch, dwelling in + heaven, king Yayati, resembling a great Rishi, became an object of much + regard, and enjoyed the highest fruits of those regions. And after many + thousands of years had passed away in great happiness, on one occasion + while seated among the illustrious royal sages and great Rishis, king + Yayati, from folly, ignorance, and pride, mentally disregarded all the + gods and Rishis, and all human beings. Thereat the divine Sakra—the + slayer of Vala—at once read his heart. And those royal sages also + addressed him saying, “Fie, fie.” And beholding the son of Nahusha, the + questions were asked, “Who is this person? What king’s son is he? Why is + he in heaven? By what acts hath he won success? Where did he earn ascetic + merit? For what hath he been known here? Who knoweth him?” The dwellers of + heaven, thus speaking of that monarch, asked one another these questions + about Yayati, that ruler of men. And hundreds of heaven’s charioteers, and + hundreds of those that kept heaven’s gates, and of those what were in + charge of heaven’s seats, thus questioned, all answered, “We do not know + him.” And the minds of all were temporarily clouded, so that none + recognised the king and thereupon the monarch was soon divested of his + splendour.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0120" id="link52H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Removed from his place and pushed away from his seat with + heart trembling in fear, and consumed by burning remorse, with his + garlands dimmed in lustre and his knowledge clouded, shorn of his crown + and bracelets, with head swimming and every limb relaxed divested of + ornaments and robes, incapable of being recognised, sometimes not seeing + the other residents of heaven, filled with despair, and his understanding + a perfect blank, king Yayati fell headlong towards the earth. And before + the king fell down, he thought within himself, “What inauspicious and + sinful thought was entertained by me in consequence of which I am hurled + from my place?” And all the kings there, as also the Siddhas and the + Apsaras, laughed at seeing Yayati losing his hold, and on the point of + falling down. And soon, O king, at the command of the king of the gods, + there came a person whose business it was to hurl down those whose merits + were exhausted. And coming there, he said unto Yayati, “Extremely + intoxicated with pride, there is none whom thou hast not disregarded. In + consequence of this thy pride, heaven is no longer for thee. Thou + deservest not a residence here, O son of a king. Thou art not recognised + here, go and fall down.” Even thus the celestial messenger spoke unto him. + Nahusha’s son then said, repeating the words three times, “If fall I must, + let me fall amongst the righteous.” And saying this, that foremost of + persons that had won high regions by their acts, began to think of the + particular region whereon he should fall. Beholding meanwhile four mighty + kings, viz., Pratardana, Vasumanas, Sivi, the son of Usinara, and Ashtaka, + assembled together in the woods of Naimisha, the king fell amongst them. + And those monarchs were then engaged in gratifying the lord of the + celestials by performance of the sacrifice known by the name of Vajapeya. + And the smoke arising from their sacrificial altar reached the very gates + of heaven. And the smoke that rose thus, looked like a river connecting + both the earth and the heaven. And it resembled the sacred stream Ganga + while descending from heaven to earth. And smelling that smoke and guiding + his course by it, Yayati, the lord of the universe, descended on the + earth. And the king thus fell amongst those four lions among rulers, who + were all endued with great beauty, who were foremost of all the performers + of sacrifices, who were, indeed, his own relatives, and who resembled the + four regents of the four quarters, and looked like four mighty sacrificial + fires. And thus, in consequence of the exhaustion of his merits, the royal + sage Yayati fell amongst them. And beholding him blazing with beauty, + those kings asked him, saying, “Who art thou? Of what race, country, or + city art thou? Art thou a Yaksha, or a god, a Gandharva, or a Rakshasa? + Thou does not seem to be a human being. What object hast thou in view?” + Thus questioned, Yayati answered, “I am the royal sage Yayati. Fallen am I + from heaven in consequence of the expiration of my virtue. Having desired + to fall amongst the righteous, I have fallen amongst you.” The kings then + said, “O foremost of persons, may that wish of thine, be realized. Accept + thou our virtues and the fruits of all our sacrifices.” Yayati replied + saying, “I am not a Brahmana competent to accept a gift. On the other + hand, I am a Kshatriya. Nor is my heart inclined towards lessening the + virtues of others.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘About this time, Madhavi, in course of her purposeless + wanderings, came there. Beholding her, those monarchs saluted her and + said, “What object hast thou in coming here? What command of thine shall + we obey? Thou deservest to command us, for all of us are thy sons, O thou + that art endued with wealth of asceticism!” Hearing these words of theirs, + Madhavi was filled with delight and approaching then her father, she + reverentially saluted Yayati. And touching the heads of all her sons, that + lady engaged in ascetic austerities said to her father, “Being my sons + these all are thy daughter’s sons, O king of kings. They are not strangers + to thee. These will save thee. The practice is not new, its origin extends + to antiquity. I am thy daughter Madhavi, O king, living in the woods after + the manner of the deer. I also have earned virtue. Take thou a moiety. And + because, O king, all men have a right to enjoy a portion of the merits + earned by their offspring, it is for this that they desire to have + daughter’s sons. Even this was the case with thyself, O king (when thou + madest me over to Galava).” At these words of their mother, those monarchs + saluted her, and bowing down unto also their maternal grandsire, repeated + those very words in a loud, incomparable, and sweet voice, and making, as + it were, the whole earth resounded therewith, in order to rescue that + maternal grandsire of theirs who had fallen down from heaven. And at that + time Galava also came there, and addressing Yayati, said, “Accepting an + eighth part of my ascetic austerities, ascend thou to heaven again.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0121" id="link52H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘As soon as that bull among men, king Yayati was recognised + by those virtuous persons, he rose again to heaven, without having had to + touch the surface of the earth. And he regained his celestial form and had + all his anxieties entirely dispelled. And he rose again, decked with + celestial garlands and robes, adorned with celestial ornaments, sprinkled + with celestial scents, and furnished with heavenly attributes, and without + having been compelled to touch the earth with his feet. Meanwhile, + Vasumanas who was celebrated in the world for his liberality, first + addressing the king, uttered these words in a loud voice, “The merit that + I have won on earth by my unblamable conduct towards men of all orders, I + give unto thee. Be it all thine, O king. The merit that one winneth by + liberality and forgiveness, the merit that is mine in consequence of the + sacrifices I have performed, let all that also be thine.” After this, + Pratardana, that bull among Kshatriyas, said, “Ever devoted to virtue as + also to war, the fame that hath here been mine as a Kshatriya, in + consequence of the appellation of hero (by which I am known),—be + that merit thine.” After this, Sivi, the intelligent son of Usinara, said + these sweet words, “Unto children and women in jest, danger, or calamity, + in distress, or at dice, I have never spoken a falsehood. By that truth + which I never sacrificed ascend thou to heaven. I can, O king, give up all + objects of desire and enjoyment, my kingdom, yea, life itself, but truth I + cannot give up. By that truth, ascend thou to heaven; that truth for which + Dharma, that truth for which Agni, that truth for which he of a hundred + sacrifices, have each been gratified with me, by that truth ascend thou to + heaven.” And lastly, the royal sage Ashtaka, the offspring of Kusika’s son + and Madhavi, addressing Nahusha’s son Yayati who had performed many + hundreds of sacrifices, said, “I have, O lord, performed hundreds of + Pundarika, Gosava and Vajapeya sacrifices. Take thou the merit of these. + Wealth, gems, robes, I have spared nothing for the performance of + sacrifices. By that truth ascend thou to heaven.” And that king thereupon + leaving the earth, began to ascend towards heaven, higher and higher, as + those daughter’s sons of his, one after another, said those words unto + him. And it was thus that those kings by their good acts, speedily saved + Yayati, who had been hurled from heaven. It was thus that those daughter’s + sons born in four royal lines, those multipliers of their races, by means + of their virtues, sacrifices, and gifts, caused their wise maternal + grandfather to ascend again to heaven. And those monarchs jointly said, + “Endued with the attributes of royalty and possessed of every virtue, we + are, O king, thy daughter’s sons! (By virtue of our good deeds) ascend + thou to heaven.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0122" id="link52H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Narada said, ‘Sent back to heaven by those righteous kings, distinguished + by the liberality of their sacrificial presents, Yayati possessed of + daughter’s sons, dismissed them and reached the celestial regions. + Attaining to the eternal region obtained through the merit of his + daughter’s sons, and adorned by his own deeds, Yayati, bathed in a shower + of fragrant flowers and hugged by perfumed and delicious breezes, blazed + forth with great beauty. And cheerfully, received back into heaven with + sounds of cymbals, he was entertained with songs and dances by various + tribes of Gandharvas and Asuras. And diverse celestial and royal Rishis + and Charanas began to pay their adorations to him. And deities worshipped + him with an excellent Arghya and delighted him with other honours. And + after he had thus regained heaven and tranquillity of heart, and had once + more become freed from anxiety, the Grandsire, gratifying him by his words + said, “Thou hadst earned the full measure of virtue by thy earthly deeds, + and this region (that thou hadst won) is eternal, as thy deeds are in + heaven. Thou hadst, however, O royal sage, destroyed thy acquisition by + thy vanity alone, and thereby covered the hearts of all the denizens of + heaven with darkness in consequence of which none of them could recognise + thee. And since thou couldst not be recognised, thou wert hurled hence! + Saved once more by the love and affection of thy daughter’s sons, thou + hast once more arrived here, and regained this unchangeable, eternal, + sacred, excellent, stable, and indestructible region won before by thy own + deeds.” Thus addressed, Yayati said, “O holy one, I have a doubt, which, + it behoveth thee, to dispel. O Grandsire of all the worlds, it behoveth me + not to ask any one else. Great was my merit, augmented by a (virtuous) + rule over my subjects for many thousands of years and won by innumerable + sacrifices and gifts. How could merit (so great) be exhausted so soon in + consequence of which I was hurled hence? Thou knowest, O holy one, that + the regions created for me were all eternal. Why were all those regions of + mine destroyed, O thou of great effulgence?” The Grandsire answered, + saying, “Thy merit, augmented by a (virtuous) rule over thy subjects for + many thousands of years and won by innumerable sacrifices and gifts, was + exhausted by only one fault, in consequence of which thou wert hurled + (from this region). That fault, O king of kings, was thy vanity for which + thou hadst become an object of contempt with all the residents of heaven. + O royal sage, this region can never be rendered eternal by vanity, or + pride of strength, or malice, or deceitfulness, or deception. Never + disregard those that are inferior, or superior, or in the middle station. + There is not a greater sinner than he who is consumed by the fire of + vanity. Those men that will converse upon this fall and re-ascension of + thine, will, without doubt, be protected even if overtaken by calamity.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Narada continued, ‘O monarch, even such was the distress into which + Yayati fell in consequence of vanity, and such was the distress into which + Galava fell owing to his obstinacy. They that desire their own good should + listen to friends that wish them well. Obstinacy should never be + entertained, for obstinacy is always the root of ruin. For this reason, O + son of Gandhari, forsake vanity and wrath. O hero, make peace with the + sons of Pandu. Avoid anger, O king, that which is given away, that which + is done, the austerities that are practised, the libations that are poured + on fire, not one of these is ever destroyed or suffereth any diminution. + None else, again, enjoyeth the fruits of these save he that is their + agent. He that succeedeth in understanding this truly superior and + excellent history, that is approved by persons of great learning as well + as by those that are freed from anger and lust, and that is enforced by + various references to scriptures and reason, obtaineth a knowledge of + virtue and profit and desire, and enjoyeth the sovereignty of the whole + world!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0123" id="link52H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O holy one, it is even so as thou, O Narada, sayest. + My wish also is precisely such, but, O holy one, I have no power (to carry + them out)!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The Kuru king, having said these words unto + Narada, then addressed Krishna and said, ‘Thou hast, O Kesava, told me + that which leadeth to heaven, what is beneficial to the world, consistent + with virtue, and fraught with reason. I am not, however, O sire, + independent. Duryodhana never doth what is agreeable to me. Do thou, + therefore, O mighty-armed Krishna, O best of persons, strive to persuade + that foolish and wicked son of mine, who disobeyeth my commands. O + mighty-armed one, he never listeneth to the beneficial words, O + Hrishikesa, of Gandhari, or of wise Vidura, or of other friends headed by + Bhishma, all of whom seek his good. Do thou, therefore, thyself counsel + that crooked, senseless, and wicked-souled prince, of evil disposition and + sinful heart. By doing this, O Janardana, thou shalt have done that noble + act which a friend should ever do.’ Thus addressed, he of Vrishni’s race, + conversant with the truths of virtue and profit, approached nearer to the + ever-wrathful Duryodhana and said unto him these sweet words, ‘O + Duryodhana, O best of the Kurus, listen to these words of mine, uttered + especially for thy good, as also, O Bharata, for that of thy followers. + Thou art born in a race that is distinguished for its great wisdom. It + behoveth thee to act righteously as I indicate. Possessed of learning and + endued with excellent behaviour, thou art adorned with every excellent + quality. They that are born in ignoble families, or are wicked-souled, + cruel, and shameless, they only, O sire, act in the way that seemeth + acceptable to thee. In this world, the inclinations of those only that are + righteous seem to be consistent with the dictates of virtue and profit. + The inclinations, however, of those that are unrighteous seem to be + perverse. O bull of Bharata’s race, the disposition that thou art + repeatedly manifesting is of that perverse kind. Persistence in such + behaviour is sinful, frightful, highly wicked, and capable of leading to + death itself. It is besides, causeless, while, again, thou canst not, O + Bharata, adhere to it long. If by avoiding this which is productive only + of woe, thou wilt achieve thy own good, if, O chastiser of foes, thou wilt + escape from the sinful and disreputable deeds of thy brothers, followers, + and counsellors. Then, O tiger among men, make peace, O bull among the + Bharatas, with the sons of Pandu who are all endued with great wisdom and + great bravery with great exertion and great learning an all of whom have + their souls under complete control. Such conduct will be agreeable to and + conducive to the happiness of Dhritarashtra who is endued with great + wisdom, of grandsire (Bhishma), Drona, the high-souled Kripa, Somadatta, + wise Vahlika, Aswatthaman, Vikarna, Sanjaya, Vivinsati, and of many of thy + kinsmen, O chastiser of foes, and many of thy friends also. The whole + world, O sire, will derive benefit from that peace. Thou art endued with + modesty, born in a noble race, hast learning and kindness of heart. Be + obedient, O sire, to the commands of thy father, and also of thy mother, O + bull of Bharata’s race. They that are good sons always regard that to be + beneficial which their fathers command. Indeed, when overtaken by + calamity, every one recollects the injunctions of his father. Peace with + the Pandavas, O sire, recommends itself to thy father. Let it, therefore, + O chief of the Kurus, recommend itself to thee also with thy counsellors. + That mortal who having listened to the counsels of friends and doth not + act according to them, is consumed at the end by the consequences of his + disregard, like him who swalloweth the fruit called Kimpaka. He that from + folly doth not accept beneficial counsels, unnerved by procrastination and + unable to attain his object, is obliged to repent at last. He, on the + other hand, who having listened to beneficial counsels accepteth them at + once, abandoning his opinion, always winneth happiness in the world. He + that rejects the words of well-meaning friends, regarding those words as + opposed to his interest, but accepts words that are really so opposed, is + soon subjugated by his foes. Disregarding the opinions of the righteous he + that abideth by the opinions of the wicked, soon maketh his friends weep + for him in consequence of his being plunged into distress. Forsaking + superior counsellors he that seeketh the advice of inferior ones, soon + falleth into great distress and succeedeth not in saving himself. That + companion of the sinful, who behaveth falsely and never listeneth to good + friends, who honoureth strangers but hateth those that are his own, is + soon, O Bharata, cast off by the Earth. O bull of Bharata’s race, having + quarrelled with those (the sons of Pandu), thou seekest protection from + others viz., those that are sinful, incapable, and foolish. What other man + is there on earth besides thee, who, disregarding kinsmen, that are all + mighty charioteers, and each of whom resembleth Sakra himself, would seek + protection and aid from strangers? Thou hast persecuted the sons of Kunti, + from their very birth. They have not been angry with thee, for the sons of + Pandu are indeed virtuous. Although thou hast behaved deceitfully towards + the Pandavas from their very birth, yet, O mighty-armed one, those + distinguished persons have acted generously towards thee. It behoveth + thee, therefore, O bull of Bharata’s race, to act towards those principal + kinsmen of thine with equal generosity. Do not yield thyself to the + influence of wrath. O bull of Bharata’s race, the exertions of the wise + are always associated with virtue, profit, and desire. If, indeed, all + these three cannot be attained, men follow at least virtue and profit. If, + again, these three are pursued separately, it is seen that they that have + their hearts under control, choose virtue; they that are neither good nor + bad but occupy a middle station, choose profit, which is always the + subject of dispute; while they that are fools choose the gratification of + desire. The fool that from temptation giveth up virtue and pursueth profit + and desire by unrighteous means, is soon destroyed by his senses. He that + speaketh profit and desire, should yet practise virtue at the outset, for + neither profit nor desire is (really) dissociated from virtue. O king, it + hath been said that virtue alone is the cause of the three, for he that + seeketh the three, may, by the aid of virtue alone, grow like fire when + brought into contact with a heap of dry grass. O bull of Bharata’s race, + thou seeketh, O sire, by unrighteous means this extensive empire, + flourishing with prosperity and well-known to all the monarchs of the + earth. O king, he that behaveth falsely towards those that live and + conduct themselves righteously, certainly cutteth down his own self, like + a forest with an axe. One must not seek to confound his understanding + whose overthrow one doth not like, for, if one’s understanding is + confounded, one can never devote his attention to what is beneficial. One + that hath his soul under control never, O Bharata, disregardeth anybody in + the three worlds,—no, not even the commonest creature, far less + those bulls among men, the sons of Pandu. He that surrendereth himself to + the influence of anger loseth his sense of right and wrong. Rank growth + must always be cut off. Behold, O Bharata, this is the proof. At present, + O sire, union with the sons of Pandu is better for thee than thy union + with the wicked. If thou makest peace with them, thou mayst obtain the + fruition of all thy wishes. O best of kings, while enjoying the kingdom + that has been founded by the Pandavas, thou seekest protection from + others, disregarding the Pandavas themselves. Reposing the cares of thy + state on Dussasana, Durvisaha, Karna, and Suvala’s son, thou desirest the + continuance of thy prosperity, O Bharata. These, however, are far inferior + to the Pandavas in knowledge, in virtue, in capacity for acquiring wealth, + and in prowess. Indeed, O Bharata, (let alone the four I have mentioned) + all these kings together, with thee at their head, are incapable of even + looking at the face of Bhima, when angry, on the field of battle. O sire, + this force consisting of all the kings of the earth is, indeed, at thy + elbow. There are also Bhishma, and Drona, and this Karna, and Kripa, and + Bhurisrava, and Somadatta, and Aswatthaman, and Jayadratha. All these + together are incapable of fighting against Dhananjaya. Indeed, Arjuna is + incapable of being vanquished in battle even by all the gods, Asuras, men, + and Gandharvas. Do not set thy heart for battle. Seest thou the man in any + of the royal races of the earth, who having encountered Arjuna in battle + can return home safe and sound? O bull of Bharata’s race, what advantage + is there in a universal slaughter? Show me a single man who will defeat + that Arjuna, by defeating whom alone victory may be thine? Who will + encounter that son of Pandu in battle, who had vanquished all the + celestials with the Gandharvas, Yakshas and Pannagas at Khandavaprastha? + Then also the marvellous account that is heard of what happened at + Virata’s city, touching that encounter between one and many, is sufficient + proof of this. Hopest thou to vanquish in battle Arjuna who when excited + with rage is invincible, irresistible, ever-victorious, and + undeteriorating. Arjuna, that hero, who gratified the God of gods, Siva + himself in fight? With myself again as his second when that son of Pritha + will rush to the field of battle against an enemy, who is there that is + competent to challenge him then? Can Purandara himself do so? He that + would vanquish Arjuna in battle would support the Earth on his arms, + consume in rage the whole population of the Earth, and hurl the very gods + from heaven. Look at thy sons, thy brothers, kinsmen, and other relatives. + Let not these chiefs of Bharata’s race all perish on thy account. Let not + the race of Kauravas be exterminated or reduced. O king, let not people + say that thou art the exterminator of thy race and the destroyer of its + achievements. Those mighty car-warriors, the Pandavas (if peace be made) + will install thee as the Yuvaraja, and thy father Dhritarashtra, that lord + of men, as the sovereign of this extensive empire. Do not, O sire, + disregard the prosperity that is awaiting thee and is sure to come. Giving + to the sons of Pritha half the kingdom, win thou great prosperity. Making + peace with the Pandavas and acting according to the counsels of thy + friends, and rejoicing with them, thou art sure to obtain what is for thy + good for ever and ever.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0124" id="link52H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing, O bull of Bharata’s race, these words of + Kesava, Bhishma, the son of Santanu, then said unto vindictive Duryodhana, + ‘Krishna hath spoken to thee, desirous of bringing about peace between + kinsmen. O sire, follow those counsels, and do not yield to the influence + of wrath. If thou dost not act, O sire, according to the words of the + high-souled Kesava, neither prosperity, nor happiness nor what is for thy + good, wilt thou ever have. The mighty-armed Kesava, O sire, hath said unto + thee what is consistent with virtue and profit. Accept thou that object, + and do not, O king, exterminate the population of the earth. This + resplendent prosperity of the Bharatas amongst all the kings of the earth, + thou wilt, during the very life of Dhritarashtra, destroy through thy + wickedness, and thou wilt also, through this arrogant disposition of + thine, deprive thyself with all thy counsellors, sons, brothers, and + kinsmen, of life, if, O thou foremost of Bharata’s race, thou + transgressest the words of Kesava, thy father, and of wise Vidura,—words + that are consistent with truth and fraught with benefit to thyself. Be not + the exterminator of thy race, be not a wicked man, let not thy heart be + sinful, do not tread the path of unrighteousness. Do not sink thy father + and mother into an ocean of grief.’ After Bhishma had concluded, Drona + also said these words unto Duryodhana, who, filled with wrath, was then + breathing heavily, ‘O sire, the words that Kesava hath spoken unto thee + are fraught with virtue and profit. Santanu’s son Bhishma also hath said + the same. Accept those words, O monarch. Both of them are wise, endued + with great intelligence, with souls under control, desirous of doing what + is for thy good, and possessed of great learning. They have said what is + beneficial. Accept their words, O king, O thou possessed of great wisdom, + act according to what both Krishna and Bhishma have said. O chastiser of + foes, do not, from delusion of understanding, disregard Madhava. They that + are always encouraging thee, are unable to give thee victory. During the + time of battle they will throw the burthen of hostility on other’s necks. + Do not slaughter the Earth’s population. Do not slay thy sons and + brothers. Know that host is invincible in the midst of which are Vasudeva + and Arjuna. If, O Bharata, thou dost not accept the truthful words of thy + friends, Krishna and Bhishma, then, O sire, thou wilt surely have to + repent. Arjuna is even greater than what Jamadagni’s son hath described + him to be. As regards Krishna, the son of Devaki, he is incapable of being + resisted by even the gods. O bull of Bharata’s race, what use is there in + telling thee what is really conducive to thy happiness and good? + Everything hath now been said unto thee. Do what thou wishest. I do not + wish to say anything more unto thee, O foremost of Bharata’s race.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After Drona had ceased, Vidura also, otherwise + called Kshattri, casting his eyes on Duryodhana, said unto that vindictive + son of Dhritarashtra, ‘O Duryodhana, O bull of Bharata’s race, I do not + grieve for thee. I grieve, however, for this old couple, viz., Gandhari + and thy father. Having thee, of wicked soul for their protector (of whom + they will shortly be deprived), they will have to wander without anybody + to look after them, and deprived also of friends and counsellors, like a + pair of birds shorn of their wings. Having begotten such a wicked son who + is the exterminator of his race, alas, these two will have to wander over + the earth in sorrow, subsisting on alms.’ After this, king Dhritarashtra, + addressing Duryodhana, seated in the midst of his brothers and surrounded + by all the kings, said, ‘Listen, O Duryodhana, to what the high-souled + Sauri hath said. Accept those words which are eternal, highly beneficial + and conducive to what is for thy highest good. With the aid of this + Krishna of faultless deeds, we amongst all the kings, are sure to have all + our cherished objects. Firmly united by Kesava, be reconciled, O sire, + with Yudhishthira. Seek thou this great good of the Bharatas like unto an + august ceremony of propitiation. Through Vasudeva’s agency, bind thyself + closely with the Pandavas. I think, the time for that is come. Do not let + the opportunity pass away. If, however, thou disregardest Kesava, who from + a desire of achieving what is for good, is soliciting thee to make peace, + then victory will never be thine.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0125" id="link52H_4_0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Dhritarashtra, both Bhishma and + Drona who sympathised with the old king, again addressed disobedient + Duryodhana and said, ‘As yet the two Krishnas are not accoutred in mail, + as yet Gandiva resteth inactive, as yet Dhaumya doth not consume the + enemy’s strength by pouring libations on the war-fire, as yet that mighty + bowman Yudhishthira, having modesty for his ornament, doth not cast angry + glances on thy troops, so let hostility cease. As yet that mighty bowman, + Bhimasena, the son of Pritha, is not seen stationed in the midst of his + division, so let hostility cease. As yet Bhimasena, doth not, mace in + hand, stalk on the field of battle, grinding (hostile) divisions, so let + peace be made with the Pandavas. As yet Bhima doth not, with his + hero-slaying mace, make the heads of warriors fighting from the backs of + elephants roll on the field of battle, like the palmyra-fruits in the + season of their ripening, so let hostility cease. As yet Nakula, and + Sahadeva, Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and Virata, and Sikhandin, + and Sisupal’s son, accoutred in mail and all well-versed in arms, do not + penetrate thy ranks, like huge crocodiles penetrating the deep, and pour + their arrowy showers, so let hostility cease. As yet fierce-winged shafts + do not fall upon the delicate bodies of the assembled kings, so let + hostility cease. As yet fierce weapons made of iron and steel, shot + unerringly by mighty bowmen well-skilled in arms, endued with lightness of + hand and capable of hitting howsoever long distance, do not penetrate the + breasts of warriors, smeared with sandal and other fragrant unguents, and + adorned with golden garlands and gems, so let hostility cease. Let that + elephant among kings, Yudhishthira the Just, receive thee with an embrace + while thou salutest him bending thy head. O bull of Bharata’s race, let + that king, distinguished for the liberality of his sacrificial presents, + place on thy shoulder that right arm of his, the palm of which beareth the + marks of the banner and the hook. Let him, with hands begemmed and red, + adorned with fingers, pat thy back while thou art seated. Let the + mighty-armed Vrikodara, with shoulder broad as those of the sala tree, + embrace thee, O bull of Bharata’s race, and gently converse with thee for + peace. And, O king, saluted with reverence by those three, viz., Arjuna + and the Twins, smell thou their heads and converse with them + affectionately. And beholding thee united with thy heroic brothers—the + sons of Pandu—let all these monarchs shed tears of joy. Let the + tidings of this cordial union be proclaimed in the cities of all the + kings. Let the Earth be ruled by thee with feelings of brotherly affection + (in thy bosom), and let thy heart be freed from the fever (of jealousy and + wrath).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0126" id="link52H_4_0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing in that assembly of the Kurus these words that + were disagreeable to him, Duryodhana replied unto the mighty-armed Kesava + of great fame, saying. ‘It behoveth thee, O Kesava, to speak after + reflecting on all circumstances. Indeed, uttering such harsh words, thou, + without any reason, findest fault with me alone, addressed regardfully as + thou always art by the sons of Pritha, O slayer of Madhu. But dost thou + censure me, having surveyed the strength and weakness (of both sides)? + Indeed, thyself and Kshattri, the King, the Preceptor, and the Grandsire, + all reproach me alone and not any other monarch. I, however, do not find + the least fault in myself. Yet all of you, including the (old) king + himself, hate me. O repressor of foes, I do not, even after reflection, + behold any grave fault in me, or even, O Kesava, any fault however minute. + In the game at dice, O slayer of Madhu, that was joyfully accepted by + them, the Pandavas were vanquished and their kingdom was won by Sakuni. + What blame can be mine as regards that? On the other hand, O slayer of + Madhu, the wealth that was won from the Pandavas then, was ordered by me, + to be returned unto them. It cannot, again, O foremost of victors, be any + fault of ours that the invincible Pandavas, were defeated once again at + dice and had to go to the woods. Imputing what fault to us, do they regard + us as their enemies? And, O Krishna, though (really) weak, why do the + Pandavas yet so cheerfully seek a quarrel with us, as if they were strong? + What have we done to them? For what injury (done to them) do the sons of + Pandu, along with the Srinjayas, seek to slaughter the sons of + Dhritarashtra? We shall not in consequence of any fierce deed, or + (alarming) word (of theirs), bow down to them in fear, deprived of our + senses. We cannot bow down to Indra himself, let alone the sons of Pandu. + I do not, O Krishna, see the man, observant of Kshatriya virtues, who can, + O slayer of foes, venture to conquer us in battle. Let alone the Pandavas, + O slayer of Madhu, the very gods are not competent to vanquish Bhishma, + Kripa, Drona and Karna, in battle. If, O Madhava, we are, in the + observance of the practices of our order, cut off with weapons in battle, + when our end comes, even that will lead us to heaven. Even this, O + Janardana, is our highest duty as Kshatriyas, viz., that we should lay + ourselves down on the field of battle on a bed of arrows. If, without + bowing to our enemies, ours be the bed of arrows in battle, that, O + Madhava, will never grieve us. Who is there, born in a noble race and + conforming to Kshatriya practices, that would from fear bow to an enemy, + desirous only of saving his life? Those Kshatriyas that desire their own + good, accept regardfully this saying of Matanga, viz., that (as regards a + Kshatriya), one should always keep himself erect, and never bow down, for + exertion alone is manliness; one should rather break at the knots than + bend. A person like me should only bow down to the Brahmanas for the sake + of piety, without regarding anybody else. (As regards persons other than + Brahmanas), one should, as long as one lives, act according to Matanga’s + saying. Even this is the duty of Kshatriyas; even this is ever my opinion. + That share in the kingdom which was formerly given them by my father shall + never again, O Kesava, be obtainable by them as long as I live. As long, O + Janardana, as king Dhritarashtra liveth, both ourselves and they, + sheathing our weapons, O Madhava, should live in dependence on him. Given + away formerly from ignorance or fear, when I was a child and dependent on + others, the kingdom, O Janardana, incapable of being given away again, + shall not, O delighter of Vrishni’s race, be obtainable by the Pandavas. + At present, O Kesava of mighty arms, as long as I live, even that much of + our land which may be covered by the point of a sharp needle shall not, O + Madhava, be given by us unto the Pandavas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0127" id="link52H_4_0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Reflecting (for a moment), with eyes red in anger, he, + of Dasarha’s race, addressing Duryodhana in that assembly of the Kurus, + then said these words, ‘Wishest thou for a bed of heroes? Verily, thou + shalt have it, with thy counsellors. Wait (for a short while), a great + slaughter will ensue. Thou thinkest, O thou of little understanding, that + thou hast committed no offence against the Pandavas? Let the (assembled) + monarchs judge. Grieved at the prosperity of the high-souled Pandavas, + thou conspirest, O Bharata, with Suvala’s son about the gambling match. O + sire, how could those virtuous, honest, and superior kinsmen of thine + (otherwise) engage in such a wicked act with the deceitful Sakuni? O thou + that art endued with great wisdom, gambling robs even the good of their + understanding, and as regards the wicked, disunion and dire consequence + spring from it. It was thou who hadst devised with thy wicked counsellors, + that terrible source of calamity in the form of the gambling match, + without consulting with persons of righteous behaviour. Who else is there, + capable of insulting a brother’s wife in the way thou didst or of dragging + her into the assembly and addressing her in language thou hadst used + towards Draupadi? Of noble parentage, and endued with excellent behaviour, + and dearer to them than their very lives, the queen-consort of Pandu’s + sons was treated even thus by thee. All the Kauravas know what words were + addressed in their assembly by Dussasana unto those chastisers of foes,—the + sons of Kunti,—when they were about to set out for the woods. Who is + there capable of behaving so wretchedly towards his own honest kinsmen, + that are ever engaged in the practice of virtue, that are untainted by + avarice, and that are always correct in their behaviour? Language such as + becomes only those that are heartless and despicable, was frequently + repeated by Karna and Dussasana and also by thee. Thou hadst taken great + pains to burn to death, at Varanavata, the sons of Pandu with their + mother, while they were children, although that effort of thine was not + crowned with success. After this, the Pandavas with their mother were + obliged to live for a long while, concealed in the town of Ekachakra in + the abode of a Brahmana. With poison, with snakes and cords, thou hadst, + by every means, sought the destruction of the Pandavas, although none of + thy designs was successful. With such feelings when thou hadst always + acted towards them so deceitfully, how canst thou say that thou hast not + offended against the high-souled Pandavas? Thou art not, O sinful man, + willing to give them their paternal share in the kingdom, although they + are begging it of thee. Thou shalt have to give it them, this, when + divested of prosperity, thou shalt be laid low. Having, like a heartless + fellow, done innumerable wrongs to the Pandavas and behaved so deceitfully + towards them, thou seekest now to appear in a different garb. Though + repeatedly solicited by thy parents, by Bhishma, Drona, and Vidura, to + make peace, thou dost not yet, O king, make peace. Great is the advantage + in peace, O king, both to thyself and Yudhishthira. Peace, however, does + not recommend itself to thee. To what else can it be due, but to thy loss + of understanding? Transgressing the words of thy friends, thou canst never + attain to what is for thy benefit. Sinful and disreputable is that act, + which thou, O king, art about to do.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “While he, of Dasarha’s race, was saying this, + Dussasana addressed vindictive Duryodhana and said unto him these words in + the midst of the Kurus, ‘If, O king, thou dost not willingly make peace + with the Pandavas, verily the Kauravas will bind thee (hand and foot) and + make over thee to the son of Kunti. Bhishma, and Drona, and thy (own) + father, O bull amongst men, will make over us three, viz., Vikartana’s + son, thyself, and myself, to the Pandavas!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of his brother, + Dhritarashtra’s son, wicked, shameless, disobedient, disrespectful, and + vain Suyodhana, breathing heavily like a great snake rose up from his seat + in anger, and disregarding Vidura, and Dhritarashtra and the great king + Vahlika, and Kripa, and Somadatta, and Bhishma, and Drona, and Janardana, + in fact, all of them, went out of the court. And beholding that bull among + men leave the court, his brother and all his counsellors, and all the + kings, followed him. And seeing Duryodhana rise and leave the court in + anger with his brothers, Santanu’s son, Bhishma said, ‘The enemies of that + person, who, abandoning both virtue and profit, followeth the impulses of + wrath, rejoice on beholding him plunged into distress at no distant date. + This wicked son of Dhritarashtra, this one unacquainted with the true + means (of accomplishing his objects), this fool that is wrongly vain of + his sovereignty, obeyeth only the dictates of wrath and avarice. I see + also, O Janardana, that the hour of all those Kshatriyas is arrived, for + all those kings, from delusion, have with their counsellors followed + Duryodhana.’ Hearing these words of Bhishma, the lotus-eyed hero of + Dasarha’s race, possessed of great powers, addressing all those (that were + still there) headed by Bhishma and Drona, said, ‘Even this is great + transgression, of which all the elders of the Kuru race are becoming + guilty, for they do not forcibly seize and bind this wicked king in the + enjoyment of sovereignty. Ye chastiser of foes, I think the time hath come + for doing this. If this is done, it may still be productive of good. + Listen to me, ye sinless ones. The words I will speak will soon lead to + beneficial results, if, indeed, ye Bharatas, ye accept what I say in + consequence of its recommending itself to you. The wicked son, of + ill-regulated soul, of the old Bhoja king, having usurped his father’s + sovereignty during the latter’s life-time, subjected himself to death. + Indeed, Kansa, the son of Ugrasena, abandoned by his relatives, was slain + by me in a great encounter, from desire of benefiting my kinsmen. + Ourselves with our kinsmen then, having paid due honours to Ugrasena, the + son of Ahuka, installed that extender of Bhoja’s kingdom on the throne. + And all the Yadavas and Andhakas and the Vrishnis, abandoning a single + person, viz., Kansa for the sake of their whole race, have prospered and + obtained happiness. O king, when the gods and Asuras were arrayed for + battle and weapons were upraised for striking, the lord of all creatures, + Parameshthin said thus (something which applies to the case at hand). + Indeed, O Bharata, when the population of the worlds was divided into two + parties and was about to be slaughtered, the divine and holy Cause of the + universe, viz., the Creator, said, “The Asuras and the Daityas with the + Danavas will be vanquished, and the Adityas, the Vasus, the Rudras and + other dwellers of heaven will be victorious. Indeed, the gods, and Asuras, + and human beings, and Gandharvas, and Snakes, and Rakshasas, will in rage + slaughter one another in this battle.” Thinking so, the Lord of all + creatures, Parameshthin, commanded Dharma, saying, “Binding fast, the + Daityas and the Danavas, make them over to Varuna.” Thus addressed, + Dharma, at the command of Parameshthin, binding the Daityas and the + Danavas, made them over to Varuna. And Varuna, the Lord of the waters, + having bound those Danavas, with Dharma’s noose, as also with his own, + keepeth them within the depths of the ocean, always guarding them + carefully. Binding in the same way Duryodhana and Karna and Sakuni, the + son of Suvala, and Dussasana, make them over to the Pandavas. For the sake + of a family, an individual may be sacrificed. For a village, a family may + be sacrificed. For the sake of a province, a village may be sacrificed. + And lastly, for the sake of one’s self, the whole earth may be sacrificed. + O monarch, binding Duryodhana fast, make peace with the Pandavas. O bull + among Kshatriyas, let not the whole Kshatriya race be slaughtered on thy + account.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0128" id="link52H_4_0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Krishna, king Dhritarashtra + lost no time in addressing Vidura, who was conversant with all dictates of + virtue. And the king said, ‘Go, O child, unto Gandhari, possessed of great + wisdom and foresight and bring her hither. With her I will solicit this + wicked-hearted (son of mine). If she can pacify this wicked wretch, of + evil heart, we may yet be able to act according to the words of our friend + Krishna. It may be that speaking words in recommendation of peace, she may + yet succeed in pointing out the right path to this fool, afflicted by + avarice and having wicked allies. If she can dispel this great and + dreadful calamity (about to be) occasioned by Duryodhana, it will then + conduce to the attainment and preservation of happiness and peace for ever + and ever.’ Hearing these words of the king, Vidura, at Dhritarashtra’s + command, brought (thither) Gandhari, possessed of great foresight. And + Dhritarashtra then addressed Gandhari and said, ‘Behold, O Gandhari, this + thy son of wicked soul, transgressing all my commands, is about to + sacrifice both sovereignty and life in consequence of his lust for + sovereignty. Of wicked soul and little understanding, he hath, like one of + uncultivated mind, left the court, with his sinful counsellors, + disregarding his superiors and setting at naught the words of his + well-wishers.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of her husband, that princess of + great fame, Gandhari, desirous of what was highly beneficial, said these + words, ‘Bring hither, without loss of time, that kingdom-coveting, sick + son of mine. He that is of uncultivated heart and sacrificeth both virtue + and profit, doth not deserve to govern a kingdom. For all that, however, + Duryodhana, who is destitute of humility hath, by every means, obtained a + kingdom. Indeed, O Dhritarashtra, thou so fond of thy son, art very much + to be blamed for this, for knowing well his sinfulness, thou followest yet + his counsel. That son of thine, completely possessed by lust and wrath is + now the slave of delusion, and is, therefore, incapable, O king, of being + now forcibly turned back by thee. Thou art now reaping the fruit, O + Dhritarashtra, of having made over the kingdom to an ignorant fool of + wicked soul, possessed by avarice and having wicked counsellors. Why is + the king indifferent (today) to that disunion, which is about to take + place between persons related so closely? Indeed, beholding thee disunited + with those that are thy own, thy enemies will laugh at thee. Who is there + that would use force for getting over that calamity, O king, which can be + overcome by conciliation and gift?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Kshattri then, and at Dhritarashtra’s command, + and of his mother’s also, once more caused vindictive Duryodhana to enter + the court. Expectant of his mother’s words, the prince re-entered the + court, with eyes red as copper from wrath, and breathing heavily as a + snake. And beholding her son, who was treading in a wrong path, enter the + court, Gandhari rebuked him severely and said these words for bringing + about peace." </p> + <p> + “Gandhari said, ‘O Duryodhana, attend, O dear son, to these words of mine + that are beneficial to thee as also to all thy followers,—words that + thou art competent to obey and that will conduce to thy happiness. O + Duryodhana, obey thou the words of thy well-wishers, those words, viz., + which that best of the Bharatas—thy father—and Bhishma, and + Drona, and Kripa, and Kshattri, have spoken. If thou makest peace, thou + wouldst by that render homage to Bhishma, to thy father, to me, and to all + thy well-wishers with Drona at their head. O thou of great wisdom, nobody, + O best of the Bharatas, succeedeth by his own desire alone in acquiring + and keeping or enjoying a kingdom. One that hath not his senses under + control, cannot enjoy sovereignty for any length of time. He that hath his + soul under control and is endued with great intelligence, can rule a + kingdom. Lust and wrath wean away a man from his possessions and + enjoyments. Conquering these foes first, a king bringeth the earth under + his subjection. Sovereignty over men is a great thing. Those that are of + wicked souls may easily desire to win a kingdom, but they are not + competent to retain a kingdom (when won). He that desireth to obtain + extensive empire must bind his senses to both profit and virtue, for if + the senses are restrained, intelligence increaseth, like fire that + increaseth when fed with fuel. If not controlled, these can even slay + their possessor, like unbroken and furious horses, capable of killing an + unskilful driver. One that seeketh to conquer his counsellors without + conquering his own self, and to conquer foes without conquering his + counsellors, is soon vanquished himself and is ruined. He who conquereth + his own self first, taking it for a foe, will not seek in vain to conquer + his counsellors and enemies afterwards. Prosperity worshippeth greatly + that person who hath conquered his senses and his counsellors, who + inflicteth punishments on transgressors, who acteth after deliberation, + and who is possessed of wisdom. Lust and wrath that dwell in the body are + deprived of their strength by wisdom, like a couple of fishes ensnared in + a net with close holes. Those two in consequence of which the gods shut + the gates of heaven against one, who freed from worldly propensities is + desirous of going thither, are excited by lust and wrath. That king who + knoweth well how to conquer lust and wrath and avarice and boastfulness + and pride, can own the sovereignty of the whole earth. That king who is + desirous of gaining wealth and virtue and vanquishing his enemies, should + always be engaged in controlling his passions. Influenced by lust, or from + wrath, he that behaveth deceitfully towards his own kinsmen or others, can + never win many allies. Uniting thyself with those chastisers of foes—the + heroic sons of Pandu—who are all endued with great wisdom, thou + canst, O son, enjoy the earth in happiness. What Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, and that mighty car-warrior, Drona, have told thee is, O son, + quite true,—Krishna and Dhananjaya are invincible. Seek thou, + therefore, the protection of this mighty-armed one, this one that is not + worried by exertion, for if Kesava becometh gracious, both sides will be + happy. That man, who is not obedient to the wishes of wise and learned + friends, always seeking his prosperity, only gladdeneth his enemies. O + son, there is no good in battle, no virtue, no profit. How can it bring + happiness then? Even victory is not always certain. Do not set thy heart, + therefore, on battle. O thou of great wisdom, Bhishma and thy father and + Vahlika (formerly) gave unto the Pandavas their share (of the kingdom) + from fear. O chastiser of foes, never think of disunion with them. Thou + beholdest today the fruit of that (peaceful) cession in the fact of thy + sovereignty over the whole earth, with all its thorns removed by those + heroes. Give, O chastiser of foes, unto the son of Pandu what is their + due. If thou wishest to enjoy, with the counsellors even half (the + empire), let their share then be given unto them. Half the earth is + sufficient to yield the means of support unto thee and thy counsellors. By + acting according to the words of thy well-wishers, thou wilt, O Bharata, + win great fame. A quarrel with the sons of Pandu who are all endued with + prosperity, who have their souls under complete control, who are possessed + of great intelligence and have conquered their passions, will only divest + thee of thy great prosperity. Dispelling the wrath of all thy + well-wishers, rule thou thy kingdom as becometh thee, giving, O bull of + Bharata’s race, unto the sons of Pandu the share that belongeth to them. O + son, persecution of the sons of Pandu for full thirteen years hath been + enough. Augmented by lust and wrath, quench (that fire) now, O thou of + great wisdom. Thou that covetest the wealth of the Pandavas are not a + match for them, nor this Suta’s son, who is exceedingly wrathful, nor this + thy brother Dussasana. Indeed, when Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Karna + and Bhimasena and Dhananjaya and Dhrishtadyumna will be enraged, the + population of the earth will be exterminated. Under the influence of + wrath, do not, O son, exterminate the Kurus. Let not the wide earth be + destroyed for thy sake. Of little understanding as thou art, thou thinkest + that Bhishma, and Drona, and Kripa, all others will fight (for thee) with + all their might. That will never happen, for as regards these, that are + endued with self-knowledge, their affection towards the Pandavas and + yourselves is equal. If for the sake of the sustenance they have obtained + from the king (Dhritarashtra), they consent to yield up their very lives, + they will not yet be able to cast angry glances upon king Yudhishthira. It + is never seen in this world that men acquire wealth by avarice. Give up + thy avarice then, O son, and desist, O bull of Bharat’s race.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0129" id="link52H_4_0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Disregarding these words of grave import, spoken by + his mother, Duryodhana went away, in anger, from that place to the + presence of wicked persons. And wending away from the court, the Kuru + prince began to consult with Suvala’s royal son, Sakuni, most clever in + dice. And this was the resolution which Duryodhana and Karna and Suvala’s + son Sakuni, with Dussasana as their fourth, arrived at, ‘This Janardana, + quick in action, seeketh, with the king Dhritarashtra and Santanu’s son, + to seize us first. We, however, shall forcibly seize this tiger among men, + Hrishikesa, first, like Indra forcibly seizing Virochana’s son (Vali). + Hearing that this one of Vrishni’s race hath been seized, the Pandavas + will lose their heart and become incapable of exertion, like snakes whose + fangs have been broken. This mighty-armed one is, indeed, the refuge and + protection of them all. If this grantor of wishes, this bull of all the + Satwatas, be confined, the Pandavas with the Somakas will become depressed + and incapable of any exertion. Therefore, disregarding Dhritarashtra’s + cries, we will seize even here this Kesava, who is quick in action, and + then fight with the foe.’ After those sinful men of wicked souls had come + to this sinful resolution, highly intelligent Satyaki, capable of reading + the heart by signs, soon came to know of it. And because of that + knowledge, he soon issued out of the court, accompanied by Hridika’s son + (Kritavarman). And Satyaki addressed Kritavarman, saying, ‘Array the + troops soon. And accoutred in mail and with thy troops arrayed for battle, + wait thou at the entrance of the court, till I represent this matter unto + Krishna, unwearied by exertion.’ Saying this, that hero re-entered the + court, like a lion entering a mountain-cave. And he (first) informed the + high-souled Kesava and then Dhritarashtra, and then Vidura of that + conspiracy. And having informed them of that resolution, he laughingly + said, ‘These wicked men intended to commit an act here, that is + disapproved by the good from consideration of virtue, profit, and desire. + They will, however, never be able to actually achieve it. These fools of + sinful souls assembled together, these wretches overwhelmed by lust, anger + and yielding themselves up to wrath and covetousness, are about to + perpetrate a highly unbecoming deed. Those wretches of little + understanding and desirous of seizing the lotus-eyed, are like idiots and + children desiring to seize a blazing fire by means of their garments.’ + Hearing these words of Satyaki, Vidura, endued with great foresight, said + these words unto the mighty-armed Dhritarashtra in the midst of the Kurus, + ‘O king, O chastiser of foes, the hour of all thy sons is come, for they + are endeavouring to perpetrate a highly infamous act, however incapable + they may be of actually accomplishing it. Alas, united together they + desire to vanquish this younger brother of Vasava, and seize this + lotus-eyed one. Indeed, encountering this tiger among men, this invincible + and irresistible one, they will all perish like insects in a blazing fire. + If Janardana wisheth, he can send all of them, even if they fight in a + body, unto the abode of Yama, like an enraged lion dispatching a herd of + elephants. He will, however, never do any such sinful and censurable act. + This best of persons, of unfading glory, will never deviate from virtue.’ + After Vidura had said these words, Kesava, casting his eyes on + Dhritarashtra, said in the midst of those well-meaning persons, who listen + to others’ words, ‘O king, if these (men) desire to chastise me by using + violence, permit them to chastise me. O monarch, as regards my chastising + them, for I dare chastise all of them together that are so excited with + rage, I will not, however, perpetrate any sinful and censurable act. + Coveting the possessions of the Pandavas, thy sons will lose their own. If + they desire to perpetrate such a deed, Yudhishthira’s object will then be + (easily) accomplished, for, this very day, O Bharata, seizing these with + all that follow them, I can make them over to the sons of Pritha. What is + there that is difficult of attainment by me? I will not, however, O + Bharata, commit in thy presence, O great monarch, any such censurable + deed, that can proceed only from wrath and a sinful understanding. Let it + be, O king, as this Duryodhana desireth. I give permission, O monarch, to + all thy sons to do it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words (of Kesava), Dhritarashtra addressed Vidura saying, + ‘Quickly bring hither sinful Duryodhana, who is so covetous of + sovereignty, with his friends, counsellors, brothers, and followers. I + shall see if indeed, making one more effort I can bring him to the right + path.’ + </p> + <p> + “Thus addressed by Dhritarashtra, Kshattri once more caused unwilling + Duryodhana to enter the court with his brothers, and surrounded by the + kings (that followed him). King Dhritarashtra then addressed Duryodhana, + surrounded by Karna and Dussasana and all those kings, saying, ‘O wretch + of accumulated sins, having for thy allies men of despicable acts, + infamous is the deed that thou, uniting with sinful friends, seekest to + do. Of little understanding, thou infamy of thy race, one like thee alone + can seek to do an act so infamous and disapproved by the good, however + impossible it may be of being actually achieved. Uniting with sinful + allies, wishest thou to chastise this invincible and irresistible one of + eyes like lotus-leaves? Like a child wishing to have the moon, seekest + thou, O fool, to do what cannot be done by the very gods, headed by Vasava + with all their strength? Knowest thou not, that Kesava is incapable of + being withstood in battle by gods and men and Gandharvas and Asuras and + Uragas? Like the wind which none can seize of being seized with his hands, + like the moon which no hand can reach, like the Earth which none can + support on his head, Kesava is incapable by force.’ + </p> + <p> + “After Dhritarashtra had said these words, Vidura (casting) his eyes on + Duryodhana, addressed that vindictive son of Dhritarashtra, saying, ‘O + Duryodhana, listen now to these words of mine. At the gates of Saubha, + that foremost of monkeys, known by the name of Dwivida, covered Kesava + with a mighty shower of stones. Desirous of seizing Madhava by putting + forth all his prowess and exertion, he did not yet succeed in seizing him. + Seekest thou to apprehend that Kesava by force? When Sauri went to + Pragjyotisha, Naraka with all the Danavas succeeded not in seizing him + there. Seekest thou to seize him by force? Slaying that Naraka in battle, + he brought away (from his city) a thousand damsels and married them all, + according to the ordinance. In the city of Nirmochana, six thousand mighty + Asuras failed to seize him with their nooses. Seekest thou to seize that + Kesava by force? While only a child, he slew Putana and two Asuras + assuming the shape of birds, and O bull of Bharata’s race, he held up the + mountains of Govardhana (on his little finger) for protecting the kine + (from a continuous rain). He hath also slain Aristha, and Dhenuka and + Chanura of great strength, and Aswaraja, and Kansa, the doer of evil. He + hath slain Jarasandha, and Vakra, and Sisupala of mighty energy, and Vana + in battle, and numerous other kings also have been slain by him. Of + immeasurable might, he vanquished king Varuna and also Pavaka (Agni), and + on the occasion of bringing (down from the celestial regions) the + (heavenly flower called) Parijata, he defeated the lord of Sachi himself. + While floating on the vast deep, he slew Madhu and Kaitabha, and in + another birth he slew Hayagriva (Horse-necked). He is the maker of + everything but is himself made by none. He is the Cause of all power. + Whatever Sauri wisheth, he accomplisheth without any effort. Knowest thou + not sinless Govinda, of terrible prowess and incapable of deterioration? + This one, resembling an angry snake of virulent poison, is the + never-ending source of energy. In seeking to use violence towards Krishna, + endued with mighty arms and unwearied by exertion, thou wilt, with all thy + followers, perish like an insect falling into fire.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0130" id="link52H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After Vidura had said this, Kesava, that slayer of + hostile divisions, endued with great energy, addressed Dhritarashtra’s + son, Duryodhana, and said, ‘From delusion, O Suyodhana, thou regardest me + to be alone, and it is for this, O thou of little understanding, that thou + seekest to make me a captive after vanquishing me by violence. Here, + however, are all the Pandavas and all the Vrishnis and Andhakas. Here are + all the Adityas, the Rudras, and the Vasus, with all the great Rishis.’ + Saying this Kesava, that slayer of hostile heroes burst out into a loud + laughter. And as the high-souled Sauri laughed, from his body, that + resembled a blazing fire, issued myriads of gods, each of lightning + effulgence, and not bigger than the thumb. And on his forehead appeared + Brahman, and on his breast Rudra. And on his arms appeared the regents of + the world, and from his mouth issued Agni, the Adityas, the Sadhyas, the + Vasus, the Aswins, the Marutas, with Indra, and the Viswedevas. And + myriads of Yakshas, and the Gandharvas, and Rakshasas also, of the same + measure and form, issued thence. And from his two arms issued Sankarshana + and Dhananjaya. And Arjuna stood on his right, bow in hand, and Rama stood + on his left, armed with the plough. And behind him stood Bhima, and + Yudhishthira, and the two sons of Madri, and before him were all the + Andhakas and the Vrishnis with Pradyumna and other chiefs bearing mighty + weapons upraised. And on his diverse arms were seen the conch, the discus, + the mace, the bow called Saranga, the plough, the javelin, the Nandaka, + and every other weapon, all shining with effulgence, and upraised for + striking. And from his eyes and nose and ears and every part of his body, + issued fierce sparks of fire mixed with smoke. And from the pores of his + body issued sparks of fire like unto the rays of the sun. And beholding + that awful form of the high-souled Kesava, all the kings closed their eyes + with affrighted hearts, except Drona, and Bhishma, and Vidura, endued with + great intelligence, greatly blessed Sanjaya, and the Rishis, possessed of + wealth of asceticism, for the divine Janardana gave unto them this divine + sight on the occasion. And beholding in the (Kuru) court that highly + wonderful sight, celestial drums beat (in the sky) and a floral shower + fell (upon him). And the whole Earth trembled (at the time) and the oceans + were agitated. And, O bull of the Bharata’s race, all the denizens of the + earth were filled with great wonder. Then that tiger among men, that + chastiser of foes, withdrew that divine and highly wonderful, and + extremely varied and auspicious form. And arm-in-arm with Satyaki on one + side and Hridika’s son (Kritavarman) on the other, and obtaining + permission of the Rishis, the slayer of Madhu went out. And during the + uproar that then took place, the Rishis, Narada and others vanished, for + repairing to their respective places. And this also was another wonderful + incident that happened. And seeing that tiger among men leave the court, + the Kauravas with all the kings followed him, like the gods following + Indra. Sauri, however, of immeasurable soul, without bestowing a single + thought on those that followed him, issued from the court, like a blazing + fire mixed with smoke. And he beheld (at the gate his charioteer) Daruka + waiting with his large white car, furnished with rows of tinkling bells, + decked with golden ornaments, and endued with great speed, the clatter of + whose wheels resounded like the rumbling of the clouds, and which was + covered all over with white tiger-skins, and unto which were harnessed his + steeds Saivya (and others). And there also appeared, mounted on his car, + that favourite hero of Vrishnis, the mighty car-warrior Kritavarman, the + son of Hridika. And that chastiser of foes, Sauri, who had his car ready, + was about to depart, king Dhritarashtra addressed him once more and said, + ‘O grinder of foes, thou hast seen, O Janardana, the power I wield over my + sons! Thou hast, indeed, witnessed all with thy own eyes. Nothing now is + unknown to thee. Seeing me endeavour to bring about peace between the + Kurus, and the Pandavas, in fact, knowing the state (in which I am), it + behoveth thee not to entertain any suspicion regarding me. O Kesava, I + have no sinful feelings towards the Pandavas. Thou knowest what words have + been spoken by me to Suyodhana. The Kauravas and all the kings of the + Earth, also know, O Madhava, that I have made every endeavour to bring + about peace.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “The mighty-armed Janardana then addressed + Dhritarashtra, Drona, grandsire Bhishma, Kshattri, Vahlika, and Kripa and + said, ‘Ye have yourselves witnessed all that hath happened in the assembly + of the Kurus, viz., how wicked Duryodhana, like an uneducated wretch, left + the court from anger, and how king Dhritarashtra also describeth himself + to be powerless. With the permission of you all, I shall now go back to + Yudhishthira.’ Saluting them, that bull amongst men, Sauri then mounted + his car and set out. And those heroic bulls amongst the Bharatas, those + mighty bowmen, viz., Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa, and Kshattri, and + Aswatthaman and Vikarna, and that mighty car-warrior Yuyutsu, all began to + follow him. And Kesava, on his large white car, furnished with rows of + tinkling bells, proceeded then, in the very sight of the Kurus, to the + abode of his paternal aunt (Kunti)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0131" id="link52H_4_0131"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Entering her abode and worshipping her feet, Kesava + represented to her briefly all that had transpired in the assembly of the + Kurus. And Vasudeva said, ‘Diverse words, worthy of being accepted and + fraught with reasons, were said both by myself and the Rishis, but + Duryodhana accepted them not. As regards Suyodhana and his followers, + their hour is come. With thy leave now, I shall speedily repair unto the + Pandavas. What should I say unto the Pandavas as thy instructions to them? + Tell me that, O thou endued with great wisdom. I desire to hear thy + words.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘O Kesava, say unto king Yudhishthira of virtuous soul these + words, “Thy virtue, O son, is decreasing greatly. Do not act vainly. O + king, like a reader of the Vedas incapable of catching their real meaning, + and, therefore, truly unlearned. Thy understanding, affected by only the + words of the Vedas, vieweth virtue alone. Cast thy eyes on the duties of + thy own order, as ordained by the Self-create. For all ruthless deeds and + for the protection of the people, from his (Brahmana’s) arms was created + the Kshatriya, who is to depend upon the prowess of his own arms. Listen, + an instance is cited in this connection, that hath been heard by me from + the aged. In days of yore, Vaisravana, having been gratified, made a gift + of this Earth to the royal sage Muchukunda. The latter without accepting + the gift, said, ‘I desire to enjoy that sovereignty which is won by + prowess of arms.’ At this, Vaisravana was highly delighted and filled with + wonder. King Muchukunda then, fully observing the duties of the Kshatriya + order ruled this earth, having conquered it by the prowess of his arms. + Then again, a sixth part of the virtue, practised by subjects + well-protected by the king, is obtained, O Bharata, by the king. The + virtue again that the king himself practiseth conferreth godhead on him, + while if he perpetrateth sin, he goeth to hell. The penal code properly + applied by the ruler, maketh the four orders adhere to their respective + duties, and leadeth to an acquisition (by the ruler himself) of virtue + (profit, and salvation). When the king properly abideth by the penal code, + without making any portion of it a dead letter, then that best of periods + called the Krita Yuga setteth in. Let not this doubt be thine, viz., + whether the era is the cause of the king, or the king the cause of the + era, for (know this to be certain that) the king is the cause of the era. + It is the king that createth the Krita, the Treta, or the Dwapara age. + Indeed, it is the king that is the cause of also the fourth Yuga (viz., + the Kali). That king who causeth the Krita age to set in, enjoyeth heaven + exceedingly. That king who causeth the Treta age to set in, doth enjoy + heaven but not exceedingly. For thus causing the Dwapara age to set in, a + king enjoyeth heaven according to his due. The king, however, who causeth + the Kali age to set in, earneth sin exceedingly. Thereupon, that king of + wicked deeds resideth in hell for countless years. Indeed, the king’s sins + affect the world, and the world’s sins affect him. Observe thou those + kingly duties of thine that befit thy ancestry. That is not the conduct of + a royal sage in which thou wishest to abide. Indeed, he that is stained by + weakness of heart and adhereth to compassion, and is unsteady, never + obtaineth the merit born of cherishing his subjects with love. That + understanding according to which thou art now acting was never wished (to + thee) by Pandu, or myself, or thy grandsire, while we uttered blessings on + thee before; sacrifice, gift, merit, and bravery, subjects and children, + greatness of soul, and might, and energy, these were always prayed by me + for thee. Well-wishing Brahmanas duly worshipped and gratified the gods + and the Pitris for your long life, wealth, and children, by adding Swaha + and Swadha. The mother and the father, as also the gods always desire for + their children liberality and gift and study and sacrifice and sway over + subjects. Whether all this be righteous or unrighteous, you are to + practise it, in consequence of your very birth. (Behold, O Krishna, so far + from doing all this), though born in a high race, they are yet destitute + of the very means of support, and are afflicted with misery. Hungry men, + approaching a brave and bountiful monarch, are gratified, and live by his + side. What virtue can be superior to this? A virtuous person, upon + acquiring a kingdom, should in this world make all persons his own, + attaching some by gift, some by force, and some by sweet words. A Brahmana + should adopt mendicancy; a Kshatriya should protect (subjects); a Vaisya + should earn wealth; and a Sudra should serve the other three. Mendicancy, + therefore, is forbidden to thee. Nor is agriculture suited to thee. Thou + art a Kshatriya and therefore, the protector of all in distress. Thou art + to live by the prowess of thy arms. O thou of mighty arms, recover thy + paternal share of the kingdom which thou hast lost, by conciliation, or by + working disunion among thy foes, or by gift of money or violence, or + well-directed policy. What can be a matter of greater grief than that I, + deprived of friends, should live upon food supplied by others, after + having brought thee forth, thou enhancer of the joys of friends? Fight, + according to the practices of kings. Do not sink thy ancestors (in + infamy). With thy merit worn out, do not, with thy younger brothers, + obtain a sinful end.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0132" id="link52H_4_0132"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘In this connection, O chastiser of foes, is cited an old + story of the conversation between Vidula and her son. It behoveth thee to + say unto Yudhishthira anything that can be gathered from this or anything + more beneficial than that. + </p> + <p> + “‘There was a high-born dame of great foresight, named Vidula. She was + famous, slightly wrathful, of crooked disposition, and devoted to + Kshatriya virtues. Well-educated, she was known to all the kings of the + earth. Of great learning, she had listened to the speeches and + instructions of diverse mien. And the princess Vidula, one day, rebuked + her own son, who, after his defeat by the king of the Sindhus, lay + prostrate with heart depressed by despair. And she said, “Thou art not my + son, O enhancer of the joys of foes. Begotten thou hast not been by myself + and thy father! Whence hast thou come? Without wrath as thou art, thou + canst not be counted as a man. Thy features betray thee to be a eunuch. + Sinkest thou in despair as long as thou livest? If thou art desirous of + thy own welfare, bear thou the burthen (of thy affairs on thy shoulders). + Do not disgrace thy soul. Do not suffer it to be gratified with a little. + Set thy heart on thy welfare, and be not afraid. Abandon thy fears. Rise, + O coward. Do not lie down thus, after thy defeat, delighting all thy foes + and grieving thy friends, and reft of all sense of honour. Little streams + are filled up with only a quantity of water. The palms of a mouse are + filled with only a small quantity. A coward is soon gratified, with + acquisitions that are small. Rather perish in plucking the fangs of a + snake than die miserable like a dog. Put forth thy prowess even at the + risk of thy life. Like a hawk that fearlessly rangeth the sky, do thou + also wander fearlessly or put forth thy prowess, or silently watch thy + foes for an opportunity. Why dost thou lie down like a carcass or like one + smitten by thunder? Rise, O coward, do not slumber after having been + vanquished by the foe. Do not disappear from the sight of all so + miserably. Make thyself known by thy deeds. Never occupy the intermediate, + the low, or the lowest station. Blaze up (like a well-fed fire). Like a + brand of Tinduka wood, blaze up even for a moment, but never smoulder from + desire, like a flameless fire of paddy chaff. It is better to blaze up for + a moment than smoke for ever and ever. Let no son be born in a royal race, + who is either exceedingly fierce or exceedingly mild. Repairing to the + field of battle and achieving every great feat that is possible for man to + achieve, a brave man is freed from the debt he oweth to the duties of the + Kshatriya order. Such a person never disgraceth his own self. Whether he + gaineth his object or not, he that is possessed of sense never indulgeth + in grief. On the other hand, such a person accomplisheth what should be + next done, without caring for even his life. Therefore, O son, display thy + prowess, or obtain that end which is inevitable. Why, indeed, dost thou + live, disregarding the duties of thy order? All thy religious rites, O + eunuch, and all thy achievements are gone. The every root of all thy + enjoyments is cut off. What for then dost thou live? If fall and sink one + must, he should seize the foe by the hips (and thus fall with the foe). + Even if one’s roots are cut off, he should not yet give way to despair. + Horses of high mettle put forth all their prowess for dragging or bearing + heavy weights. Remembering their behaviour, muster all thy strength and + sense of honour. Know also in what thy manliness consists. Exert thyself + in raising that race which hath sunk, in consequence of thee. He that hath + not achieved a great feat forming the subject of men’s conversation, only + increaseth the number of population. He is neither man nor woman. He whose + fame is not founded in respect of charity, asceticism, truth, learning and + acquisition of wealth, is only his mother’s excreta. On the other hand, he + that surpasseth others in learning, asceticism, wealth, prowess, and + deeds, is (truly) a man. It behoveth thee not to adopt the idle, wretched, + infamous, and miserable profession of mendicancy that is worthy only of a + coward. Friends never derive any happiness on obtaining that weak person + for a friend, at whose sight foes are delighted, who is despised by men, + who is without seats and robes, who is gratified with small acquisitions, + who is destitute, and who hath no courage, and is low. Alas, exiled from + our kingdom, driven from home, deprived of all means of enjoyment and + pleasure, and destitute of resources, we shall have to perish from want of + the very means of life! Misbehaving in the midst of those that are good, + and the destroyer of thy race and family, by bringing thee forth, O + Sanjaya, I have brought forth Kali himself in the shape of a son. Oh, let + no woman bring forth such a son (as thou) that art without wrath, without + exertion, without energy, and that art the joy of foes. Do not smoulder. + Blaze thou up, effectively displaying thy prowess. Slay thy foes. For but + a moment, for ever so small a space of time, blaze thou up on the heads of + thy enemies. He is a man who cherisheth wrath and forgiveth not. He, on + the other hand, who is forgiving and without wrath, is neither a man nor + woman. Contentment and softness of heart and these two, viz., want of + exertion and fear, are destructive of prosperity. He that is without + exertion never winneth what is great. Therefore, O son, free thyself, by + thy own exertions, from these faults that lead to defeat and downfall. + Steel thy heart and seek to recover thy own. A man is called Purusha + because he is competent to trouble his foe (param). He, therefore, who + liveth like a woman is misnamed Purusha (man). A brave king of mighty + strength, and who moveth like a lion, may go the way of all creatures. The + subjects, however, that reside in his dominions do not yet become unhappy. + That king, who, disregarding his own happiness and pleasures, seeketh the + prosperity of his kingdom, succeedeth soon in gladdening his counsellors + and friends.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words, the son said, “If thou dost not behold me, of what + use would the whole earth be to thee, of what use thy ornaments, of what + use all the means of pleasure and even life itself?” The mother said, “Let + those regions be obtained by our foes which belong to those that are low. + Let those again that are friends go to those regions which are obtainable + by persons whose souls are held in respect. Do not adopt the course of + life that is followed by those wretched persons, who, destitute of + strength, and without servants and attendants (to do their bidding) live + upon the food supplied by others. Like the creatures of the earth that + depend on the clouds, or the gods depending on Indra, let the Brahmanas + and thy friends all depend on thee for their sustenance. His life, O + Sanjaya, is not vain on whom all creatures depend for their sustenance, + like birds repairing to a tree abounding with ripe fruits. The life of + that brave man is, indeed, praiseworthy, through whose prowess friends + derive happiness, like the gods deriving happiness through the prowess of + Sakra. That man who liveth in greatness depending on the prowess of his + own arms, succeedeth in winning fame in this world and blessed state in + the next!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0133" id="link52H_4_0133"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Vidula said, “If, having fallen into such a plight, thou wishest to give + up manliness, thou shalt then have, in no time, to tread the path that is + trod by those that are low and wretched. That Kshatriya, who, from desire + of life, displayeth not his energy according to the best of his might and + prowess, is regarded as a thief. Alas, like medicine to a dying man, these + words that are fraught with grave import, and are proper and reasonable, + do not make any impression on thee! It is true, the king of the Sindhus + hath many followers. They are, however, all discounted. From weakness, and + ignorance of proper means, they are waiting for the distress of their + master (without being able to effect a deliverance for themselves by their + own exertions). As regards others (his open enemies), they will come to + thee with their auxiliaries if they behold thee put forth thy prowess. + Uniting with them, seek refuge now in mountain fastness, waiting for that + season when calamity will overtake the foe, as it must, for he is not free + from disease and death. By name thou art Sanjaya (the victorious). I do + not, however, behold any such indication in thee. Be true to thy name. Be + my son. Oh, do not make thy name untrue. Beholding thee while a child, a + Brahmana of great foresight and wisdom, said, ‘This one falling into great + distress will again win greatness.’ Remembering his words, I hope for thy + victory. It is for that, O son, I tell thee so, and shall tell thee again + and again. That man who pursueth the fruition of his objects according to + the ways of policy and for the success of whose objects other people + strive cordially, is always sure to win success. Whether what I have is + gained or lost, I will not desist, with such a resolve, O Sanjaya. O + learned one, engage in war, without withdrawing thyself from it. Samvara + hath said, ‘There is no more miserable state than that in which one is + anxious for his food from day to day.’ A state such as his hath been said + to be more unhappy than the death of one’s husband and sons. That which + hath been called poverty is only a form of death. As regards myself, born + in a high race, I have been transplanted from one lake into another. + Possessed of every auspicious thing, and worshipped by my husband, my + power extended over all. Staying in the midst of friends, our friends + formerly beheld me decked in costly garlands and ornaments, with body + well-washed, attired in excellent robes, and myself always cheerful. When + thou wilt behold both me and thy wife weakened (from want of food), thou + wilt then, O Sanjaya, scarcely desire to live. Of what use will life be to + thee when thou wilt behold all our servants engaged in attending on us, + our preceptors and our ordinary and extraordinary priests, leaving us from + want of sustenance? If, again, I do not now see in thee those laudable and + famous achievements in which thou wert formerly engaged, what peace can my + heart know? If I have to say—Nay—to a Brahmana, my heart will + burst, for neither I nor my husband ever said—Nay—to a + Brahmana before. We were the refuge of others, without ourselves having + ever taken refuge with others. Having been such, if I have to support life + by depending on another, I will surely cast off my life. Be thou our means + of crossing the ocean that is difficult to cross. In the absence of boats, + be thou our boat. Make for us a place where place there is none. Revive us + that are dead. Thou art competent to encounter all foes if thou dost not + cherish the desire of life. If, however, thou art for adopting this mode + of life that is fit only for a eunuch, then with troubled soul and + depressed heart it would be better for thee to sacrifice thy life. A brave + man winneth fame by slaying even a single foe. By slaying Vritra, Indra + became the great Indra and acquired the sovereignty of all the gods and + the cup for drinking Soma, and the lordship of all the worlds. Proclaiming + his name in battle, challenging his foes accoutred in steel, and grinding + or slaying the foremost warriors of hostile ranks, when a hero winneth + far-extending fame in fair fight, his enemies then are pained and bow down + unto him. They that are cowards become helpless and contribute by their + own conduct to bestow every object of desire on those that are skilled and + brave and that fight reckless of their lives. Whether kingdoms be + overtaken by mighty ruin, or whether life itself be endangered, they that + are noble never desist till they exterminate the foes within their reach. + Sovereignty is either the door of heaven or Amrita. Regarding it as one of + these, and bearing it in mind that is now shut against thee, fall thou + like a burning brand in the midst of thy foes. O king, slay thy foes in + battle. Observe the duties of thy order. Let me not behold thee cheerless, + O enhancer of the fears of thy foes. Let me not in dejection behold thee + standing in misery, surrounded by our sorrowing selves and rejoicing foes. + Rejoice, O son, and make thyself happy in the possession of wealth in the + company of the daughters of the Sauviras and do not, in weakness of heart, + be ruled over by the daughters of the Saindhavas. If a young man like + thee, who is possessed of beauty of person, learning and high birth, and + world-wide fame, acteth in such unbecoming a way, like a vicious bull in + the matter of bearing its burthen, then that, I think, would be equal to + death itself. What peace can my heart know if I behold thee uttering + laudatory speeches in honour of others or walking (submissively) behind + them? Oh, never was one born in this race that walked behind another. O + son, it behoveth thee not to live as a dependant on another. I know what + the eternal essence of Kshatriya virtues is as spoken of by the old and + the older ones and by those coming late and later still. Eternal and + unswerving, it hath been ordained by the Creator himself. He that hath, in + this world, been born as a Kshatriya in any high race and hath acquired a + knowledge of the duties of that order, will never from fear or the sake of + sustenance, bow down to any body on earth. One should stand erect with + courage and not bow down, for exertion is manliness. One should rather + break in the joints than yield in this world here to any body. A + high-souled Kshatriya should always roam like an infuriated elephant. He + should, O Sanjaya, bow down unto Brahmanas only, for the sake of virtue. + He should rule over all other orders, destroying all evil-doers. Possessed + of allies, or destitute of them, he should be so as long as he liveth.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0134" id="link52H_4_0134"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘Hearing these words of his mother, the son said, “O ruthless + and wrathful mother, O thou that thinkest highly of martial heroism, thy + heart is surely made of steel beat into that shape. Fie on Kshatriya + practices, in accordance with which thou urgest me to battle, as if I were + a stranger to thee, and for the sake of which thou speakest to me—thy + only son—such words as if thou wert not my mother. If thou beholdest + me not, if thou art dissociated with me—thy son, of what use then + would the whole earth be to thee, of what use all thy ornaments and all + the means of enjoyment, indeed, of what use would life itself be to + thee?”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘The mother said, “All the acts of those that are wise, are (undertaken), + O son, for the sake of virtue and profit. Eyeing these (virtue and profit) + only, I urge thee, O Sanjaya, to battle. The fit hour hath come for + exhibiting thy prowess. If at such a time thou dost not resort to action, + then disrespected by the people thou wouldst do that which would be most + disagreeable to me. If, O Sanjaya, thou art about to be stained with + infamy and I do not (from affection) tell thee anything, then that + affection, worthless and unreasonable, would be like that of the she-ass’s + for her young. Do not tread the path that is disapproved by the wise and + adopted by the fool. Great is the ignorance here. Innumerable creatures of + the world have taken refuge in it. If thou, however, adoptest the + behaviour of the wise, thou wilt then be dear to me. Indeed, if thou hast + recourse to virtue and profit, if with God above thou reliest upon human + exertion, if thy conduct becometh like that of the good, then it is by + this and not by any other means that thou wilt become dear to me. He that + taketh delight in sons and grandsons that are well-instructed (enjoyeth a + delight that is real). He, on the other hand, that taketh delight in a son + who is destitute of exertion, refractory, and wicked minded, hath not the + very object accomplished for which a son is desired. Those worst of men + that never do what is proper and always do what is censurable, do not + obtain happiness here or hereafter. A Kshatriya, O Sanjaya, hath been + created for battle and victory. Whether he winneth or perisheth, he + obtaineth the region of Indra. The happiness that a Kshatriya obtaineth by + reducing his foes to subjection is such that the like of it doth not exist + in heaven in the sacred region of Indra. Burning with wrath, a Kshatriya + of great energy, if vanquished many times, should wait desiring to + vanquish his foes. Without either casting away his own life or slaying his + foes, how can he obtain peace of mind by any other course? He that is + possessed of wisdom regardeth anything little as disagreeable. Unto that + person to whom anything little becomes agreeable, that little (ultimately) + becometh a source of pain. The man that hath not what is desirable soon + becometh wretched. Indeed, he soon feeleth every want and is lost like the + Ganga on entering the ocean.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘The son said, “Thou shouldst not, O mother, give expression to such + views before thy son. Show him kindness now, staying by his side, like a + silent and dumb being." </p> + <p> + “‘The mother said, “Great is my gratification since thou sayest so. I who + may be urged (by thee to what is my duty) am thus urged by thee. I shall, + therefore, urge thee more (for doing what thou shouldst do). I will, + indeed, honour thee then when I will behold thee, crowned with complete + success after the slaughter of all the Saindhavas." </p> + <p> + “‘The son said, “Without wealth, without allies, how can success and + victory be mine? Conscious of this exceedingly miserable state of mine, I + have myself abstained from desire of kingdom, like an evil-doer abstaining + from desire of heaven. If, therefore, O thou of mature wisdom, thou seest + any means (by which all this can be effected), speak fully of it to me as + I ask thee, for I shall do all that thou mayst command me to do." </p> + <p> + “‘The mother said, “Do not disgrace thy soul, O son, by anticipations of + failure. Objects unattained have been attained; while those attained have + been lost. The accomplishment of objects should never be sought with wrath + and folly. In all acts, O son, the attainment of success is always + uncertain. Knowing that success is uncertain, people still act, so that + they sometimes succeed, and sometimes do not. They, however, who abstain + from action, never obtain success. In the absence of exertion, there is + but one result, viz., the absence of success. There are, however, two + results in the case of exertion, viz., the acquisition of success or its + non-acquisition. He, O prince, who hath settled beforehand that all acts + are uncertain in respect of their results, maketh both success and + prosperity unattainable by himself. ‘This will be,’—with such a + belief should one, casting off all sloth, exert and wake up and address + himself to every act. That wise king, who, O son, engageth in acts, having + performed all auspicious rites and with the gods and the Brahmanas on his + side, soon winneth success. Like the sun embracing the east, the goddess + of prosperity embraceth him. I see thou hast shown thyself fit for the + various suggestions and means and encouraging speeches thou hast had from + me. Display (now) thy prowess. It behoveth thee to win, by every exertion, + the object thou hast in view. Bring together to thy own side those that + are angry (with thy foes), those that are covetous, those that have been + weakened (by thy foes), those that are jealous (of thy foes), those that + have been humiliated (by them), those that always challenge (them) from + excess of pride, and all others of this class. By this means thou wilt be + able to break the mighty host (of thy enemy) like an impetuous and + fierce-rising tempest scattering the clouds. Give them (thy would be + allies) wealth before it is due, seek their food, be up and doing, and + speak sweetly unto them all. They will then do thee good, and place thee + at their head. When the enemy cometh to know that his foe hath become + reckless of his life, then is he troubled on the latter’s account, from a + snake living in his chamber? If, knowing one to be powerful, one’s enemy + doth not strive to subjugate him, he should at least make one friendly by + the application of the arts of conciliation, gift, and the like. Even that + would be tantamount to subjugation. Obtaining a respite by means of the + art of conciliation, one’s wealth may increase. And if one’s wealth + increaseth, one is worshipped and sought as a refuge by one’s friends. If, + again, one is deprived of wealth, one is abandoned by friends and + relatives, and more than that mistrusted and even despised by them. It is + perfectly impossible for him to ever regain his kingdom, who, having + united himself with his foe, liveth confidently.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0135" id="link52H_4_0135"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘The mother said, “Into whatever calamity a king may fail, he should not + still betray it. Beholding the king afflicted with fright, the whole + kingdom, the army, the counsellors, all yield to fear, and all the + subjects become disunited. Some go and embrace the side of the enemy; + others simply abandon the king; and others again, that had before been + humiliated, strive to strike. They, however, that are intimate friends + wait by his side, and though desiring his welfare yet from inability to do + anything wait helplessly, like a cow whose calf hath been tethered. As + friends grieve for friends that are plunged into distress, so those + well-wishers also grieve upon beholding their lord plunged into grief. + Even thou hast many friends whom thou hadst worshipped before. Even thou + hast many friends after thy heart, who feel for thy kingdom and who desire + to take a state of thy calamities on themselves. Do not frighten those + friends, and do not suffer them to abandon thee on beholding thee + afflicted with fear. Desiring to test thy might, manliness, and + understanding, and wishing also to encourage thee, I have said all this + for enhancing thy energy. If thou understandest what I have said, and if + all I have said appears proper and sufficient, then, O Sanjaya, muster thy + patience and gird up thy loins for victory. We have a large number of + treasure-houses unknown to thee. I alone know of their existence, and no + other person. I will place all these at thy disposal. Thou hast also, O + Sanjaya, more than one friend who sympathise with thee in thy joys and + woes, and who, O hero, never retreat from the field of battle. O grinder + of foes, allies such as these, always play the part of faithful + counsellors to a person who seeketh his own welfare and desireth to + acquire what is agreeable to himself.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti continued, ‘Hearing this speech of his mother fraught with + excellent words and sense, the despair that had overtaken Sanjaya’s heart + left instantly, although that prince was not gifted with great + intelligence. And the son said, “When I have thee that are so observant of + my future welfare for my guide, I shall certainly either rescue my + paternal kingdom that is sunk in water or perish in the attempt. During + thy discourse I was almost a silent listener. Now and then only I + interposed a word. It was, however, only with the view of drawing thee + out, so that I might hear more on the subject. I have not been satiated + with thy words, like a person not satiated with drinking amrita. Deriving + support from any allies, behold, I gird up my loins for repressing my foes + and obtaining victory.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti continued, ‘Pierced by the wordy arrows of his mother, the son + roused himself like a steed of proud mettle and achieved all that his + mother had pointed out. When a king is afflicted by foes and overcome with + despair, his minister should make him hear this excellent history that + enhanceth energy and inspireth might. Indeed, this history is called Jaya + and should be listened to by every one desirous of victory. Indeed, having + listened to it, one may soon subjugate the whole earth and grind his foes. + This history causeth a woman to bring forth a heroic son, the woman quick + with child that listeneth to it repeatedly, certainly giveth birth to a + hero. The Kshatriya woman that listeneth to it bringeth forth a brave son + of irresistible prowess, one that is foremost in learning, foremost in + ascetic austerities, foremost in liberality, devoted to asceticism, + blazing forth with Brahmic beauty, enumerable with the good, radiant with + effulgence, endued with great might, blessed, a mighty car-warrior, + possessed of great intelligence, irresistible (in battle), ever + victorious, invincible, a chastiser of the wicked and a protector of all + practisers of virtue.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0136" id="link52H_4_0136"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘Say unto Arjuna, these words, “when thou wert brought forth + in the lying-in room and when I was sitting in the hermitage surrounded by + ladies, a celestial and delightful voice was heard in the sky, saying, ‘O + Kunti, this thy son will rival the deity of a thousand eyes. This one will + vanquish in battle all the assembled Kurus. Aided by Bhima, he will + conquer the whole Earth and his fame will touch the very heavens. With + Vasudeva as his ally, he will slay the Kurus in battle and recover his + lost paternal share in the kingdom. Endued with great prosperity, he will, + with his brothers, perform three great sacrifices.’” O thou of unfading + glory, thou knowest how steady, in truth, is Vibhatsu, otherwise called + Savyasachin, how irresistible he is. O thou of Dasarha’s race, let it be + as that (celestial) voice said. If, O thou of Vrishni’s race, there is + anything like righteousness, those words will be true, for then, Krishna, + thou wilt thyself accomplish it all. I do not doubt what that voice said. + I bow to righteousness which is superior to all. It is righteousness that + supports all creatures. Thou shalt say these words unto Dhananjaya. Unto + Vrikodara again, who is always ready for exertion, thou shalt say these + words, “The time hath come for that in view of which Kshatriya lady + bringeth forth a son! They that are foremost among men never become + cheerless when they have hostilities to wage”—Thou knowest what the + state of Bhima’s mind is. That grinder of foes is never pacified until he + exterminates his foes. Thou shalt, O Madhava, next say unto the auspicious + Krishna of great fame, that daughter-in-law of the high-souled Pandu, who + is conversant with the details of every virtue, these words, “O thou that + art highly blessed, O thou of noble parentage, O thou that art endued with + great fame, that becoming behaviour which thou always showest towards my + sons is, indeed, worthy of thee.” Thou must also say unto the sons of + Madri who are always devoted to Kshatriya virtues, these words, “Covet ye + more than life itself, those enjoyments that are acquired by prowess. + Objects won by prowess always please the heart of a person that liveth + according to Kshatriya practices. Engaged as ye are in acquiring every + kind of virtue, before your eyes the princess of Panchala was addressed in + cruel and abusive epithets. Who is there that can forgive that insult? The + deprivation of their kingdom grieved me not. Their defeat at dice grieved + me not. But that noble and fair Draupadi, however, while weeping in the + midst of the assembly, had to hear those cruel and insulting words is what + grieveth me most. Alas, exceedingly beautiful Krishna, ever devoted to + Kshatriya virtues, found no protector on that occasion, though she was + wedded to such powerful protectors.” O thou of mighty arms, say unto that + tiger among men, Arjuna, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, that he + should always tread in the path that may be pointed out by Draupadi. Thou + knowest it very well, Kesava, that Bhima and Arjuna,—that pair of + fierce and all-destroying Yamas, are capable of making the very gods go + the way of all creatures. Is not this an insult to them that (their wife) + Krishna was dragged into the assembly? O Kesava, recall to their + remembrance all those cruel and harsh words that Dussasana said unto Bhima + in the very presence of all the warriors of Kuru’s race. Enquire (in my + name) after the welfare of the Pandavas with their children and Krishna. + Say unto them, O Janardana, that I am well. Go thou on thy auspicious way, + and protect my sons!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Saluting and walking round her, the mighty-armed + Krishna whose gait resembled the majestic gait of the lion, then issued + out of Pritha’s abode. And he then dismissed those chiefs among the Kurus + with Bhishma at their head (who had followed him), and taking Karna upon + his chariot, left (the Kuru city), accompanied by Satyaki. And after he of + Dasarha’s race had departed, the Kurus assembled together and began to + talk of that highly wonderful and marvellous incident connected with him. + And they said, ‘Overcome with ignorance, the whole earth hath been + entangled in the meshes of death!’ And they also said, ‘Through + Duryodhana’s folly, all this is doomed to destruction.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having issued out of the (Kuru) city, that foremost of persons proceeded, + deliberating with Karna for a long time. And that delighter of all the + Yadavas then dismissed Karna and urged his steeds to greater speed. And + driven by Daruka, those swift coursers endued with the speed of the + tempest of the mind, went on as if drinking the skies. And quickly + traversing a long way like fleet hawks, they reached Upaplavya very soon, + bearing the wielder of Saranga." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0137" id="link52H_4_0137"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing the words of Kunti, the mighty car-warriors, + Bhishma and Drona, then spoke these words unto the disobedient Duryodhana, + ‘Hast thou, O tiger among men, heard the fierce words of grave import, + excellent and consistent with virtue, that Kunti had spoken in the + presence of Krishna? Her sons will act according to them, especially as + they are approved by Vasudeva. O Kaurava, they will not assuredly desist, + without their share of the kingdom (being given to them). Thou hast + inflicted much pain on the sons of Pritha. And Draupadi also was afflicted + by thee in the assembly. They were, however, bound then by the bounds of + truth and it was for this that they tolerated that treatment. Obtaining + Arjuna now, who is skilled in every weapon, and Bhima of firm resolution, + and Gandiva and the couple of (inexhaustible) quivers, and that car (of + Arjuna) and that banner (bearing the device of the ape), and Nakula and + Sahadeva, both endued with great might and energy, and Vasudeva also, as + his allies, Yudhishthira will not forgive (thee). O mighty-armed one, thou + hast witnessed with thy own eyes how intelligent Arjuna vanquished us all + in battle before, in the city of Virata. Indeed, after this, that + Ape-bannered (warrior) consumed in battle, taking up his fierce weapons, + those Danavas of terrible deeds called the Nivatakavachas. On the occasion + also of the tale of cattle, when captured by the Gandharvas, this Karna + and all these thy counsellors and thyself accoutred in mail and on thy + car, were all liberated from the grasp of the Gandharvas by that Arjuna. + That is a sufficient proof. Therefore, O foremost of the Bharatas, with + all thy brothers make peace with the sons of Pandu. Save this whole earth + from the Destruction’s jaws. Yudhishthira is thy elder brother, virtuous + in behaviour, affectionate towards thee, sweet-speeched and learned. + Abandoning thy sinful intentions, unite thyself with that tiger among men. + If Pandu’s son beholdeth thee divested of thy bow, and without the + wrinkles of rage on thy brow, and cheerful, even that would be for the + good of our race. Approaching with all thy counsellors embrace him + fraternally. O repressor of foes, salute the king respectfully as before. + And let Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, the elder brother of Bhima, hold + from affection, thy saluting self with his arms. And let that foremost of + smiters, Bhima, possessed of leonine shoulders and thighs round, and long + and mighty arms, embrace thee. And then let that son of Kunti, Dhananjaya, + called also Partha, of eyes like lotus-petals, and curly hair and + conch-like neck salute thee respectfully. Then let those tigers among men, + the twin Aswins, unrivalled on earth for beauty, wait on thee with + affection and reverence as on their preceptor. And let all the kings with + him of Dasarha’s race at their head, shed tears of joy. Abandoning thy + pride, unite thyself with thy brothers. Rule thou the whole earth, with + thy brothers. Let all the kings joyfully return to their respective homes, + having embraced one another. There is no need of battle, O king of kings. + Listen to the dissuasions of thy friends. In the battle that will ensue a + great destruction of the Kshatriyas is certainly indicated. The stars are + all hostile. The animals and birds have all assumed fearful aspects. + Diverse portents, O hero, are visible, all indicating the slaughters of + the Kshatriyas. All these portents, again, are particularly visible in our + abodes. Blazing meteors are afflicting thy host. Our animals are all + cheerless and seem, O king, to be crying. Vultures are wheeling around thy + troops. Neither the city nor the palace looks as before. Jackals, setting + forth ominous yells, are running about the four quarters which are ablaze + with conflagrations. Obey thou the counsels of thy father and mother as + also of ourselves who are thy well-wishers. War and peace, O thou of + mighty arms, are within thy control. If, O grinder of foes, thou dost not + act according to the words of thy friends, thou shalt have to repent upon + beholding thy army afflicted with the arrows of Partha. Hearing in battle + the terrible yells uttered by the mighty Bhima and the twang of Gandiva, + thou wilt remember our these words. Indeed, if what we say appears + unacceptable to thee, then it will be as we say.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0138" id="link52H_4_0138"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Thus addressed by them, Duryodhana, contracting the + space between his eye-brows, became cheerless, and with face bent down + began to cast oblique glances. And he said not a word in reply. Beholding + him cheerless, those bulls among men, Bhishma and Drona, looking at each + other, once more addressed him, and said (these words).’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘What can be a matter of greater grief to us than that we + shall have to fight against that Yudhishthira who is devoted to the + service of his superiors, destitute of envy, conversant with Brahma, and + truthful in speech.’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘My affection for Dhananjaya is greater than that which I + bear for my son Aswatthaman. There is greater reverence also and humility + (towards me) in that Ape-bannered hero (than in Aswatthaman). Alas, in + observance of the Kshatriya duties, I shall have to fight even against + that Dhananjaya who is dearer to me than my son. Fie on the Kshatriya + profession. That Vibhatsu who hath no other bowman in the world as his + equal, hath, through my grace, acquired this superiority over all bowmen. + He that hateth his friends, he that is of wicked disposition, he that + denieth Godhead, he that is crooked and deceitful, never obtaineth the + worship of the righteous, like an ignorant person present at a sacrifice. + Though dissuaded from sin, a sinful man would still wish to commit sinful + acts; while he that is righteous, though tempted by sin, would not yet + abandon righteousness. Though thou hast conducted thyself with falsehood + and deceit towards them, the Pandavas are still desirous of doing what is + agreeable to thee. As regards thyself, O thou best of the Bharatas, all + thy faults are calculated to bring about disasters on thee. Thou hast been + addressed by the eldest of the Kurus, by me, by Vidura, and by Vasudeva. + Thou dost not yet understand what is beneficial for thyself. I have a + large force,—with this conviction thou desirest to pierce the + Pandava host, abounding with heroes, like the current of the Ganga + piercing the ocean abounding with sharks and alligators and makaras. + Having obtained Yudhishthira’s prosperity like the cast off robes or + garlands of another, thou regardest it as thy own. If the son of Pritha + and Pandu stayeth even in the woods with Draupadi, and surrounded by his + armed brothers, who is there, even in the possession of a kingdom, that is + competent to vanquish him? In the presence of even that Ailavila (Kuvera) + under whose command all the Yakshas live as servants, Yudhishthira the + Just, shone with splendour. Having proceeded to Kuvera’s abode and having + procured wealth therefrom, the Pandavas are now desirous of attacking thy + swelling kingdom and winning sovereignty for themselves. (As regards us + two), we have made gifts, poured libations on fire, studied (the + scriptures), and gratified the Brahmanas by presents of wealth. The + (allotted) periods of our life have also run out. Know that our work has + been done. (As regards thyself however), giving up happiness, kingdom, + friends, and wealth, great will be thy calamity if thou seekest war with + the Pandavas. How canst thou vanquish the son of Pandu, when Draupadi who + is truthful in speech and devoted to rigid vows and austerities, prayeth + for his success? How wilt thou vanquish that son of Pandu who hath + Janardana for his counsellor, and who hath for a brother that Dhananjaya + who is the foremost of wielders of weapons? How wilt thou vanquish that + son of Pandu, of severe austerities, who hath for his allies so many + Brahmanas, endued with intelligence and mastery over their senses? In + accordance with what a prosperity-wishing friend should do when he sees + his friends sinking in an ocean of distress, I again tell thee, there is + no necessity for war. Make peace with those heroes for the sake of + prosperity to the Kurus. Do not court defeat, with thy sons, counsellors, + and the army!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0139" id="link52H_4_0139"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXL + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Sanjaya, in the midst of all the princes and the + servants, the slayer of Madhu took Karna upon his car and went out (of our + city). What did that slayer of hostile heroes, that one of immeasurable + soul, say unto Radha’s son? What conciliatory words did Govinda speak unto + the Suta’s son? Tell me, O Sanjaya, what those words were, mild or fierce, + that Krishna, possessed of a voice deep as that of newly-risen clouds + during the rainy season said unto Karna?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen to me, O Bharata, as I repeat in due order those + words, both intimidating and mild, agreeable and consistent with virtue, + true and beneficial, and pleasing to the heart, which the slayer of Madhu, + of immeasurable soul, said unto Radha’s son.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “O son of Radha, thou hast worshipped many Brahmanas + fully conversant with the Vedas. With concentrated attention and mind free + from envy thou hast also (on many an occasion) enquired of them after + truth. Thou knowest, therefore, O Karna, what the eternal saying of the + Vedas are. Thou art also well-versed in all the subtle conclusions of the + scriptures. It is said by those conversant with the scriptures that the + two kinds of sons called Kanina and Sahoda that are born of a maiden, have + him for their father who weddeth the maid. Thou, O Karna, hast been born + in this way. Thou art, therefore, morally the son of Pandu. Come, be a + king, according to the injunction of the scriptures. On the side of thy + father, thou hast the sons of Pritha, on the side of thy mother, thou hast + the Vrishnis, (for thy kinsmen). O bull among men, know that thou hast + these two for thy own. Proceeding this very day with me hence, O sire, let + the Pandavas know thee as a son of Kunti born before Yudhishthira. The + brothers, the five Pandavas, the son of Draupadi, and the invincible son + of Subhadra, will all embrace thy feet. All the kings and princes, again, + that have been assembled for the Pandava cause, and all the Andhakas and + Vrishnis, will also embrace thy feet. Let queens and princesses bring + golden and silver and earthen jars (full of water) and delicious herbs and + all kinds of seeds and gems, and creepers, for thy installation. During + the sixth period, Draupadi also will come to thee (as a wife). Let that + best of Brahmanas, Dhaumya, of restrained soul, pour libations of + clarified butter on the (sacred) fire, and let those Brahmanas regarding + all the four Vedas as authoritative (and who are acting as priests unto + the Pandavas), perform the ceremony of thy installation. Let the family + priest of the Pandavas who is devoted to Vedic rites, and those bulls + among men—those brothers, the five sons of Pandu,—and the five + sons of Draupadi, and the Panchalas, and the Chedis, and myself also, + install thee as the lord of the whole earth. Let Dharma’s son + Yudhishthira, of righteous soul and rigid vows, be thy heir presumptive, + ruling the kingdom under thee. Holding the white chamara in his hand (for + fanning thee), let Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, ride on the same car + behind thee. After thy installation is over, let that other son of Kunti, + the mighty Bhimasena, hold the white umbrella over thy head. Indeed, + Arjuna then will drive thy car furnished with a hundred tinkling bells, + its sides covered with tiger-skins, and with white steeds harnessed to it. + Then Nakula and Sahadeva, and the five sons of Draupadi, and the Panchalas + with that mighty car-warrior Sikhandin, will all proceed behind thee. I + myself, with all the Andhakas and the Vrishnis, will walk behind thee. + Indeed, all the Dasarhas and the Dasarnas, will, O king, be numbered with + thy relatives. Enjoy the sovereignty of the earth, O thou of mighty arms, + with thy brothers the Pandavas, with yapas and homas and auspicious rites + of diverse kinds performed in thy honour. Let the Dravidas, with the + Kuntalas, the Andhras, and the Talacharas, and the Shuchupas, and the + Venupas, all walk before thee. Let chanters and panegyrists praise thee + with innumerable laudatory hymns. Let the Pandavas proclaim,—Victory + to Vasushena. Surrounded by the Pandavas, like the moon by the stars, rule + thou the kingdom, O son of Kunti, and gladden Kunti herself. Let thy + friends rejoice, and thy enemies grieve. Let there be, this day, a + brotherly union between thee and thy brothers, the sons of Pandu.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0140" id="link52H_4_0140"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “Without doubt, O Kesava, thou hast said these words from + thy love, affection, and friendship for me, as also in consequence of thy + desire of doing me good, O thou of Vrishni’s race. I know all that thou + hast said unto me. Morally, I am the son of Pandu, as also in consequence + of the injunctions of the scriptures, as thou, O Krishna, thinkest. My + mother, while a maiden, bore me in her womb, O Janardana, through her + connection with Surya. And at the command of Surya himself, she abandoned + me as soon as I was born. Even thus, O Krishna, I came into the world. + Morally, therefore, I am the son of Pandu. Kunti, however, abandoned me + without thinking of my welfare. The Suta, Adhiratha, as soon as he beheld + me, took me to his home, and from her affection for me, Radha’s breasts + were filled with milk that very day, and she, O Madhava, cleansed my urine + and evacuations. How can one like us, conversant with duties and ever + engaged in listening to scriptures deprive her of her Pinda? So also + Adhiratha of the Suta class regardeth me as a son, and I too, from + affection, always regard him as (my) father. O Madhava, that Adhiratha, O + Janardana, from paternal affection caused all the rites of infancy to be + performed on my person, according to the rules prescribed in the + scriptures. It is that Adhiratha, again, who caused the name Vasushena to + be bestowed upon me by the Brahmanas. When also I attained to youth, I + married wives according to his selections. Through them have been born my + sons and grandsons, O Janardana. My heart also, O Krishna, and all the + bonds of affection and love, are fixed on them. From joy or fear, O + Govinda, I cannot venture to destroy those bonds even for the sake of the + whole earth or heaps of gold. In consequence also of my connection with + Duryodhana of Dhritarashtra’s race, I have, O Krishna, enjoyed sovereignty + for thirteen years, without a thorn on my side. I have performed many + sacrifices, always however in connection with persons of the Suta tribe. + All my family rites and marriage rites have been performed with the Sutas. + Obtaining me, O Krishna, Duryodhana hath, O thou of Vrishni’s race, made + this preparations for an armed encounter and provoked hostilities with the + sons of Pandu. And it is for this, O Achyuta, that in the battle (that + will ensue), I, O Krishna, have been chosen as the great antagonist of + Arjuna to advance against him in a single combat. For the sake of death, + or the ties of blood, or fear, or temptation, I cannot venture, O + Janardana, to behave falsely towards the intelligent son of Dhritarashtra. + If I do not now engage in a single combat with Arjuna, this will, O + Hrishikesa, be inglorious for both myself and Partha. Without doubt, O + slayer of Madhu, thou hast told me all this for doing me good. The + Pandavas also, obedient as they are to thee, will, without doubt, do all + that thou hast said. Thou must, however, conceal this our discourse for + the present, O slayer of Madhu. Therein lies our benefit, I think, O + delighter of all the Yadavas. If king Yudhishthira, of virtuous soul and + well-controlled senses, cometh to know me as the firstborn son of Kunti, + he will never accept the kingdom. If, again, O slayer of Madhu, this + mighty and swelling empire becometh mine, I shall, O repressor of foes, + certainly make it over to Duryodhana only. Let Yudhishthira of virtuous + soul become king for ever. He that hath Hrishikesa for his guide, and + Dhananjaya and that mighty car-warrior Bhima for his combatants, as also + Nakula and Sahadeva, and the sons of Draupadi, is fit, O Madhava, to rule + over the whole earth. Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, that + mighty car-warrior Satyaki, Uttamaujas, Yudhamanyu, the prince of Somakas + who is devoted to truth, the ruler of the Chedis, Chekitana, the + invincible Sikhandin, the Kekaya brothers, all of the hue of Indragopaka + insects, Bhimasena’s uncle Kuntibhoja of high soul and possessed of steeds + endued with the colours of the rainbow, the mighty car-warrior Syenajit, + Sanka the son of Virata, and thyself, O Janardana, like an ocean,—great + is this assemblage, O Krishna, of Kshatriyas (that hath been made by + Yudhishthira). This blazing kingdom, celebrated among all the kings of the + earth, is already won (by Yudhishthira). O thou of Vrishni’s race, a great + sacrifice of arms is about to be celebrated by Dhritarashtra’s son. Thou, + O Janardana, wilt be the Upadrashtri of that sacrifice. The office of + Adhyaryu also, O Krishna, in that sacrifice, will be thine. The + ape-bannered Vibhatsu accoutred in mail will be the Hotri (his bow), + Gandiva will be the sacrificial ladle, and the prowess of the warriors + will be the clarified butter (that is to be consumed). The weapons called + Aindra, Pasupata, Brahma, and Sthunakarna, applied by Arjuna, will, O + Madhava, be the mantras (of that sacrifice). Resembling his father, or + perhaps, excelling him in prowess, Subhadra’s son (Abhimanyu) will be the + chief Vedic hymn to be chanted. That destroyer of elephant ranks, that + utterer of fierce roars in battle, that tiger among men, the exceedingly + mighty Bhima, will be Udgatri and Prastotri in this sacrifice. King + Yudhishthira of virtuous Soul, ever engaged in Yapa and Homa, will himself + be the Brahma of that sacrifice. The sounds of conchs, tabors, and drums, + and the leonine roaring rising high in the welkin, will be the calls upon + the invited to eat. The two sons of Madri, Nakula and Sahadeva, of great + fame and prowess, will be the slayers of the sacrificial animals; rows of + bright cars furnished with standards of variegated hue, will, O Govinda, + be stakes (for tying the animals), O Janardana, in this sacrifice. Barbed + arrows and Nalikas, and long shafts, and arrows with heads like calf’s + tooth, will play the part of spoons (wherewith to distribute the Soma + juice) while Tomaras will be the vessels of Soma, and bows will be + pavitras. The swords will be Kapalas, the heads (of slain warriors) the + Purodasas and the blood of warriors the clarified butter. O Krishna, in + this sacrifice, the lances and bright maces (of the warriors) will be + pokers (for stirring the sacrificial fire) and the corner stakes (for + keeping the fire-wood from falling down). The disciples of Drona and + Kripa, the son of Saradwat, will be the Sadasyas (assisting priests). The + arrows shot by the wielder of Gandiva and by (other) mighty car-warriors, + and by Drona and Drona’s son, will play the part of ladles for + distributing the Soma. Satyaki will discharge the duties of the chief + assistant of the Adhyaryu. Of this sacrifice, Dhritarashtra’s son will be + installed as the performer, while this vast army will be his wife. O thou + of mighty arms, when the nocturnal rites of sacrifice will begin, the + mighty Ghatotkacha will play the part of the slayer of (devoted) victims. + The mighty Dhrishtadyumna, who sprang into life from the sacrificial fire, + having for its mouth the rites celebrated with mantras, will, O Krishna, + be the Dakshina of that sacrifice. For those harsh words, O Krishna, that + I said before unto the sons of Pandu for the gratification of + Dhritarashtra’s son,—for that wicked conduct of mine,—I am + consumed with repentance. When O Krishna, thou wilt behold me slain by + Arjuna, then will the Punachiti of this sacrifice commence. When the + (second) son of Pandu will drink the blood of the loudly roaring + Dussasana, then will the Soma-drinking of this sacrifice have taken place! + When the two princes of Panchala (Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin) will + overthrow Drona and Bhishma, then, O Janardana, will this sacrifice be + suspended for an interval. When mighty Bhimasena will slay Duryodhana, + then, O Madhava, will this sacrifice of Dhritarashtra’s son be concluded. + When the wives of Dhritarashtra’s sons and grandsons assembled together, + deprived, O Kesava, of their husbands and sons and without protectors, + will indulge in lamentations with Gandhari in their midst, on the field of + battle haunted by dogs and vultures and other carnivorous birds, then, O + Janardana, will the final bath of this sacrifice take place. + </p> + <p> + “‘"I pray to thee, O bull of the Kshatriya race, let not the Kshatriyas, + old in learning and old in years, perish miserably, O Janardana, for thy + sake. Oh, let this swelling host of Kshatriyas perish by means of weapons + on that most sacred of all spots in the three worlds, viz. Kurukshetra, O + Kesava. O thou of eyes like lotus-leaves, accomplish on this spot what + thou hast in thy mind, so that, O thou of Vrishni’s race, the whole + Kshatriya order may attain to heaven. As long, O Janardana, as the hills + and the rivers will last, so long will the fame of these achievements + last. The Brahmanas will recite this great war of the Bharatas. The fame, + O thou of Vrishni’s race, that they achieve in battles is the wealth that + Kshatriyas own. O Kesava, bring Kunti’s son (Arjuna) before me for battle, + keeping for ever this our discourse a secret, O chastiser of foes.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0141" id="link52H_4_0141"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of Karna, Kesava, that slayer of + hostile heroes, spoke unto him these words smilingly, “Do not the means of + winning an empire recommend themselves to thee, O Karna? Wishest thou not + to rule over the whole earth given by me to thee? The victory of the + Pandavas, therefore, is very certain. There seems to be no doubt in this. + The triumphal banner of Pandu’s son, with the fierce ape on it, seems to + be already set up. The divine artificer, Bhaumana, hath applied such + celestial illusion (in its construction) that it standeth high, displayed + like Indra’s banner. Various celestial creatures of terrific shape, + indicating victory, are seen on that standard. Extending for a yojana + upwards and all around, that beautiful standard of Arjuna, resembling fire + in radiance, is never, O Karna, when set up, obstructed by hills or trees. + When thou wilt behold in battle Arjuna, on his car drawn by white steeds + and driven by Krishna, applying Aindra, Agneya and Maruta weapons, and + when thou wilt hear the twang of Gandiva piercing the welkin like the very + thunder, then all signs of the Krita, the Treta, and the Dwapara ages will + disappear (but, instead, Kali embodied will be present). When thou wilt + behold in battle Kunti’s son, invincible Yudhishthira, devoted to Yapa and + Homa and resembling the very sun in brilliance, protecting his own mighty + army and burning the army of his foes, then all signs of the Krita, the + Treta, and the Dwapara ages will disappear. When thou wilt behold in + battle the mighty Bhimasena dancing, after having quaffed the blood of + Dussasana, like a fierce elephant with rent temples after having killed a + mighty antagonist, then all signs of the Krita, the Treta, and the Dwapara + ages will disappear. When thou wilt behold in battle Arjuna checking Drona + and Santanu’s son and Kripa and king Suyodhana, and Jayadratha of Sindhu’s + race, all rushing fiercely to the encounter, then all signs of the Krita, + the Treta and the Dwapara ages will disappear. When thou wilt behold in + battle the two mighty sons of Madri,—those heroic car-warriors, + capable of breaking into pieces all hostile cars,—agitating, from + the very moment when weapons will begin to clash, the army of + Dhritarashtra’s sons like a couple of infuriated elephants, then all signs + of the Krita, the Treta and the Dwapara ages will disappear. Returning + hence, O Karna, say unto Drona and Santanu’s son and Kripa that the + present month is a delightful one, and that food, drink, and fuel are + abundant now. All plants and herbs are vigorous now, all trees full of + fruits, and flies there are none. The roads are free from mire, and the + waters are of agreeable taste. The weather is neither very hot nor very + cold and is, therefore, highly pleasant. Seven days after, will be the day + of the new moon. Let the battle commence then, for that day, it hath been + said, is presided over by Indra. Say also unto all the kings that have + come for battling that I will fully accomplish the desire cherished by + them. Indeed, all the kings and princes that are obedient to the orders of + Duryodhana, obtaining death by weapons, will attain to an excellent + state.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0142" id="link52H_4_0142"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these beneficial and auspicious words of Kesava, + Karna worshipped Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, and said these words, + “Knowing (everything), why dost thou yet, O thou of mighty arms, seek to + beguile me? The destruction of the whole earth that is at hand for its + cause, Sakuni, and myself, and Dussasana, and king Duryodhana, the son of + Dhritarashtra. Without doubt, O Krishna, a great and fierce battle is at + hand between the Pandavas and the Kurus which will cover the earth with + bloody mire. All the kings and princes following the lead of Duryodhana, + consumed by the fire of weapons will proceed to the abode of Yama. Diverse + frightful visions are seen, O slayer of Madhu, and many terrible portents, + and fierce disturbances also. All these omens, making the hairs (of the + spectators) stand on their ends, indicate, O thou of Vrishni’s race, the + defeat of Dhritarashtra’s son and the victory of Yudhishthira. That fierce + planet of great effulgence, Sanaischara (Saturn), is afflicting the + constellation called Rohini, in order to afflict greatly the creatures of + the earth. The planet Angaraka (Mars), wheeling, O slayer of Madhu, + towards the constellation Jeshthya, approacheth towards Anuradhas, + indicating a great slaughter of friends. Without doubt, O Krishna, a + terrible calamity approacheth the Kurus when specially, O thou of + Vrishni’s race, the planet Mahapat afflicteth the constellation Chitra. + The spot on the lunar disc hath changed its position; and Rahu also + approacheth towards the sun. Meteors are falling from the sky with loud + noise and trembling motion. The elephants are sending forth frightful + cries, while the steeds, O Madhava, are shedding tears, without taking any + delight in food and drink. They say, O thou of mighty arms, that on the + appearance of these portents, a terrible calamity approacheth, productive + of a great slaughter. O Kesava, amongst the steeds, elephants and + soldiers, in all the divisions of Duryodhana’s army, it is seen, O slayer + of Madhu, that while small is the food these take, ample is the excreta + they evacuate. The wise have said that this is an indication of defect. + The elephants and steeds of the Pandavas, O Krishna, all seem to be + cheerful, while all the animals wheel along their right. This also is an + indication of their success. The same animal, O Kesava, pass by the left + side of Duryodhana’s army, while incorporeal voices are constantly heard + (over their heads). All this is an indication of defeat. All auspicious + birds, such as peacocks, swans, cranes, Chatakas, Jivajivas, and large + flights of Vakas, follow the Pandavas, while vultures, Kankas, hawks, + Rakshasas, wolves and bees, in flights and herds, follow the Kauravas. The + drums in the army of Dhritarashtra’s son yield no sounds, while those of + the Pandavas yield sounds without being struck. The wells in the midst of + Duryodhana’s encampment send forth loud roars like those of huge bulls. + All this is an indication of defeat. The gods are showering flesh and + blood, O Madhava, on Duryodhana’s soldiers. Vapoury edifices of great + effulgence with high walls, deep trenches, and handsome porches, are + suddenly appearing in the skies (over the Kuru encampment). A black circle + surrounding the solar disc appears to the view. Both twilights at sunrise + and sunset indicate great terrors. The jackals yell hideously. All this is + an indication of defeat. Diverse birds, each having but one wing, one eye, + and one leg, utter terrible cries. All this, O slayer of Madhu, indicates + defeat. Fierce birds with black wings and red legs hover over the Kuru + encampment at nightfall. All this is an indication of defeat. The soldiers + of Duryodhana betray hatred for Brahmanas first, and then for their + preceptors, and then for all their affectionate servants. The eastern + horizon of (Duryodhana’s encampment) appeareth red; the southern of the + hue of weapons; and western, O slayer of Madhu, of an earthy hue. All the + quarters around Duryodhana’s encampment seem, O Madhava, to be ablaze. In + the appearance of all these portents, great is the danger that is + indicated. + </p> + <p> + “‘"I have in a vision, O Achyuta, beheld Yudhishthira ascending with his + brothers a palace supported by a thousand columns. All of them appeared + with white head-gears and in white robes. And all of them appeared to me + to be seated on white seats. In the midst of the same vision, thou, O + Janardana, wast beheld by me to be employed in enveloping the blood-dyed + earth with weapons. Yudhishthira at the same time, of immeasurable energy, + ascending upon a heap of bones, was gladly eating buttered payasa of a + golden cup. I further beheld Yudhishthira to be employed in swallowing the + earth handed over to him by thee. This indicates that he will verily rule + the earth. I beheld that tiger among men, Vrikodara, of fierce deeds, + standing on the summit, mace in hand, and as if devouring this earth. This + plainly indicates that he will slay all of us in fierce battle. It is + known to me, O lord of the senses, that victory is there where + righteousness is. I saw also Dhananjaya, the wielder of Gandiva, seated on + the back of a white elephant, with thee, O lord of the senses, and blazing + forth with great beauty. I have no doubt, O Krishna, that ye will slay in + battle all the kings headed by Duryodhana. I saw Nakula and Sahadeva and + that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, adorned with white bracelets, white + cuirasses, white garlands, and white robes. This tiger among men were + seated upon excellent vehicles borne on the shoulders of men. And I saw + that umbrellas were held over the heads of all the three. Amongst the + soldiers of Dhritarashtra’s son, these three, O Janardana, were beheld by + me decked with white head-gears. Know, O Kesava, that those three were + Aswatthaman, Kripa, and Kritavarman of Satwata’s race. All other kings, O + Madhava, were seen by me to have blood-red head-gears. I saw also, O thou + of mighty arms, that those mighty car-warriors Bhishma and Drona, + ascending on a vehicle drawn by camels, and by myself, and Dhritarashtra’s + son, proceeded, O lord, to the quarter, O Janardana, ruled by Agastya. + This indicates that we shall soon have to proceed to Yama’s abode. I have + no doubt that myself and the other kings, indeed, the entire assemblage of + Kshatriyas shall have to enter into the Gandiva fire." </p> + <p> + “‘Krishna said, “Indeed, the destruction of the earth is at hand when my + words, O Karna, do not become acceptable to thy heart. O sire, when the + destruction of all creatures approacheth, wrong assuming the semblance of + right leaveth not the heart." </p> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “If, O Krishna, we come out of this great battle that will + be so destructive of heroic Kshatriyas, with life, then, O thou of mighty + arms may we meet here again. Otherwise, O Krishna, we shall certainly meet + in heaven. O sinless one, it seemeth to me now that there only it is + possible for us to meet.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having spoken these words, Karna closely pressed Madhava + to his bosom. Dismissed by Kesava, he then descended from the car. And + riding on his own car decked with gold, Radha’s son greatly dejected, came + back with us!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0143" id="link52H_4_0143"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Upon the failure of Krishna’s solicitations (for + peace), and after he had started for the Pandavas from the Kurus, Kshatri + approached Pritha and said these words slowly in grief, ‘O mother of + living children, thou knowest that my inclination is always for peace, and + although I cry myself hoarse, yet Suyodhana doth not accept my words. King + Yudhishthira, having the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the Kekayas, Bhima and + Arjuna, Krishna, Yuyudhana, and the twins for his allies, stayeth yet at + Upaplavya, and from affection for kinsmen, looketh up to righteousness + only, like a weak man, though he is possessed of great strength. King + Dhritarashtra here, though old in years, doth not effect peace, and + intoxicated with pride of children, treadeth a sinful path. In consequence + of the wickedness of Jayadratha and Karna and Dussasana and Suvala’s son, + intestine dissensions will break out. They that behave unrighteously + towards him that is righteous, verily that sin of theirs soon produceth + its consequences. Who is there that will not be filled with sorrow at the + sight of the Kurus persecuting righteousness in this way? When Kesava + returneth without being able to bring about peace, the Pandavas will + certainly address themselves for battle. Thereupon, the sin of the Kurus + will lead to a destruction of heroes. Reflecting on all this, I do not get + sleep by day or by night.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words uttered by Vidura, who always wished her sons the + accomplishment of their objects, Kunti began to sigh heavily, afflicted + with grief, and began to think within herself, ‘Fie to wealth, for the + sake of which this great slaughter of kinsmen is about to take place. + Indeed, in this war, they that are friends will sustain defeat. What can + be a greater grief than this that the Pandavas, the Chedis, the Panchalas, + and the Yadavas, assembled together, will fight with the Bharatas? Verily, + I behold demerit in war. (On the other hand) if we do not fight, poverty + and humiliation would be ours. As regards the person that is poor, even + death is beneficial (to him). (On the other hand) the extermination of + one’s kinsmen is not victory. As I reflect on this, my heart swelleth with + sorrow. The grandsire (Bhishma), the son of Santanu, the preceptor + (Drona), who is the foremost of warriors, and Karna, having embraced + Duryodhana’s side, enhance my fears. The preceptor Drona, it seemeth to + me, will never fight willingly against his pupils. As regards the + Grandsire, why will he not show some affection for the Pandavas? There is + only this sinful Karna then, of deluded understanding and ever following + the deluded lead of the wicked Duryodhana, that hateth the Pandavas. + Obstinately pursuing that which injureth the Pandavas, this Karna is, + again, very powerful. It is this which burneth me at present. Proceeding + to gratify him, I will today disclose the truth and seek to draw his heart + towards the Pandavas. Pleased with me, while I was living in the inner + apartments of the palace of my father, Kuntibhoja, the holy Durvasa gave + me a boon in the form of an invocation consisting of mantras. Long + reflecting with a trembling heart on the strength or weakness of those + mantras and the power also of the Brahmana’s words, and in consequence + also of my disposition as a woman, and my nature as a girl of unripe + years, deliberating repeatedly and while guarded by a confidential nurse + and surrounded by my waiting-maids, and thinking also of how not to incur + any reproach, how to maintain the honour of my father, and how I myself + might have an accession of good fortune without being guilty of any + transgression, I, at last, remembered that Brahmana and bowed to him, and + having obtained that mantras from excess of curiosity and from folly, I + summoned, during my maidenhood, the god Surya. He, therefore, who was held + in my womb during my maidenhood,—why should he not obey my words + that are certainly acceptable and beneficial to his brothers?’ And + reflecting in this strain, Kunti formed an excellent resolution. And + having formed that resolution, she went to the sacred stream called after + Bhagiratha. And having reached the banks of Ganga, Pritha heard the + chanting of the Vedic hymns by her son, endued with great kindness and + firmly devoted to truth. And as Karna stood with face directed to the east + and arms upraised, then helpless Kunti, for the sake of her interest + stayed behind him, waiting the completion of prayers. And the lady of + Vrishni’s race, that wife of Kuru’s house, afflicted by the heat of the + sun began to look like a faded garland of lotuses. And, at last, she stood + in the shade afforded by the upper garments of Karna. And Karna, of + regulated vows, said his prayers until his back became heated by the rays + of the sun. Then turning behind, he behold Kunti and was filled with + surprise. And saluting him in proper form and with joined palms that + foremost of virtuous persons, endued with great energy and pride, viz., + Vrisha, the son of Vikartana, bowed to her and said (the following + words)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0144" id="link52H_4_0144"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLV + </h2> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘I am Karna, son of Radha and Adhiratha. For what, O lady, + hast thou come here? Tell me what I am to do for thee?’ + </p> + <p> + “Kunti said, ‘Thou art Kunti’s son, and not Radha’s. Nor is Adhiratha thy + father. Thou, O Karna, art not born in the Suta order. Believe what I say. + Thou wert brought forth by me while a maiden. I held thee first in my + womb. O son, thou wert born in the palace of Kuntiraja. O Karna, that + divine Surya who blazeth forth in light and maketh everything visible, O + foremost of all wielders of weapons, begat thee upon me. O irresistible + one, thou, O son, wert brought forth by me in my father’s abode, decked + with (natural) ear-rings and accoutred in a (natural) coat of mail, and + blazing forth in beauty. That thou, without knowing thy brothers, + shouldst, therefore, from ignorance, wait upon Dhritarashtra’s son, is not + proper. It is improper in thee especially, O son. The gratification of + one’s father and one’s mother, who is the sole displayer of affection (for + her child), hath, O son, in the matter of ascertaining the duties of men, + been declared to be the highest of all duties. Acquired formerly by + Arjuna, the prosperity of Yudhishthira hath, from avarice, been wrested by + wicked persons. Snatching it back from Dhritarashtra’s sons, do thou enjoy + that prosperity. Let the Kurus behold today the union of Karna and Arjuna. + Beholding thee and thy brother united together in bonds of brotherly love, + let those wicked persons bow down unto ye. Let Karna and Arjuna be named + in the same breath as Rama and Janardana. If you two are united together, + what cannot be accomplished in the world? O Karna, surrounded by thy + brothers, thou wilt, without doubt, blaze forth like Brahma Himself, + surrounded by the gods on the platform of a great sacrifice. Endued with + every virtue, thou art the first of all my relations. Let not the epithet + Suta’s son attach to thee. Thou art a Partha, endued with great energy.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0145" id="link52H_4_0145"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “(After Kunti had said this), Karna heard an + affectionate voice issued out of the solar circle. Coming from a great + distance, that voice was uttered by Surya himself with paternal affection. + (And it said)—‘The words said by Pritha are true. O Karna, act + according to the words of thy mother. O tiger among men, great good will + result to thee if thou fully followest those words.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Though, thus addressed by his mother, and by also + his father Surya himself, Karna’s heart did not yet waver, for he was + firmly devoted to truth. And he said, ‘O Kshatriya lady, I cannot admit + what thou hast said, viz., that obedience to thy commands constituteth (in + my case) the highest of my duties. O mother, I was abandoned by thee as + soon as I was born. This great injury, involving risk to life itself, that + thou didst me, hath been destructive of my achievements and fame. If, + indeed, I am a Kshatriya, I have, for thee, been deprived of all the rites + of a Kshatriya. What enemy would have done me a greater injury? Without + showing me mercy, when thou shouldst have shown it, and having kept me + divested of all the rites (that are obligatory in consequence of the order + of my birth), thou wouldst however, lay thy command on me today! Thou + hadst never before sought my good as a mother should. Thou addressest me + today, however, desiring to do good to thyself. Who is there that would + not be afraid of Dhananjaya having Krishna with him (for the driver of his + car)? If, therefore, I go today unto the Parthas, who is there that would + not regard me as doing so from fright? Hitherto, nobody knew me to be + their brother. If, giving out on the eve of battle that I am their + brother, I go to the Pandavas, what would all the Kshatriyas say? + Furnished with every object of desire, and worshipped by them with a view + to make me happy, how can I render that friendship of Dhritarashtra’s sons + utterly futile? Having provoked hostilities with others, they always wait + on me respectfully, and always bow down to me, as the Vasus bow down to + Vasava. They think that aided by my might, they are capable of + encountering the foe. How can I then frustrate that cherished hope of + theirs? With me as their boat, they desire to cross the impassable ocean + of battle. How can I then abandon them that are desirous of crossing that + ocean which hath no other ferry? This is the time when all those have been + supported by Dhritarashtra’s sons should exert themselves for their + masters. I shall certainly act for them, reckless of even my life. Those + sinful men of unsteady heart, who, well-fed and well-furnished (with every + necessary) by their masters, undo the benefit received by them when the + time cometh for paying back, are thieves of their master’s cakes, have + neither this nor the other world for them. I will not speak deceitfully + unto thee. For the sake of Dhritarashtra’s son, I shall fight against thy + sons to the best of my strength and might. I must not, however, abandon + kindness and the conduct that becometh the good. Thy words, therefore, + however beneficial cannot be obeyed by me now. This thy solicitation to me + will not yet be fruitless. Except Arjuna, thy other sons, Yudhishthira, + Bhima, and the twins, though capable of being withstood by me in tight and + capable also of being slain, shall not yet be slain by me. It is with + Arjuna alone, among all the combatants of Yudhishthira, that I will fight. + Slaying Arjuna in battle, I shall achieve great merit, or slain by + Savyasachin, I shall be covered with glory. O famous lady, the number of + thy sons will never be less than five. Five it will always be,—either + with me, or with Arjuna, and myself slain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Karna, Kunti who was trembling with grief, + embraced her son who was unmoved in consequence of his fortitude, and + said, ‘Indeed, O Karna, even if what thou sayest seemeth to be possible, + the Kauravas will certainly be exterminated. Destiny is all. Thou hast, + however, O grinder of foes, granted to four of thy brothers the pledge of + safety. Let that pledge be borne in thy remembrance at the time of + shooting of weapons in battle.’ And having told all this, Pritha also + addressed Karna, saying, ‘Blessed be thou, and let health be thine.’ And + Karna replied unto her, saying, ‘Be it so!’ And they then left the spot, + wending in different directions." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0146" id="link52H_4_0146"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Coming back to Upaplavya from Hastinapura, that + chastiser of foes, Kesava, represented unto the Pandavas all that had + happened, and conferring with them for a long space of time, and holding + repeated consultations, Sauri went to his own quarters for rest. And + dismissing all the kings, with Virata and others at their heads, the five + brothers—the Pandavas—when the sun had set, said their evening + prayers. And with hearts ever fixed on Krishna they began to think of him. + And, at last, bringing Krishna of Dasarha’s race into their midst, they + began to deliberate again about what they should do. And Yudhishthira + said, ‘O thou of eyes like lotus-petals, it behoveth thee to tell us all + that thou saidst unto Dhritarashtra’s son in the assembly (of the Kurus), + having gone to Nagapura.’ Vasudeva said, ‘Having gone to Nagapura, I + addressed Dhritarashtra’s son in the assembly such words as were true, + reasonable, and beneficial. That wicked minded fellow did not, however, + accept them.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘When Duryodhana desired to tread along the wrong + path, what did the aged Kuru grandsire say, O Hrishikesa, unto that + vindictive prince? What also did the highly-blessed preceptor—the + son of Bharadwaja, say? And what did his parents Dhritarashtra and + Gandhari say? What did our junior father Kshattri, who is the foremost of + all persons conversant with virtue, and who is always afflicted with + sorrow on account of ourselves whom he regards as his sons, say unto + Dhritarashtra’s son? What also did all the kings who sat in that assembly + say? O Janardana, say it all unto us, exactly as it happened. Thou hast + already told us all the disagreeable words that the Kuru chiefs (Bhishma + and Dhritarashtra) and others in that assembly of the Kurus said unto the + wicked Duryodhana who is overwhelmed with lust and covetousness, and who + regardeth himself wise. Those words, however, O Kesava, have flitted away + from my memory. O Govinda, I desire to hear, O lord, all those words + again. Act thou in such a way that the opportunity may not pass away. + Thou, O Krishna, art our refuge, thou art our lord, thou art our guide!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘Hear, O king, the words that were addressed to king + Suyodhana in the midst of the assembly of the Kurus, and, O king of kings, + bear them in thy mind. After my words were ended, Dhritarashtra’s son + laughed aloud. Highly incensed at this, Bhishma then said, “Hear, O + Duryodhana, what I say for (the preservation of) our race, and having + heard it, O tiger among kings, do what is beneficial to thy own house. O + sire, O king, my father Santanu, was widely known in the world. I was, at + first, his only son. A desire sprung up in his heart as to how he might + obtain a second son, for the wise say that an only son is no son,—Let + not my race be extinct, may my fame be spread. Even this was his desire. + Knowing this to have been his desire, I procured Kali to become my mother, + having myself made a promise highly difficult to observe, for the sake of + my father as also for the sake of our race. How, in consequence of that + promise I could not be king and have drawn up my vital seed, are, of + course, well-known to thee. (I do not grieve for that). Observing that vow + of mine, behold, I am living in happiness and joy. In her, O king, was + born my younger brother, that mighty-armed and handsome supporter of + Kuru’s race, viz., Vichitravirya of virtuous soul. After my father’s + ascension to heaven, I installed Vichitravirya as a ruler of the kingdom, + that was mine, while I placed myself under him as a servant of his. O king + of kings, I then brought him suitable wives, having vanquished many + assembled monarchs. Thou hast heard of it often. Sometime after, I was + engaged in a single combat with the (great) Rama. From fear of Rama, my + brother fled, the more so as his subject deserted him. During this period, + he became very much attached to his wives and accordingly had an attack of + phthisis. Upon his death, there was anarchy in the kingdom and the chief + of the gods poured not a drop of rain (on the realm). The subjects then, + afflicted by fear of hunger, hastened to me and said, ‘Thy subjects are on + the point of being exterminated. Be thou our king for the sake of our + good. Dispel this drought. Blessed be thou, O perpetuator of Santanu’s + race. Thy subjects are being greatly afflicted by severe and frightful + maladies. Very few of them are still alive. It behoveth thee, O son of + Ganga, to save them. Dispel these tortures. O hero, cherish thy subjects + righteously. When thou art alive, let not the kingdom go to destruction.’ + Hearing these words of theirs uttered in a weeping voice, my heart was + undisturbed. Remembering the behaviour of good, I desired to maintain my + vow. Then, O king, the citizens, my auspicious mother Kali herself, our + servants, the priests and the preceptors (of our house), and many + Brahmanas of great learning, all afflicted with great woe, solicited me to + occupy the throne. And they said, ‘When thou art alive, shall the kingdom, + ruled by Pratipa (of old), go to ruin? O thou of magnanimous heart, be + thou the king for our good.’ Thus addressed by them, I joined my hands + together and, myself filled with grief and greatly afflicted, I + represented to them the vow I had made from filial respect. I repeatedly + informed them that for the sake of our race, I had vowed to live with + vital seed drawn up and foreswearing the throne. It was especially for my + mother, again, that I did so. I, therefore, begged them not to put me to + the yoke. I again joined my hands and conciliated my mother, saying, ‘O + mother, begot by Santanu and being a member of Kuru’s race, I cannot + falsify my promise.’ I repeatedly told her this. And, O king, I said + further, ‘It is for thee especially, O mother, that I took this vow; I am + verily thy servant and slave, O mother, thou that art distinguished for + parental affection.’ Having begged my mother and the people thus, I then + solicited the great sage Vyasa for begetting children upon the wives of my + brother. Indeed, O king, both myself and my mother gratified that Rishi. + At last, O king, the Rishi granted our prayers in the matter of the + children. And he begot three sons in all, O best of Bharata’s race. Thy + father was born blind, and in consequence of this congenital defect of a + sense, he could not become king. The high-souled and celebrated Pandu + became king. And when Pandu became king, his sons must obtain their + paternal inheritance. O sire, do not quarrel, give them half the kingdom. + When I am alive, what other man is competent to reign? Do not disregard my + words. I only wish that there should be peace amongst you. O sire, O king, + I make no distinction between thee and then (but love all of you equally). + What I have said unto thee represents also the opinion of thy father, of + Gandhari, and also of Vidura. The words of those that are old should + always be listened to. Do not disregard these words of mine. Do not + destroy all thou hast and the earth also.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0147" id="link52H_4_0147"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘After Bhishma had said these words, Drona, always + competent to speak, then addressed Duryodhana in the midst of the + (assembled) monarchs and said these words that are beneficial to thee. And + he said, “O sire, as Pratipa’s son, Santanu, was devoted to the welfare of + his race, and as Devavrata, otherwise called Bhishma was devoted to the + welfare of his race, so was the royal Pandu, that king of the Kurus, who + was firmly devoted to truth, who had his passions under control, who was + virtuous, of excellent vows, and attentive to all duties. (Though king by + right) that perpetuator of Kuru’s race yet made over the sovereignty to + his elder brother, Dhritarashtra, endued with great wisdom, and to his + younger brother Kshattri (Vidura). And placing this Dhritarashtra of + unfading glory on the throne, that royal son of Kuru’s race went to the + woods with his two wives. And that tiger among men, Vidura, with great + humility, placing himself in subjection to Dhritarashtra, began to wait on + him like a slave, fanning him with the branch of a tender palm. And all + the subjects then, O sire, duly tendered their submission to king + Dhritarashtra just as they had done to king Pandu himself. And having made + over the kingdom to Dhritarashtra and Vidura, that conqueror of hostile + cities, Pandu, wandered over the whole earth. Always devoted to truth, + Vidura then took charge of the finances, gifts, superintendence of the + servants (of the state), and the feeding of all, while that conqueror of + hostile cities, Bhishma, of mighty energy, supervised the making of war + and peace and the necessity of making or withholding gifts to kings. When + king Dhritarashtra of great strength was on the throne, the high-souled + Vidura was near him. Born in Dhritarashtra’s race how dost thou venture to + bring about a disunion in the family? Uniting with thy brothers (the + Pandavas) enjoy all objects of enjoyment. O king, I do not say this to you + from cowardice, nor for the sake of wealth. I am enjoying the wealth that + Bhishma gave me, and not thou, O best of kings. I do not desire, O king, + to have from thee my means of sustenance. Where Bhishma is, there Drona + must be. Do what Bhishma hath told thee. O grinder of foes, give unto the + sons of Pandu half the kingdom. O sire, I acted as their preceptor as much + as thine. Indeed, even as Aswatthaman is to me, so is Arjuna of white + steeds. What use is there of much declamation? Victory is there where + righteousness is.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva continued, ‘After Drona, of immeasurable energy, had said this, + the virtuous Vidura then, O king, who is devoted to truth, said these + words, turning towards his uncle (Bhishma) and looking at his face. And + Vidura said, “O Devavrata, attend to the words I speak. This race of Kuru, + when it became extinct, was revived by thee. It is for this that thou art + indifferent to my lamentations now. In this our race, its stain is this + Duryodhana, whose inclinations are followed by thee, although he is + enslaved by avarice, and is wicked and ungrateful and deprived of his + senses by lust. The Kurus will certainly bear consequence of the acts of + that Duryodhana who transgresseth the command of his father, observant of + virtue and profit. O great king, act thou so that the Kurus may not + perish. Like a painter producing a picture, it was thou, O king, who hadst + caused me and Dhritarashtra to spring into life. The Creator, having + created creatures, destroys them again. Do not act like him. Seeing before + thy very eyes this extinction of thy race, be not indifferent to it. If, + however, thy understanding is gone in consequence of the universal + slaughter that is at hand, go then to the woods, taking me and + Dhritarashtra with thee. Otherwise, binding this very day wicked + Duryodhana that hath deceit for his wisdom, rule this kingdom with the + sons of Pandu guarding it around. Relent, O tiger among kings. A great + slaughter of the Pandavas, the Kurus, and of other kings of immeasurable + energy is before us." </p> + <p> + “‘Having said this, Vidura ceased, his heart overflowing with sorrow. And + reflecting on the matter, he began to draw repeated sighs. Then the + daughter of king Suvala, alarmed at the prospect of the destruction of a + whole race, said, from wrath, these words fraught with virtue and profit, + to cruel Duryodhana of wicked heart, in the presence of the assembled + monarchs, “Let all the kings present in this royal assembly and let the + regenerate Rishis that form the other members of this conclave, listen (to + me) as I proclaim the guilt of thy sinful self backed by all thy + counsellors. The kingdom of the Kurus is enjoyable in due order of + succession. Even this hath always been the custom of our race. Of sinful + soul and exceedingly wicked in acts, thou seekest the destruction of the + Kuru kingdom by thy unrighteousness. Wise Dhritarashtra is in possession + of the kingdom, having Vidura of great foresight under him (as his + adviser). Passing over these two, why, O Duryodhana, dost thou, from + delusion, covet the sovereignty now? Even the high-souled king and + Kshattri, when Bhishma is alive, should both be subordinate to him. + Indeed, this foremost of men, this offspring of Ganga, the high-souled + Bhishma, in consequence of his righteousness, doth not desire the + sovereignty. It is for this reason that this invincible kingdom became + Pandu’s. His sons, therefore, are masters today and no other. The + extensive kingdom, then by paternal right, belongeth to the Pandavas, and + their sons and grandsons in due order. Observing the customs of our race + and the rule with respect to our kingdom, we all fully accomplish that + which this high-souled and wise chief of the Kurus, Devavrata, firmly + adhering to truth, sayeth, ‘Let this king (Dhritarashtra) and Vidura also, + at the command of Bhishma of great vows, proclaim the same thing. Even + that is an act that should be done by those that are well-wishers (of this + race). Keeping virtue in front, let Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, + guided by king Dhritarashtra and urged by Santanu’s son, rule for many + long years this kingdom of the Kurus lawfully obtainable by him.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0148" id="link52H_4_0148"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘After Gandhari had said this, that ruler of men, + Dhritarashtra, then said these words to Duryodhana in the midst of the + (assembled) monarchs, “O Duryodhana, listen, O son, to what I say, and + blessed be thou; do that if thou hast any respect for thy father. The lord + of creatures, Soma, was the original progenitor of the Kuru race. Sixth in + descent from Soma, was Yayati, the son of Nahusha. Yayati had five best of + royal sages as his sons. Amongst them, lord Yadu of mighty energy was the + eldest-born. Younger to Yadu was Puru, who, as our progenitor, brought + forth by Sarmistha the daughter of Vrishaparvan. Yadu, O best of the + Bharatas, was born of Devayani and, therefore, O sire, was the daughter’s + son of Sukra, otherwise called Kavya, of immeasurable energy. Endued with + great strength and prowess, that progenitor of the Yadavas, filled with + pride and possessed of wicked understanding, humiliated all the + Kshatriyas. Intoxicated with pride of strength, he obeyed not the + injunctions of his father. Invincible in battle, he insulted his father + and brother. On this earth girt on four sides by the sea, Yadu became + all-powerful, and reducing all to subjection, he established himself in + this city called after the elephant. His father Yayati, the son of + Nahusha, enraged with him, cursed that son of his, and, O son of Gandhari, + even expelled him from the kingdom. Angry Yayati also cursed those + brothers of Yadu who were obedient to that eldest brother of theirs, who + was so proud of his strength. And having cursed these his sons, that best + of kings placed on his throne his youngest son Puru who was docile and + obedient to him. Thus even the eldest son may be passed over and deprived + of the kingdom, and younger sons may, in consequence of their respectful + behaviour to the aged, obtain the kingdom. So also, conversant with every + virtue there was my father’s grandfather, king Pratipa, who was celebrated + over the three worlds. Unto that lion among kings, who ruled his kingdom + virtuously were born three sons of great fame and resembling three gods. + Of them, Devapi was the eldest, Vahlika the next and Santanu of great + intelligence, who, O sire, was my grandfather, was the youngest. Devapi, + endued with great energy, was virtuous, truthful in speech, and ever + engaged in waiting upon his father. But that best of kings had a + skin-disease. Popular with both the citizens and the subjects of the + provinces, respected by the good, and dearly loved by the young and the + old, Devapi was liberal firmly adhering to truth, engaged in the good of + all creatures, and obedient to the instructions of his father as also of + the Brahmanas. He was dearly loved by his brother Vahlika as also the + high-souled Santanu. Great, indeed, was the brotherly love that prevailed + between him and his high-souled brothers. In course of time, the old and + best of kings, Pratipa, caused all preparations to be made according to + the scriptures for the installation of Devapi (on the throne). Indeed, the + lord Pratipa caused every auspicious preparation. The installation of + Devapi, however, was forbidden by the Brahmanas and all aged persons + amongst the citizens and the inhabitants of the provinces. Hearing that + the installation of his son was forbidden, the voice of the old king + became choked with tears and he began to grieve for his son. Thus, though + Devapi was liberal, virtuous, devoted to truth, and loved by the subjects, + yet in consequence of his skin-disease, he was excluded from his + inheritance. The gods do not approve of a king that is defective of a + limb. Thinking of this, those bulls among Brahmanas forbade king Pratipa + to install his eldest son. Devapi then, who was defective of one limb, + beholding the king (his father) prevented (from installing him on the + throne) and filled with sorrow on his account, retired into the woods. As + regards Vahlika, abandoning his (paternal) kingdom he dwelt with his + maternal uncle. Abandoning his father and brother, he obtained the highly + wealthy kingdom of his maternal grandfather. With Vahlika’s permission, O + prince, Santanu of world-wide fame, on the death of his father (Pratipa), + became king and ruled the kingdom. In this way also, O Bharata, though I + am the eldest, yet being defective of a limb, I was excluded from the + kingdom by intelligent Pandu, no doubt, after much reflection. And Pandu + himself, though younger to me in age, obtained the kingdom and became + king. At his death, O chastiser of foes, that kingdom must pass to his + sons. When I could not obtain the kingdom, how canst thou covet it? Thou + art not the son of a king, and, therefore, hast no right to this kingdom. + Thou, however, desirest to appropriate the property of others. High-souled + Yudhishthira is the son of a king. This kingdom is lawfully his. Of + magnanimous soul, even he is the ruler and lord of this race of Kuru. He + is devoted to truth, of clear perception, obedient to the counsels of + friends, honest, loved by the subjects, kind to all well-wishers, master + of his passions, and the chastiser of all that are not good. Forgiveness, + renunciation, self-control, knowledge of the scriptures, mercy to all + creatures, competence to rule according to the dictates of virtue, of all + these attributes of royalty exist in Yudhishthira. Thou art not the son of + a king, and art always sinfully inclined towards thy relatives. O wretch, + how canst thou succeed in appropriating this kingdom that lawfully + belongeth to others? Dispelling this delusion, give half the kingdom with + (a share of the) animals and other possessions. Then, O king, mayest thou + hope to live for some time with thy younger brothers.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0149" id="link52H_4_0149"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CL + </h2> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘Though thus addressed by Bhishma, and Drona, and Vidura, + and Gandhari, and Dhritarashtra, that wicked wight could not yet be + brought to his senses. On the other hand, the wicked Duryodhana, + disregarding them all, rose (and left the assembly) with eyes red in + anger. And all the kings (invited by him), prepared to lay down their + lives, followed him behind. King Duryodhana then repeatedly ordered those + wicked-hearted rulers, saying, “Today constellation Pushya is ascendant—march + ye (this very day) to Kurukshetra.” Impelled by Fate, those monarchs then, + with their soldiers, gladly set out, making Bhishma their generalissimo. + Eleven Akshauhinis of troops have been, O King, assembled for the + Kauravas. At the head of that host, shineth Bhishma, with the device of + the palmyra on the banner of his car. In view, therefore, of what hath + happened, do now, O monarch, that which seemeth to be proper. I have told + thee, O king, everything that, O Bharata, was said by Bhishma, Drona, + Vidura, Gandhari and Dhritarashtra, in my presence. The arts beginning + with conciliation were all, O king, employed by me from desire of + establishing brotherly feelings (between yourselves and your cousins), for + the preservation of this race, and for the growth and prosperity of the + (earth’s) population. When conciliation failed, I employed the art of + (producing) dissensions and mentioned, ye Pandavas, all your ordinary and + extraordinary feats. Indeed, when Suyodhana showed no respect for the + conciliatory words (I spoke), I caused all the kings to be assembled + together and endeavoured to produce dissension (amongst them). + Extraordinary and awful and terrible and superhuman indications, O + Bharata, were then manifested by me. O lord, rebuking all the kings, + making a straw of Suyodhana, terrifying Radha’s son and repeatedly + censuring Suvala’s son for the gambling match of Dhritarashtra’s sons, and + once again endeavouring to disunite all the kings by means of both words + and intrigues, I again had recourse to conciliation. For the unity of + Kuru’s race and in view of the special requirements of the business (at + hand), I spoke also of gift. Indeed, I said, “Those heroes, the sons of + Pandu, sacrificing their pride, will live in dependence on Dhritarashtra, + Bhishma and Vidura. Let the kingdom be given to thee. Let them have no + power. Let it all be as the king (Dhritarashtra), as Ganga’s son (Bhishma) + and as Vidura say for thy good. Let the kingdom be thine. Relinquish but + five villages (to the Pandavas). O best of kings, without doubt they + deserve to be supported by thy father. Though addressed thus, that wicked + soul does not still give you your share. I, therefore, see that + chastisement, and nothing else, is now the means that should be employed + against those sinful persons. Indeed, all those kings have already marched + to Kurukshetra. I have now told thee everything that had happened in the + assembly of the Kurus. They will not, O son of Pandu, give thee thy + kingdom without battle. With death waiting before them, they have all + become the cause of a universal destruction.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0150" id="link52H_4_0150"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words of Janardana, king Yudhishthira + the Just, of virtuous soul, addressed his brothers in the presence of + Kesava and said, ‘Ye have heard all that had happened in the court of the + assembled Kurus. Ye have also understood the words uttered by Kesava. Ye, + best of men, draw up, therefore, my troops now in battle-array in which + they are to fight. Here are seven Akshauhinis of troops assembled for our + victory. Hear the names of those seven celebrated warriors that would lead + those seven Akshauhinis. They are Drupada, and Virata, and Dhristadyumna, + and Sikhandin, and Satyaki, Chekitana, and Bhimasena of great energy. + Those heroes will be the leaders of my troops. All of them are conversant + with the Vedas. Endued with great bravery, all of them have practised + excellent vows. Possessed of modesty, all of them are conversant with + policy, and accomplished in war. Well-skilled in arrows and weapons, all + of them are competent in the use of every kind of weapon. Tell us now, O + Sahadeva, O son of Kuru’s race, who that warrior is conversant with all + kinds of battle-array, that may become the leader of these seven and may + also withstand in battle Bhishma who is like unto a fire having arrows for + its flames. Give us thy own opinion, O tiger among men, as who is fit to + be our generalissimo.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sahadeva said, ‘Closely related to us, sympathising with us in our + distress, endued with great might, conversant with every virtue, skilled + in weapons, and irresistible in battle, the mighty king of the Matsyas, + Virata, relying upon whom we hope to recover our share of the kingdom, + will be able to bear in battle both Bhishma and all those mighty + car-warriors.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After Sahadeva had said this, eloquent Nakula + then said these words, ‘He that in years, in knowledge of scriptures, in + perseverance, in family and birth, is respectable; he that is endued with + modesty, strength, and prosperity; he that is well-versed in all branches + of learning; he that studied the science of weapons (with the sage + Bharadwaja); he who is irresistible and firmly devoted to truth; he that + always challenges Drona and mighty Bhishma; he that belongs to one of the + foremost of royal houses; he that is a famous leader of hosts; he that + resembles a tree of hundred branches in consequence of sons and grandsons + that surround him; that king, who, with his wife, performed, moved by + wrath, the austerest of penances for the destruction of Drona; that hero, + who is an ornament of assemblies; that bull among monarchs who always + cherishes us like a father; that father-in-law of ours, Drupada, should be + our generalissimo. It is my opinion that he will be able to withstand both + Drona and Bhishma rushing to battle, for that king is the friend of + Angira’s descendant Drona and is conversant with celestial weapons.’ + </p> + <p> + “After the two sons of Madri had thus expressed their individual opinions, + Vasava’s son, Savyasachin, who was equal to Vasava himself, said these + words, ‘This celestial person of the hue of fire and endued with mighty + arms, who sprang into life through the power of ascetic penances and the + gratification of sages; who issued from the sacrificial fire-hole armed + with bow and sword, accoutred in armour of steel, mounted on a car unto + which were yoked excellent steeds of the best breed, and the clatter of + whose car-wheels was as deep as the roar of mighty masses of clouds; this + hero endued with that energy and strength and resembling the very lion in + his frame of body and prowess, and possessed of leonine shoulders, arms, + chest, and voice like the lion’s roar; this hero of great effulgence; this + warrior of handsome brows, fine teeth, round cheeks, long arms, of stout + make, excellent thighs, large expansive eyes, excellent legs, and strong + frame; this prince who is incapable of being penetrated by weapons of any + kind, and who looks like an elephant with rent temples; this + Dhrishtadyumna, truthful in speech, and with passions under control, was + born for the destruction of Drona. It is this Dhrishtadyumna, I think, + that will be able to bear Bhishma’s arrows which strike with the vehemence + of the thunderbolt and look like snakes with blazing mouths, which + resemble the messengers of Yama in speed, and fall like flames of fire + (consuming everything they touch), and which were borne before by Rama + alone in battle. I do not, O king, see the man except Dhrishtadyumna, who + is able to withstand Bhishma of great vows. This is just what I think. + Endued with great lightness of hand and conversant with all the modes of + warfare, accoutred in coat of mail that is incapable of being penetrated + by weapons, this handsome hero, resembling the leader of a herd of + elephants, is according to my opinion, fit to be our generalissimo.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhima then said, ‘That son of Drupada, Sikhandin, who is born for the + destruction of Bhishma, as is said, O king, by the sages and Siddhas + assembled together, whose form on the field of battle, while displaying + celestial weapons, will be seen by men to resemble that of the illustrious + Rama himself. I see not, O king, the person who is able to pierce with + weapons that Sikhandin, when he is stationed for battle on his car, + accoutred in mail. Except the heroic Sikhandin, there is no other warrior + who is able to slay Bhishma in single combat. It is for this, O king, that + I think Sikhandin is fit to be our generalissimo.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O sire, the strength and weakness, might and + feebleness, of everything in the universe, and the intentions of every + person here, are well-known to virtuous Kesava. Skilled or unskilled in + weapons, old or young, let him be the leader of my forces, who may be + indicated by Krishna of Dasarha’s race. Even he is the root of our success + or defeat. In him are our lives, our kingdom, our prosperity and + adversity, our happiness and misery. Even he is the Ordainer and Creator. + In him is established the fruition of our desires. Let him, therefore, be + the leader of our host, who may be named by Krishna. Let that foremost of + speakers say, for the night approacheth. Having selected our leader, + worshipped our weapons with offerings of flowers and perfumes, we will, at + day-break, under Krishna’s orders march to the field of battle!’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of the intelligent king, + Yudhishthira the Just, the lotus-eyed Krishna said, eyeing Dhananjaya, the + while, ‘O king, I fully approve of all those powerful warriors whom ye + have named for becoming the leaders of thy troops. All of them are + competent to withstand thy foes. Indeed, they can frighten Indra himself + in great battle, let alone the covetous and wicked-minded sons of + Dhritarashtra. O thou of mighty arms, for thy good I made great efforts to + prevent the battle by bringing about peace. By that we have been freed + from the debt we owed to virtue. Fault-finding persons will not be able to + reproach us for anything. Foolish Duryodhana, destitute of understanding, + regardeth himself as skilled in weapons, and though really weak thinketh + himself to be possessed of strength. Array thy troops soon, for slaughter + is the only means by which they can be made to yield to our demands. + Indeed, the sons of Dhritarashtra will never be able to keep their ground + when they will behold Dhananjaya with Yuyudhana as his second, and + Abhimanyu, and the five sons of Draupadi, and Virata, and Drupada, and the + other kings of fierce prowess,—all lords of Akshauhinis. Our army is + possessed of great strength, and is invincible and incapable of being + withstood. Without doubt, it will slay the Dhartarashtra host. As regards + our leader, I would name that chastiser of foes, Dhrishtadyumna.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0151" id="link52H_4_0151"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When Krishna had said this, all the monarchs there + were filled with joy. And the shout sent forth by those delighted kings + was tremendous. And the troops began to move about with great speed, + saying, ‘Draw up, Draw up.’ And the neighing of steeds and roars of + elephants and the clatter of car-wheels and the blare of conchs and the + sound of drums, heard everywhere, produced a tremendous din. And teeming + with cars and foot-soldiers and steeds and elephants, that invincible host + of the marching Pandavas moving hither and thither, donning their coats of + mail, and uttering their war-cries, looked like the impetuous current of + the Ganga when at its full, agitated with fierce eddies and waves. And in + the van of that host marched Bhimasena, and the two sons of Madri encased + in their coats of mail, and Subhadra’s son and the five sons of Draupadi + and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race. And the Prabhadrakas and the + Panchalas marched behind Bhimasena. And the din made by the marching + hosts, filled with joy, was like unto the roars of the deep when the tide + is highest on the day of the new moon. Indeed, the tumult was such that it + seemed to reach the very heavens. And capable of breaking hostile ranks, + those warriors cased in armour marched thus, filled with joy. And Kunti’s + son, king Yudhishthira, amongst them marched, taking with him the cars and + other vehicles for transport, the food-stores and fodder, the tents, + carriages, and draught-cattle, the cash-chests, the machines and weapons, + the surgeons and physicians, the invalids, and all the emaciated and weak + soldiers, and all the attendants and camp-followers. And truthful + Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, accompanied by the ladies of the + household, and surrounded by servants and maids, remained at Upaplavya. + And causing their treasure and ladies to be guarded by bodies of soldiers, + some of whom were placed as permanent lines of circumvallation and some + ordered to move about at a distance from this line, the Pandavas set out + with their mighty host. And having made presents of kine and gold to the + Brahmanas, who walked around them and uttered blessings, the sons of Pandu + commenced the march on their cars decked with jewels. And the princes of + Kekaya, and Dhrishtaketu, and the son of the king of the Kasis, and + Srenimat, and Vasudana, and the invincible Sikhandin, all hale and hearty, + cased in armour and armed with weapons and decked with ornaments, marched + behind Yudhishthira, keeping him in their centre. And in the rear, were + Virata, Yajnasena’s son of the Somaka race (Dhrishtadyumna), Susarman, + Kuntibhoja, Dhrishtadyumna’s sons, forty thousand cars, five times as much + cavalry, infantry ten times more numerous (than the last), and sixty + thousand elephants. And Anadhrishti, and Chekitana and Dhrishtaketu and + Satyaki all marched, surrounding Vasudeva and Dhananjaya. And reaching the + field of Kurukshetra with their forces in battle-array, those smiters, the + sons of Pandu, looked like roaring bulls. And entering the field, those + chastisers of foes blew their conchs. And Vasudeva and Dhananjaya also + blew their conchs. And hearing the blare of the conch called Panchajanya, + which resembled the roll of the thunder, all the warriors (of the Pandava + army) were filled with joy. And the leonine roars of those warriors, + endued with lightness of hand and speed of motion, mingling with the blare + of conchs and beat of drums, made the whole earth, the welkin, and the + oceans resound therewith." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0152" id="link52H_4_0152"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “King Yudhishthira then caused his troops to encamp on + a part of the field that was level, cool, and abounding with grass and + fuel. Avoiding cemeteries, temples and compounds consecrated to the + deities, asylums of sages, shrines, and other sacred plots. Kunti’s + high-souled son, Yudhishthira, pitched his camp on a delightful, fertile, + open and sacred part of the plain. And rising up, again, after his animals + had been given sufficient rest, the king set out joyously surrounded by + hundreds and thousands of monarchs. And Kesava accompanied by Partha began + to move about, scattering numerous soldiers of Dhritarashtra (kept as + outposts). And Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race and that mighty + car-warrior of great energy, viz., Yuyudhana, otherwise called Satyaki, + measured the ground for the encampment. And arrived, O Bharata, at the + holy Hiranwati which flows through Kurukshetra, which was filled with + sacred water, and whose bed was divested of pointed pebbles and mire, and + which was regarded as an excellent tirtha, Kesava caused a moat to be + excavated there, and for its protection stationed a sufficient number of + troops with proper instructions. And the rules that were observed in + respect of the tents of the high-souled Pandavas, were followed by Kesava + in the matter of the tents he caused to be set up for the kings (that came + as their allies). And, O monarch, costly tents, incapable of being + attacked, apart from one another, were, by hundreds and thousands, set up + for those kings on the surface of the earth, that looked like palatial + residences and abounded with fuels and edibles and drinks. And there were + assembled hundreds upon hundreds of skilled mechanics, in receipt of + regular wages and surgeons and physicians, well-versed in their own + science, and furnished with every ingredient they might need. And king + Yudhishthira caused to be placed in every pavilion large quantities, high + as hills, of bow-strings and bows and coats of mail and weapons, honey and + clarified butter, pounded lac, water, fodder of cattle, chaff and coals, + heavy machines, long shafts, lances, battleaxes, bow-staffs, + breast-plates, scimitars and quivers. And innumerable elephants cased in + plates of steel with prickles thereon, huge as hills, and capable of + fighting with hundreds and thousands, were seen there. And learning that + the Pandavas had encamped on that field, their allies, O Bharata, with + their forces and animals, began to march thither. And many kings who had + practised Brahmacharya vows, drunk (consecrated) Soma and had made large + presents to Brahmanas at sacrifices, came there for the success of the + sons of Pandu." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0153" id="link52H_4_0153"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIV + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “Hearing that Yudhishthira had, with his troops marched + from the desire of battle and encamped on Kurukshetra, protected by + Vasudeva, and aided by Virata and Drupada with their sons, and surrounded + by the Kekayas, the Vrishnis, and other kings by hundreds, and watched + over by numerous mighty car-warriors, like the great Indra himself by the + Adityas, what measures were concerted by king Duryodhana? O high-souled + one, I desire to hear in detail all that happened in Kurujangala on that + frightful occasion. The son of Pandu, with Vasudeva and Virata and Drupada + and Dhrishtadyumna, the Panchala prince and that mighty car-warrior + Sikhandin and powerful Yudhamanyu, incapable of being resisted by the very + gods, might trouble the deities themselves in battle with Indra at their + head. I, therefore, desire to hear in detail, O thou that art possessed of + wealth of asceticism, all the acts of the Kurus and the Pandavas as they + had happened." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When he of Dasarha’s race had departed (from the Kuru + court), king Duryodhana, addressing Karna and Dussasana and Sakuni, said + these words, ‘Kesava hath gone to the sons of Pritha, without having been + able to achieve his object. Filled with wrath as he is, he will surely + stimulate the Pandavas. A battle between myself and Pandavas is much + desired by Vasudeva. Bhimasena and Arjuna are ever of the same mind with + him. Yudhishthira, again, is very much under the influence of Bhimasena. + Before this, Yudhishthira with all his brothers was persecuted by me. + Virata and Drupada whom I had waged hostilities with, obedient to + Vasudeva, both of them have become the leaders of Yudhishthira’s host. The + battle, therefore, that will take place, will be a fierce and terrific + one. Casting off all sloth, cause every preparation to be made for the + encounter. Let the kings (my allies) pitch their tents by hundreds and + thousands on Kurukshetra, all of which must be spacious, incapable of + being approached by enemies, near enough to places abounding with water + and fuel, in such positions that the communications thereto for sending + supplies may not be stopped at any time by the foe,—full of weapons + of diverse kinds, and decked with streamers and flags. Let the road from + our city to the camp be made level for their march. Let it be proclaimed + this very day, without loss of time, that our march will commence + tomorrow.’ (Hearing these words of the king), they said, ‘So be it,’—and + when the morrow came, those high-souled persons did everything they had + been commanded to do for the accommodation of the monarchs. And all those + monarchs (meanwhile), hearing the king’s command, rose up from their + costly seats, with wrath having the foe for its objects. And they began to + slowly rub their mace-like arms, blazing with bracelets of gold, and + decked with the paste of sandal and other fragrant substances. And they + also commenced, with those lotus-like hands of theirs, to wear their + head-gears and lower and upper garments and diverse kinds of ornaments. + And many foremost of car-warriors began to superintend the furnishing of + their cars, and persons conversant with horse-lore began to harness their + steeds, while those versed in matters relating to elephants began to equip + those huge animals. And all those warriors began to wear diverse kinds of + beautiful armour made of gold, and arm themselves with diverse weapons. + And the foot-soldiers began to take up various kinds of arms and case + their bodies in various kinds of armour decorated with gold. And, O + Bharata, the city of Duryodhana then, filled as it was with rejoicing + millions, wore the bright aspect of a festive occasion. And, O king, the + Kuru capital at the prospect of battle looked like the ocean on the + appearance of the moon, with the vast crowds of humanity representing its + waters with their eddies; the cars, elephants, and horses representing its + fishes; the tumult of conchs and drums, its roar; the treasure-chests, its + jewels and gems; the diverse kinds of ornaments and armour its waves; the + bright weapons its white foam; the rows of houses the mountains on its + beach; and the roads and shops, like lakes!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0154" id="link52H_4_0154"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Recollecting the words spoken by Vasudeva, + Yudhishthira once more addressed that scion of Vrishni’s race, saying, + ‘How, O Kesava, could wicked Duryodhana say it? O thou of unfading glory, + what should we do in view of the occasion that hath come? By acting in + what way may we keep on the track of our duty? Thou, O Vasudeva, art + acquainted with the views of Duryodhana, Karna, and Sakuni, the son of + Suvala. Thou knowest also what views are entertained by myself and my + brothers. Thou hast heard the words uttered by both Vidura and Bhishma. O + thou of great wisdom, thou hast also heard in their entirety the words of + wisdom spoken by Kunti. Overlooking all these, tell us, O thou of mighty + arms, after reflection, and without hesitation, what is for our good.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of king Yudhishthira the Just, that were fraught with + virtue and profit, Krishna replied, in a voice deep as that of the clouds + or cymbals, saying, ‘Responding to his advantage and consistent with both + virtue and profit, those words that were uttered by me in the Kuru court + found no response in the Kuru prince Duryodhana with whom deceit supplieth + the place of wisdom. That wretch of wicked understanding listeneth not in + the least to the counsels of Bhishma or Vidura or mine. He transgresseth + everybody. He wisheth not to earn virtue, nor doth he wish for fame. That + wicked-souled wight, relying upon Karna, regardeth everything as already + won. Indeed, Suyodhana of wicked heart and sinful in his resolves, even + ordered my incarceration but he did not, however, obtain the fruition of + that wish. Neither Bhishma nor Drona said anything on that subject. + Indeed, all of them follow Duryodhana, except Vidura, O thou of unfading + glory. Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Karna, and Dussasana, all equally + foolish, gave foolish and vindictive Duryodhana much improper advice + regarding thee. Indeed, what use is there in my repeating to thee all that + the Kuru prince hath said? In brief, that wicked-souled wight beareth no + good will towards thee. Not even in all these kings together, that form + thy army, is that measure of sinfulness and wickedness which resideth in + Duryodhana alone. As regards ourselves, we do not desire to make peace + with the Kauravas by abandoning our property. War, therefore, is that + which should now take place.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words uttered by Vasudeva, all the + kings (there present), O Bharata, without saying anything, looked at + Yudhishthira’s face. And Yudhishthira, understanding the intention of + those monarchs, said, with Bhima and Arjuna and the twins, ‘Draw up the + troops in battle array.’ And the word of command having been passed, a + great uproar rose amongst the Pandava army and all the soldiers were + filled with joy. King Yudhishthira the Just, however, beholding the + (impending) slaughter of those that deserved not to be slain, began to + sigh deeply, and addressing Bhimasena and Vijaya, said, ‘That for the sake + of which I accepted an exile into the woods and for which I suffered so + much misery, that great calamity overtaketh us of a set purpose. That for + which we strove so much leaveth us as if on account of our very striving. + On the other hand, a great distress overtaketh us, although we did nothing + to invite it. How shall we fight with those reverend superiors (of ours) + whom we on no account can slay? What kind of victory shall we achieve by + slaying our preceptors of venerable age?’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of king Yudhishthira the Just, Savyasachin repeated + to his elder brother all those words that Vasudeva had said. And + addressing Yudhishthira, Arjuna continued, ‘Thou hast, O king, certainly + understood all the words spoken by Kunti and Vidura, that were repeated to + thee by Devaki’s son. I know it for certain that neither Vidura nor Kunti + would say anything that is sinful. Besides this, O son of Kunti, we cannot + withdraw without engaging in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing this speech of Savyasachin, Vasudeva also said unto Partha, ‘It + is even so (as thou hast said).’ The sons of Pandu then, O great king, + made up their minds for war, and passed that night with their soldiers in + great happiness." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0155" id="link52H_4_0155"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVI + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After that night had passed away, king Duryodhana, O + Bharata, distributed (in proper order) his eleven Akshauhinis of troops. + And arranging his men, elephants, cars, and steeds, into three classes, + viz., superior, middling, and inferior, the king distributed them amongst + his divisions (by placing them in the van, centre, and rear of the ranks). + And furnished with timber and planks for repairing the damages their cars + might sustain in the press of battle, with large quivers borne on cars, + with tiger-skins and other stiff leather for enveloping the sides of cars, + with barbed javelins to be hurled by the hand, with quivers borne on the + backs of steeds and elephants, with long-handled spears of iron and + missiles, with quivers borne on the backs of foot-soldiers with heavy + clubs of woods, with flagstaffs and banners, with long heavy shafts shot + from bows, with diverse kinds of nooses and lassoes, with armour of + various kinds, with short-pointed clubs of wood, with oil, treacle, and + sand, with earthen pots filled with poisonous snakes, with pulverised lac + and other inflammable matter, with short spears furnished with tinkling + bells, with diverse weapons of iron, and machines for hurling hot treacle, + water, and stones, with whistling clubs of hard wood, with wax and heavy + mallets, with clubs of wood having iron spikes, with plough-poles and + poisoned darts, with long syringes for pouring warm treacle and planks of + cane, with battle-axes and forked lances with spiked gauntlets, with axes + and pointed iron-spikes, with cars having their sides covered with skins + of tigers and leopards, with sharp-edged circular planks of wood, with + horns, with javelins and various other weapons of attack, with axes of the + kuthara species, and spades, with cloths steeped in oil, and with + clarified butter, the divisions of Duryodhana, glittering with robes + embroidered with gold and decked with various kinds of jewels and gems and + consisting of warriors endued with handsome persons, blazed forth like + fire. And cased in coats of mail and well-skilled in weapons, accomplished + in horse-lore, brave persons of good birth were employed as car-drivers. + And all the cars were furnished with various drugs, and with horses having + rows of bells and pearls on their heads, and with banners and flagstaffs, + and with ornaments gracing their steeples and turrets and with shields, + swords, and lances, and javelins and spiked maces. And unto each of those + cars were yoked four steeds of the best breed. And upon each of them were + kept a hundred bows. And each car had one driver in charge of the couple + of steeds in front, and two drivers in charge of the couple of steeds + attached to the wheels on the two sides. And both of the last-mentioned + drivers were skilled car-warriors, while the car-warrior himself was also + skilled in driving steeds. And thousands of cars thus furnished and decked + with gold, and protected like a fortified town and incapable of being + conquered by foes, were stationed on all sides. And the elephants also + were furnished with rows of bells and pearls and decked with diverse + ornaments. And on the back of each of those animals, mounted seven + warriors. And in consequence of such accoutrements those animals looked + like hills graced with jewels. And amongst the seven, two were armed with + hooks, two were excellent bowmen, two were first-rate swords-men, and one, + O king, was armed with a lance and trident. And, O king, the army of the + illustrious Kuru king, teemed with innumerable infuriate elephants, + bearing on their backs loads of weapons and quivers filled with arrows. + And there were also thousands of steeds ridden by brave soldiers accoutred + in mail, decked in ornaments, and furnished with flags. And numbering in + hundreds and thousands, all those steeds were free from the habit of + scratching the ground with their forehoofs. And they were all + well-trained, and decked with ornaments of gold, and exceedingly obedient + to their riders. And of foot-soldiers, there were hundreds of thousands of + diverse mien, accoutred in armours of diverse kinds and armed also with + weapons of diverse species, and decked with golden ornaments. And unto + each car, were assigned ten elephants, and unto each elephant ten horses, + and unto each horse ten foot-soldiers, as protectors. Again, a large body + of troops was kept as a reserve for rallying the ranks that would be + broken. And this reserve consisted of cars, unto each of which were + attached fifty elephants; and unto each elephant were attached a hundred + horses; and unto each horse were attached seven foot-soldiers. Five + hundred cars, as many elephants (fifteen hundred horses, and two thousand + five hundred foot-soldiers) constitute a Sena. Ten Senas constitute a + Pritana; and ten Pritanas, a Vahini. In common parlance, however, the + words Sena, Vahini, Pritana, Dhwajini, Chamu, Akshauhini, and Varuthini + are used in the same sense. + </p> + <p> + “It was thus that the intelligent Kaurava arrayed his force. Between the + two sides, the total number was eighteen Akshauhinis. Of this, the Pandava + force consisted of seven Akshauhinis, while the Kaurava force consisted of + ten Akshauhinis and one more. Five times fifty men constitute a Patti. + Three Pattis make a Senamukha or Gulma. Three Gulmas make a Gana. In + Duryodhana’s army, there were thousands and hundred of such Ganas + consisting of warriors capable of smiting (the foe) and longing for + battle. And the mighty-armed king Duryodhana, selecting from among them + brave and intelligent warriors, made them the leaders of his troops. And + placing an Akshauhini of troops under each of those best of men, viz., + Kripa, Drona, Salya, Jayadratha, the king of the Sindhus, Sudakshina the + ruler of the Kamvojas, Kritavarman, Drona’s son (Aswatthaman), Karna, + Bhurisravas, Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and the mighty Vahlika, the king + used to bring them daily before him and at all hours, and speak to them. + And he repeatedly offered them worship before his very eyes. And thus + appointed, all warriors, with all their followers, became desirous of + doing what was most agreeable to the king." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0156" id="link52H_4_0156"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Dhritarashtra’s son, accompanied by all the kings, + then addressed Bhishma, son of Santanu, and with joined hands said these + words, ‘Without a commander, even a mighty army is routed in battle like a + swarm of ants. The intelligence of two persons can never agree. Different + commanders, again, are jealous of one another as regards their prowess. O + thou of great wisdom, it is heard (by us) that (once on a time) the + Brahmanas, raising a standard of Kusa grass, encountered in battle the + Kshatriyas of the Haihaya clan endued with immeasurable energy. O + grandsire, the Vaisyas and the Sudras followed the Brahmanas, so that all + the three orders were on one side, while those bulls among the Kshatriyas + were alone on the other. In the battles, however, that ensued, the three + orders repeatedly broke, while the Kshatriyas, though alone, vanquished a + large army that was opposed to them. Then those best of Brahmanas enquired + of the Kshatriyas themselves (as to the cause of this). O grandsire, those + that were virtuous among the Kshatriyas returned the true answer to the + enquirers, saying, “In battle we obey the orders of one person endued with + great intelligence, while ye are disunited from one another and act + according to your individual understanding.” The Brahmanas then appointed + one amongst themselves as their commander, who was brave and conversant + with the ways of policy. And they then succeeded in vanquishing the + Kshatriyas. Thus people always conquer their foes in battle who appoint a + skilled, brave, and sinless commander, observing the good of the forces + under him. As regards thee, thou art equal to Usanas himself, and always + seekest my good. Incapable of being slain, thou art, again devoted to + virtue. Be thou, therefore, our commander. Like the sun among all + luminaries, like the moon unto all delicious herbs, like Kuvera among the + Yakshas, like Vasava among the gods, like Meru among mountains, Suparna + among the birds, Kumara among the gods, Havyavaha among Vasus, thou art + amongst ourselves. Like the gods protected by Sakra, ourselves, protected + by thee, will assuredly become invincible by the very gods. Like Agni’s + son (Kumara) at the head of the gods, march thou at our head, and let us + follow thee like calves following the lead of a mighty bull.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘O mighty-armed one, it is even so, O Bharata, as thou + sayest. But the Pandavas are as dear to me as ye yourselves. Therefore, O + king, I should certainly seek their good as well, although I shall + certainly fight for thee, having given thee a pledge (before) to that + effect. I do not see the warrior on earth that is equal to me, except that + tiger among men, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti. Endued with great + intelligence, he is conversant with innumerable celestial weapons. That + son of Pandu, however, will never fight with me openly. With the power of + my weapons, I can, in a trice, destroy this universe consisting of gods, + Asuras, Rakshasas, and human beings. The sons of Pandu, however, O king, + are incapable of being exterminated by me. I shall, therefore, slay every + day ten thousand warriors. If, indeed, they do not slay me in battle + first, I will continue to slaughter their forces thus. There is another + understanding on which I may willingly become the commander of thy forces. + It behoveth thee to listen to that. O lord of earth, either Karna should + fight first, or I will fight first. The Suta’s son always boasts of his + prowess in battle, comparing it with mine.’ + </p> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘As long as Ganga’s son liveth, O king, I shall never fight. + After Bhishma is slain, I shall fight with the wielder of Gandiva.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “After this, Dhritarashtra’s son duly made Bhishma + the commander of his force, distributing large presents. And after his + installation in the command, he blazed forth with beauty. And at the + king’s behest, musicians cheerfully played upon drums and blew conchs by + hundreds and thousands. And numerous leonine roars were sent forth and all + the animals in the camp uttered their cries together. And although the sky + was cloudless, a bloody shower fell and made the ground miry. And fierce + whirl-winds, and earthquakes, and roars of elephants, occurring, depressed + the hearts of all the warriors. Incorporeal voices and flashes of meteoric + falls were heard and seen in the welkin. And jackals, howling fiercely, + foreboded great calamity. And, O monarch, these and a hundred other kinds + of fierce portents made their appearance when the king installed Ganga’s + son in the command of his troops. And after making Bhishma—that + grinder of hostile hosts—his general, and having also caused by + abundant gifts of kine and gold to the Brahmanas to pronounce benedictions + on him, and glorified by those benedictions, and surrounded by his troops, + and with Ganga’s son in the van, and accompanied by his brothers, + Duryodhana marched to Kurukshetra with his large host. And the Kuru king, + going over the plain with Karna in his company, caused his camp to be + measured out on a level part, O monarch, of that plain. And the camp, + pitched on a delightful and fertile spot abounding with grass and fuel, + shone like Hastinapura itself." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0157" id="link52H_4_0157"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVIII + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “When Yudhishthira heard that Bhishma, the high-souled + son of Ganga, the foremost of all wielders of weapons, the grandsire of + the Bharatas, the head of all the kings, the rival of Vrihaspati in + intellect, resembling the ocean in gravity, the mountains of Himavat in + calmness, the Creator himself in nobleness, and the sun in energy, and + capable of slaying hostile hosts like great Indra himself by showering his + arrows, was installed, till his removal by death, in the command of the + Kuru army on the eve of the great sacrifice of battle, terrific in its + mien and capable of making one’s hairs stand on their ends, what did that + mighty-armed son of Pandu, that foremost of wielders of weapons, say? What + also did Bhima and Arjuna say? And what too did Krishna say?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “When news was received of this, Yudhishthira endued + with great intelligence and well-acquainted with what should be done in + view of dangers and calamities summoned all his brothers and also the + eternal Vasudeva (to his presence). And that foremost of speakers then + said in a mild voice, ‘Make your rounds among the soldiers, and remain + carefully, casing yourselves in mail. Our first encounter will be with our + grandsire. Look ye for (seven) leaders for the seven Akshauhinis of my + troops.’ + </p> + <p> + “Krishna said, ‘Those words of grave import, which, O bull of the Bharata + race, it behoveth thee to utter on an occasion like this, have, indeed, + been uttered by thee. Even this, O mighty armed one, is what I also like. + Let therefore, that be done which should be done next. Let, indeed, seven + leaders be selected for thy army.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Summoning then those warriors eager for battle, + viz., Drupada and Virata, and that bull of Sini’s race, and Dhrishtadyumna + the prince of Panchala, and king Dhrishtaketu, and prince Shikhandi of + Panchala, and Sahadeva, the ruler of the Magadhas, Yudhishthira duly + appointed them in the command of his seven divisions. And above them all + was placed in command of all the troops that Dhrishtadyumna who had sprung + from the blazing (sacrificial) fire for the destruction of Drona. And + Dhananjaya, of curly hair, was made the leader of all those high-souled + leaders. And handsome Janardana endued with great intelligence, he who was + the younger brother of Sankarshana, was chosen as the guide of Arjuna and + the driver of his steeds. + </p> + <p> + “And beholding that a very destructive battle was about to take place, + there came, O king, into the Pandava encampment, Halayudha, accompanied by + Akrura, and Gada and Samva, and Uddhava, and Rukmini’s son (Pradyumna), + and Ahuka’s sons, and Charudeshna, and others. And surrounded and guarded + by those foremost warriors of the Vrishni race, resembling a herd of + mighty tigers, like Vasava in the midst of the Maruts, the mighty-armed + and handsome Rama, attired in garments of blue silk and resembling the + peak of the Kailasa mountain, and endued with the sportive gait of the + lion and possessed of eyes having their ends reddened with drink, came + there (at such a time). And beholding him, king Yudhishthira the Just, and + Kesava of great effulgence, and Pritha’s son Vrikodara of terrible deeds, + and (Arjuna) the wielder of Gandiva, and all the other kings that were, + rose from their seats. And they all offered worship unto Halayudha as he + came to that place. And the Pandava king touched Rama’s hands with his + own. And that chastiser of foes, Halayudha, in return, accosting them all + with Vasudeva at their head, and saluting (respectfully) both Virata and + Drupada who were senior in years, sat down on the same seat with + Yudhishthira. And after all the kings had taken their seats, Rohini’s son, + casting his eyes on Vasudeva, began to speak. And he said, ‘This fierce + and terrible slaughter is inevitable. It is, without doubt, a decree of + fate, and I think that it cannot be averted. Let me hope, however, to + behold all of you, with your friends, come safely out of this strife, with + sound bodies and perfectly hale. Without doubt, all the Kshatriyas of the + world that are assembled together have their hour come. A fierce melee + covering with a mire of flesh and blood is sure to take place. I said unto + Vasudeva repeatedly in private, “O slayer of Madhu, unto those that bear + equal relationship to us, observe thou an equal behaviour. As are the + Pandavas to us, even so is king Duryodhana. Therefore, give him also the + same aid.” Indeed, he repeatedly soliciteth it. For thy sake, however, the + slayer of Madhu regarded not my words. Looking at Dhananjaya, he hath with + his whole heart, been devoted to your cause. Even this is what I certainly + think, viz., that the victory of the Pandavas is sure, for Vasudeva’s + wish, O Bharata, is even so. As regards myself, I dare not cast my eyes on + the world without Krishna (on my side). It is for this that I follow + whatever Krishna seeketh to achieve. Both of these heroes, well-skilled in + encounter with the mace, are my disciples. My affection, therefore, for + Bhima is equal to that for king Duryodhana. For these reasons, I shall now + repair to the tirtha of the Saraswati for ablutions, for I shall not be + able to behold with indifference the destruction of the Kauravas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, the mighty-armed Rama, obtaining the leave of the + Pandavas, and making the slayer of Madhu desist (from following him + farther), set out on his journey for the sacred waters." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0158" id="link52H_4_0158"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “About this time, there came into the Pandava camp + Bhishmaka’s son, foremost among all persons of truthful resolution, and + known widely by the name of Rukmi. The high-souled Bhishmaka, who was + otherwise called king Hiranyaroman, was the friend of Indra. And he was + most illustrious among the descendants of Bhoja and was the ruler of the + whole southern country. And Rukmi was a disciple of that lion among the + Kimpurushas who was known by the name of Drona, having his abode on the + mountains of Gandhamadana. And he had learnt from his preceptor the whole + science of weapons with its four divisions. And that mighty-armed warrior + had obtained also the bow named Vijaya of celestial workmanship, belonging + to the great Indra, and which was equal to Gandiva in energy and to also + Sarnga (held by Krishna). There were three celestial bows owned by the + denizens of heaven, viz., Gandiva owned by Varuna, the bow called Vijaya + owned by Indra, and that other celestial bow of great energy said to have + been owned by Vishnu. This last (Sarnga), capable of striking fear into + the hearts of hostile warriors, was held by Krishna. The bow called + Gandiva was obtained by Indra’s son (Arjuna) from Agni on the occasion of + the burning of Khandava, while the bow called Vijaya was obtained from + Drona by Rukmi of great energy. Baffling the nooses of Mura and slaying by + his might that Asura, and vanquishing Naraka, the son of the Earth, + Hrishikesa, while recovering the begemmed ear-rings (of Aditi), with + sixteen thousand girls and various kinds of jewels and gems, obtained that + excellent bow called Sarnga. And Rukmi having obtained the bow called + Vijaya whose twang resembled the roar of the clouds came to the Pandavas, + as if inspiring the whole universe with dread. Formerly, proud of the + might of his own arms, the heroic Rukmi could not tolerate the ravishment + of his sister Rukmini by wise Vasudeva. He had set out in pursuit, having + sworn that he would not return without having slain Janardana. And + accompanied by a large army consisting of four kinds of forces that + occupied (as it marched) a very large portion of the earth, accoutred in + handsome coats of mail and armed with diverse weapons and resembling the + swollen current of the Ganga, that foremost of all wielders of weapons set + out in pursuit of Vasudeva of Vrishni’s race. And having come up to him of + Vrishni’s race who was lord and master of everything obtainable by ascetic + austerities, Rukmi, O king, was vanquished and covered with shame. And for + this he returned not to (his city) Kundina. And on the spot where that + slayer of hostile heroes was vanquished by Krishna, he built an excellent + city named Bhojakata. And, O king, that city filled with large forces and + teeming with elephants and steeds, is widely known on the earth by that + name. Endued with great energy, that hero, cased in mail and armed with + bows, fences, swords and quivers, quickly entered the Pandava camp, + surrounded by an Akshauhini of troops. And Rukmi entered that vast army, + under a standard effulgent as the sun, and made himself known to the + Pandavas, from desire of doing what was agreeable to Vasudeva. King + Yudhishthira, advancing a few steps, offered him worship. And duly + worshipped and eulogised by the Pandavas, Rukmi saluted them in return and + rested for a while with his troops. And addressing Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti in the midst of the heroes there assembled, he said, ‘If, O son of + Pandu, thou art afraid, I am here to render thee assistance in the battle. + The assistance I will give thee will be unbearable by thy foes. There is + no man in this world who is equal to me in prowess. I will slay those foes + of thine whom thou, O son of Pandu, wilt assign to me. I will slay one of + those heroes, viz., Drona and Kripa, and Bhishma, and Karna. Or, let all + these kings of the earth stand aside. Slaying in battle thy foes myself, I + will give thee Earth.’ And he said this in the presence of king + Yudhishthira the Just and of Kesava and in the hearing of the (assembled) + monarchs and all others (in the camp). Then casting his eyes on Vasudeva + and Pandu’s son king Yudhishthira the Just, Dhananjaya the intelligent son + of Kunti smilingly but in a friendly voice said these words, ‘Born in the + race of Kuru, being especially the son of Pandu, naming Drona as my + preceptor, having Vasudeva for my ally, and bearing, besides the bow + called Gandiva, how can I say that I am afraid? O hero, when on the + occasion of the tale of cattle, I fought with the mighty Gandharvas, who + was there to assist me? In that terrific encounter also with the Gods and + Danavas banded together in great numbers at Khandava, who was my ally when + I fought? When, again, I fought with the Nivatakavachas and with those + other Danavas called Kalakeyas, who was my ally? When, again, at Virata’s + city I fought with the numberless Kurus, who was my ally in that battle? + Having paid my respects, for battle’s sake, to Rudra, Sakra, Vaisravana, + Yama, Varuna, Pavaka, Kripa, Drona, and Madhava, and wielding that tough + celestial bow of great energy called Gandiva, and accoutred with + inexhaustible arrows and armed with celestial weapons, how can a person + like me, O tiger among men, say, even unto Indra armed with the + thunderbolt, such words as I am afraid!—words that rob one of all + his fame? O thou of mighty arms, I am not afraid, nor have I any need of + thy assistance. Go therefore, or stay, as it pleaseth or suiteth thee.’ + Hearing these words of Arjuna, Rukmi taking away with him his army vast as + the sea, repaired then, O bull of Bharata’s race, to Duryodhana. And king + Rukmi, repairing thither, said the same words unto Duryodhana. But that + king proud of his bravery, rejected him in the same way. + </p> + <p> + “Thus, O king, two persons withdrew from the battle, viz., Rohini’s son + (Rama) of Vrishni’s race and king Rukmi. And after Rama had set out on his + pilgrimage to the tirthas, and Bhishmaka’s son Rukmi had departed thus, + the sons of Pandu once more sat down for consulting with one another. And + that conclave presided over by king Yudhishthira the Just, abounding with + numerous monarchs, blazed forth like the firmament bespangled with lesser + luminaries with the moon in their midst." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0159" id="link52H_4_0159"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLX + </h2> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “After the soldiers had been arrayed thus in order of + battle (on the field of Kurukshetra), what, O bull among Brahmanas, did + the Kauravas then do, urged as they were by destiny itself?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “After the soldiers, O bull of the Bharata race, had + been arrayed thus in order of battle, Dhritarashtra, O, king, said these + words to Sanjaya. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Come, O Sanjaya, tell me with the fullest details + all that hath happened in the encampment of the Kuru and the Pandava + troops. I regard destiny to be superior, and exertion useless, for + although I understand the evil consequences of war that will lead only to + ruin, still I am unable to restrain my son who rejoices in gambling and + considers deceit to be wisdom. Understanding everything, I am not yet able + to secure my own welfare. O Suta, my understanding is capable of seeing + the defects (of measures), but when I approach Duryodhana, that + understanding of mine turneth away (from that right path). When such is + the case, O Sanjaya, that will be which must be. Indeed, the sacrifice of + one’s corporeal body in battle is the laudable duty of every Kshatriya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘This question, O great king, that thou hast put, is indeed + worthy of thee. It behoveth thee not, however, to impute entire fault to + Duryodhana only. Listen to me, O king, as I speak of this exhaustively. + That man who cometh by evil in consequence of his own misconduct, should + never impute the fault to either time or the gods. O great king, he + amongst men who perpetrateth every wicked act, deserveth to be slain in + consequence of his perpetrating those acts. Afflicted with injuries in + consequence of the match at dice, the sons of Pandu, however, with all + their counsellors quietly bore all those injuries, looking up, O best of + men, to thy face alone. Hear from me fully, O king, of the slaughter that + is about to take place in battle, of steeds and elephants and kings endued + with immeasurable energy. Hearing patiently, O thou that art endued with + great wisdom, of the destruction of the world in the fierce battle that + has been brought about, come to this conclusion and no other, viz., that + man is never the agent of his acts right or wrong. Indeed, like a wooden + machine, man is not an agent (in all he does). In this respect, three + opinions are entertained; some say that everything is ordained by God; + some say that our acts are the result of free-will; and others say that + our acts are the result of those of our past lives. Listen then, + therefore, with patience, to the evil that hath come upon us.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0160" id="link52H_4_0160"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Uluka Dutagamana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the high-souled Pandavas, O king, had encamped by + the side of the Hiranwati, the Kauravas also fixed their camps. And king + Duryodhana having strongly posted his troops and paid homage to all the + kings (on his side) and planted outposts and bodies of soldiers for the + protection of warriors, summoned those rulers of men, viz., Karna and + Dussasana and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and began, O Bharata, to consult + with them. And king Duryodhana, O Bharata, having (first) consulted with + Karna, and (next), O monarch, with Karna and his (own) brother Dussasana, + and Suvala’s son all together, then summoned, O bull among men, Uluka and + bringing him into his presence in private, told him, O king, these words, + “O Uluka, O son of an adept at dice, repair thou unto the Pandavas and the + Somakas. And repairing thither, repeat these my words (unto Yudhishthira) + in the hearing of Vasudeva. That terrible battle between the Kurus and the + Pandavas which had been expected from a long time back has at last come. + Those boastful words which Sanjaya brought to me, in the midst of the + Kurus and which thou hadst, with Vasudeva and thy younger brothers, + uttered in deep roar,—the time, O son of Kunti, hath at last come + for making them good. Do ye achieve, therefore, all which ye have pledged + yourselves to achieve. Unto the eldest son of Kunti thou must say, as my + words, the following, ‘Virtuous as thou art, how canst then, with all thy + brothers, with the Somakas, and the Kekayas, set thy heart upon + unrighteousness? How canst thou wish the destruction of the universe, + when, as I think thou shouldst be the dispeller of the fears of all + creatures. O bull of Bharata’s race, this sloka sung of old by Prahlada + when his kingdom had been wrested from him by the gods, hath been heard by + us,—Ye gods, that person whose standard of righteousness is always + up, but whose sins are always concealed is said to adopt the behaviour of + the cat (in the story).’ I will here repeat to thee, O king, this + excellent story recited by Narada to my father. A wicked cat, O king, once + on a time took up his abode on the banks of the Ganges, abandoning all + work and with his hands upraised (after the manner of a devotee). + Pretending to have purified his heart, he said unto all creatures these + words, for inspiring confidence in them, viz.,—I am now practising + virtue. After a long time, all oviparous creatures reposed trust in him, + and coming unto him all together, O monarch, they all applauded that cat. + And worshipped by all feathery creatures, that devourer of feathery + creatures, regarded his purpose already accomplished, as also the purpose + of his austerities. And after some more time, the mice went to that place. + And these also all beheld him to be a virtuous person engaged in the + observance of vows, and proudly exerting himself in a grand act. And + having arrived at that settled conviction, they entertained the following + wish, O king,—‘Many foes we have. Let this one, therefore, become + our maternal uncle, and let him always protect all the old and young ones + of our race.’ And going at last to the cat, all of them said, ‘Through thy + grace we desire to roam in happiness. Thou art our gracious shelter, thou + art our great friend. For this, all of us place ourselves under thy + protection. Thou art always devoted to virtue, thou art always engaged in + the acquisition of virtue. O thou of great wisdom, protect us, therefore, + like the wielder of the thunderbolt protecting the celestials.’ Thus + addressed, O king, by all the mice, the cat answered them, saying, ‘I do + not see the consistency of these two, viz., my ascetic pursuits and this + protection (that I am called upon to grant). I cannot avoid, however, + doing good to you agreeably to your request. You all, at the same time, + should always obey my words. Staying as I am in the observance of a severe + vow, I am weakened by my ascetic practices. I do not, therefore, see the + means of my moving from place to place. Ye all should, therefore, bear me + hence every day to the river-side.’ Saying, ‘So be it,’ the mice then, O + bull of Bharata’s race, made over all their old and young ones to that + cat. Then that sinful creature of wicked soul, feeding on mice, gradually + became fat and of good complexion and strong in his limbs. And thus while + the mice began to be reduced in number, the cat began to grow in vigour + and strength. Then all the mice, coming together, said unto one another, + ‘Our uncle is daily growing stout, while we are being daily reduced (in + number)!’ Then a certain mouse endued with wisdom, named Dindika, said, O + king these words unto the large swarm of mice gathered there, ‘Go all of + ye to the river-side together. I will follow ye, accompanying our uncle.’ + ‘Excellent, Excellent,’ they said, and applauded that one of their number. + And they all did just as those words of grave import spoken by Dindika + seemed to indicate. The cat, however, not knowing all this, ate up Dindika + that day. All the mice then, without losing much time, began to take + counsel of one another. Then a very old mouse, named Kilika, said these + just words, O king, in the presence of all his kinsfolk, ‘Our uncle is not + really desirous of earning virtue. He hath, like a hypocrite, become our + friend when in reality he is our enemy. Indeed, the excreta of a creature + that liveth only upon fruits and roots never containeth hair of fur. Then + again, while his limbs are growing, our number is decaying. Besides, + Dindika cannot be seen for these eight days.’ Hearing these words, the + mice ran away in all directions. And that cat also of wicked soul returned + to whence he came. O thou of wicked soul, thou too art a practiser of such + feline behaviour. Thou behavest towards thy kinsmen after the manner of + the cat (in the story) towards the mice. Thy speech is of one kind, and + thy conduct is of another. Thy (devotion to) scripture and thy + peacefulness of behaviour are only for display before men. Giving up this + hypocrisy, O king, adopt the practices of a Kshatriya and do all that one + should do as such. Art thou not virtuous, O bull among men? Acquiring the + earth by means of the prowess of thy arms, make gifts, O best of the + Bharatas, unto the Brahmanas and to the means of thy deceased ancestors as + one should. Seeking the good of that mother of thine who hath been + afflicted with distress for a series of years, dry up her tears, and + confer honours on her by vanquishing (thy foes) in battle. Thou hadst with + great abjectness, solicited only five villages. Even that was rejected by + us, for how could we bring about a battle, how could we succeed in + angering the Pandavas, was all that we sought. Remembering that it was for + thee that the wicked Vidura was driven (by us) and that we had tried to + burn you all in the house of lac, be a man now; at the time of Krishna’s + setting out (from Upaplavya) for the Kuru court, thou hadst through him + communicated this message (to us), viz.,—Hear, O king, I am prepared + for either war or peace! Know, O monarch, that the hour hath come for + battle. O Yudhishthira, I have made all these preparations in view of + that. What doth a Kshatriya regard as a more estimable accession (of good + fortune) than battle? Born thou hast been in the Kshatriya order. Known + also thou art in the world. Having obtained weapons again from Drona and + Kripa, why, O bull of the Bharata race, dost thou rely on Vasudeva who + belongeth to the same order of life as thyself and who is, not superior to + thee in might.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Thou must also say unto Vasudeva in the presence of the Pandavas these + words,—For thy own sake, as also for the sake of the Pandavas, + withstand me in battle to the best of thy power! Assuming once more that + form which thou hadst assumed before in the Kuru court, rush thou with + Arjuna against me (on the field)! A conjuror’s tricks or illusions may + (sometimes) inspire fright. But as regards the person that stands armed + for fight, such deceptions (instead of inspiring fight) only provoke + anger! We also are competent, by our powers of illusion, to ascend to + heaven or the firmament, or penetrate into the nether region, or the city + of Indra! We also can display various forms in our own body! The great + Ordainer bringeth all creatures to subjection by a fiat of His will (and + never by such conjuror’s tricks)! Thou always sayest, O thou of Vrishni’s + race, these words, viz.,—Causing the sons of Dhritarashtra to be + slain in battle, I will confer undisputed sovereignty on the sons of + Pritha!—These words of thine were brought to me by Sanjaya. Thou + hadst also said, ‘Know, ye Kauravas that it is with Arjuna, having me for + his second, ye have provoked hostilities!’ Truthfully adhering to that + pledge, put forth thy energy for the Pandavas and fight now in battle to + the best of thy power! Show us that thou canst be a man! He is said to be + truly alive, who, having ascertained (the might of his) foes inspireth + grief in them by resorting to true manliness! Without any reason, O + Krishna, great hath been thy fame spread in the world! It will, however, + presently be known that there are many persons in the world that are + really eunuchs though possessed of the signs of manhood. A slave of Kansa, + especially as thou art, a monarch like me should not cover himself in mail + against thee! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Say (next) repeatedly, from me, O Uluka, unto that stupid, ignorant, + gluttonous Bhimasena, who is even like a bull though divested of horns, + these words, viz.,—O son of Pritha, a cook thou hadst become, known + by the name of Vallabha, in the city of Virata! All this is evidence of + thy manliness! Let not the vow thou hadst made before in the midst of the + Kuru court be falsified! Let Dussasana’s blood be drunk if thou art able! + O son of Kunti, thou often sayest,—Speedily shall I slay + Dhritarashtra’s sons in battle!—The time for accomplishing it hath + now come! O Bharata, thou deservest to be rewarded in cookery! The + difference, however, is very great between dressing food and fighting! + Fight now, be a man! Indeed, thou shalt have to lie down, deprived of + life, on the earth, embracing thy mace, O Bharata! The boast in which thou + hadst indulged in the midst of thy assembly is all vain, O Vrikodara! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Say, O Uluka, unto Nakula, from me, these words, viz.,—Fight now, + O Bharata, patiently! We desire, O Bharata, to behold thy manliness, thy + reverence for Yudhishthira, and thy hatred of myself! Recall to mind the + sufferings in their entirety that Krishna had suffered! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Next, thou must say these words of mine unto Sahadeva in the presence + of the (assembled) monarchs,—Fight in battle now, to the best of thy + power! Remember all your woes! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Say next, from me, unto both Virata and Drupada, these words, viz.,—Since + the beginning of the creation, slaves, endued even with great + accomplishments, have never been able to fully understand their masters. + Nor have affluent kings been always able to understand their slaves! This + king deserveth no praise,—possibly, under such a belief, ye have + come against me! United together, fight ye, therefore, against me for + achieving my death, and accomplish the objects ye have in view, as also + those that the Pandavas have! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Say also, from me, unto Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of Panchalas, these + words, viz.,—The hour hath now come for thee, and thou also hast + come for thy hour! Approaching Drona in battle thou wilt know what is best + for thee! Achieve thou the business of thy friend! Accomplish that feat + which is difficult of accomplishment! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Tell, next, repeatedly from me, O Uluka, unto Sikhandin, these words, + viz.,—The mighty-armed Kaurava, foremost of all bowmen, Ganga’s son + (Bhishma), will not slay thee, knowing thee to be only a female! Fight now + without any fear! Achieve in battle what canst to the best of thy power! + We desire to behold thy prowess!”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Having said this, king Duryodhana laughed aloud. + And addressing Uluka again, he said, ‘Say once more unto Dhananjaya in the + bearing of Vasudeva these words, viz.,—O hero, either vanquishing us + rule thou this world, or vanquished by us lie thou down on the field + (deprived of life)! Recalling to thy mind the sufferings occasioned by + your banishment from the kingdom, the woes of your sojourn in the woods, + and the affliction of Krishna, be a man, O son of Pandu! That for which a + Kshatriya lady bringeth forth a son is now arrived! Displaying, therefore, + in battle, thy might, energy, courage, manliness, and great dexterity and + speed in the use of weapons, appease thy wrath! Afflicted with woe, and + dispirited and exiled (from home) for a long time, and driven from his + kingdom, who is there whose heart would not break? Who is there, + well-born, and brave, and uncovetous of other’s wealth, that would not + have his wrath excited when his kingdom descending from generation to + generation is attacked? Realise in deeds those high words that thou hadst + said! One that only boasts without being able to do anything is regarded + as a worthless man by those that are good. Recover thy kingdom and those + possessions that are now owned by thy foes! Even these two are the + purposes which a person desirous of war hath in view. Exert, therefore, + thy manliness! Thou wert won (as a slave) at dice! Krishna was caused by + us to be brought into the assembly! One that regardeth himself a man + should certainly display his wrath at this! For twelve long years hadst + thou been exiled from home into the woods, and one whole year hadst thou + passed in Virata’s service! Remembering the pangs of banishment from the + kingdom and of thy sojourn in the woods, as also those which Krishna had + suffered, be thou a man! Display thy wrath towards those that repeatedly + utter harsh words at thee and thy brothers! Indeed, wrath (such as that) + would consist in manliness! Let thy anger, thy might and prowess, and + knowledge, and thy lightness of hand in the use of weapons, be exhibited! + Fight, O son of Pritha, and prove to be a man! The incantations in respect + of all thy weapons have been performed. The field of Kurukshetra is free + from mire. Thy steeds are hale and strong. Thy soldiers have received + their pay. With Kesava, therefore, as (thy) second, fight (with us)! + Without encountering Bhishma as yet, why dost thou indulge in such boasts? + Like a fool, who, without having ascended the Gandhamadana mountains, + boasts (of his would-be feat), thou, O son of Kunti, art indulging in a + similar bragging, be a man! Without having vanquished in battle the + invincible Karna of the Suta race, or Salya, that foremost of persons, or + Drona, the first of all mighty warriors and equal unto the lord of Sachi + in battle, how canst thou, O Partha, covet for thy kingdom? He that is a + preceptor of both Vedic lore and bowmanship, he that hath crossed both + those branches of learning, he that is foremost in battle and + imperturbable (as a tower), he whose might knoweth no diminution, that + commander of armies, Drona of great effulgence,—him, O Partha, thou + wishest in vain to conquer! It is never heard that the Sumeru peak hath + been crushed by the wind. Yet even the wind will bear away Sumeru, heaven + itself will fall down on the earth, the very Yugas will be altered in + respect of their course, if what thou hast said unto me becometh true! + What man is there, desirous of life, be it Partha or any body else, who + having approached that grinder of foes, would be able to return home with + sound body? What person is there, treading upon the earth with his feet, + who, encountered by Drona and Bhishma and struck with their arrows, would + escape from the battle with life? Like a frog having its abode in a well, + why art thou not able to realise the might of this vast army of the + assembled monarchs, invincible, looking like the very celestial host, and + protected by these lords of men, as the heavenly host by the gods + themselves,—protected that is, by the kings of the East, the West, + the South and the North, by the Kamvojas, the Sakas, the Khasas, the + Salwas, the Matsyas, the Kurus of the middle country, the Mlecchas, the + Pulindas, the Dravidas, the Andhras, and the Kanchis,—this host of + many nations, ready for battle, and resembling the uncrossable current of + the Ganga. O thou of little understanding, how canst thou, O fool, venture + to fight with me when stationed in the midst of my elephant-host? Thy + inexhaustible quivers, thy car given thee by Agni, and thy celestial + banner, O Partha, will all, O Bharata, be tested by us in battle! Fight, O + Arjuna, without bragging! Why dost thou indulge in too much boast! Success + in battle resulteth from the method in which it is fought. A battle is + never gained by bragging. If, O Dhananjaya, acts in this world succeeded + in consequence of vauntings, all persons would then have succeeded in + their objects, for who is there that is not competent to brag? I know that + thou hast Vasudeva for thy ally. I know that thy Gandiva is full six + cubits long. I know that there is no warrior equal to thee. Knowing all + this, I retain thy kingdom yet! A man never winneth success in consequence + of the attributes of lineage. It is the Supreme Ordainer alone who by his + fiat of will maketh things (hostile) friendly subservient. For these + thirteen years, I have enjoyed sovereignty while ye were weeping. I shall + continue to rule in the same way, slaying thee with thy kinsmen. Where was + thy Gandiva then, when thou wert made slave won at stake? Where, O + Falguni, was Bhima’s might then? Your deliverance then came neither from + Bhimasena, armed with mace, nor from you armed with Gandiva, but from the + faultless Krishna. It was she, the daughter to Prishata’s house, that + delivered you all, sunk in slavery, engaged in occupations worthy only of + the low, and working as servitors. I characterised you all as sesame seeds + without kernel. That is true. For, did not Partha (some time after) bear a + braid when living in Virata’s city? In the cooking apartments of Virata, + Bhimasena was fatigued with doing the work of a cook. Even this, O son of + Pritha, is (evidence of) my manliness! Flying from an encounter with hips + and braids and waist-bands, thyself binding thy hair, wert engaged in + teaching the girls to dance? It is thus that Kshatriyas always inflict + punishment on Kshatriyas! From fear of Vasudeva, or from fear of thyself, + O Falguni, I will not give up the kingdom! Fight with Kesava as thy ally! + Neither deception, nor conjuror’s tricks, nor jugglery, can terrify the + armed man addressed for fight. On the other hand, these provoke only his + wrath. A thousand Vasudevas, a hundred Falgunis, approaching me whose arms + and weapons never go for nothing, will surely fly away in all directions. + Encounter Bhishma in combat, or strike the hill with thy head, or cross + with the aid of thy two arms alone the vast and deep main! As regards my + army, it is a veritable main with Saradwat’s son as its large fish, + Vivinsati as its huge snake, Bhishma as its current of immeasurable might, + Drona as its unconquerable alligator, Karna and Salwa and Salya its fishes + and whirlpools, the ruler of the Kamvojas its equine head emitting fire, + Vrihadvala its fierce waves, Somadatta’s son its whale, Yuyutsu and + Durmarshana its waters, Bhagadatta its gale, Srutayus and Hridika’s son + its gulfs and bays, Dussasana its current, Sushena and Chitrayuda its + water-elephants (hippopotamus) and crocodile, Jayadratha its (submarine) + rock, Purumitra its depth, and Sakuni its shores! When having plunged into + this surging ocean with its inexhaustible waves of weapons, thou wilt, + from fatigue, be deprived of senses and have all thy relatives and friends + slain, then will repentance possess thy heart! Then also will thy heart + turn away from the thought of ruling the earth, like the heart of a person + of impure deeds turning away from (hope of) heaven. Indeed, for thee to + win a kingdom to rule is as impossible as for one not possessed of ascetic + merit to obtain heaven!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0161" id="link52H_4_0161"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having reached the Pandava camp, the gambler’s son (Uluka) + presented himself before the Pandavas, and addressing Yudhishthira said, + “Thou art fully conversant with what envoys say! It behoveth thee not, + therefore, to be angry with me if I repeat those words only which + Duryodhana hath instructed me to tell!”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing this, Yudhishthira said, “Thou hast no fear, O Uluka! Tell us, + without any anxiety what are the views of the covetous Duryodhana of + limited sight!” Then in the midst and presence of the illustrious and + high-souled Pandavas, of the Srinjayas, and Krishna possessed of great + fame, of Drupada with his sons, of Virata, and of all monarchs, Uluka said + these words. + </p> + <p> + “‘Uluka said, “Even this is what the high-souled king Duryodhana hath in + the presence of all the Kuru heroes, said unto thee! Listen to those + words, O Yudhishthira! Thou wert defeated at dice, and Krishna was brought + into the assembly! At this, a person who regardeth himself a man would be + justified in giving way to wrath! For twelve years wert thou banished from + home into the woods! For one whole year didst thou live in Virata’s + service. Remembering the reason there is for wrath, thy exile, and the + persecution of Krishna, be a man, O son of Pandu! Though weak, Bhima yet, + O Pandava, made a vow! Let him, if able, drink the blood of Dussasana! Thy + weapons have been properly worshipped and their presiding deities have + been invoked! The field of Kurukshetra also is without mire. The roads are + even. Thy steeds are well-fed. Engage in battle, therefore, on the morrow, + with Kesava as thy ally! Without having yet approached Bhishma in battle, + why dost thou indulge in boasts? Like a fool that boasteth of his + intention to ascend the mountains of Gandhamadana, thou, O son of Kunti, + art indulging in a vain boast. Without having vanquished in battle the + Suta’s son (Karna) who is invincible, and Salya, that foremost of mighty + persons, and that first of all warriors and equal unto Sachi’s lord + himself in combat, why, O son of Pritha, dost thou wish for sovereignty? A + preceptor in both the Vedas and the bow, he hath reached the end of both + these branches of learning. Thou desirest in vain, O son of Pritha, to + vanquish that leader of troops, the illustrious Drona, who fightest in the + van, is incapable of being agitated, and whose strength knows no + diminution. Never have we heard that the mountains of Sumeru have been + crushed by the wind! But the wind will bear away Sumeru, heaven itself + will fall down on the earth, the very Yugas will be reversed if what thou + hast said unto me really taketh place! Who is there fond of life, fighting + from the back of an elephant or of a horse or from a car, that would + return home (safe and sound), after having encountered that grinder of + foes? What creature treading the earth with his feet, would escape with + life from battle, having been attacked by Drona and Bhishma, or pierced + with their terrible shafts? Like a frog within a well, why dost thou not + realise the strength of this assembled host of monarchs, which resembleth + the very celestial host, and which is protected by these kings like the + gods protecting theirs in heaven, and which, swarming with the kings of + the East, West, South, and North, with Kamvojas, Sakas, Khasas, Salwas, + Matsyas, Kurus of the middle country, Mlecchas, Pulindas, Dravidas, + Andhras, and Kanchis, indeed, with many nations, all addressed for battle, + is uncrossable like the swollen tide of Ganga? O fool of little + understanding, how wilt thou fight with me while I am stationed in the + midst of my elephant force?" </p> + <p> + “‘Having said these words unto king Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, + Uluka, turning his face then towards Jishnu, said unto him these words, + “Fight without bragging, O Arjuna! Why dost thou brag so much? Success + resulteth from the application of method. A battle is never won by + bragging. If acts in this world, O Dhananjaya, succeeded in consequence + only of boasts, then all men would have succeeded in their objects, for + who is there that is not competent to brag? I know that thou hast Vasudeva + for thy ally. I know that thy Gandiva is full six cubits long. I know that + there is no warrior equal to thee. Knowing all this, I retain thy kingdom + yet! A man never winneth success in consequence of the attribute of + lineage. It is the Supreme Ordainer alone who by his fiat maketh (things + hostile) friendly and subservient. For these thirteen years have I enjoyed + sovereignty, while ye were weeping! I shall continue to rule in the same + way, slaying thee with thy kinsmen! Where was thy Gandiva then when thou + wert made a slave won at dice? Where, O Falguni, was Bhimasena’s might + then? Your deliverance then came neither from Bhimasena armed with mace, + nor from you armed with Gandiva, but from faultless Krishna. It was she, + the daughter of Prishata’s house, that delivered you all, sunk in slavery, + engaged in occupations worthy only of the low, and working as servitors! I + characterised ye as sesame seeds without kernel. That is very true, for, + did not Partha wear a braid while living in Virata’s city? In the cooking + apartments of Virata, Bhimasena was fatigued with doing the work of a + cook. Even this, O son of Kunti, is (evidence of) thy manliness! Flying + from an encounter with braids and waist-bands thyself binding thy hair + into a braid, thou wert employed in teaching the girls to dance! It is + thus that Kshatriyas always inflict punishment on a Kshatriya! From fear + of Vasudeva, or from fear of thyself, O Falguni, I will not give up the + kingdom. Fight, with Kesava as thy ally! Neither deception, nor conjuror’s + tricks, nor jugglery can terrify an armed man ready for fight. On the + other hand, all this provokes only his wrath! A thousand Vasudevas, a + hundred Falgunis, approaching me whose aim and weapons never go for + nothing, will fly away in all directions. Encounter Bhishma in combat, or + pierce the hills with thy head, or cross with the aid of thy two arms the + vast and deep main! As regards my army, it is a veritable ocean with + Saradwat’s son as its large fish; Vivinsati, its smaller fish; Vrihadvala + its waves; Somadatta’s son its whale; Bhishma its mighty force; Drona its + unconquerable alligator; Karna and Salya, its fishes and whirlpools; + Kamvoja its equine head vomiting fire, Jayadratha its (submarine) rock, + Purumitra its depth, Durmarshana its waters, and Sakuni its shores! When + having plunged into this swelling ocean with its inexhaustible waves of + weapons thou wilt from fatigue be deprived of thy senses, and have all thy + relatives and friends slain, then will repentance possess thy heart! Then + will thy heart turn away, O Partha, from the thought of ruling the earth + like the heart of a person of impure deeds turning away from (hope of) + heaven. Indeed, for thee to win a kingdom to rule is as impossible as for + one not possessed of ascetic merit to obtain heaven!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0162" id="link52H_4_0162"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O monarch, provoking Arjuna still further who was like a + snake of virulent poison, by means of those wordy strokes of his, Uluka + once more repeated the words he had once spoken. The Pandavas had before + such repetition, been sufficiently provoked, but hearing these words (a + second time) and receiving those censures through the gambler’s son, they + were provoked beyond endurance. They all stood up, and began to stretch + their arms. And looking like enraged snakes of virulent poison, they began + to cast their eyes on one another. And Bhimasena, with face downwards, and + breathing heavily like a snake, began to glance obliquely at Kesava, + directing the blood-red corners of his eyes towards him. And beholding the + Wind-god’s son to be greatly afflicted and extremely provoked with rage, + he of Dasarha’s race smilingly addressed the gambler’s son and said, + “Depart hence without a moment’s delay, O gambler’s son, and say unto + Suyodhana these words, viz.,—‘Thy words have been heard and sense + understood. Let that take place which thou desirest.’” Having said this, O + best of monarchs, the mighty-armed Kesava looked once more at Yudhishthira + endued with great wisdom. Then in the midst and presence of all the + Srinjayas, of Krishna possessed of great fame, of Drupada with his sons, + of Virata, and all the kings (there assembled), Uluka once more repeated + unto Arjuna the words he had said, provoking him still further thereby, + like one annoying wrathful snake of virulent poison by means of a stake. + And he also said unto all of them, viz.,—Krishna and others, those + words that Duryodhana had instructed him to say. And hearing those harsh + and highly disagreeable words uttered by Uluka, Partha was greatly excited + and wiped the sweat off his forehead. And beholding Partha, O king, in + that condition, that assembly of monarchs could not bear it at all. And at + that insult to Krishna and the high-souled Partha, the car-warriors of the + Pandavas were greatly agitated. Though endued with great steadiness of + mind, those tigers among men began to burn with anger. And Dhrishtadyumna + and Sikhandin and that mighty car-warrior, Satyaki, and the five Kekaya + brothers, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, the sons of Draupadi, and + Abhimanyu, and king Dhrishtaketu, and Bhimasena, endued with great + prowess, and those mighty car-warriors—the twins,—jumped up + from their seats, their eyes red with anger, tossing their handsome arms + decked with red sandal-paste and ornaments of gold. Then Vrikodara, the + son of Kunti, understanding their gestures and hearts, sprang up from his + seat. And gnashing his teeth, and licking with his tongue the corners of + his mouth, and burning with rage, and squeezing his hands and turning his + eyes fiercely, said these words unto Uluka, “Ignorant fool, thy words have + now been heard which Duryodhana said unto thee for the object of provoking + us as if we were a set of imbeciles! Hear now the words which I say and + which thou art to repeat unto the inaccessible Suyodhana in the midst of + all the Kshatriyas and in the hearing of the Suta’s son and the + wicked-hearted Sakuni. ‘We always seek to gratify our elder brother! It + was for this, O thou of wicked behaviour, that we tolerated thy acts. Dost + thou not regard this as highly fortunate for thee? It was for only the + good of our race that king Yudhishthira the Just, endued with great + intelligence, sent Hrishikesa to the Kurus for bringing about a peace! + Impelled by Fate, without doubt, thou art desirous of repairing unto + Yama’s abode! Come, fight with us. That, however, is certainly to take + place tomorrow! I have, indeed, vowed to slay thee with thy brothers! O + sinful fool, do not entertain the slightest doubt, for it will be as I + have vowed! The very ocean, the abode of Varuna—may all on a sudden + transgress its continents. The very mountains may split, yet my words can + never be false! If Yama himself, or Kuvera, or Rudra, assisteth thee, the + Pandavas will still accomplish what they have vowed! I shall certainly + drink Dussasana’s blood according to my pleasure! And I also vow that + Kshatriya whatsoever may then angrily approach me, even if he cometh with + Bhishma himself at the van, I will send him to Yama’s abode! That which I + have said in the midst of a Kshatriya assembly will certainly be true. I + swear this by my soul!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words of Bhimasena, the wrathful Sahadeva also, with eyes + red in anger, said these words in the presence of the (assembled) troops,—words + that become that proud hero. And he said, “Listen, O sinful one, to the + words I utter and which must be repeated to thy father! A difference would + never have arisen between us and the Kurus, if Dhritarashtra had no + relationship with thee! Of sinful acts and the exterminator of thy own + race, thou hast been born as an embodiment of quarrel for the destruction + of the whole world as also for the destruction of Dhritarashtra’s race! + From our very birth, O Uluka, that sinful father of thine hath always + sought to do us injury and evil. I desire to attain the opposite shore of + that hostile relation. Slaying thee first before the very eyes of Sakuni, + I shall then slay Sakuni himself in the sight of all bowmen!" </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words of both Bhima and Sahadeva, Falguni smilingly + addressed Bhima, saying, “O Bhimasena, they that have provoked hostilities + with thee, cannot live! Though they may dwell happily in their homes, + those fools become yet entangled in the meshes of death! O best of men, + Uluka doth not deserve to be addressed harshly by thee! What fault do + envoys commit, repeating as they only do what they are instructed (to + say)?” And having thus addressed Bhima of terrible prowess that + mighty-armed hero then addressed his heroic allies and well-wishers headed + by Dhrishtadyumna, saying, “Ye have heard the words of the sinful son of + Dhritarashtra in dispraise of Vasudeva and especially of myself! And + hearing them ye have been filled with anger because ye wish us well! But + through Vasudeva’s might and your endeavours, I do not reckon even all the + Kshatriyas of the earth assembled together! With your permission I will + now communicate to Uluka what the reply to those words is, what, indeed, + he should say unto Duryodhana!—‘When the morrow cometh, stationed at + the head of my division, the answer to these words shall I give through + Gandiva! For they that are eunuchs, answer in words!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing this, all those best of kings applauded Dhananjaya, wondering at + the ingenuity of that reply. King Yudhishthira the Just, then, having + spoken mildly unto all the kings each according to his age and as each + deserved said, at last, unto Uluka these words so that he might carry them + to Duryodhana. And Yudhishthira said, “No good king should patiently bear + an insult. Having so long heard what thou hadst to say, I shall now tell + thee what my reply is!" </p> + <p> + “‘Having heard then, O best of Bharata’s race, those words of Duryodhana, + Yudhishthira, that bull of the Bharata race, with eyes exceedingly red in + anger and himself sighing like a snake of virulent poison, licking the + corners of his mouth with his tongue, as if swelling with wrath, and + casting his eyes on Janardana and his own brothers, said unto Uluka these + words that were fraught with both mildness and vigour. And tossing his + massive arms he said unto the gambler’s son, “Go, O Uluka, and say unto + Duryodhana, that ungrateful, wicked-minded embodiment of hostilities, that + infamous wretch of his race, these words, viz.,—‘O sinful wretch, + thou always behavest with crookedness towards the Pandavas! O sinful fool, + he that displayeth his prowess relying on his own might and summoneth his + foes (to battle) and fulfilleth his own words, even he is a man of the + Kshatriya order! Be thou a Kshatriya, O sinful wretch, and summon us to + battle! O infamous one of thy race, do not come to battle, placing at thy + head others for whom we profess respect! O Kaurava, relying on thy own + might and on that of thy servants, summon the sons of Pritha to battle! Be + Kshatriya in every way! He, who summoneth his foes, relying on the might + of others, and incapable of receiving them himself is, indeed, a eunuch! + Thou, however, thinkest highly of thyself, relying on the might of others! + Being weak and unable thyself, why then dost thou roar so (in words) at + us?’" </p> + <p> + “‘Krishna said, “My words also, O gambler’s son, should be communicated + unto Suyodhana. Let that morrow come to thee on which the battle is to + take place. O thou of wicked soul, be a man! O fool, thou thinkest + Janardana will not fight, since he hath been chosen by the Pandavas to act + only as a charioteer, so thou art not alarmed. That, however, will not be, + even for a moment. If my wrath is excited, I may then consume all the + kings (assembled by thee) like a fire consuming a heap of straw. At + Yudhishthira’s command, however, I shall only discharge the functions of + charioteer to the high-souled Falguni, of senses under complete control + and who alone, (amongst us two) will fight! If thou fliest beyond the + limits of the three worlds, if thou sinkest into the depths of the earth, + thou shalt, even at these places, behold Arjuna’s car tomorrow morning. + Thou thinkest that Bhima’s words have been spoken in vain! But know that + Dussasana’s blood hath already been quaffed. Know this also that although + thou hast uttered such cross and perverse words, yet neither Partha, nor + king Yudhishthira, nor Bhimasena, nor any of the twins, regardeth thee as + straw!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0163" id="link52H_4_0163"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having heard those words of Duryodhana, Gudakesha of great + fame looked at the gambler’s son with eyes exceedingly red. And eyeing + Kesava also and tossing his massive arms, he addressed the gambler’s son, + saying, “He, who, relying on his own strength, summoneth his foes and + fighteth with them fearlessly, is spoken of as a man. He, however, who, + relying on the strength of others, summoneth his foes, is an infamous + Kshatriya. In consequence of his incapacity, such a one is regarded as the + lowest of men. Relying on the strength of others, thou (O Duryodhana), + being a coward thyself, desirest yet, O fool, to rebuke thy foes. Having + installed (Bhishma) the oldest of all the Kshatriyas, whose heart is ever + bent in doing what is good, who hath all his passions under control, and + who is endued with great wisdom, in the command of thy troops and made him + liable to certain death, thou indulgest in brag! O thou of wicked + understanding, thy object (in doing this) is fully known to us, O wretch + of thy race! Thou hast done it, believing that sons of Pandu will not, + from kindness, slay the son of Ganga. Know, however, O Dhritarashtra’s + son, that I will slay that Bhishma first in the sight of all the bowmen, + relying upon whose strength thou indulgest in such boasts! O gambler’s + son, repairing (hence) unto the Bharatas and approaching Duryodhana the + son of Dhritarashtra, say unto him that Arjuna hath said,—‘So be + it!’ After this night will have passed away, the fierce encounter of arms + will take place. Indeed, Bhishma of unfailing might and firmly adhering to + truth, hath told thee in the midst of the Kurus these words, viz.,—‘I + will slay the army of the Srinjayas and the Salweyas. Let that be my task. + Excepting Drona I can slay the whole world.’ Thou needest not, therefore, + entertain any fear of the Pandavas! At this, thou, O Duryodhana, regardest + the kingdom as thy own and thinkest that the Pandavas have sunk into + distress. Thou hast been filled with pride at this. Thou seest not, + however, danger that is in thy own self. I shall, therefore, in battle, + first slay before thy very eyes, Bhishma the eldest of the Kurus! At + sunrise (tomorrow) at the head of the troops, with standards and cars + protect ye that leader of thy forces firm in his promises. I shall, with + my arrows, throw him down who is your refuge from his car before the eyes + of you all! When the morrow cometh, Suyodhana will know what it is to + indulge in brag, beholding the grandsire covered with my arrows! Thou + shalt, O Suyodhana, very soon see the fulfilment of that which Bhimasena + in anger had said, in the midst of the assembly, unto thy brother, that + man of limited sight, viz., Dussasana, wedded to unrighteousness, always + quarrelsome, of wicked understanding, and cruel in behaviour. Thou shalt + soon see the terrible effects of vanity and pride, of wrath and arrogance, + of bragging and heartlessness, cutting words and acts, of aversion from + righteousness, and sinfulness and speaking ill of others, of transgressing + the counsels of the aged, of oblique sight, and of all kinds of vices! O + scum of humanity, how canst thou, O fool, hope for either life or kingdom, + if I, having Vasudeva for my second, give way to anger? After Bhishma and + Drona will have been quieted and after the Suta’s son will have been + overthrown, thou shalt be hopeless of life, kingdom and sons! Hearing of + the slaughter of thy brothers and sons, and struck mortally by Bhimasena, + thou wilt, O Suyodhana, recollect all thy misdeeds!—Tell him, O + gambler’s son, that I do not vow a second time. I tell thee truly that all + this will be true!—Departing hence, O Uluka, say, O sire, these + words of mine, unto Suyodhana! It behoveth thee not to apprehend my + behaviour by the light of thy own! Know the difference there is between + thy conduct and mine, which is even the difference between truth and + falsehood! I do not wish harm to even insects and ants. What shall I say, + therefore, of my ever wishing harm to my kinsmen? O sire, it was for this + that five villages only were solicited by me! Why, O thou of wicked + understanding, dost thou not see the dire calamity that threatens thee? + Thy soul overwhelmed with lust, thou indulgest in vauntings from + defectiveness of understanding. It is for this also thou acceptest not the + beneficial words of Vasudeva. What need now of much talk? Fight (against + us) with all thy friends! Say, O gambler’s son, unto the Kuru prince who + always doth what is injurious to me (these words also, viz.,)—Thy + words have been heard; their sense also hath been understood. Let it be as + thou wishest!" </p> + <p> + “‘O son of kings, Bhimasena then once more said these words, “O Uluka, say + those words of mine unto the wicked-minded, deceitful, and unrighteous + Suyodhana, who is an embodiment of sin, who is wedded to guile, and whose + behaviour is exceedingly wicked. Thou shalt have to dwell in the stomach + of a vulture or in Hastinapura. O scum of human kind, I shall assuredly + fulfil the vow I have made in the midst of the assembly. I swear in the + name of Truth, slaying Dussasana in battle, I shall quaff his life-blood! + Slaying also thy (other) brothers, I shall smash thy own thighs. Without + doubt, O Suyodhana, I am the destroyer of all the sons of Dhritarashtra, + as Abhimanyu is of all the (younger) princes! I shall by my deeds, gratify + you all! Hearken once more to me. O Suyodhana, slaying thee, with all thy + uterine brothers, I shall strike the crown of thy head with my foot in the + sight of the king Yudhishthira the Just!" </p> + <p> + “‘Nakula, then, O king, said these words, “O Uluka, say unto + Dhritarashtra’s son, Suyodhana, of Kuru’s race that all the words uttered + by him have now been heard and their sense understood. I shall, O + Kauravya, do all that thou hast commended me to do." </p> + <p> + “‘And Sahadeva also, O monarch, said these words of grave import, “O + Suyodhana, it will all be as thou wishest! Thou shalt have to repent, O + great king, along with thy children, kinsmen, and counsellors, even as + thou art now bragging joyously in view of our sufferings." </p> + <p> + “‘Then Virata and Drupada, both venerable in years, said these words unto + Uluka, “It is even our wish that we become slaves of a virtuous person! + Whether, however, we are slaves or masters, will be known tomorrow, as + also who owns what manliness!" </p> + <p> + “‘After them, Sikhandin said these words unto Uluka, “Thou must say unto + king Duryodhana who is always addicted to sinfulness, these words, viz.,—‘See, + O king, what fierce deed is perpetrated by me in battle! I shall slay + grandsire of thine from his car, relying upon whose prowess thou art + certain of success in battle! Without doubt, I have been created by the + high-souled Creator for the destruction of Bhishma. I shall assuredly slay + Bhishma in the sight of all bowmen.’" </p> + <p> + “‘After this, Dhrishtadyumna also said unto Uluka, the gambler’s son, + these words, “Say unto prince Suyodhana these my words, viz., I shall slay + Drona with all his followers and friends. And I shall do a deed which none + else will ever do." </p> + <p> + “‘King Yudhishthira once more said these high words fraught with clemency, + viz.,—“O monarch, I never desire the slaughter of my kinsmen. O thou + of wicked understanding, it is from thy fault that all this will assuredly + take place. I shall, of course, have to sanction the fulfilment of their + great feats by all these (around me). Go hence, O Uluka, without delay or + stay here, O sire, for, blessed be thou, we too are thy kinsmen." </p> + <p> + “‘Uluka, then, O king, thinking permission of Yudhishthira, the son of + Dharma, went thither where king Suyodhana was. Thus addressed, the + gambler’s son carefully bearing in mind all he had heard, returned to the + place from which he had come. And arriving there, he fully represented + unto the vindictive Duryodhana all that Arjuna had charged him with. And + he also faithfully communicated unto Dhritarashtra’s son the words of + Vasudeva, of Bhima, of king Yudhishthira the Just, of Nakula and Virata + and Drupada, O Bharata, and the words of Sahadeva and Dhrishtadyumna and + Sikhandin, and the words also that were spoken (subsequently) by Kesava + and Arjuna. And having listened to the words of the gambler’s son, + Duryodhana, that bull of Bharata’s race, ordered Dussasana and Karna and + Sakuni, O Bharata, and their own troops and the troops of the allies, and + all the (assembled) kings, to be arrayed in divisions and be ready for + battle before sunrise (next morrow). Messengers then, instructed by Karna + and hastily mounting on cars and camels and mares and good steeds endued + with great fleetness, quickly rode through the encampment. And at Karna’s + command they promulgated the order—Array (yourselves) before sunrise + tomorrow!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0164" id="link52H_4_0164"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having listened to Uluka’s words, Yudhishthira, the son of + Kunti, moved his army headed by Dhrishtadyumna and others. And that vast + army commanded by Dhrishtadyumna, consisting of four kinds of forces, + viz., foot-soldiers and elephants and cars and cavalry, terrible, and + immovable like the earth herself, and guarded by mighty car-warriors led + by Bhimasena and Arjuna, could be compared to the vast ocean lying in + stillness. And at the head of that vast force was that mighty bowman, the + prince of Panchalas, invincible in battle, viz., Dhrishtadyumna, desirous + of obtaining Drona for his antagonist. And Dhrishtadyumna began to select + combatants (from his own army) for pitting them against particular + warriors of the hostile force. And he gave orders unto his car-warriors, + suited to their strength and courage. And he pitted Arjuna against the + Suta’s son (Karna), Bhima against Duryodhana, Dhrishtaketu against Salya, + Uttamaujas against Gautama’s son (Kripa), Nakula against Kritavarman, + Yuyudhana against the ruler of the Sindhus (Jayadratha). And he placed + Sikhandin in the van, pitting him against Bhishma. And he urged Sahadeva + against Sakuni, and Chekitana against Sala, and the five sons of Draupadi + against the Trigartas. And he urged Subhadra’s son (Abhimanyu) against + Vrishasena (the son of Karna), and also against all the rest of the kings, + for he regarded Abhimanyu as superior to Arjuna himself in battle. And + distributing his warriors thus, individually and collectively, that mighty + bowman, of the hue of blazing fire, kept Drona for his own share. And that + leader of leaders of troops, the mighty and intelligent bowman + Dhrishtadyumna, having arrayed his troops duly, waited for battle with a + firm heart. And having arrayed the combatants, as indicated above, of the + Pandavas, he waited, with collected mind, on the field for securing + victory to the sons of Pandu.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0165" id="link52H_4_0165"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After Falguni had vowed the slaughter of Bhishma in + battle, what did my wicked sons headed by Duryodhana do? Alas, I already + behold my father, Ganga’s son, slain in battle, by that bowman of firm + grasp, viz., Partha, having Vasudeva for his ally! And what also did that + mighty bowman, that foremost of smiters, Bhishma, endued with immeasurable + wisdom, say on hearing the words of Partha. Having accepted also the + command of the Kauravas, what did that foremost of warriors, Ganga’s son, + of exceeding intelligence and prowess, do?’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus questioned, Sanjaya told him everything + about what that eldest one of the Kurus, Bhishma of immeasurable energy, + had said." </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O monarch, obtaining the command, Bhishma, the son of + Santanu said these words unto Duryodhana, gladdening him greatly, + “Worshipping the leader of celestial forces, viz., Kumara, armed with the + lance, I shall, without doubt, be the commander of thy army today! I am + well-versed in all mighty affairs, as also in various kinds of array. I + know also how to make regular soldiers and volunteers act their parts. In + the matter of marching the troops and arraying them, in encounters and + withdrawing, I am as well-versed, O great king, as Vrihaspati (the + preceptor of the celestials), is! I am acquainted with all the methods of + military array prevalent amongst the celestials, Gandharvas, and human + beings. With these I will confound the Pandavas. Let thy (heart’s) fever + be dispelled. I will fight (the foe), duly protecting thy army and + according to the rules of (military) science! O king, let thy heart’s + fever be dispelled!”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words, Duryodhana said, “O Ganga’s son of mighty arms, I + tell thee truly, I have no fear from even all the gods and Asuras united + together! How much less, therefore, is my fear when thy invincible self + hath become the leader of my forces and when that tiger among men, Drona, + also waiteth willingly for battle! When you two foremost of men, are + addressed for battle on my side, victory, nay, the sovereignty of even the + celestial cannot assuredly be unattainable by me! I desire, however, O + Kaurava, to know who amongst all the warriors of the foe and my own are to + be counted as Rathas and who Atirathas. Thou, O grandsire, art + well-acquainted with the (prowess of the) combatants of the foe, also of + ourselves! I desire to hear this, with all these lords of earth!" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Listen, O son of Gandhari, O king of kings, to the tale + of Rathas in thy own army! Hear, O king, as to who are Rathas and who + Atirathas! They are in thy army, many thousands, many millions, and many + hundreds of millions of Rathas. Listen, however, to me as I name only the + principal ones. Firstly, with thy country of brothers including Dussasana + and others, thou art of the foremost of Rathas! All of you are skilled in + striking, and proficient in cutting chariots and piercing. All of you are + accomplished drivers of chariots while seated in the driver’s box, and + accomplished managers of elephants while seated on the necks of those + animals. All of you are clever smiters with maces and bearded darts and + swords and bucklers. You are accomplished in weapons and competent in + bearing burthens of responsibility. Ye all are disciples of Drona and of + Kripa, the son of Saradwat, in arrows and other arms. Wronged by the sons + of Pandu, these Dhartarashtras, endued with energy, will assuredly slay in + the encounter the Panchalas irresistible in combat. Then, O foremost of + the Bharatas, come I, the leader of all thy troops, who will exterminate + thy foes, vanquishing the Pandavas! It behoveth me not to speak of my own + merits. I am known to thee. The foremost of all wielders of weapons, Bhoja + (chief) Kritavarman is Atiratha. Without doubt, he will accomplish thy + purpose in battle. Incapable of being humiliated by persons accomplished + in arms, shooting or hurling his weapons to a great distance, and a severe + smiter, he will destroy the ranks of the foe, as the great Indra + destroying the Danavas. The ruler of the Madras, the mighty bowman Salya, + is, as I think, an Atiratha. That warrior boasteth himself as Vasudeva’s + equal, in every battle (that he fighteth). Having abandoned his own + sister’s sons, that best of kings, Salya, hath become thine. He will + encounter in battle the Maharathas of the Pandava party, flooding the + enemy with his arrows resembling the very surges of the sea. The mighty + bowman Bhurisravas, the son of Somadatta, who is accomplished in arms and + is one of thy well-meaning friends, is a leader of leaders of + car-divisions. He will, certainly, make a great havoc among the combatants + of thy enemies. The king of the Sindhus, O monarch, is in my judgment, + equal to two Rathas. That best of car-warriors will fight in battle, + displaying great prowess. Humiliated, O king, by the Pandavas on the + occasion of his abducting Draupadi, and bearing that humiliation in mind, + that slayer of hostile heroes will fight (for thee). Having practised + after that, O king, the severest austerities, he obtained a boon, highly + difficult of acquisition, for encountering the Pandavas in battle. That + tiger among car-warriors, therefore, remembering his old hostility, will, + O sire, fight with the Pandavas in battle, reckless of his very life which + is so difficult to lay down.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0166" id="link52H_4_0166"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kamvojas, is in my judgment, + equal to a single Ratha. Desiring the success of thy object, he will + certainly fight with the enemy in battle. O best of kings, the Kauravas + will behold the prowess of this lion among car-warriors exerted for thee, + to be equal to that of Indra himself in battle. As regards the car-army of + this king, O monarch, those smiters of fierce impetus, the Kamvojas, will + cover a large area like a flight of locusts! Coming from (the province of) + Mahishmati, Nila, accoutred in blue mail, is one of thy Rathas. With his + car-army he will cause a great havoc among thy foes, O child, he had + hostilities with Sahadeva. O king, he will continually fight for thee, O + thou of Kuru’s race. Accomplished in battle, and of fierce energy and + prowess, (the princes) Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti are both regarded as + excellent Rathas. These two heroes among men will consume the troops of + thy foes, with maces and bearded darts, and swords and long shafts, and + javelins hurled from their hands. Like a couple of (elephant) leaders + sporting in the midst of their herds, these two princes, O monarch, + longing for battle, will range the field, each like Yama himself. The five + (royal) brothers of Trigarta are, in my judgment, all foremost of Rathas. + The sons of Pritha provoked hostilities with them at Virata’s city on that + (well-known) occasion. Like huge Makaras, O king, agitating the stream of + the Ganges crested with high waves, they will agitate the ranks of the + Parthas in battle. All the five, O king, are Rathas, having Satyaratha + (amongst them) as their first. Remembering the wrongs inflicted on them of + old by that son of Pandu who is Bhima’s younger brother, when the latter, + O Bharata, on his car drawn by white steeds, was engaged, O monarch, in + subjugating all the kings of the earth, they will certainly exert + themselves bravely in battle. Encountering many Maharathas—chief of + bowmen—leaders of Kshatriyas—on the side of the Parthas, they + will certainly slay them. Thy son Lakshmana and the son also of Dussasana—those + tigers among men are both unretreating in battle. In prime of youth, of + delicate limbs, endued with great activity, those two princes, well-versed + with battles and capable of leading all, those tigers among Kurus, those + car-warriors, are, I think, two of our best Rathas. Devoted to the duties + of the Kshatriya order, those two heroes will achieve great feats. + Dandadhara, O monarch, is, O bull among men, equal to a single Ratha. + Guarded by his own soldiers, he will fight in battle for thee. Endued with + great impetus and prowess, king Vrihadvala, the ruler of the Kosalas, is, + in my judgment, O sire, equal to one Ratha. Fierce in arms, this mighty + bowman, devoted to the good of the Dhartarashtras, will exert himself + powerfully in battle, gladdening his own friends. Kripa, the son of + Saradwat is, O king, a leader of leaders of car-ranks. Reckless even of + life which is so dear, he will consume thy foes. Born among a clump of + heath as the son of that great sage, viz., the preceptor Gautama, + otherwise called Saradwat, he is invincible like Kartikeya himself. + Consuming untold warriors armed with various weapons and bows, he will, O + sire, roam forth on the field of battle like a blazing fire.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0167" id="link52H_4_0167"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “This thy maternal uncle Sakuni is, O king, equal to a + single Ratha. Having caused the (present) hostilities (to break out) with + the sons of Pandu, he will fight. There is no doubt in this. His troops + are irresistible when rushing to battle. Armed with various kinds of + weapons in abundance, in speed, they are equal to the very wind. The + mighty bowman (Aswatthaman) who is Drona’s son surpasseth all bowmen. + Acquainted with all modes of warfare, and of unbaffled weapons, he is a + Maharatha. Like the wielder of Gandiva, the shafts of this warrior, shot + from his bow, proceed in a continuous line, touching one another. If he + wishes it, this Maharatha is capable of consuming the three worlds. + Engaged in austerities in his hermitage, he hath, by these, increased both + his fury and energy. Possessed of great intelligence, he hath been + favoured by Drona with (the gift of all) celestial weapons. There is, + however, O bull of Bharata’s race, one great defect in him, in consequence + of which, O best of kings, I do not regard him either as a Ratha or a + Maharatha. This regenerate man is exceedingly fond of living, life being + very dear to him. Amongst the warriors of both armies there is no one who + can be regarded as his peer. On even a single car he can annihilate the + very army of the celestials. Possessed of a strong frame, he can split the + very mountains by the flaps of his bow-string, striking against the + leathern fence on his left arm. Endued with innumerable qualities, this + smiter of fierce effulgence will wander (over the field of battle), + incapable of being withstood like Yama himself, mace in hand. Resembling + the fire at the end of the Yuga as regards his fury, possessed of leonine + neck, and endued with great lustre, Aswatthaman will extinguish the embers + of this battle between the Bharatas. His father (Drona) is endued with + great energy, and though aged, is still superior to many young men. He + will achieve great feats in battle. I have no doubt of this. Staying + immovably (on the field), he will consume Yudhishthira’s troops. The + Pandava army will play the part of the dry grass and fuel in which that + fire will originate, while the impetus of his own weapons will be the wind + for fanning it into a (mighty) flame. This bull among men, is a leader of + bands of car-warriors. The son of Bharadwaja will achieve fierce feats for + thy good! The preceptor of all Kshatriyas of royal lineage, the venerable + preceptor, will exterminate the Srinjayas. Dhananjaya, however, is dear to + him. This mighty bowman, therefore, remembering his own celebrated and + highly meritorious services as preceptor, will never be able to slay + Partha who is capable of achieving great feats without any trouble. O + hero, Drona always boasteth of the numerous accomplishments of Partha. + Indeed, Bharadwaja looketh on him with greater affection than on his own + son. Endued with great prowess, he can, on a single car, beat in battle, + by means of his celestial weapons, all the gods, Gandharvas, and human + beings united together. That tiger among kings, is, O monarch, one of thy + Maharathas. Capable of breaking the car-ranks of hostile heroes, he, in my + judgment, is one of thy foremost of car-warriors. Afflicting the ranks of + the enemy at the head of his own large force, he will consume the + Panchalas like fire consuming a heap of dry grass. Possessed of true fame, + prince Vrihadvala is equal to single Ratha. He, O monarch, will roam amid + thy enemy’s troops like Death himself. His troops, O king of kings, + accoutred in various kinds of mail and armed with diverse kinds of + weapons, will wander on the field, slaying all the warriors opposed to + them. Vrishasena, the son of Karna, is one of thy foremost of car-warriors + and is a Maharatha. That foremost of mighty men will consume the troops of + thy enemy. Endued with great energy, Jalasandha, O king, is one of thy + foremost of Rathas. Born in Madhu’s race, that slayer of hostile heroes, + is prepared to cast away his very life in battle. Skilled in battle, that + mighty-armed warrior, scattering the enemy’s ranks before him, will fight + in battle mounted on car or from the elephant’s back. That best of kings, + O monarch, is in my judgment, a Ratha. He will, in fierce battle, cast + away for thy sake his very life with all his troops, possessed of great + prowess and acquainted with all the modes of warfare, he will, O king, + fight fearlessly with thy foes in battle. Never retreating from battle, + brave, and resembling Yama himself, Vahlika, O king, is in my judgment, an + Atiratha. Rushing to the encounter he never cometh back. Indeed, he will + slay hostile warriors in battle like the Wind-god himself. That router of + hostile car-ranks, that car-warrior of wonderful feats in battle, + commander of thy forces, Satyavan is, O king, a Maharatha. He never + cherisheth grief at the prospect of battle. Confounding those warriors + that stand in the way of his car, he falleth upon them. Always displaying + his prowess against the enemy, that best of men will, for thy sake, in + fierce press of battle, achieve all that a good Kshatriya should. That + chief of Rakshasas, Alambhusha, of cruel deeds, is a Maharatha. + Remembering his old hostilities (with the Pandavas), he will commit great + execution among the foe. He is the best of Rathas amongst all the + Rakshasa-warriors. Possessing powers of illusion, and firm in enmity, he + will wander fiercely on the field. The ruler of Pragjyotisha, the brave + Bhagadatta of exceeding prowess, is the foremost of those holding the + elephant hook, and is skilled also in fighting from a car. An encounter + took place between him and the wielder of Gandiva for days together, O + king, each desirous of victory over the other. Then Bhagadatta, O son of + Gandhari, who regarded Indra as his friend, made friendship with (Indra’s + son) the high-souled Pandava. Skilled in fight from the elephant’s neck, + this king will fight in battle, like Vasava among the celestials, fighting + from his Airavata.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0168" id="link52H_4_0168"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Both the brothers Achala and Vrisha are Rathas. + Invincible (in battle) they will slay thy foes. Endued with great + strength, those tigers among men, those foremost of Gandharvas, are firm + in wrath. Young and handsome, they are possessed of great strength. As + regards this thy ever dear friend, this one who is always boastful of his + skill in battle, this one who always urgeth thee, O king, to fight with + the Pandavas, this vile braggart, Karna, the son of Surya, this one who is + thy counsellor, guide, and friend, this vain wight who is destitute of + sense, this Karna, is neither a Ratha nor an Atiratha. Without sense, this + one hath been deprived of his natural coat of mail. Always kind, he hath + also been deprived of his celestial ear-rings. In consequence of the curse + of Rama (his preceptor in arms) as also of the words of a Brahmana (who + cursed him on another occasion), owing also to his deprivation of the + accoutrements of battle, he, in my judgment, is only half a Ratha. Having + approached Falguni (in battle), he will not certainly escape with life!” + Hearing this, Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, said, “It + is even so as thou hast said. That is not untrue! He boasteth on the eve + of every battle, but yet he is seen to retreat from every engagement. Kind + (out of season) and blundering, it is for this that Karna, in my judgment, + is only half a Ratha!" </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words, Radha’s son, expanding his eyes in rage, and + afflicting Bhishma with words like sharp hooks, said unto Ganga’s son + these words, “O grandsire, though I am innocent yet from thy aversion to + me, thou manglest me thus, according to thy pleasure, with thy wordy + arrows at every step. I tolerate, however, all this for the sake of + Duryodhana. Indicating me as only half a Ratha, thou regardest me + worthless, as if, indeed, I were a coward! What doubt is there in this? I + do not speak an untruth when I say that thou, O Ganga’s son, art an enemy + of the whole universe, and especially of all the Kurus! The king, however, + doth not know this! Who else is there that would thus seek to disunite and + abate the energy of these kings that are all equal and that are all + equally brave, as thou, from thy hatred of merit, seekest to do? O + Kaurava, neither years, nor wrinkles, nor wealth, nor possession of + friends, would entitle a Kshatriya to be regarded as a Maharatha! It hath + been said that a Kshatriya acquireth eminence only through might, as + Brahmanas acquire eminence through superiority in mantras, as Vaisyas + through wealth, and Sudras through age. Influenced, however, by lust and + envy, and acting from ignorance, thou hast indicated Rathas and Atirathas + according only to thy own caprice! Blessed be thou, O mighty-armed + Duryodhana, judge properly! Let this wicked Bhishma, who only wrongeth + thee, be abandoned by thee! Thy warriors, once disunited, can with + difficulty be united again. O tiger among men, thy main army, under such + circumstances, can with difficulty be united; far greater will the + difficulty be in uniting an army gathered from various provinces! Behold, + O Bharata, doubt (of success) hath already arisen in the hearts of thy + warriors! This Bhishma weakeneth our energy in our very presence! Where is + the task of ascertaining the merits of Rathas, and where is Bhishma of + little understanding? I alone will withstand the army of Pandavas. Coming + in contact with me, whose arrows never go for nothing, the Pandavas and + the Panchalas will fly away in all directions like oxen when they come in + contact with a tiger! Where are battle, the press of armed encounter, good + counsels and well-expressed words, and where is Bhishma, who is + superannuated and of wicked soul, and who is impelled by the very fates to + become their victim? Alone he challengeth the whole universe! Of false + vision he regardeth none else as a man. It is true the scriptures teach + that the words of the old should be listened to. That, however, doth not + refer to those that are very old, for these, in my judgment, become + children again. Alone I will exterminate the army of the Pandavas! The + fame, however, of such a feat will attach to Bhishma, O tiger among kings, + for this Bhishma, O monarch, hath been made by thee the commander of thy + forces, and the renown always attacheth to the leader and not to those + that fight under him. I will not, therefore, O king, fight as long as + Ganga’s son liveth! After Bhishma, however, hath been laid low, I will + fight with all the Maharathas of the enemy united together!" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “This burden, vast as the ocean, in the matter of + Duryodhana’s battle (with the Pandavas), is about to be taken up by me. I + have thought of it for many years. Now that the hour is come for that + terrible encounter, dissensions amongst ourselves should not be created by + me. It is for this, Suta’s son, that thou livest! Else, superannuated + though I am and young in years thou art, I would quell thy desire for + battle and crush thy hope of life! (Thy preceptor) Rama, the son of + Jamadagni, shooting his great weapons, could not cause me the slightest + pain. What canst thou, therefore, do to me? They that are good, do not + approve self-praise. Infamous wretch of thy race, know that I indulge in + little boast because I am enraged. Vanquishing on a single car all the + assembled Kshatriyas of the world at the Swayamvara of the daughters of + the ruler of Kasi, I abducted those maidens. Alone, I stopped on the field + of battle the rush of countless kings with their soldiers! Obtaining thee + as embodiment of strife, a great calamity is ready to overtake the Kurus! + Strive then for slaying our antagonists. Be a man, fight with that Partha, + whom thou so often challengest. O thou of wicked understanding, I desire + to see thee come out of that encounter with thy life!”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘King Duryodhana then said unto Bhishma, of great prowess, “Cast thy eyes + on me, O Ganga’s son! Great is the business that is at hand! Think + earnestly as how I may be most benefited! Both of you will render me great + services! I desire now to hear of the best car-warriors among the enemy, + that is, of those that are Atirathas among them and of those that are + leaders of car-division. O Kaurava, I desire to hear of the strength and + weakness of my foes, since when this night will dawn, our great battle + will take place.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0169" id="link52H_4_0169"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “I have now, O king, indicated who thy Rathas are and who + thy Atirathas and half Rathas. Listen now to the tale of Rathas and + Atirathas among the Pandavas. If thou feelest any curiosity, listen then, + O king, with these monarchs, to the tale of Rathas in the army of the + Pandavas. The king himself, son of Pandu and Kunti, is a mighty Ratha. + Without doubt, O sire, he will glide along the field of battle like a + blazing fire; Bhimasena, O king, is regarded equal to eight Rathas. In an + encounter with the mace or even with arrows, there is none equal to him. + Endued with the strength of ten thousand elephants, and filled with pride, + in energy he is superhuman. Those two bulls among men, the sons of Madri, + are both Rathas. In beauty, they are equal to the twin Aswinis, and they + are endued with great energy. Stationed at the head of their divisions, + all of them, remembering their great sufferings, without doubt, wander + along the field like so many Indras! All of them are endued with high + souls, and are tall in stature like the trunks of Sala trees. Taller than + other men by half-a-cubit in stature, all the sons of Pandu are brave as + lions and endued with great strength. All of them, O sire, have practised + Brahmacharya vows and other ascetic austerities. Endued with modesty, + those tigers among men are possessed of fierce strength like the veritable + tigers. In speed, in smiting, and in crushing (foes), all of them are more + than human. All of them, on the occasion of the campaign of universal + conquest, vanquished great kings, O bull of Bharata’s race! No other men + can wield their weapons, maces, and shafts. Indeed, O Kaurava, there are + no men that can even string their bows, or uplift their maces, or shoot + their arrows in battle. In speed, in hitting the aim, in eating, and in + sports on the dust, they used to beat all of you even when they were + children. Possessed of fierce might they will, when they encounter this + force, exterminate it in battle. A collision, therefore, with them is not + desirable. Each of them can alone slay all the kings of the earth! That + which happened, O great king, on the occasion of the Rajasuya sacrifice, + had occurred before thy very eyes! Remembering the sufferings of Draupadi + and the harsh speeches uttered after their defeat at dice, they will + wander in battle like so many Rudras. As regards Gudakesha, of reddish + eyes, having Narayana for his ally, there is not among both the armies any + brave car-warrior that can be regarded as his equal. Let men alone, it + hath not been heard by us that even among gods, Asuras, Uragas, Rakshasas + and Yakshas, there ever was born before, or there ever will be born + hereafter, any car-warrior like unto him! O great king, intelligent Partha + owneth that car which is furnished with the banner bearing the device of + the ape; the driver of that car is Vasudeva! Dhananjaya himself is the + warrior who fighteth from it; his, again, is that celestial bow called + Gandiva; he owneth again those steeds fleet as the wind; his coat of mail + is impenetrable and of celestial make; his two large quivers are + inexhaustible; his arms have been obtained from the great Indra, Rudra, + Kuvera, Yama and Varuna; and upon his car, again, are those maces of + frightful mien, and diverse other great weapons having the thunderbolt + amongst them! What car-warrior can be regarded as his equal, who, + stationed on a single car, slew in battle a thousand Danavas, having their + abode in Hiranyapura? Inflamed with wrath, possessed of great might and + prowess, incapable of being baffled, that mighty-armed warrior, while + protecting his own army, will certainly exterminate thy troops! Myself and + preceptor (Drona) among the two armies, and no third car-warrior, O great + king, can advance against Dhananjaya, that scatterer of arrowy showers! + Pouring his shafts, like the very clouds during the rainy season when + propelled by mighty winds, that son of Kunti when Vasudeva as his second, + steppeth for battle! He is skilful and young, while both of us are old and + worn out!”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Hearing these words of Bhishma, and recollecting + with trembling heart, the well-known valour of the sons of Pandu and + thinking of it, as if it were present before their eyes, the massive arms + of kings, decked with bracelets and smeared with sandal-paste, seemed to + hang down divested of might." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0170" id="link52H_4_0170"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “All the five sons of Draupadi, O monarch, are Maharathas. + Virata’s son Uttara is, in my judgment, one of the foremost of Rathas. The + mighty-armed Abhimanyu is a leader of leaders of car-divisions. Indeed, + that slayer of foes is equal in battle to Partha himself or Vasudeva. + Endued with great lightness of hand in shooting weapons, and acquainted + with all the modes of warfare, he is possessed of great energy and is + steady in the observance of vows. Remembering the sufferings of his own + father, he will put forth his prowess. The brave Satyaki of Madhu’s race + is a leader of leaders of car-divisions. Foremost among the heroes of the + Vrishni race, he is endued with great wrath, and is perfectly dauntless. + Uttamaujas also, O king, is an excellent car-warrior in my judgment. And + Yudhamanyu, too, of great prowess, is, in my judgment, an excellent + car-warrior. All those chiefs own many thousands of cars and elephants and + horses, and they will fight, reckless of their very lives, from desire of + doing what is agreeable to Kunti’s sons. Uniting with the Pandavas, they + will, O great king, sweep through thy ranks like fire or the wind, + challenging thy warriors. Invincible in battle, those bulls among men, old + Virata and old Drupada, both endued with great prowess, are, in my + judgment, both Maharathas. Though old in years yet both of them are + devoted to the observance of Kshatriya virtues. Treading along the path + that is trod by heroes, both of them will exert to the best of their + might. In consequence of their relationship (to the Pandavas) and owing + also, O king, to their being endued with strength and prowess, those great + bowmen devoted to pure vows, have both derived additional strength from + the strength of their affection. According as the cause is, all + strong-armed men become, O bull of Kuru’s race, heroes or cowards. + Actuated by a singleness of purpose, both these kings, who are powerful + bowmen, will lay down their very lives in causing a great massacre of thy + troops to the best of their might, O slayer of foes! Fierce in battle, + these distinguished heroes, these mighty bowmen, regardless, O Bharata, of + their lives, will, at the head of their respective Akshauhinis, achieve + great feats, justifying their relationship and the confidence that is + reposed on them (by the Pandavas).”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0171" id="link52H_4_0171"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “That subjugator of hostile cities, Sikhandin, the son of + the king of the Panchalas, is, O king, in my judgment, one of the foremost + of Yudhishthira’s Rathas. Having divested himself on his former sex, he + will fight in battle and earn great fame, O Bharata, among thy troops! He + hath a large number of troops,—Panchalas and Prabhadrakas,—to + support him. With those hosts of cars he will achieve great feats. + Dhrishtadyumna also, O Bharata, the leader of all Yudhishthira’s army, + that mighty car-warrior who is also a disciple of Drona, is, O king, in my + judgment, an Atiratha. Afflicting all foes in battle, he will singly sweep + the field, like Pinaka,—bearing God himself in rage on the occasion + of the universal dissolution. Even great warriors will speak of his + car-divisions, so multitudinous are they, as resembling the very ocean or + that of the gods, in battle! Kshattradharman, the son of Dhrishtadyumna, + owing to his immature years, as also in consequence of his want of + exercise in arms, is, in my judgment, O king, only half a Ratha. That + relative of the Pandavas, the mighty bowman Dhrishtaketu, the heroic son + of Sisupala, the king of the Chedis, is a Maharatha. That brave ruler of + the Chedis will, O king, with his son, achieve feats such as are difficult + for even a Maharatha. Kshattradeva, that subjugator of hostile cities, who + is devoted to Kshatriya virtues, is, O great king, in my judgment, one of + the best Rathas among the Pandavas. Those brave warriors among the + Panchalas, viz., Jayanta and Amitaujas and the great car-warrior Satyajit + are all, O king, high-souled Maharathas. They will all, O sire, fight in + battle like furious elephants. Aja and Bhoja, both endued with great + prowess, are both Maharathas. Possessed of great might, those two heroes + will fight for the Pandavas. Both of them are endued with great lightness + of hand in the use of weapons. Both of them are conversant with all the + modes of warfare, both are well-skilled and possessed of firm prowess. The + five Kshatriya brothers, O king, who are difficult of being vanquished, + and all of whom have blood red banners, are foremost of the Rathas. + Kasika, and Sukumara, and Nila, and that other one, viz., Suryadatta, and + Sankha, otherwise called Madiraswa, are all in my judgment, the foremost + of Rathas. Possessed of every qualification that renders them fit for + battle, they are acquainted with all weapons, and all of them are endued + with high souls. Vardhakshemi, O king, is in my judgment, a Maharatha. + King Chitrayudha is, in my judgment, one of the best of Rathas. He is, + besides, an asset in battle and devotedly attached to the diadem-decked + (Arjuna). Those mighty car-warriors, those tigers among men, Chekitana, + and Satyadhriti, are two of the best Rathas of the Pandavas in my + judgment. Vyaghradatta, O monarch, and Chandrasena also, O Bharata, are + without doubt two of the best Rathas, as I think, of the Pandavas. + Senavindu, O king, otherwise called Krodhahantri by name, who, O lord, is + regarded as equal of Vasudeva and of Bhimasena, will contend with great + prowess in battle against your warriors. Indeed, that best of kings, ever + boasting of his feats in battle, should be regarded by thee, precisely as + myself, Drona and Kripa are regarded by thee! That best of men, worthy of + praise, viz., Kasya, is endued with great lightness of hand in the use of + weapons. Indeed, that subjugator of hostile cities is known to me as equal + to one Ratha. Drupada’s son, Satyajit, young in years and displaying great + prowess in battle, should be regarded as equal to eight Rathas. Indeed + being Dhrishtadyumna’s equal, he is an Atiratha. Desirous of spreading the + fame of the Pandavas, he will achieve great feats. Devoted to the Pandavas + and endued with great bravery, there is another great Ratha of the + Pandavas, viz., king Pandya, that bowman of mighty energy. The mighty + bowman Dhridadhanwan is another Maharatha of the Pandavas. O subjugator of + hostile cities, that foremost of Kurus, viz., Srenimat and king Vasudeva + are both, in my judgment, Atirathas.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0172" id="link52H_4_0172"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “O great king, Rochamana is another Maharatha of the + Pandavas. He will, O Bharata, contend in battle against hostile warriors, + like a second god. That subjugator of foes, the mighty bowman Kuntibhoja + of great strength, the maternal uncle of Bhimasena, is, in my judgment, an + Atiratha. This mighty and heroic bowman is well-versed and highly skilled + in fight. Acquainted with all modes of warfare, this bull among + car-warriors is regarded by me as exceedingly competent. Displaying his + prowess he will fight, like a second Indra against the Danavas. Those + celebrated soldiers that he owns are all accomplished in fight. Stationed + on the side of the Pandavas and devoted to what is agreeable and + beneficial to them, that hero will, for the sake of his sister’s sons + achieve extra-ordinary feats. That prince of Rakshasas (Ghatotkacha), O + king, born of Bhima and Hidimva, and endued with ample powers of illusion, + is, in my judgment, a leader of the leaders of car-divisions. Fond of + battle, and endued with powers of illusion, he will, O sire, fight + earnestly in battle. Those heroic Rakshasas who are his counsellors or + dependents will also fight under him. + </p> + <p> + “‘"These and many other rulers of provinces, headed by Vasudeva, have + assembled for the sake of Pandu’s son. These, O king, are principally the + Rathas, Atirathas, and half Rathas of the high-souled Pandava, and these, + O king, will lead in battle the terrible army of Yudhishthira which is + protected, again, by that hero, the diadem-decked (Arjuna), who is even + like the great Indra himself. It is with them (thus) endued with powers of + illusion and fired by the desire of success that I shall contend in + battle, expectant of victory or death. I shall advance against these two + foremost of car-warriors, Vasudeva and Arjuna, bearing (respectively) + Gandiva and the discus, and resembling the sun and the moon as seen + together in the evening. I shall, on the field of battle, encounter also + those other car-warriors of Yudhishthira (whom I have, mentioned) at the + head of their respective troops. + </p> + <p> + “‘"The Rathas and Atirathas, according to their precedence, have now been + declared by me to thee, and they also that are half Rathas, belonging to + thee or them, O chief of the Kauravas! Arjuna and Vasudeva and other lords + of earth that may be there, all of them, upon whom my eyes may fall, I + will withstand, O Bharata! But, thou of mighty arms, I will not strike or + slay Sikhandin the prince of Panchalas, even if I behold him rushing + against me in battle with weapons upraised. The world knows how from a + desire of doing what was agreeable to my father, that I gave up the + kingdom that had become mine and lived in the observance of the + Brahmacharya vow. I then installed Chitrangada in the sovereignty of the + Kauravas, making at the same time the child Vichitravirya the Yuvaraja. + Having notified my god-like vow among all the kings of the earth, I shall + never slay a woman or one that was formerly a woman. It may be known to + you, O king, that Sikhandin was formerly a woman. Having been born as a + daughter, she afterwards became metamorphosed into the male sex. I shall + not, O Bharata, fight against him. I shall certainly smite all other + kings, O bull of Bharata’s race, whom I may encounter in battle. I will + not, however, O king, be able to slay the sons of Kunti!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0173" id="link52H_4_0173"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “For what reason, O chief of the Bharatas, wilt thou + not slay Sikhandin even if thou beholdest him approach thee as a foe with + arms upraised? Thou hadst, O mighty-armed one, formerly told me,—‘I + will slay the Panchalas with the Somakas’—O son of Ganga, tell me, O + grandsire (the reason of the present reservation)." </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Listen, O Duryodhana, to this history, with all these + lords of earth, as to why I will not slay Sikhandin even if I behold him + in battle! My father, Santanu, O king, was celebrated over all the world. + O bull of the Bharata race, that king of virtuous soul paid his debt to + nature in time. Observing my pledge, O chief of the Bharatas, I then + installed my brother, Chitrangada, on the throne of the extensive kingdom + of the Kurus. After Chitrangada’s demise, obedient to the counsels of + Satyavati, I installed, according to the ordinance, Vichitravirya as king. + Although young in age, yet being installed duly by me, O monarch, the + virtuous Vichitravirya looked up to me in everything. Desirous of marrying + him, I set my heart upon procuring daughters from a suitable family. (At + that time) I heard, O thou of mighty arms, that three maidens, all + unrivalled for beauty, daughters of the ruler of Kasi, by name Amva, + Amvika, and Amvalika would select husbands for themselves, and that all + the kings of the earth, O bull of the Bharata’s race, had been invited. + Amongst those maidens Amva was the eldest, Amvika the second, while the + princess Amvalika, O monarch, was the youngest. Myself repairing on a + single car to the city of the ruler of Kasi, I beheld, O thou of mighty + arms, the three maidens adorned with ornaments and also all the kings of + the earth invited thither on the occasion. Then, O bull of Bharata’s race, + challenging to battle all those kings who were ready for the encounter, I + took up those maidens on my car and repeatedly said unto all the kings + assembled there these words—‘Bhishma, the son of Santanu, is + carrying away by force these maidens. Ye kings, strive ye all to the best + of your power for rescuing them! By force do I take them away, ye bulls + among men, making you spectators of my act!’—At these words of mine + those rulers of the earth sprang up with weapons unsheathed. And they + angrily urged the drivers of their cars, saying, ‘Make ready the cars,—Make + ready the cars.’ And those monarchs sprang up to the rescue, with weapons + unsheathed; car-warriors on their cars resembling masses of clouds, those + fighting from elephants, on their elephants, and others on their stout and + plump steeds. Then all those kings, O monarch, surrounded me on all sides + with a multitudinous number of cars. With a shower of arrows, I stopped + their onrush on all sides and vanquished them like the chief of celestials + vanquishing hordes of Danavas. Laughingly, with easiness I cut down the + variegated standards, decked with gold, of the advancing kings, with + blazing shafts, O bull of Bharata’s race! In that combat I overthrew their + steeds and elephants and car-drivers, each with a single arrow. Beholding + that lightness (of hand) of mine, they desisted (from the fight) and + broke. And having vanquished all those rulers of the earth, I came back to + Hastinapura. I then, O thou of mighty arms, made over those maidens, + intending them for my brothers to Satyavati and represented unto her + everything I had done.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0174" id="link52H_4_0174"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Then, O chief of the Bharatas, approaching my mother, + that daughter of the Dasa clan, and saluting that parent of heroes, I said + these words,—Having vanquished all the kings, these daughters of the + ruler of Kasi, having beauty alone for their dowry, have been abducted by + me for the sake of Vichitravirya!—Then, O king, Satyavati with eyes + bathed in tears, smelt my head, and joyously said, ‘By good luck it is, O + child, that thou hast triumphed!’ When next, with Satyavati’s + acquiescence, the nuptials approached, the eldest daughter of the ruler of + Kasi said these words in great bashfulness,—‘O Bhishma, thou art + conversant with morality, and art well-versed in all our scriptures! + Hearing my words, it behoveth thee to do towards me that which is + consistent with morality. The ruler of the Salwas was before this mentally + chosen by me as my lord. By him also, without my father’s knowledge, I was + privately solicited. How wouldst thou, O Bhishma, born especially as thou + art in Kuru’s race, transgress the laws of morality and cause one that + longeth for another to live in thy abode? Knowing this, O bull of + Bharata’s race, and deliberating in thy mind, it behoveth thee, O + mighty-armed one, to accomplish what is proper. O monarch, it is clear + that the ruler of the Salwas waiteth (for me). It behoveth thee, + therefore, O best of the Kurus, to permit me to depart. O mighty-armed + one, be merciful to me, O foremost of righteous persons! Thou, O hero, art + devoted to truth, it is well-known all over the earth!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0175" id="link52H_4_0175"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “I then placed the matter before (my mother) Kali, + otherwise called Gandhavati, as also all our counsellors, and also before + our special and ordinary priests and then permitted, O king, the eldest of + those maidens, Amva, to depart. Permitted by me, that maiden then went to + the city of the ruler of the Salwas. And she had for her escort a number + of old Brahmanas and was also accompanied by her own nurse. And having + travelled the whole distance (between Hastinapura and Salwa’s city), she + approached king Salwa and said these words, ‘I come, O thou of mighty + arms, expectant of thee, O high-souled one!’ Unto her, however, O king, + the lord of the Salwas said with a laughter, ‘O thou of the fairest + complexion, I no longer desire to make a wife of thee who wast to be + wedded to another. Therefore, O blessed one, go back thither unto + Bhishma’s presence. I no longer desire thee that was forcibly ravished by + Bhishma. Indeed, when Bhishma, having vanquished the kings, took thee + away, thou didst go with him cheerfully. When having humiliated and + vanquished all the kings of the earth, Bhishma took thee away, I no longer + desire thee, O thou of the fairest complexion, for a wife,—thee that + was to have been wedded to another! How can a king like myself, who is + acquainted with all branches of knowledge and who lays down laws for the + guidance of others, admit (into his abode) a woman who was to have been + wedded to another? O blessed lady, go whithersoever thou wishest, without + spending thy time in vain!’ Hearing these words of his, Amva then, O king, + afflicted with the arrows of the god of love, addressed Salwa, saying, + ‘Say not so, O lord of the earth, for it is not so! O grinder of foes, + cheerful I was not when taken away by Bhishma! He took me away by force, + having routed all the kings, and I was weeping all the while. An innocent + girl that I am and attached to thee, accept me, O lord of the Salwas! The + abandonment (by one) of those that are attached (to him) is never + applauded in the scriptures. Having solicited Ganga’s son who never + retreats from battle, and having at last obtained his permission, I come + to thee! Indeed, the mighty-armed Bhishma, O king, desireth me not! It + hath been heard by me that his action (in this matter) hath been for the + sake of his brother. My two sisters Amvika and Amvalika, who were abducted + with me at the same time, have, O king, been bestowed by Ganga’s son on + his younger brother Vichitravirya! O lord of the Salwas, I swear, O tiger + among men, by touching my own head that I have never thought of any other + husband than thee! I do not, O great king, come to thee as one who was to + have been wedded to another! I tell thee the truth, O Salwa, truly + swearing by my soul! Take me, O thou of large eyes, me—a maiden come + to thee of her own accord—one unbetrothed to another, one desirous + of thy grace!’ Although she spoke in this strain, Salwa, however, O chief + of the Bharatas, rejected that daughter of the ruler of Kasi, like a snake + casting off his slough. Indeed, although that king was earnestly solicited + with diverse expressions such as these, the lord of the Salwas still did + not, O bull of the Bharata race, manifest any inclination for accepting + the girl. Then the eldest daughter of the ruler of Kasi, filled with + anger, and her eyes bathed in tears, said these words with a voice choked + with tears and grief, ‘Cast off, O king, by thee, whithersoever I may go, + the righteous will be my protectors, for truth is indestructible!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"It is thus, O thou of Kuru’s race, that the lord of the Salwas rejected + that maiden who addressed him in language such as this and who was sobbing + in grief so tenderly. ‘Go, go,’—were the words that Salwa said unto + her repeatedly. I am in terror of Bhishma, O thou of fair hips, thou art + Bhishma’s capture! Thus addressed by Salwa destitute of foresight, that + maiden issued out of his city sorrowfully and wailing like a + she-osprey.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0176" id="link52H_4_0176"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Issuing out of the city, Amva reflected sorrowfully in + this strain. ‘There is not in the whole world a young woman in such a + miserable plight as I! Alas, destitute of friends, I am rejected by Salwa + also! I cannot go back to the city named after an elephant, for I was + permitted by Bhishma to leave that city, expectant of Salwa! Whom then + shall I blame? Myself? Or, the invincible Bhishma? Or, that foolish father + of mine who made arrangements for my self-choice? Perhaps, it is my own + fault! Why did I not leap down before from Bhishma’s car, when that fierce + battle took place, for coming to Salwa? That I am so afflicted now, as if + deprived of my senses, is the fruit of that omission of mine! Cursed be + Bhishma! Cursed be my own wretched father of foolish understanding, who + had arranged prowess to be my dower, sending me out as if I were a woman + (disposed) for a consideration! Cursed be myself! Cursed be king Salwa + himself and cursed be my creator too! Cursed be they through whose fault + such great misery hath been mine! Human beings always suffer what is + destined for them. The cause, however, of my present affliction is + Bhishma, the son of Santanu; I, therefore, see that at present my + vengeance should fall upon him, either through ascetic austerities or by + battle, for he is the cause of my woe! But what king is there that would + venture to vanquish Bhishma in battle?’ Having settled this, she issued + out of the city for repairing to an asylum of the high-souled ascetics of + virtuous deeds. The night she stayed there, surrounded by those ascetics. + And that lady of sweet smiles told those ascetics, O Bharata, all that had + happened to herself with the minutest details, O mighty-armed one, about + her abduction, and her rejection by Salwa. + </p> + <p> + “‘"There lived in that asylum an eminent Brahmana of rigid vows, and his + name was Saikhavatya. Endued with ascetic merit of a high order, he was a + preceptor of the scriptures and the Aranyakas. And the sage Saikhavatya, + of great ascetic merit, addressed that afflicted maiden, that chaste girl + sighing heavily in grief, and said, ‘If it hath been so, O blessed lady, + what can high-souled ascetics residing in their (woody) retreats and + engaged in penances do?’ That maiden, however, O king, answered him, + saying, ‘Let mercy be shown to me; I desire a life in the woods, having + renounced the world. I will practise the severest of ascetic austerities. + All that I now suffer is certainly the fruit of those sins that I had + committed from ignorance in my former life. I do not venture to go back to + my relatives, ye ascetics, rejected and cheerless that I am knowing that I + have been humiliated by Salwa! Ye that have washed away your sins, godlike + as ye are, I desire that ye should instruct me in ascetic penance! Oh, let + mercy be shown to me!’ Thus addressed, that sage then comforted the maiden + by examples and reasons borrowed from the scriptures. And having consoled + her thus, he promised, with the other Brahmanas, to do what she + desired.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0177" id="link52H_4_0177"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Those virtuous ascetics then set themselves about their + usual avocations, thinking all the while as to what they should do for + that maiden. And some amongst them said, ‘Let her be taken to her father’s + abode.’ And some amongst them set their hearts upon reproaching ourselves. + And some thought that repairing to the ruler of the Salwas, he should be + solicited to accept the maiden. And some said, ‘No, that should not be + done, for she hath been rejected by him.’ And after some time had passed + thus, those ascetics of rigid vows once more said unto her, ‘What, O + blessed lady, can ascetics with senses under control do? Do not devote + thyself to a life in the woods, renouncing the world! O blessed lady, + listen to these words that are beneficial to thee! Depart hence, blessed + be thou, to thy father’s mansion! The king, thy father, will do what + should next be done. O auspicious one, surrounded by every comfort, thou + mayest live there in happiness. Thou art a woman! At present, therefore, O + blessed one, thou hast no other protector save thy father. O thou of the + fairest complexion, as regards a woman, she hath her father for her + protector or her husband. Her husband is her protector when she is in + comfortable circumstances, but when plunged in misery, she hath her father + for her protector. A life in the woods is exceedingly painful, especially + to one that is delicate. Thou art a princess by birth; over this, thou + art, again, very delicate, O beautiful dame! O blessed lady, there are + numerous discomforts and difficulties attaching to a life in a (woody) + retreat, none of which, O thou of the fairest complexion, shalt thou have + to bear in thy father’s abode!’ Other ascetics, beholding that helpless + girl said to her, ‘Seeing thee alone in deep and solitary woods, kings may + court thee! Therefore, set not thy heart upon such a course!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Hearing these words, Amva said, ‘I am incapable of going back to my + father’s abode in the city of Kasi, for without doubt I shalt then be + disregarded by all my relatives. Ye ascetics, I lived there, in my + father’s abode, during my childhood. I cannot, however, now go to thither + where my father is. Protected by the ascetics, I desire to practise + ascetic austerities, so that in even future life of mine such sore + afflictions may not be mine! Ye best of ascetics, I desire, therefore, to + practise ascetic austerities!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “When those Brahmanas were thinking thus about her, + there came into that forest that best of ascetics, the royal sage + Hotravahana. Then those ascetics reverenced the king with worship, + enquiries of welcome and courtesy, a seat, and water. And after he was + seated and had rested for a while, those denizens of the forest once more + began to address that maiden in the hearing of that royal sage. Hearing + the story of Amva and the king of Kasi, that royal sage of great energy + became very anxious at heart. Hearing her speak in that strain, and + beholding her (distressed), that royal sage of rigid austerities, viz., + the high-souled Hotravahana, was filled with pity. Then, O lord, that + maternal grandsire of her rose up with trembling frame and causing that + maiden to sit on his lap, began to comfort her. He then acquired of her in + details about that distress of hers from its beginning. And she, + thereupon, represented to him minutely all that had happened. Hearing all + she said, the royal sage was filled with pity and grief. And that great + sage settled in mind what she would do. Trembling from agitation he + addressed the afflicted maiden sunk in woe, saying, ‘Do not go back to thy + father’s abode, O blessed lady! I am the father of thy mother. I will + dispel thy grief. Rely on me, O daughter! Great, indeed, must thy + affliction he when thou art so emaciated! At my advice, go unto the + ascetic Rama, the son of Jamadagni. Rama will dispel this great affliction + and grief of thine. He will slay Bhishma in battle if the latter obeyeth + not his behest. Go, therefore, unto that foremost one of Bhrigu’s race who + resembleth the Yuga-fire itself in energy! That great ascetic will place + thee once more on the right track!’ Hearing this, that maiden, shedding + tears all the while, saluted her maternal grandsire, Hotravahana, with a + bend of her head and addressed him, saying, ‘Go I will at thy command! But + shall I succeed in obtaining a sight of that reverend sire celebrated over + the world? How will he dispel this poignant grief of mine? And how shall I + go to that descendant of Bhrigu? I desire to know all this.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Hotravahana said, ‘O blessed maiden, thou wilt behold Jamadagni’s son, + Rama, who is devoted to truth and endued with great might and engaged in + austere penances in the great forest. Rama always dwelleth in that + foremost of the mountains called Mahendra. Many Rishis, learned in the + Vedas, and many Gandharvas and Apsaras also dwell there. Go, blessed be + thou, and tell him these words of mine, having saluted with thy bent head + that sage of rigid vows and great ascetic merit. Tell him also, O blessed + girl, all that thou seekest. If thou namest me, Rama will do everything + for thee, for Rama, the heroic son of Jamadagni, that foremost of all + bearers of arms, is a friend of mine highly pleased with me, and always + wisheth me well!’ And while king Hotravahana, was saying all this unto + that maiden, thither appeared Akritavrana, a dear companion of Rama. And + on his advent those Munis by hundreds, and the Srinjaya king Hotravahana, + old in years, all stood up. And those denizens of the forest, uniting with + one another, did him all the rites of hospitality. And they all took their + seats surrounding him. And filled, O monarch, with gratification and joy, + they then started various delightful, laudable, and charming subjects of + discourse. And after their discourse was over, that royal sage, the + high-souled Hotravahana enquired of Akritavrana about Rama that foremost + of great sages, saying, ‘O thou of mighty arms, where, O Akritavrana, may + that foremost of persons acquainted with the Vedas, viz., Jamadagni’s son + of great prowess be seen?’ Akritavrana answered him saying, ‘O lord, Rama + always speaketh of thee, O king, saying,—“That royal sage of the + Srinjayas is my dear friend,”—I believe, Rama will be here tomorrow + morning. Thou wilt see him even here when he cometh to behold thee. As + regards this maiden, for what, O royal sage, hath she come to the wood? + Whose is she, and what is she to thee? I desire to know all this.’ + Hotravahana said, ‘The favourite daughter of the ruler of Kasi, she is, O + lord, my daughter’s child! The eldest daughter of the king of Kasi, she is + known by the name of Amva. Along with her two younger sisters, O sinless + one, she was in the midst of her Swayamvara ceremonies. The names of her + two younger sisters are Amvika and Amvalika, O thou endued with wealth of + asceticism! All the Kshatriya kings of the earth were assembled together + at the city of Kasi. And, O regenerate Rishi, great festivities were going + on there on account of (the self-choice of) these maidens. In the midst of + these, Santanu’s son, Bhishma, of mighty valour, disregarding all the + kings, abducted the girls. Vanquishing all the monarchs, the pure-souled + prince Bhishma of Bharata’s race then reached Hastinapura, and + representing everything unto Satyavati, ordered his brother + Vichitravirya’s marriage to take place with the girls he had brought. + Beholding the arrangements for those nuptials complete, this maiden, O + bull among Brahmanas, then addressed Ganga’s son in the presence of his + ministers and said,—I have, O hero, within my heart chosen the lord + of the Salwas to be my husband. Conversant as thou art with morality, it + behoveth thee not to bestow me on thy brother, whose heart is given away + to another!—Hearing these words of hers, Bhishma took counsel with + his ministers. Deliberating on the matter, he, at last, with Satyavati’s + consent, dismissed this maiden. Permitted thus by Bhishma, this girl + gladly repaired to Salwa, the lord of Saubha, and approaching him said,—Dismissed + I have been by Bhishma. See that I do not fall off from righteousness! In + my heart, I have chosen thee for my lord, O bull among kings. Salwa, + however, rejected her, suspecting the purity of her conduct. Even she hath + come to these woods, sacred for asceticism, being ardently inclined to + devote herself to ascetic penances! She was recognised by me from the + account that she gave of her parentage. As regards her sorrow, Bhishma is + considered by her to be its root!’ After Hotravahana had ceased, Amva + herself said, ‘O holy one, it is even so as this lord of earth, this + author of my mother’s body, Hotravahana of the Srinjaya race hath said. I + cannot venture to go back to my own city, O thou that art endued with + wealth of asceticism, for shame and fear of disgrace, O great Muni! At + present, O holy one, even this is what hath been my determination, viz., + that that would be my highest duty which the holy Rama, O best of + Brahmanas, might point out to me!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0178" id="link52H_4_0178"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Akritavrana said, ‘Of these two afflictions of thine, for which, O + blessed lady, dost thou seek a remedy? Tell me this. Is it thy wish that + the lord of Saubha should be urged to wed thee, the high-souled Rama will + certainly urge him from desire of doing thee good? Or, if thou wishest to + behold Ganga’s son, Bhishma, defeated in battle by intelligent Rama + Bhargava will gratify even that wish of thine. Hearing what Srinjaya has + to say, and what thou also, O thou of sweet smiles, may have to say, let + that be settled this very day what should be done for thee.’ Hearing these + words, Amva said, ‘O holy one, abducted I was by Bhishma acting from + ignorance, for, O regenerate one, Bhishma knew not that my heart had been + given away to Salwa. Thinking of this in thy mind, let that be resolved + upon by thee which is consistent with justice, and let steps be taken for + accomplishing that resolution. Do that, O Brahmana, which is proper to be + done towards either that tiger among the Kurus, viz., Bhishma, singly, or + towards the ruler of the Salwas, or towards both of them! I have told thee + truly about the root of my grief. It behoveth thee, O holy one, to do that + which is consistent with reason.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Akritavrana said, ‘This, O blessed lady, O thou of the fairest + complexion, that thou sayest with eyes fixed upon virtue, is, indeed, + worthy of thee. Listen, however, to what I say! If Ganga’s son had never + taken thee to the city called after the elephant, then, O timid girl, + Salwa would have, at Rama’s behest, taken thee on his head! It is because + Bhishma bore thee away by force that king Salwa’s suspicions have been + awakened in respect of thee, O thou of slender-waist! Bhishma is proud of + his manliness and is crowned with success. Therefore, thou shouldst cause + thy vengeance to fall upon Bhishma (and no other)!’ Hearing these words of + the sage, Amva said, ‘O regenerate one, this desire hath been cherished by + me also in my heart, viz., that, if possible. Bhishma should be caused by + me to be slain in battle! O thou of mighty arms, be it Bhishma or be it + king Salwa, punish that man whom thou thinkest to be guilty and through + whose act I have been so miserable!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “In conversation such as this, that day passed and + the night also, O best of Bharata’s race, with its delicious breeze which + was neither cold nor hot. Then Rama appeared there, beaming with energy. + And that sage wearing matted-locks on his bead and attired in deer-skins + was surrounded by his disciples. And endued with magnanimous soul, he had + his bow in hand. And bearing also a sword and a battle-axe, that sinless + one, O tiger among kings, approached the Srinjaya king (Hotravahana) in + that forest. And the ascetics dwelling there and that king also who was + endued with great ascetic merit, beholding him, all stood up and waited, O + king, with joined hands. And that helpless maiden too did the same. And + they all cheerfully worshipped Bhargava with the offer of honey and curds. + Being worshipped duly by them, Rama sat with them seated round him. Then, + O Bharata, Jamadagni’s son and Hotravahana, seated thus together, began to + discourse. And after their discourse was over, the sage Hotravahana + opportunately said in a sweet voice these words of grave import unto that + foremost one of Bhrigu’s race, viz., Rama of mighty strength, ‘O Rama, + this is my daughter’s daughter, O lord, being the daughter of the king of + Kasi.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘She hath something to be done for her! Oh, listen to it duly, O thou + that art skilled in all tasks!’ Hearing these words of his friend, Rama + addressed that maiden saying. ‘Tell me what thou hast to say.’ At these + words, Amva approached Rama who resembled a blazing fire, and worshipping + both his feet with her bent head, touched them with her two hands that + resembled, in radiance, a couple of lotuses and stood silently before him. + And filled with grief, she wept aloud, her eyes bathed in tears. And she + then sought the protection of that descendant of Bhrigu, who was the + refuge of all distressed persons. And Rama said, ‘Tell me what grief is in + thy heart. I will act according to thy words!’ Thus encouraged, Amva said, + ‘O thou of great vows, O holy one, today I seek thy protection! O lord, + raise me from this unfathomable ocean of sorrow.’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “Beholding her beauty and her youthful body and its + great delicacy, Rama began to think,—‘What will she say?’ And that + perpetuator of Bhrigu’s line, thinking inwardly of this, sat long in + silence, filled with pity. He then addressed that maiden of sweet smiles + again, saying, ‘Tell us what thou hast to say!’ Thus encouraged, she + represented everything truly unto Bhargava. And Jamadagni’s son, hearing + these words of the princess, and having first settled what he should do, + addressed that damsel of the fairest complexion, saying, ‘O beautiful + lady, I will send word unto Bhishma, that foremost one of Kuru’s race. + Having heard what my behest is, that king will certainly obey it. If, + however, the son of Jahnavi do not act according to my words, I will then + consume him in battle, O blessed girl, with all his counsellors! Or, O + princess, if thou desirest it, I may even address the heroic ruler of the + Salwas to the matter in hand.’ Hearing these words of Rama, Amva said, + ‘Dismissed I was by Bhishma, O son of Bhrigu’s race, as soon as he heard + that my heart had previously been freely given away to the ruler of the + Salwas. Approaching then the lord of Saubha, I addressed him in language + that was unbecoming. Doubtful of the purity of my conduct, he refused to + accept me. Reflecting on all this, with the aid of thy own understanding, + it behoveth thee, O son of Bhrigu’s race, to do that which should be done + in view of these circumstances. Bhishma, however, of great vows is the + root of my calamity, for he brought me under his power taking me up (on + his car) by violence! Slay that Bhishma, O thou of mighty arms, for whose + sake, O tiger of Bhrigu’s race, overwhelmed with such distress, I suffer + such poignant misery! Bhishma, O thou of Bhrigu’s race, is covetous, and + mean, and proud of his victory. Therefore, O sinless one, thou shouldst + give him his deserts. While, O lord, I was being abducted by him, even + this was the desire that I cherished in my heart, viz., that I should + cause that hero of great vows to be slain. Therefore, O sinless Rama, + gratify this desire of mine! O thou of mighty arms, slay Bhishma, even as + Purandara slew Vritra.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0179" id="link52H_4_0179"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXX + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “O lord, repeatedly urged by that maiden to slay Bhishma, + Rama replied unto that weeping girl, saying, ‘O daughter of Kasi, O thou + of the fairest complexion, I do not, on any account, take up arms now + except for the sake of those that are conversant with the Vedas. Tell me, + therefore, what else I can do for thee? Both Bhishma and Salwa are, O + princess, exceedingly obedient to me. Do not grieve, I will accomplish thy + object. I will not, however, O beautiful lady, take up arms, except at the + command of Brahmanas. This hath been my rule of conduct.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Amva said, ‘My misery, O holy one, should by any means be dispelled by + thee. That misery of mine hath been caused by Bhishma. Slay him, + therefore, O lord, without much delay.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Rama said, ‘O daughter of Kasi, say but the word and Bhishma, however, + deserving of reverence from thee, will, at my word, take up thy feet on + his head!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Amva said, ‘O Rama, slay in battle that Bhishma who roareth like an + Asura. Indeed, summoned to the encounter (by him), slay him, O Rama, if + thou wishest (to do) what is agreeable to me. It behoveth thee, besides, + to make thy promise true.’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “While, O king, Rama and Amva were talking thus with + each other, the Rishi (Akritavrana) of highly virtuous soul said these + words, ‘It behoveth thee not, O mighty-armed one, to desert this girl that + seeketh thy protection! If summoned to battle, Bhishma cometh to the + encounter and sayeth—“I am vanquished,” or, if he obeyeth thy words, + then that which this maiden seeketh will be accomplished, O son of + Bhrigu’s race, and the words spoken by thee, O hero, will also, O lord, be + true! This also was, O great Muni, the vow then made by thee, O Rama,—the + vow made by thee before Brahmanas after thou hadst conquered all the + Kshatriyas, viz., that thou wouldst slay in battle the person, be he a + Brahmana, a Kshatriya, a Vaisya, or a Sudra, who would be a foe to the + Brahmanas. Thou hadst further promised that as long as thou wouldst live + thou wouldst not abandon those that would come to thee in fright and seek + thy protection, and that thou wouldst, O Bhargava, slay that proud warrior + who would vanquish in battle all the assembled Kshatriyas of the earth! O + Rama, even Bhishma, that perpetuator of Kuru’s race, hath achieved such + success (over all the Kshatriyas)! Approaching him, O son of Bhrigu’s + race, encounter him now in battle!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Rama said, ‘O best of Rishis, I recollect that vow of mine made before. + I will, however (in the present instance) do that which conciliation may + point out. That task which the daughter of Kasi hath in her mind is a + grave one, O Brahmana! Taking this maiden with me, I will repair myself to + the place where Bhishma is. If Bhishma, proud of his achievements in + battle, do not obey my behest, I will then slay that arrogant wight. Even + this is my fixed resolve. The arrows shot by me do not stick to the bodies + of embodied creatures (but pass them through). This is known to you from + what you saw in my encounters with the Kshatriyas!’ Having said this, Rama + then, along with all those seekers of Brahma, resolved to depart from that + asylum, and the great ascetic then rose from his seat. Then all those + ascetics passing that night there, performed (on the next morning) their + homa-rites and recited their prayers. And then they all set out, desirous + of taking my life. And Rama, accompanied by all those devotees of Brahma, + then came to Kurukshetra, O monarch, with that maiden, O Bharata, in their + company. And those high-souled ascetics, with that foremost one of + Bhrigu’s race at head, having arrived on the banks of the stream of + Saraswati, quartered themselves there.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0180" id="link52H_4_0180"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “After he had quartered there, on the third day, O king, + Jamadagni’s son of high vows, sent a message to me, saying, ‘I have come + here, do what is agreeable to me.’ Hearing that Rama, of great might, had + come to the confines of our kingdom, I speedily went with a joyous heart + to that master who was an ocean of energy. And I went to him, O king, with + a cow placed in the van of my train, and accompanied by many Brahmanas, + and (ordinary) priests (of our family), and by others, resembling the very + gods in splendour, employed by us on special occasions. And beholding me + arrived at his presence, Jamadagni’s son, of great prowess, accepted the + worship I offered unto him and said these words unto me." </p> + <p> + “‘"Rama said, ‘Thyself, divested of desire, with what mood of mind, O + Bhishma, didst thou abduct, on the occasion of her self-choice, this + daughter of the king of Kasi and again dismiss her subsequently? By thee + hath this famous lady been dissociated from virtue! Contaminated by the + touch of thy hands before, who can marry her now? Rejected she hath been + by Salwa, because thou, O Bharata, hadst abducted her. Take her therefore, + to thyself, O Bharata, at my command. Let this daughter of a king, O tiger + among men, be charged with the duties of her sex! O king, O sinless one, + it is not proper that this humiliation should be hers!’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Seeing him plunged into sorrow (on account of the maiden) I said unto + him,—‘O Brahmana, I cannot, by any means, bestow this girl on my + brother. O thou of Bhrigu’s race, it was to myself that she said, I am + Salwa’s! And it was by me that she was permitted to go to Salwa’s city. As + regards myself, even this is my firm vow that I cannot abandon Kshatriya + practices from fear or pity, or avarice of wealth, or lust!’—Hearing + these words of mine, Rama addressed me, with eyes rolling in anger, + saying, ‘If, O bull among men, thou dost not act according to my words, I + will slay thee this very day along with all thy counsellors!’ Indeed, with + eyes rolling in anger, Rama in great wrath told me these words repeatedly. + I, however, O chastiser of foes, then beseeched him in sweet words. But + though beseeched by me, he did not cool down. Bowing down with my head + unto that best of Brahmanas I then enquired of him the reason for which he + sought battle with me. I also said,—O thou of mighty arms, while I + was a child it was thou who instructed me in the four kinds of arms.<a + href="#linknote-518" name="linknoteref-518" id="linknoteref-518">18</a> I + am, therefore, O thou of Bhrigu’s race, thy disciple! Then Rama answered + me with eyes red in anger, ‘Thou knowest me, O Bhishma, to be thy + preceptor, and yet, O Kauravya, thou acceptest not, for pleasing me, this + daughter of the ruler of Kasi! O delighter of the Kurus, I cannot be + gratified unless thou actest in this way! O mighty-armed one, take this + maiden and preserve thy race! Having been abducted by thee, she obtaineth + not a husband.’ Unto Rama that subjugator of hostile cities, I replied, + saying.—This cannot be, O regenerate Rishi! All thy labour is vain, + O son of Jamadagni, remembering thy old preceptorship, I am striving, O + holy one, to gratify thee! As regards this maiden, she hath been refused + by me before knowing what the faults, productive of great evils, of the + female sex are, who is there that would admit into his abode a woman whose + heart is another’s and who (on that account) is even like a snake of + virulent poison? O thou of high vows, I would not, even from fear of + Vasava, forsake duty! Be gracious unto me, or do me without delay that + which thou hast thought proper. This sloka also, O thou of pure soul, is + heard in the Puranas, O lord, sung by the high-souled Marutta, O thou of + great intelligence! The renunciation is sanctioned by the ordinance of a + preceptor who is filled with vanity, who is destitute of the knowledge of + right and wrong, and who is treading in a devious path.—Thou art my + preceptor and it is for this that I have from love reverenced thee + greatly. Thou, however, knowest not the duty of a preceptor, and it is for + this that I will fight with thee. I would not slay any preceptor in + battle, especially again a Brahmana, and more specially one endued with + ascetic merit. It was for this that I forgive thee. It is well-known + truth, gatherable from the scriptures, that he is not guilty of slaying a + Brahmana who killeth in battle a person of that order that taketh up + weapons like Kshatriya and fighteth wrathfully without seeking to fly. I + am a Kshatriya stationed in the practice of Kshatriya duties. One doth not + incur sin, nor doth one incur any harm by behaving towards a person + exactly as that person deserveth. When a person acquainted with the + proprieties of time and place and well-versed in matters affecting both + profit and virtue, feels doubtful, as regards anything, he should without + scruples of any kind, devote himself to the acquisition of virtue which + would confer the highest benefit on him. And since thou, O Rama, in a + matter connected with profit of doubtful propriety, actest unrighteously, + I would certainly fight with thee in a great battle. Behold the strength + of my arms and my prowess that is superhuman! In view of such + circumstances, I shall certainly do, O son of Bhrigu, what I can. I shall + fight with thee, O regenerate one, on the field of Kurukshetra! O Rama of + great effulgence, equip thyself as thou listest for single combat! Come + and station thyself on the field of Kurukshetra where, afflicted with my + shafts in great battle, and sanctified by my weapons, thou mayest obtain + those regions that have been won by thee (thought for thy austerities). O + thou of mighty arms and wealth of asceticism, there I will approach thee + for battle,—thee that art so fond of battle! There, O Rama, where in + days of yore thou hadst propitiated thy (deceased) fathers (with oblations + of Kshatriya blood), slaying thee there, O son of Bhrigu, I will + propitiate the Kshatriya slain by thee! Come there, O Rama, without delay! + There, O thou that art difficult of being vanquished, I will curb thy old + pride about which the Brahmanas speak! For many long years, O Rama, thou + hast boasted, saying,—I have, single-handed, vanquished all the + Kshatriyas of the Earth!—Listen now to what enabled thee to indulge + in that boast! In those days no Bhishma was born, or no Kshatriyas like + unto Bhishma! Kshatriyas really endued with valour have taken their births + later on! As regards thyself, thou hast consumed only heaps of straw! The + person that would easily quell thy pride of battle hath since been born! + He, O mighty-armed one, is no other than myself, even Bhishma, that + subjugator of hostile cities! Without doubt, O Rama, I shall just quell + thy pride of battle!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “Hearing these words of mine. Rama addressed me, + laughingly saying, ‘By good luck it is, O Bhishma, that thou desirest to + fight with me in battle! O thou of Kuru’s race, even now I go with thee to + Kurukshetra! I will do what thou hast said! Come thither, O chastiser of + foes! Let thy mother, Jahnavi, O Bhishma, behold thee dead on that plain, + pierced with my shafts, and become the food of vultures, crows, and other + carnivorous birds! Let that goddess worshipped by Siddhas and Charanas, + that blessed daughter of Bhagiratha, in the form of a river, who begat thy + wicked self, weep today, O king, beholding thee slain by me and lying + miserable on that plain, however undeserving she may be of seeing such a + sight! Come, O Bhishma, and follow me, O proud wight, always longing for + battle! O thou of Kuru’s race, take with thee, O bull of Bharata’s line, + thy cars and all other equipments of battle!’ Hearing these words of Rama + that subjugator of hostile towns, I worshipped him with a bend of my head + and answered him, saying,—‘So be it!’ Having said all this, Rama + then went to Kurukshetra from desire of combat, and I also, entering our + city, represented everything unto Satyavati. Then causing propitiatory + ceremonies to be performed (for my victory), and being blessed also by my + mother, and making the Brahmanas utter benedictions on me, I mounted on a + handsome car made of silver and unto which, O thou of great glory, were + yoked steeds white in hue. And every part of that car was well-built, and + it was exceedingly commodious and covered on all sides with tiger-skin. + And it was equipped with many great weapons and furnished with all + necessaries. And it was ridden by a charioteer who was well-born and + brave, who was versed in horse-lore, careful in battle, and well-trained + in his art, and who had seen many encounters. And I was accoutred in a + coat of mail, white in hue, and had my bow in hand. And the bow I took was + also white in hue. And thus equipped, I set out, O best of Bharata’s race! + And an umbrella, white in hue, was held over my head. And, O king, I was + fanned with fans that also were white in colour. And clad in white, with + also a white head-gear, all my adornments were white. And eulogised (with + laudatory hymns) by Brahmanas wishing me victory, I issued out of the city + named after the elephant, and proceeded to Kurukshetra, which, O bull of + Bharata’s race, was to be the field of battle! And those steeds, fleet as + the mind or the wind, urged by my charioteer, soon bore me, O king, to + that great encounter. And arrived in the field of Kurukshetra, both myself + and Rama, eager for battle, became desirous of showing each other our + prowess. And arrived within view of the great ascetic Rama, I took up my + excellent conch and blew a loud blast. And many Brahmanas, O king, and + many ascetics having their abodes in the forest, as also the gods with + Indra at their head, were stationed there for beholding the great + encounter. And many celestial garlands and diverse kinds of celestial + music and many cloudy canopies could be noticed there. And all those + ascetics who had come with Rama, desiring to become spectators of the + fight, stood all around the field. Just at this juncture, O king, my + divine mother devoted to the good of all creatures, appeared before me in + her own form and said, ‘What is this that thou seekest to do? Repairing to + Jamadagni’s son, O son of Kuru’s race, I will repeatedly solicit him + saying,—“Do not fight Bhishma who is thy disciple!”—O son, + being a Kshatriya do not obstinately set thy heart on an encounter in + battle with Jamadagni’s son who is a Brahmana!’ Indeed, it was thus that + she reproved me. And she also said, ‘O son, Rama, equal in prowess unto + Mahadeva himself, is the exterminator of the Kshatriya order! It is not + known to thee, that thou desirest an encounter with him.’ Thus addressed + by her, I saluted the goddess reverentially and replied unto her with + joined hands, giving her, O chief of the Bharatas, an account of all that + had transpired in that self-choice (of the daughter of Kasi). I also told + her every thing, O king of kings, about how I had urged Rama (to desist + from the combat). I also gave her a history of all the past acts of the + (eldest) daughter of Kasi. My mother then, the great River, wending to + Rama, began, for my sake, to beseech the Rishi of Bhrigu’s race. And she + said unto him these words, viz.,—‘Do not fight Bhishma who is thy + disciple!’—Rama, however, said unto her while she was beseeching him + thus, ‘Go and make Bhishma desist! He doth not execute out my wish! It is + for this that I have challenged him!’”’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Thus addressed by Rama, Ganga, from affection for + her son, came back to Bhishma. But Bhishma, with eyes rolling in anger, + refused to do her bidding. Just at this time, the mighty ascetic Rama, + that foremost one of Bhrigu’s race, appeared in Bhishma’s sight. And then + that best of the twice-born ones challenged him to the encounter." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0181" id="link52H_4_0181"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “I then smilingly addressed Rama stationed for battle, + saying,—‘Myself on my car, I do not wish to fight with thee that art + on the earth! Mount on a car, O hero, and case thy body in mail, O + mighty-armed one, if indeed, O Rama, thou wishest to fight me in battle!’—Then + Rama smilingly replied unto me on that field of battle, saying, ‘The + Earth, O Bhishma, is my car, and the Vedas, like good steeds, are the + animals that carry me! The wind is my car-driver, and my coat of mail is + constituted by those mothers in the Vedas (viz., Gayatri, Savitri and + Saraswati). Well-covered by these in battle, O son of Kuru’s race, I will + fight!’ Having said this, O Gandhari’s son, Rama of prowess incapable of + being baffled, covered me on all sides with a thick shower of arrows. I + then beheld Jamadagni’s son stationed on a car equipped with every kind of + excellent weapons! And the car he rode was exceedingly handsome and was of + wonderful appearance. And it had been created by a fiat of his will, and + it was beautiful like a town. And celestial steeds were yoked unto it, and + it was well-protected by the necessary defences. And it was decked all + over with ornaments of gold. And it was well-covered with tough skins all + around, and bore the device of the sun and the moon. Rama was armed with + bow and equipped with a quiver, and with fingers cased in leathern fences! + Akritavrana, the dear friend of Bhargava, well-versed in the Vedas, did + the duties of a car-driver for that warrior. And he, of Bhrigu’s race, + repeatedly summoning me to battle, saying,—Come, come,—gladden + my heart. And I then, myself, singly obtained for my adversary that + invincible and mighty exterminator of the Kshatriya race, viz., Rama risen + like the sun himself in splendour, desirous (on his part) of fighting + singly! And after he had poured three showers of arrows on me curbing my + steeds, I came down from my car and placing my bow aside I proceeded on + foot to that best of Rishis. And arriving before him, I worshipped the + best of Brahmanas with reverence. And having saluted him duly, I told him + these excellent words,—O Rama, whether thou art equal or superior to + me, I will fight with thee, my virtuous preceptor, in battle! O lord, + bless me, wishing me victory! + </p> + <p> + “‘"Rama, thus addressed, said, ‘O foremost one of Kuru’s race, he that + desires prosperity should act even thus! O thou of mighty arms, they that + fight with warriors more eminent than themselves, have this duty to + perform. O king, I would have cursed thee if thou hadst not approached me + thus! Go, fight carefully and summoning all thy patience, O thou of Kuru’s + race! I cannot, however, wish thee victory, for I myself stand here to + vanquish thee! Go, fight fairly! I am pleased with thy behaviour!’—Bowing + unto him, I then speedily came back, and mounting on my car, I once more + blew my conch decked with gold. And then, O Bharata, the combat commenced + between him and me. And it lasted for many days, each of us, O king, + having been desirous of vanquishing the other. And in that battle, it was + Rama who struck me first with nine hundred and sixty straight arrows + furnished with vulturine wings. And with that arrowy shower, O king, my + four steeds and charioteer were completely covered! Notwithstanding all + this, however, I remained quiet in that encounter, accoutred in my coat of + mail! Bowing unto the gods, and especially unto the Brahmanas, I then + smilingly addressed Rama stationed for battle, saying,—‘Although + thou hast shown little regard for me, yet I have fully honoured thy + preceptorship! Listen again, O Brahmana, to some other auspicious duty + that should be discharged if virtue is to be earned! The Vedas that are in + thy body, and the high status of Brahmana that is also in thee, and the + ascetic merit thou hast earned by the severest of austerities, I do not + strike at these! I strike, however, at that Kshatriyahood which thou, O + Rama, hast adopted! When a Brahmana taketh up weapons, he becometh a + Kshatriya. Behold now the power of my bow and the energy of my arms! + Speedily shall I cut off that bow of thine with a sharp shaft!’—Saying + this I shot at him, O bull of Bharata’s race, a sharp broad-headed arrow. + And cutting off one of the horns of his bow with it, I caused it to drop + on the ground. I then shot at Jamadagni’s car a hundred straight arrows + winged with vulturine feathers. Piercing through Rama’s body and borne + along by the wind, those arrows coursing through space seemed to vomit + blood (from their mouths) and resembled veritable snakes. Covered all over + with blood and with blood issuing out of his body. Rama, O king, shone in + battle, like the Sumeru mountain with streams of liquid metal rolling down + its breast, or like the Asoka tree at the advent of spring, when covered + with red bunches of flowers, or, O king, like the Kinsuka tree when clad + in its flowery attire! Taking up then another bow, Rama, filled with + wrath, showered upon me numerous arrows of excessive sharpness, furnished + with golden wings. And those fierce arrows of tremendous impetus, + resembling snakes, or fire, or poison, coming at me from all sides, + pierced my very vitals and caused me to tremble. Summoning all my coolness + I then addressed myself for the encounter, and filled with rage I pierced + Rama with a hundred arrows. And afflicted with those hundred blazing + shafts resembling either fire, or the sun or looking like snakes of + virulent poison, Rama seemed to lose his senses! Filled, O Bharata, with + pity (at the sight), I stopped of my own accord and said,—‘Oh, fie + on battle! Fie on Kshatriya practices!’ And overwhelmed, O king, with + grief, I repeatedly said,—‘Alas, great is the sin committed by me + through observance of Kshatriya practices, since I have afflicted with + arrows my preceptor who is a Brahmana endued with a virtuous soul!’—After + that, O Bharata, I ceased striking Jamadagni’s son any more. At this time, + the thousand-rayed luminary, having heated the earth with his rays, + proceeded at the close of day to his chambers in the west and the battle + also between us ceased.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0182" id="link52H_4_0182"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “After the battle had ceased, my charioteer, well-skilled + in such operations, drew out from his own body, from the bodies of my + steeds, and from my body as well, the arrows that struck there. Next + morning, when the sun rose, the battle commenced again, my horses having + (a little while before) been bathed and allowed to roll on the ground and + having had their thirst slaked and thereby re-invigorated. And beholding + me coming quickly to the encounter attired in a coat of mail and stationed + on my car, the mighty Rama equipped his car with great care. And I myself + also, beholding Rama coming towards me from desire of battle, placed aside + my bow and quickly descended from my car. Saluting Rama I re-ascended it, + O Bharata, and desirous of giving battle, stood fearlessly before that son + of Jamadagni. I then overwhelmed him with a thick shower of arrows, and he + too covered me with an arrowy shower in return. And filled with wrath, + Jamadagni’s son once more shot at me a number of fierce shafts of great + force and blazing mouths looking like veritable snakes! And I too, O king, + shooting sharp shafts by hundreds and thousands, repeatedly cut off Rama’s + arrows in mid-air before they could come at me. Then the mighty son of + Jamadagni began to hurl celestial weapons at me, all of which I repelled, + desirous of achieving mightier feats, O thou of strong arms, with my + weapons. And loud was the din that then arose in the welkin all around. At + that time, I hurled at Rama the weapon named Vayavya which Rama + neutralised, O Bharata, by the weapon called Guhyaka. Then I applied, with + proper mantras, the weapon called Agneya but the lord Rama neutralised + that weapon of mine by one (of his) called Varuna. And it was in this way + that I neutralised the celestial weapons of Rama, and that chastiser of + foes, Rama also, endued with great energy and acquainted with celestial + weapons, neutralised the weapons shot by me. Then, O monarch, that best of + Brahmanas, the mighty son of Jamadagni, filled with wrath, suddenly + wheeling to my right, pierced me in the breast. At this, O best of the + Bharatas, I swooned on my best of cars. And beholding me, reft of + consciousness, my charioteer quickly bore me away from the field. And + seeing me afflicted and pierced with Rama’s weapons and borne away + drooping and in a swoon, all the followers of Rama, including Akritavrana + and others and the princess of Kasi, filled with joy, O Bharata, began to + shout aloud! Regaining consciousness then, I addressed my charioteer, + saying,—‘Go where Rama stayeth! My pains have left me, and I am + ready for battle!’—Thus instructed, my charioteer soon took me where + Rama was, with the aid of those exceedingly handsome steeds of mine that + seemed to dance as they coursed (through the plain) and that were endued + with the speed of the wind. And approaching Rama then, O thou of Kuru’s + race, and filled with wrath, from desire of vanquishing his angry self, I + overwhelmed him with an arrowy shower! But Rama, shooting three for every + single of mine, cut into fragments every one of my straight-going arrows + in mid air before any of them could reach him! And beholding those + well-furnished arrows of mine by hundreds and thousands, each cut off in + twain by Rama’s arrows, all the followers of Rama were filled with joy. + Impelled then by the desire of slaying him, I shot at Rama, the son of + Jamadagni, a good-looking arrow of blazing effulgence with Death’s self + sitting at its head. Struck very forcibly therewith and succumbing to its + impetus, Rama fell into a swoon and dropped down on the ground. And when + Rama thus dropped on the ground, exclamations of Oh and Alas arose on all + sides, and the whole universe, O Bharata, was filled with confusion and + alarm, such as may be witnessed if the sun himself were ever to fall down + from the firmament! Then all those ascetics together with the princess of + Kasi, quietly proceeded, O son of Kuru’s race, with great anxiety towards + Rama. And embracing him, O Kaurava, they began to comfort him softly with + the touch of their hands, rendered cold by contact with water, and with + assurances of victory. Thus comforted, Rama rose up and fixing an arrow to + his bow he addressed me in an agitated voice, saying, ‘Stay, O Bhishma! + Thou art already slain!’ And let off by him, that arrow quickly pierced my + left side in that fierce encounter. And struck therewith, I began to + tremble like a tree shaken by the tempest. Slaying my horses then in + terrific combat, Rama, fighting with great coolness, covered me with + swarms of winged arrows, shot with remarkable lightness of hand. At this, + O mighty-armed one, I also began to shoot arrows with great lightness of + hand for obstructing Rama’s arrowy shower. Then those arrows shot by + myself and Rama covering the welkin all around, stayed even there (without + falling down). And, thereupon, enveloped by clouds of arrows the very sun + could not shed its rays through them. And the very wind, obstructed by + those clouds, seemed to be unable to pass through them. Then, in + consequence of the obstructed motion of the wind, the rays of the sun, and + the clash of the arrows against one another, a conflagration was caused in + the welkin. And then those arrows blazed forth in consequence of the fire + generated by themselves, and fell on the earth, consumed into ashes! Then + Rama, O Kaurava, filled with rage, covered me with hundreds and thousands + and hundreds of thousands and hundreds of millions arrows! And I also, O + king, with my arrows resembling snakes of virulent poison, cut into + fragments all those arrows of Rama and caused them to fall down on the + earth like snakes cut into pieces. And it was thus, O best of the + Bharatas, that combat took place. When, however, the shades of evening + approached, my preceptor withdrew from the fight.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0183" id="link52H_4_0183"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “The next day, O bull of Bharata’s race, frightful again + was the combat that took place between me and Rama when I encountered him + once more. That hero of virtuous soul, conversant with celestial weapons,—the + lord Rama, from day to day, began to use diverse kinds of celestial + weapons. Regardless of life itself, which is so difficult of being + sacrificed, in that fierce combat, O Bharata, I baffled all those weapons + with such of mine as are capable of baffling them. And, O Bharata, when + diverse weapons were in this way neutralised and baffled by means of + counter-weapons, Rama, of mighty energy began to contend against me in + that battle, reckless of his own life. Seeing all his weapons baffled, the + high-souled son of Jamadagni then hurled at me a fierce lance, blazing + like a meteor, with flaming mouth, filling the whole world, as it were, + with its effulgence, and resembling the dart hurled by Death himself! I, + however, with my arrows cut into three fragments that blazing dart rushing + against me, and resembling in effulgence the sun that rises at end of the + Yuga! At this, breezes charged with fragrant odours began to blow (around + me). Beholding that dart of his cut off, Rama, burning with anger, hurled + a dozen other fierce darts. Their forms, O Bharata, I am incapable of + describing in consequence of their great effulgence and speed. How, + indeed, shall I describe their forms? Beholding those diverse-looking + darts approach me from all sides, like long tongues of fire and blazing + forth with fierce energy like the dozen suns that arise at the time of the + destruction of the universe, I was filled with fear. Seeing an arrowy net + advancing against me, I baffled it with an arrowy downpour of mine, and + then sent a dozen shafts by which I consumed those fierce-looking dozen + darts of Rama. Then, O king, the high-souled son of Jamadagni showered on + me numerous fierce-looking darts, furnished with variegated handles decked + with gold, possessed of golden wings, and resembling flaming meteors! + Baffling those fierce darts by means of my shield and sword, and causing + them in that combat to fall down on the ground, I then, with clouds of + excellent arrows, covered Rama’s excellent steeds and his charioteer. Then + that high-souled smiter of the lord of the Haihayas,<a href="#linknote-519" + name="linknoteref-519" id="linknoteref-519">19</a> beholding those darts + of mine equipped with gold-decked handles and resembling snakes emerged + out of their holes, and filled with wrath at the sight, had recourse once + more to celestial weapons! Then swarms of fierce arrows, looking like + flights of locusts fell upon me and overwhelmed me, my steeds, my + charioteer, and my car! Indeed, O king, my car, horses, and charioteer, + were covered all over with those arrows! And the yoke, shaft, wheels, and + the wheel-spokes of my car, overwhelmed with that arrowy shower, at once + broke. After that arrowy shower, however, was over, I also covered my + preceptor with a thick shower of arrows. Thereupon, that mass of Brahmic + merit, mangled with that arrowy downpour, began to bleed copiously, and + continuously. Indeed, like Rama afflicted with my clouds of arrows, I too + was densely pierced with his arrows. When at last in the evening, the sun + set behind the western hills, our combat came to an end.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0184" id="link52H_4_0184"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Next morning, O king, when the sun rose brightly, the + combat between myself and him of Bhrigu’s race, again commenced. Then + Rama, that foremost of smiters, stationed on his quickly-moving car, + rained on me a thick downpour of arrows like the clouds on the + mountain-breast. My beloved charioteer then, afflicted by that arrowy + shower, swerved from his place in the car, filling me with grief on his + account. A total unconsciousness then came over him. And thus wounded by + that arrowy downpour he fell down upon the earth in a swoon. And afflicted + as he had been by Rama’s shafts, he soon gave up his life. Then, O great + king, fear entered my heart. And when, on the death of my charioteer, I + was still lamenting for him with heart unhinged by sorrow, Rama began to + shoot at me many death-dealing shafts. Indeed, even when endangered at the + death of my charioteer I was lamenting for him, he of Bhrigu’s race, + drawing the bow with strength, pierced me deep with an arrow! O king, that + blood-drinking shaft, falling upon my breast, pierced me through and fell + simultaneously with my person upon the earth! Then, O bull of Bharata’s + race, thinking I was dead, Rama repeatedly roared aloud like the clouds + and rejoiced exceedingly! indeed, O king, when thus I fell down on the + earth, Rama, filled with joy, sent forth loud shouts along with his + followers, while all the Kauravas who stood beside me and all those who + came there to witness the combat were afflicted with great woe on seeing + me fall. While lying prostrate, O lion among kings, I beheld eight + Brahmanas endued with the effulgence of the sun or the fire. They stood + surrounding me on that field of battle and supporting me on their arms. + Indeed, borne up by those Brahmanas I had not to touch the ground. Like + friends they supported me in mid-air while I was breathing heavily. And + they were sprinkling me with drops of water. And bearing me up as they + stood, they then, O king, repeatedly said unto me, ‘Do not fear! Let + prosperity be thine!’ Comforted then by those words of theirs, I quickly + rose up. I then beheld my mother Ganga—that foremost of the rivers, + stationed on my car. Indeed, O king of the Kurus, it was that great + river-goddess who had controlled my steeds in the combat (after my + charioteer’s fall)! Worshipping then the feet of my mother and of the + spirits of my ancestors, I ascended my car. My mother then protected my + car, steeds, and all the implements of battle. With joined hands I + entreated her to go away. Having dismissed her, I myself restrained those + steeds endued with the speed of the wind, and fought with Jamadagni’s son, + O Bharata, till the close of the day! Then, O chief of the Bharatas, in + course of that combat, I shot at Rama a powerful and heart-piercing arrow + endued with great speed. Afflicted with that shaft, Rama then, his bow + loosened from his grasp, fell down upon the earth on his knees, reft of + consciousness! And when Rama, that giver of many thousands (of golden + coins) fell, masses of clouds covered the firmament, pouring a copious + shower of blood! And meteors by hundreds fell, and thunder-rolls were + heard, causing everything to tremble! And suddenly Rahu enveloped the + blazing sun, and rough winds began to blow! And the earth itself began to + tremble. And vultures and crows and cranes began to alight in joy! And the + points of the horizon seemed to be ablaze and jackals began repeatedly to + yell fiercely! And drums, unstruck (by human hands), began to produce + harsh sound! Indeed, when the high-souled Rama embraced the earth, reft of + consciousness, all these frightful and alarming omens of evil were seen! + Then all on a sudden rising up, Rama approached me once more, O Kaurava, + for battle, forgetting everything and deprived of his senses by anger. And + that mighty-armed one took up his bow endued with great strength and also + a deadly arrow. I, however, resisted him successfully. The great Rishis + then (that stood there) were filled with pity at the sight, while he, + however, of Bhrigu’s race, was filled with great wrath. I then took up a + shaft, resembling the blazing fire that appears at the end of the Yuga, + but Rama of immeasurable soul baffled that weapon of mine. Then covered by + clouds of dust, the splendour of the solar disc was dimmed, and the sun + went to the western mount. And night came with its delicious and cool + breezes, and then both of us desisted from the fight. In this way, O king, + when evening came the fierce battle ceased, and (next day) with the + re-appearance of the sun it commenced again. And it lasted for three and + twenty days together.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0185" id="link52H_4_0185"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Then, O great king, during the night, having bowed unto + the Brahmanas, the Rishis, the gods, and all those creatures that wander + during the dark, and also all the kings of the earth, I laid myself down + on my bed, and in the solitude of my room, I began to reflect in the + following way.—For many days hath this fierce combat of terrible + consequence lasted between myself and Jamadagni. I am unable, however, to + vanquish on the field of battle that Rama of mighty energy. If indeed, I + am competent to vanquish in battle that Brahmana of mighty strength, viz., + Jamadagni’s son of great prowess, then let the gods kindly show themselves + to me this night!—Mangled with arrows as I lay asleep, O great king, + that night on my right side, towards the morning, those foremost of + Brahmanas who had raised me when I had fallen down from my car and held me + up and said unto me—Do not fear—and who had comforted me, + showed themselves to me, O king, in a dream! And they stood surrounding me + and said these words. Listen to them as I repeat them to thee, O + perpetuator of Kuru’s race! ‘Rise, O Ganga’s son, thou needst have no + fear! We will protect thee, for thou art our own body! Rama, the son of + Jamadagni, will never be able to vanquish thee in battle! Thou, O bull of + Bharata’s race, wilt be the conqueror of Rama in combat! This beloved + weapon, O Bharata, called Praswapa, appertaining to the lord of all + creatures, and forged by the divine artificer, will come to thy knowledge, + for it was known to thee in thy former life! Neither Rama, nor any person + on earth is acquainted with it. Recollect it, therefore, O thou of mighty + arms, and apply it with strength! O king of kings, O sinless one, it will + come to thee of itself! With it, O Kaurava, thou wilt be able to check all + persons endued with mighty energy! O king, Rama will not be slain outright + by it, thou shalt not, therefore, O giver of honours, incur any sin by + using it! Afflicted by the force of this thy weapon, the son of Jamadagni, + will fall asleep! Vanquishing him thus, thou wilt again awaken him in + battle, O Bhishma, with that dear weapon called Samvodhana! Do what we + have told thee, O Kauravya, in the morning, stationed on thy car. Asleep + or dead we reckon it as the same, O king, Rama will not surely die! Apply, + therefore, this Praswapa weapon so happily thought of!’—Having said + this, O king, those foremost of Brahmanas, eight in number and resembling + one another in form, and possessed of effulgent bodies, all vanished from + my sight!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0186" id="link52H_4_0186"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “After the night had passed away, I awoke, O Bharata, and + thinking of my dream I was filled with great joy. Then, O Bharata, the + combat began between him and me—a combat that was fierce and + unrivalled and that made the hairs of all creatures stand on their ends. + And Bhargava poured on me an arrowy shower which I baffled with an arrowy + shower of mine. Then filled with wrath at what he had seen the day before + and what he saw that day, Rama hurled at me a dart, hard as Indra’s + thunderbolt and possessed of effulgence, resembling the Yama’s mace! It + came towards me like a blazing flame of fire and drinking up, as it were, + all the quarters of that field of battle! Then, O tiger among the Kurus, + it fell, O perpetuator of Kuru’s line, upon my shoulder, like the + lightning’s flame that ranges the sky. Wounded thus by Rama, O thou of red + eyes, my blood, O mighty-armed one, began to flow copiously like streams + of red earth from a mountain (after a shower)! Filled with great wrath, I + then shot at Jamadagni’s son a deadly shaft, fatal as the poison of a + snake. That heroic and best of Brahmanas, struck therewith at the + forehead, O monarch, then appeared as beautiful as a crested hill! + Extremely angry, that hero then, changing his position and drawing the + bow-string with great strength, aimed at me a terrible shaft resembling + all-destructive Death himself, and capable of grinding all foes! That + fierce arrow fell upon my breast, hissing (through the air) like a snake. + Covered with blood, I fell down on the earth, O king, thus struck. + Regaining consciousness, I hurled at Jamadagni’s son a frightful dart, + effulgent as the thunderbolt. That dart fell upon the bosom of that + foremost of Brahmanas. Deprived of his senses at this, Rama began to + tremble all over. That great ascetic then, viz., his friend, the + regenerate Akritavrana, embraced him and with diverse words of comfort + soothed him. Reassured thus, Rama of high vows was then filled with wrath + and vindictiveness. He invoked the great Brahma weapon. For baffling it I + also used the same excellent weapon. Clashing against each other, the two + weapons began to blaze forth brightly, showing what happens at the end of + the Yuga! Without being able to reach either myself or Rama, those two + weapons, O best of the Bharatas, met each other in the mid-air. Then the + whole welkin seemed to be ablaze, and all creatures, O monarch, became + highly distressed. Afflicted by the energy of those weapons, the Rishis, + the Gandharvas, and the gods were all greatly pained. Then earth, with her + mountains and seas and trees began to tremble, and all creatures, heated + with the energy of the weapons, were greatly afflicted. The firmament, O + king, became ablaze and the ten points of the horizon became filled with + smoke. Creatures, therefore, that range the welkin were unable to stay in + their element. When, at all this, the whole world with the gods, the + Asuras and the Rakshasas began to utter exclamations of woe.—This is + the time—thought I and became desirous, O Bharata, of speedily + shooting the Praswapa weapon at the command of those utterers of Brahma + (that had appeared to me in my dream)! The Mantras also for invoking + excellent weapon suddenly came to my mind!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0187" id="link52H_4_0187"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “When I had formed this resolution, O king, a din of + tumultuous voices arose in the sky. And it said,—O son of Kuru’s + race, do not let off the Praswapa weapon!—Notwithstanding this, I + still aimed that weapon at Bhrigu’s descendant. When I had aimed it, + Narada addressed me, saying, ‘Yonder, O Kauravya, stay the gods in the + sky! Even they are forbidding thee today! Do not aim the Praswapa weapon! + Rama is an ascetic possessed of Brahma merit, and he is, again, thy + preceptor! Never, Kauravya, humiliate him.’ While Narada was telling me + this, I beheld those eight utterers of Brahma stationed in the sky. + Smilingly, O king, they said unto me slowly,—‘O chief of the + Bharatas, do even what Narada sayeth. Even that, O best of Bharata’s race, + is highly beneficial to the world!’ I then withdrew that great weapon + called Praswapa and invoked according to the ordinance the weapon called + Brahma in the combat. Beholding the Praswapa weapon withdrawn, O lion + among kings, Rama was in great huff, and suddenly exclaimed, ‘Wretch that + I am, I am vanquished, O Bhishma!’ Then Jamadagni’s son beheld before him + his venerable father and his father’s fathers. They stood surrounding him + there, and addressed him in these words of consolation, ‘O sire, never + display such rashness again, the rashness, viz., of engaging in battle + with Bhishma, or especially with any Kshatriya. O descendant of Bhrigu’s + race, to fight is the duty of a Kshatriya! Study (of the Vedas) and + practice of vows are the highest wealth of Brahmanas! For some reason, + before this, thou hadst been ordered by us to take up weapons. Thou hadst + then perpetrated that terrible and unbecoming feat. Let this battle with + Bhishma be thy very last, for enough of it thou hadst already. O thou of + mighty arms, leave the combat. Blessed be thou, let this be the very last + instance of thy taking up the bow! O invincible one, throw thy bow aside, + and practice ascetic austerities, O thou of Bhrigu’s race! Behold, + Bhishma, the son of Santanu, is forbidden by all the gods! They are + endeavouring to pacify him, repeatedly saying,—Desist from this + battle! Do not fight with Rama who is thy preceptor. It is not proper for + thee, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, to vanquish Rama in battle! O son of + Ganga, show this Brahmana every honour on the field of battle! As regards + thee, we are thy superiors and therefore forbid thee! Bhishma is one of + the foremost of Vasus! O son, it is fortunate, that thou art still alive! + Santanu’s son by Ganga—a celebrated Vasu as he is,—how can he + be defeated by thee? Desist, therefore, O Bhargava! That foremost of the + Pandavas, Arjuna, the mighty son of Indra, hath been ordained by the + Self-create to be the slayer of Bhishma!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “Thus addressed by his own ancestors, Rama answered + them, saying, ‘I cannot give up the combat. Even this is the solemn vow I + have made. Before this, I never left the field, giving up battle! Ye + grandsires, if you please, cause Ganga’s son to desist from the fight! As + regards myself, I can, by no means, desist from the combat!’ Hearing these + words of his, O king, those ascetics with Richika at their head, coming to + me with Narada in their company, told me, ‘O sire, desist from battle! + Honour that foremost of Brahmanas!’ For the sake of Kshatriya morality, I + replied unto them, saying, ‘Even this is the vow I have taken in this + world, viz., that I would never desist from battle turning my back, or + suffer my back to be wounded with arrows! I cannot, from temptation or + distress, or fear, or for the sake of wealth, abandon my eternal duty! + Even this is my fixed resolution!’ Then all those ascetics with Narada at + their head, O king, and my mother Bhagirathi, occupied the field of battle + (before me). I, however, stayed quietly with arrows and bow as before, + resolved to fight. They then once more turned towards Rama and addressed + him, saying, ‘The hearts of Brahmanas are made of butter. Be pacified, + therefore, O son of Bhrigu’s race! O Rama, O Rama, desist from this + battle, O best of Brahmanas! Bhishma is incapable of being slain by thee, + as indeed, thou, O Bhargava, art incapable of being slain by him!’ Saying + these words while they stood obstructing the field, the Pitris caused that + descendant of Bhrigu’s race to place aside his weapons. Just at this time + I once more beheld those eight utterers of Brahma, blazing with effulgence + and resembling bright stars risen on the firmament. Stationed for battle + as I was, they said these words unto me with great affection, ‘O thou of + mighty arms, go unto Rama who is thy preceptor! Do what is beneficial to + all the worlds.’ Beholding then that Rama had desisted owing to the words + of his well-wishers, I also, for the good of the worlds, accepted the + words of my well-wishers. Though mangled exceedingly, I still approached + Rama and worshipped him. The great ascetic Rama then, smilingly, and with + great affection, said unto me, ‘There is no Kshatriya equal to thee on the + earth! Go now, O Bhishma, for in this combat thou hast pleased me highly’! + Summoning then in my presence that maiden (the daughter of Kasi), Bhargava + sorrowfully said unto her these words in the midst of all those + high-souled persons.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0188" id="link52H_4_0188"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Rama said, ‘O damsel, in the very sight of all these persons, I have + fought according to the best of my power and displayed my prowess! By + using even the very best of weapons I have not been able to obtain any + advantage over Bhishma, that foremost of all wielders of weapons! I have + exerted now to the best of my power and might. O beautiful lady, go + withersoever thou wishest! What other business of thine can I accomplish? + Seek the protection of Bhishma himself! Thou hast no other refuge now! + Shooting mighty weapons Bhishma hath vanquished me!’ Having said this, the + high-souled Rama sighed and remained silent. That maiden then addressed + him, saying, ‘O holy one, it is even so as thy holy self hath said! This + Bhishma of great intelligence is incapable of being vanquished in battle + by even the gods! Thou hast done my business to the best of thy exertion + and power. Thou hast displayed in this battle energy incapable of being + baffled and weapons also of diverse kinds. Thou hast yet been unable to + obtain any advantage over Bhishma in combat. As regards myself, I will not + go a second time to Bhishma. I will, however, O perpetuator of Bhrigu’s + race, go thither, O thou endued with wealth of asceticism, where I may + (obtain the means to) myself slay Bhishma in battle!’ Having said the + words, that maiden went away, with eyes agitated with wrath, and thinking + to compass my death, she firmly resolved to devote herself to asceticism. + Then that foremost one of Bhrigu’s race, accompanied by those ascetics, + bidding me farewell, departed, O Bharata, for the mountains whence he had + come. I also, ascending my car, and praised by the Brahmanas, entered our + city and represented everything unto my mother Satyavati, everything that + had transpired, and she, O great king, uttered benedictions on me. I then + appointed persons endued with intelligence to ascertain the doings of that + maiden. Devoted to the good of myself—their well-wisher, those spies + of mine, with great application brought to me accounts of her course of + action, her words and actions, from day to day. When that maiden went to + the woods, resolved on ascetic austerities, even then I became melancholy, + and afflicted with pain, I lost my heart’s tenor. Except one acquainted + with Brahma and observant of vows, that are praiseworthy owing to the + austerities they involve, no Kshatriya hath ever by his prowess, + vanquished me in battle! I then, O king, humbly represented to Narada as + also to Vyasa all that the maiden did. They both told me, ‘O Bhishma, do + not give way to sorrow on account of the daughter of Kasi. Who is there + that would venture to baffle destiny by individual exertion?’ Meanwhile, O + great king, that maiden, entering a cluster of retreats practised + austerities, that were beyond human powers (of endurance). Without food, + emaciated, dry, with matted-locks and begrimed with filth, for six months + she lived on air only, and stood unmoved like a street-post. And that + lady, possessed of wealth of asceticism, foregoing all food in consequence + of the fast she kept, passed a whole year after this, standing in the + waters of the Yamuna. Endued with great wrath, she passed the next whole + year standing on her front toes and having eaten only one fallen leaf (of + a tree). And thus for twelve years, she made the heavens hot by her + austerities. And though dissuaded by her relatives, she could not by any + means be weaned off (from that course of action). She then went unto + Vatsabhumi resorted to by the Siddhas and Charanas, and which was the + retreat of high-souled ascetics of pious deeds. Bathing frequently in the + sacred waters of that retreat, the princess of Kasi roamed about according + to her will. Proceeding next (one after another) to the asylum, O king, of + Narada, and to the auspicious asylum of Uluka and to that of Chyavana, and + to the spot sacred to Brahmana, and to Prayaga the sacrificial platform of + the gods, and to that forest sacred to the gods, and to Bhogawati, and, O + monarch, to the asylum of Kusika’s son (Viswamitra), and to the asylum of + Mandavya, and also to the asylum of Dwilipa, and to Ramhrada, and, O + Kaurava, to the asylum of Garga, the princess of Kasi, O king, performed + ablutions in the sacred waters of all these, observing all the while the + most difficult of vows. One day, my mother from the waters asked her, O + Kauravya, saying, ‘O blessed lady, for what dost thou afflict thyself so? + Tell me the truth!’ Thus asked, O monarch, that faultless damsel answered + her with joined hands, saying, ‘O thou of handsome eyes, Rama hath been + vanquished in battle by Bhishma. What other (Kshatriya) king then would + venture to defeat the latter when ready with his weapons? As regards + myself, I am practising the severest penances for the destruction of + Bhishma. I wander over the earth, O goddess, so that I may slay that king! + In every thing I do, O goddess, even this is the great end of my vows!’ + Hearing these words of hers, the Ocean-going (river Ganga) replied unto + her, saying, ‘O lady, thou art acting crookedly! O weak girl, this wish of + thine thou shalt not be able to achieve, O faultless one. If, O princess + of Kasi, thou observest these vows for destruction of Bhishma, and if thou + takest leave of thy body while observing them, thou shalt (in thy next + birth) become a river, crooked in her course and of water only during the + rains! All the bathing places along thy course will be difficult of + approach, and filled only during the rains, thou shalt be dry for eight + months (during the year)! Full of terrible alligators, and creatures of + frightful mien thou shalt inspire fear in all creatures!’ Addressing her + thus, O king, my mother, that highly-blessed lady, in seeming smiles, + dismissed the princess of Kasi. That highly fair damsel then once more + began to practise vows, foregoing all food, aye, even water, sometimes for + eight months and sometimes for ten months! And the daughter of the king of + Kasi, wandering hither and thither for her passionate desire of tirthas, + once more came back, O Kauravya, to Vatsabhumi. And it is there, O + Bharata, that she is known to have become a river, filled only during the + rainy seasons, abounding with crocodiles, crooked in her course, and + destitute of easy access to her water. And, O king, in consequence of her + ascetic merit only half her body became such a river in Vatsabhumi, while + with the other half, she remained a maiden as before!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0189" id="link52H_4_0189"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXC + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Then all those ascetics (that dwell in Vatsabhumi), + beholding the princess of Kasi firmly resolved on ascetic austerities, + dissuaded her and enquired of her, saying, ‘What is thy business?’ Thus + addressed, the maiden answered those ascetics, old in ascetic penances, + saying, ‘Expelled I have been by Bhishma, prevented by him from the virtue + that would have been mine by living with a husband! My observance of this + vow is for his destruction and not for the sake of regions of bliss, ye + that are endued with wealth of asceticism! Having compassed the death of + Bhishma, peace will be mine. Even this is my resolve. He for whom mine + hath been this state of continuous grief, he for whom I have been deprived + of the region that would have been mine if I could obtain a husband, he + for whom I have become neither woman nor man, without slaying in battle + that son of Ganga I will not desist, ye that are endued with wealth of + asceticism. Even this that I have said is the purpose that is in my heart. + As a woman, I have no longer any desire. I am, however, resolved to obtain + manhood, for I will be revenged upon Bhishma. I should not, therefore, be + dissuaded by you.’ Unto them she said these words repeatedly. Soon, the + divine lord of Uma, bearing the trident, showed himself in his own form + unto that female ascetic in the midst of those great Rishis. Being asked + to solicit the boon she wished, she begged of the deity my defeat. ‘Thou + shalt slay him,’—were the words the god said unto that lady of great + force of mind. Thus assured, the maiden, however, once more said unto + Rudra, ‘How can it happen, O god, that being a woman I shall yet be able + to achieve victory in battle. O lord of Uma, as a woman, my heart is quite + stilled. Thou hast, however, promised me, O lord of creatures, the defeat + of Bhishma. O lord, having the bull for thy mount, act in such a way that + promise of thine may become true, that encountering Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, in battle I may be able to slay him.’ The god of gods, having the + bull for his symbol, then said unto that maiden, ‘The words I have uttered + cannot be false. O blessed lady, true they will be. Thou shalt slay + Bhishma, and even obtain manhood. Thou shalt also remember all the + incidents (of this life) even when thou shalt obtain a new body. Born in + the race of Drupada, thou shalt become a Maharatha. Quick in the use of + weapons and a fierce warrior, thou shalt be well-skilled in battle. O + blessed lady, all that I have said will be true. Thou shalt become a man + at the expiration of sometime (from thy birth)!’ Having said so, the god + of gods, called also Kapardin, having the bull for his symbol, disappeared + then and there, in the very sight of those Brahmanas. Upon this, that + faultless maiden of the fairest complexion, the eldest daughter of the + king of Kasi, procuring wood from that forest in the very sight of those + great Rishis, made a large funeral pyre on the banks of the Yamuna, and + having set fire to it herself, entered that blazing fire, O great king, + with a heart burning with wrath, and uttering, O king, the words,—‘(I + do so) for Bhishma’s destruction!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0190" id="link52H_4_0190"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “Tell me, O grandsire, how Sikhandin, O Ganga’s son, + having before been born a daughter, afterwards became a man, O foremost of + warriors." </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “O great king, the eldest and beloved queen of king + Drupada was, O monarch, childless (at first). During those years, king + Drupada, O monarch, paid his adoration to the god Sankara for the sake of + offspring, resolving in his mind to compass my destruction and practising + the austerest of penances. And he begged Mahadeva, saying, ‘Let a son, and + not a daughter, be born unto me. I desire, O god, a son for revenging + myself upon Bhishma.’ Thereupon, that god of gods said unto him, ‘Thou + shalt have a child who will be a female and male. Desist, O king, it will + not be otherwise.’ Returning then to his capital, he addressed his wife, + saying, ‘O great goddess, great hath been the exertion made by me. + Undergoing ascetic austerities, I paid my adorations to Siva, and I was + told by Sambhu that my child becoming a daughter (first) would + subsequently become a male person. And though I solicited him repeatedly, + yet Siva said,—“This is Destiny’s decree. It will not be otherwise. + That which is destined must take place!”’ Then that lady of great energy, + the queen of king Drupada, when her season came, observing all the + regulations (about purity), approached Drupada. And in due time the wife + of Prishata conceived, agreeably to Destiny’s decree, as I was informed, O + king, by Narada. And that lady, of eyes like lotus-petals, continued to + hold the embryo in her womb. And, O son of Kuru’s race, the mighty-armed + king Drupada, from paternal affection, attended to every comfort of that + dear wife of his. And, O Kaurava, the wife of that lord of earth, the + royal Drupada, who was childless, had all her wishes gratified. And in due + time, O monarch, that goddess, the queen of Drupada, gave birth to a + daughter of great beauty. Thereupon, the strong-minded wife of that king, + the childless Drupada, gave out, O monarch, that the child she had brought + forth was a son. And then king Drupada, O ruler of men, caused all the + rites prescribed for a male child to be performed in respect of that + misrepresented daughter, as if she were really a son. And saying that the + child was a son, Drupada’s queen kept her counsels very carefully. And no + other man in the city, save Prishata, knew the sex of that child. + Believing these words of that deity of unfading energy, he too concealed + the real sex of his child, saying,—She is a son. And, O king, + Drupada caused all the rites of infancy, prescribed for a son, to be + performed in respect of that child, and he bestowed the name of Sikhandin + on her. I alone, through my spies and from Narada’s words, knew the truth, + informed as I previously was of the words of the god and of the ascetic + austerities of Amva!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0191" id="link52H_4_0191"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Drupada, O chastiser of foes, bestowed great attention on + everything in connection with that daughter of his, teaching her writing + and painting and all the arts. And in arrows and weapons that child became + a disciple of Drona. And the child’s mother, of superior complexion, then + urged the king (her husband) to find, O monarch, a wife for her, as if she + were a son. Then Prishata, beholding that daughter of his to have attained + the full development of youth and assured of her sex began to consult with + his queen. And Drupada said, ‘This daughter of mine that so enhanceth my + woe, hath attained her youth. Concealed, however, she hath hitherto been + by me at the words of the trident-bearing deity!’ The queen replied, + ‘That, O great king, can never be untrue! Why, indeed, would the Lord of + the three worlds say that would not occur? If it pleases thee, O king, I + will speak, and listen to my words, and, O son of Prishata’s race, having + listened to me, follow thy own inclination! Let the wedding of this child + with a wife be caused to be performed carefully. The words of that god + will be true. This is my certain belief!’ Then that royal couple, having + settled their resolution of that affair, chose the daughter of the king of + the Dasarnakas as their son’s wife. After this, the royal Drupada, that + lion among kings, having enquired about the purity of descent, of all the + rulers of the earth, selected the daughter of the king of Dasarnakas for + wife to Sikhandin. He, who was called the king of the Dasarnakas was named + Hiranyavarman; and he gave away his daughter to Sikhandin. And + Hiranyavarman, the king of the Dasarnakas, was a powerful monarch, + incapable of being easily vanquished. Incapable of being resisted, that + high-souled monarch possessed a large army. And sometimes after the + wedding, the daughter of Hiranyavarman, O best of monarchs, attained her + youth while the daughter of Drupada also had attained hers. And Sikhandin, + after marriage, came back to Kampilya. And the former soon came to know + that the latter was a woman like herself. And the daughter of + Hiranyavarman, having ascertained that Sikhandin was really a woman, + bashfully represented unto her nurses and companions everything about the + so-called son of the king of the Panchalas. Then, O tiger among kings, + those nurses of the Dasarnakas country were filled with great grief and + sent emissaries unto their king. And those emissaries represented unto the + king of the Dasarnakas everything about the imposture that had taken + place. And, thereupon, the king of the Dasarnakas was filled with wrath. + Indeed, O bull of the Bharata race, Hiranyavarman, hearing the news after + the expiry of a few days was much afflicted with wrath. The ruler of the + Dasarnakas then, filled with fierce wrath, sent a messenger to Drupada’s + abode. And the messenger of king Hiranyavarman, having alone approached + Drupada, took him aside and said unto him in private, ‘The king of the + Dasarnakas, O monarch, deceived by thee and enraged, O sinless one, at the + insult thou hast offered him, hath said these words unto thee,—Thou + hast humiliated me! Without doubt it was not wisely done by thee! Thou + hadst, from folly, solicited my daughter for thy daughter! O wicked one, + reap now the consequence of that act of deception. I will now slay thee + with all thy relatives and advisers! Wait a little!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0192" id="link52H_4_0192"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Thus addressed, O king, by that messenger, king Drupada, + like a thief caught (in the act), could not speak. He exerted himself + greatly, by sending sweet-speeched emissaries with his own instruction to + them, saying,—This is not so,—in order to pacify his brother. + King Hiranyavarman, however, ascertaining once again, that the child of + the king of the Panchalas was really a daughter, issued out of his city + without losing any time. He then sent messages unto all his powerful + friends about that deception practised on his daughter, of which he had + heard from her nurses. Then, that best of kings, having mustered a large + army, resolved, O Bharata, to march against Drupada. Then, O monarch, king + Hiranyavarman held a consultation with his ministers about the ruler of + the Panchalas. And it was settled among those high-souled kings that if, O + monarch, Sikhandin was really a daughter, they should bind the ruler of + the Panchalas and drag him from his city, and installing another king over + the Panchalas they should slay Drupada with Sikhandin. Taking that to be + the fixed resolution (of all whom he had summoned) king Hiranyavarman once + more sent an envoy to the descendant of Prishata, saying ‘I will slay + thee, be calm.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “King Drupada was not naturally courageous. In + consequence, again, of that offence of his, he became filled with fear. + Sending his envoys again to the ruler of the Dasarnakas, king Drupada, + afflicted with grief, approached his wife and took counsel with her. And + possessed with great fright and with heart afflicted with grief, the king + of the Panchalas said unto his favourite wife, the mother of Sikhandin, + these words, ‘My powerful brother, king Hiranyavarman, having mustered a + large force, is coming towards me in anger. Fools that we both are, what + are we now to do in respect of this our daughter? Thy son, Sikhandin, hath + been suspected to be a daughter. Under this suspicion, Hiranyavarman with + his allies and followed by his army wisheth to slay me thinking that he + hath been deceived by me! O thou of beautiful hips, tell us now what is + true or false in this, O beautiful lady! O blessed lady, hearing from thee + first, I will settle how to act. I am very much endangered and this child, + Sikhandin, also is equally so. Indeed, O queen, O lady of the fairest + complexion, thou too art threatened with danger! For the relief of all, + tell me who asketh thee what the truth is! O thou of beautiful hips and + sweet smiles, hearing what thou hast to say I shall act suitably. Although + I have been deceived by thee as to the duties I owe towards a son, yet, O + beautiful lady, from kindness I will act towards you both in a suitable + manner. Therefore, do not fear, nor let this daughter of thine fear + anything. Indeed, I have deceived the king of the Dasarnakas. Tell me, O + highly blessed lady, how may I act towards him so that all may yet turn up + well!’ Indeed, although the king knew everything, yet he addressed his + wife in the presence of others in this way, to proclaim his own innocence + before others. His queen then answered him in the following words.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0193" id="link52H_4_0193"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Then, O mighty-armed king, Sikhandin’s mother represented + unto her lord the truth about her daughter, Sikhandin. And she said, + ‘Childless, O great king, as I was, from fear of my co-wives, when + Sikhandini, my daughter, was born, I represented unto you that it was a + son! For thy love of me, thou also hadst corroborated it, and, O bull + among kings, thou hadst performed all the rites prescribed for a son in + respect of this daughter of mine! Thou then didst marry her, O king, to + the daughter of the king of the Dasarnakas. I also approved of this act, + remembering the words of the (great) god! Indeed, I did not prevent it, + remembering the words of Siva,—“Born a daughter, she will become a + son!”’ Hearing all this, Drupada, otherwise called Yajnasena, informed all + his counsellors of these facts. And, O monarch, the king then took counsel + with ministers for the proper protection of his subjects (from the + would-be invader). Although he had himself deceived the king of the + Dasarnakas, yet giving it out that the alliance he had made was proper, he + began to settle his plans with undivided attention. King Drupada’s city + was, O Bharata, naturally well-protected. Yet at the advent of danger, O + monarch, they began to protect it all the more carefully and fortify it + (with defensive works). The king, however, with his queen, was greatly + afflicted, thinking of how a war might not take place with his brother. + Reflecting on this, he began to pay his adorations to the gods. His + respected wife, beholding him relying on the god and paying his adorations + to them, than addressed him, O king, and said, ‘Homage to the gods is + productive of benefits! It is, therefore, approved by the righteous. What + shall I say, again, of those that are sunk in an ocean of distress? + Therefore, pay homage to those that are thy superiors and let all the gods + also be worshipped, making large presents the while (unto the Brahmanas)! + Let oblations be poured on the fire for pacifying the ruler of the + Dasarnakas. O lord, think of the means by which, without a war, thou mayst + be able to pacify thy brother! Through the grace of the gods all this will + happen. For the preservation of this city, O thou of large eyes, thou hast + taken counsel with thy ministers. Do all, O king, that those counsels seem + to indicate, for reliance on the gods, when supported by human exertion, + always, O king, leadeth to success. If these two do not go hand-in-hand, + success becometh unattainable. Therefore, with all thy advisers, make such + arrangements in thy city as are proper, and pay homage, O monarch, as thou + pleasest, to the gods.’ While husband and wife were conversing with each + other thus, both filled with grief, their helpless daughter, Sikhandini, + was filled with shame. She then reflected, saying, ‘It is for me that + these two are plunged into grief!’ Thinking so, she resolved upon putting + an end to her own life. Having formed this determination, she left home, + filled with heavy sorrow, and went into a dense and solitary forest that + was the haunt, O king, of a very formidable Yaksha called Sthunakarna. + From fear of that Yaksha men never went into that forest. And within it + stood a mansion with high walls and a gateway, plastered over with + powdered earth, and rich with smoke bearing the fragrance of fried paddy. + Entering that mansion, Sikhandini, the daughter of Drupada, O king, began + to reduce herself by foregoing all food for many days. Thereupon, the + Yaksha named Sthuna, who was endued with kindness, showed himself unto + her. And he enquired of her, saying, ‘For what object is this endeavour of + thine? I will accomplish it, tell me without delay!’ Thus asked, the + maiden answered him, repeatedly saying, ‘Thou art unable to accomplish + it!’ The Guhyaka, however, rejoined, without a moment’s delay, saying, + ‘Accomplish it I will! I am a follower of the Lord of treasures, I can, O + princess, grant boons! I will grant thee even that which cannot be given! + Tell me what thou hast to say!’ Thus assured, Sikhandini represented in + detail everything that had happened, unto that chief of Yakshas called + Sthunakarna. And she said, ‘My father, O Yaksha, will soon meet with + destruction. The ruler of the Dasarnakas marcheth against him in rage. + That king eased in golden mail is endued with great might and great + courage. Therefore, O Yaksha, save me, my mother, and my father! Indeed, + thou hast already pledged thyself to relieve my distress! Through thy + grace, O Yaksha, I would become a perfect man! As long as that king may + not depart from my city, so long, O great Yaksha, show me grace, O + Guhyaka!’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0194" id="link52H_4_0194"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCV + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “Hearing, O bull of Bharata’s race, those words of + Sikhandini, afflicted by destiny, that Yaksha said after reflecting in his + mind, these words, ‘Indeed, it was ordained to be so, and, O Kaurava, it + was ordained for my grief!’ The Yaksha said, ‘O Blessed lady, I will + certainly do what thou wishest! Listen, however, to the condition I make. + For a certain period I will give thee my manhood. Thou must, however, come + back to me in due time. Pledge thyself to do so! Possessed of immense + power, I am a ranger of the skies, wandering at my pleasure, and capable + of accomplishing whatever I intend. Through my grace, save the city and + thy kinsmen wholly! I will bear thy womanhood, O princess! Pledge thy + truth to me, I will do what is agreeable to thee!’ Thus addressed, + Sikhandini said unto him, ‘O holy one of excellent vows, I will give thee + back thy manhood! O wanderer of the night, bear thou my womanhood for a + short time! After the ruler of the Dasarnakas who is cased in a golden + mail will have departed (from my city) I will once more become a maiden + and thou wilt become a man!’”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “Having said this (unto each other), they both, O + king, made a covenant, and imparted unto each other’s body their sexes. + And the Yaksha Sthuna, O Bharata, became a female, while Sikhandini + obtained the blazing form of the Yaksha. Then, O king, Sikhandini of + Panchala’s race, having obtained manhood, entered his city in great joy + and approached his father. And he represented unto Drupada everything that + had happened. And Drupada, hearing it all became highly glad. And along + with his wife the king recollected the words of Maheswara. And he + forthwith sent, O king, messenger unto the ruler of the Dasarnakas, + saying, ‘This my child is a male. Let it be believed by thee!’ The king of + the Dasarnakas meanwhile, filled with sorrow and grief, suddenly + approached Drupada, the ruler of the Panchalas. And arrived at Kampilya, + the Dasarnaka king despatched, after paying him proper honours, an envoy + who was one of the foremost of those conversant with the Vedas. And he + addressed the envoy, saying, ‘Instructed by me, O messenger, say unto that + worst of kings the ruler of the Panchalas, these words,—viz., “O + thou of wicked understanding, having selected my daughter as a wife for + one who is thy daughter, thou shalt today, without doubt, behold the fruit + of that act of deception.”’ Thus addressed and despatched by him, O best + of kings, the Brahmana set out for Drupada’s city as Dasarnaka’s envoy. + And having arrived at the city, the priest went unto Drupada’s presence. + The king of the Panchalas then, with Sikhandin, offered the envoy, O king, + a cow and honey. The Brahmana, however, without accepting that worship, + said unto him these words that had been communicated through him by the + brave ruler of the Dasarnakas who was cased in a golden mail. And he said, + ‘O thou of vile behaviours, I have been deceived by thee through thy + daughter (as the means)! I will exterminate thee with thy counsellors and + sons and kinsmen!’ Having, in the midst of his counsellors, been made by + that priest to hear those words fraught with censure and uttered by the + ruler of the Dasarnakas, king Drupada then, O chief of Bharata’s race, + assuming a mild behaviour from motives of friendship, said, ‘The reply to + these words of my brother that thou hast said unto me, O Brahmana, will be + carried to that monarch by my envoy!’ And king Drupada then, sent unto the + high-souled Hiranyavarman a Brahmana learned in the Vedas as his envoy. + And that envoy, going unto king Hiranyavarman, the ruler of the + Dasarnakas, said unto him, O monarch, the word that Drupada had entrusted + him with. And he said, ‘This my child is really a male. Let it be made + clear by means of witness! Somebody has spoken falsely to thee. That + should not be believed!’ Then the king of the Dasarnakas, having heard the + words of Drupada, was filled with sorrow and despatched a number of young + ladies of great beauty for ascertaining whether Sikhandin was a male or + female. Despatched by him, those ladies, having ascertained (the truth) + joyfully told the king of the Dasarnakas everything, viz., that Sikhandin, + O chief of the Kurus, was a powerful person of the masculine sex. Hearing + that testimony, the ruler of the Dasarnakas was filled with great joy, and + wending then unto his brother Drupada, passed a few days with him in joy. + And the king, rejoiced as he was, gave unto Sikhandin much wealth, many + elephants and steeds and kine. And worshipped by Drupada (as long as he + stayed), the Dasarnaka king then departed, having rebuked his daughter. + And after king Hiranyavarman, the ruler of the Dasarnakas had departed in + joy and with his anger quelled, Sikhandin began to rejoice exceedingly. + Meanwhile, sometime after (the exchange of sexes had taken place) Kuvera, + who was always borne on the shoulders of human beings, in course of a + journey (through the earth), came to the abode of Sthuna. Staying (in the + welkin) above that mansion, the protector of all the treasures saw that + the excellent abode of the Yaksha Sthuna was well-adorned with beautiful + garland of flowers, and perfumed with fragrant roots of grass and many + sweet scents. And it was decked with canopies, and scented incense. And it + was also beautiful with standards and banners. And it was filled with + edibles and drink of every kind. And beholding that beautiful abode of the + Yaksha decked all over, and filled also with garlands of jewels and gems + and perfumed with the fragrance of diverse kinds of flowers, and + well-watered, and well-swept, the lord of the Yakshas addressed the + Yakshas that followed him, saying, ‘Ye that are endued with immeasurable + prowess, this mansion of Sthuna is well-adorned! Why, however, doth not + that wight of wicked understanding come to me? And since that + wicked-souled one, knowing I am here, approacheth me not, therefore, some + severe punishment should be inflicted on him! Even this is my intention!’ + Hearing these words of his, the Yakshas said, ‘O king, the royal Drupada + had a daughter born unto him, of the name of Sikhandini! Unto her, for + some reason, Sthuna had given his own manhood, and having taken her + womanhood upon him, he stayeth within his abode having become a woman! + Bearing as he doth a feminine form, he doth not, therefore, approach thee + in shame! It is for this reason, O king, that Sthuna cometh not to thee! + Hearing all this, do what may be proper! Let the car be stopped here! Let + Sthuna be brought to me,’—were the words that the lord of the + Yakshas uttered, and repeatedly said,—I will punish him!—Summoned + then by the Lord of Yakshas, Sthuna bearing a feminine form came thither, + O king, and stood before him in shame. Then, O thou of Kuru’s race, the + giver of wealth cursed him in anger, saying, ‘Ye Guhyakas, let the + femininity of the wretch remain as it is!’ And the high-souled lord of the + Yakshas also said, ‘Since humiliating all the Yakshas, thou hast, O thou + of sinful deeds, given away thy own sex to Sikhandini and taken from her, + O thou of wicked understanding, her femininity,—since, O wicked + wretch, thou hast done what hath never been done by anybody,—therefore + from this day, thou shalt remain a woman and she shall remain a man!’ At + these words of his, all the Yakshas began to soften Vaisravana for the + sake of Sthunakarna repeatedly saying, ‘Set a limit to thy curse!’ The + high-souled lord of the Yakshas then said unto all these Yakshas that + followed him, from desire of setting a limit to his curse, these words, + viz.,—After Sikhandin’s death, ye Yakshas, this one will regain his + own form! Therefore, let this high-souled Yaksha Sthuna be freed from his + anxiety! Having said this, the illustrious and divine king of the Yakshas, + receiving due worship, departed with all his followers who were capable of + traversing a great distance within the shortest space of time. And Sthuna, + with that curse pronounced on him, continued to live there. And when the + time came, Sikhandin without losing a moment came unto that wanderer of + the night. And approaching his presence he said, ‘I have come to thee, O + holy one!’ Sthuna then repeatedly said unto him, ‘I am pleased with thee!’ + Indeed, beholding that prince return to him without guile, Sthuna told + Sikhandin everything that had happened. Indeed, the Yaksha said, ‘O son of + a king, for thee I have been cursed by Vaisravana. Go now, and live + happily amongst men as thou choosest. Thy coming here and the arrival of + Pulastya’s son were, I think, both ordained from beforehand. All this was + incapable of being prevented!’”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma continued, “Thus addressed by the Yaksha Sthuna, Sikhandin, O + Bharata, came to his city, filled with great joy. And he worshipped with + diverse scents and garlands of flower and costly presents persons of the + regenerate class, deities, big trees and crossways. And Drupada, the ruler + of the Panchalas, along with his son Sikhandin whose wishes had been + crowned with success, and with also his kinsmen, became exceedingly glad. + And the king then, O bull of Kuru’s race, gave his son, Sikhandin, who had + been a woman, as a pupil, O monarch, to Drona. And prince Sikhandin + obtained, along with yourselves, the whole science of arms with its four + divisions. And (his brother) Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race also + obtained the same. Indeed, all this way represented unto me, O sire, by + the spies, disguised as idiots and as persons without the senses of + vision, and hearing whom I had set upon Drupada. It is thus, O king, that + that best of Rathas, Sikhandin, the son of Drupada, having first been born + a female, subsequently became a person of the other sex. And it was the + eldest daughter of the ruler of Kasi, celebrated by the name of Amva, who + was, O bull of Bharata’s race, born in Drupada’s line as Sikhandin. If he + approacheth me bow in hand and desirous of fight, I will not look at him + even for a moment nor smite him, O thou of unfading glory! Even this is my + vow, known over all the world, viz., that I will not, O son of Kuru’s + race, shoot weapons upon a woman, or one that was a woman before or one + bearing a feminine name, or one whose form resembleth a woman’s. I will + not, for this reason, slay Sikhandin. Even this, O sire, is the story that + I have ascertained of Sikhandin’s birth. I will not, therefore, slay him + in battle even if he approacheth me weapon in hand. If Bhishma slayeth a + woman the righteous will all speak ill of him. I will not, therefore, slay + him even if I behold him waiting for battle!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these words of Bhishma, king Duryodhana of + Kuru’s race, reflecting for a moment, thought even that behaviour was + proper for Bhishma.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0195" id="link52H_4_0195"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the night passed away and morning came, thy sons once + more, in the midst of all the troops, asked their grandsire, saying, “O + son of Ganga, this army that is ready for fight, of Pandu’s son, that + abounds with men, elephants, and steeds, that is crowded with Maharathas, + that is protected by these mighty bowmen endued with great strength, viz., + Bhima and Arjuna and others headed by Dhrishtadyumna and all resembling + the very regents of the world, that is invincible and incapable of being + withstood, that resembles the unbounded sea,—this sea of warriors + incapable of being agitated by the very gods in battle, in how many days, + O son of Ganga, O thou of great effulgence, canst thou annihilate it, and + in what time can that mighty bowman, our preceptor (Drona), in what time + also the mighty Kripa, in what time Karna who taketh a pleasure in battle, + and in what time that best of Brahmanas, viz., the son of Drona, can each + annihilate it? Ye that are in my army are all acquainted with celestial + weapons! I desire to know this, for the curiosity I feel in my heart is + great! O thou of mighty arms, it behoveth thee to say this to me!" </p> + <p> + “‘Bhishma said, “O foremost one of the Kurus, O lord of the earth, thou + enquirest about the strength and weakness of the foe. This, indeed, is + worthy of thee. Listen, O king, as I tell thee the utmost limit of my + power in battle, or of the energy of my weapons, or of the might of my + arms, O thou of mighty arms! As regards ordinary combatants, one should + fight with them artlessly. As regards those that are possessed of powers + of deception, one should fight with them aided by the ways of deception. + Even this is what hath been laid down in respect of the duties of + warriors. I can annihilate the Pandava army, O blessed monarch, taking + every morning ten thousand (ordinary) warriors and one thousand + car-warriors as my share from day to day. Cased in mail and always + exerting myself actively, I can, O Bharata, annihilate this large force, + according to this arrangement as regards both number and time. If, + however, stationed in battle, I shoot my great weapons that slay hundreds + and thousands at a time, then I can, O Bharata, finish the slaughter in a + month.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these words of Bhishma, king Duryodhana then + asked Drona, O monarch, that foremost one of Angira’s race, saying, “O + preceptor, in what time canst thou annihilate the troops of Pandu’s son?” + Thus addressed by him, Drona said smilingly, “I am old, O mighty-armed + one! My energy and activity have both become weak. With the fire of my + weapons I can consume the army of the Pandavas, like Santanu’s son + Bhishma, I think, in a month’s time. Even this is the limit of my power, + even this is the limit of my strength.” Then Saradwat’s son Kripa said + that he could annihilate the foe in two month’s time. Drona’s son + (Aswatthaman) pledged himself to annihilate the Pandava army in ten + nights. Karna, however, acquainted as he was with weapons of high + efficacy, pledged himself to achieve that feat in five days. Hearing the + words of the Suta’s son the son of the ocean-going (Ganga) laughed aloud + and said, “As long, O son of Radha, as thou encounterest not in battle + Partha with his arrows, conch, and bows and rushing to the combat on his + car with Vasudeva in his company, so long mayest thou think so! Why, thou + art capable of saying anything, even what thou pleasest!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0196" id="link52H_4_0196"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing these words (of the leaders of the Kuru army), + Kunti’s son Yudhishthira, summoning all his brothers, said unto them these + words in private. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘The spies I had placed in the army of Dhritarashtra’s + son, brought me this news in the morning. Duryodhana asked Ganga’s son of + great vows, saying, “O lord, in what time canst thou annihilate the troops + of Pandu’s sons?” Indeed, the wicked Duryodhana was answered by him in + these words, viz.,—In a month! Drona also declared that he could do + the same feat in about the same time. Gautama (Kripa) indicated twice that + period, as hath been heard by us. Drona’s son acquainted with weapons of + high efficacy declared the period (in his case) to be ten nights. Karna + also, acquainted with weapons of high efficacy, asked in the midst of the + Kurus, declared that thy could complete the slaughter in five days. + Therefore, I also, O Arjuna, am desirous of hearing thy words. In what + time canst thou, O Falguni, exterminate the foe?’ Thus addressed by the + king, Dhananjaya of curly hair, casting a look upon Vasudeva, said these + words, ‘All these (Bhishma and others) are high-souled (warriors), + accomplished in arms and acquainted with all modes of warfare. Without + doubt, O king, they can exterminate (our forces) even thus! Let thy + heart’s anguish, however, be dispelled. I tell thee truly that with + Vasudeva as my ally, I can, on a single car, exterminate the three worlds + with even the immortals, indeed, all mobile creatures that were, are, will + be, in the twinkling of the eye. This is what I think. That terrible and + mighty weapon which the Lord of all creatures (Mahadeva) gave me on the + occasion of my hand-to-hand encounter with him (in the guise of) a hunter, + still existeth with me. Indeed, O tiger among men, that weapon which the + Lord of all creatures useth at the end of Yuga for destroying created + things, existeth with me. Ganga’s son knoweth not that weapon; nor Drona + nor Gautama (Kripa); nor Drona’s son, O king! How, therefore, can the + Suta’s son know it? It is not, however, proper to slay ordinary men in + battle by means of celestial weapons. We shall (on the other band) + vanquish our foes in a fair fight. Then, these tigers among men, O king, + are thy allies! All of them are well-versed in celestial weapons, and all + of them are eager for battle. All of them after their initiation in the + Vedas, have undergone the final bath in sacrifices. All of them are + unvanquished. They are competent, O son of Pandu, to slay in battle the + army of even the celestials. Thou hast for thy allies Sikhandin, and + Yuyudhana and Dhristadyumna of Prishata’s race; and Bhimasena, and these + twins, and Yudhamanyu, and Uttamaujas, and Virata and Drupada who are + equal in battle unto Bhishma and Drona; and the mighty-armed Sankha, and + Hidimva’s son of great might; and this latter’s son Anjanparvan endued + with great strength and prowess; and Sini’s descendant of mighty arms and + well-versed in battle, and the mighty Abhimanyu and the five sons of + Draupadi! Thou art thyself, again, competent to exterminate the three + worlds! O thou that art endued with effulgence equal unto that of Sakra + himself, I know it, O Kaurava, for it is manifest, that that man upon whom + thou mayest cast thy eyes in anger is sure to be annihilated!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0197" id="link52H_4_0197"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVIII + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Next morning, under a cloudless sky, all the kings, + urged by Dhritarashtra’s son, Duryodhana, set out against the Pandavas. + And all of them had purified themselves by baths, were decked in garlands, + and attired in white robes. And having poured libations on fire, caused + Brahmanas to utter benedictions on them, they took up their weapons and + raised their (respective) standards. And all of them were conversant with + the Vedas, and endued with great bravery, and had practised excellent + vows. And all of them were grantors of (other people’s) wishes, and all + were skilled in battle. Endued with great strength, they set out, reposing + confidence on one another, and with singleness of purpose desiring to win + in battle the highest regions. And first Vinda and Anuvinda, both of + Avanti, and Kekayas, and the Vahlikas, all set out with Bharadwaja’s son + at their head. Then came Aswatthaman, and Santanu’s son (Bhishma), and + Jayadratha of the country of the Sindhu, and the kings of the southern and + the western countries and of the hilly regions, and Sakuni, the ruler of + the Gandharas, and all the chiefs of the eastern and the northern regions, + and the Sakas, the Kiratas, and Yavanas, the Sivis and the Vasatis with + their Maharathas at the heads of their respective divisions. All these + great car-warriors marched in the second division. Then came Kritavarman + at the head of his troops, and that mighty car-warrior, viz., the ruler of + the Trigartas, and the king Duryodhana surrounded by his brothers, and + Sala, and Bhurisravas, and Salya, and Vrihadratha, the ruler of the + Kosalas. These all marched in the rear, with Dhritarashtra’s sons at their + head. And all these Dhartarashtras endued with great might, uniting + together in proper order, and all clad in mail, took up their position at + the other end of Kurukshetra, and, O Bharata, Duryodhana caused his + encampment to be so adorned as to make it look like a second Hastinapura. + Indeed, O king, even those that were clever among the citizens of + Hastinapura could not distinguish their city from the encampment. And the + Kuru king caused inaccessible pavilions, similar to his own, to be erected + by hundreds and thousands for the (other) kings (in his army). And those + tents, O king, for the accommodation of the troops were well-planted on an + area measuring full five yojanas of that field of battle. And into those + tents by thousands that were full of provisions, the rulers of the earth + entered, each according to his courage according to the strength he + possessed. And king Duryodhana ordered excellent provisions to be supplied + for all those high-souled kings with their troops consisting of infantry, + elephants, and horses, and with all their followers. And as regards all + those that subsisted upon mechanical arts and all the bards, singers, and + panegyrists devoted to his cause, and vendors and traders, and + prostitutes, and spies, and persons who had come to witness the battle, + the Kuru king made due provision for all of them." </p> + <p> + <a name="link52H_4_0198" id="link52H_4_0198"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIX + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Like Duryodhana, king Yudhishthira also, the son of + Kunti and Dharma, ordered out, O Bharata, his heroic warriors headed by + Dhrishtadyumna. Indeed, he ordered that slayer of foes and commander of + force, that leader, steady in prowess, of the Chedis, the Kasis, and the + Karushas, viz., Dhrishtaketu, as also Virata, and Drupada, and Yuyudhana, + and Sikhandin, and those two mighty bowmen, those two princes of Panchala, + viz., Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, to set out. Those brave warriors, cased + in handsome coats of mail and decked with golden ear-rings, blazed forth + like fires on the sacrificial altar when fed with clarified butter. + Indeed, those mighty bowmen looked resplendent like the planets in the + firmament. Then that bull among men king Yudhishthira, having duly + honoured all his combatants, ordered them to march. And king Yudhishthira + ordered excellent provisions of food for those high-souled kings with + their troops consisting of infantry, and elephants and horses, and with + all their followers, as also for all those that subsisted on mechanical + arts. And the son of Pandu first ordered Abhimanyu, and Vrihanta, and the + five sons of Draupadi, to march with Dhrishtadyumna at their head. And he + then despatched Bhima, and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, in the second + division of his forces. And the din made by the men moving and running + about for harnessing their steeds and elephants and loading the cars with + implements of battle, and the shouts of the cheerful combatants, seemed to + touch the very heavens. And last of all, the king marched himself, + accompanied by Virata and Drupada and the other monarchs (on his side). + And that army of fierce bowmen commanded by Dhrishtadyumna, hitherto + stationed in one place, but now extended into columns for marching, looked + like the (impetuous) current of Ganga. Then the intelligent Yudhishthira + depending on his wisdom, disposed his divisions in a different order, + confounding the sons of Dhritarashtra. And the son of Pandu ordered that + those mighty bowmen, the (five) sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu, and + Nakula, and Sahadeva, and all the Prabhadrakas, and ten thousand horses, + and two thousand elephants, and ten thousand foot-soldiers, and five + hundred cars, constituting the first irresistible division of his army, + should be placed under the command of Bhimasena. And he placed in the + middle division of his army Virata and Jayatsena, and those two mighty + car-warriors, viz., Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja, the two high-souled princes + of Panchala, both endued with great prowess and both armed with mace and + bow. And in this middle division marched Vasudeva and Dhananjaya. There + were (placed) combatants highly accomplished in arms and burning with + anger. Amongst them were steeds ridden by brave warriors, and five + thousand elephants, and crowds of cars all around. And foot-soldiers in + thousands, that were all brave and armed with bows, swords, and maces, + marched behind them, as thousands marched before them. And in that part of + that sea of troops, where Yudhishthira himself was, there were stationed + numerous lords of earth. And there also were thousands of elephants, and + steeds by ten thousands, and cars and foot-soldiers also by thousands. And + there also marched, O bull among kings, Chekitana with his own large + force, and king Dhrishtaketu, the leader of the Chedis. And there also was + that mighty bowman, Satyaki, the foremost car-warrior of the Vrishnis, + that mighty combatant, surrounded by hundreds and thousands of cars and + leading (them to battle)! And those bulls among men, Kshatrahan and + Kshatradeva, mounted on their cars, marched behind, protecting the rear. + And there (in the rear) were the waggons, stalls, uniforms, vehicles and + draft animals. There also were thousands of elephants and horses by tens + of thousands. And taking all the invalids and women, and all that were + emaciated and weak, and all the animals carrying his treasures, and all + his granaries, with the aid of his elephant-divisions, Yudhishthira + marched slowly. And he was followed by Sauchitti, who steadily adhered to + truth and was invincible in battle, and Srenimat, and Vasudeva and Vibhu, + the son of the ruler of Kasi, with twenty thousand cars, and hundred + million steeds of high mettle, each bearing scores of bells on its limbs, + and twenty thousand smiting elephants with tusks as long as plough-shares, + all of good breed and divided temples and all resembling moving masses of + clouds. Indeed, these usually walked behind those monarchs. Besides these, + O Bharata, the elephants that Yudhishthira had in his seven Akshauhinis, + numbering seventy thousand with humour trickling down their trunks and + from their mouths, and resembling (on that account) showering clouds, also + followed the king, like moving hills. + </p> + <p> + “Thus was arrayed that terrible force of the intelligent son of Kunti. And + relying upon that force he battled with Suyodhana, the son of + Dhritarashtra. Besides those already named, other men by hundreds and + thousands and tens of thousands, in divisions numbering by thousands, + followed (the Pandava army), roaring loudly. And the warriors by thousands + and ten thousands, filled with joy, beat their drums by thousands and blew + conchs by tens of thousands!" </p> + <p> + The End of Udyoga Parva + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link52H_FOOT" id="link52H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-51" id="linknote-51"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-51">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., passage of the sun + from the winter to the summer solstice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-52" id="linknote-52"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-52">return</a>)<br /> [ Divination was practised + by reference to the stars in the night.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-53" id="linknote-53"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-53">return</a>)<br /> [ The question that + Dhritarashtra asks is easy enough. The Rishi having applauded knowledge + and its efficacy in procuring emancipation, the king asks, if knowledge is + of such efficacy, what then is the value of Karma or acts, i.e. prayers + and sacrifices as ordained in the Vedas? Ijyaya is the instrumental form + of Ijya, meaning sacrifices, religious rites, and ceremonies. Parartham is + explained by Nilakantha to mean Mokshaprapakatwam, i.e., capacity to lead + to emancipation. It should be noted here that the Hindu idea of + emancipation is not bliss enjoyed by a conscious Self, but freedom from + the obligation of re-birth and Karma. Mere Karma, as such, implies pain + and misery and the Supreme Soul (Para-Brahman) is without action and + attributes. Although other kinds of salvation are spoken of in other + systems of philosophy, the emancipation that forms the subject of these + queries and answers, is freedom from this Karma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-54" id="linknote-54"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-54">return</a>)<br /> [ The Rishi answers,—Yes, + Karma or action does, indeed, lead to the emancipate state. In the + regions, of which thou speakest, there are both bliss and emancipation + (Arthajata) is explained by Nilakantha to mean Bhoja-mokshakhya-prayojana + samanyam. The second line is elliptical, the construction being Paratma + aniha (san) param ayati; (anyatha-tu) margena margan nihatya param + (prayati). Paratma is explained by Nilakantha, to mean one who regards the + material body to be Self. In the succeeding Slokas the Rishi uses the word + dehin which, in this connection, is the same as dehabhimanin. The Rishi’s + answer is,—The materialist, by renouncing desire, attaineth to the + state of the Supreme Soul, i.e., emancipation. The sense seems to be that + by renouncing desire, both actions and attributes are lost. The state, + therefore, of such a soul is one of inaction, or perfect quietude and the + absence of attributes, which is exactly the nature of the Supreme Soul. + If, again, emancipation be sought without extinguishing desire, i.e., by + the aid of work (prayers and sacrifices), it is to be attained “by + extinguishing path by a path,” i.e., the seeker is to proceed along a + definite or prescribed or ordained route, taking care that the portions of + the route he once passes over may not have to be re-trodden by him. + Action, as explained in a subsequent Sloka, leadeth, it is true to regions + of bliss and emancipation, but that state is transitory, for when the + merit is extinguished, the state that was attained in consequence of it, + is extinguished, and the person falling off, has to recommence action. If, + therefore, permanent emancipation is to be attained, the obligation of + re-commencing action must be got rid of, i.e., care must be taken that the + portions of the route once passed over may not have to be re-trodden.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-55" id="linknote-55"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-55">return</a>)<br /> [ Apparently this question + of Dhritarashtra is not connected with what precedes. The connection + however, is intimate, and the question follows as a corollary from the + Rishi’s last answer. The Rishi having said that the ordinary soul, by a + certain process (i.e., renunciation of desire) attains to the state of the + Supreme Soul, Dhritarashtra infers that vice versa, it is the Supreme Soul + that becomes the ordinary soul, for (as Nilakantha puts it in the + phraseology of the Nyaya school) things different cannot become what they + are not and unless things are similar, they cannot become of the same + nature. Applying this maxim of the Nyaya it is seen that when the ordinary + soul becomes the Supreme Soul, these are not different, and, therefore, it + is the Supreme Soul that becomes the ordinary soul. Under this impression + Dhritarashtra asks,—Well, if it is the Supreme Soul that becomes the + ordinary soul, who is it that urgeth the Supreme Soul to become so? And if + all this (universe) be indeed, that Soul, in consequence of the latter + pervading and entering into everything, then divested of desire as the + Supreme Soul is, where is the possibility of its action (action or work + being the direct consequence of desire)? If it is answered that the + universe is the Deity’s lila (mere sport, as some schools of philosophy + assert), then, as every sport is ascribable to some motive of happiness, + what can be the happiness of the Deity, who, as presupposed, is without + desire? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-56" id="linknote-56"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-56">return</a>)<br /> [ The Rishi answers—There + is a great objection in admitting the complete or essential identity of + things different, i.e., the ordinary soul and Supreme Soul being + different, their identity cannot be admitted. As regards creatures, they + flow continually from Anadi-yoga, i.e., the union of the Supreme Soul + (which in itself is Unconditioned) with the conditions of space, time + etc.; i.e., there is this much of identity, therefore between the ordinary + and the Supreme Soul, but not a complete or essential identity. It is also + in consequence of this that the superiority of the Supreme Soul is not + lost (the opposite theory would be destructive of that superiority). The + favourite analogy of the thinkers of this school for explaining the + connection of the Supreme Soul with the universe is derived from the + connection of Akasa with Ghatakasa, i.e., space absolute and unconditioned + and space as confined by the limits of a vessel. The latter has a name, is + moved when the vessel is moved, and is limited in space; while space + itself, of which the vessel’s space forms a part, is absolute and + unconditioned, immovable, and unlimited.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-57" id="linknote-57"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-57">return</a>)<br /> [ Cars, elephants, horses, + infantry, vehicles other than cars, and warriors fighting from the backs + of camels.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-58" id="linknote-58"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-58">return</a>)<br /> [ Called also the Badava + fire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-59" id="linknote-59"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-59">return</a>)<br /> [ The allusion is to the + incarnation of Vishnu as the Horse-necked. Nilakantha explains + suvarnakhyam Jagat to be Veda prancha, i.e., the whole Vedas with all + their contents. According to him, the sense of the passage is that Vishnu + in that form swells with his own voice the Vedic notes chanted by the + Brahmanas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-510" id="linknote-510"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-510">return</a>)<br /> [ Patauti Jalam sravantiti + patalam. Thus Nilakantha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-511" id="linknote-511"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-511">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, one that hath + a beautiful or excellent face.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-512" id="linknote-512"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-512">return</a>)<br /> [ The story of + Viswamitra’s promotion to the status of a Brahmana is highly + characteristic. Engaged in a dispute with the Brahmana Rishi Vasishtha, + Viswamitra who was a Kshatriya king (the son of Kusika) found, by bitter + experience, that Kshatriya energy and might backed by the whole science of + arms, availed nothing against a Brahmana’s might, for Vasishtha by his + ascetic powers created myriads and myriads of fierce troops who inflicted + a signal defeat on the great Kshatriya king. Baffled thus, Viswamitra + retired to the breast of Himavat and paid court to Siva. The great God + appeared and Viswamitra begged him for the mastery of the whole science of + weapons. The god granted his prayer. Viswamitra then came back and sought + an encounter with Vasishtha, but the latter by the aid only of his + Brahmanical (bamboo) stick baffled the fiercest weapons of Viswamitra, of + even celestial efficacy. Humiliated and disgraced, Viswamitra set his + heart on becoming a Brahmana. He gave up his kingdom and retiring into the + woods with his queen began to practise to severest austerities. After the + expiration of ten thousand years, the Creator Brahma appeared before him + and addressed him as a royal Rishi. Dispirited at this, he devoted himself + to still severer austerities. At last, at Dharma’s command (as here + referred to) the great Kshatriya king became a Brahmana. This, in the + Hindu scriptures, is the sole instance of a person belonging to a lower + order becoming a Brahmana by ascetic austerities.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-513" id="linknote-513"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-513">return</a>)<br /> [ These articles of + cognate origin are clarified butter, milk, and other things used as + libations in sacrifices.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-514" id="linknote-514"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-514">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the subdivisions + of the Pranava, the mysterious Mantra, which is the beginning of + everything, were first promulgated here. Nilakantha supposes this to refer + to the origin of the Vedas, the Upanishads, and the various branches of + the Srutis and the Smritis.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-515" id="linknote-515"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-515">return</a>)<br /> [ Small divisions of + time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-516" id="linknote-516"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-516">return</a>)<br /> [ The limbs that should be + ‘prominent’ or ‘elevated’ in order to constitute an indication of beauty + or auspiciousness are variously mentioned. The general opinion seems to be + that these six only, viz., the back of each palm, the two dorsa, and the + two bosoms should be elevated. Another opinion would seem to indicate that + the two bosoms, the two hips, and the two eyes should be so. The seven + that should be delicate or slender are unanimously mentioned as the skin, + the hair, the teeth, the fingers of the hands, the fingers of the feet, + the waist, and the neck. The three that should be deep are the navel, the + voice, and the understanding. The five that should be red are the two + palms, the two outer corners of the eyes, the tongue, the nether and the + upper-lips, and the palate. These five also, are variously given.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-517" id="linknote-517"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-517">return</a>)<br /> [ The latter half of this + Sloka is variously read. The correct reading, I apprehend, is Niyamanani + Santare Hritanyasan Vitastaya, i.e., ‘while transported across, were taken + (down) by the (river) Vitasta’—the latter being one of the five + rivers of the Punjab.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-518" id="linknote-518"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-518">return</a>)<br /> [ The science of arms + (Dhanurved) classes arms under four heads, viz., Mukta, Amukta, + Muktamukta, and Yantramukta. A Mukta weapon is one that is hurled from the + hand, as a discus. An Amukta is not hurled from the hand, as a sword. A + Muktamukta is one that is sometimes hurled and sometimes not, as a mace. A + Yantramukta is one shot from a machine, as an arrow or a ball. All Mukta + weapons are Astras, while all Amukta ones are called sastras.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-519" id="linknote-519"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-519">return</a>)<br /> [ The thousand-handed + Arjuna, called also Kartaviryarjuna, the vanquisher of Ravana, the chief + of Haihaya clan of Kshatriyas having his capital at Mahishmati on the + banks of the Narmada (Nerbuda), was slain by Rama.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h1> + <h4> + of + </h4> + <h2> + Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 6 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + BHISHMA PARVA + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h4> + by + </h4> + <h3> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + [1883-1896] + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + BHISHMA PARVA + </h3> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0001"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0002"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0003"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0004"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0005"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0006"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0007"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0008"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0009"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0010"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0011"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0012"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0013"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0014"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0015"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0016"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0017"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0018"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0019"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0020"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0021"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0022"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0023"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0024"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0025"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0026"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0027"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0028"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0029"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0030"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0031"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0032"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0033"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0034"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0035"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0036"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0037"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0038"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0039"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0040"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0041"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0042"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0043"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0044"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0045"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0046"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0047"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0048"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0049"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0050"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0051"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0052"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0053"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0054"> SECTION LIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0055"> SECTION LV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0056"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0057"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0058"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0059"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0060"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0061"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0062"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0063"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0064"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0065"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0066"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0067"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0068"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0069"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0070"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0071"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0072"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0073"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0074"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0075"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0076"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0077"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0078"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0079"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0080"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0081"> SECTION LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0082"> SECTION LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0083"> SECTION LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0084"> SECTION LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0085"> SECTION LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0086"> SECTION LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0087"> SECTION LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0088"> SECTION LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0089"> SECTION LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0090"> SECTION XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0091"> SECTION XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0092"> SECTION XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0093"> SECTION XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0094"> SECTION XCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0095"> SECTION XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0096"> SECTION XCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0097"> SECTION XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0098"> SECTION XCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0099"> SECTION XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0100"> SECTION C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0101"> SECTION CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0102"> SECTION CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0103"> SECTION CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0104"> SECTION CIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0105"> SECTION CV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0106"> SECTION CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0107"> SECTION CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0108"> SECTION CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0109"> SECTION CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0110"> SECTION CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0111"> SECTION CXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0112"> SECTION CXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0113"> SECTION CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0114"> SECTION CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0115"> SECTION CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0116"> SECTION CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0117"> SECTION CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0118"> SECTION CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0119"> SECTION CXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0120"> SECTION CXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0121"> SECTION CXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0122"> SECTION CXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0123"> SECTION CXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link62H_4_0124"> SECTION CXXIV </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link62H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link62H_4_0001" id="link62H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <h3> + (Jamvu-khanda Nirmana Parva) + </h3> + <p> + OM! HAVING BOWED down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted of male + beings, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word ‘Jaya’ be + uttered. + </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said,—“How did those heroes, the Kurus, the Pandavas, and + the Somakas, and the high-souled kings assembled together from various + countries, fight?" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Listen thou, O lord of the earth, how those + heroes,—the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the Somakas,—fought on + the sacred plain of the Kurukshetra.<a href="#linknote-61" + name="linknoteref-61" id="linknoteref-61">1</a> Entering Kurukshetra, the + Pandavas endued with great might, along with the Somakas, advanced, + desirous of victory, against the Kauravas. Accomplished in the study of + the Vedas, all (of them) took great delight in battle. Expectant of + success in battle, with their troops (they) faced the fight. Approaching + the army of Dhritarashtra’s son, those (warriors) invincible in battle<a + href="#linknote-62" name="linknoteref-62" id="linknoteref-62">2</a> + stationed themselves with their troops on the western part (of the plain), + their faces turned towards the east. Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, + caused tents by thousands to be set up according to rule, beyond the + region called Samantapanchaka. The whole earth seemed then to be empty, + divested of horses and men, destitute of cars and elephants, and with only + the children and the old left (at home). From the whole area of Jamvudwipa + over which the sun sheds his rays,<a href="#linknote-63" + name="linknoteref-63" id="linknoteref-63">3</a> was collected that force, + O best of kings. Men of all races,<a href="#linknote-64" + name="linknoteref-64" id="linknoteref-64">4</a> assembled together, + occupied an area extending for many Yojanas over districts, rivers, hills, + and woods. That bull among men, king Yudhishthira, ordered excellent food + and other articles of enjoyment for all of them along with their animals. + And Yudhishthira fixed diverse watch-words for them; so that one saying + this should be known as belonging to the Pandavas. And that descendant of + Kuru’s race also settled names and badges for all of them for recognition + during time of battle. + </p> + <p> + “Beholding the standard-top of Pritha’s son, the high-souled son of + Dhritarashtra, with a white umbrella held over his head, in the midst of a + thousand elephants, and surrounded by his century of brothers, began with + all the kings (on his side) to array his troops against the son of Pandu. + Seeing Duryodhana, the Panchalas who took delight in battle, were filled + with joy and blew their loud-sounding conches and cymbals of sweet sounds. + Beholding those troops so delighted, Pandu’s son and Vasudeva of great + energy had their hearts filled with joy. And those tigers among men, + Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, seated on one car, having felt great joy, both + blew their celestial conches. And hearing the blare of Gigantea and the + loud blast of Theodotes belonging unto the two, the combatants ejected + urine and excreta. As other animals are filled with fear on hearing the + voice of the roaring lion, even so became that force upon hearing those + blasts. A frightful dust arose and nothing could be seen, for the sun + himself, suddenly enveloped by it, seemed to have set.<a + href="#linknote-65" name="linknoteref-65" id="linknoteref-65">5</a> A + black cloud poured a shower of flesh and blood over the troops all around. + All this seemed extraordinary. A wind rose there, bearing along the earth + myriads of stony nodules, and afflicting therewith the combatants by + hundreds and thousands. (For all that), O monarch, both armies, filled + with joy, stood addrest for battle, on Kurukshetra like two agitated + oceans. Indeed, that encounter of the two armies was highly wonderful, + like that of two oceans when the end of the Yuga is arrived. The whole + earth was empty, having only the children and the old left (at home), in + consequence of that large army mustered by the Kauravas.<a + href="#linknote-66" name="linknoteref-66" id="linknoteref-66">6</a> Then + the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the Somakas made certain covenants, and + settled the rules, O bull of Bharata’s race, regarding the different kinds + of combat. Persons equally circumstanced must encounter each other, + fighting fairly. And if having fought fairly the combatants withdraw + (without fear of molestation), even that would be gratifying to us. Those + who engaged in contests of words should be fought against with words. + Those that left the ranks should never be slain.<a href="#linknote-67" + name="linknoteref-67" id="linknoteref-67">7</a> A car-warrior should have + a car-warrior for his antagonist; he on the neck of an elephant should + have a similar combatant for his foe; a horse should be met by a horse, + and a foot-soldier, O Bharata, should be met by a foot-soldier. Guided by + considerations of fitness, willingness, daring and might, one should + strike another, giving notice. No one should strike another that is + unprepared<a href="#linknote-68" name="linknoteref-68" id="linknoteref-68">8</a> + or panic-struck. One engaged with another, one seeking quarter, one + retreating, one whose weapon is rendered unfit, uncased in mail, should + never be struck. Car-drivers, animals (yoked to cars or carrying weapons), + men engaged in the transport of weapons,<a href="#linknote-69" + name="linknoteref-69" id="linknoteref-69">9</a> players on drums and + blowers of conches should never be struck. Having made these covenants, + the Kurus, and the Pandavas, and the Somakas wondered much, gazing at each + other. And having stationed (their forces thus), those bulls among men, + those high-souled ones, with their troops, became glad at heart, their joy + being reflected on their countenances." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0002" id="link62H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Seeing then the two armies (standing) on the + east and the west for the fierce battle that was impending, the holy Rishi + Vyasa, the son of Satyavati, that foremost of all persons acquainted with + the Vedas, that grandsire of the Bharatas, conversant with the past, the + present, and the future, and beholding everything as if it were present + before his eyes, said these words in private unto the royal son of + Vichitravirya who was then distressed and giving way to sorrow, reflecting + on the evil policy of his sons. + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said,—‘O king, thy sons and the other monarchs have their + hour arrived.<a href="#linknote-610" name="linknoteref-610" + id="linknoteref-610">10</a> Mustered in battle they will kill one another. + O Bharata, their hour having come, they will all perish. Bearing in mind + the changes brought on by time, do not yield thy heart to grief. O king, + if thou wish to see them (fighting) in battle, I will, O son, grant thee + vision. Behold the battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘O best of regenerate Rishi, I like not to + behold the slaughter of kinsmen. I shall, however, through thy potency + hear of this battle minutely.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued.—“Upon his not wishing to see the battle but + wishing to hear of it, Vyasa, that lord of boons, gave a boon to Sanjaya. + (And addressing Dhritarashtra he said),—‘This Sanjaya, O king, will + describe the battle to thee. Nothing in the whole battle will be beyond + this one’s eyes. Endued, O king with celestial vision, Sanjaya will + narrate the battle to thee. He will have knowledge of everything. Manifest + or concealed, (happening) by day or by night, even that which is thought + of in the mind, Sanjaya shall know everything. Weapons will not cut him + and exertion will not fatigue him. This son of Gavalgani will come out of + the battle with life. As regards myself, O bull of Bharata’s race, the + fame of these Kurus, as also of all the Pandavas, I will spread. Do not + grieve. This is destiny, O tiger among men. It behoveth thee not to give + way to grief. It is not capable of being prevented. As regards victory, it + is there where righteousness is.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“That highly-blessed and holy grandsire of + the Kurus, having said so, once more addressed Dhritarashtra and said,—‘Great + will the slaughter be, O monarch, in this battle. I see here also + (numerous) omens indicative of terror. Hawks and vultures, and crows and + herons, together with cranes, are alighting on the tops of trees and + gathering in flocks. These birds, delighted at the prospect of battle, are + looking down (on the field) before them. Carnivorous beasts will feed on + the flesh of elephants and steeds. Fierce herons, foreboding terror, and + uttering merciless cries, are wheeling across the centre towards the + southern region. In both the twilights, prior and posterior, I daily + behold, O Bharata, the sun during his rising and setting to be covered by + headless trunks. Tri-coloured clouds with their extremities white and red + and necks black, charged with lightning, and resembling maces (in figure) + envelope the sun in both twilights. I have seen the sun, the moon, and the + stars to be all blazing. No difference in their aspect is to be noted in + the evening. I have seen this all day and all night. All this forbodes + fear. On even the fifteenth night of the lighted-fortnight in (the month + of) Kartika, the moon, divested of splendour, became invisible, or of the + hue of fire, the firmament being of the hue of the lotus. Many heroic + lords of earth, kings and princes, endued with great bravery and possessed + of arms resembling maces, will be slain and sleep lying down on the earth. + Daily I notice in the sky during night time the fierce cries of battling + boars and cats.<a href="#linknote-611" name="linknoteref-611" + id="linknoteref-611">11</a> The images of gods and goddesses sometimes + laugh, sometimes tremble, and sometimes again these vomit blood through + their mouths and sometimes they sweat and sometimes fall down. O monarch! + drums, without being beaten, give sounds, and the great cars of Kshatriyas + move without (being drawn by) animals yoked to them. Kokilas, + wood-peckers, jaws, water-cocks, parrots, crows, and peacocks, utter + terrible cries. Here and there, cavalry soldiers, cased in mail, armed + with weapons, send forth fierce shouts. At sun-rise flights of insects by + hundreds are seen. In both twilights, the cardinal quarters seem to be + ablaze, and the clouds, O Bharata, shower dust and flesh. She, O king, who + is celebrated over the three worlds and is applauded by the righteous, + even that (constellation) Arundhati keepeth (her lord) Vasistha on her + back. The planet Sani also, O king, appeareth afflicting (the + constellation) Rohini. The sign of the deer in the Moon hath deviated from + its usual position. A great terror is indicated. Even though the sky is + cloudless, a terrible roar is heard there. The animals are all weeping and + their tears are falling fast.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0003" id="link62H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Vyasa said,—‘Asses are taking births in kine. Some are having + sexual pleasure with mothers. The trees in the forests are exhibiting + unseasonable flowers and fruits. Women quick with child, and even those + that are not so, are giving birth to monsters. Carnivorous beasts, + mingling with (carnivorous) birds, are feeding together. Ill-omened + beasts, some having three horns, some with four eyes, some with five legs, + some with two sexual organs, some with two heads, some with two tails, + some having fierce teeth, are being born, and with mouths wide open are + uttering unholy cries. Horses with three legs, furnished with crests, + having four teeth, and endued with horns, are also being born. O king! in + thy city is also seen that the wives of many utterers of Brahma are + bringing forth Garudas and peacocks. The mare is bringing forth the + cow-calf and the bitch is bringing forth, O king, jackals and cocks, and + antelopes and parrots are all uttering inauspicious cries.<a + href="#linknote-612" name="linknoteref-612" id="linknoteref-612">12</a> + Certain women are bringing forth four or five daughters (at a time), and + these as soon as they are born, dance and sing and laugh. The members of + the lowest orders are laughing and dancing and singing, and thus + indicating direful consequences. Infants, as if urged by death, are + drawing armed images, and are running against one another, armed with + clubs, and desirous of battle are also breaking down the towns (they erect + in sport). Lotuses of different kinds and lilies are growing on trees. + Strong winds are blowing fiercely and the dust ceaseth not. The earth is + frequently trembling, and Rahu approacheth towards the sun. The white + planet (Ketu) stayeth, having passed beyond the constellation Chitra. All + this particularly bodeth the destruction of the Kurus. A fierce comet + riseth, afflicting the constellation Pusya. This great planet will cause + frightful mischief to both the armies. Mars wheeleth towards Magha and + Vrihaspati (Jupiter) towards Sravana. The Sun’s offspring (Sani) + approaching towards the constellation Bhaga, afflicteth it. The planet + Sukra, ascending towards Purva Bhadra, shineth brilliantly, and wheeling + towards the Uttara Bhadra, looketh towards it, having effected a junction + (with a smaller planet). The white planet (Ketu), blazing up like fire + mixed with smoke, stayeth, having attacked the bright constellation + Jeshtha that is sacred to Indra. The constellation Dhruva, blazing + fiercely, wheeleth towards the right. Both the Moon and the Sun are + afflicting Rohini. The fierce planet (Rahu) hath taken up its position + between the constellations Chitra and Swati.<a href="#linknote-613" + name="linknoteref-613" id="linknoteref-613">13</a> The red-bodied (Mars) + possessed of the effulgence of fire, wheeling circuitously, stayeth in a + line with the constellation Sravana over-ridden by Vrihaspati. The earth + that produceth particular crops at particular seasons is now covered with + the crops of every season.<a href="#linknote-614" name="linknoteref-614" + id="linknoteref-614">14</a> Every barley-stalk is graced with five ears, + and every paddy-stalk with a hundred. They that are the best of creatures + in the worlds and upon whom depends the universe, viz., kine, when milked + after the calves have their suck, yield only blood. Radiant rays of light + emanate from bows, and swords blaze forth brilliantly. It is evident that + the weapons behold (before them) the battle, as if it were already + arrived. The hue of weapons and the water, as also of coats of mail and + standards, is like that of fire. A great slaughter will take place. In + this battle,<a href="#linknote-615" name="linknoteref-615" + id="linknoteref-615">15</a> O Bharata, of the Kurus with the Pandavas, the + earth, O monarch, will be a river of blood with the standards (of + warriors) as its rafts. Animals and birds on all sides, with mouths + blazing like fire, uttering fierce cries, and displaying these evil omens, + are foreboding terrible consequences. A (fierce) bird with but one wing, + one eye, and one leg, hovering over the sky in the night, screameth + frightfully in wrath, as if for making the hearers vomit blood. It + seemeth, O great king, that all weapons are now blazing with radiance. The + effulgence of the constellation known by the name of the seven high-souled + Rishis, hath been dimmed. Those two blazing planets, viz., Vrihaspati and + Sani, having approached the constellation called Visakha, have become + stationary there for a whole year. Three lunations twice meeting together + in course of the same lunar fortnight, the duration of the latter is + shortened by two days.<a href="#linknote-616" name="linknoteref-616" + id="linknoteref-616">16</a> On the thirteenth day therefore, from the + first lunation, according as it is the day of the full moon or the new + moon, the moon and the sun are afflicted by Rahu. Such strange eclipses, + both lunar and solar, forebode a great slaughter.<a href="#linknote-617" + name="linknoteref-617" id="linknoteref-617">17</a> All the quarters of the + earth, being overwhelmed by showers of dust, look inauspicious. Fierce + clouds, portentous of danger, drop bloody showers during the night. Rahu + of fierce deeds is also, O monarch, afflicting the constellation Kirtika. + Rough winds, portending fierce danger, are constantly blowing. All these + beget a war characterised by many sad incidents.<a href="#linknote-618" + name="linknoteref-618" id="linknoteref-618">18</a> The constellations are + divided into three classes. Upon one or another of each class, a planet of + evil omen has shed its influence, foreboding terrible dangers.<a + href="#linknote-619" name="linknoteref-619" id="linknoteref-619">19</a> A + lunar fortnight had hitherto consisted of fourteen days, or fifteen days + (as usual), or sixteen days. This, however, I never knew that the day of + new-moon would be on the thirteenth day from the first lunation, or the + day of full-moon on the thirteenth day from the same. And yet in course of + the same month both the Moon and the Sun have undergone eclipses on the + thirteenth days from the day of the first lunation.<a href="#linknote-620" + name="linknoteref-620" id="linknoteref-620">20</a> The Sun and the Moon + therefore, by undergoing eclipses on unusual days,<a href="#linknote-621" + name="linknoteref-621" id="linknoteref-621">21</a> will cause a great + slaughter of the creatures of the earth. Indeed, Rakshasas, though + drinking blood by mouthful, will yet not be satiated. The great rivers are + flowing in opposite directions. The waters of rivers have become bloody. + The wells, foaming up, are bellowing like bulls.<a href="#linknote-622" + name="linknoteref-622" id="linknoteref-622">22</a> Meteors, effulgent like + Indra’s thunder-bolt, fall with loud hisses.<a href="#linknote-623" + name="linknoteref-623" id="linknoteref-623">23</a> When this night passeth + away, evil consequences will overtake you. People, for meeting together, + coming out of their houses with lighted brands, have still to encounter a + thick gloom all round.<a href="#linknote-624" name="linknoteref-624" + id="linknoteref-624">24</a> Great Rishis have said that in view of such + circumstances the earth drinks the blood of thousands of kings. From the + mountains of Kailasa and Mandara and Himavat thousands of explosions are + heard and thousands of summits are tumbling down. In consequence of the + Earth’s trembling, each of the four oceans having swelled greatly, seems + ready to transgress its continents for afflicting the Earth.<a + href="#linknote-625" name="linknoteref-625" id="linknoteref-625">25</a> + Fierce winds charged with pointed pebbles are blowing, crushing mighty + trees. In villages and towns trees, ordinary and sacred, are falling down, + crushed by mighty winds and struck by lightning. The (sacrificial) fire, + when Brahmanas pour libations on it, becomes blue, or red, or yellow. Its + flames bend towards the left, yielding a bad scent, accompanied by loud + reports. Touch, smell, and taste have, O monarch, become what they were + not. The standards (of warriors), repeatedly trembling are emitting smoke. + Drums and cymbals are throwing off showers of coal-dust. And from the tops + of tall trees all around, crows, wheeling in circles from the left, are + uttering fierce cries. All of them again are uttering frightful cries of + pakka, pakka and are perching upon the tops of standards for the + destruction of the kings. Vicious elephants, trembling all over, are + running hither and thither, urinating and ejecting excreta. The horses are + all melancholy, while the elephants are resorting to the water. Hearing + all this, let that be done which is suitable, so that, O Bharata, the + world may not be depopulated.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“Hearing these words of his father, + Dhritarashtra said,—‘I think all this hath been ordained of old. A + great slaughter of human beings will take place. If the kings die in + battle observing the duties of the Kshatriya order, they will then, + attaining to the regions reserved for heroes, obtain only happiness. These + tigers among men, casting away their lives in great battle, will win fame + in this and great bliss for ever in the next world.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“O best of kings, thus addressed by his son + Dhritarashtra, that prince of poets, the Muni (Vyasa) concentrated his + mind in supreme Yoga. Having contemplated for only a short space of time, + Vyasa once more said,—‘Without doubt, O king of kings, it is Time + that destroyeth the universe. It is Time also that createth the worlds. + There is nothing here that is eternal. Show the path of righteousness to + the Kurus, to thy kinsmen, relatives, and friends. Thou art competent to + restrain them. The slaughter of kinsmen hath been said to be sinful. Do + not do that which is disagreeable to me. O king, Death himself hath been + born in the shape of thy son. Slaughter is never applauded in the Vedas. + It can never be beneficial. The usages of one’s race are as one’s own + body. Those usages slay him that destroyeth them. For the destruction of + this race and of those kings of the earth it is Time that maketh thee + deviate into the wrong path like one in distress, although thou art + competent (to walk along the path of righteousness). O king, in the shape + of thy kingdom hath calamity come to thee. Thy virtue is sustaining a very + great diminution.<a href="#linknote-626" name="linknoteref-626" + id="linknoteref-626">26</a> Show what righteousness is unto thy sons. O + thou that art invincible, of what value is that kingdom to thee which + bringeth sin to thee? Take care of thy good name, thy virtue, and thy + fame. Thou wilt then win heaven. Let the Pandavas have their kingdom, and + let the Kauravas have peace.’" </p> + <p> + “While that best of Brahmanas was saying these words in a sorrowful tone, + Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, accomplished in speech, once more + addressed him, saying.—‘My knowledge of life and death is similar to + thine. The truth is known to me as regards these. Man, however, in what + concerns his own interests, is deprived of judgment. O sire, know me to be + one who is an ordinary person. Of immeasurable power thou art. I pray thee + to extend thine towards us. Of soul under complete control, thou art our + refuge and instructor. My sons are not obedient to me, O great Rishi. My + understanding too is not inclined to commit sin.<a href="#linknote-627" + name="linknoteref-627" id="linknoteref-627">27</a> Thou art the cause of + the fame, the achievements, and the inclination for virtue, of the + Bharatas. Thou art the reverend grandsire of both the Kurus and the + Pandavas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said,—‘O royal son of Vichitravirya, tell me freely what is + in thy mind. I will remove thy doubts.’" </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘O holy one, I desire to hear from thee of all + those indications that happen unto those that become victorious in + battle.’" </p> + <p> + “Vyasa said,—‘The (sacred) fire assumes a cheerful radiance. Its + light ascends upwards. Its flame bends towards the right. It blazes up + without being smoky. The libations poured on it yield a fragrant scent. It + is said that these are the indications of future success. The conches and + cymbals yield sounds that are deep and loud. The Sun as well as the Moon + gives pure rays. It is said that these are the indications of future + success. Crows, whether stationary or on their wings, utter cries that are + agreeable. They again that are behind, urge the warriors to advance; while + they that are ahead, forbid all advance.<a href="#linknote-628" + name="linknoteref-628" id="linknoteref-628">28</a> Where vultures, swans, + parrots, cranes, and wood-peckers utter delightful cries, and wheel + towards the right, the Brahmanas say that their victory in battle is + certain. They whose divisions, in consequence of ornaments, coats of mail, + and standards, or the melodious neigh of their steeds, become resplendent + and incapable of being gazed at, always conquer their foes. They who utter + cheerful shouts, those warriors, O Bharata, whose energies are not damped + and whose garlands do not fade, always cross the ocean of battle. They who + utter cheerful shouts having penetrated into the divisions of the foe, who + utter even kind words,<a href="#linknote-629" name="linknoteref-629" + id="linknoteref-629">29</a> to the enemy, and who, before striking, + forewarn the foe, win victory. The objects of hearing, vision, taste, + touch, and smell, without undergoing any change for the worse, become + auspicious. This also is another indication of a victorious army, viz., + there is joy among the combatants at all time. This also is another + indication of success, viz. the winds that blow, the clouds, and the + birds, all become favourable; while the clouds (so favourable) and the + rain-bows drop beneficial showers. These, O king, are the indications of + armies to be crowned with victory, while O monarch, all these become + otherwise in the case of those that are about to be destroyed. Whether the + army be small or large, cheerfulness, as an attribute of the combatants, + is said to be a certain indication of victory. One soldier, struck with + panic, can cause even a large army to take fright and fly. And when an + army, struck with panic, takes to flight, it causes even heroic warriors + to take fright. If a large army is once broken and put to rout, it cannot + like a herd of deer disordered in fright or a mighty current of water be + easily checked. If a large army is once routed, it is incapable of being + rallied; on the other hand, beholding it broken, even those well-skilled + in battle, O Bharata, become heartless. Beholding soldiers struck with + fear and flying, the panic spreads in other directions, and soon, O king, + the whole army is broken and flies in all directions. And when an army is + routed, even brave leaders, O king, at the head of large divisions + consisting of the four kinds of forces, are incapable of rallying them. An + intelligent man, always exerting himself with activity, should strive (to + win success) by the aid of means. It is said that that success which is + won by negotiation and other means is the very best. That which is + achieved by producing disunion (among the foe) is indifferent. While that + success, O king, which is won by battle, is the worst. In battle are many + evils, the initial one, as it is said, being slaughter. Even fifty brave + men who know one another, who are underpressed, who are free from family + ties, and who are firmly resolved, can crush a large army. Even five, six, + seven men, who are unretreating, win victory. Vinata’s son Garuda, O + Bharata, beholding even a large concourse of birds, asketh not the aid of + many followers (to vanquish them). The strength in number, therefore of an + army is not always the cause of victory. Victory is uncertain. It depends + on chance. Even they that become victorious have to sustain loss.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0004" id="link62H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Having said these words unto Dhritarashtra, + Vyasa took his departure. And Dhritarashtra also, having heard those + words, began to reflect in silence. And having reflected for only a short + space of time, he began to sigh repeatedly. And, soon, O bull of Bharata’s + race, the king asked Sanjaya of soul worthy of praise,—saying,—‘O + Sanjaya, these kings, these lords of earth, so brave and taking delight in + battle, are for smiting one another with weapons of diverse kinds, being + prepared to lay down their very lives for the sake of earth. Incapable of + being restrained, they are, indeed, smiting one another for increasing the + population of Yama’s domain. Desirous of prosperity connected with the + possession of earth they are incapable of bearing one another. I, + therefore, think that earth must be possessed of many attributes. Tell me + all these, O Sanjaya, Many thousands, many millions, many tens of + millions, many hundreds of millions, heroic men have come together at + Kurujangala. I desire to hear, O Sanjaya, with accurate details, about the + situation and dimensions of those countries and cities from which they + have come. Through the potency of that regenerate Rishi Vyasa of + immeasurable energy, thou art endued with the lamp of celestial perception + and the eye of knowledge.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘O thou of great wisdom, I will recount to thee the + merits of earth according to my knowledge. Behold them with thy eye of + wisdom. I bow to thee, O bull of Bharata’s race. Creatures in this world + are of two kinds, mobile and immobile. Mobile creatures are of three kinds + according to their birth, viz., oviparous, viviparous, and those + engendered by heat and damp. Of mobile creatures, O king, the foremost are + certainly those called viviparous. Of viviparous creatures the foremost + are men and animals. Animals, O king, of diverse forms, are of fourteen + species. Seven have their abodes in the woods, and seven of these are + domestic. Lions, tigers, boars, buffaloes, and elephants as also bears and + apes, are, O king, regarded as wild. Kine, goats, sheep, men, horses, + mules, and asses,—these seven amongst animals are reckoned as + domestic by the learned. These fourteen, O king, complete the tale of + domestic and wild animals, mentioned, O lord of earth, in the Vedas, and + on which the sacrifices rest. Of creatures that are domestic, men are + foremost, while lions are the foremost of those that have their abode in + the woods. All creatures support their life by living upon one another. + Vegetables are said to be immobile, and they are of four species viz., + trees, shrubs, creepers, creeping plants existing for only a year, and all + stemless plants of the grass species.<a href="#linknote-630" + name="linknoteref-630" id="linknoteref-630">30</a> Of mobile and immobile + creatures, there are thus one less twenty; and as regards their universal + constituents, there are five. Twenty-four in all, these are described as + Gayatri (Brahma) as is well-known to all.<a href="#linknote-631" + name="linknoteref-631" id="linknoteref-631">31</a> He who knows these + truly to be the sacred Gayatri possessed of every virtue, is not liable, O + best of the Bharatas, to destruction in this world. Everything springeth + from the earth and everything, when destroyed, mergeth into the Earth. The + Earth is the stay and refuge of all creatures, and the Earth is eternal. + He that hath the Earth, hath the entire universe with its mobile and + immobile population. It is for this that longing for (the possession of + the) Earth, kings slay one another.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0005" id="link62H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘The names of rivers and mountains, O Sanjaya, + as also of provinces, and all other things resting on the earth, and their + dimensions, O thou that are acquainted with the measures of things of the + earth in its entirety and the forests, O Sanjaya, recount to me in + detail.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘O great king, all things in the universe, in + consequence of the presence (in them) of the five elements, have been said + to be equal by the wise. These elements, are space, air, fire, water, and + earth. Their (respective) attributes are sound, touch, vision, taste, and + scent. Every one of these elements possesses (in addition to what is + especially its own) the attribute or attributes of that or of those coming + before it. The earth, therefore, is the foremost of them all, possessing + as it does the attributes of all the other four, besides what is specially + its own, as said by Rishis acquainted with truth.<a href="#linknote-632" + name="linknoteref-632" id="linknoteref-632">32</a> There are four + attributes, O king, in water. Scent does not exist in it. Fire has three + attributes viz., sound, touch, and vision. Sound and touch belong to air, + while space has sound alone. These five attributes, O king, exist (in this + way) in the five principal elements depending on which all creatures in + the universe exist. They exist separately and independently when there is + homogeneity in the universe.<a href="#linknote-633" name="linknoteref-633" + id="linknoteref-633">33</a> When, however, these do not exist in their + natural state but with one another, then creatures spring into life, + furnished with bodies. This is never otherwise. The elements are + destroyed, in the order of the one succeeding, merging into the one that + proceeds; and they spring also into existence, one arising from the one + before it.<a href="#linknote-634" name="linknoteref-634" + id="linknoteref-634">34</a> All of these are immeasurable, their forms + being Brahma itself. In the universe are seen creatures consisting of the + five elements. Men endeavour to ascertain their proportions by exercising + their reason. Those matters, however, that are inconceivable, should never + be sought to be solved by reason. That which is above (human) nature is an + indication of the inconceivable. + </p> + <p> + “‘O son of Kuru’s race, I will, however, describe to thee the island + called Sudarsana. This island, O king, is circular and of the form of a + wheel. It is covered with rivers and other pieces of water and with + mountains looking like masses of clouds, and with cities and many + delightful provinces. It is also full of trees furnished with flowers and + fruits, and with crops of diverse kinds and other wealth. And it is + surrounded on all sides with the salt ocean. As a person can see his own + face in a mirror, even so is the island called Sudarsana seen in the lunar + disc. Two of its parts seem to be a peepul tree, while two others look + like a large hare. It is surrounded on all sides with an assemblage of + every kind of deciduous plants. Besides these portions, the rest is all + water. What remains I will describe to thee shortly. The rest I will speak + of afterwards. Listen now to this that I describe in brief.<a + href="#linknote-635" name="linknoteref-635" id="linknoteref-635">35</a>’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0006" id="link62H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said.—‘Thou art intelligent, O Sanjaya, and + acquainted with the truth (about everything). Thou hast duly given a + description of the island in brief. Tell us now of the island in detail. + Tell us now of the dimension of the expanse of land that lies in the + portion looking like a hare. Thou mayst then speak of the portion + resembling peepul tree.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Thus addressed by the king, Sanjaya began to + say. + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘Stretching from east to west, are these six + mountains that are equal<a href="#linknote-636" name="linknoteref-636" + id="linknoteref-636">36</a> and that extend from the eastern to the + western ocean. They are Himavat, Hemakuta, that best of mountains called + Nishadha, Nila abounding with stones of lapis lazuli, Sweta white as the + moon, and the mountains called Sringavat composed of all kinds of metals.<a + href="#linknote-637" name="linknoteref-637" id="linknoteref-637">37</a> + These are the six mountains, O king, which are always the resorts of + Siddhas and Charanas. The space lying between each of these measures a + thousand Yojanas, and thereon are many delightful kingdoms. And these + divisions are called Varshas, O Bharata. In all those kingdoms reside + creatures of diverse species. This (the land where we are) is in the + Varsha that is called after Bharata. Next to it (northwards) is the Varsha + called after Himavat. The land that is beyond Hemakuta is called + Harivarsha. South of the Nila range and on the north of the Nishadha is a + mountain, O king, called Malyavat that stretches from east to west. Beyond + Malyavat northwards is the mountain called Gandhamadana.<a + href="#linknote-638" name="linknoteref-638" id="linknoteref-638">38</a> + Between these two (viz., Malyavat and Gandhamadana) is a globular mountain + called Meru made of gold. Effulgent as the morning sun, it is like fire + without smoke.<a href="#linknote-639" name="linknoteref-639" + id="linknoteref-639">39</a> It is eighty-four thousand Yojanas high, and, + O king, its depth also is eighty-four Yojanas. It standeth bearing the + worlds above, below and transversely. Besides Meru are situated, O lord, + these four islands, viz., Bhadraswa, and Ketumala, and Jamvudwipa + otherwise called Bharata, and Uttar-Kuru which is the abode of persons who + have achieved the merit of righteousness. The bird Sumukha, the son of + Suparna, beholding that all the birds on Meru were of golden plumage, + reflected that he should leave that mountain inasmuch as there was no + difference between the good, middling, and bad birds. The foremost of + luminaries, the sun, always circumambulates Meru, as also the moon with + (his) attendant constellation, and the Wind-god too. The mountain, O king, + is endued with celestial fruits and flowers, and it is covered all over + with mansions made of furnished gold. There, on that mountain, O king, the + celestials, the Gandharvas, the Asuras, and the Rakshasas, accompanied by + the tribes of Apsaras, always sport. There Brahman, and Rudra, and also + Sakra the chief of the celestials, assembled together, performed diverse + kinds of sacrifices with plentiful gifts. Tumvuru, and Narada and + Viswavasu, and the Hahas and the Huhus, repairing thither, adored the + foremost of the celestials with diverse hymns. The high-souled seven + Rishis, and Kasyapa the lord of creatures, repair thither, blessed be + thou, on every parva day.<a href="#linknote-640" name="linknoteref-640" + id="linknoteref-640">40</a> Upon the summit of that mountain, Usanas, + otherwise called the Poet, sporteth with the Daityas (his disciples).<a + href="#linknote-641" name="linknoteref-641" id="linknoteref-641">41</a> + The jewels and gems (that we see) and all the mountains abounding in + precious stones are of Meru. Therefrom a fourth part is enjoyed by the + holy Kuvera. Only a sixteenth part of that wealth he giveth unto men. On + the northern side of Meru is a delightful and excellent forest of + Karnikaras, covered with the flowers of every season,<a + href="#linknote-642" name="linknoteref-642" id="linknoteref-642">42</a> + and occupying a range of hills. There the illustrious Pasupati himself, + the creator of all things, surrounded by his celestial attendants and + accompanied by Uma, sporteth bearing a chain of Karnikara flowers (on his + neck) reaching down to his feet, and blazing with radiance with his three + eyes resembling three risen suns. Him Siddhas truthful in speech, of + excellent vows and austere ascetic penances, can behold. Indeed, Maheswara + is incapable of being seen by persons of wicked conduct. From the summit + of that mountain, like a stream of milk, O ruler of men, the sacred and + auspicious Ganga, otherwise called Bhagirathi, adored by the most + righteous, of universal form and immeasurable and issuing out with + terrific noise, falleth with impetuous force on the delightful lake of + Chandramas.<a href="#linknote-643" name="linknoteref-643" + id="linknoteref-643">43</a> Indeed that sacred lake, like an ocean, hath + been formed by Ganga herself. (While leaping from the mountains), Ganga, + incapable of being supported by even the mountains, was held for a hundred + thousand years by the bearer of Pinaka on his head.<a href="#linknote-644" + name="linknoteref-644" id="linknoteref-644">44</a> On the western side of + Meru, O king, is Ketumala.<a href="#linknote-645" name="linknoteref-645" + id="linknoteref-645">45</a> And there also is Jamvukhanda. Both are great + seats of humanity, O king.<a href="#linknote-646" name="linknoteref-646" + id="linknoteref-646">46</a> There, O Bharata, the measure of human life is + ten thousand years. The men are all of a golden complexion, and the women + are like Apsaras. And all the residents are without sickness, without + sorrow, and always cheerful. The men born there are of the effulgence of + melted gold. On the summits of Gandhamadana, Kuvera the lord of the + Guhyakas, with many Rakshasas and accompanied by tribes of Apsaras, + passeth his time in joy. Besides Gandhamadana there are many smaller + mountains and hills. The measure of human life there is eleven thousand + years. There, O king, the men are cheerful, and endued with great energy + and great strength and the women are all of the complexion of the lotus + and highly beautiful. Beyond Nila is (the Varsha called) Sweta, beyond + Sweta is (the Varsha called) Hiranyaka. Beyond Hiranyaka is (the Varsha + called) Airavata covered with provinces. The last Varsha in the (extreme) + north and Bharata’s Varsha in the (extreme) south are both, O king, of the + form of a bow. These five Varshas (viz., Sweta, Hiranyaka, Elavrita, + Harivarsha, and Haimavat-varsha) are in the middle, of which Elavrita + exists in the very middle of all. Amongst these seven Varshas (the five + already mentioned and Airavata and Bharata) that which is further north + excels the one to its immediate south in respect of these attributes, + viz., the period of life, stature, health, righteousness, pleasure, and + profit. In these Varshas, O Bharata, creatures (though of diverse species) + yet live together. Thus, O king, is Earth covered with mountains. The huge + mountains of Hemakuta are otherwise called Kailasa. There, O king, + Vaisravana passeth his time in joy with his Guhyakas. Immediately to the + north of Kailasa and near the mountains of Mainaka there is a huge and + beautiful mountain called Manimaya endued with golden summits. Beside this + mountain is a large, beautiful, crystal and delightful lake called + Vindusaras with golden sands (on its beach). There king Bhagiratha, + beholding Ganga (since) called after his own name, resided for many years. + There may be seen innumerable sacrificial stakes made of gems, and Chaitya + tree made of gold. It was there that he of a thousand eyes and great fame + won (ascetic) success by performing sacrifices. There the Lord of all + creatures, the eternal Creator of all the worlds, endued with supreme + energy surrounded by his ghostly attendants, is adored. There Nara and + Narayana, Brahman, and Manu, and Sthanu as the fifth, are (ever present). + And there the celestial stream Ganga having three currents,<a + href="#linknote-647" name="linknoteref-647" id="linknoteref-647">47</a> + issuing out of the region of Brahman, first showed herself, and then + dividing herself into seven streams, became Vaswokasara, Nalini, the + sin-cleansing Saraswati, Jamvunadi, Sita, Ganga and Sindhu as the seventh. + The Supreme Lord hath (himself) made the arrangement with reference to + that inconceivable and celestial stream. It is there that<a + href="#linknote-648" name="linknoteref-648" id="linknoteref-648">48</a> + sacrifices have been performed (by gods and Rishis) on a thousand + occasions after the end of the Yuga (when creation begins). As regards the + Saraswati, in some parts (of her course) she becometh visible and in some + parts not so. This celestial sevenfold Ganga is widely known over the + three worlds. Rakshasas reside on Himavat, Guhyakas on Hemakuta, and + serpents and Nagas on Nishadha, and ascetics on Gokarna. The Sweta + mountains are said to be the abode of the celestial and the Asuras. The + Gandharvas always reside on Nishadhas, and the regenerate Rishis on Nila. + The mountains of Sringavat also are regarded as the resort of the + celestials. + </p> + <p> + “‘These then, O great king, are the seven Varshas of the world as they are + divided. Diverse creatures, mobile<a href="#linknote-649" + name="linknoteref-649" id="linknoteref-649">49</a> and immobile, are + placed in them all. Diverse kinds of prosperity, both providential and + human, are noticeable in them. They are incapable of being counted. Those + desirous, however, of their own good believe (all this). I have now told + thee of that delightful region (of land) of the form of a hare about which + thou hadst asked me. At the extremities of that region are the two + Varshas, viz., one on the north and the other on the south. Those two also + have now been told to thee. Then again the two islands Naga-dwipa and + Kasyapa-dwipa are the two ears of this region of the form of a hare. The + beautiful mountains of Maleya, O king, having rocks like plates of copper, + form another (prominent) part of Jamvudwipa that having its shape + resembling a hare.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0007" id="link62H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, thou of great + intelligence, of the regions to the north and the east side of Meru, as + also of the mountains of Malyavat, in detail.‘<a href="#linknote-650" + name="linknoteref-650" id="linknoteref-650">50</a> + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘On the south of the Nila mountain and the northern + side of Meru are the sacred Northern Kurus, O king, which are the + residence of the Siddhas. The trees there bear sweet fruits, and are + always covered with fruits and flowers. All the flowers (there) are + fragrant, and the fruits of excellent taste. Some of the trees, again, O + king, yield fruits according to (the) will (of the plucker). There are + again some other trees, O king, that are called milk-yielding. These + always yield milk and the six different kinds of food of the taste of + Amrita itself. Those trees also yield cloths and in their fruits are + ornaments (for the use of man). The entire land abounds with fine golden + sands. A portion of the region there, extremely delightful, is seen to be + possessed of the radiance of the ruby or diamond, or of the lapis lazuli + or other jewels and gems.<a href="#linknote-651" name="linknoteref-651" + id="linknoteref-651">51</a> All the seasons there are agreeable and + nowhere does the land become miry, O king. The tanks are charming, + delicious, and full of crystal water. The men born there have dropped from + the world of the celestials.<a href="#linknote-652" name="linknoteref-652" + id="linknoteref-652">52</a> All are of pure birth and all are extremely + handsome in appearance. There twins (of opposite sexes) are born and the + women resemble Apsaras in beauty. They drink the milk, sweet as Amrita, of + those milk-yielding trees (already mentioned). And the twins born there + (of opposite sexes) grow up equally. Both possessed of equal beauty, both + endued with similar virtues, and both equally dressed, both grow up in + love, O monarch, like a couple of chakrabakas. The people of that country + are free from illness and are always cheerful. Ten thousand and ten + hundred years they live, O king, and never abandon one another. A class of + birds called Bharunda, furnished with sharp beaks and possessed of great + strength, take them up when dead and throw them into mountain caves. I + have now described to thee, O king, the Northern Kurus briefly. + </p> + <p> + “‘I will now describe to thee the eastern side of Meru duly. Of all the + regions there, the foremost, O king, is called Bhadraswa, where there is a + large forest of Bhadra-salas, as also a huge tree called Kalamra. This + Kalamra, O king, is always graced with fruits and flowers. That tree again + is a Yojana in height and is adored by Siddhas<a href="#linknote-653" + name="linknoteref-653" id="linknoteref-653">53</a> and the Charanas. The + men there are all of a white complexion, endued with great energy, and + possessed of great strength. The women are of the complexion of lilies, + very beautiful, and agreeable to sight. Possessed of radiance of the moon,<a + href="#linknote-654" name="linknoteref-654" id="linknoteref-654">54</a> + and white as the moon, their faces are as the full-moon. Their bodies + again are as cool as the rays of the moon and they are all accomplished in + singing and dancing. The period of human life there, O bull of the + Bharata’s race, is ten thousand years. Drinking the juice of the Kalamra + they continue youthful for ever. On the south of Nila and the north of + Nishadha, there is a huge Jamvu tree that is eternal. Adored by the + Siddhas and Charanas, that sacred tree granteth every wish. After the name + of that tree this division hath ever been called Jamvudwipa. O bull of + Bharata race, a thousand and a hundred Yojanas is the height of that + prince of trees, which touches the very heavens, O king of men. Two + thousand and five hundred cubits measure the circumference of a fruit of + that tree which bursts when ripe. In falling upon the earth these fruits + make a loud noise, and then pour out, O king, a silvery juice on the + ground. That juice of the Jamvu, becoming, O king, a river, and passing + circuitously round Meru, cometh to the (region of the) Northern Kurus. If + the juice of that fruit is quaffed, it conduces to peace of mind. No + thirst is felt ever after, O king. Decrepitude never weakens them. And + there a species of gold called Jamvunada and used for celestial ornaments, + very brilliant and like the complexion of Indragopoka insects, is + produced. The men born there are of the complexion of the morning sun. + </p> + <p> + “‘On the summit of Malyavat is always seen, O bull of Bharata’s race, the + fire called Samvataka which blazeth forth at the end of the Yuga for the + destruction of the universe. On Malyavat’s summit towards the east are + many small mountains and Malyavat, O king, measures eleven thousand<a + href="#linknote-655" name="linknoteref-655" id="linknoteref-655">55</a> + Yojanas. The men born there are of the complexion of gold. And they are + all fallen from the region of Brahman and are utterers of Brahma. They + undergo the severest of ascetic austerities, and their vital seed is drawn + up. For the protection of creatures they all enter the sun. Numbering + sixty-six thousand, they proceed in advance of Aruna, surrounding the sun. + Heated with the sun’s rays for sixty-six thousand years, they then enter + the lunar disc.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0008" id="link62H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Tell me truly, O Sanjaya, the names of all the + Varshas, and of all the mountains, and also of all those that dwell on + those mountains.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘On the south of Sweta and the north of Nishadha, is + the Varsha, called Romanaka. The men that are born there are all of white + complexion, of good parentage, and handsome features. And the men born + there are also all without enemies. And they live, O king, for eleven + thousand and five hundred years, being ever of cheerful hearts. On the + south of Nishadha is the Varsha called Hiranmaya where is the river called + Hiranwati. There, O king, liveth that foremost of birds named Garuda. And + the people there, O monarch, are all followers of the Yakshas, wealthy, + and of handsome features. And, O king, the men there are endued with great + strength and have cheerful hearts. And they live for twelve thousand and + five hundred years, O king, which is the measure of their lives. The + mountains of Sringavat,<a href="#linknote-656" name="linknoteref-656" + id="linknoteref-656">56</a> O ruler of men, have three beautiful summits. + One of these is made of jewels and gems, another is very wonderful, being + made of all kinds of gems and adorned with palatial mansions. There the + self-luminous lady named Sandili always liveth. On the north of Sringavat + and up to the margin of the sea, O king, the Varsha called Airavat. And + because this jewelled mountain is there, therefore is this Varsha superior + to all. The sun giveth no heat there and men are not subject to decay. And + the moon there, with the stars, becoming the only source of light, + covereth (the firmament). Possessing the radiance and complexion of the + lotus, and endued with eyes that resemble lotus-petals, the men born there + have the fragrance of the lotus. With winkless eyes, and agreeable scent + (emanating from their bodies), they go without food and have their senses + under control. They are all fallen from the region of the celestials, and + are all, O king, without sin of any kind. And they live, O monarch, for + thirteen thousand years, that being, O best of the Bharatas, the measure + of their lives. And so on the north of the milky ocean, the Lord Hari of + unlimited puissance dwelleth on his car made of gold. That vehicle is + endued with eight wheels, with numerous supernatural creatures stationed + on it, and having the speed of the mind. And its complexion is that of + fire, and it is endued with mighty energy and adorned with Jamvunada gold. + He is the Lord of all creatures, and is possessed, O bull of Bharata’s + race, of every kind of prosperity. In him the universe merges (when + dissolution comes), and from him it again emanates (when the creative + desire seizes him). He is the actor, and it is He that makes all others + act. He, O monarch, is earth, water, space, air, and fire. He is + Sacrifice’s self unto all creatures, and fire is His mouth.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued,—“The high-souled king Dhritarashtra, thus + addressed by Sanjaya, became, O monarch, absorbed in meditation about his + sons. Endued with great energy, he then, having reflected, said these + words: ‘Without doubt, O Suta’s son, it is Time that destroyeth the + universe. And it is Time that again createth everything. Nothing here is + eternal. It is Nara and Narayana, endued with omniscience, that destroyeth + all creatures.<a href="#linknote-657" name="linknoteref-657" + id="linknoteref-657">57</a> The gods speak of him as Vaikuntha (of + immeasurable puissance), while men call him Vishnu (one that pervadeth the + Universe)!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0009" id="link62H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Tell me truly (O Sanjaya) of this Varsha that + is called after Bharata, where this senseless force hath been collected, + in respect of which this my son Duryodhana hath been so very covetous, + which the sons of Pandu also are desirous of obtaining, and in which my + mind too sinketh. O, tell me this, for thou art, in my judgment endued + with intelligence.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘Listen to me, O king. The sons of Pandu are not + covetous about this country. On the other hand, it is Duryodhana that is + covetous, and Sakuni the son of Suvala, as also many other Kshatriyas who + are rulers of the provinces, who being covetous of this country are not + able to bear one another. I will now tell thee, O thou of Bharata’s race, + of the tract of land known by Bharata’s name. This land is the beloved one + of Indra, and, O thou of Bharata’s race, this land, O monarch, that is + called after Bharata, is also the beloved land of Manu, the son of + Vivaswat, of Prithu, of Vainya, of the high-souled Ikshwaku, of Yayati, of + Amvarisha, of Mandhatri, of Nahusha, of Muchukunda, of Sivi the son of + Usinara, of Rishava, of Ila, of king Nriga, of Kusika, O invincible one, + of the high-souled Gadhi, of Somaka, O irrepressible one, and of Dilipa, + and also, O monarch, of many other mighty Kshatriyas. I will now, O + chastiser of foes, describe to thee that country as I have heard of it. + Listen to me, O king, as I speak of what thou hast asked me. Mahendra, + Malaya, Sahya, Suktimat, Rakshavat, Vindhya, and Paripatra,—these + seven are the Kala-mountains<a href="#linknote-658" name="linknoteref-658" + id="linknoteref-658">58</a> (of Bharatvarsha). Besides these, O king, + there are thousands of mountains that are unknown, of hard make, huge, and + having excellent valleys. Besides these there are many other smaller + mountains inhabited by barbarous tribes. Aryans and Mlecchas, O Kauravya, + and many races, O lord, mixed of the two elements, drink the waters of the + following rivers, viz., magnificent Ganga, Sindhu, and Saraswati; of + Godavari, and Narmada, and the large river called Yamuna; of Dhrishadwati, + and Vipapa, and Vipasa and Sthulavaluka; of the river Vetravati, and that + other one called Krishna-vena; of Iravati, and Vitasta, and Payosyini, and + Devika; of Vedasmrita and Vedavati, and Tridiva, and Ikshumalavi;<a + href="#linknote-659" name="linknoteref-659" id="linknoteref-659">59</a> of + Karishini, and Chitravaha, and the river called Chitrasena; of Gomati, and + Dhutapada and the large river called Gandaki<a href="#linknote-660" + name="linknoteref-660" id="linknoteref-660">60</a>, of Kausiki, and + Nischitra, and Kirtya, and Nichita, and Lohatarini;<a href="#linknote-661" + name="linknoteref-661" id="linknoteref-661">61</a> of Rashasi and + Satakumbha, and also Sarayu; of Charmanwati, and Vetravati,<a + href="#linknote-662" name="linknoteref-662" id="linknoteref-662">62</a> + and Hastisoma, and Disa; of the river called Saravati, and Venna, and + Bhimarathi; of Kaveri, and Chuluka, and Vina, and Satavala; of Nivara, and + Mahila, and Suprayoga, O king; of Pavitra, and Kundala, and Rajani, and + Puramalini; of Purvabhirama, and Vira, and Bhima, and Oghavati; of + Palasini, and Papahara, and Mahendra, and Patalavati, of Karishini, and + Asikni, and the large river Kusachira: of Makari, and Pravara, and Mena, + and Hema, and Dhritavati; of Puravati, and Anushna, and Saivya, and Kapi, + O Bharata; of Sadanira, and Adhrishya, and the mighty stream Kusadhara; of + Sadakanta, and Siva, and Viravati; of Vatsu, and Suvastu, and Kampana with + Hiranwati; of Vara, and the mighty river Panchami, of Rathachitra, and + Jyotiratha, and Viswamitra, and Kapinjala; of Upendra, and Vahula, and + Kuchira, and Madhuvahini: of Vinadi, and Pinjala, and Vena, and the great + river Pungavena; of Vidisa and Krishna-vena, and Tamra, and Kapila, of + Salu, and Suvama, the Vedaswa, and the mighty river Harisrava; of Sighra, + and Pischala, and the river Bharadwaji, of the river Kausiki, and Sona, + and Chandrama; of Durgamantrasila, and Brahma-vodhya, and Vrihadvati; of + Yaksha, and Rohi, and Yamvunadi; of Sunasa and Tamasa, and Dasi, and Vasa, + and Varuna, and Asi; of Nila, and Dhrimati, and the mighty river Parnasa; + of Pomasi, and Vrishabha, and Brahma-meddhya, and Vrihaddhani. These and + many other large rivers, O king, such as Sadonirmaya and Krishna, and + Mandaga, and Mandavahini; and Mahagouri, and Durga, O Bharata; and + Chitropala. Chitraratha, and Manjula, and Vahini; and Mandakini, and + Vaitarani, and Kosa, and Mahanadi; and Suktimati, and Ananga, and + Pushpaveni, and Utpalavati; and Lohitya, Karatoya, and Vrishasabhya; and + Kumari, and Rishikullya and Marisha, and Saraswati; and Mandakini, and + Supunya, Sarvasanga, O Bharata, are all mothers of the universe and + productive of great merit. Besides these, there are rivers, by hundreds + and thousands, that are not known (by names), I have now recounted to + thee, O king, all the rivers as far as I remember. + </p> + <p> + “‘After this, listen to the names of the provinces as I mention them. They + are the Kuru-Panchalas, the Salwas, the Madreyas, the Jangalas, the + Surasena, the Kalingas, the Vodhas, the Malas, the Matsyas, the Sauvalyas, + the Kuntalas, the Kasi-kosalas, the Chedis, the Karushas, the Bhojas, the + Sindhus, the Pulindakas, the Uttamas, the Dasarnas, the Mekalas, the + Utkalas; the Panchalas, the Kausijas, the Nikarprishthas, Dhurandharas; + the Sodhas, the Madrabhujingas, the Kasis, and the further-Kasis; the + Jatharas, the Kukuras, O Bharata; the Kuntis, the Avantis, and the + further-Kuntis; the Gomantas, the Mandakas, the Shandas, the Vidarbhas, + the Rupavahikas; the Aswakas, the Pansurashtras, the Goparashtras, and the + Karityas; the Adhirjayas, the Kuladyas, the Mallarashtras, the Keralas, + the Varatrasyas, the Apavahas, the Chakras, the Vakratapas, the Sakas; the + Videhas, the Magadhas, the Swakshas, the Malayas, the Vijayas, the Angas, + the Vangas, the Kalingas, the Yakrillomans; the Mallas, the Suddellas, the + Pranradas, the Mahikas, the Sasikas; the Valhikas, the Vatadhanas, the + Abhiras, the Kalajoshakas; the Aparantas, the Parantas, the Pahnabhas, the + Charmamandalas; the Atavisikharas, the Mahabhutas, O sire; the Upavrittas, + the Anupavrittas, the Surashatras, Kekayas; the Kutas, the Maheyas, the + Kakshas, the Samudranishkutas; the Andhras, and, O king, many hilly + tribes, and many tribes residing on lands laying at the foot of the hills, + and the Angamalajas, and the Manavanjakas; the Pravisheyas, and the + Bhargavas, O king; the Pundras, the Bhargas, the Kiratas, the Sudeshnas, + and the Yamunas, the Sakas, the Nishadhas, the Anartas, the Nairitas, the + Durgalas, the Pratimasyas, the Kuntalas, and the Kusalas; the Tiragrahas, + the Ijakas, the Kanyakagunas, the Tilabharas, the Samiras, the + Madhumattas, the Sukandakas; the Kasmiras, the Sindhusauviras, the + Gandharvas, and the Darsakas; the Abhisaras, the Utulas, the Saivalas, and + the Valhikas; the Darvis, the Vanavadarvas, the Vatagas, the Amarathas, + and the Uragas; the Vahuvadhas, the Kauravyas, the Sudamanas, the + Sumalikas; the Vadhras, the Karishakas, the Kalindas, and the Upatyakas; + the Vatayanas, the Romanas, and the Kusavindas; the Kacchas, the + Gopalkacchas, the Kuruvarnakas; the Kiratas, the Varvasas, the Siddhas, + the Vaidehas, and the Tamraliptas; the Aundras, the Paundras, the + Saisikatas, and the Parvatiyas, O sire. + </p> + <p> + “‘There are other kingdoms, O bull of Bharata’s race, in the south. They + are the Dravidas, the Keralas, the Prachyas, the Mushikas, and the + Vanavashikas; the Karanatakas, the Mahishakas, the Vikalpas, and also the + Mushakas; the Jhillikas, the Kuntalas, the Saunridas, and the Nalakananas; + the Kankutakas, the Cholas, and the Malavayakas; the Samangas, the + Kanakas, the Kukkuras, and the Angara-marishas; the Samangas, the Karakas, + the Kukuras, the Angaras, the Marishas; the Dhwajinis, the Utsavas, the + Sanketas, the Trigartas, and the Salwasena; the Vakas, the Kokarakas, the + Pashtris, and the Lamavegavasas; the Vindhyachulakas, the Pulindas, and + the Valkalas; the Malavas, the Vallavas, the further-Vallavas, the + Kulindas, the Kalavas, the Kuntaukas, and the Karatas; the Mrishakas, the + Tanavalas, the Saniyas; the Alidas, the Pasivatas, the Tanayas, and the + Sulanyas; the Rishikas, the Vidarbhas, the Kakas, the Tanganas, and the + further-Tanganas. Among the tribes of the north are the Mlecchas, and the + Kruras, O best of the Bharatas; the Yavanas, the Chinas, the Kamvojas, the + Darunas, and many Mleccha tribes; the Sukritvahas, the Kulatthas, the + Hunas, and the Parasikas; the Ramanas, and the Dasamalikas. These + countries are, besides, the abodes of many Kshatriya, Vaisya, and Sudra + tribes. Then again there are the Sudra-abhiras, the Dardas, the Kasmiras, + and the Pattis; the Khasiras; the Atreyas, the Bharadwajas, the + Stanaposhikas, the Poshakas, the Kalingas, and diverse tribes of Kiratas; + the Tomaras, the Hansamargas, and the Karamanjakas. These and other + kingdoms are on the east and on the north. O lord, alluding to them + briefly I have told thee all. Earth, if its resources are properly + developed according to its qualities and prowess, is like an ever-yielding<a + href="#linknote-663" name="linknoteref-663" id="linknoteref-663">63</a> + cow, from which the three-fold fruits of virtue, profit and pleasure, may + be milked. Brave kings conversant with virtue and profit have become + covetous of Earth. Endued with activity, they would even cast away their + lives in battle, from hunger of wealth. Earth is certainly the refuge of + creatures endued with celestial bodies as also of creatures endued with + human bodies.<a href="#linknote-664" name="linknoteref-664" + id="linknoteref-664">64</a> Desirous of enjoying Earth, the kings, O chief + of the Bharatas, have become like dogs that snatch meat from one another. + Their ambition is unbounded, knowing no gratification.<a + href="#linknote-665" name="linknoteref-665" id="linknoteref-665">65</a> It + is for this that the Kurus and the Pandavas are striving for possession of + Earth, by negotiation, disunion, gift, and battle, O Bharata. If Earth be + well looked after, it becometh the father, mother, children, firmament and + heaven, of all creatures, O bull among men.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0010" id="link62H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, of the period of life, the + strength, the good and bad things, the future, past and present, of the + residents, O Suta, of this Varsha of Bharata, and of the Himavat-varsha, + as also of Hari-varsha, in detail.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘O bull of Bharata’s race, four Yugas set in + Bharata’s Varsha, viz., Krita, Treta, Dwapara, and Kali. The Yuga that + sets in first is Krita, O Lord; after the expiry of Krita comes Treta; + after expiry of Treta comes Dwapara; and after that last of all, sets in + Kali. Four thousand years, O best of the Kurus, are reckoned as the + measure of life, O best of kings, in the Krita epoch. Three thousand years + is the period in Treta, O ruler of men. At present in Dwapara, persons + live on Earth for two thousand years. In Kali, however, O bull of + Bharata’s race, there is no fixed limit of life’s measure, in so much that + men die while in the womb, as also soon after birth. In the Krita age, O + king, men are born and beget children, by hundreds and thousands, that are + of great strength and great power, endued with the attribute of great + wisdom, and possessed of wealth and handsome features. In that age are + born and begotten Munis endued with wealth of asceticism, capable of great + exertion, possessed of high souls, and virtuous, and truthful in speech. + The Kshatriyas also, born in that age are of agreeable features, + able-bodied, possessed of great energy, accomplished in the use of the + bow, highly skilled in battle and exceedingly brave. In the Treta age, O + king, all the Kshatriya kings were emperors ruling from sea to sea. In + Treta are begotten brave Kshatriyas not subject to any one, endued with + long lives, possessed of heroism, and wielding the bow in battle with + great skill. When Dwapara sets in, O king, all the (four) orders born + become capable of great exertion, endued with great energy, and desirous + of conquering one another. The men born in Kali, O king, are endued with + little energy, highly wrathful, covetous, and untruthful. Jealousy, pride, + anger, deception, malice and covetousness, O Bharata, are the attributes + of creatures in the Kali age. The portion that remains, O king, of this + the Dwapara age, is small, O ruler of men. The Varsha known as Haimavat is + superior to Bharatavarsha, while Harivarsha is superior to Hainavatvarsha, + in respect of all qualities.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0011" id="link62H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <h3> + (Bhumi Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Thou hast, O Sanjaya, duly described + Jamvukhanda to me. Tell me now its dimensions and extent truly. Tell me + also, O Sanjaya, of the extent of the ocean of Sakadwipa, and Kusadwipa, + of Salmalidwipa and Kraunchadwipa, truly and without leaving anything and + tell me also, O son of Gavalgani, of Rahu and Soma and Surya.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘There are, O king, many islands, over which the + Earth extended. I will describe to thee, however, only seven islands, and + the moon, and the sun, and the planet (Rahu), also. The Jamvu mountain, O + king, extends over full eighteen thousand and six hundred Yojanas. The + extent of the salt ocean is said to be twice this. That ocean is covered + with many kingdoms, and is adorned with gems and corals. It is, besides, + decked with many mountains that are variegated with metals of diverse + kinds. Thickly peopled by Siddhas and Charanas, the ocean is circular in + form. + </p> + <p> + “‘I will now tell thee truly of Sakadwipa, O Bharata. Listen to me, O son + of Kuru’s race, as I describe it to thee duly. That island, O ruler of + men, is of twice the extent of Jamvudwipa. And the ocean also, O great + king, is of twice the extent of that island. Indeed, O best of the + Bharatas, Sakadwipa is surrounded on all sides by the ocean. The kingdoms + there are full of righteousness, and the men there never die. How can + famine take place there? The people are all endued with forgiveness and + great energy. I have now, O bull of Bharata’s race, given thee duly a + brief description of Sakadwipa. What else, O king, dost thou wish to + hear?’”<a href="#linknote-666" name="linknoteref-666" id="linknoteref-666">66</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Thou hast given me, O Sanjaya, a description + of Sakadwipa in brief. O thou that art possessed of great wisdom, tell me + now everything in detail truly.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘In that island, O king, there are seven mountains + that are decked with jewels and that are mines of gems, precious stones. + There are many rivers also in that island. Listen to me as I recount their + names. Everything there, O king, is excellent and delightful. The first of + these mountains is called Meru. It is the abode of the gods, Rishis, and + Gandharvas. The next mountain, O king, is called Malaya stretching towards + the east. It is there that the clouds are generated and it is thence that + they disperse on all sides. The next, O thou of Kuru’s race, is the large + mountain called Jaladhara.<a href="#linknote-667" name="linknoteref-667" + id="linknoteref-667">67</a> Thence Indra daily taketh water of the best + quality. It is from that water that we get showers in the season of rains, + O ruler of men. Next cometh the high mountain called Raivataka, over + which, in the firmament, hath been permanently placed the constellation + called Revati. This arrangement hath been made by the Grandsire himself. + On the north of this, O great king, is the large mountain called Syama. It + hath the splendour of newly-risen clouds, is very high, beautiful and of + bright body. And since the hue of those mountains is dark, the people + residing there are all dark in complexion, O king.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘A great doubt ariseth in my mind, O Sanjaya, + from what thou hast said. Why, O Suta’s son, would the people there be of + dark complexion?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘O great king, in all islands, O son of Kuru’s race, + men may be found that are fair, and those that are dark, and those also + that are produced by a union of the fair and the dark races. But because + the people there are all dark, therefore is that mountain called the Dark + Mountain. After this, O chief of the Kurus, is the large mountain called + Durgasaila. And then cometh the mountain called Kesari. The breezes that + blow from that mountain are all charged with (odoriferous) effluvia. The + measure of each of these mountains is double that of the one mentioned + immediately before. O thou of Kuru’s race, it hath been said by the wise + that there are seven Varshas in that island. The Varsha of Meru is called + Mahakasa; that of the water-giving (Malaya) is called Kumudottara. The + Varsha of Jaladhara is called Sukumara, while that of Raivatak is called + Kaumara; and of Syama, Manikanchana. The Varsha of Kesara is called + Mandaki, and that called after the next mountain is called Mahapuman. In + the midst of that island is a large tree called Saka. In height and + breadth the measure of that tree is equal to that of the Jamvu tree in + Jamvudwipa. And the people there always adore that tree. There in that + island are, many delightful provinces where Siva is worshipped, and + thither repair the Siddhas, the Charanas, and the celestials. The people + there, O king, are virtuous, and all the four orders, O Bharata, are + devoted to their respective occupation. No instance of theft can be seen + there. Freed from decrepitude and death and gifted with long life, the + people there, O king, grow like rivers during the season of rains. The + rivers there are full of sacred water, and Ganga herself, distributed as + she hath been into various currents, is there. Sukumari, and Kumari, and + Seta, and Keveraka, and Mahanadi, O Kauravya, and the river Manijala, and + Chakshus, and the river Vardhanika, O thou best of the Bharatas,—these + and many other rivers by thousands and hundreds, all full of sacred water, + are there, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, from which Vasava draweth water + for showering it as rain. It is impossible to recount the names and + lengths of rivers. All of them are foremost of rivers and sin-cleansing. + As heard by all men there, in that island of Saka, are four sacred + provinces. They are the Mrigas, the Masakas, the Manasas, and the + Mandagas. The Mrigas for the most part are Brahmanas devoted to the + occupations of their order. Amongst the Masakas are virtuous Kshatriyas + granting (unto Brahmanas) every wish (entertained by them). The Manasas, O + king, live by following the duties of the Vaisya order. Having every wish + of theirs gratified, they are also brave and firmly devoted to virtue and + profit. The Mandagas are all brave Sudras of virtuous behaviour. In these + provinces, O monarch, there is no king, no punishment, no person that + deserves to be punished. Conversant with the dictates of duty they are all + engaged in the practice of their respective duties and protect one + another. This much is capable of being said of the island called Saka. + This much also should be listened to about that island endued with great + energy.’”<a href="#linknote-668" name="linknoteref-668" + id="linknoteref-668">68</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0012" id="link62H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O Kauravya, that which is heard about the islands in the + north, I will recount to thee, O Great king. Listen to me now. (Thither in + the north) is the ocean whose waters are clarified butter. Then is the + ocean whose waters are curds. Next cometh the ocean whose waters are wine, + and then is another ocean of water. The islands, O king, are double in + area of one another as they proceed further and further towards the north. + And they are surrounded, O king, by these oceans.<a href="#linknote-669" + name="linknoteref-669" id="linknoteref-669">69</a> In the island that is + in the middle, there is a large mountain called Goura made of red arsenic; + on the western island, O king, is the mountain Krishna that is the + favourite (abode) of Narayana. There Kesava guardeth celestial gems (in + profusion), and thence, inclined to grace, he bestoweth happiness on + creatures. Along with the kingdoms there, O king, the (celestial) clump of + Kusa grass in Kusadwipa, and the Salmali tree in the island of Salmalika, + are adored. In the Krauncha island also, the mountain called Maha-krauncha + that is a mine of all kinds of gems is, O king, always adored by all the + four orders of men. (There), O monarch, is the mountain called Gomanta + that is huge and consists of all kinds of metals, and whereon always + resideth, mingling with those that have been emancipated, the puissant + Narayana, otherwise called Hari, graced with prosperity and possessed of + eyes like lotus leaves. In Kusadwipa, O king of kings, there is another + mountain variegated with corals and called after the name of that island + itself. This mountain is inaccessible and made of gold. Possessed of great + splendour, O Kauravya, there is a third mountain there that is called + Sumida. The sixth is called Harigiri. These are the six principal + mountains. The intervening spaces between one another of these six + mountains increaseth in the ratio of one to two as they proceed further + and further towards the north. The first Varsha is called Audhido; the + second is Venumandala; the third is called Suratha; the fourth is known by + the name of Kamvala; the fifth Varsha is called Dhritimat; and the sixth + is named Prabhakara; the seventh Varsha is called Kapila. These are the + seven successive Varshas. In these, gods and Gandharvas, and other + creatures of the universe, sport and take delight. In these Varshas the + inhabitants never die. There, O king, are no robbers, nor any tribes of + Mlecchas. All the residents are almost white in complexion, and very + delicate, O king. + </p> + <p> + “‘As regards the rest of the islands, O ruler of men, I will recount all + that hath been heard by me. Listen, O monarch, with an attentive mind. In + the Krauncha island, O great king, there is a large mountain called + Krauncha. Next to Krauncha is Vamanaka; and next to Vamanaka is Andhakara. + And next to Andhakara,<a href="#linknote-670" name="linknoteref-670" + id="linknoteref-670">70</a> O king, is that excellent of mountains called + Mainaka. After Mainaka, O monarch, is that best of mountains called + Govinda; and after Govinda, O king, is the mountain called Nivida. O + multiplier of thy race, the intervening spaces between one another of + these mountains increaseth in the ratio of one to two. I will now tell + thee the countries that lie there. Listen to me as I speak of them. The + region near Krauncha is called Kusala; that near Vamanaka is Manonuga. The + region next to Manonuga, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, is called Ushna. + After Ushna is Pravaraka; and after Pravaraka is Andhakaraka. The country + after Andhakaraka is named Munidesa. After Munidesa the region is called + Dundubhiswana teeming with Siddhas and Charanas. The people are almost + white in complexion, O king. All these countries, O monarch, are the + habitations of gods and Gandharvas. In (the island of) Pushkara is a + mountain called Pushkara that abounds with jewels and gems. There always + dwelleth the divine Prajapati himself. Him all the gods and great Rishis + always adore with gratifying words and worship reverently, O king. Diverse + gems from Jamvudwipa are used there. In all these islands, O king, + Brahmacharya, truth, and self-control of the dwellers, as also their + health and periods of life, are in the ratio of one to two as the islands + are more and more remote (northwards). O king, the land in those islands, + O Bharata, comprises but one country, for that is said to be one country + in which one religion is met with. The Supreme Prajapati himself, + upraising the rod of chastisement, always dwelleth there, protecting those + islands. He, O monarch, is the king. He is their source of bliss. He is + the father, and he is the grand-father. He it is, O best of men, that + protecteth all creatures there, mobile or immobile. Cooked food, O + Kauravya, cometh there of itself and the creatures eat it daily, O + mighty-armed one. After these regions is seen a habitation of the name of + Sama. It is of a starry-shape having four corners, and it hath, O king, + thirty-three mandalas. There dwell, O Kauravya, four princely elephants + adored by all.<a href="#linknote-671" name="linknoteref-671" + id="linknoteref-671">71</a> They are, O best of the Bharatas, Vamana, and + Airavata, and another, and also Supratika.<a href="#linknote-672" + name="linknoteref-672" id="linknoteref-672">72</a> O king, with rent + cheeks and mouth, I do not venture to calculate the proportions of these + four elephants.<a href="#linknote-673" name="linknoteref-673" + id="linknoteref-673">73</a> Their length, breadth and thickness have for + ever remained unascertained. There in those regions, O king, winds blow + irregularly from all directions.<a href="#linknote-674" + name="linknoteref-674" id="linknoteref-674">74</a> These are seized by + those elephants with the tips of their trunks which are of the complexion + of the lotus and endued with great splendour and capable of drawing up + everything in their way. And soon enough after seizing them they then + always let them out. The winds, O king, thus let out by those respiring + elephants, come over the Earth and in consequence thereof creatures draw + breath and live.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘Thou hast, O Sanjaya, told me everything about + the first subject very elaborately. Thou hast also indicated the positions + of the islands. Tell now, O Sanjaya, about what remains.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘Indeed, O great king, the islands have all been + described to thee. Listen now to what I truly say about the heavenly + bodies and about Swarbhanu, O chief of the Kauravas, as regards its + dimensions. It is heard, O king, that the planet Swarbhanu is globular. + Its diameter is twelve thousand Yojanas, and its circumference, because it + is very large, is forty-two thousand Yojanas, O sinless one,<a + href="#linknote-675" name="linknoteref-675" id="linknoteref-675">75</a> as + said by the learned of olden times. The diameter of the moon, O king, is + stated to be eleven thousand Yojanas. Its circumference, O chief of the + Kurus, is stated to be thirty-eight thousand nine hundred Yojanas of the + illustrious planet of cool rays. It hath been heard that the diameter of + the beneficent, fast going and light-giving Sun, O thou of Kuru’s race, is + ten thousand Yojanas, and his circumference, O king, is thirty-five + thousand eight hundred miles, in consequence of his largeness, O sinless + one. These are the dimensions reckoned here, O Bharata, of Arka. The + planet Rahu, in consequence of his greater bulk, envelops both the Sun and + the Moon in due times. I tell thee this in brief. With the eye of science, + O great king, I have now told thee all that thou hadst asked. Let peace be + thine. I have now told thee about the construction of the universe as + indicated in the Shastras. Therefore, O Kauravya, pacify thy son + Duryodhana.<a href="#linknote-676" name="linknoteref-676" + id="linknoteref-676">76</a>’ + </p> + <p> + “Having listened to this charming Bhumi Parva, O chief of the Bharatas, a + Kshatriya becometh endued with prosperity, obtaineth fruition of all his + desires, and winneth the approbation of the righteous.<a + href="#linknote-677" name="linknoteref-677" id="linknoteref-677">77</a> + The king who listeneth to this on days of the full-moon or the new-moon, + carefully observing vows all the while, hath the period of his life, his + fame and energy, all enhanced. His (deceased) sires and grandsires become + gratified. Thou hast now heard of all the merits that flow from this + Varsha of Bharata where we now are!" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0013" id="link62H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <h3> + (Bhagavat-Gita Parva) + </h3> + <p> + Vaisampayana said,—“Possessing a knowledge of the past, the present + and the future, and seeing all things as if present before his eyes, the + learned son of Gavalgana, O Bharata, coming quickly from the field of + battle, and rushing with grief (into the court) represented unto + Dhritarashtra who was plunged in thought that Bhishma the grandsire of the + Bharatas had been slain." </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said,—‘I am Sanjaya, O great king. I bow to thee, O bull of + Bharata’s race. Bhishma, the son of Santanu and the grandsire of the + Bharatas, hath been slain. That foremost of all warriors, that grandsire + of the Bharatas, hath been slain. That foremost of all warriors, that + embodied energy of all bowmen, that grandsire of the Kurus lieth to-day on + a bed of arrows. That Bhishma, O king, relying on whose energy thy son had + been engaged in that match at dice, now lieth on the field of battle slain + by Sikhandin. That mighty car-warrior who on a single car had vanquished + in terrific combat at the city of Kasi all the kings of the Earth mustered + together, he who had fearlessly fought in battle with Rama, the son of + Jamadagni, he whom Jamadagni’s son could not slay, oh, even hath he been + to-day slain by Sikhandin. Resembling the great Indra himself in bravery, + and Himavat in firmness, like unto the ocean itself in gravity, and the + Earth herself in patience, that invincible warrior having arrows for his + teeth, that bow for his mouth, and the sword for his tongue, that lion + among men, hath to-day been slain by the prince of Panchala. That slayer + of heroes, beholding whom when addrest for battle the mighty army of the + Pandavas, unmanned by fear, used to tremble like a herd of kine when + beholding a lion, alas, having protected that army (of thine) for ten + nights and having achieved feats exceedingly difficult of accomplishment, + hath set like the Sun.<a href="#linknote-678" name="linknoteref-678" + id="linknoteref-678">78</a> He who like Sakra himself, scattering arrows + in thousands with the utmost composure, daily slew ten thousand warriors + for ten days, even he slain (by the enemy), lieth, though he deserveth it + not, on the bare ground like a (mighty) tree broken by the wind, in + consequence, O king, of thy evil counsels, O Bharata.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0014" id="link62H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said,—‘How hath Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, + been slain by Sikhandin? How did my father, who resembled Vasava himself, + fall down from his car? What became of my sons, O Sanjaya, when they were + deprived of the mighty Bhishma who was like unto a celestial, and who led + life of Brahmacharya for the sake of his father?<a href="#linknote-679" + name="linknoteref-679" id="linknoteref-679">79</a> Upon the fall of that + tiger among men who was endued with great wisdom, great capacity for + exertion, great might and great energy, how did our warriors feel? Hearing + that bull amongst the Kurus, that foremost of men, that unwavering hero is + slain, great is the grief that pierceth my heart. While advancing (against + the foe), who followed him and who proceeded ahead? Who stayed by his + side? Who proceeded with him? What brave combatants followed behind + (protecting his rear) that tiger among car-warriors, that wonderful + archer, that bull among Kshatriyas, while he penetrated into the divisions + of the foe?<a href="#linknote-680" name="linknoteref-680" + id="linknoteref-680">80</a> While seizing the hostile ranks, what warriors + opposed that slayer of foes resembling the luminary of thousand rays, who + spreading terror among the foe destroyed their ranks like the Sun + destroying darkness, and who achieved in battle amongst the ranks of + Pandu’s sons feats exceedingly difficult of accomplishment? How, indeed, O + Sanjaya, did the Pandavas oppose in battle the son of Santanu, that + accomplished and invincible warrior when he approached them smiting? + Slaughtering the (hostile) ranks, having arrows for his teeth, and full of + energy, with the bow for his wide-open mouth, and with the terrible sword + for his tongue, and invincible, a very tiger among men, endued with + modesty, and never before vanquished, alas, how did Kunti’s son overthrow + in battle that unconquered one, undeserving as he was of such a fate,<a + href="#linknote-681" name="linknoteref-681" id="linknoteref-681">81</a>—that + fierce bowman shooting fierce shafts, stationed on his excellent car, and + plucking off the heads of foes (from their bodies)—that warrior, + irresistible as the Yuga-fire, beholding whom addrest for battle the great + army of the Pandavas always used to waver? Mangling the hostile troops for + ten nights, alas, that slayer of ranks hath set like the Sun, having + achieved feats difficult of achievement. He who, scattering like Sakra + himself and inexhaustible shower of arrows, slew in battle a hundred + millions of warriors in ten days, that scion of Bharata’s race, now lieth, + although he deserveth it not, on the bare ground, in the field of battle, + deprived of life, a mighty tree uprooted by the winds, as a result of my + evil counsels! Beholding Santanu’s son Bhishma of terrible prowess, how + indeed, could the army of the Pandavas<a href="#linknote-682" + name="linknoteref-682" id="linknoteref-682">82</a> succeed in smiting him + there? How did the sons of Pandu battle with Bhishma? How is it, O + Sanjaya, that Bhishma could not conquer when Drona liveth? When Kripa, + again, was near him, and Drona’s son (Aswatthaman) also, how could + Bhishma, that foremost of smiters be slain? How could Bhishma who was + reckoned as an Atiratha and who could not be resisted by the very gods, be + slain in battle by Sikhandin, the prince of Panchala? He, who always + regarded himself as the equal of the mighty son of Jamadagni in battle, he + whom Jamadagni’s son himself could not vanquish, he who resembled Indra + himself in prowess,—alas, O Sanjaya, tell me how that hero, Bhishma, + born in the race of Maharathas, was slain in battle, for without knowing + all the particulars I cannot regain my equanimity. What great bowmen of my + army, O Sanjaya, did not desert that hero of unfading glory? What heroic + warriors, again, at Duryodhana’s command, stood around that hero (for + protecting him)? When all the Pandavas placing Sikhandin in their van + advanced against Bhishma, did not all the Kurus,<a href="#linknote-683" + name="linknoteref-683" id="linknoteref-683">83</a> O Sanjaya, stay by the + side of that hero of unfading prowess? Hard as my heart is, surely it must + be made of adamant, for it breaketh not on hearing the death of that tiger + among men, viz., Bhishma! In that irresistible bull of Bharata’s race, + were truth, and intelligence, and policy, to an immeasurable extent. Alas, + how was he slain in battle? Like unto a mighty cloud of high altitude, + having the twang of his bowstring for its roar, his arrows for its + rain-drops, and the sound of his bow for its thunder, that hero showering + his shafts on Kunti’s sons with the Panchalas and the Srinjayas on their + side, smote hostile car-warriors like the slayer of Vala smiting the + Danavas. Who were the heroes that resisted, like the bank resisting the + surging sea, that chastiser of foes, who was a terrible ocean of arrows + and weapons, an ocean in which shafts were the irresistible crocodiles and + bows were the waves, an ocean that was inexhaustible, without an island, + agitated and without a raft to cross it, in which maces and swords were + like sharks and steeds and elephants like eddies, and foot-soldiers like + fishes in abundance, and the sound of conches and drums like its roar, and + ocean that swallowed horses and elephants and foot-soldiers quickly, an + ocean that devoured hostile heroes and that seethed with wrath and energy + which constituted its Yadava-fire?<a href="#linknote-684" + name="linknoteref-684" id="linknoteref-684">84</a> When for Duryodhana’s + good, that slayer of foes, Bhishma, achieved (terrible) feats in battle, + who were then in his van? Who were they that protected the right wheel of + that warrior of immeasurable energy? Who were they that, mustering + patience and energy, resisted hostile heroes from his rear? Who stationed + themselves in his near front for protecting him? Who were those heroes + that protected the fore-wheel of that brave warrior while he battled (with + the foe)? Who were they that stationing themselves by his left wheel smote + the Srinjayas? Who were they that protected the irresistible advance ranks + of his van? Who protected the wings of that warrior who hath made the last + painful journey? And who, O Sanjaya, fought with hostile heroes in the + general engagement? If he was protected by (our) heroes, and if they were + protected by him, why could he not then speedily vanquish in battle the + army of the Pandavas, invincible though it be? Indeed, O Sanjaya, how + could the Pandavas succeed even in striking Bhishma who was like + Parameshti himself, that Lord and creator of all creatures?<a + href="#linknote-685" name="linknoteref-685" id="linknoteref-685">85</a> + Thou tellest me, O Sanjaya, if the disappearance of that Bhishma, that + tiger among men, who was our refuge and relying upon whom the Kurus were + fighting with their foes, that warrior of mighty strength relying on whose + energy my son had never reckoned the Pandavas, alas, how hath he been + slain by the enemy?<a href="#linknote-686" name="linknoteref-686" + id="linknoteref-686">86</a> In days of yore, all the gods while engaged in + slaying the Danavas, sought the aid of that invincible warrior, viz., my + father of high vows. That foremost of sons endued with great energy, on + whose birth the world-renowned Santanu abandoned all grief, melancholy, + and sorrows, how canst thou tell me, O Sanjaya, that that celebrated hero, + that great refuge of all, that wise and holy personage who was devoted to + the duties of his order and conversant with the truths of the Vedas and + their branches, hath been slain? Accomplished in every weapon and endued + with humility, gentle and with passions under full control, and possessed + of great energy as he was, alas, hearing that son of Santanu slain I + regard the rest of my army as already slain. In my judgment, + unrighteousness hath now become stronger than righteousness, for the sons + of Pandu desire sovereignty even by killing their venerable superior! In + days of yore, Jamadagni’s son Rama, who was acquainted with every weapon + and whom none excelled, when addrest for battle on behalf of Amva, was + vanquished by Bhishma in combat. Thou tellest me that that Bhishma, who + was the foremost of all warriors and who resembled Indra himself in the + feats he achieved, hath been slain. What can be a greater grief to me than + this? Endued with great intelligence, he that was not slain even by that + slayer of hostile heroes, that Rama, the son of Jamadagni, who defeated in + battle crowds of Kshatriyas repeatedly, he hath now been slain by + Sikhandin. Without doubt, Drupada’s son Sikhandin, therefore who hath + slain in battle that bull of Bharata’s race, that hero acquainted with the + highest weapons, that brave and accomplished warrior conversant with every + weapon, is superior in energy, prowess, and might to the invincible + Vargava endued with the highest energy. In that encounter of arms who were + the heroes that followed that slayer of foes? Tell me how the battle was + fought between Bhishma and the Pandavas. The army of my son, O Sanjaya, + reft of its hero, is like an unprotected woman. Indeed, that army of mine + is like a panic-struck herd of kine reft of its herdsman. He in whom + resided prowess superior to that of every one, when he was laid low on the + field of battle, what was the state of mind of my army? What power is + there, O Sanjaya, in our life, when we have caused our father of mighty + energy, that foremost of righteous men in the world, to be slain? Like a + person desirous of crossing the sea when he beholds the boat sunk in + fathomless waters, alas, my sons, I ween, are bitterly weeping from grief + on Bhishma’s death. My heart, O Sanjaya, is surely made of adamant, for it + rendeth not even after hearing the death of Bhishma, that tiger among men. + That bull among men in whom were weapons, intelligence, and policy, to an + immeasurable extent, how, alas, hath that invincible warrior been slain in + battle? Neither in consequence of weapons nor of courage, nor of ascetic + merit, nor of intelligence, nor of firmness, nor of gift, can a man free + himself from death. Indeed, time, endued with great energy, is incapable + of being transgressed by anything in the world, when thou tellest me, O + Sanjaya, that Santanu’s son Bhishma is dead. Burning with grief on account + of my sons, in fact, overwhelmed with great sorrow, I had hoped for relief + from Bhishma, the son of Santanu. When he beheld Santanu’s son, O Sanjaya, + lying on earth like the Sun (dropped from the firmament), what else was + made by Duryodhana as his refuge? O Sanjaya, reflecting with the aid of my + understanding, I do not see what the end will be of the kings belonging to + my side and that of the enemy and now mustered in the opposing ranks of + battle. Alas, cruel are the duties of the Kshatriya order as laid down by + the Rishis, since the Pandavas are desirous of sovereignty by even + compassing the death of Santanu’s son, and we also are desirous of + sovereignty by offering up that hero of high vows as a sacrifice.<a + href="#linknote-687" name="linknoteref-687" id="linknoteref-687">87</a> + The sons of Pritha, as also my sons, are all in the observance of + Kshatriya duties. They, therefore, incur no sin (by doing) this. Even a + righteous person should do this, O Sanjaya, when direful calamities come. + The display of prowess and the exhibition of the utmost might have been + laid down among the duties of the Kshatriyas. + </p> + <p> + “‘How, indeed, did the sons of Pandu oppose my father Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, that unvanquished hero endued with modesty, while he was engaged + in destroying the hostile ranks? How were the troops arrayed, and how did + he battle with high-souled foes? How, O Sanjaya, was my father Bhishma + slain by the enemy? Duryodhana and Karna and the deceitful Sakuni, the son + of Suvala, and Dussasana also,—what did they say when Bhishma was + slain? Thither where the dice-board is constituted by the bodies of men, + elephants, and steeds, and where arrows and javelins and large swords and + bearded darts from the dice, entering that frightful mansion of + destructive battle’s play, who were those wretched gamblers,—those + bulls among men,—that gambled, making their very lives the frightful + stakes? Who won, who were vanquished, who cast the dice successfully, and + who have been slain, besides Bhishma, the son of Santanu? Tell me all, O + Sanjaya, for peace cannot be mine, hearing that Devavrata hath been slain,—that + father of mine, of terrible deeds, that ornament of battle, viz., Bhishma! + Keen anguish has penetrated my heart, born of the thought that all my + children would die. Thou makest that grief of mine blaze forth, O Sanjaya, + like fire by pouring clarified butter on it. My sons, I ween, are even now + grieving, beholding Bhishma slain,—Bhishma celebrated in all worlds + and who had taken upon himself a heavy burden. I will listen to all those + sorrows arising from Duryodhana’s act. Therefore, tell me, O Sanjaya, + everything that happened there,—everything that happened in the + battle, born of the folly of my wicked son. Ill-ordered or well-ordered, + tell me everything, O Sanjaya. Whatever was achieved with the aid of + energy in the battle by Bhishma desirous of victory,—by that warrior + accomplished in arms,—tell me all fully and in detail. How, in fact, + the battle took place between the armies of the Kurus and the manner in + which each happened.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0015" id="link62H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Deserving as thou art, this question is, indeed, + worthy of thee, O great king. It behoveth thee not, however, to impute + this fault to Duryodhana. The man who incurreth evil as the consequence of + his own misconduct, should not attribute that misconduct to others. O + great king, the man that doth every kind of injury to other men, deserveth + to be slain by all men in consequence of those censurable deeds of his. + The Pandavas unacquainted with the ways of wickedness had, for a long + time, with their friends and counsellors, looking up to thy face, borne + the injuries (done to them) and forgiven them, dwelling in the woods. + </p> + <p> + “Of steeds and elephants and kings of immeasurable energy that which hath + been seen by the aid of Yoga-power, hear, O lord of earth, and do not set + thy heart on sorrow. All this was pre-destined, O king. Having bowed down + to thy father, that (wise and high-souled<a href="#linknote-688" + name="linknoteref-688" id="linknoteref-688">88</a>) son of Parasara, + through whose grace, (through whose boon bestowed on me,) I have obtained + excellent and celestial apprehension, sight beyond the range of the visual + sense, and hearing, O king, from great distance, knowledge of other + people’s hearts and also of the past and the future, a knowledge also of + the origin of all persons transgressing the ordinances,<a + href="#linknote-689" name="linknoteref-689" id="linknoteref-689">89</a> + the delightful power of coursing through the skies, and untouchableness by + weapons in battles, listen to me in detail as I recite the romantic and + highly wonderful battle that happened between the Bharatas, a battle that + makes one’s hair stand on end. + </p> + <p> + “When the combatants were arrayed according to rule and when they were + addrest for battle, Duryodhana, O king, said these words to Dussasana,—‘O + Dussasana, let cars be speedily directed for the protection of Bhishma, + and do thou speedily urge all our divisions (to advance). That hath now + come to me of which I had been thinking for a series of years, viz., the + meeting of the Pandavas and the Kurus at the head of their respective + troops. I do not think that there is any act more important (for us) in + this battle than the protecting of Bhishma. If protected he will slay the + Pandavas, the Somakas, and the Srinjayas. That warrior of pure soul said,—“I + will not slay Sikhandin. It is heard that he was a female before. For this + reason he should be renounced by me in battle.” For this, Bhishma should + be particularly protected. Let all my warriors take up their positions, + resolved to slay Sikhandin. Let also all the troops from the east, the + west, the south, and the north, accomplished in every kind of weapon, + protect the grandsire. Even the lion of mighty strength, if left + unprotected may be slain by the wolf. Let us not, therefore, cause Bhishma + to be slain by Sikhandin like the lion slain by the jackal. Yudhamanyu + protects the left wheel, and Uttamauja protects the right wheel of + Phalguni. Protected by those two, Phalguni himself protects Sikhandin. O + Dussasana, act in such a way that Sikhandin who is protected by Phalguni + and whom Bhishma will renounce, may not slay Ganga’s son.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0016" id="link62H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“When the night had passed away, loud became the noise + made by the kings, all exclaiming, ‘Array! Array!’ With the blare of + conches and the sound of drums that resembled leonine roars, O Bharata, + with the neigh of steeds, and the clatter of car-wheels, with the noise of + obstreperous elephants and the shouts, clapping of arm-pits, and cries of + roaring combatants, the din caused everywhere was very great. The large + armies of the Kurus and the Pandavas, O king, rising at sunrise, completed + all their arrangements. Then when the Sun rose, the fierce weapons of + attack and defence and the coats of mail of both thy sons and the + Pandavas, and the large and splendid armies of both sides, became fully + visible. There elephants and cars, adorned with gold, looked resplendent + like clouds mingled with lightning. The ranks of cars, standing in + profusion, looked like cities. And thy father, stationed there, shone + brilliantly, like the full moon. And the warriors armed with bows and + swords and scimitars and maces, javelins and lances and bright weapons of + diverse kinds, took up their positions in their (respective) ranks. And + resplendent standards were seen, set up by thousands, of diverse forms, + belonging to both ourselves and the foe. And made of gold and decked with + gems and blazing like fire, those banners in thousands endued with great + effulgence, looked beautiful like heroic combatants cased in mail gazed at + those standards, longing for battle.<a href="#linknote-690" + name="linknoteref-690" id="linknoteref-690">90</a> And many foremost of + men, with eyes large as those of bulls endued with quivers, and with hands + cased in leathern fences, stood at the heads of their divisions, with + their bright weapons upraised. And Suvala’s son Sakuni, and Salya, + Jayadratha and the two princes of Avanti named Vinda and Anuvinda, and the + Kekaya brothers, and Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas and Srutayudha + the ruler of the Kalingas, and king Jayatsena, and Vrihadvala the ruler of + the Kosalas, and Kritavarman of Satwata’s race,—these ten tigers + among men, endued with great bravery and possessing arms that looked like + maces,—these performers of sacrifices with plentiful gifts (to + Brahmanas), stood each at the head of an Akshauhini of troops. These and + many other kings and princes, mighty car-warriors conversant with policy, + obedient to the commands of Duryodhana, all cased in mail, were seen + stationed in their respective divisions. All of them, cased in black + deer-skins, endued with great strength, accomplished in battle, and + cheerfully prepared, for Duryodhana’s sake, to ascend to the region of + Brahma,<a href="#linknote-691" name="linknoteref-691" id="linknoteref-691">91</a> + stood there commanding ten efficient Akshauhinis. The eleventh great + division of the Kauravas, consisting of the Dhartarashtra troops, stood in + advance of the whole army. There in the van of that division was Santanu’s + son. With his white head-gear, white umbrella, and white mail, O monarch, + we beheld Bhishma of unfailing prowess look like the risen moon. His + standard bearing the device of a palmyra of gold himself stationed on a + car made of silver, both the Kurus and the Pandavas beheld that hero + looking like the moon encircled by white clouds. The great bowmen amongst + the Srinjayas headed by Dhrishtadyumna, (beholding Bhishma) looked like + little animals when they would behold a mighty yawning lion. Indeed, all + the combatants headed by Dhrishtadyumna repeatedly trembled in fear. + These, O king, were the eleven splendid divisions of thy army. So also the + seven divisions belonging to the Pandavas were protected by foremost of + men. Indeed, the two armies facing each other looked like two oceans at + the end of the Yuga agitated by fierce Makaras, and abounding with huge + crocodiles. Never before, O king, did we see or hear of two such armies + encountering each other like these of the Kauravas." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0017" id="link62H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Just as the holy Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa had said, + in that very manner the kings of the Earth, mustered together, came to the + encounter. On that day on which the battle commenced Soma approached the + region of Pitris.<a href="#linknote-692" name="linknoteref-692" + id="linknoteref-692">92</a> The seven large planets, as they appeared in + the firmament, all looked blazing like fire.<a href="#linknote-693" + name="linknoteref-693" id="linknoteref-693">93</a> The Sun, when he rose, + seemed to be divided in twain. Besides, that luminary, as it appeared in + the firmament, seemed to blaze forth in flames.<a href="#linknote-694" + name="linknoteref-694" id="linknoteref-694">94</a> Carnivorous jackals and + crows, expecting dead bodies to feast upon, began to utter fierce cries + from all directions that seemed to be ablaze. Every day the old grandsire + of the Kurus, and the son of Bharadwaja, rising from bed in the morning, + with concentrated mind, said,—‘Victory to the sons of Pandu’—while + those chastisers of foes used (at the same time) yet to fight for thy sake + according to the pledge they had given. Thy father Devavrata, fully + conversant with every duty, summoning all the kings, said these words + (unto them). ‘Ye Kshatriyas, this broad door is open to you for entering + heaven. Go ye through it to the region of Sakra and Brahman. The Rishis of + olden times have showed you this eternal path.<a href="#linknote-695" + name="linknoteref-695" id="linknoteref-695">95</a> Honour ye yourselves by + engaging in battle with attentive minds. Nabhaga, and Yayati, and + Mandhatri, and Nahusa, and Nriga, were crowned with success and obtained + the highest region of bliss by feats like these. To die of disease at home + is sin for a Kshatriya. The death he meets with in battle is his eternal + duty.’—Thus addressed, O bull of Bharata’s race, by Bhishma, the + kings, looking beautiful in their excellent cars, proceeded to the heads + of their respective divisions. Only Vikartana’s son Karna, with his + friends and relatives, O bull of Bharata’s race, laid aside his weapons in + battle for the sake of Bhishma. Without Karna then, thy sons and all the + kings on thy side proceeded, making the ten points of the horizon resound + with their leonine roars. And their divisions shone brightly, O king, with + white umbrellas, banners, standards, elephants, steeds, cars, and + foot-soldiers. And the Earth was agitated with the sounds of drums and + tabors and cymbals, and the clatter of car-wheels. And the mighty + car-warriors, decked with their bracelets and armlets of gold and with + their bows (variegated with gold), looked resplendent like hills of fire. + And with his large palmyra-standard decked with five stars, Bhishma, the + generalissimo of the Kuru army,<a href="#linknote-696" + name="linknoteref-696" id="linknoteref-696">96</a> looked like the + resplendent Sun himself. Those mighty bowmen of royal birth, O bull of + Bharata’s race, that were on thy side, all took up their positions, O + king, as Santanu’s son ordered. (King) Saivya of the country of the + Govasanas, accompanied by all the monarchs, went out on a princely + elephant worthy of royal use and graced with a banner on its back. And + Aswatthaman, of the complexion of the lotus, went out ready for every + emergency, stationing himself at the very head of all the divisions, with + his standard bearing the device of the lion’s tail. And Srutayudha and + Chitrasena and Purumitra and Vivinsati, and Salya and Bhurisravas, and + that mighty car-warrior Vikarna,—these seven mighty bowmen on their + carts and cased in excellent mail, followed Drona’s son behind but in + advance of Bhishma. The tall standards of these warriors, made of gold, + beautifully set up for adorning their excellent cars, looked highly + resplendent. The standard of Drona, the foremost of preceptors, bore the + device of a golden altar decked with a water-pot and the figure of a bow. + The standard of Duryodhana guiding many hundreds and thousands of + divisions bore the device of an elephant worked in gems. Paurava and the + ruler of the Kalingas, and Salya, these Rathas took up their position in + Duryodhana’s van. On a costly car with his standard bearing the device of + a bull, and guiding the very van (of his division), the ruler of the + Magadhas marched against the foe.<a href="#linknote-697" + name="linknoteref-697" id="linknoteref-697">97</a> That large force of the + Easterners looking like the fleecy clouds of autumn<a href="#linknote-698" + name="linknoteref-698" id="linknoteref-698">98</a> was (besides) protected + by the chief of the Angas (Karna’s son Vrishaketu) and Kripa endued with + great energy. Stationing himself in the van of his division with his + beautiful standard of silver bearing the device of the boar, the famous + Jayadratha looked highly resplendent. A hundred thousand cars, eight + thousand elephants, and sixty thousand cavalry were under his command.<a + href="#linknote-699" name="linknoteref-699" id="linknoteref-699">99</a> + Commanded by the royal chief of the Sindhus, that large division occupying + the very van (of the army) and abounding with untold cars, elephants, and + steeds, looked magnificent. With sixty thousand cars and ten thousand + elephants, the ruler of the Kalingas, accompanied by Ketumat, went out. + His huge elephants, looking like hills, and adorned with Yantras,<a + href="#linknote-6100" name="linknoteref-6100" id="linknoteref-6100">100</a> + lances, quivers and standards, looked exceedingly beautiful. And the ruler + of the Kalingas, with his tall standard effulgent as fire, with his white + umbrella, and golden cuirass, and Chamaras (wherewith he was fanned), + shone brilliantly. And Ketumat also, riding on an elephant with a highly + excellent and beautiful hook, was stationed in battle, O King, like the + Sun in the midst of (black) clouds. And king Bhagadatta, blazing with + energy and riding on that elephant of his, went out like the wielder of + the thunder. And the two princes of Avanti named Vinda and Anuvinda, who + were regarded as equal to Bhagadatta, followed Ketumat, riding on the + necks of their elephants. And, O king, arrayed by Drona and the royal son + of Santanu, and Drona’s son, and Valhika, and Kripa, the (Kaurava) Vyuha<a + href="#linknote-6101" name="linknoteref-6101" id="linknoteref-6101">101</a> + consisting of many divisions of cars was such that the elephants formed + its body; the kings, its head; and the steeds, its wings. With face + towards all sides, that fierce Vyuha seemed to smile and ready to spring + (upon the foe)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0018" id="link62H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Soon after, O king, a loud uproar, causing the heart + to tremble was heard, made by the combatants ready for the fight. Indeed, + with the sounds of conches and drums, the grunts of elephants, and the + clatter of car-wheels, the Earth seemed to rend in twain. And soon the + welkin and the whole Earth was filled with the neigh of chargers and the + shouts of combatants. O irresistible one, the troops of thy sons and of + the Pandavas both trembled when they encountered each other. There (on the + field of battle) elephants and cars, decked in gold, looked beautiful like + clouds decked with lightning. And standards of diverse forms, O king, + belonging to the combatants on thy side, and adorned with golden rings, + looked resplendent like fire. And those standards of thy side and theirs, + resembled, O Bharata, the banners of Indra in his celestial mansions. And + the heroic warriors all accoutred and cased in golden coats of mail endued + with the effulgence of the blazing Sun, themselves looked like blazing + fire or the Sun. All the foremost warriors amongst the Kurus, O king, with + excellent bows, and weapons upraised (for striking), with leathern fences + on their hands, and with standards,—those mighty bowmen, of eyes + large as those of bulls, all placed themselves at the heads of their + (respective) divisions. And these amongst thy sons, O king, protected + Bhishma from behind, viz.. Dussasana, and Durvishaha, and Durmukha, and + Dussaha and Vivinsati, and Chitrasena, and that mighty car-warrior + Vikarna. And amongst them were Satyavrata, and Purumitra, and Jaya, and + Bhurisravas, and Sala. And twenty thousand car-warriors followed them. The + Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, and the Vasatis, the Salyas, the + Matsyas, the Amvashtas, the Trigartas, and the Kekayas, the Sauviras, the + Kitavas, and the dwellers of the Eastern, Western, and the Northern + countries,—these twelve brave races were resolved to fight reckless + of their lives. And these protected the grandsire with a multitudinous + array of cars. And with a division that consisted of ten thousand active + elephants, the king of Magadha followed that large car division. They that + protected the wheels of the cars and they that protected the elephants, + numbered full six millions. And the foot-soldiers that marched in advance + (of the army), armed with bows, swords, and shields, numbered many + hundreds of thousands. And they fought also using their nails and bearded + darts. And the ten and one Akshauhinis of thy son, O Bharata, looked, O + mighty king, like Ganga separated from Yamuna.<a href="#linknote-6102" name="linknoteref-6102" id="linknoteref-6102">102</a>" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0019" id="link62H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“Beholding our ten and one Akshauhinis arrayed + in order of battle, how did Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, make his + counter-array with his forces smaller in number? How did Kunti’s son, O + Sanjaya, form his counter-array against that Bhishma who was acquainted + with all kinds of arrays, viz., human, celestial, Gandharva, and Asura?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Seeing the Dhritarashtra divisions arrayed in order + of battle, Pandu’s son of virtuous soul, king Yudhishthira the just, + addressed Dhananjaya, saying,—‘Men are informed from the words of + that great Rishi Vrihaspati that the few must be made to fight by + condensing them, while the many may be extended according to pleasure. In + encounters of the few with the many, the array to be formed should be the + needle-mouthed one. Our troops compared with the enemy’s are few. Keeping + in view this precept of the great Rishi, array our troops, O son of + Pandu.’ Hearing this, that son of Pandu answered king Yudhishthira the + just, saying,—‘That immovable array known by the name of Vajra, + which was designed by the wielder of the thunder-bolt,—that + invincible array is the one that I will make for thee, O best of kings. He + who is like the bursting tempest, he who is incapable of being borne in + battle by the foe, that Bhima the foremost of smiters, will fight at our + head. That foremost of men, conversant with all the appliances of battle, + becoming our leader, will fight in the van, crushing the energy of the + foe. That foremost of smiters, viz., Bhima, beholding whom all the hostile + warriors headed by Duryodhana will retreat in panic like smaller animals + beholding the lion, all of us, our fears dispelled, will seek his shelter + as if he were a wall, like the celestial seeking the shelter of Indra. The + man breathes not in the world who would bear to cast his eyes upon that + bull among men, Vrikodara of fierce deeds, when he is angry.’—Having + said this, Dhananjaya of mighty arms did as he said. And Phalguni, quickly + disposing his troops in battle-array, proceeded (against the foe). And the + mighty army of the Pandavas beholding the Kuru army move, looked like the + full, immovable, and quickly rolling<a href="#linknote-6103" name="linknoteref-6103" id="linknoteref-6103">103</a> current of Ganga. + And Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna endued with great energy, and Nakula, + and Sahadeva, and king Dhrishtaketu, became the leaders of that force. And + king Virata, surrounded by an Akshauhini of troops and accompanied by his + brothers and sons, marched in their rear, protecting them from behind. The + two sons of Madri, both endued with great effulgence, became the + protectors of Bhima’s wheels; while the (five) sons of Draupadi and the + son of Subhadra all endued with great activity, protected (Bhima) from + behind. And that mighty car-warrior, Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of + Panchala, with those bravest of combatants and the foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the Prabhadrakas, protected those princes from behind. + And behind him was Sikhandin who (in his turn) was protected by Arjuna, + and who, O bull of Bharata’s race, advanced with concentrated attention + for the destruction of Bhishma. Behind Arjuna was Yuyudhana of mighty + strength; and the two princes of Panchala, viz., Yudhamanyu and + Uttamaujas, became protectors of Arjuna’s wheels, along with the Kekaya + brothers, and Dhrishtaketu, and Chekitana of great valour—This + Bhimasena, wielding his mace made of the hardest metal, and moving (on the + field of battle) with fierce speed, can dry up the very ocean. And there + also stay, with their counsellors looking on him, O king, the children<a + href="#linknote-6104" name="linknoteref-6104" id="linknoteref-6104">104</a> + of Dhritarashtra.—Even this, O monarch, was what Vibhatsu said, + pointing out the mighty Bhimasena (to Yudhishthira).<a + href="#linknote-6105" name="linknoteref-6105" id="linknoteref-6105">105</a> + And while Partha was saying so, all the troops, O Bharata, worshipped him + on the field of battle with gratulatory words. King Yudhishthira, the son + of Kunti, took up his position in the centre of his army, surrounded by + huge and furious elephants resembling moving hills. The high-souled + Yajnasena, the king of the Panchalas, endued with great prowess, stationed + himself behind Virata with an Akshauhini of troops for the sake of the + Pandavas. And on the cars of those kings, O monarch, were tall standards + bearing diverse devices, decked with excellent ornaments of gold, and + endued with the effulgence of the Sun and the Moon. Causing those kings to + move and make space for him, that mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, + accompanied by his brothers and sons protected Yudhishthira from behind. + Transcending the huge standards on all the cars on thy side and that of + the enemy, was the one gigantic ape on Arjuna’s car. Foot-soldiers, by + many hundreds of thousands, and armed with swords, spears, and scimitars, + proceeded ahead for protecting Bhimasena. And ten thousand elephants with + (temporal) juice trickling down their cheek and mouth, and resembling (on + that account) showering clouds,<a href="#linknote-6106" name="linknoteref-6106" id="linknoteref-6106">106</a> endued with great + courage, blazing with golden armour, huge hills, costly, and emitting the + fragrance of lotuses, followed the king behind like moving mountains.<a + href="#linknote-6107" name="linknoteref-6107" id="linknoteref-6107">107</a> + And the high-souled and invincible Bhimasena, whirling his fierce mace + that resembled a parigha<a href="#linknote-6108" name="linknoteref-6108" id="linknoteref-6108">108</a> seemed to crush the large army (of thy son). + Incapable of being looked at like the Sun himself, and scorching as it + were, the hostile army (like fire), none of the combatants could bear to + even look at him from any near point. And this array, fearless and having + its face turned towards all sides called Vajra, having bows for its + lightning sign,<a href="#linknote-6109" name="linknoteref-6109" id="linknoteref-6109">109</a> and extremely fierce, was protected by the + wielder of Gandiva. Disposing their troops in this counter-array against + thy army, the Pandavas waited for battle. And protected by the Pandavas, + that array became invincible in the world of men. + </p> + <p> + “And as (both) the armies stood at dawn of day waiting for sunrise, a wind + began to blow with drops of water (falling), and although there were no + clouds, the roll of thunder was heard. And dry winds began to blow all + around, bearing a shower of pointed pebbles along the ground. And thick + dust arose, covering the world with darkness. And large meteors began to + fall east-wards, O bull of Bharata’s race, and striking against the rising + Sun, broke in fragments with loud noise. When the troops stood arrayed, O + bull of Bharata’s race, the Sun rose divested of splendour, and the Earth + trembled with a loud sound, and cracked in many places, O chief of the + Bharatas, with loud noise. And the roll of thunder, O king, was heard + frequently on all sides. So thick was the dust that arose that nothing + could be seen. And the tall standards (of the combatants), furnished with + strings of bells, decked with golden ornaments, garlands of flowers, and + rich drapery, graced with banners and resembling the Sun in splendour, + being suddenly shaken by the wind, gave a loud jingling noise like that of + a forest of palmyra trees (when moved by the wind). It was thus that those + tigers among men, the sons of Pandu, ever taking delight in battle, stood + having disposed their troops in counter-array against the army of thy son, + and sucking as it were, the marrow, O bull of Bharata’s race, of our + warriors, and casting their eyes on Bhimasena stationed at their head, + mace in hand." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0020" id="link62H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“When the Sun rose, O Sanjaya, of my army led by + Bhishma and the Pandava army led by Bhima, which first cheerfully + approached the other, desirous of fight? To which side were the Sun, the + Moon and the wind hostile, and against whom did the beasts of prey utter + inauspicious sounds? Who were those young men, the complexions of whose + faces were cheerful? Tell me all these truly and duly." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Both armies, when arrayed, were equally joyful, O + king. Both armies looked equally beautiful, assuming the aspect of + blossoming woods, and both armies were full of elephants, cars and horses. + Both armies were vast and terrible in aspect; and so also, O Bharata, none + of them could bear the other. Both of them were arrayed for conquering the + very heavens, and both of them consisted of excellent persons. The + Kauravas belonging to the Dhritarashtra party stood facing the west, while + the Parthas stood facing the east, addrest for fight. The troops of the + Kauravas looked like the army of the chief of the Danavas, while that of + the Pandavas looked like the army of the celestials. The wind began to + blow from behind the Pandavas (against the face of the Dhartarashtras), + and the beasts of prey began to yell against the Dhartarashtras. The + elephants belonging to thy sons could not bear the strong odour of the + temporal juice emitted by the huge elephants (of the Pandavas). And + Duryodhana rode on an elephant of the complexion of the lotus, with rent + temples, graced with a golden Kaksha (on its back), and cased in an armour + of steel net-work. And he was in the very centre of the Kurus and was + adored by eulogists and bards. And a white umbrella of lunar effulgence + was held over his head graced with a golden chain. Him Sakuni, the ruler + of the Gandharas, followed with mountaineers of Gandhara placed all + around. And the venerable Bhishma was at the head of all the troops, with + a white umbrella held over his head, armed with bow and sword, with a + white headgear, with a white banner (on his car), and with white steeds + (yoked thereto), and altogether looking like a white mountain. In + Bhishma’s division were all the sons of Dhritarashtra, and also Sala who + was a countryman of the Valhikas, and also all those Kshatriyas called + Amvastas, and those called Sindhus, and those also that are called + Sauviras, and the heroic dwellers of the country of the five rivers. And + on a golden car unto which were yoked red steeds, the high-souled Drona, + bow in hand and with never-failing heart, the preceptor of almost all the + kings, remained behind all the troops, protecting them like Indra. And + Saradwat’s son, that fighter in the van,<a href="#linknote-6110" name="linknoteref-6110" id="linknoteref-6110">110</a> that high-souled and + mighty bowman, called also Gautama, conversant with all modes of warfare, + accompanied by the Sakas, the Kiratas, the Yavanas, and the Pahlavas, took + up his position at the northern point of the army. That large force which + was well protected by mighty car-warriors of the Vrishni and the Bhoja + races, as also by the warriors of Surashtra well-armed and well-acquainted + with the uses of weapons, and which was led by Kritavarman, proceeded + towards the south of the army. Ten thousand cars of the Samsaptakas who + were created for either the death or the fame of Arjuna, and who, + accomplished in arms, intended to follow Arjuna at his heels<a + href="#linknote-6111" name="linknoteref-6111" id="linknoteref-6111">111</a> + all went out as also the brave Trigartas. In thy army, O Bharata, were a + thousand elephants of the foremost fighting powers. Unto each elephant was + assigned a century of cars; unto each car, a hundred horsemen; unto each + horseman, ten bowmen; and unto each bowman ten combatants armed with sword + and shield. Thus, O Bharata, were thy divisions arrayed by Bhishma. Thy + generalissimo Bhishma, the son of Santanu, as each day dawned, sometimes + disposed thy troops in the human army, sometimes in the celestial, + sometimes in the Gandharva, and sometimes in the Asura. Thronged with a + large number of Maharathas, and roaring like the very ocean, the + Dhartarashtra army, arrayed by Bhishma, stood facing the west for battle. + Illimitable as thy army was, O ruler of men, it looked terrible; but the + army of the Pandavas, although it was not such (in number), yet seemed to + me to be very large and invincible since Kesava and Arjuna were its + leader." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0021" id="link62H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Beholding the vast Dhartarashtra army ready for + battle, king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, gave way to grief. Seeing + that impenetrable array formed by Bhishma and regarding it as really + impenetrable, the king became pale and addressed Arjuna, saying,—‘O, + mighty-armed Dhananjaya, how shall we be able to fight in battle with the + Dhartarashtras who have the Grandsire for their (chief) combatant? + Immovable and impenetrable is this array that hath been designed, + according to the rules laid down in the scriptures, by that grinder of + foes, Bhishma, of transcendent glory. With our troops we have become + doubtful (of success), O grinder of foes. How, indeed, will victory be + ours in the face of this mighty array?’—Thus addressed, that slayer + of foes Arjuna answered Yudhishthira, the son of Pritha, who had been + plunged into grief at sight, O king, of thy army, in these words,—‘Hear, + O king, how soldiers that are few in number may vanquish the many that are + possessed of every quality. Thou art without malice; I shall, therefore, + tell thee the means, O king. The Rishi Narada knows it, as also both + Bhishma and Drona. Referring to this means, the Grandsire himself in days + of old on the occasion of the battle between the Gods and the Asuras said + unto Indra and the other celestials.—They that are desirous of + victory do not conquer by might and energy so much as by truth, + compassion, righteousness and energy.<a href="#linknote-6112" name="linknoteref-6112" id="linknoteref-6112">112</a> Discriminating then + between righteousness, and unrighteousness, and understanding what is + meant by covetousness and having recourse to exertion fight without + arrogance, for victory is there where righteousness is.—For this + know, O king, that to us victory is certain in (this) battle. Indeed, as + Narada said,—“There is victory where Krishna is.”—Victory is + inherent to Krishna. Indeed, it followeth Madhava. And as victory is one + of its attributes, so humility is his another attribute. Govinda is + possessed of energy that is infinite. Even in the midst of immeasurable + foes he is without pain. He is the most eternal of male beings. And there + victory is where Krishna is. Even he, indestructible and of weapons + incapable of being baffled, appearing as Hari in olden days, said in a + loud voice unto the Gods and the Asuras,—“Who amongst you would be + victorious?”—Even the conquered who said.—“With Krishna in the + front we will conquer."<a href="#linknote-6113" name="linknoteref-6113" id="linknoteref-6113">113</a>—And it was through Hari’s grace that + the three worlds were obtained by the gods headed by Sakra. I do not, + therefore, behold the slightest cause of sorrow in thee, thee that hast + the Sovereign of the Universe and the Lord himself of the celestials for + wishing victory to thyself.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0022" id="link62H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Then, O bull of Bharata’s race, king Yudhishthira, + disposing his own troops in counter array against the divisions of + Bhishma, urged them on, saying,—‘The Pandavas have now disposed + their forces in counter array agreeably to what is laid down (in the + scriptures). Ye sinless ones, fight fairly, desirous of (entering) the + highest heaven’.—In the centre (of the Pandava army) was Sikhandin + and his troops, protected by Arjuna. And Dhristadyumna moved in the van, + protected by Bhima. The southern division (of the Pandava army) was + protected. O king, by that mighty bowman, the handsome Yuyudhana, that + foremost combatant of the Satwata race, resembling Indra himself. + Yudhishthira was stationed on a car that was worthy of bearing Mahendra + himself, adorned with an excellent standard, variegated with gold and + gems, and furnished with golden traces (for the steeds), in the midst of + his elephant divisions.<a href="#linknote-6114" name="linknoteref-6114" id="linknoteref-6114">114</a> His pure white umbrella with ivory handle, + raised over his head, looked exceedingly beautiful; and many great Rishis + walked around the king<a href="#linknote-6115" name="linknoteref-6115" id="linknoteref-6115">115</a> uttering words in his praise. And many + priests, and regenerate Rishis and Siddhas, uttering hymns in his praise<a + href="#linknote-6116" name="linknoteref-6116" id="linknoteref-6116">116</a> + wished him, as they walked around, the destructions of his enemies, by the + aid of Japas, and Mantras, efficacious drugs, and diverse propitiatory + ceremonies. That high-souled chief of the Kurus, then giving away unto the + Brahmanas kine and fruits and flowers and golden coins along with cloths<a + href="#linknote-6117" name="linknoteref-6117" id="linknoteref-6117">117</a> + proceeded like Sakra, the chief of the celestials. The car of Arjuna, + furnished with a hundred bells, decked with Jamvunada gold of the best + kind, endued with excellent wheels, possessed of the effulgence of fire, + and unto which were yoked white steeds, looked exceedingly brilliant like + a thousand suns.<a href="#linknote-6118" name="linknoteref-6118" id="linknoteref-6118">118</a> And on that ape-bannered car the reins of + which were held by Kesava, stood Arjuna with Gandiva and arrows in hand—a + bowman whose peer exists not on earth, nor ever will.<a + href="#linknote-6119" name="linknoteref-6119" id="linknoteref-6119">119</a> + For crushing thy sons’ troops he who assumeth the most awful form,—who, + divested of weapons, with only his bare hands, poundeth to dust men, + horses, and elephants,—that strong-armed Bhimasena, otherwise called + Vrikodara, accompanied by the twins, became the protector of the heroic + car-warriors (of the Pandava) army. Like unto a furious prince of lions of + sportive gait, or like the great Indra himself with (earthly) body on the + Earth, beholding that invincible Vrikodara, like unto a proud leader of an + elephantine herd, stationed in the van (of the army), the warriors on thy + side, their strength weakened by fear, began to tremble like elephants + sunk in mire. + </p> + <p> + “Unto that invincible prince Gudakesa staying in the midst of his troops, + Janardana, O chief of Bharata’s race, said—‘He, who scorching us + with his wrath, stayeth in the midst of his forces, he, who will attack + our troops like a lion, he, who performed three hundred horse-sacrifices,—that + banner of Kuru’s race, that Bhishma,—stayeth yonder! Yon ranks + around him on all sides great warriors like the clouds shrouding the + bright luminary. O foremost of men, slaying yon troops, seek battle with + yonder bull of Bharata’s race.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0023" id="link62H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Beholding the Dhartarashtra army approach for fight, + Krishna said these words for Arjuna’s benefit." </p> + <p> + “The holy one said,—‘Cleansing thyself, O mighty-armed one, utter on + the eve of the battle thy hymn to Durga for (compassing) the defeat of the + foe.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued.—“Thus addressed on the eve of battle by Vasudeva + endued with great intelligence, Pritha’s son Arjuna, alighting from his + car, said the following hymn with joined hands. + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘I bow to thee, O leader of Yogins, O thou that art + identical with Brahman, O thou that dwellest in the forest of Mandara, O + thou that art freed from decrepitude and decay, O Kali, O wife of Kapala, + O thou that art of a black and tawny hue, I bow to thee. O bringer of + benefits to thy devotees, I bow to thee, O Mahakali, O wife of the + universal destroyer, I bow to thee. O proud one, O thou that rescuest from + dangers, O thou that art endued with every auspicious attribute. O thou + that art sprung from the Kata race, O thou that deservest the most + regardful worship, O fierce one, O giver of victory, O victory’s self, O + thou that bearest a banner of peacock plumes, O thou that art decked with + every ornament, O thou that bearest an awful spear, O thou that holdest a + sword and shield, O thou that art the younger sister of the chief of + cow-herds, O eldest one, O thou that wert born in the race of the cowherd + Nanda! O thou that art always fond of buffalo’s blood, O thou that wert + born in the race of Kusika, O thou that art dressed in yellow robes, O + thou that hadst devoured Asuras assuming the face of a wolf<a + href="#linknote-6120" name="linknoteref-6120" id="linknoteref-6120">120</a>, + I bow to thee that art fond of battle! O Uma,<a href="#linknote-6121" name="linknoteref-6121" id="linknoteref-6121">121</a> Sakambhari, O thou + that art white in hue, O thou that art black in hue, O thou that hast + slain the Asura Kaitabha, O thou that art yellow-eyed, O thou that art + diverse-eyed, O thou of eyes that have the colour of smoke, I bow to thee. + O thou that art the Vedas, the Srutis, and the highest virtue, O thou that + art propitious to Brahmanas engaged in sacrifice, O thou that hast a + knowledge of the past, thou that art ever present in the sacred abodes + erected to thee in cities of Jamvudwipa, I bow to thee. Thou art the + science of Brahma among sciences, and thou that art that sleep of + creatures from which there is no waking. O mother of Skanda, O thou that + possessest the six (highest) attributes, O Durga, O thou that dwellest in + accessible regions, thou art described as Swaha, and Swadha,<a + href="#linknote-6122" name="linknoteref-6122" id="linknoteref-6122">122</a> + as Kala, as Kashta, and as Saraswati, as Savitra the mother of the Vedas, + and as the science of Vedanta. With inner soul cleansed, I praise thee. O + great goddess, let victory always attend me through thy grace on the field + of battle. In inaccessible regions, where there is fear, in places of + difficulty, in the abodes of thy worshippers and in the nether regions + (Patala), thou always dwellest. Thou always defeatest the Danavas. Thou + art the unconsciousness, the sleep, the illusion, the modesty, the beauty + of (all creatures). Thou art the twilight, thou art the day, thou art + Savitri, and thou art the mother. Thou art contentment, thou art growth, + thou art light. It is thou that supportest the Sun and the Moon and that + makes them shine. Thou art the prosperity of those that are prosperous. + The Siddhas and the Charanas behold thee in contemplation.<a + href="#linknote-6123" name="linknoteref-6123" id="linknoteref-6123">123</a>’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Understanding (the measure of) Partha’s + devotion, Durga who is always graciously inclined towards mankind, + appeared in the firmament and in the presence of Govinda, said these + words. + </p> + <p> + “The goddess said,—‘Within a short time thou shalt conquer thy foes, + O Pandava. O invincible one, thou hast Narayana (again) for aiding thee. + Thou art incapable of being defeated by foes, even by the wielder of the + thunderbolt himself.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, the boon-giving goddess disappeared soon. The son of + Kunti, however, obtaining that boon, regarded himself as successful, and + the son of Pritha then mounted his own excellent car. And then Krishna and + Arjuna, seated on the same car, blew their celestial conches. The man that + recites this hymn rising at dawn, hath no fear any time from Yakshas, + Rakshasas, and Pisachas. He can have no enemies; he hath no fear, from + snakes and all animals that have fangs and teeth, as also from kings. He + is sure to be victorious in all disputes, and if bound, he is freed from + his bonds. He is sure to get over all difficulties, is freed from thieves, + is ever victorious in battle and winneth the goddess of prosperity for + ever. With health and strength, he liveth for a hundred years. + </p> + <p> + “I have known all this through the grace of Vyasa endued with great + wisdom. Thy wicked sons, however, all entangled in the meshes of death, do + not, from ignorance, know them to be Nara and Narayana. Nor do they, + entangled in the meshes of death, know that the hour of this kingdom hath + arrived. Dwaipayana and Narada, and Kanwa, and the sinless Rama, had all + prevented thy son. But he did not accept their words. There where + righteousness is, there are glory and beauty. There where modesty is, + there are prosperity and intelligence. There where righteousness is, there + is Krishna; and there where Krishna is, there is victory." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0024" id="link62H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“There (on the field of battle) O Sanjaya, the + warriors of which side first advanced to battle cheerfully. Whose hearts + were filled with confidence, and who were spiritless from melancholy? In + that battle which maketh the hearts of men tremble with fear, who were + they that struck the first blow, mine or they belonging to the Pandavas? + Tell me all this, O Sanjaya. Among whose troops did the flowery garlands + and unguents emit fragrant odours? And whose troops, roaring fiercely, + uttered merciful words?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“The combatants of both armies were cheerful then and + the flowery garlands and perfumes of both troops emitted equal fragrance. + And, O bull of Bharata’s race, fierce was the collision that took place + when the serried ranks arrayed for battle encountered each other. And the + sound of musical instruments, mingled with the blare of conches and the + noise of drums, and the shouts of brave warriors roaring fiercely at one + another, became very loud. O bull of Bharata’s race, dreadful was the + collision caused by the encounter of the combatants of both armies, filled + with joy and staring at one another, and the elephants uttering + obstreperous grunts." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0025" id="link62H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter I)] + </p> + <p> + ([This where is the Bhagavad Gita proper starts. I have added the chapter + headings to aid in comparison with other translations, they are not part + of the original Ganguli text.—John Bruno Hare]) + </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“Assembled together on the sacred plain of + Kurukshetra from desire of fighting what did my sons and the Pandavas do, + O Sanjaya." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Beholding the army of the Pandavas arrayed, king + Duryodhana, approaching the preceptor (Drona) said these words: ‘Behold, O + preceptor, this vast army of the son of Pandu, arrayed by Drupada’s son + (Dhrishtadyumna), thy intelligent disciple. There (in that army) are many + brave and mighty bowmen, who in battle are equal to Bhima and Arjuna. + (They are) Yuyudhana, and Virata, and that mighty car-warrior Drupada, and + Dhrishtaketu, and Chekitana, and the ruler of Kasi endued with great + energy; and Purujit, and Kuntibhoja, and Saivya that bull among men; and + Yudhamanyu of great prowess, and Uttamaujas of great energy; and + Subhadra’s son, and the sons of Draupadi, all of whom are mighty + car-warriors. Hear, however, O best of regenerate ones, who are the + distinguished ones among us, the leaders of the army. I will name them to + thee for (thy) information. (They are) thyself, and Bhishma, and Karna, + and Kripa who is ever victorious; and Aswatthaman and Vikarna, and + Saumadatta, and Jayadratha.<a href="#linknote-6124" name="linknoteref-6124" id="linknoteref-6124">124</a> Besides these, are many heroic warriors, + prepared to lay down their lives for my sake, armed with diverse kinds of + weapons, and all accomplished in battle. Our army, therefore, protected by + Bhishma, is insufficient. This force, however, of these (the Pandavas), + protected by Bhima, is sufficient.<a href="#linknote-6125" name="linknoteref-6125" id="linknoteref-6125">125</a> Stationing + yourselves then in the entrances of the divisions that have been assigned + to you, all of you protect Bhishma alone.’—(Just at this time) the + valiant and venerable grandsire of the Kurus, affording great joy to him + (Duryodhana) by loudly uttering a leonine roar, blew (his) conch. Then + conches and drums and cymbals and horns were sounded at once and the noise + (made) became a loud uproar. Then Madhava and Pandu’s son (Arjuna), both + stationed on a great car unto which were yoked white steeds, blew their + celestial conches. And Hrishikesa blew (the conch called) Panchajanya and + Dhananjaya (that called) Devadatta; and Vrikodara of terrible deeds blew + the huge conch (called) Paundra. And Kunti’s son king Yudhishthira blew + (the conch called) Anantavijaya; while Nakula and Sahadeva, (those conches + called respectively) Sughosa and Manipushpaka.<a href="#linknote-6126" name="linknoteref-6126" id="linknoteref-6126">126</a> And that splendid + bowman, the ruler of Kasi and that mighty car-warrior, Sikhandin, + Dhrishtadyumna, Virata, and that unvanquished Satyaki, and Drupada, and + the sons of Draupadi, and the mighty-armed son of Subhadra—all + these, O lord of earth, severally blew their conches. And that blare, + loudly reverberating through the welkin, and the earth, rent the hearts of + the Dhartarashtras. Then beholding the Dhartarashtra troops drawn up, the + ape-bannered son of Pandu, rising his bow, when, the throwing of missiles + had just commenced, said these words, O lord of earth, to Hrishikesa.<a + href="#linknote-6127" name="linknoteref-6127" id="linknoteref-6127">127</a> + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘O thou that knoweth no deterioration, place my car + (once) between the two armies, so that I may observe these that stand here + desirous of battle, and with whom I shall have to contend in the labours + of this struggle.<a href="#linknote-6128" name="linknoteref-6128" id="linknoteref-6128">128</a> I will observe those who are assembled here + and who are prepared to fight for doing what is agreeable in battle to the + evil-minded son of Dhritarashtra.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Thus addressed by Gudakesa, O Bharata, + Hrishikesa, placing that excellent car between the two armies, in view of + Bhishma and Drona and all the kings of the earth, said,—‘Behold, O + Partha these assembled Kurus,’—And there the son of Pritha beheld, + standing (his) sires and grandsons, and friends, and father-in-law and + well-wishers, in both the armies. Beholding all those kinsmen standing + (there), the son of Kunti, possessed by excessive pity, despondingly said + (these words)." </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘Beholding these kinsmen, O Krishna, assembled + together and eager for the fight, my limbs become languid, and my mouth + becomes dry. My body trembles, and my hair stands on end. Gandiva slips + from my hand, and my skin burns. I am unable to stand (any longer); my + mind seems to wander. I behold adverse omens, too, O Kesava. I do not + desire victory, O Krishna, not sovereignty, nor pleasures. Of what use + would sovereignty be to us, O Govinda, or enjoyments, or even life, since + they, for whose sake sovereignty, enjoyments, and pleasures are desired by + us, are here arrayed for battle ready to give up life and wealth, viz., + preceptors, sires, sons and grandsires, maternal uncles, father-in-laws, + grandsons, brother-in-laws, and kinsmen. I wish not to slay these though + they slay me, O slayer of Madhu, even for the sake of the sovereignty of + the three worlds, what then for the sake of (this) earth?<a + href="#linknote-6129" name="linknoteref-6129" id="linknoteref-6129">129</a> + What gratification can be ours, O Janardana, by slaying the + Dhartarashtras? Even if they be regarded as foes,<a href="#linknote-6130" name="linknoteref-6130" id="linknoteref-6130">130</a> sin will overtake us + if we slay them. Therefore, it behoveth us not to slay the sons of + Dhritarashtra who are our own kinsmen.<a href="#linknote-6131" name="linknoteref-6131" id="linknoteref-6131">131</a> How, O Madhava can + we be happy by killing our own kinsmen? Even if these, with judgments + perverted by avarice, do not see the evil that ariseth from the + extermination of a race, and the sin of internecine quarrels, why should + not we, O Janardana, who see the evils of the extermination of a race, + learn to abstain from that sin? A race being destroyed, the eternal + customs of that race are lost; and upon those customs being lost, sin + overpowers the whole race. From the predominance of sin, O Krishna, the + women of that race become corrupt. And the women becoming corrupt, an + intermingling of castes happeneth, O descendant of Vrishni. This + intermingling of castes leadeth to hell both the destroyer of the race and + the race itself. The ancestors of those fall (from heaven), their rites of + pinda and water ceasing. By these sins of destroyers of races, causing + intermixture of castes, the rules of caste and the eternal rites of + families become extinct. We have heard, O Janardana, that men whose family + rites become extinct, ever dwell in hell. Alas, we have resolved to + perpetrate a great sin, for we are ready to slay our own kinsmen from lust + of the sweets of sovereignty. Better would it be for me if the sons of + Dhritarashtra, weapon in hand, should in battle slay me (myself) + unavenging unarmed.—‘" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Having spoken thus on the field of battle, + Arjuna, his mind troubled with grief, casting aside his bow and arrows, + sat down on his car." </p> + <p> + [Here ends the first lesson entitled “Survey of Forces” <a + href="#linknote-6132" name="linknoteref-6132" id="linknoteref-6132">132</a> + in the dialogue between Krishna and Arjuna of the Bhagavadgita, the + essence of religion, the knowledge of Brahma, and the system of Yoga, + comprised within the Bhishma Parva of the Mahabharata of Vyasa containing + one hundred thousand verses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0026" id="link62H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter II)] + </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Unto him thus possessed with pity, his eyes filled + and oppressed with tears, and desponding, the slayer of Madhu said these + words." </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘Whence, O Arjuna, hath come upon thee, at such + a crisis, this despondency that is unbecoming a person of noble birth, + that shuts one out from heaven, and that is productive of infamy? Let no + effeminacy be thine, O son of Kunti. This suits thee not. Shaking off this + vile weakness of hearts, arise, O chastiser of foes.—’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘How, O slayer of Madhu, can I with arrows contend in + battle against Bhishma and Drona, deserving as they are, O slayer of foes, + of worship?<a href="#linknote-6133" name="linknoteref-6133" id="linknoteref-6133">133</a> Without slaying (one’s) preceptors of great + glory, it is well (for one), to live on even alms in this world. By + slaying preceptors, even if they are avaricious of wealth, I should only + enjoy pleasures that are bloodstained!<a href="#linknote-6134" name="linknoteref-6134" id="linknoteref-6134">134</a> We know not which of + the two is of greater moment to us, viz., whether we should conquer them + or they should conquer us. By slaying whom we would not like to live,—even + they, the sons of Dhritarashtra, stand before (us). My nature affected by + the taint of compassion, my mind unsettled about (my) duty, I ask thee. + Tell me what is assuredly good (for me). I am thy disciple. O, instruct + me, I seek thy aid.<a href="#linknote-6135" name="linknoteref-6135" id="linknoteref-6135">135</a> I do not see (that) which would dispel that + grief of mine blasting my very senses, even if I obtain a prosperous + kingdom on earth without a foe or the very sovereignty of the gods.’”<a + href="#linknote-6136" name="linknoteref-6136" id="linknoteref-6136">136</a> + </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Having said this unto Hrishikesa, that chastiser of + foes—Gudakesa—(once more) addressed Govinda, saying,—‘I + will not fight,’—and then remained silent.<a href="#linknote-6137" name="linknoteref-6137" id="linknoteref-6137">137</a> Unto him overcome by + despondency, Hrishikesa, in the midst of the two armies, said:" </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘Thou mournest those that deserve not to be + mourned. Thou speakest also the words of the (so-called) wise. Those, + however, that are (really) wise, grieve neither for the dead nor for the + living. It is not that. I or you or those rulers of men never were, or + that all of us shall not hereafter be. Of an Embodied being, as childhood, + youth, and decrepitude are in this body, so (also) is the acquisition of + another body. The man, who is wise, is never deluded in this.<a + href="#linknote-6138" name="linknoteref-6138" id="linknoteref-6138">138</a> + The contacts of the senses with their (respective) objects producing + (sensations of) heat and cold, pleasure and pain, are not permanent, + having (as they do) a beginning and an end. Do thou, O Bharata, endure + them. For the man whom these afflict not, O bull among men, who is the + same in pain and pleasure and who is firm in mind, is fit for + emancipation.<a href="#linknote-6139" name="linknoteref-6139" id="linknoteref-6139">139</a> There is no (objective) existence of + anything that is distinct from the soul; nor non-existence of anything + possessing the virtues of the soul. This conclusion in respect of both + these hath been arrived at by those that know the truths (of things).<a + href="#linknote-6140" name="linknoteref-6140" id="linknoteref-6140">140</a> + Know that [the soul] to be immortal by which all this [universe] is + pervaded. No one can compass the destruction of that which is + imperishable. It hath been said that those bodies of the Embodied (soul) + which is eternal, indestructible and infinite, have an end. Do thou, + therefore, fight, O Bharata. He who thinks it (the soul) to be the slayer + and he who thinks it to be the slain, both of them know nothing; for it + neither slays nor is slain. It is never born, nor doth it ever die; nor, + having existed, will it exist no more. Unborn, unchangeable, eternal, and + ancient, it is not slain upon the body being perished. That man who + knoweth it to be indestructible, unchangeable, without decay, how and whom + can he slay or cause to be slain? As a man, casting off robes that are + worn out, putteth on others that are new, so the Embodied (soul), casting + off bodies that are worn out, entereth other bodies that are new. Weapons + cleave it not, fire consumeth it not; the waters do not drench it, nor + doth the wind waste it. It is incapable of being cut, burnt, drenched, or + dried up. It is unchangeable, all-pervading, stable, firm, and eternal. It + is said to be imperceivable, inconceivable and unchangeable. Therefore, + knowing it to be such, it behoveth thee not to mourn (for it). Then again + even if thou regardest it as constantly born and constantly dead, it + behoveth thee not yet, O mighty-armed one, to mourn (for it) thus. For, of + one that is born, death is certain; and of one that is dead, birth is + certain. Therefore it behoveth thee not to mourn in a matter that is + unavoidable. All beings (before birth) were unmanifest. Only during an + interval (between birth and death), O Bharata, are they manifest; and then + again, when death comes, they become (once more) unmanifest. What grief + then is there in this? One looks upon it as a marvel; another speaks of it + as a marvel. Yet even after having heard of it, no one apprehends it + truly. The Embodied (soul), O Bharata, is ever indestructible in + everyone’s body. Therefore, it behoveth thee not to grieve for all (those) + creatures. Casting thy eyes on the (prescribed) duties of thy order, it + behoveth thee not to waver, for there is nothing else that is better for a + Kshatriya than a battle fought fairly. Arrived of itself and (like unto) + an open gate of heaven, happy are those Kshatriyas, O Partha, that obtain + such a fight. But if thou dost not fight such a just battle, thou shalt + then incur sin by abandoning the duties of thy order and thy fame. People + will then proclaim thy eternal infamy, and to one that is held in respect, + infamy is greater (as an evil) than death itself. All great car-warriors + will regard thee as abstaining from battle from fear, and thou wilt be + thought lightly by those that had (hitherto) esteemed thee highly. Thy + enemies, decrying thy prowess, will say many words which should not be + said. What can be more painful than that? Slain, thou wilt attain to + heaven; or victorious, thou wilt enjoy the Earth. Therefore, arise, O son + of Kunti, resolved for battle. Regarding pleasure and pain, gain and loss, + victory and defeat, as equal, do battle for battle’s sake and sin will not + be thine.<a href="#linknote-6141" name="linknoteref-6141" id="linknoteref-6141">141</a> This knowledge, that hath been communicated + to thee is (taught) in the Sankhya (system). Listen now to that + (inculcated) in Yoga (system). Possessed of that knowledge, thou, O + Partha, wilt cast off the bonds of action. In this (the Yoga system) there + is no waste of even the first attempt. There are no impediments. Even a + little of this (form of) piety delivers from great fear.<a + href="#linknote-6142" name="linknoteref-6142" id="linknoteref-6142">142</a> + Here in this path, O son of Kuru, there is only one state of mind, + consisting in firm devotion (to one object, viz., securing emancipation). + The minds of those, however, that are not firmly devoted (to this), are + many-branched (un-settled) and attached to endless pursuits. That flowery + talk which, they that are ignorant, they that delight in the words of the + Vedas, they, O Partha, that say that there is nothing else, they whose + minds are attached to worldly pleasures, they that regard (a) heaven (of + pleasures and enjoyments) as the highest object of acquisition,—utter + and promises birth as the fruit of action and concerns itself with + multifarious rites of specific characters for the attainment of pleasures + and power,—delude their hearts and the minds of these men who are + attached to pleasures and power cannot be directed to contemplation (of + the divine being) regarding it as the sole means of emancipation.<a + href="#linknote-6143" name="linknoteref-6143" id="linknoteref-6143">143</a> + The Vedas are concerned with three qualities, (viz., religion, profit, and + pleasure). Be thou, O Arjuna, free from them, unaffected by pairs of + contraries (such as pleasure and pain, heat and cold, etc.), ever adhering + to patience without anxiety for new acquisitions or protection of those + already acquired, and self-possessed, whatever objects are served by a + tank or well, may all be served by a vast sheet of water extending all + around; so whatever objects may be served by all the Vedas, may all be had + by a Brahmana having knowledge (of self or Brahma).<a href="#linknote-6144" name="linknoteref-6144" id="linknoteref-6144">144</a> Thy concern is with + work only, but not with the fruit (of work). Let not the fruit be thy + motive for work; nor let thy inclination be for inaction. Staying in + devotion, apply thyself to work, casting off attachment (to it), O + Dhananjaya, and being the same in success or unsuccess. This equanimity is + called Yoga (devotion). Work (with desire of fruit) is far inferior to + devotion, O Dhananjaya. Seek thou the protection of devotion. They that + work for the sake of fruit are miserable. He also that hath devotion + throws off, even in this world, both good actions and bad actions. + Therefore, apply thyself to devotion. Devotion is only cleverness in + action. The wise, possessed of devotion, cast off the fruit born of + action, and freed from the obligation of (repeated) birth, attain to that + region where there is no unhappiness. When thy mind shall have crossed the + maze of delusion, then shalt thou attain to an indifference as regards the + hearable and the heard.<a href="#linknote-6145" name="linknoteref-6145" id="linknoteref-6145">145</a> When thy mind, distracted (now) by what thou + hast heard (about the means of acquiring the diverse objects of life), + will be firmly and immovably fixed on contemplation, then wilt thou attain + to devotion.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘What, O Kesava, are the indications of one whose mind + is fixed on contemplation? How should one of steady mind speak, how sit, + how move?’" </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘When one casts off all the desires of his heart + and is pleased within (his) self with self, then is one said to be of + steady mind. He whose mind is not agitated amid calamities, whose craving + for pleasure is gone, who is freed from attachment (to worldly objects), + fear and wrath, is said to be a Muni of steady mind. His is steadiness of + mind who is without affection everywhere, and who feeleth no exultation + and no aversion on obtaining diverse objects that are agreeable and + disagreeable. When one withdraws his senses from the objects of (those) + senses as the tortoise its limbs from all sides, even his is steadiness of + mind. Objects of senses fall back from an abstinent person, but not so the + passion (for those objects). Even the passion recedes from one who has + beheld the Supreme (being).<a href="#linknote-6146" name="linknoteref-6146" id="linknoteref-6146">146</a> The agitating senses, O son of Kunti, + forcibly draw away the mind of even a wise man striving hard to keep + himself aloof from them. Restraining them all, one should stay in + contemplation, making me his sole refuge. For his is steadiness of mind + whose senses are under control. Thinking of the objects of sense, a + person’s attachment is begotten towards them. From attachment springeth + wrath; from wrath ariseth want of discrimination; from want of + discrimination, loss of memory; from loss of memory, loss of + understanding; and from loss of understanding (he) is utterly ruined. But + the self-restrained man, enjoying objects (of sense) with senses freed + from attachment and aversion under his own control, attaineth to peace (of + mind). On peace (of mind) being attained, the annihilation of all his + miseries taketh place, since the mind of him whose heart is peaceful soon + becometh steady.<a href="#linknote-6147" name="linknoteref-6147" id="linknoteref-6147">147</a> He who is not self-restrained hath no + contemplation (of self). He who hath no contemplation hath no peace (of + mind).<a href="#linknote-6148" name="linknoteref-6148" id="linknoteref-6148">148</a> Whence can there be happiness for him who + hath no peace (of mind)? For the heart that follows in the wake of the + sense moving (among their objects) destroys his understanding like the + wind destroying a boat in the waters.<a href="#linknote-6149" name="linknoteref-6149" id="linknoteref-6149">149</a> Therefore, O thou of + mighty arms, his is steadiness of mind whose senses are restrained on all + sides from the objects of sense. The restrained man is awake when it is + night for all creatures; and when other creatures are awake that is night + to a discerning Muni.<a href="#linknote-6150" name="linknoteref-6150" id="linknoteref-6150">150</a> He into whom all objects of desire enter, + even as the waters enter the ocean which (though) constantly replenished + still maintains its water-mark unchanged—(he) obtains peace (of + mind) and not one that longeth for objects of desire. That man who moveth + about, giving up all objects of desire, who is free from craving (for + enjoyments) and who hath no affection and no pride, attaineth to peace (of + mind). This, O Partha, is the divine state. Attaining to it, one is never + deluded. Abiding in it one obtains, on death, absorption into the Supreme + Self.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0027" id="link62H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter III)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘If devotion, O Janardana, is regarded by thee as + superior to work, why then, O Kesava, dost thou engage me in such dreadful + work? By equivocal words thou seemest to confound my understanding. + Therefore, tell (me) one thing definitely by which I may attain to what is + good.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘It hath already been said by me, O sinless one, + that here are, in this world, two kinds of devotion; that of the Sankhyas + through knowledge and that of the yogins through work. A man doth not + acquire freedom from work from (only) the non-performance of work. Nor + doth he acquire final emancipation from only renunciation (of work). No + one can abide even for a moment without doing work.<a href="#linknote-6151" name="linknoteref-6151" id="linknoteref-6151">151</a> That man of deluded + soul who, curbing the organs of sense, liveth mentally cherishing the + objects of sense, is said to be a dissembler. He however, O Arjuna, who + restraining (his) senses by his mind, engageth in devotion (in the form) + of work with the organs of work, and is free from attachment, is + distinguished (above all). (Therefore), do thou always apply yourself to + work, for action is better than inaction. Even the support of thy body + cannot be accomplished without work.<a href="#linknote-6152" name="linknoteref-6152" id="linknoteref-6152">152</a> This world is + fettered by all work other than that which is (performed) for Sacrifice. + (Therefore), O son of Kunti, perform work for the sake of that, freed from + attachment.<a href="#linknote-6153" name="linknoteref-6153" id="linknoteref-6153">153</a> In olden times, the Lord of Creation, + creating men and sacrifice together, said,—flourish by means of this + (Sacrifice). Let this (Sacrifice) be to you (all) the dispenser of all + objects cherished by you. Rear the gods with this, and let the gods (in + return) rear you. Thus fulfilling the mutual interest you will obtain that + which is beneficial (to you).<a href="#linknote-6154" name="linknoteref-6154" id="linknoteref-6154">154</a> Propitiated with + sacrifices the gods will bestow on you the pleasures you desire. He who + enjoyeth (himself) without giving them what they have given, is assuredly + a thief. The good who eat the remnant of sacrifices are freed from all + sins. Those unrighteous ones incur sin who dress food for their own sake.—From + food are all creatures; and sacrifice is the outcome of work.<a + href="#linknote-6155" name="linknoteref-6155" id="linknoteref-6155">155</a> + Know that work proceeds from the Vedas; Vedas have proceeded from Him who + hath no decay. Therefore, the all-pervading Supreme Being is installed in + sacrifice.<a href="#linknote-6156" name="linknoteref-6156" id="linknoteref-6156">156</a> He who conformeth not to this wheel that is + thus revolving, that man of sinful life delighting (the indulgence of) his + senses, liveth in vain, O Partha.<a href="#linknote-6157" name="linknoteref-6157" id="linknoteref-6157">157</a> The man, however, + that is attached to self only, that is contented with self, and that is + pleased in his self,—hath no work (to do). He hath no concern + whatever with action nor with any omission here. Nor, amongst all + creatures, is there any upon whom his interest dependeth.<a + href="#linknote-6158" name="linknoteref-6158" id="linknoteref-6158">158</a> + Therefore, always do work that should be done, without attachment. The man + who performeth work without attachment, attaineth to the Supreme. By work + alone, Janaka and others, attained the accomplishment of their objects. + Having regard also to the observance by men of their duties, it behoveth + thee to work. Whatever a great man doth, is also done by vulgar people. + Ordinary men follow the ideal set by them (the great).<a + href="#linknote-6159" name="linknoteref-6159" id="linknoteref-6159">159</a> + There is nothing whatever for me, O Partha, to do in the three worlds, + (since I have) nothing for me which hath not been acquired; still I engage + in action.<a href="#linknote-6160" name="linknoteref-6160" id="linknoteref-6160">160</a> Because if at any time I do not, without + sloth, engage in action, men would follow my path, O Partha, on all sides. + The worlds would perish if I did not perform work, and I should cause + intermixture of castes and ruin these people. As the ignorant work, O + Bharata, having attachment to the performer, so should a wise man work + without being attached, desiring to make men observant of their duties. A + wise man should not cause confusion of understanding amongst ignorant + persons, who have attachment to work itself; (on the other hand) he should + (himself) acting with devotion engage them to all (kinds of) work. All + works are, in every way, done by the qualities of nature. He, whose mind + is deluded by egoism, however, regards himself as the actor.<a + href="#linknote-6161" name="linknoteref-6161" id="linknoteref-6161">161</a> + But he, O mighty-armed one, who knoweth the distinction (of self) from + qualities and work, is not attached to work, considering that it is his + senses alone (and not his self) that engage in their objects.<a + href="#linknote-6162" name="linknoteref-6162" id="linknoteref-6162">162</a> + Those who are deluded by the qualities of nature, become attached to the + works done by the qualities. A person of perfect knowledge should not + bewilder those men of imperfect knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6163" name="linknoteref-6163" id="linknoteref-6163">163</a> Devoting all work to + me, with (thy) mind directed to self, engage in battle, without desire, + without affection and with thy (heart’s) weakness dispelled.<a + href="#linknote-6164" name="linknoteref-6164" id="linknoteref-6164">164</a> + Those men who always follow this opinion of mine with faith and without + cavil attain to final emancipation even by work. But they who cavil at and + do not follow this opinion of mine, know, that, bereft of all knowledge + and without discrimination, they are ruined. Even a wise man acts + according to his own nature. All living beings follow (their own) nature. + What then would restraint avail? The senses have, as regards the objects + of the senses, either affection or aversion fixed. One should not submit + to these, for they are obstacles in one’s way.<a href="#linknote-6165" name="linknoteref-6165" id="linknoteref-6165">165</a> One’s own duty, even + if imperfectly performed, is better than being done by other even if well + performed. Death in (performance of) one’s own duty is preferable. (The + adoption of) the duty of another carries fear (with it).’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Impelled by whom, O son of the Vrishni race, doth a man + commit sin, even though unwilling and as if constrained by force?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘It is desire, it is wrath, born of the + attribute of passion; it is all devouring, it is very sinful. Know this to + be the foe in this world.<a href="#linknote-6166" name="linknoteref-6166" id="linknoteref-6166">166</a> As fire is enveloped by smoke, a mirror by + dust, the foetus by the womb, so is this enveloped by desire. Knowledge, O + son of Kunti, is enveloped by this constant foe of the wise in the form of + desire which is insatiable and like a fire. The senses, the mind and the + understanding are said to be its abode. With these it deludeth the + embodied self, enveloping (his) knowledge. Therefore, restraining (thy) + senses first, O bull of Bharata’s race, cast off this wicked thing, for it + destroyeth knowledge derived from instruction and meditation.<a + href="#linknote-6167" name="linknoteref-6167" id="linknoteref-6167">167</a> + It hath been said that the senses are superior (to the body which is + inert). Superior to the senses is the mind. Superior to the mind is the + knowledge. But which is superior to knowledge is He.<a + href="#linknote-6168" name="linknoteref-6168" id="linknoteref-6168">168</a> + Thus knowing that which is superior to knowledge and restraining (thy) + self by self, slay, O mighty-armed one, the enemy in the shape of desire + which is difficult to conquer.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0028" id="link62H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter IV)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘This imperishable (system of) devotion I + declared to Vivaswat; Vivaswat declared it to Manu; and Manu communicated + it to Ikshaku. Descending thus from generation, the Royal sages came to + know it. But, O chastiser of foes, by (lapse of a) long time that devotion + became lost to the world. Even the same (system of) devotion hath today + been declared by me to thee, for thou art my devotee and friend, (and) + this is a great mystery.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘Thy birth is posterior; Vivaswat’s birth is prior. + How shall I understand then that thou hadst first declared (it)?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘Many births of mine have passed away, O Arjuna, + as also of thine. These all I know, but thou dost not, O chastiser of + foes. Though (I am) unborn and of essence that knoweth no deterioration, + though (I am) the lord of all creatures, still, relying on my own + (material) nature I take birth by my own (powers) of illusion. Whenever, O + Bharata, loss of piety and the rise of impiety occurreth, on those + occasions do I create myself. For the protection of the righteous and for + the destruction of the evil doers, for the sake of establishing Piety, I + am born age after age. He who truly knoweth my divine birth and work to be + such, casting off (his body) is not born again; (on the other hand) he + cometh to me, O Arjuna. Many who have been freed from attachment, fear, + wrath, who were full of me, and who relied on me, have, cleansed by + knowledge and asceticism, attained to my essence. In whatsoever manner men + come to me, in the selfsame manner do I accept them. It is my way, O + Partha, that men follow on all sides.<a href="#linknote-6169" name="linknoteref-6169" id="linknoteref-6169">169</a> Those in this world + who are desirous of the success of action worship the gods, for in this + world of men success resulting from action is soon attained. The quadruple + division of castes was created by me according to the distinction of + qualities and duties. Though I am the author thereof, (yet) know me to be + not their author and undecaying.<a href="#linknote-6170" name="linknoteref-6170" id="linknoteref-6170">170</a> Actions do not touch + me. I have no longing for the fruits of actions. He that knoweth me thus + is not impeded by actions. Knowing this, even men of old who were desirous + of emancipation performed work. Therefore, do thou also perform work as + was done by ancients of the remote past. What is action and what is + inaction,—even the learned are perplexed at this. Therefore, I will + tell thee about action (so that) knowing it thou mayst be freed from evil. + One should have knowledge of action, and one should have knowledge of + forbidden actions: one should also know of inaction. The course of action + is incomprehensible. He, who sees inaction in action and action in + inaction, is wise among men; he is possessed of devotion; and he is a doer + of all actions. The learned call him wise whose efforts are all free from + desire (of fruit) and (consequent) will, and whose actions have all been + consumed by the fire of knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6171" name="linknoteref-6171" id="linknoteref-6171">171</a> Whoever, resigning + all attachment to the fruit of action, is ever contented and is dependent + on none, doth nought, indeed, although engaged in action. He who, without + desire, with mind and the senses under control, and casting off all + concerns, performeth action only for the preservation of the body, + incurreth no sin.<a href="#linknote-6172" name="linknoteref-6172" id="linknoteref-6172">172</a> He who is contented with what is earned + without exertion, who hath risen superior to the pairs of opposites, who + is without jealousy, who is equable in success and failure, is not + fettered (by action) even though he works. All his actions perish who acts + for the sake of sacrifice,<a href="#linknote-6173" name="linknoteref-6173" id="linknoteref-6173">173</a> who is without affections, who is free (from + attachments), and whose mind is fixed upon knowledge. Brahma is the vessel + (with which the libation is poured); Brahma is the libation (that is + offered); Brahma is the fire on which by Brahma is poured (the libation); + Brahma is the goal to which he proceedeth by fixing his mind on Brahma + itself which is the action.<a href="#linknote-6174" name="linknoteref-6174" id="linknoteref-6174">174</a> Some devotees perform sacrifice to the gods. + Others, by means of sacrifice, offer up sacrifices to the fire of Brahma.<a + href="#linknote-6175" name="linknoteref-6175" id="linknoteref-6175">175</a> + Others offer up (as sacrificial libation) the senses of which hearing is + the first to the fire of restraint. Others (again) offer up (as libations) + the objects of sense of which sound is the first to the fire of the + senses.<a href="#linknote-6176" name="linknoteref-6176" id="linknoteref-6176">176</a> Others (again) offer up all the functions of + the senses and the functions of the vital winds to the fire of devotion by + self-restraint kindled by knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6177" name="linknoteref-6177" id="linknoteref-6177">177</a> Others again perform + the sacrifice of wealth, the sacrifice of ascetic austerities, the + sacrifice of meditation, the sacrifice of (Vedic) study, the sacrifice of + knowledge, and others are ascetics of rigid vows.<a href="#linknote-6178" name="linknoteref-6178" id="linknoteref-6178">178</a> Some offer up the + upward vital wind (Prana) to the downward vital wind (apana); and others, + the downward vital wind to the upward vital wind; some, arresting the + course of (both) the upward and the downward vital winds, are devoted to + the restraint of the vital winds. Others of restricted rations, offer the + vital winds to the vital winds.<a href="#linknote-6179" name="linknoteref-6179" id="linknoteref-6179">179</a> Even all these who + are conversant with sacrifice, whose sins have been consumed by sacrifice, + and who eat the remnants of sacrifice which are amrita, attain to the + eternal Brahma. (Even) this world is not for him who doth not perform + sacrifice. Whence then the other, O best of Kuru’s race? Thus diverse are + the sacrifices occurring in the Vedas. Know that all of them result from + action, and knowing this thou wilt be emancipated. The sacrifice of + knowledge, O chastiser of foes, is superior to every sacrifice involving + (the attainment of) fruits of action, for all action, O Partha, is wholly + comprehended in knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6180" name="linknoteref-6180" id="linknoteref-6180">180</a> Learn that (Knowledge) by prostration, + enquiry, and service. They who are possessed of knowledge and can see the + truth, will teach thee that knowledge, knowing which, O son of Pandu, thou + wilt not again come by such delusion, and by which thou wilt see the + endless creatures (of the universe) in thyself (first) and then in me. + Even if thou be the greatest sinner among all that are sinful, thou shalt + yet cross over all transgressions by the raft of knowledge. As a blazing + fire, O Arjuna, reduceth fuel to ashes, so doth the fire of knowledge + reduce all actions to ashes. For there is nothing here that is so + cleansing as knowledge. One who hath attained to success by devotion finds + it without effort within his own self in time. He obtaineth knowledge, who + hath faith and is intent on it and who hath his senses under control; + obtaining knowledge one findeth the highest tranquillity in no length of + time. One who hath no knowledge and no faith, and whose minds is full of + doubt, is lost. Neither this world, nor the next, nor happiness, is for + him whose mind is full of doubt. Actions do not fetter him, O Dhananjaya, + who hath cast off action by devotion, whose doubts have been dispelled by + knowledge, and who is self-restrained. Therefore, destroying, by the sword + of knowledge, this doubt of thine that is born of ignorance and that + dwelleth in thy mind, betake to devotion, (and) arise, O son of Bharata.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0029" id="link62H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter V)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘Thou applaudest, O Krishna, the abandonment of + actions, and again the application (to them). Tell me definitely which one + of these two is superior.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said—‘Both abandonment of actions and application to + actions lead to emancipation. But of these, application to action is + superior to abandonment. He should always be known to be an ascetic who + hath no aversion nor desire. For, being free from pairs of opposites, O + thou of mighty arms, he is easily released from the bonds (of action). + Fools say, but not those that are wise, that Sankhya and Yoga are + distinct. One who stayeth in even one (of the two) reapeth the fruit of + both<a href="#linknote-6181" name="linknoteref-6181" id="linknoteref-6181">181</a>. + Whatever seat is attained by those who profess the Sankhya system, that + too is reached by those who profess the Yoga. He seeth truly who seeth + Sankhya and Yoga as one.<a href="#linknote-6182" name="linknoteref-6182" id="linknoteref-6182">182</a> But renunciation, O mighty-armed one, + without devotion (to action), is difficult to attain. The ascetic who is + engaged in devotion (by action) reacheth the Supreme Being without delay. + He who is engaged in devotion (by action) and is of pure soul, who hath + conquered his body and subdued his senses, and who indentifieth himself + with all creatures, is not fettered though performing (action).<a + href="#linknote-6183" name="linknoteref-6183" id="linknoteref-6183">183</a> + The man of devotion, who knoweth truth, thinking—I am doing nothing—When + seeing, hearing, touching, smelling, eating, moving, sleeping, breathing, + talking, excreting, taking, opening the eyelids or closing them; he + regardeth that it is the senses that are engaged in the objects of senses.<a + href="#linknote-6184" name="linknoteref-6184" id="linknoteref-6184">184</a> + He who renouncing attachment engageth in actions, resigning them to + Brahma, is not touched by sin as the lotus-leaf (is not touched) by water.<a + href="#linknote-6185" name="linknoteref-6185" id="linknoteref-6185">185</a> + Those who are devotees, casting off attachment, perform actions + (attaining) purity of self, with the body, the mind, the understanding, + and even the senses (free from desire). He who is possessed of devotion, + renouncing the fruit of action, attaineth to the highest tranquillity. He, + who is not possessed of devotion and is attached to the fruit of action, + is fettered by action performed from desire. The self-restrained embodied + (self), renouncing all actions by the mind, remains at ease within the + house of nine gates, neither acting himself nor causing (anything) to act.<a + href="#linknote-6186" name="linknoteref-6186" id="linknoteref-6186">186</a> + The Lord is not the cause of the capacity for action, or of the actions of + men, or of the connection of actions and (their) fruit. It is nature that + engages (in action). The Lord receiveth no one’s sin, nor also merit. By + ignorance, knowledge is shrouded. It is for this that creatures are + deluded. But of whomsoever that ignorance hath been destroyed by knowledge + of self, that knowledge (which is) like the Sun discloseth the Supreme + Being. Those whose mind is on Him, whose very soul is He, who abide in + Him, and who have Him for their goal, depart never more to return, their + sins being all destroyed by knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6187" name="linknoteref-6187" id="linknoteref-6187">187</a> Those, who are wise + cast an equal eye on a Brahmana endued with learning and modesty, on a + cow, an elephant, a dog, and a chandala.<a href="#linknote-6188" name="linknoteref-6188" id="linknoteref-6188">188</a> Even here has birth + been conquered by them whose minds rest on equality; and since Brahma is + faultless and equable, therefore, they (are said to) abide in Brahma.<a + href="#linknote-6189" name="linknoteref-6189" id="linknoteref-6189">189</a> + He whose mind is steady, who is not deluded, who knows Brahma, and who + rests in Brahma, doth not exult on obtaining anything that is agreeable, + nor doth he grieve on obtaining that is disagreeable. He whose mind is not + attached to external objects of sense, obtaineth that happiness which is + in self; and by concentrating his mind on the contemplation of Brahma, he + enjoyeth a happiness that is imperishable. The enjoyments born of the + contact (of the senses with their objects) are productive of sorrow. He + who is wise, O son of Kunti, never taketh pleasure in these that have a + beginning and an end. That man whoever here, before the dissolution of the + body, is able to endure the agitations resulting from desire and wrath, is + fixed on contemplation, and is happy. He who findeth happiness within + himself, (and) who sporteth within himself, he whose light (of knowledge) + is deprived from within himself, is a devotee, and becoming one with + Brahma attaineth to absorption into Brahma. Those saintly personages whose + sins have been destroyed, whose doubts have been dispelled, who are + self-restrained, and who are engaged in the good of all creatures, obtain + absorption into Brahma. For these devotees who are freed from desire and + wrath, whose minds are under control, and who have knowledge of self, + absorption into Brahma exists both here and thereafter.<a + href="#linknote-6190" name="linknoteref-6190" id="linknoteref-6190">190</a> + Excluding (from his mind) all external objects of sense, directing the + visual glance between the brows, mingling (into one) the upward and the + downward life-breaths and making them pass through the nostrils, the + devotee, who has restrained the senses, the mind, and the understanding, + being intent on emancipation, and who is freed from desire, fear, and + wrath, is emancipated, indeed. Knowing me to be enjoyer of all sacrifices + and ascetic austerities, the great Lord of all the worlds, and friend of + all creatures, such a one obtaineth tranquillity.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0030" id="link62H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VI)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘Regardless of fruit of action, he that performs + the actions which should be performed, is a renouncer and devotee, and not + one who discards the (sacrificial) fire, nor one that abstains from + action.<a href="#linknote-6191" name="linknoteref-6191" id="linknoteref-6191">191</a> That which has been called renunciation, + know that, O son of Pandu, to be devotion, since nobody can be a devotee + who has not renounced (all) resolves.<a href="#linknote-6192" name="linknoteref-6192" id="linknoteref-6192">192</a> To the sage desirous + of rising to devotion, action is said to be the means; and when he has + risen to devotion, cessation of action is said to be the means. When one + is no longer attached to the objects of the senses, nor to actions, and + when one renounces all resolves, then is one said to have risen to + devotion. One should raise (his) self by self; one should not degrade + (his) self; for one’s own self is one’s friend, and one’s own self is + one’s enemy.<a href="#linknote-6193" name="linknoteref-6193" id="linknoteref-6193">193</a> To him (only) who has subjugated his self by + his self is self a friend. But to him who has not subjugated his self, his + self behaves inimically like an enemy. The soul of one who has subjugated + his self and who is in the enjoyment of tranquillity, is steadily fixed + (on itself) amid cold and heat, pleasure and pain, and also honour and + dishonour. That ascetic is said to be devoted whose mind is satisfied with + knowledge and experience, who hath no affection, who hath subjugated his + senses, and to whom a sod, a stone and gold are alike. He, who views + equally well-wishers, friends, foes, strangers that are indifferent to + him, those who take part with both sides, those who are objects of + aversion, those who are related (to him), those who are good, and those + who are wicked, is distinguished (above all others). A devotee should + always fix his mind on contemplation, remaining in a secluded place alone, + restraining both mind and body, without expectations (of any kind), and + without concern (with anything).<a href="#linknote-6194" name="linknoteref-6194" id="linknoteref-6194">194</a> Erecting his seat + immovably on a clean spot, not too high nor too low, and spreading over it + a piece of cloth, a deer-skin, or blades of Kusa grass, and there seated + on that seat, with mind fixed on one object, and restraining the functions + of the heart and the senses, one should practise contemplation for the + purification of self. Holding body, head, and neck even, unmoved and + steady, and casting his glance on the tip of his nose, and without looking + about in any of the different directions, with mind in tranquillity, freed + from fear, observant of the practices of Brahmacharins, restraining the + mind, with heart fixed on me, the devotee should sit down, regarding me as + the object of his attainment. Thus applying his soul constantly, the + devotee whose heart is restrained, attains to that tranquillity which + culminates in final absorption and assimilation with me. Devotion is not + one’s, O Arjuna, who eateth much, nor one’s who doth not eat at all; nor + one’s who is addicted to too much sleep, nor one’s who is always awake, + devotion that is destructive of misery is his who is temperate in food and + amusements, who duly exerts himself temperately in all his works, and who + is temperate in sleep and vigils. When one’s heart, properly restrained, + is fixed on one’s own self, then, indifferent to all objects of desire, he + is one called a devotee.<a href="#linknote-6195" name="linknoteref-6195" id="linknoteref-6195">195</a> As a lamp in a windless spot doth not + flicker, even that is the resemblance declared of a devotee whose heart + hath been restrained and who applieth his self to abstraction. That + (condition) in which the mind, restrained by practice of abstraction, + taketh rest, in which beholding self by self, one is gratified within + self; in which one experienceth that highest felicity which is beyond the + (sphere of the) senses and which the understanding (only) can grasp, and + fixed on which one never swerveth from the truth; acquiring which one + regards no other acquisition greater than it, and abiding in which one is + never moved by even the heaviest sorrow; that (Condition) should be known + to be what is called devotion in which there is a severance of connection + with pain. That devotion should be practised with perseverance and with an + undesponding heart.<a href="#linknote-6196" name="linknoteref-6196" id="linknoteref-6196">196</a> Renouncing all desires without exception + that are born of resolves, restraining the group of the senses on all + sides by mind alone, one should, by slow degrees, become quiescent (aided) + by (his) understanding controlled by patience, and then directing his mind + to self should think of nothing.<a href="#linknote-6197" name="linknoteref-6197" id="linknoteref-6197">197</a> Wheresoever the + mind, which is (by nature) restless and unsteady, may run, restraining it + from those, one should direct it to self alone. Indeed, unto such a + devotee whose mind is in tranquillity, whose passions have been + suppressed, who hath become one with Brahma and who is free from sin, the + highest felicity cometh (of his own accord). Thus applying his soul + constantly (to abstraction), the devotee, freed from sin, easily obtaineth + that highest happiness, viz., with Brahma. He who hath devoted his self to + abstraction casting an equal eye everywhere, beholdeth his self in all + creatures and all creatures in his self. Unto him who beholdeth me in + everything and beholdeth everything in me, I am never lost and he also is + never lost to me.<a href="#linknote-6198" name="linknoteref-6198" id="linknoteref-6198">198</a> He who worshippeth me as abiding in all + creatures, holding yet that all is one, is a devotee, and whatever mode of + life he may lead, he liveth in me. That devotee, O Arjuna, who casteth an + equal eye everywhere, regarding all things as his own self and the + happiness and misery of others as his own, is deemed to be the best.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘This devotion by means of equanimity which thou hast + declared, O slayer of Madhu,—on account of restlessness of the mind + I do not see its stable presence.<a href="#linknote-6199" name="linknoteref-6199" id="linknoteref-6199">199</a> O Krishna, the mind + is restless, boisterous, perverse, and obstinate. Its restraint I regard + to be as difficult of accomplishment as the restraint of the wind.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Without doubt, O thou of mighty arms the mind is + difficult of subjugation and is restless. With practice, however, O son of + Kunti, and with the abandonment of desire, it can be controlled. It is my + belief that by him whose mind is not restrained, devotion is difficult of + acquisition. But by one whose mind is restrained and who is assiduous, it + is capable of acquisition with the aid of means.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Without assiduity, though endued with faith, and with mind + shaken off from devotion, what is the end of him, O Krishna, who hath not + earned success in devotion? Fallen off from both,<a href="#linknote-6200" name="linknoteref-6200" id="linknoteref-6200">200</a> is he lost like a + separated cloud or not, being as he is without refuge, O thou of mighty + arms, and deluded on the path leading to Brahma? This my doubt, O Krishna, + it behoveth thee to remove without leaving anything. Besides thee, no + dispeller of this doubt is to be had.‘<a href="#linknote-6201" name="linknoteref-6201" id="linknoteref-6201">201</a> + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘O son of Pritha, neither here, nor hereafter, doth + ruin exist for him, since none, O sire, who performs good (acts) comes by + an evil end. Attaining to the regions reserved for those that perform + meritorious acts and living there for many many years, he that hath fallen + off from devotion taketh birth in the abode of those that art pious and + endued with prosperity, or, he is born even in the family of devotees + endued with intelligence. Indeed, a birth such as this is more difficult + of acquisition in this world. There in those births he obtaineth contact + with that Brahmic knowledge which was his in his former life; and from + that point he striveth again, O descendant of Kuru, towards perfection. + And although unwilling, he still worketh on in consequence of that same + former practice of his. Even one that enquireth of devotion riseth above + (the fruits of) the Divine Word.<a href="#linknote-6202" name="linknoteref-6202" id="linknoteref-6202">202</a> Striving with great + efforts, the devotee, cleaned of all his sins, attaineth to perfection + after many births, and then reacheth the supreme goal. The devotee is + superior to ascetics engaged in austerities; he is esteemed to be superior + to even the man of knowledge. The devotee is superior to those that are + engaged in action. Therefore, become a devotee, O Arjuna. Even amongst all + the devotees, he who, full of faith and with inner self resting on me, + worshippeth me, is regarded by me to be the most devout.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0031" id="link62H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VII)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Listen, O son of Pritha, how, without doubt, thou + mayst know me fully, fixing thy mind on me, practising devotion, and + taking refuge in me. I will now, without leaving anything out speak to + thee about knowledge and experience, knowing which there would be left + nothing in this world (for thee) to know. One among thousands of men + striveth for perfection. Of those even that are assiduous and have + attained to perfection, only some one knoweth me truly.<a + href="#linknote-6203" name="linknoteref-6203" id="linknoteref-6203">203</a> + Earth, water, fire, air, space, mind, also understanding, and + consciousness,—thus hath my nature been divided eight-fold. This is + a lower (form of my) nature. Different from this, know there is a higher + (form of my) nature which is animate, O thou of mighty arms, and by which + this universe is held.<a href="#linknote-6204" name="linknoteref-6204" id="linknoteref-6204">204</a> Know that all creatures have these for their + source. I am the source of evolution and also of the dissolution of the + entire universe. There is nothing else, O Dhananjaya, that is higher than + myself. Upon me is all this like a row of pearls on a string. Taste I am + in the waters, O son of Kunti, (and) I am the splendour of both the moon + and the sun, I am the Om in all the Vedas, the sound in space, and the + manliness in men. I am the fragrant odour in earth, the splendour in fire, + the life in all (living) creatures, and penance in ascetics. Know me, O + son of Pritha, to be the eternal seed of all beings. I am the intelligence + of all creatures endued with intelligence, the glory of all glorious + objects. I am also the strength of all that are endued with strength, + (myself) freed from desire and thirst, and, O bull of Bharata’s race, am + the desire, consistent with duty, in all creatures.<a href="#linknote-6205" name="linknoteref-6205" id="linknoteref-6205">205</a> And all existences + which are of the quality of goodness, and which are of the quality of + passion and quality of darkness, know that they are, indeed, from me. I + am, however, not in them, but they are in me. This entire universe, + deluded by these three entities consisting of (these) three qualities + knoweth not me that am beyond them and undecaying; since this illusion of + mine, depending on the (three) qualities, is exceedingly marvellous and + highly difficult of being transcended. They that resort to me alone cross + this illusion.<a href="#linknote-6206" name="linknoteref-6206" id="linknoteref-6206">206</a> Doers of evil, ignorant men, the worst of + their species, robbed of their knowledge by (my) illusion and wedded to + the state of demons, do not resort to me. Four classes of doers of good + deeds worship me, O Arjuna, viz., he that is distressed, that is possessed + of knowledge, being always devoted and having his faith in only One, is + superior to the rest, for unto the man of knowledge I am dear above + everything, and he also is dear to me. All these are noble. But the man of + knowledge is regarded (by me) to be my very self, since he, with soul + fixed on abstraction, taketh refuge in me as the highest goal. At the end + of many births, the man possessed of knowledge attaineth to me, (thinking) + that Vasudeva is all this. Such a high-souled person, however, is + exceedingly rare. They who have been robbed of knowledge by desire, resort + to their godheads, observant of diverse regulations and controlled by + their own nature.<a href="#linknote-6207" name="linknoteref-6207" id="linknoteref-6207">207</a> Whatever form, (of godhead or myself) any + worshipper desireth to worship with faith, that faith of his unto that + (form) I render steady. Endued with that faith, he payeth his adorations + to that (form), and obtaineth from that all his desire, since all those + are ordained by me.<a href="#linknote-6208" name="linknoteref-6208" id="linknoteref-6208">208</a> The fruits, however, of those persons endued + with little intelligence are perishable. They that worship the divinities, + go to the divinities, (while) they that worship me come even to me.<a + href="#linknote-6209" name="linknoteref-6209" id="linknoteref-6209">209</a> + They that have no discernment, regard me who am (really) unmanifest to + have become manifest, because they do not know the transcendent and + undecaying state of mine than which there is nothing higher.<a + href="#linknote-6210" name="linknoteref-6210" id="linknoteref-6210">210</a> + Shrouded by the illusion of my inconceivable power, I am not manifest to + all. This deluded world knoweth not me that I am unborn and undecaying. I + know, O Arjuna, all things that have been past, and all things that are + present, and all things that are to be. But there is nobody that knoweth + me. All creatures, O chastiser of foes, are deluded at the time of their + birth by the delusion, O Bharata, of pairs of opposites arising from + desire and aversion. But those persons of meritorious deeds whose sins + have attained their end, being freed from the delusion of pairs of + opposites, worship me, firm in their vow (of that worship). Those who, + taking refuge in me, strive for release from decay and death, know + Brahman, the entire Adhyatma, and action.<a href="#linknote-6211" name="linknoteref-6211" id="linknoteref-6211">211</a> And they who know me + with the Adhibhuta, the Adhidaiva, and the Adhiyajna, having minds fixed + on abstraction, know me at the time of their departure (from this + world).’”<a href="#linknote-6212" name="linknoteref-6212" id="linknoteref-6212">212</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0032" id="link62H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VIII)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘What is that Brahman, what is Adhyatma, what is action, O + best of male beings? What also has been said to be Adhibhuta, and what is + called Adhidaiva? Who is here Adhiyajna, and how, in this body, O slayer + of Madhu? And how at the time of departure art thou to be known by those + that have restrained their self’?— + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Brahman is the Supreme and indestructible. Adhyatma + is said to be its own manifestation. The offering (to any godhead in a + sacrifice) which causeth the production and development of all—this + is called action.<a href="#linknote-6213" name="linknoteref-6213" id="linknoteref-6213">213</a> Remembering me alone in (his) last moments, + he that, casting off his body, departeth (hence), cometh into my essence. + There is no doubt in this. Whichever form (of godhead) one remembereth + when one casteth off, at the end, (his) body, unto that one he goeth, O + son of Kunti, having habitually meditated on it always. Therefore, think + of me at all times, and engage in battle. Fixing thy mind and + understanding on me, thou wilt, without doubt, come even to me. Thinking + (of the Supreme) with a mind not running to other objects and endued with + abstraction in the form of uninterrupted application, one goeth, O son of + Pritha, unto the Divine and Supreme male Being. He who at the time of his + departure, with a steady mind, endued with reverence, with power of + abstraction, and directing the life-breath called Prana between the + eye-brows, thinketh of that ancient seer, who is the ruler (of all), who + is minuter than the minutest atom, who is the ordainer of all, who is + inconceivable in form, and who is beyond all darkness, cometh unto that + Divine and Supreme Male Being. I will tell thee in brief about that seat + which persons conversant with the Vedas declare to be indestructible, + which is entered by ascetics freed from all longings, and in expectation + of which (people) practise the vows of Brahmacharins. Casting off (this) + body, he who departeth, stopping up all the doors, confining the mind + within the heart, placing his own life-breath called Prana between the + eye-brows, resting on continued meditation, uttering this one syllable Om + which is Brahman, and thinking of me, attaineth to the highest goal.<a + href="#linknote-6214" name="linknoteref-6214" id="linknoteref-6214">214</a> + He who always thinketh of me with mind ever withdrawn from all other + objects, unto that devotee always engaged on meditation, I am, O Partha, + easy of access. High-souled persons who have achieved the highest + perfection, attaining to me, do not incur re-birth which is the abode of + sorrow and which is transient. All the worlds, O Arjuna, from the abode of + Brahman downwards have to go through a round of births; on attaining to + me, however, O son of Kunti, there is no re-birth.<a href="#linknote-6215" name="linknoteref-6215" id="linknoteref-6215">215</a> They who know a day + of Brahman to end after a thousand Yugas, and a night (of his) to + terminate after a thousand Yugas are persons that know day and night.<a + href="#linknote-6216" name="linknoteref-6216" id="linknoteref-6216">216</a> + On the advent of (Brahman’s) day everything that is manifest springeth + from the unmanifest; and when (his) night cometh, into that same which is + called unmanifest all things disappear. That same assemblage of creatures, + springing forth again and again, dissolveth on the advent of night, and + springeth forth (again), O son of Pritha, when day cometh, constrained (by + the force of action, etc.)<a href="#linknote-6217" name="linknoteref-6217" id="linknoteref-6217">217</a>. There is, however, another entity, + unmanifest and eternal, which is beyond that unmanifest, and which is not + destroyed when all the entities are destroyed. It is said to be unmanifest + and indestructible. They call it the highest goal, attaining which no one + hath to come back. That is my Supreme seat. That Supreme Being, O son of + Pritha, He within whom are all entities, and by whom all this is + permeated, is to be attained by reverence undirected to any other object. + I will tell thee the times, O bull of Bharata’s race, in which devotees + departing (from this life) go, never to return, or to return. The fire, + the Light, the day, the lighted fortnight, the six months of the northern + solstice, departing from here, the persons knowing Brahma go through this + path to Brahma.<a href="#linknote-6218" name="linknoteref-6218" id="linknoteref-6218">218</a> Smoke, night, also the dark-fortnight (and) + the six months of the southern solstice, (departing) through this path, + devotee, attaining to the lunar light, returneth. The bright and the dark, + these two paths, are regarded to be the eternal (two paths) of the + universe. By the one, (one) goeth never to return; by the other, one + (going) cometh back. Knowing these two paths, O son of Pritha, no devotee + is deluded. Therefore, at all times, be endued with devotion, O Arjuna. + The meritorious fruit that is prescribed for the (study of the) Vedas, for + sacrifices, for ascetic austerities and for gifts, a devotee knowing all + this (that hath been said here), attaineth to it all, and (also) attaineth + the Supreme and Primeval seat.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0033" id="link62H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter IX)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Now I will tell thee that art without envy that most + mysterious knowledge along with experience, knowing which thou wilt be + freed from evil. This is royal science, a royal mystery, highly cleansing, + directly apprehensible, consistent with the sacred laws, easy to practise, + (and) imperishable. Those persons, O chastiser of foes, who have no faith + in this sacred doctrine, not attaining to me, return to the path of this + world that is subject to destruction. This entire universe is pervaded by + me in my unmanifest form. All entities are in me, but I do not reside in + them. Nor yet are all entities in me. Behold my divine power. Supporting + all entities and producing all entities, myself doth not (yet) reside in + (those) entities. As the great and obiquitious atmosphere always occupieth + space, understand that all entities reside in me in the same way.<a + href="#linknote-6219" name="linknoteref-6219" id="linknoteref-6219">219</a> + All entities, O son of Kunti, attain to my nature at the close of a Kalpa. + I create them again at the beginning of a Kalpa.<a href="#linknote-6220" name="linknoteref-6220" id="linknoteref-6220">220</a> Regulating my own + (independent) nature I create again and in this whole assemblage of + entities which is plastic in consequence of its subjection to nature.<a + href="#linknote-6221" name="linknoteref-6221" id="linknoteref-6221">221</a> + Those acts, however, O Dhananjaya, do not fetter me who sitteth as one + unconcerned, being unattached to those acts (of creation). Through me, the + overlooker, primal nature produceth the (universe of) mobiles and + immobiles. For the reason, O son of Kunti, the universe passeth through + its rounds (of birth and destruction).<a href="#linknote-6222" name="linknoteref-6222" id="linknoteref-6222">222</a> Not knowing my + supreme nature of the great lord of all entities, ignorant people of vain + hopes, vain acts, vain knowledge, confounded minds, wedded to the delusive + nature of Asuras and Rakshasas, disregard me (as one) that hath assumed a + human body. But high-souled ones, O son of Pritha, possessed of divine + nature, and with minds directed to nothing else, worship me, knowing (me) + to be the origin of all entities and undestructible. Always glorifying me, + (or) striving with firm vows, (or) bowing down to me, with reverence and + ever devoted, (they) worship me.<a href="#linknote-6223" name="linknoteref-6223" id="linknoteref-6223">223</a> Others again, + performing the sacrifice of knowledge, worship me, (some) as one, (some) + as distinct, (some) as pervading the universe, in many forms.<a + href="#linknote-6224" name="linknoteref-6224" id="linknoteref-6224">224</a> + I am the Vedic sacrifice, I am the sacrifice enjoined in the Smritis, I am + Swadha, I am the medicament produced from herbs; I am the mantra, I am the + sacrificial libation, I am the fire, and I am the (sacrificial) offering.<a + href="#linknote-6225" name="linknoteref-6225" id="linknoteref-6225">225</a> + I am the father of this universe, the mother, the creator, grandsire; (I + am) the thing to be known, the means by which everything is cleaned, the + syllable Om, the Rik, the Saman and the Yajus, (I am) the goal, the + supporter, the lord, the on-looker, the abode, the refuge, the friend, the + source, the destruction, the support, the receptacle, and the + undestructible seed. I give heat, I produce and suspend rain; I am + immortality, and also death; and I am the existent and the non-existent, O + Arjuna. They who know the three branches of knowledge, also drink the Soma + juice, and whose sins have been cleansed worshipping me by sacrifices, + seek admission into heaven; and these attaining to the sacred region of + the chief of the gods, enjoy in heaven the celestial pleasure of the gods. + Having enjoyed that celestial world of vast extent, upon exhaustion of + their merit they re-enter the mortal world. It is thus that they who + accept the doctrines of the three Vedas and wish for objects of desires, + obtain going and coming. Those persons who, thinking (of me) without + directing their minds to anything else, worship me, of those who are + (thus) always devoted (to me)—I make them gifts and preserve what + they have. Even those devotees who, endued with faith, worship other + godheads, even they, O son of Kunti, worship me alone, (though) + irregularly.<a href="#linknote-6226" name="linknoteref-6226" id="linknoteref-6226">226</a> I am the enjoyer, as also the lord, of all + sacrifices. They, however, do not know me truly; hence they fall off (from + heaven). They whose vows are directed to the Pitris attain to the Pitris; + who direct (their) worship to the inferior spirits called Bhutas attain to + Bhutas; they who worship me, attain even to myself. They who offer me with + reverence, leaf, flower, fruit, water—that offered with reverence, I + accept from him whose self is pure.<a href="#linknote-6227" name="linknoteref-6227" id="linknoteref-6227">227</a> Whatever thou dost, + whatever eatest, whatever drinkest, whatever givest, whatever austerities + thou performest, manage it in such a way, O son of Kunti, that it may be + an offering to me. Thus mayst thou be freed from the fetters of action + having good and evil fruits. With self endued with renunciation and + devotion, thou wilt be released and will come to me. I am alike to all + creatures; there is none hateful to me, none dear. They, however, who + worship me with reverence are in me and I also am in them. If even a + person of exceedingly wicked conduct worshippeth me, without worshipping + any one else, he should certainly be regard as good, for his efforts are + well-directed. (Such a person) soon becometh of virtuous soul, and + attaineth to eternal tranquillity. Know, O son of Kunti, that none devoted + to me is ever lost. For, O son of Pritha, even they who may be of sinful + birth, women, Vaisyas, and also Sudras, even they, resorting to me, attain + to the supreme goal. What then (shall I say) of holy Brahmanas and saints + who are my devotees? Having come to this transient and miserable world, be + engaged in my worship.<a href="#linknote-6228" name="linknoteref-6228" id="linknoteref-6228">228</a> Fix thy mind on me; be my devotee, my + worshipper; bow to me; and thus making me thy refuge and applying thy self + to abstraction, thou wilt certainly come to me.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0034" id="link62H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter X)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Once more still, O mighty-armed one, listen to my + supernal words which, from desire of (thy) good, I say unto thee that + wouldst be pleased (therewith).<a href="#linknote-6229" name="linknoteref-6229" id="linknoteref-6229">229</a> The hosts of gods + know not my origin, nor the great Rishis, since I am, in every way, the + source of the gods and the great Rishis.<a href="#linknote-6230" name="linknoteref-6230" id="linknoteref-6230">230</a> He that knoweth me + as the Supreme Lord of the worlds, without birth and beginning, (he), + undeluded among mortals, is free from all sins. Intelligence, knowledge, + the absence of delusion, forgiveness, truth, self-restraint, and + tranquillity, pleasure, pain, birth, death, fear, and also security, + abstention from harm, evenness of mind, contentment, ascetic austerities, + gift, fame, infamy, these several attributes of creatures arise from me. + The Seven great Rishis, the four Maharishis before (them), and the Manus, + partaking of my nature, were born from my mind, of whom in this world are + these offsprings.<a href="#linknote-6231" name="linknoteref-6231" id="linknoteref-6231">231</a> He that knoweth truly this pre-eminence and + mystic power of mine, becometh possessed of unswerving devotion. Of this + (there is) no doubt. I am the origin of all things, from me all things + proceed. Thinking thus, the wise, endued with my nature, worship me.<a + href="#linknote-6232" name="linknoteref-6232" id="linknoteref-6232">232</a> + Their hearts on me, their lives devoted to me, instructing one another, + and glorifying me they are ever contented and happy.<a + href="#linknote-6233" name="linknoteref-6233" id="linknoteref-6233">233</a> + Unto them always devoted, and worshipping (me) with love, I give that + devotion in the form of knowledge by which they come to me.<a + href="#linknote-6234" name="linknoteref-6234" id="linknoteref-6234">234</a> + Of them, for compassion’s sake, I destroy the darkness born of ignorance, + by the brilliant lamp of knowledge, (myself) dwelling in their souls.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Thou art the Supreme Brahma, the Supreme Abode, the Holiest + of the Holy, the eternal Male Being Divine, the First of gods Unborn, the + Lord. All the Rishis proclaim thee thus, and also the celestial Rishi + Narada; and Asita, Devala, (and) Vyasa; thyself also tellest me (so). All + this that thou tellest me, O Kesava, I regard as true since, O Holy One, + neither the gods nor the Danavas understand thy manifestation. Thou only + knowest thyself by thyself. O Best of Male Beings, O Creator of all + things; O Lord of all things, O God of gods, O Lord of the Universe, it + behoveth thee to declare without any reservation, those divine perfections + of thine by which perfections pervading these worlds thou abidest. How + shall I, ever meditating, know thee, O thou of mystic powers, in what + particular states mayst thou, O Holy One, be meditated upon by me?<a + href="#linknote-6235" name="linknoteref-6235" id="linknoteref-6235">235</a> + Do thou again, O Janardana, copiously declare thy mystic powers and (thy) + perfections, for I am never satiated with hearing thy nectar-like words.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said,—‘Well, unto thee I will declare my divine + perfections, by means of the principal ones (among them), O chief of the + Kurus, for there is no end to the extent of my (perfections).<a + href="#linknote-6236" name="linknoteref-6236" id="linknoteref-6236">236</a> + I am the soul, O thou of curly hair, seated in the heart of every being, I + am the beginning, and the middle, and the end also of all beings. I am + Vishnu among the Adityas, the resplendent Sun among all luminous bodies; I + am Marichi among the Maruts, and the Moon among constellations.<a + href="#linknote-6237" name="linknoteref-6237" id="linknoteref-6237">237</a> + I am the Sama Veda among the Vedas; I am Vasava among the gods; I am the + mind among the senses; I am the intellect in (living) beings. I am Sankara + among the Rudras, the Lord of treasures among the Yakshas and the + Rakshasas; I am Pavaka among the Vasus, and Meru among the peaked + (mountains). <a href="#linknote-6238" name="linknoteref-6238" id="linknoteref-6238">238</a> Know me, O son of Pritha, to be Vrihaspati, + the chief of household priests. I am Skanda among commanders of forces. I + am Ocean among receptacles of water. I am Bhrigu among the great Rishis, I + am the One, undestructible (syllable Om) among words. Of sacrifices I am + the Japa-sacrifice.<a href="#linknote-6239" name="linknoteref-6239" id="linknoteref-6239">239</a> Of immobiles I am the Himavat. I am the + figtree among all trees, I am Narada among the celestial Rishis. I am + Chitraratha among the Gandharvas and the ascetic Kapila among ascetics + crowned with Yoga success. Know me to be Uchchaisravas among horses, + brought forth by (the churning for) nectar, Airavata among princely + elephants, and the king among men. Among weapons I am the thunderbolt, + among cows I am (she called) Kamadhuk. I am Kandarpa the cause of + reproduction, I am Vasuki among serpents.<a href="#linknote-6240" name="linknoteref-6240" id="linknoteref-6240">240</a> I am Ananta among + Nagas, I am Varuna among aquatic beings, I am Aryaman among the Pitris, + and Yama among those that judge and punish.<a href="#linknote-6241" name="linknoteref-6241" id="linknoteref-6241">241</a> I am Prahlada among + the Daityas, and Time among things that count. I am the lion among the + beasts, and Vinata’s son among winged creatures. Of purifiers I am the + wind. I am Rama among wielders of weapons. I am the Makara among fishes, + and I am Jahnavi (Ganga) among streams.<a href="#linknote-6242" name="linknoteref-6242" id="linknoteref-6242">242</a> Of created things I + am the beginning and the end and also the middle, O Arjuna. I am the + knowledge of Supreme Spirit among all kinds of knowledge, and the + disputation among disputants.<a href="#linknote-6243" name="linknoteref-6243" id="linknoteref-6243">243</a> Among all letters I + am the letter A, and (the compound called) Dwanda among all compounds. I + am also Time Eternal, and I am the Ordainer with face turned on every + side.<a href="#linknote-6244" name="linknoteref-6244" id="linknoteref-6244">244</a> + I am Death that seizeth all, and the source of all, that is to be. Among + females, I am Fame, Fortune, Speech, Memory, Intelligence, Constancy, + Forgiveness. Of the Sama hymns, I am the Vrihat-sama and Gayatri among + metres. Of the months, I am Margasirsha, of the seasons (I am) that which + is productive of flowers.<a href="#linknote-6245" name="linknoteref-6245" id="linknoteref-6245">245</a> I am the game of dice of them that cheat, + and the splendour of those that are splendid. I am Victory, I am Exertion, + I am the goodness of the good. I am Vasudeva among the Vrishnis, I am + Dhananjaya among the sons of Pandu. I am even Vyasa among the ascetics, + and Usanas among seers. I am the Rod of those that chastise, I am the + Policy of those that seek victory. I am silence among those that are + secret. I am the Knowledge of those that are possessed of Knowledge. That + which is the Seed of all things, I am that, O Arjuna. There is nothing + mobile or immobile, which can exist without me. There is no end, O + chastiser of foes, of my divine perfections. This recital of the extent of + (those) perfections hath been uttered by me by way (only) of instancing + them. Whatever of exalted things (there is) or glorious, or strong, + understand thou that everything is born of a portion of my energy. Or + rather, what hast thou to do, by knowing all this in detail, O Arjuna? + Supporting this entire universe with only a portion (of myself), I stand.<a + href="#linknote-6246" name="linknoteref-6246" id="linknoteref-6246">246</a>’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0035" id="link62H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XI)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said,—‘This discourse about the supreme mystery, called + Adhyatman, which thou hast uttered for my welfare, hath dispelled my + delusion.<a href="#linknote-6247" name="linknoteref-6247" id="linknoteref-6247">247</a> For I have heard at large from thee of the + creation and dissolution of beings, O thou of eyes like lotus petals, and + also of thy greatness that knoweth no deterioration. What thou hast said + about thyself, O great Lord, is even so. O best of Male Beings, I desire + to behold thy sovereign form. If, O Lord, thou thinkest that I am + competent to behold that (form), then, O Lord of mystic power, show me thy + eternal Self.<a href="#linknote-6248" name="linknoteref-6248" id="linknoteref-6248">248</a>’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Behold, O son of Pritha, my forms by hundreds and + thousands, various, divine, diverse in hue and shape. Behold the Adityas, + the Vasus, the Rudras, the Aswins, and the Maruts. Behold, O Bharata, + innumerable marvels unseen before (by thee). Behold, O thou of curly hair, + the entire universe of mobiles and immobiles, collected together in this + body of mine, whatever else thou mayst wish to see.<a href="#linknote-6249" name="linknoteref-6249" id="linknoteref-6249">249</a> Thou art, however, + not competent to behold me with this eye of thine. I give thee celestial + sight. Behold my sovereign mystic nature.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Having said this, O monarch, Hari, the mighty + Lord of mystic power, then revealed to the son of Pritha his Supreme + sovereign form, with many mouths and eyes, many wonderous aspects, many + celestial ornaments, many celestial weapons uplifted, wearing celestial + garlands and robes, (and) with unguents of celestial fragrance, full of + every wonder, resplendent, infinite, with faces turned on all sides.<a + href="#linknote-6250" name="linknoteref-6250" id="linknoteref-6250">250</a> + If the splendour of a thousand suns were to burst forth at once in the + sky, (then) that would be like the splendour of that Mighty One. The son + of Pandu then beheld there in the body of that God of gods the entire + universe divided and sub-divided into many parts, all collected together.<a + href="#linknote-6251" name="linknoteref-6251" id="linknoteref-6251">251</a> + Then Dhananjaya, filled with amazement, (and) with hair standing on end, + bowing with (his) head, with joined hands addressed the God. + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘I behold all the gods, O God, as also all the varied hosts + of creatures, (and) Brahman seated on (his) lotus seat, and all the Rishis + and the celestial snakes. I behold Thee with innumerable arms, stomachs, + mouths, (and) eyes, on every side, O thou of infinite forms. Neither end + nor middle, nor also beginning of thine do I behold, O Lord of the + universe, O thou of universal form. Bearing (thy) diadem, mace, and + discus, a mass of energy, glowing on all sides, do I behold thee that art + hard to look at, endued on all sides with the effulgence of the blazing + fire or the Sun, (and) immeasurable. Thou art indestructible, (and) the + Supreme object of this universe. Thou art without decay, the guardian of + eternal virtue. I regard thee to be the eternal (male) Being. I behold + thee to be without beginning, mean, end, to be of infinite prowess, of + innumerable arms, having the Sun and the Moon for thy eyes, the blazing + fire for thy mouth, and heating this universe with energy of thy own. For + the space betwixt heaven and earth is pervaded by Thee alone, as also all + the points of the horizon. At sight of this marvellous and fierce form of + thine, O Supreme Soul, the triple world trembleth. For these hosts of gods + are entering thee. Some, afraid, are praying with joined hands. Saying + Hail to Thee—the hosts of great Rishis and Siddhas praise Thee with + copious hymns of praise.<a href="#linknote-6252" name="linknoteref-6252" id="linknoteref-6252">252</a> The Rudras, the Adityas, the Vasus, they + that (called) the Siddhas, the Viswas, the Aswins, the Maruts, also the + Ushmapas, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Asuras, the hosts of Siddhyas, + behold Thee and are all amazed. Beholding Thy mighty form with many mouths + and eyes, O mighty-armed one, with innumerable arms, thighs and feet, many + stomachs, (and) terrible in consequence of many tusks, all creatures are + frightened and I also. Indeed, touching the very skies, of blazing + radiance, many-hued, mouth wide-open, with eyes that are blazing and + large, beholding thee, O Vishnu, with (my) inner soul trembling (in + fright), I can no longer command courage and peace of mind. Beholding thy + mouths that are terrible in consequence of (their) tusks, and that are + fierce (as the all-destroying fire at the end of the Yuga), I cannot + recognise the points of the horizon nor can I command peace of mind. Be + gracious, O God of gods, O thou that art the refuge of the Universe. And + all these sons of Dhritarashtra, together with the hosts of kings, and + Bhishma, and Drona, and also this Suta’s son (Karna), accompanied by even + the principal warriors of our side, are quickly entering thy terrible + mouths rendered fierce by thy tusks. Some, with their heads crushed, are + seen striking at the interstices of (thy) teeth. As many currents of water + flowing through different channels roll rapidly towards the ocean, so + these heroes of the world of men enter thy mouths that flame all around. + As moths with increasing speed rush for (their own) destruction to the + blazing fire, so also do (these) people, with unceasing speed, enter thy + mouths for (their) destruction. Swallowing all these men from every side, + thou lickest them with thy flaming mouths. Filling the whole universe with + (thy) energy, thy fierce splendours, O Vishnu, are heating (everything). + Tell me who thou art of (such) fierce form. I bow to thee, O chief of the + gods, be gracious to me. I desire to know thee that art the Primeval One, + I do not understand thy action.‘<a href="#linknote-6253" name="linknoteref-6253" id="linknoteref-6253">253</a> + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘I am Death, the destroyer of the worlds, fully + developed. I am now engaged in slaying the race of men. Without thee all + these warriors standing in the different divisions shall cease to be.<a + href="#linknote-6254" name="linknoteref-6254" id="linknoteref-6254">254</a> + Wherefore, arise, gain glory, (and) vanquishing the foe, enjoy (this) + swelling kingdom. By me have all these been already slain. Be only (my) + instrument. O thou that can’st draw the bow with (even) the left hand. + Drona and Bhishma, and Jayadratha, and Karna, and also other heroic + warriors, (already) slain by me, do thou slay. Be not dismayed, fight; + thou shalt conquer in battle (thy) foes.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Hearing these words of Kesava, the diadem-decked + (Arjuna), trembling, (and) with joined hands, bowed (unto him); and once + more said unto Krishna, with voice choked up and overwhelmed with fear, + and making his salutations (to him).— + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘It is meet, Hrishikesa, that the universe is delighted and + charmed in uttering thy praise, and the Rakshasas flee in fear in all + directions, and the hosts of the Siddhas bow down (to thee). And why + should they not bow down to thee, O Supreme Soul, that are greater than + even Brahman (himself), and the primal cause? O thou that art Infinite, O + God of the gods, O thou that art the refuge of the universe, thou art + indestructible, thou art that which is, and that which is not and that + which is beyond (both). Thou art the First God, the ancient (male) Being, + thou art the Supreme refuge of this universe. Thou art the Knower, thou + art the Object to be known, thou art the highest abode. By thee is + pervaded this universe, O thou of infinite form.<a href="#linknote-6255" name="linknoteref-6255" id="linknoteref-6255">255</a> Thou art Vayu, Yama, + Agni, Varuna, Moon, Prajapati, and Grandsire. Obeisance be to thee a + thousand times, and again and yet again obeisance to thee. Obeisance to + thee in front, and also from behind. Let obeisance be to thee from every + side, O thou that art all. Thou art all, of energy that is infinite, and + prowess that is immeasurable. Thou embracest the All. Regarding (thee) a + friend whatever hath been said by me carelessly, such as—“O Krishna, + O Yadava, O friend,”—not knowing this thy greatness from want of + judgement or from love either, whatever disrespect hath been shown thee + for purpose of mirth, on occasions of play, lying, sitting, (or) at meals, + while alone or in the presence of others, O undeteriorating one, I beg thy + pardon for it, that art immeasurable. Thou art the father of this universe + of mobiles and immobiles. Thou art the great master deserving of worship. + There is none equal to thee, how can there be one greater? O thou whose + power is unparalleled in even three worlds?<a href="#linknote-6256" name="linknoteref-6256" id="linknoteref-6256">256</a> Therefore bowing (to + thee) prostrating (my) body, I ask thy grace, O Lord, O adorable one. It + behoveth thee, O God, to bear (my faults) as a father (his) son’s, a + friend (his) friend’s, a lover (his) loved one’s. Beholding (thy) form + (unseen) before, I have been joyful, (yet) my mind hath been troubled, + with fear. Show me that (other ordinary) form, O God. Be gracious, O Lord + of the gods, O thou that art the refuge of the universe. (Decked) in + diadem, and (armed) with mace, discus in hand, as before, I desire to + behold thee. Be of that same four-armed form, O thou of a thousand arms, + thou of universal form.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Pleased with thee, O Arjuna, I have, by my (own) + mystic power, shown thee this supreme form, full of glory, Universal, + Infinite, Primeval, which hath been seen before by none save thee. Except + by thee alone, hero of Kuru’s race, I cannot be seen in this form in the + world of men by any one else, (aided) even by the study of the Vedas and + of sacrifices, by gifts, by actions, (or) by the severest austerities.<a + href="#linknote-6257" name="linknoteref-6257" id="linknoteref-6257">257</a> + Let no fear be thine, nor perplexity of mind at seeing this awful form of + mine. Freed from fear with a joyful heart, thou again see Me assuming that + other form.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Vasudeva, having said all this to Arjuna, once + more showed (him) his own (ordinary) form, and that High-Souled one, + assuming once more (his) gentle form, comforted him who had been + afflicted." </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Beholding this gentle human form of thine, O Janardana, I + have now become of right mind and have come to my normal state.’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘This form of mine which thou hast seen is difficult + of being seen. Even the gods are always desirous of becoming spectators of + this (my) form. Not by the Vedas, nor by austerities, nor by gifts, nor by + sacrifices, can I be seen in this form of mine which thou hast seen. By + reverence, however, that is exclusive (in its objects), O Arjuna, I can in + this form be known, seen truly, and attained to, O chastiser of foes. He + who doth everything for me, who hath me for his supreme object, who is + freed from attachment, who is without enmity towards all beings, even he, + O Arjuna, cometh to me.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0036" id="link62H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XII)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Of those worshippers who, constantly devoted, adore thee, + and those who (meditate) on thee as the Immutable and Unmanifest, who are + best acquainted with devotion?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Fixing (their) mind on me, they that constantly adore + me, being endued (besides) with the highest faith, are deemed by me to be + the most devoted. They, however, who worship the Immutable, the + Unmanifest, the All-pervading, the Inconceivable, the Indifferent, the + Immutable, the Eternal, who, restraining the entire group of the senses, + are equal-minded in respect of all around and are engaged in the good of + all creatures, (also) attain to me. The trouble is the greater for those + whose minds are fixed on the Unmanifest; for the path to the Unmanifest is + hard to find by those that are embodied. They (again) who, reposing all + action on me (and) regarding me as their highest object (of attainment), + worship me, meditating on me with devotion undirected to anything else, of + them whose minds are (thus) fixed on me, I, without delay, become the + deliverer from the ocean of (this) mortal world. Fix thy heart on me + alone, place thy understanding on me, Hereafter then shalt thou dwell in + me. (There is) no doubt (in this).<a href="#linknote-6258" name="linknoteref-6258" id="linknoteref-6258">258</a> If however, thou art + unable to fix thy heart steadily on me, then, O Dhananjaya, strive to + obtain me by devotion (arising) from continuous application. If thou beest + unequal to even (this) continuous application, then let actions performed + for me be thy highest aim. Even performing all thy acts for my sake, thou + wilt obtain perfection. If even this thou art unable to do, then resorting + to devotion in me, (and) subduing thy soul, abandon the fruit of all + actions. Knowledge is superior to application (in devotion); meditation is + better than knowledge; the abandonment of the fruit of reaction (is + better) than meditation; and tranquillity (results) immediately from + abandonment. He who hath no hatred for any creature, who is friendly and + compassionate also, who is free from egoism, who hath no vanity, + attachment, who is alike in pleasure and pain, who is forgiving, + contented, always devoted, of subdued soul, firm of purpose, with heart + and understanding fixed on me, even he is dear to me. He through whom the + world is not troubled, (and) who is not troubled by the world, who is free + from joy, wrath, fear and anxieties, even he is dear to me. That devotee + of mine who is unconcerned, pure, diligent, unconnected (with worldly + objects), and free from distress (of mind), and who renounceth every + action (for fruit), even he is dear to me.<a href="#linknote-6259" name="linknoteref-6259" id="linknoteref-6259">259</a> He who hath no joy, + no aversion, who neither grieveth nor desireth, who renounceth both good + and evil, (and) who is full of faith in me, even he is dear to me. He who + is alike to friend and foe, as also in honour and dishonour, who is alike + in cold and heat, (and pleasure and pain), who is free from attachment, to + whom censure and praise are equal, who is taciturn, who is contented with + anything that cometh (to him), who is homeless, of steady mind and full of + faith, even that man is dear to me. They who resort to this righteousness + (leading to) immortality which hath been (already) declared,—those + devotees full of faith and regarding me as the highest object (of their + acquisition) are the dearest to me.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0037" id="link62H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XIII)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘This body, O son of Kunti, is called Kshetra. Him who + knoweth it, the learned call Kshetrajna.<a href="#linknote-6260" name="linknoteref-6260" id="linknoteref-6260">260</a> Know me, O Bharata, + to be Kshetras. The knowledge of Kshetra and Kshetrajna I regard to be + (true) knowledge. What that Kshetra (is), and what (it is) like, and what + changes it undergoes, and whence (it comes), what is he (viz., + Kshetrajna), and what his powers are, hear from me in brief. All this hath + in many ways been sung separately, by Rishis in various verses, in + well-settled texts fraught with reason and giving indications of Brahman. + The great elements, egoism, intellect, the unmanifest (viz., Prakriti), + also the ten senses, the one (manas), the five objects of sense, desire, + aversion, pleasure, pain, body consciousness, courage,—all this in + brief hath been declared to be Kshetra in its modified form. Absence of + vanity, absence of ostentation, abstention from injury, forgiveness, + uprightness, devotion to preceptor, purity, constancy, self-restraint, + indifference to objects of sense, absence of egoism, perception of the + misery and evil of birth, death, decrepitude and disease,<a + href="#linknote-6261" name="linknoteref-6261" id="linknoteref-6261">261</a> + freedom from attachment, absence of sympathy for son, wife, home, and the + rest, and constant equanimity of heart on attainment of good and evil, + unswerving devotion to me without meditation on anything else, frequenting + of lonely places, distaste for concourse of men,<a href="#linknote-6262" name="linknoteref-6262" id="linknoteref-6262">262</a> constancy in the + knowledge of the relation of the individual self to the supreme, + perception of the object of the knowledge of truth,—all this is + called Knowledge; all that which is contrary to this is Ignorance.<a + href="#linknote-6263" name="linknoteref-6263" id="linknoteref-6263">263</a> + That which is the object of knowledge I will (now) declare (to thee), + knowing which one obtaineth immortality. [It is] the Supreme Brahma having + no beginning, who is said to be neither existent nor non-existent; whose + hands and feet are on all sides, whose eyes, heads and faces are on all + sides, who dwells pervading everything in the world, who is possessed of + all the qualities of the senses (though) devoid of the senses, without + attachment (yet) sustaining all things, without attributes (yet) enjoying + (a) all attributes,<a href="#linknote-6264" name="linknoteref-6264" id="linknoteref-6264">264</a> without and within all creatures, immobile + and mobile, not knowable because of (his) subtlety, remote yet near, + undistributed in all beings, (yet) remaining as if distributed, who is the + sustainer of (all) beings, the absorber and the creator (of all); who is + the light of all luminous bodies, who is said to be beyond all darkness; + who is knowledge, the Object of knowledge, the End of knowledge and seated + in the hearts of all. Thus Kshetra, and Knowledge, and the Object of + Knowledge, have been declared (to thee) in brief. My devotee, knowing + (all) this, becomes one in spirit with me. Know that Nature and Spirit are + both without beginning (and) know (also) that all modifications and all + qualities spring from Nature.<a href="#linknote-6265" name="linknoteref-6265" id="linknoteref-6265">265</a> Nature is said to be + the source of the capacity of enjoying pleasures and pains.<a + href="#linknote-6266" name="linknoteref-6266" id="linknoteref-6266">266</a> + For Spirit, dwelling in nature enjoyeth the qualities born of Nature. The + cause of its births in good or evil wombs is (its) connection with the + qualities.<a href="#linknote-6267" name="linknoteref-6267" id="linknoteref-6267">267</a> The Supreme Purusha in this body is said to + be surveyor, approver, supporter, enjoyer, the mighty lord, and also the + Supreme Soul.<a href="#linknote-6268" name="linknoteref-6268" id="linknoteref-6268">268</a> He who thus knows Spirit, and Nature, with + the qualities, in whatever state he may be, is never born again. Some by + meditation behold the self in the self by the self; others by devotion + according to the Sankhya system; and others (again), by devotion through + works. Others yet not knowing this, worship, hearing of it from others. + Even these, devoted to what is heard, cross over death.<a + href="#linknote-6269" name="linknoteref-6269" id="linknoteref-6269">269</a> + Whatever entity, immobile or mobile, cometh into existence, know that, O + bull of Bharata’s race, to be from the connection of Kshetra and + Kshetrajna (matter and spirit). He seeth the Supreme Lord dwelling alike + in all beings, the Imperishable in the Perishable. For seeing the Lord + dwelling alike everywhere, one doth not destroy<a href="#linknote-6270" name="linknoteref-6270" id="linknoteref-6270">270</a> himself by himself, + and then reacheth the highest goal. He seeth (truly) who seeth all actions + to be wrought by nature alone in every way and the self likewise to be not + the doer. When one seeth the diversity of entities as existing in one, and + the issue (everything) from that (One), then is one said to attain to + Brahma. This inexhaustible Supreme Self, O son of Kunti, being without + beginning and without attributes, doth not act, nor is stained even when + stationed in the body. As space, which is ubiquitous, is never, in + consequence of its subtlety tainted, so the soul, stationed in every body, + is never tainted.<a href="#linknote-6271" name="linknoteref-6271" id="linknoteref-6271">271</a> As the single Sun lights up the entire + world, so the Spirit, O Bharata, lights up the entire (sphere of) matters. + They that, by the eye of knowledge, know the distinction between matter + and spirit, and the deliverance from the nature of all entities, attain to + the Supreme.’”<a href="#linknote-6272" name="linknoteref-6272" id="linknoteref-6272">272</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0038" id="link62H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘I will again declare (to thee) that supernal science + of sciences, that excellent science, knowing which all the munis have + attained to the highest perfection from (the fetters of) this body.<a + href="#linknote-6273" name="linknoteref-6273" id="linknoteref-6273">273</a> + Resorting to this science, and attaining to my nature, they are not reborn + even on (the occasion of) a (new) creation and are not disturbed at the + universal dissolution. The mighty Brahma is a womb for me. Therein I place + the (living) germ. Thence, O Bharata, the birth of all beings taketh + place. Whatever (bodily) forms, O son of Kunti, are born in all wombs, of + them Brahma is the mighty womb, (and) I the seed-imparting Sire.<a + href="#linknote-6274" name="linknoteref-6274" id="linknoteref-6274">274</a> + Goodness, passion, darkness, these qualities, born of nature, bind down, O + thou of mighty arms, the eternal embodied [soul] in the body.<a + href="#linknote-6275" name="linknoteref-6275" id="linknoteref-6275">275</a> + Amongst these, Goodness, from its unsullied nature, being enlightening and + free from misery, bindeth (the soul), O sinless one, with the attainment + of happiness and of knowledge. Know that passion, having desire for its + essence, is born of thirst and attachment. That, O son of Kunti, bindeth + the embodied (soul) by the attachment of work. Darkness, however, know, is + born of ignorance, (and) bewilders all embodied [soul]. That bindeth, O + Bharata, by error, indolence, and sleep. Goodness uniteth (the soul) with + pleasure; Passion, O Bharata, uniteth with work; but darkness, veiling + knowledge, uniteth with error. Passion and darkness, being repressed, + Goodness remaineth, O Bharata. Passion and goodness (being repressed), + darkness (remaineth); (and) darkness and goodness (being repressed), + passion (remaineth). When in this body, in all its gates, the light of + knowledge is produced, then should one know that goodness hath been + developed there. Avarice, activity, performance of works, want of + tranquillity, desire,—these, O bull of Bharata’s race, are born when + passion is developed. Gloom, inactivity, error, and delusion also,—these, + O son of Kuru’s race, are born when darkness is developed. When the holder + of a body goeth to dissolution while goodness is developed, then he + attaineth to the spotless regions of those that know the Supreme. Going to + dissolution when passion prevails, one is born among those that are + attached to work. Likewise, dissolved during darkness, one is born in + wombs that beget the ignorant. The fruit of good action is said to be good + and untainted. The fruit, however, of passion, is misery; (and) the fruit + of Darkness is ignorance. From goodness is produced knowledge; from + passion, avarice; (and) from darkness are error and delusion, and also + ignorance. They that dwell in goodness go on high; they that are addicted + to passion dwell in the middle; (while) they that are of darkness, being + addicted to the lowest quality, go down. When an observer recognises none + else to be an agent save the qualities, and knows that which is beyond + (the qualities), he attaineth to my nature. The embodied [soul], by + transcending these three qualities which constitute the source of all + bodies, enjoyeth immortality, being freed from birth, death, decrepitude, + and misery.‘<a href="#linknote-6276" name="linknoteref-6276" id="linknoteref-6276">276</a> + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘What are indications, O Lord, of one who hath transcended + these three qualities? What is his conduct? How also doth one transcend + these three qualities?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘He who hath no aversion for light, activity, and even + delusion, O son of Pandu, when they are present, nor desireth them when + they are absent,<a href="#linknote-6277" name="linknoteref-6277" id="linknoteref-6277">277</a> who, seated as one unconcerned, is not + shaken by those qualities; who sitteth and moveth not, thinking that it is + the qualities (and not he) that are engaged (in their respective + functions); to whom pain and pleasure are alike, who is self-contained, + and to whom a sod of earth, a stone, and gold are alike; to whom the + agreeable and the disagreeable are the same; who hath discernment; to whom + censure and praise are the same; to whom honour and dishonour are the + same; who regardeth friend and foe alike; who hath renounced all exertion—is + said to have transcended the qualities. He also who worshippeth Me with + exclusive devotion, he, transcending those qualities, becometh fit for + admission into the nature of Brahma. For I am the stay of Brahma, of + immortality, of undestructibility, of eternal piety, and of unbroken + felicity.’”<a href="#linknote-6278" name="linknoteref-6278" id="linknoteref-6278">278</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0039" id="link62H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XV)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘They say that the Aswattha, having its roots above + and branches below, is eternal, its leaves are the Chhandas. He who + knoweth it, knoweth the Vedas.<a href="#linknote-6279" name="linknoteref-6279" id="linknoteref-6279">279</a> Downwards and + upwards are stretched its branches which are enlarged by the qualities; + its sprouts are the objects of senses. Downwards its roots, leading to + action, are extended to this world of men.<a href="#linknote-6280" name="linknoteref-6280" id="linknoteref-6280">280</a> Its form cannot here + (below) be thus known, nor (its) end, nor (its) beginning, nor (its) + support. Cutting, with the hard weapon of unconcern, this Aswattha of + roots firmly fixed, then should one seek for that place repairing whither + one returneth not again (thinking)—“I will seek the protection of + that Primeval Sire from whom the ancient course of (worldly) life hath + flowed.”—Those that are free from pride and delusion, that have + subdued the evil of attachment, that are steady in the contemplation of + the relation of the Supreme to the individual self, from whom desire hath + departed, freed from the pairs of opposites known by the names of pleasure + and pain (and the like), repair, undeluded, to that eternal seat. The sun + lighteth not that [seat], nor the moon, nor fire. Whither going none + returneth, that is my supreme seat. An eternal portion of Me is that + which, becoming an individual soul in the world of life, draweth to itself + the (five) senses with the mind as the sixth which all depend on nature. + When the sovereign (of this bodily frame) assumeth or quitteth (a) body, + it departeth taking away these, like the wind (taking away) perfumes from + their seats. Presiding over the ear, the eye, (the organs of) touch, + taste, and smell, and also over the mind, he enjoyeth all objects of + senses. They that are deluded do not see (him) when quitting or abiding in + (the body), when enjoying or joined to the qualities. They (however) see + that have the eye of knowledge.<a href="#linknote-6281" name="linknoteref-6281" id="linknoteref-6281">281</a> Devotees exerting + (towards that end) behold him dwelling in themselves. They (however) that + are senseless and whose minds are not restrained, behold him not, even + while exerting (themselves).<a href="#linknote-6282" name="linknoteref-6282" id="linknoteref-6282">282</a> That splendour + dwelling in the sun which illumines the vast universe, that (which is) in + the moon, and that (which is) in the fire, know that splendour to be mine. + Entering into the earth I uphold creatures by my force; and becoming the + juicy moon I nourish all herbs.<a href="#linknote-6283" name="linknoteref-6283" id="linknoteref-6283">283</a> Myself becoming the + vital heat (Vaiswanara) residing in the bodies of creatures that breathe, + (and) uniting with the upward and the downward life-breaths, I digest the + four kinds of food.<a href="#linknote-6284" name="linknoteref-6284" id="linknoteref-6284">284</a> I am seated in the hearts of all. From Me + are memory and knowledge and the loss of both. I am the objects of + knowledge to be known by (the aid of) all the Vedas. I am the author of + the Vedantas, and I alone am the knower of the Vedas.<a + href="#linknote-6285" name="linknoteref-6285" id="linknoteref-6285">285</a> + There are these two entities in the world, viz., the mutable and the + immutable. The mutable is all (these) creatures. The unchangeable one is + called the immutable.<a href="#linknote-6286" name="linknoteref-6286" id="linknoteref-6286">286</a> But there is another, the Supreme Being, + called Paramatman, who was the Eternal Lord, pervading the three worlds, + sustaineth (them) (and) since I transcend the mutable, and am higher than + even the immutable; for this I am celebrated in the world (among men) and + in the Veda as Purushottama (the Highest Being). He who, without being + deluded, knoweth Me as this Highest Being,—he knowing all, O + Bharata, worshippeth Me in every way.<a href="#linknote-6287" name="linknoteref-6287" id="linknoteref-6287">287</a> Thus, O sinless one, + hath this knowledge, forming the greatest of mysteries, been declared by + Me (to thee). Knowing this, O Bharata, one will become gifted with + intelligence, and will have done all he needs do.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0040" id="link62H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XVI)] + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘Fearlessness, purity of heart, perseverance in (the + pursuit of) knowledge and Yoga meditation, gifts, self-restraint, + sacrifice, study of the Vedas, ascetic penances, uprightness,<a + href="#linknote-6288" name="linknoteref-6288" id="linknoteref-6288">288</a> + abstention from injury, truth, freedom from anger, renunciation, + tranquillity, freedom from reporting other’s faults, compassion for all + creatures, absence of covetousness, gentleness, modesty, absence of + restlessness, vigour, forgiveness, firmness, cleanliness, absence of + quarrelsomeness, freedom from vanity,—these become his, O Bharata, + who is born to godlike possessions. Hypocrisy, pride, conceit, wrath, + rudeness and ignorance, are, O son of Pritha, his who is born to demoniac + possessions. God-like possessions are deemed to be for deliverance; the + demoniac for bondage. Grieve not, O son of Pandu, for thou art born to + god-like possessions. (There are) two kinds of created beings in this + world, viz., the god-like and the demoniac. The god-like have been + described at length. Hear now, from me, O son of Pritha, about the + demoniac. Persons of demoniac nature know not inclination or + disinclination. Neither purity, nor good conduct, nor truth exist in them.<a + href="#linknote-6289" name="linknoteref-6289" id="linknoteref-6289">289</a> + They say that the universe is void of truth, of guiding principle, (and) + of ruler; produced by the union of one another (male and female) from + lust, and nothing else. Depending on this view, these men of lost selves, + little intelligence, and fierce deeds, these enemies (of the world), are + born for the destruction of the universe.<a href="#linknote-6290" name="linknoteref-6290" id="linknoteref-6290">290</a> Cherishing desires + that are insatiable, and endued with hypocrisy, conceit and folly, they + adopt false notions through delusion and engage in unholy practices. + Cherishing boundless thoughts limited by death (alone), and regarding the + enjoyment of (their) desires as the highest end, they are persuaded that + that is all. Fettered by the hundred nooses of hope, addicted to lust and + wrath, they covet to obtain this wealth to-day,—This I will obtain + later,—This wealth I have,—This (wealth) will be mine in + addition,—This foe hath been slain by me,—I will slay even + others,—I am lord,—I am the enjoyer,—I am successful, + powerful, happy,—I am rich and of noble birth,—Who else is + there that is like me?—I will sacrifice,—I will make gifts,—I + will be merry,—thus deluded by ignorance, tossed about by numerous + thoughts, enveloped in the meshes of delusion, attached to the enjoyment + of objects of desire, they sink into foul hell. Self-conceited, stubborn, + filled with the pride and intoxication of wealth, they perform sacrifices + that are nominally so, with hypocrisy and against the (prescribed) + ordinance. Wedded to vanity, power, pride, lust and wrath, these revilers + hate Me in their own bodies and those of others. These haters (of Me), + cruel, the vilest among men, and unholy, I hurl continually down into + demoniac wombs. Coming into demoniac wombs, deluded birth after birth, + they, O son of Kunti, without attaining to Me go down to the vilest state. + Three-fold is the way to hell, ruinous to the self, viz., lust, wrath, + likewise avarice. Therefore, these three, one should renounce. Freed from + these three gates of darkness, a man, O son of Kunti, works out his own + welfare, and then repairs to his highest goal. He who, abandoning the + ordinances of the scriptures, acts only under the impulses of desire, + never attains to perfection, nor happiness, nor the highest goal. + Therefore, the scriptures should be thy authority in determining what + should be done and what should not be done. It behoveth thee to do work + here, having ascertained what hath been declared by the ordinances of the + scriptures.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0041" id="link62H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVII)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘What is the state, O Krishna, of those who abandoning the + ordinance of the scriptures, perform sacrifices endued with faith? It is + one of Goodness, or Passion, or Darkness?’ + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘The faith of embodied (creatures) is of three kinds. + It is (also) born of their (individual) natures. It is good, passionate, + and dark. Hear now these. The faith of one, O Bharata, is conformable to + his own nature. A being here is full of faith; and whatever is one’s + faith, one is even that. They that are of the quality of goodness worship + the gods; they that are of the quality of passion (worship) the Yakshas + and the Rakshasas; other people that are of the quality of darkness + worship departed spirits and hosts of Bhutas. Those people who practise + severe ascetic austerities not ordained by the scriptures, are given up to + hypocrisy and pride, and endued with desire of attachment, and violence,—those + persons possessed of no discernment, torturing the groups of organs in + (their) bodies and Me also seated within (those) bodies,—should be + known to be of demoniac resolves. Food which is dear to all is of three + kinds. Sacrifice, penance, and gifts are likewise (of three kinds). Listen + to their distinctions as follows. Those kinds of food that increase life’s + period, energy, strength, health, well-being, and joy, which are savoury, + oleaginous, nutritive, and agreeable, are liked by God. Those kinds of + food which are bitter, sour, salted, over-hot, pungent, dry, and burning, + and which produce pain, grief and disease, are desired by the passionate. + The food which is cold, without savour, stinking and corrupt, and which is + even refuse, and filthy, is dear to men of darkness. That sacrifice is + good which, being prescribed by the ordinance, is performed by persons, + without any longing for the fruit (thereof) and the mind being determined + (to it under the belief) that its performance is a duty. But that which is + performed in expectation of fruit and even for the sake of ostentation, + know that sacrifice, O chief of the sons of Bharata, to be of the quality + of passion. That sacrifice which is against the ordinance, in which no + food is dealt out, which is devoid of mantras (sacred verse), in which no + fees are paid to the brahmanas assisting to it, and which is void of + faith, is said to be of the quality of darkness. Reverence to the gods, + regenerate ones, preceptors, and men of knowledge, purity, uprightness, + the practices of a Brahmacharin, and abstention from injury, are said to + constitute the penance of the body. The speech which causeth no agitation, + which is true, which is agreeable and beneficial, and the diligent study + of the Vedas, are said to be the penance of speech. Serenity of the mind, + gentleness, taciturnity, self-restraint, and purity of the disposition,—these + are said to be the penance of the mind. This three-fold penance performed + with perfect faith, by men without desire of fruit, and with devotion, is + said to be of the quality of goodness. That penance which is performed for + the sake of (gaining) respect, honour, and reverence, with hypocrisy, + (and) which is unstable and transient is said to be of the quality of + passion. That penance which is performed under a deluded conviction, with + torture of one’s self, and for the destruction of another, is said to be + of the quality of darkness. That gift which is given because it ought to + be given, to one who cannot return any service for it, in a proper time, + and to a proper person, is said to be of the quality of goodness. That, + however, which is given reluctantly, for return of services (past or + expected), or even with an eye to fruit,—that gift is said to be of + the quality of passion. In an unfit place and at an unfit time, the gift + that is made to an unworthy object, without respect, and with contempt, is + said to be of the quality of darkness. OM, TAT, SAT, this is said to be + the three-fold designation of Brahma. By that (Brahma), the Brahmanas and + the Vedas, and the Sacrifices, were ordained of old. Therefore, uttering + the syllable OM, the sacrifices, gifts, and penances, prescribed by the + ordinance, of all utterers of Brahma begin. Uttering TAT, the various + rites of sacrifice, penance, and gifts, without expectation of fruit, are + performed by those that are desirous of deliverance. SAT is employed to + denote existence and goodness. Likewise, O son of Pritha, the word SAT is + used in any auspicious act. Constancy in sacrifices, in penances and in + gifts, is also called SAT, and an act, too, for the sake of That is called + SAT.<a href="#linknote-6291" name="linknoteref-6291" id="linknoteref-6291">291</a> + Whatever oblation is offered (to the fire), whatever is given away, + whatever penance is performed, whatever is done, without faith, is, O son + of Pritha, said to be the opposite of SAT; and that is nought both here + and hereafter.’”<a href="#linknote-6292" name="linknoteref-6292" id="linknoteref-6292">292</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0042" id="link62H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <p> + [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVIII)] + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Of renunciation, O thou of mighty arms, I desire to know + the true nature, and also of abandonment, O lord of the senses distinctly, + O slayer of Kesi.‘<a href="#linknote-6293" name="linknoteref-6293" id="linknoteref-6293">293</a> + </p> + <p> + “The Holy One said, ‘The rejection of the works with desire is known by + the learned as renunciation. The abandonment of the fruit of all work, the + discerning call abandonment. Some wise men say that work (itself) should + be abandoned as evil; others (say) that the works of sacrifice, gifts, and + penance, should not be abandoned. As to that abandonment, listen to my + decision, O best of the sons of Bharata, for abandonment, O tiger among + men, hath been declared to be of three kinds. The works of sacrifice, + gifts, and penance should not be abandoned. They should, indeed, be done. + Sacrifice, gift, and penance, are the purifications of the wise. But even + those works should be done, abandoning attachment and fruit. This, O son + of Pritha, is my excellent and decided opinion. The renunciation of an act + prescribed (in the scriptures) is not proper. Its abandonment (is) from + delusion, (and) is (therefore,) declared to be of the quality of darkness.<a + href="#linknote-6294" name="linknoteref-6294" id="linknoteref-6294">294</a> + (Regarding it) as (a source of) sorrow, when work is abandoned from (fear + of) bodily pain, one making such an abandonment which is of the quality of + passion never obtaineth the fruit of abandonment. (Regarding it) as one + that should be done, when<a href="#linknote-6295" name="linknoteref-6295" id="linknoteref-6295">295</a> work that is prescribed (in the scriptures) + is done, O Arjuna, abandoning attachment and fruit also, that abandonment + is deemed to be of the quality of goodness. Possessed of intelligence and + with doubts dispelled, an abandoner that is endowed with the quality of + goodness hath no aversion for an unpleasant action and no attachment to + pleasant (ones).<a href="#linknote-6296" name="linknoteref-6296" id="linknoteref-6296">296</a> Since actions cannot be absolutely abandoned + by an embodied person, (therefore) he who abandons the fruit of actions is + truly said to be an abandoner. Evil, good and mixed-action hath (this) + three-fold fruit hereafter for those that do not abandon. But there is + none whatever for the renouncer.<a href="#linknote-6297" name="linknoteref-6297" id="linknoteref-6297">297</a> Listen from me, O + thou of mighty arms, to those five causes for the completion of all + actions, declared in the Sankhya treating of the annihilation of actions.<a + href="#linknote-6298" name="linknoteref-6298" id="linknoteref-6298">298</a> + (They are) substratum, agent, the diverse kinds of organs, the diverse + efforts severally, and with them the deities as the fifth.<a + href="#linknote-6299" name="linknoteref-6299" id="linknoteref-6299">299</a> + With body, speech, or mind, whatever work, just or the reverse, a man + undertakes, these five are its causes. That being so, he that, owing to an + unrefined understanding, beholdeth his own self as solely the agent, he, + dull in mind, beholdeth not. He that hath no feeling of egoism, whose mind + is not sullied, he, even killing all these people, killeth not, nor is + fettered (by action).<a href="#linknote-6300" name="linknoteref-6300" id="linknoteref-6300">300</a>—Knowledge, the object of knowledge, + and the knower, form the three-fold impulse of action. Instrument, action, + and the agent, form the three-fold complement of action.<a + href="#linknote-6301" name="linknoteref-6301" id="linknoteref-6301">301</a> + Knowledge, action, and agent, are declared in the enumeration of qualities + to be three-fold, according to the difference of qualities. Listen to + those also duly.<a href="#linknote-6302" name="linknoteref-6302" id="linknoteref-6302">302</a> That by which One Eternal Essence is viewed + in all things, undivided in the divided, know that to be knowledge having + the quality of goodness. That knowledge which discerneth all things as + diverse essences of different kinds in consequence of their separateness, + know that that knowledge hath the quality of passion. But that which is + attached to (each) single object as if it were the whole, which is without + reason, without truth, and mean, that knowledge hath been said to be of + the quality of darkness. The action which is prescribed (by the + scriptures), (done) without attachment, performed without desires and + aversion, by one who longeth not for (its) fruit, is said to be of the + quality of goodness. But that action which is done by one seeking objects + of desire, or by one filled with egoism, and which is attended with great + trouble, is said to be of the quality of passion. That action which is + undertaken from delusion, without regard to consequences, loss, injury (to + others), and (one’s own) power also, is said to be of the quality of + passion. The agent who is free from attachment, who never speaketh of + himself, who is endued with constancy and energy, and is unmoved by + success and defeat, is said to be of the quality of goodness. The agent + who is full of affections, who wisheth for the fruit of actions, who is + covetous, endued with cruelty, and impure, and who feeleth joy and sorrow, + is declared to be of the quality of passion.<a href="#linknote-6303" name="linknoteref-6303" id="linknoteref-6303">303</a> The agent who is + void of application, without discernment, obstinate, deceitful, malicious, + slothful, desponding, and procrastinating, is said to be of the quality of + darkness.<a href="#linknote-6304" name="linknoteref-6304" id="linknoteref-6304">304</a> Hear now, O Dhananjaya, the three-fold + division of intellect and constancy, according to their qualities, which I + am about to declare exhaustively and distinctly. The intellect which + knoweth action and inaction, what ought to be done and what ought not to + be done, fear and fearlessness, bondage and deliverance, is, O son of + Pritha, of the quality of goodness. The intellect by which one imperfectly + discerneth right and wrong, that which ought to be done and that which + ought not to be done, is, O son of Pritha, of the quality of passion. That + intellect which, shrouded by darkness, regardeth wrong to be right, and + all things as reversed, is, O son of Pritha, of the quality of darkness. + That unswerving constancy by which one controls the functions of the mind, + the life-breaths, and the senses, through devotion, that constancy, is, O + son of Pritha, of the quality of goodness.<a href="#linknote-6305" name="linknoteref-6305" id="linknoteref-6305">305</a> But that constancy, + O Arjuna, by which one holds to religion, desire, and profit, through + attachment, desiring fruit, that constancy, O son of Pritha, is of the + quality of passion. That through which an undiscerning person abandons not + sleep, fear, sorrow, despondency, and folly, that constancy is deemed to + be of the quality of darkness. Hear now from me, O bull of Bharata’s race, + of the three kinds of happiness. That in which one findeth pleasure from + repetition (of enjoyment), which bringeth an end to pain, which is like + poison first but resembleth nectar in the end, that happiness born of the + serenity produced by a knowledge of self, is said to be of the quality of + goodness.<a href="#linknote-6306" name="linknoteref-6306" id="linknoteref-6306">306</a> That which is from the contact of the senses + with their objects which resembleth nectar first but is like poison in the + end, that happiness is held to be of the quality of passion. That + happiness which in the beginning and its consequences deludeth the soul, + and springeth from sleep, indolence, and stupidity, that is described to + be of the quality of darkness. There is not, either on earth or heaven + among the gods, the entity that is free from these three qualities born of + nature. The duties of Brahmanas, Kshatriyas, and Vaisyas, and of Sudras + also, O chastiser of foes, are distinguished by (these three) qualities + born of nature. Tranquillity, self-restraint, ascetic austerities, purity, + forgiveness, rectitude, knowledge, experience, and belief (in an existence + hereafter),—these are the duties of Brahmanas, born of (their + proper) nature. Bravery, energy, firmness, skill, not flying away from + battle, liberality, the bearing of a ruler,—these are the duties of + Kshatriyas, born of (their proper) nature. Agriculture, tending of cattle, + and trade, are the natural duties of Vaisyas. Of Sudras also, the natural + duty consists in servitude. Every man, engaged in his own duties, attains + to perfection. Hear now how one obtains perfection by application to his + duties. Him from whom are the movements of all beings, Him by whom all + this is pervaded, worshipping him by (the performance of) one’s own duty, + one obtaineth perfection. Better is one’s own duty though performed + faultily than another’s duty well-performed. Performing the duty + prescribed by (one’s own) nature, one incurreth no sin. One must not + abandon, O son of Kunti, one’s natural duty though tainted with evil, for + all actions are enveloped by evil like fire by smoke. He whose mind is + unattached everywhere, who hath subdued his self, and whose desire hath + departed, obtaineth, through renunciation, the supreme perfection of + freedom from work. Learn from me, only in brief, O son of Kunti, how one, + having obtained (this kind of) perfection, attaineth to Brahma which is + the supreme end of knowledge. Endued with a pure mind, and restraining his + self by constancy, renouncing sound and other objects of sense, and + casting off affection and aversion, he who resideth in a lonely place, + eateth little, and restraineth speech, body, and mind, who is ever intent + on meditation and abstraction, who hath recourse to indifference, who, + abandoning egoism, violence, pride, lust, wrath, and (all) surroundings, + hath been freed from selfishness and is tranquil (in mind), becometh fit + for assimilation with Brahma. Becoming one with Brahma, tranquil in + spirit, (such a) one grieveth not, desireth not; alike to all beings, he + obtaineth the highest devotion to Me. By (that) devotion he truly + understandeth Me. What I am, and who I am; then understanding Me truly, he + entereth into Me forthwith. Even performing all actions at all times + having refuge in Me, he obtaineth, through my favour, the seat that is + eternal and imperishable. Dedicating in thy heart all actions to Me, being + devoted to Me, resorting to mental abstraction, fix thy thoughts + constantly on Me. Fixing thy thoughts on Me, thou wilt surmount all + difficulties through my grace. But if from self-conceit thou wilt not + listen, thou wilt (then) utterly perish. If, having recourse to + self-conceit, thou thinkest—I will not fight,—that resolution + of thine would be vain, (for) Nature will constrain thee. That which, from + delusion, thou dost not wish to do, thou wilt do involuntarily, bound by + thy own duty springing from (thy own) nature. The Lord, O Arjuna, dwelleth + in the region of the heart of beings, turning all beings as if mounted on + a machine, by his illusive power. Seek shelter with Him in every way, O + Bharata. Through his grace thou wilt obtain supreme tranquillity, the + eternal seat. Thus hath been declared to thee by Me the knowledge that is + more mysterious than any (other) matter. Reflecting on it fully, act as + thou likest. Once more, listen to my supernal words, the most mysterious + of all. Exceedingly dear art thou to Me, therefore, I will declare what is + for thy benefit. Set thy heart on Me, become My devotee, sacrifice to Me, + bow down to Me. Then shalt thou come to Me. I declare to thee truly, (for) + thou art dear to Me. Forsaking all (religious) duties, come to Me as thy + sole refuge. I will deliver thee from all sins. Do not grieve. This is not + to be ever declared by thee to one who practiseth no austerities, to one + who is not a devotee, to one who never waiteth on a preceptor, nor yet to + one who calumniateth Me. He who shall inculcate this supreme mystery to + those that are devoted to Me, offering Me the highest devotion, will come + to Me, freed from (all his) doubts.<a href="#linknote-6307" name="linknoteref-6307" id="linknoteref-6307">307</a> Amongst men there is + none who can do Me a dearer service than he, nor shall any other on earth + be dearer to Me than he. And he who will study this holy converse between + us, by him will have been offered to Me the sacrifice of knowledge. Such + is my opinion. Even the man who, with faith and without cavil, will hear + it (read), even he freed (from re-birth), will obtain of the blessed + regions of those that perform pious acts. Hath this, O son of Pritha, been + heard by thee with mind undirected to any other objects? Hath thy + delusion, (caused) by ignorance, been destroyed, O Dhananjaya?’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘My delusion hath been destroyed, and the recollection (of + what I am) hath been gained by me, O Undeteriorating one, through thy + favour. I am now firm. My doubts have been dispelled. I will do thy + bidding.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Thus I heard this converse between Vasudeva and the + high-souled son of Pritha, (that is) wonderful and causeth the hair to + stand on end. Through Vyasa’s favour heard I this supreme mystery, this + (doctrine of) Yoga, from Krishna himself, the Lord of Yoga, who declared + it in person. O King recollecting and (again) recollecting this wonderful + (and) holy converse of Kesava and Arjuna, I rejoice over and over again. + Recollecting again and again that wonderful form also of Hari, great is my + amazement, O king, and I rejoice ever more. Thither where Krishna, the + Lord of Yoga (is), thither where the great bowman (Partha) is, thither, in + my opinion, are prosperity, and victory, and greatness, and eternal + justice<a href="#linknote-6308" name="linknoteref-6308" id="linknoteref-6308">308</a>" </p> + <p> + [End of the Bhagavad Gita] + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0043" id="link62H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Beholding Dhananjaya then to take up once again (his) + arrows and Gandiva, the mighty car-warriors (of the Pandava party) uttered + a tremendous shout. And those heroes, viz., the Pandavas and the Somakas, + and those who followed them, filled with joy, blew their sea-born conches. + And drums, and Pesis, and Karkachas, and cow-horns were beaten and blown + together, and the uproar made was very loud. And then, O ruler of men, + there came the gods, with Gandharvas and the Pitris, and the hosts of + Siddhas and Charanas, from desire of witnessing (the sight). And Rishis + highly blessed came there in a body with him (Indra) of a hundred + sacrifices at their head, for beholding that great slaughter. Then, O + king, beholding the two armies, that looked like two oceans, ready for the + encounter and continuously moving, the heroic king Yudhishthira, the Just, + putting off his coat of mail and casting aside his excellent weapon and + quickly descending from his car, with joined hands, proceeded on foot, + eyeing the grandsire, with restrained speech, facing the east, towards the + direction where the hostile host was (standing).<a href="#linknote-6309" name="linknoteref-6309" id="linknoteref-6309">309</a> And seeing him + proceed (thus), Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, speedily alighting from his + car, followed him, accompanied by his (other) brothers. And the Lord + Vasudeva also followed him behind. And the principal kings too (of his + army), filled with anxiety, followed in the same path. + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘What is this act of thine, O king, that abandoning thy + brothers, thou proceedest on foot, face eastwards, to the hostile host?’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhimasena said, ‘Where wilt thou go, O king of kings, having cast off thy + coat of mail and weapons, towards the warriors of the foe cased in mail, + and leaving thy brothers, O ruler of earth?’ + </p> + <p> + “Nakula said, ‘Thou art my eldest brother, O Bharata, (beholding) thee + proceeding in this way, fear troubleth my bosom. Tell (us), whither wilt + thou go?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sahadeva said, ‘When these hostile divisions, terrible and numerous, are + here with whom we are to fight, whither dost thou go, O king, in the + direction of our foes?’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Though thus addressed by his brothers, O son of Kuru’s + race, Yudhishthira of restrained speech said nothing but continued to + proceed. Unto them (then), the high-souled Vasudeva of great wisdom + smilingly said,—‘His object is known to me. Having paid his respects + to all his superiors (such as) Bhishma, Drona, and Kripa, and Salya also, + he will fight the foe. It is heard in histories of olden times that he + who, having paid his respects according to the ordinance unto his + preceptors, revered in years and his kinsmen, fighteth with those that are + his superiors, is sure to obtain victory in battle. Even that is my + opinion.’—When Krishna was saying this, among the ranks of + Dhritarashtra’s son, a loud uproar of Alas, and Oh arose, but the other + (army) remained perfectly still. Beholding Yudhishthira, the heroic + warriors of Dhritarashtra’s son conversed with one another saying,—‘This + one is an infamous wretch of his race. It is plain that this king is + coming in terror towards Bhishma’s side. Yudhishthira, with his brothers, + hath become a seeker after (Bhishma’s) shelter. When Dhananjaya, however, + is (his) protector, and Pandu’s son Vrikodara, and Nakula, and Sahadeva + also, why doth the (eldest) son of Pandu come (hither) in fear? Though + celebrated in the world, this one, however, could never have been born in + the Kshatriya order, since he is weak and his bosom is filled with fear + (at the prospect) of battle.’ Then those warriors all praised the + Kauravas. And all of them, becoming rejoiced, with cheerful hearts waved + their garments. And, O monarch, all the warriors there (then) censured + Yudhishthira with all his brothers and along with Kesava too. Then the + Kaurava army, having said Fie to Yudhishthira, soon again, O monarch, + became perfectly still,—What will this king say? What will Bhishma + say in reply? What will Bhima boastful of his powers in battle, (say), and + what Krishna and Arjuna? What, indeed, hath (Yudhishthira) to say?—Great + was the curiosity then, O king, of both the armies in respect of + Yudhishthira. The king (meanwhile), penetrating the hostile array + bristling with arrows and darts, proceeded quickly towards Bhishma, + surrounded by his brothers. Seizing his feet with his two hands, the royal + son of Pandu then said unto Santanu’s son Bhishma who was there ready for + battle, (these words). + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘I salute thee, O invincible one. With thee we will do + battle. Grant (us) thy permission in that matter. Give (us) also (thy) + blessing.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘If, O lord of the earth, thou hadst not, in this battle + come to me thus, I would have, O great king, cursed thee, O Bharata, for + bringing about thy defeat. I am gratified (with thee), O son. Do battle, + and obtain victory, O son of Pandu, What else may be desired by thee, + obtain thou in battle. Solicit also the boon, O son of Pritha, which thou + desirest to have from us. If it happens so, O great king, then defeat will + not be thine. A man is the slave of wealth, but wealth is no one’s slave. + This is very true, O king. I have been bound by the Kauravas with (their) + wealth. It is for this, O son of Kuru’s race, that like a eunuch I am + uttering these words, viz.,—“Bound I am by the Kauravas with wealth. + Battle excepted, what dost thou desire?"<a href="#linknote-6310" name="linknoteref-6310" id="linknoteref-6310">310</a>’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘O thou of great wisdom, do thou, desirous of my + welfare, from day to day, consult my interests. Do battle, however for the + sake of the Kauravas. Even this is always my prayer (to thee).’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘O king, O son of Kuru’s race, what aid can I render thee + in this? I shall, of course, fight for (thy) foes. Tell me what thou hast + to say.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Therefore, O Sire, I ask thee, I bow to thee, O + grandsire, how shall we, in battle, vanquish thee that art invincible? + Tell me this that is for my benefit, if indeed, thou seest any good in + it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘I do not, O son of Kunti, see the person who, even if he + were the chief of the celestials himself, can defeat me in battle when I + fight.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘My salutations to thee, O grandsire. Therefore, do I + ask thee (this). Tell us how thy own death may be compassed by foes in + battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘I do not see the person, O sire, who can vanquish me in + battle. The time also of my death is not yet come to me once again.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Then, O son of Kuru’s race, Yudhishthira, once + more saluting him, accepted Bhishma’s words with a bend of his head. And + that mighty-armed one then proceeded towards the car of the preceptor + (Drona) through the midst of all the soldiers who were eyeing him, + accompanied by his brothers. Then saluting Drona and walking round him, + the king spoke to that invincible warrior words that were for his own + benefit.<a href="#linknote-6311" name="linknoteref-6311" id="linknoteref-6311">311</a> + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘I ask thee, O invincible one, how I may fight without + incurring sin, and how, with thy permission, O regenerate one, I may + vanquish all my foes?’<a href="#linknote-6312" name="linknoteref-6312" id="linknoteref-6312">312</a> + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘If, having resolved to fight, thou hadst not come to me + (thus), I would have cursed thee, O king, for thy complete overthrow. I + am, however, gratified, O Yudhishthira, and honoured by thee, O sinless + one. I permit thee, fight and obtain victory. I will also fulfil thy wish. + Say what thou hast to say. Under these circumstances, battle excepted, + what dost thou wish? A man is the slave of wealth, but wealth is not one’s + slave. This is quite true, O king! Bound I have been with (their) wealth + by the Kauravas! It is for this that like a eunuch I shall fight for the + sake of the Kauravas. It is for this that like a eunuch I am uttering + these words—“Battle excepted, what dost thou wish? I shall fight for + the sake of the Kauravas, but will pray for thy victory.”’<a + href="#linknote-6313" name="linknoteref-6313" id="linknoteref-6313">313</a> + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Pray for my victory, O regenerate one, and counsel + what is for my good. Fight, however, for the Kauravas. This is the boon + solicited by me.’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘Victory, O king, is certain for thee that hast Hari for thy + counsellor. I (also) grant thee that thou wilt vanquish thy foes in + battle. Thither where righteousness is, thither is Krishna, and thither + where Krishna is, thither is victory. Go, fight, O son of Kunti! Ask me, + what shall I say unto thee?’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘I ask thee, O foremost of regenerate ones, listen to + what I have to say. How shall we in battle vanquish thee that art + invincible?’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘As long as I will fight, so long victory can never be thine. + (Therefore) O king, seek with thy brothers, for my speedy slaughter.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Alas, for this, O thou of mighty arms, tell (us) the + means of thy death. O preceptor, prostrating myself I ask thee this. (My) + salutations to thee.’ + </p> + <p> + “Drona said, ‘The foe, O sire, I see not who may slay me while standing in + battle I am engaged in fight, with wrath excited, and scattering (my) + arrowy showers continually. Except when addrest for death, O king, having + abandoned my arms and withdrawn (in Yoga meditation) from surrounding + sights, none will be able to slay me. This that I tell thee is true. I + also tell thee truly that I will cast off my arms in battle, having heard + something very disagreeable from some one of credible speech.—‘" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Hearing these words, O king, of the wise son of + Bharadwaja, and honouring the preceptor, (Yudhishthira then) proceeded + towards the son of Saradwat. And saluting Kripa and walking round him, O + king, Yudhishthira, accomplished in speech, said these words unto that + warrior of great valour. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Obtaining thy permission, O preceptor, I will fight + without incurring sin, and permitted by thee, O sinless one, I will + vanquish all (my) foes.’ + </p> + <p> + “Kripa said, ‘If having resolved on fight, thou hadst not come to me + (thus), I would have cursed thee, O king, for thy complete overthrow. A + man is the slave of wealth, but wealth is no one’s slave. This is very + true, O king, and bound I have been with wealth by the Kauravas. I must, O + king, fight for their sake. This is my opinion. I therefore, speak like a + eunuch in asking thee,—“Battle excepted, what dost thou desire?”’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Alas, I ask thee, therefore, O preceptor, listen to + my words.’—Saying this, the king, greatly agitated and deprived of + his sense, stood silent." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued.—“Understanding, however, what he intended to say, + Gautama (Kripa) replied to him, saying,—‘I am incapable of being + slain, O king. Fight, and obtain victory. I am gratified with thy coming. + Rising every day [from bed] I will pray for thy victory, O monarch. I say + this to thee truly.’—Hearing, O king, these words of Gautama, and + paying him due honours, the king proceeded thither where the ruler of the + Madra was. Saluting Salya and walking round him the king said unto that + invincible warrior those words that were for his own benefit. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said,—‘Obtaining thy permission, O invincible one, I + will fight without incurring sin, and permitted by thee, O king, I will + vanquish (my) valourous foes.‘<a href="#linknote-6314" name="linknoteref-6314" id="linknoteref-6314">314</a>— + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘If, having resolved on fight, thou hadst not come to me + (thus), I would have, O king, cursed thee for thy overthrow in battle. I + am gratified (with thee) and honoured (by thee). Let it be as thou + wishest. I grant thee permission, fight and obtain victory. Speak, O hero, + for what hast thou any need? What shalt I give thee? Under these + circumstances, O king, battle excepted, what dost thou desire? A man is + the slave of wealth but wealth is no one’s slave. This is true, O king. + Bound I have been with wealth by the Kauravas, O nephew, it is for this + that I am speaking to thee like a eunuch,—I will accomplish the + desire thou mayst cherish. Battle excepted, what dost thou wish.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Think, O king, daily of what is for my great good. + Fight, according to thy pleasure, for the sake of the foe. This is the + boon that I solicit.’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘Under these circumstances, say, O best of kings what aid + shall I render thee? I shall, of course, fight for the sake of (thy) + enemy, for I have been made one of their party by the Kauravas with their + wealth.‘<a href="#linknote-6315" name="linknoteref-6315" id="linknoteref-6315">315</a> + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Even that is my boon, O Salya, which was solicited by + me during the preparations (for the fight). The energy of the Suta’s son + (Karna) should be weakened by thee in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Salya said, ‘This thy wish, O Yudhishthira, shall be accomplished, O son + of Kunti. Go, fight according to thy pleasure. I shall look after thy + victory.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Having obtained the permission of his maternal uncle, + the ruler of the Madra, the son of Kunti, surrounded by his brothers, came + out of that vast army. Vasudeva then went to Radha’s son on the field of + battle. And the elder brother of Gada, for the sake of the Pandavas, then + said to Karna,—‘It hath been heard by me, O Karna, that from hatred + of Bhishma thou wilt not fight. Come to our side, O son of Radha, and + (stay with us) as long as Bhishma is not slain. After Bhishma is slain, O + son of Radha, thou mayst then again engage in battle on Duryodhana’s side, + if thou hast no preference for any of the parties.—’ + </p> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘I will not do anything that is disagreeable to + Dhritarashtra’s son, O Kesava. Devoted to Duryodhana’s good, know that I + have cast off my life (for him).’—Hearing these words (of Karna), + Krishna ceased, O Bharata, and reunited himself with the sons of Pandu + headed by Yudhishthira. Then amid all the warriors the eldest son of + Pandu, loudly exclaimed,—‘He who will choose us, him we shall choose + for our ally!’—Casting his eyes then upon them, Yuyutsu said these + words, with a cheerful heart, unto Kunti’s son king Yudhishthira the Just,—‘I + will fight under thee in battle, for the sake of you all, with the sons of + Dhritarashtra, if, O king, thou wilt accept me, sinless one.’ + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Come, come, all of us will fight with thy foolish + brothers. O Yuyutsu, both Vasudeva and we all say to thee—“I accept + thee, O thou of mighty arms, fight for my cause. On thee rests, it seems, + the thread of Dhritarashtra’s line as also his funeral cake. O prince, O + thou of great splendour, accept us that accept thee. The wrathful + Duryodhana of wicked understanding will cease to live.”’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Yuyutsu then, abandoning the Kurus thy sons, went over + to the army of the Pandavas, with beat of drums and cymbals. Then king + Yudhishthira of mighty arms, filled with joy, again put on his shining + coat of mail of golden effulgence. And those bulls among men then mounted + their respective cars. And they counter-arrayed their troops in + battle-array as before. And they caused drums and cymbals in many hundreds + to be sounded. And those bulls among men also set up diverse leonine + roars.<a href="#linknote-6316" name="linknoteref-6316" id="linknoteref-6316">316</a> And beholding those tigers among men, viz., + the sons of Pandu, on their cars, the kings (on their side) with + Dhrishtadyumna and others, once more set up shouts of joy. And beholding + the nobility of the sons of Pandu who had paid due honour to those that + were deserving of honour, all the kings there present applauded them + highly. And the monarchs, talked with one another about the friendship, + the compassion, and the kindness to kinsmen, displayed at the proper + season by those high-souled personages. Excellent,—Excellent,—were + the delightful words everywhere bruited about, coupled with eulogistic + hymns about those famous men. And in consequence of this the minds and + hearts of every one there were attracted towards them. And the Mlecchas + and the Aryas there who witnessed or heard of that behaviour of the sons + of Pandu, all wept with choked voices. And those warriors then, endued + with great energy, caused large drums and Pushkaras by hundreds upon + hundreds to be sounded and also blew their conches all white as the milk + of cows." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0044" id="link62H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “When the divisions of both my side and the foe were + thus arrayed, who struck first, the Kurus or the Pandavas?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Hearing those words of his (elder) brother, thy son + Dussasana advanced with his troops, with Bhishma at their head, and the + Pandavas also advanced with cheerful hearts, desiring battle with Bhishma, + having Bhimasena at their head. Then leonine shouts, and clamorous uproars + and the noise of Krakachas, the blare of cow-horns, and the sound of drums + and cymbals and tabors, arose in both armies. And the warriors of the foe + rushed against us, and we also (rushed) against them with loud shouts. And + the uproar (caused by this rush) was deafening.<a href="#linknote-6317" name="linknoteref-6317" id="linknoteref-6317">317</a> The vast hosts of + the Pandavas and the Dhartarashtras, in that awfully murderous encounter + shook in consequence of that uproar of conches and cymbals, like forests + shaken by the wind.<a href="#linknote-6318" name="linknoteref-6318" id="linknoteref-6318">318</a> And the din made by those hosts teeming with + kings, elephants, and steeds, rushing against one another in that evil + hour, was as loud as that of oceans agitated by the tempest. And when that + din, loud and causing the hair to stand on end, arose, the mighty-armed + Bhimasena began to roar like a bull. And those roars of Bhimasena rose + above the clamour of conches and drums, the grunts of elephants, and the + leonine shouts of the combatants. Indeed, the shouts of Bhimasena + transcended the noise made by the thousands of chargers neighing in (both) + the armies. And hearing those shouts of Bhimasena who was roaring like the + clouds, shouts that resembled the report of Sakra’s thunder, thy warriors + were filled with fear. And at those roars of the hero, the steeds and + elephants all ejected urine and excreta like other animals at the roar of + the lion. And roaring like a deep mass of clouds, and assuming an awful + form, that hero frightened thy sons and fell upon them.<a + href="#linknote-6319" name="linknoteref-6319" id="linknoteref-6319">319</a> + Thereupon the brothers, viz., thy sons Duryodhana, and Durmukha and + Dussaha, and that mighty car-warrior Dussasana, and Durmarshana, O king, + and Vivinsati, and Chitrasena, and the great car-warrior Vikarna and also + Purumitra, and Jaya, and Bhoja, and the valorous son of Somadatta, shaking + their splendid bows like masses of clouds exhibiting the lightning’s + flashes, and taking out (of their quivers) long arrows resembling snakes + that have just cast off their sloughs, surrounded that mighty bowman + rushing (towards them) covering him with flights of arrows like the clouds + shrouding the sun. And the (five) sons of Draupadi, and the mighty + car-warrior Saubhadra,<a href="#linknote-6320" name="linknoteref-6320" id="linknoteref-6320">320</a> and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna + of Prishata’s race, rushed against (those) Dhartarashtras, tearing them + with whetted shafts like summits of mountains with the impetuous bolts of + heaven. And in that first encounter characterised by the awful twang of + bow-strings and their flapping against the leathern fences (of the + warriors)<a href="#linknote-6321" name="linknoteref-6321" id="linknoteref-6321">321</a> no combatant, either on thy side or that of + the foe, turned back. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, I beheld the + lightness of hand of the disciples of Drona (in particular), who, shooting + innumerable arrows, O king, always succeeded in hitting the mark.<a + href="#linknote-6322" name="linknoteref-6322" id="linknoteref-6322">322</a> + And the twang of sounding bowstrings ceased not for a moment, and the + blazing arrows shot through (the air) like meteors (falling) from the + firmament. And all the other kings, O Bharata, stood like (silent) + spectators witnessing that interesting and awful encounter of kinsmen. And + then those mighty car-warriors, with wrath excited and remembering the + injuries sustained at one another’s hands, strove in battle, O king, + challenging one another. And the two armies of the Kurus and the Pandavas, + teeming with elephants, steeds and cars, looked exceedingly beautiful on + the field of battle like painted figures on a canvas. And then the (other) + kings all took up their bows. And the Sun himself was shrouded by the dust + raised by the combatants. And they fell upon one another, at the heads of + their (respective) troops, at the command of thy son. And the loud uproar + made by the elephants and the chargers of those kings rushing to the + combat, mingled with the leonine shouts of the combatants and the din made + by the blare of conches and the sounds of drums. And the uproar of that + ocean having arrows for its crocodiles, bows for its snakes, swords for + its tortoises, and the forward leaps of the warriors for its tempest, + resembled the din made by the (actual) ocean when agitated. And kings in + thousands, commanded by Yudhishthira, with their (respective) troops fell + upon the ranks of thy son. And the encounter between the combatants of the + two hosts was fierce in the extreme. And no difference could be perceived + between the combatants of our side or that of the foe, while battling, or + retreating in broken array or rallying again to the fight. In that + terrific and awful battle, thy father (Bhishma) shone, transcending that + countless host." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0045" id="link62H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “On the forenoon of that awful day, O king, the terrible + battle that mangled the bodies of (so many) kings commenced. And the loud + shouts, resembling leonine roars of the Kurus and the Srinjayas, both + desirous of victory in battle, made both the welkin and the earth resound + therewith. And a tumultuous uproar was heard mingled with the flaps of + leathern fences and the blare of conches. And many were the leonine roars + that rose there of men shouting against one another. And, O bull of + Bharata’s race, the sound of bowstrings stretched by (hands cased in) + fences, the heavy tread of infantry, the furious neigh of chargers, the + falling of sticks and iron hooks (on the heads of elephants), the clash of + weapons, the jingle of bells of elephants rushing against one another, and + the clatter of cars resembling the roar of clouds, mingled together, + produced a loud uproar making one’s hair stand on end. And all the Kuru + warriors, reckless of their very lives and with cruel intentions, rushed, + with standards upraised, against the Pandavas. And Santanu’s son himself, + taking up a terrible bow that resembled the rod of Death, rushed, O king, + on the field of battle, against Dhananjaya. And Arjuna also, endued with + great energy, taking up the bow Gandiva celebrated overall the world, + rushed, on the field of battle, against Ganga’s son. And both those tigers + among the Kurus became desirous of slaying each other. The mighty son of + Ganga however, piercing in battle the son of Pritha could not make him + waver. And so, O king, the son of Pandu also could not make Bhishma waver + in battle. And the mighty bowman Satyaki rushed against Kritavarman. And + the battle between these two was fierce in the extreme and made the hair + (of onlookers) stand on end. And Satyaki afflicted Kritavarman, and + Kritavarman afflicted Satyaki, with loud shouts and each weakened the + other. And pierced all over with arrows those mighty warriors shone like + two blossoming Kinsukas in spring adorned with flowers. And the mighty + bowman Abhimanyu battled with Vrihadvala. Soon, however, in that + encounter, O king, the ruler of Kosala cut off the standard and overthrew + the charioteer of Subhadra’s son. The son of Subhadra then upon the + overthrow of his charioteer, was filled with wrath and pierced Vrihadvala, + O king, with nine shafts, and with a couple of sharp arrows that grinder + of foes also cut off (Vrihadvala’s) standard, and with one (more) cut off + one of the protectors of his car-wheels and with the other his charioteer.<a + href="#linknote-6323" name="linknoteref-6323" id="linknoteref-6323">323</a> + And those chastisers of foes continued to weaken each other with sharp + arrows. And Bhimasena struggled in battle with thy son Duryodhana, that + mighty car-warrior, proud and inflated, who had injured (the sons of + Pandu). Both of those foremost (princes) among the Kurus, are tigers among + men and mighty car-warriors. And they covered each other, on the field of + battle, with their arrowy showers. And beholding those high-souled and + accomplished warriors conversant with all modes of warfare, all creatures + were filled with amazement, O Bharata. And Dussasana, rushing against that + mighty car-warrior Nakula, pierced him with many sharp arrows capable of + penetrating into the very vitals. The son of Madri, then, laughing the + while, cut off, with sharp arrows (of his), adversary’s standard and bow, + and then he struck him with five and twenty small-headed arrows. Thy son, + however, then, who can with difficulty be vanquished, slew in that fierce + encounter the steeds of Nakula and cut off his standard. And Durmukha + rushing against the mighty Sahadeva battling in that terrific encounter, + pierced him with a shower of arrows. The heroic Sahadeva then, in that + fearful battle, overthrew Durmukha’s charioteer with an arrow of great + sharpness. Both of them, irrepressible in fight, approaching each other in + combat, and each attacking the other and desirous of warding off the + other’s attack, began to strike terror into each other with terrible + shafts. And king Yudhishthira himself encountered the ruler of the Madras. + The chief of the Madras then in his very sight cut off in twain + Yudhishthira’s bow. Thereupon the son of Kunti, throwing aside that broken + bow, took up another that was stronger and capable of imparting a greater + velocity. The king then, with straight arrows, covered the ruler of the + Madras, and in great wrath said, ‘wait, wait’. And Dhrishtadyumna, O + Bharata rushed against Drona. And Drona, then, in great wrath, cut off in + that encounter the hard bow of the high-souled prince of Panchala that was + capable of always taking the lives of foes. And at the same time he shot + in that conflict a terrible arrow that was like a second rod of Death. And + the arrow shot penetrated the body of the prince. Taking up then another + bow and fourteen arrows, the son of Drupada pierced Drona in that + encounter. And enraged with each other, they battled on fiercely. And the + impetuous Sankha encountered Somadatta’s son who was equally impetuous in + battle and addressed him, O king, saying ‘wait, wait’. And that hero then + pierced his (adversary’s) right arm in that combat. And thereupon the son + of Somadatta struck Sankha on the shoulders. And the battle that ensued + between those two proud heroes, O king, soon became as terrible as a + combat between the gods and the Danavas. And that mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtaketu of immeasurable soul, with wrath excited, rushed in battle, O + king, against Valhika, the very embodiment of wrath. Valhika, then, O + king, setting up a leonine roar, weakened the wrathful Dhrishtaketu with + innumerable arrows. The king of the Chedis, however, exceedingly provoked, + quickly pierced Valhika in that encounter with nine arrows. Like an + infuriate elephant against an infuriate elephant, in that combat they + roared against each other repeatedly, both exceedingly enraged. And they + encountered each other with great wrath and looked like the planets + Angaraka and Sukra.<a href="#linknote-6324" name="linknoteref-6324" id="linknoteref-6324">324</a> And Ghatotkacha of cruel deeds encountered + the Rakshasa Alamvusha of cruel deeds like Sakra (encountering) Vala in + battle. And Ghatotkacha, O Bharata, pierced that infuriate and powerful + Rakshasa with ninety keen-edged shafts. And Alamvusha also in that combat + pierced the mighty son of Bhimasena in many places with straight arrows + (of his). And mangled with arrows they shone in that encounter like the + mighty Sakra and the powerful Vala in the combat (of old) between the + celestials and the Asuras. The powerful Sikhandin, O king, rushed against + Drona’s son, Aswatthaman, however deeply piercing the angry Sikhandin + stationed (before him) with a keen-edged shaft, caused him to tremble, + Sikhandin also, O king, smote Drona’s son with a sharp-whetted shaft of + excellent temper. And they continued in that encounter to strike each + other with various kinds of arrows. And against the heroic Bhagadatta in + battle, Virata, the commander of a large division, rushed impetuously, O + king, and then commenced (their) combat. Virata, exceedingly provoked, + poured on Bhagadatta an arrowy shower like, O Bharata, the clouds + showering rain on the mountain breast. But Bhagadatta, that lord of the + earth, speedily enveloped Virata in that encounter (with arrows) like the + clouds enveloping the risen sun. Kripa, the son of Saradwat, rushed + against Vrihadkshatra, the ruler of the Kaikeyas. And Kripa, O Bharata, + enveloped him with a shower of arrows. Vrihadkshatra also shrouded the + infuriate son of Gautama with an arrowy downpour. And those warriors, + then, having slain each other’s steeds and cut off each other’s bows, were + both deprived of their cars. And exceedingly enraged, they then approached + each other for fighting with their swords. And the combat which then took + place between them was terrible in aspect and unparalleled. That chastiser + of foes, king Drupada, then, in great wrath rushed against Jayadratha, the + ruler of the Sindhus, cheerfully waiting (for battle). The ruler of the + Sindhus pierced Drupada in that combat with three shafts, and Drupada + pierced him in return. And the battle that took place between them was + terrible and fierce, and productive of satisfaction in the hearts of all + the spectators and resembling a conflict between the planets Sukra and + Angaraka. And Vikarna, son to thee, with fleet steeds, rushed against the + mighty Sutasoma and the combat between them commenced. Vikarna, however, + although he pierced Sutasoma with many arrows, failed to make him waver. + Neither could Sutasoma make Vikarna waver. And that appeared wonderful (to + all). And against Susarman, that mighty car-warrior and tiger among men, + viz., Chekitana of great prowess, rushed in exceeding wrath for the sake + of the Pandavas. And Susarman also, O great king, in that encounter + checked the advance of that mighty car-warrior Chekitana with a plentiful + shower of arrows. And Chekitana also, greatly provoked, showered on + Susarman, in that terrible conflict, a shower of arrows like a mighty mass + of clouds showering rain on the mountain breast. And Sakuni, endued with + great prowess, rushed, O king, against Prativindhya<a href="#linknote-6325" name="linknoteref-6325" id="linknoteref-6325">325</a> of great prowess, + like a lion against an infuriate elephant. Thereupon the son of + Yudhishthira, in exceeding wrath, mangled Suvala’s son in that combat, + with sharp arrows, like Maghavat<a href="#linknote-6326" name="linknoteref-6326" id="linknoteref-6326">326</a> (mangling) a Danava. + And Sakuni also, in that fierce conflict, pierced Prativindhya in return + and mangled that warrior of great intelligence with straight arrows. And + Srutakarman rushed in battle, O great king, against that mighty + car-warrior Sudakshina of great prowess, the ruler of the Kamvojas. + Sudakshina, however, O great king, piercing that mighty car-warrior, viz., + the son of Sahadeva, failed to make him waver (for he stood) like the + Mainaka mountain (against the assaults of Indra). Thereupon Srutakarman, + exceedingly provoked, weakened that mighty car-warrior of the Kamvojas + with innumerable arrows and mangled him in every part of his body. And + Iravan, that chastiser of foes, in great wrath and exerting carefully, + rushed in battle against the wrathful Srutayush. The powerful son of + Arjuna, that mighty car-warrior, then slaying the steeds of his adversary, + set up a loud roar, and thereupon, O king, all the warriors (who saw the + feat) praised him greatly. And Srutasena also, exceedingly provoked, slew + in that conflict the steeds of Falguni’s son with a powerful mace, and the + battle between them continued. And Vinda and Anuvinda, those two princes + of Avanti, approached in battle that mighty car-warrior the heroic + Kuntibhoja at the head of his troops accompanied by his son. And wonderful + was the prowess we beheld of those two princes on that occasion, for they + fought on very cooly though battling with a large body of troops. And + Anuvinda hurled a mace at Kuntibhoja, but Kuntibhoja quickly covered him + with a shower of arrows. And the son of Kuntibhoja pierced Vinda with many + arrows, and the latter also pierced him in return. And the combat (between + them) looked very wonderful. And the Kekaya brothers, O sire, at the head + of their troops, encountered in battle the five Gandhara princes with + their troops. And thy son Viravahu battled with that best of car-warriors + Uttara, the son of Virata and pierced him with nine arrows. And Uttara + also pierced that hero with sharp-edged arrows. And the ruler of the + Chedis, O king, rushed in battle against Uluka. And he pierced Uluka with + a shower of arrows, and Uluka also pierced him with sharp arrows furnished + with excellent wings. And the combat that took place between them, O king, + was fierce in the extreme, for unable to vanquish each other, they mangled + each other terribly. And thus in that general engagement thousands of + single combats took place between men on cars, warriors on elephants and + horsemen, and foot-soldiers, of their side and thine. For a short while + only that engagement offered a beautiful sight. Soon, however, O king, it + became furious and nothing could be discovered. In the battle (that + ensued) elephants rushed against elephants, car-warriors against + car-warriors, steed against steed and foot-soldier against foot-soldier. + The conflict then became confused and fierce in the extreme, of heroes + rushing against each other in the melee. And the celestial Rishi, and + Siddhas and Charanas, that were present there, beheld that terrific battle + to resemble the combat of the gods and the Asuras. And elephants in + thousands, and cars also in thousands, and vast bodies of infantry, O + sire, seemed to alter their character.<a href="#linknote-6327" name="linknoteref-6327" id="linknoteref-6327">327</a> And, O tiger among + men, it was seen that cars and elephants and steeds and infantry fought + with each other repeatedly on the same places."<a href="#linknote-6328" name="linknoteref-6328" id="linknoteref-6328">328</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0046" id="link62H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“O king, I will now describe to thee the combats of + hundreds and thousands of foot-soldiers, O Bharata, in utter forgetfulness + of all consideration due to others. There the son recognised not the sire, + the sire (recognised not) the son of his loins, the brother (recognised + not) the brother, the sister’s son (recognised not) the maternal uncle. + The maternal uncle (recognised not) the sister’s son, the friend not the + friend. The Pandavas and the Kurus fought as if they were possessed by + demons. Some tigers among men, fell with cars into pieces. And the shafts + of cars broke clashing against shafts, and the spikes of car-yokes against + spikes of car-yokes. And some (warriors) united together encountered + others that were united together, all desirous of taking one another’s + life. And some cars, obstructed by cars, were unable to move. And + huge-bodied elephants with rent temples, falling upon huge elephants, + angrily tore one another in many places with their tusks. Others, O king, + encountering impetuous and huge ones of their species with arched edifices + and standards (on their backs) and trained to the fight struck with their + tusks, shrieked in great agony.<a href="#linknote-6329" name="linknoteref-6329" id="linknoteref-6329">329</a> Disciplined by + training and urged on by pikes and hooks, elephants not in rut rushed + straight against those that were in rut.<a href="#linknote-6330" name="linknoteref-6330" id="linknoteref-6330">330</a> And some huge + elephants, encountering compeers in rut, ran, uttering cries like those of + cranes, in all directions. And many huge elephants, well-trained, and with + juice trickling down from rent temples and mouth, mangled with swords, + lances, and arrows, and pierced in their vital parts, shrieked aloud and + falling down expired. And some, uttering frightful cries, ran in all + directions. The foot-soldiers that protected the elephants, endued with + broad chests, and capable of smiting effectually, with wrath excited, and + armed with pikes and bows, and bright battle-axes, and with maces and + clubs, and short arrows, and lances, and with shafts, and stout bludgeons + mounted with iron spikes and swords, well-grasped of the brightest polish, + ran hither and thither, O king, and seemed resolved to take one another’s + life. And the sabres of brave combatants rushing against one another + steeped in human blood, seemed to shine brightly. And the whiz of swords + whirled and made to descend by heroic arms and falling upon the vital + parts (of the bodies) of foes, became very loud. And the heart-ending + wails of combatants in multitudinous hosts, crushed with maces and clubs, + and cut off with well-tempered swords, and pierced with the tusks of + elephants, and grained by tuskers, calling upon one another, were heard, O + Bharata, to resemble the wails of those that are doomed to hell. And + horsemen, on chargers of exceeding speed and furnished with outstretched + tails resembling (the Plumes of) swans, rushed against one another. And + hurled by them, long-bearded darts adorned with pure gold, fleet, and + polished, and sharp-pointed, fell like snakes.<a href="#linknote-6331" name="linknoteref-6331" id="linknoteref-6331">331</a> And some heroic + horsemen, on coursers of speed, leaping high, cut off the heads of + car-warriors from their cars.<a href="#linknote-6332" name="linknoteref-6332" id="linknoteref-6332">332</a> And (here and there) + a car-warrior, getting bodies of cavalry within shooting distance, slew + many with straight shafts furnished with heads. And many infuriate + elephants adorned with trappings of gold, and looking like newly-risen + clouds, throwing down steeds, crushed them with their own legs. And some + elephants struck on their frontal globes and flanks, and mangled by means + of lances, shrieked aloud in great agony. And many huge elephants, in the + bewildering of the melee, crushing steeds with their riders, threw them + down. And some elephants, overthrowing with the points of their tusks, + steeds with their riders, wandered, crushing cars with their standards. + And some huge male elephants, from excess of energy and with the temporal + juice gushing down in large quantities, slew steeds along with their + riders by means of their trunks and legs. Fleet arrows polished and + sharp-pointed and resembling snakes fell upon the heads, the temples, the + flanks, and the limbs of elephants. And polished javelins of terrible + mien, and looking like large meteoric flashes, hurled by heroic arms, felt + hither and thither, O king, piercing through the bodies of men and horses, + and cutting through coats of mail. And many taking out their polished + sabres from sheaths made of the skins of leopards and tigers, slew the + combatants opposed to them in battle. And many warriors, though themselves + attacked and had the flanks of their bodies cut open, yet angrily fell + upon (their foes) with swords, shields and battle-axes. And some elephants + dragging down and overthrowing cars with their steeds by means of their + trunks, began to wander in all directions, guided by the cries of those + behind them. And hither and thither some pierced by javelins, and some cut + asunder by battle-axes, and some crushed by elephants and others trod down + by horses, and some cut by car-wheels, and some by axes, loudly called + upon their kinsmen, O king. And some called upon their sons, and some upon + their sires, and some upon brother and kinsmen. And some called upon their + maternal uncles, and some upon their sister’s sons. And some called upon + others, on the field of battle. And a very large number of combatants, O + Bharata, lost their weapons, or had their thighs broken. And others with + arms torn off or sides pierced or cut open, were seen to wail aloud, from + desire of life. And some, endued with little strength, tortured by thirst, + O king, and lying on the field of battle on the bare ground, asked for + water. And some, weltering in pools of blood and excessively weakened, O + Bharata, greatly censured themselves and thy sons assembled together for + battle. And there were brave Kshatriyas, who having injured one another, + did not abandon their weapons or set up any wails, O sire. On the other + hand, lying in those places where they lay, roared with joyful hearts, and + biting from wrath with their teeth their own lips, looked at one another + with faces rendered fierce in consequence of the contraction of their + eyebrows. And others endued with great strength and tenacity in great + pain, afflicted by arrows and smarting under their wounds, remained + perfectly silent. And other heroic car-warriors, deprived, in the + encounter, of their own cars and thrown down and wounded by huge + elephants, asked to be taken up on the cars of others. And many, O king, + looked beautiful in their wounds like blossoming Kinsukas. And in all the + divisions were heard terrific cries, countless in number. And in that + awful combat destructive of heroes, the sire slew the son, the son slew + the sire, the sister’s son slew the maternal uncle, the maternal uncle + slew the sister’s son, friend slew friend, and relatives slew kinsmen. + Even thus the slaughter took place in that encounter of the Kurus with the + Pandavas. And in that frightful and terrible battle in which no + consideration was shown (by anybody for anybody), the divisions of the + Pandavas, approaching Bhishma, began to waver. And, O bull of Bharata’s + race, the mighty-armed Bhishma, O king, with his standard which was made + of silver and graced with the device of the palmyra with five stars, + setting upon his great car, shone like the lunar orb under the peak of + Meru." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0047" id="link62H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“After the great part of the forenoon of that awful + day had worn out, in that terrific engagement, O king, that was (so) + destructive of foremost of men<a href="#linknote-6333" name="linknoteref-6333" id="linknoteref-6333">333</a>, Durmukha and + Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Salya, and Vivinsati, urged by thy son, + approached Bhishma and began to protect him. And protected by those five + mighty car-warriors, O bull of Bharata’s race, that great car-warrior + penetrated the Pandava host. And the palmyra standard of Bhishma was seen + to glide continually, O Bharata, through the Chedis, the Kasis, the + Karushas, and the Panchalas. And that hero, with broad-headed shafts of + great swiftness which were again perfectly straight, cut off the heads (of + foes) and their cars with yokes and standards. And, O bull of Bharata’s + race, Bhishma seemed to dance on his car as it coursed along its track. + And some elephants, struck (by him) in their vital parts, shrieked in + agony. Then Abhimanyu in great wrath, stationed on his car unto which were + yoked excellent steeds of a tawny hue, rushed towards Bhishma’s car. And + with his standard adorned with pure gold and resembling a Karnikara tree, + he approached Bhishma and those (five) foremost of car-warriors. And + striking with a keen-edged shaft the standard of the palmyra-bannered + (warrior), that hero engaged in battle with Bhishma and those other + car-warriors that protected him.<a href="#linknote-6334" name="linknoteref-6334" id="linknoteref-6334">334</a> Piercing Kritavarman + with one arrow, and Salya with five, he weakened his great-grandsire with + nine arrows. And with one arrow well shot from his bow drawn to its + fullest stretch, he cut off (his adversary’s) standard adorned with pure + gold. And with one broad-headed shaft capable of penetrating every cover, + which was perfectly straight, he cut off from his body the head of + Durmukha’s charioteer. And with another keen-edged arrow he cut in twain + the gold-decked bow of Kripa. And they also, with many sharp-pointed + shafts, that mighty car-warrior smote in great wrath, seeming to dance + (the while). And beholding his lightness of hand, the very gods were + gratified. And in consequence of Abhimanyu’s sureness of aim, all the + car-warriors headed by Bhishma regarded him to be possessed of the + capacity of Dhananjaya himself.<a href="#linknote-6335" name="linknoteref-6335" id="linknoteref-6335">335</a> And his bow, + emitting a twang like that of Gandiva, while stretched and re-stretched, + seemed to revolve like a circle of fire.<a href="#linknote-6336" name="linknoteref-6336" id="linknoteref-6336">336</a> Bhishma then, that + slayer of hostile heroes, rushing on him impetuously, speedily pierced the + son of Arjuna in that combat with nine arrows. And he also, with three + broad-headed shafts, cut off the standard of that warrior of great energy. + Of rigid vows, Bhishma also struck his (adversary’s) charioteer. And + Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Salya also, O sire, piercing Arjuna’s son, all + failed to make him waver, for he stood firm like the Mainaka mountain. And + the heroic son of Arjuna, though surrounded by those mighty car-warriors + of the Dhartarashtra army, still showered on those five car-warriors + arrowy downpours. And baffling their mighty weapons by his arrowy showers, + and pouring on Bhishma his shafts, the powerful son of Arjuna set up a + loud shout. And struggling in the battle thus and afflicting Bhishma with + (his) arrows, the strength we saw of his arms then was very great. But + though endued with such prowess Bhishma also shot his arrows at him. But + he cut off in that combat the arrows shot from Bhishma’s bow. And then + that heroic warrior of arrows that were never lost, cut off with nine + arrows, in that combat, the standard of Bhishma. And at that feat the + people there set up a loud shout. Decked with jewels and made of silver, + that tall standard bearing the device of the palmyra, cut off, O Bharata, + by the shafts of Subhadra’s son, fell down on the earth. And beholding, O + bull of Bharata’s race, that standard falling in consequence of the shafts + of Subhadra’s son, the proud Bhima set up a loud shout for cheering the + son of Subhadra. Then in fierce combat, the mighty Bhishma caused many + celestial weapons of great efficacy to appear. And the great grandsire of + immeasurable soul then covered Subhadra’s son with thousands of arrows. + And at this, ten great bowmen and mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, + quickly rushed on their cars for protecting the son of Subhadra. And those + were Virata with his son, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and + Bhima, the five Kekaya brothers, and Satyaki also, O king. And as they + were falling upon him with great impetuosity, Bhishma the son of Santanu, + in that conflict, pierced the prince of Panchala with three arrows, and + Satyaki with ten. And with one winged arrow, whetted and sharp-edged as a + razor, and shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he cut off the + standard of Bhimasena. And, O best of men, the standard of Bhimasena, made + of gold and bearing the device of a lion, cut off by Bhishma, fell from + the car. And Bhima then, piercing Santanu’s son Bhishma in that combat + with three arrows, pierced Kripa with one, and Kritavarman with eight. And + Uttara also, the son of Virata, on a tusker with upraised trunk, rushed + against the ruler of the Madras. Salya, however, succeeded in checking the + unparalleled impetuosity of that prince of elephants rushing quickly + towards his car. That prince of elephants, in great wrath, placing his leg + upon the yoke of (Salya’s) car, killed his four large steeds of excellent + speed. The ruler of the Madras then, staying on that car whose steeds had + been slain, hurled a dart, all made of iron, and resembling a snake, for + slaying Uttara outright. The latter’s coat of mail being cut through by + that dart, he became totally deprived of his senses and fell down from his + elephant’s neck, with the hook and the lance loosened from his grasp. And + Salya then, taking up his sword and jumping down from his excellent car, + and putting forth his prowess, cut off the large trunk of that prince of + elephants. His coat of mail pierced all over with a shower of arrows, and + his trunk cut off, that elephant uttered a loud shriek and fell down and + expired. Achieving such a feat, O king, the ruler of the Madras speedily + mounted on the splendid car of Kritavarman. And beholding his brother + Uttara slain and seeing Salya staying with Kritavarman, Virata’s son Sweta + blazed up in wrath, like fire (blazing up) with clarified butter. And that + mighty warrior, stretching his large bow that resembled the bow of Sakra + himself, rushed with the desire of slaying Salya the ruler of the Madras. + Surrounded on all sides with a mighty division of cars, he advanced + towards Salya’s car pouring an arrowy shower. And beholding him rush to + the fight with prowess equal to that of an infuriate elephant, seven + car-warriors of thy side surrounded him on all sides, desirous of + protecting the ruler of Madras who seemed to be already within the jaws of + Death. And those seven warriors were Vrihadvala the ruler of the Kosalas, + and Jayatsena of Magadha, and Rukmaratha, O king, who was the valourous + son of Salya, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Sudakshina the king of + the Kamvojas, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and the kinsman of + Vrihadkshatra. And the stretched bows of those high-souled warriors, + decorated with diverse colours, looked like the lightning’s flashes in the + clouds. And they all poured on Sweta’s head ceaseless showers of arrows + like the clouds tossed by the wind dropping rain on the mountain breast on + the expiry of summer. That mighty bowman and commander of the forces, + enraged at this, with seven broad-headed arrows of great impetuosity, + struck their bows, and then continued to grind them. And those bows we saw + were cut off, O Bharata, and thereupon they all took up, within half the + time taken up in a wink of the eye, other bows. And they then shot at + Sweta seven arrows. And once again that mighty-armed warrior of + immeasurable soul, with seven fleet shafts, cut off those (other) bows of + these bowmen. Those warriors then, whose large bows had been cut off, + those mighty car-warriors swelling (with rage), grasping (seven) darts, + set up a loud shout. And, O chief of the Bharatas, they hurled those seven + darts at Sweta’s car. And those blazing darts which coursed (through the + air) like large meteors, with the sound of thunder, were all cut off, + before they could reach him, that warrior conversant with mighty weapons, + by means of seven broad-headed arrows. Then taking up an arrow capable of + penetrating into every part of the body, he shot it, O chief of the + Bharatas, at Rukmaratha. And that mighty arrow, surpassing (the force of) + the thunder-bolt, penetrated into the latter’s body. Then, O king, + forcibly struck by that arrow, Rukmaratha sat down on the terrace of his + car and fell into a deadly swoon. His charioteer then, without betraying + any fear, bore him away, senseless and in a swoon, in the very sight of + all. Then taking up six other (arrows) adorned with gold, the mighty-armed + Sweta cut off the standard-tops of his six adversaries. And that chastiser + of foes then, piercing their steeds and charioteers also, and covering + those six warriors themselves with ceaseless shafts, proceeded towards the + car of Salya. And beholding that generalissimo of the (Pandava) forces + proceeding quickly towards Salya’s car, a loud uproar of oh and alas arose + in thy army, O Bharata. Then thy mighty son, with Bhishma at the head, and + supported by heroic warriors and many troops, proceeded towards Sweta’s + car.<a href="#linknote-6337" name="linknoteref-6337" id="linknoteref-6337">337</a> + And he (thus) rescued the ruler of the Madras who had already entered the + jaws of Death. And then commenced a battle, terrific and making the hair + stand on end, between thy troops and those of the enemy, in which cars and + elephants all got mixed up in confusion. And upon Subhadra’s son and + Bhimasena, and that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, and upon the ruler of the + Kekayas, and Virata, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and upon the + Chedi troops, the old Kuru grandsire poured showers of arrows."<a + href="#linknote-6338" name="linknoteref-6338" id="linknoteref-6338">338</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0048" id="link62H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“When that great bowman Sweta proceeded towards + Salya’s car, what did the Kauravas and the Pandavas do, O Sanjaya? And + what also did Bhishma the son of Santanu do? Tell me who ask thee, all + this." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“O king, hundreds and thousands of bulls among + Kshatriyas, all brave and mighty car-warriors, placing the generalissimo + Sweta in the van, and displaying their strength, O Bharata, unto thy royal + son and with Sikhandin also at their head, desired to rescue (Sweta). And + those mighty car-warriors rushed towards Bhishma’s car decked with gold + desirous of slaying that foremost of warriors. And the battle that ensued + then was terrible. I shall describe to thee that wonderful and terrific + battle as it occurred between thy troops and those of the enemy. The son + of Santanu made the terraces of many cars empty, (for) that best of + car-warriors showering (his) arrows, cut off many heads. Endued with + energy equal to that of the Sun himself, he shrouded the very Sun with his + arrows. And he removed his enemies from around him in that combat like the + rising Sun dispelling the darkness around. And in that battle, O king, + arrows were shot by him in hundreds and thousands that were powerful and + possessed of great impetuosity and that took in that conflict the lives of + numberless Kshatriyas. And in that combat he felled heads, by hundreds, of + heroic warriors, O king, and elephants cased in thorny mail, like summits + of mountains (felled) by heaven’s bolt. And cars, O king, were seen to + mingle with cars. A car might be seen upon another car, and a steed upon + another steed. And impetuous chargers, O king, bore hither and thither + heroic riders in the prime of youth, slain and hanging (from their + saddles) with their bows (still in their grasp).<a href="#linknote-6339" name="linknoteref-6339" id="linknoteref-6339">339</a> With swords and + quivers attached (to their persons) and coats of mail loosened (from their + bodies), hundreds of warriors, deprived of life, lay on the ground, + sleeping on beds (worthy) of heroes. Rushing against one another, falling + down and rising up again and rushing again having risen up, the combatants + fought hand to hand. Afflicted by one another, many rolled on the field of + battle. Infuriate elephants rushed hither and thither, and car-warriors by + hundreds were slain. And car-warriors, along with their cars, were crushed + on all sides. And some warriors fell upon his car, slain by another with + arrows. And a mighty car-warrior might be seen to fall down from high, his + charioteer (also) having been slain. A thick dust arose, and thereupon + unto the warrior struggling in battle, the twang of the (hostile) bow + indicated the struggling adversary before. From the pressure also on their + bodies, combatants guessed their foes. And the warriors, O king, fought on + with arrows, guided by the sound of bow-strings and (hostile) division. + The very hiss of the arrows shot by the combatants at one another could + not be heard. And so loud was the sound of drums, that it seemed to pierce + the ears. And in that tumultuous uproar making the hair stand on end, the + name of the combatant uttered in the battle, while displaying his prowess, + could not be heard. The sire could not recognise the son of his loins. One + of the wheels being broken, or the yoke being torn off or one of the + steeds being slain, the brave car-warrior was overthrown from his car, + along with his charioteer, by means of straight arrows. And thus many + heroic warriors, deprived of their cars, were seen to fly away.<a + href="#linknote-6340" name="linknoteref-6340" id="linknoteref-6340">340</a> + He who was slain had cut off; he who was not slain, was struck at the very + vitals: but unstruck there was none, when Bhishma attacked the foe. And in + that terrific battle, Sweta caused a great slaughter of the Kurus. And he + slew many noble princes by hundreds upon hundreds.<a href="#linknote-6341" name="linknoteref-6341" id="linknoteref-6341">341</a> And he cut off, by + means of his arrows, the heads of car-warriors by hundreds upon hundreds, + and (their) arms decked with Angadas, and (their) bows all around. And + car-warriors and car-wheels and others that were on cars, and the cars + themselves, and standards both small and costly, O king, and large bodies + of horses, and crowds of cars, and crowds of men, O Bharata’s race, were + destroyed by Sweta. Ourselves, from fear of Sweta, abandoning (Bhishma) + that best of car-warriors, left the battle retreating to the rear and, + therefore, do we (now) behold your lordship. And all the Kurus, O son of + Kuru’s race, beyond the range of arrows, and abandoning Bhishma the son of + Santanu, in that battle, stood (as spectators though) armed for the + combat. Cheerful in the hour of (universal) cheerlessness, that tiger + among men Bhishma, alone of our army, in that terrible battle stood + immovable like the mountain Meru. Taking the lives (of the foe) like the + Sun at close of winter, he stood resplendent with the golden rays (of his + car) like the Sun himself with his rays. And that great bowman shot clouds + of arrows and struck down the Asuras.<a href="#linknote-6342" name="linknoteref-6342" id="linknoteref-6342">342</a> And while being + slaughtered by Bhishma in that dreadful combat, those warriors breaking + away from their ranks, they all fled from him, as if from a fire fed by + fuel.<a href="#linknote-6343" name="linknoteref-6343" id="linknoteref-6343">343</a> + Encountering the single warrior (Sweta), that slayer of foes, Bhishma, was + the only one (amongst us) who was cheerful and whole. Devoted to the + welfare of Duryodhana, he began to consume the Pandava (warrior). Reckless + of his very life which is difficult of being cast off, and abandoning all + fear he slaughtered, O king, the Pandava army in that fierce conflict.<a + href="#linknote-6344" name="linknoteref-6344" id="linknoteref-6344">344</a> + And beholding the generalissimo (Sweta) smiting the (Dhartarashtra) + divisions, thy father Bhishma, called also Devavrata, impetuously rushed + against him. Thereupon, Sweta covered Bhishma with an extensive net-work + of arrows. And Bhishma also covered Sweta with a flight of arrows. And + roaring like a couple of bulls, they rushed, like two infuriate elephants + of gigantic size or two raging tigers, against each other. Baffling each + other’s weapons by means of their weapons, those bulls among men, viz., + Bhishma and Sweta fought with each other, desirous of taking each other’s + life. In one single day Bhishma, infuriate with anger, could consume the + Pandava army with his arrows, if Sweta did not protect it. Beholding the + grandsire then turned off by Sweta, the Pandavas were filled with joy, + while thy son became cheerless. Duryodhana then, with wrath excited and + surrounded by many kings, rushed with his troops against the Pandava host + in battle. Then Sweta, abandoning the son of Ganga, slaughtered thy son’s + host with great impetuosity like the wind (uprooting) trees with violence. + And the son of Virata, senseless with wrath, having routed thy army, + advanced (once more), O king, to the place where Bhishma was stationed. + And those two high-souled and mighty warriors then, both blazing with + their arrows, battled with each other like Vritra and Vasava (of old), + desirous, O king, of slaying each other. Drawing (his) bow to the fullest + stretch, Sweta pierced Bhishma with seven arrows. The valourous (Bhishma) + then, putting forth his prowess, quickly checked his foe’s valour, like an + infuriate elephant checking an infuriate compeer. And Sweta then, that + delighter of Kshatriyas struck Bhishma, and Bhishma the son of Santanu + also pierced him in return with ten arrows. And though pierced by him + (thus), that mighty warrior stood still like a mountain. And Sweta again + pierced Santanu’s son with five and twenty straight arrows, at which all + wondered. Then smiling and licking with his tongue the corners of his + mouth, Sweta in that combat cut off Bhishma’s bow into ten fragments with + ten arrows. Then aiming a plumed arrow made wholly of iron, (Sweta) + crushed the palmyra on the top of the standard of the high-souled + (Bhishma). And beholding the standard of Bhishma cut down, thy sons + thought that Bhishma was slain, having succumbed to Sweta. And the + Pandavas also filled with delight, blew their conches all around. And + beholding the palmyra standard of the high-souled Bhishma laid low, + Duryodhana, from wrath, urged his own army to the battle. And they all + began very carefully to protect Bhishma who was in great distress. Unto + them, also unto those that stood (idle) spectators, the king said,—‘Either + Sweta will die (today), or Bhishma the son of Santanu. I say this truly.’ + Hearing the words of the king, the mighty car-warriors speedily with four + kinds of forces, advanced protecting the son of Ganga. And Valhika and + Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Salya also, O Bharata, and the son of + Jarasandha, and Vikarna, and Chitrasena, and Vivinsati, with great speed, + when speed was so necessary, surrounding him on all sides, poured on Sweta + ceaseless showers of arrows. That mighty warrior then, of immeasurable + soul, quickly checked those angry warriors by means of sharp arrows, + displaying his own lightness of hand. And checking them all like a lion + and a multitude of elephants, Sweta then cut off Bhishma’s bow with thick + shower of arrows. Then Bhishma the son of Santanu, taking up another bow + in that battle, pierced Sweta, O king, with arrows furnished with feathers + of Kanka bird. Then the commander (of the Pandava army), with wrath + excited, pierced Bhishma in that encounter O king, with a great many + shafts in the very sight of all. Beholding Bhishma, that foremost of + heroes in all the world, checked in battle by Sweta, the king (Duryodhana) + became greatly troubled, and great also became the distress of thy whole + army. And beholding the heroic Bhishma checked and mangled by Sweta with + his arrows, all thought that Bhishma, having succumbed to Sweta, was slain + by him. Then thy sire Devavrata, yielding to anger, and beholding his + (own) standard overthrown and the (Dhartarashtra) army checked, shot a + great many arrows, O king, at Sweta. Sweta, however, that foremost of + car-warriors, baffling all those arrows of Bhishma, once more cut off, + with a broad-headed shaft, thy sire’s bow. Throwing aside that bow, O + king, Ganga’s son, senseless with anger, taking up another bow larger and + stronger, and aiming seven large broad-headed arrows whetted on stone, + slew with four arrows the four steeds of the generalissimo Sweta, cut off + his standard with two and with the seventh shaft that warrior of great + prowess, exceedingly provoked, cut off his charioteer’s head. Thereupon, + that mighty car-warrior, jumping down from his car whose steeds and + charioteer had been slain<a href="#linknote-6345" name="linknoteref-6345" id="linknoteref-6345">345</a>, and yielding to the influence of wrath, + became exceedingly troubled. The grandsire, beholding Sweta that foremost + of car-warriors, deprived of car, began to smite him on all sides with + showers of arrows. And smitten in that combat with arrows shot from + Bhishma’s bow, Sweta, leaving his bow on his (abandoned) car took up a + dart decked with gold and taking up that terrible and fierce dart<a + href="#linknote-6346" name="linknoteref-6346" id="linknoteref-6346">346</a> + which resembled the fatal rod of Death and was capable of slaying Death’s + self. Sweta then, in great wrath, addressed Bhishma the son of Santanu in + that combat, saying,—‘Wait a little, and behold me, O best of men,’—And + having said this unto Bhishma in battle, that great bowman of exceeding + prowess and immeasurable soul, hurled the dart resembling a snake, + displaying his valour for the sake of the Pandavas and desiring to achieve + thy evil. Then loud cries of ‘Oh’ and ‘Alas’ arose among thy sons, O king, + upon beholding that terrible dart resembling the rod of Death in + splendour. And hurled from Sweta’s arms, (that dart), resembling a snake + that had just cast off its slough, fell with great force, O king, like a + large meteor from the firmament. Thy sire Devavrata then, O king, without + the slightest fear, with eight sharp and winged arrows, cut off into nine + fragments, that dart decked with pure gold and which seemed to be covered + with flames of fire, as it coursed ablaze through the air. All thy troops + then, O bull of Bharata’s race, set up loud shouts of joy. The son of + Virata, however, beholding his dart cut off into fragments, became + senseless with anger, and like one whose heart was overcome by (the + arrival of) his hour, could not settle what to do. Deprived of his senses + by anger, O king, the son of Virata, then, smiling, joyfully took up a + mace for Bhishma’s slaughter, with eyes red in wrath, and resembling a + second Yama armed with mace, he rushed against Bhishma like a swollen + torrent against the rocks. Regarding his impetuosity as incapable of + cheek, Bhishma endued with great prowess and conversant with the might (of + others), suddenly alighted on the ground for warding off that blow. Sweta + then, O king, whirling in wrath that heavy mace, hurled it on Bhishma’s + car like the god Maheswara.<a href="#linknote-6347" name="linknoteref-6347" id="linknoteref-6347">347</a> And in consequence of that mace intended for + Bhishma’s destruction, that car was reduced to ashes, with standard, and + charioteer, and steeds and shaft. Beholding Bhishma, that foremost of + car-warriors, become a combatant on foot, many car-warriors, viz., Salya + and others, speedily rushed (to his rescue). Mounting then upon another + car, and cheerlessly stretching his bow, Bhishma slowly advanced towards + Sweta, seeing that foremost of car-warriors. Meanwhile, Bhishma heard a + loud voice uttered in the skies, that was celestial and fraught with his + own good. (And the voice said).—‘O, Bhishma, O thou of mighty arms, + strive without losing a moment. Even this is the hour fixed by the Creator + of the Universe for success over this one’. Hearing those words uttered by + the celestial messenger, Bhishma, filled with joy, set his heart upon + Sweta’s destruction. And beholding that foremost of car-warriors, Sweta + become a combatant on foot, many mighty car-warriors (of the Pandava side) + rushed unitedly (to his rescue). (They were) Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and + Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race; and the (five) Kekaya brothers, and + Dhrishtaketu and Abhimanyu of great energy. And beholding them rushing (to + the rescue), with Drona and Salya and Kripa that hero of immeasurable soul + (Bhishma) checked them all like the mountain resisting the force of the + wind. And when all the high-souled warriors of the Pandava side were + (thus) held in check, Sweta, taking up a sword cut off Bhishma’s bow. + Casting aside that bow, the grandsire, quickly made up his mind for + Sweta’s destruction, having heard the words of the celestial messenger. + Though baffled (by Sweta), thy sire Devavrata then that mighty car-warrior + quickly taking up another bow that resembled the bow of Sakra himself in + splendour, stringed it in a moment. Then thy sire, O chief of the + Bharatas, beholding that mighty car-warrior Sweta, though the latter was + then surrounded by those tigers among men with Bhimasena at their head,—(thy + sire) the son of Ganga—advanced steadily for the sake of the + generalissimo Sweta alone. Beholding Bhishma advance, Bhimasena of great + prowess pierced him with sixty shafts. But that mighty car-warrior, thy + sire Devavrata, checking both Bhimasena and Abhimanyu and other + car-warriors with terrible shafts, struck him with three straight arrows. + And the grandsire of the Bharatas also struck Satyaki, in that combat, + with a hundred arrows, and Dhrishtadyumna with twenty and the Kekaya + brothers with five. And checking all those great bowmen with terrible + arrows, thy sire Devavrata advanced towards Sweta alone. Then taking out + an arrow resembling Death’s self and capable of bearing a great strain and + incapable of being resisted, the powerful Bhishma placed it on his + bowstring. And that shaft, furnished with wings and duly endued with the + force of the Brahma weapon, was seen by the gods and Gandharvas and + Pisachas and Uragas, and Rakshasas. And that shaft, of splendour like that + of a blazing fire, piercing through his coat of mail (passed through his + body and) struck into the earth, with a flash like that of heaven’s bolt. + Like the Sun when speedily retiring to his western chambers taking along + with him the rays of light, even thus that shaft passed out of Sweta’s + body, bearing away with itself his life. Thus slain in battle by Bhishma, + we beheld that tiger among men fall down like the loosened crest of a + mountain. And all the mighty car-warriors of the Kshatriya race belonging + to the Pandava side indulged in lamentations. Thy sons, however, and all + the Kurus, were filled with delight. Then, O king, beholding Sweta + overthrown, Dussasana danced in joy over the field in accompaniment with + the loud music of conches and drums. And when that great bowman was slain + by Bhishma, that ornament of battle, the mighty bowmen (of the Pandava + side) with Sikhandin at their head, trembled in fear. Then when their + commander was slain, Dhananjaya, O king, and he of Vrishni’s race, slowly + withdrew the troops (for their nightly rest). And then, O Bharata, the + withdrawal took place of both theirs and thine, while thine and theirs + were frequently setting up loud roars. And the mighty car-warriors of the + Parthas entered (their quarters) cheerlessly, thinking, O chastiser of + foes, of that awful slaughter in single combat (of their commander)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0049" id="link62H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “When the generalissimo Sweta, O son, was slain in + battle by the enemy, what did those mighty bowmen, the Panchalas with the + Pandavas, do? Hearing their commander Sweta slain, what happened between + those that strove for his sake and their foes that retreated before them? + O Sanjaya, hearing of our victory, (thy) words please my heart. Nor doth + my heart feel any shame in remembering our transgression.<a + href="#linknote-6348" name="linknoteref-6348" id="linknoteref-6348">348</a> + The old chief of Kuru’s race is ever cheerful and devoted (to us). (As + regards Duryodhana), having provoked hostilities with that intelligent son + of his uncle, he sought at one time the protection of the sons of Pandu in + consequence of his anxiety and fear due to Yudhishthira. At that time, + abandoning everything he lived in misery. In consequence of the prowess of + the sons of Pandu, and everywhere receiving checks—having placed + himself amid entanglements—from his enemies Duryodhana had (for some + time) recourse to honourable behaviour. Formerly that wicked-minded king + had placed himself under their protection. Why, therefore, O Sanjaya, hath + Sweta who was devoted to Yudhishthira, been slain. Indeed, this + narrow-minded prince, with all his prospects, hath been hurled to the + nether regions by a number of wretches. Bhishma liked not the war, nor + even did the preceptor.<a href="#linknote-6349" name="linknoteref-6349" id="linknoteref-6349">349</a> Nor Kripa, nor Gandhari liked it, O Sanjaya, + nor do I like it, nor Vasudeva of Vrishni’s race, nor that just king the + son of Pandu; nor Bhima, nor Arjuna, nor those bulls among men, the twins + (liked it.) Always forbidden by me, by Gandhari, by Vidura, by Rama the + son of Jamadagni, and by the high-souled Vyasa also, the wicked-minded and + sinful Duryodhana, with Dussasana, O Sanjaya, always following the + counsels of Karna and Suvala’s son, behaved maliciously towards the + Pandavas. I think, O Sanjaya, that he has fallen into great distress. + After the slaughter of Sweta and the victory of Bhishma what did Partha, + excited with rage, do in battle accompanied by Krishna? Indeed, it is from + Arjuna that my fears arise, and those fears, O Sanjaya, cannot be + dispelled. He, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, is brave and endued with + great activity. I think, with his arrows he will cut into fragments the + bodies of his enemies. The son of Indra, and in battle equal unto Upendra + the younger brother of Indra, a warrior whose wrath and purposes are never + futile, alas, beholding him what becomes the state of your minds? Brave, + acquainted with Vedas, resembling the fire and the Sun in splendour, and + possessing a knowledge of the Aindra weapon, that warrior of immeasurable + soul is ever victorious when he falleth upon the foe. His weapons always + falling upon the foe with the force of the thunderbolt and his arms + wonderfully quick in drawing the bowstring, the son of Kunti is a mighty + car-warrior. The formidable son of Drupada also, O Sanjaya, is endued with + great wisdom. What, indeed, did Dhristadyumna do when Sweta was slain in + battle? I think that in consequence of the wrongs they sustained of old, + and of the slaughter of their commander, the hearts of the high-souled + Pandavas blazed up. Thinking of their wrath I am never at my ease, by day + or by night, on account of Duryodhana. How did the great battle take + place? Tell me all about it, O Sanjaya." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Hear, O king, quietly about thy transgressions. It behoveth + thee not to impute the fruit to Duryodhana. As is the construction of an + embankment when the waters have disappeared, so is thy understanding, or, + it is like the digging of a well when a house is on fire.<a + href="#linknote-6350" name="linknoteref-6350" id="linknoteref-6350">350</a> + When, after the forenoon had passed away, the commander Sweta was, O + Bharata, slain by Bhishma in that fierce conflict, Virata’s son Sankha, + that grinder of hostile ranks ever delighting in battle, beholding Salya + stationed with Kritavarman (on his car), suddenly blazed up with wrath, + like fire with clarified butter. That mighty warrior, stretching his large + bow that resembled the bow of Indra himself, rushed with the desire of + slaying the ruler of the Madras in battle, himself supported on all sides + by a large division of cars. And Sankha, causing an arrowy downpour rushed + towards the car on which Salya was. And beholding him advancing like an + infuriate elephant, seven mighty car-warriors of thy side surrounded him—desirous + of rescuing the ruler of the Madras already within the jaws of death. Then + the mighty-armed Bhishma, roaring like the very clouds, and taking up a + bow full six cubits long, rushed towards Sankha in battle. And beholding + that mighty car-warrior and great bowman thus rushing, the Pandava host + began to tremble like a boat tossed by a violence of the tempest. Then + Arjuna, quickly advancing, placed himself in front of Sankha, thinking + that Sankha should then be protected from Bhishma. And then the combat + commenced between Bhishma and Arjuna. And loud cries of oh and alas arose + among the warriors engaged in battle. And one force seemed to merge into + another force. And thus all were filled with wonder.<a + href="#linknote-6351" name="linknoteref-6351" id="linknoteref-6351">351</a> + Then Salya, mace in hand, alighting from his large car, slew, O bull of + Bharata’s race, the four steeds of Sankha. Jumping down from his car thus + deprived of steeds, and taking a sword, Sankha ran towards Vibhatsu’s car + and (mounting on it) was once more at his ease. And then there fell from + Bhishma’s car innumerable arrows by which were covered the entire welkin + and the earth. And that foremost of smiters, Bhishma, slaughtered with his + arrows the Panchala, the Matsya, the Kekaya, and the Prabhadraka host. And + soon abandoning in that battle, Pandu’s son (Arjuna) capable of drawing + the bow with even his left hand, Bhishma rushed towards Drupada, the king + of the Panchalas, surrounded by his host. And he soon covered his dear + relative with innumerable arrows. Like a forest consumed by fire at the + end of winter, the troops of Drupada were seen to be consumed. And Bhishma + stood in that battle like a blazing fire without smoke, or like the Sun + himself at midday scorching everything around with his heat. The + combatants of the Pandavas were not able to even look at Bhishma. And + afflicted with fear, the Pandava host cast its eyes around, and not + beholding any protector, looked like a herd of kine afflicted by cold. + Slaughtered or retreating in despondence being crushed the while, loud + cries, O Bharata, of oh and alas arose among the troops of the Pandavas. + Then Bhishma the son of Santanu, with bow always drawn to a circle, shot + therefrom blazing arrows that resembled virulent poison. And creating + continuous lines of arrows in all directions, that hero of rigid vows slew + Pandava car-warriors, naming each, O Bharata, beforehand. And then when + the troops of the Pandavas were routed and crushed all over the field, the + sun set and nothing could be seen. And then beholding Bhishma, O bull of + Bharata’s race, proudly standing in battle, the Parthas withdrew their + forces (for nightly rest)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0050" id="link62H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “When the troops, O bull of Bharata’s race, were withdrawn + on the first day, and when Duryodhana was filled with delight upon + (beholding) Bhishma excited with wrath in battle, king Yudhishthira the + just, speedily repaired unto Janardana, accompanied by all his brothers + and all the kings (on his side). Filled with great grief thinking of his + defeat, and beholding Bhishma’s prowess, O king, he addressed that scion + of Vrishni’s race, saying, ‘Behold, O Krishna, that mighty bowman Bhishma + of terrible prowess. He consumes with his arrow my troops like fire + (consuming) dry grass. How shall we even look at that high-souled + (warrior) who is licking up my troops like fire fed with clarified butter? + Beholding that tiger among men, that mighty warrior armed with the bow, my + troops fly away, afflicted with arrows. Enraged Yama himself, or He armed + with the thunder, or even Varuna noose in hand, or Kuvera armed with mace, + may be vanquished in battle but the mighty car-warrior Bhishma, of great + energy is incapable of being vanquished. Such being the case, I am sinking + in the fathomless ocean represented by Bhishma, without a boat (to rescue + me).<a href="#linknote-6352" name="linknoteref-6352" id="linknoteref-6352">352</a> + In consequence, O Kesava, of the weakness of my understanding, having + obtained Bhishma (for a foe in battle), I shall, O Govinda, retire into + woods. To live there is preferable to devoting these lords of earth to + Death in the form of Bhishma. Conversant with mighty weapons, Bhishma, O + Krishna, will annihilate my army. As insects rush into the blazing fire + for their own destruction, the combatants of my army are even so. In + putting forth prowess for the sake of kingdom, O thou of Vrishni’s race, I + am being led to destruction. My heroic brothers also are pained and + afflicted with arrows for my sake, having been deprived of both + sovereignty and happiness in consequence of their love for their eldest + brother. We regard life very highly, for, under these circumstances, life + is too precious (to be sacrificed). During the remainder of my days I will + practise the severest of ascetic austerities. I will not, O Kesava, cause + these friends of mine to be slain.<a href="#linknote-6353" name="linknoteref-6353" id="linknoteref-6353">353</a> The mighty Bhishma + incessantly slays, with his celestial weapon, many thousands of my + car-warriors who are foremost of smiters. Tell me, O Madhava, without + delay, what should be done that might do me good. As regards Arjuna, I see + that he is an indifferent spectator in this battle. Endued with great + might, this Bhima alone, remembering Kshatriya duties, fighteth putting + forth the prowess of his arms and to the utmost of his power. With his + hero-slaying mace, this high-souled (warrior), to the full measure of his + powers, achieveth the most difficult feats upon foot-soldiers and steeds + and cars and elephants. This hero, however, is incapable, O sire, of + destroying in fair fight the hostile host in even a century. This thy + friend (Arjuna) alone (amongst) is conversant with (mighty) weapons. He, + however, beholding us consumed by Bhishma and the high-souled Drona, + looketh indifferently on us. The celestial weapons of Bhishma and the + high-souled Drona, incessantly applied, are consuming all the Kshatriyas. + O Krishna, such is his prowess, that Bhishma, with wrath excited, aided by + the kings (on his side), will, without doubt annihilate us. O Lord of + Yoga, look for that great bowman, that mighty car-warrior, who will give + Bhishma his quietus like rain-charged clouds quenching a forest + conflagration. (Then) through thy grace, O Govinda, the son of Pandu, + their foes being slain, will, after recovery of their kingdom, be happy + with their kinsmen.’ + </p> + <p> + “Having said this, the high-souled son of Pritha, with heart afflicted by + grief and mind turned within, remained silent for a long while in a + reflected mood. Beholding the son of Pandu stricken with grief and + deprived of his senses by sorrow, Govinda then gladdening all the Pandavas + said, ‘Do not grieve, O chief of the Bharatas. It behoveth thee not to + grieve, when thy brothers are all heroes and renowned bowmen in the world. + I also am employed in doing thee good, as also that mighty car-warrior + Satyaki and Virata and Drupada, both reverend in years, and Dhrishtadyumna + of Prishata’s line. And so also, O best of kings, all these monarchs with + their (respective) troops are expectant of thy favour and devoted to thee, + O king. This mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race placed + in command of thy army is always desirous of thy welfare and engaged in + doing that which is agreeable to thee, as also this Sikhandin, O thou of + mighty arms, who is certainly the slayer of Bhishma.’ Hearing these words, + the king (Yudhishthira), said, unto that mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtadyumna, in that very assembly and in the hearing of Vasudeva, + these words, ‘O Dhrishtadyumna, mark these words that I say unto thee, O + thou of Prishata’s line. The words uttered by me should not be + transgressed. Approved by Vasudeva, thou hast been the commander of our + forces. As Kartikeya, in days of old, was ever the commander of the + celestial host, so also art thou, O bull among men, the commander of the + Pandava host. Putting forth thy prowess, O tiger among men, slay the + Kauravas. I will follow thee, and Bhima, and Krishna also, O sire, and the + sons of Madri united together, and the sons of Draupadi accoutred in mail, + and all the other foremost of kings, O bull among men.’ Then gladdening + (the listeners) Dhrishtadyumna said, ‘Ordained of old by Sambhu himself, I + am, O son of Pritha, the slayer of Drona. I shall now fight in battle + against Bhishma, and Drona and Kripa and Salya and Jayadratha and all the + proud monarchs (on the Kuru side)’. When that foremost of princes, that + slayer of foes, the son of Prishata, said this defiantly, the Pandava + warriors, endued with great energy and incapable of being defeated in + battle, all set up a loud shout. And then Pritha’s son Yudhishthira said + unto the commander of his army, the son of Prishata, (these words), ‘An + array known by the name of Krauncharuma, that is destructive of all foes, + and that was spoken of by Vrihaspati unto Indra in days of old when the + gods and the Asuras fought,—that array destructive of hostile + divisions, do thou form. Unseen before, the kings behold it, along with + the Kurus.’ Thus addressed by that god among men, like Vishnu addressed by + the wielder of the thunderbolt,<a href="#linknote-6354" name="linknoteref-6354" id="linknoteref-6354">354</a> he (Dhrishtadyumna), + when morning dawned, placed Dhananjaya in the van of the whole army. And + Dhananjaya’s standard, created at Indra’s command by the celestial + artificer, while moving through the skies, seemed wonderfully beautiful. + Decked with banners bearing hues resembling those of Indra’s bow,<a + href="#linknote-6355" name="linknoteref-6355" id="linknoteref-6355">355</a> + coursing through the air like a ranger of the skies, and looking like the + fleeting edifice of vapour in the welkin, it seemed, O sire to glide + dancingly along the track of the car (to which it was attached). And the + bearer of Gandiva with that (standard) graced with gems, and that standard + itself with the bearer of Gandiva, looked highly adorned, like the + Self-create with the Sun (and the Sun with the Self-create).<a + href="#linknote-6356" name="linknoteref-6356" id="linknoteref-6356">356</a> + And king Drupada, surrounded by a large number of troops, became the head + (of that array). And the two kings Kuntibhoja and Saivya became its two + eyes. And the ruler of the Dasarnas, and the Prayagas, with the Dasarakas, + and the Anupakas, and the Kiratas were placed in its neck, O bull of + Bharata’s race. And Yudhishthira, O king, with the Patachcharas, the + Hunas, the Pauravakas and the Nishadas, became its two wings, so also the + Pisachas, with the Kundavishas, and the Mandakas, the Ladakas, the + Tanganas, and the Uddras, O Bharata, and the Saravas, the Tumbhumas, the + Vatsas, and the Nakulas. And Nakula and Sahadeva placed themselves on the + left wing. And on the joints of the wings were placed ten thousand cars + and on the head a hundred thousand, and on the back a hundred millions and + twenty thousand and on the neck a hundred and seventy thousand. And on the + joints of the wings, the wings and the extremities of the wings proceeded + elephants in large bodies, looking, O king, like blazing mountains. And + the rear was protected by Virata aided by the Kekayas, and the ruler of + Kasi and the king of the Chedis, with thirty thousand cars.<a + href="#linknote-6357" name="linknoteref-6357" id="linknoteref-6357">357</a> + Forming, O Bharata, their mighty array thus, the Pandavas, expectant of + sunrise, waited for battle, all cased in armour. And their white + umbrellas, clean and costly, and brilliant as the sun, shone resplendent + on their elephants and cars."<a href="#linknote-6358" name="linknoteref-6358" id="linknoteref-6358">358</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0051" id="link62H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Beholding the mighty and terrible array called Krauncha + formed by Pandu’s son of immeasurable energy, thy son, approaching the + preceptor, and Kripa, and Salya, O sire, and Somadatta’s son, and Vikarna, + and Aswatthaman also, and all his brothers too, headed by Dussasana, O + Bharata, and other immeasurable heroes assembled there for battle, said + these timely words, gladdening them all, ‘Armed with various kinds of + weapons, ye all are conversant with the meaning of the scriptures. Ye + mighty car-warriors, each of you is singly capable of slaying in battle + the sons of Pandu with their troops. How much more then, when ye are + united together. Our host, therefore, which is protected by Bhishma, is + immeasurable, while that host of theirs, which is protected by Bhima, is + measurable.<a href="#linknote-6359" name="linknoteref-6359" id="linknoteref-6359">359</a> Let the Samsthanas, the Surasenas, the + Venikas, the Kukkuras, the Rechakas, the Trigartas, the Madrakas, the + Yavanas, with Satrunjayas, and Dussasana, and that excellent hero Vikarna, + and Nanda and Upanandaka, and Chitrasena, along with the Manibhadrakas, + protect Bhishma with their (respective) troops,’—Then Bhishma and + Drona and thy sons, O sire, formed a mighty array for resisting that of + the Parthas. And Bhishma, surrounded by a large body of troops, advanced, + leading a mighty army, like the chief of the celestials himself. And that + mighty bowman, the son of Bharadwaja, endued with great energy, followed + him with the Kuntalas, the Dasarnas, and the Magadhas, O king, and with + the Vidarbhas, the Melakas, the Karnas, and the Pravaranas also. And the + Gandharas, the Sindhusauviras, the Sivis and the Vasatis with all their + combatants also, (followed) Bhishma, that ornament of battle, and Sakuni, + with all his troops protected the son of Bharadwaja. And then king + Duryodhana, united with all his brothers, with the Aswalakas, the + Vikarnas, the Vamanas, the Kosalas, the Daradas, the Vrikas, as also the + Kshudrakas and the Malavas advanced cheerfully against the Pandava host. + And Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta, O sire, and Vinda + and Anuvinda of Avanti, protected the left flank. And Somadatta, and + Susarman, and Sudakshina, the ruler of the Kamvojas and Satayus, and + Srutayus, were on the right flank. And Aswatthaman, and Kripa, and + Kritavarman of Satwata’s race, with a very large division of the troops, + were stationed at the rear of the army. And behind them were the rulers of + many provinces, and Ketumat, and Vasudana, and the powerful son of the + king of Kasi. Then all the troops on thy side cheerfully waiting for + battle, O Bharata, blew their conches with great pleasure, and set up + leonine roars. And hearing the shouts of those (combatants) filled with + delight the venerable Kuru grandsire, endued with great prowess, uttering + a leonine roar, blew his conch. Thereupon, conches and drums and diverse + kinds of Pesis and cymbals, were sounded at once by others, and the noise + made became a loud uproar. And Madhava and Arjuna, both stationed on a + great car unto which were yoked white steeds, blew their excellent conches + decked with gold and jewels. And Hrishikesa blew the conch called + Panchajanya, and Dhananjaya (that called) Devadatta. And Vrikodara of + terrible deeds blew the huge conch called Paundra. And Kunti’s son king + Yudhishthira blew the conch called Anantavijaya, while Nakula and Sahadeva + (those conches called) Sughosa and Manipushpaka.<a href="#linknote-6360" name="linknoteref-6360" id="linknoteref-6360">360</a> And the ruler of + Kasi, and Saivya, and Sikhandin the mighty car-warrior, and + Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata, and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, and that + great bowman the king of the Panchalas, and the five sons of Draupadi, all + blew their large conches and set up leonine roars. And that great uproar + uttered there by those heroes, loudly reverberated through both the earth + and the welkin. Thus, O great king, the Kurus and the Pandavas, both + filled with delight, advanced against each other for battling again, and + scorching each other thus." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0052" id="link62H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “When mine and the hostile hosts were thus formed into + battle array, how did the foremost of smiters begin to strike?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “When all the divisions were thus arrayed, the combatants + waited, each cased in mail, and with their beautiful standards all + upraised. And beholding the (Kuru) host that resembled the limitless + ocean, thy son Duryodhana, O king, stationed within it, said unto all the + combatants on thy side, ‘Cased in mail (as ye are), begin ye the fight’. + The combatants then, entertaining cruel intentions, and abandoning their + very lives, all rushed against the Pandavas, with standards upraised. The + battle that took place then was fierce and made the hair stand on end. And + the cars and elephants all got mixed together. And shafts with beautiful + feathers, and endued with great energy and sharp points, shot by + car-warriors fell upon elephants and horses. And when the battle began in + this way, the venerable Kuru grandsire, the mighty-armed Bhishma of + terrible prowess, cased in mail, taking up his bow, and approaching them, + showered an arrowy downpour on the heroic son of Subhadra, and the mighty + car-warrior Arjuna, and the ruler of the Kekayas and Virata, and + Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, as also upon the Chedi and the Matsya + warriors. And that mighty array (of the Pandavas) wavered at the onset of + that hero. And terrific was the encounter that took place between all the + combatants. And horse-men and car-warriors and foremost of steeds fell + fast. And the car-divisions of the Pandavas began to fly away. Then that + tiger among men, Arjuna, beholding that mighty car-warrior Bhishma, + angrily said unto him of Vrishni’s race, ‘Proceed to the place where the + grandsire is. O thou of Vrishni’s race, it is evident that this Bhishma, + with wrath excited, will annihilate for Duryodhana’s benefit my host. And + this Drona, and Kripa and Salya and Vikarna, O Janardana, united with + Dhritarashtra’s sons headed by Duryodhana, and protected by this firm + bowman, will slaughter the Panchalas. Even I, therefore, shall slay + Bhishma for the sake of my troops, O Janardana.’ Unto him Vasudeva then + said, ‘Be careful, O Dhananjaya, for I will soon take thee, O hero, + towards the grandsire’s car.’ Having said this, O king, Saurin took that + car, which was celebrated over the world, before the car of Bhishma. With + numerous banners all waving, with steeds looking handsome like a flight of + (white) cranes, with standard upraised on which was the ape roaring + fiercely, upon his large car of solar effulgence and whose rattle + resembled roar of the clouds, slaughtering the Kaurava divisions and the + Surasenas also, the son of Pandu, that enhancer of the joys of friends + speedily came to the encounter. Him (thus) rushing impetuously like an + infuriate elephant and (thus) frightening in a battle brave combatants and + felling them with his shafts, Bhishma the son of Santanu, protected by the + warriors headed by Saindhava and by the combatants of the East and the + Sauviras and the Kekayas, encountered with great impetuosity. Who else + save the Kuru grandsire and those car-warriors, viz., Drona and + Vikartana’s son (Karna), are capable of advancing in battle against the + bearer of the bow called Gandiva? Then, O great king, Bhishma, the + grandsire of the Kauravas, struck Arjuna with seventy-seven arrows and + Drona (struck him) with five and twenty, and Kripa with fifty, and + Duryodhana with four and sixty, and Salya with nine arrows; and Drona’s + son, that tiger among men, with sixty, and Vikarna with three arrows; and + Saindhava with nine and Sakuni with five. And Artayani O king, pierced + Pandu’s son with three broad-headed arrows. And (though) pierced on all + sides by them with sharp arrows, that great bowman,<a href="#linknote-6361" name="linknoteref-6361" id="linknoteref-6361">361</a> that mighty-armed + (warrior), wavered not like a mountain that is pierced (with arrows). + Thereupon he, the diadem-decked, of immeasurable soul, O bull of Bharata’s + race, in return pierced Bhishma with five and twenty, and Kripa with nine + arrows, and Drona with sixty, O tiger among men, and Vikarna with three + arrows; and Artayani with three arrows, and the king (Duryodhana) also + with five. And then Satyaki, and Virata and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s + race, and the sons of Draupadi, and Abhimanyu, all surrounded him, + (proceeding to his support). Then the prince of the Panchalas, supported + by the Somakas, advanced towards the great bowman Drona who was engaged in + seeking the welfare of Ganga’s son. Then Bhishma, that foremost of + car-warriors, speedily pierced the son of Pandu with eighty sharp arrows, + upon which the combatants on thy side were much gratified. Hearing the + shouts of those lions among car-warriors, Dhananjaya, endued with great + prowess, then cheerfully entered into the midst of those lions among + car-warriors and sported with his bow, O king, (successively) aiming at + those mighty car-warriors. Then that ruler of men, king Duryodhana, said + unto Bhishma, beholding his own troops (thus) afflicted in battle by the + son of Pritha, ‘This mighty son of Pandu, O sire, accompanied by Krishna, + felling all our troops, cutteth down our roots, even though thou, O son of + Ganga, and that foremost of car-warriors, Drona, are alive. O monarch, it + is for thee only that this Karna, laying aside his weapons, doth not fight + with the sons of Pritha in battle (though) he is ever a well-wisher of + mine, Do, therefore, that, O son of Ganga by which Phalguni may be slain.’ + Thus addressed, O king, thy sire Devavrata, saying, ‘Fie to Kshatriya + usage’, then proceeded towards Partha’s car. And all the kings, O monarch, + seeing both those warriors with white steeds yoked unto their cars + stationed (for battle), set up loud leonine roars, and also blew their + conches, O sire. And Drona’s son and Duryodhana, and thy son Vikarna, + surrounding Bhishma in that combat, stood, O sire, for battle. And so all + the Pandavas, surrounding Dhananjaya, stood for fierce conflict. And the + battle then commenced. And the son of Ganga pierced Partha in that combat + with nine shafts. And Arjuna pierced him in return with ten shafts + penetrating into the very vitals. Then, with a thousand arrows, well shot, + Pandu’s son Arjuna, famed for his skill in battle, shrouded Bhishma on all + sides. That arrowy net, however, of Partha, O king, Bhishma the son of + Santanu baffled with an arrowy net (of his own). And both well-pleased, + and both delighting in battle, fought with each other without each gaining + any advantage over the other, and each desirous of counteracting the + other’s feats. And the successive flights of arrows shot from Bhishma’s + bow were seen to be dispersed by the shafts of Arjuna. And so the flights + of arrows shot by Arjuna, cut off by the arrows of Ganga’s son, all fell + down on the ground. And Arjuna pierced Bhishma with five and twenty arrows + of sharp points. And Bhishma, too, in that combat, pierced Partha in + return with nine arrows. And those two mighty warriors, those chastisers + of foes, piercing each other’s steeds, and also the shafts and the wheels + of each other’s cars, began to sport. Then, O king, Bhishma, that foremost + of smiters, struck Vasudeva between his two breasts with three arrows. And + the slayer of Madhu, struck with those shafts shot from Bhishma’s bow, + shone in that battle, O king, like a flowering Kinsuka. Then Arjuna, + indignant at seeing Madhava, pierced in that combat the charioteer of + Ganga’s son with three arrows. And both heroes, striving with each other + against each other’s car, succeeded not in taking aim at each other in the + combat. And in consequence of the ability and dexterity of the charioteers + of both those warriors, both displayed, O king, beautiful circles and + advancings and retreatings in respect of their moving cars. And, O + monarch, seeing the opportunity to strike, they frequently changed + positions, O king, for obtaining what they sought. And both the heroes + blew their conches, mingling that blare with their leonine roars. And + those mighty car-warriors twang their bows, both in the same manner. And + with the blare of their conches and the rattle of their car-wheels, the + very Earth was suddenly rent. And it began to tremble and produce + subterranean noises. And nobody, O bull of Bharata’s race, could detect + any latches in either of them. Both of them was possessed of great might + and great courage in battle, each was other’s match. And by (the sight of) + his standard alone, the Kauravas could approach him (for aid). And so the + Pandavas approached Pritha’s son (for aid), guided by his standard only. + And beholding, O king, prowess thus displayed by those two foremost of + men, O Bharata, all creatures (present) in that battle were filled with + wonder. And none, O Bharata, observed any difference between the two, just + as none finds any transgression in a person observant of morality. And + both of them (at times) became perfectly invisible in consequence of + clouds of arrows. And soon enough both of them in that battle became + visible. And the gods with Gandharvas and the Charanas, and the great + Rishis beholding their prowess, said unto one another, ‘These mighty + car-warriors when excited with rage, are incapable of ever being + vanquished in battle by all the worlds with the gods, the Asuras and the + Gandharvas. This highly wonderful battle would be wonderful in all the + worlds. Indeed, a battle such as this will never take place again. Bhishma + is incapable of being conquered in combat by Pritha’s son of great + intelligence, showering his arrows in battle, with bow and car and steeds. + So also that great bowman, the son of Pandu, incapable of being vanquished + in battle by the very gods, Bhishma is not competent to conquer in combat. + As long as the world itself will last, so long will this battle continue + equally.’ We heard these words, O king, fraught with the praise of Ganga’s + son and Arjuna in battle bruited about there. And while those two were + engaged in displaying their prowess, other warriors of thy side and of the + Pandavas, O Bharata, slew one another in battle, with sharp-edged + scimitars, and polished battle-axes, and innumerable arrows, and diverse + kinds of weapons. And the brave combatants of both armies cut one another + down, while that terrible and murderous conflict lasted. And the encounter + also, O king, that took place between Drona and the prince of the + Panchalas, was awful." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0053" id="link62H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Tell me, O Sanjaya, how that great bowman Drona and + the Panchala prince of Prishata’s race encounter each other in battle, + each striving his best. I regard destiny to be superior, O Sanjaya, to + exertion, when Santanu’s son Bhishma (even) could not escape Pandu’s son + in battle. Indeed, Bhishma, when enraged in battle could destroy all + mobile and immobile creatures, why, O Sanjaya, could he not then by his + prowess, escape the son of Pandu in battle?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Listen, O king, quietly to this terrific battle. The son of + Pandu is incapable of being vanquished by the very gods with Vasava. Drona + with diverse arrows pierced Dhrishtadyumna and felled the latter’s + charioteer from his niche in the car.<a href="#linknote-6362" name="linknoteref-6362" id="linknoteref-6362">362</a> And, O sire, the + enraged hero also afflicted Dhrishtadyumna’s four steeds with four + excellent shafts. And the heroic Dhrishtadyumna too pierced Drona in the + combat with nine sharp arrows and addressed him, saying, ‘Wait—Wait’. + Then, again, Bharadwaja’s son of great prowess and immeasurable soul, + covered with his arrows the wrathful Dhrishtadyumna. And he took up a + dreadful arrow for the destruction of Prishata’s son whose force resembled + that of Sakra’s bolt and which was like a second rod of death. And + beholding that arrow aimed by Bharadwaja in battle, loud cries of oh and + alas arose, O Bharata, among all the combatants. And then we beheld the + wonderful prowess of Dhrishtadyumna insomuch that the hero stood alone, + immovable like a mountain. And he cut off that terrible and blazing arrow + coming towards him like his own Death, and also showered an arrowy + downpour on Bharadwaja’s son. And beholding that difficult feat achieved + by Dhrishtadyumna, the Panchalas with the Pandavas, filled with delight, + set up loud shouts. And that prince, endued with great prowess, desirous + of slaying Drona hurled at him a dart of great impetuosity, decked with + gold and stones of lapis lazuli. Thereupon the son of Bharadwaja, smiling + the while, cut off into three fragments that dart decked with gold that + was coming towards him impetuously. Beholding his dart thus baffled, + Dhrishtadyumna of great prowess rained arrowy downpours on Drona, O king. + Then that mighty car-warrior Drona, baffling that arrowy shower, cut off + when the opportunity presented, the bow of Drupada’s son. His bow (thus) + cut off in the combat, that mighty warrior of great fame hurled at Drona a + heavy mace endued with the strength of the mountain. And hurled from his + hands, that mace coursed through the air for Drona’s destruction. And then + we beheld the wonderful prowess of Bharadwaja’s son. By (the) lightness + (of his car’s motion), he baffled that mace decked with gold, and having + baffled it, he shot at Prishata’s son many shafts of sharp edge, + well-tempered, furnished with golden wings, and whetted on stone. And + these, penetrating through Prishata’s coat of mail, drank his blood in + that battle. Then the high-souled Dhrishtadyumna, taking up another bow, + and putting forth his prowess pierced Drona in that encounter with five + shafts. And then those two bulls among men, both covered with blood, + looked beautiful like two blossoming Kinsukas in spring variegated with + flowers. Then, O king, excited with wrath and putting forth his prowess at + the head of his division, Drona once more cut off the bow of Drupada’s + son. And then that hero of immeasurable soul covered that warrior whose + bow was cut off, with innumerable straight arrows like the clouds + showering rain on a mountain. And he also felled his foe’s charioteer from + his niche in the car. And his four steeds, too, with four sharp arrows, + Drona felled in that combat that set up a leonine roar. And with another + shaft he cut off the leathern fence that cased Dhrishtadyumna’s hand. His + bow cut off, deprived of car, his steeds slain, and charioteer overthrown, + the prince of Panchala alighted from his car, mace in hand, displaying + great prowess. But before he could come down from his car, O Bharata, + Drona with his shafts cut off that mace into fragments. This feat seemed + wonderful to us. And then the mighty prince of the Panchalas of strong + arms, taking a large and beautiful shield decked with a hundred moons, and + a large scimitar of beautiful make, rushed impetuously from desire of + slaying Drona, like a hungry lion in the forest towards an infuriate + elephant. Then wonderful was the prowess that we behold of Bharadwaja’s + son, and his lightness (of hand) in the use of weapons, as also the + strength of his arms, O Bharata, in as much as, alone, he checked + Prishata’s son with a shower of arrows. And although possessed of great + might in battle, he was unable to proceed further. And we behold the + mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna staying where he did and warding off + those clouds of arrows with his shield, using his arms with great + dexterity. Then the mighty-armed Bhima endued with great strength quickly + came there, desirous of aiding in battle the high-souled son of Prishata. + And he pierced Drona, O king, with seven sharp-pointed arrows, and + speedily caused Prishata’s son to be taken up on another car. Then king + Duryodhana urged the ruler of the Kalingas supported by a large division, + for the protection of Bharadwaja’s son. Then that terrible and mighty + division of the Kalingas, O ruler of men, rushed against Bhima at the + command of thy son. And Drona then, that foremost of car-warriors, + abandoning the prince of Panchala, encountered Virata and Drupada + together. And Dhrishtadyumna also proceeded to support king Yudhishthira + in battle. And then commenced a fierce battle, making the hair stand on + end, between the Kalingas and the high-souled Bhima, a battle that was + destructive of the universe, terrific, and awful." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0054" id="link62H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIV + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How did the ruler of the Kalingas, that commander of + a large division, urged by my son, and supported by his troops, fight in + battle with the mighty Bhimasena of wonderful feats, that hero wandering + over the field of battle with his mace like Death himself club in hand?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Thus urged by thy son, O great king, the mighty king of the + Kalingas, accompanied by a large army advanced towards Bhima’s car. And + Bhimasena, then, O Bharata, supported by the Chedis, rushed towards that + large and mighty army of the Kalingas, abounding with cars, steeds, and + elephants, and armed with mighty weapons, and advancing towards him with + Ketumat, the son of the king of the Nishadas. And Srutayus also, excited + with wrath, accoutred in mail, followed by his troops in battle-array, + and, accompanied by king Ketumat, came before Bhima in battle. And the + ruler of the Kalingas with many thousands of cars, and Ketumat with ten + thousand elephants and the Nishadas, surrounded Bhimasena, O king, on all + sides. Then the Chedis, the Matsyas, and Karushas, with Bhimasena at their + head, with many kings impetuously rushed against the Nishadas. And then + commenced the battle, fierce and terrible, between the warriors rushing at + one another from desire of slaughter. And terrific was the battle that + suddenly took place between Bhima and his foes, resembling the battle, O + great king, between Indra and the mighty host of Diti’s sons. And loud + became the uproar, O Bharata, of that mighty army struggling in battle, + that resembled the sound of the roaring ocean. And the combatants, O king, + cutting one another, made the whole field resemble a crematorium strewn + with flesh and blood. And combatants, impelled by the desire of slaughter + could not distinguish friend from foe. And those brave warriors, incapable + of being easily defeated in battle, even began to strike down their own + friend. And terrific was the collision that took place between the few and + many, between the Chedis (on the one side) and the Kalingas and the + Nishadas, O king, (on the other). Displaying their manliness to the best + of their power, the mighty Chedis, abandoning Bhimasena, turned back, and + when the Chedis ceased to follow him, the son of Pandu, encountering all + the Kalingas, did not turn back, depending upon the might of his own arms. + Indeed, the mighty Bhimasena moved not, but from the terrace of his car + covered the division of the Kalingas with showers of sharp arrows. Then + that mighty bowman, the king of the Kalingas, and that car-warrior, his + son known by the name of Sakradeva, both began to strike the son of Pandu + with their shafts. And the mighty-armed Bhima, shaking his beautiful bow, + and depending on the might of his own arms, fought with Kalinga, and + Sakradeva, shooting in that battle innumerable arrows, slew Bhimasena’s + steeds with them. And beholding that chastiser of foes Bhimasena deprived + of his car, Sakradeva rushed at him, shooting sharp arrows. And upon + Bhimasena, O great king, the mighty Sakradeva showered arrowy downpours + like the clouds after summer is gone. But the mighty Bhimasena, staying on + his car whose steeds had been slain, hurled at Sakradeva a mace made of + the hardest iron. And slain by that mace, O king, the son of the ruler of + the Kalingas, from his car, fell down on the ground, with his standard and + charioteer. Then that mighty car-warrior, the king of the Kalingas + beholding his own son slain, surrounded Bhima on all sides with many + thousands of cars. Then the mighty-armed Bhima endued with great strength, + abandoning mace, took up a scimitar, desirous of achieving a fierce feat. + And that bull among men also took up, O king, crescents made of gold. And + the ruler of the Kalingas also, excited with wrath, and rubbing his + bowstring, and taking up a terrible arrow (deadly) as poison of the snake, + shot it at Bhimasena, desirous at that monarch was of slaying (the + Pandava). That sharp arrow, thus shot and coursing impetuously, Bhimasena, + O king, cut in twain with his huge sword. And filled with delight he set + up a loud shout, terrifying the troops. And the ruler of the Kalingas, + excited with rage in that combat with Bhimasena, quickly hurled at him + fourteen bearded darts whetted on stone. The mighty-armed son of Pandu, + however, with that best of scimitars, fearlessly cut into fragments in a + trice, O king, those darts while coursing through the welkin and before + they could reach him. And having in that battle (thus) cut off those + fourteen darts Bhima, that bull among men, beholding Bhanumat, rushed at + him. Bhanumat then covered Bhima with a shower of arrows, and set up a + loud shout, making the welkin resound with it. Bhima, however, in that + fierce battle, could not hear that leonine shout. Himself endued with a + loud voice, he also shouted very loudly. And at these shouts of his, the + army of the Kalingas became filled with fear. In that battle they no + longer regarded Bhima, O bull among men, as a human being. Then, O great + king, having uttered a loud shout, Bhima, sword in hand impetuously + jumping on (Bhanumat’s) excellent elephant aided by the latter’s tusks, + gained, O sire, the back of that prince of tuskers, and with his huge + sword cut Bhanumat, dividing him in the middle. That chastiser of foes, + then, having (thus) slain in battle the prince of the Kalingas, next<a + href="#linknote-6363" name="linknoteref-6363" id="linknoteref-6363">363</a> + made his sword which was capable of bearing a great strain, to descend + upon the neck of that elephant. His head cut off, that prince of elephants + fell down with a loud roar, like a crested mountain (whose base is) eaten + away by the impetuous (surges of the) sea. And jumping down, O Bharata, + from that falling elephant, the prince of Bharata’s race, of undepressed + soul, stood on the ground, sword in hand and accoutred in mail (as + before). And felling numerous elephants on all sides, he wandered (over + the field), making many paths (for himself). And then he seemed to be like + a moving wheel of fire slaughtering whole divisions of cavalry, of + elephants, and cars, and large bodies of infantry. And that lord among + men, the mighty Bhima, was seen to move over the field with the activity + of the hawk, quickly cutting off in that battle, with his sharp-edged + sword, their bodies and heads, as also those of the combatants on + elephant. And combatant on foot, excited with rage, all alone, and like + Yama at the season of universal dissolution, he struck terror into his + foes and confounded those brave warriors. Only they that were senseless + rushed with loud shouts at him wandering in that great battle with + impetuosity, sword in hand. And that grinder of foes, endued with great + strength, cutting off the shafts and yokes of warriors on their cars, slew + those warriors also. And Bhimasena was seen, O Bharata, to display diverse + kinds of motions there. He wheeled about, and whirled about on high, and + made side-thrusts, and jumped forward, and ran above, and leapt high. And, + O Bharata, he was also seen to rush forward and rush upward. And some + mangled by the high-souled son of Pandu by means of his excellent sword, + shrieked aloud, struck at their vitals or fell down deprived of life. And + many elephants, O Bharata, some with trunks and the extremities of their + tusks cut off, and others having their temporal globes cut open, deprived + of riders, slew their own ranks and fell down uttering loud cries. And + broken lances, O king, and the heads of elephant drivers, and beautiful + housings of elephants, and chords resplendent with gold, and collars, and + darts and mallets and quivers, diverse kinds of machines, and beautiful + bows, short arrows with polished heads, with hooks and iron crows for + guiding elephants, bells of diverse shape, and hilts decked with gold, + were seen by us falling down or (already) fallen along with riders of + steeds. And with elephants (lying down) having the fore parts and hind + parts of their bodies and their trunks cut off, or entirely slain, the + field seemed to be strewn with fallen cliffs. That bull among men, having + thus crushed the huge elephants, next crushed the steeds also. And, O + Bharata, that hero also felled the foremost of cavalry soldiers. And the + battle, O sire, that took place between him and them was fierce in the + extreme. And hilts and traces, and saddle girths resplendent with gold, + and covers for the back of steeds, and bearded darts, and costly swords, + and coats of mail, and shields, and beautiful ornaments, were seen by us + strewn over the ground in that great battle. And he caused the earth to be + strewn over (with blood) as if it were variegated with lilies. And the + mighty son of Pandu, jumping high and dragging some car-warriors down with + his sword felled them along with (their) standards. Frequently jumping up + or rushing on all sides, that hero endued with great activity, wandering + along many routes, caused the combatants to be amazed. And some he slew by + his legs, and dragging down others he pressed them down under the earth. + And others he cut off with his sword, and others he frightened with his + roars. And others he threw down on the ground by the force of his thighs + (as he ran). And others, beholding him, fled away in terror. It was thus + that that vast force of the Kalingas endued with great activity, + surrounding the terrible Bhimasena in battle, rushed at him. Then, O bull + of Bharata’s race, beholding Srutayush at the head of Kalinga troops, + Bhimasena rushed at him. And seeing him advancing the ruler of the + Kalingas, of immeasurable soul, pierced Bhimasena between his breasts with + nine arrows. Struck with those shafts shot by the ruler of the Kalingas, + like an elephant pierced with the hook, Bhimasena blazed up with wrath + like fire fed with fuel. Then Asoka, that best of charioteers, bringing a + car decked with gold, caused Bhima to mount on it. And thereupon that + slayer of foes, the son of Kunti, speedily mounted on that car. And then + he rushed at the ruler of the Kalingas, saying,—‘Wait, Wait’. And + then the mighty Srutayush excited with wrath, shot at Bhima many sharp + arrows, displaying his lightness of hand, and that mighty warrior, Bhima, + forcibly struck with those nine sharp arrows shot by Kalinga from his + excellent bow, yielded to great wrath, O king, like a snake struck with a + rod. Then that foremost of mighty men, Bhima, the son of Pritha, excited + with rage and drawing his bow with great strength, slew the ruler of the + Kalingas with seven shafts made wholly of iron. And with two shafts he + slew the two mighty protectors of the car-wheels of Kalinga. And he also + despatched Satyadeva and Satya to the abode of Yama. Of immeasurable soul, + Bhima also, with many sharp arrows and long shafts, caused Ketumat to + repair unto Yama’s abode. Then the Kshatriyas of the Kalinga country, + excited with rage and supported by many thousands of combatants, + encountered the wrathful Bhimasena in battle. And armed with darts and + maces and scimitars and lances and swords and battle-axes, the Kalingas, O + king, hundreds upon hundreds surrounded Bhimasena. Baffling that risen + shower of arrows, that mighty warrior then took up his mace and jumped + down (from his car) with great speed.<a href="#linknote-6364" name="linknoteref-6364" id="linknoteref-6364">364</a> And Bhima then + despatched seven hundred heroes to Yama’s abode. And that grinder of foes + despatched, in addition, two thousand Kalingas to the region of death. And + that feat seemed highly wonderful. And it was thus that the heroic Bhima + of terrible prowess repeatedly felled in battle large bands of the + Kalingas. And elephants deprived by Pandu’s son, in that battle, of their + riders, and afflicted with arrows wandered on the field, treading down + their own ranks and uttering loud roars like masses of clouds driven by + the wind. Then the mighty-armed Bhima, scimitar in hand, and filled with + delight, blew his conch of terrible loudness. And with that blare he + caused the hearts of all the Kalinga troops to quake with fear. And, O + chastiser of foes, all the Kalingas seemed at the same time to be deprived + of their senses. And all the combatants and all the animals shook with + terror. And in consequence of Bhimasena wandering in that battle through + many paths or rushing on all sides like a prince of elephants, or + frequently jumping up, a trance seemed to be engendered there that + deprived his foes of their senses. And the whole (Kalinga) army shook with + terror of Bhimasena, like a large lake agitated by an alligator. And + struck with panic in consequence of Bhima of wonderful achievements, all + the Kalinga combatants fled away in all directions. When, however, they + were rallied again, the commander of the Pandava army (Dhrishtadyumna), O + Bharata, ordered his own troops, saying,—‘Fight’. Hearing the words + of their commander, many leaders (of the Pandava army) headed by Sikhandin + approached Bhima, supported by many car-divisions accomplished in smiting. + And Pandu’s son, king Yudhishthira the just, followed all of them with a + large elephant force of the colour of the clouds. And thus urging all his + divisions, the son of Prishata, surrounded by many excellent warriors, + took upon himself the protection of one of the wings of Bhimasena.<a + href="#linknote-6365" name="linknoteref-6365" id="linknoteref-6365">365</a> + There exists nobody on earth, save Bhima and Satyaki, who to the prince of + the Panchalas is dearer than his very life. That slayer of hostile heroes, + the son of Prishata, beheld the mighty-armed Bhimasena, that slayer of + foes, wandering among the Kalingas. He set up many shouts, O king, and was + filled with delight, O chastiser of foes. Indeed, he blew his conch in + battle and uttered a leonine roar. And Bhimasena also, beholding the red + standard of Dhrishtadyumna on his car decked with gold and unto which were + yoked steeds white as pigeons, became comforted.<a href="#linknote-6366" name="linknoteref-6366" id="linknoteref-6366">366</a> And Dhrishtadyumna + of immeasurable soul, beholding Bhimasena encountered by the Kalingas + rushed to the battle for his rescue. And both those heroes, Dhrishtadyumna + and Vrikodara, endued with great energy, beholding Satyaki at a distance, + furiously encountered the Kalingas in battle. And that bull among men, the + grand son of Sini, that foremost of victorious warriors, quickly advancing + to the spot took up the wing of both Bhima and Prishata’s son. Bow in hand + creating a great havoc there and making himself fierce in the extreme, he + began to slay the enemy in battle. And Bhima caused a river to flow there + of bloody current, mingled with the blood and flesh of the warriors born + in Kalinga. And beholding Bhimasena then, the troops cried aloud, O king, + saying. ‘This is Death himself that is fighting in Bhima’s shape with the + Kalingas.’ Then Santanu’s son Bhishma, hearing those cries in battle, + quickly proceeded towards Bhima, himself surrounded on all sides with + combatants in army. Thereupon, Satyaki and Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna of + Prishata’s race, rushed towards that car of Bhima decked with gold. And + all of them quickly surrounding Ganga’s son in battle, pierced Bhishma, + each with three terrible shafts, without losing a moment. Thy sire + Devavrata, however, in return pierced each of those mighty bowmen striving + (in battle) with three straight shafts. And checking those mighty + car-warriors, with thousands of arrows he slew with his shafts the steeds + of Bhima decked with golden armour. Bhima, however, endued with great + energy, staying on that car whose steeds had been slain, with great + impetuosity hurled a dart at Bhishma’s car. Thy sire Devavrata then, in + that battle, cut off that dart in twain before it could reach him, and + thereupon it fell down on the earth. Then that bull among men, Bhimasena, + taking up a heavy and mighty mace made of Saikya iron speedily jumped down + from his car. And Dhrishtadyumna quickly taking up that foremost of + car-warriors on his own car, took away, in the very sight of all the + combatants, that renowned warrior. And Satyaki then from desire of doing + what was agreeable to Bhima, felled with his shaft the charioteer of the + reverend Kuru grand-sire. Upon his charioteer being slain, that foremost + of car-warriors, Bhishma, was borne away from the field of battle by his + steeds with the speed of the wind. And when that mighty car-warrior was + (thus) taken away from the field, Bhimasena then, O monarch, blazed up + like a mighty fire while consuming dry grass. And slaying all the + Kalingas, he stayed in the midst of the troops, and none, O bull of + Bharata’s race, of thy side ventured to withstand him. And worshipped by + the Panchalas and the Matsyas, O bull of Bharata’s race, he embraced + Dhrishtadyumna and then approached Satyaki. And Satyaki, the tiger among + the Yadus, of prowess incapable of being baffled, then gladdening + Bhimasena, said unto him, in the presence of Dhrishtadyumna, (these + words). ‘By good luck the king of the Kalingas, and Ketumat, the prince of + the Kalingas, and Sakradeva also of that country and all the Kalingas, + have been slain in battle. With the might and prowess of thy arms, by thee + alone, hath been crushed the very large division of the Kalingas that + abounded with elephants and steeds and cars, and with noble warriors, and + heroic combatants.’ Having said this, the long-armed grandson of Sini, + that chastiser of foes, quickly getting upon his car, embraced the son of + Pandu. And then that mighty car-warrior, coming back to his own car, began + to slay thy troops excited with rage and strengthening (the hands of) + Bhima." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0055" id="link62H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “When the forenoon of that day had passed away, O Bharata, + and when the destruction of cars, elephants, steeds, foot-soldiers and + horse-soldiers, proceeded on, the prince of Panchala engaged himself in + battle with these three mighty car-warriors, viz., Drona’s son, Salya, and + the high-souled Kripa. And the mighty heir of Panchala’s king with many + sharp shafts, slew the steeds of Drona’s son that were celebrated over all + the world. Deprived then of his animals, Drona’s son quickly getting up on + Salya’s car, showered his shafts on the heir of the Panchala king. And + beholding Dhrishtadyumna engaged in battle with Drona’s son, the son of + Subhadra, O Bharata, quickly came up scattering his sharp arrows. And, O + bull of Bharata’s race, he pierced Salya with five and twenty, and Kripa + with nine arrows, and Aswatthaman with eight. Drona’s son, however, + quickly pierced Arjuna’s son with many winged arrows, and Salya pierced + him with twelve, and Kripa with three sharp arrows. Thy grandson Lakshmana + then, beholding Subhadra’s son engaged in battle, rushed at him, excited + with rage. And the battle commenced between them. And the son of + Duryodhana, excited with rage, pierced Subhadra’s son with sharp shafts in + that combat. And that (feat), O king, seemed highly wonderful. The + light-handed Abhimanyu then, O bull of Bharata’s race, excited with rage, + quickly pierced his cousin with five hundred arrows. Lakshmana also, with + his shafts, then cut off his (cousin’s) bow-staff at the middle, at which, + O monarch, all the people sent forth a loud shout. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, the son of Subhadra, leaving aside that broken bow, took + up another that was beautiful and tougher.<a href="#linknote-6367" name="linknoteref-6367" id="linknoteref-6367">367</a> And thereupon those + two bulls among men, thus engaged in combat and desirous of counteracting + each other’s feats, pierced each other with sharp shafts. King Duryodhana + then, O monarch, beholding his mighty son thus afflicted by thy grandson + (Abhimanyu), proceeded to that spot. And when thy son turned (towards that + spot), all the kings surrounded the son of Arjuna on every side with + crowds of cars. Incapable of being defeated in battle and equal in prowess + unto Krishna himself, that hero, O king, thus surrounded by those heroes, + was not agitated in the least. Then Dhananjaya, beholding Subhadra’s son + engaged in battle, rushed to that spot, excited with wrath, desirous of + rescuing his own son. Thereupon the kings (on the Kuru side), headed by + Bhishma and Drona and with cars, elephants and steeds, rushed impetuously + at Savyasachin. Then a thick earthly dust, suddenly raised by + foot-soldiers and steeds and cars and cavalry troopers, covering the sky + appeared on the view. And those thousands of elephants and hundreds of + kings, when they came within reach of Arjuna’s arrows, were all unable to + make any further advance. And all creatures there set up loud wails, and + the points of the compass became dark. And then the transgression of the + Kurus assumed a fierce and dreadful aspect as regards its consequences. + Neither the welkin, nor the cardinal points of the compass nor the earth, + nor the sun, could be distinguished, O best of men, in consequence of the + arrows shot by Kiritin.<a href="#linknote-6368" name="linknoteref-6368" id="linknoteref-6368">368</a> And many were the elephants there deprived + of the standards (on their backs), and many car-warriors also, deprived of + their steeds. And some leaders of car divisions were seen wandering, + having abandoned their cars. And other car-warriors, deprived of their + cars, were seen to wander hither and thither, weapon in hand and their + arms graced with Angadas. And riders of steeds abandoning their steeds and + of elephants abandoning their elephants from fear of Arjuna, O king, fled + away in all directions. And kings were seen felled or falling from cars + and elephants and steeds in consequence of Arjuna’s shafts. And Arjuna, + assuming a fierce countenance, cut off with his terrible shafts, the + upraised arms of warriors, mace in grasp, and arms bearing swords, O king, + or darts, or quivers, or shafts, or bows, or hooks, or standards, all over + the field. And spiked maces broken in fragments, and mallets, O sire, and + bearded darts, and short arrows, and swords also, in that battle, and + sharp-edged battle-axes, and lances, O Bharata, and shields broken into + pieces, and coats of mail also, O king,<a href="#linknote-6369" name="linknoteref-6369" id="linknoteref-6369">369</a> and standards, and + weapons of all kinds thrown away and umbrellas furnished with golden + staves, and iron hooks also, O Bharata, and goads and whips, and traces + also, O sire, were seen strewn over the field of battle in heaps. There + was no man in thy army, O sire, who could advance against the heroic + Arjuna in battle. Whoever, O king, advanced against Pritha’s son in + battle, pierced by sharp shafts was despatched to the other world. When + all these combatants of thine broke had fled away, Arjuna and Vasudeva + blew their excellent conches. Thy sire Devavrata then, beholding the + (Kuru) host routed, smilingly addressed the heroic son of Bharadwaja in + the battle and said, ‘This mighty and heroic son of Pandu, viz., + Dhananjaya, accompanied by Krishna, is dealing with (our) troops as he + alone is competent to deal with them. He is incapable of being vanquished + in battle today by any means, judging by his form that we see now so like + unto that of the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga. This vast host + again (of ours) is incapable of being rallied. Behold, looking at one + another, our troops are flying away. Yon Sun, robbing in every way the + vision of the whole world, is about to reach that best of mountains called + Asta.<a href="#linknote-6370" name="linknoteref-6370" id="linknoteref-6370">370</a> + For this, O bull among men, I think that the hour is come for the + withdrawal (of the army). The warriors, who have all been tired and struck + with panic, will never fight.’ Having said this unto Drona that best of + preceptors, Bhishma, that mighty car-warrior, caused thy army to be + withdrawn. And then when the sun set, the withdrawal of both thy army and + theirs took place, O sire, and twilight set in." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0056" id="link62H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“When the night having passed away, the dawn came, + Santanu’s son Bhishma, that chastiser of foes, gave the order for the + (Kuru) army to prepare for battle. And the son of Santanu, the old Kuru + grandsire, desirous of victory to thy sons, formed that mighty array known + after the name of Garuda. And on the beak of that Garuda was thy sire + Devavrata himself. And its two eyes were Bharadwaja’s son and Kritavarman + of Satwata’s race. And those renowned warriors, Aswatthaman and Kripa, + supported by the Trigartas, the Matsyas, the Kekayas, and the Vatadhanas, + were in its head. And Bhurisravas and Sala, and Salya and Bhagadatta, O + sire, and the Madrakas, the Sindhu-Souviras, and they that were called the + Pancha-nodas, together with Jayadratha, were placed on its neck. And on + its back was king Duryodhana with all his followers. And Vinda and + Anuvinda of Avanti, and the Kamvojas with the Sakas, and the Surasenas, O + sire, formed its tail, O great king. And the Magadhas and the Kalingas, + with all the tribes of the Daserakas, accoutred in mail, formed the right + wing of that array. And the Karushas, the Vikunjas, the Mundas, and the + Kaundivrishas, with Vrithadvala, were stationed on the left wing. Then + that chastiser of foes, Savyasachin, beholding the host disposed in + battle-array, aided by Dhrishtadyumna, disposed his troops in + counter-array. And in opposition to that array of thine, the son of Pandu + formed a fierce array after the form of the half-moon. And stationed on + the right horn, Bhimasena shone surrounded by kings of diverse countries + abundantly armed with various weapons. Next to him were those mighty + car-warriors Virata and Drupada; and next to them was Nila armed with + envenomed weapons. And next to Nila was the mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtaketu, surrounded by the Chedis, the Kasis, the Karushas, and the + Pauravas. And Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, with the Panchalas and the + Prabhadrakas, and supported by other troops, were stationed in the middle, + O Bharata, for battle. And thither also was king Yudhishthira the just, + surrounded by his elephant division. And next to him were Satyaki, O king, + and the five sons of Draupadi. And immediately next to them was Iravan. + And next to him were Bhimasena’s son (Ghatotkacha) and those mighty + car-warriors, the Kekayas. And next, on the left horn (of that array), was + that best of men, viz., he who had for his protector, Janardana—that + protector of the whole Universe. It was thus that the Pandavas formed + their mighty counter-array for the destruction of thy sons and of those + who had sided with them. Then commenced the battle between thy troops and + those of the foe striking one another, and in which cars and elephants + mingled in the clash of combat. Large numbers of elephants and crowds of + cars were seen everywhere, O king, to rush towards one another for + purposes of slaughter. And the rattle of innumerable cars rushing (to join + the fray), or engaged separately raised a loud uproar, mingling with the + beat of drums. And the shouts of the heroic combatants belonging to thy + army and theirs, O Bharata, slaying one another in that fierce encounter, + reached the very heavens." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0057" id="link62H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “After the ranks of thy army and theirs had been disposed in + battle-array, that mighty car-warrior, Dhananjaya, felling in that + conflict leaders of car-divisions with his arrows, caused a great carnage, + O Bharata, among the car-ranks. The Dhartarashtras, (thus) slaughtered in + battle by Pritha’s son, like the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga, + still fought perseveringly with the Pandavas. Desirous. of (winning) + blazing glory and (bent upon) making death (the only ground for) a + cessation of the fight, with minds undirected to anything else, they broke + the Pandava ranks in many places and were also themselves broken. Then + both the Pandava and the Kaurava troops broke, changed positions, and fled + away. Nothing could be distinguished. An earthly dust arose, shrouding the + very sun. And nobody there could distinguish, either the cardinal or the + subsidiary directions. And everywhere the battle raged, O king, the + combatants being guided by the indications afforded by colours, by + watch-words, names and tribal distinctions. And the array of the Kauravas, + O king, could not be broken, duly protected as it was by Bharadwaja’s son, + O sire.<a href="#linknote-6371" name="linknoteref-6371" id="linknoteref-6371">371</a> And so the formidable array of the Pandava + also, protected by Savyasachin, and well-guarded by Bhima, could not be + broken. And the cars and elephants in close ranks, O king, of both the + armies, and other combatants, coming out of their respective arrays, + engaged in conflict. And in that fierce battle cavalry soldiers felled + cavalry soldiers, with polished swords of sharp edges and long lances. And + car-warriors, getting car-warriors (within reach) in that fierce conflict, + felled them with shafts decked with golden wings. And elephant-riders, of + thy side and theirs, felled large numbers of elephant-riders in close + ranks, with broad-headed shafts and arrows and lances. And large bodies of + infantry, inspired with wrath towards one another, cheerfully felled + combatants of their own class with short arrows and battle-axes. And + car-warriors, O king, getting elephant-riders (within reach) in that + conflict, felled them along with their elephants. And elephant-riders + similarly felled car-warriors. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, the cavalry + soldier with his lance felled the car-warrior in that conflict, and the + car-warrior also felled the cavalry soldier. And both the armies the + foot-soldier felled the car-warrior in the combat, and the car-warrior + felled the foot-soldiers, with sharp weapons. And elephant-riders felled + horse-riders, and horse-riders felled warriors on the backs of elephants. + And all this appeared exceedingly wonderful. And here and there + foot-soldiers, were felled by foremost of elephant-riders, and + elephant-riders were seen to be felled by the former. And bands of + foot-soldiers, by hundreds and thousands, were seen to be felled by + horse-riders and horse-riders by foot-soldiers. And strewn with broken + standards and bows and lances and housings of elephants, and costly + blankets and bearded darts, and maces, and clubs furnished with spikes, + and Kampanas, and darts, and variegated coats of mail and Kunapas, and + iron hooks, and polished scimitars, and shafts furnished with golden + wings, the field, O best of Bharata’s race, shone as if with floral + wreaths. And the earth, miry with flesh and blood, became impassable with + the bodies of men and steeds and elephants slain in that dreadful battle. + And drenched with human blood, the earthy dust disappeared. And the + cardinal points, all around, became perfectly clear, O Bharata. And + innumerable headless trunks rose up all around indicating, O Bharata, of + the destruction of the world. And in that terrible and awful battle, + car-warriors were seen to run away in all directions. Then Bhishma and + Drona, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and Purumitra, and + Vikarna, and Sakuni the son of Suvala—these warriors invincible in + battle and possessed of leonine prowess—staying in battle broke the + ranks of the Pandavas. And so Bhimasena and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and + Satyaki, and Chekitana, and the sons of Draupadi, O Bharata, supported by + all the kings (on their side), began to grind thy troops and thy sons + stationed in battle, like the gods grinding the Danavas. And those bulls + among Kshatriyas, striking one another in battle, became terrible to + behold and covered with blood shone like Kinsukas. And the foremost + warriors of both armies, vanquishing their opponents, looked, O king, like + the planetary luminaries in the firmament. Then thy son Duryodhana, + supported by a thousand cars, rushed to battle with the Pandavas and the + Rakshasa. And so all the Pandavas, with a large body of combatants rushed + in battle against those chastisers of foes, the heroic Bhishma and Drona. + And the diadem-decked (Arjuna) also, excited with rage rushed against the + foremost of kings. And Arjuna’s son (Abhimanyu), and Satyaki, both + advanced against the forces of Suvala’s son. And then commenced once more + a fearful battle, making the hair to stand on end, between thine and the + enemy’s troops both desirous of vanquishing each other." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0058" id="link62H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then those kings, excited with rage, beholding Phalguni in + battle, surrounded him on all sides with many thousands of cars. And + having, O Bharata surrounded him with multitudinous division of cars, they + shrouded him from all sides with many thousands of shafts. And bright + lances of sharp points, and maces, and clubs endued with spikes, and + bearded darts and battle-axes, and mallets and bludgeons they hurled at + Phalguni’s car, excited with rage. And that shower of weapons approaching + (towards him) like a flight of locusts, Pritha’s son checked on all sides + with his gold-decked arrows. And beholding there on that occasion the + superhuman lightness of hand that Vibhatsu possessed, the gods, the + Danavas, the Gandharvas, the Pisachas, the Uragas and the Rakshasas + eulogised Phalguni, O king, saying,—‘Excellent, Excellent.’ And the + heroic Gandharvas along with Suvala’s son with a large force surrounded + Satyaki and Abhimanyu. Then the brave warriors led by Suvala’s son from + anger, cut into pieces the excellent car of the Vrishni hero, with weapons + of diverse kinds. And in course of that fierce conflict, Satyaki, + abandoning that car of his, speedily mounted on Abhimanyu’s car, O + chastiser of foes. And those two, mounted on the same car, then began to + speedily slaughter the army of Suvala’s son with straight arrows of sharp + points. And Drona and Bhishma, steadily struggling in battle, began to + slaughter the division of king Yudhishthira the just, with sharp shafts + furnished with the feathers of the Kanka bird. Then the son of Dharma and + two other sons of Pandu by Madri, in the very sight of the whole army, + began to grind the division of Drona. And the battle that took place there + was fierce and awful, making the hair stand on end, like the terrible + battle that took place between the gods and the Asuras in days of yore. + And Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha, both achieved mighty feats. Then + Duryodhana, approaching, checked them both. And the prowess we then beheld + of Hidimva’s son was exceedingly wonderful, insomuch that he fought in + battle, O Bharata, transcending his very father. And Bhimasena, the son of + Pandu, excited with wrath, pierced the vindictive Duryodhana in the + breast, with an arrow, smiling the while. Then king Duryodhana, afflicted + by the violence of that blow, sat down on the terrace of his car and + swooned away. And his charioteer then, beholding him senseless, speedily + bore him away, O king, from battle. And then the troops that supported + Duryodhana broke and fled. And thereupon Bhima, smiting that Kuru army + thus flying away in all directions, with sharp-pointed shafts, pursued it + behind. And Prishata’s son (Dhrishtadyumna), that foremost of warriors, + and Pandu’s son king Yudhishthira, the just, in the very sight, O Bharata, + of both Drona and Ganga’s son, slew their army with sharp shafts capable + of slaying hostile forces. That host of thy son, thus flying away in + battle, those mighty car-warriors, Bhishma and Drona were incapable of + checking. For though attempted to be checked by Bhishma and the + high-souled Drona, that host fled away in the very sight of Drona and + Bhishma. And then when (those) thousand of car-warriors fled away in all + directions, Subhadra’s son and that bull of Sini’s race, both stationed on + the same car, began, O chastiser of foes, to slaughter the army of + Suvala’s son of battle. And Sini’s grandson and that bull of Kuru’s race + looked resplendent like the sun and the moon when together in the + firmament after the last lunation of the dark fortnight has passed away. + And then Arjuna also, O king, excited with rage, showered arrows on thy + army like the clouds pouring rain in torrents. And the Kaurava army, thus + slaughtered in battle with the shafts of Partha, fled away, trembling in + grief and fear. And beholding the army flying away, the mighty Bhishma and + Drona, excited with rage and both desirous of Duryodhana’s welfare sought + to check it. Then king Duryodhana himself, comforting the combatants, + checked that army, then flying away in all directions. And thereupon all + the mighty Kshatriya car-warriors stopped, each at the spot where he saw + thy son. And then others among the common soldiers, beholding them stop, + stopped of their own accord, O king, from shame and desire of displaying + their courage unto one another. And the impetuosity, O king, of that army + thus rallied to the fight resembled that of the surging sea at the moment + of the moon’s rise. And king Duryodhana, beholding that army of his + rallied for the fight, quickly repaired to Santanu’s son Bhishma and said + these words. ‘O grandsire, listen to what I say, O Bharata. When, O son of + Kuru, thou art alive, and Drona, that foremost of persons conversant with + weapons, along with his son and with all our other friends (is alive), and + then that mighty bowman Kripa also is alive, I do not regard it as at all + creditable that my army should thus fly away. I do not regard the Pandavas + to be, by any means, a match for thee or for Drona, in battle, or for + Drona’s son, or for Kripa. Without doubt, O grandsire, the sons of Pandu + are being favoured by thee, inasmuch as thou forgivest, O hero, this + slaughter of my army. Thou shouldst have told me, O king, before this + battle took place, that thou wouldst not fight with the Pandavas. Hearing + such words from thee, as also from the preceptor, O Bharata, I would then + have, with Karna, reflected upon what course I should pursue. If I do not + deserve to be abandoned by you two in battle, then, O bulls among men, do + ye fight according to the measure of your prowess.’ Hearing these words, + Bhishma, laughing repeatedly, and turning up his eyes in wrath, said to + thy son, ‘Many a time, O king, have I said unto thee words worthy of thy + acceptance and fraught with thy good. The Pandavas are incapable of being + vanquished in battle by the very gods with Vasava amongst them. That, + however, which my aged self is capable of doing, I will do to the extent + of my power, O best of kings, in this battle. Witness it now with thy + kinsmen. Today, in the very sight of all, alone I shall check the sons of + Pandu at the head of their troops and with all their kinsfolk.’ Thus + addressed by Bhishma, thy son, O king, filled with delight, caused conches + to be blown and drums to be beaten. And the Pandavas also, O king, hearing + that loud uproar, blew their conches, and caused their drums and cymbals + to be played upon." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0059" id="link62H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “After that dreadful vow had been made in battle by + Bhishma enraged by the words of my son, what, O Sanjaya, did Bhishma do + unto the sons of Pandu or what did the Panchalas do unto the grandsire? + Tell it all unto me, O Sanjaya." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “After the forenoon of that day, O Bharata, had passed away, + and the sun in his westward course had passed a portion of his path, and + after the high-souled Pandavas had won the victory, thy sire Devavrata, + conversant with the distinction of all codes of morality, rushed carried + by the fleetest steeds, towards the army of the Pandavas, protected by a + large force and by all thy sons. Then, O Bharata, in consequence of thy + sinful policy, commenced a dreadful battle, making the hair stand on end, + between ourselves and the Pandavas. And the twang of bows, the flapping of + bowstrings against the leathern fences (casing the hands of the bowman), + mingling together, made a loud uproar resembling that of splitting hills. + Stay—Here I stand,—Know this one,—Turn back,—Stand,—I + wait for thee—Strike,—these were the words heard everywhere. + And the sound of falling coats of mail made of gold, of crowns and + diadems, and of standards resembled the sound of falling stones on a stony + ground. And heads, and arms decked with ornaments, falling by hundreds and + thousands upon the ground moved in convulsions. And some brave combatants, + with heads severed from their trunks, continued to stand weapons in grasp + or armed with drawn bow. And a dreadful river of blood began to flow + there, of impetuous current, miry with flesh and blood, and with the + bodies of (dead) elephants for its (sub-aqueous) rocks. Flowing from the + bodies of steeds, men, and elephants, and delightful to vultures and + jackals, it ran towards the ocean represented by the next world. A battle + such as that, O king, which (then) took place between thy sons, O Bharata, + and the Pandavas, was never seen or heard before. And in consequence of + the bodies of combatants slain in that conflict, cars could not make their + way. And the field of battle in consequence of the bodies of slain + elephants seemed to be strewn over with blue crests of hills. And the + field of battle, strewn with variegated coats of mail and turbans, O sire, + looked beautiful like the firmament autumn. And some combatants were seen + who, though severely wounded, yet rushed cheerfully and proudly upon the + foe in battle. And many, fallen on the field of battle, cried aloud, + saying—‘O father, O brother, O friend, O kinsman, O companion, O + maternal uncle, do not abandon me.’—And others cried aloud, saying,—‘Come! + Come thou here! Why art thou frightened? Where dost thou go? I stand in + battle, do not be afraid.’ And in that combat Bhishma, the son of Santanu, + with bow incessantly drawn to a circle, shot shafts of blazing points, + resembling snakes of virulent poison. And shooting continuous line of + arrows in all directions, that hero of rigid vows smote the Pandava + car-warriors naming each beforehand, O Bharata. And displaying his extreme + lightness of hands, and dancing (as it were) along the track of his car, + he seemed, O king, to be present everywhere like a circle of fire. And in + consequence of the lightness of his movements, the Pandavas in that + battle, along with the Srinjayas, beheld that hero, though really alone, + as multiplied a thousand-fold. And every one there regarded Bhishma as + having multiplied his self by illusion. Having seen him now on the east, + the next moment they saw him on the west. And so having seen him on the + north, the next moment they saw him on the south. And the son of Ganga was + thus seen fighting in that battle. And there was no one amongst the + Pandavas capable of even looking at him. What they all saw were only the + innumerable shafts shot from his bow. And heroic warriors, beholding him + achieve such feats in battle, and (thus) slaughtering their ranks, uttered + many lamentations. And, kings in thousands came in contact with thy sire, + thus coursing over the field in a superhuman way, and fell upon that fire + represented by the enraged Bhishma like flights of senseless insects (upon + a blazing fire) for their own destruction. Not a single shaft of that + light-handed warrior was futile, falling upon the bodies of men, + elephants, and steeds, in consequence of the numbers (opposed to him). + With a single straight shaft shot in that battle, he despatched a single + elephant like hill riven by the thunderbolt. Two or three elephant-riders + at a time, cased in mail and standing together, thy sire pierced with one + shaft of sharp point. Whoever approached Bhishma, that tiger among men, in + battle, seen for a moment, was next beheld to fall down on the ground. And + that vast host of king Yudhishthira the just, thus slaughtered by Bhishma + of incomparable prowess, gave way in a thousand directions. And afflicted + with that arrowy shower, the vast army began to tremble in the very + presence of Vasudeva and the high-souled Partha. And although the heroic + leaders of the Pandava army made great efforts, yet they could not check + the flight of (even) the great car-warriors of their side afflicted with + the shafts of Bhishma. The prowess, in consequence of which that vast army + was routed, was equal to that of the chief of the gods himself. And that + army was so completely routed, O great king, that no two persons could be + seen together. And cars and elephants and steeds were pierced all over, + and standards and shafts of cars were strewn over the field. And the army + of the sons of Pandu uttered cries of oh and alas, and became deprived of + senses. And the sire struck the son and the son struck the sire; and + friend challenged the dearest of friends to battle as if under the + influence of fate. And others amongst the combatants of Pandu’s son were + seen, O Bharata, to run away, throwing aside their coats of mail, and with + dishevelled hair. And the army of the sons of Pandu, indulging in loud + wails, including the very leaders of their best of car-warriors, was seen + to be as confounded as a very herd of kine. The delighter of the Yadavas + then, beholding that army thus routed, said unto Partha, stopping that + best of cars (which he guided), these words, ‘The hour is now come, O + Partha, which was desired by thee. Strike Bhishma, O tiger among men, + else, thou wilt lose the senses. O hero, formerly, in the conclave of + kings, thou hadst said,—“I will slay all the warriors of + Dhritarashtra’s sons, headed by Bhishma and Drona—all in fact, who + will fight with me in battle.” O son of Kunti, O chastiser of foes, make + those words of thine true. Behold, O Vibhatsu, this army of thine is being + routed on all sides. Behold, the kings in Yudhishthira’s host are all + flying away, seeing Bhishma in battle, who looketh like the Destroyer + himself with wide-open mouth. Afflicted with fear, they are making + themselves scarce like the weaker animals at sight of the lion.’ Thus + addressed, Dhananjaya replied unto Vasudeva, saying, ‘Plunging through + this sea of the hostile host, urge on the steeds to where Bhishma is. I + will throw down that invincible warrior, the reverend Kuru grandsire’. + Then Madhava urged those steeds of silvery hue to where, O king, the car + of Bhishma was, that car which, like the very sun, was incapable of being + gazed at. And beholding the mighty-armed Partha thus rushing to an + encounter with Bhishma, the mighty army of Yudhishthira rallied for + battle. Then Bhishma, that foremost of warriors amongst the Kurus, + repeatedly roaring like a lion, quickly covered Dhananjaya’s car with an + arrowy shower. In a moment that car of his, with standard and charioteer, + became invisible, shrouded with that arrowy downpour. Vasudeva, however, + endued with great might fearlessly and summoning all his patience, began + to guide those steeds mangled by Bhishma’s shafts. Then Partha, taking up + his celestial bow whose twang resembled the roar of the clouds, caused + Bhishma’s bow to drop down, cutting it off with his keen shafts. The Kuru + warrior, thy sire, seeing his bow cut off, took up another and stringed it + within the twinkling of the eye. And he stretched that bow whose twang + resembled the roar of the clouds, with his two hands. But Arjuna, excited + with wrath, cut off that bow also of his. Then the son of Santanu + applauded that lightness of hand (displayed by Arjuna), saying—‘Excellent, + O Partha, O thou of mighty arms, excellent, O son of Pandu. O Dhananjaya, + such a mighty feat is, indeed, worthy of thee. I have been pleased with + thee. Fight hard with me, O son.’ And having applauded Partha thus, and + taking up another large bow, that hero shot his shafts at Partha’s car. + And Vasudeva then displayed his great skill in the guiding of chariot, for + he baffled those shafts of his, by guiding the car in quick circles. Then, + O sire, Bhishma with great strength pierced both Vasudeva and Dhananjaya + with keen shafts all over their bodies. And mangled by those shafts of + Bhishma, those two tigers among men looked like two roaring bulls with the + scratches of horns on their bodies. And once again, excited with rage, + Bhishma covered the two Krishnas on all sides with shafts in hundreds and + thousands. And with those keen shafts of his, the enraged Bhishma caused + him of Vrishni’s race to shiver. And laughing loudly he also made Krishna + to wonder. Then the mighty-armed Krishna, beholding the prowess of Bhishma + in battle as also the mildness with which Arjuna fought, and seeing that + Bhishma was creating incessant showers of arrows in that conflict and + looked like the all-consuming Sun himself in the midst of the two armies, + and marking besides, that that hero was slaying the foremost of combatants + in Yudhishthira’s host and causing a havoc in that army as if the hour of + dissolution had come,—the adorable Kesava, that slayer of hosts, + endued with immeasurable soul—unable to bear what he saw, thought + that Yudhishthira’s army could not survive that slaughter.—In a + single day Bhishma can slaughter all the Daityas and the Danavas. With how + much ease then can he slay in battle the sons of Pandu with all their + troops and followers. The vast army of the illustrious son of Pandu is + again flying away. And the Kauravas also beholding the Somakas routed, are + rushing to battle cheerfully, gladdening the grandsire. Accoutred in mail, + even I will stay Bhishma to-day for the sake of the Pandavas. This burthen + of the high-souled Pandavas even I will lighten. As regards Arjuna, though + struck in battle with keen shafts, he knoweth not what he should do, from + respect for Bhishma,—And while Krishna was reflecting thus the + grandsire, excited with wrath, once again shot his shafts at Partha’s car. + And in consequence of very great number of those arrows all the points of + the compass became entirely shrouded. And neither the welkin nor the + quarters nor the earth nor the sun himself of brilliant rays, could be + seen. And the winds that blew seemed to be mixed with smoke, and all the + points of the compass seemed to be agitated. And Drona, and Vikarna, and + Jayadratha, and Bhurisrava, and Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Srutayush and + the ruler of the Amvashtas and Vinda and Anuvinda, Sudakshina and the + westerners, and the diverse tribes of the Sauviras, the Vasatis, and the + Kshudrakas, and the Malavas, all these, at the command of the royal son of + Santanu, quickly approached Kiritin for battle. And the grandson of Sini + saw that Kiritin was surrounded by many hundreds of horse, and infantry, + and cars, and mighty elephants. And beholding both Vasudeva and Arjuna + thus encompassed by infantry and elephants and horses and cars, on all + sides, that foremost of all bearers of arms, viz., the chief of the Sinis, + quickly proceeded to that spot. And that foremost of bowmen, the chief of + the Sinis, quickly rushing at those troops, came to Arjuna’s side like + Vishnu coming to the aid of the slayer of Vritra. And that foremost + warrior of Sini’s race cheerfully said unto Yudhishthira’s host all the + combatants of which had been frightened by Bhishma and whose elephants, + steeds, cars, and numberless standards had been mangled and broken into + pieces, and which was flying away from the field, these words, ‘Ye + Kshatriyas, where do ye go? This is not the duty of the righteous as hath + been declared by the ancients. Ye foremost of heroes, do not violate your + pledges. Observe your own duties as heroes’. Beholding that those foremost + of kings were flying together from the field of battle, and marking the + mildness with which Partha fought, and beholding also that Bhishma was + exerting himself very powerfully in battle, and that the Kurus were + rushing from all sides, the younger brother of Vasava, the high-souled + protector of all the Dasarhas, unable to bear it all, addressed the + renowned grandson of Sini, and applauding him, said,—‘O hero of + Sini’s race, they that are retreating, are, indeed, retreating. They that + are yet staying, O thou of the Satwata race, let them also go away. + Behold, I will soon throw Bhishma down from his car, and Drona also in + battle, with all their followers. There is none in the Kuru host, O thou + of the Satwata race, who is able to escape my angry self. Therefore, + taking up my fierce discus, I will slay Bhishma of high vows. And slaying + in battle those two foremost of car-warriors, viz., Bhishma along with his + followers and Drona also, O grandson of Sini, I will gladden Dhananjaya, + and the king, and Bhima, and the twin Aswins. And slaying all the sons of + Dhritarashtra and all those foremost of kings who have embraced their + side, I will joyfully furnish king Ajatasatru with a kingdom today.’ + Saying this, Vasudeva’s son, abandoning (the reins of) the steeds, jumped + down from the car, whirling with his (right) arm his discus of beautiful + nave with edge sharp as a razor, effulgent as the sun and possessed of + force equal to that of a thousand bolts of heaven. And making the earth + tremble under his tread, the high-souled Krishna rushed impetuously + towards Bhishma. And that grinder of foes, the younger brother of the + chief of the gods, excited with wrath, rushed towards Bhishma staying in + the midst of his troops, like a lion from desire of slaying upon a prince + of elephants blinded with fury and staying proudly for the attack. And the + end of his yellow garments waving in the air looked like a cloud charged + with lightning in the sky. And that lotus of a discus called Sudarsana, + having for its stalk the beautiful arm of Saurin, looked as beautiful as + the primeval lotus, bright as the morning sun, which sprung from the navel + of Narayana. And Krishna’s wrath was the morning sun that caused that + lotus to blow. And the beautiful leaves of that lotus were as sharp as the + edge of a razor. And Krishna’s body was the beautiful lake, and his + (right) arm the stalk springing therefrom, upon which that lotus shone. + And beholding the younger brother of Mahendra, excited with wrath and + roaring loudly and armed with that discus, all creatures set out a loud + wail, thinking that the destruction of the Kurus was at hand. And armed + with his discus Vasudeva looked like the Samvarta fire that appears at the + end of the Yuga for consuming the world. And the preceptor of the universe + blazed up like a fierce comet risen for consuming all creatures. And + beholding that foremost of bipeds, that divine personage, advancing armed + with the discus, Santanu’s son stationed on his car, bow and arrow in + hand, fearlessly said, ‘Come, Come, O Lord of the gods, O thou that hast + the universe for thy abode. I bow to thee, O thou that art armed with + mace, sword and Saranga. O lord of the universe, forcibly throw me down + from this excellent car, O thou that art the refuge of all creatures in + this battle. Slain here by thee, O Krishna, great will be my good fortune + both in this world and the next. Great is the respect thou payest me, O + Lord of the Vrishnis and the Andhakas. My dignity will be celebrated in + the three worlds.’ Hearing these words of Santanu’s son, Krishna rushing + impetuously towards him said, ‘Thou art the root of this great slaughter + on earth. Thou wilt behold Duryodhana slain to-day. A wise minister who + treadeth in the path of righteousness should restrain a king that is + addicted to the evil of gambling. That wretch again of his race who + transgresseth duty should be abandoned as one whose intelligence hath been + misdirected by destiny.’—The royal Bhishma, hearing these words, + replied unto the chief of the Yadus, saying,—‘Destiny is all + powerful. The Yadus, for their benefit, had abandoned Kansa. I said this + to the king (Dhritarashtra) but he minded it not. The listener that hath + no benefit to receive becometh, for (his own) misery, of perverted + understanding through (the influence of destiny).’ Meanwhile, jumping down + from his car, Partha, himself of massive and long arms, quickly ran on + foot after that chief of Yadu’s race possessed of massive and long arms, + and seized him by his two hands. That first of all gods devoted in self, + Krishna, was excited with rage. And therefore, though thus seized, Vishnu + forcibly dragged Jishnu after him, like a tempest bearing away a single + tree. The high-souled Partha, however, seizing them with great force his + legs as he was proceeding at a quick pace towards Bhishma, succeeded, O + king, in stopping him with difficulty at the tenth step. And when Krishna + stopped, decked as he was with a beautiful garland of gold, cheerfully + bowed down to him and said, ‘Quell this wrath of thine. Thou art the + refuge of the Pandavas, O Kesava. I swear, O Kesava, by my sons and + uterine brothers that I will not withdraw from the acts to which I have + pledged myself. O younger brother of Indra, at thy command I will + certainly annihilate the Kurus.’ Hearing that promise and oath of his, + Janardana became gratified. And ever engaged as he was in doing what was + agreeable to Arjuna—that best of the Kurus.—he once more, + discus on arm, mounted on his car. And that slayer of foes once more took + up those reins (that he had abandoned), and taking up his conch called + Panchajanya, Saurin filled all the points of the compass and the welkin + with its blare. And thereupon beholding Krishna decked with necklace and + Angada and ear-rings, with curved eye-lashes smeared with dust, and with + teeth of perfect whiteness, once more take up his conch the Kuru heroes + uttered a loud cry. And the sound of cymbals and drums and kettle-drums, + and the rattle of car-wheels and the noise of smaller drums, mingling with + those leonine shouts, set forth from all the ranks of the Kurus, became a + fierce uproar. And the twang of Partha’s Gandiva, resembling the roll of + the thunder, filled the welkin and all the quarters. And shot from the bow + of Pandu’s son, bright and blazing shafts proceeded in all directions. + Then the Kuru king, with a large force, and with Bhishma and Bhurisravas + also, arrow in hand, and resembling a comet risen for consuming a + constellation, rushed against him. And Bhurisravas hurled at Arjuna seven + javelins furnished with wings of gold, and Duryodhana a lance of fierce + impetuosity, and Salya a mace, and Santanu’s son a dart. Thereupon, + Arjuna, baffling with seven shafts the seven javelins, fleet as arrows, + shot by Bhurisravas, cut off with another keen-edged shaft the lance + hurled from Duryodhana’s arm. And the blazing dart coming towards him—effulgent + as lightning—hurled by Santanu’s son, and the mace hurled from the + arm of the ruler of the Madras, that hero cut off with two (other) shafts. + Then drawing with his two hands and with great force his beautiful bow + Gandiva of immeasurable energy, he invoked with proper mantras the highly + wonderful and terrible Mahendra weapon and caused it to appear in the + welkin. And with that mighty weapon producing profuse showers of arrows + endued with the effulgence of the blazing fire, that high-souled and + mighty bowman, decked with diadem and garland of gold, checked the entire + Kaurava host. And those shafts from Partha’s bow, cutting off the arms, + bows, standard-tops, and cars, penetrated into the bodies of the kings and + of the huge elephants and steeds of the foe. And filling the cardinal and + the subsidiary directions with those sharp and terrible shafts of his, + Pritha’s son decked with diadem and garland of gold, agitated the hearts + of his foes by means of the twang of Gandiva. And in that awful passage at + arms, the blare of conches and beat of drums and the deep rattle of cars + were all silenced by the twang of Gandiva. And ascertaining that twang to + be of Gandiva, king Virata and other heroes among men, and the brave + Drupada, the king of the Panchalas, all proceeded to that spot with + undepressed hearts. And all thy combatants stood, struck with fear, each + at the spot where he heard that twang of Gandiva. And none amongst them + ventured to proceed to that place whence that sound was heard. And in that + awful slaughter of kings, heroic combatants were slain and car-warriors + with those that guided their cars. And elephants with resplendent housings + of gold and gorgeous standards (on their backs), afflicted with + broad-headed shafts falling upon them, suddenly fell down, deprived of + life and their bodies mangled by Kiritin. And forcibly struck by Partha + with his winged arrows of great impetuosity and broad-headed shafts of + keen edge and points, the standards of innumerable kings stationed at the + heads of their yantras and Indrajalas were cut off.<a href="#linknote-6372" name="linknoteref-6372" id="linknoteref-6372">372</a> And bands of + infantry and car-warriors, in that battle, and steeds and elephants, fell + fast on the field, their limbs paralysed, or themselves speedily deprived + of life, affected by Dhananjaya with those shafts. And, O king, many were + the warriors who in that terrible conflict had their coats of mail and + bodies cut through by that mighty weapon called after the name of Indra. + And with those terrible and sharp shafts of his, Kiritin caused an awful + river to run on the field of battle, having for its waters the blood + flowing from the mangled bodies of the combatants and having for its froth + their fat. And its current was broad and ran fiercely. And the bodies of + elephants and steeds despatched to the other world formed its banks. And + its mire consisted of the entrails, the marrow, and the flesh of human + beings, and prodigious Rakshasas formed the (tall) trees (standing on its + banks). And the crowns of human heads in profusion, covered with hair, + formed its (floating) mess, and heaps of human bodies, forming its + sandbanks, caused the current to flow in a thousand directions. And the + coats of mail strewn all over formed its hard pebbles. And its banks were + infested by large number of jackals and wolves and cranes and vultures and + crowds of Rakshasas, and packs of hyenas. And they that were alive beheld + that terrible river of current consisting of fat, marrow, and blood, + caused by the arrowy showers of Arjuna—that embodiment of (man’s) + cruelty—to look like the great Vaitarani.<a href="#linknote-6373" name="linknoteref-6373" id="linknoteref-6373">373</a> And beholding the + foremost warriors of that army of the Kurus thus slain by Phalguni, the + Chedis, the Panchalas, the Kurushas, the Matsyas, and all the combatants + of the Pandava side, those foremost of men, elated with victory, together + set up a loud shout for frightening the Kaurava warriors. And they uttered + that cry indicative of victory, beholding the foremost combatants of the + (Kuru) army, the very troops protected by mighty leaders of divisions, + thus slain by Kiritin, that terror of foes, who frightened them like a + lion frightening herds of smaller animals. And then the bearer of Gandiva + himself, and Janardana both filled with delight, uttered loud roars. And + the Kurus, with Bhishma, and Drona and Duryodhana and Valhika, exceedingly + mangled by the weapons (of Arjuna), beholding the sun withdraw his rays, + and seeing also that awful and irresistible weapon called after the name + of Indra spread out and causing (as it were) the end of the Yuga to + appear, withdraw their forces for the nightly rest. And that foremost of + men, Dhananjaya also, having achieved a great feat and won great renown by + crushing his foes, and beholding the sun assume a red hue and the evening + twilight to set in, and having completed his work, retired with his + uterine brothers to the camp for nightly rest. Then when darkness was + about to set in, there arose among the Kuru troops a great and terrible + uproar. And all said, ‘In today’s battle Arjuna hath slain ten thousand + car-warriors, and full seven hundred elephants. And all the westerners, + and the diverse tribes of the Sauviras, and the Kshudrakas and the + Malavas, have all been slain. The feat achieved by Dhananjaya is a mighty + one. None else is competent to achieve it. Srutayush, the ruler of the + Amvashtas, and Durmarshana, and Chitrasena, and Drona, and Kripa, and the + ruler of the Sindhus, and Valhika, and Bhurisravas, and Salya, and Sala, O + king, and other warriors by hundreds united together, along with Bhishma + himself, have in battle, by the prowess of his own arms, been vanquished + today by the angry son of Pritha, viz., Kiritin, that one mighty + car-warrior in the world.’ Talking thus, O Bharata, all the warriors of + thy side went to their tents from the field of battle. And all the + combatants of the Kuru army frightened by Kiritin, then entered their + tents illumined by thousands of torches, and beautified by innumerable + lamps." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0060" id="link62H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“When the night passed away, O Bharata, the + high-souled Bhishma, with wrath engendered, supported by a large force, + and stationed at the head of the Bharata army, proceeded against the foe. + And Drona and Duryodhana and Valhika, and also Durmarshana and Chitrasena, + the mighty Jayadratha, and other royal warriors, supported by large + divisions accompanied, surrounding him all sides. And surrounded by those + great and mighty car-warriors endued with great prowess and energy, O + king, he shone, O best of monarchs, in the midst of those foremost of + royal warriors, like the chief of the celestials in the midst of the gods. + And the magnificent standards on the backs of the elephants stationed in + front of those ranks, of diverse colours, viz., red, yellow, black and + brown, waving in the air, looked exceedingly beautiful. And that army with + the royal son of Santanu and other mighty car-warriors and with elephants + and steeds, looked resplendent like a mass of clouds charged with + lightning, or like the firmament, in the season of rains, with gathering + clouds.<a href="#linknote-6374" name="linknoteref-6374" id="linknoteref-6374">374</a> And then the fierce army of the Kurus, bent + on battle and protected by Santanu’s son, rushed impetuously towards + Arjuna like the fierce current of the ocean-going Ganga.<a + href="#linknote-6375" name="linknoteref-6375" id="linknoteref-6375">375</a> + Pervaded by diverse kinds of forces possessed of great strength, and + having in its wings elephants, steeds, infantry, and cars in profusion, + that array the high-souled (Arjuna) having the prince of apes on his + banner beheld from a distance to resemble a mighty mass of clouds.<a + href="#linknote-6376" name="linknoteref-6376" id="linknoteref-6376">376</a> + That high-souled hero, that bull among men, upon his car furnished with + tall standard and unto which were yoked white steeds, at the head of his + (own) division and surrounded by a mighty force, proceeded against the + whole hostile army. And all the Kauravas with thy sons, beholding that + ape-bannered (warrior) with his excellent standard and handsome car-shaft + wrapped (in costly cover), accompanied by that bull of Yadu’s race, his + charioteer in battle, were filled with dismay. And thy army beheld that + best of arrays, which was protected by that mighty car-warrior of the + world, viz., Kiritin, with weapons upraised to have at each of its corners + four thousand elephants. Like the array which was formed on the day before + by that best of Kurus viz., king Yudhishthira the just, and like of which + had never been seen or heard before by human beings, was this one of today + (that the Pandavas formed). Then on the field of battle thousands of drums + were loudly beaten, and there arose from all the divisions the loud blare + of conches and the notes of trumpets and many leonine shouts. Then + (innumerable) bows of loud twang, stretched by heroic warriors with shaft + fixed on the bowstrings, and the blare of conches, silenced that uproar of + drums and cymbals. And the entire welkin filled with that blare of conches + was diffused with an earthly dust that made it wonderful to behold. And + with that dust the sky looked as if a vast canopy were spread overhead. + And beholding that canopy the brave warriors all rushed impetuously (to + battle). And car-warriors, struck by car-warriors, were overthrown with + charioteers, steeds, cars, and standards. And elephants, struck by + elephants, fell down, and foot-soldiers struck by foot-soldiers. And + rushing horsemen, struck down by rushing horsemen with lances and swords, + fell down with frightful countenances. And all this seemed exceedingly + wonderful. And excellent shields decked with golden stars and possessed of + solar effulgence, broken by (strokes of) battle-axes, lances and swords + dropped on the field.<a href="#linknote-6377" name="linknoteref-6377" id="linknoteref-6377">377</a> And many car-warriors mangled and bruised by + the tusks and the strong trunks of elephants, fell down with their + charioteers. And many bulls among car-warriors struck by bulls among + car-warriors with their shafts, fell down on the ground. And many persons + hearing the wails of horsemen and foot-soldiers struck with the tusks and + other limbs of elephants or crushed by the impetus of those huge creatures + rushing in close ranks, fell down on the field of battle.<a + href="#linknote-6378" name="linknoteref-6378" id="linknoteref-6378">378</a> + </p> + <p> + “Then when cavalry and foot-soldiers were falling fast, and elephants and + steeds and cars were flying away in fear, Bhishma, surrounded by many + mighty car-warriors, obtained sight of him who had the prince of apes on + his standard. And the palmyra-bannered warrior, viz. the son of Santanu, + having five palmyras on his standard, then rushed against the + diadem-decked (Arjuna) whose car, in consequence of the fleetness of the + excellent steeds attached to it was endued with wonderful energy and which + blazed like the very lightning in consequence of the energy of his mighty + weapons. And so against that son of Indra who was like unto Indra himself, + rushed many (other) warriors headed by Drona and Kripa and Salya and + Vivinsati and Duryodhana and also Somadatta’s son, O king. Then the heroic + Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, conversant with all weapons and cased in a + handsome and golden coat of mail, rushing out of the ranks, quickly + proceeded against all those warriors. And that son of Krishna of feats + incapable of being borne, baffling the mighty weapons of all those + warriors of great strength, looked resplendent like the adorable Agni + himself, on the sacrificial altar, of blazing flames, invoked with high + mantras. Then Bhishma of mighty energy, creating in that battle a very + river whose waters were the blood of foes, and quickly avoiding Subhadra’s + son, encountered that mighty car-warrior, viz., Partha himself. Then + Arjuna decked with diadem and garlands with his Gandiva of wonderful mien + and twang loud as the roar of the thunder, shooting showers of arrows, + baffled that shower of mighty weapons (shot by Bhishma). And that + high-souled warrior having the prince of apes on his banner, of feats + incapable of being borne, then poured in return upon Bhishma, that best of + all wielders of bows a shower of sharp-edged arrows and polished shafts of + broad heads. And so thy troops also beheld that shower of mighty weapons + shot by him who had the prince of apes on his banner, opposed and + dispersed by Bhishma like the maker of day dispelling (the gloom of + night). And the Kurus and the Srinjayas, and all the people there, beheld + that single combat between those two foremost of men, viz., Bhishma and + Dhananjaya, proceeding thus steadily and thus distinguished by the + terrible twang of the bows of both." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0061" id="link62H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “And Drona’s son, and Bhurisravas, and Chitrasena, O sire, + and the son of Samyamani also, all fought with Subhadra’s son. And while + fighting alone with five tigers among men, people beheld him possessed of + exceeding energy, like a young lion fighting with five elephants. And no + one among them equalled Krishna’s son in sureness of aim, in bravery, in + prowess, in lightness of hand or in knowledge of weapons. And beholding + his son, that chastiser of foes thus struggling and displaying his prowess + in battle, Partha set up a leonine roar. And seeing thy grandson, O king, + thus afflicting thy host, thy warriors, O monarch, surrounded him on all + sides. Then that smiter of foes, the son of Subhadra, depending upon his + prowess and might, advanced with undepressed heart against the + Dhartarashtra host. And while battling with the foe in that conflict, his + mighty bow endued with the effulgence of the sun, was seen by all to be + incessantly stretched for striking. And piercing the son of Drona with one + shaft, and Salya with five, he overthrew the standard of Samyamani’s son + with eight shafts. And with another sharp-edged arrow he cut off the + mighty dart of golden staff, resembling a snake, that was hurled at him by + Somadatta’s son. And the heir of Arjuna, baffling in the very sight of + Salya, his hundreds of terrible shafts, slew his four steeds. Thereupon + Bhurisravas, and Salya, and Drona’s son and Samyamani, and Sala struck + with the fear at the strength of arms displayed by Krishna’s son could not + stay before him. Then, O great king, the Trigartas and the Madras, with + the Kekayas, numbering five and twenty thousand urged by thy son, all of + whom were foremost of men accomplished in the science of arms and who were + incapable of defeat by foes in battle, surrounded Kiritin with his son for + slaying them both. Then, O king, that vanquisher of foes, the commander of + the Pandava army, the prince of the Panchalas, beheld the cars of the + father and the son (thus) surrounded (by the foe). Supported by many + thousands of elephants and cars, and by hundred thousands of cavalry and + infantry, and stretching his bow in great wrath he advanced against that + division of the Madras and the Kekayas, O chastiser of foes, leading his + troops with him. And that division (of the Pandava army), protected by + that renowned and firm bowman, and consisting of cars, elephants, and + cavalry, looked resplendent as it advanced for the encounter. And while + proceeding towards Arjuna, that perpetuator of Panchala’s race struck + Saradwat’s son on his shoulder-joint with three arrows. And piercing the + Madrakas then with ten sharp shafts, he speedily slew the protector of + Kritavarman’s rear. And that chastiser of foes then, with a shaft of broad + head, slew Damana, the heir of the high-souled Paurava. Then the son of + Samyamani pierced the Panchala prince incapable of defeat in the battle + with ten shafts, and his charioteer also with ten shafts. Then that mighty + bowman, (thus) severely pierced, licked with his tongue the corners of his + mouth, and cut off his enemy’s bow with a broad-headed shaft of excessive + sharpness. And soon the prince of Panchala afflicted his foe with five and + twenty arrows, and then slew his steeds, O king, and then both the + protectors of his wings. Then, O bull of Bharata’s race, Samyamani’s son, + standing on that car whose steeds were slain, looked at the son of the + renowned king of the Panchalas. Then taking up a terrible scimitar of the + best kind, made of steel, Samyamani’s son walking on foot, approached + Drupada’s son staying on his car. And the Pandavas, soldiers and + Dhrishtadyumna also of Prishata’s race beheld him coming like a wave and + resembling a snake fallen from the skies. And he whirled his sword and + looked like the sun and advanced with the tread of an infuriate elephant. + The prince of Panchala then, excited with rage, quickly taking up a mace, + smashed the head of Samyamani’s son thus advancing towards him, + sharp-edged scimitar in grasp and shield in hand, as soon as the latter, + having crossed the shooting distance, was near enough to his adversary’s + car. And then, O king, while falling down deprived of life, his blazing + scimitar and shield, loosened from his grasp, fell down with his body on + the ground. And the high-souled son of the Panchala king, of terrible + prowess, having slain his foe with his mace, won great renown. And when + that prince, that mighty car-warrior and great bowman, was (thus) slain, + loud cries of oh and alas arose among thy troops, O sire. Then Samyamani, + excited with rage upon beholding his own son slain, impetuously rushed + towards the prince of Panchala who was incapable of defeat in battle. And + all the kings of both the Kuru and the Pandava armies beheld those two + princes and foremost of car-warriors engaged in battle. Then that slayer + of hostile heroes Samyamani, excited with wrath, struck Prishata’s son + with three shafts like (the conductor of an elephant striking) a mighty + elephant with hooks. And so Salya also, that ornament of assemblies, + excited with wrath, struck the heroic son of Prishata on his breast. And + then commenced (another) battle (there)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0062" id="link62H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said,—“I regard destiny to be superior to exertion, O + Sanjaya, inasmuch as the army of my son is continually slaughtered by the + army of the Pandavas. Thou always speakest, O suta, of my troops as being + slaughtered, and thou always speakest of the Pandavas as both unslain and + cheerful. Indeed, O Sanjaya, thou speakest of mine as deprived of + manliness, felled and falling, and slaughtered, although they are battling + to the best of their powers and striving hard for victory. Thou always + speakest to me of the Pandavas as obtaining victory and mine as becoming + weaker and weaker. O child, I am incessantly hearing of countless cause of + unbearable and poignant grief on account of Duryodhana’s doing. I do not + see, O Sanjaya, the means by which the Pandavas may be weakened and sons + of mine may obtain the victory in battle." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “This mighty evil hath proceeded from thee, O king. Listen + now with patience to the great slaughter of men, elephants, steeds and + car-warriors. Dhrishtadyumna, afflicted by Salya with nine shafts, + afflicted in return the ruler of Madras with many shafts made of steel. + And then we beheld the prowess of Prishata’s son to be highly wonderful + inasmuch as he speedily checked Salya that ornament of assemblies. The + battle between them lasted for only a short space of time. While angrily + engaged in combat, none beheld even a moment’s rest taken by any of them. + Then, O king, Salya in that battle cut off Dhrishtadyumna’s bow with a + broad-headed shaft of sharp edge and excellent temper. And he also covered + him, O Bharata, with a shower of arrows like rain charged clouds pouring + their drops on the mountain breast during the season of rains. And while + Dhrishtadyumna was being thus afflicted, Abhimanyu, excited with wrath, + rushed impetuously towards the car of the ruler of the Madras. Then the + wrathful son of Krishna, of immeasurable soul, obtaining the car of the + ruler of the Madras (within shooting distance), pierced Artayani with + three sharp shafts.<a href="#linknote-6379" name="linknoteref-6379" id="linknoteref-6379">379</a> Then the warriors of thy army, O king, + desirous of opposing the son of Arjuna in battle, speedily surrounded the + car of the ruler of Madras. And Duryodhana, and Vikarna, and Dussasana, + and Vivinsati and Durmarshana, and Dussala, and Chitrasena, and Durmukha, + and Satyabrata, blessed be thou, and Purumitra, O Bharata,—these, + protecting the car of the ruler of the Madras, stationed themselves there. + Then Bhimasena, excited with wrath, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, + and the five sons of Draupadi, and Abhimanyu, and the twin sons of Madri + and Pandu,—these ten opposed those ten warriors of the Dhritarashtra + army shooting, O king, diverse kinds of weapons. And they approached and + encountered one another in battle desirous of slaying one another, in + consequence, O king, of thy wicked policy. And when those ten + car-warriors, excited with wrath, engaged with the ten others in that + awful battle, the other car-warriors of both thy army and of the foe all + stood as spectators. And those mighty car-warriors, shooting diverse kinds + of weapons and roaring at one another, smote one another fiercely. With + wrath engendered in their breasts, desirous of slaying one another, they + uttered fierce shouts, challenging one another. And jealous of one + another, O king, those kinsfolk united together, encountered one another + wrathfully, shooting mighty weapons. And wonderful to say, Duryodhana, + excited with rage, pierced Dhrishtadyumna in that battle with four sharp + shafts. And Durmarshana pierced him with twenty, and Chitrasena with five, + and Durmukha with nine, and Dussaha with seven, and Vivinsati with five, + and Dussasana with three shafts. Then, O great king, that scorcher of + foes, viz., Prishata’s son, pierced each of them in return with five and + twenty shafts, displaying his lightness of hand. And Abhimanyu, O Bharata, + pierced Satyavrata and Purumitra each with ten shafts. Then the son of + Madri, those delighters of their mother, covered their uncle with showers + of sharp arrows. And all this seemed wonderful. Then, O monarch, Salya + covered his nephews, those two foremost of car-warriors desirous of + counteracting their uncle’s feats, with arrows, but the sons of Madri + wavered not. Then the mighty Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, beholding + Duryodhana and desirous of ending the strife, took up his mace. And + beholding the mighty-armed Bhimasena with upraised mace and looking like + the crested Kailasa mount, thy sons fled away in terror. Duryodhana, + however, excited with wrath, urged the Magadha division consisting of ten + thousand elephants of great activity. Accompanied by that elephant + division and placing the ruler of Magadha before him, king Duryodhana + advanced towards Bhimasena. Beholding that elephant division advancing + towards him, Vrikodara, mace in hand, jumped down from his car, uttering a + loud roar like that of a lion. And armed with that mighty mace which was + endued with great weight and strength of adamant, he rushed towards that + elephant division, like the Destroyer himself with wide open mouth. And + the mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great strength, slaying elephants + with his mace, wandered over the field, like the slayer of Vritra among + the Danava host. And with the loud shouts of the roaring Bhima, shouts + that made the mind and the heart to tremble with fear, the elephants, + crouching close, lost all power of motion. Then the sons of Draupadi, and + that mighty car-warrior, the son of Subhadra, and Nakula and Sahadeva, and + Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, protecting Bhima’s rear, rushed behind + him, checking all by scattering their arrowy showers like the very clouds + pouring rain on the mountain breast. And those Pandava warriors struck off + the heads of their foes battling from the backs of elephants, with + well-tempered and keen-edged shafts of diverse forms.<a + href="#linknote-6380" name="linknoteref-6380" id="linknoteref-6380">380</a> + And the heads (of elephant-riders), and arms decked with ornaments, and + hands with iron-hooks in grasp, falling fast, resembled a stony shower. + And the headless trunks of elephant-riders on the necks of the beasts they + rode, looked like headless trees on mountain summits. And we beheld mighty + elephants felled and falling, slain by Dhrishtadyumna, the high-souled son + of Prishata. Then the ruler of the Magadhas, in that battle, urged his + elephant resembling Airavata himself, towards the car of Subhadra’s son. + Beholding that mighty elephant advancing towards him, that slayer of + hostile heroes, the brave son of Subhadra, slew it with a single shaft. + And when the ruler of the Magadhas was thus deprived of his elephant, that + conqueror of hostile cities viz., the son of Krishna, then struck off that + king’s head with a broad-headed shaft with silver wings. And Bhimasena, + the son of Pandu, having penetrated that elephant division, began to + wander over the field, crushing those beasts around him like Indra himself + crushing the mountains. And we beheld elephants slain in that battle by + Bhimasena, each with only one stroke (of his mace), like hills riven by + thunder. And many elephants, huge as hills, were slain there, having their + tusks broken or temples, or bones, or backs, or frontal globes. And + others, O king, deprived of life, lay there with foaming mouths. And many + mighty elephants, with frontal globes completely smashed, vomited large + quantities of blood. And some, from fear, laid themselves down on the + ground like (so many) hillocks. And smeared with the fat and blood (of + elephants) and almost bathed in their marrow, Bhima wandered over the + field like the Destroyer himself, club in hand. And Vrikodara, whirling + that mace of his which was wet with the blood of elephants, became + terrible and awful to behold, like the wielder of Pinaka armed with + Pinaka.<a href="#linknote-6381" name="linknoteref-6381" id="linknoteref-6381">381</a> And those huge tuskers, while (thus) crushed + by the angry Bhima, suddenly fled away, afflicted, crushing thy own ranks. + And these mighty bowmen and car-warriors, headed by Subhadra’s son (all + the while) protected that battling hero whirling his gory mace<a + href="#linknote-6382" name="linknoteref-6382" id="linknoteref-6382">382</a> + wet with the blood of elephants, like the celestials protecting the + wielder of the thunder-bolt. Of terrible soul, Bhimasena then looked like + the Destroyer himself. Indeed, O Bharata, putting forth his strength on + all sides, mace in arms, we beheld Bhimasena then to resemble Sankara + himself dancing (at the end of the Yuga), and his fierce, heavy, and + sounding mace to resemble the club of Yama and possessed of the sound of + Indra’s bolt. And that gory mace of his, smeared with marrow and hair, + resembled (also) the angry Rudra’s Pinaka while he is engaged in + destroying all creatures. As a herdsman chastises his herd of cattle with + a goad, so did Bhima smite that elephant division with that mace of his. + And while thus slaughtered by Bhima with his mace and with shafts (by + those that protected his rear), the elephants ran on all sides, crushing + the cars of thy own army. Then driving away those elephants from the field + like a mighty wind driving away masses of clouds, Bhima stood there like + wielder of the trident on a crematorium." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0063" id="link62H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “When that elephant division was exterminated, thy son + Duryodhana urged his entire army, commanding the warriors to slay + Bhimasena. Then the entire army at the command of thy son, rushed towards + Bhimasena who was uttering fierce shouts. That vast and unlimited host + difficult of being borne by the very gods, incapable of being crossed like + the surging sea on the day of full moon or new moon, abounding with cars, + elephants, and steeds, resounding with the blare of conches and the beat + of drums, numbering untold foot-soldiers and car-warriors, and shrouded by + the dust (raised), that very sea of hostile troops incapable of being + agitated, thus coming towards him, Bhimasena checked in battle, O king, + like the bank resisting the ocean. That feat, O king, which we beheld, of + Bhimasena the high-souled son of Pandu, was exceedingly wonderful and + superhuman. With his mace, he fearlessly checked all those kings angrily + rushing towards him, with their steeds and cars and elephants. Checking + that vast force with mace, that foremost of mighty men, Bhima, stood in + that fierce melee, immovable as the mountain Meru. And in that dreadful, + fierce, and terrific encounter his brother and sons and Dhrishtadyumna of + Prishata’s race, and the sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu, and the + unvanquished Sikhandin—these mighty warriors,—did not abandon + him from fear. Taking up his massive and weighty mace made of Saika iron, + he rushed towards the warriors of thy army like the Destroyer himself, + armed with his club. And pressing crowds of cars and crowds of horsemen + down into the earth, Bhima wandered over the field like the fire at the + end of the Yuga. And Pandu’s son of infinite prowess crushing crowds of + cars with the impetus of his thighs and slaying thy warriors in battle, + wandered like the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga. And he began + to grind thy troops with the greatest ease like an elephant crushing a + forest of reeds. And dragging car-warriors down from their cars, and + warriors fighting from the backs of heroes, and foot soldiers as they + stood on the ground, in the army of thy son, the mighty-armed Bhimasena + slew them all with his mace like the wind crushing trees by its force. And + that mace of his, slaying elephants and steeds, became smeared with fat, + marrow, flesh, and blood, and looked exceedingly terrible. And with the + bodies of slain men and cavalry lying scattered about, the field of battle + wore the appearance of the abode of Yama. And the terrible and + slaughtering mace of Bhimasena, resembling the fierce bludgeon of Death + and endued with the effulgence of Indra’s bolt, looked like Pinaka of the + angry Rudra while destroying living creatures. Indeed, that mace of the + high-souled son of Kunti, who was slaying all around, looked fiercely + resplendent like the bludgeon of the Destroyer himself at the time of the + universal dissolution. And beholding him thus routing that large army + repeatedly and advancing like Death’s self, all the warriors became + cheerless. Withersoever the son of Pandu, raising his mace, cast his eyes, + in consequence of his look alone, O Bharata, all the troops there seemed + to melt away. Beholding Vrikodara of terrible deeds, thus routing the army + and unvanquished by even so large a force and devouring the (hostile) + division like the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, Bhimasena + speedily came towards him, on his car of solar effulgence and rattle loud + as that of the clouds, (shrouding the welkin) with his arrowy showers like + a vapoury canopy charged with rain. Then the mighty-armed Bhimasena, + beholding Bhishma thus advancing like the Destroyer himself with wide-open + mouth, rushed towards him, excited with wrath. At that moment, that + foremost hero of Sini’s race viz., Satyaki of sure aim, fell upon the + grandsire, slaying his enemies (along the way) with his firm bow and + causing thy son’s army to tremble. And all the combatants who belonged to + thy army were then, O Bharata, unable to impede the progress of that hero + thus advancing with his steeds of silvery hue and scattering his sharp + shafts furnished with handsome wings. At that time the Rakshasa Alamvusha + (only) succeeded in piercing him with ten shafts. But piercing Alamvusha + in return with four shafts, the grandson of Sini proceeded on his car. + Beholding that hero of Vrishni’s race thus advancing and rolling (as it + were) through the very midst of his enemies, and checking (as he + proceeded) the foremost of Kuru warriors, and repeatedly uttering loud + shouts in that battle, thy warriors then like masses of clouds pouring + rain in torrents on the mountain breast, showered their arrowy downpours + on him. They were, however, incapable of impeding the progress of that + hero who looked like the noon-day sun in his glory. And there was none who + was not then cheerless, save Somadatta’s son, O king, and Bhurisravas, the + son of Somadatta, O Bharata, beholding the car-warriors of his own side + driven away, rushed against Satyaki from desire of battle, taking up his + bow of fierce impetus." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0064" id="link62H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then, O king, Bhurisravas, excited with great wrath, + pierced Satyaki with nine arrows like the conductor of an elephant + piercing an elephant with the iron hook. Satyaki also, of immeasurable + soul, in the very sight of all the troops, pierced the Kaurava warrior + with nine shafts. Then king Duryodhana, accompanied by his uterine + brothers, surrounded Somadatta’s son thus striving in battle. Similarly + the Pandavas also, of great energy, quickly surrounding Satyaki in that + battle took up their positions around him. And Bhimasena, excited with + wrath, and with mace upraised, O Bharata, encountered all thy sons headed + by Duryodhana. With many thousands of cars, and excited with wrath and + vindictiveness, thy son Nandaka pierced Bhimasena of great might with + keen-edged and sharp-pointed shafts whetted on stone and winged with the + feathers of the kanka bird. Then Duryodhana, O king, in that great battle, + excited with wrath, struck Bhimasena in the breast with nine shafts. Then + the mighty-armed Bhima of great strength mounted on his own excellent car + and addressing (his charioteer) Visoka, said, ‘These heroic and mighty + sons of Dhritarashtra, all great car-warriors, are exceedingly angry with + me and desirous of slaying me in battle. I will slay all these today in + thy sight, without doubt. Therefore, O charioteer, guide my steed in + battle with care.’ Having said this, O monarch, Pritha’s son pierced thy + son with sharp-pointed arrows decked with gold. And he pierced Nandaka in + return with three arrows between his two breasts. Then Duryodhana having + pierced the mighty Bhima with six arrows pierced Visoka in return with + three other sharp arrows. And Duryodhana, O king, as if smiling the while, + with three other sharp arrows cut off at the grasp the resplendent bow of + Bhima in that battle. Bhima then, that bull among men, beholding his + charioteer Visoka afflicted, in that conflict, with sharp shafts by thy + son armed with the bow, and unable to bear it, drew another excellent bow, + excited with wrath, for the destruction of thy son, O monarch. And excited + with great wrath, he also took up an arrow with horse-shoe head and + furnished with excellent wings. And with that (arrow) Bhima cut off the + excellent bow of the king. Then thy son, excited to the highest pitch of + fury, leaving that broken bow aside, speedily took up another that was + tougher. And aiming a terrible shaft blazing as Death’s rod, the Kuru + king, excited with rage struck Bhimasena between his two breasts. Deeply + pierced therewith, and greatly pained, he sat down on the terrace of his + car. And while seated on the terrace of his car, he swooned away. + Beholding Bhima thus unmanned, the illustrious and mighty car-warriors of + the Pandava army, headed by Abhimanyu could not bear it. And those + warriors then, with great steadiness, showered on thy sons’ head a thick + down-pour of fierce shafts. Then the mighty Bhimasena, regaining + consciousness, pierced Duryodhana at first with those shafts and then with + five. And that mighty bowman the son of Pandu then pierced Salya with five + and twenty shafts furnished with golden wings. And pierced therewith, + Salya was borne away from the battle. Then thy fourteen sons, viz., + Senapati, Sushena, Jalasandha, Sulochana, Ugra, Bhimaratha, Bhima, + Viravahu, Aolupa, Durmukha, Dushpradarsha, Vivitsu, Vikata, and Sama, then + encountered Bhimasena in battle. United together they rushed against + Bhimasena, and with eyes red in wrath, showering countless arrows, they + pierced him deeply. Then the heroic and mighty Bhimasena of strong arms, + beholding thy sons, licking the corners of his mouth like a wolf in the + midst of smaller creatures, fell upon them with the impetuosity of Garuda. + And the son of Pandu then cut off the head of Senapati with a shaft having + a horse-shoe head. And with delighted soul and laughing the while, that + mighty-armed warrior, piercing Jalasandha with three arrows, despatched + him to Yama’s abode. And next, smiting Sushena, he sent him to the + presence of Death’s self. And with a single broad-headed shaft he felled + on the ground the head, handsome as the moon, of Ugra, decked with turban + and adorned with ear-rings. And in that battle, Pandu’s son Bhima, with + seventy shafts, despatched Viravahu to the other world with his steeds and + standard and charioteer. And smiling the while, O king, Bhimasena quickly + despatched both the brothers Bhima and Bhimaratha also to Yama’s abode. + And then in that great battle in the very sight of all the troops, with an + arrow of horse-shoe head Bhima despatched Sulochana also to Death’s + domain. Then the rest of thy sons that were there, O king, beholding the + prowess of Bhimasena and while thus being struck by that illustrious + warrior, all fled from battle from fear of Bhima. Then Santanu’s son, + addressing all the mighty car-warriors (of his army) said, ‘That fierce + bowman, Bhima, excited with wrath in battle, is slaying the mighty sons of + Dhritarashtra and other heroic car-warriors united together, whatever + their knowledge of weapons, and whatever their bravery. Therefore, seize + ye all that son of Pandu’. Thus addressed, all the troops of the + Dhritarashtra army, excited with rage, rushed towards Bhimasena endued + with great might. And Bhagadatta, O king, on his elephant of rent temples, + suddenly rushed thither where Bhimasena was stationed. And thither to the + combat, he shrouded Bhima with his shafts whetted on stone so as to make + him completely invisible, like the clouds covering the sun. Those mighty + car-warriors, however, (of the Pandava army), relying on the prowess of + their own arms, could not bear that shrouding of Bhima (with the arrowy + showers of Bhagadatta). They, therefore, surrounding Bhagadatta on all + sides, poured on him their arrowy down-pours. And they pierced his + elephant also with showers of shafts. And struck by all those mighty + car-warriors with showers of fierce shafts of diverse kinds that elephant, + O king, of the ruler of the Pragjyotishas with blood trickling down his + body, became beautiful to behold on the field of battle like a mass of + clouds tinged with the rays of the sun. And that elephant with temporal + juice trickling down urged by Bhagadatta, like the Destroyer, ran with + double his former speed, shaking the very earth with his tread. Then all + those mighty car-warriors, beholding that terrible mien of the animal, and + regarding it irresistible, became cheerless. Then king Bhagadatta, that + tiger among men, excited with rage, struck Bhimasena between his two + breasts with a straight shaft. Deeply pierced by the king with that shaft, + that great bowman and mighty car-warrior, with limbs deprived of sensation + in consequence of a swoon, sat down on his car, holding his flagstaff. And + beholding those mighty car-warriors terrified and Bhimasena in a swoon, + Bhagadatta of great prowess uttered a loud roar. Then, O king, that + terrible Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, beholding Bhima in that state, became + excited with rage and there and then disappeared from the view. And + creating a terrible illusion enhancing the fears of the timid, he + reappeared in a moment assuming a fierce form. Himself riding on an + Airavata created by his powers of illusion, the other Dik-elephants, viz., + Anjana, Vamana, and Mahapadma of blazing glory, followed him. And those + three mighty elephants, ridden by Rakshasas, were of huge form, with juice + profusely trickling down in three lines, and endued with great speed and + prowess. Then Ghatotkacha urged his own elephant to battle, desirous, O + chastiser of foes, of slaying Bhagadatta with his elephant. And those + other elephants, excited with fury and each endued with four tusks, urged + by Rakshasas of great strength, fell from all sides upon Bhagadatta’s + elephant and afflicted him with their tusks. And the elephant of + Bhagadatta, thus afflicted by those elephants, (already) struck with + arrows and feeling great pain, uttered loud cries that resembled the + thunder of Indra. And hearing those terrible and loud cries of that + roaring elephant, Bhishma, addressing Drona, Suyodhana and all the kings, + said, ‘The mighty bowman Bhagadatta is battling with the wicked-souled son + of Hidimva, and hath fallen into great distress. That Rakshasa is of huge + form, and the king also is very wrathful. Engaged in battle, they would + certainly prove each other’s death. Loud shouts were also heard of the + rejoicing Pandavas, and the cries of agony of (king Bhagadatta’s) + terrified elephant. Blessed be ye, let us all go there for rescuing the + king, for, if left unprotected, in battle, he will soon give up his life. + Ye warriors of great energy, do, as I bid, even now. Ye sinless ones, make + no delay. The combat deepens and becometh fierce, making the hair to stand + on end. That commander of a division is high-born, endued with great + bravery, and devoted to us. Ye warriors of unfading glory, it is meet that + his rescue should be effected by us.’ Hearing these words of Bhishma, all + the kings (of the Kuru army), headed by Bharadwaja’s son, desirous of + rescuing Bhagadatta, proceeded with great speed to where the ruler of the + Pragjyotishas was. And beholding the enemy advancing, the Panchalas with + the Pandavas, headed by Yudhishthira, pursued them behind. Then that + prince of Rakshasas, endued with great prowess, beholding that division + (of the enemy) advance, uttered a fierce roar, deep as that of thunder. + Hearing that roar of his and beholding those battling elephants, Santanu’s + son Bhishma once again addressed Bharadwaja’s son and said, ‘I do not like + to fight (to-day) with the wicked-souled son of Hidimva. Endued with great + might and energy, he is at present well-supported. He is incapable of + being vanquished now by the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself. Of + sureness of aim, he is a great smiter. As regards ourselves, our animals + are tired (today). We have also been greatly mangled by Panchalas and the + Pandavas. I do not like fresh encounter with the victorious Pandavas. Let + the withdrawal of our army, therefore, be proclaimed today. Tomorrow we + will fight with the foe.’ Hearing these words of the grandsire, the + Kauravas, afflicted with the fear of Ghatotkacha, and availing of the + advent of night as a pretext, gladly did what the grandsire said. And + after the Kauravas had withdrawn, the Pandavas, crowned with victory + uttered leonine roars, mingling them with the blare of conches and the + notes of pipes. Thus did the battle take place that day, O Bharata, + between the Kurus and the Pandavas headed by Ghatotkacha. And the Kauravas + also, vanquished by the Pandavas and overcome with shame, retired to their + own tents when night came. And those mighty car-warriors, the sons of + Pandu, their bodies mangled with shafts and themselves filled with (the + result of) the battle, proceeded, O king, towards their encampment, with + Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha, O monarch, at their head. And filled with great + joy, O king, they worshipped those heroes. And they uttered diverse kinds + of shouts which were mingled with the notes of trumpets. And those + high-souled warriors shouted making the very earth tremble therewith, and + grinding as it were, O sire, the hearts of thy sons. And it was thus that + those chastisers of foes, when night came, proceeded towards their tents. + And king Duryodhana, cheerless at the death of his brothers, passed some + time in thoughtfulness, overcome with grief and tears. Then making all the + arrangements for his camp according to the rules (of military science), he + began to pass the hours in meditation, scorched with grief and afflicted + with sorrow on account of his (slain) brothers." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0065" id="link62H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Hearing of those feats of the sons of Pandu which are + incapable of being achieved by the gods themselves, my heart, O Sanjaya, + is filled with fear and wonder. Hearing also of the humiliation of my sons + in every way, great hath been my anxiety as to the consequence that will + ensue. The words uttered by Vidura will, no doubt, consume my heart. + Everything that hath happened seemeth to be due to Destiny, O Sanjaya. The + combatants of the Pandava army are encountering and smiting those best of + warriors having Bhishma for their head, those heroes conversant with every + weapon. What ascetic penances have been performed by the high-souled and + mighty sons of Pandu, what boon hath they obtained, O son, or what science + is known to them, in consequence of which, like the stars in the + firmament, they are undergoing no diminution? I cannot bear it that my + army should be repeatedly slaughtered by the Pandavas. The divine + chastisement, highly severe, hath fallen on me alone. Tell me everything + truly, O Sanjaya, about that for which the sons of Pandu have become + unslayable and mine slayable. I do not see the other shore of this (sea + of) distress.<a href="#linknote-6383" name="linknoteref-6383" id="linknoteref-6383">383</a> I am like a man desirous of crossing the + vastly deep ocean with my two arms alone. I certainly think that a great + calamity hath overtaken my sons. Without doubt, Bhima will slay all my + sons. I do not see that hero who is able to protect my sons in battle. The + death of my sons in this battle, O Sanjaya, is certain. It behoveth thee, + therefore, O Suta, to tell me, who asketh thee, everything about the true + cause of all these. Beholding his own troops retreating from battle, what + did Duryodhana do? And what old Bhishma and Drona, and Kripa, and Suvala’s + son, and Jayadratha, and that mighty bowman, viz., Drona’s son and Vikarna + of great strength do? When also, O thou of great wisdom, my sons turned + back from the fight, what O Sanjaya, became the resolve of those + high-souled warriors?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Listen, O king, with attention, and having listened, let it + go to thy heart. Nothing (in this) is the result of incantation, nothing + the result of illusion of any kind. Nor have the sons of Pandu created any + new terrors. They are endued with might; and they are fighting by fair + means in this battle. Desirous of high fame, the sons of Pritha always do + every act, including even the support of their lives, agreeably to the way + of morality. Endued with every kind of prosperity, and possessed of great + strength, they never desist from battle, keeping their eyes on + righteousness. And victory is there where righteousness is. It is for + this, O king, that the sons of Pritha are unslayable in battle and always + victorious. Thy sons are of wicked souls and are addicted to sinfulness. + They are cruel and wedded to mean acts. It is for this that they are being + weakened in battle. Thy sons, O king, like despicable men, did many cruel + and deceitful acts to the sons of Pandu. Disregarding, however, all those + offences of thy sons, the sons of Pandu always concealed those acts, O + elder brother of Pandu. Thy sons also, O king, on numerous occasions + humiliated the Pandavas. Let them now reap the terrible fruit, like + poison, of that persistent course of sinfulness.<a href="#linknote-6384" name="linknoteref-6384" id="linknoteref-6384">384</a> That fruit should be + enjoyed by thee also, O king, with thy sons and kinsmen, since thou, O + king, could not be awakened even though counselled by thy well-wishers. + Repeatedly forbidden by Vidura, by Bhishma, by the high-souled Drona, and + by myself also thou didst not understand, rejecting our words intended for + thy good and worthy of thy acceptance, like a sick man rejecting the + medicine prescribed. Accepting the views of thy sons thou hadst regarded + the Pandavas as already vanquished. Listen again, O king, to what thou + hast asked me, viz., the true cause, O chief of the Bharatas, of the + victory of the Pandavas. I will tell thee what I have heard, O chastiser + of foes. Duryodhana had asked the grandsire this very question. Beholding + his brothers, all mighty car-warriors, vanquished in battle, thy son + Duryodhana, O Kaurava, with heart confounded with grief, repairing with + humility during the night to the grandsire possessed of great wisdom, + asked him this question. Listen to me, O monarch, about it all. + </p> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘Drona and thou, and Salya, and Kripa, and Drona’s son, + and Kritavarman the son of Hridika, and Sudakshina the ruler of the + Kamvojas, and Bhurisravas, and Vikarna, and Bhagadatta of exceeding + prowess, are all regarded as mighty car-warriors. All of these, again, are + high-born, and prepared to throw away their lives in battle. It is my + opinion that these are a match for even the three worlds (united + together). Even all the warriors of the Pandava army (united together) + cannot bear your prowess. A doubt has arisen in my mind. Explain it to me + who enquireth of thee. Who it is, relying on whom the Pandavas are + vanquishing us repeatedly.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Listen, O king, to the words that I will speak unto thee, + O thou of Kuru’s race. Frequently wert thou addressed by me to the same + effect but thou didst not do what I said. Let peace be made with the + Pandavas, O best of the Bharatas. I regard this to be beneficial both to + the world and thee, O lord. Enjoy this earth, O king, with thy brothers + and be happy, gratifying all thy well-wishers and delighting thy kinsfolk. + Although I cried myself hoarse before this, thou didst not yet listen to + me, O sire. Thou hadst always disregarded the sons of Pandu. The effect of + all that hath now overtaken thee. Listen also, O king, from me as I speak + of it, O Lord, to the reason why the Pandavas, whose achievements tire + them not, are unslayable.<a href="#linknote-6385" name="linknoteref-6385" id="linknoteref-6385">385</a> There is not, was not, will not be, the + being in all the worlds who would or will be able to vanquish the sons of + Pandu who are all protected by the wielder of Saranga. Listen truly, O + thou that art conversant with morality, to that ancient history which was + recited to me by sages of souls under control. In days of yore, all the + celestials and the Rishis, united together, waited reverentially on the + Grandsire upon the mountains of Gandhamadana. And the Lord of all + creatures, seated at his ease in their midst, beheld an excellent car + stationed in the firmament, blazing with effulgence. Having ascertained + (everything about it) by meditation, joining his hands with restrained + heart, Brahman, with delighted soul, made his salutations to the highest + Divine Being. And the Rishis and the celestials, beholding in the + firmament (the form thus) displayed, all stood up with joined hands, their + eyes fixed on that wonder of wonders. Worshipping him duly, Brahma, the + foremost of all conversant with Brahman, the Creator of the universe, + acquainted with the highest morality, uttered these high words: Thou art + the Glory of the Universe for thy form. Thou art the Lord of the Universe. + O thou whose protection extendeth through the whole Universe, O thou that + hath the Universe for thy work, O thou that hath thy soul under control, + Thou art the Supreme Master of the Universe. Thou art Vasudeva. Therefore, + I seek refuge in Thee that art the soul of Yoga and the highest Divinity. + Victory to Thee that art the Supreme God of the Universe. Victory to Thee + that art ever employed in the good of the worlds. Victory to Thee that art + the Lord of Yoga. Thee that art all-powerful. Victory to Thee that art + prior, and subsequent to Yoga. Having the lotus springing from thy navel, + and having large expansive eyes, victory to Thee that art Lord of Lords of + the Universe. O Lord of the Past, the Present, and the Future, victory to + Thee that art the embodiment of gentleness, Thee that art the sun of suns. + O thou that art the receptacle of untold attributes, victory to Thee that + art the refuge of all things. Thou art Narayana, thou art incapable of + being understood, victory to Thee that art the wielder of the bow called + Saranga. Victory to Thee that art endued with every attribute, O thou that + hast the Universe for thy form, O thou that art ever hale. O Lord of the + Universe, O thou of mighty arms, victory to Thee that art always ready for + benefitting the worlds. O great Snake, O huge Boar, O first Cause, O thou + of tawny locks, victory to Thee that art Almighty. O thou of yellow robes, + O Lord of the cardinal and the subsidiary points of the compass, O thou + that hast the Universe for thy abode, O thou that art Infinite, O thou + that hast no decay, O thou that art the Manifest, O thou that art the + Unmanifest, O thou that art the immeasurable Space, O thou that hast all + thy senses under control, O thou that always achievest what is good, O + thou that art immeasurable, O thou that alone knowest thy own nature, + victory to Thee that art deep, O thou that art the giver of all wishes, O + thou that art without end, O thou that art known as Brahma, O thou that + art Eternal, O thou that art the Creator of all creatures, O thou that art + ever successful, O thou whose acts always display wisdom, O thou that art + conversant with morality, O thou that givest victory, O thou of mysterious + Self, O thou that art the Soul of all Yoga, O thou that art the Cause of + everything that hath sprung into existence, O thou that art the knowledge + of the selves of all beings, O Lord of the worlds, victory to thee that + art the Creator of all beings. O thou that hath thyself for thy origin, O + thou that art highly blessed, O thou that art the Destroyer of everything, + O thou that art the inspirer of all mental thoughts, victory to Thee that + art dear to all conversant with Brahma. O thou that art busy in creation + and destruction, O controller of all wishes, O Supreme Lord, O thou that + art the Cause of Amrita, O thou that art All-existent, O thou that art the + first that appears at the end of the Yuga, O thou that art the giver of + victory, O Divine Lord of the Lord of all creatures, O thou that hast the + lotus springing from thy navel, O thou of mighty strength, O thou that art + sprung from Thyself, O thou that art the great elements in their primeval + state, O thou that art the soul of all (religious) rites, victory to Thee + that givest all. The goddess Earth represents thy two feet, the cardinal + and the subsidiary directions thy arms, and the heavens thy head. I am thy + form, the celestials constitute thy limbs, and the Sun, the moon are thy + two eyes. Ascetic austerities and Truth born of morality and (religious) + rites, constitute thy strength. Fire is thy energy, the wind is thy + breath, and the waters have sprung from thy sweat. The twins Aswins + constitute thy ears, and the goddess Saraswati is thy tongue. The Vedas + are thy Knowledge, and upon thee resteth this Universe. O Lord of Yoga and + Yogins, we do not know thy extent, thy measure, thy energy, thy prowess, + thy might, thy origin. O God, O Vishnu, filled with devotion in thee, and + depending upon thee with vows and observances, we ever worship Thee as the + highest Lord, the God of gods. The Rishis, the gods, Gandharvas, the + Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Pannagas, the Pisachas, human beings, beasts, + birds, reptiles,—all these were created by me on Earth through Thy + grace. O thou having the lotus springing from thy navel, O thou of large + expansive eyes, O Krishna, O Dispeller of all woe, Thou art the Refuge of + all creatures, and Thou art their Guide. Thou hast the Universe for thy + mouth. Through thy grace, O Lord of the gods, the gods are ever happy. + Through thy grace the Earth hath always been freed from terrors. + Therefore, O thou of large eyes, take birth in the race of Yadu.<a + href="#linknote-6386" name="linknoteref-6386" id="linknoteref-6386">386</a> + For the sake of establishing righteousness, for slaying the sons of Diti, + and for upholding the Universe, do what I have said, O Lord. O Vasudeva, + that which is thy supreme mystery, that, O Lord hath been sung by me + through Thy grace. Having created the divine Sankarshana out of thy own + Self by Thyself, thou didst then, O Krishna, create Thyself as Pradyumna + born of thyself. From Pradyumna thou didst then create Aniruddha who is + known as the eternal Vishnu. And it was Aniruddha who created me as + Brahma, the upholder of the Universe. Created out of Vasudeva’s essence I + have, therefore, been created by thee. Dividing Thyself into portions, + take birth, O Lord, among human beings. And slaughtering the Asuras there + for happiness of all the worlds, and establishing righteousness, and + winning renown, Thou wilt again truly attain to Yoga. The regenerate + Rishis on Earth and the gods, O thou of infinite prowess, devoted to thee, + sing of thy wonderous Self under those names that belong to thee. O thou + of excellent arms, all classes of creatures rest on thee, having taken + refuge in Thee, thou giver of boons. The regenerate ones sing Thee as the + world’s bridge, having no beginning, middle and end, and as possessed of + unlimited Yoga.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0066" id="link62H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Then that illustrious Deity, the Lord of the worlds, + replied unto Brahma in a soft deep voice, saying,—“Through Yoga, O + sire, all that is wished by thee is known to me. It will be even as thou + wishest,”—And saying this, he disappeared then and there. Then the + gods, Rishis, and Gandharvas, filled with great wonder and curiosity all + asked the Grandsire, saying,—“Who is that one, O Lord, that was + worshipped by thy illustrious self with such humility and praised in such + high words? We desire to hear,”—Thus addressed, the illustrious + Grandsire replied unto all the Gods, the regenerate Rishis, and the + Gandharvas, in sweet words saying,—“He who is called TAT, He who is + Supreme, He who is existent at present and who will be for all time, He + who is the highest Self, He who is the Soul of beings, and who is the + great Lord, I was talking even with His ever-cheerful self, ye bulls among + gods. The Lord of the Universe was solicited by me, for the good of the + Universe, to take his birth among mankind in the family of Vasudeva. I + said unto him,—For the slaughter of the Asuras take thy birth in the + world of men!—Those Daityas and Rakshasas, of fierce form and great + strength, that were slain in battle, have been born among men. Indeed, the + illustrious and mighty Lord, taking birth in the human womb, will live on + the Earth, accompanied by Nara. Those ancient and best of Rishis, viz., + Nara and Narayana, are incapable of defeat in battle by even all the + celestials united together. Of immeasurable effulgence, those Rishis viz., + Nara and Narayana, when born together in the world of men, will not be + known (as such) by fools. He, from whose Self, I, Brahman, the Lord of the + whole Universe, have sprung that Vasudeva, that Supreme God of all the + worlds, is worthy of your adoration. Endued with great energy, and bearing + the conch, the discus, and the mace, he should never be disregarded as a + man, ye best of deities. He is the Supreme Mystery, the Supreme refuge, + the Supreme Brahma, and the Supreme glory. He is without decay, + Unmanifest, and Eternal. He it is who hath been sung as Purusha, though + none can comprehend him. The divine Artificer hath sung of him as the + Supreme Energy, the Supreme Felicity, and the Supreme Truth. Therefore, + the Lord Vasudeva of immeasurable prowess should never be disregarded as a + man by all the Asuras and the gods with Indra at their head. That person + of foolish understanding is called a wretch, who, from disregard, speaketh + of Hrishikesa as only a man. People speak of him as one labouring under + darkness who disregardeth Vasudeva, that Yogin of illustrious soul, for + his entering into a human form. People speak of him as one labouring under + darkness who knoweth not that Divine personage, that Soul of the mobile + and the immobile creation, that one bearing the auspicious wheel (on his + breast), that one of dazzling effulgence, that one from whose navel hath + sprung the (primeval) lotus. He who disregardeth that wearer of the diadem + and the Kaustuva gem, that dispeller of fears of his friends, that + high-souled one, sinketh in thick darkness. Having known all these truths + duly, that Lord of the worlds, viz., Vasudeva, should be adored by every + one, ye best of gods.”’— + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma continued,—‘Having said these words unto those gods and + Rishis in days of yore, the illustrious Grandsire, dismissing them all, + repaired to his own abode. And the gods and the Gandharvas, and the Munis + and the Apsaras also, having listened to those words spoken by Brahman, + were filled with delight and repaired to heaven. Even this was heard by + me, O sire, from Rishis of cultured soul talking in their assembly, of + Vasudeva, that ancient one. And O thou that art well-versed in scriptures, + I heard this from Rama, the son of Jamadagni, and Markandeya of great + wisdom, and Vyasa and Narada also. Having learnt all this and heard of the + illustrious Vasudeva as the Eternal Lord, the Supreme God of all the + worlds, and the great Master, from whom hath sprung Brahman himself, the + Father of the Universe, why should not that Vasudeva be adored and + worshipped by men? Forbidden wert thou before, O sire, by sages of + cultured souls, (who said unto thee)—Never go to war with that + Vasudeva armed with bow as also with the Pandavas,—This, from folly, + thou couldst not apprehend. I regard thee therefore, as a wicked Rakshasa. + Thou art, besides, enveloped in darkness. It is for this that thou hatest + Govinda and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, for who else among men would hate + the divine Nara and Narayana? It is for this, O king, that I say unto thee + that this one is Eternal and Unfading, pervading the whole Universe, + Unchanging, the Ruler, Creator and Upholder of all, and the truly + Existent. He it is who upholdeth the three worlds. He is the Supreme Lord + of all mobile and immobile creatures, and He is the great Master, He is + warrior, He is Victory, He is Victor, and He is the Lord of all nature. O + king, He is full of goodness and divested of all the qualities of Darkness + and Passion. There, where Krishna is, there righteousness is; and there is + victory where righteousness is. It is by the Yoga of his Supreme + Excellence, and the Yoga of his Self, that the sons of Pandu, O king, are + supported. Victory, therefore, will surely be theirs. He it is that always + imparteth to the Pandavas and understanding endued with righteousness, and + strength in battle; and He it is that always protecteth them from danger. + He is the Eternal God, pervading all beings, and ever blessed. He, of whom + thou hadst asked me, is known by the name of Vasudeva. He it is whom + Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas and Sudras, having distinctive + features of their own, humbly serve and worship with restrained hearts and + performing their own duties. He it is who, towards the close of the + Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga, is sung of with + Sankarshana, by believers with devotion. It is that Vasudeva that + createth, Yuga after Yuga, the worlds of the gods and the mortals, all + cities girt by the sea, and the region of human habitation.—‘" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0067" id="link62H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Duryodhana said, ‘In all the worlds Vasudeva is spoken of as the Supreme + Being. I desire, O Grandsire, to know his origin and glory.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Vasudeva is the Supreme Being. He is the God of all Gods. + None superior to him of eyes like lotus-petals is to be seen, O bull of + Bharata’s race. Markandeya speaketh of Govinda as the Most Wonderful and + the Most high, as the All-being, as the All-soul, as the Highest soul, and + as the Supreme male Being. Water, Air, and Fire,—these three were + created by Him. That Divine Master and Lord of all the worlds created this + Earth. That Supreme Being of illustrious soul laid himself down on the + waters. And that Divine Being made up of all kinds of energy slept thereon + in Yoga. From his mouth He created Fire, and from his breath, the Wind. Of + unfading glory, He created from his mouth Speech and the Vedas. It was + thus that he created first the Worlds and also the gods along with the + diverse classes of Rishis. And he created decay and death also of all + creatures, as well as birth and growth. He is Righteousness and of + righteous soul. He is the giver of boons and the giver of all (our) + wishes. He is the Actor and Action, and He is himself the Divine Master.<a + href="#linknote-6387" name="linknoteref-6387" id="linknoteref-6387">387</a> + He first made the Past, the Present, and the Future; He is the Creator of + the Universe. He is of illustrious soul; He is the Master possessed of + unfading glory. He created Sankarshana, the First-born of all creatures. + He created the divine Sesha who is known as Ananta and who upholdeth all + creatures and the Earth with her mountains. Of Supreme Energy, He it is + whom the regenerate ones know by Yoga meditation. Sprung from the + secretions of his ear, the great Asura known by the name of Madhu, fierce + and of fierce deeds and entertaining a fierce intent and about to destroy + Brahman, was slain by that Supreme Being. And O sire, in consequence of + Madhu’s slaughter, the gods, the Danavas, and human beings, and Rishis, + call Janardana the slayer of Madhu. He is the great Boar. He is the great + Lion, and He is the Three-stepped Lord.<a href="#linknote-6388" name="linknoteref-6388" id="linknoteref-6388">388</a> He is the Mother and + the Father of all living creatures. There never was, nor will be, any + superior to Him of eyes like lotus-petals. From His mouth He created the + Brahmanas: and from His two arms the Kshatriyas, and from His thighs, O + king, He created the Vaisyas, and from His feet He created the Sudras. One + waiting dutifully on Him, observant of vows with ascetic austerities on + days of the full-moon and the new-moon, is sure to obtain the Divine + Kesava, that refuge of all embodied creatures that essence of Brahma and + of Yoga. Kesava is the higher Energy, the Grandsire of all the worlds. + Him, O king, the sages call Hrishikesa (the lord of the senses). Him also + should all know as the Preceptor, the Father, and the Master. + Inexhaustible regions (of blessedness) are won by him with whom Krishna is + gratified. He also who, in a place of fear, seeketh the protection of + Kesava, and he who frequently readeth this description, becometh happy and + endued with every prosperity. Those men who attain to Krishna are never + beguiled, Janardana always saveth those that are sunk in great terrors. + Knowing this truly, O Bharata, Yudhishthira, with his whole soul, O king, + hath sought the shelter of the highly blessed Kesava, the Lord of Yoga, + and the Lord of the Earth.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0068" id="link62H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘Hear from me, O king, this hymn that was uttered by + Brahman himself. This hymn was in days of old communicated by regenerate + Rishis and the gods (to men) on Earth. Narada described thee as the Master + and the Lord of the god of gods and all the Sadhyas and the celestials, + and as one acquainted with the nature of the Creator of the worlds. + Markandeya spoke of thee as the Past, the Present, and the Future, and the + sacrifice of sacrifices, and the austerity of austerities. The illustrious + Bhrigu said of thee that thou art the God of the gods, that thine is the + ancient form of Vishnu. Dwaipayana said of thee that thou art Vasudeva of + the Vasus, the establisher of Sakra, and the God of gods and all + creatures. In days of old on the occasion of procreating creatures, the + sages spoke of thee as Daksha, the Father of creation. Angiras said that + thou art the creator of all beings. Devala said of thee that the + unmanifest all is thy body, and the manifest is in thy mind, and that the + gods are all the result of thy breath.<a href="#linknote-6389" name="linknoteref-6389" id="linknoteref-6389">389</a> With thy heads is + pervaded the heavens, and thy two arms support the Earth. In thy stomach + are three worlds and thou art the Eternal Being. Even thus do men exalted + by asceticism know thee. Thou art the Sat of Sat, with Rishis gratified + with sight of Self.<a href="#linknote-6390" name="linknoteref-6390" id="linknoteref-6390">390</a> With royal sages of liberal minds, never + retreating from battle and having morality for their highest end, thou, O + slayer of Madhu, art the sole refuge. Even thus is that illustrious and + Supreme Being, viz., Hari, adored and worshipped by Sanatkumar and other + ascetics endued with Yoga. The truth about Kesava, O sire, is now narrated + to thee, both in brief and detail. Turn thy heart in love to Kesava.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Hearing this sacred story, thy son, O great king, + began to regard highly both Kesava and these mighty car-warriors, viz., + the sons of Pandu. Then, O monarch, Bhishma the son of Santanu once more + addressed thy son, saying, ‘Thou hast now heard truly, O king, about the + glory of the high-souled Kesava and of Nara about which thou hadst asked + me. Thou hast also heard about the object for which both Nara and Narayana + have taken their births among men. Thou hast also been told the reason why + those heroes are invincible and have never been vanquished in battle, and + why also, O king, the sons of Pandu are incapable of being slain in + battle, by anybody. Krishna beareth great love for the illustrious sons of + Pandu. It is for this, O king of kings, that I say, “Let peace be made + with the Pandavas.” Restraining thy passions enjoy thou the Earth with thy + mighty brothers (around thee). By disregarding the divine Nara and + Narayana, thou shalt certainly be destroyed.’ Having said these words, thy + sire, became silent, O monarch, and dismissing the king, entered his tent. + And the king also came back to his (own) tent, having worshipped the + illustrious grandsire. And then, O bull of Bharata’s race, he laid himself + down on his white bed for passing the night in sleep." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0069" id="link62H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “After the night had passed away and the sun had risen, the + two armies, O king, approached each other for battle. Beholding each + other, each rushed in united ranks towards the other excited with rage and + desirous of vanquishing the other. And in consequence of thy evil policy, + O king, the Pandavas and the Dhartarashtras thus rushed, cased in mail and + forming battle-array, for striking each other. And the array that Bhishma + protected from all sides, O king, was of the shape of a Makara.<a + href="#linknote-6391" name="linknoteref-6391" id="linknoteref-6391">391</a> + And so the Pandavas also, O king, protected the array they had formed (of + their troops). Then thy sire Devavrata, O great king, that foremost of + car-warriors, proceeded in advance, supported by a large division of cars. + And others, viz., car-warriors, infantry, elephants, and cavalry, all + followed him, each stationed in the place allotted. And beholding them + prepared for battle, the illustrious sons of Pandu arrayed their troops in + that invincible and prince of arrays called the Syena.<a + href="#linknote-6392" name="linknoteref-6392" id="linknoteref-6392">392</a> + And in the beak of that array shone Bhimasena of great strength. And in + its two eyes were the invincible Sikhandin and Dhrishtadyumna of + Prishata’s race. And in the head was the heroic Satyaki of prowess + incapable of being baffled. And in its neck was Arjuna shaking his + Gandiva. And in its left wing was the high-souled and blessed Drupada with + his son and supported by an Akshauhini of all forces. And the king of the + Kekayas, owning an Akshauhini, formed the right wing (of that array). And + in its back were the sons of Draupadi, and Subhadra’s son of great + prowess. And in its tail was the heroic king Yudhishthira himself, of + excellent prowess, supported by his twin brothers. Then in the battle + (that ensued). Bhima, penetrating the Makara array (of the Kauravas) + through its mouth, and approaching Bhishma, covered him with his shafts. + Then in that great battle, Bhishma possessed of great prowess shot his + mighty weapons, confounding the combatants of the Pandavas disposed in + battle-array. And when the combatants (of the Pandava army) were thus + confounded, Dhananjaya, speedily proceeding, pierced Bhishma at the van of + battle with a thousand arrows. And counteracting, in that conflict, the + weapons shot by Bhishma, Arjuna stood ready for the combat, supported by + his own division filled with cheerfulness.<a href="#linknote-6393" name="linknoteref-6393" id="linknoteref-6393">393</a> Then king + Duryodhana, that foremost of mighty men, that great car-warrior, beholding + that terrible carnage of his troops and remembering the slaughter of his + brothers (on the previous day), came quickly towards Bharadwaja’s son, and + addressing him, said, ‘O preceptor, O sinless one, thou art ever my + well-wisher,—Relying on thee as also on the grandsire Bhishma, + ourselves hope to vanquish without doubt the very gods in battle, let + alone the sons of Pandu that are destitute of energy and prowess. Blessed + be thou, act in such a way that the Pandavas may be slain.’ Thus addressed + in battle by thy son, Drona penetrated into the Pandava array in the very + sight of Satyaki. Then O Bharata, Satyaki checked the son of Bharadwaja, + (and thereupon) ensued a battle that was fierce in its incidents and awful + to behold. Then Bharadwaja’s son excited with rage and endued with great + prowess, as if smiling the while, pierced the grandson of Sini with ten + shafts at his shoulder-joint. And Bhimasena also, excited with rage, + pierced Bharadwaja’s son (with many shafts), desirous of protecting + Satyaki, O king, from Drona that foremost of all warriors. Then Drona and + Bhishma, and Salya also, O sire, excited with rage, covered Bhimasena, in + that battle, with their shafts. Thereupon Abhimanyu excited with wrath, + and the sons of Draupadi, O sire, pierced with their sharp-pointed shafts + all those warriors with upraised weapons. Then in that fierce battle, the + great bowman Sikhandin rushed against those two mighty warriors, viz., + Bhishma and Drona who, excited with rage, had (thus) fallen upon the + Pandavas. Firmly grasping his bow whose twang resembled the roar of the + clouds, that hero, shrouding the very Sun with his arrows, quickly covered + his antagonists therewith. The grandsire of the Bharatas, however, getting + Sikhandin before him, avoided him, remembering the femininity of his sex. + Then, O king, urged by thy son, Drona rushed to battle, desirous of + protecting Bhishma in that stress. Sikhandin, however, approaching Drona + that foremost of all wielders of weapons, avoided, from fear, that warrior + resembling the blazing fire that appears at the end of the Yuga. Then, O + king, thy son with a large force, desirous of winning great glory, + proceeded to protect Bhishma. And the Pandavas also proceeded, O king, + firmly setting their hearts upon victory, and the battle then that took + place between the combatants of both armies desirous of victory and fame, + was fierce and highly wonderful, resembling that (in days of yore) between + the gods and Danavas." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0070" id="link62H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then Bhishma the son of Santanu fought fiercely,<a + href="#linknote-6394" name="linknoteref-6394" id="linknoteref-6394">394</a> + desirous of protecting thy sons from the fear of Bhimasena. And the battle + that then took place between the kings of the Kaurava and the Pandava + armies was awful in the extreme and destructive of great heroes. And in + that general engagement, so fierce and terrible, tremendous was the din + that arose, touching the very heavens. And in consequence of the shrieks + of huge elephants and the neigh of steeds and the blare of conches and + beat of drums, the uproar was deafening. Fighting for the sake of victory, + the mighty combatants endued with great prowess roared at one another like + bulls in a cow-pen. And heads cut off in that battle with keen-edged + shafts, incessantly falling, created, O bull of Bharata’s race, the + appearance of a stony shower in the welkin. Indeed, O bull of Bharata’s + race, innumerable were the heads lying on the field of battle, decked with + ear-rings and turbans and resplendent with ornaments of gold. And the + earth was covered with limbs cut off with broad-headed shafts, with heads + decked with ear-rings, and with arms adorned with ornaments. And in a + moment the whole field was strewn over with bodies cased in mail, with + arms decked with ornaments, with faces beautiful as the moon and having + eyes with reddish corners, and with every limb, O king, of elephants, + steeds and men. And the dust (raised by the warriors) looked like a thick + cloud, and the bright implements of destruction, like flashes of + lightning. And the noise made by the weapons resembled the roar of + thunder. And that fierce and awful passage-at-arms, O Bharata, between the + Kurus and the Pandavas caused a very river of blood to flow there. And in + that terrible, fierce, and awful battle causing the hair stand on end, + Kshatriya warriors incapable of defeat incessantly poured their arrowy + showers. And the elephants of both thy army and the enemy’s, afflicted + with those arrowy showers, shrieked aloud and ran hither and thither in + fury. And in consequence of (the twang of) bows, endued with great energy, + of fierce and heroic warriors excited with fury, and of flapping of their + bow-strings against their leathern fences, nothing could be distinguished.<a + href="#linknote-6395" name="linknoteref-6395" id="linknoteref-6395">395</a> + And all over the field which looked like a lake of blood, headless trunks + stood up, and the kings bent upon slaying their foes, rushed to battle. + And brave warriors of immeasurable energy and possessed of arms resembling + stout bludgeons, slew one another with arrows and darts and maces and + scimitars. And elephants, pierced with arrows and deprived of riders to + guide them with hooks, and steeds destitute of riders, wildly ran in all + directions. And many warriors, O best of the Bharatas, belonging to both + thy army and that of the foe, deeply pierced with shafts jumped up and + fell down. And in that encounter between Bhima and Bhishma, heaps of arms + and heads, as also of bows and maces and spiked clubs and hands and + thighs, of legs and ornaments and bracelets, were seen lying over the + field. And here and there over the field, O king, were seen large bodies + of unretreating elephants and steeds and cars. And the Kshatriya warriors, + urged on by fate, slew one another with maces, swords, lances, and + straight shafts. And others endued with great heroism and accomplished in + fight, encountered one another with their bare arms that resembled spiked + clubs made of iron. And other heroic warriors of thy army, engaged with + the combatants of the Pandava host, fought on slaying one another with + clenched fists and knees, and slaps and blows, O king. And with the fallen + and falling warriors and those weltering in agony on the ground, the field + of battle everywhere became, O king, terrible to behold, and car-warriors, + deprived of the cars and grasping excellent swords, rushed at one another, + desirous of slaughter. Then king Duryodhana, surrounded by a large + division of Kalingas, and placing Bhishma ahead, rushed towards the + Pandavas. And so the Pandava combatants also, supporting Vrikodara, and + owning fleet animals, rushed, excited with rage, against Bhishma." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0071" id="link62H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Beholding his brothers and the other kings engaged in + battle with Bhishma, Dhananjaya, with weapons upraised, rushed against the + son of Ganga. Hearing the blare of Panchajanya and the twang of the bow + Gandiva, and seeing also the standard of Pritha’s son, a great fear + entered our hearts. And the standard that we beheld, O king, of the + wielder of Gandiva bore the device of lion’s tail and looked like a + blazing mountain in the welkin. Beautiful and of celestial workmanship, it + was variegated with diverse hues, and looking like a risen comet it could + not be obstructed by trees. And in that great battle, the warriors beheld + Gandiva, the back of whose staff was decked with pure gold, and which + looked beautiful like a flash of lightning in the midst of a mass of + clouds in the firmament. And while slaying the combatants of thy army, the + shouts we heard uttered by Arjuna seemed to resemble the loud roars of + Indra himself, and the slaps also of his palms were frightfully loud. Like + a roaring mass of clouds charged with lightning and aided by a raging + tempest, Arjuna incessantly poured his arrowy showers on all sides, + completely shrouding the ten points of the compass. Dhananjaya then + possessed of terrible weapons, quickly proceeded towards the son of Ganga. + Deprived of four senses in consequence of his weapons, we could not then + distinguish the East from the West. And thy warriors, then, O bull of + Bharata’s race,—their animals tired, steeds slain, and hearts + depressed,—thoroughly confounded<a href="#linknote-6396" name="linknoteref-6396" id="linknoteref-6396">396</a> and huddling close + to one another, sought Bhishma’s protection along with all thy sons. And + in that battle Bhishma the son of Santanu became their protector. Struck + with fear, car-warriors jumping down from their cars, cavalry soldiers + jumping down from the backs of their steeds, and the foot-soldiers where + they stood, all began to fall down on the earth. Hearing the twang of + Gandiva that resembled the roar of the thunder, all thy warriors were + struck with fear and seemed, O Bharata, to melt away. Then, O king, with + many huge and fleet steeds of the Kamvoja breed, and surrounded by many + thousand of Gopas with a large Gopayana force and supported by the Madras, + the Sauviras, the Gandharas and the Trigartas, and surrounded by all the + principal Kalingas, the king of the Kalingas, and king Jayadratha + accompanied by all the kings and supported by a large force of diverse + races with Dussasana at their head, and fourteen thousand principal + horsemen, urged by thy son, surrounded the son of Suvala (for supporting + him). Then in that battle, all the Pandavas, united together, and riding + on separate cars and animals, began, O bull of Bharata’s race, to + slaughter thy troops.<a href="#linknote-6397" name="linknoteref-6397" id="linknoteref-6397">397</a> And the dust raised by car-warriors and + steeds and foot-soldiers, looking like a mass of clouds, made the field of + battle exceedingly awful. And with a large force consisting of elephants, + steeds and cars, and armed with lances and bearded darts and broad-headed + shafts, Bhishma engaged in battle with the diadem decked (Arjuna). And the + king of Avanti engaged with the ruler of Kasi, and the ruler of the + Sindhus engaged with Bhimasena. And king Yudhishthira with his sons and + counsellors engaged with Salya, the famous chief of the Madras. And + Vikarna engaged with Sahadeva, and Chitrasena with Sikhandin. And the + Matsyas, O king, engaged with Duryodhana, and Sakuni; and Drupada and + Chekitana, and that mighty car-warrior Satyaki engaged in battle with the + high-souled Drona aided by his son. And Kripa and Kritavarman both rushed + against Dhrishtadyumna. And thus, all over the field, rushing bodies of + horses, of elephants and cars, engaged with one another in battle. And + although there were no clouds in the sky, yet flashes of lightning were + seen. And all the points of the compass were covered with dust. And, O + king, fierce meteors were seen falling with thundering noise. And violent + winds blew and a shower of dust fell from above. And the sun, covered by + the dust raised by the troops, disappeared in the firmament. And all the + warriors, covered by that dust and battling with weapons, were deprived of + their senses. And the sound made by weapons, all capable of penetrating + through every armour and hurled from heroic arms, became a tremendous + uproar. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, weapons hurled from excellent arms + and possessed of stellar brightness, illumined the whole welkin. And + variegated shields made of bull’s hides and embossed with gold were + strewn, O bull of Bharata’s race, all over the field. And heads and limbs + were seen falling on all sides, cut off with swords and scimitars + possessed of solar effulgence. And great car-warriors, the wheels, axles, + and boxes of whose cars were broken, fell down on the ground, their steeds + slain and their tall standards tumbling down.<a href="#linknote-6398" name="linknoteref-6398" id="linknoteref-6398">398</a> And many + car-warriors having been slain, their steeds, mangled with weapons, fell + down as they ran dragging the cars (to which they were yoked). And, in + many places over the field, excellent steeds, afflicted with arrows, with + limbs mangled, and with their traces on, ran, dragging the car-yokes after + them. And many car-warriors, with their charioteers and steeds, were seen, + O king, to be crushed by single elephants endued with great strength.<a + href="#linknote-6399" name="linknoteref-6399" id="linknoteref-6399">399</a> + And in that battle, in the midst of large forces, many elephants, scenting + the odour of the temporal juice of their compeers, began to snuff the + breeze repeatedly. And the whole field was strewn with slain elephants, + deprived of life by means of broad-headed shafts and falling down with the + wooden edifices and the guides on their backs. And many elephants, in the + midst of large forces crushed, with the standards and warriors on their + backs, by huge compeers urged by their guides, fell down on the field. And + many car-shafts, O king, were seen to be broken in that battle by huge + elephants using their trunks, each of which resembled the trunk of the + prince of elephants (called Airavata). And many car-warriors also, in that + conflict, the Jalas of whose cars had been broken, were like branches of + trees dragged down by tuskers, seized by the hair of their heads and, + thrashed violently on the ground, were crushed into shapeless masses. And + other huge elephants, dragging cars that were entangled with other cars, + ran in all directions shrieking loudly. And those elephants, thus dragging + those cars, looked like others of their species dragging lotus-stalks + growing in lakes. And thus was that vast field of battle strewn over with + cavalry soldiers and foot-soldiers and great car-warriors and standards." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0072" id="link62H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Sikhandin with Virata king of the Matsyas speedily + approached Bhishma that invincible and mighty bowman. And Dhananjaya + encountered Drona and Kripa, and Vikarna and many other kings, brave in + battle, all mighty bowmen endued with great strength, as also that mighty + bowman the ruler of the Sindhus supported by his friends and kinsmen and + many kings of the west and the south also, O bull of Bharata’s race. And + Bhimasena proceeded against that mighty bowman, viz., thy vindictive son + Duryodhana, and also against Dussaha. And Sahadeva proceeded against those + invincible warriors, viz., Sakuni and that mighty car-warrior Uluka, those + great bowmen, who were sire and son. And that mighty car-warrior + Yudhishthira, deceitfully treated by thy son, proceeded in that battle, O + king, against the elephant division (of the Kauravas). And that son of + Pandu and Madri, viz., the heroic Nakula capable of wringing tears from + the foe, engaged in battle with the excellent car-warriors of the + Trigartas. And those invincible warriors, viz., Satyaki and Chekitana, and + the mighty son of Subhadra, proceeded against Salya and the Kaikeyas. And + Dhrishtaketu and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, both invincible in battle, + proceeded against the car-division of thy sons. And that mighty + car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, that generalissimo (of the Pandava forces) of + immeasurable soul, engaged in battle, O king, with Drona of fierce + achievements. And it was thus that those heroic and mighty bowmen of thy + army and the Pandavas, engaged in battle, began to strike one another. And + when the sun had reached the meridian and the sky was brilliantly + illumined by his rays, the Kauravas and the Pandavas began to slay one + another. Then cars, furnished with standards from whose tops pennons were + afloat, variegated with gold and covered with tiger-skins, looked + beautiful as they moved on the field of battle. And the shouts of warriors + engaged in battle from desire of vanquishing one another, became as loud + as leonine roars. And that encounter which we beheld between the heroic + Srinjayas and the Kurus, was fierce in the extreme and highly wonderful. + And in consequence of the arrows shot all around, we could not, O king, + distinguish, O chastiser of foes, the firmament, the sun and the cardinal + and the subsidiary points of the compass. And the splendour, like that of + the blue lotus, of darts with polished points, of bearded lances hurled + (at the foe), of well-tempered sabres and scimitars, of variegated coats + of mail and of the ornaments (on the persons of the warriors), illumined + the welkin and the cardinal and the subsidiary points with its effulgence. + And the field of battle in many places, O king, shone in consequence of + the bodies of monarchs whose effulgence resembled that of the moon and the + sun. And brave car-warriors, tigers among men shone in that battle, O + king, like the planets in the firmament. And Bhishma, that foremost of + car-warriors, excited with rage, checked the mighty Bhimasena in the very + sight of the troops. And the impetuous shafts shot by Bhishma, furnished + with golden wings, and whetted on stone, and rubbed with oil pierced Bhima + in that battle. Then Bhimasena endued with great strength hurled at him, O + Bharata, a dart of fierce impetuosity that resembled a wrathful snake. But + Bhishma in that combat cut off with straight shafts that dart with staff + made of gold and difficult of being borne, as it coursed impetuously + towards him. And with another broad-headed shaft, sharp and well-tempered, + he cut off Bhimasena’s bow, O Bharata, into two parts. Then, O king, in + that battle, Satyaki, coming quickly towards Bhishma, pierced thy sire + with innumerable keen-edged and sharp-pointed shafts of fierce impetuosity + shot from his bowstring drawn to the ear. Then Bhishma, aiming an + exceedingly fierce shaft, felled the charioteer of the Vrishni hero from + his box in the car. And when the charioteer of Satyaki’s car was thus + slain, his steeds, O king, bolted away. Endued with the speed of the + tempest or the mind, they ran wild over the field. Then cries were uttered + by the whole army which became a loud uproar. And exclamation of oh and + alas arose from the high-souled warriors of the Pandava army. And those + cries-said—‘Run, seize, check the horses, go in haste.’ And this + uproar followed Yuyudhana’s car. Meanwhile, Bhishma the son of Santanu + began to slay the Pandava forces like Indra slaying the Danavas. But the + Panchalas and the Somakas, though slain by Bhishma thus, forming yet a + laudable resolution, rushed towards Bhishma. And other warriors of the + Pandava army, headed by Dhrishtadyumna, and desirous of slaughtering the + ranks of thy son, rushed towards Santanu’s son in that battle. And so + also, O king, the warriors of thy army, headed by Bhishma and Drona, + impetuously rushed towards their foes. And thereupon another battle took + place." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0073" id="link62H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “King Virata then pierced that mighty car-warrior, viz., + Bhishma, with three shafts. And that great car-warrior pierced his + (antagonist’s) steeds also with three shafts furnished with golden wings. + And that terrible bowman and mighty car-warrior of firm hand, viz., + Drona’s son, pierced with six shafts the wielder of Gandiva between his + two breasts. Thereupon that grinder of foes, viz., Phalguni, that slayer + of hostile heroes, cut off Aswatthaman’s bow and deeply pierced him in + return with five shafts. Deprived of his senses by anger, and unable to + bear the cutting off of his bow in that battle, Drona’s son, taking up + another bow that was tougher, pierced Phalguni, O king, with ninety sharp + shafts, and Vasudeva also with seventy fierce arrows. Then, with eyes red + in wrath, Phalguni, with Krishna, breathing long and hot breaths, + reflected for a moment. Firmly grasping the bow with his left hand, that + grinder of foes, viz., the wielder of Gandiva excited with rage, fixed on + his bowstring a number of fierce shafts, sharp and perfectly straight, and + capable of taking (the foe’s) life. And that foremost of mighty men + speedily pierced Drona’s son, in that battle, with those arrows. And those + arrows, penetrating through his armour, drank his life-blood. But though + thus pierced by the wielder of Gandiva, Drona’s son wavered not. Shooting + in return similar arrows at Partha, he stayed unperturbed, in that battle, + desirous, O king, of protecting Bhishma of high vows. And that feat of his + was applauded by the foremost warriors of the Kuru army, consisting, as it + did, of his having encountered the two Krishnas united together. Indeed, + Aswatthaman daily battled fearlessly amid the forces, having obtained from + Drona all weapons with the methods also of their withdrawal. ‘This one is + the son of my preceptor. He is again the dear son of Drona. He is + especially a Brahmana, and, therefore, worthy of my regard.’ Thinking so, + that scorcher of foes, the heroic Vibhatsu, that foremost of car-warriors, + showed mercy to the son of Bharadwaja. Avoiding the son of Drona, Kunti’s + son endued with great prowess and having white steeds (yoked unto his + car), began to fight, displaying great quickness of arms and causing a + great carnage of thy troops. Duryodhana then pierced that great bowman + Bhima with ten shafts winged with vulturine feathers, adorned with gold, + and whetted on stone. Thereupon Bhimasena, excited with wrath, took up a + tough and well-adorned bow capable of taking the life of the foe, and also + ten sharp shafts. And steadily aiming those sharp-pointed shafts of fierce + energy and impetuous velocity, and drawing the bow-string to his ear, he + deeply pierced the king of the Kurus in his wide chest. Thereupon the gem + hanging on his breast on threads of gold, surrounded by those shafts, + looked beautiful like the Sun in the firmament surrounded by the planets. + Thy son, however, endued with great energy, thus struck by Bhimasena, + could not bear it (coolly), like a snake unable to bear the sounds of a + man’s slap. Excited with wrath and desirous of protecting his army, he + then pierced Bhima in return, O king, with many shafts whetted on stone + and endued with golden wings. Thus struggling in battle and mangling each + other fiercely, those two mighty sons of thine looked like a pair of + celestials. + </p> + <p> + “That tiger among men and slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of + Subhadra, pierced Chitrasena with many sharp shafts and Purumitra also + with seven shafts. And piercing Satyavrata too with seventy shafts, that + hero resembling Indra himself in battle, began as it were to dance on the + field, and caused us much pain. Chitrasena then pierced him in return with + ten shafts, and Satyavrata with nine, and Purumitra with seven. Then the + son of Arjuna, thus pierced, while yet covered with blood, cut off the + large and beautiful bow of Chitrasena that was capable of checking foes. + And cutting through his coat of mail he pierced his antagonist’s breast + with a shaft. Then the princes of thy army, all heroic and mighty + car-warriors, excited with wrath and united together in that conflict, + pierced him with sharp arrows. And Abhimanyu, acquainted with the + mightiest weapons, smote them all with keen shafts. Beholding that feat of + his, thy sons then surrounded the son of Arjuna, who was consuming thy + army in that conflict like a swelling fire of blazing flames consuming a + heap of dry grass in summer. And the son of Subhadra, while smiting thy + troops (thus), seemed to glow in splendour. Seeing that conduct of his, + thy grandson Lakshmana then, O monarch, quickly fell upon the son of + Subhadra. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior Abhimanyu, excited with wrath, + pierced Lakshmana graced with auspicious marks, as also his charioteer, + with six sharp arrows. But Lakshmana also, O king, pierced Subhadra’s son + with many keen shafts. And that feat, O king, seemed to be highly + wonderful. Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Abhimanyu, slaying the four + steeds as also the charioteer of Lakshmana with sharp shafts, rushed + towards the latter. Thereupon Lakshmana, that slayer of hostile heroes, + staying on that car of his whose steeds had been slain, and excited with + wrath, hurled a dart towards the car of Subhadra’s son. Abhimanyu, + however, with his sharp arrows, cut off that irresistible dart of fierce + mien, resembling a snake, and coming impetuously towards him. Then Kripa, + taking Lakshmana up on his own car, bore him away from the conflict, in + the very sight of all the troops. Then when that awful conflict became + general, the combatants rushed against one another, desirous of taking + another’s life. And the mighty bowmen of thy army and the great + car-warriors of the Pandava host, prepared to lay down their lives in + battle, slew one another. With hair dishevelled, divested of their coats + of mail, deprived of their cars, and their bows broken, the Srinjayas + fought with the Kurus with their bare arms. Then the mighty-armed Bhishma, + endued with great strength, and excited with wrath, slew with his + celestial weapons the troops of the high-souled Pandavas. And the earth + became covered with the fallen bodies of elephants deprived of their + guides of men and steeds and car-warriors and cavalry-soldiers." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0074" id="link62H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then, O king, the mighty-armed Satyaki invincible in + battle, drawing in that conflict an excellent bow capable of bearing a + great strain shot innumerable winged arrows resembling snakes of virulent + poison, displaying his wonderful lightness of hand. And while slaying his + foes in battle, so quickly did he draw the bow, take out his arrows, fix + them on the bowstring, and letting them off throw them among the foe, that + he then seemed to be a mass of clouds pouring a thick shower of rain. + Beholding him then thus blazing up (like a swelling fire), king + Duryodhana, O Bharata, despatched ten thousand cars against him. But that + great bowman, Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled and possessed + of great energy, slew with his celestial weapons all those mighty + car-warriors. Having achieved, bow in hand, that fierce feat, that hero + then approached Bhurisravas in battle. And Bhurisravas also, that enhancer + of the fame of the Kurus, beholding the Dhartarashtra ranks thus felled by + Yuyudhana, rushed in wrath against the latter.<a href="#linknote-6400" name="linknoteref-6400" id="linknoteref-6400">400</a> Drawing his great + bow which resembled that of Indra himself in hue, he shot thousands of + shafts, O monarch, looking like snakes of virulent poison and possessed of + the strength of the thunder, displaying his extreme lightness of hand. + Thereupon the combatants that followed Satyaki, unable to bear those + shafts of fatal touch, fled away, O king, in all directions, abandoning, O + monarch, the invincible Satyaki in that conflict. Beholding this, the + mighty sons of Yuyudhana, all mighty car-warriors of great renown, cased + in excellent mail, bearing diverse arms, and possessing excellent + standards, approaching that great bowman, viz., Bhurisravas, in battle, + wrathfully addressed that warrior bearing on his standard the device of a + sacrificial stake, and said these words, ‘Listen, O kinsman of the + Kauravas, O thou that art possessed of great strength, come, fight in + battle with us, i.e., with either all of us jointly or with each of us + separately. Vanquishing us in battle thou mayst win great renown, or + ourselves, vanquishing thee, will have great gratification.’ Thus + addressed by them, that mighty hero endued with great strength and proud + of his prowess, that foremost of men, beholding them before him, replied + unto them, saying, ‘Ye heroes, ye have said well. If such be now your + wish, fight ye then all together with care. I shall slay all of you in + battle.’ Thus addressed by him, those heroic and mighty bowmen endued with + great activity covered that chastiser of foes with a thick shower of + arrows. And it was towards the afternoon, O king, that that dreadful + battle took place between Bhurisravas alone on one side and the many + united together on the other. And those ten heroes covered that single + mighty car-warrior with showers of arrows like the clouds showering rain + on a mountain cliff in the season of rains. That mighty car-warrior, + however, cut off those clouds of shafts shot by them resembling the fatal + darts of Death or the very thunder in effulgence, before they could reach + him.<a href="#linknote-6401" name="linknoteref-6401" id="linknoteref-6401">401</a> + They then, surrounding that mighty-armed warrior, endeavoured to slay him. + But the son of Somadatta, excited with rage, cut off their bows, O + Bharata, and then their heads, with sharp shafts. Thus slain, they fell + down, O monarch, like mighty trees felled by the thunder.<a + href="#linknote-6402" name="linknoteref-6402" id="linknoteref-6402">402</a> + Beholding then his mighty sons thus slain in battle, the Vrishni hero + (Satyaki), O king, uttering a loud roar, rushed against Bhurisravas. And + those mighty warriors then each pressed his car against the other. And + each of them in that combat slew the other’s car-steeds. And both deprived + of their cars, those mighty warriors jumped down on the ground. And both + taking up large scimitars and excellent shields encountered each other. + And those tigers among men, stationed for the encounter, shone brightly. + Then Bhimasena, O king, quickly coming up to Satyaki thus armed with an + excellent scimitar, took him up on his own car. And thy son also, O + monarch, speedily took up Bhurisravas on his car, in that battle, at the + very sight of all the bowmen. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, during the continuance of that battle, the Pandavas, O bull of + Bharata’s race, excited with wrath, fought with that mighty car-warrior + Bhishma. And when the sun assumed a red hue, Dhananjaya exerting himself + actively, slew five and twenty thousand great car-warriors. These, urged + on by Duryodhana for slaying Partha, were thus completely destroyed before + they could even come up to him, like insects on a blazing fire. Then the + Matsyas and the Kekayas, all accomplished in the science of arms, + surrounded that mighty car-warrior Partha as also his son (for supporting + them). Just at that time the sun disappeared, and all the combatants + seemed to be deprived of their senses. Then at twilight, O king, thy sire + Devavrata, his animals having been tired, caused the troops to be + withdrawn. And the troops of both the Pandavas and the Kurus, filled with + fear and anxiety in course of that dreadful encounter, proceeded to their + respective camps, the Pandavas with the Srinjayas and the Kauravas also + rested for the night agreeably to the rules (of military science)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0075" id="link62H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Having rested for a while, O king, both the Kurus and the + Pandavas, after the night had passed away, once more went out for battle. + And then loud was the uproar, O king, that arose of mighty car-warriors as + they prepared for battle, and of tuskers as these were being equipped for + the conflict, and of infantry as they put on their armour, and of steeds + also, O Bharata. And the blare of conches and the beat of drums became + deafening in all parts of the field. Then king Yudhishthira addressed + Dhrishtadyumna and said, ‘O mighty-armed one, dispose the troops in the + array called Makara that scorcheth the foe.’ Thus addressed by Pritha’s + son, that mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, that foremost of combatants + on cars, issued the order, O great king, to the car-warriors, (for forming + the Makara array). Drupada, and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, formed the + head of that array, and Sahadeva and that mighty car-warrior Nakula formed + its two eyes. And the mighty Bhimasena formed its beak. And Subhadra’s + son, and the sons of Draupadi and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and Satyaki, + and king Yudhishthira the just, were stationed in its neck. And king + Virata that commander of a large division, formed its back, supported by + Dhrishtadyumna and a large force. And the five Kekaya brothers consisted + its left wing, and that tiger among men, viz., Dhrishtaketu, and Chekitana + of great prowess, stationed in the right wing, stood for protecting that + array. And its two feet, O monarch, were constituted by that mighty + car-warrior the blessed Kuntibhoja, and Satanika, supported by a large + force. And that great bowman, the mighty Sikhandin, surrounded by the + Somakas, and Iravat, were stationed in the tail of that Makara array. And + having, O Bharata, formed their great array, the Pandavas, O monarch, + equipped in mail at dawn, again stood for battle. And with elephants and + steeds and cars and infantry, and with standards upraised and umbrellas + set up, and armed with bright, whetted weapons, they quickly proceeded + against the Kauravas. + </p> + <p> + “Then thy sire Devavrata, beholding the (Pandava) army thus arrayed, + disposed his army, O king, in counter-array after the form of a huge + crane. And in its beak was Bharadwaja’s son (Drona). And Aswatthaman and + Kripa, O monarch, formed its two eyes. And that foremost of all bowmen, + viz., Kritavarman, united with the ruler of the Kamvojas and with the + Valhikas was stationed, O king, in its head. And in its neck, O Bharata, + were Surasena, and thy son Duryodhana, O king, surrounded by many kings. + And the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, united with the Madras, the Sauviras, + and the Kekayas, and surrounded by a large force, was stationed, O king, + in its breasts. And Susarman the king of Prasthala, accompanied by his own + troops, stood, accoutred in mail, in the left wing. And the Tusharas, the + Yavanas and the Sakas, along with the Chulikas, stood in the right wing, O + Bharata, of that array. And Srutayush and Sataytish and Somadatta’s son, O + sire, were stationed in the rear of that array protecting one another. + </p> + <p> + “Then the Pandavas, O king, rushed against the Kauravas for battle. The + sun, O Bharata, had risen when the battle commenced. And elephants + proceeded against elephants. And horsemen rushed against horsemen, + car-warriors against car-warriors, O king, and against elephants also, in + that dreadful conflict. And car-men rushed against riders of elephants, + and riders of elephants against horsemen. And car-warriors engaged with + foot-soldiers, and cavalry with infantry. And all the warriors, O king, + excited with wrath, rushed against one another in battle. And the Pandava + army, protected by Bhimasena and Arjuna and the twins, looked beautiful + like the night decorated with stars. And thy army also, with Bhishma and + Kripa and Drona and Salya and Duryodhana, and others, shone like the + firmament spangled with the planets. And Bhimasena the son of Kunti, + endued with great prowess, beholding Drona rushed against the division of + Bharadwaja’s son, borne by his steeds of great fleetness. Then Drona, + excited with wrath in that conflict and endued with great energy, pierced + Bhima with nine shafts made wholly of iron, aiming his vital limbs. Deeply + pierced by Bharadwaja’s son in that conflict, Bhima despatched Drona’s + charioteer to the region of Yama. Thereupon the son of Bharadwaja, endued + with great prowess, himself restraining his steeds, began to consume the + Pandava army like fire consuming a heap of cotton. And while thus + slaughtered, O king, by Drona and Bhishma, the Srinjayas along with the + Kekayas took to flight. And so thy troops also, mangled by Bhima and + Arjuna, became deprived of their senses as they stood, like a beautiful + female in her pride. And in that conflict destructive of heroes great was + the distress, O Bharata, that befell both thy army and theirs. And we + beheld the wonderful sight, O Bharata, of the troops fighting with one + another regardless of their lives.<a href="#linknote-6403" name="linknoteref-6403" id="linknoteref-6403">403</a> And the Pandavas and + the Kauravas, O king, in that conflict, fought with one another + counteracting one another’s weapons." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0076" id="link62H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Our army is possessed of many excellencies, + consisting of diverse forces, its efficiency is great. It is again arrayed + according to the rules of science and, therefore, ought to be + irresistible. It is attached to us exceedingly, and always devoted to us. + It is submissive, and free from the faults of drunkenness and + licentiousness. Its prowess had before been tested. The soldiers are + neither very old nor very young. They are neither lean nor corpulent. Of + active habits, of well-developed and strong frames, they are free from + disease. They are cased in mail and well-equipped with arms. They are + exercised in every kind of weapons. They are skilled in encounters with + swords, with bare arms, and with maces. They are well-exercised in lances, + sabres, and darts, as also in iron clubs, short arrows, javelins and + mallets. They are devoted to all kinds of armed exercises, and are adepts + in mounting upon and descending from the backs of elephants, in moving + forward and stepping back, in smiting effectually, in marching and + retreating. Many a time have they been tested in the management of + elephants and steeds and cars. Having been examined duly they have been + entertained on pay, and not for the sake of lineage, nor from favour nor + from relationship, nor from strength of attachments, nor from connections + of birth and blood. They are all respectable and honest, and their kinsmen + have been well-treated and gratified by us. We have done them many good + offices. They are, besides, all renowned men and endued with great mental + vigour. O son, they are again protected by many foremost of men endued + with great activity, and of famous achievements, resembling the very + Regents of the world and renowned over the whole earth. Innumerable + Kshatriyas, respected throughout the world, and who have of their own will + sided us with their forces and followers also protect them. Indeed, our + army is like the vast ocean filled with the water of innumerable rivers + running from all directions. It abounds with elephants, and with cars + which though destitute of wings, yet resemble the winged tenants of the + air. Vast numbers of combatants constitute the waters of that ocean, and + the steeds and other animals constitute its terrible waves. Innumerable + swords and maces and darts and arrows and lances constitute the oars + (piled on that ocean). Abounding with standards and ornaments and adorned + with cloth inlaid with gold and gems, the rushing steeds and elephants + constitute the winds agitating it into fury. Our host, therefore, really + resembles the vast, shoreless ocean roaring in rage. And that host is + protected by Drona and Bhishma and by Kritavarman and Kripa and Dussasana, + and others headed by Jayadratha. It is also protected by Bhagadatta and + Vikarna, by Drona’s son, and Suvala’s son, and Valhika and by many other + mighty and high-souled heroes of the world. That our army should yet be + slaughtered in battle is due only to predestined fate, O Sanjaya. Neither + men nor highly blessed Rishis of old ever beheld such preparations (for + battle) on earth before. That so large an army, mustered according to + science, and attached (to us) by wealth, should yet be slaughtered in + battle, alas, what can it be but the result of Destiny? O Sanjaya, all + these seem to be unnatural. Indeed Vidura had often said what was both + beneficial and desirable. But my wicked son Duryodhana would not accept + it. I believe that high-souled and well-knowing person had foreseen all + that is now happening and hence the counsel he gave.<a + href="#linknote-6404" name="linknoteref-6404" id="linknoteref-6404">404</a> + Or, O Sanjaya, all these, in all its details, had been pre-arranged by + Him, for that which is ordained by the Creator must happen as ordained and + cannot be otherwise." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0077" id="link62H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Thou hast, O king, in consequence of thy own fault, been + overtaken by this calamity. O bull of Bharata’s race, the faults which + thou, O monarch, hadst seen in that unrighteous course of conduct (towards + the Pandavas), were not seen by Duryodhana. It was through thy fault, O + king, that the match at dice had taken place. And it is through thy fault + that this battle hath taken place with the Pandavas. Having committed a + sin, do thou, therefore, reap the fruit of that sin of thine. One reapeth + the fruit of acts perpetrated by one’s own self. Do thou, therefore, O + king, reap the fruit of thy own acts both here and hereafter. Therefore, O + monarch, though overtaken by this calamity, be calm still, and listen, O + sire, to the (account of the) battle as I recite it. + </p> + <p> + “The heroic Bhimasena, having with his sharp shafts broken thy mighty + array, then came upon all the younger brothers of Duryodhana. The mighty + Bhima, beholding Dussasana and Durvisaha and Dussaha and Durmada and Jaya, + and Jayasena and Vikarna and Chitrasena and Sudarsana, and Charuchitra and + Suvarman and Duskarna and Karna, and many other mighty car-warriors, + excited with rage, of the Dhartarashtra host near enough to himself, + penetrated into (thy) mighty array that was protected by Bhishma in that + battle. Then, beholding him in their midst, all those warriors said, ‘Ye + kings, let us take this one’s life’!—Thereupon that son of Pritha + was surrounded by those cousins of his who were firmly resolved (to take + his life). And Bhima then resembled Surya himself of fierce splendour + surrounded by the mighty planets of evil nature, at the time of the + universal destruction. And although the son of Pandu was there in the very + midst of the (Kaurava) array, yet fear entered not his heart, as it did + not that of Indra while surrounded by the Danavas in the fierce battle of + old between the celestials and the Asuras. Then thousands of car-warriors + armed with all weapons and fully prepared for battle overwhelmed his + single self with terrible shafts. Thereupon the heroic Bhima, disregarding + the sons of Dhritarashtra, slew in that conflict many foremost warriors + (of the Kaurava army) fighting from cars or upon the back of elephants and + steeds. And ascertaining the purpose harboured by those cousins of his who + were bent upon his destruction, the mighty Bhima set his heart upon + slaying them all. Then leaving his car and taking up his mace, the son of + Pandu began to smite that very sea of Dhartarashtra troops. + </p> + <p> + “Then when Bhimasena thus penetrated the Dhartarashtra host, + Dhrishtadyumna the son of Prishata, forsaking Drona (with whom he had been + engaged), quickly proceeded to the spot where Suvala’s son was stationed. + That bull among men, battling countless warriors of thy army, came upon + the empty car of Bhimasena in that battle. And beholding in that conflict + Visoka, the charioteer of Bhimasena, Dhrishtadyumna, O king, became + exceedingly cheerless and almost deprived of his senses. With voice choked + in tears, and sighing as he spoke, he asked Visoka, in grief, saying, + ‘Where is Bhima who is dear to me as my life itself?’ Visoka then, joining + his hands, replied unto Dhrishtadyumna saying, ‘The mighty son of Pandu, + endued with great strength, ordering me to wait for him here, hath alone + penetrated into the Dhartarashtra host that resembleth the very ocean. + That tiger among men very cheerfully said unto me these words—“Wait + for me, O charioteer, restraining the steeds for a short space of time, + that is, till I slay those that are bent upon my destruction.”—Beholding + then the mighty Bhima rushing mace in hand, all our troops (that supported + him) became filled with delight. Then in this fierce and terrible battle, + O prince, thy friend, breaking the mighty array (of the foe), hath + penetrated into it.’ Hearing these words of Visoka, Prishata’s son + Dhrishtadyumna, endued with great strength, said unto the charioteer these + words on the field of battle. ‘What need have I today of life itself, if + forgetting my affection for the Pandavas, I forsake Bhima in battle? If I + return today without Bhima, what will the Kshatriyas say of me? What will + they say of me when they will learn that while I was on the field Bhima + penetrated alone into the hostile array making a single opening in it? The + gods with Indra at their head visit him with evil who, forsaking his + comrades in battle, returneth home unhurt! The mighty Bhima again is my + friend and kinsman. He is devoted to me, and I also am devoted to that + slayer of foes. Therefore, I will go thither, whither Bhima hath gone. + Behold me slaying the foe like Vasava slaying the Danavas.’ Having said + this, the heroic Dhrishtadyumna, O Bharata, proceeded through the midst of + the foe, along the tracks opened by Bhimasena and marked by elephants + crushed with his mace. He then obtained sight of Bhimasena consuming the + hostile ranks or felling Kshatriya warriors like the tempest devastating + rows of trees. And car-warriors and horsemen and foot-soldiers and + tuskers, while thus slaughtered by him, uttered loud cries of woe. And + cries of ah and alas arose from thy troops, O sire, while they were + slaughtered by the victorious Bhima accomplished in all modes of warfare. + Then the Kaurava warriors all accomplished in arms, surrounding Vrikodara + on all sides, fearlessly poured upon him their arrowy showers at the same + time. Then the mighty son of Prishata, beholding that foremost of all + wielders of weapons, that celebrated hero, viz., the son of Pandu, thus + attacked on all sides by fierce ranks of foes in close array, mangled with + shafts, treading the field on foot, and vomiting the poison of his wrath, + mace in hand and looking like the Destroyer himself at the hour of the + universal dissolution, quickly approached him and comforted him by his + presence. And taking him upon his car, and plucking the arrows off from + all his limbs, and embracing him warmly, the high-souled son of Prishata + comforted Bhimasena in the very midst of the foe. Then thy son, in that + terrible conflict, quickly coming up to his brothers, said unto them, + ‘This son of Drupada of wicked soul, is now united with Bhimasena. Let us + all approach him together for slaying him. Let not the foe seek our ranks + (for battle).’ Hearing these words, the Dhartarashtras, thus urged on by + the command of their eldest brother and unable to put up (with the foe), + quickly rushed, with upraised weapons, for slaying Dhrishtadyumna like + fierce comets at the hour of the universal dissolution. Taking up their + beautiful bows, those heroes, making the very earth shiver with the twang + of their bowstring and the rattle of their car-wheels, showered shafts on + Drupada’s son, like the clouds covering the mountain-breast with torrents + of rain. But that hero conversant with all modes of warfare, though thus + struck with sharp arrows in that battle, did not waver. On the other hand, + that mighty car-warrior, the youthful son of Drupada, beholding those + heroic sons of thine staying before him in battle and exerting themselves + to their utmost being desirous of slaying them applied that fierce weapon + called Pramohana and engaged with thy sons, O king, like Indra with the + Danavas in battle. Then those heroic warriors were deprived of their + senses, their minds and strength afflicted by the Pramohana weapon. And + the Kauravas fled away in all directions, with their steeds and elephants + and cars, beholding those sons of thine deprived of their senses in a + swoon like those whose hours had come. And at that time Drona, the + foremost of all wielders of weapons, approaching Drupada, pierced him with + three fierce shafts. And that monarch then, O king, viz., Drupada, deeply + pierced by Drona, left the battle, O Bharata, remembering his former + hostility (with Bharadwaja’s son). Thereupon Drona endued with great + prowess having thus vanquished Drupada, blew his conch. And hearing the + blare of his conch, all the Somakas were struck with fear. Then Drona, + possessed of great energy, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, heard + of thy sons being deprived of their senses in battle with the Pramohana + weapon. Then the son of Bharadwaja, desirous of rescuing the princes, + speedily left that part of the field where he was and proceeded to the + place where thy sons were. And that mighty bowman viz., Bharadwaja’s son + of great prowess, there beheld Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima careering through + the field in that dreadful conflict. And that mighty car-warrior beheld + thy sons deprived of their senses. Taking up then the weapon called + Prajna, he neutralised the Pramohana weapon (that Dhrishtadyumna had + shot). Then thy sons those mighty car-warriors, when their senses + returned, once more proceeded to battle with Bhima and Prishata’s son. + Then Yudhishthira, addressing his own troops said, ‘Let twelve brave + car-warriors cased in mail and headed by Subhadra’s son, follow, to the + utmost of their might, the track of Bhima and Prishata’s son in battle. + Let intelligence be had (of those two warriors). My heart is very uneasy.’ + Thus ordered by the king, those heroes possessed of great prowess in + battle and proud of their manliness, saying ‘Yes,’ all proceeded forward + when the sun had reached the meridian. And those chastisers of foes then, + viz., the Kaikeyas and the sons of Draupadi, and Dhrishtaketu of great + prowess, supported by a large force and with Abhimanyu at their head, and + disposing themselves in the array called Suchimukha,<a + href="#linknote-6405" name="linknoteref-6405" id="linknoteref-6405">405</a> + penetrated into that car-division of the Dhartarashtras in battle. And thy + troops, O king, struck with the fear of Bhimasena and deprived of their + senses by Dhrishtadyumna, were unable to resist (the rush of) those mighty + bowmen headed by Abhimanyu. And they were quite helpless, like a lady in + the streets. And those mighty bowmen with standards variegated with gold + cutting through (the Kaurava ranks), proceeded with great speed for + rescuing Dhrishtadyumna and Vrikodara. And the latter, beholding those + mighty bowmen headed by Abhimanyu, became filled with delight and + continued to smite down thy ranks. And the heroic prince of Panchala, + viz., the son of Prishata, seeing meanwhile his preceptor advancing + towards him with great speed, no longer wished to compass the death of thy + sons. Causing Vrikodara then to be taken up on the car of the king of the + Kaikeyas, he rushed in great wrath against Drona accomplished in arrow and + all weapons. And that slayer of foes, viz., the valiant son of Bharadwaja, + excited with rage, cut off with a broad-headed shaft the bow of Prishata’s + son who was rushing towards him with impetuosity. And remembering the + bread he had eaten of his master and desirous of doing good to Duryodhana, + he also sped hundreds of shafts after Prishata’s son. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., the son of Prishata, taking up another bow, pierced + Drona with seventy shafts whetted on stone and furnished with wings of + gold. Then that grinder of foes, viz., Drona, once more cut off his bow, + and despatched his four steeds to Yama’s abode with four excellent arrows, + and also slew his charioteer, O Bharata, with a broad-headed shaft. Then + that mighty car-warrior of strong arms, viz., Dhrishtadyumna, quickly + descending from that car whose steeds had been slain, ascended the great + car of Abhimanyu. Then Drona caused the Pandava army consisting of cars, + elephants, and steeds, to tremble, in the very sight of Bhimasena and the + intelligent son of Prishata. Beholding then that army thus broken by Drona + of immeasurable energy, all those mighty car-warriors were incapable of + checking its flight. And that army, thus slaughtered by Drona with his + sharp shafts, began to move in eddies there, like the agitated sea. And + beholding the (Pandava) army in that condition, thy troops were filled + with delight. And seeing the preceptor excited with rage and thus + consuming the ranks of the foe, all thy warriors, O Bharata, set up loud + shouts and uttered exclamations in praise of Drona." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0078" id="link62H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then king Duryodhana, regaining his senses, once more began + to resist Bhima with showers of arrows. And once more those mighty + car-warriors viz., thy sons, united together, began to fight valiantly + with Bhimasena. And Bhimasena also of mighty arms during that battle, + having got his car, ascended it and proceeded to the spot where thy sons + were. And taking up a strong and very tough bow adorned with gold and + capable of taking the lives of foes he pierced thy sons in that conflict, + with his shafts. Then king Duryodhana struck the mighty Bhimasena at the + very vitals with a long shaft of exceeding sharpness. Then that mighty + bowman, pierced thus deeply by thy son, bow in hand, forcibly drawing his + own with eyes red in wrath, struck Duryodhana in his two arms and the + breast with three shafts. But struck thus, O king, he moved not, like a + prince of mountains. Beholding then those two heroes excited with rage and + smiting each other, the younger brothers of Duryodhana, all of whom were + heroes prepared to lay down their lives, remembering their previously + formed scheme of afflicting Vrikodara of terrible deeds, set about firmly + resolved, for smiting him down. And as they fell upon him in battle, + Bhimasena of great strength rushed against them, O king, like an elephant + rushing against an attacking compeer. Excited with fury and endued with + great energy, that celebrated hero then, O king, afflicted thy son + Chitrasena with a long arrow. And as regards thy other sons, that + descendant of Bharata smote them all in that battle, with diverse kinds of + shafts furnished with wings of gold and endued with great impetus. Then + king Yudhishthira the just, disposing all his own divisions properly + despatched twelve mighty car-warriors including Abhimanyu and others to + follow Bhimasena behind. Those, O king, all proceeded against those mighty + car-warriors, viz., thy sons. Beholding those heroes on their cars, + resembling the Sun himself or the fire in splendour—those great + bowmen of blazing effulgence and superb beauty, looking resplendent in + that dreadful conflict with ornaments of gold,—thy mighty sons + abandoned Bhima (with whom they had been fighting). The sons of Kunti, + however, could not bear the sight of their abandoning the conflict alive." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0079" id="link62H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then Abhimanyu, accompanied by Bhimasena pursuing thy sons, + afflicted them all. Then the mighty car-warriors of thy army, including + Duryodhana and others, beholding Abhimanyu and Bhimasena united with + Prishata’s son in the midst of the (Kauravas) troops, took up their bows, + and borne by their fleet steeds rushed to the spot where those warriors + were. And on that afternoon, O king, a dreadful conflict took place + between the mighty combatants of thy army and those of the foe, O Bharata. + And Abhimanyu, having, in that fierce battle, slain the steeds of Vikarna, + pierced the latter with five and twenty small arrows. Then that mighty + car-warrior, Vikarna, abandoning that car whose steeds had been slain, + mounted on the resplendent car, O king, of Chitrasena. Then thus stationed + on the same car, viz., those two brothers of Kuru’s race, the son of + Arjuna covered, O Bharata, with showers of arrows. Then Durjaya and + Vikarna pierced Abhimanyu with five shafts made wholly of iron. Abhimanyu + however, shook not in the least but stood firm like the mountain Meru. + Dussasana in that battle, O sire, fought with the five Kekaya brothers. + All these, O great king, seemed exceedingly wonderful. The sons of + Draupadi, excited with rage, resisted Duryodhana in that battle. And each + of them, O king, pierced thy son with three shafts. Thy son also, + invincible in battle, pierced each of the sons of Draupadi, O monarch, + with sharp shafts. And pierced by them (in return) and bathed in blood, he + shone like a hill with rillets of water mixed with red chalk (gliding down + its breast). And the mighty Bhishma also, in that battle, O king, + afflicted the Pandava army like a herdsman belabouring his herd. Then, O + monarch, the twang of Gandiva was heard, of Partha, who was engaged in + slaughtering the foe on the right of the army. + </p> + <p> + “And in that part of the field headless trunks stood up by thousands, + amongst the troops, O Bharata, of both the Kauravas and the Pandavas. And + the field of battle resembled an ocean whose water was blood, and whose + eddies were the shafts (shot by the combatants). And the elephants + constituted the islands of that ocean, and the steeds its waves. And cars + constituted the boats by which brave men crossed it. And many brave + combatants, with arms cut off, divested of armour, and hideously + mutilated, were seen lying there in hundreds and thousands. And with the + bodies of infuriate elephants deprived of life and bathed in blood, the + field of battle. O Bharata, looked as if strewn with hills. And the + wonderful sight we saw there, O Bharata, was that neither in their army + nor in thine was a single person that was unwilling to fight. And thus, O + monarch, did those brave warriors, of both thy army and the Pandavas, + fight, seeking glory and desirous of victory." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0080" id="link62H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then when the sun assumed a red hue, king Duryodhana, + desirous of battle, rushed towards Bhima from desire of slaying him. + Beholding that heroic warrior cherishing deep animosity (thus) coming + towards him, Bhimasena, excited with great wrath, said these words,—‘That + hour hath come which I have desired for so many years. I will slay thee + to-day if thou dost not abandon the battle. Slaying thee I shall today + dispel the sorrows of Kunti as also of Draupadi and the woes that were + ours during our exile in the woods. Filled with pride, thou hadst formerly + humiliated the sons of Pandu. Behold, O son of Gandhari, the dire fruit of + that sinful behaviour. Following the counsels of Karna as also of Suvala’s + son, and recking the Pandavas little, thou hadst formerly behaved towards + them as thou hadst hinted. Thou hadst also disregarded Krishna who begged + thee (for peace). With a joyous heart didst thou despatch Uluka (to us) + with thy messages. For all these, I shall slay thee to-day with all thy + kinsmen, and thus avenge all those offences of thine of former days.’ + Having said these words, Bhima bending his bow and stretching it + repeatedly, and taking up a number of terrible shafts whose effulgence + resembled that of the lightning itself, and filled with wrath, quickly + sped six and thirty of them at Duryodhana. And those shafts resembled the + flames of a blazing fire, and coursed straight with the force of the + thunder-bolt. And then he pierced Duryodhana’s bow with two shafts, and + his charioteer with two. And with four shafts he despatched Duryodhana’s + (four) steeds to the regions of Yama. And that grinder of foes then, with + two shafts shot with great force, cut off in that battle the king’s + umbrella from his excellent car. And with three other shafts he cut off + his handsome and blazing standard. And having cut it off, he uttered a + loud shout in the very sight of thy son. And that beautiful standard of + the latter, decked with diverse gems, suddenly fell down on the earth from + his car like a flash of lightning from the clouds. And all the kings + beheld that beautiful standard of the Kuru king, bearing the device of an + elephant, decked with gems, and blazing like the sun, fell down cut off + (by Bhimasena). And that mighty car-warrior, viz., Bhima, then pierced + Duryodhana in that battle, smiling the while, with ten shafts like a guide + piercing a mighty elephant with the hook. Then that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the mighty king of the Sindhus, supported by many + brave warriors, placed himself on the flank of Duryodhana. And then that + great car-warrior, viz., Kripa, O king, caused the vindictive Duryodhana, + that son of Kuru’s race, of immeasurable energy, to mount on his own car. + Then king Duryodhana, deeply pierced by Bhimasena and feeling great pain, + sat down on the terrace of that car. Then Jayadratha, desirous of slaying + Bhima, surrounded him on all sides with several thousands of cars. Then, O + king, Dhrishtaketu and Abhimanyu of great energy, and the Kekayas, and the + sons of Draupadi, all encountered thy sons. And the high-souled Abhimanyu + smote them all, piercing each with five straight shafts, resembling the + bolts of heaven or Death’s selves, shot from his excellent bow. Thereupon, + all of them, unable to bear it (coolly), showered on that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the son of Subhadra, a perfect down-pour of sharp + shafts like rain-charged clouds pouring rain on the breast of the + mountains of Meru. But Abhimanyu, that invisible warrior accomplished in + arms, thus afflicted by them in battle, caused all thy sons, O king, to + tremble like the wielder of the thunder-bolt causing the mighty Asuras to + tremble in the battle between the celestials and the latter. Then that + foremost of car-warriors, O Bharata, shot fourteen broad-headed shafts, + fierce and looking like snakes of virulent poison, at Vikarna. Endued with + great prowess and as if dancing in that battle, he felled with those + shafts the standard of Vikarna from his car and slew also his charioteer + and steeds. Then that mighty car-warrior, the son of Subhadra, again sped + at Vikarna many other arrows that were well-tempered, straight-going, and + capable of penetrating every armour. And those arrows furnished with + feathers of the kanka bird, coming at Vikarna and passing through his + body, entered the earth, like hissing snakes. And those arrows, with wings + and points decked with gold, bathed in Vikarna’s blood, seemed to vomit + blood on the earth. Beholding Vikarna thus pierced, his other uterine + brothers rushed, in that battle, against those car-warriors headed by + Subhadra’s son. And when these invincible warriors upon their (own) cars + came upon those combatants (of the Pandava army) resplendent like so many + suns and staying on their cars both began to pierce one another. And + Durmukha, having pierced Srutakarman with five shafts, cut off the + latter’s standard with a single shaft and then pierced his charioteer with + seven. And advancing closer, he slew with half a dozen shafts his foe’s + steeds, fleet as the wind and cased in golden armour, and then felled his + charioteer. Srutakarman, however, staying on that car of his, the steeds + of which had been slain, hurled in great wrath a dart blazing like a + fierce meteor. That dart, blazing with effulgence, passing through the + renowned Durmukha’s hard coat of mail, penetrated into the earth. + Meanwhile the mighty Sutasoma beholding Srutakarman deprived of his car, + caused him to mount upon his own car in the very sight of all the troops. + The heroic Srutakirti rushed against thy son Jayatsena in that battle, + desirous, O king, of slaying that renowned warrior. Then thy son + Jayatsena, O king, with a sharp arrow having a horse-shoe head, smiling + the while, cut off the bow of the high-souled Srutakirti as the latter + came along stretching it in his hands. Then Satanika, beholding his + uterine brother’s bow cut off, endued as he was with great valour, quickly + came at that spot repeatedly roaring like a lion. And Satanika, drawing + his bow in that battle with great force, speedily pierced Jayatsena with + ten shafts, and uttered a loud shout like an infuriate elephant. And with + another arrow of sharp point and capable of penetrating every armour, + Satanika deeply pierced Jayatsena in the chest. Just at that time, + Dushkarna who was near his brother (Jayatsena) infuriate with anger, cut + off Satanika’s bow and arrow. Then the mighty Satanika taking up another + excellent bow capable of bearing a great strain, aimed many sharp shafts. + And addressing Dushkarna in the presence of his brother (Jayatsena), + saying—‘Wait’, ‘Wait’,—he sped at him those sharp and blazing + shafts resembling so many snakes. And then he speedily cut off Dushkarna’s + bow with one arrow, and slew his charioteer, O sire, with two, and then + pierced Dushkarna himself with seven arrows. And that spotless warrior + then with a dozen sharp shafts slew all the steeds of Dushkarna that were + fleet as the mind and of variegated hue. And then with another + broad-headed arrow, well-aimed and capable of coursing swiftly, Satanika, + excited with great wrath deeply pierced Dushkarna in the chest. And + thereupon the latter fell down on the earth like a tree struck with + lightning. Beholding Dushkarna slain, five mighty car-warriors, O king, + surrounded Satanika on all sides, from desire of slaying him. And they + struck the renowned Satanika with showers of arrows. Then the five Kekaya + brothers, excited with wrath, approached (Satanika for rescuing him). + Beholding the latter coming upon them, thy sons—those mighty + car-warriors,—rushed towards them like elephants rushing against + mighty elephants. (These amongst thy sons, viz.,) Durmukha and Durjaya and + the youthful Durmarshana and Satrunjaya and Satrusha, all renowned + warriors, excited with rage, proceeded, O king, against the (five) Kekaya + brothers. On their cars that resembled (fortified) towns, unto which were + yoked steeds decked with ornaments, and which were graced with beautiful + standards of variegated hue, those heroes wielding excellent bows and + cased in beautiful coats of mail and owning excellent standards, entered + the hostile army like lions entering one forest from another. Smiting one + another, fierce and terrific was the battle that ensued between them and + the foe, in which cars and elephants got entangled with one another. + Cherishing feelings of hostility towards one another, the terrible battle + in which they took part lasted for a short space of time about sunset, + increasing the population of Yama’s kingdom. And car-warriors and horsemen + by thousands were strewn over the field. And Bhishma the son of Santanu + excited with wrath, began to slaughter the troops of the high-souled + Pandavas with his straight shafts. And with his arrows he began to + despatch the combatants of the Panchalas to the domains of Yama. And the + grandsire, having thus broken the ranks of the Pandavas at last withdrew + his troops and retired, O king, to his encampment. And king Yudhishthira + also, beholding both Dhrishtadyumna and Vrikodara, smelt their heads, and + filled with joy, retired to his tents." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0081" id="link62H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then those heroes, O king, who cherished feelings of + hostility towards one another, retired to their tents, their persons + covered with blood. Having rested for a while agreeably to rule, and + praising one another (for the feats of the day), they were again seen clad + in mail, desirous of battle. Then thy son, O king, overwhelmed with + anxiety and covered with blood trickling down (from his wounds), asked the + grandsire, saying,<a href="#linknote-6406" name="linknoteref-6406" id="linknoteref-6406">406</a> ‘Our troops are fierce and terrible and + carry innumerable standards. They are, again, arrayed properly. Yet the + brave and mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, having penetrated (into our + array) and afflicted and slaughtered (our troops), escaped unhurt.<a + href="#linknote-6407" name="linknoteref-6407" id="linknoteref-6407">407</a> + Confounding us all, they have won great fame in battle. Bhima again, + having penetrated into our Makara array which was strong as the + thunder-bolt, afflicted me with his terrible shafts each resembling the + rod of Death. Beholding him excited with wrath, O king, I was deprived of + my senses. Even now I cannot regain my peace of mind. Through thy grace, O + thou that art firm in truth, I desire to obtain victory and slay the sons + of Pandu.’ Thus addressed by him, the high-souled son of Ganga, that + foremost of all wielders of weapons, endued with great mental energy, + understanding that Duryodhana was possessed by grief replied unto him, + laughing the while though cheerless, saying,<a href="#linknote-6408" name="linknoteref-6408" id="linknoteref-6408">408</a> ‘Penetrating into + (their) army with the utmost exertions and with my whole soul, O prince, I + wish to give thee victory and joy. For thy sake I do not at all dissemble. + They that have become the allies of the Pandavas in this battle are fierce + and numerous. Mighty car-warriors of great renown, they are exceedingly + brave and accomplished in arms. Incapable of being fatigued, they vomit + forth their wrath. Cherishing feelings of animosity towards thee, and + swelling with prowess, they are not capable of being defeated easily. I + will, however, O king, contend against those heroes with my whole soul and + throwing away my very life. For thy sake, in battle, O thou of great + glory, my life itself shall today be recklessly exposed. For thy sake I + would consume all the worlds with the celestials and the Daityas, let + alone thy foes here. I will, O king, fight with those Pandavas, and do all + that is agreeable to thee.’ Hearing these words, Duryodhana became + inspired with great confidence and his heart was filled with delight. And + cheerfully he ordered all the troops, and all the kings, (in his army) + saying, Advance. And at that command, O king, his army consisting of cars, + steeds, foot-soldiers, and elephants, began to advance. And that large + force. O king, armed with diverse kinds of weapons, was exceedingly + cheerful. And that army of thine, O monarch, consisting of elephants, + steeds, and foot-soldiers, on the field of battle, looked exceedingly + beautiful. And huge tuskers, stationed in large bodies, and skilfully + urged, looked resplendent on the field all around. And many royal + combatants accomplished in diverse weapons were seen in the midst of thy + troops. And the dust, red as the morning sun, raised by those cars and + foot-soldiers and elephants and steeds in large bodies as they were duly + moved over the field, looked beautiful, shrouding the rays of the sun. And + the many-coloured banners stationed on cars and elephants, waving in the + air and moving along the welkin, looked beautiful like flashes of + lightning amid the clouds. And loud and fierce was the uproar made by the + twang of the bows stretched by the kings, resembling the roar of the ocean + while churned in the Krita age by the gods and the great Asuras. And that + army of thy sons, looking so proud, consisting of (combatants of) diverse + hues and shapes, shouting so fiercely, and capable of slaying hostile + warriors, then looked like those masses of clouds that appear at the end + of the Yuga.<a href="#linknote-6409" name="linknoteref-6409" id="linknoteref-6409">409</a>" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0082" id="link62H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “O chief of the Bharatas, Ganga’s son, once more addressing + thy son who was plunged in thought, told him these delightful words, + ‘Myself and Drona and Salya and Kritavarman of Satwata’s race, and + Aswatthaman and Vikarna and Bhagadatta and Suvala’s son and Vinda and + Anuvinda of Avanti, and Valhika with the Valhikas,<a href="#linknote-6410" name="linknoteref-6410" id="linknoteref-6410">410</a> and the mighty king + of the Trigartas and the invincible ruler of the Magadhas, Vrihadvala the + king of the Kosalas, and Chitrasena and Vivinsati and many thousands of + car-warriors graced with tall standards, a large number of country-born + steeds well-mounted with excellent horse-soldiers and many infuriate + elephants of large size with temporal juice issuing from their mouths and + cheeks, and many brave foot-soldiers armed with diverse weapons and born + in diverse realms, are all prepared to do battle for thy sake.<a + href="#linknote-6411" name="linknoteref-6411" id="linknoteref-6411">411</a> + These, and many others ready for thy sake to lay down their lives, are, as + I think, competent to vanquish the very gods in battle. I should, however, + always tell thee, O king, what is for thy good. The Pandavas are incapable + of being vanquished by the very gods with Vasava. They have Vasudeva for + their ally and are equal to Mahendra himself in prowess. As regards + myself, I shall, however, always do thy bidding. Either I shall vanquish + the Pandavas in battle or they will vanquish me.’ Having said these words, + the grandsire gave him an excellent herb of great efficacy for healing his + wounds. And therewith thy son was cured of his wounds. Then at dawn when + the sky was clear, the valiant Bhishma, that foremost of men well-versed + in all kinds of array, himself disposed his troops in that array called + Mandala bristling with weapons. And it abounded with foremost of warriors + and with tuskers and foot-soldiers. And it was surrounded on all sides + with many thousands of cars, and with large bodies of horsemen armed with + swords and lances. Near unto every elephant were placed seven cars, and + near unto every car were placed seven horsemen. And behind every horseman + were placed seven bowmen, and behind every bowman were seven combatants + with shields. And thus, O king, thy army, arrayed by mighty car-warriors, + stood for fierce battle, protected by Bhishma. And ten thousand horses, + and as many elephants, and ten thousand cars, and thy sons, all equipped + in mail, viz., the heroic Chitrasena and others, protected the grandsire. + And it was seen that Bhishma was protected by those brave warriors, and + those princes themselves of great strength, accoutred in mail, were (in + their turn) protected by him. And Duryodhana accoutred in mail sat upon + his car on the field, and possessed of every grace, looked resplendent + like Sakra himself in heaven. Then, O Bharata, loud were the shouts + uttered by thy sons and deafening the clatter of cars and the uproar of + musical instruments. That mighty and impenetrable array of those slayer of + foes, viz., the Dhartarashtras (in the form called) Mandala, (thus) + arrayed by Bhishma, began to proceed, facing the west. Incapable of being + defeated by enemies, it looked beautiful in every point. Beholding then + the array called Mandala that was exceedingly fierce, king Yudhishthira + himself disposed his troops in the array called Vajra. And when the + divisions were thus arrayed, car-warriors and horsemen, stationed in their + proper places, uttered leonine shouts. Accompanied by their respective + forces, the brave warriors of both armies, well versed in smiting, and + longing for battle, proceeded, desirous of breaking each other’s array. + And Bharadwaja’s son proceeded against the king of the Matsyas, and his + son (Aswatthaman) against Sikhandin. And king Duryodhana himself rushed + against the son of Prishata. And Nakula and Sahadeva went forth against + the king of the Madras. And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti proceeded against + Iravat. And many kings together battled with Dhananjaya. And Bhimasena, + exerting himself well, opposed the son of Hridika in battle. And possessed + of great prowess, (Abhimanyu) the son of Arjuna, fought in battle, O king, + against thy sons Chitrasena and Vikarna, and Durmarshana. And Hidimva’s + son, that prince of the Rakshasas, rushed against that mighty bowman, the + ruler of the Pragjyotishas, like one infuriate elephant against another. + And the Rakshasa Alamvusha, O king, excited with wrath, rushed in battle + against the invincible Satyaki in the midst of his followers. And + Bhurisravas, exerting himself greatly, fought against Dhrishtaketu. And + Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, proceeded against king Srutayush. And + Chekitana in that battle fought against Kripa. And others (among the Kuru + warriors), exerting themselves powerfully, proceeded against that mighty + car-warrior Bhima. And thousands of (other) kings surrounded Dhananjaya, + with darts, lances, arrows, maces, and spiked clubs in their hands. Then + Arjuna, excited with great wrath, addressing him of Vrishni’s race, said, + ‘Behold, O Madhava, the Dhartarashtra troops in battle, arrayed by the + high-souled son of Ganga, acquainted with every kind of array. Behold, O + Madhava, those brave warriors, countless in number, and desirous of battle + (with me). Behold, O Kesava, the ruler of the Trigartas with his brothers.<a + href="#linknote-6412" name="linknoteref-6412" id="linknoteref-6412">412</a> + This very day I shall slay them all, O Janardana, before thy eyes,—them, + that is, O foremost of the Yadus, who, longing for battle (with me), are + on the field.’ Having said these words, the son of Kunti, rubbing his + bowstring, showered his arrows on that multitude of kings. And those great + bowmen also, poured on him thick showers of arrows, like clouds that fill + a lake with torrents of rain in the rainy season. And loud shouts were + heard in thy army, O monarch, when in that great battle the two Krishnas + were seen covered with thick showers of arrows. And the gods, the + celestial Rishis, and the Gandharvas with the Uragas, beholding the two + Krishnas in that state, were filled with great wonder. Then Arjuna, O + king, excited with wrath, invoked the Aindra weapon. And then the prowess + we beheld of Vijaya seemed to be highly wonderful insomuch that those + showers of weapons shot by his foes were checked by his myriads of arrows. + And there among those thousands of kings and steeds and elephants, was + none, O king, that was not wounded. And others, O sire, the son of Pritha + pierced, each with two or three arrows. And while being thus struck by + Pritha, they sought the protection of Bhishma, the son of Santanu. But + Bhishma then became the rescuer of those warriors who were like men + sinking in the fathomless deep. And in consequence of those warriors thus + flying away and mixing with thy troops, thy broken ranks, O king, were + agitated like the vast deep with a tempest." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0083" id="link62H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “And when the battle was thus raging and after Susarman had + ceased fighting, and the (other) heroic warriors (of the Kuru army) had + been routed by the high-souled son of Pandu; after, indeed, thy army, + resembling the very ocean, had become quickly agitated and the son of + Ganga had speedily proceeded against the car of Vijaya, king Duryodhana, + beholding the prowess of Partha in battle, quickly proceeded towards those + kings, and addressing them as also the heroic and mighty Susarman + stationed in their van, said in their midst these words, gladdening them + all, ‘This Bhishma, the son of Santanu, this foremost one among the Kurus, + reckless of his very life, is desirous of fighting with his whole soul + against Dhananjaya. Exerting your best, ye all, united together, and + accompanied by your troops, protect in battle the grandsire, of Bharata’s + race, who is proceeding against the hostile army.’ Saying, ‘Yes,’ all + those divisions, belonging to those kings, O monarch, proceeded, following + the grandsire. Then the mighty Bhishma, the son of Santanu, (thus rushing + to battle), speedily came upon Arjuna of Bharata’s race who also had been + coming towards him, on his exceedingly resplendent and large car unto + which were yoked white steeds and upon which was set up his standard + bearing the fierce ape, and whose rattle resembled the deep roll of the + clouds. And thy entire army, beholding the diadem-decked Dhananjaya, thus + coming to battle, uttered, from fear, many loud exclamations. And + beholding Krishna, reins in hand, and looking like the mid-day sun in + splendour, thy troops could not gaze at him. And so also the Pandavas were + incapable of looking at Santanu’s son Bhishma of white steeds and white + bow and resembling the planet Sukra risen in the firmament. And the latter + was surrounded on all sides by the high-souled warriors of the Trigartas + headed by their king with his brothers and sons, and by many other mighty + car-warriors. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Bharadwaja’s son pierced with his winged arrows the king of + the Matsyas in battle. And in that combat he cut off the latter’s standard + with one shaft, and his bow also with another. Then Virata, the commander + of a large division, leaving aside that bow thus cut off, quickly took up + another that was strong and capable of bearing a great strain. And he also + took up a number of blazing arrows that resembled snakes of virulent + poison. And he pierced Drona in return with three (of these) and his + (four) steeds with four. And then he pierced Drona’s standard with one + arrow, and his charioteer with five. And he also pierced Drona’s bow with + one arrow, and (at all this) that bull among Brahmanas became highly + angry. Then Drona slew Virata’s steeds with eight straight shafts, and + then his charioteer, O chief of the Bharatas, with one shaft. His + charioteer having been slain, Virata jumped down from his car whose steeds + also had been killed. And then that foremost of car-warriors speedily + mounted upon the car of (his son) Sankha. Then sire and son, staying on + the same car, began with great might to resist the son of Bharadwaja with + a thick shower of arrows. Then the mighty son of Bharadwaja, excited with + wrath, quickly shot at Sankha in that encounter, an arrow resembling a + snake of virulent poison. And that arrow, piercing through Sankha’s breast + and drinking his blood, fell upon the earth, wet and smeared with gore. + Struck with that arrow of Bharadwaja’s son, Sankha speedily fell down from + his car, his bow and arrows loosened from his grasp in the very presence + of his sire. And beholding his son slain, Virata fled from fear, avoiding + Drona in battle, who resembled Death’s self with gaping mouth. The son of + Bharadwaja then, without losing a moment, checked the mighty host of the + Pandavas resisting combatants by hundreds and thousands. + </p> + <p> + “Sikhandin also, O king, getting at Drona’s son in that battle, struck the + latter between his brows with three swiftly coursing shafts. And that + tiger among men, viz., Aswatthaman, pierced with those shafts looked + beautiful like the mountain Meru with its three tall golden crests. Then, + O king, Aswatthaman excited with rage, and within half the time taken up + by a wink of the eye, overthrew in that battle Sikhandin’s charioteer and + standard and steeds and weapons, covering them with myriads of shafts. + Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Sikhandin, that scorcher of + foes, jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, and taking + up a sharp and polished scimitar and a shield, excited with rage, moved on + the field with great activity like a hawk. And while moving with great + activity, O king, on the field sword in hand, the son of Drona failed to + find an opportunity (for striking him). And all this seemed highly + wonderful. And then, O bull of Bharata’s race, the highly wrathful son of + Drona sent after Sikhandin in that battle many thousands of shafts. But + Sikhandin, that foremost of mighty men, with his sharp sword cut that + fierce shower of arrows coming towards him. Then the son of Drona cut into + pieces that resplendent and beautiful shield decked with a hundred moons + and then that sword also of Sikhandin. And he pierced the latter’s person + also, O king, with a large number of winged arrows. Then Sikhandin, + whirling the fragment (in his hand) of that sword of his which had been + cut off by Aswatthaman with his arrows and which resembled a blazing + snake, quickly hurled it at him. The son of Drona however, displaying in + that battle the lightness of his arms, cut off that (broken blade) coming + impetuously towards him and resembling in splendour the fire that blazeth + forth at the end of the Yuga. And he pierced Sikhandin himself with + innumerable arrows made of iron. Then Sikhandin, O King, exceedingly + afflicted with those whetted arrows, speedily mounted on the car of + (Satyaki) that high-souled scion of Madhu’s race. Then Satyaki, excited + with rage, pierced in that battle, with his terrible shafts the cruel + Rakshasa Alamvusha on all sides. That prince of Rakshasas then, O Bharata, + cut off in that combat Satyaki’s bow with a crescent-shaped arrow and + pierced Satyaki also with many shafts. And creating by his Rakshasa powers + an illusion, he covered Satyaki with showers of arrows. But wonderful was + the prowess that we then beheld of the grandson of Sini, inasmuch as + struck with those whetted shafts he betrayed no fear. On the other hand, O + Bharata, that son of Vrishni’s race applied (with Mantras) the Aindra + weapon, which that illustrious hero of Madhu’s race had obtained from + Vijaya.<a href="#linknote-6413" name="linknoteref-6413" id="linknoteref-6413">413</a> That weapon, consuming into ashes that + Demoniac illusion, covered Alamvusha all over with terrible shafts, like a + mass of clouds covering the mountain-breast with torrents of rain in the + rainy season. Thereupon the Rakshasa, thus afflicted by that hero of + Madhu’s race, fled away in fear, avoiding Satyaki in battle. Then the + grandson of Sini, having vanquished that prince of Rakshasas who was + incapable of being vanquished by Maghavat himself, uttered a loud roar in + the very sight of all thy troops. And Satyaki, of prowess incapable of + being baffled, then began to slay thy troops with innumerable shafts + whereupon the latter fled away in fear. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, O monarch, Dhrishtadyumna, the mighty son of Drupada, covered + thy royal son in battle with innumerable straight shafts. While, however, + O Bharata, Dhrishtadyumna was thus shrouding him with his shafts, thy + royal son was neither agitated nor struck with fear. On the other hand, he + speedily pierced Dhrishtadyumna in that battle (first) with sixty and + (then) with thirty shafts. And all these seemed highly wonderful. Then the + commander of the Pandava army, O Bharata, excited with wrath cut off his + bow. And that mighty car-warrior then slew in that combat the four steeds + of thy son, and also pierced him with seven shafts of the keenest points. + Thereupon (thy son), that mighty-armed warrior endued with great strength, + jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, ran on foot, with + an upraised sabre, towards the son of Prishata. Then the mighty Sakuni, + devoted to the king, quickly coming to that spot, caused thy royal son to + mount on his own car in the very sight of all. Then that slayer of foes, + the son of Prishata, having vanquished the king, began to slaughter thy + troops like the wielder of the thunder-bolt slaughtering the Asuras. + </p> + <p> + “Kritavarman, in that battle, covered with his arrows that mighty + car-warrior Bhima. Indeed, he overwhelmed the latter entirely, like a + mighty mass of clouds shrouding the sun. Then that chastiser of foes viz., + Bhimasena, excited with wrath, and laughing the while, sped some shafts at + Kritavarman. Struck therewith, that Atiratha of the Satwata race, + excelling all in might, trembled not, O king, but (instead) pierced Bhima + (in return) with many sharp arrows. Then the mighty Bhimasena, slaying the + four steeds of Kritavarman, felled the latter’s charioteer, and then his + beautiful standard. And that slayer of hostile heroes (viz., Bhima) then + pierced Kritavarman himself with many shafts of diverse kinds. And + Kritavarman, pierced all over, seemed to be excessively mangled in every + limb. Then from that car whose steeds had been slain, Kritavarman quickly + went to the car of Vrishaka, in the very sight, O king, of both Salya and + thy son. And Bhimasena, excited with rage, began to afflict thy troops. + Goaded to fury, he began to slay them, like the destroyer himself armed + with his club." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0084" id="link62H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Many and wonderful, O Sanjaya, were the single + combats I hear thee speak of between the Pandavas and my warriors. Thou + speakest not, however, O Sanjaya, of any one of my side having been + cheerful (on such occasions). Thou always speakest of the sons of Pandu as + cheerful and never routed, O Suta and thou speakest of mine as cheerless, + deprived of energy, and constantly vanquished in battle. All this, without + doubt, is Destiny." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Thy men, O bull of Bharata’s race, exert themselves + according to the measure of their might and courage, and display their + valour to the utmost extent of their strength. As contact with the + properties of the ocean make the sweet waters of the celestial stream + Ganga brakish, so the valour, O king, of the illustrious warriors of thy + army coming in contact with the heroic sons of Pandu in battle, becometh + futile. Exerting themselves according to their might, and achieving the + most difficult feats, thou shouldst not, O chief of the Kurus, find fault + with thy troops. O monarch, this great and awful destruction of the world, + swelling the (population of the) domains of Yama, hath arisen from thy + misconduct and that of thy sons. It behoveth thee not, O king, to grieve + for what hath arisen from thy own fault. Kings do not always in this world + protect their lives. These rulers of Earth, desirous of winning by battle + the regions of the righteous, daily fight, penetrating into (hostile) + divisions, with heaven only for their aim. + </p> + <p> + “On the forenoon of that day, O king, great was the carnage that ensued, + resembling what occurred in the battle between the gods and the Asuras (of + old). Listen to it, O monarch, with undivided attention. The two princes + of Avanti, those great bowmen endued with exceeding might, those excellent + warriors fierce in battle, beholding Iravat, advanced against him. The + battle that took place between them was fierce, making the hair stand on + end. Then Iravat, excited with rage, quickly pierced those two brothers of + celestial forms with many sharp and straight shafts. Those two, however, + conversant with all modes of warfare, pierced him in return in that + battle. Struggling their best to slaughter the foe, and desirous of + counteracting each other’s feats, no distinction, O king, could be + observed between them as they fought. Iravat then, O monarch, with four + shafts, despatched the four steeds of Anuvinda to the abode of Yama. And + with a couple of sharp, broad-headed shafts, O sire, he cut off the bow + and standard also of Anuvinda. And this feat, O king, seemed highly + wonderful. Then Anuvinda, leaving his own car, mounted on the car of + Vinda. Taking up an excellent and strong bow capable of bearing a great + strain, Anuvinda, as also his brother Vinda, those foremost of + car-warriors hailing from Avanti, both stationed on the same car, quickly + shot many shafts at the high-souled Iravat. Shot by them, those shafts of + great impetuosity decked with gold, while coursing through the air, + covered the welkin.<a href="#linknote-6414" name="linknoteref-6414" id="linknoteref-6414">414</a> Then Iravat, excited with rage, showered on + those mighty car-warriors, those two brothers (of Avanti) his arrowy + down-pours, and felled their charioteer. When the charioteer, deprived of + life, fell down on the ground, the horses, no longer restrained, ran away + with the car. Having vanquished those two warriors, that daughter’s son of + the king of the Nagas, displaying his prowess, then began to consume with + great activity thy ranks. Then that mighty Dhartarashtra host, while thus + slaughtered in battle, began to reel in many directions like a person who + hath drunk poison. + </p> + <p> + “That prince of Rakshasa, the mighty son of Hidimva, on his car of solar + effulgence furnished with a standard, rushed against Bhagadatta. The ruler + of the Pragjyotishas was stationed on his prince of elephants like the + wielder of the thunder-bolt in days of old in the battle occasioned by the + ravishment of Taraka. The gods, the Gandharvas, and the Rishis had all + come there. They could not, however, notice any distinction between + Hidimva’s son and Bhagadatta. As the chief of the celestials, excited with + wrath, had inspired the Danavas with fear, so did Bhagadatta, O king, + frightened the Pandava warriors. And the warriors of the Pandava army, + frightened by him on all sides, failed, O Bharata, to find among their + ranks any protector. We beheld however, O Bharata, the son of Bhimasena + there, on his car. The other mighty car-warriors fled away with cheerless + hearts. When, however, O Bharata, the troops of the Pandavas rallied, in + the battle that then ensued an awful uproar arose among thy troops. Then + Ghatotkacha, O king, in that dreadful battle, covered Bhagadatta with his + arrows like the clouds pouring rain on the breast of Meru. Baffling all + those arrows shot from the Rakshasa’s bow, the king quickly struck the son + of Bhimasena in all his vital limbs. That prince of the Rakshasa, however, + though struck with innumerable straight shafts, wavered not at all (but + stood still) like a mountain pierced (with shafts). Then the ruler of the + Pragjyotishas, excited with wrath, hurled in that combat fourteen lances, + all of which, however, were cut off by the Rakshasa. Cutting off by means + of his sharp shafts those lances, the mighty-armed Rakshasa pierced + Bhagadatta with seventy shafts, each resembling the thunder-bolt in force. + Then the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, laughing the while, O Bharata, + despatched in that combat the four steeds of the Rakshasa to Death’s + domain. The prince of the Rakshasas, however, of great valour, staying on + that car whose steeds had been slain, hurled with great force a dart at + the elephant of the ruler of the Pragjyotishas. King Bhagadatta then cut + off that swift dart furnished with a staff of gold and coursing + impetuously towards him into three fragments, and thereupon it fell down + on the ground. Beholding his dart cut off, the son of Hidimva fled from + fear like Namuchi, that foremost of the Daityas, in days of old, from + battle with Indra. Having vanquished in battle that hero of great valour + and renowned prowess, who, O king, cannot be vanquished in battle by Yama + himself or Varuna, king Bhagadatta with his elephant began to crush down + the troops of the Pandavas like a wild elephant, O king, crushing as he + treads the lotus-stalks (in a lake). + </p> + <p> + “The ruler of the Madras engaged in battle with his sister’s sons, the + twins. And he overwhelmed those sons of Pandu with clouds of arrows. Then + Sahadeva, beholding his maternal uncle, engaged in battle (with him), + covered him with arrows like the clouds covering the maker of day. Covered + with those clouds of arrows, the ruler of the Madras wore a delighted + expression, and the twins also felt great delight for the sake of their + mother.<a href="#linknote-6415" name="linknoteref-6415" id="linknoteref-6415">415</a> Then Salya, that mighty car-warrior, smiting + effectively in that battle, despatched with four excellent shafts, O king, + the four steeds of Nakula to the abode of Yama. Nakula then, that mighty + car-warrior, quickly jumping down from that car whose steeds had been + slain, mounted upon the vehicle of his renowned brother. Stationed then on + the same car, those two heroes, both fierce in battle, and both excited + with rage, began to shroud the car of the ruler of Madras, (with their + arrows), drawing their bows with great strength. But that tiger among men, + though thus covered by his sister’s sons with innumerable straight arrows + shook not in the least (but stood immovable) like a hill. Laughing the + while, he smote them (in return) with showers of arrows. Then Sahadeva of + great prowess, O Bharata, excited with wrath, took up a (powerful) shaft, + and rushing at the ruler of the Madras, shot it at him<a + href="#linknote-6416" name="linknoteref-6416" id="linknoteref-6416">416</a>. + That shaft endued with the impetuosity of Garuda himself, shot by him, + pierced the ruler of the Madras through, and fell on the earth. Thereupon + that mighty car-warrior, deeply pierced and greatly pained, sat down, O + king, on the terrace of his car, and went into a swoon. Beholding him + (thus) afflicted by the twins, deprived of consciousness, and prostrated + (on his car), his charioteer bore him away on his vehicle over the field. + Seeing the car of the ruler of the Madras retreating (from battle) the + Dhartarashtras all became cheerless and thought it was all over with him.<a + href="#linknote-6417" name="linknoteref-6417" id="linknoteref-6417">417</a> + Then those mighty car-warriors, viz., the two sons of Madri, having + vanquished in battle their maternal uncle, cheerfully blew their conches + and uttered leonine roars. And then they rushed joyfully, O king, towards + thy forces like the gods Indra and Upendra, O monarch, towards the Daitya + host." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0085" id="link62H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then when the sun attained the meridian, king Yudhishthira, + beholding Srutayush, urged on his steeds. And the king rushed at + Srutayush, that chastiser of foes, striking him with nine straight shafts + of keen points. That great bowman, viz., king Srutayush then, checking in + that battle those arrows shot by the son of Pandu, struck Yudhishthira + with seven shafts. These penetrating through his armour, drank his blood + in that battle, as if sucking the very vital energies dwelling in the body + of that high-souled one.<a href="#linknote-6418" name="linknoteref-6418" id="linknoteref-6418">418</a> The son of Pandu then, though deeply pierced + by that high-souled king, pierced king Srutayush (in return), at the + latter’s heart, with an arrow shaped as the boar’s ear. And that foremost + of car-warriors, viz., the son of Pritha, with another broad-headed arrow, + quickly felled on the earth the standard of the high-souled Srutayush from + his car. Beholding his standard overthrown, king Srutayush then, O + monarch, pierced the son of Pandu with seven sharp shafts. Thereupon + Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, blazed up with wrath, like the fire that + blazeth forth at the end of the Yuga for consuming creatures. Beholding + the son of Pandu excited with rage, the gods, the Gandharvas, and the + Rakshasas, trembled, O king, and the universe became agitated. And even + this was the thought that arose in the minds of all creatures, viz., that + that king, excited with rage, would that day consume the three worlds. + Indeed, when the son of Pandu was thus excited with wrath, the Rishis and + the celestials prayed for the peace of the world. Filled with wrath and + frequently licking the corners of his mouth, Yudhishthira assumed a + terrible expression looking like the sun that riseth at the end of the + Yuga. Then all thy warriors, O king, became hopeless of their lives, O + Bharata. Checking, however, that wrath with patience, that great bowman + endued with high renown then cut off Srutayush’s bow at the grasp. And + then, in the very sight of all the troops, the king in that battle pierced + Srutayush whose bow had been cut off, with a long arrow in the centre of + the chest. And the mighty Yudhishthira then, O king, speedily slew with his + arrows the steeds of Srutayush and then, without losing a moment, his + charioteer. Beholding the prowess of the king, Srutayush leaving that car + whose steeds had been slain, quickly fled away from battle. After that + great bowman had been vanquished in combat by the son of Dharma, all the + troops of Duryodhana, O king, turned their faces. Having, O monarch, + achieved this feat, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, began to slay thy + troops like Death himself with wide-open mouth. + </p> + <p> + “Chekitana of the Vrishni race, in the very sight of all the troops, + covered with his shafts Gautama, that foremost of car-warriors. Baffling + all those arrows, Kripa the son of Saradwat, pierced Chekitana in return + who was fighting with great care, O king, with arrows in that battle. + Then, O Bharata, with another broad-headed arrow he cut off Chekitana’s + bow, and endued with great lightness of hand, he also felled with another + broad-headed arrow the former’s charioteer. Kripa then, O monarch, slew + Chekitana’s steeds, as also both the warriors that protected the latter’s + wings. Then Chekitana of the Satwata race, quickly jumped down from his + car, and took up a mace. The foremost of all wielders of the mace, + Chekitana, with that hero-slaying mace of his, slew the steeds of Gautama + and then felled his charioteer. Then Gautama, standing on the ground, shot + sixteen arrows at Chekitana. Those arrows, piercing through that hero of + the Satwata race, entered the earth. Thereat, Chekitana excited with rage, + once more hurled his mace, desirous of slaying Gautama, like Purandara + desirous of slaying Vritra. Then Gautama with many thousands of arrows + checked that huge mace, endued with the strength of adamant, that was + coursing towards him. Then Chekitana, O Bharata, drawing his sabre from + the sheath, rushed with great speed towards Gautama. Thereupon Gautama + also, throwing away his bow, and taking up a polished sabre, rushed with + great speed towards Chekitana. Both of them possessed of great strength, + and both armed with excellent sabres, began to strike each other with + those sharp-edged weapons of theirs. Then those bulls among men, struck + with the force of each other’s sabres, fell down on the earth, that + (common) element of all creatures. Exhausted by the efforts they had made, + the limbs of both were motionless in a swoon. Then Karakarsha impelled by + friendship, quickly rushed to that spot. And that invincible warrior, + beholding Chekitana in that plight, took him up on his car in the very + sight of all troops. And so also the brave Sakuni, thy brother-in-law, O + monarch, speedily caused Gautama, that foremost of car-warriors, to mount + on his car. + </p> + <p> + “The mighty Dhrishtaketu, excited with wrath, speedily pierced the son of + Somadatta, O king, with ninety shafts in the chest. And the son of + Somadatta looked highly resplendent with those shafts on his chest, like + the sun, O king, with his rays at mid-day. Bhurisravas, however, in that + battle, with his excellent shafts, deprived Dhrishtaketu, that mighty + car-warrior, of his car, slaying his charioteer and steeds. And beholding + him deprived of his car, and his steeds and charioteer slain, Bhurisravas + covered Dhrishtaketu in that combat with a thick shower of arrows. The + high-souled Dhrishtaketu then, O sire, abandoning that car of his, mounted + upon the vehicle of Satanika. Chitrasena, and Vikarna, O king, and also + Durmarshana,—these car-warriors cased in golden mail,—all + rushed against the son of Subhadra. Then a fierce battle took place + between Abhimanyu and those warriors, like the battle of the body, O king, + with wind, bile, and phlegm.<a href="#linknote-6419" name="linknoteref-6419" id="linknoteref-6419">419</a> That tiger among + men, however, (viz., Abhimanyu), having, O king, deprived thy sons of + their cars, slew them not, remembering Bhima’s words.<a + href="#linknote-6420" name="linknoteref-6420" id="linknoteref-6420">420</a> + Then during the progress of the fight, Kunti’s son (Arjuna), of white + steeds, beholding Bhishma, who was incapable of being vanquished by very + gods, proceeding to rescue thy sons in view of Abhimanyu—a boy and + alone though a mighty car-warrior, addressed Vasudeva and said these + words, ‘Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesa, to that spot where are those + numerous car-warriors. They are many in number, brave, accomplished in + arms, invincible in battle. Guide the horses so, O Madhava, that the foe + may not be able to slay our troops.’ Thus urged by Kunti’s son of + immeasurable energy, he of Vrishni’s race then drove that car, unto which + were yoked white steeds, to battle. When Arjuna, excited with rage, thus + proceeded towards thy army, a loud uproar, O sire, arose among thy troops.<a + href="#linknote-6421" name="linknoteref-6421" id="linknoteref-6421">421</a> + The son of Kunti then, having come up to those kings that were protecting + Bhishma, (first) addressed Susarman, O king, and said these words, ‘I know + thee to be foremost in battle, and a dire enemy (of ours) of old. Behold + to-day the terrible fruit of that evil behaviour (of thine).<a + href="#linknote-6422" name="linknoteref-6422" id="linknoteref-6422">422</a> + I will today cause thee to visit the manes of thy ancestors.’ That leader + of car-divisions, Susarman, however, hearing these harsh words uttered by + that slayer of foes viz., Vibhatsu, told him nothing (in reply), well or + ill. (But) approaching the heroic Arjuna, with a large number of kings in + his train, and surrounding him in that battle, he covered him aided by thy + sons, O sinless one, with arrows from all sides, viz., front, rear, and + flanks, like the clouds covering the maker of day. Then, O Bharata, a + dreadful battle took place between thy army and the Pandavas, in which + blood ran like water." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0086" id="link62H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then the mighty Dhananjaya, struck with those shafts and + drawing long breaths like a trodden snake, cut off, with great force, by + means of his successive shafts, the bows of those mighty car-warriors. + Cutting off in a moment, O king, the bows of those powerful monarchs in + that battle, the high-souled Arjuna, desiring to exterminate them pierced + all of them simultaneously with his shafts. Struck (thus) by Indra’s son, + O king, some of them fell down on the field, covered with blood. And some + had their limbs mangled, and some had their heads struck off. And some + perished with bodies mangled and coats of mail cut through. And afflicted + by the arrows of Partha, many of them, falling down on the earth, perished + together. Beholding then those princes slain in battle, the ruler of the + Trigartas advanced on his car. And two and thirty others amongst those + car-warriors, they who had been protecting the rear of the slain + combatants also fell upon Partha. These all, surrounding Partha, and + drawing their bows of loud twang, poured on him a thick shower of arrows + like the clouds pouring torrents of water on the mountain breast. Then + Dhananjaya afflicted with that arrowy down-pour in that battle, became + excited with wrath, and with sixty arrows steeped in oil he despatched all + those protectors of the rear. Having vanquished in battle those sixty + car-warriors, the illustrious Dhananjaya became cheerful at heart. And + having slain also the forces of those kings, Jishnu sped for Bhishma’s + slaughter. Then the ruler of the Trigartas, beholding his friends those + mighty car-warriors slain, speedily advanced upon Partha, with a number of + (other) kings in his van, for slaying him. Then the Pandava warriors + headed by Sikhandin, beholding those combatants advancing upon Dhananjaya + that foremost of all conversant with arms, proceeded with whetted weapons + in hand, desirous of protecting the car of Arjuna. Partha also beholding + those brave men advanced towards him with the ruler of the Trigartas, + mangled them in battle with arrows shot from Gandiva. Then that + distinguished bowman, desirous of approaching Bhishma beheld Duryodhana + and other kings headed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Fighting with great + energy for a moment and checking those warriors that were desirous of + protecting Bhishma, the heroic Arjuna of great valour and infinite prowess + avoiding Duryodhana and Jayadratha and others,—that warrior of + mighty strength and great mental vigour,—at last proceeded, bow and + arrow in hand, towards the son of Ganga in battle. The high-souled + Yudhishthira also, of fierce prowess and infinite renown, avoiding in + battle the ruler of the Madras who had been assigned to his share, quickly + proceeded, with excited wrath and accompanied by Bhima and the sons of + Madri towards Bhishma, the son of Santanu, for battle. Conversant with all + modes of warfare the high-souled son of Ganga and Santanu, though attacked + in battle by all the sons of Pandu united together, wavered not at all. Of + fierce might and great energy king Jayadratha of sure aim, advancing in + battle, forcibly cut off with his own excellent bow the bows of all those + mighty car-warriors. And the illustrious Duryodhana also with excited + wrath and having wrath for his position, struck Yudhishthira and Bhimasena + and the twins and Partha, with arrows resembling flames of fire. Pierced + with arrows by Kripa and Sala and Chitrasena, O lord, the Pandavas, + inflamed with rage, resembled the gods pierced with arrows by the united + Daityas (in days of old). King Yudhishthira then, beholding Sikhandin + flying away, having had his weapon cut off by Santanu’s son became filled + with anger. The high-souled Ajatasatru, angrily addressing Sikhandin in + that battle, said these words, ‘Thou saidst at that time, in the presence + of thy sire, unto me—“Even I shall slay Bhishma of high vows with my + shafts of the hue of the effulgent sun. Truly do I say this.”—Even + this was thy oath. That oath of thine thou dost not fulfil inasmuch as + thou dost not slay Devavrata in battle. O hero, be not a person of + unfulfilled vow. Take care of thy virtue, race, and fame. Behold Bhishma + of terrible impetuosity scorching all my troops with his innumerable + arrows of fierce energy and destroying everything in a moment like Death + himself. With thy bow cut off avoiding the battle, and vanquished by the + royal son of Santanu, whither dost thou go, forsaking thy kinsmen and + brothers? This doth not become thee. Beholding Bhishma of infinite + prowess, and our army routed and flying away, thou art assuredly, O son of + Drupada, frightened, since the colour of thy face is pale. Unknown to + thee, O hero, Dhananjaya hath engaged in the dreadful battle. Celebrated + over the whole world, why O hero, art thou afraid today of Bhishma.<a + href="#linknote-6423" name="linknoteref-6423" id="linknoteref-6423">423</a>’—Hearing + these words of king Yudhishthira the just, that were harsh, though fraught + with sound reason, the high-souled Sikhandin, regarding them as good + counsel, speedily set himself about slaying Bhishma.<a + href="#linknote-6424" name="linknoteref-6424" id="linknoteref-6424">424</a> + And while Sikhandin was proceeding to battle with great impetuosity for + falling upon Bhishma, Salya began to resist him with terrible weapons that + were difficult of being baffled. The son of Drupada, however, O king, of + prowess equal to that of Indra himself, beholding those weapons effulgent + as the fire that blazeth forth at the hour of universal dissolution (thus) + displayed, was not confounded in the least. Checking those weapons by + means of his own shafts, that mighty bowman, viz., Sikhandin, stayed there + without moving. And then he took up another weapon, viz., the fierce + Varuna weapon for baffling (those fiery weapons of Salya). Then the + celestials staying in the firmament, and the kings of the earth also, all + beheld Salya’s weapons baffled by that Varuna weapon of Sikhandin. + Meanwhile, the high-souled and heroic Bhishma, O king, in that battle, cut + off the bow and the variegated standard also of Pandu’s son, king + Yudhishthira of the Ajamida race. Thereupon casting aside his bow and + arrows upon beholding Yudhishthira overwhelmed with fear, and taking up a + mace in that battle, Bhimasena rushed, on foot, at Jayadratha. Then + Jayadratha, with five hundred terrible arrows of keen points and each + resembling the rod of Death, pierced Bhimasena from every side who was + thus rushing impetuously at him, mace in hand. Disregarding those arrows, + the impetuous Vrikodara, with heart filled with rage, slew in that battle + all the steeds, born in Aratta, of the king of the Sindhus. Then beholding + Bhimasena on foot, thy son (Chitrasena) of unrivalled prowess and + resembling the chief of the celestials himself, quickly rushed at him on + his car, with upraised weapons, for giving him his quietus. Bhima also, + roaring and uttering a loud shout, rushed at him impetuously, mace in + hand. Thereupon the Kauravas all around beholding that upraised mace + resembling the rod of Death, forsaking thy brave son, fled away, desirous + of avoiding its fall (amongst them). In that fierce and awful crush (of + men), O Bharata, confounding the senses, Chitrasena, however, beholding + that mace coursing towards him, was not deprived of his senses. Taking up + a bright scimitar and a shield, he forsook his car and became a warrior on + foot in the field, for jumping down (from his vehicle) like a lion from + the top of a cliff he came down upon the level ground. Meanwhile that + mace, falling upon that beautiful car and destroying the vehicle itself + with its steeds and charioteer in that battle, dropped on the ground like + a blazing meteor, loosened from the firmament, falling upon the earth. + Then thy troops, O Bharata, beholding that highly wonderful feat became + filled with joy, and all of them together set up a loud shout over the + field of battle. And the warriors all applauded thy son (for what they + witnessed)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0087" id="link62H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Approaching then thy son Chitrasena of great energy + who had thus been deprived of his car, thy son Vikarna caused him to mount + on his car. And during the progress of that general engagement, so fierce + and dreadful, Bhishma, the son of Santanu, impetuously rushed at + Yudhishthira. Then the Srinjayas with their cars, elephants, and horses, + trembled. And they regarded Yudhishthira to be already within the jaws of + Death. The lord Yudhishthira, however, of Kuru’s race, accompanied by the + twins, proceeded towards that mighty bowman, that tiger among men viz., + Bhishma. Then the son of Pandu, shooting in that battle thousands of + arrows, shrouded Bhishma like the clouds shrouding the sun. And those + numberless arrows, well shot by Yudhishthira, were received by the son of + Ganga in distinct sets by hundreds and thousands.<a href="#linknote-6425" name="linknoteref-6425" id="linknoteref-6425">425</a> And so also, O sire, + innumerable were the arrows shot by Bhishma (in return), which looked like + flights of insects coursing through the air. In half the time taken up by + a wink of the eye, Bhishma, the son of Santanu, in that battle, made + Kunti’s son invisible by means of his numberless shafts shot in sets. Then + king Yudhishthira, excited with rage, sped at the high-souled Kaurava a + long arrow resembling a snake of virulent poison. That mighty car-warrior, + Bhishma, however, O king, cut off in that combat, with a horse-shoe + (headed) arrow, that shaft shot from Yudhishthira’s bow before it could + reach him. Having cut off that long arrow resembling Death himself, + Bhishma then slew in that battle the steeds, decked with gold, of that + prince of Kuru’s line. Then Yudhishthira the son of Pandu, abandoning that + car whose steeds had been slain, quickly mounted upon the car of the + high-souled Nakula. Then Bhishma that subjugator of hostile cities, + excited with rage, and coming upon the twins in that battle, covered them + with arrows. Beholding those two (brothers), O king, thus afflicted, with + the arrows of Bhishma, Yudhishthira began to reflect earnestly desirous, O + monarch, of (compassing) Bhishma’s destruction. Then Yudhishthira, O king, + urged his friends and the rulers (on his side), saying,—‘Slay + Bhishma the son of Santanu, uniting together.’ Then all those rulers, + hearing these words of Pritha’s son, surrounded the grandsire with a large + number of cars. Thy sire Devavrata then, thus surrounded on all sides, + began to sport, O king, with his bow, felling (all the while) many mighty + car-warriors. Him of Kuru’s race, thus careering over the field of battle, + the Pandavas beheld resembling a young lion in the forest amid a herd of + deer. Uttering a loud roar in that battle and striking fear into the + hearts of brave warriors by means of his shafts, the Kshatriyas beholding + him, O king, were all struck with fear, like inferior animals upon seeing + a lion. Indeed the Kshatriyas beheld the movements of that lion of + Bharata’s race in battle to resemble those of a conflagration aided by the + wind while consuming a heap of dry grass. And Bhishma in that battle + felled the heads of car-warriors like a skilful man felling (with stones) + ripe (palmyra) fruits from trees that bear them. And the heads of + warriors, O king, falling upon the surface of the earth produced a loud + noise resembling that of a stony shower. During the progress of that + fierce and dreadful battle a great confusion set in among all the troops. + And in consequence of that confusion the arrays (of both armies) were + broken. And the Kshatriyas summoning one another individually, approached + one another for fight. Then Sikhandin, sighting the grandsire of the + Bharatas, rushed at him impetuously, saying,—‘Wait, Wait’—Remembering, + however, the femininity of Sikhandin, and disregarding him on that + account, Bhishma proceeded against the Srinjayas. Thereupon the Srinjayas, + beholding Bhishma in that great battle, were filled with joy. And they set + forth diverse kinds of loud shouts, mingled with the blare of their + conches. Then commenced a fierce battle in course of which cars and + elephants got entangled with one another. And it was that hour of the day, + O lord, when the sun was on the other side (of the meridian). Then + Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, and that mighty car-warrior + Satyaki, greatly afflicted the (Bharata) host with showers of arrows and + lances. And with innumerable shafts, O king, these two began to smite down + thy warriors in that battle. Thy combatants, however, O bull among men, + though slaughtered in battle (thus) retreated not from the fight, having + formed an honourable resolution in that engagement. Indeed, thy troops + began to smite according to the measure of their courage. While, however, + O king, thy high-souled combatants were being slaughtered by the + illustrious son of Prishata, loud cries of woe were heard among them. + Hearing those loud cries, that couple of mighty car-warriors of thy army, + viz., Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, quickly proceeded against Prishata’s + son. And those mighty car-warriors, speedily slaying his steeds, together + covered Prishata’s son with showers of arrows. Thereupon that mighty + car-warrior, viz., the prince of the Panchalas, quickly jumping down from + that car of his, mounted without loss of time the car of the high-souled + Satyaki. Then king Yudhishthira, supported by a large force, proceeded + against those chastisers of foes, viz., the two princes of Avanti excited + with rage. Similarly thy son, O sire, with every preparation, stood, + surrounding Vinda and Anuvinda in that battle (for supporting them). + Arjuna also in that battle, excited with rage, fought against many bulls + of the Kshatriya race, like the wielder of the thunder-bolt against the + Asuras. Drona also, who always does what is agreeable to thy son, inflamed + with wrath in that battle, began to consume the Panchalas like fire + consuming a heap of cotton. Thy other sons, O king, owning Duryodhana as + their chief, surrounding Bhishma in that battle, fought against the + Pandavas. Then when the sun assumed a red hue,<a href="#linknote-6426" name="linknoteref-6426" id="linknoteref-6426">426</a> king Duryodhana, O + Bharata, addressing thy troops, said,—‘Lose no time’—And while + they were thus battling and achieving feats difficult of accomplishment, + the sun having become invisible in consequence of his retirement behind + the western hill, there soon flowed, towards dusk, an awful river whose + current and billows were of blood, and which was infested by innumerable + jackals. And the field of battle became dreadful, abounding as it did with + spirits and with those jackals howling hideously, forboding evil. + Rakshasas and Pisachas and other cannibals were seen all round, in + hundreds and thousands. Then Arjuna, having vanquished those kings headed + by Susarman along with all their followers, in the midst of their + division, proceeded towards his tent. And the lord Yudhishthira also of + Kuru’s race, accompanied by his brothers, and followed by his troops, + proceeded, O king, when night set in, towards his tent. And Bhimasena, + too, having vanquished those kings, viz., those warriors headed by + Duryodhana, proceeded towards his tent. And king Duryodhana (with his + troops), surrounding Bhishma, the son of Santanu, in that great battle + proceeded towards his tent. And Drona, and Drona’s son, and Kripa, and + Salya, and Kritavarman of the Satwata race, surrounding the whole + (Dhartarashtra) army, proceeded towards their tents. And similarly Satyaki + also, O king, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, surrounding their + army, proceeded towards their tents. It was thus, O king, that those + chastisers of foes, viz., thy troops and the Pandavas, ceased to fight + when darkness came. Then the Pandavas, and the Kauravas, retiring to their + tents, entered the same, applauding one another. And making arrangements + for the protection of their brave warriors and disposing outposts + according to rule, they plucked out the arrows (from their bodies) and + bathed in diverse kinds of water. And Brahmanas performed propitiatory + rites for them, and bards sang their praises. And those renowned men + sported for a while in accompaniment with music both vocal and + instrumental. And for a while the whole scene resembled heaven itself. And + those bulls among men for a while spoke not of battle. And when both + armies abounding with tired men and elephants and steeds slept there, they + became, O monarch, beautiful to behold." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0088" id="link62H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Having passed the night in sound sleep, those rulers of + men, the Kauravas and the Pandavas, once more proceeded to battle. And + when the troops of both armies were about to proceed to the field, great + was the uproar heard there, resembling the loud uproar of the ocean + itself. Then king Duryodhana, and Chitrasena, and Vivinsati, and that + foremost of car-warriors, viz., Bhishma and Bharadwaja’s son possessed of + great prowess,—those mighty car-warriors, clad in mail and uniting + together, O King, formed with great care the array of the Kauravas against + the Pandavas. Having formed that mighty array fierce as the ocean and + having for its billows and current its steeds and elephants, thy sire + Bhishma, the son of Santanu, then, O king, proceeded in the van of the + whole army, supported by the Malavas, and the inhabitants of the southern + countries, and the Avantis. Next to him was the valiant son of Bharadwaja, + accompanied by the Pulindas, the Paradas, and the Kshudraka-Malavas. Next + to Drona was the valiant Bhagadatta, O king, firmly resolved on fight, + accompanied by the Magadhas, the Kalingas, and the Pisachas. Behind + Bhagadatta was Vrihadvala the king of the Kosalas accompanied by the + Melakas, the Tripuras, and the Chichilas. Next to Vrihadvala was the brave + Trigarta, the ruler of the Prasthala, accompanied by a large number of the + Kamvojas, and by Yavanas in thousands. Next to the ruler of the Trigartas, + O Bharata, proceeded that mighty hero, viz., the son of Drona, uttering + leonine roars and filling the earth with those shouts. Next to Drona’s son + proceeded king Duryodhana with the whole army, surrounded by his uterine + brothers. Behind Duryodhana proceeded Kripa the son of Saradwat. It was + thus that that mighty array, resembling the very ocean, advanced (to + battle). And standards and white umbrellas, O lord, and beautiful + bracelets and costly bows shed their effulgence there. And beholding that + mighty array of thy forces, that great car-warrior Yudhishthira, speedily + addressed the generalissimo (of his forces), viz., Prishata’s son saying, + ‘Behold, O great bowman, that array, already formed, resembling the ocean. + Do thou also, O son of Prishata, form without delay thy counter-array.’ + (Thus addressed), the heroic son of Prishata, O great king, formed that + terrible array called Sringataka that is destructive of all hostile + arrays. At the horns were Bhimasena and that mighty car-warrior, viz., + Satyaki, with many thousands of cars as also of horse and infantry. Next + to them was that foremost of men, (viz., Arjuna) of white steeds and + having Krishna for his charioteer.<a href="#linknote-6427" name="linknoteref-6427" id="linknoteref-6427">427</a> In the centre were + king Yudhishthira and the twin sons of Pandu by Madri. Other royal bowmen, + conversant with the science of arrays, with their troops, filled up that + array. In the rear were ordered Abhimanyu, and that mighty car-warrior, + Virata, and the sons of Draupadi and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha. Thus, O + Bharata, having formed their mighty array, the heroic Pandavas waited on + the field, longing for battle and desirous of victory. And the loud noise + of drums mingling with the blare of conches and leonine roars and shouts + (of the combatants) and the slapping of their armpits, became terrible and + filled all the points of the compass. Then those brave warriors, + approaching one another for battle, looked at one another, O king, with + winkless eyes. Then O ruler of men, the warriors, first challenging each + other by name, engaged with each other.<a href="#linknote-6428" name="linknoteref-6428" id="linknoteref-6428">428</a> Then commenced a + fierce and terrible battle between thy troops and those of the foe + striking one another. And in that battle, O Bharata, whetted shafts fell + in showers like terrible snakes with mouths wide open. And polished darts + of impetuous force, washed with oil, O king, shone like the effulgent + flashes of lightning from the clouds. And maces decked with gold and + attached to bright slings were seen to fall all over the field, resembling + beautiful crests of hills. And sabres of the colour of the clear (blue) + sky, O Bharata, and shields of bull’s hides and decked with a hundred + moons, as they fell everywhere over the field, O king, looked beautiful. + And as the two armies, O king, were engaged in battle with each other, + they looked resplendent like the celestial and the demoniac hosts battling + with each other. All around they rushed against one another in battle. + Foremost of royal car-warriors, impetuously dashing against car-warriors + in that dreadful battle, fought on, with the yokes of their cars entangled + with those of their adversaries. And, O bull of Bharata’s race, all over + the field flashes of fire mixed with smoke were generated, in consequence + of friction, in the tusks of battling elephants. And combatants on the + backs of elephants, struck with lances, were seen all around to fall down + like blocks (loosened) from crests of hills.<a href="#linknote-6429" name="linknoteref-6429" id="linknoteref-6429">429</a> And brave + foot-soldiers, battling with their bare arms or with lances, and striking + one another, looked exceedingly beautiful. And the warriors of the Kaurava + and the Pandava hosts, coming upon one another in that conflict, + despatched one another with diverse kinds of shafts to the abode of Yama. + Then Bhishma, the son of Santanu, filling (the air) with the rattle of his + car, and depriving the foe of his senses by the twang of his bow, rushed + against the Pandavas in battle. The car-warriors of the Pandavas, too, + headed by Dhrishtadyumna, uttering fierce shouts, rushed at him, firmly + resolved on fight. Then commenced, O Bharata, a battle between the + infantry, car-warriors, and elephants, of theirs and thine, in which the + combatants became all entangled with one another." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0089" id="link62H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “The Pandavas were incapable of even looking at Bhishma + excited with rage in battle and scorching every side like the Sun himself + shedding scorching heat. Then all the (Pandava) troops, at the command of + Dharma’s son, rushed at the son of Ganga who was grinding (everything) + with his whetted arrows. Bhishma, however, who delighted in battle felled + the mightiest of bowmen amongst the Srinjayas and the Panchalas, with his + shafts. Though thus slaughtered by Bhishma, the Panchalas along with the + Somakas still rushed impetuously at him, forsaking the fear of death. The + heroic Bhishma, the son of Santanu, however, in that battle, cut off, O + king, the arms and heads of their car-warriors. Thy sire, Devavrata + deprived their car-warriors of cars. And the heads of cavalry soldiers on + their chargers fell fast. And we beheld, O king, huge elephants looking + like hills, deprived of their riders, and paralysed with Bhishma’s + weapons, lying all around. Amongst the Pandavas, O king, there was no + other man save that foremost of car-warriors, the mighty Bhimasena, (who + could resist Bhishma). Indeed, Bhima alone, approaching Bhishma, + encountered him in battle. Then in that encounter between Bhima and + Bhishma, a fierce and terrible uproar arose among all the troops (of the + Kauravas). The Pandavas then, filled with joy, uttered leonine shouts. + During that destructive carnage, king Duryodhana, surrounded by his + uterine brothers, protected Bhishma in that battle. Then that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., Bhima, slew Bhishma’s charioteer. Thereupon the steeds + no longer controlled, ran away from the field with car. Then that slayer + of foes, viz., Bhima with a sharp arrow having a horse-shoe head, cut off + the head of Sunabha. (Thus) slain, the latter fell down on the earth. When + that son of thine, that mighty car-warrior and great bowman was slain, + seven of his heroic brothers, O sire, could not (quietly) bear (that act). + These, viz., Adityaketu and Vahvasin, and Kundadhara and Mahodara, and + Aparajita, and Panditaka and the invincible Visalaksha, clad in variegated + armour and with their beautiful coats of mail and weapons,—these + grinders of foes desirous of battle,—rushed against the son of + Pandu. And Mahodara, in that battle, pierced Bhimasena with nine winged + arrows, each resembling the thunder-bolt in force, like the slayer of + Vritra striking (the great Asura) Namuchi. And Adityaketu struck him with + seventy shafts, and Vishnu with five. And Kundadhara struck him with + ninety shafts, and Visalaksha with seven. And that conqueror of foes, the + mighty car-warrior Aparajita, O king, struck Bhimasena of great strength + with many arrows. And Panditaka also, in battle, pierced him with three + arrows. Bhima, however, did not (quietly) bear these attacks of his foes + in battle. Forcibly grasping the bow with his left hand, that grinder of + foes cut off, in that battle, the head, with a straight shaft, of thy son + Aparajita, graced with a fine nose. Thus vanquished by Bhima, his head + then dropped on the ground. Then, in the very sight of all the troops, + Bhima despatched, with another broad-headed arrow, the mighty car-warrior + Kundadhara to the domain of Death. Then that hero of immeasurable soul, + once more aiming an arrow, sped it, O Bharata, at Panditaka in that + battle. And the arrow killing Panditaka, entered the earth, like a snake + impelled by Death quickly entering the earth after despatching the person + (whose hour had come). Of undepressed soul, that hero then, O king, + recollecting his former woes, felled Visalaksha’s head, cutting it off + with three arrows. Then Bhima, in that battle, struck the mighty bowman + Mahodara in the centre of the chest with a long shaft. Slain (therewith), + O king, the latter fell down on the earth. Then, O Bharata, cutting off + with an arrow the umbrella of Adityaketu in that battle, he severed his + head with another broad-headed shaft of exceeding sharpness. Then, O + monarch, excited with rage, Bhima, with another straight shaft, despatched + Vahvasin towards the abode of Yama. Then thy other sons, O king, all fled + away regarding the words to be true which Bhima had uttered in the (midst + of the Kaurava) assembly.<a href="#linknote-6430" name="linknoteref-6430" id="linknoteref-6430">430</a> Then king Duryodhana afflicted with sorrow + on account of his brothers, addressed all his troops, saying, ‘There is + Bhima. Let him be slain.’ Thus, O king, thy sons, those mighty bowmen, + beholding their brothers slain, recollected those words beneficial and + peaceful, that Vidura of great wisdom had spoken. Indeed, those words of + the truthful Vidura are now being realised,—those beneficial words, + O king, which, influenced by covetousness and folly as also by affection + for thy sons, thou couldst not then understand. From the way in which that + mighty armed hero is slaying the Kauravas, it seemeth that that mighty son + of Pandu hath assuredly taken his birth for the destruction of thy sons. + Meanwhile, king Duryodhana, O sire, overwhelmed with great grief, went to + Bhishma, and there, overcome with sorrow, he began to lament, saying, ‘My + heroic brothers have been slain in battle by Bhimasena. Although, again, + all our troops are fighting bravely, yet they also are falling. Thou + seemest to disregard us, behaving (as thou dost) like an indifferent + spectator, Alas, what course have I taken. Behold my evil destiny.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued. “Hearing these cruel words of Duryodhana, thy sire + Devavrata with eyes filled with tears, said this unto him.<a + href="#linknote-6431" name="linknoteref-6431" id="linknoteref-6431">431</a> + ‘Even this was said by me before, as also by Drona, and Vidura, and the + renowned Gandhari. O son, thou didst not then comprehend it. O grinder of + foes, it hath also been before settled by me that neither myself, nor + Drona, will ever escape with life from this battle. I tell thee truly that + those upon whom Bhima will cast his eyes in battle, he will surely slay. + Therefore, O king, summoning all thy patience, and firmly resolved on + battle, fight with the sons of Pritha, making heaven thy goal. As regards + the Pandavas, they are incapable of being vanquished by the very gods with + Vasava (at their head). Therefore, setting thy heart firmly on battle, + fight, O Bharata.—‘" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0090" id="link62H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XC + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Beholding my sons, so many in number, O Sanjaya, + slain by a single person, what did Bhishma and Drona and Kripa do in + battle?<a href="#linknote-6432" name="linknoteref-6432" id="linknoteref-6432">432</a> Day after day, O Sanjaya, my sons are being + slain. I think, O Suta, that they are completely overtaken by evil + destiny, inasmuch as my sons never conquer but are always vanquished. When + my sons staying in the midst of those unretreating heroes, viz., Drona and + Bhishma, and the high-souled Kripa, and Somadatta’s heroic son and + Bhagadatta, and Aswatthaman also, O son, and other brave warriors, are + being still slain in battle, what can it be said save the result of fate?<a + href="#linknote-6433" name="linknoteref-6433" id="linknoteref-6433">433</a> + The wicked Duryodhana did not comprehend (our) words before, though + admonished by me, O son, and by Bhishma and Vidura. (Though forbidden) + always by Gandhari, too, from motives of doing him good, Duryodhana of + wicked understanding awoke not before from folly.<a href="#linknote-6434" name="linknoteref-6434" id="linknoteref-6434">434</a> That (conduct) hath + now borne fruit, inasmuch as Bhimasena, excited with wrath, despatcheth, + day after day in battle, my insensate sons to the abode of Yama." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Those excellent words of Vidura, uttered for thy good, but + which thou didst not then understand, have now come to be realised. Vidura + had said, ‘Restrain thy sons from the dice.’ Like a man whose hour is come + refusing the proper medicine, thou didst not then listen to the words of + well-wishing friends counselling thee (for thy good). Those words uttered + by the righteous have now been realised before thee. Indeed, the Kauravas + are now being destroyed for having rejected those words, deserving of + acceptance, of Vidura and Drona and Bhishma and thy other well-wishers. + These very consequences happened even then when thou declinedst to listen + to those counsels. Hear now, however, to my narration of the battle + exactly as it has happened.<a href="#linknote-6435" name="linknoteref-6435" id="linknoteref-6435">435</a> At midday the battle became exceedingly + awful and fraught with great carnage. Listen to me, O king, as I describe + it. Then all the troops (of the Pandava army), excited with rage, rushed, + at the command of Dharma’s son, against Bhishma alone from desire of + slaying him. Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin, and the mighty car-warrior + Satyaki, accompanied, O king, by their forces, proceeded against Bhishma + alone. And those mighty car-warriors, viz., Virata and Drupada, with all + the Somakas, rushed in battle against Bhishma alone. And the Kaikeyas, and + Dhrishtaketu, and Kuntibhoja, equipped in mail and supported by their + forces, rushed, O king, against Bhishma alone. And Arjuna, and the sons of + Draupadi, and Chekitana of great prowess, proceeded against all the kings + under the command of Duryodhana. And the heroic Abhimanyu, and that mighty + car-warrior, viz., the son of Hidimva, and Bhimasena excited with wrath, + rushed against the (other) Kauravas. (Thus) the Pandavas, divided into + three bodies began to slaughter the Kauravas. And similarly the Kauravas + also, O king, began to slaughter their foes.<a href="#linknote-6436" name="linknoteref-6436" id="linknoteref-6436">436</a> That foremost of + car-warriors, viz., Drona excited with wrath, rushed against the Somakas + and the Srinjayas, desirous of sending them to the abode of Yama. + Thereupon loud cries of woe arose among the brave Srinjayas while they + were being slaughtered, O king, by Bharadwaja’s son bow in hand. Large + numbers of Kshatriyas, struck down by Drona, were seen to all convulsing + like persons writhing in the agony of disease. All over the field were + continuously heard moans and shrieks and groans resembling those of + persons afflicted with hunger. And so the mighty Bhimasena, excited with + wrath, and like unto a second Yama, caused a terrible carnage amongst the + Kaurava troops. There in that dreadful battle, in consequence of the + warriors slaying one another, a terrible river began to flow whose billowy + current consisted of blood.<a href="#linknote-6437" name="linknoteref-6437" id="linknoteref-6437">437</a> And that battle, O king, between the Kurus + and the Pandavas, becoming fierce and awful, began to swell the population + of Yama’s kingdom. Then in that battle Bhima excited with wrath, fell with + great impetuosity upon the elephant division (of the Kauravas) and began + to send many to the regions of Death. Then, O Bharata, struck with Bhima’s + shafts, some of those beasts fell down, some were paralysed, some shrieked + (in pain), and some ran away in all directions. Huge elephants, their + trunks cut off and limbs mangled, screaming like cranes, began, O king, to + fall down on the earth. Nakula and Sahadeva fell upon the (Kaurava) + cavalry. Many steeds with garlands of gold on their heads and with their + necks and breasts adorned with ornaments of gold, were seen to be slain in + hundreds and thousands. The earth, O king, was strewn with fallen steeds. + And some were deprived of their tongues; and some breathed hard; and some + uttered low moans, and some were void of life. The earth looked beautiful, + O chief of men, with those steeds of such diverse kinds. At the same time, + O Bharata, she looked fiercely resplendent, O monarch, with a large number + of kings slain by Arjuna in that battle. And strewn with broken cars and + rent banners and brilliant umbrellas, with torn chamaras and fans, and + mighty weapons broken into fragments, with garlands and necklaces of gold, + with bracelets, with heads decked with ear-rings, with head-gears loosened + (from off heads), with standards, with beautiful bottoms of cars, O king, + and with traces and reins, the earth shone as brightly as she does in + spring when strewn with flowers. And it was thus, O Bharata, that the + Pandava host suffered destruction when Bhishma the son of Santanu, and + Drona that foremost of car-warriors, and Aswatthaman, and Kripa, and + Kritavarman, were inflamed with wrath. And similarly thy army also + suffered the same kind of destruction when the other side, viz., the + Pandava heroes were excited with rage." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0091" id="link62H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “During the progress, O king, of that fierce battle fraught + with the slaughter of great heroes, Sakuni the glorious son of Suvala, + rushed against the Pandavas. And so also, O monarch, Hridika’s son of the + Satwata race, that slayer of hostile heroes, rushed in that battle against + the Pandava ranks. And smiling the while, (several warriors on thy side), + with a large number of steeds consisting of the best of the Kamvoja breed + as also of those born in the country of the Rivers, and of those belonging + to Aratta and Mahi and Sindhu, and of those of Vanayu also that were white + in hue, and lastly those of hilly countries, surrounded (the Pandava + army).<a href="#linknote-6438" name="linknoteref-6438" id="linknoteref-6438">438</a> And so also with horses, exceedingly swift, + fleet as the very winds, and belonging to the Tittri breed, (others + encompassed that army). And with many horses, clad in mail and decked with + gold, the foremost of their class and fleet as the winds the mighty son of + Arjuna (viz., Iravat), that slayer of foes, approached the (Kaurava) + force. This handsome and valiant son of Arjuna, named Iravat, was begotten + upon the daughter of the king of the Nagas by the intelligent Partha. Her + husband having been slain by Garuda, she became helpless, and of cheerless + soul. Childless as she was, she was bestowed (upon Arjuna) by the + high-souled Airavat. Partha accepted her for wife, coming to him as she + did under the influence of desire. It was thus that that son of Arjuna was + begotten upon the wife of another.<a href="#linknote-6439" name="linknoteref-6439" id="linknoteref-6439">439</a> Abandoned by his + wicked uncle from hatred of Partha, he grew up in the region of the Nagas, + protected by his mother. And he was handsome and endued with great + strength, possessed of diverse accomplishments, and of prowess incapable + of being baffled. Hearing that Arjuna had gone to the region of Indra, he + speedily went thither. And the mighty-armed Iravat, possessed of prowess + incapable of being baffled, approaching his sire, saluted him duly, + standing before him with joined hands. And he introduced himself to the + high-souled Arjuna, saying, ‘I am Iravat, blessed be thou, and I am thy + son, O lord’. And he reminded Arjuna of all the circumstances connected + with the latter’s meeting with his mother. And thereupon the son of Pandu + recollected all those circumstances exactly as they happened. Embracing + his son then who resembled himself in accomplishments, Partha, in Indra’s + abode, was filled with joy. The mighty-armed Iravat then, O king, in the + celestial regions was, O Bharata, joyfully commanded by Arjuna, with + regard to his own business, (in these words), ‘When the battle takes + place, assistance should be rendered by thee’. Saying ‘Yes’, O lord, he + went away. And now at the time of battle he presented himself, O king, + accompanied with a large number of steeds of great fleetness and beautiful + colour. And those steeds, decked with ornaments of gold, of various + colours and exceeding fleetness, suddenly coursed over the field, O king, + like swans on the bosom of the vast deep. And those steeds falling upon + thine of exceeding swiftness, struck their chests and noses against those + of thine. Afflicted by their own impetuous clash (against thine), they + suddenly fell down, O king, on the earth. And in consequence of those + steeds as also of thine occasioned by that clash, loud sounds were heard + resembling what occurs at Garuda’s swoop. And the rider of those steeds, O + king, thus dashing against one another in that battle, began to slay one + another fiercely. And during that general engagement which was fierce and + terrible, the chargers of both sides (escaping from press of battle) ran + wildly away over the field. Weakened by one another’s shafts, brave + warriors, with their horses killed under them, and themselves worn out + with exertion, perished fast sabring one another. Then when those cavalry + divisions were thinned and a remnant only survived, the younger brothers + of Suvala’s son, possessed of great wisdom, rode out, O Bharata (from the + Kaurava array) to the van of battle, mounted on excellent chargers that + resembled the tempest itself in both fleetness and the violence of their + dash and that were well-trained and neither old nor young.<a + href="#linknote-6440" name="linknoteref-6440" id="linknoteref-6440">440</a> + Those six brothers endued with great strength, viz., Gaya, Gavaksha, + Vrishava, Charmavat, Arjava, and Suka dashed out of the mighty (Kaurava) + array, supported by Sakuni and by their respective forces of great valour, + themselves clad in mail, skilled in battle, fierce in mien, and possessed + of exceeding might. Breaking through that invincible cavalry division (of + the Pandavas), O thou of mighty arms, those Gandhara warriors who could + with difficulty be vanquished, supported by a large force, desirous of + heaven, longing for victory, and filled with delight, penetrated into it. + Beholding them filled with joy, the valiant Iravat, addressing his own + warriors decked with diverse ornaments and weapons, said unto them, ‘Adopt + such contrivances in consequence of which these Dhritarashtra warriors + with their weapons and animals may all be destroyed.’ Saying ‘Yes’, all + those warriors of Iravat began to slay those mighty and invincible + Dhartarashtra soldiers. Beholding that their own warriors were thus + overthrown by Iravat’s division, those sons of Suvala being unable to bear + it coolly, all rushed at Iravat and surrounded him on all sides. And + commanding (all their followers) to attack those of Iravat with lances, + those heroes swept over the field, creating a great confusion. And Iravat, + pierced with lances by those high-souled warriors, and bathed in blood + that trickled down (his wounds), looked like an elephant pierced with the + hook. Wounded deeply on the chest, back, and flanks, singly encountering + the many, he did not yet, O king, swerve from his (natural) firmness. + Indeed, Iravat, excited with rage, deprived all those adversaries of their + senses, piercing them, in that battle, with sharp shafts. And that + chastiser of foes, tearing those lances from off his body, struck with + them the sons of Suvala in battle. Then unsheathing his polished sword and + taking a shield, he rushed on foot, desirous of slaying Suvala’s sons in + that combat. The sons of Suvala, however, recovering their senses, once + more rushed at Iravat, excited with wrath. Iravat, however, proud of his + might, and displaying his lightness of hand, proceeded towards all of + them, armed with his sword. Moving as he did with great activity, the sons + of Suvala, although they moved about on their fleet steeds, could not find + an opportunity for striking that hero (on foot). Beholding him then on + foot, his foes surrounded him closely and wished to take him captive. Then + that crusher of foes, seeing them contiguous to himself, struck off, with + his sword, both their right and left arms, and mangled their other limbs. + Then those arms of theirs adorned with gold, and their weapons, fell down + on the earth, and they themselves, with limbs mangled, fell down on the + field, deprived of life. Only Vrishava, O king, with many wounds on his + person, escaped (with life) from that dreadful battle destructive of + heroes. Beholding them lying on the field of battle, thy son Duryodhana, + excited with wrath said unto that Rakshasa of terrible mien, viz., + Rishyasringa’s son (Alamvusha), that great bowman versed in illusion, that + chastiser of foes, who bore feelings of animosity against Bhimasena in + consequence of the slaughter of Vaka, these words: ‘Behold, O hero, how + the mighty son of Phalguni, versed in illusion, hath done me a severe + injury by destroying my forces. Thou also, O sire, art capable of going + everywhere at will and accomplished in all weapons of illusion. Thou + cherishest animosity also for Partha. Therefore, do thou slay this one in + battle.’ Saying ‘Yes’, that Rakshasa of terrible mien proceeded with a + leonine roar to that spot where the mighty and youthful son of Arjuna was. + And he was supported by the heroic warriors of his own division, + accomplished in smiting, well-mounted, skilled in battle and fighting with + bright lances. Accompanied by the remnant of that excellent cavalry + division (of the Kauravas), he proceeded, desirous of slaying in battle + the mighty Iravat. That slayer of foes, viz., the valiant Iravat, excited + with rage, and advancing speedily from desire of slaying the Rakshasa, + began to resist him. Beholding him advance, the mighty Rakshasa speedily + set himself about for displaying his powers of illusion. The Rakshasa then + created a number of illusive chargers which were ridden by terrible + Rakshasas armed with spears and axes. Those two thousand accomplished + smiters advancing with rage, were however, soon sent to the regions of + Yama, (falling in the encounter with Iravat’s forces). And when the forces + of both perished, both of them, invincible in battle, encountered each + other like Vritra and Vasava. Beholding the Rakshasa, who was difficult of + being vanquished in battle, advancing towards him, the mighty Iravat, + excited with rage, began to check his onset. And when the Rakshasa + approached him nearer, Iravat with his sword quickly cut off his bow, as + also each of his shafts into five fragments. Seeing his bow cut off, the + Rakshasa speedily rose up into the welkin, confounding with his illusion + the enraged Iravat. Then Iravat also, difficult of approach, capable of + assuming any form at will, and having a knowledge of what are the vital + limbs of the body, rising up into the welkin, and confounding with his + illusion the Rakshasa began to cut off the latter’s limbs in that battle + and thus were the limbs of the Rakshasa repeatedly cut into several + pieces.<a href="#linknote-6441" name="linknoteref-6441" id="linknoteref-6441">441</a> [(Rakshasa ceases to be italicized at this + point for a couple of pages.—JBH)] Then the Rakshasa, however, O + king, was re-born, assuming a youthful appearance. Illusion is natural + with them, and their age and form are both dependent on their will. And + the limbs of that Rakshasa, O king, cut into pieces, presented a beautiful + sight. Iravat, excited with rage, repeatedly cut that mighty Rakshasa with + his sharp axe. The brave Rakshasa, thus cut into pieces like a tree by the + mighty Iravat, roared fiercely. And those roars of his became deafening. + Mangled with the axe, the Rakshasa began to pour forth blood in torrents. + Then (Alamvusha), the mighty son of Rishyasringa, beholding his foe + blazing forth with energy, became infuriate with rage and himself put + forth his prowess in that combat. Assuming a prodigious and fierce form, + he endeavoured to seize the heroic son of Arjuna, viz., the renowned + Iravat. In the sight of all the combatants there present, beholding that + illusion of the wicked Rakshasa in the van of battle, Iravat became + inflamed with rage and adopted steps for himself having recourse to + illusion. And when that hero, never retreating from battle, became + inflamed with wrath, a Naga related to him by his mother’s side, came to + him. Surrounded on all sides, in that battle by Nagas, that Naga, O king, + assumed a huge form mighty as Ananta himself. With diverse kinds of Nagas + then he covered the Rakshasa. While being covered by those Nagas, that + bull among Rakshasas reflected for a moment, and assuming the form of + Garuda, he devoured those snakes. When that Naga of his mother’s line was + devoured through illusion, Iravat became confounded. And while in that + state, the Rakshasa slew him with his sword, Alamvusha felled on the earth + Iravat’s head decked with ear-rings and graced with a diadem and looking + beautiful like a lotus or the moon. + </p> + <p> + “When the heroic son of Arjuna was thus slain by the Rakshasa, the + Dhartarashtra host with all the kings (in it) were freed from grief. In + that great battle that was so fierce, awful was the carnage that occurred + among both the divisions. Horses and elephants and foot-soldiers entangled + with one another, were slain by tuskers. And many steeds and tuskers were + slain by foot-soldiers. And in that general engagement bodies of + foot-soldiers and cars, and large numbers of horses belonging both to thy + army and theirs, were slain, O king, by car-warriors. Meanwhile, Arjuna, + not knowing that the son of his loins had been slaughtered, slew in that + battle many kings who had been protecting Bhishma. And the warriors, O + king, of thy army and the Srinjayas, by thousands, poured out their lives + as libations (on the fire of battle), striking one another. And many + car-warriors, with dishevelled hair, and with swords and bows fallen from + their grasp fought with their bare arms, encountering one another. The + mighty Bhishma also, with shafts capable of penetrating into the very + vitals, slew many mighty car-warriors and caused the Pandava army to + tremble (the while). By him were slain many combatants in Yudhishthira’s + host, and many tuskers and cavalry-soldiers and car-warriors and steeds. + Beholding, O Bharata, the prowess of Bhishma in that battle, it seemed to + us that it was equal to that of Sakra himself. And the prowess of + Bhimasena, as also that of Parshata, was hardly less, O Bharata, (than + that of Bhishma). And so also the battle fought by that great bowman + (viz., Satyaki) of Satwata’s race, was equally fierce. Beholding, however, + the prowess of Drona, the Pandavas were struck with fear. Indeed they + thought, ‘Alone, Drona can slay us with all our troops. What then should + be said of him when he is surrounded by a large body of warriors who for + their bravery are renowned over the world?’ Even this, O king, was what + the Partha said, afflicted by Drona. During the progress of that fierce + battle, O bull of Bharata’s race, the brave combatants of neither army + forgave their adversaries of the other. O sire, the mighty bowmen of both + thy army and that of the Pandavas, inflamed with wrath, fought furiously + with one another, as if they were possessed of by the Rakshasas and + demons. Indeed, he did not see any one in the battle which was so + destructive of lives and which was considered as a battle of the demons, + to take of life." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0092" id="link62H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Tell me, O Sanjaya, all that the mighty Partha did in + battle when they heard that Iravat had been slain." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Beholding Iravat slain in battle, the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, + the son of Bhimasena, uttered loud shouts. And in consequence of the + loudness of those roars, the earth having the ocean for her robes, along + with her mountains and forests, began to tremble violently. And the welkin + also and the quarters both cardinal and subsidiary, all trembled. And + hearing those loud roars of his, O Bharata, the thighs and other limbs of + the troops began to tremble, and sweat also appeared on their persons. And + all thy combatants, O king, became cheerless of heart. And all over the + field the warriors stood still, like an elephant afraid of the lion. And + the Rakshasa, uttering those loud roars resembling the rattle of thunder, + assuming a terrible form, and with a blazing spear upraised in hand, and + surrounded by many bulls among Rakshasas of fierce forms armed with + diverse weapons, advanced, excited with rage and resembling the Destroyer + himself at the end of the Yuga. Beholding him advance in wrath and with a + terrible countenance, and seeing also his own troops almost all running + away from fear of that Rakshasa, king Duryodhana rushed against + Ghatotkacha, taking up his bow with arrow fixed on the string, and + repeatedly roaring like a lion. Behind him proceeded the ruler of the + Vangas, with ten thousand elephants, huge as hills, and each with juice + trickling down. Beholding thy son, O king, (thus) advancing surrounded by + that elephant division, that ranger of the night (viz., Ghatotkacha) was + highly inflamed with rage. Then commenced a battle with utmost vehemences + that made the hair stand on end, between the formidable Rakshasa and the + troops of Duryodhana. And beholding also that elephant division risen (on + the horizon) like a cloud, the Rakshasas, inflamed with rage, rushed + towards it, weapons in hand, and uttering diverse roars like clouds + charged with lightning. With arrows and darts and swords and long shafts, + as also with spears and mallets and battle-axes and short arrows, they + began to smite down that elephant host. And they slew huge elephants with + mountain-summits and large trees. While the Rakshasas slew those + elephants, O king, we saw that some of them had their frontal globes + smashed, some were bathed in blood, and some had their limbs broken or cut + through. At last when that elephant host was broken and thinned, + Duryodhana, O king, rushed upon the Rakshasas, under the influence of rage + and becoming reckless of his very life. And that mighty warrior sped + clouds of sharp shafts at the Rakshasas. And that great bowman slew many + of their foremost warriors. Inflamed with rage, O chief of the Bharatas, + that mighty car-warrior, viz., thy son Duryodhana, then slew with four + shafts four of the principal Rakshasas, viz., Vegavat, Maharudra, + Vidyujihva, and Pramathin. And once again, O chief of the Bharatas, that + warrior of immeasurable soul, sped at the Rakshasa host showers of arrows + that could with difficulty be resisted. Beholding that great feat of thy + son, O sire, the mighty son of Bhimasena blazed up with wrath. Drawing his + large bow effulgent as the lightning, he rushed impetuously at the + wrathful Duryodhana. Beholding him (thus) rushing like Death himself + commissioned by the Destroyer, thy son Duryodhana, O king, shook not at + all. With eyes red in anger, and excited with rage, Ghatotkacha, then, + addressing thy son, said, ‘I shall today be freed from the debt I owe to + my sires, as also to my mother, they that had so long been exiled by thy + cruel self. The sons of Pandu, O king, were vanquished by thee in that + match at dice. Drupada’s daughter Krishna also, while ill and, therefore, + clad in a single raiment, was brought into the assembly and great trouble + was given by thee in diverse ways, O thou most wicked, unto her. While + dwelling also in her sylvan retreat, thy well-wisher, that wicked wight, + viz., the ruler of the Sindhus, persecuted her further, disregarding my + sires. For these and other wrongs, O wretch of thy race, I shall today + take vengeance if thou dost not quit the field.’ Having said these words, + Hidimva’s son, drawing his gigantic bow, biting his (nether) lip with his + teeth, and licking the corners of his mouth, covered Duryodhana with a + profuse shower, like a mass of clouds covering the mountain-breast with + torrents of rain in the rainy season." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0093" id="link62H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“That arrowy shower, difficult of being borne by even + the Danavas, king Duryodhana, however, (quietly) bore in that battle, like + a gigantic elephant bearing a shower (from the blue).<a + href="#linknote-6442" name="linknoteref-6442" id="linknoteref-6442">442</a> + Then filled with anger and sighing like a snake, thy son, O bull of + Bharata’s race, was placed in a position of great danger. He then shot + five and twenty sharp arrows of keen points. These, O king, fell with + great force on that bull among Rakshasas, like angry snakes of virulent + poison on the breast of Gandhamadana. Pierced with those shafts, blood + trickled down the Rakshasa’s body and he looked like an elephant with rent + temples.<a href="#linknote-6443" name="linknoteref-6443" id="linknoteref-6443">443</a> Thereupon that cannibal set his heart upon + the destruction of the (Kuru) king. And he took up a huge dart that was + capable of piercing even a mountain. Blazing with light, effulgent as a + large meteor, it flamed with radiance like the lightning itself. And the + mighty-armed Ghatotkacha, desirous of slaying thy son, raised that dart. + Beholding that dart upraised, the ruler of the Vangas mounting upon an + elephant huge as a hill, drove towards the Rakshasa. On the field of + battle, with the mighty elephant of great speed, Bhagadatta placed himself + in the very front of Duryodhana’s car. And with that elephant he + completely shrouded the car of thy son. Beholding then the way (to + Duryodhana’s car) thus covered by the intelligent king of the Vangas, the + eyes of Ghatotkacha, O king, became red in anger. And he hurled that huge + dart, before upraised, at that elephant. Struck, O king, with that dart + hurled from the arms of Ghatotkacha, that elephant, covered with blood and + in great agony, fell down and died. The mighty king of the Vangas, + however, quickly jumping down from that elephant, alighted on the ground. + Duryodhana then beholding the prince of elephants slain, and seeing also + his troops broken and giving way, was filled with anguish. From regard, + however, for a Kshatriya’s duty<a href="#linknote-6444" name="linknoteref-6444" id="linknoteref-6444">444</a> as also his own + pride, the king, though defeated, stood firm like a hill. Filled with + wrath and aiming a sharp arrow that resembled the Yuga fire in energy, he + sped it at that fierce wanderer of the night. Beholding that arrow, + blazing as Indra’s bolt, thus coursing towards him, the high-souled + Ghatotkacha baffled it by the celerity of his movements. With eyes red in + wrath, he once more shouted fiercely, frightening all thy troops, like the + clouds that appear at the end of the Yuga. Hearing those fierce roars of + the terrible Rakshasa, Bhishma the son of Santanu, approaching the + preceptor, said these words, ‘These fierce roars that are heard, uttered + by Rakshasas, without doubt indicate that Hidimva’s son is battling with + king Duryodhana. That Rakshasa is incapable of being vanquished in battle + by any creature. Therefore, blessed be ye, go thither and protect the + king. The blessed Duryodhana hath been attacked by the high-souled + Rakshasa. Therefore, ye chastisers of foes, even this is our highest duty.<a + href="#linknote-6445" name="linknoteref-6445" id="linknoteref-6445">445</a>’ + Hearing those words of the grandsire, those mighty car-warriors without + loss of time and with the utmost speed, proceeded to the spot when the + king of the Kurus was. They met Duryodhana and Somadatta and Valhika and + Jayadratha; and Kripa and Bhurisravas and Salya, and the two princes of + Avanti along with Vrihadvala, and Aswatthaman and Vikarna, and Chitrasena + and Vivinsati. And many thousands of other car-warriors, including all + those that followed them, proceeded, desirous of rescuing thy son + Duryodhana who had been hotly pressed. Beholding that invincible division + protected by those mighty car-warriors, coming towards him with hostile + intentions, that best of Rakshasas, viz., the mighty-armed Ghatotkacha, + stood firm like the Mainaka mountain, with a huge bow in hand, and + surrounded by his kinsmen armed with clubs and mallets and diverse other + kinds of weapons. Then commenced a fierce battle, making the hair stand on + end, between those Rakshasas on the one side and that foremost of + Duryodhana’s divisions on the other. And the loud noise of twanging bows + in that battle was heard, O king, on all sides resembling the noise made + by burning bamboos. And the din produced by the weapons falling upon the + coats of mail of the combatants resembled, O king, the noise of splitting + hills. And the lances, O monarch, hurled by heroic arms, while coursing + through the welkin, looked like darting snakes. Then, excited with great + wrath and drawing his gigantic bow, the mighty-armed prince of the + Rakshasas, uttering a loud roar, cut off, with a crescent-shaped arrow, + the preceptor’s bow in a rage. And overthrowing, with another broad-headed + arrow, the standard of Somadatta, he uttered a loud yell. And he pierced + Valhika with three shafts in the centre of the chest. And he pierced Kripa + with one arrow, and Chitrasena with three. And with another arrow, + well-aimed and well-sped from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he + struck Vikarna at the shoulder-joint. Thereupon the latter, covered with + gore, sat down on the terrace of his car. Then that Rakshasa of + immeasurable soul, excited with rage, O bull of Bharata’s race, sped at + Bhurisravas five and ten shafts. These, penetrating through the latter’s + armour, entered the earth. He then struck the chariot of Vivinsati and + Aswatthaman. These fell down on the front of their cars, relinquishing the + reins of the steeds. With another crescent-shaped shaft he overthrew the + standard of Jayadratha bearing the device of a boar and decked with gold. + And with a second arrow he cut off the latter’s bow. And with eyes red in + wrath, he slew with four shafts the four steeds of the high-souled king of + Avanti. And with another arrow, O king, well-tempered and sharp, and shot + from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he pierced king Vrihadvala. + Deeply pierced and exceedingly pained, the latter sat down on the terrace + of his car. Filled with great wrath and seated on his car, the prince of + the Rakshasas then shot many bright arrows of keen points that resembled + snakes of virulent poison. These, O king, succeeded in piercing Salya + accomplished in battle." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0094" id="link62H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Having in that battle made all those warriors (of thy army) + turn their faces from the field, the Rakshasa then, O chief of the + Bharatas, rushed at Duryodhana, desirous of slaying him. Beholding him + rushing with great impetuosity towards the king, many warriors of thy + army, incapable of defeat in battle, rushed towards him (in return) from + desire of slaying him. Those mighty car-warriors, drawing their bows that + measured full six cubits long, and uttering loud roars like a herd of + lions, all rushed together against that single warrior. And surrounding + him on all sides, they covered him with their arrowy showers like the + clouds covering the mountain-breast with torrents of rain in autumn. + Deeply pierced with those arrows and much pained, he resembled then an + elephant pierced with the hook. Quickly then he soared up into the + firmament like Garuda. And (while there) he uttered many loud roars like + the autumnal clouds, making the welkin and all the points of the compass, + cardinal and subsidiary, resounded with those fierce cries. Hearing those + roars of the Rakshasa, O chief of the Bharatas, king Yudhishthira then, + addressing Bhima, said unto that chastiser of foes these words, ‘The noise + that we hear uttered by the fiercely-roaring Rakshasa, without doubt, + indicates that he is battling with the mighty car-warriors of the + Dhartarashtra army. I see also that the burden has proved heavier than + what that bull among Rakshasas is able to bear. The grandsire, too, + excited with rage, is ready to slaughter the Panchalas. For protecting + them Phalguni is battling with the foe. O thou of mighty arms hearing now + of these two tasks, both of which demand prompt attention, go and give + succour to Hidimva’s son who is placed in a position of very great + danger.’ Listening to these words of his brother, Vrikodara, with great + speed, proceeded, frightening all the kings with his leonine roars, with + great impetuosity, O king, like the ocean itself during the period of the + new full moon. Him followed Satyadhriti and Sauchiti difficult of being + vanquished in battle, and Srenimat, and Vasudana and the powerful son of + the ruler of Kasi, and many car-warriors headed by Abhimanyu, as also + those mighty car-warriors, viz., the sons of Draupadi, and the valiant + Kshatradeva, and Kshatradharman, and Nila, the ruler of the low countries, + at the head of his own forces. And these surrounded the son of Hidimva + with a large division of cars (for aiding him).<a href="#linknote-6446" name="linknoteref-6446" id="linknoteref-6446">446</a> And they advanced to + the rescue of Ghatotkacha, that prince of the Rakshasas, with the six + thousand elephants, always infuriate and accomplished in smiting. And with + their loud leonine roars, and the clatter of their car-wheels, and with + the tread of their horse’s hoofs, they made the very earth to tremble. + Hearing the din of those advancing warriors the faces of thy troops who + were filled with anxiety in consequence of their fear of Bhimasena became + pale. Leaving Ghatotkacha then they all fled away. Then commenced in that + part of the field a dreadful battle between those high-souled warriors and + thine, both of whom were unretreating. Mighty car-warriors, hurling + diverse kinds of the weapons, chased and smote one another. That fierce + battle striking terror into the hearts of the timid, was such that the + different classes of combatants became entangled with one another. Horses + engaged with elephants and foot-soldiers with car-warriors. And + challenging one another, O king, they engaged in the fight.<a + href="#linknote-6447" name="linknoteref-6447" id="linknoteref-6447">447</a> + And in consequence of that clash of cars, steeds, elephants, and + foot-soldiers, a thick dust appeared, raised by the car-wheels and the + tread (of those combatants and animals). And that dust, thick and of the + colour of reddish smoke, shrouded the field of battle. And the combatants + were unable to distinguish their own from the foe. Sire recognised not the + son, and son recognised not the sire, in that dreadful engagement which + made the hair stand on end and in which no consideration was shown (by any + one for any body). And the noise made by the hissing weapons and the + shouting combatants resembled, O chief of Bharata’s race, that made by + departed spirits (in the infernal regions). And there flowed a river whose + current consisted of the blood of elephants and steeds and men. And the + hair (of the combatants) formed its weeds and moss. And in that battle + heads falling from the trunks of men made a loud noise like that of a + falling shower of stones. And the earth was strewn with the headless + trunks of human beings, with mangled bodies of elephants and with the + hacked limbs of steeds. And mighty car-warriors chased one another for + smiting one another down, and hurled diverse kinds of weapons. Steeds, + urged by their riders and falling upon steeds, dashed against one another + and fell down deprived of life. And men, with eyes red in wrath, rushing + against men and striking one another with their chests, smote one another + down. And elephants, urged by their guides against hostile elephants, slew + their compeers in that battle, with the points of their tusks. Covered + with blood in consequence of their wounds and decked with standards (on + their backs), elephants were entangled with elephants and looked like + masses of clouds charged with lightning. And some amongst them mounted (by + others) with the points of their tusks, and some with their frontal globes + split with lances, ran hither and thither with loud shrieks like masses of + roaring clouds. And some amongst them with their trunks lopped off,<a + href="#linknote-6448" name="linknoteref-6448" id="linknoteref-6448">448</a> + and others with mangled limbs, dropped down in that dreadful battle like + mountains shorn of their wings.<a href="#linknote-6449" name="linknoteref-6449" id="linknoteref-6449">449</a> Other huge + elephants, copiously shedding blood from their flanks, ripped open by + compeers, looked like mountains with (liquified) red chalk running down + their sides (after a shower).<a href="#linknote-6450" name="linknoteref-6450" id="linknoteref-6450">450</a> Others, slain with + shafts or pierced with lances and deprived of their riders, looked like + mountains deprived of their crests.<a href="#linknote-6451" name="linknoteref-6451" id="linknoteref-6451">451</a> Some amongst them, + possessed by wrath and blinded (with fury) in consequence of the juice + (trickling down their temples and cheeks)<a href="#linknote-6452" name="linknoteref-6452" id="linknoteref-6452">452</a> and no longer + restrained with the hook, crushed cars and steeds and foot-soldiers in + that battle by hundreds. And so steeds, attacked by horsemen with bearded + darts and lances, rushed against their assailants, as if agitating the + points of the compass. Car-warriors of noble parentage and prepared to lay + down their lives, encountering car-warriors, fought fearlessly, relying + upon their utmost might. The combatants, O king, seeking glory or heaven, + struck one another in that awful press, as if in a marriage by + self-choice. During however, that dreadful battle making the hair stand on + end, the Dhartarashtra troops generally were made to run their backs on + the field." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0095" id="link62H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Beholding his own troops slain, king Duryodhana then + excited with wrath, rushed towards Bhimasena, that chastiser of foes. + Taking up a large bow whose effulgence resembled that of Indra’s bolt, he + covered the son of Pandu with a thick shower of arrows. And filled with + rage, and aiming a sharp crescent-shaped shaft winged with feathers, he + cut off Bhimasena’s bow. And that mighty car-warrior, noticing an + opportunity, quickly aimed at his adversary a whetted shaft capable of + riving the very hills. With that (shaft), that mighty-armed (warrior) + struck Bhimasena in the chest. Deeply pierced with that arrow, and + exceedingly pained, and licking the corners of his mouth, Bhimasena of + great energy caught hold of his flag-staff decked with gold. Beholding + Bhimasena in that cheerless state, Ghatotkacha blazed up with wrath like + an all-consuming conflagration. Then many mighty car-warriors of the + Pandava army, headed by Abhimanyu and with wrath generated (in their + bosoms), rushed at the king shouting loudly. Beholding them (thus) + advancing (to the fight) filled with wrath and in great fury, Bharadwaja’s + son addressing the mighty car-warriors (of thy side), said these words,—‘Go + quickly, blessed be ye, and protect the king. Sinking in an ocean of + distress, he is placed in a situation of great danger. These mighty + car-warriors of the Pandava army, these great bowmen, placing Bhimasena at + their head, are rushing towards Duryodhana, shooting and hurling diverse + kinds of weapons, resolved upon winning success, uttering terrible shouts, + and frightening the kings (on your side)’. Hearing these words of the + preceptor, many warriors of thy side headed by Somadatta rushed upon the + Pandava ranks. Kripa and Bhurisravas and Salya, and Drona’s son and + Vivinsati, and Chitrasena and Vikarna, and the ruler of the Sindhus, and + Vrihadvala, and those two mighty bowmen, viz., the two princes of Avanti, + surrounded the Kuru king. Advancing only twenty steps, the Pandavas and + the Dhartarashtras began to strike, desirous of slaughtering each other. + The mighty-armed son of Bharadwaja also, having said those words (unto the + Dhartarashtra warriors), stretched his own large bow and pierced Bhima + with six and twenty arrows. And once again that mighty car-warrior + speedily covered Bhimasena with a shower of arrows like a mass of clouds + dropping torrents of rain on the mountain-breasts in the rainy season. + That mighty bowman Bhimasena, however, of great strength, speedily pierced + him in return with ten shafts on the left side. Deeply pierced with those + arrows and exceedingly pained, O Bharata, the preceptor, enfeebled as he + is with age, suddenly sat down on the terrace of his car, deprived of + consciousness. Beholding him thus pained, king Duryodhana himself, and + Aswatthaman also, excited with wrath, both rushed towards Bhimasena. + Beholding those two warriors advance, each like Yama as he shows himself + at the end of the Yuga, the mighty-armed Bhimasena, quickly taking up a + mace, and jumping down from his car without loss of time, stood immovable + like a hill, with that heavy mace resembling the very club of Yama, + upraised in battle. Beholding him with mace (thus) upraised and looking + (on that account) like the crested Kailasa, both the Kuru king and Drona’s + son rushed towards him. Then the mighty Bhimasena himself rushed + impetuously at those two foremost of men thus rushing together towards him + with great speed. Beholding him thus rushing in fury and with terrible + expression of face, many mighty car-warriors of the Kaurava army speedily + proceeded towards him. Those car-warriors headed by Bharadwaja’s son, + impelled by the desire of slaughtering Bhimasena, hurled at his breast + diverse kinds of weapons, and thus all of them together afflicted Bhima + from all sides. Beholding that mighty car-warrior thus afflicted and + placed in a situation of great peril, many mighty car-warriors of the + Pandava army, headed by Abhimanyu, and prepared to lay down dear life + itself, rushed to the spot, desirous of rescuing him. The heroic ruler of + the low country, the dear friend of Bhima, viz., Nila, looking like a mass + of blue clouds, rushed at Drona’s son, filled with wrath. A great bowman, + Nila always desired an encounter with Drona’s son. Drawing his large bow, + he pierced the son of Drona with many winged arrows, like Sakra in days of + old, O king, piercing the invincible Danava Viprachitti, that terror of + the celestials, who, moved by anger frightened the three worlds by his + energy. Pierced after the same way by Nila with his well-shot arrows + winged with feathers, Drona’s son, covered with blood and exceedingly + pained, was filled with wrath. Drawing then his large bow, of twang loud + as the roar of Indra’s thunder, that foremost of intelligent persons set + his heart upon the destruction of Nila. Aiming then a few bright shafts of + broad heads and sharpened by the hands of their forger, he slew the four + steeds of his adversary and overthrew also his standard. And with the + seventh shaft he pierced Nila himself in the chest. Deeply pierced and + exceedingly pained, he sat down on the terrace of his car. Beholding king + Nila, who looked like a mass of blue clouds, in a swoon, Ghatotkacha, + filled with wrath and surrounded by his kinsmen, rushed impetuously + towards Drona’s son, that ornament of battle. Similarly many other + Rakshasas, incapable of being easily defeated in battle, rushed at + Aswatthaman. Beholding then that Rakshasa of terrible mien coming towards + him, the valiant son of Bharadwaja impetuously rushed towards him. Filled + with wrath he slew many Rakshasas of formidable visage, that is, those + wrathful ones amongst them who were in Ghatotkacha’s van. Beholding them + repulsed from the encounter by means of the shafts shot from the bow of + Drona’s son, Bhimasena’s son Ghatotkacha of gigantic size was filled with + rage. He then exhibited a fierce and awful illusion. Therewith that prince + of the Rakshasas, endued with extraordinary powers of illusion, confounded + the son of Drona in that battle. Then all thy troops, in consequence of + that illusion, turned their backs upon the field. They beheld one another + cut down and lying prostrate on the surface of the earth, writhing + convulsively, perfectly helpless, and bathed in blood. Drona and + Duryodhana and Salya and Aswatthaman, and other great bowmen that were + regarded as foremost among the Kauravas, also seemed to fly away. All the + car-warriors seemed to be crushed, and all the kings seemed to be slain. + And horses and horse-riders seemed to be cut down in thousands. Beholding + all this, thy troops fled away towards their tents. And although, O king, + both myself and Devavrata cried out at the top of our voices, saying, + ‘Fight, do not fly away, all this is Rakshasa illusion in battle, applied + by Ghatotkacha,’ yet they stopped not, their senses having been + confounded. Although both of us said so, still struck with panic, they + gave no credit to our words. Beholding them fly away the Pandavas regarded + the victory to be theirs. With Ghatotkacha (among them) they uttered many + leonine shouts. And all around they filled the air with their shouts + mingled with the blare of their conches and the beat of their drums. It + was thus that thy whole army, routed by the wicked Ghatotkacha, towards + the hour of sunset, fled away in all directions." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0096" id="link62H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “After that great battle, king Duryodhana, approaching + Ganga’s son and saluting him with humility, began to narrate to him all + that had happened about the victory won by Ghatotkacha and his own defeat. + That invincible warrior, O king, sighing repeatedly, said these words unto + Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, ‘O lord, relying upon thee, as + Vasudeva hath been (relied upon) by the foe, a fierce war hath been + commenced by me with the Pandavas. These eleven Akshauhinis of celebrated + troops that I have, are, with myself, obedient to thy command, O chastiser + of foes. O tiger among the Bharatas, though thus situated, yet have I been + defeated into battle by the Pandava warriors headed by Bhimasena relying + upon Ghatotkacha. It is this that consumeth my limbs like fire consuming + dry tree. O blessed one, O chastiser of foes, I therefore desire, through + thy grace, O grandsire, to slay Ghatotkacha myself, that worst of + Rakshasas, relying upon thy invincible self. It behoveth thee to see that + wish of mine may be fulfilled.’ Hearing these words of the king, that + foremost one among the Bharatas, viz., Bhishma, the son of Santanu, said + these words unto Duryodhana, ‘Listen, O king, to these words of mine that + I say unto thee, O thou of Kuru’s race, about the way in which thou, O + chastiser of foes, shouldst always behave. One’s own self, under all + circumstances, should be protected in battle, O repressor of foes. Thou + shouldst always, O sinless one, battle with king Yudhishthira the Just, or + with Arjuna, or with the twins, or with Bhimasena. Keeping the duty of a + king before himself, a king striketh a king. Myself, and Drona, and Kripa, + and Drona’s son, and Kritavarman of the Satwata race, and Salya, and + Somadatta’s son, and that mighty car-warrior Vikarna, and thy heroic + brothers headed by Dussasana, will all, for thy sake, battle against that + mighty Rakshasas. Or if thy grief on account of that fierce prince of the + Rakshasas be too great, let this one proceed in battle against that wicked + warrior, that is to say, king Bhagadatta who is equal unto Purandara + himself in fight’. Having said this much unto the king, the grandsire + skilled in speech then addressed Bhagadatta in the presence of the (Kuru) + king, saying, ‘Proceed quickly, O great monarch, against that invincible + warrior, viz., the son of Hidimva. Resist in battle, with care, and in + view of all the bowmen, that Rakshasa of cruel deeds, like Indra in days + of old resisting Taraka. Thy weapons are celestial. Thy prowess also is + great, O chastiser of foes. In days of old many have been the encounters + that thou hadst with Asura, O tiger among kings, thou art that Rakshasa’s + match in great battle. Strongly supported by thy own troops, slay, O king, + that bull among Rakshasas’. Hearing these words of Bhishma the + generalissimo (of the Kaurava army), Bhagadatta specially set out with a + leonine roar facing the ranks of the foe. Beholding him advance towards + them like a mass of roaring clouds, many mighty car-warriors of the + Pandava army proceeded against him, inflamed with wrath. They were + Bhimasena, and Abhimanyu and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha; and the sons of + Draupadi, and Satyadhriti, and Kshatradeva, O sire, and the rulers of the + Chedis, and Vasudana, and the king of the Dasarnas. Bhagadatta then, on + his elephant named Supratika, rushed against them. Then commenced a fierce + and awful battle between the Pandavas and Bhagadatta, that increased the + population of Yama’s kingdom. Shafts of terrible energy and great + impetuosity, shot by car-warriors, fell, O king, on elephants and cars. + Huge elephants with rent temples and trained (to the fight) by their + guides, approaching fell upon one another fearlessly. Blind (with fury) in + consequence of the temporal juice trickling down their bodies, and excited + with rage, attacking one another with their tusks resembling stout + bludgeons, they pierced one another with the points of those weapons.<a + href="#linknote-6453" name="linknoteref-6453" id="linknoteref-6453">453</a> + Graced with excellent tails, and ridden by warriors armed with lances, + steeds, urged by those riders fell fearlessly and with great impetuosity + upon one another. And foot-soldiers, attacked by bodies of foot-soldiers + with darts and lances, fell down on the earth by hundreds and thousands. + And car-warriors upon their cars, slaughtering heroic adversaries in that + battle by means of barbed arrows and muskets and shafts, uttered leonine + shouts.<a href="#linknote-6454" name="linknoteref-6454" id="linknoteref-6454">454</a> And during the progress of the battle making + the hair stand on end, that great bowman, viz., Bhagadatta, rushed towards + Bhimasena, on his elephant of rent temples and with juice trickling down + in seven currents and resembling (on that account) a mountain with (as + many) rillets flowing down its breast after a shower. And he came, O + sinless one, scattering thousands of arrows from the head of Supratika + (whereon he stood) like the illustrious Purandara himself on his Airavata. + King Bhagadatta afflicted Bhimasena with that arrowy shower like the + clouds afflicting the mountain breast with torrents of rain on the expiry + of summer. That mighty bowman Bhimasena, however, excited with rage, slew + by his arrowy showers the combatants numbering more than a hundred, that + protected the flanks and rear of Bhagadatta.<a href="#linknote-6455" name="linknoteref-6455" id="linknoteref-6455">455</a> Beholding them + slain, the valiant Bhagadatta, filled with rage, urged his prince of + elephants towards Bhimasena’s car. That elephant, thus urged by him, + rushed impetuously like an arrow propelled from the bowstring towards + Bhimasena, that chastiser of foes. Beholding that elephant advancing, the + mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army, placing Bhimasena at their head, + themselves rushed towards it. Those warriors were the (five) Kekaya + princes, and Abhimanyu, and the (five) sons of Draupadi and the heroic + ruler of the Dasarnas, and Kshatradeva also, O sire, and the ruler of the + Chedis, and Chitraketu. And all these mighty warriors came, inflamed with + anger, and exhibiting their excellent celestial weapons. And they all + surrounded in anger that single elephant (on which their adversary rode). + Pierced with many shafts, that huge elephant, covered with gore flowing + from his wounds, looked resplendent like a prince of mountain variegated + with (liquified) red chalk (after a shower). The ruler of the Dasarnas + then, on an elephant that resembled a mountain, rushed towards + Bhagadatta’s elephant. That prince of elephants, however, viz., Supratika, + bore (the rush of) that advancing compeer like the continent bearing (the + rush of) the surging sea. Beholding that elephant of the high souled king + of the Dasarnas thus resisted, even the Pandava troops, applauding, cried + out ‘Excellent, excellent!’ Then that best of kings, viz., the ruler of + the Pragjyotishas, excited with rage, sped four and ten lances at that + elephant. These, speedily penetrating through the excellent armour, decked + with gold, that covered the animal’s body, entered into it, like snakes + entering anthills. Deeply pierced and exceedingly pained, that elephant, O + chief of the Bharatas, its fury quelled, speedily turned back with great + force. And it fled away with great swiftness, uttering frightful shrieks, + and crushing the Pandava ranks like the tempest crushing trees with its + violence. After that elephant was (thus) vanquished, the mighty + car-warriors of the Pandava army, uttering loud leonine shouts, approached + for battle. Placing Bhima at their head, they rushed at Bhagadatta + scattering diverse kinds of arrows and diverse kinds of weapons. Hearing + the fierce shouts, O king, of those advancing warriors swelling with rage + and vengeance, that great bowman Bhagadatta, filled with rage and + perfectly fearless, urged his own elephant. That prince of elephants then, + thus urged with the hook and the toe, soon assumed the form of the + (all-destructive) Samvarta fire (that appears at the end of the Yuga). + Crushing crowds of cars and (hostile) compeers and steeds with riders, in + that battle, it began, O king, to turn hither and thither. Filled with + rage it also crushed foot-soldiers by hundreds and thousands. Attacked and + agitated by that elephant, that large force of the Pandavas shrank in + dimensions, O king, like a piece of leather exposed to the heat of fire. + Beholding, then the Pandava array broken by the intelligent Bhagadatta, + Ghatotkacha, of fierce mien, O king, with blazing face and eyes red as + fire, filled with rage, rushed towards him. Assuming a terrible form and + burning with wrath, he took up a bright dart capable of riving the very + hills. Endued with great strength, he forcibly hurled that dart that + emitted blazing flames from every part desirous of slaying that elephant. + Beholding it coursing towards him with great impetuosity, the ruler of the + Pragjyotishas sped at it a beautiful but fierce and sharp arrow with a + crescent head. Possessed of great energy he cut off that dart with that + arrow of his. Thereupon that dart, decked with gold, thus divided in + twain, dropped down on the ground, like the bolt of heaven, hurled by + Indra, flashing through the welkin. Beholding that dart (of his + adversary), O king, divided in twain and fallen on the ground, Bhagadatta + took up a large javelin furnished with a golden staff and resembling a + flame of fire in effulgence, and hurled it at the Rakshasa, saying, ‘Wait, + Wait’. Seeing it coursing towards him like the bolt of heaven through the + welkin, the Rakshasa jumped up and speedily seizing it uttered a loud + shout. And quickly placing it against his knee, O Bharata, he broke it in + the very sight of all the kings. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. + Beholding that feat achieved by the mighty Rakshasa, the celestials in the + firmament, with the Gandharvas and the Munis, were filled with wonder. And + the Pandava warriors also, headed by Bhimasena, filled the earth with + cries of ‘Excellent, Excellent’. Hearing, however, those loud shouts of + the rejoicing Pandavas, that great bowman, viz., the valiant Bhagadatta, + could not bear it (coolly). Drawing his large bow whose effulgence + resembled that of Indra’s bolt, he roared with great energy at the mighty + car-warriors of the Pandava army, shooting at the same time many bright + arrows of great sharpness and possessed of the effulgence of fire. And he + pierced Bhima with one arrow, and the Rakshasa with nine. And he pierced + Abhimanyu with three, and the Kekaya brothers with five. And with another + straight arrow shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he pierced, + in that battle, the right arm of Kshatradeva. Thereupon the latter’s bow + with arrow fixed on the bowstring dropped down from his hand. And he + struck the five sons of Draupadi with five arrows. And from wrath, he slew + the steeds of Bhimasena. And with three shafts winged with feathers, he + cut down Bhimasena’s standard bearing the device of a lion. And with three + other shafts he pierced Bhima’s charioteer. Deeply pierced by Bhagadatta + in that battle, and exceedingly pained, Visoka thereupon, O chief of the + Bharatas, sat down on the terrace of the car. Then, O king, that foremost + of car-warriors, viz., Bhima, thus deprived of his car, quickly jumped + down from his large vehicle taking up his mace. Beholding him with mace + upraised and looking like a crested hill, all thy troops, O Bharata, + became filled with great fear. Just at this time that son of Pandu who had + Krishna for his charioteer, O king, slaughtering the foe on all sides as + he came, appeared at that spot where those tigers among men, those mighty + car-warriors, viz., Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha, sire and son, were engaged + with the ruler of the Pragjyotishas. Beholding his brothers, those mighty + car-warriors, engaged in battle, that son of Pandu quickly commenced to + fight, profusely scattering his shafts, O chief of the Bharatas. Then that + mighty car-warrior, viz., king Duryodhana, speedily urged on a division of + his troops abounding with cars and elephants. Towards that mighty division + of the Kauravas thus advancing with impetuosity, Arjuna of white steeds + rushed with great impetuosity. Bhagadatta also, upon that elephant of his, + O Bharata, crushing the Pandava ranks, rushed towards Yudhishthira. Then + commenced a fierce battle between Bhagadatta, O sire, and the Panchalas, + the Srinjayas, and the Kekayas, with upraised weapons. Then Bhimasena, in + that battle told both Kesava and Arjuna in detail about the slaughter of + Iravat as it had occurred." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0097" id="link62H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Hearing that his son Iravat had been slain, Dhananjaya was + filled with great grief and sighed like a snake. And addressing Vasava in + the midst of battle, he said these words, ‘Without doubt, the high-souled + Vidura of great wisdom had before seen (with his mind’s eye) this awful + destruction of the Kurus and the Pandavas. It was for this that he forbade + king Dhritarashtra.<a href="#linknote-6456" name="linknoteref-6456" id="linknoteref-6456">456</a> In this battle, O slayer of Madhu, many + other heroes have been slain by the Kaurava and many amongst the Kauravas + have similarly been slain by ourselves. O best of men, for the sake of + wealth vile acts are being done. Fie upon that wealth for the sake of + which such slaughter of kinsmen is being perpetrated. For him that hath no + wealth, even death would be better than the acquisition of wealth by the + slaughter of kinsmen. What, O Krishna, shall we gain by slaying our + assembled kinsmen? Alas, for Duryodhana’s fault, and also of Sakuni the + son of Suvala, as also through the evil counsels of Karna, the Kshatriya + race is being exterminated, O slayer of Madhu. I now understand, O + mighty-armed one, that the king acted wisely by begging of Suyodhana<a + href="#linknote-6457" name="linknoteref-6457" id="linknoteref-6457">457</a> + only half the kingdom, or, instead, only five villages. Alas, even that + was not granted by that wicked-souled wight. Beholding so many brave + Kshatriyas lying (dead) on the field of battle, I censure myself, (saying) + fie upon the profession of a Kshatriya. The Kshatriyas will regard me + powerless in battle. For this alone, I am battling. Else, O slayer of + Madhu, this battle with kinsmen is distasteful to me. Urge the steeds on + with speed towards the Dhartarashtra army. I will, with my two arms, reach + the other shore of this ocean of battle that is so difficult to cross. + There is no time, O Madhava, to lose in action’. Thus addressed by Partha, + Kesava, that slayer of hostile heroes, urged those steeds of white hue + endued with the speed of the wind. Then, O Bharata, loud was the noise + that was heard among thy troops, resembling that of the ocean itself at + full tide when agitated by the tempest.<a href="#linknote-6458" name="linknoteref-6458" id="linknoteref-6458">458</a> In the afternoon, O + king, the battle that ensued between Bhishma and the Pandavas was marked + by noise that resembled the roar of the clouds. Then, O king, thy sons, + surrounding Drona like the Vasus surrounding Vasava, rushed in the battle + against Bhimasena. Then Santanu’s son, Bhishma, and that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., Kripa, and Bhagadatta, and Susarman, all went towards + Dhananjaya. And Hridika’s son (Kritavarman) and Valhika rushed towards + Satyaki. And king Amvashta placed himself before Abhimanyu. And other + great car-warriors, O king, encountered other great car-warriors. Then + commenced a fierce battle that was terrible to behold. Bhimasena then, O + king, beholding thy sons, blazed up with wrath in that battle, like fire + with (a libation of) clarified butter. Thy sons, however, O monarch, + covered that son of Kunti with their arrows like the clouds drenching the + mountain-breast in the season of rains. While being (thus) covered in + diverse ways by thy sons, O king, that hero, possessed of the activity of + the tiger, licked the corners of his mouth.<a href="#linknote-6459" name="linknoteref-6459" id="linknoteref-6459">459</a> Then, O Bharata, + Bhima felled Vyudoroska with a sharp horse-shoe-headed arrow. Thereupon + that son of thine was deprived of life. With another broad-headed arrow, + well-tempered and sharp, he then felled Kundalin like a lion overthrowing + a smaller animal. Then, O sire, getting thy (other) sons (within reach of + his arrows), he took up a number of shafts, sharp and well-tempered, and + with careful aim speedily shot these at them. Those shafts, sped by that + strong bowman, viz., Bhimasena, felled thy sons, those mighty + car-warriors, from their vehicles. (These sons of thine that were thus + slain were) Anadhriti, and Kundabhedin, and Virata, and Dirghalochana, and + Dirghavahu, and Suvahu, and Kanykadhyaja. While falling down (from their + cars), O bull of Bharata’s race, those heroes looked resplendent like + falling mango trees variegated with blossoms in the spring. Then thy other + sons, O monarch, fled away, regarding the mighty Bhimasena as Death + himself. Then like the clouds pouring torrents of rain on the mountain + breast, Drona in that battle covered with arrows from every side that hero + who was thus consuming thy sons. The prowess that we then beheld of + Kunti’s son was exceedingly wonderful, for though held in check by Drona, + he still slew thy sons. Indeed, as a bull beareth a shower of rain falling + from above, Bhima cheerfully bore that shower of arrows shot by Drona. + Wonderful, O monarch, was the feat that Vrikodara achieved there, for he + slew thy sons in that battle and resisted Drona the while. Indeed, the + elder brother of Arjuna sported amongst those heroic sons of thine, like a + mighty tiger, O king, among a herd of deer. As a wolf, staying in the + midst of a herd of deer, would chase and frighten those animals, so did + Vrikodara, in that battle chase and frighten thy sons. + </p> + <p> + “Meanwhile, Ganga’s son, and Bhagadatta, and that mighty car-warrior, + viz., Gautama, began to resist Arjuna, that impetuous son of Pandu. That + Atiratha, baffling with his weapons the weapons of those adversaries of + his in that battle, despatched many prominent heroes of thy army to the + abode of Death. Abhimanyu also, with his shafts, deprived that renowned + and foremost of car-warriors, viz., king Amvashta, of his car. Deprived of + his car and about to be slain by the celebrated son of Subhadra, that king + quickly jumped down from his car in shame, and hurled his sword in that + battle at the high-souled Abhimanyu. Then, that mighty monarch got up on + the car of Hridika’s son, conversant with all movements in battle. + Subhadra’s son, that slayer of hostile heroes, beholding that sword + coursing towards him, baffled it by the celerity of his movements. Seeing + that sword thus baffled in that battle by Subhadra’s son, loud cries of + ‘well done’, ‘well done’, were, O king, heard among thy troops. Other + warriors headed by Dhrishtadyumna battled with thy troops, while thy + troops, also, all battled with those of the Pandavas. Then, O Bharata, + fierce was the engagement that took place between thine and theirs, that + combatants smiting one another with great force and achieving the most + difficult feats. Brave combatants, O sire, seizing one another by the + hair, fought using their nails and teeth, and fists and knees, and palms + and swords, and their well-proportioned arms. And seizing one another’s + laches, they despatched one another to the abode of Yama. Sire slew son, + and son slew sire. Indeed, the combatants fought with one another, using + every limb of theirs. Beautiful bows with golden staves, O Bharata, + loosened from the grasp of slain warriors, and costly ornaments, and sharp + shafts furnished with wings of pure gold or silver and washed with oil, + looked resplendent (as they lay scattered on the field), the latter + resembling, in particular, snakes that had cast off their slough. And + swords furnished with ivory handles decked with gold, and the shields also + of bowmen, variegated with gold, lay on the field, loosened from their + grasp. Bearded darts and axes and swords and javelins, all decked with + gold, beautiful coats of mail, and heavy and short bludgeons, and spiked + clubs, and battle-axes, and short arrows, O sire, and elephants’ housings + of diverse shapes, and yak tails, and fans, lay scattered on the field. + And mighty car-warriors lay on the field with diverse kinds of weapons in + their hands or beside them, and looking alive, though the breath of life + had gone.<a href="#linknote-6460" name="linknoteref-6460" id="linknoteref-6460">460</a> And men lay on the field with limbs + shattered with maces and heads smashed with clubs, or crushed by + elephants, steeds, and cars. And the earth, strewn in many places with the + bodies of slain steeds, men, and elephants, looked beautiful, O king, as + if strewn with hills. And the field of battle lay covered with fallen + darts and swords and arrows and lances and scimitars and axes and bearded + darts and iron crows and battle-axes, and spiked clubs and short arrows + and Sataghnis<a href="#linknote-6461" name="linknoteref-6461" id="linknoteref-6461">461</a> and bodies mangled with weapons. And, O + slayer of foes, covered with blood, warriors lay prostrate on the field, + some deprived of life and therefore, in the silence of death, and others + uttering low moans. And the earth, strewn with those bodies, presented a + variegated sight. And strewn with the arms of strong warriors smeared with + sandal paste and decked with leathern fences and bracelets, with tapering + thighs resembling the trunks of elephants, and with fallen heads, graced + with gems attached to turbans and with earrings of large-eyed combatants, + O Bharata, the earth assumed a beautiful sight. And the field of battle, + overspread with blood, dyed coats of mail and golden ornaments of many + kinds, looked exceedingly beautiful as if with (scattered) fires of mild + flames. And with ornaments of diverse kinds fallen off from their places, + with bows lying about, with arrows of golden wings scattered around, with + many broken cars adorned with rows of bells, with many slain steeds + scattered about covered with blood and with their tongues protruding, with + bottoms of cars, standards, quivers, and banners, with gigantic conches, + belonging to great heroes, of milky whiteness lying about, and with + trunkless elephants lying prostrate, the earth looked beautiful like a + damsel adorned with diverse kinds of ornaments. And there, with other + elephants pierced with lances and in great agony, and frequently uttering + low moans with their trunks, the field of battle looked beautiful as if + with moving hills. With blankets of diverse hue, and housings of + elephants, with beautiful hooks falling about having handles decked with + stones of lapis lazuli, with bells lying about that had adorned gigantic + elephants, with clean and variegated cloths as also skins of the Ranku + deer, with beautiful neck-chains of elephants, with gold-decked girths, + with broken engines of diverse kinds, with bearded darts decked with gold, + with embroidered housings of steeds, embrowned with dust, with the lopped + off arms of cavalry soldiers, decked with bracelets and lying about, with + polished and sharp lances and bright swords, with variegated head-gears + fallen off (from heads) and scattered about, with beautiful + crescent-shaped arrows decked with gold, with housings of steeds, with + skins of the Ranku deer, torn and crushed, with beautiful and costly gems + that decked the head-gears of kings, with their umbrellas lying about and + yak tails and fans, with faces, bright as the lotus or the moon, of heroic + warriors, decked with beautiful ear-rings and graced with well-cut beards, + lying about and radiant with other ornaments of gold, the earth looked + like the firmament bespangled with planets and stars. Thus, O Bharata, the + two armies, viz., thine and theirs, encountering each other in battle, + crushed each other. And after the combatants had been fatigued, routed, + and crushed, O Bharata, dark night set in and the battle could no longer + be seen. Thereupon both the Kurus and the Pandavas withdrew their armies, + when that awful night of pitchy darkness came. And having withdrawn their + troops, both the Kurus and the Pandavas took rest for the night, retiring + to their respective tents." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0098" id="link62H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then king Duryodhana, and Sakuni the son of Suvala, and thy + son Dussasana, and the invincible Suta’s son (Karna) meeting together, + consulted in the following way. How could the sons of Pandu, with their + followers, be vanquished in battle? Even this was the subject of their + consultation. Then king Duryodhana, addressing the Suta’s son and the + mighty Sakuni, said unto all those counsellors of his, ‘Drona, Bhishma, + and Kripa, and Salya and Somadatta’s son do not resist the Parthas. I do + not know what the cause is of such conduct (of theirs). Unslain by any of + these, the Pandavas are destroying my forces. Therefore, O Karna, I am + becoming weaker in strength and my weapons also are being exhausted. I am + deceived by the heroic Pandavas—they that are incapable of being + vanquished by the very gods. Doubt filleth my mind as to how, indeed, I + shall succeed is smiting them in battle.’ Unto the king who said so, O + great monarch, the Suta’s son answered, ‘Do not grieve, O chief of the + Bharata. Even I will do what is agreeable to thee. Let Santanu’s son + Bhishma soon withdraw from the great battle. After Ganga’s son will have + withdrawn from the fight and laid aside his weapons, I will slay the + Partha along with all the Somakas, in the very sight of Bhishma. I pledge + my truth, O king. Indeed, Bhishma every day showeth mercy towards the + Pandavas. He is, besides incapable of vanquishing those mighty + car-warriors. Bhishma is proud of showing his prowess in battle. He is + again, very fond of fight. Why, O sire, will he, therefore, vanquish the + assembled Pandavas (for then the battle will be over)? Therefore, + repairing without delay to the tent of Bhishma, solicit that old and + reverend signior to lay aside his weapons. After he will have laid aside + his weapons, O Bharata, think the Pandavas as already slain, with all + their friends and kinsmen, O king, by myself alone.’ Thus addressed by + Karna, thy son Duryodhana then said unto his brother Dussasana these + words, ‘See, O Dussasana, that without delay that all who walk in my train + be dressed.’ Having said these words, O monarch, the king addressed Karna, + saying, ‘Having caused Bhishma, that foremost of men, to consent to this, + I will, without delay, come to thee, O chastiser of foes. After Bhishma + will have retired from the fight, thou wilt smite (the foe) in battle’. + Then thy son, O monarch, set out without delay, accompanied by his + brothers like He of a hundred sacrifices (accompanied) by the gods. Then + his brother Dussasana caused that tiger among kings, endued, besides, with + the prowess of a tiger, to mount on his horse. Graced with bracelets, with + diadem on head, and adorned with other ornaments on his arms, O king, thy + son shone brightly as he proceeded along the streets. Smeared with + fragrant sandal-paste of the hue of the Bhandi flower and bright as + burnished gold, and clad in clean vestments, and proceeding with the + sportive gait of the lion, Duryodhana looked beautiful like the Sun of + brilliant radiance in the firmament. And as that tiger among men proceeded + towards the tent of Bhishma, many mighty bowmen, celebrated over the + world, followed him behind. And his brothers also walked in his train, + like the celestials walking behind Vasava. And others, foremost of men, + mounted upon steeds, and others again on elephants, O Bharata, and others + on cars, surrounded him on all sides. And many amongst those that wished + him well, taking up arms for the protection on his royal self, appeared + there in large bodies, like the celestials surrounding Sakra in heaven. + The mighty chief of the Kurus, adored by all the Kauravas, thus proceeded, + O king, towards the quarters of the renowned son of Ganga. Ever followed + and surrounded, by his uterine brothers, he proceeded, often raising his + right arm, massive and resembling the trunk of an elephant and capable of + resisting all foes. And with that arm of his, he accepted the regards that + were paid to him from all sides by by-standers who stood raising towards + him their joined hands. And he heard, as he journeyed, the sweet voices of + the natives of diverse realms. Of great fame, he was eulogised by bards + and eulogists. And in return that great king paid his regards unto them + all. And many high-souled persons stood around him with lighted lamps of + gold fed with fragrant oil. And surrounded with golden lamps, the king + looked radiant like the Moon attended by the blazing planets around him. + And (attendants) with head-gears decked with gold, having canes and + Jhariharas in hand, softly caused the crowd all around to make way. The + king then, having reached the excellent quarters of Bhishma, alighted from + his horse. And arrived at Bhishma’s presence, that ruler of men saluted + Bhishma and then sat himself down on an excellent seat that was made of + gold, beautiful throughout and overlaid with a rich coverlet. With hands + joined, eyes bathed in tears, and voice chocked in grief, he then + addressed Bhishma, saying, ‘Taking thy protection, this battle, O slayer + of foes, we ventured to vanquish the very gods and the Asuras with Indra + at their head. What shall I say, therefore, of the sons of Pandu, heroic + though they be, with their kinsmen and friends? Therefore, O son of Ganga, + it behoveth thee, O lord, to show me mercy. Slay the brave sons of Pandu + like Mahendra slaying the Danavas.—“I will slay, O king, all the + Somakas and the Panchalas and the Karushas along with the Kekayas, O + Bharata”—these were thy words to me. Let these words become true. + Slay the assembled Parthas, and those mighty bowmen, viz., the Somakas. + Make thy words true, O Bharata. If from kindness (for the Pandavas), O + king, or from thy hatred of my unfortunate self, thou sparest the + Pandavas, then permit Karna, that ornament of battle, to fight. He will + vanquish in battle the Parthas with all their friends and kinsmen.’ The + king, thy son Duryodhana having said this, shut his lips without saying + anything more to Bhishma of terrible prowess." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0099" id="link62H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “The high-souled Bhishma, deeply pierced with wordy daggers + by thy son, became filled with great grief. But he said not a single + disagreeable word in reply. Indeed, mangled by those wordy daggers and + filled with grief and rage, he sighed like a snake and reflected (in + silence) for a long while. Raising his eyes then, and as if consuming, + from wrath, the world with the celestials, the Asuras, and the Gandharvas, + that foremost of persons conversant with the world, then addressed thy son + and said unto him these tranquil words, ‘Why, O Duryodhana, dost thou + pierce me thus with thy wordy daggers? I always endeavour to the utmost of + my might to achieve, and do achieve, what is for thy good. Indeed, from + desire of doing what is agreeable to thee, I am prepared to cast away my + life in battle. The Pandavas are really invincible. When the brave son of + Pandu gratified Agni in the forest of Khandava, having vanquished Sakra + himself in battle, even that is a sufficient indication.<a + href="#linknote-6462" name="linknoteref-6462" id="linknoteref-6462">462</a> + When, O mighty-armed one, the same son of Pandu rescued thee while thou + wert being led away a captive by the Gandharvas, even that is a sufficient + indication. On that occasion, O lord, thy brave uterine brothers had all + fled, as also Radha’s son of the Suta caste. That (rescue, therefore, by + Arjuna) is a sufficient indication. In Virata’s city, alone he fell upon + all of us united together. That is a sufficient indication. Vanquishing in + battle both Drona and myself excited with rage, he took away our robes. + That is a sufficient indication. On that occasion, of old, of the seizure + of kine, he vanquished that mighty bowman the son of Drona, and Saradwat + also. That is a sufficient indication. Having vanquished Karna also who is + very boastful of his manliness, he gave the latter’s robes unto Uttara. + That is a sufficient indication. The son of Pritha defeated in battle the + Nivatakavachas who were incapable of defeat by Vasava himself. That is a + sufficient indication. Who, indeed, is capable of vanquishing in battle + the son of Pandu by force, him, viz., that hath for his protector the + Protector of the Universe armed with conch, discus, and mace? Vasudeva is + possessed of infinite power, and is the Destroyer of the Universe. He is + the highest Lord of all, the God of gods, the Supreme Soul and eternal. He + hath been variously described, O king, by Narada and other great Rishis. + In consequence of thy folly, however, O Suyodhana, thou knowest not what + should be said and what should not. The man on the point of death + beholdeth all trees to be made of gold. So thou also, O son of Gandhari, + seest everything inverted. Having provoked fierce hostilities with the + Pandavas and the Srinjayas, fight now (thyself) with them in battle. Let + us see thee act like a man. As regards myself, I will, O tiger among men, + slay all the Somakas and the Panchalas assembled together, avoiding + Sikhandin alone. Slain by them in battle, I will go to Yama’s abode, or + slaying them in battle, I will give thee joy. Sikhandin was born in + Drupada’s palace as female at first. She became a male in consequence of + the grant of a boon. After all, however, she is Sikhandini. Him I will not + slay even if I have to lose my life, O Bharata. She is the same Sikhandini + that the Creator had first made her. Pass the night in happy sleep, O son + of Gandhari. Tomorrow I will fight a fierce battle about which men will + speak as long as the world lasts.’ Thus addressed by him, thy son, O + monarch, came away. And saluting his signior with a bow of the head, he + came back to his own tent. Coming back, the king dismissed his attendants. + And soon then that destroyer of foes entered his abode. And having entered + (his tent) the monarch passed the night (in sleep). And when the night + dawned, rising up, the king, ordered all the royal warriors, saying, ‘Draw + up the forces. Today Bhishma, excited with wrath, will slay all the + Somakas.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing those copious lamentations of Duryodhana in the night, Bhishma + regarded them, O king, as commands to himself. Filled with great grief and + deprecating the status of servitude, Santanu’s son reflected for a long + time, thinking of an encounter with Arjuna in battle. Understanding from + signs that Ganga’s son had been thinking of that, Duryodhana, O king, + commanding Dussasana, saying, ‘O Dussasana, let cars be quickly appointed + for protecting Bhishma. Let all the two and twenty divisions (of our army) + be urged on. That hath now come about which we had been thinking for a + series of years, viz., the slaughter of the Pandavas with all their troops + and the acquisition (by ourselves) of the kingdom. In this matter, I + think, the protection of Bhishma is our foremost duty. Protected by us, he + will protect us and slay the Parthas in battle. Of cleansed soul, he said + unto me,—“I will not slay Sikhandini. He was a female before, O + king, and, therefore, should be avoided by me in battle. The world + knoweth, O thou of mighty arms, that from desire of doing good to my + father, I formerly gave up a swelling kingdom. I will not, therefore, slay + in battle, O foremost of men, any female or anybody that was a female + before. This that I tell thee is true. This Sikhandin, O king, was first + born a female. Thou hast heard that story. She was born as Sikhandini + after the manner I told thee before the battle began. Taking her birth as + a daughter she hath become a man. Indeed, she will fight with me, but I + will never shoot my arrows at her. As regards all other Kshatriyas + desirous of victory to the Pandavas, O sire, whom I may get within my + reach on the field of battle, I will slay them.”—These were the + words that Ganga’s son acquainted with the scriptures, that chief of + Bharata’s race, said unto me. Therefore, with my whole soul I think that + protecting the son of Ganga is our foremost duty. The very wolf may slay + the lion left unprotected in the great forest. Let not Ganga’s son be + slain by Sikhandin like the lion slain by the wolf. Let our maternal uncle + Sakuni, and Salya, and Kripa, and Drona, and Vivinsati, carefully protect + the son of Ganga. If he is protected, (our) victory is certain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Duryodhana, all surrounded Ganga’s son with a + large division of cars. And thy sons also, taking up their position around + Bhishma, proceeded to battle. And they all went, shaking the earth and the + welkin, and causing fear in the hearts of the Pandavas. The mighty + car-warriors (of the Kaurava army), supported by those cars and elephants, + and clad in mail, stood in battle, surrounding Bhishma. And all of them + took up their positions for protecting that mighty car-warrior like the + celestials in the battle between themselves and the Asuras for protecting + the wielder of the thunder-bolt. Then king Duryodhana once more addressing + his brother, said, ‘Yudhamanyu protects the left wheel of Arjuna’s car, + and Uttamaujas his right wheel. And (thus protected) Arjuna protects + Sikhandin. O Dussasana, adopt such steps that, protected by Partha, + Sikhandin may not be able to slay Bhishma left unprotected by us.’ Hearing + these words of his brother, thy son Dussasana, accompanied by the troops, + advanced for battle, placing Bhishma in the van. Beholding Bhishma (thus + surrounded by a large number of cars), Arjuna, that foremost of + car-warriors, addressed Dhrishtadyumna and said, ‘O prince, place that + tiger among men, Sikhandin, today in front of Bhishma. I myself will be + his protector, O prince of Panchala.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0100" id="link62H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION C + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then Bhishma, the son of Santanu, went out with the troops. + And he disposed his own troops in mighty array called Sarvatobhadra.<a + href="#linknote-6463" name="linknoteref-6463" id="linknoteref-6463">463</a> + Kripa, and Kritavarman, and that mighty car-warrior Saivya, and Sakuni, + and the ruler of the Sindhus, and Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas, + these all, together with Bhishma and thy sons, O Bharata, took up their + stations in the van of the whole army and in the very front of the + (Kaurava) array. Drona and Bhurisravas and Salya and Bhagadatta, O sire, + clad in mail, took up their position in the right wing of that array. And + Aswatthaman, and Somadatta, and those great car-warriors, viz., the two + princes of Avanti, accompanied by a large force, protected the left wing. + Duryodhana, O monarch, surrounded on all sides by the Trigartas, took up, + for encountering the Pandavas, a position in the midst of that array. That + foremost of car-warriors, viz., Alamvusha, and that mighty car-warrior, + viz., Srutayush, clad in mail, took up their position in the rear of that + array, and therefore, of the whole army. Having, O Bharata, on that + occasion formed their array thus, thy warriors, clad in mail, looked like + scorching fires. + </p> + <p> + “Then king Yudhishthira, and that son of Pandu, viz., Bhimasena, and the + twin sons of Madri, viz., Nakula and Sahadeva, clad in mail, took up their + position in the van of that array and therefore, at the very head of all + their troops. And Dhrishtadyumna, and Virata, and that mighty car-warrior, + viz., Satyaki,—these destroyers of hostile ranks,—stood, + supported by a large force. And Sikhandin, and Vijaya (Arjuna), and the + Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and Chekitana of mighty arms, and the valiant + Kuntibhoja, stood for battle, surrounded by a large force. And that great + bowman Abhimanyu, and the mighty Drupada, and the (five) Kaikeya brothers, + stood for battle, clad in mail. Having formed their mighty and invincible + array thus, the Pandavas, endued with great courage in battle, stood for + the fight, clad in mail. + </p> + <p> + “Then the kings of thy array, O monarch, exerting themselves at their + best, accompanied by their forces, and placing Bhishma at their van, + rushed against the Parthas in battle. Similarly the Pandavas also, O king, + headed by Bhimasena, and desirous of victory in battle proceeded, for + battling with Bhishma. With leonine roars and confused cries, blowing + their conches Krakachas, and cow-horns, beating their drums and cymbals + and Pandavas in thousands.<a href="#linknote-6464" name="linknoteref-6464" id="linknoteref-6464">464</a> And uttering terrible shouts, the Pandavas + advanced to battle. With the din of our drums and cymbals and conches and + smaller drums, with loud leonine roars, and other kinds of shouts, + ourselves also, replying to the cries of the foe, rushed against him with + great impetuosity, inflamed with rage. Those sounds mingling with one + another, produced a tremendous uproar. The warriors then, of the two + armies, rushing at one another, began to strike. And in consequence of the + din produced by that encounter, the earth seemed to tremble. And birds, + uttering fierce cries, hovered in the air. The Sun, radiant as he was when + he had risen, became dimmed. And fierce winds blew, indicating great + terrors. Frightful jackals wandered, yelling terribly, O king, and + foreboding an awful carnage at hand. The quarters seemed, O king, to be + ablaze, and showers of dust fell from the blue. And a shower fell there, + of pieces of bones mixed with blood. And tears fell from the eyes of the + animals which were all weeping. And filled with anxiety, O king, these + began to urinate and eject the contents of their stomachs. And the loud + shouts of battle, O bull of Bharata’s race, were rendered inaudible by the + louder cries of Rakshasas and cannibals. And jackals and vultures and + crows and dogs, uttering diverse kinds of cries, began, O sire, to fall + and swoop down on the field. And blazing meteors, striking against the + Sun’s disc, fell with great celerity on the earth, foreboding great + terrors. Then those two vast hosts belonging to the Pandavas and the + Dhartarashtras, in course of that awful encounter, shook in consequence of + that tremendous uproar of conches and drums like forests shaken by the + tempest. And the noise made by the two armies, both of which abounded with + kings, elephants, and steeds, and which encountered each other in an evil + hour, resembled the noise made by oceans tossed by the tempest." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0101" id="link62H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then the noble Abhimanyu of great energy, borne by his + steeds of a tawny hue, rushed at the mighty host of Duryodhana, scattering + his arrowy showers like the clouds pouring torrents of rain. O son of + Kuru’s race, thy warriors, in that battle, were unable to resist that + slayer of foes, viz., Subhadra’s son, who, excited with wrath and + possessed of wealth of arms, was then immersed in that inexhaustible ocean + of (Kaurava) forces. Death-dealing shafts, O king, shot by him in that + battle, despatched many heroic Kshatriyas to the regions of the king of + the departed spirits. Indeed, excited with wrath Subhadra’s son in that + battle shot fierce and blazing arrows in profusion that resembled snakes + of virulent poison or rods of death himself. And Phalguni’s son speedily + split into fragments car-warriors with their cars, steeds with their + riders, and elephant-warriors along with the huge animals they rode. And + the rulers of the earth, filled with joy, applauded those mighty feats in + battle and praised him also that achieved them. And the son of Subhadra, O + Bharata, tossed those divisions (of the Kaurava army) like the tempest + tossing a heap of cotton on all sides in the welkin. Routed by him, O + Bharata, the troops failed to find a protector, like elephants sunk in a + slough. Then, O best of men, having routed all troops, Abhimanyu stood, O + king, like a blazing fire without a curl of smoke. Indeed, O king, thy + warriors were incapable of bearing that slayer of foes, like insects + impelled by fate unable to bear a blazing fire. That mighty car-warrior + and great bowman, having struck all the foes of the Pandavas, looked at + that moment like Vasava himself armed with the thunder. And his bow, the + back of whose staff was decked with gold, as it moved on every side, + seemed, O king, like the lightning’s flash as it spotted amid the clouds. + And well-tempered and sharp shafts came from his bow-string in that battle + like flights of bees, O king, from blossoming trees in the forest. And as + the high-souled son of Subhadra careered on the field on his car whose + limbs were decked with gold, people were incapable of finding an + opportunity (for striking him). Confounding Kripa and Drona and mighty son + of Drona, as also the ruler of the Sindhus, the great bowman moved on the + field of battle with great activity and skill. As he consumed thy troops, + O Bharata, I beheld his bow incessantly drawn to a circle and resembling + on that account the circular halo of light that is sometimes seen around + the Sun. Brave Kshatriyas, beholding him endued with such activity and + scorching the foe thus, thought, in consequence of those feats, that the + world contained two Phalgunis. Indeed, O king, the vast host of the + Bharatas, afflicted by him, reeled hither and thither like a woman drunk + with wine. Routing that large army and causing many mighty car-warriors to + tremble, he gladdened his friends (like Vasava gladdening the celestials) + after vanquishing Maya. And while being routed by him in that battle, thy + troops uttered loud exclamations of woe that resembled the roar of the + clouds. Hearing that awful wail thy troops, O Bharata, that resembled the + roar of the very sea at full tide when agitated by the winds, Duryodhana + then, O king, addressed the son of Rishyasringa and said, ‘This Abhimanyu + singly, O thou of mighty arms, like a second Phalguni, routeth from rage + (my) army like Vritra routing the celestial host. I do not see any other + efficacious medicine for him in battle than thyself, O best of Rakshasas, + that art well-skilled in every science. Therefore, go speedily and slay + the heroic son of Subhadra in battle. As regards ourselves, headed by + Bhishma and Drona, we will slay Partha himself.’ Thus addressed, the + mighty and valiant Rakshasa speedily went to battle at the command of thy + son, uttering loud roars like the clouds themselves in the season of + rains. And in consequence of that loud noise, O king, the vast host of the + Pandavas trembled throughout like the ocean when agitated by the wind. And + many combatants, O king, terrified by those roars, giving up dear life, + fell prostrate on the earth. Filled with joy and taking up his bow with + arrow fixed on the string, and apparently dancing on the terrace of his + car, that Rakshasa proceeded against Abhimanyu himself. Then the angry + Rakshasa, having in that battle got Arjuna’s son within reach, began to + rout his ranks,—even those that stood not far from him. Indeed, the + Rakshasa rushed in battle against that mighty Pandava host which he began + to slaughter, like Vala rushing against the celestial host. Attacked in + battle by that Rakshasa of terrible mien, the slaughter was very great, O + sire, that took place amongst those troops. Exhibiting his prowess, the + Rakshasa began to rout that vast force of the Pandavas, with thousands of + arrows. Thus slaughtered by that Rakshasa of terrible visage, the Pandava + army fled away from excess of fear. Grinding that army like an elephant + grinding lotus-stalks, the mighty Rakshasa then rushed in battle against + the sons of Draupadi. Then those great bowmen, accomplished in fighting, + viz., the sons of Draupadi, rushed towards the Rakshasa in battle like + five planets rushing against the Sun. That best of Rakshasa then was + afflicted by those brothers endued with great energy, like the Moon + afflicted by the five planets of the awful occasion of the dissolution of + the world. Then the mighty Prativindhya quickly pierced the Rakshasa with + whetted shafts, sharp as battle-axes and furnished with points capable of + penetrating every armour. Thereupon that foremost of Rakshasas, with his + armour pierced through, looked like a mass of clouds penetrated by the + rays of the Sun. Pierced with these shafts furnished with golden wings, + Rishyasringa’s son, O king, looked resplendent like a mountain with + blazing crests. Then those five brothers in that great battle, pierced + that foremost of Rakshasas with many whetted shafts of golden wings. + Pierced with those terrible shafts resembling angry snakes, Alamvusha, O + king, became inflamed with rage like the king of the serpents himself. + Deeply pierced, O king, within only a few moments, O sire, by those great + car-warriors, the Rakshasa, much afflicted, remained senseless for a long + while. Regaining his consciousness then, and swelling through rage to + twice his dimensions, he cut off their arrows and standards and bows. And + as if smiling the while he struck each of them with five arrows. Then that + mighty Rakshasa and great car-warrior, Alamvusha, excited with wrath, and + as if dancing on the terrace of his car, quickly slew the steeds, and then + the charioteers, of those five illustrious adversaries of his. And burning + with rage he once more pierced them with sharp arrows of diverse shades by + hundreds and thousands. Then that wanderer of the night, viz., the + Rakshasa Alamvusha, having deprived those great bowmen of their cars, + rushed impetuously at them, wishing to despatch them to Yama’s abode. + Beholding them (thus) afflicted in battle by that wicked-souled Rakshasa, + the son of Arjuna rushed at him. Then the battle that took place between + him and the cannibal resembled that between Vritra and Vasava. And the + mighty car-warriors of thy army, as also of the Pandavas, all became + spectators of that engagement. Encountering each other in fierce battle, + blazing with wrath, endued with great might, and with eyes red in rage, + each beheld the other in that battle to resemble the Yuga fire. And that + engagement between them became fierce and awful like that between Sakra + and Samvara in days of old in the battle between the gods and Asuras." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0102" id="link62H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How, O Sanjaya, did Alamvusha resist in combat the + heroic son of Arjuna smiting many of our mighty car-warriors in battle? + And how also did that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, + fight with Rishyasringa’s son? Tell me all this in detail, exactly as it + happened in that fight. What also did Bhima, that foremost of + car-warriors, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and Nakula, and Sahadeva and + the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, and Dhananjaya, do with my troops in + battle? Tell me all this truly, O Sanjaya, for thou art skilled (in + narration)." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “I will presently describe to thee, O sire, the awful battle + that took place between that foremost of the Rakshasas and the son of + Subhadra. I will also describe to thee the prowess that Arjuna put forth + in battle, and Bhimasena the son of Pandu, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, as + also the warriors of thy army headed by Bhishma and Drona, all of whom + fearlessly achieved wonderful feats of diverse kinds. Alamvusha, uttering + loud shouts and repeatedly roaring at Abhimanyu, rushed impetuously + against that mighty car-warrior in battle, saying, ‘Wait, Wait’—Abhimanyu + also, repeatedly roaring like a lion, rushed with a great force at that + mighty bowman, viz., the son of Rishyasringa, who was an implacable foe of + the former’s sire. Soon then those two foremost of car-warriors, man and + Rakshasa, on their cars, encountered each other, like a god and Danava. + That best of Rakshasa were endued with powers of illusion, while + Phalguni’s son was acquainted with celestial weapons. Then Abhimanyu, O + king, pierced Rishyasringa’s son in that battle with three sharp shafts + and once more with five. Alamvusha, also, excited with wrath, speedily + pierced Abhimanyu in the chest with nine shafts like a guide piercing an + elephant with hooks. Then, O Bharata, that wanderer of the night, endued + with great activity, afflicted Arjuna’s son in that combat with a thousand + arrows. Then Abhimanyu excited with rage, pierced that prince of the + Rakshasas in his wide chest with nine straight shafts of great sharpness. + Piercing through his body these penetrated into his very vitals. And that + best of Rakshasas, his limbs mangled by them, looked beautiful like a + mountain overgrown with flowering Kinsukas. Bearing those shafts of golden + wings on his body, that mighty prince of Rakshasas looked radiant like a + mountain on fire. Then the vindictive son of Rishyasringa, inflamed with + wrath, covered Abhimanyu, who was equal unto Mahendra himself, with clouds + of winged arrows. Those sharp shafts resembling the rods of Yama himself, + shot by him, pierced Abhimanyu through and entered the earth. And + similarly the gold-decked arrows shot by Arjuna’s son, piercing Alamvusha + through, entered the earth. The son of Subhadra then, in that battle, with + his straight shafts, obliged the Rakshasa to turn his back upon the field, + like Sakra repulsing Maya in days of old. That scorcher of foes, the + Rakshasa, then, thus repulsed and struck repeatedly by his adversary, + exhibited his great powers of illusion by causing a thick darkness to set + in. Then all the combatants there, O king, were covered by that darkness. + Neither could Abhimanyu be seen, nor could friends be distinguished from + foes in that battle. Abhimanyu, however, beholding that thick and awful + gloom, invoked into existence, O son of Kuru’s race, the blazing solar + weapon. Thereupon, O king, the universe once more became visible. And thus + he neutralised the illusion of that wicked Rakshasa. Then that prince of + men, excited with wrath and endued with great energy, covered that + foremost of Rakshasa in that battle with many straight shafts. Diverse + other kinds of illusion were conjured up there by that Rakshasa. + Conversant with all weapons, the son of Phalguni however, neutralised them + all. The Rakshasa then, his illusions all destroyed, and himself struck + with shafts, abandoned his car even there, and fled away in great fear. + After that Rakshasa addicted to unfair fight had been thus vanquished, the + son of Arjuna began to grind thy troops in battle, like a juice-blind + prince of wild elephants agitating a lake overgrown with lotus.<a + href="#linknote-6465" name="linknoteref-6465" id="linknoteref-6465">465</a> + Then Bhishma the son of Santanu, beholding his troops routed, covered + Subhadra’s son with a thick shower of arrows. Then many mighty + car-warriors of the Dhartarashtra army, standing in a ring round that + single hero, began to strike him forcibly with their shafts. That hero + then, who resembled his sire in prowess and who was equal to Vasudeva in + valour and might,—that foremost of all wielders of weapons,—achieved + diverse feats in that battle that were worthy of both his sire and + maternal uncle. Then the heroic Dhananjaya, excited with wrath and + desirous of rescuing his son, arrived at the spot where the latter was + slaughtering thy troops as he came along. And similarly, O king, thy sire + Devavrata in that battle approached Partha like Rahu approaching the sun.<a + href="#linknote-6466" name="linknoteref-6466" id="linknoteref-6466">466</a> + Then thy sons, O monarch, supported by cars, elephants, and steeds, + surrounded Bhishma in that battle and protected him from every side. And + so also the Pandavas, O king, clad in mail and surrounding Dhananjaya, + engaged in fierce battle, O bull of Bharata’s race. Then Saradwat’s son + (Kripa), O king, pierced Arjuna who was staying in front of Bhishma, with + five and twenty shafts. Thereupon, like a tiger attacking an elephant, + Satyaki, approaching Kripa, pierced him with many whetted shafts from + desire of doing what was agreeable to the Pandavas. Gautama in return, + excited with wrath, quickly pierced him of Madhu’s race in the chest with + nine arrows winged with the feathers of the Kanka bird. Sini’s grandson + also, excited with wrath, and forcibly drawing his bow, quickly sped at + him an arrow capable of taking his life. The fiery son of Drona, however, + excited with wrath, cut in twain that arrow as it coursed impetuously + towards Kripa, resembling Indra’s bolt in effulgence. Thereupon that + foremost of car-warriors, viz., Sini’s grandson, abandoning Gautama, + rushed in battle towards Drona’s son like Rahu in the firmament against + the Moon. Drona’s son, however, O Bharata, cut Satyaki’s bow in twain. + After his bow had thus been cut off, the former began to strike the latter + with his shafts. Satyaki then, taking up another bow capable of bearing a + great strain and slaughtering the foe, struck Drona’s son, O king, in the + chest and arms with six shafts. Pierced therewith and feeling great pain, + for a moment he was deprived of his senses, and he sat down on the terrace + of his car, catching hold of his flag-staff. Regaining his consciousness + then, the valiant son of Drona, excited with rage afflicted him of + Vrishni’s race in that battle, with one long shaft. That shaft, piercing + Sini’s grandson through, entered the earth like a vigorous young snake + entering its hole in the season of spring. And with another broad-headed + arrow, Drona’s son in that battle cut off the excellent standard of + Satyaki. And having achieved this feat he uttered a leonine roar. And once + more, O Bharata, he covered his adversary with a shower of fierce shafts + like the clouds, O king covering the Sun after summer is past. Satyaki + also, O monarch, baffling that arrowy shower, soon covered the son of + Drona with diverse showers of arrows. That slayer of hostile heroes, viz., + the grandson of Sini, freed from that arrowy shower like the Sun from the + clouds, began to scorch the son of Drona (with his energy). Swelling with + rage the mighty Satyaki once more covered his foe with a thousand arrows + and uttered a loud shout. Beholding his son then thus afflicted like the + Moon by Rahu, the valiant son of Bharadwaja rushed towards the grandson of + Sini. Desirous, O king, of rescuing his son who was afflicted by the + Vrishni hero, Drona, in that great battle, pierced the latter with a shaft + of exceeding sharpness. Satyaki then, abandoning the mighty car-warrior + Aswatthaman, pierced Drona himself in that battle with twenty arrows of + exceeding sharpness. Soon after, that scorcher of foes and mighty + car-warrior, viz., Kunti’s son of immeasurable soul, excited with wrath, + rushed in that battle against Drona. Then Drona and Partha encountered + each other in fierce combat like the planets Budha and Sukra, O king, in + the firmament."<a href="#linknote-6467" name="linknoteref-6467" id="linknoteref-6467">467</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0103" id="link62H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIII + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How did those bulls among men, viz., that great + bowman Drona, and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, encounter each other in + battle? The son of Pandu is ever dear to the wise son of Bharadwaja. The + preceptor also is ever dear to Pritha’s son, O Sanjaya. Both of those + car-warriors delight in battle, and both of them are fierce like lions. + How therefore, did Bharadwaja’s son and Dhananjaya, both fighting with + care encounter each other in battle?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “In battle Drona never recognises Partha as dear to himself. + Partha also, keeping a Kshatriya’s duty in view, recognises not in battle + his preceptor. Kshatriyas, O king, never avoid one another in battle. + Without showing any regard for one another, they fight with sires and + brothers. In that battle, O Bharata, Partha pierced Drona with three + shafts. Drona, however, regarded not those shafts shot in battle from + Partha’s bow. Indeed, Partha once more covered the preceptor in the fight + with a shower of arrows. Thereupon the latter blazed up with wrath like a + conflagration in a deep forest. Then, O king, Drona soon covered Arjuna in + that combat with many straight shafts, O Bharata. Then king Duryodhana, O + monarch, despatched Susarman for taking up the wing of Drona. Then the + ruler of the Trigartas, excited with rage and forcibly drawing his bow, + covered Partha, O king, with a profusion of arrows furnished with iron + heads. Shot by those two warriors, O king, the shafts looked beautiful in + the welkin like cranes in the autumnal sky. Those shafts, O lord, reaching + the son of Kunti, entered his body like birds disappearing within a tree + bending with a load of tasteful fruits. Arjuna then, that foremost of + car-warriors, uttering a loud roar in that battle pierced the ruler of the + Trigartas and his son with his shafts. Pierced by Partha like Death + himself at the end of the Yuga, they were unwilling to avoid Partha, + resolved as they were on laying down their lives. And they shot showers on + the car of Arjuna. Arjuna, however, received those arrowy showers with + showers of his own, like a mountain, O monarch, receiving a downpour from + the clouds. And the lightness of hand that we then beheld of Vibhatsu was + exceedingly wonderful. For alone he baffled that unbearable shower of + arrows shot by many warriors like the wind alone scattering myriads of + clouds rushing upon clouds. And at that feat of Partha, the gods and the + Danavas (assembled there for witnessing the fight) were highly gratified. + Then, O Bharata, engaged with the Trigartas in that battle, Partha shot, O + king, the Vayavya weapon against their division. Then arose a wind that + agitated the welkin, felled many trees, and smote down the (hostile) + troops. Then Drona, beholding the fierce Vayavya weapon, himself shot an + awful weapon called the Saila. And when that weapon, O ruler of men, was + shot by Drona in that battle, the wind abated and the ten quarters became + calm. The heroic son of Pandu, however, made the car-warriors of the + Trigarta division destitute of prowess and hope, and caused them to turn + their backs on the field. Then Duryodhana and that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., Kripa, and Aswatthaman, and Salya, and Sudakshina, the + ruler of the Kamvojas, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Valhika + supported by the Valhikas, with a large number of cars surrounded Partha + on all sides. And similarly Bhagadatta also, and the mighty Srutayush, + surrounded Bhima on all sides with an elephant division. And Bhurisravas, + and Sala, and Suvala’s son, O monarch, began to check the twin sons of + Madri with showers of bright and sharp arrows. Bhishma, however, in that + battle, supported by the sons of Dhritarashtra with their troops, + approaching Yudhishthira, surrounded him on all sides. Beholding that + elephant division coming towards him, Pritha’s son Vrikodara, possessed of + great courage, began to lick the corners of his mouth like a lion in the + forest. Then Bhima, that foremost of car-warriors, taking up his mace in + that great battle, quickly jumped down from his car and struck terror into + the hearts of thy warriors. Beholding him mace in hand, those + elephant-warriors in that battle carefully surrounded Bhimasena on all + sides. Stationed in the midst of those elephants, the son of Pandu looked + resplendent like the Sun in the midst of a mighty mass of clouds. Then + that bull among the sons of Pandu began with his mace to consume that + elephant-division like the wind dispelling a huge mass of clouds covering + the welkin. Those tuskers, while being slaughtered by the mighty + Bhimasena, uttered loud cries of woe like roaring masses of clouds. With + diverse scratches (on his person) inflicted by those huge animals with + their tusks, the son of Pritha looked beautiful on the field of battle + like a flowering Kinsuka. Seizing some of the elephants by their tusks, he + deprived them of those weapons. Wrenching out the tusks of others, with + those very tusks he struck them on their frontal globes and felled them in + battle like the Destroyer himself armed with his rod. Wielding his mace + bathed in gore, and himself bespattered with fat and marrow and smeared + with blood, he looked like Rudra himself. Thus slaughtered by him, the few + gigantic elephants that remained, ran away on all sides, O king, crushing + even friendly ranks. And in consequence of those huge elephants fleeing + away on all sides, Duryodhana’s troops once more, O bull of Bharata’s + race, fled away from the field." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0104" id="link62H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “At mid-day, O king, happened a fierce battle, fraught with + great carnage, between Bhishma and the Somakas. That foremost of + car-warriors, viz., Ganga’s son began to consume the ranks of the Pandavas + with keen shafts by hundreds and thousands. Thy sire Devavrata began to + grind those troops like a herd of bulls grinding (with their tread) a heap + of paddy sheaves. Then Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin and Virata and + Drupada, falling upon Bhishma in that battle, struck that mighty + car-warrior with numerous arrows. Bhishma then, having pierced + Dhrishtadyumna and Virata each with three arrows, sped a long shaft, O + Bharata, at Drupada. Thus pierced in battle by Bhishma, that grinder of + foes, those great bowmen became filled with wrath, O king, like snakes + trod upon (by human feet). Then Sikhandin pierced the grandsire of the + Bharatas (with many shafts). Of unfading glory, Bhishma, however, + regarding his foe as a female struck him not. Dhrishtadyumna then, in that + battle, blazing up with wrath like fire, struck the grandsire with three + shafts in his arms and chest. And Drupada pierced Bhishma with five and + twenty shafts, and Virata pierced him with ten, and Sikhandin with five + and twenty. Deeply pierced (with those shafts) he became covered with + blood, and looked beautiful like a red Asoka variegated with flowers. Then + the son of Ganga pierced, in return, each of them with three straight + shafts. And then, O sire, he cut off Drupada’s bow with a broad-headed + arrow. The latter then, taking up another bow, pierced Bhishma with five + shafts. And he pierced Bhishma’s charioteer also with three sharp shafts + on the field of battle. Then the five sons of Draupadi, and the five + Kaikeya brothers and Satyaki also of the Satwata race, headed by + Yudhishthira, all rushed towards Ganga’s son, desirous of protecting the + Panchalas headed by Dhrishtadyumna. And so all the warriors of thy army + also, O king, prepared to protect Bhishma, rushed at the head of their + troops against the Pandava host. And then happened there a fierce general + engagement between thy army of men and steeds and theirs, that increased + the population of Yama’s kingdom. And car-warriors falling upon + car-warriors despatched one another to Yama’s abode. And so men and + elephant-riders and horse-riders, falling upon others (of their class), + despatched them to the other world with straight shafts. And here and + there on the field, O monarch, cars, deprived of riders and charioteers by + means of diverse kinds of fierce shafts, were in that battle dragged on + all sides over the field. And those cars, O king, crushing large numbers + of men and steeds in battle, were seen to resemble the wind itself (in + speed) and vapoury edifices in the firmament (for their picturesque + forms). And many car-warriors cased in mail and endued with great energy, + decked with ear-rings and head-gears and adorned with garlands and + bracelets, resembling the children of the celestials, equal to Sakra + himself for prowess in battle, surpassing Vaisravana in wealth and + Vrihaspati in intelligence, ruling over extensive territories, and + possessed of great heroism, O monarch, deprived of their cars, were seen + to run hither and thither like ordinary men. Huge tuskers also, O chief of + men, deprived of their skilled riders, ran, crushing friendly ranks, and + fell down with loud shrieks. Prodigious elephants looking like newly-risen + clouds and roaring also like the clouds, were seen to run in all + directions, deprived of their coats of mail. And, O sire, their Chamaras + and variegated standards, their umbrellas with golden staves, and the + bright lances (of their riders), lay scattered about.<a + href="#linknote-6468" name="linknoteref-6468" id="linknoteref-6468">468</a> + And elephant-riders, O king, deprived of their elephants, belonging both + of thy army and theirs, were seen to run (on foot) amid that awful press. + And steeds from diverse countries, decked with ornaments of gold, were + seen, by hundreds and thousands, to run with the speed of the wind. And + horse-riders, deprived of their horses, and armed with swords were in that + battle seen to run, or made to run (by others assailing them). Elephant, + meeting with a flying elephant in that dreadful battle, proceeded, quickly + crushing foot-soldiers and steeds. And, similarly, O king those prodigious + creatures crushed many cars in that battle, and cars also, coming upon + fallen steeds crushed them (in their course). And steeds too, in the press + of battle, crushed many foot-soldiers, O king (with their hoofs). And + thus, O monarch, they crushed one another in diverse ways.<a + href="#linknote-6469" name="linknoteref-6469" id="linknoteref-6469">469</a> + And in that fierce and awful battle there flowed a terrible river of + bloody current. And heaps of bows obstructed its straight course, and the + hair (of slain warriors) formed its moss. And (broken) cars formed its + lakes, and arrows its eddies. And steeds formed its fishes. And heads + (severed from trunks) formed its blocks of stone. And it abounded with + elephants that formed its crocodiles. And coats of mail and head-gears + formed its froth. And bows (in the hands of the warriors) constituted the + speed of its current, and swords its tortoises. And banners and standards + in profusion formed the trees on its banks. And mortals constituted its + banks which that river continually ate away. And it abounded with + cannibals that formed its swans. And that stream (instead of swelling the + ocean with its discharge) swelled the population of Yama’s kingdom. And + brave Kshatriyas,—mighty car-warriors,—casting off all fear, O + king, sought to cross that river with the aid of cars, elephants, and + steeds that played the part of rafts and boats. And as the river Vaitarani + beareth all departed spirits towards the domains of the King of the Dead, + so that river of bloody current bore away all timid men deprived of their + senses in a swoon. And the Kshatriyas, beholding that awful carnage, all + exclaimed, saying, ‘Alas, through Duryodhana’s fault the Kshatriyas are + being exterminated. Why, Oh, Dhritarashtra of sinful soul, deluded by + avarice, harboured envy for the sons of Pandu, who are graced with + numerous virtues.’ Diverse exclamations of this kind were heard there, + made by one another, fraught with the praises of the Pandavas and censure + of thy sons. Hearing then these words uttered by all the combatants, thy + son Duryodhana, that offender against all, addressed Bhishma and Drona and + Kripa and Salya, O Bharata, saying, ‘Fight ye without boastfulness. Why + tarry ye at all?’ Then the battle was resumed between the Kurus and the + Pandavas, that fierce battle, O king, caused by the match at dice and + marked by an awful slaughter. Thou beholdest now, O son of Vichitravirya, + the dreadful fruit of that rejection by thee (of the counsels of thy + friends) though warned against it by many illustrious persons. Neither the + sons of Pandu, O king, nor their troops, nor they that follow them, nor + the Kauravas, show the least regard for their lives in battle. For this + reason, O tiger among men, a dreadful destruction of kinsmen is taking + place, caused either by Destiny or by thy evil policy, O king." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0105" id="link62H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “O tiger among men, Arjuna sent those Kshatriyas that + followed Susarman to the abode of the King of the Dead by means of his + whetted shafts. Susarman however, in that battle, pierced Partha with his + shafts. And he pierced Vasudeva with seventy, and Arjuna once more with + nine shafts. Checking those shafts by means of his arrowy showers, that + mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Indra, despatched Susarman’s troops + unto Yama’s abode. Those mighty car-warriors, while being slaughtered by + Partha in that battle as if by Death himself at the end of the Yuga, all + fled away from the field, O king, struck with panic, some abandoning their + steeds, some abandoning, O sire, their cars, and others their elephants, + fled away in all directions. Others taking with them their horses, + elephants, and cars, fled away, O king, with great speed. Foot-soldiers in + that dreadful battle, throwing aside their weapons, and without any regard + for one another, fled away hither and thither. Though forbidden by + Susarman the ruler of the Trigartas, and by other foremost of kings, they + stayed not yet in battle. Beholding that host routed, thy son Duryodhana + himself at the head of the whole army and with Bhishma ahead, attacked + Dhananjaya with all his vigour, for the sake, O king, of (protecting) the + life of the ruler of the Trigartas. And he stayed in battle, scattering + diverse kinds of arrows, supported by all his brothers. The rest of the + men all fled away. Similarly, the Pandavas, O king, clad in mail and with + all their vigour, proceeded, for the sake of Phalguni, to the spot where + Bhishma was. Although acquainted with the awful prowess in battle of the + wielder of Gandiva, these yet proceeded with loud cries and great bravery + to the spot where Bhishma was and surrounded him on all sides. Then the + palmyra-bannered hero covered the Pandava army, in that battle, with his + straight shafts. The sun having reached the meridian, the Kauravas, O + king, fought with the Pandavas in one confused mass. The heroic Satyaki, + having pierced Kritavarman with five arrows, stayed in battle scattering + his arrows by thousands. And so king Drupada also, having pierced Drona + with many whetted shafts, once more pierced him with seventy shafts and + his charioteer with nine. Bhimasena also, having pierced his great + grandsire king Valhika uttered a loud roar like a tiger in the forest. + Arjuna’s son (Abhimanyu) pierced by Chitrasena with many shafts, deeply + pierced Chitrasena in the chest with three arrows. Engaged with each other + in battle, those two foremost of men looked resplendent on the field like + the planets, Venus and Saturn, O king, in the firmament. Then that slayer + of foes, viz., the son of Subhadra, having slain his antagonist’s steeds + and charioteer with nine arrows, uttered a loud shout. Thereupon that + mighty car-warrior, (viz., Chitrasena), quickly jumping down from that car + whose steed had been slain, mounted, O king, without delay, the car of + Durmukha. The valiant Drona pierced the latter’s charioteer also. Then, O + king, Drupada, thus afflicted at the head of his troops, retreated by the + aid of his fleet steeds, recollecting the hostility that existed from days + of old (between himself and Drona). Bhimasena, within a moment, deprived + king Valhika of his steeds, car and charioteer, in the very sight of all + the troops. Fallen into a situation of great danger and with fear in his + heart, O king, Valhika, that best of men, jumping down from that vehicle, + quickly mounted upon the car of Lakshmana in that battle. Satyaki, having + checked Kritavarman in that dreadful battle, fell upon the grandsire and + rained on him shafts of diverse kinds.<a href="#linknote-6470" name="linknoteref-6470" id="linknoteref-6470">470</a> Piercing the + grandsire with sixty whetted shafts winged with feathers, he seemed to + dance on his car, shaking his large bow. The grandsire then hurled at him + a mighty dart made of iron, decked with gold, endued with great velocity, + and beautiful as a daughter of the Nagas. Beholding that irresistible + dart, resembling Death himself, coursing towards him, that illustrious + warrior of the Vrishni race baffled it by the celerity of movements. + Thereupon that fierce dart, unable to reach him of the Vrishni race, fell + down on the earth like a large meteor of blazing splendour. Then he of + Vrishni’s race, O king, taking up with a firm hand his own dart of golden + effulgence, hurled it at the car of the grandsire. That dart, hurled in + that dreadful battle with the strength of Satyaki’s arms, coursed + impetuously like the fatal night, coursing speedily towards a (doomed) + man. As it coursed, however, towards him with great force, Bhishma cut it + in twain, O Bharata, with a couple of horse-shoe-headed arrows of keen + edge, and thereupon it fell down on the earth. Having cut that dart, that + grinder of foes, viz., Ganga’s son, excited with wrath and smiling the + while struck Satyaki in the chest with nine arrows. Then the Pandava + warriors, O elder brother of Pandu, with their cars, elephants, and + steeds,<a href="#linknote-6471" name="linknoteref-6471" id="linknoteref-6471">471</a> surrounded Bhishma in that battle, for the + sake of rescuing him of Madhu’s race. Then commenced again a fierce + battle, making the hair to stand on end, between the Pandavas and the + Kurus both of whom were desirous of victory." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0106" id="link62H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Beholding Bhishma excited with wrath in battle, surrounded + on all sides by the Pandavas like the Sun in the firmament, O king, by the + clouds at the end of summer, Duryodhana, O monarch, addressed Dussasana, + saying, ‘This heroic and great bowman Bhishma, this slayer of heroes, + hath, O bull of Bharata’s race, been surrounded on all sides by the brave + Pandavas. It is thy duty, O hero, to protect that illustrious one. + Protected by us in battle, our grandsire Bhishma will slay all the + Panchalas along with the Pandavas. The protection of Bhishma, therefore, I + think, is our highest duty, for this great bowman of his vows, viz., + Bhishma, is our protector in return. Therefore, surrounding the grandsire + with all our troops, do thou protect him, who always achieveth the most + difficult feats in battle.’ Thus addressed by Duryodhana, thy son + Dussasana, surrounding Bhishma with a large force on all sides took up his + position. Then Suvala’s son Sakuni, with hundreds and thousands of + horsemen having bright spears and swords and lances in hand, and who + formed a proud, well-dressed, and strong body bearing standards, and who + were mingled with excellent foot-soldiers that were all well-trained and + skilled in battle began to cheek Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Yudhishthira + the son of Pandu, surrounding those foremost of men on all sides. Then + king Duryodhana despatched ten thousand (other) brave horsemen for + resisting the Pandavas. When these rushed like so many Garudas towards the + enemy with great impetuosity, the earth, O king, struck with their + horse-hoofs, trembled and uttered a loud noise. And the loud clatter of + their hoofs was heard resembling the noise made by a large forest of + bamboos, in conflagration on a mountain. And as these dashed over the + field, there rose a cloud of dust, which rising to the welkin shrouded the + very Sun. And in consequence of those impetuous steeds, the Pandava army + was agitated like a large lake with a flight of swans suddenly alighting + on its bosom. And in consequence of their neighing, nothing else could be + heard there. Then king Yudhishthira, and the two sons of Pandu by Madri, + quickly checked the charge of those horsemen in battle, like the + continent, O king, bearing the force, at full tide, of the surging sea + swollen with the waters of the rainy season. Then those (three) + car-warriors, O monarch, with their straight shafts, cut off the heads of + those horse-riders. Slain by those strong bowmen, they fell down, O king, + (on the earth), like mighty elephants tumbling into mountain caves, slain + by huge compeers. Indeed, coursing all over the field, those warriors (of + the Pandavas army) cut off the heads of those cavalry soldiers with + sharp-bearded darts and straight shafts. Struck with swords, those + horsemen, O bull of Bharata’s race, suffered their heads to drop like tall + trees, dropping their fruits. All over the field, O king, steeds along + with their riders were seen fallen or falling, deprived of life. And while + being (thus) slaughtered, the steeds, affected with panic, fled away like + smaller animals desirous of saving their lives at sight of the lion. And + the Pandavas, O king, having vanquished their foes in that great battle, + blew their conches and beat their drums. Then Duryodhana, filled with + grief on seeing his troops vanquished, addressed the ruler of the Madras, + O chief of the Bharatas, and said, ‘There, the eldest son of Pandu, + accompanied by the twins in battle, in thy very sight, O thou of mighty + arms, routeth our troops, O lord. O mighty-armed one, resist him like the + continent resisting the ocean. Thou art exceedingly well-known as + possessed of might and prowess that are irresistible.’ Hearing these words + of thy son, the valiant Salya proceeded with a large body of cars to the + spot where Yudhishthira was. Thereupon, the son of Pandu began to resist + in battle that large host of Salya rushing impetuously towards him with + the force of a mighty wave. And that mighty car-warrior, viz., king + Yudhishthira the just, in that battle quickly pierced the ruler of the + Madras in the centre of the chest with ten shafts. And Nakula and Sahadeva + struck him with seven straight shafts. The ruler of the Madras then struck + each of them with three arrows. And once more he pierced Yudhishthira with + sixty sharp-pointed arrows. And excited with wrath he struck each of the + sons of Madri also with two shafts. Then that vanquisher of foes, the + mighty-armed Bhima, beholding the king, in that great battle, staying + within reach of Salya’s car as if within the very jaws of Death, quickly + proceeded to Yudhishthira’s side. Then when the Sun, having passed the + meridian, was sinking, there commenced a fierce and terrible battle (on + that part of the field)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0107" id="link62H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then thy sire, excited with wrath, began to strike the + Parthas and their troops all round, with excellent shafts of great + sharpness. And he pierced Bhima with twelve shafts, and Satyaki with nine. + And having pierced Nakula with three shafts, he pierced Sahadeva with + seven. And he pierced Yudhishthira in the arms and the chest with twelve + shafts. And piercing Dhrishtadyumna also, that mighty warrior uttered a + loud roar. Him Nakula pierced (in return) with twelve shafts, and Satyaki + with three. And Dhrishtadyumna pierced him with seventy shafts, and + Bhimasena with seven. And Yudhishthira pierced the grandsire in return + with twelve shafts. Drona (on the other hand), having pierced Satyaki, + pierced Bhimasena next. And he pierced each of them with five sharp + shafts, each of which resembled the rod of Death. Each of those two, + however, pierced Drona, that bull among Brahmanas, in return, with three + straight shafts. The Sauviras, the Kitavas, the Easterners, the + Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, + the Sivis, and the Vasatis, did not avoid Bhishma in battle although they + were incessantly slaughtered by him with sharp shafts. And similarly kings + coming from diverse countries and armed with diverse weapons, approached + the Pandavas (without seeking to avoid them in battle). And the Pandavas, + O king, surrounded the grandsire on all sides. Surrounded on all sides, + yet unvanquished by that large body of cars, Bhishma blazed up like a fire + in the midst of a forest, and consumed his foes. His car was his + fire-chamber; his bow constituted the (flames of that fire); swords, + darts, and maces, constituted the fuel; his shafts were the sparks (of + that fire); and Bhishma was himself the fire that consumed the foremost of + Kshatriyas. Indeed, with shafts furnished with golden wings and vulturine + feathers and endued with great energy, with barbed arrows, and nalikas, + and long shafts, he covered the hostile host. And he felled elephants and + car-warriors also with his sharp shafts. And he made that large body of + cars resemble a forest of palmyras shorn of their leafy heads. And that + mighty armed warrior, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, O king, + deprived cars and elephants and steeds of their riders in that conflict. + And hearing the twang of his bow-string and the noise of his palms, loud + as the roar of the thunder, all the troops trembled, O Bharata. The shafts + of thy sire, O bull of Bharata’s race, told on the foe. Indeed, shot from + Bhishma’s bow they did not strike the coats of mail only (but pierced them + through). And we beheld, O king, many cars destitute of their brave riders + dragged over the field of battle, O monarch, by the fleet steeds yoked + unto them. Fourteen thousand car-warriors, belonging to the Chedis, the + Kasis, and the Karushas, of great celebrity and noble parentage, prepared + to lay down their lives, unretreating from the field, and owning excellent + standards decked with gold, having met with Bhishma in battle who + resembled the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, all went to the + other world along with their cars, steeds, and elephants. And we beheld + there, O king, cars by hundreds and thousands, some with their axles and + bottoms broken, and some, O Bharata, with broken wheels. And the earth was + strewn with cars broken along with their wooden fences, with the prostrate + forms of car-warriors, with shafts, with beautiful but broken coats of + mail, with axes, O monarch; with maces and short arrows and sharp shafts, + with bottoms of cars, with quivers and broken wheels, O sire, with + innumerable bows and scimitars and heads decked with ear-rings; with + leathern fences and gloves and overthrown standards, and with bows broken + in various parts. And elephants, O king, destitute of riders, and slain + horsemen (of the Pandava army), lay dead. The valiant Pandavas + notwithstanding all their efforts, could not rally those car-warriors, + who, afflicted by the shafts of Bhishma, were flying away from the field. + Indeed, O king, that mighty host while being slaughtered by Bhishma endued + with energy equal to that of Indra himself, broke so completely that no + two persons fled together. With its cars, elephants, and steeds + overthrown, and with its standards laid low in profusion, the army of the + sons of Pandu, deprived of senses, uttered loud exclamations of woe. And + at that time, sire slew son, and son slew sire, and friend smote dear + friend, impelled by fate. And many combatants of the Pandavas army, + throwing aside their armour, were seen flying in all directions with + dishevelled hair. Indeed, the Pandava troops looked like bulls running + wild in fear, and no longer restrained by the yoke. Indeed, loud were the + exclamations we heard of woe that they uttered. + </p> + <p> + “Then that delighter of the Yadavas, beholding the Pandava army breaking, + reined the excellent car (that he guided), and addressing Vibhatsu the son + of Pritha, said,—‘That hour is come, O Partha, which thou hadst + hoped for. Strike now, O tiger among men, or thou wilt be deprived of thy + senses. Formerly, O hero, thou saidst, O Partha, in that conclave of kings + in Virata’s city, in the presence also of Sanjaya, these words:—“I + will slay all the warriors of Dhritarashtra’s son, all of them with their + followers, including, Bhishma and Drona, that would fight with me in + battle”—O son of Kunti, O chastiser of foes, make those words of + thine true. Remembering the duty of a Kshatriya, fight, without any + anxiety.’ Thus addressed by Vasudeva, Arjuna hung down his head and looked + askance at him. And Vibhatsu replied very unwillingly, saying, ‘To acquire + sovereignty with hell in the end, having slain those who should not be + slain, or the woes of an exile in the woods,—(these are the + alternatives). Which of these should I achieve? Urge the steeds, O + Hrishikesa, I will do thy bidding. I will overthrow the Kuru grandsire + Bhishma, that invincible warrior.’—Thus asked, Madhava urged those + steeds of a silvery hue, to the spot where Bhishma, incapable of being + looked at like the Sun himself, was staying. Then that large host of + Yudhishthira rallied and came again to the fight, beholding the + mighty-armed Partha proceeding for an encounter with Bhishma. Then Bhishma + that foremost one among the Kurus, repeatedly roared like a lion. And he + soon covered Dhananjaya’s car with a shower of arrows. Within a trice that + car of his with its steeds and charioteer, became entirely invisible in + consequence of that thick shower of arrows. Vasudeva, however, without + fear, mustering patience, and endued with great activity, urged those + steeds mangled with Bhishma’s shafts. Then Partha, taking up his celestial + bow of twang loud as the roar of the clouds, caused Bhishma’s bow to drop + from his hands, cutting it (into fragments) by means of his sharp shafts. + Then thy sire, the Kuru hero, whose bow had thus been cut off, stringed + another large bow within the twinkling of the eye. Arjuna, however, + excited with wrath, cut that bow also of his. The son of Santanu applauded + that lightness of hand displayed by Arjuna, saying, ‘Well done, Well done, + O mighty-armed one. Well done, O son of Kunti.’—Having addressed him + thus, Bhishma took up another beautiful bow in that battle, and shot many + arrows at Partha’s car. And Vasudeva showed great skill in the management + of steeds, for, displaying the circling motion he baffled all those arrows + (of Bhishma). Mangled with the arrows of Bhishma, those two tigers among + men looked beautiful like two angry bulls marked with scratches of horns. + Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the mighty-armed Vasudeva of + Madhu’s race beholding that Partha was fighting mildly and that Bhishma + was incessantly scattering his arrowy showers in battle, and that + stationed between the two hosts, he latter was scorching everything like + the Sun himself, smiting down the foremost of Yudhishthira’s combatants, + and, in fact, achieving feat on Yudhishthira’s army like unto what + happeneth at the end of the Yuga, could not any longer bear it. Abandoning + then, O sire, Partha’s steeds that looked like silver, and filled with + wrath, that great lord of Yoga powers jumped down from that great car. + Repeatedly roaring like a lion, the mighty Krishna of great energy and + immeasurable splendour, the Lord of Universe, with eyes red as copper from + rage, and having his bare arms alone for his weapons, rushed towards + Bhishma, whip in hand, desirous of slaying him and seeming to split the + universe itself with his tread. Beholding Madhava in the vicinity of + Bhishma and about to fall upon him in that furious battle, the hearts of + all the combatants seemed to be in a stupor. ‘Bhishma is slain, Bhishma is + slain.’—These loud exclamations were heard there, O king, caused by + the fear inspired by Vasudeva. Robed in yellow silk, and himself dark as + the lapis lazuli, Janardana, when he pursued Bhishma, looked beautiful as + a mass of clouds charged with lightning. Like a lion towards an elephant, + or the leader of a bovine herd upon another of his species, that bull of + Madhu’s race, with a loud roar, impetuously rushed towards Bhishma. + Beholding him of eyes like lotus petals (thus) rushing towards him in that + battle, Bhishma began to fearlessly draw his large bow. And with a + fearless heart he addressed Govinda, saying, ‘Come, come, O thou of eyes + like lotus petals. O God of the gods, I bow to thee. O best of the + Satwatas, throw me down today in this great battle. O god, slain by thee + in battle, O sinless one, great will be the good done to me, O Krishna, in + every respect in the world. Amongst all, in the three worlds, great is the + honour done to me today in battle, O Govinda. Strike me as thou pleasest, + for I am thy slave, O sinless one.’ Meanwhile, the mighty-armed Partha, + quickly following Kesava behind, seized him by encircling him with his two + arms. That best of male beings, viz., Krishna, of eyes like lotus petals, + seized by Partha, still proceeded with great speed, bearing the latter + away with him. The mighty Partha, that slayer of hostile heroes, however, + forcibly catching hold of his legs, stopped Hrishikesa with great + difficulty at the tenth step. Then Arjuna his dear friend, filled with + sorrow, affectionately addressed Kesava, who was then sighing like a snake + and whose eyes were troubled in wrath, saying, ‘O thou of mighty arms, + stop, O Kesava, it behoveth thee not to make those words false which thou + hadst spoken before, viz., I will not fight. O Madhava, people will say + that thou art a liar. All this burden resteth upon me. I will slay the + grandsire. I swear, O Kesava, by my weapons, by truth, and my good deeds, + that, O slayer of foes, I will do all by which the destruction of my foes + may be achieved. Behold this very day that invincible and mighty + car-warrior in the act of being thrown down by me, with the greatest ease, + like the crescent moon at the end of the Yuga (when the destruction of the + universe comes).’ Madhava, however, hearing these words of the high-souled + Phalguni, spoke not a word, but in anger once more mounted upon the car. + And then upon those two tigers among men, when stationed on their car, + Bhishma the son of Santanu, once more poured his arrowy showers like the + clouds pouring rain upon the mountain-breast. Thy sire Devavrata took the + lives of the (hostile) warriors like the Sun sucking with his rays the + energies of all things during summer. As the Pandavas had been breaking + the ranks of the Kurus in battle, so thy sire broke the Pandava ranks in + battle. And the routed soldiers, helpless and heartless, slaughtered in + hundreds and thousands by Bhishma, were unable to even look at him in that + battle,—him who resembled the mid-day Sun blazing in his own + splendour. Indeed, the Pandavas afflicted with fear, timidly gazed at + Bhishma who was then achieving super-human feats in that battle. And the + Pandava troops, thus fleeing away, O Bharata, failed to find a protector, + like a herd of kine sunk in a shoal of ants while being trod down by a + strong person. Indeed, the Pandavas could not, O Bharata, look at that + mighty car-warrior incapable of being shaken, who, furnished with a + profusion of shafts, was scorching the kings (in the Pandava army), and + who in consequence of those shafts looked like the blazing Sun shedding + his fiery rays. And while he was thus grinding the Pandava army, the + thousand-rayed maker of day repaired to the setting hills, and the troops, + worn with fatigue, set their hearts on withdrawal (from the field)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0108" id="link62H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “While they were battling, the Sun set, O Bharata, and there + came the dreadful hour of twilight and the battle could no longer be seen. + Then king Yudhishthira, seeing that twilight had come and that his own + troops, slaughtered by Bhishma, had thrown aside their weapons, and that + stricken with fear, and turned off the field, they were seeking to flee + away, and beholding Bhishma also, that mighty car-warrior, excited with + wrath and afflicting everybody in fight, and noticing that the mighty + car-warriors of the Somakas, having been vanquished, had all become + cheerless, reflected a little, and then ordered the troops to be + withdrawn. Then king Yudhishthira withdrew his forces. And similarly, the + withdrawal of thy forces also took place at the same time. Then those + mighty car-warriors, O chief of the Kurus, having withdrawn their forces, + entered their tents, themselves mangled in battle. Afflicted by the shafts + of Bhishma and reflecting upon that hero’s feats in battle, the Pandavas + obtained no peace of mind. Bhishma also, having vanquished the Pandavas + and the Srinjayas in battle, was worshipped by thy sons and glorified by + them, O Bharata. Accompanied by the rejoicing Kurus, he then entered his + tent. Night then set in, that deprives all creatures of their senses. Then + in that fierce hour of night, the Pandavas, the Vrishnis and the + invincible Srinjayas sat down for a consultation. All those mighty + persons, skilled in arriving at conclusions in council, coolly deliberated + about that which was beneficial for them in view of their immediate + circumstances. Then king Yudhishthira, having reflected for a long while, + said these words, casting his eyes on Vasudeva, ‘Behold, O Krishna, the + high-souled Bhishma of fierce prowess. He crusheth my troops like an + elephant crushing a forest of reeds. We dare not even look at that + high-souled warrior. Like a raging conflagration he licketh up my troops. + The valiant Bhishma of keen weapons, when excited with wrath in battle and + bow in hand shooting his shafts, becometh as fierce as the mighty Naga + Takshaka of virulent poison. Indeed, the angry Yama is capable of being + vanquished, or even the chief of the celestials armed with the thunder, or + Varuna himself, noose in hand, or the Lord of the Yakshas armed with mace. + But Bhishma, excited with wrath, is incapable of being vanquished in + battle. When this is the case, O Krishna, I am, through the weakness of my + understanding, plunged in an ocean of grief having got Bhishma (as a foe) + in battle. I will retire into the woods, O invincible one. My exile there + would be for my benefit. Battle, O Krishna, I no longer desire. Bhishma + slayeth us always. As an insect, by rushing into a blazing fire meeteth + only with death, even so do I rush upon Bhishma. In putting forth prowess, + O thou of Vrishni’s race, for the sake of my kingdom, I am, alas, led to + destruction. My brave brothers have all been exceedingly afflicted with + arrows. In consequence of the affection they bear to myself their (eldest) + brother they had to go into the woods, deprived of kingdom. For myself + alone, O slayer of Madhu, hath Krishna been sunk into such distress. I + regard life to be of high value. Indeed, even life now seemeth to be + difficult of being saved. (If I can save that life), its latter remnant + will I pass in the practice of excellent virtue. If, with my brothers, O + Kesava, I am worthy of thy favour, tell me, O Krishna, what is for my + benefit, without contravening the duties of my order.’ Hearing these words + of his, and (describing the situation) in detail, Krishna, from + compassion, said these words in reply for comforting Yudhishthira, ‘O son + of Dharma, O thou that art firm in truth, do thou not indulge in sorrow, + thou that hast these invincible heroes, these slayers of foes, for thy + brothers. Arjuna and Bhimasena are each endued with the energy of the Wind + and the Fire. The twin sons of Madri also are each as valiant as the Chief + of the celestials himself. From the good understanding that exists between + us, do thou set me also to this task. Even I, O son of Pandu, will fight + with Bhishma. Directed by thee, O great king, what is there that I may not + do in great battle. Challenging that bull among men, viz., Bhishma, I will + slay him in battle, in the very sight of the Dhartarashtras, if Phalguni + doth not wish to slay him. If, O son of Pandu, thou seest victory to be + certain on the slaughter of the heroic Bhishma, even I, on a single car, + will slay that aged grandsire of the Kurus. Behold, O king, my prowess, + equal to that of the great Indra in battle. I will overthrow from his car + that warrior who always shooteth mighty weapons. He that is an enemy of + the sons of Pandu, without doubt, is my enemy also. They, that are yours, + are mine, and so they, that are mine, are yours. Thy brother (Arjuna) is + my friend, relative, and disciple. I will, O king, cut off my own flesh + and give it away for the sake of Arjuna. And this tiger among men also can + lay down his life for my sake. O sire, even this is our understanding, + viz., that we will protect each other. Therefore, command me, O king, in + what way I am to fight. Formerly, at Upaplavya, Partha had, in the + presence of many persons, vowed, saying, “I will slay the son of Ganga.” + These words of the intelligent Partha should be observed (in practice). + Indeed, if Partha requests me without doubt I will fulfill that vow. Or, + let it be the task of Phalguni himself in battle. It is not heavy for him. + He will slay Bhishma, that subjugator of hostile cities. If excited in + battle, Partha can achieve feats that are incapable of being achieved by + others. Arjuna can slay in battle the very gods exerting themselves + actively, along with the Daityas and the Danavas. What need be said of + Bhishma, therefore, O king? Endued with great energy, Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, is now of perverted judgment, of intelligence decayed, and of + little sense, without doubt, he knoweth not what he should do.’ + </p> + <p> + “Hearing these words of Krishna, Yudhishthira said, ‘It is even so, O thou + of mighty arms, even as thou sayest, O thou of Madhu’s race. All these + together are not competent to bear thy force. I am sure of always having + whatever I desire, when, O tiger among men, I have thyself staying on my + side. O foremost of victorious persons, I would conquer the very gods with + Indra at their head, when, O Govinda, I have thee for my protector. What + need I say, therefore, of Bhishma, though he is a mighty car-warrior? But, + O Krishna, I dare not, for my own glorification, falsify thy words. + Therefore, O Madhava, as promised before by thee, render me aid without + fighting for me. In this battle an agreement was made by me with Bhishma. + He said,—“I will give thee counsel, but fight I shall never for + thee, since I shall have to fight for Duryodhana’s sake.” Know this for + truth. Therefore, O Lord, Bhishma may give me sovereignty by giving me + good counsel, O Madhava. Therefore, O slayer of Madhu, all of us + accompanied by thee, will once more repair unto Devavrata, for asking him + about the means of his own death. All of us then, O best of persons, + together going to Bhishma without delay, will speedily ask him of Kuru’s + race his advice. O Janardana, he will truly give us beneficial counsel; + and O Krishna, I will do in battle what he will say. Of austere vows, he + will give us counsel, as also victory. We were children and orphans. By + him were we reared. O Madhava, him, our aged grandsire, I wish to day,—him, + the sire of our sire. Oh, fie upon the profession of a Kshatriyas.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Hearing these words, O king, he of Vrishni’s race said + unto Yudhishthira, ‘O thou of great wisdom, these words of thine, O king, + are to my taste. Bhishma, otherwise called Devavrata, is skilled in + weapons. With only his glances he can consume the foe. Repair unto that + son of the Ocean-going (Ganga), for asking him about the means of his + death. Asked by thee, in particular, he will certainly say the truth. We + will, therefore, proceed for questioning the Kuru grandsire. Repairing + unto the reverend son of Santanu, we will, O Bharata, ask him his advice + and according to the advice that he will give us we will fight with the + foe.’ Having thus deliberated, O elder brother of Pandu, the heroic sons + of Pandu, and the valiant Vasudeva, all proceeded together towards the + abode of Bhishma, casting aside their coats of mail and weapons and + entering then his tent, they all bowed to him, bending their heads. And + the sons of Pandu, O king, worshipping that bull of Bharata’s race, and + bowing unto him with their heads, sought his protection. The Kuru + grandsire, the mighty-armed Bhishma, then addressed them, saying, ‘Welcome + art thou, O thou of Vrishni’s race. Welcome art thou, O Dhananjaya. + Welcome to thee, O king Yudhishthira the just. And to thee, O Bhima. + Welcome to you also, ye twins. What am I to do now for enhancing your joy? + Even if it be exceedingly difficult of achievement, I will yet do it with + all my soul.’ Unto the son of Ganga who thus repeatedly spoke unto them + with such affection, king Yudhishthira, with a cheerful heart, lovingly + said, these words, ‘O thou that art conversant with everything, how shall + we obtain victory, and how shall we acquire sovereignty? How also may this + destruction of creatures be stopped? Say all these unto me, O lord. Tell + us the means of thy own death. How, O hero, shall we be able to bear thee + in battle? O grandsire of the Kurus, thou givest not thy foes even a + minute hole to pick in thee. Thou art seen in battle with thy bow ever + drawn to a circle. When thou takest thy shafts, when aimest them, and when + drawest the bow (for letting them off), no one is able to mark. O slayer + of hostile heroes, constantly smiting (as thou dost) cars and steeds and + men and elephants, we behold thee on thy car, O mighty-armed one, to + resemble a second Sun. What man is there, O bull of Bharata’s race, who + can venture to vanquish thee, scattering showers of arrows in battle, and + causing a great destruction. Tell me, O grandsire, the means by which we + may vanquish thee in battle, by which sovereignty may be ours, and lastly, + by which my army may not have to undergo such destruction.’ Hearing these + words, Santanu’s son, O elder brother of Pandu, said unto the son of + Pandu, ‘As long as I am alive, O son of Kunti, victory cannot be yours in + battle, O thou of great wisdom. Truly do I say this unto thee. After, + however, I am vanquished in fight, ye may have victory in battle, ye sons + of Pandu. If, therefore, ye desire victory in the battle, smite me down + without delay. I give you permission, ye sons of Pritha, strike me as ye + please. I am thus known to you in what I regard to be a fortunate + circumstance.<a href="#linknote-6472" name="linknoteref-6472" id="linknoteref-6472">472</a> After I am slain, all the rest will be + slain. Therefore, do as I bid’. + </p> + <p> + “Yudhishthira said, ‘Tell us the means by which we may vanquish thee in + battle, thee that art, when excited with wrath in the fight, like unto the + Destroyer himself armed with mace. The wielder of the thunder-bolt may be + vanquished or Varuna, or Yama. Thou, however, art incapable of being + defeated in battle by even the gods and Asuras united together, with Indra + at their head.’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said, ‘That, O son of Pandu, is true, which thou sayest, O thou + of mighty arms. When with weapons and my large bow in hand I contend + carefully in battle, I am incapable of being defeated by the very gods and + the Asuras with Indra at their head. If, however, I lay aside my weapons, + even these car-warriors can slay me. One that hath thrown away his + weapons, one that hath fallen down, one whose armour hath slipped off, one + whose standard is down, one who is flying away, one who is frightened, one + who says—“I am thine”—one who is a female, one who beareth the + name of a female, one no longer capable of taking care of one’s self, one + who hath only a single son, or one who is a vulgar fellows,—with + these I do not like to battle. Hear also, O king, about my resolve formed + before. Beholding any inauspicious omen I would never fight. That mighty + car-warrior, the son of Drupada, O king, whom thou hast in thy army, who + is known by the name of Sikhandin, who is wrathful in battle, brave, and + ever victorious, was a female before but subsequently obtained manhood. + How all this took place, ye all know it truly. Brave in battle and clad in + mail, let Arjuna, keeping Sikhandin before him, attack me with his sharp + shafts. When that inauspicious omen will be there, especially in the form + of one that was a female before, I will never seek, though armed with bow + and arrow, to strike him. Obtaining that opportunity, let Dhananjaya the + son of Pandu quickly pierce me on every side with his shafts, O bull of + Bharata’s race. Except the highly blessed Krishna, and Dhananjaya the son + of Pandu, I do not behold the person in the three worlds who is able to + slay me while exerting myself in battle. Let Vibhatsu, therefore, armed + with weapons, struggling carefully in battle, with his excellent bow in + hand, placing (Sikhandin or) something else before, throw me down (from my + car). Then the victory will be certain. Do this, O great king, even this + that I have said unto thee, O thou of excellent vows. Thou wilt then be + able to slay all Dhartarashtras assembled together in battle.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “The Parthas then, having ascertained all this went + back to their tents, saluting the Kuru grandsire, viz., the high-souled + Bhishma. After Ganga’s son, prepared to go to the other world, had said + this, Arjuna, burning with grief and his face suffused in shame, said + these words, ‘How, O Madhava, shall I fight in battle with the grandsire + who is my senior in years, who is possessed of wisdom and intelligence, + and who is the oldest member of our race? While sporting in days of + childhood, O Vasudeva, I used to smear the body of this high-souled and + illustrious one with dust by climbing on his lap with my own filthy body. + O elder brother of Gada, he is the sire of my sire Pandu. While a child, + climbing on the lap of this high-souled one I once called him father. I am + not thy father but thy father’s father, O Bharata!—even this is what + he said to me (in reply) in my childhood. He who said so, Oh, how can he + be slain by me. O, let my army perish. Whether it is victory or death that + I obtain I will never fight that high-souled person. (Even this is what I + think). What dost thou think, O Krishna!’ + </p> + <p> + “Vasudeva said, ‘Having vowed the slaughter of Bhishma before, O Jishnu, + how canst thou abstain from slaying him, agreeably to the duties of a + Kshatriya? Throw down from his car, O Partha, that Kshatriya who is + invincible in battle. Victory can never be yours without slaying Ganga’s + son. Even thus shall he go to the abode of Yama. This hath been settled + before by the gods. That which hath been destined before, O Partha, must + happen. It cannot be otherwise. None save thee, O invincible one, not even + the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself, would be capable of fighting with + Bhishma, who is like the Destroyer with wide-open mouth. Slay Bhishma, + without any anxiety. Listen also to these words of mine that are what + Vrihaspati of great intelligence had said unto Sakra in days of old. One + should slay even an aged person endued with every merit and worthy of + reverence if he cometh as a foe, or, indeed any other who approacheth for + destroying one’s self—O Dhananjaya, this is the eternal duty + sanctioned for the Kshatriya, viz., that they should fight, protect + subjects, and perform sacrifices, all without malice.’ + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna said, ‘Sikhandin, O Krishna, will certainly be the cause of + Bhishma’s death, for Bhishma, as soon as he beholds the prince of the + Panchalas, abstains from striking. Therefore, keeping Sikhandin before him + and at our head, we will, by that means, overthrow the son of Ganga. Even + this is what I think. I will hold in check other great bowmen with my + shafts. As regards Sikhandin, he will fight with Bhishma alone, that + foremost of all warriors. I have heard from that chief of the Kurus that + he would not strike Sikhandin, for having been born before as a woman he + subsequently became a male person.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Having settled this with Bhishma’s permission, the + Pandavas, along with Madhava, went away with rejoicing hearts. And then + those bulls among men retired to their respective beds." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0109" id="link62H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How did Sikhandin advance against the son of Ganga in + battle, and how did Bhishma also advance against the Pandavas? Say all + this unto me, O Sanjaya!" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Then all those Pandavas, towards the hour of sun-rise, with + beat of drums and cymbals and smaller drums, and with the blare of conches + of milky whiteness, all around, went out for battle, placing Sikhandin in + their van. And they marched out, O king, having formed an array that was + destructive of all foes. And Sikhandin, O monarch, was stationed in the + very van of all the troops. And Bhimasena and Dhananjaya became the + protectors of his car-wheels. And in his rear were the sons of Draupadi + and the valiant Abhimanyu. And those mighty car-warriors, viz., Satyaki + and Chekitana, became the protectors of the last. And behind them was + Dhrishtadyumna protected by the Panchalas. Next to Dhrishtadyumna, behind, + marched the royal lord Yudhishthira, accompanied by the twins, filling the + air with leonine shouts, O bull of Bharata’s race. Next behind him was + Virata, surrounded by his own troops. Next to him marched Drupada, O + mighty-armed one. And the five Kaikeya brothers and the valiant + Dhrishtaketu, O Bharata, protected the rear of the Pandava army. Having + disposed their vast army in such an array, the Pandavas rushed against thy + host, prepared to cast away their lives. And similarly the Kauravas, O + king, placing that mighty car-warrior Bhishma at the head of their whole + host, proceeded against the Pandavas. And that invincible warrior was + protected by thy mighty sons. Next behind them was the great bowman Drona, + as also his mighty son (Aswatthaman). Next behind was Bhagadatta + surrounded by his elephant division. And behind Bhagadatta were Kripa and + Kritavarman. Behind them were Sudakshina the mighty ruler of the Kamvojas, + and Jayatsena, the king of the Magadhas, and Suvala’s son and Vrihadvala. + And similarly, many other kings, that were all great bowmen, protected the + rear of thy host, O Bharata. As each day came, Bhishma the son of Santanu, + formed arrays in battle, sometimes after the manner of the Asuras, + sometimes after that of the Pisachas, and sometimes after that of the + Rakshasas. Then commenced the battle between thy troops, O Bharata, and + theirs, both parties smiting one another and increasing the population of + Yama’s kingdom. And the Parthas with Arjuna at their head, placing + Sikhandin in the van, proceeded against Bhishma in that battle, scattering + diverse kinds of arrows. And then, O Bharata afflicted by Bhishma with his + shafts, (many of) thy warriors, profusely bathed in blood, repaired to the + other world. And Nakula and Sahadeva, and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, + approaching thy army, began to afflict it with great vigour. Thus + slaughtered in battle, O bull of Bharata’s race, thy warriors were unable + to resist that vast host of the Pandavas. Then thy host, vigorously + afflicted by great car-warriors and thus slaughtered by them everywhere, + fled away on all sides. Slaughtered with sharp shafts by the Pandavas and + the Srinjayas they found not a protector, O bull of Bharata’s race." </p> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Tell me, O Sanjaya, what the valiant Bhishma, excited + with rage, did in battle, upon beholding my host afflicted by the Parthas. + O sinless one, tell me how that hero, that chastiser of foes, rushed + against the Pandavas in battle, and slaughtered the Somakas." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “I will tell thee, O king, what thy sire did when thy sons’ + host was afflicted by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. With cheerful + hearts, the brave sons of Pandu, O elder brother of Pandu, encountered thy + son’s host, slaughtering (all whom they met). That carnage, O chief of + men, of human beings, elephants and steeds, that destruction by the foe of + thy army in battle, Bhishma could not brook. That invincible and great + bowman, then, reckless of his very life poured upon the Pandavas, the + Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, showers of long shafts and calf-toothed and + crescent-shaped arrows. And with weapons, O monarch, he checked with his + shafts and with showers of other weapons, both offensive and defensive, + all sped with energy and wrath, the five foremost of mighty car-warriors + of the Pandavas, who had been struggling vigorously in battle. Excited + with wrath, he slaughtered in that battle countless elephants and steeds. + And that bull among men, O monarch, throwing down many car-warriors from + their cars,<a href="#linknote-6473" name="linknoteref-6473" id="linknoteref-6473">473</a> and horsemen from their horses, and crowds + of foot soldiers, and elephant-warriors from the backs of the beasts they + rode, struck terror into the foe. And the Pandava warriors all rushed + together upon Bhishma singly, upon that mighty car-warrior struggling in + battle with great activity, like the Asuras rushing together upon him with + the thunderbolt in hand. Shooting on all sides his whetted arrows whose + touch resembled that of Indra’s thunder, he seemed to the enemy to have + assembled a terrible visage. While fighting in that battle, his large bow, + resembling that of Sakra himself, seemed to be always drawn to a circle. + Beholding those feats in battle, thy sons, O monarch, filled with + exceeding wonder, worshipped the grandsire. The Parthas cast their eyes, + with cheerless hearts, upon thy heroic sire struggling in battle, like the + celestials upon (the Asura) Viprachitti (in days of old).<a + href="#linknote-6474" name="linknoteref-6474" id="linknoteref-6474">474</a> + They could not resist that warrior who then resembled the Destroyer + himself with wide-open mouth. In that battle on the tenth day, Bhishma, + with his sharp shafts, consumed the division of Sikhandin like a + conflagration consuming a forest. Him resembling an angry snake of + virulent poison, or the Destroyer urged by Death himself, Sikhandin + pierced with three shafts in the centre of the chest. Deeply pierced + therewith, Bhishma saw that it was Sikhandin (who was piercing him). + Excited with wrath, but unwilling (to fight with Sikhandin) Bhishma + laughingly said, ‘Whether thou choosest to strike me or not, I will never + fight with thee. Thou art that Sikhandin still which the Creator had made + thee first’.<a href="#linknote-6475" name="linknoteref-6475" id="linknoteref-6475">475</a> Hearing these words of his, Sikhandin, + deprived of his senses by wrath, and licking the corners of his mouth + addressed Bhishma in that battle, saying, ‘I know thee, O mighty-armed + one, to be the exterminator of the Kshatriya race. I have heard also of + thy battle with Jamadagni’s son. I have also heard much of thy super-human + prowess. Knowing thy prowess I will still fight with thee today. For doing + what is agreeable to the Pandavas and is agreeable to my own self, O + chastiser of foes, I will today fight with thee in battle, O best of men. + I will, of a certainty, slay thee. I swear this before thee by my troth! + Hearing these words of mine, do that which thou shouldst. Whether thou + choosest to strike me or not, thou shall not escape me with life. O thou + that art ever victorious, O Bhishma, look thy last on this world.’" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued, “Having said so, Sikhandin in that battle pierced + Bhishma with five straight shafts, having already pierced him with his + wordy shafts. Hearing those words of his, the mighty car-warrior Arjuna, + regarding Sikhandin to be Bhishma’s Destroyer, urged him on, saying, ‘I + will fight behind thee, routing the foe with my shafts. Excited with fury, + rush thou against Bhishma of terrible prowess. The mighty Bhishma will not + be able to afflict thee in battle. Therefore, O mighty-armed one, + encounter Bhishma with vigor. If, O sire, thou returnest today without + slaying Bhishma, thou wilt, with myself, be an object of ridicule to the + world. Seek to do that in battle by which, O hero, we may not incur + ridicule in this great battle. Stay the grandsire. O thou of great + strength, I will protect thee in this battle, checking all the + car-warriors (of the Kuru army). Do thou slay the grandsire. Drona, and + Drona’s son, and Kripa, and Suyodhana, and Chitrasena, and Vikarna, and + Jayadratha the ruler of the Sindhus, Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and + Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas, and the brave Bhagadatta, and the + mighty king of the Magadhas, and Somadatta’s son, and the brave Rakshasas + who is Rishyasringa’s son and the ruler of the Trigartas, alone with all + the other great car-warriors (of the Kuru army), I will check like the + continent resisting the surging sea. Indeed, I will hold in check all the + mighty warriors of the Kuru army assembled together and battling with us. + Do thou slay the grandsire.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0110" id="link62H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CX + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How did Sikhandin the prince of the Panchalas, + excited with wrath, rushed in battle against the grandsire, viz., Ganga’s + son of righteous soul and regulated vows. What mighty car-warriors of the + Pandavas army, upraised weapons, desirous of victory, and exerting + themselves with activity, protected Sikhandin on that occasion which + required great activity? How also did Bhishma the son of Santanu, endued + with great energy, fight on that tenth day of battle with the Pandavas and + the Srinjayas? I cannot brook the idea of Sikhandin encountering Bhishma + in battle. (Indeed, when Sikhandin attacked Bhishma), was Bhishma’s car or + his bow broken?" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “While fighting in that battle, O bull of Bharata’s race, + neither the bow nor the car of Bhishma had suffered any injury. He was + then slaying the foe with straight shafts. Many thousands of mighty + car-warriors belonging to thy army, as also elephants, O king, and steeds + well harnessed, proceeded for battle, with the grandsire in the van. + Agreeably to his vow, O thou of Kuru’s race, the ever-victorious Bhishma + was incessantly engaged in slaughtering the troops of the Parthas. The + Panchalas and the Pandavas were unable to bear that great bowman battling + (with them) and slaying his foes with his shafts. When the tenth day came, + the hostile army was torn into pieces by Bhishma with his shafts by + hundreds and thousands. O elder brother of Pandu, the sons of Pandu were + incapable of defeating in battle the great bowman Bhishma who resembled + the Destroyer himself armed with the lance. + </p> + <p> + “Then, O king, the unvanquished Vibhatsu or Dhananjaya, who was capable of + drawing the bow with even the left hand, came to that spot, frightening + all the car-warriors. Roaring loudly like a lion, and repeatedly drawing + the bow-string, and scattering showers of arrows, Partha careered on the + field of battle like Death himself. Frightened at those roars of his, thy + warriors, O bull of Bharata’s race, fled away in terror, like smaller + animals, O king, at the sound of the lion. Beholding the son of Pandu + crowned with victory and thus afflicting that host, Duryodhana, himself + under the influence of terror addressed Bhishma and said, ‘The son of + Pandu, O sire, with white steeds (yoked unto his car), and having Krishna + for his charioteer, consumeth all my troops like a conflagration consuming + a forest. Behold, O son of Ganga, all troops, slaughtered by Pandu’s son + in battle, are, O foremost of warriors, fleeing away. Indeed, as the + herdsman belaboureth his cattle in the forest, even so, O scorcher of foes + is my army being belaboured. Broken and driven away on all sides by + Dhananjaya with his shafts, the invincible Bhima is also routing that + (already broken) host of mine. And Satyaki, and Chekitana, and the twin + sons of Madri, and the valiant Abhimanyu,—these also are routing my + troops. The brave Dhrishtadyumna, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha also, are + vigorously breaking and driving away my army in this fierce conflict. Of + these troops that are being slaughtered by all those mighty car-warriors, + I do not see any other refuge in the matter of their staying and fighting + on the field, O Bharata, save thee, O tiger among men, that art possessed + of prowess equal to that of the celestials. Therefore, receive thou those + great car-warriors without delay, and be thou the refuge of these + afflicted troops.’ Thus addressed by him, O king, thy sire Devavrata, the + son of Santanu, reflecting for a moment and settling what he should do, + said these words unto thy son, comforting him (therewith), ‘O Duryodhana, + listen calmly to what I say, O king. O thou of great might, formerly I + vowed before thee that slaying every day ten thousand high-souled + Kshatriyas, I would come back from the battle. I have fulfilled that vow, + O bull of Bharata’s race! O thou of great might, today I will achieve even + a great feat. Today I will either sleep myself being slain, or, I will + slay the Pandavas. O tiger among men, I will today free myself from the + debt I owe thee,—the debt, O king, arising out of the food, thou + gavest me,—by casting away my life at the head of thy army.’ Having + said these words, O chief of the Bharatas, that invincible warrior, + scattering his shafts among the Kshatriyas, attacked the Pandava host. And + the Pandavas then, O bull of Bharata’s race, began to resist the son of + Ganga staying in the midst of his forces and excited with wrath like a + snake of virulent poison. Indeed, O king, on that tenth day of the battle, + Bhishma, displaying his might, slew, O son of Kuru’s race, hundreds of + thousands. And he drained the energies of those royal and mighty + car-warriors that were the foremost among the Panchalas, like the Sun + sucking up the moisture (of the earth) with his rays. Having slain ten + thousand elephants of great activity and ten thousand steeds also, O king, + along with their riders, and full two hundred thousands of foot-soldiers, + that best of men, viz., Bhishma, shone resplendent in battle like a fire + without a curl of smoke. And no one amongst the Pandavas was capable of + even looking at him who then resembled the burning Sun staying in the + northern solstice. The Pandavas, however, though afflicted in battle by + that great bowman, still rushed, accompanied by the mighty car-warriors of + the Srinjayas, for slaughtering him. Battling with myriads upon myriads + around him, Santanu’s son Bhishma then looked like the cliff of Meru + covered on all sides with masses of clouds. Thy sons, however, stood, + surrounding Bhishma on all sides with a large force (for protecting him). + Then commenced a fierce battle (between the Kurus and the Pandavas)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0111" id="link62H_4_0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXI + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Arjuna then, O king, beholding the prowess of Bhishma in + battle, addressed Sikhandin saying, ‘Proceed towards the grandsire. Thou + shouldst not entertain the slightest fear of Bhishma today. Even I will + throw him down from his excellent car by means of my sharp shafts’. Thus + addressed by Partha, Sikhandin, O bull of Bharata’s race, having heard + those words, rushed at the son of Ganga. And so Dhrishtadyumna also, O + king, and the mighty car-warrior Abhimanyu, having heard those words of + Partha, joyfully rushed at Bhishma. And old Virata and Drupada, and + Kuntibhoja also, clad in mail, rushed at Bhishma in the very sight of thy + son. And Nakula, Sahadeva, and the valiant king Yudhishthira also, and all + the rest of the warriors, O monarch, rushed against Bhishma. As regards + thy warriors O king, that rushed, according to the measure of their might + and courage, against those mighty car-warriors (of the Pandava army) + united together, listen to me as I speak (of them) unto thee. Like a young + tiger attacking a bull, Chitrasena, O king, rushed against Chekitana who + in that battle was proceeding for getting at Bhishma. Kritavarman, O king, + resisted Dhrishtadyumna who had reached the presence of Bhishma and who + was exerting himself with great activity and vigour in that battle. + Somadatta’s son, O monarch, with great activity, resisted Bhimasena + excited with fury and desirous of slaying Bhishma. Similarly Vikarna, + desirous of (protecting) Bhishma’s life, resisted the brave Nakula who was + scattering innumerable arrows around. And so, O king, Kripa the son of + Saradwat, excited with rage, resisted Sahadeva proceeding towards + Bhishma’s car. And the mighty Durmukha rushed at that Rakshasa of cruel + deeds, viz., the mighty son of Bhimasena, desirous of Bhishma’s slaughter. + Thy son Duryodhana himself resisted Satyaki proceeding to battle. + Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas, O king, resisted Abhimanyu, O + monarch, who was proceeding towards Bhishma’s car. And Aswatthaman, O + king, excited with rage, resisted old Virata and Drupada, those two + chastisers of foes united together. And Bharadwaja’s son, exerting himself + with vigour in battle, resisted the eldest Pandava, that is to say, king + Yudhishthira the just, who was desirous of Bhishma’s death. And that great + bowman, viz., Dussasana, in that battle, resisted Arjuna who was rushing + with great speed, with Sikhandin before him, desirous of coming upon + Bhishma, O monarch, and illuminating the ten quarters (with his bright + weapons). And other warriors of thy army resisted in that great battle + other mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas proceeding against Bhishma. + Dhrishtadyumna, that mighty car-warrior, excited with rage, rushed against + Bhishma alone and addressing the troops, repeatedly said in a loud voice, + “There, Arjuna, that delighter of Kuru’s race, is proceeding against + Bhishma in battle. Rush ye against Ganga’s son. Be not afraid. Bhishma + will not be able to attack you in battle.<a href="#linknote-6476" name="linknoteref-6476" id="linknoteref-6476">476</a> Vasava himself + cannot venture to fight with Arjuna in battle. What therefore, need be + said of Bhishma who, though possessed of bravery in battle, is feeble and + old.” Hearing these words of their commander, the mighty car-warriors of + the Pandava army, filled with joy, rushed towards the car of Ganga’s son. + Many foremost of men, however, of thy army cheerfully received and + resisted those heroes coming towards Bhishma like impetuous mass of living + energy. That mighty car-warrior, Dussasana, abandoning all fears, rushed + against Dhananjaya, desirous of protecting the life of Bhishma. And so the + heroic Pandavas also, O king, rushed in battle against thy sons, those + mighty car-warriors, stationed about Bhishma’s car. And then, O king we + beheld a highly wonderful incident, viz., that Partha, having proceeded as + far as Dussasana’s car, could not advance further. As the continent + resists the surging sea, even so did thy son (Dussasana) resist the angry + son of Pandu. Both of them were foremost of car-warriors. Both of them, O + Bharata, were invincible. Both of them, in beauty and splendour, O + Bharata, resembled the Sun or the Moon. Both of them were excited with + wrath. And each of them desired to slay the other. And they encountered + each other in dreadful battle like Maya and Sakra in days of old. And + Dussasana, O king, in that battle pierced the son of Pandu with three + shafts and Vasudeva with twenty. Then Arjuna, excited with rage upon + beholding him of Vrishni’s race thus afflicted, pierced Dussasana with a + hundred shafts. These, penetrating through the latter’s armour, drank his + blood in that battle. Then Dussasana, excited with wrath, pierced Partha + with five shafts. And once more, O chief of the Bharatas, he pierced + Arjuna in the forehead with three sharp shafts. And with those shafts + sticking to his forehead, the son of Pandu looked beautiful in that + battle, like Meru, O king with its tall crests. That great bowman, viz., + Partha, then thus deeply pierced by thy son wielding the bow, looked + resplendent in that battle like a flowering Kinsuka. The son of Pandu + then, excited with rage, afflicted Dussasana, like Rahu inflamed with rage + on the fifteenth day of the lighted fortnight afflicting the Moon at full. + Thus afflicted by that mighty warrior, thy son, O king, pierced Partha in + that battle with many shafts whetted on stone and winged with the features + of the Kanka bird. Then Partha, cutting off Dussasana’s bow and splitting + his car with three shafts, sped at him many fierce arrows resembling the + darts of Death. Thy son, however, cut off all those shafts of Partha + exerting himself with vigour before they could reach him. All this seemed + highly wonderful. Then thy son pierced Partha with many shafts of great + sharpness. Then Partha, excited with rage in that battle, placed on his + bowstring a number of shafts whetted on stone and furnished with wings of + gold and aiming them, sped them all at his foe. These, O king, penetrated + the body of that high-souled warrior, like swans, O monarch, diving into a + lake. Thus afflicted by the high-souled son of Pandu, thy son avoiding + Partha, quickly proceeded to the car of Bhishma. Indeed, Bhishma then + became an island unto him who was thus sinking into fathomless waters. + Regaining consciousness then, thy son, O monarch, endued with heroism and + prowess, once more began to resist Partha with sharp arrows like Purandara + resisting (the Asura) Vritra. Of huge form, thy son began to pierce + Arjuna, but the latter was scarcely pained (at all this)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0112" id="link62H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “The mighty bowman (Alamvusha) the son of Rishyasringa, in + that battle, resisted Satyaki clad in mail and proceeding towards Bhishma. + He of Madhu’s race, however, O king, excited with wrath, pierced the + Rakshasa with nine arrows, smiling the while, O Bharata. And so the + Rakshasa also, O king, excited with wrath, afflicted him of Madhu’s race, + viz., that bull of Sini’s line, with nine arrows. Then Sini’s grandson, + that slayer of hostile heroes, of Madhu’s race, excited with rage, sped in + that battle a profusion of arrows at the Rakshasa. Then that mighty-aimed + Rakshasa pierced Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled, with many + sharp arrows, and uttered a loud shout. Then he of Madhu’s race, endued + with great energy, though deeply pierced by the Rakshasa in that battle, + still relying upon his prowess, laughed (at his wounds) and uttered loud + roars. Then Bhagadatta, excited with rage, afflicted him of Madhu’s race + in that battle with many sharp arrows like a guide piercing a huge + elephant with the hook. Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the + grandson of Sini, abandoning the Rakshasa in battle, sped many straight + shafts at the ruler of the Pragjyotishas. The ruler of the Pragjyotishas + then, with a broad-headed arrow of great sharpness, displaying great + lightness of hand, cut off the large bow of Satyaki. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, excited with rage and taking up another bow of greater + impetus, pierced Bhagadatta in that battle with many sharp arrows. That + mighty bowman, viz., Bhagadatta, then deeply pierced, began to lick the + corners of his mouth. And he then hurled at his foe, in that dreadful + battle, a tough dart, made wholly of iron, decked with gold and stones of + lapis lazuli, and fierce as the rod of Yama himself. Sped with the might + of Bhagadatta’s arm and coursing towards him impetuously, Satyaki, O king, + cut that dart in twain by means of his shafts. Thereupon that dart fell + down suddenly, like a great meteor shorn of its splendour. Beholding the + dart baffled, thy son (Duryodhana), O monarch, surrounded him of Madhu’s + race with a large number of cars. And seeing that mighty car-warrior among + the Vrishnis thus surrounded, Duryodhana, angrily addressing all his + brothers, said, ‘Take such steps, ye Kauravas, that Satyaki may not, in + this battle, escape you and this large division of cars, with life. If he + be slain, the vast host of the Pandavas may be regarded as slain also.’ + Accepting Duryodhana’s words with the answer—‘So be it,’—those + mighty car-warriors fought with Sini’s grandson in the view of Bhishma. + The mighty ruler of the Kamvojas, in that battle, resisted Abhimanyu who + was proceeding against Bhishma. The son of Arjuna, having pierced the king + with many straight shafts,<a href="#linknote-6477" name="linknoteref-6477" id="linknoteref-6477">477</a> once more pierced that monarch, O monarch, + with four and sixty shafts. Sudakshina, however, desirous of Bhishma’s + life, pierced Abhimanyu in that battle with five arrows and his charioteer + with nine. And the battle that took place there, in consequence of the + meeting of those two warriors, was fierce in the extreme. That grinder of + foes Sikhandin, then rushed at the son of Ganga. Old Virata and Drupada, + those mighty car-warriors, both excited with rage, rushed to battle with + Bhishma, resisting the large host of the Kauravas as they went. That best + of car-warriors, viz., Aswatthaman, excited with rage, encountered both + those warriors. Then commenced a battle, O Bharata, between him and them. + Virata then, O chastiser of foes, struck, with broad-headed shafts, that + mighty bowman and ornament of battle, viz., Drona’s son, as the latter + advanced against them. And Drupada also pierced him with three sharp + shafts. Then the preceptor’s son, Aswatthaman, coming upon those mighty + warriors thus striking him, viz., the brave Virata and Drupada both + proceeding towards Bhishma, pierced them both with many shafts. Wonderful + was the conduct that we then beheld of those two old warriors, inasmuch as + they checked all those fierce shafts shot by Drona’s son. Like an + infuriate elephant in the forest rushing against an infuriate compeer, + Kripa, the son of Saradwat, proceeded against Sahadeva who was advancing + upon Bhishma. And Kripa, brave in battle, quickly struck that mighty + car-warrior, viz., the son of Madri, with seventy shafts decked with gold. + The son of Madri, however, cut Kripa’s bow in twain by means of his + shafts. And cutting off his bow, Sahadeva then pierced Kripa with nine + arrows. Taking up then, in that battle, another bow capable of bearing a + great strain Kripa, excited with rage and desirous of Bhishma’s life, + cheerfully struck Madri’s son in that battle with ten shafts. And so the + son of Pandu, in return, desirous of Bhishma’s death, excited with rage, + struck the wrathful Kripa in the chest (with many shafts). And then + occurred there a terrible and fierce battle. That scorcher of foes, viz., + Vikarna, desirous of saving the grandsire Bhishma, excited with rage in + that battle, pierced Nakula with sixty arrows. Nakula also, deeply pierced + by thy intelligent son, pierced Vikarna in return with seven and seventy + shafts. There those two tigers among men, those two chastisers of foes, + those two heroes, struck each other for the sake of Bhishma, like two + bovine bulls in a fold. Thy son Durmukha, endued with great prowess, + proceeded, for the sake of Bhishma, against Ghatotkacha advancing to + battle and slaughtering thy army as he came. Hidimva’s son, however, O + king, excited with rage, struck Durmukha, that chastiser of foes, in the + chest a straight shaft. The heroic Durmukha then, shouting cheerfully, + pierced Bhimasena’s son on the field of battle with sixty shafts of keen + points. That mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Hridika resisted + Dhrishtadyumna, that foremost of car-warriors, who was advancing to battle + from desire of Bhishma’s slaughter. The son of Prishata, however, having + pierced Kritavarman with five shafts made wholly of iron, once more, + struck him quickly in the centre of the chest fifty shafts. And similarly, + O king, Prishata’s son struck Kritavarman with nine sharp and blazing + shaft, winged with the feathers of the Kanka bird. Encountering each other + with great vigour, the battle that took place between them for Bhishma’s + sake was as fierce as that between Vritra and Vasava. Against Bhimasena + who was advancing upon the mighty Bhishma, proceeded Bhurisravas with + great speed, saying,—‘Wait, Wait,’—And the son of Somadatta + struck Bhima in the centre of the chest with an arrow of exceeding + sharpness and golden wings in that battle. And the valiant Bhimasena, with + that arrow on his chest, looked beautiful, O best of kings, like the + Krauncha mountain in days of old with the dart of Skanda. And those two + bulls among men, enraged in battle, shot at each other shafts brightly + polished by their forgers and endued with effulgence of the Sun. Bhima, + longing for Bhishma’s death, fought with the mighty son of Somadatta, and + the latter, desirous of Bhishma’s victory, fought with the former, each + carefully seeking to counteract the other’s feats. Bharadwaja’s son + resisted Yudhishthira the son of Kunti, who, accompanied by a large force, + was coming towards Bhishma. Hearing the rattle of Drona’s car, O king, + that resembled the roar of the clouds, the Prabhadrakas, O sire, began to + tremble. That large force, of Pandu’s son, resisted by Drona in battle, + could not, exerting vigorously, advance even one step. Thy son Chitrasena, + O king, resisted Chekitana of wrathful visage who was exerting vigorously + for coming upon Bhishma. Possessed of great prowess and great dexterity of + hand, that mighty car-warrior for the sake of Bhishma, battled with + Chekitana, O Bharata, according to the utmost of his power. And Chekitana + also fought with Chitrasena to the utmost of his power. And the battle + that took place there in consequence of the meeting of those two warriors, + was exceedingly fierce. As regards Arjuna, although he was resisted by all + means, O Bharata, he still compelled thy son to turn back and then crushed + thy troops. Dussasana however, to the utmost stretch of his power, began + to resist Partha, wishing, O Bharata, to protect Bhishma. The army of thy + son, O Bharata, undergoing such slaughter, began to be agitated here and + there by many foremost car-warriors (of the Pandava)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0113" id="link62H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “The heroic Drona, that great bowman endued with the prowess + of an infuriate elephant, that foremost of men possessed of great might, + taking up his large bow which was capable [of] checking even an infuriate + elephant, and shaking it (in his hands), was engaged in afflicting the + Pandava ranks, having penetrated into their midst. That valiant warrior + acquainted with every omen, beholding the omens on all sides, addressed + his son who also was scorching the hostile ranks and said these words, + ‘This is that day, O son, on which the mighty Partha, desirous of slaying + Bhishma in battle, will exert himself to the best of his might. My arrows + are coming out (of the quiver, of their own accord). My bow seems to yawn. + My weapon seems unwilling to obey my behests, and my heart also is + cheerless. Animals and birds are uttering fearful and incessant cries. + Vultures seem to disappear beneath the feet of the Bharata troops. The Sun + himself seems to have lost hue. The quarters are all ablaze. The Earth + seems to shriek, inspire fear, and tremble everywhere. Kankas, and + vultures, and cranes are frequently crying. Jackals are uttering + inauspicious and fierce yells foreboding great danger. Large meteors seem + to fall from the centre of the solar disc. The constellation called + Parigha, with a trunkless form, appeareth around the Sun. The solar and + the lunar discs have become awful, foreboding great danger to Kshatriyas + about the mangling of their bodies. The idols of the Kuru king in his + temples tremble and laugh and dance and weep. The illustrious Moon riseth + with his horns downward. The bodies of the kings belonging to the Kuru + army all seem to be pale, and though clad in mail, are shorn of splendour. + The loud blare of Panchajanya and the twang of Gandiva are heard on all + sides of both the armies. Without doubt, Arjuna, relying upon his great + weapons and avoiding other warriors will advance upon the grandsire. The + pores of my body are contracting, and my heart also is depressed, + thinking, O mighty-armed one, of the encounter between Bhishma and Arjuna. + Keeping on his fore the Panchala prince of sinful soul and conversant with + deceit, Partha is proceeding towards Bhishma for battle. Bhishma said + before that he would not slay Sikhandin. By the Creator had that one been + made female, though through chance he subsequently became a male person. + That mighty son of Yajnasena is also an inauspicious omen (by himself). + The son of the Ocean-going (Ganga) will not strike that person of + inauspicious self. Thinking of this, viz., that Arjuna, excited with + wrath, is about to fall upon the aged Kuru grandsire, my heart is + exceedingly depressed. The wrath of Yudhishthira, an encounter between + Bhishma and Arjuna in battle, and an endeavour like this (of the shooting + of weapons) by myself,—these (three) are certainly fraught with + great harm to creatures. Arjuna is endued with great energy; he is + powerful, brave, accomplished in weapons, and possessed of valour that is + very active. Capable of shooting his arrows to a great distance and + shooting them with force, he is, besides, acquainted with omens. Endued + with great might and intelligence, and above fatigue, that foremost of + warriors is incapable of defeat by the very gods with Vasava at their + head. The son of Pandu possesses terrible weapons and is ever victorious + in battle. Avoiding his path, go thou to battle (for Bhishma’s victory) O + thou of rigid vows.<a href="#linknote-6478" name="linknoteref-6478" id="linknoteref-6478">478</a> Today in this dreadful battle thou wilt + behold a great carnage. The beautiful and costly coats of mail, decked + with gold, of brave warriors will be pierced with straight shafts. And the + tops of standards, and bearded javelins, and bows, and bright lances of + sharp points, and darts bright with gold, and the standards on the backs + of elephants, will all be cut off by Kiritin in wrath. O son, this is not + the time when dependants should take care of their lives. Go to battle, + keeping heaven before thee, and for the sake of fame and victory. There, + the ape-bannered (Arjuna) crosseth on his car the river of battle that is + awful and incapable of being easily crossed, and hath cars, elephants, and + steeds, for its eddies. Regard for Brahmanas, self-restraint, liberality, + asceticism, and noble conduct, are seen in Yudhishthira alone who hath for + his brothers Dhananjaya, and the mighty Bhimasena, and the twin sons of + Madri by Pandu, and who hath Vasudeva of the Vrishni race for his + protector. The wrath, born of grief, of that Yudhishthira whose body hath + been purified by the flames of penance, directed to the wicked-souled son + of Dhritarashtra, is consuming this Bharata host. There cometh Partha, + having Vasudeva for his protector, checking (as he cometh) this entire + Dhartarashtra army. Behold, Kiritin is agitating this host like a large + whale agitating the vast sea of crested waves. Hark, cries of distress and + woe are heard in the van of the army. Go, encounter the heir of the + Panchala king. As for myself, I will proceed against Yudhishthira. The + heart of king Yudhishthira’s very strong array is difficult of access. + Inaccessible as the interior of the sea, it is guarded on all sides by + Atirathas. Satyaki, and Abhimanyu and Dhrishtadyumna, and Vrikodara, and + the twins, even these are protecting that ruler of men, viz., king + Yudhishthira. Dark as the younger brother of Indra, and risen like a tall + Sala, behold Abhimanyu advancing at the head of the (Pandava) host, like a + second Phalguna! Take up thy mighty weapons, and with thy large bow in + hand proceed against the royal son of Prishata (viz., Sikhandin), and + against Vrikodara. Who is there that doth not wish his dear son to live + for many years? Keeping the duties of a Kshatriya, however, before me, I + am engaging thee (to this task). So Bhishma also, in this battle, is + consuming the mighty host of the Pandavas. O son, he is, in battle, equal + to Yama or Varuna himself.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0114" id="link62H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Hearing these words of the high-souled Drona, Bhagadatta + and Kripa and Salya and Kritavarman, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and + Jayadratha the ruler of the Sindhus, and Chitrasena and Vikarna and + Durmarshana and others, these ten warriors of thy army, supported by a + large host consisting of many nationalities, fought with Bhimasena, + desirous of winning high renown in the battle for Bhishma’s sake. And + Salya struck Bhima with nine arrows, and Kritavarman struck him with + three, and Kripa with nine. And Chitrasena and Vikarna and Bhagadatta, O + sire, each struck him with ten arrows. And the ruler of the Sindhus struck + him with three, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti each struck him with five + arrows. And Duryodhana struck that son of Pandu with twenty sharp arrows. + Bhimasena, O king, pierced in return every one of those kings, those + foremost of men in the world, those mighty car-warriors of the + Dhartarashtra army, one after another. The brave Pandava, that slayer of + hostile heroes, pierced Salya with seven arrows, and Kritavarman with + eight. And he cut off Kripa’s bow with arrow fixed thereon, O Bharata, in + the middle, dividing it in twain. And after thus cutting off his bow, he + pierced Kripa once more with seven arrows. And he struck Vinda and + Anuvinda with three arrows each. And he pierced Durmarshana with twenty + arrows, and Chitrasena with five, and Vikarna with ten, and Jayadratha + with five. And once more striking the ruler of the Sindhus with three + arrows, he uttered a loud shout, filled with joy. Then Gautama, that + foremost of car-warriors, taking up another bow, angrily pierced Bhima + with ten sharp shafts. Pierced with those ten shafts like a huge elephant + with the hook, the valiant Bhimasena, O king, filled with wrath, struck + Gautama in that battle with many shafts. Possessed of the splendour of + Yama himself, as he appears at the end of the Yuga, Bhimasena then, with + three arrows, despatched unto Death’s domain the steeds of the ruler of + the Sindhus as also his charioteer. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, + (viz., Jayadratha), quickly jumping down from that car whose steeds had + been slain, shot in that battle many sharp-pointed shafts at Bhimasena. + Then, O sire, with a couple of broad-headed arrows, he cut off, O chief of + the Bharatas, the bow of the high-souled king of the Sindhus in the + middle. His bow cut off, himself deprived of car, his steeds and + charioteer slain, Jayadratha then, O king, quickly mounted on the car of + Chitrasena. Indeed, the son of Pandu achieved in that battle a most + wonderful feat, for piercing all those mighty car-warriors and holding + them in check, he deprived, O sire, the ruler of the Sindhus of his car in + the very sight of all the army. Salya could not brook to see the prowess + that Bhimasena displayed, for saying unto him,—‘Wait, Wait,’—he + aimed some sharp arrows well-polished by the forger’s hands, and pierced + Bhima therewith in that battle. And Kripa and Kritavarman and the valiant + Bhagadatta, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Chitrasena, and + Durmarshana, and Vikarna, and the valiant ruler of the Sindhus also, in + that battle,—These chastisers of foes, all quickly pierced Bhima for + the sake of Salya. Bhima then pierced each of them in return with five + arrows. And he pierced Salya then with seventy arrows and once more with + ten. And Salya then pierced him with nine arrows and once more with five. + And he pierced Bhimasena’s charioteer also, deep in his vitals, with a + broad-headed arrow. The valiant Bhimasena then, beholding his charioteer + Visoka deeply pierced, sped three arrows at the arms and chest of the + ruler of Madras. And as regards the other great bowmen, he pierced each of + them in that battle with three straight arrows, and then uttered a loud + roar like that of a lion. Each of those great bowmen then, exerting + himself with vigour, deeply pierced that son of Pandu skilled in battle, + with three arrows in his vitals. That mighty bowman viz., Bhimasena, + though pierced deeply, trembled not (but stood still) like a mountain + drenched with torrents of rain by showering clouds. Then that mighty + car-warrior of the Pandavas, filled with wrath, that celebrated hero, + deeply pierced the ruler of the Madras with three arrows. And he pierced + the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, O king, in that battle, with a hundred + arrows. Of great renown, he then pierced Kripa with many arrows, and then, + displaying great dexterity, he cut off with a keen-edged shaft the bow, + with arrow fixed thereon, of the high-souled Kritavarman. Then + Kritavarman, that scorcher of foes, taking up another bow, struck + Vrikodara between his eyebrows with a long arrow. Bhima, however, in that + battle, having pierced Salya with nine arrows made wholly of iron, and + Bhagadatta with three, and Kritavarman with eight, pierced each of the + others with Gautama at their head, with two arrows. Those warriors also, + in return, pierced him, O king, with sharp-pointed shafts. Though thus + afflicted by those mighty car-warriors with all kinds of weapons, yet, + regarding them all as straw, he coursed on the field without any anxiety. + Those foremost of car-warriors (on the other hand), with great coolness, + sped at Bhima sharp-pointed arrows by hundreds and thousands. The heroic + and mighty Bhagadatta then, in that battle, hurled at him a dart of fierce + impetuosity furnished with a golden staff. And the Sindhu king, of strong + arms, hurled at him a lance and an axe. And Kripa, O king, hurled at him a + Sataghni, and Salya an arrow. And the other great bowmen each sped at him + five arrows with great force. The son of the Wind-god then cut off, with a + sharp shaft, that lance in twain. And he cut off that axe also with three + shafts, as if it were a sesame stalk. And with five shafts winged with the + feathers of the Kanka bird, he cut that Sataghni into fragments. That + mighty car-warrior then, having cut off the arrow sped by the ruler of the + Madras, forcibly cut off the dart sped by Bhagadatta in that battle. As + regards the other fierce shafts, Bhimasena, proud of his feats in battle, + cut them each into three fragments by means of his own straight shafts. + And he struck each of those great bowmen also with three shafts. Then + Dhananjaya, during the progress of that dreadful battle, beholding the + mighty car-warrior Bhima striking the foe and battling (against many) with + his arrows, came thither on his car. Then those bulls among men, of thy + army, beholding those two high-souled sons of Pandu together, gave up all + hopes of victory. Then Arjuna, desirous of slaying Bhishma, placing + Sikhandin before him, approached Bhima who had been fighting with those + great car-warriors and fell upon those fierce combatants, numbering ten, + of thy army, O Bharata. Then Vibhatsu, desirous of doing what was + agreeable to Bhima, pierced all those warriors, O king, who had been + battling with Bhima. Then king Duryodhana urged Susarman, for the + destruction of both Arjuna and Bhimasena, saying, ‘O Susarman, go thou + quickly supported by a large force. Slay those two sons of Pandu, viz., + Dhananjaya and Vrikodara.’ Hearing these words of his, the Trigarta king + who ruled the country called Prasthala, quickly rushed in battle upon + those two bowmen, viz., Bhima and Dhananjaya, and surrounded them both by + many thousands of cars. Then commenced a fierce battle between Arjuna and + the foe." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0115" id="link62H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Arjuna covered with his straight shafts the mighty + car-warrior Salya who was struggling vigorously in battle. And he pierced + Susarman and Kripa with three arrows each. And in that battle the Atiratha + Arjuna, afflicting thy host, struck the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, and + Jayadratha the king of the Sindhus, and Chitrasena, and Vikarna, and + Kritavarman, and Durmarshana, O monarch, and those two mighty + car-warriors, viz., the princes of Avanti, each with three arrows winged + with the feathers of the Kanka and the peacock. Jayadratha, staying on the + car of Chitrasena, pierced Partha (in return), O Bharata, and then, + without loss of time, Bhima also, with his shafts. And Salya, and that + foremost of car-warriors, viz., Kripa, both pierced Jishnu, O monarch, + with diverse arrows capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Thy sons + headed by Chitrasena, O king, each quickly pierced Arjuna and Bhimasena in + that battle, O sire, with five sharp shafts. Those two foremost of + car-warriors however, viz., those sons of Kunti, those bulls of Bharata’s + race, began in that battle to afflict the mighty host of the Trigartas. + Susarman (in return) pierced Partha with nine swift arrows, and uttered a + loud shout frightening the vast host (of the Pandavas). And other heroic + car-warriors pierced Bhimasena and Dhananjaya with many straight-going + arrows of keen points and golden wings. Amid these car-warriors, however, + those two bulls of Bharata’s race, viz., the two sons of Kunti, those + great car-warriors, looked exceedingly beautiful. And they seemed to sport + amid them like two furious lions amid a herd of kine. Cutting off in + various ways the bows and arrows of many brave warriors in that battle, + those two heroes felled the heads of combatants by hundreds upon hundreds. + Innumerable cars were broken, and steeds by hundreds were slain, and many + elephants, along with their riders, were laid low on the field in that + dreadful battle. And car-warriors and horsemen and elephant-riders in + large numbers, O king, deprived of life were seen moving in convulsions + all over the field. And the earth was covered with slain elephants and + foot-soldiers in large bands, and steeds deprived of life, and cars broken + in diverse ways. And the prowess we beheld there of Partha was highly + wonderful, in as much as holding in check all those heroes, that mighty + warrior caused a great slaughter. Kripa, and Kritavarman, and Jayadratha, + the ruler of the Sindhus, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti,—these + did not forsake the battle. Then that great bowman Bhima, and that mighty + car-warrior Arjuna, began in that battle to rout the fierce host of the + Kauravas. The kings (in that army) quickly sped at Dhananjaya’s car + myriads upon myriads and millions upon millions of arrows furnished with + peacock feathers. Partha, however, checking those arrows by means of his + own arrowy showers, began to send those mighty car-warriors to Yama’s + abode. The great car-warrior Salya then, excited with wrath and as if + sporting in that battle, struck Partha in the chest with some straight + shafts of broad heads. Partha then, cutting off by means of five shafts + Salya’s bow and leathern fence, pierced the latter deeply in the very + vitals with many arrows of keen points. Taking up another bow capable of + bearing a great strain, the ruler of the Madras then furiously attacked + Jishnu with three arrows, O king, and Vasudeva with five. And he struck + Bhimasena in the arms and the chest with nine arrows. Then Drona, O king, + and that mighty car-warrior, viz., the ruler of the Magadhas, commanded by + Duryodhana, both came to that spot where those two mighty car-warriors, + viz., Partha and Bhimasena, were slaughtering the mighty host of the Kuru + king. Jayatsena (the king of the Magadhas) then, O bull of Bharata’s race + pierced Bhima, that wielder of awful weapons in battle, with eight sharp + arrows. Bhima, however, pierced him (in return) with ten arrows, and once + more with five. And with another broad-headed shaft he felled Jayatsena’s + charioteer from his niche in the car. The steeds (of his car), no longer + restrained, ran wildly in all directions and thus carried away the ruler + of the Magadhas (from battle) in the sight of all the troops. Meanwhile + Drona, noticing an opening, pierced Bhimasena, O bull of Bharata’s race, + with eight keen shafts furnished with heads shaped after the frog’s mouth. + Bhima, however, ever delighting in battle, pierced the preceptor, who was + worthy of paternal reverence, with five broad-headed arrows, and then, O + Bharata, with sixty. Arjuna, again piercing Susarman with a large number + of arrows made (wholly) of iron, destroyed his troops like the tempest + destroying mighty masses of clouds. Then Bhishma, and the king (viz., + Duryodhana), and Vrihadvala, the ruler of the Kosalas, excited with rage, + advanced upon Bhimasena and Dhananjaya. At this, the heroic warriors of + the Pandava army, and Dhrishtadyumna the son of Prishata, rushed in battle + against Bhishma who was advancing like Death himself with wide-open mouth. + Sikhandin also, sighting the grandsire of the Bharatas, was filled with + joy and rushed at him, abandoning all fear of the mighty car-warrior. Then + all the Parthas with Yudhishthira at their head, placing Sikhandin in the + van, and uniting with the Srinjayas, fought with Bhishma in battle. And + similarly all the warriors of thy army, placing Bhishma of regulated vows + in their van, fought in battle with all the Parthas headed by Sikhandin. + The battle then that commenced there between the Kauravas and the sons of + Pandu for the sake of Bhishma’s victory or victory over Bhishma, was + exceedingly terrible. Indeed, in that game of battle, played for the sake + of victory or the reverse, Bhishma, O monarch, became the stake on which + the victory of thy army depended. Then Dhrishtadyumna, O king, commanded + all the troops, saying, ‘Rush against the son of Ganga. Do not fear, ye + best of car-warriors.’ Hearing those words of their generalissimo, the + army of the Pandavas quickly advanced against Bhishma, ready to lay down + their lives in that dreadful battle. Bhishma then, that foremost of + car-warriors, received that large host rushing towards him, like the + continent receiving the surging sea." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0116" id="link62H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVI + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “How, O Sanjaya, did Santanu’s son Bhishma of mighty + energy fight on the tenth day of battle, with the Pandavas and the + Srinjayas? How also did the Kurus resist the Pandavas in battle? Describe + to me the great battle fought by Bhishma, that ornament of battle." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “I will presently describe to thee, O Bharata, how the + Kauravas fought with the Pandavas, and how that battle took place. Day + after day many mighty car-warriors of thy army, excited with wrath, were + despatched to the other world by the diadem-decked (Arjuna) with his great + weapons. The ever-victorious Kuru warrior Bhishma also, agreeably to his + vow, always caused a great carnage among the Partha army. O chastiser of + foes, beholding Bhishma, fighting at the head of the Kurus, and Arjuna + also fighting at the head of the Panchalas, we could not say truly on + which side the victory would declare itself. On the tenth day of battle, + when Bhishma and Arjuna encountered each other, awful was the carnage that + took place. On that day, O scorcher of foes, Santanu’s son, Bhishma, + conversant with high and mighty weapons, repeatedly slew thousands upon + thousands of warriors. Many, O Bharata, whose names and families were not + known, but who, endued with great bravery, were unretreating from battle, + were on that day slain by Bhishma. Scorching the Pandava army for ten + days, Bhishma of virtuous soul, gave up all desire of protecting his life. + Wishing his own slaughter presently at the head of his troops,—‘No + more shall I slay large numbers of foremost of warriors.’—thought + thy mighty-armed sire Devavrata. And seeing Yudhishthira near him, O king, + he addressed him, saying, ‘O Yudhishthira, O thou of great wisdom, O thou + that art acquainted with every branch of learning, listen to these + righteous and heaven-leading words, O sire, that I say. O Bharata, I no + longer desire to protect, O sire, this body of mine. I have passed much + time in slaying large numbers of men in battle. If thou wishest to do what + is agreeable to me, strive to slay me, placing Partha with the Panchalas + and the Srinjayas at thy van’. Ascertaining this to be his intention, king + Yudhishthira of true sight proceeded to battle with the Srinjayas (for his + support). Then Dhrishtadyumna, O king, and Pandu’s son Yudhishthira, + having heard those words of Bhishma urged their array on. And Yudhishthira + said, ‘Advance! Fight! Vanquish Bhishma in battle. Ye all will be + protected by that conqueror of foes, viz., Jishnu of unbaffled aim. And + this great bowman, this generalissimo (of our forces), viz., the son of + Prishata, as also Bhima, will assuredly protect you. Ye Srinjayas, + entertain no fear today of Bhishma in battle. Without doubt, we will + vanquish Bhishma today, placing Sikhandin in our van’. Having, on the + tenth day of battle, made such a vow, the Pandavas, resolved to (conquer + or) go to heaven, advanced, blinded by rage, with Sikhandin and Dhananjaya + the son of Pandu to the fore. And they made the most vigorous efforts for + the overthrow of Bhishma. Then diverse kings, of great might, urged by thy + son, and accompanied by Drona and his son and a large force, and the + mighty Dussasana at the head of all his uterine brothers, proceeded + towards Bhishma staying in the midst of that battle. Then those brave + warriors of thy army, placing Bhishma of high vows in their van, battled + with the Parthas headed by Sikhandin. Supported by the Chedis and the + Panchalas, the ape-bannered Arjuna, placing Sikhandin ahead, proceeded + towards Bhishma, the son of Santanu. And the grandson of Sini battled with + Drona’s son, and Dhrishtaketu with the descendant of Puru, and Yudhamanyu + with thy son Duryodhana at the head of his followers. And Virata, at the + head of his forces, encountered Jayadratha supported by his own troops. + And Vardhakshatra’s heir, O chastiser of foes, encountered thy son + Chitrasena armed with excellent bow and arrows.<a href="#linknote-6479" name="linknoteref-6479" id="linknoteref-6479">479</a> And Yudhishthira + proceeded against the mighty bowman Salya at the head of his troops. And + Bhimasena, well-protected, proceeded against the elephant-division (of the + Kaurava army). And Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of Panchala, excited with + fury and accompanied by his brothers, proceeded against Drona, that + foremost of all wielders of weapons, invincible, and irresistible. That + chastiser of foes, viz., prince Vrihadvala, bearing on his standard the + device of the lion, proceeded against Subhadra’s son whose standard bore + the device of the Karnikara flower. Thy sons, accompanied by many kings, + proceeded against Sikhandin and Dhananjaya the son of Pritha, from desire + of slaughtering both of them. When the combatants of both armies rushed + against each other with awful prowess, the earth shook (under their + tread). Beholding Santanu’s son in battle, the divisions of thy army and + of the foe, O Bharata, became mingled with one another. Tremendous was the + din, O Bharata, that arose there of those warriors burning with rage and + rushing against each other. And it was heard on all sides, O king. With + the blare of conchs and the leonine shouts of the soldiers, the uproar + became awful. The splendour, equal to that of either the Sun or the Moon, + of bracelets and diadems of all the heroic kings, became dimmed. And the + dust that rose looked like a cloud, the flash of bright weapons + constituting its lightning. And the twang of bows, the whiz of arrows, the + blare of conchs, the loud beat of drums, and the rattle of cars, of both + the armies, constituted the fierce roar of those clouds. And the welkin, + over the field of battle, in consequence of the bearded darts, the + javelins, the swords and showers of arrows of both armies, was darkened. + And car-warriors, and horsemen felled horsemen, in that dreadful battle. + And elephants killed elephants, and foot-soldiers slew foot-soldiers. And + the battle that took place there for Bhishma’s sake, between the Kurus and + the Pandavas, O tiger among men, was fierce in the extreme, like that + between two hawks for a piece of flesh. Engaged in battle, that encounter + between those combatants desirous of slaughtering and vanquishing one + another, was extremely dreadful." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0117" id="link62H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Abhimanyu, O king, displaying his prowess for the sake of + Bhishma, fought with thy son who was supported by a large force. Then + Duryodhana, excited with wrath, struck Abhimanyu in the chest with nine + straight arrows, and once more with three. Then in that battle, Arjuna’s + son, inflamed with wrath, hurled at Duryodhana’s car a terrible dart + resembling the rod of Death himself. Thy son, however, that mighty + car-warrior, O king, with a broad-headed arrow of great sharpness, cut off + in twain that dart of terrible force coursing towards him with great + speed. Beholding that dart of his drop down on the earth, Arjuna’s + wrathful son pierced Duryodhana with three shafts in his arms and chest. + And once more, O Chief of the Bharatas, that mighty car-warrior of + Bharata’s race struck the Kuru king with ten fierce shafts in the centre + of his chest. And the battle, O Bharata, that took place between those two + heroes, viz., Subhadra’s son, and that bull of Kuru’s race, the former + fighting for compassing Bhishma’s death and the latter for Arjuna’s + defeat, was fierce and interesting to behold, and gratifying to the + senses, and was applauded by all the kings. That bull among Brahmanas and + chastiser of foes, viz., the son of Drona, excited with wrath in that + battle, forcibly struck Satyaki in the chest with fierce arrow. The + grandson of Sini also, that hero of immeasurable soul, struck the + preceptor’s son in every vital limbs with nine shafts winged with the + feathers of the Kanka bird. Aswatthaman then, in that battle, struck + Satyaki (in return) with nine shafts, and once more, quickly, with thirty, + in his arms and chest. Then that great bowman of the Satwata race, + possessed of great fame, deeply pierced by Drona’s son, pierced the latter + (in return) with arrows. The mighty car-warrior Paurava, covering + Dhrishtaketu in that battle with his shafts, mangled that great bowman + exceedingly. The mighty car-warrior Dhrishtaketu, endued with great + strength, quickly pierced the former with thirty arrows. Then the mighty + car-warrior Paurava cut off Dhrishtaketu’s bow, and uttering a loud shout, + pierced him with whetted shafts. Dhrishtaketu then taking up another bow, + pierced Paurava, O king, with three and seventy shafts of great sharpness. + Those two great bowmen and mighty car-warriors, both of gigantic stature, + pierced each other with showers of arrows. Each succeeded in cutting off + the other’s bow, and each slew the other’s steeds. And both of them, thus + deprived of their cars, then encountered each other in a battle with + swords. And each took up a beautiful shield made of bull’s hide and decked + with a hundred moons and graced with a hundred stars. And each of them + also took up a polished sword of brilliant lustre. And thus equipt, they + rushed, O king at each other, like two lions in the deep forest, both + seeking the companionship of the same lioness in her season. They wheeled + in beautiful circles, advanced and retreated, and displayed other + movements, seeking to strike each other. Then Paurava, excited with wrath, + addressed Dhrishtaketu, saying—‘Wait, Wait,’—and struck him on + the frontal bone with that large scimitar of his. The king of the Chedis + also, in that battle, struck Paurava, that bull among men, on his + shoulder-joint, with his large scimitar of sharp edge. Those two + repressors of foes thus encountering each other in dreadful battle and + thus striking each other, O king, both fell down on the field. Then thy + son Jayatsena, taking Paurava up on his car, removed him from the field of + battle on that vehicle. And as regards Dhrishtaketu, the valiant and + heroic Sahadeva, the son of Madri, possessed of great prowess, bore him + away from the field. + </p> + <p> + “Chitrasena, having pierced Susarman with many arrows made wholly of iron, + once more pierced him with sixty arrows and once more with nine. Susarman, + however, excited with wrath in battle, pierced thy son, O king, with + hundreds of arrows. Chitrasena then, O monarch, excited with rage, pierced + his adversary with thirty straight shafts. Susarman, however, pierced + Chitrasena again in return.<a href="#linknote-6480" name="linknoteref-6480" id="linknoteref-6480">480</a> + </p> + <p> + “In that battle for the destruction of Bhishma, Subhadra’s son, enhancing + his fame and honour, fought with prince Vrihadvala, putting forth his + prowess for aiding (his sire) Partha and then proceeded towards Bhishma’s + front. The ruler of the Kosalas, having pierced the son of Arjuna with + five shafts made of iron, once more pierced him with twenty straight + shafts. Then the son of Subhadra pierced the ruler of Kosalas with eight + shafts made wholly of iron. He succeeded not, however, in making the ruler + of the Kosalas to tremble, and, therefore, he once more pierced him with + many arrows. And Phalguni’s son then cut off Vrihadvala’s bow, and struck + him again with thirty arrows winged with feathers of the Kanka bird. + Prince Vrihadvala then, taking up another bow, angrily pierced the son of + Phalguni in that battle with many arrows. Verily, O scorcher of foes, the + battle, for Bhishma’s sake, that took place between them, both excited + with rage and both conversant with every mode of fight, was like the + encounter of Vali and Vasava in days of old on the occasion of the battle + between the gods and the Asuras. + </p> + <p> + “Bhimasena, fighting against the elephant-division, looked highly + resplendent like Sakra armed with the thunder after splitting large + mountains.<a href="#linknote-6481" name="linknoteref-6481" id="linknoteref-6481">481</a> Indeed, elephants, huge as hills, + slaughtered by Bhimasena in battle, fell down in numbers on the field, + filling the earth with their shrieks. Resembling massive heaps of + antimony, and of mountain-like proportions, those elephants with frontal + globes split open, lying prostrate on the earth, seemed like mountains + strewn over the earth’s surface. The mighty bowman Yudhishthira, protected + by a large force, afflicted the ruler of the Madras, encountering him in + that dreadful battle. The ruler of the Madras, in return, displaying his + prowess for the sake of Bhishma, afflicted the son of Dharma, that mighty + car-warrior, in battle. The king of Sindhus, having pierced Virata with + nine straight arrows of keen points, once more struck him with thirty. + Virata, however, O king, that commander of a large division, struck + Jayadratha in the centre of his chest with thirty shafts of keen points. + The ruler of the Matsyas and the ruler of the Sindhus, both armed with + beautiful bows and beautiful scimitars, both decked with handsome coats of + mail and weapons and standards, and both of beautiful forms looked + resplendent in that battle. + </p> + <p> + “Drona, encountering Dhrishtadyumna the prince of the Panchalas in + dreadful battle, fought fiercely with his straight shafts. Then Drona, O + king, having cut off the large bow of Prishata’s son, pierced him deeply + with fifty arrows. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of + Prishata, taking up another bow, sped at Drona who was contending with + him, many arrows. The mighty car-warrior Drona however, cut off all those + arrows, striking them with his own. And then Drona sped at Drupada’s son + five fierce shafts. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of + Prishata, excited with rage, hurled at Drona in that battle a mace + resembling the rod of Death himself. Drona however, with fifty arrows + checked that mace decked with gold as it coursed impetuously towards him. + Thereupon that mace, cut into fragments, O king, by those shafts shot from + Drona’s bow, fell down on the earth. Then that scorcher of foes, viz., the + son of Prishata, beholding his mace baffled, hurled at Drona an excellent + dart made wholly of iron. Drona, however, O Bharata, cut that dart with + nine shafts in that battle and then afflicted that great bowman, viz., the + son of Prishata. Thus took place, O king, that fierce and awful battle + between Drona and the son of Prishata, for the sake of Bhishma. + </p> + <p> + “Arjuna, getting at the son of Ganga, afflicted him with many arrows of + keen points, and rushed at him like an infuriate elephant in the forest + upon another. King Bhagadatta, however, of great prowess then rushed at + Arjuna, and checked his course in battle with showers of arrows. Arjuna + then, in that dreadful battle, pierced Bhagadatta’s elephant coming + towards him, with many polished arrows of iron, that were all bright as + silver and furnished with keen points. The son of Kunti, meanwhile, O + king, urged Sikhandin, saying,—‘Proceed, proceed, towards Bhishma, + and slay him!’—Then, O elder brother of Pandu, the ruler of + Pragjyotishas, abandoning that son of Pandu, quickly proceeded, O king, + against the car of Drupada. Then Arjuna, O monarch, speedily proceeded + towards Bhishma, placing Sikhandin ahead. And then there took place a + fierce battle, for all the brave combatants of thy army rushed with great + vigour against Arjuna, uttering loud shouts. And all this seemed extremely + wonderful. Like the wind dispersing in the summer masses of clouds in the + welkin, Arjuna dispersed, O king, all those diverse divisions of thy sons. + Sikhandin, however, without any anxiety, coming up at the grandsire of the + Bharatas, quickly pierced him with great many arrows. As regards Bhishma, + his car was then his fire-chamber. His bow was the flame of that fire. And + swords and darts and maces constituted the fuel of that fire. And the + showers of arrows he shot were the blazing sparks of that fire with which + he was then consuming Kshatriyas in that battle. As a raging conflagration + with constant supply of fuel, wandereth amid masses of dry grass when + aided by the wind, so did Bhishma blaze up with his flames, scattering his + celestial weapons. And the Kuru hero slew the Somakas that followed Partha + in that battle. Indeed that mighty car-warrior checked also the other + forces of Arjuna, by means of his straight and whetted shafts furnished + with wings of gold. Filling in that dreadful battle all the points of the + compass, cardinal and subsidiary, with his leonine shouts, Bhishma felled + many car-warriors, O king, (from their cars) and many steeds along with + their riders. And he caused large bodies of cars to look like forests of + palmyras shorn of their leafy heads. That foremost of all wielders of + weapons, in that battle, deprived cars and steeds and elephants, of their + riders. Hearing the twang of his bow and the slap of his palms, both + resembling the roll of the thunder, the troops, O king, trembled all over + the field. The shafts, O chief of men, of thy sire were never bootless as + they fell. Indeed, shot from Bhishma’s bow they never fell only touching + the bodies of the foe (but pierced them through in every case). We saw + crowds of cars, O king, deprived of riders, but unto which were yoked + fleet steeds, dragged on all sides with the speed of the wind. Full + fourteen thousand great car-warriors of noble parentage, prepared to lay + down their lives, unretreating and brave, and possessed of standards + decked with gold, belonging to the Chedis, the Kasis, and the Karushas, + approaching Bhishma, that hero who resembled the Destroyer himself with + wide-open mouth, were despatched to the other world, with their steeds, + cars and elephants. There was not, O king, a single great car-warrior + among the Somakas, who, having approached Bhishma in that battle, returned + with life from that engagement. Beholding Bhishma’s prowess, people + regarded all those warriors (who approached him) as already despatched to + the abode of the king of the Dead. Indeed, no car-warrior ventured to + approach Bhishma in battle, except the heroic Arjuna having white steeds + (yoked unto his car) and owning Krishna for his charioteer, and Sikhandin, + the prince of Panchala, of immeasurable energy." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0118" id="link62H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Sikhandin, O bull among men, approaching Bhishma in + battle, struck him in the centre of the chest with ten broad-headed arrows + The son of Ganga, however, O Bharata, only looked at Sikhandin with wrath + and as if consuming the Panchala prince with that look. Remembering his + femininity, O king, Bhishma, in the very sight of all, struck him not. + Sikhandin, however, understood it not. Then Arjuna, O monarch, addressed + Sikhandin, saying,—‘Rush quickly and slay the grandsire. What needst + thou say, O hero? Slay the mighty car-warrior Bhishma. I do not see any + other warrior in Yudhishthira’s army who is competent to fight with + Bhishma in battle, save thee, O tiger among men. I say this truly.’ Thus + addressed by Partha, Sikhandin, O bull of Bharata’s race, quickly covered + the grandsire with diverse kinds of weapons. Disregarding those shafts, + thy sire Devavrata began, with his shafts, to check the angry Arjuna only + in that battle. And that mighty car-warrior, O sire, began also to + despatch, with his shafts of keen points, the whole army of the Pandavas + to the other world. The Pandavas also, O king, after the same manner, + supported by their vast host, began to overwhelm Bhishma like the clouds + covering the maker of day. O bull of Bharata’s race, surrounded on all + sides, that Bharata hero consumed many brave warriors in that battle like + a raging conflagration in the forest (consuming numberless trees). The + prowess that we then beheld there of thy son (Dussasana) was wonderful, + inasmuch as he battled with Partha and protected the grandsire at the same + time. With that feat of thy son Dussasana, that illustrious bowman, all + the people there were highly gratified. Alone he battled with all the + Pandavas having Arjuna amongst them; and he fought with such vigour that + the Pandavas were unable to resist him. Many car-warriors were in that + battle deprived of their cars by Dussasana. And many mighty bowmen on + horseback and many mighty-warriors, elephants, pierced with Dussasana’s + keen shafts, fell down on the earth. And many elephants, afflicted with + his shafts, ran away in all directions. As a fire fiercely blazeth forth + with bright flames when fed with fuel, so did thy son blaze forth, + consuming the Pandava host. And no car-warrior, O Bharata, of the Pandava + host ventured to vanquish or even proceed against that warrior of gigantic + proportions, save Indra’s son (Arjuna) owning white steeds and having + Krishna for his charioteer. Then Arjuna also called Vijaya, vanquishing + Dussasana in battle, O king, in the very sight of all the troops, + proceeded against Bhishma. Though vanquished, thy son, however, relying + upon the might of Bhishma’s arms, repeatedly comforted his own side and + battled with the Pandavas with great fierceness. Arjuna, O king, fighting + with his foes in that battle, looked exceedingly resplendent.<a + href="#linknote-6482" name="linknoteref-6482" id="linknoteref-6482">482</a> + Then Sikhandin, in that battle, O king, pierced the grandsire with many + arrows whose touch resembled that of the bolts of heaven and which were as + fatal as the poison of the snake. These arrows, however, O monarch, caused + thy sire little pain, for the son of Ganga received them laughingly. + Indeed, as a person afflicted with heat cheerfully receives torrents of + rain, even so did the son of Ganga received those arrows of Sikhandin. And + the Kshatriyas there, O king, beheld Bhishma in that great battle as a + being of fierce visage who was incessantly consuming the troops of the + high-souled Pandavas. + </p> + <p> + “Then thy son (Duryodhana), addressing all his warriors, said unto them, + ‘Rush ye against Phalguni from all sides. Bhishma, acquainted with the + duties of a commander, will protect you’. Thus addressed, the Kaurava + troops casting off all fear, fought with the Pandavas. (And once more, + Duryodhana said unto them), ‘With his tall standard bearing the device of + the golden palmyra, Bhishma stayeth, protecting the honour and the armour + of all the Dhartarashtra warriors. The very gods, striving vigorously, + cannot vanquish the illustrious and mighty Bhishma. What need be said, + therefore, of the Parthas who are mortals? Therefore, ye warriors, fly not + away from the field, getting Phalguni for a foe. I myself, striving + vigorously, will today fight with the Pandavas, uniting with all of you, + ye lords of earth, exerting yourselves actively.’ Hearing these words, O + monarch, of thy son with bow in hand, many mighty combatants, excited with + rage, belonging to the Videhas, the Kalingas, and the diverse tribes of + the Daserkas, fell upon Phalguni. And many combatants also, belonging to + the Nishadas, the Sauviras, the Valhikas, the Daradas, the Westerners, the + Northerners, the Malavas, the Abhighatas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the + Vasatis, the Salwas, the Sakas, the Trigartas, the Amvashthas, and the + Kekayas, similarly fell upon Partha, like flights of insects upon a fire. + The mighty Dhananjaya, otherwise called Vibhatsu, then, O monarch, calling + to mind diverse celestial weapons and aiming them at those great + car-warriors at the heads of their respective divisions,<a + href="#linknote-6483" name="linknoteref-6483" id="linknoteref-6483">483</a> + quickly consumed them all, by means of those weapons of great force, like + fire consuming a flight of insects. And while that firm bowman was (by + means of his celestial weapons) creating thousands upon thousands of + arrows, his Gandiva looked highly resplendent in the welkin. Then those + Kshatriyas, O monarch, afflicted with those arrows with their tall + standards torn and overthrown, could not even together, approach the + ape-bannered (Partha). Car-warriors fell down with their standards, and + horsemen with their horses, and elephant-riders with their elephants, + attacked by Kiritin with his shafts. And the earth was soon covered all on + all sides with the retreating troops of those kings, routed in consequence + of the shafts shot from Arjuna’s arms. Partha then, O monarch, having + routed the Kaurava army, sped many arrows at Dussasana. Those arrows with + iron heads, piercing thy son Dussasana through, all entered the earth like + snakes through ant-hills. Arjuna then slew Dussasana’s steeds and then + felled his charioteer. And the lord Arjuna, with twenty shafts, deprived + Vivinsati of his car, and struck him five straight shafts. And piercing + Kripa and Vikarna and Salya with many arrows made wholly of iron, Kunti’s + son owning white steeds deprived all of them of their cars. Thus deprived + of their cars and vanquished in battle by Savyasachin, Kripa and Salya, O + sire, and Dussasana, and Vikarna and Vivinsati, all fled away. Having + vanquished those mighty car-warriors, O chief of the Bharatas, in the + forenoon, Partha blazed up in that battle like a smokeless conflagration. + Scattering his shafts all around like the Sun shedding rays of light, + Partha felled many other kings, O monarch. Making those mighty + car-warriors turn their backs upon the field by means of his arrowy + showers, Arjuna caused a large river of bloody current to flow in that + battle between the hosts of the Kurus and the Pandavas, O Bharata. Large + numbers of elephants and steeds and car-warriors were slain by + car-warriors. And many were the car-warriors slain by elephants, and many + also were the steeds slain by foot-soldiers. And the bodies of many + elephant-riders and horsemen and car-warriors, cut off in the middle, as + also their heads, fell down on every part of the field. And the field of + battle, O king, was strewn with (slain) princes,—mighty + car-warriors,—falling or fallen, decked with ear-rings and + bracelets. And it was also strewn with the bodies of many warriors cut off + by car-wheels, or trodden down by elephants. And foot-soldiers ran away, + and horsemen also with their horses. And many elephants and car-warriors + fell down on all sides. And many cars, with wheels and yokes and standards + broken, lay scattered all about on the field. And the field of battle, + dyed with the gore of large numbers of elephants, steeds, and + car-warriors, looked beautiful like a red cloud, in the autumnal sky. + Dogs, and crows, and vultures, and wolves, and jackals, and many other + frightful beasts and birds, set up loud howls, at the sight of the food + that lay before them. Diverse kinds of winds blew along all directions. + And Rakshasas and evil spirits were seen there, uttering loud roars. And + strings, embroidered with gold, and costly banners, were seen to wave, + moved by the wind. And thousands of umbrellas and great cars with + standards attached to them, were seen lying scattered about on the field. + Then Bhishma, O king, invoking a celestial weapon, rushed at the son of + Kunti, in the very sight of all the bowmen. Thereupon Sikhandin, clad in + mail, rushed at Bhishma who was dashing towards Arjuna. At this, Bhishma + withdrew that weapon resembling fire (in effulgence and energy). Meanwhile + Kunti’s son owning white steeds slaughtered thy troops, confounding the + grandsire.<a href="#linknote-6484" name="linknoteref-6484" id="linknoteref-6484">484</a>" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0119" id="link62H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “When the combatants of both armies, strong in number, were + thus disposed in battle array, all those unretreating heroes, O Bharata, + set their heart upon the region of Brahma.<a href="#linknote-6485" name="linknoteref-6485" id="linknoteref-6485">485</a> In course of the + general engagement that followed, the same class of combatants did not + fight with the same class of combatants. Car-warriors fought not with + car-warriors, or foot-soldiers with foot-soldiers, or horsemen with + horsemen, or elephant-warriors with elephant-warriors. On the other hand, + O monarch, the combatants fought with one another like mad men. Great and + dreadful was the calamity that overtook both the armies. In that fierce + slaughter when elephants and men spread themselves on the field, all + distinctions between them ceased, for they fought indiscriminately. + </p> + <p> + “Then Salya and Kripa, and Chitrasena, O Bharata, and Dussasana, and + Vikarna, those heroes mounted on their bright cars, caused the Pandava + host to tremble. Slaughtered in battle by those high-souled warriors, the + Pandava army began to reel in diverse ways, O king, like a boat on the + waters tossed by the wind. As the wintry cold cuts kine to the quick, so + did Bhishma cut the sons of Pandu to the quick. As regards thy army also, + many elephants, looking like newly-risen clouds, were felled by the + illustrious Partha. And many foremost of warriors too were seen to be + crushed by that hero. And struck with arrows and long shafts in thousands, + many huge elephants fell down, uttering frightful shrieks of pain. And the + field of battle looked beautiful, strewn with the bodies, still decked + with ornaments of high-souled warriors deprived of life and with heads + still decked with ear-rings. And in that battle, O king, which was + destructive of great heroes, when Bhishma and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu + put forth their prowess, thy sons, O monarch, beholding the grandsire + exert himself vigorously, approached him, with all their troops placed + ahead. Desirous of laying down their lives in battle and making heaven + itself their goal, they approached the Pandavas in that battle, which was + fraught with great carnage. The brave Pandavas also, O king, bearing in + mind the many injuries of diverse kinds inflicted upon them before by thee + and thy son, O monarch, and casting off all fear, and eager to win the + highest heavens, cheerfully fought with thy son and the other warriors of + thy army. + </p> + <p> + “Then the generalissimo of the Pandava army, viz., the mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtadyumna, addressing his soldiers, said, ‘Ye Somakas, accompanied by + the Srinjayas, rush ye at Ganga’s son.’ Hearing those words of their + commander the Somakas and the Srinjayas, though afflicted with showers of + arrows, rushed at the son of Ganga. Thus attacked, O king, thy sire + Bhishma, influenced by wrath, began to fight with the Srinjayas. In days + of old, O sire, the intelligent Rama had imparted to Bhishma of glorious + achievements that instruction in weapons which was so destructive of + hostile ranks. Relying on that instruction and causing a great havoc among + the troops of the foe, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the old Kuru + grandsire Bhishma, day after day, slew ten thousand warriors of the Ratha. + On the tenth day, however, O bull of Bharata’s race, Bhishma, + single-handed, slew ten thousand elephants. And then he slew seven great + car-warriors among the Matsyas and the Panchalas. In addition to all this, + in that dreadful battle five thousand foot-soldiers, and one thousand + tuskers, and ten thousand steeds, were also slain by thy sire, O king, + through skill acquired by education. Then having thinned the ranks of all + the kings, he slew Satanika, the dear brother of Virata. And the valiant + Bhishma, having slain Satanika in battle, felled, O king, full one + thousand Kshatriyas with his broad-headed shafts. Besides these, all the + Kshatriyas of the Pandava army who followed Dhananjaya, as soon as they + approached Bhishma, had to go to Yama’s abode. Covering the Pandava host + from every side with showers of arrows, Bhishma stayed in battle at the + head of the Kaurava army. Achieving the most glorious feats on the tenth + day, as he stayed between the two armies, bow in hand, none of the kings, + O monarch, could even look at him, for he then resembled the hot mid-day + Sun in the summer sky. As Sakra scorched the Daitya host in battle, even + so, O Bharata, did Bhishma scorch the Pandava host. Beholding him thus put + forth his prowess, the slayer of Madhu, viz., the son of Devaki, + cheerfully addressing Dhananjaya, said, ‘There, Bhishma, the son of + Santanu, stayeth between the two armies. Slaying him by putting forth thy + might, thou mayst win victory. There, at that spot, whence he breaketh our + ranks, check him, putting forth thy strength. O lord, none else, save + thee, ventureth to bear the arrows of Bhishma.’ Thus urged, the + ape-bannered Arjuna at that moment made Bhishma with his car, steeds, and + standard, invisible by means of his arrows. That bull, however, among the + foremost of Kurus, by means of his own arrowy showers, pierced those + showers of shafts shot by the son of Pandu. Then the king of the Panchalas + the valiant Dhrishtaketu, Bhimasena the son of Pandu, Dhrishtadyumna of + Prishata’s race, the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), Chekitana, and the five + Kaikaya brothers, and the mighty-armed Satyaki and Subhadra’s son, and + Ghatotkacha, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, and Sikhandin, and the + valiant Kuntibhoja, and Susarman, and Virata, these and many other + powerful warriors of the Pandava army, afflicted by the shafts of Bhishma, + seemed to sink in an ocean of grief. Phalguni, however, rescued them all. + Then Sikhandin, taking up a mighty weapon and protected by Kiritin, rushed + impetuously towards Bhishma alone. The unvanquished Vibhatsu then, knowing + what should be done after what, slew all those that followed Bhishma, and + then himself rushed at him. And Satyaki, and Chekitana, and Dhristadyumna + of Prishata’s race, and Virata, and Drupada, and the twin sons of Madri by + Pandu, all protected by that firm bowman (viz., Arjuna) rushed against + Bhishma alone in that battle. And Abhimanyu, and the five sons of Draupadi + also, with mighty weapons upraised, rushed against Bhishma in battle. All + those firm bowmen, unretreating from battle, pierced Bhishma in diverse + parts of his body with well-aimed shafts. Disregarding all those shafts, + large in number, shot by those foremost of princes belonging to the + Pandava host, Bhishma of undepressed soul penetrated into the Pandava + ranks. And the grandsire baffled all those arrows, as if sporting the + while. Frequently looking at Sikhandin the prince of the Panchalas with a + laugh, he aimed not a single arrow at him, recollecting his femininity. On + the other hand, he slew seven great car-warriors belonging to Drupada’s + division. Then confused cries of woe soon arose amongst the Matsyas, the + Panchalas, and the Chedis, who were together rushing at that single hero. + With large numbers of foot-soldiers and steeds and cars, and with showers + of arrows, O scorcher of foes, they overwhelmed that single warrior, viz., + Bhishma the son of Bhagirathi, that scorcher of foes, like the clouds + overwhelming the maker of day. Then in that battle between him and them, + which resembled the battle between the gods and the Asuras in days of old, + the diadem-decked (Arjuna), placing Sikhandin before him, pierced Bhishma + (repeatedly)." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0120" id="link62H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXX + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said, “Thus all the Pandavas, placing Sikhandin before them + pierced Bhishma in that battle repeatedly surrounding him on all sides. + And all the Srinjayas, uniting together, struck him with dreadful + Sataghnis, and spiked maces, and battle-axes, and mallets, and short thick + clubs, and bearded darts, and other missiles, and arrows furnished with + golden wing, and darts and lances and kampanas; and with long shafts, and + arrows furnished with heads shaped like the calf-tooth, and rockets. Thus + afflicted by many, his coat of mail was pierced everywhere. But though + pierced in every vital part, Bhishma felt no pain. On the other hand, he + then seemed to his enemies to resemble in appearance the (all-destructive) + fire that rises at the end of Yuga. His bow and arrows constituted the + blazing flames (of that fire). The flight of his weapons constituted its + (friendly) breeze. The rattle of his car-wheels constituted its heat and + mighty weapons constituted its splendour. His beautiful bow formed its + fierce tongue, and the bodies of heroic warriors, its profuse fuel. And + Bhishma was seen to roll through the midst of crowds of cars belonging to + those kings, or to come out (of the press) at times, or course once more + through their midst. Then, disregarding the king of the Panchalas and + Dhrishtaketu, he penetrated, O monarch, into the midst of the Pandava + army. He then pierced the six Pandava warriors, viz., Satyaki, and Bhima, + and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, and Drupada, and Virata, and + Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, with many excellent arrows of great + sharpness and dreadful whizz and exceeding impetuosity, and capable of + piercing through every kind of armour. Those mighty car-warriors, however, + checking those keen shafts, afflicted Bhishma with great force, each of + them striking him with ten shafts. Those mighty shafts, whetted on stone + and furnished with golden wings, which the great car-warrior Sikhandin + shot, quickly penetrated into Bhishma’s body. Then the diadem-decked + (Arjuna), excited with wrath, and placing Sikhandin ahead rushed at + Bhishma and cut off the latter’s bow. Thereupon mighty car-warriors, seven + in number, viz., Drona and Kritavarman, and Jayadratha the ruler of the + Sindhus, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Salya, and Bhagadatta could not + brook that act of Arjuna. Inflamed with rage, they rushed at him. Indeed, + those mighty car-warriors, invoking into existence celestial weapons, fell + with great wrath upon that son of Pandu, and covered him with their + arrows. And as they rushed towards Phalguni’s car, the noise made by them + was heard to resemble that made by the ocean itself when it swelleth in + rage at the end of the Yuga, Kill, Bring up (our forces), Take, Pierce, + Cut off, this was the furious uproar heard about Phalguni’s car. Hearing + that furious uproar, the mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army rushed + forward, O bull of Bharata’s race, for protecting Arjuna. They were + Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata’s race, and both + Virata and Drupada, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and the wrathful + Abhimanyu. These seven, inflamed with rage, and armed with excellent bows, + rushed with great speed. And the battle that took place between these and + the Kaurava warriors was fierce, making the hair stand on end, and + resembling O chief of the Bharatas, the battle of the gods with the + Danavas. Sikhandin, however, that foremost of car-warriors, protected in + the battle by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), pierced Bhishma, in that + encounter, with ten shafts after the latter’s bow had been cut off. And he + struck Bhishma’s charioteer with other shafts, and cut off the latter’s + standard with one shaft. Then the son of Ganga took up another bow that + was tougher. That even was cut off by Phalguni with three sharp shafts. + Indeed, that chastiser of foes, viz., Arjuna, who was capable of drawing + the bow with even his left hand, excited with rage, one after another, cut + off all the bows that Bhishma took up. Then Bhishma, whose bows were thus + cut off, excited with rage, and licking the corners of his mouth, took up + a dart that was capable of riving a hill. In rage he hurled it at + Phalguni’s car. Beholding its course towards him like the blazing bolt of + heaven, the delighter of the Pandavas fixed five sharp broad-headed arrows + (on his bow-string). And with those five arrows, O chief of the Bharatas, + the angry Arjuna cut off into five fragments that dart hurled from + Bhishma’s arms. Thus cut off by the angry Arjuna, that dart then fell down + like a flash of lightning separated from a mass of clouds. Beholding his + dart cut off, Bhishma became filled with rage. That hero, that subjugator + of hostile cities, then began to reflect. And he said unto himself, ‘With + only a single bow I could slay all the Pandavas, if the mighty Vishnu + himself had not been their protector. For two reasons, however, I will not + fight with the Pandavas, viz., their unslayableness, and the femininity of + Sikhandin. Formerly, when my sire wedded Kali, he pleased (with me) gave + me two boons, viz., that I should be incapable of being slain in battle, + and that my death should depend on my own choice. I should, however, now + wish my own death, this being the proper hour.’ Ascertaining this to be + the resolve of Bhishma of immeasurable energy, the Rishis and the Vasus + stationed in the firmament, said, ‘That which hath been resolved by thee + is approved by us also, O son! Act according to thy resolution, O king. + Withdraw thy heart from battle.’ On the conclusion, of those words, + fragrant and auspicious breeze charged with particles of water, began to + blow along a natural direction.<a href="#linknote-6486" name="linknoteref-6486" id="linknoteref-6486">486</a> And celestial + cymbals of loud sounds began to beat. And a flowery shower fell upon + Bhishma, O sire. The words spoken by the Rishis and the Vasus, however, O + king, were not heard by any one save Bhishma himself. I also heard them, + through the power conferred on me by the Muni. Great was the grief, O + monarch, that filled the hearts of the celestials at the thought of + Bhishma, that favourite of all the worlds, falling down from his car. + Having listened to these words of the celestials, Santanu’s son Bhishma of + great ascetic merit rushed out at Vibhatsu, even though he was then being + pierced with sharp arrows capable of penetrating through every armour. + Then Sikhandin, O king, excited with rage, struck the grandsire of the + Bharatas in the chest with nine sharp arrows. The Kuru grandsire Bhishma, + however, though struck by him in battle, thus, trembled not, O monarch, + but remained unmoved like a mountain during an earthquake. Then Vibhatsu, + drawing his bow Gandiva with a laugh, pierced the son of Ganga with five + and twenty arrows. And once more, Dhananjaya, with great speed and excited + with wrath struck him in every vital part with hundreds of arrows. Thus + pierced by others, also with thousands of arrows, the mighty car-warrior + Bhishma pierced those others in return with great speed. And as regards + the arrows shot by those warriors, Bhishma, possessed of prowess in battle + that was incapable of being baffled, equally checked them all with his own + straight arrows. Those arrows, however, endued with wings of gold and + whetted on stone, which the mighty car-warrior Sikhandin shot in that + battle, scarcely caused Bhishma any pain. Then the diadem-decked (Arjuna), + excited with rage and placing Sikhandin to the fore, approached Bhishma + (nearer) and once more cut off his bow. And then piercing Bhishma with ten + arrows, he cut off the latter’s standard with one. And striking Bhishma’s + chariot with ten arrows, Arjuna caused him to tremble. The son of Ganga + then took up another bow that was stronger. Within, however, the twinkling + of an eye, as soon, in fact, as it was taken up, Arjuna cut that bow also + into three fragments with three broad-headed shafts. And thus the son of + Pandu cut off in that battle even all the bows of Bhishma. After that, + Bhishma the son of Santanu, no longer desired to battle with Arjuna. The + latter, however, then pierced him with five and twenty arrows. That great + bowman, thus pierced greatly, then addressed Dussasana, and said, ‘Behold, + Partha, that great car-warrior of the Pandavas, excited with wrath in + battle, pierceth me alone with many thousands of arrows. He is incapable + of being vanquished in battle by the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself. + As regards myself also, O hero, the very gods, Danavas and Rakshasas + united together, are incapable of vanquishing me. What shall I say then of + mighty car-warriors among men?’ While Bhishma was thus speaking to + Dussasana, Phalguni with sharp shafts, and placing Sikhandin to the fore, + pierced Bhishma in that battle. Then Bhishma, deeply and excessively + pierced by the wielder of Gandiva with keen-pointed shafts, once more + addressed Dussasana with a smile and said, ‘These arrows coursing towards + me in one continuous line, whose touch resembleth that of heaven’s bolt, + have been shot by Arjuna. These are not Sikhandin’s. Cutting me to the + quick, piercing through even my hard coat of mail, and striking me with + the force of mushalas, these arrows are not Sikhandin’s. Of touch as hard + as that of the Brahmana’s rod (of chastisement),<a href="#linknote-6487" name="linknoteref-6487" id="linknoteref-6487">487</a> and of impetus + unbearable as that of the thunder-bolt, these arrows are afflicting my + vital forces. These are not Sikhandin’s. Of the touch of maces and spiked + bludgeons, those arrows are destroying my vital forces like messengers of + Death commissioned (by the grim king himself). These are not Sikhandin’s. + Like angry snakes of virulent poison, projecting their tongues out, these + are penetrating into my vitals. These are not Sikhandin’s—these that + cut me to the quick like the cold of winter cutting kine to the quick. + Save the heroic wielder of Gandiva, viz., the ape-bannered Jishnu, even + all other kings united together cannot cause me pain.’ Saying these words, + Bhishma, the valiant son of Santanu, as if for the object of consuming the + Pandavas, hurled a dart at Partha. Partha, however, caused that dart to + drop down, cutting it into three fragments with three shafts, in the very + sight, O Bharata, of all the Kuru heroes of thy army. Desirous of + obtaining either death or victory, the son of Ganga then took up a sword + and a shield decked with gold. Before, however, he could come down from + his car, Arjuna cut off by means of his arrows, that shield into a hundred + fragments. And that feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. Then the + king Yudhishthira urged his own troops, saying, ‘Rush ye at Ganga’s son. + Do not entertain the slightest fear’. Then, armed with bearded darts, and + lances, and arrows, from all sides, with axes, and excellent scimitars, + and long shafts of great sharpness, with calf-toothed arrows, and + broad-headed shafts, they all rushed at that single warrior. Then arose + from among the Pandava host a loud shout. Then thy sons also, O king, + desirous of Bhishma’s victory, surrounded him and uttered leonine shouts. + Fierce was the battle fought there between thy troops and those of the + enemy on that the tenth day, O king, when Bhishma and Arjuna met together. + Like unto the vortex that occurs at the spot where the Ganga meets the + Ocean, for a short while a vortex occurred there where the troops of both + armies met and struck one another down. And the Earth, wet with gore, + assumed a fierce form. And the even and the uneven spots on her surface + could no longer be distinguished. Although Bhishma was pierced in all his + vital limbs, yet on that the tenth day he stayed (calmly) in battle, + having slain ten thousand warriors. Then that great bowman, Partha, + stationed at the head of his troops, broke the centre of the Kuru army. + Ourselves then, afraid of Kunti’s son Dhananjaya having white steeds + attached to his car, and afflicted by him with polished weapons, fled away + from the battle. The Sauviras, the Kitavas, the Easterners, the + Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, + the Sivis, the Vasatis, the Salwas, the Sayas, the Trigartas, the + Amvashthas, and the Kaikeyas.<a href="#linknote-6488" name="linknoteref-6488" id="linknoteref-6488">488</a>—these and many + other illustrious warriors,—afflicted with arrows and pained by + their wounds, abandoned Bhishma in that battle while he was fighting with + the diadem-decked (Arjuna). Then a great many warriors, surrounding that + single warrior on all sides, defeated the Kurus (that protected him) and + covered him with shower of arrows. Throw down, Seize, Fight, Cut into + pieces,—this was the furious uproar, O king, heard in the vicinity + of Bhishma’s car. Having slain in that battle, O monarch, (his foes) by + hundreds and thousands, there was not in Bhishma’s body space of even two + fingers’ breadth that was not pierced with arrows. Thus was thy sire + mangled with arrows of keen points by Phalguni in that battle. And then he + fell down from his car with his head to the east, a little before sunset, + in the very sight of thy sons. And while Bhishma fell, loud cries of alas + and oh, O Bharata, were heard in the welkin uttered by the celestials and + the kings of the earth. And beholding the high-souled grandsire falling + down (from his car), the hearts of all of us fell with him. That foremost + of all bowmen, that mighty-armed hero, fell down, like an uprooted + standard of Indra, making the earth tremble the while.<a + href="#linknote-6489" name="linknoteref-6489" id="linknoteref-6489">489</a> + Pierced all over with arrows, his body touched not the ground. At that + moment, O bull of Bharata’s race, a divine nature took possession of that + great bowman lying on a bed of arrows. The clouds poured a (cool) shower + (over him) and the Earth trembled. While falling he had marked that the + Sun was then in the southern solstice. That hero, therefore, permitted not + his senses to depart, thinking of that (inauspicious) season (of death). + And all around in the welkin he heard celestial voices saying, ‘Why, Oh + why, should Ganga’s son, that foremost of all warriors of weapons, yield + up his life during the southern declension?’ Hearing these words, the son + of Ganga answered, ‘I am alive!’ Although fallen upon the earth, the Kuru + grandsire Bhishma, expectant of the northern declension, suffered not his + life to depart. Ascertaining that to be his resolve, Ganga, the daughter + of Himavat, sent unto him the great Rishis in swanlike form. Then those + Rishis in the forms of swans inhabiting the Manasa lake, quickly rose up, + and came together, for obtaining a sight of the Kuru grandsire Bhishma, to + that spot where that foremost of men was lying on his bed of arrows. Then + those Rishis in swanlike forms, coming to Bhishma, beheld that perpetuator + of Kuru’s race lying on his bed of arrows. Beholding that high-souled son + of Ganga, that chief of the Bharatas, they walked round him, and the Sun + being then in the southern solstice, they said, addressing one another, + these words, ‘Being a high-souled person, why should Bhishma pass out (of + the world) during the southern declension?’ Having said these words, those + swans went away, proceeding towards the southern direction. Endued with + great intelligence, Bhishma, O Bharata. beholding them, reflected for a + moment. And the son of Santanu then said unto them, ‘I will never pass out + (of the world) as long as the Sun is in the southern solstice. Even this + is my resolve. I will proceed to my own ancient abode when the Sun + reacheth the northern solstice. Ye swans, I tell you this truly. Expectant + of the northern declension I will hold my life. Since I have the fullest + control over the yielding up of my life, I will, therefore, hold life, + expectant of death during the northern declension. The boon that was + granted to me by my illustrious sire, to the effect that my death would + depend on my own wish. O, let that boon become true. I will hold my life, + since I have control in the matter of laying it down.’ Having said these + words to those swans, he continued to lie down on his bed of arrows. + </p> + <p> + “When that crest of the Kuru race, viz., Bhishma of great energy, fell + down, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas uttered leonine shouts. When the + grandsire of the Bharatas who was endued with great might was overthrown, + thy son, O bull of Bharata’s race, knew not what to do. And all the Kurus + were entirely deprived of their senses. And the Kurus headed by Kripa, and + Duryodhana, sighed and wept. And from grief they remained for a long while + deprived of their senses. And they remained perfectly still, O monarch, + without setting their hearts on battle. As if seized by thighs, they stood + motionless, without proceeding against the Pandavas. When Santanu’s son + Bhishma of mighty energy, who was (regarded as) unslayable, was slain, all + of us thought that the destruction of the Kuru king was at hand.<a + href="#linknote-6490" name="linknoteref-6490" id="linknoteref-6490">490</a> + Vanquished by Savyasachin, with our foremost heroes slain, and ourselves + mangled with sharp arrows, we knew not what to do. And the heroic Pandavas + possessed of massive arms that looked like spiked maces, having obtained + the victory and won a highly blessed state in the other world,<a + href="#linknote-6491" name="linknoteref-6491" id="linknoteref-6491">491</a> + all blew their great conches. And the Somakas and the Panchalas all + rejoiced, O king. Then when thousands of trumpets were blown, the mighty + Bhimasena slapped his arm-pits and uttered loud shouts. When the + all-powerful son of Ganga was slain, the heroic warriors of both armies, + laying down their weapons, began to reflect thoughtfully. And some uttered + loud shrieks and some fled away, and some were deprived of their senses. + And some censured the practices of the Kshatriya order and some applauded + Bhishma. And the Rishis and the Pitris all applauded Bhishma of high vows. + And the deceased ancestors of the Bharatas also praised Bhishma. Meanwhile + the valiant and intelligent Bhishma, the son of Santanu, having recourse + to that Yoga which is taught in the great Upanishads and engaged in mental + prayers, remained quiet, expectant of his hour." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0121" id="link62H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXI + </h2> + <p> + Dhritarashtra said, “Alas, what was the state of (my) warriors, O Sanjaya, + when they were deprived of the mighty and god-like Bhishma who had become + a Brahmacharin for the sake of his reverend sire? Even then I regarded the + Kurus and all the others as slain by the Pandavas when Bhishma, despising + the son of Drupada, struck him not. Wretch that I am, also, I hear today + of my sire’s slaughter. What can be a heavier sorrow than this? My heart + assuredly, O Sanjaya, is made of adamant, since it breaketh not into a + hundred fragments on hearing of Bhishma’s death! Tell me, O thou of + excellent vows, what was done by that lion among the Kurus, viz., the + victory-desiring Bhishma when he was slain in battle. I cannot at all + brook it that Devavrata should be slain in battle. Alas, he that was not + slain by Jamadagni’s son himself in days of old by means of even his + celestial weapons, alas, he hath now been slain by Drupada’s son + Sikhandin, the prince of Panchala!—" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Slain in the evening the Kuru grandsire Bhishma + saddened the Dhartarashtras and delighted the Panchalas. Falling down on + the earth, he lay on his bed of arrows without however, touching the earth + with his body. Indeed, when Bhishma, thrown down from his car fell upon + the surface of the earth, cries of Oh and Alas were heard among all + creatures. When that boundary-tree of the Kurus, viz., the ever victorious + Bhishma, fell down, fear entered the hearts, O king, of the Kshatriyas of + both the armies. Beholding Bhishma, the son of Santanu, with his standard + overthrown and his armour cut open, both the Kurus and the Pandavas were + inspired, O monarch, with sentiments of cheerlessness. And the welkin was + enveloped with a gloom and the Sun himself became dim. The Earth seemed to + utter loud shrieks when the son of Santanu was slain. This one is the + foremost of those conversant with the Vedas! This one is the best of those + that are conversant with the Vedas!—Even thus did creatures speak of + that bull among men as he lay (on his bed of arrows). This one, formerly, + ascertaining his sire Santanu to be afflicted by Kama, this bull among + men, resolved to draw up his vital steed!—Even thus did the Rishis + together with the Siddhas and the Charanas said of that foremost one of + the Bharatas as he lay on his bed of arrows. When Santanu’s son Bhishma, + the grandsire of the Bharatas, was slain, thy sons, O sire, knew not what + to do. Their faces wore an expression of grief. The splendour of their + countenances seemed to abandon them, O Bharata! All of them stood in + shame, hanging down their heads. The Pandavas, on the other hand, having + won the victory, stood at the head of their ranks. And they all blew their + large conchs decked with gold. And when in consequence of their joys + thousands of trumpets, O sinless one, were blown there, we beheld O + monarch, the mighty Bhimasena, the son of Kunti, sporting in great glee, + having quickly slain many hostile warriors endued with great strength. And + a great swoon overtook all the Kurus. And Karna and Duryodhana repeatedly + drew long breaths. When the Kuru grandsire Bhishma fell down, thus, cries + of sorrow were heard all round, and the greatest confusion prevailed + (among the Kuru army). Beholding Bhishma fallen, thy son Dussasana, with + great speed, entered the division commanded by Drona. That hero, clad in + mail and at the head of his own troops, had been placed by his elder + brother (for the protection of Bhishma). That tiger among men now came, + plunging the troops he had commanded into grief. Beholding him coming + towards them, the Kauravas surrounded prince Dussasana, desirous, O + monarch, of hearing what he had to say. Then Dussasana of Kuru’s race + informed Drona of Bhishma’s slaughter. Drona then, hearing those evil + tidings, suddenly fell down from his car. Then the valiant son of + Bharadwaja, quickly recovering his senses, forbade the Kuru army, sire, to + continue the fight. Beholding the Kurus desist from battle, the Pandavas + also, through messengers on fleet horses, forbade their orders, ceased to + fight, the kings of both armies, putting off their armour, all repaired to + Bhishma. Desisting from the fight, thousands of (other) warriors then, + proceeded towards the high-souled Bhishma like the celestials towards the + Lord of all creatures. Approaching Bhishma who was then, O bull of + Bharata’s race, lying (on his bed of arrows), the Pandavas and the Kurus + stood there, having offered him their salutations. Then Santanu’s son + Bhishma of righteous soul addressed the Pandavas and the Kurus who having + reverenced him thus, stood before him. And he said,—‘Welcome to you, + ye highly blessed ones! Welcome to you, ye mighty car-warriors! Gratified + am I with your sight, ye that are the equals of the very gods.’—Thus + addressing them with his head hanging down, he once more said,—‘My + head is hanging down greatly. Let a pillow be given to me!’—The + kings (standing there) then fetched many excellent pillows that were very + soft and made of very delicate fabrics. The grandsire, however, desired + them not. That tiger among men then said unto those kings with a laugh,—‘These, + ye kings, do not become a hero’s bed.’—Beholding them that foremost + of men, that mightiest of car-warriors in all the worlds, viz., the + mighty-armed Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, he said,—‘O Dhananjaya, O + thou of mighty arms, my head hangeth down, O sire! Give me a pillow such + as thou regardest to be fit!—‘" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0122" id="link62H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“Stringing then his large bow and reverentially + saluting the grandsire, Arjuna, with eyes filled with tears, said these + words, O foremost one among the Kurus, O thou that art the first among all + wielders of weapons, command me, O invincible one, for I am thy slave! + What shall I do, O grandsire!—Unto him Santanu’s son said,—‘My + head, O sire, hangeth down!—O foremost one among the Kuru’s! O + Phalguni, get me a pillow! Indeed, give me one without delay, O hero, that + would become my bed! Thou O Partha, art competent, thou art the foremost + of all wielders of bows! Thou art conversant with the duties of Kshatriyas + and thou art endued with intelligence and goodness!’—Then Phalguni, + saying,—‘So be it’—desired to do Bhishma’s bidding. Taking up + Gandiva and a number of straight shafts, and inspiring them with mantras, + and obtaining the permission of that illustrious and mighty car-warrior of + Bharata’s race, Arjuna then, with three keen shafts endued with great + force, supported Bhishma’s head. Then that chief of the Bharatas, viz., + Bhishma of virtuous soul, conversant with the truths of religion, seeing + that Arjuna, having divined his thought, had achieved that feat, became + highly gratified. And after that pillow had thus been given to him, he + applauded Dhananjaya. And casting his eyes upon all the Bharatas there, he + addressed Kunti’s son Arjuna, that foremost of all warriors, that enhancer + of the joys of his friends and said,—‘Thou hast given me, O son of + Pandu, a pillow that becometh my bed! If thou hadst acted otherwise, I + would have cursed thee, from wrath! Even thus, O mighty-armed one, should + a Kshatriya, observant of his duties, sleep on the field of battle on his + bed of arrows!’—Having addressed Vibhatsu thus, he then said unto + all those kings and princes that were present there, these words:—‘Behold + ye the pillow that the son of Pandu hath given me! I will sleep on this + bed till the Sun turneth to the northern solstice! Those kings that will + then come to me will behold me (yield up my life)! When the Sun on his car + of great speed and unto which are yoked seven steeds, will proceed towards + the direction occupied by Vaisravana, verily, even then, will I yield up + my life like a dear friend dismissing a dear friend! Let a ditch be dug + here around my quarters ye kings! Thus pierced with hundreds of arrows + will I pay my adorations to the Sun. As regards yourselves, abandoning + enmity, cease ye from the fight, ye kings—‘" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“Then there came unto him some surgeons well + trained (in their science) and skilled in plucking out arrows, with all + becoming appliances (of their profession). Beholding them, the son of + Ganga said unto thy son,—‘Let these physicians, after proper respect + being paid to them, be dismissed with presents of wealth. Brought to such + a plight, what need have I now of physicians? I have won the most laudable + and the highest state ordained in Kshatriya observances! Ye kings, lying + as I do on a bed of arrows, it is not proper for me to submit now to the + treatment of physicians. With these arrows on my body, ye rulers of men, + should I be burnt!’—Hearing these words of his, thy son Duryodhana + dismissed those physicians, having honoured them as they deserved. Then + those kings of diverse realms, beholding that constancy in virtue + displayed by Bhishma of immeasurable energy, were filled with wonder. + Having given a pillow to thy sire thus, those rulers of men, those mighty + car-warriors, viz., the Pandavas and the Kauravas, united together, once + more approached the high-souled Bhishma lying on that excellent bed of + his. Reverentially saluting that high-souled one and circumambulating him + thrice, and stationing guards all around for his protection, those heroes, + with bodies drenched in blood, repaired for rest towards their own tents + in the evening, their hearts plunged into grief and thinking of what they + had seen. + </p> + <p> + “Then at the proper time, the mighty Madhava, approaching the Pandavas, + those mighty car-warriors cheerfully seated together and filled with joy + at the fall of Bhishma, said unto Dharma’s son Yudhishthira these words,—‘By + good luck victory hath been thine, O thou of Kuru’s rare! By good luck + hath Bhishma been overthrown, who is unslayable by men, and is a mighty + car-warrior of aim incapable of being baffled! Or, perhaps, as destiny + would have it, that warrior who was master of every weapon, having + obtained thee for a foe that canst slay with thy eyes alone, hath been + consumed by thy wrathful eye!’—Thus addressed by Krishna, king + Yudhishthira the just, replied unto Janardana, saying,—‘Through Thy + grace is Victory, through Thy wrath is Defeat! Thou art dispeller of the + fears of those that are devoted to thee. Thou art our refuge! It is not + wonderful that they should have victory whom Thou always protectest in + battle, and in whose welfare Thou art always engaged, O Kesava! Having got + Thee for our refuge, I do not regard anything as wonderful!’ Thus + addressed by him, Janardana answered with a smile,—‘O best of kings, + these words can come from thee alone!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0123" id="link62H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIII + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“After the night had passed away, O monarch, all the + kings, the Pandavas and the Dhartarashtras, repaired to the grandsire. + Those Kshatriyas then saluted that bull of their order, that foremost one + among the Kurus, that hero lying on a hero’s bed, and stood in his + presence. Maidens by thousands, having repaired to that place, gently + showered over Santanu’s son powdered sandal wood and fried paddy, and + garlands of flowers. And women and old men and children, and ordinary + spectators, all approached Santanu’s son like creatures of the world + desirous of beholding the Sun. And trumpets by hundreds and thousands, and + actors, and mimes, and skilled mechanics also came to the aged Kuru + grandsire. And ceasing to fight, putting aside their coats of mail, and + lying aside their weapons, the Kurus and the Pandavas, united together, + came to the invincible Devavrata, that chastiser of foes. And they were + assembled together as in days of old, and cheerfully addressed one another + according to their respective ages. And that conclave full of Bharata + kings by hundreds and adorned with Bhishma, looked beautiful and blazing + like a conclave of the gods in heaven. And that conclave of kings engaged + in honouring the son of Ganga looked as beautiful as a conclave of the + celestials engaged in adorning their Lord, viz., the Grandsire (Brahman). + Bhishma, however, O bull of Bharata’s race, suppressing his agonies with + fortitude though burning with the arrows (still sticking to his body), was + sighing like a snake. His body burning with these arrows, and himself + nearly deprived of his senses in consequence of his weapon-wounds, Bhishma + cast his eyes on those kings and asked for water. Then those Kshatriyas, O + king, brought thither excellent viands and several vessels of cold water. + Beholding that water brought for him, Santanu’s son said,—‘I cannot, + O sire, now use any article of human enjoyment! I am removed from the pale + of humanity. I am lying on a bed of arrows. I am staying here, expecting + only the return of the Moon and the Sun!’ Having spoken these words and + thereby rebuked those kings, O Bharata, he said,—‘I wish to see + Arjuna!’—The mighty-armed Arjuna then came there, and reverentially + saluting the grandsire stood with joined hands, and said,—‘What + shall I do?’—Beholding then that son of Pandu, O monarch, thus + standing before him after having offered him respectful salutations, + Bhishma of righteous soul cheerfully addressed Dhananjaya, saying,—‘Covered + all over with thy shafts, my body is burning greatly! All the vital parts + of my body are in agony. My mouth is dry. Staying as I am with body + afflicted with agony, give me water, O Arjuna! Thou art a great bowman! + Thou art capable of giving me water duly!’—The valiant Arjuna then + saying,—‘So be it,’—mounted on his car, and striking his + Gandiva with force, began to stretch it. Hearing the twang of his bow and + the slap of his palms which resembled the roar of the thunder, the troops + and the kings were all inspired with fear. Then that foremost of + car-warriors, mounted on his car, circumambulated that prostrate chief of + the Bharatas, that foremost of all wielders of weapons. Aiming then a + blazing arrow, after having inspired it with Mantras and identified it + with the Parjanya weapon, in the very sight of the entire army, the son of + Pandu, viz., Partha, pierced the Earth a little to the south of where + Bhishma lay. Then there arose a jet of water that was pure, and + auspicious, and cool, and that resembling the nectar itself, was of + celestial scent and taste. And with that cool jet of water Partha + gratified Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, of godlike deeds and + prowess. And at that feat of Partha who resembled Sakra himself in his + acts, all those rulers of Earth were filled with great wonder. And + beholding that feat of Vibhatsu implying superhuman prowess, the Kurus + trembled like kine afflicted with cold. And from wonder all the kings + there present waved their garments (in the air). And loud was the blare of + conchs and the beat of drums that were then heard all over the field. And + Santanu’s son, his thirst quenched, then addressed Jishnu, O monarch, and + said, applauding him highly in the presence of all those kings, these + words, viz.,—‘O thou of mighty arms, this is not wonderful in thee, + O son of Kuru’s race! O thou of immeasurable effulgence, even Narada spoke + of thee as an ancient Rishi! Indeed, with Vasudeva as thy ally, thou wilt + achieve many mighty feats which the chief of the celestials himself with + all the gods, of a certainty, will not venture to achieve! They that have + knowledge of such things know thee to be the destroyer of the whole + Kshatriya race! Thou art the one bowman among the bowmen of the world! + Thou art the foremost among men. As human beings are, in this world, + foremost of all creatures, as Garuda is the foremost of all winged + creatures; as the Ocean is the foremost among all receptacles of water and + the cow among all quadrupeds; as the Sun is the foremost amongst all + luminous bodies and Himavat among all mountains; as the Brahmana is the + foremost among all castes, art thou the foremost of all bowmen! + Dhritarashtra’s son (Duryodhana) listened not to the words repeatedly + spoken by me and Vidura and Drona and Rama and Janardana and also by + Sanjaya. Reft of his senses, like unto an idiot, Duryodhana placed no + reliance on those utterances. Past all instructions, he will certainly + have to lie down for ever, overwhelmed by the might of Bhima!’—Hearing + these words of his, the Kuru king Duryodhana became of cheerless heart. + Eyeing him, Santanu’s son said,—‘Listen, O king! Abandon thy wrath! + Thou hast seen, O Duryodhana how the intelligent Partha created that jet + of cool and nectar-scented water! There is none else in this world capable + of achieving such feat. The weapons appertaining to Agni, Varuna, Soma, + Vayu, and Vishnu, as also those appertaining to Indra, Pasupati, and + Paramesthi, and those of Prajapati, Dhatri, Tashtri, Savitri, and + Vivaswat, all these are known to Dhananjaya alone in this world of men! + Krishna, the son of Devaki, also knoweth them. But there is none else here + that knoweth them. This son of Pandu, O sire, is incapable of being + defeated in battle by even the gods and the Asuras together. The feats of + this high-souled one are superhuman. With that truthful hero, that + ornament of battle, that warrior accomplished in fight, let peace, O king, + be soon made! As long as the mighty-armed Krishna is not possessed by + wrath, O chief of the Kurus, it is fit, O sire, that peace should be made + with the heroic Parthas! As long as this remnant of thy brothers is not + slain, let peace, O monarch, be made! As long as Yudhishthira with eyes + burning in wrath doth not consume thy troops in battle, let peace, O sire, + be made! As long as Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhimasena, the sons of + Pandu, do not, O monarch, exterminate thy army, it seems to me that + friendly relations should be restored between thee and the heroic + Pandavas! Let this battle end with my death, O sire! Make peace with the + Pandavas. Let these words that are uttered to thee by me be acceptable to + thee, O sinless one! Even this is what I regard to be beneficial both for + thyself and the race (itself of Kuru)! Abandoning thy wrath, let peace be + made with Parthas. What Phalguni hath already done is sufficient. Let + friendly relations be restored with the death of Bhishma! Let this remnant + (of warriors) live! Relent, O king! Let half the kingdom be given to the + Pandavas. Let king Yudhishthira the just, go to Indraprastha. O chief of + the Kurus, do not achieve a sinful notoriety among the kings of the earth + by incurring the reproach of meanness, becoming a fomentor of intestine + dissensions! Let peace come to all with my death! Let these rulers of + earth, cheerfully mix with one another! Let sire get back the son, let + sister’s son get back the maternal uncle! If from want of understanding + and possessed by folly thou dost not harken to those timely words of mine + thou wilt have to repent greatly! What I say is true. Therefore, desist + even now!’ Having, from affection, said these words unto Duryodhana in the + midst of the kings, the son of the ocean-going (Ganga) became silent. + Though his vital limbs were burning with the arrow-wounds, yet, prevailing + over his agonies, he applied himself to yoga." </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued—“Having heard these beneficial and peaceful words + fraught with both virtue and profit, thy son, however, accepted them not, + like a dying man refusing medicine." </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_4_0124" id="link62H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIV + </h2> + <p> + Sanjaya said,—“After Santanu’s son Bhishma, O monarch, had become + silent, all those rulers of earth, there present, then returned to their + respective quarters. Hearing of Bhishma’s slaughter that bull among men, + viz., Radha’s son (Karna), partially inspired with fear quickly came + there. He beheld that illustrious hero lying on his bed of reeds. Then + Vrisha (Karna) endued with great glory, with voice choked in tears, + approaching that hero lying with eyes closed, fell at his feet. And he + said,—‘O chief of the Kurus, I am Radha’s son, who while before thy + eyes, was everywhere looked upon by thee with hate!’—Hearing these + words, the aged chief of the Kurus, the son of Ganga, whose eyes were + covered with film slowly raising his eyelids, and causing the guards to be + removed, and seeing the place deserted by all, embraced Karna with one + arm, like a sire embracing his son, and said these words with great + affection:—‘Come, come! Thou art an opponent of mine who always + challengest comparison with me! If thou hadst not come to me, without + doubt, it would not have been well with thee! Thou art Kunti’s son, not + Radha’s! Nor is Adhiratha thy father! O thou of mighty arms, I heard all + this about thee from Narada as also from Krishna-Dwaipayana! Without + doubt, all this is true! I tell thee truly, O son, that I bear thee no + malice! It was only for abating thy energy that I used to say such harsh + words to thee! O thou of excellent vows without any reason thou speakest + ill of all the Pandavas! Sinfully didst thou come into the world. It is + for this that thy heart hath been such. Through pride, and owing also to + thy companionship with the low, thy heart hateth even persons of merit! It + is for this that I spoke such harsh words about thee in the Kuru camp! I + know thy prowess in battle, which can with difficulty be borne on earth by + foes! I know also thy regard for Brahmanas, thy courage, and thy great + attachment to alms-giving! O thou that resemblest a very god, amongst men + there is none like thee! For fear of intestine dissensions I always spoke + harsh words about thee. In bowmanship, in aiming weapon, in lightness of + hand and in strength of weapons, thou art equal to Phalguni himself, or + the high-souled Krishna! O Karna, proceeding to the city of Kasi, alone + with thy bow, thou hadst crushed the kings in battle for procuring a bride + for the Kuru king! The mighty and invincible king Jarasandha also, ever + boastful of his prowess in battle, could not become thy match in fight! + Thou art devoted to Brahmanas; thou always fightest fairly! In energy and + strength, thou art equal to a child of the celestials and certainly much + superior to men. The wrath I cherished against thee is gone. Destiny is + incapable of being avoided by exertion. O slayer of foes, the heroic sons + of Pandu are thy uterine brothers! If thou wishest to do what is agreeable + to me, unite with them, O thou of mighty arms! O son of Surya, let these + hostilities end with me! Let all the kings of Earth be to-day freed from + danger!—’ + </p> + <p> + “Karna said, ‘I know this, O thou of mighty arms! All this without doubt, + is (as thou sayest)! As thou tellest me, O, Bhishma, I am Kunti’s son, and + not the son of a Suta! I was, however, abandoned by Kunti, and I have been + reared by a Suta. Having (so long) enjoyed the wealth of Duryodhana, I + dare not falsify it now. Like Vasudeva’s son who is firmly resolved for + the sake of the Pandavas, I also, O thou that makest profuse presents to + Brahmanas, am prepared to cast away my possessions, my body itself, my + children, and my wife, for Duryodhana’s sake! Death from disease, O thou + of Kuru’s race, doth not become a Kshatriya! Relying upon Suyodhana I have + always offended the Pandavas! This affairs is destined to take its course. + It is incapable of being prevented. Who was there that would venture to + overcome Destiny by exertion? Various omens indicating the destruction of + the Earth, O grandsire, were noticed by thee and declared in the assembly. + It is well known to me that the son of Pandu, and Vasudeva, are incapable + of being conquered by other men. Even with them we venture to fight! I + will vanquish the son of Pandu in battle! Even this is my firm resolve! I + am not capable, of casting off this fierce animosity (that I cherish + against the Pandavas)! With a cheerful heart, and keeping the duties of my + order before my eye, I will contend against Dhananjaya. Firmly resolved + that I am on battle, grant me thy permission, O hero! I will fight. Even + this is my wish. It behoveth thee to forgive me also any harsh words that + I may have at any time uttered against thee or any act that I may have + done against thee from anger or inconsiderateness!—’ + </p> + <p> + “Bhishma said,—‘If, indeed, thou art unable to cast off this fierce + animosity, I permit thee, O Karna! Fight, moved by the desire of heaven! + Without anger and without vindictiveness, serve thou the king according to + thy power and according to thy courage and observant of the conduct of the + righteous! Have then my permission, O Karna! Obtain thou that which thou + seekest! Through Dhananjaya thou wilt obtain all those regions (hereafter) + which are capable of being had by fulfilling the duties of a Kshatriya! + Freed from pride, and relying on thy (own) might and energy, engage in + battle, since a Kshatriya cannot have a (source of) greater happiness than + a righteous battle. For a long while I made great efforts for bringing + about peace! But I succeeded not, O Karna, in the task! Truly do I say + this unto thee!—‘" </p> + <p> + Sanjaya continued,—“After the son of Ganga had said this, Radha’s + son (Karna) having saluted Bhishma and obtained his forgiveness, got up on + his car and proceeded towards (the quarters of) thy son." </p> + <p> + The End of Bhishma Parva + </p> + <p> + <a name="link62H_FOOT" id="link62H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-61" id="linknote-61"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-61">return</a>)<br /> [ Tapas-kshetra because + Kuru, the common ancestor of the rival houses, performed his ascetic + austerities there. Since Kuru’s time, many ascetics took up their abode + there.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-62" id="linknote-62"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-62">return</a>)<br /> [ Some texts have + Duddharsham for Durddharshas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-63" id="linknote-63"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-63">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “gives heat”.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-64" id="linknote-64"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-64">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Varna’ is used here in + the sense of races and not castes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-65" id="linknote-65"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-65">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka is variously + read. For bhauman in the first line some texts read bhimam which I have + adopted. For sahasa in the second line some texts have rajasa, and then + aditye (locative) for ‘adityas’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-66" id="linknote-66"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-66">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text is + evidently faulty here; it repeats the second half of the 7th sloka, making + the second half of the 25th the first half of the 24th.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-67" id="linknote-67"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-67">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., stragglers should + not be slain.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-68" id="linknote-68"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-68">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “confiding.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-69" id="linknote-69"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-69">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text has + Castropanayishu; the Bengal texts have Castropojibishu.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-610" id="linknote-610"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-610">return</a>)<br /> [ Rather, “have their + periods run out.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-611" id="linknote-611"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-611">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + pralahshaye for prajashaye. I have adopted the former.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-612" id="linknote-612"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-612">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and the + Bombay editions have Kukkuran for Kukkutan as the Burdwan Pundits correct + it. A bitch producing dogs and bitches would be no anomaly.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-613" id="linknote-613"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-613">return</a>)<br /> [ Unlike the Bengal + editions, the Bombay edition correctly includes this sloka, or rather half + sloka, within the 17th, making the 17th a triplet instead of a couplet. + For the well-known word Dhishthitas however, the Bombay text has + Vishthitas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-614" id="linknote-614"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-614">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + Paricchanna for Paricchinna. The former is better.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-615" id="linknote-615"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-615">return</a>)<br /> [ Vaisase is explained by + Nilakantha as Virodhe. Conttavarta—a river having bloody eddies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-616" id="linknote-616"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-616">return</a>)<br /> [ Conitam cchardayanniva. + I have adopted Nilakantha’s explanation. The Burdwan Pundits take it as + referring to “weapons” instead of “hearers.” The passage, however, may + mean that the bird screams so frightfully as if it vomits blood. The only + thing that militates against this interpretation is that cchardayan is a + causal verb. In the Mahabharata, however, causal forms are frequently used + without causal meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-617" id="linknote-617"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-617">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka is omitted in + many editions, though it is certainly genuine. I have rendered it very + freely, as otherwise it would be unintelligible. The fact is, three + lunations twice meeting together in course of the same lunar fortnight is + very rare. The lunar-fortnight (Paksha) being then reduced by two days, + the day of full-moon or that of new moon, instead of being (as usual) the + fifteenth day from the first lunation becomes the thirteenth day. + Lunar-eclipses always occur on days of the full-moon, while solar-eclipses + on those of the new moon. Such eclipses, therefore, occurring on days + removed from the days of the first lunation by thirteen instead of (as + usual) fifteen days, are very extraordinary occurrences.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-618" id="linknote-618"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-618">return</a>)<br /> [ Vishamam is battle or + war, and akranda is weeping or productive of grief. The latter word may + also mean a fierce battle. If understood in this sense, Vishamam may be + taken as indicating hostility, or absence of peace.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-619" id="linknote-619"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-619">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains this + in a long note the substance of which is appended below. Kings are divided + into three classes, viz., owners of elephants (Gajapati), owners of horses + (Aswapati), and owners of men (Narapati). If an evil-omened planet + (papa-graha) sheds its influence upon any of the nine constellations + beginning with Aswini, it forebodes danger to Aswapatis; if on any of the + nine beginning with Magha, it forebodes danger to Gajapatis; and if on any + of the nine beginning with Mula, it forebodes danger to Narapatis. What + Vyasa says here, therefore, is that one or another papa-graha has shed its + influence upon one another of each of the three classes of constellations, + thus foreboding danger to all classes of kings.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-620" id="linknote-620"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-620">return</a>)<br /> [ Vide note ante.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-621" id="linknote-621"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-621">return</a>)<br /> [ Aparvani, i.e., not on + Parva days or days of full-moon and new-moon as ordinarily coming. The + Bombay edition, after aparvani, reads grahenau tau. A better reading + unquestionably grastavetau, as many Bengal texts have.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-622" id="linknote-622"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-622">return</a>)<br /> [ Pratisrotas; strict + grammar would require pratisrotasas; the meaning is that those that flowed + east to west now flow west to east, &c. For kurddanti some texts have + narddanti which is certainly better. Kurddanti means play or sport; wells + playing like bulls would be unmeaning, unless the sport is accompanied by + bellowing.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-623" id="linknote-623"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-623">return</a>)<br /> [ The Burdwan Pundits + reads suskasani for sakrasani. The latter, however, is the true reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-624" id="linknote-624"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-624">return</a>)<br /> [ The original is very + obscure. Uluka is explained by Nilakantha as a brand (used for want of + lambs). The line, however, is elliptical. The Burdwan Pundits introduce an + entirely new line.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-625" id="linknote-625"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-625">return</a>)<br /> [ Mahabhuta is swelling + greatly.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-626" id="linknote-626"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-626">return</a>)<br /> [ Parena is explained by + Nilakantha as atisayena.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-627" id="linknote-627"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-627">return</a>)<br /> [ Some of the Bengal texts + read anugraham (making the initial a silent after maharshe, in the + vocative case). There can be no doubt however, that this is incorrect. The + true reading is nadharmam which I have adopted. The Bombay text reads na + cha dharmam. The introduction of the article cha needlessly makes the line + incorrect as to metre.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-628" id="linknote-628"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-628">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of the + 67th sloka is very obscure. I have followed Nilakantha in translating it + thus. The sense seems to be, that when crows hover behind an army, that is + an auspicious sign; while it is an inauspicious sign if they are seen + ahead. I am not sure that Nilakantha is right in taking the pronoun ye as + referring to even crows.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-629" id="linknote-629"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-629">return</a>)<br /> [ Such as “don’t fight, + for you will be dead men soon.” &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-630" id="linknote-630"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-630">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains + these five species thus: trees such as the peepul; gulma (shrub), as kusa, + kasa, &c., growing from a clump underneath; creepers, such as all + plants growing upon the soil but requiring some support to twine round; + Valli, those that creep on the earth and live for a year only, such, as + the gourd, the pumpkin, etc., and lastly, Trina, such as grass and all + plants that are stemless, having only their barks and leaves.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-631" id="linknote-631"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-631">return</a>)<br /> [ When Gayatri, or Brahma + or the Universe, is mentioned, these twenty-four are indicated, five of + which exist independently, the remaining nineteen being the result of five + in those various proportions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-632" id="linknote-632"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-632">return</a>)<br /> [ I have rendered 4 and 5 + a little too freely. The language of the original is very terse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-633" id="linknote-633"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-633">return</a>)<br /> [ Samyam is homogeneity. + The allusion is to the state of the universe before creation, when there + exists nothing but a homogeneous mass or Brahma alone. The first compound + of the 2nd line is read differently. The Burdwan Pandits and the Bombay + edition read anyonyam (in the accusative); many of the Bengal texts read + anyonyena (in the instrumental). The meaning is scarcely affected by this + difference of reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-634" id="linknote-634"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-634">return</a>)<br /> [ The order of destruction + is that earth merges into water, water into fire, fire into air, and air + into space. And so the order of birth is that from space arises air, from + air arises fire, from fire arises water, and from water arises earth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-635" id="linknote-635"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-635">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains the + last six slokas as having an esoteric meaning. By Sudarsana he understands + the mind. The rest is explained consistently. Interpretations, however, + are not rare among commentators seeking to put sense in non-sense.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-636" id="linknote-636"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-636">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + Varsha parvatas for parvatas samas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-637" id="linknote-637"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-637">return</a>)<br /> [ For Pinaddha occurring + in the Bengal texts, the Bombay edition reads Vichitra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-638" id="linknote-638"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-638">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts add a + line here which is properly omitted in the Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-639" id="linknote-639"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-639">return</a>)<br /> [ After the 10th occurs a + line in the Bengal text which is evidently vicious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-640" id="linknote-640"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-640">return</a>)<br /> [ Day of the full-moon and + that of the new-moon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-641" id="linknote-641"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-641">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts, except + the Burdwan one, have divi for Daityas, of course, the latter reading is + correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-642" id="linknote-642"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-642">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text has + Sarvatas (which is better) for Sarvata in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-643" id="linknote-643"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-643">return</a>)<br /> [ in the first line of 28, + the Bengal texts read Sirasas (ablative) for Sikhhrat of the Bombay + edition. In the last line of 29 also, the Bombay text has + plavantiva-pravegena for the Bengal reading patatyajapravegena. No + material difference of meaning arises if one or the other is accepted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-644" id="linknote-644"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-644">return</a>)<br /> [ Alluding to the + tradition of Siva’s holding Ganga on his head and for which the great god + is sometimes called Gangadhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-645" id="linknote-645"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-645">return</a>)<br /> [ This word occurs in + various forms, Ketumala and Ketumali being two others.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-646" id="linknote-646"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-646">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay edition reads + tu for cha after Jamvukhanda. The meaning becomes changed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-647" id="linknote-647"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-647">return</a>)<br /> [ The sacred stream Ganga + is believed to have three currents. In heaven the current is called + Mandakini; on earth, it is called Ganga; and in the subterraneous world it + is called Bhogavati.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-648" id="linknote-648"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-648">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts, + excepting the Burdwan one, incorrectly read Sakram for Satram.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-649" id="linknote-649"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-649">return</a>)<br /> [ The correct reading is + Gatimanti. Many of the Bengal texts incorrectly read matimanti, which is + unmeaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-650" id="linknote-650"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-650">return</a>)<br /> [ Many of the Bengal texts + incorrectly read Merorapyyantaram for Merorathottaram.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-651" id="linknote-651"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-651">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka beginning + with mani and ending with prabham is omitted in the Bombay text, I don’t + think rightly. If anything that seems to be a repetition is to be + omitted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-652" id="linknote-652"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-652">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. “have fallen away + from a celestial state.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-653" id="linknote-653"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-653">return</a>)<br /> [ In sloka 13, the Bengal + texts read Bhayanakas for mahavalas. In 15 Mudhabhishekas for + Purvabhishekas is substituted in the Bombay text. In 1 again the Bombay + text reads Subhas for drumas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-654" id="linknote-654"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-654">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts have + Chandrabhasa for Chandraprabha. The difference is not material.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-655" id="linknote-655"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-655">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Burdwan and the + Bombay editions read Panchashat (five and six). The Bengal texts generally + have panchasat (fifty).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-656" id="linknote-656"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-656">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay edition reads + Tasmat-sritigamatas param. The Bengal texts read Yasmat-sringamatas param. + The Bengal reading is better. The Asiatic Society’s edition contains a + misprint. The meaning is, “Because Sringa (jewelled mountain of that + name), therefore superior.” I have rendered it somewhat freely.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-657" id="linknote-657"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 57 (<a href="#linknoteref-657">return</a>)<br /> [ They are but portions of + the same Supreme Being.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-658" id="linknote-658"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 58 (<a href="#linknoteref-658">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. mountains forming + boundaries of divisions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-659" id="linknote-659"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 59 (<a href="#linknoteref-659">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + Ikshula and Krimi for “Ikshumlavi” occurring in Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-660" id="linknote-660"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 60 (<a href="#linknoteref-660">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts have + Gandakincha mahanadim. The Bombay text reads Vandanancha mahanadim with a + cha immediately before. The Burdwan Pandits read Chandanancha mahanadim.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-661" id="linknote-661"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 61 (<a href="#linknoteref-661">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay texts read + Tridiva for Nischita; this is incorrect, for Tridiva occurs in the Bombay + text itself a little before. The name Lohatarini occurs in various forms.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-662" id="linknote-662"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 62 (<a href="#linknoteref-662">return</a>)<br /> [ For Vetravati, the + Bengal texts read Chandrabhaga. Both Chandrabhaga and Vetravati, however + occur before.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-663" id="linknote-663"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 63 (<a href="#linknoteref-663">return</a>)<br /> [ Kamadhuk is that species + of kine which always yield milk.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-664" id="linknote-664"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 64 (<a href="#linknoteref-664">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains this + in this way. The gods depend on sacrifices performed by human beings; and + as regards human beings, their food is supplied by the Earth. Superior and + inferior creatures, therefore, are all supported by the earth; the Earth + then is their refuge. The word Earth in these slokas is sometimes used to + signify the world and sometimes the element of that name.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-665" id="linknote-665"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 65 (<a href="#linknoteref-665">return</a>)<br /> [ I render the last line a + little too freely. If the saying is intended to be general, the + translation should run thus: “Up to this day there is no man whose desires + can be satiated.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-666" id="linknote-666"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 66 (<a href="#linknoteref-666">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + Kimanyat Kathayami te. The Bengal reading is Kimanyat srotumicchasi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-667" id="linknote-667"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 67 (<a href="#linknoteref-667">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + Tatas parena; the Bengal reading is Tatas purvena. I adopt the former.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-668" id="linknote-668"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 68 (<a href="#linknoteref-668">return</a>)<br /> [ Probably this mythical + account of Sakadwipa embodies some vague tradition current in ancient + India of some republic in Eastern Asia or Oceanic Asia (further east in + the Pacific). Accustomed as the Hindus were to kingly form of government, + a government without a king, would strike them exactly in the way + described in the last two slokas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-669" id="linknote-669"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 69 (<a href="#linknoteref-669">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of the + 3rd sloka is read variously. The Bombay edition incorrectly reads + ‘Parvataccha’ etc. etc.; the Bengal reading is evameva etc. etc. The + Bengal reading is better, although the true reading, I apprehend, is + Evametais &c., &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-670" id="linknote-670"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 70 (<a href="#linknoteref-670">return</a>)<br /> [ Vamanaka and Vamana are + the same words the final ka being a suffix causing no difference of + meaning. So Andhakaraka and Andhakara are the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-671" id="linknote-671"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 71 (<a href="#linknoteref-671">return</a>)<br /> [ Dig-gaja, i.e. an + elephant supporting the globe. There are four such in Hindu mythology or + ten according to some accounts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-672" id="linknote-672"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 72 (<a href="#linknoteref-672">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., with the juice + trickling down from their cheeks and mouth. In the season of rut, a + peculiar kind of juice issues from several parts of an elephant’s body. It + is believed to be the temporal-juice. The stronger and fierce the + elephant, the greater the quantity of the juice that issues out its body.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-673" id="linknote-673"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 73 (<a href="#linknoteref-673">return</a>)<br /> [ Tasya (singular of Tad) + and sa (masculine singular of Tad) both refer to the four elephants, + Gaja-chatushtaya in singular.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-674" id="linknote-674"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 74 (<a href="#linknoteref-674">return</a>)<br /> [ Asamyadha lit. “Unbound” + or “unrestrained,” i.e. freely or irregularly.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-675" id="linknote-675"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 75 (<a href="#linknoteref-675">return</a>)<br /> [ It is a remarkable fact + that the ratio between the diameter and the circumference of a circle was + roughly known to the ancient Hindus. The circumference is nearly, as + stated here, three times and a half of the diameter. The next ratio, of + course, is slightly less, being three and one-seventh.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-676" id="linknote-676"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 76 (<a href="#linknoteref-676">return</a>)<br /> [ The first word of this + sloka is variously read. ‘Yathadishtam’ is the Bengal reading, while the + Bombay reading ‘Yathoddishtam.’ If the latter reading were adopted, the + meaning would be as indicated (in the Sastras). The second line literally + rendered, is “pacify thy son Duryodhana.” But how Dhritarashtra is to + pacify his son having listened to the geographical digression, is not easy + to see.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-677" id="linknote-677"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 77 (<a href="#linknoteref-677">return</a>)<br /> [ For Sadhusattamas of the + Bengal texts, the Bombay edition reads Sadhusammatas. I adopt the last.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-678" id="linknote-678"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 78 (<a href="#linknoteref-678">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word in the + first line of the 11th sloka, in the Bengal texts, is ‘Pravriha.’ In the + Bombay edition it is ‘Anikaha.’ The difference in meaning is immaterial.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-679" id="linknote-679"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 79 (<a href="#linknoteref-679">return</a>)<br /> [ The first half of the + first line, in the Bengal texts, is read as ‘Kathamascha me putra’, the + Bombay text reads ‘Kathamascha me Yoddha’. If the latter reading be + adopted, the meaning would be—“Tell me how my warriors were,” etc. + etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-680" id="linknote-680"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 80 (<a href="#linknoteref-680">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + sloka 3, for ‘kim na asinmanastada’ (what was the state of mind of our + men) the Bombay text reads ‘Kimu asinmanastava’ (what was the state of + your mind)? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-681" id="linknote-681"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 81 (<a href="#linknoteref-681">return</a>)<br /> [ The Plural pronouns ‘ye’ + in the second line of the 8th sloka (changed into ‘ya’ by rule of Sandhi + because coming before tenam) is read ‘ke’ (or ‘ka’) by the Burdwan + Pundits. I think the correction a happy one. Nilakantha would take 7 and 8 + and the first half of 9 as a complete sentence reading ‘Asya twama antike’ + (thou wert near him) for ‘Asyaram antike’ (smiting or shooting arrows + near).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-682" id="linknote-682"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 82 (<a href="#linknoteref-682">return</a>)<br /> [ Some of the Bengal texts + have Panchalanam for Pandavanam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-683" id="linknote-683"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 83 (<a href="#linknoteref-683">return</a>)<br /> [ The form of the 2nd line + is a negative interrogative, implying,—‘I hope the Kurus did not + abandon him.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-684" id="linknote-684"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 84 (<a href="#linknoteref-684">return</a>)<br /> [ This comparison, lengthy + as it is, is not sustained throughout with the usual felicity of Vyasa. In + several parts it is undoubtedly faulty. Slight variation of reading also + occur here and there, without affecting the sense materially.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-685" id="linknote-685"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 85 (<a href="#linknoteref-685">return</a>)<br /> [ Gachchhato durgam gatim. + The Bombay edition reads Gachchhanto etc., etc. The meaning then would be—“who + protected the wings, themselves making the last painful journey?" </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-686" id="linknote-686"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 86 (<a href="#linknoteref-686">return</a>)<br /> [ The Burdwan Pundits make + Mahavalas an adjective of Putras. A better construction would be to take + it as referring to Bhishma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-687" id="linknote-687"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 87 (<a href="#linknoteref-687">return</a>)<br /> [ Ghatayitwa is, + literally, causing to be slain.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-688" id="linknote-688"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 88 (<a href="#linknoteref-688">return</a>)<br /> [ The words “high-souled” + and also “through whose boon bestowed of me” occur in the 9th sloka + following.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-689" id="linknote-689"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 89 (<a href="#linknoteref-689">return</a>)<br /> [ Vyotthiopatti vijananam, + Vyutthita is a very doubtful word.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-690" id="linknote-690"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 90 (<a href="#linknoteref-690">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “in Indra’s + abodes,” i.e. Amaravati.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-691" id="linknote-691"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 91 (<a href="#linknoteref-691">return</a>)<br /> [ A Kshatriya falling + bravely in fight at once goes to the highest regions of bliss.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-692" id="linknote-692"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 92 (<a href="#linknoteref-692">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha in a long + note explains that Magha Vishayagas Somas cannot mean that Soma or the + Moon entered the constellation called Magha. He quotes numerous slokas + scattered throughout the Mahabharata that throw light, directly or + indirectly, on the question of the opening day of the battle, and shows + that all these lead to a different conclusion. What is meant by the Moon + approaching the region of the Pitris is that those who fall in battle + immediately ascend to heaven; of course, they have first to go to the + region of Pitris. Thence they have to go to the lunar region for obtaining + celestial bodies. All this implies a little delay. Here, however, in the + case of those that would fall on the field of Kurukshetra, they would not + have to incur even such a little delay. Chandramas or Soma approached the + region of Pitris so that the fallen warriors might have celestial bodies + very soon, without, in fact, any necessity, on their part, to incur the + delay of a journey to the lunar region prior to their ascension to heaven + with resplendent bodies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-693" id="linknote-693"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 93 (<a href="#linknoteref-693">return</a>)<br /> [ There are nine planets + in all the Pauranic astronomy. Of these Rahu and Ketu are regarded + Upagrahas, and hence, of grahas there are only seven. Thus Nilakantha, and + the Burdwan pundits have made a mess of this line.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-694" id="linknote-694"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 94 (<a href="#linknoteref-694">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Bhanumanudito divi. The Bombay reading is Bhanumanudito Ravis. If the + latter be adopted, Bhanuman would be an adjective of Ravis.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-695" id="linknote-695"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 95 (<a href="#linknoteref-695">return</a>)<br /> [ Purvais Purvatarais is + literally—“They of old and still older times”; for Sanatanas some + editions read Srutijas (qualifying panthas). Srutija means arising from + the Srutis or as laid down in the Srutis.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-696" id="linknote-696"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 96 (<a href="#linknoteref-696">return</a>)<br /> [ Chamupatis is the Bengal + reading. The Bombay text reads Chamupari. If the latter reading be + adopted, the meaning would be, “at the head of the (Kuru) army.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-697" id="linknote-697"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 97 (<a href="#linknoteref-697">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal editions read + ‘Magadhascha ripum yayau.’ The Bombay text reads ‘Magadhasya Kripo-yayau.’ + If the latter reading be adopted, the meaning would be “and guiding the + very van of the Magadha troops Kripa went.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-698" id="linknote-698"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 98 (<a href="#linknoteref-698">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Saradabhraghana-prakshyam. The Bombay reading is + ‘Sharadamvudhara-prakshyam.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-699" id="linknote-699"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 99 (<a href="#linknoteref-699">return</a>)<br /> [ Vasavartinas is + nominative, masculine, plural, referring to cars, &c.; the Burdwan + Pundits take it as a genitive singular qualifying tasya, and they render + it, therefore, as “of that subordinate of Duryodhana.” This is evidently + incorrect.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6100" id="linknote-6100"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 100 (<a href="#linknoteref-6100">return</a>)<br /> [ Machines, perhaps + catapults.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6101" id="linknote-6101"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 101 (<a href="#linknoteref-6101">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Vyuha’ is an array of + troops in a certain form. Many such will be spoken of in this and the + other ‘parvas’ devoted to the battle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6102" id="linknote-6102"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 102 (<a href="#linknoteref-6102">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay edition + reads Yamunantara for Yamunantare of the Bengal texts. The difference in + meaning is not very material.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6103" id="linknote-6103"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 103 (<a href="#linknoteref-6103">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Syandamana; the Bombay reading is Spandamana. Both imply “moving”, only + the motion in the latter case is slower, perhaps, than in the former.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6104" id="linknote-6104"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 104 (<a href="#linknoteref-6104">return</a>)<br /> [ The word used is + Dayadas lit., taker of (one’s) wealth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6105" id="linknote-6105"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 105 (<a href="#linknoteref-6105">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text is + here faulty. Darsay swamahavalam is scarcely correct. The Bengal reading + is ‘Darsayan sumahavalam.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6106" id="linknote-6106"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 106 (<a href="#linknoteref-6106">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “with rent + cheeks and mouth.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6107" id="linknote-6107"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 107 (<a href="#linknoteref-6107">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading is + certainly faulty here. For Chalanta iva parvatas it reads Jimuta iva + varashikas, although it makes the previous line begin Ksharantaiva + Jimuta.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6108" id="linknote-6108"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 108 (<a href="#linknoteref-6108">return</a>)<br /> [ A parigha is a thick + club mounted with iron. The comparison is very feeble, for Bhima’s mace, + in the popular estimation, is much heavier and stouter than any parigha + manufactured for human combatants. Prachakarsha is, lit. dragged. I think, + however, the root krish must be taken here in the sense of crush.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6109" id="linknote-6109"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 109 (<a href="#linknoteref-6109">return</a>)<br /> [ The name Vajra implies + either a hard needle for boring diamonds and gems, or the thunder-bolt. In + this sloka the word Vajra is used as associated with the thunder and + therefore, as thunder is accompanied by lightning so the bows of the + warriors are the lightning-marks of this particular Vajra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6110" id="linknote-6110"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 110 (<a href="#linknoteref-6110">return</a>)<br /> [ The word is Uttaradhus + which seems to be very doubtful.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6111" id="linknote-6111"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 111 (<a href="#linknoteref-6111">return</a>)<br /> [ Yenarjunastena, Yena + is yatra and tena is tatra, as Nilakantha rightly explains. The meaning is—“who + would be there where Arjuna would be.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6112" id="linknote-6112"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 112 (<a href="#linknoteref-6112">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Dharmenikena chanagha which is evidently faulty, remembering that the + words are Brahman’s to Indra and the celestials. The Bombay reading is + Dharmenaivodyamena cha which I have adopted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6113" id="linknote-6113"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 113 (<a href="#linknoteref-6113">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense is that + they, viz., the gods, who accepted Krishna’s lead, or selected him for + their leader, became victorious. The Bengal reading is evidently superior, + viz., Anu Krishna literally “behind Krishna,” i.e., “with Krishna in the + front,” or “with Krishna as a leader.” The Bombay reading is Katham + Krishna. If this were adopted, the meaning would be, “How O Krishna, shall + we conquer?” I do not understand how victory should be theirs who answered + in this way. Of course, the answer implies modesty. But modesty is not the + sole requisite of victory, nor is modesty inculcated here as the chief + means of victory.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6114" id="linknote-6114"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 114 (<a href="#linknoteref-6114">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Kanchana-bhanda-yuktam. The Bombay reading is much better, being + Kanchanabhanda-yoktam; again, for Nagakulasya the Bombay edition reads + Nagapurasya, Nilakantha notices the latter reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6115" id="linknote-6115"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 115 (<a href="#linknoteref-6115">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Mahindram (king of earth, or king); the Bombay reading is Mahendram (the + great Indra). Without iva any word to that effect, Mahendram would be + ungrammatical.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6116" id="linknote-6116"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 116 (<a href="#linknoteref-6116">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read, + and as I think, correctly, Stutavanta enam. The Bombay reading is + Srutavanta enam. In the case of regenerate Rishis and Siddhas it is + scarcely necessary to say that they are conversant with the Srutis.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6117" id="linknote-6117"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 117 (<a href="#linknoteref-6117">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Sahasrani for Savastrani is correct. I adopt the latter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6118" id="linknote-6118"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 118 (<a href="#linknoteref-6118">return</a>)<br /> [ This is how I + understand this verse, and I am supported by the Burdwan Pundits. + Nilakantha, it seems, thinks that the car had a thousand wheels resembling + a thousand suns.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6119" id="linknote-6119"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 119 (<a href="#linknoteref-6119">return</a>)<br /> [ Verse 15 is read + variously. As the last word of the first line, I read Achakarsha for + raraksha, and accordingly I take that as a genitive and not an ablative + particle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6120" id="linknote-6120"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 120 (<a href="#linknoteref-6120">return</a>)<br /> [ I follow Nilakantha in + rendering many of the names occurring in this and the succeeding slokas. I + retain, however, those names that are of doubtful etymology, as also those + that are very common.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6121" id="linknote-6121"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 121 (<a href="#linknoteref-6121">return</a>)<br /> [ Every scholar knows + the derivation of this word as given in this sloka of Kalidasa (in his + Kumara Sambhavam) Umeti matra tapasonishiddha paschadumakhyam Sumukhi + Jagama.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6122" id="linknote-6122"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 122 (<a href="#linknoteref-6122">return</a>)<br /> [ Both Swaha and Swadha + are mantras of high efficacy. Kala and Kastha are divisions of time. + Saraswati implies speech.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6123" id="linknote-6123"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 123 (<a href="#linknoteref-6123">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankhye is explained + by Nilakantha to be Samyak Khyanam Prakasana Yasmin; hence + Atmanatma-vivekarupa Samadhi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6124" id="linknote-6124"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 124 (<a href="#linknoteref-6124">return</a>)<br /> [ The text of the Gita + has come down to us without, it may be ventured to be stated, any + interpolation. The difference of reading are few and far between. For + Jayadratha some texts read tathaivacha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6125" id="linknote-6125"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 125 (<a href="#linknoteref-6125">return</a>)<br /> [ The words Aparyaptam + and Paryaptam have exercised all commentators. If paryaptam is sufficient + (as it certainly is), aparyaptam may mean either more or less than + sufficient. The context, however, would seem to show that Duryodhana + addressed his preceptor in alarm and not with confidence of success, I, + therefore, take aparyaptam to be less than sufficient.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6126" id="linknote-6126"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 126 (<a href="#linknoteref-6126">return</a>)<br /> [ It has been observed + before that Schlegel renders the names of these conches as Gigantea, + Theodotes, Arundinca, Triumpphatrix, Dulcisona, and Gemmiflora, and that + Professor Wilson approves of them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6127" id="linknote-6127"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 127 (<a href="#linknoteref-6127">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems a fashion to + doubt the etymology of this word, as if commentators of the learning of + Sreedhara and Sankara, Anandagiri and Nilakantha even upon a question of + derivation and grammar can really be set aside in favour of anything that + may occur in the Petersburgh lexicon. Hrishikesa means the lord of the + senses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6128" id="linknote-6128"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 128 (<a href="#linknoteref-6128">return</a>)<br /> [ Ranasamudyame may also + mean “at the outset of battle.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6129" id="linknote-6129"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 129 (<a href="#linknoteref-6129">return</a>)<br /> [ The meaning is that + even for the sake of such a rich reward in prospect I would not kill + persons so dear and near to me. I would much rather suffer them strike me, + myself not returning their blows.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6130" id="linknote-6130"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 130 (<a href="#linknoteref-6130">return</a>)<br /> [ The word is + atatayinas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6131" id="linknote-6131"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 131 (<a href="#linknoteref-6131">return</a>)<br /> [ Most editions read + savandhavam “with (their) kinsmen or friends,” I think, however, that swa + (own) for (with) is the correct reading. K. T. Telang adopts it in his + translation published in Vol. VIII of the Sacred Books of the East.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6132" id="linknote-6132"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 132 (<a href="#linknoteref-6132">return</a>)<br /> [ In some editions this + lesson is stated to be “Arjuna’s grief.” The description of the lesson + again is given in fewer words.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6133" id="linknote-6133"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 133 (<a href="#linknoteref-6133">return</a>)<br /> [ The commentators + betray their ingenuity by emphasizing the word ishubhis (with arrows), + explaining, “how can I encounter them with arrows whom I cannot encounter + with even harsh words?" </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6134" id="linknote-6134"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 134 (<a href="#linknoteref-6134">return</a>)<br /> [ Arthakaman is an + adjective qualifying Gurun. Some commentators particularly Sreedhara, + suggest that it may, instead, qualify bhogan. The meaning, however, in + that case would be far-fetched.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6135" id="linknote-6135"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 135 (<a href="#linknoteref-6135">return</a>)<br /> [ Sreedhara explains + that Karpanya is compassion (for kinsmen), and dosha is the fear of sin + (for destroying a race). The first compound, therefore, according to him, + means,—“My nature affected by both compassion and fear of sin,” etc. + It is better, however, to take Karpanya itself as a dosha (taint or + fault). K. T. Telang understands it in this way. Upahata, however, is + affected and not contaminated.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6136" id="linknote-6136"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 136 (<a href="#linknoteref-6136">return</a>)<br /> [ What Arjuna says here + is that “Even if I obtain such a kingdom on Earth, even if I obtain the + very kingship of the gods, I do not yet see that will dispel that grief + which will overtake me if I slay my preceptor and kinsmen.” Telang’s + version is slightly ambiguous.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6137" id="linknote-6137"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 137 (<a href="#linknoteref-6137">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts have + Parantapa with a Visarga, thus implying that it refers to Gudakesa. The + Bombay edition prints it without the Visarga, implying that it is in the + vocative case, referring to Dhritarashtra, the listener.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6138" id="linknote-6138"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 138 (<a href="#linknoteref-6138">return</a>)<br /> [ One of the most useful + rules in translating from one language into another is to use identical + words for identical expressions in the original. In translating, however, + from a language like Sanskrit which abounds in synonyms, this is not + always practicable without ambiguity. As an example, the word used in 13 + is Dhira; that used in 11 is Pandita. There can be little doubt, however, + that Pandita and Dhira have exactly the same meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6139" id="linknote-6139"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 139 (<a href="#linknoteref-6139">return</a>)<br /> [ Amritatwa is really + emancipation or non-liability to repeated death or repeated rebirth. To + render it as “immortality” is, perhaps, a little slovenly, for every soul + is immortal, and this particular section inculcates it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6140" id="linknote-6140"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 140 (<a href="#linknoteref-6140">return</a>)<br /> [ Sat and asat are the + two words which must be distinctly understood as they occur often in Hindu + philosophy. Sat is explained as the real, i.e., the soul, or anything as + real and permanent as the soul. Asat is the reverse of this, i.e., the + unreal or the Non-soul. What is said here by Krishna is that the unreal + has no existence; the real, again can have no non-existence. Is not this a + sort of cosmothetic idealism? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6141" id="linknote-6141"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 141 (<a href="#linknoteref-6141">return</a>)<br /> [ Most texts read + Yudhaya Yujyaswa. A manuscript belonging to a friend of mine has the + correction in red-ink, Yudhaya Yudhaya Yudhaywa. It accords so well with + the spirit of the lesson sought to be inculcated here that I make no + scruple to adopt it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6142" id="linknote-6142"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 142 (<a href="#linknoteref-6142">return</a>)<br /> [ A life in this world + that is subject to decay and death. So say all the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6143" id="linknote-6143"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 143 (<a href="#linknoteref-6143">return</a>)<br /> [ What Krishna seeks to + inculcate here is the simple truth that persons who believe in the Vedas + and their ordinances laying down specific acts for the attainment of a + heaven of pleasure and power, cannot have the devotion without which there + cannot be final emancipation which only is the highest bliss. The + performance of Vedic rites may lead to heaven of pleasure and power, but + what is that heaven worth? True emancipation is something else which must + be obtained by devotion, by pure contemplation. In rendering + Janma-Karma-phalapradam I have followed Sankara. Sreedhara and other + commentators explain it differently.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6144" id="linknote-6144"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 144 (<a href="#linknoteref-6144">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka has been + variously rendered by various translators. It is the same that occurs in + the Sanat-Sujata Parva of the Udyoga. (Vide Udyoga Parva, Section XLV). + Both Sreedhara and Sankara (and I may mention Anandagiri also) explain it + in this way. Shortly stated, the meaning is that to an instructed Brahmana + (Brahma-knowing person and not a Brahmana by birth), his knowledge (of + self or Brahma) teaches him that which is obtainable from all the Vedas, + just as a man wanting to bathe or drink may find a tank or well as useful + to him as a large reservoir of water occupying an extensive area. + Nilakantha explains it in a different way.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6145" id="linknote-6145"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 145 (<a href="#linknoteref-6145">return</a>)<br /> [ Srotavyasya + Srutasyacha is literally ‘of the hearable and the heard’, i.e., “what you + may or will hear, and what you have heard.” European translators of the + Gita view in these words a rejection of the Vedas by the author. It is + amusing to see how confidently they dogmatise upon this point, rejecting + the authority of Sankara, Sreedhara, Anandagiri, and the whole host of + Indian commentators. As K. T. Telang, however, has answered the point + elaborately, nothing more need be said here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6146" id="linknote-6146"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 146 (<a href="#linknoteref-6146">return</a>)<br /> [ One may abstain, + either from choice or inability to procure them, from the objects of + enjoyment. Until, however, the very desire to enjoy is suppressed, one + cannot be said to have attained to steadiness of mind. Of Aristotle’s + saying that he is a voluptuary who pines at his own abstinence, and the + Christian doctrine of sin being in the wish, mere abstinence from the act + constitutes no merit.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6147" id="linknote-6147"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 147 (<a href="#linknoteref-6147">return</a>)<br /> [ The particle ‘he’ in + the second line is explained by both Sankara and Anandagiri as equivalent + to Yasmat. The meaning becomes certainly clearer by taking the word in + this sense. The ‘he’, however, may also be taken as implying the sense of + “indeed.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6148" id="linknote-6148"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 148 (<a href="#linknoteref-6148">return</a>)<br /> [ Buddhi in the first + line is explained by Sreedhara as Aintavishayak buddhi. Bhavanta Sreedhara + explains, is Dhyanam; and Sankara as Atmajnanabhinivesas. K. T. Telang + renders Bhavana as perseverance. I do not think this is correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6149" id="linknote-6149"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 149 (<a href="#linknoteref-6149">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankara, Anandagiri, + and Nilakantha explain this sloka thus. Sreedhara explains it otherwise. + The latter supposes the pronouns yat and tat to mean a particular sense + among the Charatam indriyanam. If Sreedhara’s interpretation be correct, + the meaning would be—“That (one sense) amongst the senses moving + (among their objects) which the mind follows, (that one sense) tosseth the + mind’s (or the man’s) understanding about like the wind tossing a (drunken + boatman’s) boat on the waters.” The parenthetical words are introduced by + Sreedhara himself. It may not be out of place to mention here that so far + as Bengal, Mithila and Benares are concerned, the authority of Sreedhara + is regarded as supreme.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6150" id="linknote-6150"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 150 (<a href="#linknoteref-6150">return</a>)<br /> [ The vulgar, being + spiritually dark, are engaged in worldly pursuits. The sage in spiritual + light is dead to the latter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6151" id="linknote-6151"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 151 (<a href="#linknoteref-6151">return</a>)<br /> [ Prakritijais Gunas is + explained by Sreedhara as qualities born of one’s nature such as + Ragadveshadi. Sankara thinks that they are the qualities or attributes of + primal matter (which enters into the composition of every self) such as + Satwa, Rajas, and Tamas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6152" id="linknote-6152"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 152 (<a href="#linknoteref-6152">return</a>)<br /> [ “Apply to work”, i.e. + to work as prescribed in the scriptures. Thus says Sankara. “To morning + and evening prayers, etc.” says Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6153" id="linknote-6153"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 153 (<a href="#linknoteref-6153">return</a>)<br /> [ Sacrifices Vishnu’s + self as declared by the Srutis; work for sacrifice, therefore, is work for + Vishnu’s sake or gratification. For the sake of that i.e., for + sacrifice’s, or Vishnu’s sake. So say all the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6154" id="linknote-6154"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 154 (<a href="#linknoteref-6154">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhavaya is explained + by both Sankara and Sreedhara as Vradhaya or make grow. Perhaps, “rear” is + the nearest approach to it in English. K. T. Telang renders it, ‘please.’ + The idea is eminently Indian. The gods are fed by sacrifices, and in + return they feed men by sending rain. The Asuras again who warred with the + gods warred with sacrifices.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6155" id="linknote-6155"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 155 (<a href="#linknoteref-6155">return</a>)<br /> [ Parjjanya is explained + by both Sankara and Sreedhara as rain. It means also the clouds or the + origin of rain.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6156" id="linknote-6156"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 156 (<a href="#linknoteref-6156">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the + original that is rendered in the Vedas is Brahma. It may mean the Supreme + Soul. Of course, in Brahmanic literature, the Vedas are Brahma and Brahma + is the Vedas, but still in the second line of 15 there is no necessity of + taking Brahma as equivalent to the Vedas. I do not think Telang is + accurate in his rendering of this line.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6157" id="linknote-6157"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 157 (<a href="#linknoteref-6157">return</a>)<br /> [ The wheel referred to + is what has been said before, viz., from the Vedas are work, from work is + rain, from rain is food, from food are creatures, from creatures again + work and so back to the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6158" id="linknote-6158"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 158 (<a href="#linknoteref-6158">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense seems to be, + as explained by the commentators, that such a man earns no merit by + action, nor sin by inaction or omission. Nor is there anybody from the + Supreme Being to the lowest creature on whom he depends for anything.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6159" id="linknote-6159"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 159 (<a href="#linknoteref-6159">return</a>)<br /> [ The example set by the + great is always catching. Itaras, here, is Vulgar and not “other”. Kurute + which I have rendered as “maketh” is used in the sense of “regardeth.” + Pramanam, however, may not necessarily mean something else that is set up + as an ideal. It may refer to the actions themselves of the great men set + up by them as a standard.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6160" id="linknote-6160"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 160 (<a href="#linknoteref-6160">return</a>)<br /> [ Sreedhara would + connect “in the three worlds” with what follows. I follow Sankara and the + natural order of words.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6161" id="linknote-6161"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 161 (<a href="#linknoteref-6161">return</a>)<br /> [ The word rendered + “nature” is prakriti. It really implies “primal matter.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6162" id="linknote-6162"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 162 (<a href="#linknoteref-6162">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line, + literally rendered, is “deeming that qualities engage in qualities.” The + first “qualities” imply the senses, and the second, the objects of the + senses. The purport is that one knowing the distinction referred to, never + thinks that his soul is the actor, for that which is work is only the + result of the senses being applied to their objects.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6163" id="linknote-6163"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 163 (<a href="#linknoteref-6163">return</a>)<br /> [ Guna-karmashu is + explained by Sankara as works of the qualities, or works done by them. + Sreedhara explains the compound as “qualities and (their) works.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6164" id="linknote-6164"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 164 (<a href="#linknoteref-6164">return</a>)<br /> [ Devoting all work to + me, i.e., in the belief that all you do is for me or my sake.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6165" id="linknote-6165"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 165 (<a href="#linknoteref-6165">return</a>)<br /> [ The senses, as regards + their diverse objects in the world, are either drawn towards them or + repelled by them. These likes and dislikes (in the case of men who, of + course, only act according to their nature) stand in the way of their + emancipation, if men submit to them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6166" id="linknote-6166"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 166 (<a href="#linknoteref-6166">return</a>)<br /> [ Desire, if not + gratified, results in wrath. Thus say the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6167" id="linknote-6167"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 167 (<a href="#linknoteref-6167">return</a>)<br /> [ Prajahi is explained + by both Sankara and Sreedhara as parityaja (cast off).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6168" id="linknote-6168"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 168 (<a href="#linknoteref-6168">return</a>)<br /> [ He is the Supreme Soul + or Being.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6169" id="linknote-6169"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 169 (<a href="#linknoteref-6169">return</a>)<br /> [ There can be little + doubt that what Krishna says here is that no form of worship is + unacceptable to him. Whatever the manner of the worship, it is I who is + worshipped. After K. T. Telang’s exhaustive and effective reply to Dr. + Lorinser’s strange hypothesis of the Gita having been composed under + Christian influences, it is scarcely necessary to add that such toleration + would ill accord with the theory of the Christian authorship of the poem.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6170" id="linknote-6170"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 170 (<a href="#linknoteref-6170">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., both inactive + and undecaying. Work implies exertion, and, therefore, loss of energy. In + me there is no action, no loss of energy and therefore, no decay.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6171" id="linknote-6171"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 171 (<a href="#linknoteref-6171">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Kama-sankalpa + vivarjjitas.’ i.e., freed from kama (desire of fruit) and sankalpa—the + consequent will or determination to do. Thus both Sreedhara and Sankara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6172" id="linknote-6172"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 172 (<a href="#linknoteref-6172">return</a>)<br /> [ Chitta the mind and + atma in this connection is the senses. Thus both Sreedhara and Sankara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6173" id="linknote-6173"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 173 (<a href="#linknoteref-6173">return</a>)<br /> [ Sacrifice means here + the Supreme Soul. What is done for the sake of sacrifice is done for + procuring emancipation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6174" id="linknote-6174"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 174 (<a href="#linknoteref-6174">return</a>)<br /> [ What is meant by this + is that in the case of such a person complete identification with Brahma + takes place, and when such an identification has taken place, action is + destroyed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6175" id="linknote-6175"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 175 (<a href="#linknoteref-6175">return</a>)<br /> [ I.e., offering up + sacrifice itself as a sacrifice to the Brahma fire, they cast off all + action.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6176" id="linknote-6176"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 176 (<a href="#linknoteref-6176">return</a>)<br /> [ Offering up the senses + to the fire of restraint means restraining the senses for the practice of + Yoga. Offering up the objects of the senses means non-attachment to those + objects.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6177" id="linknote-6177"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 177 (<a href="#linknoteref-6177">return</a>)<br /> [ Suspending the + functions of life for contemplation or Yoga.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6178" id="linknote-6178"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 178 (<a href="#linknoteref-6178">return</a>)<br /> [ In these cases the + sacrifices consist in the giving away of wealth, in the ascetic + austerities themselves, in meditation, in study, etc. Sreedhara explains + the first compound of the second line differently. According to him, it + means not study and knowledge, but the knowledge from study.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6179" id="linknote-6179"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 179 (<a href="#linknoteref-6179">return</a>)<br /> [ All these are + different kinds of Yoga, or the different stages of Yoga practice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6180" id="linknote-6180"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 180 (<a href="#linknoteref-6180">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., knowledge being + attained, the fruits of action are attained by, at least, their end being + compassed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6181" id="linknote-6181"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 181 (<a href="#linknoteref-6181">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankhya is + renunciation of action, while Yoga is devotion through action.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6182" id="linknote-6182"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 182 (<a href="#linknoteref-6182">return</a>)<br /> [ The grammatical form + of the word Yoga as here employed is exceptional.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6183" id="linknote-6183"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 183 (<a href="#linknoteref-6183">return</a>)<br /> [ The first atman is + explained as the soul, the second as the body, by all the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6184" id="linknote-6184"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 184 (<a href="#linknoteref-6184">return</a>)<br /> [ Taking means taking + anything with the hands.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6185" id="linknote-6185"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 185 (<a href="#linknoteref-6185">return</a>)<br /> [ Water when thrown over + a lotus-leaf escapes without soaking or drenching the leaf at all.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6186" id="linknote-6186"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 186 (<a href="#linknoteref-6186">return</a>)<br /> [ Telang renders Pura as + city, of course, the body having two eyes, two ears, two nostrils, one + mouth, and two openings for excretions, is meant.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6187" id="linknote-6187"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 187 (<a href="#linknoteref-6187">return</a>)<br /> [ Such men are exempted + from the obligation of re-birth. Leaving this body they merge into the + Supreme Soul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6188" id="linknote-6188"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 188 (<a href="#linknoteref-6188">return</a>)<br /> [ The word is Swapacha + meaning a member of the lowest caste.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6189" id="linknote-6189"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 189 (<a href="#linknoteref-6189">return</a>)<br /> [ “Brahma is faultless + and equable”; so Sreedhara and others,—“since faultless equality is + Brahma.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6190" id="linknote-6190"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 190 (<a href="#linknoteref-6190">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense is that they + are at one with Brahma both here and hereafter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6191" id="linknote-6191"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 191 (<a href="#linknoteref-6191">return</a>)<br /> [ Renouncer and devotee + Sannyasin and Yogin.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6192" id="linknote-6192"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 192 (<a href="#linknoteref-6192">return</a>)<br /> [ Which spring from + desire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6193" id="linknote-6193"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 193 (<a href="#linknoteref-6193">return</a>)<br /> [ Self in this sloka is + explained by the commentators as mind. The mind, unless controlled, cannot + lead to devotion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6194" id="linknote-6194"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 194 (<a href="#linknoteref-6194">return</a>)<br /> [ Chitta and atma are + explained by the commentators as “mind and body.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6195" id="linknote-6195"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 195 (<a href="#linknoteref-6195">return</a>)<br /> [ Fixed on one’s own + self, i.e., withdrawn from all objects of sense. Thus Sankara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6196" id="linknote-6196"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 196 (<a href="#linknoteref-6196">return</a>)<br /> [ Nischayena is + explained by Sankara as equivalent to “with preservence” or steadily. + Sreedhara explains it as equal to “with the certitude of knowledge + acquired by instruction.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6197" id="linknote-6197"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 197 (<a href="#linknoteref-6197">return</a>)<br /> [ Mriti-grahitaya + Buddhya is, as explained by Sankara and others “with understanding + controlled by patience.” K. T. Telang renders it “with firm resolve + coupled with courage.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6198" id="linknote-6198"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 198 (<a href="#linknoteref-6198">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. I am always + visible to him, and he too is always within my sight and I am always kind + to him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6199" id="linknote-6199"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 199 (<a href="#linknoteref-6199">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. how its stable + existence may be secured, the mind being by nature ever restless.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6200" id="linknote-6200"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 200 (<a href="#linknoteref-6200">return</a>)<br /> [ Fallen off from both, + i.e., from heaven (through work) and absorption into Brahma (through + devotion).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6201" id="linknote-6201"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 201 (<a href="#linknoteref-6201">return</a>)<br /> [ Without leaving + anything, i.e., entirely.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6202" id="linknote-6202"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 202 (<a href="#linknoteref-6202">return</a>)<br /> [ The Divine-Word i.e., + the Vedas. So great is the efficacy of devotion that one merely enquiring + of it transcends him who conforms to the rites of the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6203" id="linknote-6203"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 203 (<a href="#linknoteref-6203">return</a>)<br /> [ Only some one, i.e., + very few. Few perfection, i.e., for knowledge of self. Thus all the + commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6204" id="linknote-6204"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 204 (<a href="#linknoteref-6204">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + first line of this sloka is param (higher) and not aparam with the initial + a silent owing to the rules of Sandhi. Many of the Bengal texts have + aparam, not excepting the latest one printed at Calcutta.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6205" id="linknote-6205"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 205 (<a href="#linknoteref-6205">return</a>)<br /> [ Kama which I have + rendered desire is explained by Sreedhara as the wish for an unattained + object; and raga as the longing or thirst for more. The second Kama is + explained as desires of the class of love or lust.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6206" id="linknote-6206"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 206 (<a href="#linknoteref-6206">return</a>)<br /> [ Daivi is explained by + Sankara as divine; by Sreedhara as marvellous.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6207" id="linknote-6207"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 207 (<a href="#linknoteref-6207">return</a>)<br /> [ The divine desires are + about sons, fame, victory over enemies, etc., regulations, such as fasts + etc.; their own nature, i.e., disposition as dependent on the acts of + their past lives. Thus all the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6208" id="linknote-6208"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 208 (<a href="#linknoteref-6208">return</a>)<br /> [ The worshipper obtains + his desires, thinking he gets them from the godhead he worships. It is + however, that gives him those.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6209" id="linknote-6209"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 209 (<a href="#linknoteref-6209">return</a>)<br /> [ The divinities being + perishable, myself imperishable. What these obtain is perishable. What my + worshippers obtain is imperishable.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6210" id="linknote-6210"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 210 (<a href="#linknoteref-6210">return</a>)<br /> [ The ignorant, without + knowledge of my transcendent essence take me to be no higher than that + what is indicated in my human and other incarnate manifestations. Thus + Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6211" id="linknote-6211"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 211 (<a href="#linknoteref-6211">return</a>)<br /> [ Adhyatman is explained + as all that by which Brahman is to be attained. All actions mean the whole + course of duties and practices leading to the knowledge of Brahman.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6212" id="linknote-6212"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 212 (<a href="#linknoteref-6212">return</a>)<br /> [ The three words + occurring in this sloka and explained in the next section, forming as they + do the subject of a question by Arjuna.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6213" id="linknote-6213"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 213 (<a href="#linknoteref-6213">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhava is production, + and Udbhava is growth or development. Thus Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6214" id="linknote-6214"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 214 (<a href="#linknoteref-6214">return</a>)<br /> [ All the doors, i.e., + the senses. Confining the mind within the heart, i.e., withdrawing the + mind from all external objects. Murdhni is explained by Sreedhara to mean + here “between the eyebrows.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6215" id="linknote-6215"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 215 (<a href="#linknoteref-6215">return</a>)<br /> [ All these regions + being destructible and liable to re-birth, those that live there are + equally liable to death and re-birth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6216" id="linknote-6216"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 216 (<a href="#linknoteref-6216">return</a>)<br /> [ The meaning, as + explained by Sreedhara, is that such persons are said to know all, and not + those whose knowledge is bounded by the course of the sun and the moon.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6217" id="linknote-6217"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 217 (<a href="#linknoteref-6217">return</a>)<br /> [ In this round of + births and deaths, the creatures themselves are not free agents, being all + the while subject to the influence of Karma, as explained by the + commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6218" id="linknote-6218"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 218 (<a href="#linknoteref-6218">return</a>)<br /> [ The commentators + explain the word fire, the light, day, &c., as several godheads + presiding over particular times.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6219" id="linknote-6219"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 219 (<a href="#linknoteref-6219">return</a>)<br /> [ The atmosphere + occupies space without affecting it or its nature. So all things are in + the Supreme Being without affecting him.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6220" id="linknote-6220"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 220 (<a href="#linknoteref-6220">return</a>)<br /> [ My nature, i.e., the + unmanifest principle or primal essence.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6221" id="linknote-6221"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 221 (<a href="#linknoteref-6221">return</a>)<br /> [ Prakriti which I + render “nature” is explained by the commentators as Karma, the influence + of Karma or action being universal in setting the form of a particular + entity at the time of its creation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6222" id="linknote-6222"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 222 (<a href="#linknoteref-6222">return</a>)<br /> [ This reason, i.e., my + supervision.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6223" id="linknote-6223"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 223 (<a href="#linknoteref-6223">return</a>)<br /> [ Sreedhara says that + these are different modes of worship; “with reverence and ever devoted” + grammatically refers to each of the three classes of worshippers + indicated.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6224" id="linknote-6224"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 224 (<a href="#linknoteref-6224">return</a>)<br /> [ Performing the + sacrifice of knowledge, i.e., believing Vasudeva to be everything. In many + forms, i.e., as Brahman, Rudra, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6225" id="linknote-6225"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 225 (<a href="#linknoteref-6225">return</a>)<br /> [ Mantra is the sacred + verse or verses used for invoking godheads, and for other purposes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6226" id="linknote-6226"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 226 (<a href="#linknoteref-6226">return</a>)<br /> [ Hence they have to + come back, explains Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6227" id="linknote-6227"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 227 (<a href="#linknoteref-6227">return</a>)<br /> [ Prayatatmanas is + explained as Suddhachittasya.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6228" id="linknote-6228"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 228 (<a href="#linknoteref-6228">return</a>)<br /> [ Iman lokan (this + mortal world), Sreedhara says, may mean “this form of royal saint that + thou hast.” This is far-fetched.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6229" id="linknote-6229"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 229 (<a href="#linknoteref-6229">return</a>)<br /> [ Telang renders Paramam + ‘excellent’; Mr. John Davies, ‘all important’. The meaning is referring to + the ‘Supreme Soul’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6230" id="linknote-6230"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 230 (<a href="#linknoteref-6230">return</a>)<br /> [ Both Sankara and + Sreedhara explain Sarvassas as “in every way”. i.e., as creator, as guide, + &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6231" id="linknote-6231"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 231 (<a href="#linknoteref-6231">return</a>)<br /> [ Prajas offspring, + including, as Sankara says, both mobile, and immobile, therefore, not + mankind alone.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6232" id="linknote-6232"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 232 (<a href="#linknoteref-6232">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhava-samanwitas is + explained by Sreedhara as “full of love”, which K. T. Telang accepts. + Sankara explains it as “endued with penetration into the knowledge of the + Supreme object.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6233" id="linknote-6233"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 233 (<a href="#linknoteref-6233">return</a>)<br /> [ Tityam, ever, is + connected with what follows and not what precedes. Thus Sreedhara. Mr. + Davies connects it with Kathayantas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6234" id="linknote-6234"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 234 (<a href="#linknoteref-6234">return</a>)<br /> [ K. T. Telang renders + buddhi-yogam as knowledge; Mr. Davies, as mental devotion and Sankara, + “devotion by special insight.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6235" id="linknote-6235"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 235 (<a href="#linknoteref-6235">return</a>)<br /> [ To know thee fully is + impossible. In what particular forms or manifestations, therefore, shall I + think of thee? The word Bhava in the second line is rendered “entities” by + K. T. Telang, and “form of being” by Mr. Davies.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6236" id="linknote-6236"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 236 (<a href="#linknoteref-6236">return</a>)<br /> [ Vistarasya evidently + refers (as explained by all the commentators) to Vibhutinam. It is a + question of grammar and not of doctrine that there can be any difference + of opinion. Mr. Davies, however, renders it “of (my) greatness.” This is + inaccurate.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6237" id="linknote-6237"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 237 (<a href="#linknoteref-6237">return</a>)<br /> [ The Adityas are the + solar deities, twelve in number, corresponding to the twelve months of the + year. The Maruts are the wind-gods, whose chief is Marichi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6238" id="linknote-6238"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 238 (<a href="#linknoteref-6238">return</a>)<br /> [ The Rudras are a class + of destructive gods, eleven in number. The Vasus are an inferior class of + deities, eight in number. The lord of treasures is Kuvera.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6239" id="linknote-6239"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 239 (<a href="#linknoteref-6239">return</a>)<br /> [ The Japa-sacrifice is + the sacrifice by meditation which is superior to all sacrifices.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6240" id="linknote-6240"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 240 (<a href="#linknoteref-6240">return</a>)<br /> [ Kamadhuk, the + wish-giving cow called Surabhi. The cause of re-production, i.e., I am not + the mere carnal passion, but that passion which procreates or is crowned + with fruit.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6241" id="linknote-6241"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 241 (<a href="#linknoteref-6241">return</a>)<br /> [ In 28, Vasuki is + called the chief of the Sarpas (serpents); in 29 Ananta is spoken of as + the chief of the Nagas. The latter are Sarpas as well. Sreedhara says that + the distinction lies in the fact of the Nagas being without poison. This + is hardly correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6242" id="linknote-6242"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 242 (<a href="#linknoteref-6242">return</a>)<br /> [ Pavatam may also mean + “of those that have motion.” Rama is Dasaratha’s son, the hero of + Valmiki’s poem. Ganga is called Jahnavi because she was, after having been + drunk up, let out by the ascetic Jahnu through his knee.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6243" id="linknote-6243"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 243 (<a href="#linknoteref-6243">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Davies renders + Vedas ‘Pravadatam’ as “the speech of those that speak.” K. T. Telang + renders it “the argument of controversialists.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6244" id="linknote-6244"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 244 (<a href="#linknoteref-6244">return</a>)<br /> [ A, or rather the sound + of A as in full, is the initial letter of the Sanskrit alphabet. Of + compounds, the Dwanda, or the copulative compound, is enumerated first. In + other respects again, the Dwanda is the best kind of compound for the + words forming it are co-ordinate, without one being dependent on the other + or others.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6245" id="linknote-6245"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 245 (<a href="#linknoteref-6245">return</a>)<br /> [ The Vrihat-saman is + said to be the best, because it leads to emancipation at once. Thus + Sankara. The Margasirsha is the month from the middle of February to the + middle of March. Productive of flowers, i.e., the Spring.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6246" id="linknote-6246"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 246 (<a href="#linknoteref-6246">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Davies renders the + last line of this verse as “I have established in continuance all this + universe by one part myself.” This is both obscure and inaccurate.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6247" id="linknote-6247"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 247 (<a href="#linknoteref-6247">return</a>)<br /> [ Adhyatman, i.e., the + relation between the Supreme and the individual soul. This my delusion, + i.e., about my being the slayer.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6248" id="linknote-6248"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 248 (<a href="#linknoteref-6248">return</a>)<br /> [ Avyayam is that which + has no decay. Ordinarily, it may be rendered “eternal.” Telang renders it + “inexhaustible”. Elsewhere I have rendered it as “understanding.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6249" id="linknote-6249"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 249 (<a href="#linknoteref-6249">return</a>)<br /> [ Ekastham, lit. “all in + one”. i.e., collected together.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6250" id="linknote-6250"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 250 (<a href="#linknoteref-6250">return</a>)<br /> [ Devam is explained by + Sreedhara as Dyotanatmakam i.e., endued with splendour. Mr. Davies renders + it resplendent; but Telang renders it “deity.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6251" id="linknote-6251"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 251 (<a href="#linknoteref-6251">return</a>)<br /> [ Pra-vibhaktam-anekadha + (divided diversely) is an adjective of Jagat. See Sreedhara. Both Mr. + Davies and Telang seem to take it as a predicate in contra-distinction to + Ekastham. This is scarcely correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6252" id="linknote-6252"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 252 (<a href="#linknoteref-6252">return</a>)<br /> [ Verse 21 is read + differently. For Twam Surasangha, some texts read twa-Asurasanghas. Then + again for Stuvanti in the second line some read Vikshate.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6253" id="linknote-6253"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 253 (<a href="#linknoteref-6253">return</a>)<br /> [ Pravritti is explained + by both Sankara and Sreedhara as Chesta, i.e., movements or acts. Mr. + Davies is, I think, not correct in taking it to mean “evolved or developed + form.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6254" id="linknote-6254"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 254 (<a href="#linknoteref-6254">return</a>)<br /> [ Kala here is death. + Mr. Davies renders it Time, following some other translators. Pravriddha + is not (as Mr. Davies renders it) “old” or “very old,” but swelling or + fully developed. Then again, Mr. Davies commits a ludicrous blunder in + rendering Rite twam as “Except thee.” This is one of those idioms at which + a foreigner is sure to stumble who has only the lexicons for his guide. + What Krishna says is not that all would perish save Arjuna, but that + without Arjuna (i.e., even if he did not fight) all would perish.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6255" id="linknote-6255"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 255 (<a href="#linknoteref-6255">return</a>)<br /> [ Nidhanam is either + refuge or support or abode or receptacle. Mr. Davies incorrectly renders + it “treasure-house.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6256" id="linknote-6256"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 256 (<a href="#linknoteref-6256">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankara accepts the + reading Gururgariyan, Sreedhara takes it as Gururgariyan. In either case + the difference in meaning is not material.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6257" id="linknote-6257"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 257 (<a href="#linknoteref-6257">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankara connects + Adhyayana with Veda and Yajna. This seems to be right explanation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6258" id="linknote-6258"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 258 (<a href="#linknoteref-6258">return</a>)<br /> [ Ata urddham is ‘after + this,’ or ‘hereafter on high’ as Mr. Davies renders it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6259" id="linknote-6259"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 259 (<a href="#linknoteref-6259">return</a>)<br /> [ Although the + limitation “for fruit” does not occur in the text, yet, it is evident, it + should be understood. Krishna does not recommend the total abandonment of + actions, but abandonment for their fruit. Mr. Davies renders arambha as + “enterprise.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6260" id="linknote-6260"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 260 (<a href="#linknoteref-6260">return</a>)<br /> [ The learned, i.e., + they that are themselves acquainted with is Kshetra and what not. As + explained by Krishna himself below, Kshetra is Matter, and Kshetrajna is + Soul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6261" id="linknote-6261"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 261 (<a href="#linknoteref-6261">return</a>)<br /> [ Dukha-dosha is + explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara as a Dwanda compound.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6262" id="linknote-6262"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 262 (<a href="#linknoteref-6262">return</a>)<br /> [ Vivikta is explained + by the commentators as Suddha or Chittaprasadakara. There can be no doubt, + however, that it is in opposition to Janasamsadi following. Hence I render + it “lonely”.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6263" id="linknote-6263"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 263 (<a href="#linknoteref-6263">return</a>)<br /> [ The object of the + knowledge of truth is the dispelling of ignorance and the acquisition of + happiness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6264" id="linknote-6264"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 264 (<a href="#linknoteref-6264">return</a>)<br /> [ Nor having eyes, etc., + yet seeing, etc.; without attributes, yet having or enjoying all that the + attributes give.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6265" id="linknote-6265"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 265 (<a href="#linknoteref-6265">return</a>)<br /> [ All modifications, + i.e., of material forms; all qualities, i.e., pleasure, pain, etc. The + word rendered “nature” is Prakriti (primal matter), and that rendered + “spirit” is Purusha (the active principle). Vikarna and Gunan include all + material forms and attributes of the soul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6266" id="linknote-6266"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 266 (<a href="#linknoteref-6266">return</a>)<br /> [ + Karya-karana-karttritwa is explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara to mean + “the capacity of working (residing) in the body and the senses.” K. T. + Telang adopts this. Mr. Davies in his text has “in the activity of the + organs of action.” In course of his philological notes, however, he gives + the correct rendering. ‘Is said to be’ is explained by Sreedhara as + referring to Kapila and others.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6267" id="linknote-6267"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 267 (<a href="#linknoteref-6267">return</a>)<br /> [ It is the embodied + spirit only that can enjoy the qualities of Nature. Then again, the kind + of connection it has with those qualities settles its birth in good or + evil wombs.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6268" id="linknote-6268"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 268 (<a href="#linknoteref-6268">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Davies + misunderstands the grammatical connection of the words in the second line + of this verse. K. T. Telang, following Sreedhara, says, the word should be + rendered “approver.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6269" id="linknote-6269"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 269 (<a href="#linknoteref-6269">return</a>)<br /> [ What is heard, i.e., + the Srutis or the sacred doctrines.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6270" id="linknote-6270"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 270 (<a href="#linknoteref-6270">return</a>)<br /> [ Destroying self by + self is to be deprived of true knowledge.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6271" id="linknote-6271"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 271 (<a href="#linknoteref-6271">return</a>)<br /> [ Sarvatra in the second + line is explained by Sreedhara as “in every body, superior and inferior.” + Grammatically it may mean also, “in every part of the body.” Such a + theory, however, of the seat of the soul would be contrary to all Hindu + ideas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6272" id="linknote-6272"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 272 (<a href="#linknoteref-6272">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhuta-Prakriti-moksha + is explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara as moksha or deliverance from + the prakriti (nature) of bhutas’ or entities. It is true knowledge that + effects such deliverance. Mr. Davies renders it “deliverance of beings + from Nature.” This is evidently incorrect. “Beings” is not synonymous with + self or soul.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6273" id="linknote-6273"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 273 (<a href="#linknoteref-6273">return</a>)<br /> [ Itas is explained by + Sreedhara as “from the fetters of this body.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6274" id="linknote-6274"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 274 (<a href="#linknoteref-6274">return</a>)<br /> [ Sreedhara makes mahat + an adjective of yoni; Sankara makes it an adjective of Brahma. K. T. + Telang follows Sankara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6275" id="linknote-6275"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 275 (<a href="#linknoteref-6275">return</a>)<br /> [ Happiness and + knowledge are attributes of the mind, not of the soul. Hence, when + attached to the soul, they are as fetters from which the soul should be + freed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6276" id="linknote-6276"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 276 (<a href="#linknoteref-6276">return</a>)<br /> [ Deha samudbhava is + explained by the commentators as having their “samudbhava or parinama in + deha.” It is an instance of the vahuvrihi compound.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6277" id="linknote-6277"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 277 (<a href="#linknoteref-6277">return</a>)<br /> [ Light, activity, and + delusion are the three qualities as indicated by their effects.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6278" id="linknote-6278"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 278 (<a href="#linknoteref-6278">return</a>)<br /> [ Pratishtha is + explained by Sankara as “something on which another (here Brahma) stays or + rests.” Sreedhara explains it as Pratima. Telang following Sreedhara, + renders it “embodiment;” Mr. Davies, as “seat.” Amritasya and Avyayasya + are taken separately by the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6279" id="linknote-6279"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 279 (<a href="#linknoteref-6279">return</a>)<br /> [ The ‘Aswattha’ is the + sacred Indian fig tree, here emblematical of the course of worldly life. + Its roots are above; those roots are the Supreme Being. Its branches are + below, these being the inferior deities. Its leaves are the sacred hymns + of the Vedas, i.e., as leaves keep the tree alive and even conduce to its + fruits, so the Vedas support this tree and lead to salvation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6280" id="linknote-6280"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 280 (<a href="#linknoteref-6280">return</a>)<br /> [ Upwards and downwards + i.e., from the highest to the lowest of created things. Enlarged by the + qualities, i.e., the qualities appearing as the body, the senses, etc. The + sprouts are the objects of sense, being attached to the senses themselves + as sprouts to branches. The roots extending downwards are the desires for + diverse enjoyments. Thus Telang, following the commentators.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6281" id="linknote-6281"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 281 (<a href="#linknoteref-6281">return</a>)<br /> [ Joined to the + qualities, i.e., perceiving objects of sense or experiencing pleasure and + pain.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6282" id="linknote-6282"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 282 (<a href="#linknoteref-6282">return</a>)<br /> [ “Atmani” in the first + line is “in the body” as explained by Sreedhara and others: “in the + understanding” as explained by Sankara. It seems, however, to be used in + the general senses of “themselves”, without particular reference to either + body or understanding. An Akritatman is one whose soul is not made or + formed; generally, “a person of unsubdued passions.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6283" id="linknote-6283"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 283 (<a href="#linknoteref-6283">return</a>)<br /> [ There can be no + question that Soma here means the moon and not the Soma juice quaffed in + sacrifices, or sap. It is the moon that supports, nourishes all herbs and + numerous passages may be quoted from Hindu sacred literature to show this. + Mr. Davies, therefore, clearly errs in rendering Soma as “the savoury + juice.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6284" id="linknote-6284"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 284 (<a href="#linknoteref-6284">return</a>)<br /> [ The four kinds of food + are: that which is masticated, that which is sucked, that which is licked, + and that which is drunk.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6285" id="linknote-6285"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 285 (<a href="#linknoteref-6285">return</a>)<br /> [ Apohanam is loss or + removal. It is a well-known word and its application here is very natural. + I am memory and knowledge (to those that use them for virtuous acts). I am + the loss of these faculties (to those that engage in unrighteous acts). + Mr. Davies erroneously renders it as “The power of reason.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6286" id="linknote-6286"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 286 (<a href="#linknoteref-6286">return</a>)<br /> [ Kutashtha is rendered + by K. T. Telang as “the unconcerned one”, by Mr. Davies as “the lord on + high.” I incline to the scholiasts who explain it as “the uniform or the + unchangeable one.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6287" id="linknote-6287"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 287 (<a href="#linknoteref-6287">return</a>)<br /> [ Sarvabhavena is + explained by Sankara by Sarvatma-chintaya (thinking Me to be the soul of + everything). Sreedhara explains it as Sarvaprakarena. Why may it not mean + “with the whole soul” or “with excess of love.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6288" id="linknote-6288"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 288 (<a href="#linknoteref-6288">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt Sankara’s + explanation of the last compound of the first line of this sloka. + Sreedhara explains it differently.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6289" id="linknote-6289"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 289 (<a href="#linknoteref-6289">return</a>)<br /> [ Prabritti I render + “inclination” and Nivritti as “disinclination.” The inclination is, as all + the commentators explain, towards righteous actions, and the + disinclination, consequently, is about all unrighteous actions. K. T. + Telang renders these words as “action” and “inaction”. Mr. Davies, + following the French version of Burnouf, takes them to mean “the creation + and its end.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6290" id="linknote-6290"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 290 (<a href="#linknoteref-6290">return</a>)<br /> [ Sankara seems to + connect the genitive Jagatas with achitas Sreedhara connects it (which is + natural) with Kshayaya, which I accept.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6291" id="linknote-6291"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 291 (<a href="#linknoteref-6291">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘That’ evidently + refers to sacrifice, penance, and gift, in the clause before. The + commentators, however, suggest that it may, besides, refer to Brahma. I am + myself not sure that it does not refer to Brahma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6292" id="linknote-6292"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 292 (<a href="#linknoteref-6292">return</a>)<br /> [ What the author wishes + to lay down in these verses is that the words OM, TAT, and SAT, have each + their respective uses. When used as directed here, such use cures the + defects of the respective actions to which they are applied, it being + understood that all three denote Brahma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6293" id="linknote-6293"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 293 (<a href="#linknoteref-6293">return</a>)<br /> [ Sanyasa I render + Renunciation. K. T. Telang does the same. Mr. Davies renders it + “abstention.” So ‘Tyaga’ I render “abandonment.” Mr. Davies renders it + “renunciation.” What the two words, however, mean is explained fully in + the verses that follow.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6294" id="linknote-6294"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 294 (<a href="#linknoteref-6294">return</a>)<br /> [ Both Sankara and + Sreedhara explain the second line consisting of two propositions, the + connecting verb bhavet being understood.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6295" id="linknote-6295"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 295 (<a href="#linknoteref-6295">return</a>)<br /> [ I have used “when” for + “whatever” to make the sentence grammatical.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6296" id="linknote-6296"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 296 (<a href="#linknoteref-6296">return</a>)<br /> [ Davies, giving the + sense correctly, does not follow the true order of the subject and the + predicate. Following Lassen, he renders kusala and akusala as “prosperous” + and “unprosperous;” for medhabi K. T. Telang has rendered “talented” which + has not the sanction of good usage.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6297" id="linknote-6297"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 297 (<a href="#linknoteref-6297">return</a>)<br /> [ That is, as Sreedhara + explains, one who hath renounced the fruit of actions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6298" id="linknote-6298"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 298 (<a href="#linknoteref-6298">return</a>)<br /> [ Kritante Sankara takes + it as an adjective of Sankhye and thinks that the reference is to the + Vedanta. Sreedhara also seems to be of the same opinion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6299" id="linknote-6299"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 299 (<a href="#linknoteref-6299">return</a>)<br /> [ The substratum is the + body. The agent is the person that thinks himself to be the actor. The + organs are those of perception etc. The efforts are the actions of the + vital winds—Prana, etc. The deities are those that preside over the + eye and the other senses. The deities have no place in Kapila’s system. + Hence, if it is not the Vedanta, some system materially based upon + Kapila’s and recognising the interference of the deities, seems to be + indicated. Atra is explained by Sreedhara as equivalent to “among” or + “with these.” I think, however, it means, “are here”, i.e., are enumerated + here, or, in this connection.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6300" id="linknote-6300"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 300 (<a href="#linknoteref-6300">return</a>)<br /> [ Hath no feeling of + egoism, i.e., doth not regard himself as the doer, sullied, i.e., by the + taint of desire of fruit.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6301" id="linknote-6301"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 301 (<a href="#linknoteref-6301">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Davies, I think, + is right in rendering Samgrahas as “complement.” K. T. Telang renders it + as equivalent to “in brief.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6302" id="linknote-6302"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 302 (<a href="#linknoteref-6302">return</a>)<br /> [ In the enunciation of + qualities i.e., in the Sankhya system.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6303" id="linknote-6303"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 303 (<a href="#linknoteref-6303">return</a>)<br /> [ Full of affections, + i.e., for children, etc., as Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6304" id="linknote-6304"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 304 (<a href="#linknoteref-6304">return</a>)<br /> [ Prakrita which I have + rendered “without discernment” following Sreedhara, may be, as Mr. Davies + renders it, but “malicious.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6305" id="linknote-6305"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 305 (<a href="#linknoteref-6305">return</a>)<br /> [ Mr. Davies makes + “unswerving” an adjective of ‘devotion.’ This is wrong, for + Avyabhicharinya (unswerving) is a feminine instrumental, and must qualify + Dhritya.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6306" id="linknote-6306"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 306 (<a href="#linknoteref-6306">return</a>)<br /> [ Atma-budhi-prasadajam. + K. T. Telang, following an alternative explanation offered by Sankara, + renders it “clear knowledge of the self.” Mr. Davies renders the “serenity + of one’s own mind.” I follow Sreedhara.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6307" id="linknote-6307"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 307 (<a href="#linknoteref-6307">return</a>)<br /> [ Asamsayas is the + reading that occurs in every text, and not Asamsayam. Mr. Davies, + therefore, is incorrect in rendering it “doubtless” and making it an + adverb qualifying “come to me.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6308" id="linknote-6308"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 308 (<a href="#linknoteref-6308">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhuti is explained by + Sreedhara as gradual abhivridhhi, i.e., growth or greatness. Niti is + explained as Nyaya or justice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6309" id="linknote-6309"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 309 (<a href="#linknoteref-6309">return</a>)<br /> [ Varayudham is + according to Nilakantha, the excellent bow. Yena in verse 8 is equivalent + to Yatra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6310" id="linknote-6310"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 310 (<a href="#linknoteref-6310">return</a>)<br /> [ What Bhishma says is + this: I am bound by the Kauravas and, therefore, I am not a free agent. + Obliged I am to battle against you. Yet I am saying, “What do you ask of + me?” as if I could really give you what you might ask. My words, + therefore, are without meaning, or vain, like those of a eunuch. Klivavat + is explained by Nilakantha as Kataravat. Even in that case, the sense + would be the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6311" id="linknote-6311"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 311 (<a href="#linknoteref-6311">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + evidently incorrect. The Bombay text reads Raja for Vacoa.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6312" id="linknote-6312"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 312 (<a href="#linknoteref-6312">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha thinks that + vigatakalmashas refers to Drona; the meaning he suggests is “Tell me with + pure heart etc., etc.,” I think Nilakantha is not right.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6313" id="linknote-6313"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 313 (<a href="#linknoteref-6313">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense of the first + line is that because I am bound by the Kauravas with their wealth, + therefore, I am obliged to make this reservation in the matter of granting + thee thy wishes. That reservation really nullifies my promise.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6314" id="linknote-6314"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 314 (<a href="#linknoteref-6314">return</a>)<br /> [ Paran is explained by + Nilakantha as “superior” qualifying Ripun.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6315" id="linknote-6315"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 315 (<a href="#linknoteref-6315">return</a>)<br /> [ Vritosmi is the + reading of the Bengal texts, better than Vaddhosmi of the Bombay edition, + and bhristomi of the Burdwan text. Salya was not bound to the Kauravas + like Bhishma or Drona or Kripa by pensions, but gratified by the reception + granted to him by Duryodhana in secret, he, generously agreed to aid the + latter even against his own sister’s sons and their step-brothers.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6316" id="linknote-6316"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 316 (<a href="#linknoteref-6316">return</a>)<br /> [ For Puskalan the + Bombay text reads Pushkaran which means a kind of drum.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6317" id="linknote-6317"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 317 (<a href="#linknoteref-6317">return</a>)<br /> [ For rajan in the + Bengal texts, in the first line of the 5th verse, the Bombay text reads + hyasan which I adopt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6318" id="linknote-6318"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 318 (<a href="#linknoteref-6318">return</a>)<br /> [ Maha samucchrave is + explained by Nilakantha as Mahasamprahare.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6319" id="linknote-6319"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 319 (<a href="#linknoteref-6319">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “showing + himself in an awful form.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6320" id="linknote-6320"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 320 (<a href="#linknoteref-6320">return</a>)<br /> [ Subhadra’s son + Abhimanyu.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6321" id="linknote-6321"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 321 (<a href="#linknoteref-6321">return</a>)<br /> [ These fences were made + of iguana skins and cased the hands of the bowmen up to a few inches of + the elbow-joint.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6322" id="linknote-6322"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 322 (<a href="#linknoteref-6322">return</a>)<br /> [ Nimitta is explained + by Nilakantha as the mark of object aimed at. Drona was the preceptor in + arms of almost all the Bharata princes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6323" id="linknote-6323"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 323 (<a href="#linknoteref-6323">return</a>)<br /> [ With two Bhallas + Abhimanyu cut off his adversary’s standard; with one, one of the + protectors of his car-wheels: and with another, his charioteer. Thus + Nilakantha. A Parshni is altogether a different person from a Sarathi. + Hence Nilakantha is assuredly right.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6324" id="linknote-6324"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 324 (<a href="#linknoteref-6324">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Angaraka’ is the + planet Mars, and ‘Sukra’ i.e. Venus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6325" id="linknote-6325"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 325 (<a href="#linknoteref-6325">return</a>)<br /> [ Prativindhya was + Yudhishthira’s son by Draupadi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6326" id="linknote-6326"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 326 (<a href="#linknoteref-6326">return</a>)<br /> [ Maghavat is Indra, the + chief of the celestials.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6327" id="linknote-6327"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 327 (<a href="#linknoteref-6327">return</a>)<br /> [ The word used in the + original is Viparitam lit. contrary. The sense seems to be that car men + fought on foot, cavalry soldiers on elephants, warriors on elephants from + horseback, &c. The very character of the forces was altered.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6328" id="linknote-6328"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 328 (<a href="#linknoteref-6328">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., though repulsed, + these frequently rallied, and occupied the same ground as before.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6329" id="linknote-6329"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 329 (<a href="#linknoteref-6329">return</a>)<br /> [ The last half of the + 7th with the 8th forms one sentence. It is certainly pleonastic. + Ranavaranais of the Bengal texts is preferable to the Bombay reading + Varavaranais. Toranas are the wooden edifices placed on the backs of + elephants for the protection and comfort of the riders. These are called + in India Hawdas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6330" id="linknote-6330"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 330 (<a href="#linknoteref-6330">return</a>)<br /> [ Many of the Bengal + texts read Avinitas. The correct reading, as in the Bombay text, is + Abhinitas. Aprabhinna is literally “unrent,” i.e. with the temporal juice + not trickling down. This juice emanates from several parts of the + elephant’s body when the season of rut comes. To avoid a cumbrous + periphrasis, which again would be unintelligible to the European reader, I + have given the sense only.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6331" id="linknote-6331"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 331 (<a href="#linknoteref-6331">return</a>)<br /> [ For the Bengal reading + ‘Mahaprajna’ the Bombay text reads ‘Mahaprasas.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6332" id="linknote-6332"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 332 (<a href="#linknoteref-6332">return</a>)<br /> [ Rathat and not Rathan + is the reading that I adopt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6333" id="linknote-6333"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 333 (<a href="#linknoteref-6333">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + ‘narvarakshaye’ seems to be better than ‘Mahavirakshaye’ of the Bombay + text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6334" id="linknote-6334"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 334 (<a href="#linknoteref-6334">return</a>)<br /> [ Talaketu is lit. + Palmyra-bannered. Without using such compounds, the ‘brevity’ of the + sentences cannot be maintained.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6335" id="linknote-6335"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 335 (<a href="#linknoteref-6335">return</a>)<br /> [ Karshni is Krishna’s + or Arjuna’s son Abhimanyu. Arjuna was sometimes called Krishna.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6336" id="linknote-6336"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 336 (<a href="#linknoteref-6336">return</a>)<br /> [ Laghavamargasya is a + mis-reading for Laghavamargastham’; then again chapi is incorrect, the + correct reading chapam as in the Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6337" id="linknote-6337"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 337 (<a href="#linknoteref-6337">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + ‘Suaris Vritascha Sainyena’. The Bombay reading (which I do not adopt) is + ‘Vritastu Sarva Sainyena.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6338" id="linknote-6338"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 338 (<a href="#linknoteref-6338">return</a>)<br /> [ Nine slokas and a + half, from the second half of the 43rd verse to the 52nd verse (as above), + are omitted in the Bengal texts. These, however, occur subsequently in + section 46 following. The fact is, the whole of the passage in this + section and the 116 verses in the following section, and the first 24 + verses in the section 49, are regarded as an interpolation. In those + sections of the Udyoga Parvam where the Rathas and the Atirathas, &c, + are counted by Bhishma, no mention is made of any warrior of the name of + Sweta. The Burdwan Pundits omit these passages altogether. I myself + believe them to be an interpolation. Occurring, however, as it does in + both the Bengal and the Bombay texts, I cannot omit in the English + version.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6339" id="linknote-6339"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 339 (<a href="#linknoteref-6339">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text reads + ‘Yavana nihatam,’ which is better.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6340" id="linknote-6340"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 340 (<a href="#linknoteref-6340">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading of the 22nd verse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6341" id="linknote-6341"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 341 (<a href="#linknoteref-6341">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Swayam’ in some of + the Bengal texts is a misprint for ‘Kshayam’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6342" id="linknote-6342"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 342 (<a href="#linknoteref-6342">return</a>)<br /> [ Chakrapani is Vishnu + armed with the discus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6343" id="linknote-6343"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 343 (<a href="#linknoteref-6343">return</a>)<br /> [ For ‘Yuthan’ which + gives no meaning, I read ‘Yodhas’. The Bengal reading ‘muktvagnimiva + daruna’ is better than the Bombay reading ‘muktam ripumishu darunam.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6344" id="linknote-6344"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 344 (<a href="#linknoteref-6344">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading + ‘jivitam dustyajam’ is better than the Bengal reading ‘jivam taduttham’, + if it has any meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6345" id="linknote-6345"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 345 (<a href="#linknoteref-6345">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 71st verse, the word is not ‘Laghu’ but ‘alaghu’, the initial ‘a’ being + only silent according to the rule of Sandhi. Though omitted in the Bengal + texts, it occurs in the Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6346" id="linknote-6346"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 346 (<a href="#linknoteref-6346">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Ghoram’, ‘ugram’, + ‘mahabhayam’, are pleonastic.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6347" id="linknote-6347"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 347 (<a href="#linknoteref-6347">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 87 for Maheswara (meaning Siva) the Bombay text reads Dhaneswara (meaning + Kuvera, the lord of treasures). For also ‘Bhimainipatitiya’ in the second + line the Bombay text reads ‘Bhishma inipainya’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6348" id="linknote-6348"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 348 (<a href="#linknoteref-6348">return</a>)<br /> [ The transgression of + which Dhritarashtra alludes is the slaughter by Bhishma from his car, of + Sweta who was then a combatant on foot. Or, it may be the very slaughter + of Sweta, who was dear to the Pandavas and which act would, the king + thought, provoke them more.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6349" id="linknote-6349"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 349 (<a href="#linknoteref-6349">return</a>)<br /> [ Verses 4 to 7 are + exceedingly difficult. I am not sure that I have understood them + correctly. They are of the nature of Vyasakutas, i.e., deliberate + obscurities for puzzling Ganesa, who acted as the scribe, for enabling + Vyasa to gain time for compositions. In verse 4 ‘Pitus’ means uncle’s and + not father’s; so also ‘durga decam’ in verse 6 means entanglements, like + Duryodhana’s hostility with the Gandharvas on the occasion of the tale of + cattle. In verse 7 of the Bengal reading is Yudhishthiram bhaktya. The + Bombay reading which I adopt, is Yudhishthire bhaktas. In 8, the + purushadhamas are Sakuni and Karna. &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6350" id="linknote-6350"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 350 (<a href="#linknoteref-6350">return</a>)<br /> [ As both operations are + useless, so are these thy regrets.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6351" id="linknote-6351"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 351 (<a href="#linknoteref-6351">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense is that + Arjuna representing one force, and Bhishma another, the two forces seemed + to mingle, into one another, like one bolt of heaven against another, as + one may say.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6352" id="linknote-6352"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 352 (<a href="#linknoteref-6352">return</a>)<br /> [ Aplavas and Alpave are + both correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6353" id="linknote-6353"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 353 (<a href="#linknoteref-6353">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + the 14th verse Aviseshana seems to be incorrect. The Bombay text reads + Avaseshena which I adopt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6354" id="linknote-6354"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 354 (<a href="#linknoteref-6354">return</a>)<br /> [ The correct reading is + Vishnu, and not Jishnu as in many of the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6355" id="linknote-6355"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 355 (<a href="#linknoteref-6355">return</a>)<br /> [ Indrayudha is Indra’s + bow or the rainbow. Akasaga (literally a ranger of the skies) is a bird. + The vapoury edifices and forms, constantly melting away and reappearing in + new shapes, are called Gandharvanagar as (lit. towns of the Gandharvas or + celestial choiristers).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6356" id="linknote-6356"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 356 (<a href="#linknoteref-6356">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Savayambhuriva bhanuna which I have adopted. The Bombay reading is + Merurivabhanuna, which means “like the mountain Meru with Sun.” It is + difficult to make a choice between the two.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6357" id="linknote-6357"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 357 (<a href="#linknoteref-6357">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text + differs in many respects from the Bengal texts as regards the positions + assigned to the several warriors and races in the Pandava host. It is + impossible to settle the true readings. I have, therefore, without any + attempt at correction, followed the Bengal text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6358" id="linknote-6358"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 358 (<a href="#linknoteref-6358">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + 28th verse is ‘Ratheshu cha’, and not ‘Dhajeshu cha’ for umbrellas could + not possibly be fastened to standards.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6359" id="linknote-6359"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 359 (<a href="#linknoteref-6359">return</a>)<br /> [ This identical verse + occurs in the first chapter of the Bhagavad Gita (vide, Verse 10, Chap. + 25, of this Parvan, ante). There following the commentators, particularly + Sreedhara, I have rendered Aparyaptam and Paryaptam as less than + sufficient and sufficient. It would seem, however, that that is + erroneous.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6360" id="linknote-6360"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 360 (<a href="#linknoteref-6360">return</a>)<br /> [ For these names, vide + note in page ante, Bhishma Parva.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6361" id="linknote-6361"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 361 (<a href="#linknoteref-6361">return</a>)<br /> [ The 26th verse in the + Bengal texts consists of three lines. In the Bombay texts, the half-sloka + about Artayani does not occur.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6362" id="linknote-6362"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 362 (<a href="#linknoteref-6362">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + the 5th verse, the true reading is avidhata and not amarshanam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6363" id="linknote-6363"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 363 (<a href="#linknoteref-6363">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 29, the correct reading is Prishna and not Pritana.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6364" id="linknote-6364"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 364 (<a href="#linknoteref-6364">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Samuchchhritam’ or + ‘Samutthitam,’ meaning risen, is scarcely a happy adjective here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6365" id="linknote-6365"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 365 (<a href="#linknoteref-6365">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Parshni’ is the wing + or side of a car-warrior. The last word of this verse is not + ‘Satpurushochitam’ but ‘Satparushairvritam’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6366" id="linknote-6366"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 366 (<a href="#linknoteref-6366">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Kovdara’ is the + species of ebony called Bauhinia Variegata.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6367" id="linknote-6367"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 367 (<a href="#linknoteref-6367">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading + ‘Vegavattaram’ is better. Literally, it means, ‘capable of imparting a + greater impetus.’ To avoid such periphrasis I render it ‘tougher’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6368" id="linknote-6368"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 368 (<a href="#linknoteref-6368">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense is that all + these were entirely shrouded by Arjuna’s arrows.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6369" id="linknote-6369"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 369 (<a href="#linknoteref-6369">return</a>)<br /> [ The true reading is + Charmanam and not Varmanam: also bhumipa and bhutale.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6370" id="linknote-6370"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 370 (<a href="#linknoteref-6370">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., is about to + set.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6371" id="linknote-6371"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 371 (<a href="#linknoteref-6371">return</a>)<br /> [ For ‘Satyatha tena’ + the Bombay text reads ‘Satyasandhena’. I follow the Bengal reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6372" id="linknote-6372"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 372 (<a href="#linknoteref-6372">return</a>)<br /> [ What these were it is + difficult to determine. The Bombay reading is different. For Indrajala + they read Indrakila which is as unknown as the other.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6373" id="linknote-6373"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 373 (<a href="#linknoteref-6373">return</a>)<br /> [ The Vaitarani is the + fabulous river that separate this world from the next.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6374" id="linknote-6374"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 374 (<a href="#linknoteref-6374">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + the 5th, for ‘rajna’ of the Bengal texts the Bombay text reads ‘gupta’. I + follow the Bengal reading which is better.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6375" id="linknote-6375"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 375 (<a href="#linknoteref-6375">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + the 6th, for sasars sena the Bombay reading is sena mahogra which is + better. I adopt it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6376" id="linknote-6376"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 376 (<a href="#linknoteref-6376">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bengal + reading Vyapta and not Vyala.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6377" id="linknote-6377"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 377 (<a href="#linknoteref-6377">return</a>)<br /> [ The word Saravarani in + the text is rendered by K. P. Singha as quivers. Nilakantha explains it as + coats of mail. There can be no doubt, however, that the Burdwan Pundits + render it correctly as shields.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6378" id="linknote-6378"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 378 (<a href="#linknoteref-6378">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 19th, the Bengal reading Saykanam is a mistake. The true reading is + Saditanam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6379" id="linknote-6379"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 379 (<a href="#linknoteref-6379">return</a>)<br /> [ Salya is called + Artayani after the name of his father.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6380" id="linknote-6380"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 380 (<a href="#linknoteref-6380">return</a>)<br /> [ These were Kshuras + (arrows with heads like razors), kshurapras, (arrows with horseshoe + heads), bhallas (broad-headed arrows), and anjalikas (arrows with + crescent-shaped-heads).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6381" id="linknote-6381"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 381 (<a href="#linknoteref-6381">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the universal + destroyer armed with his bow.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6382" id="linknote-6382"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 382 (<a href="#linknoteref-6382">return</a>)<br /> [ Gory mace wet with + &c. the original is pleonastic.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6383" id="linknote-6383"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 383 (<a href="#linknoteref-6383">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + parantapa is a mistake for kathanchana.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6384" id="linknote-6384"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 384 (<a href="#linknoteref-6384">return</a>)<br /> [ ‘Kimpaca’ is a species + of cucurbitaceous plant. To avoid periphrasis I render it poison.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6385" id="linknote-6385"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 385 (<a href="#linknoteref-6385">return</a>)<br /> [ Aklishtakarman + literally means one who is not tired with what he does; hence, one who + easily achieves the highest feats. When applied to Krishna or any divine + personage it means one who does everything by a fiat of his will, without + being dependent on means like ordinary persons. It may also mean one of + pure or white deeds.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6386" id="linknote-6386"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 386 (<a href="#linknoteref-6386">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally “be a + perpetuator (son) of Yadu’s race!" </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6387" id="linknote-6387"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 387 (<a href="#linknoteref-6387">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Sa vai devas. The Bombay reading is Purvadevas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6388" id="linknote-6388"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 388 (<a href="#linknoteref-6388">return</a>)<br /> [ The Three-stepped + Lord, Vishnu became vamana or the dwarf for robbing the Asura Vali of his + dominions. Disguised in that shape he asked of Vali three steps of land. + Vali, smiling at the littleness of what was asked, gave it. But when the + dwarf expanded his form and covered the heavens and the earth with only + two steps of his, no space could be found for the third step. Vali was + forthwith seized and bound as a promise-breaker, and sent to reside in the + nether regions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6389" id="linknote-6389"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 389 (<a href="#linknoteref-6389">return</a>)<br /> [ Word of command.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6390" id="linknote-6390"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 390 (<a href="#linknoteref-6390">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., really existent + among all things.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6391" id="linknote-6391"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 391 (<a href="#linknoteref-6391">return</a>)<br /> [ A fabulous aquatic + animal resembling an alligator.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6392" id="linknote-6392"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 392 (<a href="#linknoteref-6392">return</a>)<br /> [ Formed after the shape + of the hawk.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6393" id="linknote-6393"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 393 (<a href="#linknoteref-6393">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + ‘Yudhi sandhaya’. The Bombay reading is ‘pratisamvarya’. I adopt the + latter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6394" id="linknote-6394"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 394 (<a href="#linknoteref-6394">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “made a + fierce battle.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6395" id="linknote-6395"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 395 (<a href="#linknoteref-6395">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Gooranamatitejasa is what I adopt. The Bombay reading, + Ghoranamapnitaujasam involves a useless hyperbole. Of course, atitejasa + qualifies dhanusha in the next line.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6396" id="linknote-6396"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 396 (<a href="#linknoteref-6396">return</a>)<br /> [ Kandigbhutas lit. “not + knowing which point of the compass was which.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6397" id="linknote-6397"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 397 (<a href="#linknoteref-6397">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 17, the Bombay text incorrectly reads Arjunam for Pandavas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6398" id="linknote-6398"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 398 (<a href="#linknoteref-6398">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 32 the Bengal reading is Mahabhujas. The correct reading seems to be (as + in the Bombay text) Mahadhvajas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6399" id="linknote-6399"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 399 (<a href="#linknoteref-6399">return</a>)<br /> [ The last half of the + second line of 35 in the Bengal text is vicious. I adopt the Bombay + reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6400" id="linknote-6400"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 400 (<a href="#linknoteref-6400">return</a>)<br /> [ The pronoun ‘sa’ in + the first line of 8 refers to Yuyudhana. Burdwan Pundits erroneously take + it as referring to Duryodhana, being misled by the words Kurunam + Kirtivardhanas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6401" id="linknote-6401"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 401 (<a href="#linknoteref-6401">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading + asaniparabhan (which I adopt) is better than the Bengal reading + asaniswanan, for in connection with yamadanda immediately preceding the + latter would be incongruous, if not unmeaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6402" id="linknote-6402"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 402 (<a href="#linknoteref-6402">return</a>)<br /> [ An additional verse + occurs here in connection with the slaughter of Satyaki’s sons, in the + Bombay texts. The Bengal texts omit it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6403" id="linknote-6403"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 403 (<a href="#linknoteref-6403">return</a>)<br /> [ Ekayangatas is lit. + “intently.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6404" id="linknote-6404"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 404 (<a href="#linknoteref-6404">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “hence his + thoughts were so.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6405" id="linknote-6405"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 405 (<a href="#linknoteref-6405">return</a>)<br /> [ Suchimukha is + literally “needle-mouthed.” It is a wedge-like column with the thin or + pointed end turned towards the side of the enemy.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6406" id="linknote-6406"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 406 (<a href="#linknoteref-6406">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading, + which I adopt, is visravat in the beginning of the 2nd line. The Bengal + reading is visramvat, meaning “from motives of affectionate enquiry”. It + may also mean “from confidence,” though not in this connection.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6407" id="linknote-6407"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 407 (<a href="#linknoteref-6407">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of 4 is + read differently in the Bengal texts viz., Rathanghas, instead of, as in + the Bombay edition, Maharathas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6408" id="linknote-6408"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 408 (<a href="#linknoteref-6408">return</a>)<br /> [ Vimana the nominative + singular of Vamanas refers to Gangasutas. The Burdwan Pundits wrongly + translate it “with mind unmoved.” I am not aware of any other reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6409" id="linknote-6409"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 409 (<a href="#linknoteref-6409">return</a>)<br /> [ The last verse is read + variously. But the Bombay and the Bengal texts have faults of their own. + The first word is ugranadam (Bengal) and not ugranagam (Bombay). The + Vahuvarnarupam (Bombay) is correct, and not Vahuvarnarutam (Bengal). The + last word of the first line is Samudirnamevam (Bombay), and not + Samudirnavarnam (Bengal).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6410" id="linknote-6410"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 410 (<a href="#linknoteref-6410">return</a>)<br /> [ Differently read in + the Bengal texts, viz., Somadatta with the Saindhavas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6411" id="linknote-6411"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 411 (<a href="#linknoteref-6411">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Rathas in the first line of 6 is a mistake; should be, as in the Bombay + text, tatha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6412" id="linknote-6412"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 412 (<a href="#linknoteref-6412">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + first line of 36 is amitan in the Bengal texts. The Bombay reading is + Varmitan. I prefer the Bengal reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6413" id="linknote-6413"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 413 (<a href="#linknoteref-6413">return</a>)<br /> [ Satyaki was Arjuna’s + disciple in arms. Vijaya was another name of Arjuna.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6414" id="linknote-6414"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 414 (<a href="#linknoteref-6414">return</a>)<br /> [ Divakaram prapya, lit, + ‘reaching the path of the sun,’ i.e., while coursing through the sky.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6415" id="linknote-6415"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 415 (<a href="#linknoteref-6415">return</a>)<br /> [ The meaning seems to + be that Salya was pleased in witnessing the skill of his sister’s sons, + while the twins themselves were pleased in displaying that skill before + one who was related to them through their mother.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6416" id="linknote-6416"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 416 (<a href="#linknoteref-6416">return</a>)<br /> [ The Burdwan Pundits + render this verse by carelessly taking, Viryavat as an adjective of saram. + It qualifies Sahadeva. The reading Viryavat occurs in no text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6417" id="linknote-6417"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 417 (<a href="#linknoteref-6417">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit. “This one no + longer is” i.e., ‘alive’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6418" id="linknote-6418"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 418 (<a href="#linknoteref-6418">return</a>)<br /> [ The original is + Vichnvantas (a practical) meaning ‘plucking as flowers’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6419" id="linknote-6419"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 419 (<a href="#linknoteref-6419">return</a>)<br /> [ These, in Hindu + physiology, are the three humours of the body always contending for + mastery over the vital forces.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6420" id="linknote-6420"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 420 (<a href="#linknoteref-6420">return</a>)<br /> [ Bhima had vowed to + slay the sons of Dhritarashtra; therefore, Abhimanyu liked not to falsify + his uncle’s vow by himself slaying any of them.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6421" id="linknote-6421"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 421 (<a href="#linknoteref-6421">return</a>)<br /> [ Instead of yat in the + beginning of the second line, yada would be better. None of the printed + text, however, have yada.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6422" id="linknote-6422"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 422 (<a href="#linknoteref-6422">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 50, the Bengal reading is Satam. I prefer the Bombay reading which is + atyantam. For, again, paryayasya in the beginning of the second line, the + Bombay text reads anayassa which is better.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6423" id="linknote-6423"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 423 (<a href="#linknoteref-6423">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading + which I adopt is ajnayamanas cha. The Bengal reading seems to be + incorrect.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6424" id="linknote-6424"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 424 (<a href="#linknoteref-6424">return</a>)<br /> [ Vipralapapavidham is + literally “force from unreasoning declamation.” The Bombay reading is + vicious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6425" id="linknote-6425"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 425 (<a href="#linknoteref-6425">return</a>)<br /> [ The meaning seems to + be that the arrows shot by Yudhishthira were cut off by Bhishma, in + numberless distinct sets, taking each set at a time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6426" id="linknote-6426"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 426 (<a href="#linknoteref-6426">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., just before + setting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6427" id="linknote-6427"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 427 (<a href="#linknoteref-6427">return</a>)<br /> [ Krishna-sarathis + (Bombay); the Bengal reading is Vanaradhvajas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6428" id="linknote-6428"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 428 (<a href="#linknoteref-6428">return</a>)<br /> [ The true reading, I + think, is that of the Bombay text, viz., namabhis. The Bengal reading is + manobhis. How can persons challenge each other mentally, although they may + single out their antagonists so? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6429" id="linknote-6429"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 429 (<a href="#linknoteref-6429">return</a>)<br /> [ Nagas, which may mean + both stones and trees. In either case, the comparison would apply.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6430" id="linknote-6430"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 430 (<a href="#linknoteref-6430">return</a>)<br /> [ His pledge, viz., that + in battle he would slay all the sons of Dhritarashtra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6431" id="linknote-6431"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 431 (<a href="#linknoteref-6431">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + tatas kruddhar. The Bombay reading is vachas kruram. I adopt the latter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6432" id="linknote-6432"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 432 (<a href="#linknoteref-6432">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of this + verse in the Bengal text is Sanjaya; in the Bombay text, it is Samyuge. + The latter seems to be the true reading, for after Sanjaya in the first + line, its repetition in the second is useless.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6433" id="linknote-6433"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 433 (<a href="#linknoteref-6433">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + 4th verse is anivartinam. In the Bengal texts it is sumahatmanam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6434" id="linknote-6434"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 434 (<a href="#linknoteref-6434">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + first line of 8 is Vichetasa and not (as in the Bengal texts, including + the Burdwan edition) Viseshatas which would scarcely have any meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6435" id="linknote-6435"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 435 (<a href="#linknoteref-6435">return</a>)<br /> [ I have expanded the + first line of 13, as a closely literal version would scarcely be + intelligent to the general reader. The sense is that the evil + consequences, that have now overtaken thee, arose even then when the + beneficial counsels of Vidura were first rejected.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6436" id="linknote-6436"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 436 (<a href="#linknoteref-6436">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Dwidhabhutais is incorrect. It should be, as in the Bombay text, + tridhabhutais.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6437" id="linknote-6437"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 437 (<a href="#linknoteref-6437">return</a>)<br /> [ In the Bengal texts, + tava in the first line is incorrect. It should be tatra (Bombay).] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6438" id="linknote-6438"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 438 (<a href="#linknoteref-6438">return</a>)<br /> [ Steeds that are + described as Nadijas would literally mean “those born in rivers.” The + Punjab, or some other country watered by many rivers is meant.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6439" id="linknote-6439"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 439 (<a href="#linknoteref-6439">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “in soil + belonging to another.” The original is parakshetre.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6440" id="linknote-6440"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 440 (<a href="#linknoteref-6440">return</a>)<br /> [ Vayuvega-samsparsam, + literally, “the contact (of whose dash or collision) resembles that of the + wind in force.” The meaning, therefore, is that those chargers dashed + against hostile division with the fury of the tempest.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6441" id="linknote-6441"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 441 (<a href="#linknoteref-6441">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 64, the true reading is Survamarmajna, and not Sarvadharmajna.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6442" id="linknote-6442"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 442 (<a href="#linknoteref-6442">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + second line is variously read. The Bengal reading is Mahadwijas, probably + implying Garuda, the prince of birds. I have adopted the Bombay reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6443" id="linknote-6443"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 443 (<a href="#linknoteref-6443">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., with temporal + juice trickling down.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6444" id="linknote-6444"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 444 (<a href="#linknoteref-6444">return</a>)<br /> [ The duty consisted in + not retreating from the field.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6445" id="linknote-6445"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 445 (<a href="#linknoteref-6445">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the rescue of + the king.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6446" id="linknote-6446"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 446 (<a href="#linknoteref-6446">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 15, the Bengal reading saravarshena is incorrect. The Bombay reading + Rathavansena is what I follow.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6447" id="linknote-6447"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 447 (<a href="#linknoteref-6447">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + hayais in the instrumental plural is incorrect. The Bombay text reads + hayas (nom. plural). This is correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6448" id="linknote-6448"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 448 (<a href="#linknoteref-6448">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘divided in + twain’.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6449" id="linknote-6449"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 449 (<a href="#linknoteref-6449">return</a>)<br /> [ Mountains, in Hindu + mythology, had wings, till they were shorn of these by Indra with his + thunder. Only Mainaka, the son of Himavat, saved himself by a timely + flight. To this day he conceals himself within the ocean.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6450" id="linknote-6450"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 450 (<a href="#linknoteref-6450">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading of + the first line of this verse is vicious. The true reading is + parswaistudaritairanye. Both parsa and darita should be (as here) in the + instrumental plural, and anye should be in the nom. plural.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6451" id="linknote-6451"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 451 (<a href="#linknoteref-6451">return</a>)<br /> [ The correct reading, + as settled by the Burdwan Pundits, is Hataroha vyodrisyanta. Some texts + have Hayaroha which is incorrect.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6452" id="linknote-6452"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 452 (<a href="#linknoteref-6452">return</a>)<br /> [ “Blinded cheeks.” The + Sanskrit word is madandha. Literally rendered, it would be “juice-blind”. + This can scarcely be intelligible to the general European reader. Hence + the long-winded adjectival clause I have used.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6453" id="linknote-6453"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 453 (<a href="#linknoteref-6453">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line is + evidently pleonastic. Sanskrit, however, being very copious, repetitions + can scarcely be marked at the first glance. Literally rendered, the + original is—“Juice-blind and excited with rage.” ‘Juice-blind,’ I + have explained elsewhere.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6454" id="linknote-6454"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 454 (<a href="#linknoteref-6454">return</a>)<br /> [ The word I render + “muskets” is nalika sometime ago the Bharata (a Bengali periodical of + Calcutta edited by Babu Dwijendra Nath Tagore) in a paper on Hindu weapons + of warfare from certain quotations from the Ramayana and the Mahabharata, + argued that the nalika must have been some kind of musket vomiting bullets + of iron in consequence of some kind of explosive force. The Rishis + discouraged use of nalika, declaring them to be barbarous and fit only for + kings that would come in the Kali age.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6455" id="linknote-6455"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 455 (<a href="#linknoteref-6455">return</a>)<br /> [ Padarakshan lit., + those that protected the feet (for any warrior of note). These always + stood at the flanks and rear of the warrior they protected. In the case of + car-warriors these were called chakra-rakshas (protectors of the wheels). + So we have Parshni-rakshas and Prishata-rakshas, &c.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6456" id="linknote-6456"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 456 (<a href="#linknoteref-6456">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + the 3rd verse, the Bengal reading is bhayam. The true reading, however, is + khayam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6457" id="linknote-6457"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 457 (<a href="#linknoteref-6457">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 8th, for the Bengal reading, vachaymasa yodhanam, the Bombay reading is + yachtacha Suyodhanam. This is better. The Bengal reading has no meaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6458" id="linknote-6458"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 458 (<a href="#linknoteref-6458">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “when its + impetuosity is stirred up by the wind.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6459" id="linknote-6459"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 459 (<a href="#linknoteref-6459">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading, + which I adopt is sardula iva vegavan. The Bombay reading is sardula iva + darpitas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6460" id="linknote-6460"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 460 (<a href="#linknoteref-6460">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 54, the Bombay reading pragrihya is better than the Bengal reading + visrijya.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6461" id="linknote-6461"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 461 (<a href="#linknoteref-6461">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, + hundred-slayers; supposed to be a kind of rockets.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6462" id="linknote-6462"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 462 (<a href="#linknoteref-6462">return</a>)<br /> [ Some of the Bengal + texts, in the first line of the 6th, incorrectly read sa-run for Sakram.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6463" id="linknote-6463"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 463 (<a href="#linknoteref-6463">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + atmana, the last word of the verse, seems to be a mistake. The Bombay text + gives the right word, which is aimanas (genitive). Sarvatobhadra seems to + have been a kind of square array in which the troops faced all the points + of the compass.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6464" id="linknote-6464"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 464 (<a href="#linknoteref-6464">return</a>)<br /> [ In the Bengal texts, + savdas in the first line is vicious. The true reading seems to be sahkhan, + as in the Bombay edition. Then again in Kunjaran (Bengal), the Bombay text + reads Pushkaran which is unquestionably correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6465" id="linknote-6465"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 465 (<a href="#linknoteref-6465">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + vanya-nagendra is better than the Bombay reading gandha-nagendra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6466" id="linknote-6466"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 466 (<a href="#linknoteref-6466">return</a>)<br /> [ In Hindu mythology, + solar eclipses are caused by Rahu’s attempts at swallowing the Sun.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6467" id="linknote-6467"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 467 (<a href="#linknoteref-6467">return</a>)<br /> [ Budha is Mercury, and + Sukra is Venus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6468" id="linknote-6468"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 468 (<a href="#linknoteref-6468">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bombay and + the Bengal texts repeat Chamarais in the second line of 24th. This is + certainly erroneous. The Burdwan Pundits read it tomarais. This is + correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6469" id="linknote-6469"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 469 (<a href="#linknoteref-6469">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 30th, the correct reading is Rathas (nom. plural) and not Rathan. So in + the first line of 31st, the word is turangas (nom. plural) and not + turangan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6470" id="linknote-6470"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 470 (<a href="#linknoteref-6470">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit. “reached him with + shafts etc.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6471" id="linknote-6471"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 471 (<a href="#linknoteref-6471">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and + the Bombay printed texts are in fault regarding the word Pandupurvaja. The + Bombay text makes it a nom. plural. The Bengal text makes it an accusative + singular. There can be no doubt that the Burdwan Pundits are right in + taking it as a vocative.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6472" id="linknote-6472"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 472 (<a href="#linknoteref-6472">return</a>)<br /> [ That you know me to be + invincible is a fortunate circumstance, for if you had not known this, you + would have fought on for days together and thus caused a tremendous + destruction of creatures. By your coming to know, that destruction may be + stopped.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6473" id="linknote-6473"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 473 (<a href="#linknoteref-6473">return</a>)<br /> [ The adjective Vahu in + the first line of 32 qualifies rathinas in the second line. The last of + the verse is a nom. sing. and not a vocative.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6474" id="linknote-6474"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 474 (<a href="#linknoteref-6474">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + mahasuram in the second line of the verse. This seems to be vicious. A + latter reading would be mahasuram (the great Asura). The Bombay text reads + rane suram. I adopt the last.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6475" id="linknote-6475"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 475 (<a href="#linknoteref-6475">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. Thou art still a + woman though the sex hath been changed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6476" id="linknote-6476"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 476 (<a href="#linknoteref-6476">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “will not + get or obtain you.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6477" id="linknote-6477"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 477 (<a href="#linknoteref-6477">return</a>)<br /> [ There can be no doubt + that (in the second line of 19 corresponding with the first line of 19 of + the Bombay text), Arjuni should be a nominative, and not an accusative. The + Bombay reading, therefore, is vicious. The Burdwan Pundits also err in + taking that word as occurring in the accusative form.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6478" id="linknote-6478"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 478 (<a href="#linknoteref-6478">return</a>)<br /> [ I think Yatavrata had + better be read Yatavratam. It would then mean Bhishma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6479" id="linknote-6479"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 479 (<a href="#linknoteref-6479">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and + the Bombay texts are confusing here. I follow the text as settled by the + Burdwan Pundits. If the erudition of the Burdwan Pundits be rejected, 28 + would read as, “Virata, at the head of his forces, encountered Jayadratha + supported by his own troops, and also Vardhaskhemi’s heir, O Chastiser of + foes.” This would be evidently wrong.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6480" id="linknote-6480"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 480 (<a href="#linknoteref-6480">return</a>)<br /> [ This Susarman was not + the king of the Trigartas but another person who was on the Pandava side.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6481" id="linknote-6481"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 481 (<a href="#linknoteref-6481">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and + the Bombay texts have Rathanika. The correct reading as settled by the + Burdwan Pundits, is Gajanika.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6482" id="linknote-6482"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 482 (<a href="#linknoteref-6482">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and + the Bombay texts read Arjunas in the second line of 21: The Burdwan + Pundits are for correcting it as Arjunam. I do not think the correction + happy.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6483" id="linknote-6483"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 483 (<a href="#linknoteref-6483">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 35 for Satanika, the true reading, is Sahanikan.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6484" id="linknote-6484"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 484 (<a href="#linknoteref-6484">return</a>)<br /> [ After the 60th verse, + three lines occur in the Bombay edition as follows,—“And many + elephants, with standards on their backs, were seen to fly away in all + directions. And many Kshatriyas, O monarch, armed with maces and darts and + bows, were seen lying prostrate on the field.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6485" id="linknote-6485"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 485 (<a href="#linknoteref-6485">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Evam etc.; the Bombay reading is samam, I adopt the former reading. “Set + their hearts upon the region of Brahma,” i.e., fought on, resolved to win + the highest heaven by bravery or death in battle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6486" id="linknote-6486"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 486 (<a href="#linknoteref-6486">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading of + this verse is vicious. In the first line, lokasya is incorrect and + unmeaning, the correct word being vakyasa. In the second line, again, for + Prishtha-ascha samantatas, the correct reading is Prisharaischa + samantatas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6487" id="linknote-6487"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 487 (<a href="#linknoteref-6487">return</a>)<br /> [ Brahma-danda literally + means a Brahmana’s rod—bamboo-stick. In consequence of the + Brahmana’s ascetic power, this thin rod (symbolical of the Brahmana’s + power of chastisement) is infinitely more powerful than even Indra’s bolt. + The latter can strike only one, but the former can smite whole countries, + and entire races from generation to generation. With only his Brahma-danda + Vasishtha baffled all the mighty and celestial weapons of Viswamitra vide, + Ramayana, section 56, Valakanda.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6488" id="linknote-6488"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 488 (<a href="#linknoteref-6488">return</a>)<br /> [ Instead of “the + Salwas, the Sayas, and the Trigartas,” the Bombay text reads, “the + Trigartas depending on (king) Salwa.” I have not, however, met with any + Trigartas under Salwa’s rule, that race having, at this time, Susarman for + their ruler.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6489" id="linknote-6489"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 489 (<a href="#linknoteref-6489">return</a>)<br /> [ Indraddhwaja was a + pole, decked with banners, created in honour of Indra. The festival + attracted considerable crowds.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6490" id="linknote-6490"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 490 (<a href="#linknoteref-6490">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 114 + in the Bengal text is vicious. I adopt the Bombay reading, which is + Kururajasya tarkitas. Literally rendered the second line is “the + destruction of the Kuru king was inferred.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-6491" id="linknote-6491"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 491 (<a href="#linknoteref-6491">return</a>)<br /> [ By bravery on the + field of battle, which, according to the Hindu scriptures, is always thus + rewarded.] + </p> + <p> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> <br /><br /> + </p> + <h1> + THE MAHABHARATA + </h1> + <h4> + of + </h4> + <h2> + Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h1> + BOOK 7 + </h1> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h2> + DRONA PARVA + </h2> + <p> + <br /> + </p> + <h3> + Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text + </h3> + <h4> + by + </h4> + <h3> + Kisari Mohan Ganguli + </h3> + <p> + <br /><br /> + </p> + <h3> + [1883-1896] + </h3> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + Contents + </h2> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0001"> SECTION I </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0002"> SECTION II </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0003"> SECTION III </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0004"> SECTION IV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0005"> SECTION V </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0006"> SECTION VI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0007"> SECTION VII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0008"> SECTION VIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0009"> SECTION IX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0010"> SECTION X </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0011"> SECTION XI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0012"> SECTION XII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0013"> SECTION XIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0014"> SECTION XIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0015"> SECTION XV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0016"> SECTION XVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0017"> SECTION XVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0018"> SECTION XVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0019"> SECTION XIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0020"> SECTION XX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0021"> SECTION XXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0022"> SECTION XXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0023"> SECTION XXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0024"> SECTION XXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0025"> SECTION XXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0026"> SECTION XXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0027"> SECTION XXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0028"> SECTION XXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0029"> SECTION XXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0030"> SECTION XXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0031"> SECTION XXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0032"> SECTION XXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0033"> SECTION XXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0034"> SECTION XXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0035"> SECTION XXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0036"> SECTION XXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0037"> SECTION XXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0038"> SECTION XXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0039"> SECTION XXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0040"> SECTION XL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0041"> SECTION XLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0042"> SECTION XLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0043"> SECTION XLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0044"> SECTION XLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0045"> SECTION XLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0046"> SECTION XLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0047"> SECTION XLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0048"> SECTION XLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0049"> SECTION XLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0050"> SECTION L </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0051"> SECTION LI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0052"> SECTION LII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0053"> SECTION LIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0054"> SECTION LVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0055"> SECTION LVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0056"> SECTION LVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0057"> SECTION LIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0058"> SECTION LX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0059"> SECTION LXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0060"> SECTION LXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0061"> SECTION LXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0062"> SECTION LXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0063"> SECTION LXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0064"> SECTION LXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0065"> SECTION LXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0066"> SECTION LXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0067"> SECTION LXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0068"> SECTION LXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0069"> SECTION LXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0070"> SECTION LXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0071"> SECTION LXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0072"> SECTION LXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0073"> SECTION LXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0074"> SECTION LXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0075"> SECTION LXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0076"> SECTION LXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0077"> SECTION LXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0078"> SECTION LXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0079"> SECTION LXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0080"> SECTION LXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0081"> SECTION LXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0082"> SECTION LXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0083"> SECTION LXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0084"> SECTION LXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0085"> SECTION LXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0086"> SECTION LXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0087"> SECTION LXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0088"> SECTION XC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0089"> SECTION XCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0090"> SECTION XCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0091"> SECTION XCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0092"> SECTION XCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0093"> SECTION XCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0094"> SECTION XCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0095"> SECTION XCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0096"> SECTION XCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0097"> SECTION XCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0098"> SECTION C </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0099"> SECTION CI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0100"> SECTION CII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0101"> SECTION CIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0102"> SECTION CIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0103"> SECTION CVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0104"> SECTION CVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0105"> SECTION CVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0106"> SECTION CIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0107"> SECTION CX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0108"> SECTION CXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0109"> SECTION CXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0110"> SECTION CXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0111"> SECTION CXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0112"> SECTION CXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0113"> SECTION CXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0114"> SECTION CXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0115"> SECTION CXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0116"> SECTION CXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0117"> SECTION CXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0118"> SECTION CXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0119"> SECTION CXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0120"> SECTION CXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0121"> SECTION CXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0122"> SECTION CXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0123"> SECTION CXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0124"> SECTION CXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0125"> SECTION CXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0126"> SECTION CXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0127"> SECTION CXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0128"> SECTION CXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0129"> SECTION CXXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0130"> SECTION CXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0131"> SECTION CXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0132"> SECTION CXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0133"> SECTION CXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link137"> SECTION CXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0134"> SECTION CXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0135"> SECTION CXXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0136"> SECTION CXL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0137"> SECTION CXLI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0138"> SECTION CXLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0139"> SECTION CXLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0140"> SECTION CXLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0141"> SECTION CXLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0142"> SECTION CXLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0143"> SECTION CXLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0144"> SECTION CXLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0145"> SECTION CXLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0146"> SECTION CL </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0147"> SECTION CLII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0148"> SECTION CLIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0149"> SECTION CLIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0150"> SECTION CLV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0151"> SECTION CLVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0152"> SECTION CLVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0153"> SECTION CLVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0154"> SECTION CLIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0155"> SECTION CLX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0156"> SECTION CLXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0157"> SECTION CLXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0158"> SECTION CLXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0159"> SECTION CLXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0160"> SECTION CLXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0161"> SECTION CLXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0162"> SECTION CLXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0163"> SECTION CLXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0164"> SECTION CLXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0165"> SECTION CLXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0166"> SECTION CLXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0167"> SECTION CLXXII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0168"> SECTION CLXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0169"> SECTION CLXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0170"> SECTION CLXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0171"> SECTION CLXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0172"> SECTION CLXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0173"> SECTION CLXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0174"> SECTION CLXXIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0175"> SECTION CLXXX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0176"> SECTION CLXXXI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0177"> SECTION CLXXXIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0178"> SECTION CLXXXIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0179"> SECTION CLXXXV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0180"> SECTION CLXXXVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0181"> SECTION CLXXXVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0182"> SECTION CLXXXVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0183"> SECTION CXC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0184"> SECTION CXCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0185"> SECTION CXCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0186"> SECTION CXCIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0187"> SECTION CXCIV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0188"> SECTION CXCV </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0189"> SECTION CXCVI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0190"> SECTION CXCVII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0191"> SECTION CXCVIII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0192"> SECTION CXCIX </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0193"> SECTION CC </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0194"> SECTION CCI </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0195"> SECTION CCII </a> + </p> + <p class="toc"> + <a href="#link72H_4_0196"> SECTION CCIII </a> + </p> + <p> + <a href="#link72H_FOOT"> FOOTNOTES </a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link72H_4_0001" id="link72H_4_0001"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + SECTION I + </h2> + <h3> + (Dronabhisheka Parva) + </h3> + <p> + OM! HAVING BOWED down unto Narayan, and unto that most exalted of male + beings, viz., Nara, and unto the goddess Saraswati also, must the word + Jaya be uttered. + </p> + <p> + Janamejaya said, “Hearing that his sire Devavrata of unrivalled vigour and + sturdiness, and might, energy and prowess, had been slain by Sikhandin, + the prince of the Panchalas, what, indeed, O regenerate Rishi, did the + powerful king Dhritarashtra with eyes bathed in tears do? O illustrious + one, his son (Duryodhana) wished for sovereignty after vanquishing those + mighty bowmen, viz., the sons of Panda, through Bhishma and Drona and + other great car-warriors. Tell me, O thou that hast wealth of asceticism, + all that he, of Kuru’s race, did after that chief of all bowmen had been + slain." </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Hearing that his sire had been slain, king + Dhritarashtra of Kuru’s race filled with anxiety and grief, obtained no + peace of mind. And while he, of Kuru’s race, was thus continually brooding + over that sorrow, Gavalgana’s son of pure soul once more came to him. + Then, O monarch, Dhritarashtra, the son of Amvika, addressed Sanjaya, who + had that night come back from the camp to the city called after the + elephant. With a heart rendered exceedingly cheerless in consequence of + his having heard of Bhishma’s fall, and desirous of the victory of his + sons, he indulged in these lamentations in great distress. + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After having wept for the high-souled Bhishma of + terrible prowess, what, O son, did the Kauravas, urged by fate, next do? + Indeed, when that high-souled and invincible hero was slain, what did the + Kauravas do, sunk as they were in an ocean of grief? Indeed, that swelling + and highly efficient host of the high-souled Pandavas, would, O Sanjaya, + excite the keenest fears of even the three worlds. Tell me, therefore, O + Sanjaya, what the (assembled) kings did after Devavrata, that bull of + Kuru’s race, had fallen.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, with undivided attention, to me as I + recite what thy sons did after Devavrata had been killed in battle. When + Bhishma, O monarch, of prowess incapable of being baffled, was slain, thy + warriors as also the Pandavas both reflected by themselves (on the + situation). Reflecting on the duties of the Kshatriya order, they were + filled with wonder and joy; but acting according to those duties of their + own order, they all bowed to that high-souled warrior. Then those tigers + among men contrived for Bhishma of immeasurable prowess a bed with a + pillow made of straight shafts. And having made arrangements for Bhishma’s + protection, they addressed one another (in pleasant converse). Then + bidding Ganga’s son their farewell and walking round him, and looking at + one another with eyes red in anger, those Kshatriyas, urged by fate, once + more went out against one another for battle. Then by the blare of + trumpets and the beat of drums, the divisions of thy army as also those of + the foe, marched out. After the fall of Ganga’s son, O king, when the best + part of the day had passed away, yielding to the influence of wrath, with + hearts afflicted by fate, and disregarding the words, worthy of + acceptance, of the high-souled Bhishma, those foremost ones of Bharata’s + race went out with great speed, armed with weapons. In consequence of thy + folly and of thy son’s and of the slaughter of Santanu’s son, the Kauravas + with all the kings seemed to be summoned by Death himself. The Kurus, + deprived of Devavrata, were filled with great anxiety, and resembled a + herd of goats and sheep without a herdsman, in a forest abounding with + beasts of prey. Indeed, after the fall of that foremost one of Bharata’s + race, the Kuru host looked like the firmament divested of stars, or like + the sky without the atmosphere, or like the earth with blasted crops, or + like an oration disfigured by bad grammar,<a href="#linknote-71" + name="linknoteref-71" id="linknoteref-71">1</a> or like the Asura host of + old after Vali had been smitten down, or like a beautiful damsel deprived + of husband,<a href="#linknote-72" name="linknoteref-72" id="linknoteref-72">2</a> + or like a river whose waters have been dried up, or like a roe deprived of + her mate and encompassed in the woods by wolves; or like a spacious + mountain cave with its lion killed by a Sarabha.<a href="#linknote-73" + name="linknoteref-73" id="linknoteref-73">3</a> Indeed, O chief of the + Bharatas, the Bharata host, on the fall of Ganga’s son, became like a + frail boat on the bosom of the ocean, tossed by a tempest blowing from + every side. Exceedingly afflicted by the mighty and heroic Pandavas of + sure aim, the Kaurava host, with its steeds, car-warriors and elephants + much troubled, became exceedingly distressed, helpless, and + panic-stricken. And the frightened kings and the common soldiers, no + longer relying upon one another, of that army, deprived of Devavrata, + seemed to sink into the nethermost region of the world. Then the Kauravas + remembered Karna, who indeed, was equal to Devavrata himself. All hearts + turned to that foremost of all wielders of arms, that one resembling a + guest resplendent (with learning and ascetic austerities). And all hearts + turned to him, as the heart of a man in distress turneth to a friend + capable of relieving that distress. And, O Bharata, the kings then cried + out saying, “Karna! Karna! The son of Radha, our friend, the son of a + Suta, that one who is ever prepared to lay down his life in battle! Endued + with great fame, Karna, with his followers and friends, did not fight for + these ten days. O, summon him soon!” The mighty-armed hero, in the + presence of all the Kshatriyas, during the mention of valiant and mighty + car-warriors, was by Bhishma classed as an Ardha-ratha, although that bull + among men is equal to two Maharathas! Even thus was he classed during the + counting of Rathas and Atirathas, he that is the foremost (of all Rathas + and Atirathas), he that is respected by all heroes, he that would venture + to fight even with Yama, Kuvera, Varuna, and Indra. Through anger caused + by this, O king, he had said unto Ganga’s son these words: “As long as + thou livest, O thou of Kuru’s race, I will never fight! if thou, however, + succeedest in slaying the sons of Pandu in great battle, I shall, O + Kaurava, with Duryodhana’s permission, retire into the woods. If, on the + other hand, thou, O Bhishma, slain by the Pandavas, attainest to heaven, I + shall then, on a single car, slay all of them, whom thou regardest as + great car-warriors.” Having said this, mighty-armed Karna of great fame, + with thy son’s approval, did not fight for the first ten days. Bhishma, of + great prowess in battle and of immeasurable might, slew, O Bharata, a very + large number of warriors belonging to Yudhishthira’s army. When, however, + that hero of sure aim and great energy was slain, thy sons thought of + Karna, like persons desirous of crossing a river thinking of a boat. Thy + warriors and thy sons, together with all the kings, cried out, saying, + Karna! And they all said, “Even this is the time for the display of his + prowess.” Our hearts are turned to that Karna who derived his knowledge of + weapons from Jamadagni’s son, and whose prowess is incapable of being + resisted! He, indeed, O king, is competent to save us from great dangers, + like Govinda always saving the celestials from great dangers.’" </p> + <p> + Vaisampayana continued, “Unto Sanjaya who was thus repeatedly applauding + Karna, Dhritarashtra sighing like a snake, said those words." </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘[I understand] that the hearts of all of you are + turned towards Vikartana’s son Karna, and that all of you, saw that son of + Radha, that hero of the Suta caste, ever prepared to lay down his life in + battle. I hope that hero of prowess incapable of being baffled, did not + falsify the expectations of Duryodhana and his brothers, all of whom were + then afflicted with grief and fear, and desirous of being relieved from + their danger. When Bhishma, that refuge of Kauravas, was slain, could + Karna, that foremost of bowmen, succeed in filling up the gap caused? + Filling up that gap, could Karna fill the foe with fear? Could he also + crown with fruit the hopes, entertained by my sons, of victory?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0002" id="link72H_4_0002"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION II + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Adhiratha’s son of the Suta caste, knowing that + Bhishma had been slain, became desirous of rescuing, like a brother, thy + son’s army from the distress into which it had fallen, and which then + resembled a boat sunk in the fathomless ocean. [Indeed], O king, having + heard that that mighty car-warrior and foremost of men, that hero of + unfading glory, viz., Santanu’s son, had been thrown down (from his car), + that grinder of foes, that foremost of all wielders of bows, viz., Karna, + soon came (to the field of battle). When the best of car-warriors, viz., + Bhishma, was slain by the foe, Karna speedily came there, desirous of + rescuing the Kuru host which resembled a boat sunk in the ocean, like a + sire desirous of rescuing his children.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘And Karna (addressing the soldiers) said, “That Bhishma who possessed + firmness, intelligence, prowess, vigour, truth, self-restraint, and all + the virtues of a hero, as also celestial weapons, and humility, and + modesty, agreeable speech, and freedom from malice, that ever-grateful + Bhishma, that slayer of the foes of Brahmanas, in whom were these + attributes as permanently as Lakshmi in the moon, alas, when that Bhishma, + that slayer of hostile heroes, hath received his quietus, I regard all + other heroes as already slain. In consequence of the eternal connection + (of all things) with work, nothing exists in this world that is + imperishable. When Bhishma of high vows hath been slain, who is there that + would take upon himself to say with certitude that tomorrow’s sun will + rise? When he that was endued with prowess equal to that of the Vasus, he + that was born of the energy of the Vasus, when he, that ruler of the + earth, hath once more been united with the Vasus, grieve ye, therefore, + for your possessions and children for this earth and the Kurus, and this + host."’<a href="#linknote-74" name="linknoteref-74" id="linknoteref-74">4</a> + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Upon the fall of that boon-giving hero of great + might, that lord of the world, viz., Santanu’s son of great energy, and + upon the (consequent) defeat of the Bharatas, Karna, with cheerless heart + and eyes filled with tears, began to console (the Dhartarashtras). Hearing + these words of Radha’s son, thy sons, O monarch, and thy troops, began to + wail aloud and shed copious tears of grief corresponding with the loudness + of those wails.<a href="#linknote-75" name="linknoteref-75" + id="linknoteref-75">5</a> When, however, the dreadful battle once more + took place and the Kaurava divisions, urged on by the Kings, once more set + up loud shouts, that bull among mighty car-warriors, viz., Karna, then + addressed the great car-warriors (of the Kaurava army) and said words + which caused them great delight: “In this transient world everything is + continually flitting (towards the jaws of Death). Thinking of this, I + regard everything as ephemeral. When, however, all of you were here, how + could Bhishma, that bull among the Kurus, immovable as a hill, be thrown + down from his car? When that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Santanu, + hath been overthrown, who even now lieth on the ground like the Sun + himself dropped (from the firmament), the Kuru kings are scarcely + competent to bear Dhananjaya, like trees incapable of bearing the + mountain-wind. I shall, however, now protect, as that high-souled one did, + this helpless Kuru host of cheerless mien, whose foremost warriors have + already been slain by the foe. Let this burden now devolve on me. I see + that this universe is transient, since that foremost of heroes hath been + slain in battle. Why shall I then cherish any fear of battle? Coursing, + therefore, on the field I shall despatch those bulls of Kuru’s race (viz., + the Pandavas) to Yama’s abode by means of my straight shafts. Regarding + fame as the highest object in the world, I shall slay them in battle, or, + slain by the foe, shall sleep on the field. Yudhishthira is possessed of + firmness, intelligence, virtue, and might. Vrikodara is equal to a hundred + elephants in prowess, Arjuna is young and is the son of the chief of the + celestials. The Pandava host, therefore, is not capable of being easily + defeated by the very celestials. That force in which are the twins, each + resembling Yama himself, that force in which are Satyaki and the son of + Devaki, that force is like the jaws of Death. No coward, approaching it, + can come back with life. The wise oppose swelling ascetic power with + ascetic austerities, so should force be opposed by force. Verily, my mind + is firmly fixed upon opposing the foe and protecting my own party. O + charioteer, I shall today certainly resist the might of the enemy, and + vanquish him by repairing only to the field of battle. I will not tolerate + this intestine feud. When the troops are broken, he that cometh (for + aiding) in the endeavour to rally is a friend. I shall either achieve this + righteous feat worthy of an honest man, or casting off my life shall + follow Bhishma. I shall either slay all my foes united together, or slain + by them proceed to the regions reserved for heroes. O charioteer, I know + that even this is what I should do, when women and children cry for help, + or when Duryodhana’s prowess sustains a check. Therefore, I shall today + conquer the foe. Reckless of my very life in this terrible battle, I shall + protect the Kurus and slay the sons of Pandu. Slaying in battle all my + foes banded together, I shall bestow (undisputed) sovereignty on + Dhritarashtra’s son. Let my armour, beautiful, made of gold, bright, and + radiant with jewels and gems, be donned; and my head-gear, of effulgence + equal to that of the sun; and my bows and arrows that resemble fire, + poison, or snakes. Let also sixteen quivers be tied (to my car) at the + proper places, and let a number of excellent bows be procured. Let also + shafts, and darts and heavy maces, and my conch, variegated with gold, be + got ready. Bring also my variegated, beautiful, and excellent standard, + made of gold, possessed of the effulgence of the lotus, and bearing the + device of the elephant’s girth, cleaning it with a delicate cloth, and + decking it with excellent garlands and a network of wires.<a + href="#linknote-76" name="linknoteref-76" id="linknoteref-76">6</a> O + charioteer’s son, bring me also, with speed, some fleet steeds of the hue + of tawny clouds, not lean, and bathed in water sanctified with mantras, + and furnished with trappings of bright gold. Bring me also, with speed, an + excellent car decked with garlands of gold, adorned gems, bright as the + sun or the moon, furnished with every necessary, as also with weapons, and + unto which are yoked excellent animals. Bring me also a number of + excellent bows of great toughness, and a number of excellent bow-strings + capable of smiting (the foe), and some quivers, large and full of shafts + and some coats of mail for my body. Bring me also, with speed, O hero, + every (auspicious) article needed for occasions of setting out (for + battle), such as vessels of brass and gold, full of curds. Let garlands of + flowers be brought, and let them be put on the (proper) limbs of my body. + Let drums also be beaten for victory! Go, O charioteer, quickly to the + spot where the diadem-decked (Arjuna), and Vrikodara, and Dharma’s son + (Yudhishthira), and the twins, are. Encountering them in battle, either I + shall slay them, or, being slain by them, my foes, I shall follow Bhishma. + Arjuna, and Vasudeva, and Satyaki, and the Srinjayas, that force, I think, + is incapable of being conquered by the kings. If all-destroying Death + himself with unremitting vigilance, were to protect Kiritin, still shall I + slay him, encountering him in battle, or repair myself to Yama’s abode by + Bhishma’s track. Verily, I say, that I will repair into the midst of those + heroes. Those (kings) that are my allies are not provokers of intestine + feuds, or of weak attachment to me, or of unrighteous souls.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Riding on an excellent and costly car of great + strength, with an excellent pole, decked with gold, auspicious, furnished + with a standard, and unto which were yoked excellent steeds that were + fleet as the wind, Karna proceeded (to battle) for victory. Worshipped by + the foremost of Kuru car-warriors like Indra by the celestials, that + high-souled and fierce bowman, endued with immeasurable energy like the + Sun himself, upon his car decked with gold and jewels and gems, furnished + with an excellent standard, unto which were yoked excellent steeds, and + whose rattle resembled the roll of the clouds, proceeded, accompanied by a + large force, to that field of battle where that bull of Bharata’s race + (Bhishma) had paid his debt to nature. Of beautiful person, and endued + with the splendour of fire, that great bowman and mighty car-warrior, + viz., the son of Adhiratha, then mounted on his own beautiful car + possessed of the effulgence of fire, and shone like the lord of the + celestials himself riding on his celestial car.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0003" id="link72H_4_0003"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION III + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the grandsire, viz., the venerable Bhishma, that + destroyer of all the Kshatriyas, that hero of righteous soul and + immeasurable energy, that great bowman thrown down (from his car) by + Savyasachin with his celestial weapons, lying on a bed of arrows, and + looking like the vast ocean dried up by mighty winds, the hope of thy sons + for victory had disappeared along with their coats of mail and peace of + mind. Beholding him who was always an island unto persons sinking in the + fathomless ocean in their endeavours to cross it, beholding that hero + covered with arrows that had coursed in a stream as continuous as that of + Yamuna, that hero who looked like Mainaka of unbearable energy thrown down + on the earth by the great Indra, that warrior lying prostrate on the earth + like the Sun dropped down from the firmament, that one who looked like the + inconceivable Indra himself after his defeat of old by Vritra, that + depriver of all warriors of their senses, that foremost of all combatants, + that signal of all bowmen, beholding that hero and bull among men, viz., + thy sire Bhishma of high vows, that grandsire of the Bharatas thrown down + in battle and lying covered with Arjuna’s shafts, on a hero’s bed. + Adhiratha’s son (Karna) alighted from his car, in great affliction, filled + with grief, and almost senseless. Afflicted (with sorrow), and with eyes + troubled with tears, he proceeded on foot. Saluting him with joined palms, + and addressing him reverentially, he said, “I am Karna! Blessed be thou! + Speak to me, O Bharata, in sacred and auspicious words, and look at me, + opening thy eyes. No man certainly enjoyeth in this world the fruits of + his pious deeds, since thou, reverend in years and devoted to virtue, + liest slain on the ground. O thou that art the foremost one amongst the + Kurus, I do not see that there is any one else among them, who is + competent (like thee) in filling the treasury, in counsels, in the matter + of disposing the troops in battle array, and in the use of weapons. Alas, + he that was endued with a righteous understanding, he that always + protected the Kurus from every danger, alas, he, having slain numberless + warriors, proceedeth to the region of the Pitris. From this day, O chief + of the Bharatas, the Pandavas, excited with wrath, will slaughter the + Kurus like tigers slaying deer. Today the Kauravas, acquainted with the + force of Gandiva’s twang, will regard Savyasachin, like the Asuras + regarding the wielder of the thunder-bolt, with terror. Today the noise, + resembling that of heaven’s thunder, of the arrows shot from Gandiva, will + inspire the Kurus and other kings with great terror. Today, O hero, like a + raging conflagration of fierce flames consuming a forest, the shafts of + Kiritin will consume the Dhartarashtras. In those parts of the forest + through which fire and wind march together, they burn all plants and + creepers and trees. Without doubt, Partha is even like a surging fire, + and, without doubt, O tiger among men, Krishna is like the wind. Hearing + the blare of Panchajanya and the twang of Gandiva all the Kaurava troops, + O Bharata, will be filled with fear. O hero, without thee, the kings will + never be able to bear the rattle of the ape-bannered car belonging to that + grinder of foes, when he will advance (upon them). Who amongst the kings, + save thyself, is competent to battle with that Arjuna whose feats, as + described by the wise, are all superhuman? Superhuman was the battle that + he fought with the high-souled (Mahadeva) of three eyes. From him he + obtained a boon that is unattainable by persons of unsanctified souls. + Delighted in battle, that son of Pandu is protected by Madhava. Who is + there that is competent to vanquish him who could not be vanquished by + thee before, although thou, endued with great energy, hadst vanquished + Rama himself in battle, that fierce destroyer of the Kshatriya race, + worshipped, besides, by the gods and the Danavas? Incapable of putting up + with that son of Pandu, that foremost of heroes in battle, even I, with + thy permission, am competent to slay, with the force of my weapons, that + brave and fierce warrior who resembleth a snake of virulent poison and who + slayeth his foes with his glances alone!”’’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0004" id="link72H_4_0004"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Unto him who was talking thus, the aged Kuru grandsire + with a cheerful heart, said these words adapted to both time and place: + “Like the ocean unto rivers, like the Sun unto all luminous bodies, like + the righteous unto Truth, like a fertile soil unto seeds, like the clouds + unto all creatures, be thou the refuge of thy relatives and friends! Like + the celestials upon him of a thousand eyes, let thy kinsmen depend on + thee. Be thou the humiliator of thy foes, and the enhancer of the joys of + thy friends. Be thou unto the Kauravas as Vishnu unto the dwellers of + heaven. Desirous of doing what was agreeable to Dhritarashtra’s son, thou + didst with the might and prowess of own arms, O Karna, vanquish the + Kamvojas having proceeded to Rajpura. Many kings, amongst whom Nagnajit + was the foremost, while staying in Girivraja, as also the Amvashthas, the + Videhas, and the Gandharvas, were all vanquished by thee. The Kiratas, + fierce in battle, dwelling in the fastness of Himavat, were formerly, O + Karna, made by thee to own Duryodhana’s sway. And so also, the Utpalas, + the Mekalas, the Paundras, the Kalingas, the Andhras, the Nishadas, the + Trigartas, and the Valhikas, were all vanquished by thee, O Karna, in + battle. In many other countries, O Karna, impelled by the desire of doing + good to Duryodhana, thou didst, O hero, vanquish many races and kings of + great energy. Like Duryodhana, O child, with his kinsmen, and relatives, + and friends, be thou also the refuge of all the Kauravas. In auspicious + words I command thee, go and fight with the enemy. Lead the Kurus in + battle, and give victory unto Duryodhana. Thou art to us our grandson even + as Duryodhana is. According to the ordinance, all of us also are as much + thine as Duryodhana’s!<a href="#linknote-77" name="linknoteref-77" + id="linknoteref-77">7</a> The wise, O foremost of men, say that the + companionship of the righteous with the righteous is a superior + relationship to that born of the same womb. Without falsifying, therefore, + thy relationship with Kurus, protect thou the Kaurava host like + Duryodhana, regarding it as thy own." </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words of his, Vikartana’s son Karna, reverentially + saluting Bhishma’s feet, (bade him farewell) and came to that spot where + all the Kaurava bowmen were. Viewing that wide and unparalleled encampment + of the vast host, he began to cherish (by words of encouragement) those + well-armed and broad-chested warriors. And all the Kauravas headed by + Duryodhana were filled with joy. And beholding the mighty-armed and + high-souled Karna come to the field and station himself at the head of the + whole army, for battle, the Kauravas received him with loud shouts and + slapping of arm-pits and leonine roars and twang of bows and diverse other + kinds of noise.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0005" id="link72H_4_0005"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION V + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that tiger among men, viz., Karna, mounted on + his car, Duryodhana, O king, filled with joy, said these words, “This + host, protected by thee, hath now, I think, got a proper leader. Let that, + however, be settled now which is proper and within our power." </p> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “Tell us thyself, O tiger among men, for thou art the wisest + of kings. Another can never see so well what should be done as one seeth + it whose concern it is. Those kings are all desirous of listening to what + thou mayst have to say. I am sure that no improper words will be uttered + by thee." </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “Bhishma was our commander possessed (as he was) of + years, prowess, and learning and supported by all our warriors. That + high-souled one, O Karna, achieving great glory and slaying large numbers + of my enemies protected us by fair fight for ten days. He achieved the + most difficult of feats. But now that he is about to ascend to heaven, + whom, O Karna, dost thou think fit to our commander after him? Without a + leader, an army cannot stay in battle for even a short while. Thou art + foremost in battle, like a boat without a helmsman in the waters. Indeed, + as a boat without a helmsman, or a car without a driver, would go + anywhere, so would the plight be of a host that is without a leader. Like + a merchant who falleth into every kind of distress when he is unacquainted + with the ways of the country he visits, an army that is without a leader + is exposed to every kind of distress. Look thou, therefore, among all the + high-souled warriors of our army and find out a proper leader who may + succeed the son of Santanu. Him whom thou wouldst regard as a fit leader + in battle, him, all of us, without doubt, will together make our leader." </p> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “All these foremost of men are high-souled persons. Every + one of them deserveth to be our leader. There is no need of any minute + examination. All of them are conversant with noble genealogies and with + the art of smiting; all of them are endued with prowess and intelligence, + all of them are attentive and acquainted with the scriptures, possessed of + wisdom, and unretreating from battle.<a href="#linknote-78" + name="linknoteref-78" id="linknoteref-78">8</a> All, however, cannot be + leaders at the same time. Only one should be selected as leader, in whom + are special merits. All of these regard one another as equals. If one + amongst them, therefore, be honoured, others will be dissatisfied, and, it + is evident, will no longer fight for thee from a desire of benefiting + thee. This one, however, is the Preceptor (in arms) of all these warriors; + is venerable in years, and worthy of respect. Therefore, Drona, this + foremost of all wielders of weapons, should be made the leader. Who is + there worthy of becoming a leader, when the invincible Drona, that + foremost of persons conversant with Brahma, is here, that one who is equal + to Sukra or Vrihaspati himself? Amongst all the kings in thy army, O + Bharata, there is not a single warrior who will not follow Drona when the + latter goeth to battle.<a href="#linknote-79" name="linknoteref-79" + id="linknoteref-79">9</a> This Drona is the foremost of all leaders of + forces, the foremost of all wielders of weapons, and the foremost of all + intelligent persons. He is, besides, O king, thy preceptor (in arms). + Therefore, O Duryodhana, make this one the leader of thy forces without + delay, as the celestials made Kartikeya their leader in battle for + vanquishing the Asuras.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0006" id="link72H_4_0006"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of Karna, king Duryodhana then said + this unto Drona who was staying in the midst of the troops.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “For the superiority of the order of thy birth, for the + nobility of thy parentage, for thy learning, years and intelligence, for + also thy prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of worldly matters, + policy, and self-conquest, by reason also of thy ascetic austerities and + thy gratitude, superior as thou art as regards every virtue, among these + kings there is none who can make so good a leader as thou. Protect thou, + therefore, ourselves, like Vasava protecting the celestials. Having thee + for our leader, we desire, O best of Brahmanas, to vanquish our foes. As + Kapali amongst the Rudras, Pavaka among the Vasus, Kuvera among the + Yakshas, Vasava among the Maruts, Vasishtha among Brahmanas, the Sun + amongst luminous bodies, Yama among the Pitris, Varuna among aquatic + creatures, as the Moon among the stars, and Usanas among the sons of Diti, + so art thou the foremost of all leaders of forces. Be thou, therefore, our + leader. O sinless one, let these ten and one Akshauhinis of troops be + obedient to thy word of command. Disposing these troops in battle array, + slay thou our foes, like Indra slaying the Danavas. Proceed thou art the + head of us all, like Pavaka’s son (Kartikeya) at the head of the celestial + forces. We will follow thee to battle, like bulls following a bovine + leader. A fierce and great bowman as thou art, beholding thee stretching + the bow at our head, Arjuna will not strike. Without doubt, O tiger among + men, if thou becomest our leader, I will vanquish Yudhishthira with all + his followers and relatives in battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘After Duryodhana had uttered these words, the kings + (in the Kaurava army) all cried victory to Drona. And they delighted thy + son by uttering a loud leonine shout. And the troops, filled with joy, and + with Duryodhana at their head, desirous of winning great renown, began to + glorify that best of Brahmanas. Then, O king, Drona addressed Duryodhana + in those words.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0007" id="link72H_4_0007"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “I know the Vedas with their six branches. I know also the + science of human affairs. I am acquainted also with the Saiva weapon, and + diverse other species of weapons. Endeavouring to actually display all + those virtues which ye, desirous of victory, have attributed to me, I will + fight with the Pandavas. I will not, however, O king, be able to slay the + son of Prishata. O bull among men, he hath been created for my slaughter. + I will fight with the Pandavas, and slay the Somakas. As regards the + Pandavas, they will not fight with me with cheerful hearts.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus permitted by Drona, thy son, O king, then made + him the commander of his forces according to the rites prescribed in the + ordinance. And the kings (in the Kaurava army) headed by Duryodhana + performed the investiture of Drona in the command of the forces, like the + celestials headed by India in days of yore performing the investiture of + Skanda. After Drona’s installation in the command, the joy of the army + expressed itself by the sound of drums and the loud blare of conchs. Then + with cries such as greet the ears on a festive day, with auspicious + invocations by Brahmanas gratified with cries of Jaya uttered by foremost + of Brahmanas, and with the dance of mimes, Drona was duly honoured. And + Kaurava warriors regarded the Pandavas as already vanquished.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Bharadwaja’s son, + having obtained the command, arrayed the troops in order of battle, and + went out with thy sons from desire of fighting the foe. And the ruler of + the Sindhus, and the chief of the Kalingas, and thy son Vikarna, clad in + mail, took up their position on the right wing (of Drona). And Sakuni, + accompanied by many foremost of horsemen battling with bright lances and + belonging to the Gandhara tribe, proceeded, acting as their support. And + Kripa, and Kritavarman, and Chitrasena, and Vivinsati headed by Duhsasana, + strove vigorously for protecting the left wing. And the Kamvojas headed by + Sudakshina, and the Sakas, and the Yavanas, with steeds of great + fleetness, proceeded, as the latter’s support. And the Madras, the + Trigartas, the Amvashthas, the Westerners, the Northerners, the Malavas, + the Surasenas, the Sudras, the Maladas, the Sauviras, the Kaitavas, the + Easterners, and the Southerners placing thy son (Duryodhana) and the + Suta’s son (Karna) at their head, forming the rear guard, gladdened + warriors of their own army, added to the strength of the (advancing) + force. Vikartana’s son Karna proceeded at the head of the bowmen.<a + href="#linknote-710" name="linknoteref-710" id="linknoteref-710">10</a> + And his blazing and large and tall standard bearing the device of the + elephant’s rope, shone with an effulgence like that of the Sun, gladdening + his own divisions. Beholding Karna, none regarded the calamity caused by + Bhishma’s death. And the kings, along with the Kurus, all became freed + from grief. And large numbers of warriors, banded together, said unto one + another, “Beholding Karna on the field, the Pandavas will never be able to + stand in battle. Indeed, Karna is quite competent to vanquish in battle + the very gods with Vasava at their head. What need be said, therefore, for + the sons of Pandu who are destitute of energy and prowess? The + mighty-armed Bhishma spared the Parthas in battle. Karna, however, will + slay them in the fight with his keen shafts.” Speaking unto one another + thus and filled with joy, they proceeded, applauding and worshipping the + son of Radha. As regards our army, it was arrayed by Drona in the form of + a Sakata (vehicle); while the array of our illustrious foes, O king, was + in the form of a Krauncha (crane), as disposed, O Bharata, by king + Yudhishthira the just in great cheerfulness. At the head of their array + were those two foremost of persons viz., Vishnu and Dhananjaya, with their + banner set up, bearing the device of the ape. The hump of the whole army + and the refuge of all bowmen, that banner of Partha, endued with + immeasurable energy, as it floated in the sky, seemed to illumine the + entire host of the high-souled Yudhishthira. The banner of Partha, + possessed of great intelligence, seemed to resemble the blazing Sun that + riseth at the end of the Yuga for consuming the world. Amongst bowmen, + Arjuna is the foremost; amongst bows, Gandiva is the foremost; amongst + creatures Vasudeva is the first; and amongst all kinds of discs, Sudarsana + is the first. Bearing these four embodiments of energy, that car unto + which were yoked white steeds, took up its position in the front of the + (hostile) army, like the fierce discus upraised (for striking). Thus did + those two foremost of men stand at the very head of their respective + forces, viz., Karna at the head of thy army, and Dhananjaya at the head of + the hostile one. Both excited with wrath, and each desirous of slaying the + other, Karna and Arjuna looked at each other in that battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then when that mighty car-warrior, viz.. Bharadwaja’s son, proceeded to + battle with great speed, the earth seemed to tremble with loud sounds of + wailing. Then the thick dust, raised by the wind resembling a canopy of + tawny silk, enveloped the sky and the sun. And though the firmament was + cloudless, yet a shower fell of pieces of flesh, bones, and blood. And + vultures and hawks and cranes and Kankas, and crows in thousands, began + continually to fall upon the (Kaurava) troops. And jackals yelled aloud; + and many fierce and terrible birds repeatedly wheeled to the left of thy + army, from desire of eating flesh and drinking blood,<a + href="#linknote-711" name="linknoteref-711" id="linknoteref-711">11</a> + and many blazing meteors, illuminating (the sky), and covering large areas + with their tails, fell on the field with loud sound and trembling motion. + And the wide disc of the sun, O monarch, seemed to emit flashes of + lightning with thundering noise, when commander of the (Kaurava) army set + out. These and many other portents, fierce and indicating a destruction of + heroes, were seen during the battle. Then commenced the encounter between + the troops of the Kurus and the Pandavas, desirous of slaying each other. + And so loud was the din that it seemed to fill the whole earth. And the + Pandavas and the Kauravas, enraged with each other and skilled in smiting, + began to strike each other with sharp weapons, from desire of victory. + Then that great bowman of blazing effulgence rushed towards the troops of + the Pandavas with great impetuosity, scattering hundreds of sharp arrows. + Then the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, beholding Drona rush towards them, + received him, O king, with showers upon showers (in distinct sets) of + arrows. Agitated and broken by Drona, the large host of the Pandavas and + the Panchalas broke like rows of cranes by force of the wind. Invoking + into existence many celestial weapons in that battle, Drona, within a very + short time, afflicted the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. Slaughtered by + Drona, like Danavas by Vasava, the Panchalas headed by Dhrishtadyumna + trembled in that battle. Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Yajnasena’s + son (Dhrishtadyumna), that hero acquainted with celestial weapons, broke, + with his arrowy showers, the division of Drona in many places. And the + mighty son of Prishata baffling with his own arrowy showers the showers of + arrows shot by Drona, caused a great slaughter among the Kurus. The + mighty-armed Drona then, rallying his men in battle and gathering them + together, rushed towards the son of Prishata. He then shot at Prishata’s + son a thick shower of arrows, like Maghavat excited with rage showering + his arrows with great force upon the Danavas. Then the Pandavas and the + Srinjayas, shaken by Drona with his shafts, repeatedly broke like a herd + of inferior animals attacked by a lion. And the mighty Drona coursed + through the Pandava force like a circle of fire. All this, O king, seemed + highly wonderful. Mounted on his own excellent car which (then) resembled + a city coursing through the skies, which was furnished with every + necessary article according to (military) science, whose banner floated on + the air, whose rattle resounded through the field, whose steeds were + (well) urged, and the staff of whose standard was bright as crystal, Drona + struck terror into the hearts of the enemy and caused a great slaughter + among them.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0008" id="link72H_4_0008"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION VIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Drona thus slaying steeds and drivers and + car-warriors and elephants, the Pandavas, without being troubled, + encompassed him on all sides. Then king Yudhishthira, addressing + Dhrishtadyumna and Dhananjaya, said unto them, “Let the pot-born (Drona) + be checked, our men surrounding him on all sides with care.” Thus + addressed those mighty car-warriors, viz., Arjuna and Prishata’s son, + along with their followers, all received Drona as the latter came. And the + Kekaya princes, and Bhimasena, and Subhadra’s son and Ghatotkacha and + Yudhishthira, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and the ruler of the + Matsyas, and the son of Drupada, and the (five) sons of Draupadi, all + filled with joy, and Dhrishtaketu, and Satyaki, and the wrathful + Chitrasena, and the mighty car-warrior, Yuyutsu, and many other kings, O + monarch, who followed the sons of Pandu, all achieved diverse feats in + keeping with their lineage and prowess. Beholding then that host protected + in that battle by those Pandava warriors, Bharadwaja’s son, turning his + eyes in wrath, cast his looks upon it. Inflamed with rage, that warrior, + invincible in battle, consumed, as he stood upon his car, the Pandava host + like the tempest destroying vast masses of clouds. Rushing on all sides at + car-warriors and steeds and foot-soldiers and elephants, Drona furiously + careered over the field like a young man, though bearing the weight of + years. His red steeds, fleet as the wind, and of excellent breed, covered + with blood, O king, assumed a beautiful appearance. Beholding that hero of + regulated vows, felling them like Yama himself inflamed with wrath, the + soldiers of Yudhishthira fled away on all sides. And as some fled away and + others rallied, as some looked at him and others stayed on the field, the + noise they made was fierce and terrible. And that noise causing delight to + heroes and enhancing the fears of the timid, filled the whole sky and the + earth. And once more Drona, uttering his own name in battle, made himself + exceedingly fierce, scattering hundreds of arrows among the foes. Indeed, + the mighty Drona, though old, yet acting like a young man, careered like + Death himself, O sire, amid the divisions of Pandu’s son. That fierce + warrior cutting off heads and arms decked with ornaments, made the + terraces of many cars empty and uttered leonine roars. And in consequence + of those joyous shouts of his, as also of the force of his shafts, the + warriors, O lord, (of the hostile army) trembled like a herd of cows + afflicted by cold. And in consequence of the rattle of his car and the + stretching of his bow-string and the twang of his bow, the whole welkin + resounded with a loud noise. And the shaft, of that hero, coursing in + thousands from his bow, and enveloping all the points of the compass, fell + upon the elephants and steeds and cars and foot-soldiers (of the enemy). + Then the Panchalas and the Pandavas boldly approached Drona, who, armed + with his bow of great force, resembled a fire having weapons for its + flames. Then with their elephants and foot-soldiers and steeds he began to + despatch them unto the abode of Yama. And Drona made the earth miry with + blood. Scattering his mighty weapons and shooting his shafts thick on + every side, Drona soon so covered all the points of the compass, that + nothing could be seen except his showers of arrows. And among + foot-soldiers and cars and steeds and elephants nothing could be seen save + Drona’s arrows. The standard of his car was all that could be seen, moving + like flashes of lightning amid the cars.<a href="#linknote-712" + name="linknoteref-712" id="linknoteref-712">12</a> Of soul incapable of + being depressed, Drona then, armed with bow and arrows, afflicted the five + princes of Kekaya and the ruler of the Panchalas and then rushed against + the division of Yudhishthira. Then Bhimasena and Dhananjaya and the + grandson of Sini, and the sons of Drupada, and the ruler of Kasi, viz., + the son of Saivya, and Sivi himself, cheerfully and with loud roars + covered him with their arrows. Shafts in thousands, decked with wings of + gold, shot from Drona’s bow, piercing through the bodies of the elephants + and the young horses of those warriors, entered the earth, their feathers + dyed with blood. The field of battle, strewn with cars and the prostrate + forms of large bands of warriors, and of elephants and steeds mangled with + shafts, looked like the welkin covered with masses of black clouds. Then + Drona, desirous of the prosperity of thy sons, having thus crushed the + divisions of Satyaki, and Bhima, and Dhananjaya and Subhadra’s son and + Drupada, and the ruler of the Kasi, and having ground many other heroes in + battle, indeed, that high-souled warrior, having achieved these and many + other feats, and having, O chief of the Kurus, scorched the world like the + Sun himself as he rises at the end of the Yuga, proceeded hence, O + monarch, to heaven. That hero possessed of golden car, that grinder of + hostile hosts, having achieved mighty feats and slain in thousands the + warriors of the Pandava host in battle, hath at last been himself slain by + Dhrishtadyumna. Having, in fact, slain more than two Akshauhinis of brave + and unreturning warriors, that hero endued with intelligence, at last, + attained to the highest state. Indeed, O king, having achieved the most + difficult feats, he hath, at last, been slain by the Pandavas and the + Panchalas of cruel deeds. When the preceptor was slain in battle, there + arose in the welkin, O monarch, a loud uproar of all creatures, as also of + all the troops. Resounding through heaven and earth and the intermediate + space and through the cardinal and the subsidiary directions, the loud cry + “O Fie!”—of creatures was heard. And the gods, the Pitris, and they + that were his friends, all beheld that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son + of Bharadwaja, thus slain. The Pandavas, having won the victory, uttered + leonine shouts. And the earth trembled with those loud shouts of theirs.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0009" id="link72H_4_0009"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION IX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘How did the Pandavas and the Srinjayas slay Drona in + battle,—Drona, who was so accomplished in weapons amongst all + wielders of arms? Did his car break (in course of the fight)? Did his bow + break while he was striking (the foe)? Or, was Drona carless at the time + when he met with his death-blow? How, indeed, O child, could Prishata’s + son, (viz., Dhrishtadyumna) the prince of the Panchalas, slay that hero + incapable of being humiliated by enemies, who scattered thick showers of + shafts furnished with wings of gold, and who was endued with great + lightness of hand, that foremost of Brahmanas, who was accomplished in + everything, acquainted with all modes of warfare, capable of shooting his + shafts to a great distance, and self-restrained, who was possessed of + great skill in the use of weapons and armed with celestial weapons, that + mighty warrior, of unfading glory, who was always careful, and who + achieved the fiercest feats in battle? It is plain, it seems to me, that + destiny is superior to exertion, since even brave Drona hath been slain by + the high-souled son of Prishata, that hero in whom were the four kinds of + weapons. Alas, thou sayest that that Drona, that preceptor in bowmanship, + is slain. Hearing of the slaughter of that hero who used to ride his + bright car covered with tiger skins and adorned with pure gold. I cannot + drive away my grief. Without doubt, O Sanjaya, no one dies of grief caused + by another’s calamity, since, wretch that I am, I am yet alive although I + have heard of Drona’s death. Destiny I regard to be all powerful, exertion + is fruitless. Surely, my heart, hard as it is, is made of adamant, since + it breaketh not into a hundred pieces, although I have heard of Drona’s + death. He who was waited upon by Brahmanas and princes desirous of + instruction in the Vedas and divination and bowmanship, alas, how could he + be taken away by Death? I cannot brook the overthrow of Drona which is + even like the drying up of the ocean, or the removal of Meru from its + site, or the fall of the Run from the firmament. He was a restrainer of + the wicked and a protector of the righteous. That scorcher of foes who + hath given up his life for the wretched Duryodhana, upon whose prowess + rested that hope of victory which my wicked sons entertained, who was + equal to Vrihaspati or Usanas himself in intelligence, alas, how was he + slain? His large steeds of red hue, covered with a net of gold, fleet as + the wind and incapable of being struck with any weapon in battle, endued + with great strength, neighing cheerfully, well-trained and of the Sindhu + breed, yoked unto his car and drawing the vehicle excellently, always + preserving in the midst of battle, did they become weak and faint? Coolly + bearing in battle the roar of elephants, while those huge creatures + trumpeted at the blare of conchs and the beat of drums, unmoved by the + twang of bows and showers of arrows and other weapons, foreboding the + defeat of foes by their very appearance, never drawing long breaths (in + consequence of toil), above all fatigue and pain, how were those fleet + steeds that drew the car of Bharadwaja’s son soon over-powered? Even such + were the steeds yoked unto his golden car. Even such were the steeds yoked + thereto by that foremost of human heroes. Mounted on his own excellent car + decked with pure gold, why, O son, could he not cross the sea of the + Pandava army? What feats were achieved in battle by Bharadwaja’s son, that + warrior who always drew tears from other heroes, and upon whose knowledge + (of weapons) all the bowmen of the world rely? Firmly adhering to truth, + and endued with great might, what, indeed, did Drona do in battle? Who + were those car-warriors that encountered that achiever of fierce deeds, + that foremost of all wielders of the bow, that first of heroes, who + resembled Sakra himself in heaven? Did the Pandava fly away beholding him + of the golden car and of mighty strength who invoked into existence + celestial weapons? Or, did king Yudhishthira the just, with his younger + brothers, and having the prince of Panchala (Dhrishtadyumna) for his + binding chord,<a href="#linknote-713" name="linknoteref-713" + id="linknoteref-713">13</a> attack Drona, surrounding him with his troops + on all sides? Verily, Partha must have, with his straight shafts, checked + all the other car-warriors, and then Prishata’s son of sinful deeds must + have surrounded Drona. I do not see any other warrior, save the fierce + Dhrishtadyumna protected by Arjuna, who could have compassed the death of + that mighty hero. It seems that when those heroes, viz., the Kekayas, the + Chedis, the Karushas, the Matsyas, and the other kings, surrounding the + preceptor, pressed him exceedingly like ants pressing upon a snake, while + he was engaged in some difficult feat, the wretched Dhrishtadyumna must + have slain him then. This is what I think. He who, having studied the four + Vedas with their branches and the histories forming the fifth (Veda), + became the refuge of the Brahmanas, as the ocean is of rivers, that + scorcher of foes, who lived both as a Brahmana and as a Kshatriya, alas, + how could that Brahmana, reverend in years, meet with his end at the edge + of a weapon? Of a proud spirit, he was yet often humiliated and had to + suffer pain on my account. However undeserving of it, he yet attained at + the hands of Kunti’s son, the fruit of his own conduct.<a + href="#linknote-714" name="linknoteref-714" id="linknoteref-714">14</a> + He, upon whose feats depend all wielders of bows in the world, alas, how + could that hero, firmly adhering to truth and possessed of great skill, be + slain by persons desirous of affluence? Foremost in the world like Sakra + himself in heaven, of great might and great energy, alas, how could he be + slain by the Parthas, like the whale by the smaller fish? He, from whose + presence no warrior desirous of victory could ever escape with life, he + whom, while alive, these two sounds never left, viz., the sound of the + Vedas by those desirous of Vedic lore, and the twang of bows caused by + those desirous of skill in bowmanship, he who was never cheerless, alas, + that tiger among men, that hero endued with prosperity and never + vanquished in battle, that warrior of prowess equal to that of the lion or + the elephant, hath been slain. Verily, I cannot bear the idea of his + death. How could Prishata’s son, in the sight of the foremost of men, slay + in battle that invincible warrior whose might was never humiliated and + whose fame was never tarnished? Who were they that fought in Drona’s van, + protecting him, standing by his side? Who proceeded in his rear and + obtained that end which is so difficult of attainment? Who were those + high-souled warriors that protected the right and the left wheels of + Drona? Who were in the van of that hero while he struggled in battle? Who + were they that, reckless of their lives on that occasion, met with death + which stood face to face with them? Who were those heroes that went in the + last journey in Drona’s battle? Did any of those Kshatriyas that were + assigned for Drona’s protection, proving false, abandon that hero in + battle? Was he slain by the foe after such desertion and while alone? + Drona would never, from fear, show his back in battle, however great the + danger. How then was he slain by the foe? Even in great distress, O + Sanjaya, an illustrious person should do this, viz., put forth his prowess + according to the measure of his might. All this was in Drona; O child, I + am losing my senses. Let this discourse be suspended for a while. After + regaining my senses I will once more ask thee, O Sanjaya!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0010" id="link72H_4_0010"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION X + </h2> + <p> + Vaisampayana said, “Having addressed the Suta’s son in this way, + Dhritarashtra, afflicted with excessive grief of heart and hopeless of his + son’s victory, fell down on the ground. Beholding him deprived of his + senses and fallen down, his attendants sprinkled him with perfumed and + cold water, fanning him the while. Seeing him fallen, the Bharata ladies O + king, surrounded him on all sides and gently rubbed him with their hands. + And slowly raising the king from the ground, those royal ladies, their + voices choked with tears, seated him on his seat. Seated, the King + continued to be under the influence of that swoon. And he remained + perfectly motionless, while they fanned him standing around. And a tremour + then passed over the monarch’s body and he slowly regained his senses. And + once more he began to interrogate Gavalgana’s son of the Suta caste about + the incidents, as they occurred in the battle." </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘[That Ajatasatru] who, like the risen sun, + dispelleth darkness by his own light; who rusheth against a foe as a swift + and angry elephant with rent temples, incapable of being vanquished by + hostile leaders of herds, rusheth against a rival proceeding with cheerful + face towards a female of the species in lust, O, what warriors (of my + army) resisted that Ajatasatru as he came, for keeping him away from + Drona?<a href="#linknote-715" name="linknoteref-715" id="linknoteref-715">15</a> + That hero, that foremost of persons, who hath slain many brave warriors + (of my army) in battle, that mighty-armed and intelligent and courageous + prince of unbaffled prowess, who, unassisted by any one, can consume the + entire host of Duryodhana by means of his terrible glances alone, that + slayer by his sight, that one bent on winning victory, that bowman, that + hero of unfading glory, that self-restrained monarch who is revered by the + whole world, O, who were those heroes (of my army) that surrounded that + warrior?<a href="#linknote-716" name="linknoteref-716" id="linknoteref-716">16</a> + That invincible prince, that bowman of unfading glory, that tiger among + men, that son of Kunti, who advancing with great celerity came upon Drona, + that mighty warrior who always achieves grand feats against the foe, that + hero of gigantic fame and great courage, who in strength is equal to ten + thousand elephants, O, what brave combatants of my army surrounded that + Bhimasena as he rushed upon my host? When that car-warrior of exceeding + energy, viz., Vibhatsu, looking like a mass of clouds, came, emitting + thunderbolts like the clouds themselves, shooting showers of arrows like + Indra pouring rain, and making all the points of the compass resound with + the slaps of his palms and the rattle of his car-wheels, when that hero + whose bow was like the lightning’s flash and whose car resembled a cloud + having for its roars the rattle of its wheels (when that hero came) the + whizz of whose arrows made him exceedingly fierce, whose wrath resembles + an awful cloud, and who is fleet as the mind or the tempest, who always + pierces the foe deep into his very vitals, who, armed with shafts, is + terrible to look at, who like Death himself bathes all the points of the + compass with human blood in profusion, and who, with fierce uproar and + awful visage, wielding the bow Gandiva incessantly pours on my warriors + headed by Duryodhana shafts whetted on stone and furnished with vultures’ + feathers, alas, when that hero of great intelligence came upon you, what + became the state of your mind? When that warrior having the huge ape on + his banner came, obstructing the welkin with dense showers of arrows, what + became that state of your mind at sight of that Partha? Did Arjuna advance + upon you, slaying your troops with the twang of the Gandiva and achieving + fierce feats on the way? Did Duryodhana take, with his shafts, your lives, + like the tempest destroying gathering masses of clouds or felling forests + of reeds, blowing through them? What man is there that is capable of + bearing in battle the wielder of the Gandiva? Hearing only that he is + stationed at the head of the (hostile) force, the heart of every foe seems + to rend in twain. In that battle in which the troops trembled and even + heroes were struck with fear, who were they that did not desert Drona, and + who were those cowards that abandoned him from fear? Who were they that, + reckless of their lives met Death himself, standing face to face with + them, in the shape of Dhananjaya, who hath vanquished even superhuman + combatants in battle? My troops are incapable of bearing the impetus of + that warrior having white steeds yoked unto his car and the twang of + Gandiva, that resembles the roll of the very clouds. That car which has + Vishnu himself for its driver and Dhananjaya for its warrior, that car I + regard to be incapable of being vanquished by the very gods and the Asuras + united together. Delicate, young, and brave, and of a very handsome + countenance, that son of Pandu who is gifted with intelligence and skill + and wisdom and whose prowess incapable of being baffled in battle, when + Nakula with loud noise and afflicting all hostile warriors, rushed at + Drona, what heroes (of my army) surrounded him? When Sahadeva who + resembles an angry snake of virulent poison, when that hero owning white + steeds and invincible in battle, observant of laudable vows, incapable of + being baffled in his purposes, gifted with modesty, and never vanquished + in fight, came upon us, what heroes (of our army) surrounded him? That + warrior who, having crushed the mighty host of the Sauvira king, took for + his wife the beautiful Bhoja maiden of symmetrical limbs, that bull among + men, viz., Yuyudhana, in whom are always truth and firmness and bravery + and Brahmacharya, that warrior gifted with great might, always practising + truth, never cheerless, never vanquished, who in battle is equal to + Vasudeva and is regarded as his second self, who, through Dhananjaya’s + instructions, hath become foremost in the use of arrows, and who is equal + to Partha himself in weapons, O, what warrior (of my army) resisted that + Satyaki, for keeping him away from Drona? The foremost hero among the + Vrishnis, exceedingly brave among all bowmen, equal to Rama himself in + (knowledge and the use of) weapons and in prowess and fame, (know, O + Sanjaya, that) truth and firmness, intelligence and heroism, and knowledge + of Brahma, and high weapons, are all in him (Satyaki) of the Satwata race, + as the three worlds are in Kesava. What heroes (of my army), approaching + that mighty bowman, Satyaki, possessed of all those accomplishments and + incapable of being resisted by the very gods, surrounded him? The foremost + among the Panchalas, possessed of heroism, high-born and the favourite of + all high-born heroes, ever achieving good deeds in battle, viz., + Uttamaujas, that Prince ever engaged in the welfare of Arjuna, born for + only my evil, equal unto Yama, or Vaisravana, or Aditya, or Mahendra, or + Varuna, that prince regarded as a mighty car-warrior and prepared to lay + down his life in the thick of battle, O, what heroes (of my army) + surrounded him? Who (amongst my warriors) opposed Dhrishtaketu, that + single warrior amongst the Chedis who, deserting them, hath embraced the + side of the Pandavas, while he rushed upon Drona? Who resisted the heroic + Ketumat for keeping him away from Drona, the brave Ketumat who slew prince + Durjaya while the latter had taken shelter in Girivraja? What heroes (of + my army) surrounded Sikhandin, that tiger among men, who knows the merits + and demerits (in his own person) of manhood and femininity, that son of + Yajnasena, who is always cheerful in battle, that hero who became the + cause of the high-souled Bhishma’s death in battle, when he rushed towards + Drona? That foremost hero of the Vrishni race, that chief of all bowmen, + that brave warrior in whom all accomplishments exist in a greater degree + than in Dhananjaya himself, in whom are ever weapons and truth and + Brahmacharya, who is equal to Vasudeva in energy and Dhananjaya in + strength, who in splendour is equal to Aditya and in intelligence to + Vrihaspati, viz., the high-souled Abhimanyu, resembling Death himself with + wide-open mouth, O what heroes (of my army) surrounded him when he rushed + towards Drona? That youth of vigorous understanding, that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., Subhadra’s son, O, when he rushed towards Drona, + what became the state of your mind? What heroes surrounded those tigers + among men, viz., the sons of Draupadi, when they rushed in battle against + Drona like rivers rushing towards the sea? Those children who, giving up + all (childish) sports for twelve years, and observing excellent vows, + waited upon Bhishma for the sake of weapons, those children, viz., + Kshatranjaya and Kshatradeva and Kshatravarman and Manada, those heroic + sons of Dhrishtadyumna, O, who resisted them, seeking to keep them away + from Drona? He whom the Vrishnis regarded as superior in battle to a + hundred car-warriors, O, who resisted that great bowman, viz., Chekitana, + for keeping him away from Drona? Those five Kekaya brothers, virtuous and + possessed of prowess, incapable of being baffled, resembling (in hue) the + insects called Indragopakas, with red coats of mail, red weapons and red + banners, those heroes that are the maternal cousins of the Pandavas and + that always wish for victory unto the latter, O, what heroes (of my army) + surrounded those valiant princes when they rushed towards Drona for + slaying him? That lord of battle, that foremost of bowmen, that hero of + unbaffled aim and great strength, that tiger among men, viz., Yuyutsu, + whom many wrathful kings battling together for six months at Varanavata + from desire of slaying him could not vanquish, and who in battle at + Varanasi overthrew with a broad-headed arrow that mighty car-warrior, + viz., the prince of Kasi, desirous of seizing (at a Swayamvara) a maiden + for wife, O, what hero (of my army) resisted him? That mighty bowman, + viz., Dhrishtadyumna, who is the chief counsellor of the Pandavas, who is + engaged in doing evil to Duryodhana, who was created for Drona’s + destruction, O, what heroes (of my army) surrounded him when he came + towards Drona, breaking through all my ranks and consuming all my warriors + in battle? That foremost of all persons conversant with weapons, who has + been reared almost on Drupada’s lap, O, what warriors (of my army) + surrounded that Sikhandin protected by (Arjuna’s) weapons, for keeping him + away from Drona? He who encompassed this earth by the loud rattle of his + car as by a leathern belt, that mighty car-warrior and foremost of all + slayers of foes, who, as (a substitute for) all sacrifices, performed, + without hindrance, ten Horse sacrifices with excellent food and drink and + gifts in profusion, who ruled his subjects as if they were his children, + that Usinara’s son who in sacrifices gave away kine countless as the + grains of sand in the Ganga’s stream, whose feat none amongst men have + been or will ever be able to imitate, after the performance of whose + difficult feats the very gods had cried out, saying, ‘We do not see in the + three worlds with their mobile and immobile creatures a second person + other than Usinara’s son who was, has ever been, or will ever be born, who + hath attained to regions (in after-life) which are unattainable by human + beings, O, who (amongst my army) resisted that Saivya, that grandson of + that Usinara’s son, while he came upon (Drona)? What heroes (of my army) + surrounded the car-division of that slayer of foes, viz. Virata, the king + of the Matsyas, while it reached Drona in battle? Who kept away from Drona + the gigantic Ghatotkacha, that thorn (on the side), of my sons, that + warrior who always wishes victory unto the Pandavas, that heroic Rakshasa, + possessed of extensive powers of illusion, endued with great strength and + great prowess, and born of Bhima in course of a single day, and of whom I + entertain very great fears?<a href="#linknote-717" name="linknoteref-717" + id="linknoteref-717">17</a> What, O Srinjaya, can remain unconquered by + them for whose sake these and many others are prepared to lay down their + lives in battle? How can the sons of Pritha meet with defeat, they, viz., + that have the greatest of all beings, the wielder of the bow called + Sarnga, for their refuge and benefactor? Vasudeva is, indeed, the great + Master of all the worlds, the Lord of all, and Eternal! Of celestial soul + and infinite power, Narayana is the refuge of men in battle. The wise + recite his celestial feats. I also will recite them with devotion, for + recovering my firmness!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0011" id="link72H_4_0011"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Hear, O Sanjaya, the celestial feats of Vasudeva, + feats that Govinda achieved and the like of which no other person hath + ever been able to achieve. Whilst being brought up, O Sanjaya, in the + family of the cowherd (Nanda), that high-souled one, while yet a boy, made + the might of his arms known to the three worlds. Even then he slew + Hayaraja, living in the woods (on the shores) of the Yamuna, who was equal + to (the celestial steed) Uchchaisravas in strength and the wind itself in + speed.<a href="#linknote-718" name="linknoteref-718" id="linknoteref-718">18</a> + In childhood, he also slew with his two bare arms, the Danava, in the form + of a bull, of terrible deeds, and risen like Death himself unto all the + kine. Of eyes like the lotus petals, he also slew the mighty Asuras named + Pralamva, and Naraka, and Jambha, and Pitha, as also Mura, that terror of + the celestials. And so also Kansa of mighty energy, who was, besides, + protected by Jarasandha, was, with all his followers, slain in battle by + Krishna aided by his prowess alone.<a href="#linknote-719" + name="linknoteref-719" id="linknoteref-719">19</a> With Valadeva as his + second, that slayer of foes, viz., Krishna, consumed in battle, with all + his troops, the king of the Surasenas, viz., Sunaman, of great activity + and prowess in battle, the lord of a full Akshauhini, and the valiant + second brother of Kansa, the king of the Bhojas. The highly wrathful + regenerate Rishi (gratified with the adoration) gave him boons.<a + href="#linknote-720" name="linknoteref-720" id="linknoteref-720">20</a> Of + eyes like the lotus petals, and endued with great bravery, Krishna, + vanquishing all the kings at a self-choice, bore away the daughter of the + king of the Gandharas. Those angry kings, as if they were horses by birth, + were yoked unto his nuptial car and were lacerated with the whip. The + mighty-armed Janardana also caused Jarasandha, the lord of a full + Akshauhini of troops, to be slain through the instrumentality of another.<a + href="#linknote-721" name="linknoteref-721" id="linknoteref-721">21</a> + The mighty Krishna also slew the valiant king of Chedis, that leader of + kings, as if he were some animal, on the occasion of the latter’s + disputing about the Arghya. Putting forth his prowess, Madhava hurled unto + the sea the Daitya city called Saubha, (moving) in the skies, protected by + Salwa, and regarded as impregnable. The Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, + the Magadhas, the Kasis, the Kosalas, the Vatsyas, the Gargyas, the + Karushas and the Paundras,—all these he vanquished in battle. The + Avantis, the Southerners, the Mountaineers, the Daserakas, the Kasmirakas, + the Aurasikas, the Pisachas, the Samudgalas, the Kamvojas, the Vatadhanas, + the Cholas, the Pandyas, O Sanjaya, the Trigartas, the Malavas, the + Daradas difficult of being vanquished, the Khasas arrived from diverse + realms, as also the Sakas, and the Yavanas with followers, were all + vanquished by him of eyes like lotus-petals. In days of old, penetrating + into the very sea, he vanquished in battle Varuna himself in those watery + depths, surrounded by all kinds of aquatic animals. Slaying in battle (the + Danava named) Panchajanya living in the depths of Patala, Hrishikesa + obtained the celestial conch called Panchajanya. The mighty Kesava, + accompanied by Partha, having gratified Agni at Khandava, obtained his + invincible weapon of fire, viz., his discus (called Sudarsana). Riding on + Vinata’s son and frightening (the denizens of) Amaravati, the heroic + Krishna brought from Mahendra himself (the celestial flower called) + Parijata. Knowing Krishna’s prowess, Sakra quietly bore that act.<a + href="#linknote-722" name="linknoteref-722" id="linknoteref-722">22</a> We + have never heard that there is any one among the kings who has not been + vanquished by Krishna. That exceedingly wonderful feat also, O Sanjaya, + which the lotus-eyed one performed in my court, who else is capable of + performing it? And since, humbled by devotion, I was suffered to behold + Krishna as the Supreme Lord; everything (about that feat) is well-known to + me, myself having witnessed it with my own eyes. O Sanjaya, the end can + never be seen of the (infinite) achievements of Hrishikesa of great energy + and great intelligence. Gada, and Samva, and Pradyumna, and Viduratha, and + Charudeshna, and Sarana, and Ulmukha, and Nisatha, and the valiant + Jhilivabhru, and Prithu, and Viprithu, and Samika, and Arimejaya,—these + and other mighty Vrishni heroes, accomplished in smiting, will, standing + on the field of battle, take up their position in the Pandava host, when + summoned by that Vrishni hero, viz., the high-souled Kesava. Everything + (on my side) will then be in great danger. Even this is what I think. And + there where Janardana is, there will be the heroic Rama, equal in strength + to ten thousand elephants, resembling the Kailasa peak, decked with + garlands of wild flowers, and armed with the plough. That Vasudeva, O + Sanjaya, whom all the regenerate ones describe as the Father of all, will + that Vasudeva fight for the sake of the Pandavas? O son, O Sanjaya, if he + puts on his armour for the sake of the Pandavas, there is none amongst us + who can be his antagonist. If the Kauravas happen to vanquish the + Pandavas, he, of the Vrishni race, will then, for the sake of the latter, + take up his mighty weapon. And that tiger among men, that mighty-armed + one, slaying then all the kings in battle as also the Kauravas, will give + away the whole earth to Kunti’s son. What car will advance in battle + against that car which has Hrishikesa for its driver and Dhananjaya for + its warrior? The Kurus cannot, by any means, gain victory. Tell me then + everything about how the battle took place. Arjuna is Kesava’s life and + Krishna is always victory; in Krishna is always fame. In all the worlds, + Vibhatsu is invincible. In Kesava are infinite merits in excess. The + foolish Duryodhana, who doth not know Krishna or Kesava, seems, through + Destiny, to have Death’s noose before him. Alas, Duryodhana knows not + Krishna of Dasarha’s race and Arjuna the son of Pandu. These high-souled + ones are ancient gods. They are even Nara and Narayana. On earth they are + seen by men as two separate forms, though in reality they are both + possessed but by one soul. With the mind alone, that invincible pair, of + world-wide fame, can, if only they wish it, destroy this host. Only, in + consequence of their humanity they do not wish it.<a href="#linknote-723" + name="linknoteref-723" id="linknoteref-723">23</a> Like a change of the + Yuga, the death of Bhishma, O child, and the slaughter of the high-souled + Drona, overturn the senses. Indeed, neither by Brahmacharya, nor by the + study of the Vedas, nor by (religious) rites, nor by weapons, can any one + prevent death. Hearing of the slaughter of Bhishma and Drona, those heroes + accomplished in weapons, respected by all the worlds, and invincible in + battle, why O Sanjaya, do I yet live? In consequence of the death of + Bhishma and Drona, O Sanjaya, we will henceforth have to live as + dependants on that prosperity beholding which in Yudhishthira we had + before been so jealous. Indeed, this destruction of the Kurus hath come in + consequence only of my acts. O Suta, in killing these that are ripe for + destruction, the very straw becomes thunderbolt. That prosperity is + without end in this world which Yudhishthira is about to obtain—Yudhishthira + through whose wrath both Bhishma and Drona have fallen. In consequence of + his very disposition, hath Righteousness gone over to the side of + Yudhishthira, while it is hostile to my son. Alas, time, so cruel, that + hath now come for the destruction of all, cannot be overcome. Things + calculated in one way, O son, even by men of intelligence, become + otherwise through Destiny. This is what I think. Therefore, tell me + everything that has taken place during the progress of this unavoidable + and dreadful calamity productive of the most sorrowful reflection + incapable of being crossed over (by us).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0012" id="link72H_4_0012"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Yes, as I saw everything with my own eyes, I will describe + to thee how Drona fell down, slain by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas. + Having obtained the command of the troops, that mighty car-warrior, viz., + Bharadwaja’s son, said these words unto thy son in the midst of all the + troops, “Inasmuch as, O king, thou hast honoured me with the command of + the troops immediately after that bull among the Kauravas, viz., the son + of the Ocean-going (Ganga), take thou, O Bharata, the adequate fruit of + that act of thine. What business of thine shall I now achieve? Ask thou + the boon that thou desirest.” Then king Duryodhana having consulted with + Karna and Duhsasana and others, said unto the preceptor, that invincible + warrior and foremost of all victors, these words, “If thou wouldst give me + a boon, then, seizing that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Yudhishthira, + alive, bring him unto me here.” Then that preceptor of the Kurus, hearing + those words of thy son, returned him the following answer, gladdening all + the troops therewith. “Praised be Kunti’s son (Yudhishthira) whose seizing + only thou desirest. O thou that art difficult of being vanquished, thou + askest not any other boon (one for example) for his slaughter. For what + reason, O tiger among men, dost thou not desire his death? Thou art, + without doubt, O Duryodhana, not ignorant of policy. Why, therefore, dost + thou not allude to Yudhishthira’s death? It is a matter of great wonder + that king Yudhishthira, the just, hath no enemy desirous of his death. + Inasmuch as thou wishest him to be alive, thou (either) seekest to + preserve thy race from extinction, or, O chief of the Bharatas, thou, + having vanquished the Pandavas in battle, art desirous of establishing + brotherly relation (with them) by giving them their kingdom. Auspicious + was the birth of that intelligent prince. Truly is he called Ajatasatru + (the foeless one), for even thou bearest affection for him.” Thus + addressed by Drona, O Bharata, the feeling that is ever present in thy + son’s breast suddenly made itself known. Not even persons like Vrihaspati + can conceal the expressions of their countenance. For this, thy son, O + king, filled with joy, said these words, “By the slaughter of Kunti’s son + in battle, O preceptor, victory cannot be mine. If Yudhishthira were + slain, Partha then, without doubt, would slay all of us. All of them, + again, cannot be slain by the very gods. He amongst them that will, in + that case, survive, will exterminate us. Yudhishthira, however, is + truthful in his promises. If brought hither (alive), vanquished once more + at dice, the Pandavas will once more go to the woods, for they are all + obedient to Yudhishthira. It is evident that such a victory will be an + enduring one. It is for this that I do not, by any means, desire the + slaughter of king Yudhishthira the just.” Ascertaining this crooked + purpose of Duryodhana, Drona who was conversant with the truths of the + science of profit and gifted with great intelligence, reflected a little + and gave him the boon circumscribing it in the following way. + </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “If the heroic Arjuna do not protect Yudhishthira in battle, + thou mayst think the eldest Pandava as already brought under thy control. + As regards Partha, the very gods and the Asuras together headed by Indra, + cannot advance against him in battle. It is for this that I dare not do + what thou askest me to do. Without doubt, Arjuna is his disciple, and I + was his first preceptor in arms. He is, however, young, endued with great + good fortune, and excessively intent (on the achievement of his purposes). + He hath obtained, again, many weapons from Indra and Rudra. He hath + besides been provoked by thee. I dare not, therefore, do what thou askest + me. Let Arjuna be removed, by whatsoever means that can be done, from the + battle. Upon Partha being withdrawn, thou mayst regard king Yudhishthira + as already vanquished. Upon his seizure is victory and not upon his + slaughter, O bull among men! Even by stratagem, can his seizure be + accomplished. Seizing that king devoted to truth and righteousness, I + will, without doubt, O monarch, bring him to thy control this very day, if + he stays before me in battle even for a moment, of course, if Dhananjaya, + the son of Kunti, that tiger among men, be withdrawn from the field. In + Phalguni’s presence, however, O king, Yudhishthira is incapable of being + taken in battle even by the gods and the Asuras headed by Indra.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘After Drona had promised the king’s seizure even + under these limitations, thy foolish sons regarded Yudhishthira as already + taken. Thy son (Duryodhana) knew Drona’s partiality for the Pandavas. In + order to make Drona stick to his promise, therefore, he divulged those + counsels. Then, O chastiser of foes, the fact of Drona’s having promised + to seize the (eldest) Pandava was proclaimed by Duryodhana unto all his + troops.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0013" id="link72H_4_0013"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After Drona had promised the kings seizure under those + limitations, thy troops hearing of (that promise about) Yudhishthira’s + capture, uttered many leonine shouts, mingling them with the whiz of their + arrows and the blare of their conchs. King Yudhishthira the just, however, + O Bharata, soon learnt in detail, through his spies, everything about the + purpose upon which Bharadwaja’s son was intent. Then bringing together all + his brothers and all the other kings of his army, king Yudhishthira the + just addressed Dhananjaya, saying, “Thou hast heard, O tiger among men, + about the intention of Drona. Let such measures, therefore, be adopted as + may prevent the accomplishment of that purpose. It is true, Drona, that + grinder of foes, hath vowed his pledge, subject to limitations, however, O + great bowman, rest on thee. Fight thou, therefore, today, O thou of mighty + arms, in my vicinity, so that Duryodhana may not obtain from Drona the + fruition of his desire." </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “As the slaughter of my preceptor can never be accomplished + by me, so, king, I can never consent to give thee up. O son of Pandu, I + would rather yield up my life in battle than fight against my preceptor. + This son of Dhritarashtra desireth sovereignty, having seized thee as a + captive in battle. In this world he will never obtain the fruition of that + desire of his. The firmament itself with its stars may fall down, the + Earth herself may split into fragments, yet Drona will, surely, never + succeed in seizing thee as long as I am alive. If the wielder of the + thunderbolt himself, or Vishnu at the head of the gods, assist him in + battle, still he shall not succeed in seizing thee on the field. As long + as I am alive, O great king, it behoveth thee not to entertain any fear of + Drona, although he is the foremost of all wielders of weapons. I further + say unto thee, O monarch, that my promise never remains unfulfilled. I do + not recollect having ever spoken any untruth. I do not recollect having + ever been vanquished. I do not recollect having ever, after making a vow, + left the least part of it unfulfilled.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then, O king, conchs and drums and cymbals and + smaller drums were sounded and beaten in the Pandava camp. And the + high-souled Pandavas uttered many leonine shouts. These and the awful + twang of their bow-strings and the slaps of palms reached the very heaven. + Hearing that loud blare of conchs that arose from the camp of the mighty + sons of Pandu, diverse instruments were sounded amongst thy divisions + also. Then thy divisions as also those of theirs were arrayed in order of + battle. And slowly they advanced against each other from desire of battle. + Then commenced a battle, that was fierce and that made the hairs stand on + their ends, between the Pandavas and the Kurus, and Drona and the + Panchalas. The Srinjayas, though struggling vigorously, were unable to + beat in battle the host of Drona as it was protected by Drona himself. And + so also the mighty car-warriors of thy son, skilled in smiting, could not + beat the Pandava host, as it was protected by the Diadem-decked (Arjuna). + Protected by Drona and Arjuna, both the hosts seemed to stand inactive + like two blossoming forests in the silence of the night. Then he, of the + golden car, (viz., Drona) like the Sun himself of great splendour, + crushing the ranks of the Pandavas, careered through them at will. And the + Pandavas, and the Srinjayas, through fear, regarded that single warrior of + great activity upon his quickly-moving car as if multiplied into many. + Shot by him, terrible shafts coursed in all directions, frightening, O + king, the army of Pandu’s son. Indeed, Drona then seemed as the Sun + himself at mid-day covered by a hundred rays of light. And as the Danavas + were unable to look at Indra, so there was not one amongst the Pandavas, + who, O monarch, was able to look at the angry son of Bharadwaja in that + battle. The valiant son of Bharadwaja then, having confounded the + (hostile) troops, speedily began to consume the division of Dhrishtadyumna + by means of sharp shafts. And covering and obstructing all the points of + the compass by means of his straight shafts, he began to crush the Pandava + force even there, where Prishata’s son was.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0014" id="link72H_4_0014"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Drona, causing a great confusion in the Pandava host, + careered through it, like a conflagration consuming (a forest of) trees. + Beholding that angry warrior, owning a golden car, consume their divisions + like a raging conflagration, the Srinjayas trembled (in fear). The twang, + in that battle, of the constantly stretched bow of that warrior of great + activity was heard to resemble the roar of the thunder.<a + href="#linknote-724" name="linknoteref-724" id="linknoteref-724">24</a> + Fierce shafts shot by Drona, endued with great lightness of hand, began to + crush car-warriors and horsemen and elephant-warriors and foot soldiers + along with elephants and steeds. Showering his arrows as the roaring + clouds at the close of summer, assisted by the wind, pour hail-stones, he + inspired fear in the hearts of the foe. Coursing (through the hostile + ranks), O king, and agitating the troops, the mighty Drona enhanced the + unnatural fear entertained by the enemy. The gold-decked bow, on his + quickly-moving car, was repeatedly seen to resemble the lightning’s flash + amid a mass of dark clouds. That hero, firm in truth, endued with wisdom, + and always devoted, besides, to righteousness, caused an awful river of + angry current, such as may be seen at the end of the Yuga, to flow there. + And that river had its source in the impetuosity of Drona’s wrath, and it + was haunted by crowds of carnivorous creatures. And the combatants + constituted the waves that filled its entire surface. And heroic warriors + constituted the trees on its banks whose roots were constantly eaten away + by its current. And its waters were constituted by the blood that was shed + in that battle, and cars constituted its eddies, and elephants and steeds + formed its banks. And costs of mail constituted its lilies, and the flesh + of creatures the mire on its bed. And the fat, marrow, and bones (of + fallen animals and men) formed the sands on its beach, and (fallen) + head-gears its froth. And the battle itself that was fought there + constituted the canopy above its surface. And lances constituted the fish + with which it abounded. And it was inaccessible in consequence of the + large number of (slain) men, elephants, and steeds (that fell in it). And + the impetus of the shaft shot constituted its current. And the slain + bodies themselves constituted the timber floating on it. And cars + constituted its tortoises. And heads constituted the stones scattered on + its banks and bed, and scimitars, its fish in profusion. And cars and + elephants formed its lakes. And it was decked with many adornments. And + mighty car-warriors constituted its hundreds of little whirlpools. And the + dust of the earth constituted its wavelets. And capable of being easily + crossed by those possessed of exceeding energy, it was incapable of being + crossed by the timid. And heaps of dead bodies constituted the sand-banks + obstructing its navigation. And it was the haunt of Kankas and vultures + and other birds of prey. And it carried away thousands of + mighty-car-warriors to the abode of Yama. And long spears constituted the + snakes that infested it in profusion. And the living combatants + constituted the fowls sporting on its waters.<a href="#linknote-725" + name="linknoteref-725" id="linknoteref-725">25</a> Torn umbrellas + constituted its large swans. Diadems formed the (smaller) birds that + adorned it. Wheels constituted its turtles, and maces its alligators, and + arrows its smaller fish. And it was the resort of frightful swarms of + crows and vultures and jackals. And that river, O best of kings, bore away + in hundreds, to the region of the Pitris, the creatures that were slain by + Drona in battle. Obstructed by hundreds of bodies (floating on it), the + hair (of slain warriors and animals) constituted its moss and weeds. Even + such was the river, enhancing the fears of the timid, that Drona caused to + flow there.<a href="#linknote-726" name="linknoteref-726" + id="linknoteref-726">26</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘And when Drona was thus grinding the hostile army hither and thither, + the Pandava warriors headed by Yudhishthira rushed at that mighty + car-warrior from all sides. Then seeing them thus rushing (towards Drona), + brave combatants of thy army, possessed of unyielding prowess, rushed from + every side. And the battle that thereupon ensued made the hair stand on + end. Sakuni, full of a hundred kinds of deceit, rushed towards Sahadeva, + and pierced the latter’s charioteer, and standard, and car, with many + keen-pointed shafts. Sahadeva, however, without being much excited, + cutting off Sauvala’s standard and bow and car-driver and car, with sharp + arrows, pierced Sauvala himself with sixty shafts. Thereupon, Suvala’s + son, taking up mace, jumped down from his excellent car, and with that + mace, O king, he felled Sahadeva’s driver from the latter’s car. Then + these two heroic and mighty warriors, O monarch, both deprived of car, and + both armed with mace, sported in battle like two crests of hills. Drona, + having pierced the ruler of the Panchalas with ten shafts, was, in return, + pierced by the latter with many shafts. And the latter was again pierced + by Drona with a larger number of shafts. Bhimasena pierced Vivinsati with + sharp arrows. The latter, however, thus pierced, trembled not, which + seemed to be highly wonderful. Vivinsati then, O monarch, suddenly + deprived Bhimasena of his steeds and standard and bow. And thereupon all + the troops worshipped him for that feat. The heroic Bhimasena, however, + brooked not that exhibition of prowess by his enemy in battle. With his + mace, therefore, he slew the well-trained steeds of Vivinsati. Then the + mighty Vivinsati, taking up a shield (and sword) jumped down from that car + whose steeds had been slain, and rushed against Bhimasena like an + infuriated elephant rushing against an infuriated compeer. The heroic + Salya, laughing the while, pierced, as if in dalliance, his own dear + nephew, Nakula, with many shafts for angering him. The valiant Nakula, + however, cutting off his uncle’s steeds and umbrella and standard and + charioteer and bow in that battle, blew his conch. Dhrishtaketu, engaged + with Kripa, cut off diverse kinds of arrows shot at him by the latter, and + then pierced Kripa, with seventy arrows. And then he cut off the device of + Kripa’s standard with three arrows. Kripa, however, began to oppose him + with a thick shower of arrows. And resisting him in this way, the Brahmana + fought on with Dhrishtaketu. Satyaki, laughing the while, pierced + Kritavarman in the centre of the chest with a long arrow. And piercing him + then with seventy arrows, he once more pierced him with many others. The + Bhoja warrior, however, in return, pierced Satyaki with seventy arrows of + keen points. Like the swiftly-coursing winds failing to move a mountain, + Kritavarman was unable to move Satyaki or make him tremble. Senapati + deeply struck Susarman in his vitals. Susarman also struck his antagonist + with a lance on the shoulder-joint. Virata, aided by his Matsya warriors + of great energy, resisted Vikartana’s son in that battle. And that feat + (of the Matsya king) seemed highly wonderful. Even this was regarded as an + act of great valour on the part of the Suta’s son, in that, he singly + resisted that whole force by means of his straight shafts. King Drupada + was engaged with Bhagadatta. And the battle between those two warriors + became beautiful to behold. That bull among men, viz., Bhagadatta, pierced + king Drupada and his driver and standard and car with many straight + shafts. Then Drupada, excited with wrath, quickly pierced that mighty + car-warrior in the chest with a straight shaft. Those two foremost of + warriors on earth, viz., Somadatta’s son and Sikhandin, both conversant + with every weapon, encountered each other in fierce battle that made all + creatures tremble with fear. The valiant Bhurisravas, O king, covered that + mighty car-warrior, Yajnasena’s son Sikhandin, with a thick shower of + arrows. Sikhandin, then O monarch, excited with wrath, pierced Somadatta’s + son with ninety shafts, and caused him, O Bharata, to tremble. Those + Rakshasas of fierce deeds, viz., Hidimba’s son and Alamvusha, each + desirous of vanquishing the other, battled most wonderfully. Both capable + of creating a hundred illusions, both swelling with pride, battled with + each other most wonderfully, relying on their powers of illusion, and each + desirous of vanquishing the other. The fierce Chekitana battled with + Anuvinda. They coursed on the field, disappearing at times, and causing + great wonder. Lakshmana fought fiercely with Kshatradeva, even as Vishnu, + O monarch, in days of old, with the (Asura) Hiranyaksha. With his fleet + steeds and upon his car duly equipped, Paurava, O king, roared at + Abhimanyu. Endued with great might, Paurava then rushed at Abhimanyu, + desirous of battle. Then that chastiser of foes, viz., Abhimanyu fought + fiercely with that foe. Paurava covered Subhadra’s son with a thick shower + of arrows. Thereupon, Arjuna’s son felled his antagonist’s standard and + umbrella and bow on earth.<a href="#linknote-727" name="linknoteref-727" + id="linknoteref-727">27</a> Then piercing Paurava with seven arrows, + Subhadra’s son pierced the latter’s driver and steeds with five arrows. + Gladdening his troops thus, he then repeatedly roared like a lion. Then + Arjuna’s son quickly fixed an arrow on his bow-string that was certain to + take away Paurava’s life. Beholding however, that arrow of frightful mien + fixed on Abhimanyu’s bow-string, Hridika’s son, with two shafts, cut off + that bow and arrow. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Subhadra’s + son, throwing aside that broken bow, took up a bright sword and a shield. + Whirling with great speed that shield decked with many stars, and whirling + that sword also, he coursed on the field, exhibiting his prowess. Whirling + them before him, and whirling them on high, now shaking them and now + jumping up himself, from the manner of his handling those weapons, it + seemed that (with him) there is no difference between that offensive and + that defensive weapons. Jumping suddenly then upon the shafts of Paurava’s + car, he roared aloud. Mounting next upon his car, he seized Paurava by the + hair, and slaying meanwhile with a kick, the latter’s driver, he felled + his standard with a stroke of his sword. And as regards Paurava himself, + Abhimanyu raised him up, like the Garuda raising a snake from the bottom + of the sea agitating the waters. Thereupon, all the kings beheld Paurava + (standing helpless) with dishevelled hair, and looking like an ox deprived + of its senses while on the point of being slain by a lion. Beholding + Paurava thus prostrated, placed under the control of Arjuna’s son, and + dragged helplessly, Jayadratha was unable to brook it. Taking up a sword + as also a shield that bore the device of a peacock and was decked with a + hundred bells of small size suspended in rows, Jayadratha jumped down from + his car with a loud roar. Then Subhadra’s son (Abhimanyu), beholding the + ruler of the Sindhus, let Paurava alone, and leaping up like a hawk from + the latter’s car, quickly alighted on the earth. The lances and aves and + scimitars hurled by his foes, Arjuna’s son cut off by means of his sword + or warded off by his shield. Thus showing unto all the warriors the + strength of his own arms the mighty [and heroic] Abhimanyu, once more + upraising his large and heavy sword as also his shield,<a + href="#linknote-728" name="linknoteref-728" id="linknoteref-728">28</a> + proceeded towards Vriddhakshatra’s son who was a sworn foe of his + (Abhimanyu’s) father, like a tiger proceeding against an elephant. + Approaching they cheerfully attacked each other with their swords like a + tiger and a lion with their claws and teeth. And none could notice any + difference between those two lions among men as regards the whirl-strokes, + and descent of their swords and shields.<a href="#linknote-729" + name="linknoteref-729" id="linknoteref-729">29</a> And as regards the + descent and the whiz of their swords, and the warding off of each other’s + blows, it seemed there was no distinction between the two. Coursing + beautifully in outward and inward tracks, those two illustrious warriors + seemed to be like two winged mountains. Then Jayadratha struck on the + shield of the renowned Abhimanyu when the latter stretched his sword for + making a pass at him. Then, O Bharata, Jayadratha’s large sword sticking + into Abhimanyu’s shield covered with golden plate, broke, as the ruler of + the Sindhus attempted to draw it off forcibly. Seeing his sword broken, + Jayadratha hastily retreated six steps and was seen within a twinkle of + the eye to be mounted on his own car. Then Arjuna’s son also, that combat + with the sword being over, ascended his own excellent car. Many kings, + then, of the Kuru army, uniting together, surrounded him on all sides. The + mighty son of Arjuna, however, eyeing Jayadratha, whirled his sword and + shield, and uttered a loud shout. Having vanquished the ruler of the + Sindhus, Subhadra’s son, that slayer of hostile heroes, then began to + scorch that division of the Kaurava army like Sun scorching the world. + Then in that battle Salya hurled at him a fierce dart made wholly of iron, + decked with gold, and resembling a blazing flame of fire. Thereupon, + Arjuna’s son, jumping up, caught hold of that dart, like Garuda catching a + mighty snake falling from above. And having seized it thus, Abhimanyu + unsheathed his sword. Witnessing the great activity and might of that + warrior of immeasurable energy, all the kings together uttered a leonine + shout. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, + hurled with the might of his arms at Salya himself that very dart of great + effulgence, decked with stones of lapis lazuli. Resembling a snake that + has recently cast off its slough, that dart, reaching Salya’s car slew the + latter’s driver and felled him from his niche of the vehicle. Then Virata + and Drupada, and Dhrishtaketu, and Yudhishthira, and Satyaki, and Kekaya, + and Bhima, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the twins (Nakula and + Sahadeva), and the five sons of Draupadi, all exclaimed, “Excellent! + Excellent!” And diverse kinds of sounds due to the shooting of arrows, and + many leonine shouts, arose there, gladdening the unretreating son of + Arjuna. Thy sons, however, could not brook those indications of the + victory of their foe. Then all of them suddenly surrounded Subhadra’s son + and covered him, O king, with showers of arrows like the clouds pouring + rain on the mountain-breast. Then that slayer of foes, viz., Artayani + (Salya), wishing good of thy sons, and remembering the overthrow of his + own driver, rushed in rage against Subhadra’s son.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0015" id="link72H_4_0015"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Thou hast, O Sanjaya, described to me many excellent + single combats. Hearing about them, I envy those that have eyes. This + battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas, resembling that (of old) + between the gods and the Asuras, will be spoken of as exceedingly + wonderful by all men. I am scarcely gratified by listening to thy + narrations of this stirring battle. Tell me, therefore, about this combat + between Artayani (Salya) and Subhadra’s son.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding his driver slain, Salya, upraising a mace made + wholly of iron, jumped down in rage from his excellent car. Bhima, then + taking up his own huge mace, quickly rushed towards Salya who then + resembled the blazing Yuga-fire or the Destroyer himself armed with his + bludgeon. Subhadra’s son also, taking up a prodigious mace resembling the + bolt of heaven, addressed Salya, saying, “Come, Come!” Bhima, however, + with much ado, persuaded him to stand aside. The valiant Bhimasena, then, + having persuaded Subhadra’s son to stand aside, approached Salya in battle + and stood immovable as a hill. The mighty ruler of Madras also beheld + Bhima, and proceeded towards him like a tiger towards an elephant. Then + was heard there the loud blare of trumpets and conchs by thousands and + leonine shouts, and the sound of drums. And loud cries of “Bravo, Bravo,” + arose among hundreds of Pandava and Kaurava warriors rushing towards each + other. There is none else among all the kings, O Bharata, save the ruler + of Madras who can venture to bear the might of Bhimasena in battle; + similarly, who else save Vrikodara, in the world, can venture to bear the + impetus of the illustrious Salya’s mace in battle? Bound in hempen strings + mixed with wires of gold, the prodigious mace of Bhima, capable of + delighting by its beauty all spectators, being grasped by him, shone + brilliantly. And similarly the mace of Salya, also, who coursed in + beautiful circles, looked like a blazing flash of lightning. Both of them + roared like bulls, and both coursed in circles. And both Salya and + Vrikodara, standing as they did, with their maces slightly bent, looked + like a couple of horned bulls. Whether as regards coursing in circles or + in whirling and striking with their maces, the combat that took place + between those two lions among men was in every way equal. Struck by + Bhimasena with his mace, the prodigious mace of Salya, emitting fierce + sparks of fire, soon broke unto fragments. And similarly, Bhimasena’s + mace, struck by the foe, looked beautiful like a tree covered with + fire-flies during the season of rains at even-tide. And the mace that the + ruler of Madras hurled in that battle, irradiating the welkin, O Bharata, + frequently caused sparks of fire (to fly around). Similarly, the mace + hurled by Bhimasena at the foe scorched his antagonist’s forces like a + fierce meteor falling down (from the firmament). And both those best of + maces, striking against each other, resembled sighing she-snakes and + caused flashes of fire. Like two large tigers attacking each other with + their claws, or like two mighty elephants with their tusks, those mighty + warriors coursed in circles, encountering each other with those two + foremost of maces, and soon covered with blood, those two illustrious + warriors seemed to resemble a couple of flowering Kinsukas. And the blows, + loud as Indra’s thunder, of the maces wielded by those two lions among men + were heard on all sides. Struck by the ruler of Madras with his mace on + both the left and the right side, Bhima moved not in the least, like a + hill riven by the thunder. Similarly, the mighty ruler of Madras, struck + by Bhima with his mace, patiently stood still like a hill struck with the + thunder. Both of them, with upraised maces, endued as they were with great + impetus, fell upon each other, coursing in shorter circles. Quickly + nearing each other, then by eight steps and falling upon each other like + two elephants, they suddenly struck each other with those maces of theirs + made entirely of iron. And each of those heroes, in consequence of the + other’s impetuosity and violence being struck with each other’s mace, fell + down at the same instant of time like a couple of Indra’s poles. Then the + mighty car-warrior Kritavarman quickly approached Salya who, deprived of + his senses, was breathing hard as he lay on the field. And beholding him, + O king, struck violently with the mace, and writhing like a snake, and + deprived of his senses in a swoon, the mighty car-warrior Kritavarman, + taking him upon his car, quickly bore the ruler of Madras away from the + field. Reeling like a drunken man, the heroic Bhima of mighty arms, rising + up within the twinkling of an eye, stood mace in hand. Thy sons then, + beholding the ruler of the Madras turn away from the fight, began, O sire, + to tremble, along with their elephants, and foot-soldiers, and cavalry, + and cars. Ground then by the Pandavas desirous of victory, those warriors + of thy army, struck with fear, fled away in all directions, like masses of + clouds driven away by the wind. And those mighty car-warriors, viz., the + Pandavas, having vanquished the Dhritarashtras, looked resplendent in that + battle, O king, like blazing fires. And they uttered loud leonine roars, + and blew their conchs, elated with joy. And they beat their drums, large + and small, and cymbals and other instruments.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0016" id="link72H_4_0016"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that army of thine exceedingly broken, the + valiant Vrishasena, single-handed, began to protect it, O king, displaying + the illusion of his weapons. Shot by Vrishasena in that battle, thousands + of arrows coursed in all directions, piercing through men and steeds and + cars and elephants. Mighty arrows, of blazing effulgence, shot by him, + coursed in thousands, like the rays, O monarch, of the sun, in the summer + season. Afflicted and crushed therewith, O king, car-warriors and + horse-men, suddenly fell down on the earth, like trees broken by the wind. + The mighty car-warrior Vrishasena, O king, felled large bodies of steeds, + of cars and of elephants, in that battle, by thousands. Beholding that + single warrior coursing fearlessly on the field, all the kings (of the + Pandava army) uniting together, surrounded him on all sides. Nakula’s son, + Satanika, rushed at Vrishasena and pierced him with ten arrows capable of + penetrating into the vitals. The son of Karna, however, cutting off his + bow, felled then his standard. Thereupon, the other sons of Draupadi, + desirous of rescuing that brother of theirs, rushed at him. And soon they + made Karna’s son invisible by means of their arrowy showers. Against them + thus smiting (the son of Karna), many car-warriors headed by Drona’s son + (Aswatthaman) rushed. And those, O monarch, quickly covered those mighty + car-warriors, viz., the sons of Draupadi, with diverse kinds of arrows + like clouds pouring rain on mountain breasts. Thereupon, the Pandavas, + from affection for their sons, quickly encountered those assailants. The + battle then that took place between thy troops and those of the Pandavas, + was exceedingly fierce and made the hairs stand on their ends, resembling + as it did that between the Gods and the Danavas. Even thus did the heroic + Kauravas and the Pandavas, excited with rage, fight, eyeing one another + (furiously) and having incurred one another’s animosity for past offences. + The bodies of those heroes of immeasurable energy then seemed, in + consequence of (the) wrath (that inspired them), to resemble those of + Garuda and (mighty) Nagas battling in the sky. And with Bhima and Karna + and Kripa and Drona and Drona’s son and Prishata’s son and Satyaki, the + field of battle looked resplendent like the all-destructive sun that rises + at the end of the Yuga. The battle that took place between those mighty + men engaged with mighty antagonists and all smiting one another was fierce + in the extreme, resembling that (of yore) between the Danavas and the + gods. Then Yudhishthira’s host, uttering a shout, loud as that of the + surging sea, began to slaughter thy troops, the great car-warriors of thy + army having fled away. Beholding the (Kaurava) host broken and excessively + mangled by the foe, Drona said, “Ye heroes, ye need not fly away.” Then he + (Drona) owning red steeds, excited with wrath and resembling a (fierce) + elephant with four tusks, penetrated into the Pandava host and rushed + against Yudhishthira. Then Yudhishthira pierced the preceptor with many + whetted arrows equipped with Kanka feathers; Drona, however, cutting off + Yudhishthira’s bow, rushed impetuously at him. Then the protector of + Yudhishthira’s car-wheels, Kumara, the renowned prince of the Panchalas, + received the advancing Drona, like the continent receiving the surging + sea. Beholding Drona, that bull among Brahmanas, held in check by Kumara, + loud leonine shouts were heard there with cries of “Excellent, Excellent!” + Kumara then, in that great battle, excited with rage, pierced Drona with + an arrow in the chest and uttered many leonine shouts. Having checked + Drona in battle, the mighty Kumara, endued with great lightness of hand, + and above all fatigue, pierced him with many thousands of arrows. Then + that bull among men (Drona) slew that protector of Yudhishthira’s + car-wheels, Kumara, that hero observant of virtuous vows and accomplished + in both mantras and weapons. And then penetrating into the midst of the + (Pandava) host and careering in all directions, that bull among men, + Bharadwaja’s son, became the protector of thy troops. And piercing + Sikhandin with twelve arrows, and Uttamaujas with twenty, and Nakula with + five, and Sahadeva with seven, and Yudhishthira with twelve, and each of + the (five) sons of Draupadi with three, and Satyaki with five, and the + ruler of Matsyas with ten arrows, and agitating the entire host in that + battle, he rushed against one after another of the foremost warriors (of + the Pandavas). And then he advanced against Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, + from a desire of seizing him. Then Yugandhara, O king, checked + Bharadwaja’s son, that mighty car-warrior, filled with rage and resembling + the very ocean lashed into fury by the tempest. Bharadwaja’s son, however, + having pierced Yudhishthira with many straight arrows, felled Yugandhara + with a broad-headed shaft from his niche in the car. Then, Virata and + Drupada, and the Kaikeya princes, and Satyaki, and Sivi, and Vyaghradatta, + the prince of the Panchalas, and the valiant Singhasena, these, and many + others, desirous of rescuing Yudhishthira, surrounded Drona on all sides + and impeded his way, scattering countless arrows. Vyaghradatta, the prince + of the Panchalas, pierced Drona with fifty keen-pointed arrows, at which, + O king, the troops uttered loud shouts. Then Singhasena also, quickly + piercing that mighty car-warrior, Drona, roared aloud in joy, striking + terror into the hearts of mighty car-warriors; Drona then expanding his + eyes and rubbing his bowstring and producing loud sound of slaps by his + palms, rushed against the latter. Then the mighty son of Bharadwaja, + putting forth his prowess, cut off with a couple of broad-headed arrows + the heads decked with earrings from the trunks of both Singhasena and + Vyaghradatta. And afflicting also, with his arrowy showers, the other + mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, he stood in front of Yudhishthira’s + car, like all-destroying Death himself. Then, O king, loud cries were + heard among the warriors of Yudhishthira’s army to the effect, “The king + is slain,” when Bharadwaja’s son, of regulated vows, thus, stood in his + vicinity. And the warriors there all exclaimed, beholding Drona’s prowess, + “Today the royal son of Dhritarashtra will be crowned with success. This + very moment Drona having seized Yudhishthira, will, filled with joy, + assuredly come to us and Duryodhana’s presence.” While thy soldiers were + indulging in such talks, Kunti’s son (Arjuna) quickly came there, filling + (the welkin) with the rattle of his car, and creating, as he came, owing + to the carnage he caused, a river whose waters were blood, and whose + eddies were cars, and which abounded with the bones and bodies of brave + warriors and which bore creatures away to where the spirits of the + departed dwell. And the son of Pandu came there, routing the Kurus, and + quickly crossing that river whose froth was constituted by showers of + arrows and which abounded with fish in the form of lances and other + weapons. And the diadem-decked (Arjuna) suddenly came upon Drona’s + divisions, covering it with a thick net-work of arrows and confounding the + very sense (of those that followed Drona). Incessantly placing his arrows + on the bow-string and quickly shooting them, none could notice any lapse + of time between these two acts of the renowned son of Kunti. Neither (four + cardinal) directions, nor the firmament above, nor the earth, O king, + could any longer be distinguished, for everything then became one dense + mass of arrows. Indeed, O king, when the wielder of Gandiva caused that + thick darkness by means of his arrows, nothing could be seen in that + battle. Just then the sun also set, enveloped with a dusty cloud. Neither + friend nor foe could any longer be distinguished. Then Drona and + Duryodhana and others caused the withdrawal of their troops. And + ascertaining the foe to be inspired with fear and unwilling to continue + the fight, Vibhatsu also slowly caused his troops to be withdrawn. Then + the Pandavas and the Srinjayas and the Panchalas, filled with joy, praised + Partha with delightful speeches like the Rishis praising the Sun. Having + vanquished his foes thus, Dhananjaya then, filled with joy, retired to his + tent, proceeding in the rear of the whole army, with Kesava as his + companion. And stationed on his beautiful car decked with the costliest + specimens of sapphires and rubies and gold and silver and diamonds and + corals and crystals, the son of Pandu looked resplendent like the moon in + the firmament bespangled with stars.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0017" id="link72H_4_0017"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The troops of both the armies, having proceeded to their + tents, duly took up their quarters, O king, according to the divisions and + the sub-divisions to which they belonged. Having withdrawn the troops, + Drona, in great cheerlessness of mind, beholding Duryodhana, said these + words in shame: “I told thee before that when Dhananjaya is by + Yudhishthira, he is incapable of being seized in battle by the very gods. + Although all of you fell upon him in battle, yet Partha frustrated all + your attempts. Do not doubt what I say, Krishna and Pandu’s son (Arjuna) + are invincible. If, however, Arjuna of white steeds can, by any means, be + withdrawn (from Yudhishthira’s side), then Yudhishthira, O king, shall + soon come under thy control. Let some one challenging him (Arjuna) in + battle draw him away to some other part of the field. The son of Kunti + will not return without vanquishing him. Meanwhile, when Arjuna will not + be by, O monarch, I will seize king Yudhishthira the just, penetrating + through the Pandava host in the very sight of Dhrishtadyumna. Thus, O + monarch, I will, without doubt, bring Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, + along with his followers, under control. If that son of Pandu stays even + for a moment before me in battle, I will bring him a captive from the + field. That feat will be more advantageous than victory (over the Pandava + army).”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing those words of Drona, the ruler of the + Trigartas, O monarch, with his brothers, said these words: “We, O king, + are always humiliated by the wielder of Gandiva! O bull of Bharata’s race, + although we have done him no injury, yet he hath always injured us. + Remembering all those diverse instances of humiliation, we burn in wrath + and are never able to sleep at night. By good luck, that Arjuna, armed + with weapons, will stand before us. That therefore, which is in our heart + and which we strive to accomplish, we are resolved to achieve now, that + viz., which will be agreeable to thee, and which will bring us renown. + Taking him out of the field will slay him. Let the earth today be without + Arjuna or let it be without the Trigartas. We truly swear this before + thee. This our vow will never be false.” And Satyaratha and Satyavarman, O + Bharata, and Satyavrata and Satyeshu, and Satyakarman also, having spoken + similarly, those five brothers together, with ten thousand cars, came, O + king, (before Duryodhana), having taken that oath on the field of battle. + And the Malavas, and the Tundikeras with thousand cars, and the tiger + among men, Susarman, the ruler of Prasthala, with the Mavellakas, the + Lalithas, and the Madrakas, accompanied by ten thousand cars and his + brothers, and with another ten thousand cars from diverse realms came + forward for taking the oath. Then bringing fire, and each making + preparations for igniting one for himself, they took up ropes Kusa grass + and beautiful coats of mail. And equipped in mail, bathed in clarified + butter, clad in robes of Kusa grass, and with their bow-strings serving as + girdles, those heroes, who had given away hundreds and thousands as + presents to Brahmanas, who had performed many sacrifices, had been blessed + with children, and were deserving of blessed regions hereafter, who had + nothing more to do in this world, who were deserving of blessed regions + hereafter, who were prepared to lay down their lives in battle, and who + devoted their souls to the attainment of fame and victory, who were + desirous of soon repairing by fair fight to those regions (hereafter) that + are attainable by means only of sacrifices, with abundant presents to + Brahmanas, and by means also of the rites, the chief amongst which are + Brahmacharya and study of the Vedas, those heroes, having each gratified + Brahmanas by giving them gold,<a href="#linknote-730" + name="linknoteref-730" id="linknoteref-730">30</a> and kine, and robes, + and having addressed one another in loving discourse, ignited those fires + and took that vow in battle. And in the presence of those fires, firmly + resolved, they took that vow. And having made that vow for the slaughter + of Dhananjaya, they, in the hearing of creatures, very loudly said, “Those + regions that are for persons who have never adopted any vows, are for one + who drinketh wine, those that are for him who hath adulterous connection + with his preceptor’s wife, those that are for him who robbeth the property + of a Brahmana, or for him who enjoyeth the king’s grant without satisfying + the condition of that grant or for him who abandoneth one asking for + shelter, or for him who slayeth a candidate for his favour, those that are + for persons that set fire to houses and for those that slay kine, those + regions that are for those that injure others, those that are for persons + harbouring malice against Brahmanas, those that are for him who from folly + doth not seek the companionship of his wife in her season, those also that + are for those that seek the companionship of women on the day they have to + perform the Sraddha of their ancestors, those that are for persons that + injure their own selves, or for those that misappropriate what is + deposited with them from confidence or for those that destroy learning, or + for those who battle with eunuchs, or for those that follow persons that + are mean, those regions that are for atheists, or for those that abandon + their (sacred) fires and mothers, and those regions also that are for the + sinful, those shall be ours, if without slaying Dhananjaya we return from + the field, or if, ground by him on the field, we turn back from fear. If, + again, we succeed in achieving in battle feats the most difficult of + accomplishment in the world, we shalt then, without doubt, obtain the most + desirable regions.” Having said these words, O king, those heroes then + marched to battle, summoning Arjuna towards the southern part of the + field. That tiger among men, and subjugator of hostile cities, Arjuna, + thus challenged by them, said these words unto king Yudhishthira the Just + without any delay: “Summoned, I never turn back. This is my fixed vow. + These men, sworn to conquer or die, are summoning me, O king, to great + battle. This Susarman here, with his brothers, summoneth me to battle. It + behoveth thee to grant me permission for slaying him, with all his + followers. O bull among men, I am unable to brook this challenge. I tell + thee truly, know these foes to be (already) slain in battle." </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said, “Thou hast heard, O child, in detail, what Drona hath + resolved to accomplish. Act thou in such a way that that resolve of his + may become futile. Drona is endued with great might. He is a hero, + accomplished in arms, and above fatigue. O mighty car-warrior, even he + hath vowed my seizure." </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “This Satyajit, O king, will today become thy protector in + battle. As long as Satyajit lives, the preceptor will never be able to + attain his desire. If, however, O lord, this tiger among men, Satyajit, be + slain in battle, thou shouldst not then remain on the field even if + surrounded by all our warriors.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘King Yudhishthira then gave (Arjuna) the leave (he + sought). And he also embraced Arjuna and eyed him affectionately. And + diverse were the benedictions that the king uttered on him. Having made + this arrangement (for Yudhishthira’s protection),<a href="#linknote-731" + name="linknoteref-731" id="linknoteref-731">31</a> the mighty Partha went + out against the Trigartas, like a hungry lion, for assuaging his hunger + upon a herd of deer. Then Duryodhana’s troops, filled with joy at Arjuna’s + absence (from Yudhishthira’s side), became furious for the seizure of + Yudhishthira. Then both the hosts, with a great impetuosity, encountered + each other, like the Ganga and the Sarayu in the season of rains when both + streams are swollen with water.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0018" id="link72H_4_0018"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The Samsaptakas,<a href="#linknote-732" + name="linknoteref-732" id="linknoteref-732">32</a> then, filled with joy, + took their stand on a level field, having, with their cars, formed an + array in the shape of the half-moon. And those tigers among men, beholding + the diadem-decked (Arjuna) come towards them, were, O sire, filled with + delight and uttered loud shouts. That noise filled the sky and all the + points of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary. And because it was an open + plain covered only with men, it produced no echoes. Ascertaining them to + be exceedingly delighted, Dhananjaya, with a little smile, said these + words unto Krishna: “Behold, O thou that hast Devaki for thy mother, those + Trigarta brothers, who are about to perish in battle, are filled with + delight at a time when they should weep. Or, this is, without doubt, the + hour of delight (with them) since they will obtain those excellent regions + that are unattainable by cowards.” Having said these words unto the + mighty-armed Hrishikesa, Arjuna came upon the arrayed ranks of the + Trigartas in battle, taking up then his conch called Devadatta decked with + gold, he blew it with great force, filling all the points of the compass + with its blare. Terrified by that blare, that car-host of the Samsaptakas + stood motionless in battle, as if it was petrified. And all their animals + stood with eyes wide open, ears and necks and lips paralysed, and legs + motionless. And they passed urine and vomited blood. Regaining + consciousness then, and placing their ranks in proper order, they shot + their arrows all at once at the son of Pandu. Capable of displaying his + prowess with great speed, Arjuna, with five and ten arrows cut off those + thousands of arrows before they could reach him. They then pierced Arjuna, + each with ten arrows. Partha pierced them with three arrows. Then each of + them, O king, pierced Partha with five arrows. Endued with great prowess, + he pierced each of them in return with two arrows. And, once again, + excited with wrath, they quickly poured upon Arjuna and Kesava countless + arrows like the clouds pouring upon a lake their incessant showers. Then + those thousands of arrows fell upon Arjuna, like swarms of bees upon a + flowering cluster of trees in the forest. Then deeply pierced Arjuna’s + diadem with thirty shafts, endued with the strength of adamant with those + shafts equipped with wings of gold fixed on his diadem, Arjuna, as if + decked with ornaments of gold, shone like the (newly) risen sun. The son + of Pandu then, in that battle, with a broad-headed arrow, cut off the + leathern fence of Suvahu, and covered Sudharman and Sudhanwan, and Suvahu + pierced Partha with ten arrows. Partha, having the excellent ape-device on + his banner, pierced all of them in return with many arrows, and also cut + off, with some broad-headed shafts, their standards made of gold. And + cutting off the bow of Sudhanwan, he slew with his arrows the latter’s + steeds. And then he cut off from his trunk the latter’s head graced with + turban. Upon the fall of that hero, his followers were terrified. And + stricken with panic, they all fled away to where Duryodhana’s forces were. + Then Vasava’s son, filled with wrath, smote that mighty host with + incessant showers of arrows, like the sun destroying darkness by means of + his incessant rays. Then when that host broke and melted away on all + sides, and Arjuna was filled with wrath, the Trigartas were struck with + fear. While being slaughtered by Partha with his straight shafts, they + remained where they stood, deprived of their senses, like a terrified herd + of deer. Then the king of the Trigartas, filled with rage, addressed those + mighty car-warrior, saying, “Do not fly, ye heroes! It behoveth ye not to + be frightened. Having, in the sight of all the troops, taken those + terrible steps, repairing thither, what shall ye say unto the leaders of + Duryodhana’s host? Do we not incur ridicule in the world by such a + (cowardly) act in battle? Therefore, stop ye all, and fight according to + your strength.” Thus addressed, O king, those heroes, repeatedly uttering + loud shouts, blew their conchs, gladdening one another. Then those + Samsaptakas once more returned to the field, with the Narayana cow-herds, + resolved to face Death himself.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0019" id="link72H_4_0019"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding those Samsaptakas once more return to the field, + Arjuna addressed the high-souled Vasudeva, saying, “Urge the steeds, O + Hrishikesa, towards the Samsaptakas. They will not give up the battle + alive. This is what I think. Today thou shalt witness the terrible might + of my arms as also of my bow. Today I shall slay all these, like Rudra + slaying creatures (at the end of the Yuga).” Hearing these words, the + invincible Krishna smiled, and gladdening him with auspicious speeches, + conveyed Arjuna to those places whither the latter desired to go. While + borne in battle by those white steeds, that car looked exceedingly + resplendent like a celestial car borne along the firmament. And like + Sakra’s car, O king, in the battle between the gods and the Asuras in days + of old, it displayed circular, forward, backward, and diverse other kinds + of motion. Then the Narayanas, excited with wrath and armed with diverse + weapons, surrounded Dhananjaya, covering him with showers of arrows. And, + O bull of Bharata’s race, they soon made Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, together + with Krishna, entirely invisible in that battle. Then Phalguni, excited + with wrath, doubled his energy, and quickly rubbing its string, grasped + Gandiva (firmly) in the battle. Causing wrinkles to form themselves on his + brow, sure indications of wrath, the son of Pandu blew his prodigious + conch, called Devadatta, and then he shot the weapon called Tvashtra that + is capable of slaying large bodies of foes together. Thereupon, thousands + of separate forms started into existence there (of Arjuna himself and of + Vasudeva). Confounded by those diverse images after the form of Arjuna, + the troops began to strike each other, each regarding the other as + Arjuna’s self. “This is Arjuna!” “This is Govinda!” “They are Pandu’s son + and he is of Yadu’s race!” Uttering such exclamations, and deprived of + their senses, they slew one another in that battle. Deprived of their + senses by that mighty weapon, they slew one another. Indeed, those + warriors (while striking one another) looked beautiful like blossoming + Kinsukas. Consuming those thousands of arrows shot by them, that (mighty) + weapon despatched those heroes to Yama’s abode. Then Vibhatsu, laughing, + crushed with his arrows the Lalithya, the Malava, the Mavellaka, and the + Trigarta warriors. While those Kshatriyas, urged by fate, were thus + slaughtered by that hero, they shot at Partha showers of diverse kinds of + arrows. Overwhelmed with those terrible showers of arrows, neither Arjuna, + nor his car, nor Kesava, could any longer be seen. Seeing their arrows + strike the aim, they uttered joyous shouts. And regarding the two Krishnas + as already slain, they joyously waved their garments in the air. And those + heroes also blew their conchs and beat their drums and cymbals by + thousands, and uttered many leonine shouts, O sire! Then Krishna, covered + with sweat, and much weakened, addressed Arjuna, saying, “Where art thou, + O Partha! I do not see thee. Art thou alive, O slayer of foes?” Hearing + those words of his, Dhananjaya with great speed dispelled, by means of the + Vayavya weapon, that arrowy downpour shot by his foes. Then the + illustrious Vayu (the presiding deity of that mighty weapon) bore away + crowds of Samsaptakas with steeds and elephants and cars and weapons, as + if these were dry leaves of trees. Borne away by the wind, O king, they + looked highly beautiful, like flights of birds, O monarch, flying away + from trees. Then Dhananjaya, having afflicted them thus, with great speed + struck hundreds and thousands of them with sharp shafts. And he cut off + their heads and also hands with weapons in their grasp, by means of his + broad-headed arrows. And he felled on the ground, with his shafts, their + thighs, resembling the trunks of elephants. And some were wounded on their + backs, arms and eyes. And thus Dhananjaya deprived his foes of diverse + limbs, and cars decked and equipped according to rule, and looking like + the vapour edifices in the welkin, he cut off into fragments, by means of + his arrows, their riders and steeds and elephants. And in many places + crowds of cars, whose standards had been cut off, looked like forests of + headless palmyras. And elephants with excellent weapons, banners, hooks, + and standards fell down like wooded mountains, split with Sakra’s thunder. + Graced with tails, looking like those of the yak, and covered with coats + of mail, and with their entrails and eyes dragged out, steeds along with + their riders, rolled on the ground, slain by means of Partha’s shafts. No + longer holding in their grasp the swords that had served for their nails, + with their coats of mail torn, and the joints of their bones broken, + foot-soldiers with their vital limbs cut open, helplessly laid themselves + down on the field, slain by means of Arjuna’s arrows. And the field of + battle assumed an awful aspect in consequence of those warriors slain, or + in the course of being slaughtered, falling and fallen, standing or in + course of being whirled along. And the air was purified of the dust that + had arisen, by means of the showers of blood (caused by Arjuna’s arrows). + And the earth, strewn with hundreds of headless trunks, became impassable. + And the car of Vibhatsu in that battle shone fiercely like the car of + Rudra himself, while engaged at the end of the Yuga in destroying all + creatures. While slaughtered by Partha thus, those warriors, with their + steeds and cars and elephants in great distress, ceased not to rush + against him; though, deprived of life one after another, they had to + become the guests of Sakra. Then the field of battle, O chief of the + Bharatas, strewn with mighty car-warriors deprived of life, looked + dreadful like Yama’s domains, abounding with the spirits of the departed + creatures. Meanwhile, when Arjuna was furiously engaged (with the + Samsaptakas), Drona, at the head of his forces arrayed for battle, rushed + against Yudhishthira, and many warriors, accomplished in smiting and + properly arrayed, followed him, actuated by the desire of seizing + Yudhishthira. The battle then that ensued became exceedingly fierce.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0020" id="link72H_4_0020"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having passed the night, that mighty car-warrior viz., + Bharadwaja’s son, addressed Suyodhana, O monarch, saying, “I am thine!<a + href="#linknote-733" name="linknoteref-733" id="linknoteref-733">33</a> I + have made arrangements for Partha’s encounter with the Samsaptaka."<a + href="#linknote-734" name="linknoteref-734" id="linknoteref-734">34</a> + After Partha went out for slaying the Samsaptakas, Drona then, at the head + of his troops arrayed for battle, proceeded, O chief of the Bharatas, for + seizing king Yudhishthira the just. Seeing that Drona had arrayed his + forces in the form of a Garuda, Yudhishthira disposed his troops in + counter array in the form of a semi-circle. In the mouth of that Garuda + was the mighty car-warrior Drona himself. And its head was formed by king + Duryodhana, surrounded by his uterine brothers. And Kritavarman and the + illustrious Kripa formed the two eyes of that Garuda. And Bhutasarman, and + Kshemasarman, and the valiant Karakaksha, and the Kalingas, the Singhalas, + the Easterners, the Sudras, the Abhiras, the Daserakas, the Sakas, the + Yavanas, the Kamvojas, the Hangsapadas, the Surasenas, the Daradas, the + Madras, and the Kalikeyas, with hundreds and thousands of elephants, + steeds, cars, and foot-soldiers were stationed at its neck. And + Bhurisravah, and Salya, and Somadatta, and Valhika, these heroes, + surrounded by a full Akshauhini, took up their position in the right wing. + And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Sudakshina, the ruler of the + Kamvojas, stationed themselves in the left wing at the head, however, of + Drona’s son Aswatthaman. In the back (of that Garuda) were the Kalingas, + the Amvashthas, the Magadhas, the Paundras, the Madrakas, the Gandharas, + the Sakunas, the Easterners, the Mountaineers, and the Vasatis. In the + tail stood Vikartana’s son Karna, with his sons, kinsmen and friends, and + surrounded by a large force raised from diverse realms, Jayadratha, and + Bhimaratha, and Sampati, and the Jays, and the Bhojas, and Bhuminjaya, and + Vrisha, and Kratha, and the mighty ruler of the Nishadhas, all + accomplished in battle, surrounded by a large host and keeping the region + of Brahma before their eyes, stood, O king, in the heart of that array. + That array, formed by Drona, in consequence of its foot-soldiers, steeds, + cars and elephants, seemed to surge like the tempest-tossed ocean (as it + advanced to battle). Warriors, desirous of battle, began to start out from + the wings and sides of that array, like roaring clouds charged with + lightning rushing from all sides (in the welkin) at summer. And in the + midst of that army, the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, mounted on his duly + equipped elephant, looked resplendent, O king, like the rising sun. + Decked, O monarch, in garlands of flower, and with a white umbrella held + over his head, he looked like the full moon when in conjunction with the + constellation Krittika. And blind with the wine-like exudation, the + elephant, looking like a mass of black antimony, shone like a huge + mountain washed by mighty clouds (with their showers). And the ruler of + the Pragjyotishas was surrounded by many heroic kings of the hilly + countries, armed with diverse weapons, like Sakra himself surrounded by + the celestials. Then Yudhishthira, beholding that superhuman array + incapable of being vanquished by foes in battle, addressed Prishata’s son, + saying, “O lord, O thou that ownest steeds white as pigeons, let such + measures be adopted that I may not be taken a prisoner by the Brahmana." </p> + <p> + “‘Dhrishtadyumna said, “O thou of excellent vows, never shalt thou be + placed under the power of Drona, however much may he strive. Even I shall + check Drona today with all his followers. As long as I am alive, O thou of + Kuru’s race, it behoveth thee not to feel any anxiety. Under no + circumstances will Drona be able to vanquish me in battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said these words, the mighty son of Drupada + owning steeds of the hue of pigeons, scattering his shafts, rushed himself + at Drona. Beholding that (to him) evil omen in the form of Dhrishtadyumna + stationed before him, Drona soon became exceedingly cheerless. Beholding + this, that crusher of foes, viz., thy son Durmukha, desirous of doing what + was agreeable to Drona, began to resist Dhrishtadyumna. Then a terrible + and a fierce battle took place, O Bharata, between the brave son of + Prishata and thy son, Durmukha. Then Prishata’s son, quickly covering + Durmukha, with a shower of arrows, checked Bharadwaja’s son also with a + thick arrowy downpour. Beholding Drona checked, thy son Durmukha quickly + rushed at Prishata’s son and confounded him with clouds of arrows of + diverse kinds. And while the prince of the Panchalas and that foremost one + of Kuru’s race were thus engaged in battle, Drona consumed many sections + of Yudhishthira’s host. As a mass of clouds is dispersed in different + directions by the wind, even so was Yudhishthira’s host, in many parts of + the field, scattered by Drona. For only a short while did that battle look + like an ordinary combat. And then, O king, it became an encounter of + infuriated persons in which no consideration was shown for anybody. And + the combatants could no longer distinguish their own men from the foe. And + the battle raged on, the warriors being guided by inferences and + watch-words. Upon the gems on their headgears, upon their necklaces and + other ornaments, and upon their coats of mail, rays of light like those of + the Sun seemed to fall and play. And cars and elephants and steeds, decked + with streaming banners, seemed in that battle to resemble masses of clouds + with flocks of cranes under them. And men slew men, and steeds of fiery + metal slew steeds, and car-warriors slew car-warriors and elephants slew + elephants. And soon a fierce and terrible encounter took place between + elephants with tall standards on their backs and mighty compeers (rushing + against them). All in consequence of those huge creatures rubbing their + bodies against those of hostile compeers and tearing one another (with + their tusks), fires mixed with smoke were generated there by (such) + friction of countless tusks with tusks. Shorn of the standards (on their + backs), those elephants, in consequence of the fires caused by their + tusks, looked like masses of clouds in the welkin charged with lightning. + And the earth, strewn with elephants dragging (hostile compeers) and + roaring and falling down, looked beautiful like the autumnal sky + overspread with clouds. And the roars of those elephants while they were + being slaughtered with showers of shafts and lances, sounded like the roll + of clouds in the rainy season. And some huge elephants, wounded with + lances and shafts, became panic-stricken. And others amongst those + creatures, left the field with loud cries.<a href="#linknote-735" + name="linknoteref-735" id="linknoteref-735">35</a> And some elephants + there, struck by others with their tusks, uttered fierce yells of distress + that resounded like the roll of the all-destroying clouds at the end of + the Yuga. And some, turned back by huge antagonists, returned to the + charge, urged on by sharp hooks. And crushing hostile ranks, they began to + kill all who came in their way. And elephant-drivers, attacked by + elephant-drivers with arrows and lances, fell down from the backs of their + beasts, their weapons and hooks being loosened from their hands. And many + elephants, without riders on their backs, wandered hither and thither like + clouds torn from mightier masses, and then fell down, encountering one + another. And some huge elephants, bearing on their backs slain and fallen + warriors, or those whose weapons had fallen down, wandered in all + directions singly.<a href="#linknote-736" name="linknoteref-736" + id="linknoteref-736">36</a> And in the midst of that carnage, some + elephants attacked, or in course of being attacked with lances, swords and + battle axes, fell down in course of that awful carnage, uttering sounds of + distress. And the earth, suddenly struck with the falling bodies, huge as + hills, of those creatures all around trembled and emitted sounds. And with + those elephants slain along with their riders and lying all about with the + standards on their backs, the earth looked beautiful as if strewn with + hills. And the drivers on the backs of many elephants, with their breasts + pierced by car-warriors with broad-headed shafts in that battle, fell + down, their lances and hooks loosened from their grasp. And some + elephants, struck with long shafts, uttered crane-like cries and ran in + all directions, crushing friends and foes by trampling them to death. And + covered with countless bodies of elephants and steeds and car-warriors, + the earth, O king, became miry with flesh and blood. And large cars with + wheels and many without wheels, crushed by the points of their tusks, were + thrown up by elephants, with the warriors mounted on them. Cars were seen + deprived of warriors. And riderless steeds and elephants ran in all + directions, afflicted with wounds. And there father slew his son, and son + slew his sire, for the battle that took place was exceedingly fierce and + nothing could be distinguished. Men sank ankle-deep in the gory mire and + looked like tall trees whose lower parts were swallowed up in a blazing + forest-conflagration. And robes and coats of mail and umbrellas and + standards having been dyed with blood, everything seemed to be bloody on + the field. Large bodies of slain steeds, of cars, and of men, were again + cut into fragments by the rolling of car-wheels. And that sea of troops + having elephants for its current, and slain men for its floating moss and + weeds, and cars for its fierce eddies, looked terribly grim. Warriors, + having steeds and elephants for their large vessels, and desirous of + victory as their wealth, plunged into that sea, and instead of sinking in + it endeavoured to deprive their enemies of their senses. When all the + warriors, each bearing particular signs, were covered with arrowy showers, + there was none amongst them lost heart, though all were deprived of their + signs. In that fierce and awful battle, Drona confounding the senses of + his foes, (at last) rushed at Yudhishthira.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0021" id="link72H_4_0021"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then Drona, beholding Yudhishthira near him + fearlessly received him with a thick shower of arrows. And there arose a + loud noise among the troops of Yudhishthira’s army like what is made by + the elephants belonging to a herd when their leader is attacked by a + mighty lion. Beholding Drona, the brave Satyajit, of prowess incapable of + being baffled, rushed at the Preceptor who was desirous of seizing + Yudhishthira. The Preceptor and the Panchala prince, both endued with + great might, fought with each other, agitating each other’s troops, like + Indra and Vali. Then Satyajit, of prowess incapable of being baffled, + invoking a mighty weapon, pierced Drona with keen-pointed arrows. And + Satyajit shot at Drona’s charioteer five arrows, fatal as snake-poison and + each looking like Death himself. The charioteer, thus struck, became + deprived of his senses. Then Satyajit quickly pierced Drona’s steeds with + ten shafts; and filled with rage, he next pierced each of his Parshni + drivers with ten shafts. And then he coursed at the head of his troops on + his car in a circular motion. Excited with wrath, he cut off the standard + of Drona, that crusher of foes. Drona then, that chastiser of foes, + beholding these feats of his foe in battle, mentally resolved to despatch + him to the other world.<a href="#linknote-737" name="linknoteref-737" + id="linknoteref-737">37</a> The Preceptor, cutting off Satyajit’s bow with + arrow fixed thereon, quickly pierced him with ten arrows capable of + penetrating into the very vitals. Thereupon, the valiant Satyajit, quickly + taking up another bow, struck Drona, O king, with thirty arrows winged + with the feathers of the Kanka bird. Beholding Drona (thus) encountered in + battle by Satyajit, the Pandavas, O king, shouted in joy and waved their + garments. Then the mighty Vrika, O king, excited with great wrath, pierced + Drona in the centre of the chest with sixty arrows. That feat seemed + highly wonderful. Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., Drona, of great + impetuosity, covered with the arrowy showers (of his foes) opened his eyes + wide and mustered all his energy. Then cutting off the bows of both + Satyajit and Vrika, Drona, with six shafts slew Vrika with his charioteer + and steeds. Then Satyajit, taking up another bow that was tougher, pierced + Drona with his steeds, his charioteer, and his standard. Thus afflicted in + battle by the prince of the Panchalas, Drona could not brook that act. For + the destruction then of his foe, he quickly shot his arrows (at him). + Drona then covered with incessant showers of arrows his antagonist’s + steeds and standards as also the handle of his bow, and both his Parshni + drivers. But though his bows were (thus) repeatedly cut off, the prince of + the Panchalas conversant with the highest weapons continued to battle with + him of red steeds. Beholding Satyajit swell with energy in that dreadful + combat, Drona cut off that illustrious warrior’s head with a + crescent-shaped arrow.<a href="#linknote-738" name="linknoteref-738" + id="linknoteref-738">38</a> Upon the slaughter of that foremost of + combatants, that mighty car-warrior among the Panchalas, Yudhishthira, + from fear of Drona, fled away, (borne) by fleet steeds. Then the + Panchalas, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, the Chedis, the Karushas and the + Kosalas, seeing Drona, rushed at him, desirous of rescuing Yudhishthira. + The Preceptor, however, that slayer of large numbers of foes, desirous of + seizing Yudhishthira, began to consume those divisions, like fire + consuming heaps of cotton. Then Satanika, the younger brother of the ruler + of the Matsyas, rushed at Drona who was thus engaged in incessantly + destroying those divisions (of the Pandava host). And Satanika, piercing + Drona along with his driver and steeds with six shafts, bright as the rays + of the sun and polished by his hands of their forger, uttered loud shouts. + And engaged in a cruel act, and endeavouring to accomplish what was + difficult of attainment, he covered Bharadwaja’s son, that mighty + car-warrior with showers of arrows.<a href="#linknote-739" + name="linknoteref-739" id="linknoteref-739">39</a> Then Drona, with an + arrow sharp as razor, quickly cut off from his trunk the head, decked with + ear-rings, of Satanika, shouting at him. Thereupon, the Matsya warriors + all fled away. Having vanquished the Matsyas, the son of Bharadwaja then + defeated the Chedis, the Karushas, the Kaikeyas, the Panchalas, the + Srinjayas, and the Pandus repeatedly. Beholding that hero of the golden + car, excited with rage and consuming their divisions, like a fire + consuming a forest, the Srinjayas trembled (with fear). Endued with great + activity and slaughtering the foe ceaselessly, the twang of the + bow-string, as he stretched his bow, was heard in all directions. Fierce + arrows shot by that warrior endued with great lightness of hand, crushed + elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers and car-warriors and + elephant-riders. As a mighty mass of roaring clouds in summer with violent + winds (blowing) poureth a shower of hail-stones, so did Drona pour his + arrowy showers and inspired fear in the hearts of his foes. That mighty + hero, that great bowman, that dispeller of the fears of his friends, + careered in all directions (of the field) agitating the (hostile) host. + The bow, decked with gold, of Drona of immeasurable energy, was seen in + all directions like the flashes of lightning in the clouds. The beautiful + altar on his banner, as he careered in battle, O Bharata, was seen to + resemble a crest of Himavat. The slaughter that Drona caused among the + Pandava troops was very great, resembling that caused by Vishnu himself, + the adored of both the gods and Asuras, among the Daitya host. Heroic, + truthful in speech, endued with great wisdom and might, and possessed of + prowess incapable of being baffled, the illustrious Drona caused a river + to flow there that was fierce and capable of striking the timid with fear. + Coats of mail formed its waves, and standards its eddies. And it carried + away (as it ran) large numbers of mortal creatures. And elephants and + steeds constituted its great alligators, and swords formed its fishes. And + it was incapable of being easily crossed over. The bones of brave warriors + formed its pebbles, and drums and cymbals its tortoises. And shields and + armour formed its boats, and the hair of warriors its floating moss and + weeds. And arrows constituted its wavelets and bows its current. And the + arms of the combatants formed its snakes.<a href="#linknote-740" + name="linknoteref-740" id="linknoteref-740">40</a> And that river of + fierce current, running over the field of battle, bore away both the Kurus + and the Srinjayas. And the heads of human beings, constituted its stones, + and their thighs its fishes. And maces constituted the rafts (by which + many sought to cross it). And head-gears formed the forth that covered its + surface, and the entrails (of animals) its reptiles. Awful (in mien), it + bore away heroes (to the other world). And blood and flesh constituted its + mire. And elephants formed its crocodiles, and standards, the trees (on + its banks). Thousands of Kshatriyas sank in it. Fierce, clogged with + (dead) bodies, and having horse-soldiers and elephant-warriors for its + sharks, it was extremely difficult to cross it. And that river ran towards + the abode of Yama. And it abounded with Rakshasas and dogs and jackals. + And it was haunted by fierce cannibals all around. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then many Pandava warriors, headed by Kunti’s son, rushing at Drona, + that mighty car-warrior consuming their divisions like Death himself, + surrounded him on all sides. Indeed, those brave warriors completely + encompassed Drona who was scorching everything around him like the sun + himself scorching the world with his rays. Then the kings and the princes + of thy army, with upraised weapons, all rushed for supporting that hero + and great bowman. Then Sikhandin pierced Drona with five straight arrows. + And Kshatradharman pierced him with twenty arrows, and Vasudeva with five. + And Uttamaujas pierced him with three arrows, and Kshatradeva with five. + And Satyaki pierced him in that battle with a hundred arrows, and + Yudhamanyu with eight. And Yudhishthira pierced Drona with a dozen shafts, + and Dhrishtadyumna pierced him with ten, and Chekitana with three. Then + Drona, of unbaffled aim and resembling an elephant with rent temples, + getting over the car-division (of the Pandavas), overthrew Dridhasena. + Approaching then king Kshema who was battling fearlessly, he struck him + with nine arrows. Thereupon, Kshema, deprived of life, fell down from his + car. Getting then into the midst of the (hostile) troops, he careered in + all directions, protecting others, but himself in no need of protection. + He then pierced Sikhandin with twelve arrows, and Uttamaujas with twenty. + And he despatched Vasudeva with a broad-headed arrow to the abode of Yama. + And he pierced Kshemavarman with eighty arrows, and Sudakshina with six + and twenty. And he felled Kshatradeva with a broad-headed arrow from his + niche in the car. And having pierced Yudhamanyu with sixty-four arrows and + Satyaki with thirty, Drona, of the golden car, quickly approached + Yudhishthira. Then Yudhishthira, that best of kings, quickly fled away + from the preceptor, borne by his fleet steeds. Then Panchala rushed at + Drona. Drona slew the prince, cutting off his bow, and felling his steeds + and charioteer along with him. Deprived of life, the prince fell down on + the earth from his car, like a luminary loosened from the firmament. Upon + the fall of that illustrious prince of the Panchalas, loud cries were + heard thereof, “Slay Drona, Slay Drona!” The mighty Drona then began to + crush and mangle the Panchalas, the Matsyas, the Kaikeyas, the Srinjayas, + and the Pandavas, all excited with rage. And supported by the Kurus, + Drona, then vanquished Satyaki and Chekitana’s son, and Senavindu, and + Suvarchas, all these and numerous other kings. Thy warriors, O king, + having obtained the victory in that great battle, slew the Pandavas as + they flew away in all directions. And the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas and the + Matsyas, thus slaughtered on all sides like the Danavas by Indra, began to + tremble (with fear).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0022" id="link72H_4_0022"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the Pandavas were broken by Bharadwaja’s son in + that dreadful battle, and the Panchalas also, was there anybody that + approached Drona for battle? Alas, beholding Drona stationed in battle, + like a yawning tiger, or an elephant with rent temples, ready to lay down + his life in battle, well-armed, conversant with all modes of fight, that + great bowman, that tiger among men, that enhancer of the fear of foes, + grateful, devoted to truth, ever desirous of benefiting Duryodhana,—alas, + beholding him at the head of his troops, was there no man that could + approach him, with a laudable determination for battle a determination + that enhances the renown of Kshatriyas, that mean-spirited persons can + never form, and that is distinctive only of the foremost of persons? Tell + me, O Sanjaya, who were those heroes that approached the son of + Bharadwaja, beholding him at the head of his forces?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the Panchalas, the Pandavas, the Matsyas, the + Srinjayas, the Chedis, the Kalikeyas, thus routed after being broken in + battle by Drona with his shafts, beholding them thus driven from the field + by those showers of fleet arrows shot from Drona’s, bow, like vessels sent + adrift by the awful waves of the tempest-tossed ocean, the Kauravas with + many leonine shouts and with the noise of diverse instruments, began to + assail the cars and elephants and foot-soldiers (of that hostile host) + from all sides. And beholding those (fleeing soldiers of the Pandavas) + king Duryodhana, stationed in the midst of his own forces and encompassed + by his own relatives and kinsmen, filled with joy, and laughing as he + spoke, said these words unto Karna.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “Behold, O Radha’s son, the Panchalas broken by that + firm bowman (Drona) with his shafts, like a herd of the wild deer + frightened by a lion. These, I think, will not again come to battle. They + have been broken by Drona like mighty trees by the tempest. Afflicted by + that high-souled warrior with those shafts winged with gold, they are + fleeing away, no two persons are together. Indeed, they seem to be dragged + in eddies all over the field. Checked by the Kauravas as also by the + high-souled Drona, they are huddling close to one another like (a herd of) + elephants in the midst of a conflagration. Like blossoming trees + penetrated by flights of bees, these warriors, pierced with the sharp + shafts of Drona, are huddling close to one another, as they are flying + away from the field. There, the wrathful Bhima, abandoned by the Pandavas + and the Srinjayas, and surrounded by my warriors, delighteth me greatly, O + Karna! It is evident, that wicked wight beholdeth the world today to be + full of Drona! Without doubt, that son of Pandu hath today become hopeless + of life and kingdom." </p> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “That mighty-armed warrior will not certainly abandon the + battle as long as he is alive. Nor will he, O tiger among men, brook these + leonine shouts (of ours). Nor will the Pandavas, I think, be defeated in + battle. They are brave, endued with great might, accomplished in weapons, + and difficult of being resisted in battle. Recollecting the woes caused + them by our attempts at poisoning and burning them, and the woes that + arose from the match at dice, bearing in mind also their exile in the + woods, the Pandavas, I think, will not abandon the fight. The mighty-armed + Vrikodara of immeasurable energy hath already turned back (for the fight). + The son of Kunti will certainly slay many of our foremost car-warriors. + With sword and bow and dart, with steeds and elephants and men and cars,<a + href="#linknote-741" name="linknoteref-741" id="linknoteref-741">41</a> + with his mace made of iron, he will slay crowds (of our soldiers). Other + car-warriors headed by Satyajit, together with the Panchalas, the Kekayas, + the Matsyas, and especially the Pandavas, are following him. They are all + brave, and possessed of great might and prowess. Mighty car-warriors, they + are again led by Bhima in wrath. Those bulls of thy race, surrounding + Vrikodara on all sides, like the clouds surrounding the Sun, begin to + approach Drona from all sides. Closely intent upon one object, these will + certainly afflict unprotected Drona, like flights of insects, on the point + of death, striking a blazing lamp. Accomplished in weapons, they are + certainly competent to resist Drona. Heavy is the burthen, I think, that + now rests on Bharadwaja’s son. Let us then quickly go to the spot where + Drona is. Let not those slay him of regulated vows like wolves slaying a + mighty elephant!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these words of Radheya, king Duryodhana then, + accompanied by his brothers, O monarch, proceeded towards Drona’s car. The + noise there was deafening, of Pandava warriors returned to the fight on + their cars drawn by excellent steeds of diverse hue,<a href="#linknote-742" + name="linknoteref-742" id="linknoteref-742">42</a> all actuated by the + desire of slaying Drona alone.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0023" id="link72H_4_0023"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, the distinctive indications of + the cars of all those who, excited with wrath and headed by Bhimasena, had + proceeded against Drona.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Vrikodara advancing (on a car drawn) by steeds + of dappled hue (like that of the antelope), the brave grandson of Sini + (Satyaki) proceeded, borne by steeds of a silvery hue. The irresistible + Yudhamanyu, excited with rage, proceeded against Drona, borne by excellent + steeds of variegated hue. Dhristadyumna, the son of the Panchala king, + proceeded, borne by steeds of great fleetness in trappings of gold and of + the hue of pigeons.<a href="#linknote-743" name="linknoteref-743" + id="linknoteref-743">43</a> Desirous of protecting his sire, and wishing + him complete success, Dhristadyumna’s son, Kshatradharman of regulated + vows, proceeded., borne by red steeds. Kshatradeva, the son of Sikhandin, + himself urging well-decked steeds of the hue of lotus-leaves and with eyes + of pure white, proceeded (against Drona). Beautiful steeds of the Kamvoja + breed, decked with the feathers of the green parrot, bearing Nakula, + quickly ran towards thy army. Dark steeds of the clouds wrathfully bore + Uttamaujas, O Bharata, to battle, against the invincible Drona, standing + with arrows aimed. Steeds, fleet as the wind, and of variegated hue, bore + Sahadeva with upraised weapons to that fierce battle. Of great + impetuosity, and possessed of the fleetness of the wind, steeds of the + ivory hue and having black manes on the neck, bore Yudhishthira, that + tiger among men. And many warriors followed Yudhishthira, borne on their + steeds, decked in trappings of gold and all fleet as the wind. Behind the + king was the royal chief of the Panchalas, viz., Drupada, with a golden + umbrella over his head and himself protected by all those soldiers (that + followed Yudhishthira). That great bowman among all the kings, viz., + Sautabhi, proceeded, borne by beautiful steeds capable of bearing every + noise. Accompanied by all the great car-warriors, Virata quickly followed + the former. The Kaikeyas and Sikhandin, and Dhrishtaketu, surrounded by + their respective troops, followed the ruler of Matsyas. Excellent steeds + of the (pale red) hue of trumpet-flowers, looked exceedingly beautiful as + they bore Virata. Fleet steeds of yellow colour and decked in chains of + gold, bore with great speed the son (Uttara) of that slayer of foes, viz., + Virata, the royal chief of the Matsyas. The five Kekaya brothers were + borne by steeds of deep red hue. Of the splendour of gold and owning + standards of the red hue, and decked with chains of gold, all of them + heroes, accomplished in battle, they proceeded, clad in mail, and + showering arrows like the very clouds. Excellent steeds, the gift of + Tumvuru, of the hue of unbaked earthen pots, bore Sikhandin, the Panchala + prince of immeasurable energy. Altogether, twelve thousand mighty + car-warriors of the Panchala race proceeded to battle. Of these, six + thousand followed Sikhandin. Sportive steeds, O sire, of the dappled hue + of the antelope, bore the son of Sisupal, that tiger among men. That bull + among the Chedis, viz., Dhrishtaketu, endued with great strength, and + difficult of being vanquished in battle, proceeded, borne by Kamvoja + steeds of variegated hue. Excellent steeds of the Sindhu breed, of + beautiful limbs, and of the hue of the smoke of straw, quickly bore the + Kaikeya prince, Vrihatkshatra. Possessed of eyes of pure white, of the hue + of the lotus, born in the country of the Valhikas, and decked with + ornaments, bore Sikhandin’s son, the brave Kshatradeva.<a + href="#linknote-744" name="linknoteref-744" id="linknoteref-744">44</a> + Decked in trappings of gold, and possessed of the hue of red silk, quiet + steeds bore Senavindu, that chastiser of foes, to battle. Excellent steeds + of the hue of cranes, bore to battle the youthful and delicate son of the + king of the Kasis, that mighty car-warrior. White steeds with black necks, + endued with the speed of the mind, O monarch, and exceedingly obedient to + the driver, bore prince Prativindhya. Whitish yellow steeds bore Sutasoma, + the son of Arjuna, whom the latter had obtained from Soma himself. He was + born in the Kuru city known by the name of Udayendu. Endued with + effulgence of a thousand moons, and because he also had won great renown + in an assembly of the Somakas, he came to be called Sutasoma. Steeds of + the hue of Sala flowers or of morning sun bore Nakula’s son Satanika + worthy of every praise. Steeds decked in trappings of gold, and endued + with the hue of the peacock’s neck, bore that tiger among men, + Srutakarman, the son of Draupadi (by Bhima). Excellent steeds of the hue + of the king-fishers bore Draupadi’s son Srutkirti to that battle, who like + Partha was an ocean of learning. Steeds of a tawny hue bore the youthful + Abhimanyu who was regarded as superior to Krishna or Partha one and a half + times in battle. Gigantic steeds bore Yuyutsu to battle, that only warrior + amongst the sons of Dhritarashtra who (abandoning his brothers) hath sided + with the Pandavas. Plump and well-decked steeds of the hue of the (dried) + paddy stalk bore Vardhakshemi of great activity to that dreadful battle. + Steeds with black legs, equipped in breast-plates of gold, and exceedingly + obedient to the driver, bore youthful Sauchitti to battle. Steeds whose + backs were covered with golden armour, decked with chains of gold, + well-broken, and of the hue of red silk, bore Srenimat. Steeds of a red + hue bore the advancing Satyadhriti accomplished in the science of arms and + in the divine Vedas. That Panchala who was commander (of the Pandava army) + and who took Drona as the victim allotted to his share,—that + Dhrishtadyumna,—was borne by steeds of the hue of pigeons. Him + followed Satyadhriti, and Sauchitti irresistible in battle, and Srenimat, + and Vasudana, and Vibhu, the son of the ruler of the Kasis. These had + fleet steeds of the best Kamvoja breed decked with chains of gold. Each + resembling Yama or Vaisravana, they proceeded to battle, striking fear + into the hearts of the hostile soldiers. The Prabhadrakas of the Kamvoja + country, numbering six thousand, with upraised weapons, with excellent + steeds of diverse hues on their gold-decked cars, with stretched bows and + making their foes tremble with their showers of arrows and resolved to die + together,<a href="#linknote-745" name="linknoteref-745" + id="linknoteref-745">45</a> followed Dhristadyumna. Excellent steeds of + the hue of tawny silk, decked with beautiful chains of gold, cheerfully + bore Chekitana. Arjuna’s maternal uncle Purujit, otherwise called + Kuntibhoja, came borne by excellent steeds of the colour of the rainbow. + Steeds of the colour of star-bespangled firmament bore to battle king + Rochamana. Steeds of the hue of the red deer, with white streaks over + their bodies, bore the Panchala prince Singhasena, the son of Gopati. That + tiger among the Panchalas who is known by the name of Janamejaya, had + excellent steeds of the hue of mustard flowers. Fleet, gigantic and dark + blue steeds decked with chains of gold, with backs of the hue of curd and + faces of the hue of the moon, bore with great speed the ruler of the + Panchalas. Brave steeds with beautiful heads, (white) as the stalks of + reeds, and a splendour resembling that of the firmament or the lotus, bore + Dandadhara. Light brown steeds with backs of the hue of the mouse, and + with necks proudly drawn up, bore Vyaghradatta to battle. Dark-spotted + steeds bore that tiger among men, viz., Sudhanwan, the prince of Panchala. + Of fierce impetuosity resembling that of Indra’s thunder, beautiful steeds + of the hue of Indragopakas, with variegated patches, bore Chitrayudha. + Decked with golden chains, steeds whose bellies were of the hue of the + Chakravaka bore Sukshatra, the son of the ruler of the Kosalas. Beautiful + and tall steeds of variegated hue and gigantic bodies, exceedingly docile, + and decked with chains of gold, bore Satyadhriti accomplished in battle. + Sukla advanced to battle with his standard and armour and bow and steeds + all of the same white hue. Steeds born on the sea-coast and white as the + moon, bore Chandrasena of fierce energy, the son of Samudrasena. Steeds of + the hue of the blue lotus and decked with ornaments of gold and adorned + with beautiful floral wreaths, bore Saiva owning a beautiful car to + battle. Superior steeds of the hue of Kalaya flowers, with white and red + streaks, bore Rathasena difficult of being resisted in battle. White + steeds bore that king who slew the Patachcharas and who is regarded as the + bravest of men. Superior steeds of the hue of Kinsuka flowers bore + Chitrayudha decked with beautiful garlands and owning beautiful armour and + weapons and standard. King Nila advanced to battle, with standard and + armour and bow and banner and steeds all of the same blue colour. Chitra + advanced to battle with car-fence and standard and bow all decked with + diverse kinds of gems, and beautiful steeds and banner. Excellent steeds + of the hue of the lotus bore Hemavarna, the son of Rochamana. Chargers, + capable of bearing all kinds of weapons, of brave achievements in battle, + possessed of vertebral columns of the hue of reeds, having white + testicles, and endued with the colour of the hen’s egg, bore Dandaketu. + The mighty Sarangadhwaja, endued with wealth of energy, the king of the + Pandyas, on steeds of the hue of the moon’s rays and decked with armour + set with stones of lapis lazuli, advanced upon Drona, stretching his + excellent bow. His country having been invaded and his kinsmen having + fled, his father had been slain by Krishna in battle. Obtaining weapons + then from Bhishma and Drona, Rama and Kripa, prince Sarangadhwaja became, + in weapons, the equal of Rukmi and Karna and Arjuna and Achyuta. He then + desired to destroy the city of Dwaraka and subjugate the whole world. Wise + friends, however, from desire of doing him good, counselled him against + that course. Giving up all thoughts of revenge, he is now ruling his own + dominions. Steeds that were all of the hue of the Atrusa flower bore a + hundred and forty thousand principal car-warriors that followed that + Sarangadhwaja, the king of the Pandyas. Steeds of diverse hues and diverse + kinds of forces, bore the heroic Ghatotkacha. Mighty steeds of gigantic + size, of the Aratta breed, bore the mighty-armed Vrihanta of red eyes + mounted on his golden car, that prince, viz., who, rejecting the opinions + of all the Bharatas, hath singly, from his reverence for Yudhishthira, + gone over to him, abandoning all his cherished desire.<a + href="#linknote-746" name="linknoteref-746" id="linknoteref-746">46</a> + Superior steeds of the hue of gold, followed that foremost of kings viz., + the virtuous Yudhishthira at his back. Large number of Prabhadrakas, of + celestial shapes, advanced to battle, with steeds of diverse excellent + colours. All of them owning standards of gold and prepared to struggle + vigorously, proceeded with Bhimasena, and wore the aspect, O monarch, of + the denizens of heaven with Indra at their head. That assembled host of + Prabhadrakas was much liked by Dhristadyumna.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Bharadwaja’s son, however, O monarch, surpassed all the warriors in + splendour. His standard, with a black deer-skin waving on its top and the + beautiful water-pot, O monarch, that it bore, looked exceedingly + beautiful. And Bhimasena’s standard, bearing the device of a gigantic lion + in silver with its eyes made of lapis lazuli, looked exceedingly + resplendent. The standard of Yudhishthira of great energy, bearing the + device of a golden moon with planets around it, looked very beautiful. Two + large and beautiful kettle-drums, called Nanda and Upananda, were tied to + it. Played upon by machinery, these produced excellent music that enhanced + the delight of all who heard it. For terrifying the foe, we beheld that + tall and fierce standard of Nakula, placed on his car bearing the device + of a Sarabha with its back made of gold. A beautiful silver swan with + bells and banner terrible to look at and enhancing the grief of the foe, + was seen on Sahadeva’s standard. The standards of the five sons of + Draupadi bore on them the excellent images of Dharma, Marut, Sakra, and + the twin Aswins. On the car, O king, of the youthful Abhimanyu was an + excellent standard that bore a golden peacock, which was bright as heated + gold. On Ghatotkacha’s standard, O king, a vulture shone brightly, and his + steeds also were capable of going everywhere at will, like those of Ravana + in days of yore. In Yudhishthira’s hands was the celestial bow called + Mahendra; and in the hands of Bhimasena, O king, was the celestial bow + called Vayavya. For the protection of the three worlds Brahman created a + bow. That celestial and indestructible bow was held by Phalguni. The + Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina was held by + Sahadeva. That celestial and terrible bow called the Paulastya, was held + by Ghatotkacha. The five jewels of bows borne by the five sons of Draupadi + were the Raudra, the Agneya, the Kauverya, the Yamya, and the Girisa. That + excellent and best of bows, called the Raudra, which Rohini’s son + (Valadeva) had obtained, the latter gave unto the high-souled son of + Subhadra, having been gratified with him. These and many other standards + decked with gold, were seen there, belonging to brave warriors, all of + which enhanced the fear of their foes. The host commanded by Drona, which + numbered not a single coward, and in which countless standards rising + together seemed to obstruct the welkin, then looked, O monarch, like + images on a canvas. We heard the names and lineage, O king, of brave + warriors rushing towards Drona in that battle like to what is heard, O + monarch, at a self-choice.<a href="#linknote-747" name="linknoteref-747" + id="linknoteref-747">47</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Then royal Drupada advanced against him at the head of a mighty + division. The encounter between those two old men at the heads of their + respective forces became terrible like that between two mighty leaders, + with rent temples, of two elephantine herds. Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, + with their troops encountered Virata, the ruler of Matsyas at the head of + his forces, like Indra and Agni in days of old encountering the (Asura) + Vali. That awful encounter between the Matsyas and the Kekayas, in which + steeds and car-warriors and elephants fought most fearlessly, resembled + that between the gods and the Asuras in days of old. Bhutakarman, + otherwise called Sabhapati, kept away from Drona. Nakula’s son Satanika, + as the latter advanced, scattering showers of arrows. Then the heir of + Nakula, with three broad-headed shafts of great sharpness, deprived + Bhutakarman of both his arms and head in that battle. Vivinsati resisted + the heroic Sutasoma of great prowess, as the latter advanced towards + Drona, scattering showers of arrows. Sutasoma, however, excited with + wrath, pierced his uncle Vivinsati with straight arrows, and cased in + mail, stood ready for the combat. Bhimaratha, (brother of Duryodhana), + with six sharp shafts of great swiftness and made wholly of iron, + despatched Salwa along with his steeds and charioteer to Yama’s abode. + Chitrasena’s son, O king, opposed thy (grand) son Srutakarman as the + latter came, borne by steeds, looking like peacocks. Those two grandsons + of thine, both difficult of being vanquished in battle, and each desirous + of slaying the other, fought vigorously for the success of the objects of + their respective sires. Beholding Prativindhya staying at the van of that + dreadful battle, Drona’s son (Aswatthaman), desirous of protecting the + honour of his sire, resisted the former with his shafts. Prativindhya, + then, excited with rage pierced Aswatthaman, bearing on his standard the + device of a lion’s tail and staying in battle for the sake of his father, + with many sharp shafts. The (eldest) son of Draupadi then scattered over + Drona’s son showers of arrows, like a sower, O bull among men, scattering + seeds on the soil at the sowing season.<a href="#linknote-748" + name="linknoteref-748" id="linknoteref-748">48</a> The son of Duhsasana + resisted the mighty car-warrior Srutakirti, the son of Arjuna by Draupadi, + as the latter was rushing towards Drona. That son of Arjuna, however, who + was equal to Arjuna himself, cutting off the former’s bow and standard and + charioteer with three broad-headed arrows of great sharpness, proceeded + against Drona. Duryodhana’s son, Lakshmana, resisted the slayer of the + Patachcharas,—him, that is, O king, who is regarded by both the + armies as the bravest of the brave. The latter, however, cutting off both + the bow and the standard of Lakshmana, and showering upon him many arrows, + flared up with splendour. The youthful Vikarna of great wisdom resisted + Sikhandin, the youthful son of Yajnasena, as the latter advanced in that + battle. Yajnasena’s son then covered the former with showers of arrows. + Thy mighty son Vikarna, baffling those arrowy showers, looked resplendent + on the field of battle. Angada resisted with showers of arrows the heroic + Uttamaujas in that battle as the latter rushed towards Drona. That + encounter between those two lions among men became frightful, and it + filled both them and the troops with great zeal. The great bowman + Durmukha, endued with great might, resisted with his shafts the heroic + Purujit as the latter proceeded towards Drona. Purujit struck Durmukha + between his eye-brows with a long shaft. Thereupon, Durmukha’s face looked + beautiful like a lotus with its stalk. Karna resisted with showers of + arrows the five Kekaya brothers, owning red standards, as they proceeded + towards Drona. Scorched with the arrowy showers of Karna, those five + brothers covered Karna with their arrows. Karna, in return, repeatedly + covered them with showers of arrows. Covered with arrows, neither Karna + nor the five brother could be seen with their steeds, charioteers, + standards, and cars. Thy sons, Durjaya, Jaya, and Vijaya, resisted Nila, + and the ruler of the Kasis, and Jayatsena, three against. And the combat + between those warriors deepened and gladdened the hearts of the spectators + like those between a lion, a tiger, and a wolf on the one side and a bear, + a buffalo, and a bull on the other. The brothers Kshemadhurti and Vrihanta + mangled Satyaki of the Satwata race with their keen arrows, as the latter + proceeded against Drona. The battle between those two on one side and + Satyaki on the other became exceedingly wonderful to behold, like that + between a lion and two mighty elephants with rent temples in the forest. + The king of the Chedis, excited with wrath, and shooting many warriors, + kept away from Drona, king Amvashtha, that hero who always delighted in + battle. Then king Amvashtha pierced his antagonist with a long arrow + capable of penetrating into the very bones. Thereupon, the latter, with + bow and arrow loosened from his grasp, fell down from his car on the + ground. The noble Kripa, son of Saradwata, with many small arrows resisted + Vardhakshemi of the Vrishni race who was the embodiment of wrath (in + battle). They that looked at Kripa, son of Saradwata, with many small + arrows, resisted Vardhakshemi of the Vrishni race who was the embodiment + of wrath (in battle). They that looked at Kripa and Vardhakshemi, those + heroes conversant with every mode of warfare, thus engaged in encountering + each other, became so absorbed in it that they could not attend to + anything else. Somadatta’s son, for enhancing the glory of Drona, resisted + king Manimat of great activity as the latter came to fight. Then Manimat + quickly cut off the bowstring, the standard, the banner, the charioteer + and the umbrella of Somadatta’s son and caused them to fall down from the + latter’s car.<a href="#linknote-749" name="linknoteref-749" + id="linknoteref-749">49</a> The son of Somadatta then, bearing the device + of the sacrificial stake on his standard, that slayer of foes, quickly + jumping down from his car, cut off with his large swords, his antagonist + with his steeds, charioteer, standard, and car. Re-ascending then upon his + own car, and taking up another bow, and guiding his steeds himself, he + began, O monarch, to consume the Pandava host. Vrishasena (the son of + Karna), competent for the feat, resisted with showers of arrows king + Pandava who was rushing to battle like Indra himself following the Asuras + for smiting them. With maces and spiked bludgeons, and swords and axes and + stones, short clubs and mallets, and discs, short arrows and battle-axes + with dust and wind, and fire and water, and ashes and brick-bats, and + straw and trees, afflicting and smiting, and breaking, and slaying and + routing the foe, and hurling them on the hostile ranks, and terrifying + them therewith, came Ghatotkacha, desirous of getting at Drona. The + Rakshasa Alambhusha, however, excited with rage, encountered him with + diverse weapons and diverse accoutrements of war. And the battle that took + place between those two foremost of Rakshasas resembled that which took + place in days of old between Samvara and the chief of the celestials. Thus + blessed be thou, took place hundreds of single combats between + car-warriors and elephants, and steeds and foot-soldiers of thy army and + theirs in the midst of the dreadful general engagement. Indeed, such a + battle was never seen or heard of before as that which then took place + between those warriors that were bent upon Drona’s destruction and + protection. Indeed, many were the encounters that were then seen on all + parts of field, some of which were terrible, some beautiful, and some + exceedingly fierce, O lord.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0024" id="link72H_4_0024"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the troops were thus engaged and thus proceeded + against one another in separate divisions, how did Partha and the warriors + of my army endued with great activity fight? What also did Arjuna do + towards the car-warriors of the Samsaptakas? And what, O Sanjaya, did the + Samsaptakas, in their turn, do to Arjuna?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the troops were thus engaged and proceeded against + one another, thy son Duryodhana himself rushed against Bhimasena, leading + his elephant division. Like an elephant encountering an elephant, like a + bull encountering a bull, Bhimasena, summoned by the king himself, rushed + against that elephant division of the Kaurava army. Skilled in battle and + endued with great might of arms, Pritha’s son, O sire, quickly broke that + elephant division. These elephants, huge as hills, and with ichor + trickling down from every part of their bodies, were mangled and forced to + turn back by Bhimasena with his arrows. Indeed, as the wind, when it + riseth, driveth away gathering masses of clouds, so did that son of Pavana + rout that elephant force of the Kauravas. And Bhima, shooting his arrows + at those elephants, looked resplendent like the risen sun, striking + everything in the world with his rays. Those elephants, afflicted with the + shafts of Bhima, became covered with blood and looked beautiful like + masses of clouds in the welkin penetrated with the rays of the sun. Then + Duryodhana, excited with wrath, pierced with the sharp shafts that son of + the Wind-god who was causing such a slaughter among his elephants. Then + Bhima, with eyes red in wrath, desirous of despatching the king to Yama’s + abode, pierced him speedily with many sharp shafts. Then Duryodhana, + mangled all over with arrows and excited with rage, pierced Bhima, the son + of Pandu, with many shafts endued with the effulgence of solar rays, + smiling the while. Then the son of Pandu, with a couple of broad-headed + arrows, quickly cut off Duryodhana’s bow as also his standard, bearing the + device of a jewelled elephant, decked with diverse gems. Beholding + Duryodhana thus afflicted, O sire, by Bhima, the ruler of the Angas on his + elephant came there for afflicting the son of Pandu. Thereupon, Bhimasena + deeply pierced with a long arrow that prince of elephants advancing with + loud roars, between its two frontal globes. That arrow, penetrating + through its body, sank deep in the earth. And at this the elephants fell + down like a hill riven by the thunder. While the elephant was falling + down, the Mleccha king also was falling down it. But Vrikodara, endued + with great activity, cut off his head with a broad-headed arrow before his + antagonist actually fell down. When the heroic ruler of the Angas fell, + his divisions fled away. Steeds and elephants and car-warriors struck with + panic, crushed the foot-soldiers as they fled. + </p> + <p> + “‘When those troops, thus broken, fled away in all directions, the ruler + of the Pragjyotishas then advanced against Bhima, upon his elephant.<a + href="#linknote-750" name="linknoteref-750" id="linknoteref-750">50</a> + With its two (fore) legs and trunk contracted, filled with rage, and with + eyes rolling, that elephant seemed to consume the son of Pandu (like a + blazing fire). And it pounded Vrikodara’s car with the steed yoked thereto + into dust. Then Bhima ran forward and got under the elephant’s body, for + he knew the science called Anjalikabedha. Indeed, the son of Pandu fled + not. Getting under the elephant’s body, he began to strike it frequently + with his bare arms. And he smote that invincible elephant which was bent + upon slaying him. Thereupon, the latter began to quickly turn round like a + potter’s wheel. Endued with the might of ten thousand elephants, the + blessed Vrikodara, having struck that elephant thus, came out from under + Supratika’s body and stood facing the latter. Supratika then, seizing + Bhima by its trunk, threw him down by means of its knees. Indeed, having + seized him by the neck, that elephant wished to slay him. Twisting the + elephant’s trunk, Bhima freed himself from its twine, and once more got + under the body of that huge creature. And he waited there, expecting the + arrival of a hostile elephant of his own army. Coming out from under the + beast’s body, Bhima then ran away with great speed. Then a loud noise was + heard, made by all the troops, to the effect, “Alas, Bhima hath been slain + by the elephant!” The Pandava host, frightened by that elephant, suddenly + fled away, O king, to where Vrikodara was waiting. Meanwhile, king + Yudhishthira, thinking Vrikodara to have been slain, surrounded Bhagadatta + on all sides, aided by the Panchalas. Having surrounded him with numerous + cars, king Yudhishthira that foremost of car-warriors, covered Bhagadatta + with keen shafts by hundreds and thousands. Then Bhagadatta, that king of + the mountainous regions, frustrating with his iron hook that shower of + arrows, began to consume both the Pandavas and the Panchalas by means of + that elephant of his. Indeed, O monarch, the feat that we then beheld, + achieved by old Bhagadatta with his elephant, was highly wonderful. Then + the ruler of the Dasarnas rushed against the king of the Pragjyotisha, on + a fleet elephant with temporal sweat trickling down, for attacking + Supratika in the flank. The battle then that took place between those two + elephants of awful size, resembled that between two winged mountains + overgrown with forests in days of old. Then the elephant of Bhagadatta, + wheeling round and attacking the elephant of the king of the Dasarnas, + ripped open the latter’s flank and slew it outright. Then Bhagadatta + himself with seven lances bright as the rays of the sun, slew his (human) + antagonist seated on the elephant just when the latter was about to fall + down from his seat. Piercing king Bhagadatta then (with many arrows), + Yudhishthira surrounded him on all sides with a large number of cars. + Staying on his elephant amid car-warriors encompassing him all around, he + looked resplendent like a blazing fire on a mountain-top in the midst of a + dense forest. He stayed fearlessly in the midst of those serried cars + ridden by fierce bowmen, all of whom showered upon him their arrows. Then + the king of the Pragjyotisha, pressing (with his toe) his huge elephant, + urged him towards the car of Yuyudhana. That prodigious beast, then + seizing the car of Sini’s grandson, hurled it to a distance with great + force. Yuyudhana, however, escaped by timely flight. His charioteer also, + abandoning the large steeds of the Sindhu breed, yoked unto that car, + quickly followed Satyaki and stood where the latter stopped. Meanwhile the + elephant, quickly coming out of the circle of cars, began to throw down + all the kings (that attempted to bar his course). These bulls among men, + frightened out of their wits by that single elephant coursing swiftly, + regarded it in that battle as multiplied into many. Indeed, Bhagadatta, + mounted on that elephant of his, began to smite down the Pandavas, like + the chief of the celestials mounted on Airavata smiting down the Danavas + (in days of old).<a href="#linknote-751" name="linknoteref-751" + id="linknoteref-751">51</a> As the Panchalas fled in all directions, loud + and awful was the noise that arose amongst them, made by their elephants + and steeds. And while the Pandava troops were thus destroyed by + Bhagadatta, Bhima, excited with rage, once more rushed against the ruler + of the Pragjyotisha. The latter’s elephant then frightened the steeds of + advancing Bhima by drenching them with water spouted forth from its trunk, + and thereupon those animals bore Bhima away from the field. Then Kriti’s + son, Ruchiparvan, mounted on his car, quickly rushed against Bhagadatta, + scattering showers of arrows and advancing like the Destroyer himself. + Then Bhagadatta, that ruler of the hilly regions, possessed of beautiful + limbs, despatched Ruchiparvan with a straight shaft to Yama’s abode.<a + href="#linknote-752" name="linknoteref-752" id="linknoteref-752">52</a> + Upon the fall of the heroic Ruchiparvan, Subhadra’s son and the sons of + Draupadi, and Chekitana, and Dhrishtaketu, and Yuyutsu began to afflict + the elephant. Desiring to slay that elephant, all those warriors, uttering + loud shouts, began to pour their arrows on the animals, like the clouds + drenching the earth with their watery down-pour. Urged then by its skilful + rider with heel, hook, and toe the animal advanced quickly with trunk + stretched, and eyes and cars fixed. Treading down Yuyutsu’s steeds, the + animal then slew the charioteer. Thereupon, O king, Yuyutsu, abandoning + his car, fled away quickly. Then the Pandava warriors, desirous of slaying + that prince of elephants, uttered loud shouts and covered it quickly with + showers of arrows. At this time, thy son, excited with rage, rushed + against the car of Subhadra’s son. Meanwhile, king Bhagadatta on his + elephant, shooting shafts on the foe, looked resplendent like the Sun + himself scattering his rays on the earth. Arjuna’s son then pierced him + with a dozen shafts, and Yuyutsu with ten, and each of the sons of + Draupadi pierced him with three shafts and Dhrishtaketu also pierced him + with three. That elephant then, pierced with these shafts, shot with great + care, looked resplendent like a mighty mass of clouds penetrated with the + rays of the sun. Afflicted with those shafts of the foe, that elephant + then, urged by its riders with skill and vigour, began to throw hostile + warriors on both his flanks. Like a cowherd belabouring his cattle in the + forest with a goad, Bhagadatta repeatedly smote the Pandava host. Like the + cawing of quickly retreating crows when assailed by hawks, a loud and + confused noise was heard among the Pandava troops who fled away with great + speed. That prince of elephants, struck by its rider with hook, resembled, + O king, a winged mountain of old. And it filled the hearts of the enemy + with fear, like to what merchants experience at sight of the surging sea.<a + href="#linknote-753" name="linknoteref-753" id="linknoteref-753">53</a> + Then elephants and car-warriors and steeds and kings, flying away in fear, + made, as they fled, a loud and awful din that, O monarch, filled the earth + and sky and heaven and the cardinal and subsidiary directions in that + battle. Mounted on that foremost of elephants, king Bhagadatta penetrated + the hostile army like the Asura Virochana in days of old into the + celestial host in battle well-protected by the gods. A violent wind began + to blow; a dusty cloud covered the sky and the troops; and people regarded + that single elephant as multiplied into many, coursing all over the + field.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0025" id="link72H_4_0025"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thou askest me about the feats of Arjuna in battle. + Listen, O thou of mighty arms, to what Partha achieved in the fight. + Beholding the risen dust and hearing the wail of the troops when + Bhagadatta was performing great feats on the field, the son of Kunti + addressed Krishna and said “O slayer of Madhu, it seems that the ruler of + the Pragjyotishas hath, on his elephant, with great impetuosity, advanced + to battle. This loud din that we hear must be due to him. Well-versed in + the art of grinding and battling from the back of an elephant, and not + inferior to Indra himself in battle, he, I think, is the foremost of all + elephant-warriors in the world.<a href="#linknote-754" + name="linknoteref-754" id="linknoteref-754">54</a> His elephant, again, is + the foremost of elephants, without a rival to encounter it in battle. + Possessed of great dexterity and above all fatigue, it is, again, + impervious to all weapons. Capable of bearing every weapon and even the + touch of fire, it will, O sinless one, alone destroy the Pandava force + today. Except us two, there is none else capable of checking that + creature. Go quickly, therefore, to that spot where the ruler of the + Pragjyotishas is. Proud in battle, in consequence of the strength of his + elephant, and arrogant in consequence of his age, I will this very day + send him as a guest to the slayer of Vala.” At these words of Arjuna, + Krishna began to proceed to the place where Bhagadatta was breaking the + Pandava ranks. While Arjuna was proceeding towards Bhagadatta, the mighty + Samsaptaka car-warriors, numbering fourteen thousand, made up of ten + thousand Gopalas or Narayanas who used to follow Vasudeva, returning to + the field, summoned him to battle. Beholding the Pandava host broken by + Bhagadatta, and summoned on the other hand by the Samsaptakas, Arjuna’s + heart was divided in twain. And he began to think, “Which of these two + acts will be better for me to do today, to return from this spot for + battling with Samsaptakas or to repair to Yudhishthira?” Reflecting with + the aid of his understanding, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, Arjuna’s + heart, at last, was firmly fixed on the slaughter of the Samsaptakas. + Desirous of alone slaughtering in battle thousands of car-warriors, + Indra’s son (Arjuna) having the foremost of apes on his banner, suddenly + turned back. Even this was what both Duryodhana and Karna had thought of + for achieving the slaughter of Arjuna. And it was for this that they had + made arrangements for the double encounter. The son of Pandu allowed his + heart to waver this side and that, but, at last, resolving to slay those + foremost of warriors, viz., the Samsaptakas, he baffled the purpose of his + enemies.<a href="#linknote-755" name="linknoteref-755" id="linknoteref-755">55</a> + Then mighty Samsaptakas car-warriors, O king, shot at Arjuna thousands of + straight arrows. Covered with those arrows, O monarch, neither Kunti’s son + Partha, nor Krishna, otherwise called Janardana, nor the steeds, nor the + car, could be seen. Then Janardana became deprived of his senses and + perspired greatly. Thereupon, Partha shot the Brahma weapon and nearly + exterminated them all. Hundreds upon hundreds of arms with bows and arrows + and bowstrings in grasp, cut off from trunks, and hundreds upon hundreds + of standards and steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, fell down on the + ground. Huge elephants, well-equipped and resembling foremost hills + over-grown with woods or masses of clouds, afflicted with Partha’s shafts + and deprived of riders, fell down on the earth. Many elephants again, with + riders on their backs, crushed by means of Arjuna’s shafts, fell down, + deprived of life, shorn of the embroidered cloths on their backs, and with + their housings torn. Cut off by Kiritin with his broad-headed arrows, + countless arms having swords and lances and rapiers for their nails or + having clubs and battle-axes in grasp, fell down on the earth. Heads also, + beautiful, O king, as the morning sun or the lotus or the moon, cut off by + Arjuna with his arrows, dropped down on the ground. While Phalguni in rage + was thus engaged in slaying the foe with diverse kinds of well-adorned and + fatal shafts, that host seemed to be ablaze. Beholding Dhananjaya crushing + that host like an elephant crushing lotus-stalks, all creatures applauded + him, saying, “Excellent, Excellent!” Seeing that feat of Partha resembling + that of Vasava himself, Madhava wondered much and, addressing him with + joined hands, said, “Verily, O Partha, I think that this feat which thou + hast achieved, could not be performed by Sakra, or Yama, or the Lord of + treasures himself. I see that thou hast today felled in battle hundreds + and thousands of mighty Samsaptaka warriors an together.” Having slain the + Samsaptakas then,—that is, who were engaged in battle,—Partha + addressed Krishna, saying, “Go towards Bhagadatta.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0026" id="link72H_4_0026"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘At Partha’s desire, Krishna then urged his white steeds, + fleet as the mind and covered in golden armour, towards Drona’s divisions. + While that foremost one of the Kurus was thus proceeding towards his + brothers who were exceedingly afflicted by Drona, Susarman with his + brothers, followed him behind, desirous of battle. The ever-victorious + Arjuna then addressed Krishna, saying, “O thou of unfading glory, this + Susarman here, with his brothers, challengeth me to battle! O slayer of + foes, our host, again, is broken (by Drona) towards the north. In + consequence of these Samsaptakas, my heart wavers today as to whether I + should do this or that. Shall I slay the Samsaptakas now, or protect from + harm my own troops already afflicted by the foe? Know this to be what I am + thinking of, viz., ‘Which of these would be better for me?’” Thus + addressed by him, he of Dasarha’s race, turned back the car, and took the + son of Pandu to where the ruler of the Trigartas was. Then Arjuna pierced + Susarman with seven shafts, and cut off both his bow and standard with a + couple of sharp arrows. He then, with six arrows, quickly despatched the + brothers of Trigarta king to Yama’s abode.<a href="#linknote-756" + name="linknoteref-756" id="linknoteref-756">56</a> Then Susarman, aiming + at Arjuna, hurled at him a dart made wholly of iron and looking like a + snake, and aiming at Vasudeva, hurled a lance at him. Cutting off that + dart with three arrows and that lance also with three other arrows, + Arjuna, by means of his arrowy showers, deprived Susarman of his senses on + his car. Then advancing fiercely (towards thy division), scattering + showers of arrows, like Vasava pouring rain, none among thy troops, O + king, ventured to oppose. Like a fire consuming heaps of straw as it + advances, Dhananjaya advanced, scorching all the mighty car-warriors among + the Kauravas by means of his arrows. Like a living creature incapable of + bearing the touch of fire, thy troops could not bear the irresistible + impetuosity of that intelligent son of Kunti. Indeed, the son of Pandu, + overwhelming the hostile host by means of his arrows, came upon the king + of the Pragjyotishas, O monarch, like Garuda swooping down (upon his + prey). He then held in his hands that Gandiva which in battle was + beneficial to the innocent Pandavas and baneful to all foes, for the + destruction of Kshatriyas brought about, O king, by the fault of thy son + who had recourse to deceitful dice for accomplishing his end. Agitated by + Partha thus, thy host then, O king, broke like a boat when it strikes + against a rock. Then ten thousand bowmen, brave and fierce, firmly + resolved to conquer, advanced (to encounter Arjuna). With dauntless + hearts, those mighty car-warriors all surrounded him. Capable of bearing + any burden, howsoever heavy in battle, Partha took up that heavy burden. + As an angry elephant of sixty years, with rent temples, crushes an + assemblage of lotus stalks, even so did Partha crush that division of thy + army. And when that division was being thus crushed, king Bhagadatta, on + that same elephant of his, impetuously rushed towards Arjuna. Thereupon, + Dhananjaya, that tiger among men, staying on his car, received Bhagadatta. + That encounter between Arjuna’s car and Bhagadatta’s elephant was fierce + in the extreme. Those two heroes, viz., Bhagadatta and Dhananjaya, then + coursed on the field, the one on his car and the other on his elephant, + both of which were equipped according to the rules of science. Then + Bhagadatta, like the lord Indra, from his elephant looking like a mass of + clouds, poured on Dhananjaya showers of arrows. The valiant son of Vasava, + however, with his arrows, cut off those arrowy showers of Bhagadatta + before they could reach him. The king of the Pragjyotishas, then, baffling + that arrowy shower of Arjuna, struck both Partha and Krishna, O king, with + many shafts and overwhelming both of them with a thick shower of shafts. + Bhagadatta then urged his elephant for the destruction of Krishna and + Partha. Beholding that angry elephant advancing like Death himself, + Janardana quickly moved his car in such a way as to keep the elephant on + his left. Dhananjaya, although he thus got the opportunity of slaying that + huge elephant with its rider from the back, wished not yet to avail + himself of it, remembering the rules of fair fight. The elephant, however, + coming upon other elephants and cars and steeds, O king, despatched them + all to Yama’s abode. Beholding this, Dhananjaya was filled with rage.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0027" id="link72H_4_0027"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Filled with rage, what did Partha, the son of Pandu, + do to Bhagadatta? What also did the king of the Pragjyotishas do to + Partha? Tell me all this, O Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While Partha and Krishna were thus engaged with the ruler + of the Pragjyotishas, all creatures regarded them to be very near the jaws + of Death. Indeed, O monarch, from the neck of his elephant, Bhagadatta + scattered showers of shafts on the two Krishnas, staying upon their car. + He pierced Devaki’s son with many arrows made wholly of black iron, + equipped with wings of gold, whetted on stone, and shot from his bow, + drawn to the fullest stretch. Those shafts whose touch resembled that of + fire, equipped with beautiful feathers, and shot by Bhagadatta, passing + through Devaki’s son, entered the earth. Partha then cut off Bhagadatta’s + bow and slaying next the warrior that protected his elephant from the + flank, began to fight with him as if in sport. Then Bhagadatta hurled at + him fourteen lances of sharp points, that were bright as the rays of the + sun. Arjuna, however, cut each of those lances into three fragments. Then + Indra’s son cut open the armour in which that elephant was cased, by means + of a thick shower of arrows. The armour thus cut off, fell down on the + earth. Exceedingly afflicted with arrows shot by Arjuna, that elephant, + deprived of its coat of mail, looked like a prince of mountains destitute + of its cloudy robes and with streaks of water running down its breast. + Then the ruler of the Pragjyotishas hurled at Vasudeva a dart made wholly + of iron and decked with gold. That dart Arjuna cut in twain. Then cutting + off the king’s standard and umbrella by means of his arrows Arjuna quickly + pierced that ruler of the mountainous realms with ten arrows, smiling all + the while. Deeply pierced with those shafts of Arjuna, that were + beautifully winged with Kanka feathers, Bhagadatta, O monarch, became + incensed with the son of Pandu. He then hurled some lances at Arjuna’s + head and uttered a loud shout. In consequence of those lances Arjuna’s + diadem was displaced. Arjuna, then, having placed his diadem properly, + addressed the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, saying, “Look well on this + world!” Thus addressed by him, Bhagadatta became filled with rage, and + taking up a bright bow showered upon both the Pandava and Govinda his + arrowy down-pours. Partha then cutting off his bow and quivers, quickly + struck him with two and seventy shafts, afflicting his vital limbs. Thus + pierced, he was excessively pained. Filled then with rage, he with + Mantras, turned his hook into the Vaishnava weapon and hurled it at + Arjuna’s breast. That all-slaying weapon, hurled by Bhagadatta, Kesava, + covering Arjuna, received on his breast. Thereupon, that weapon became a + triumphal garland on Kesava’s breast. Arjuna then cheerlessly addressed + Kesava, saying, “O sinless one, without battling thyself, thou art to only + guide my steed! Thou hadst said so, O lotus-eyed one! Why then dost thou + not adhere to thy promise? If I sink in distress, or become unable to + baffle, or resist a foe or weapon, then mayst thou act so, but not when I + am standing thus. Thou knowest that with my bow and arrows I am competent + to vanquish these worlds with the gods, the Asuras, and men.” Hearing + these words of Arjuna, Vasudeva replied unto him, saying, “Listen, O + Partha, to this secret and ancient history as it is, O sinless one! I have + four forms, eternally engaged as I am in protecting the worlds. Dividing + my own Self, I ordain the good of the worlds. One form of mine, staying on + the earth, is engaged in the practice of ascetic austerities. Another + beholdeth the good and the evil deeds in the world. My third form, coming + into the world of men, is engaged in action. My fourth form lieth down in + sleep for a thousand years. The form of mine which awaketh from sleep at + the end of a thousand years, granteth, upon awakening, excellent boons to + persons deserving of them. The earth, knowing (on one occasion) that that + time had come, asked of me a boon for (her son) Naraka. Hear, O Partha, + what that boon was. ‘Possessed of the Vaishnava weapon, let my son become + incapable of being slain by the gods and the Asuras. It behoveth thee to + grant me that weapon.’ Hearing this prayer, I then gave, in days of old, + the supreme and infallible Vaishnava weapon to the Earth’s son. I said + also at that time these words, ‘O Earth, let this weapon be infallible for + the protection of Naraka. None will be able to slay him. Protected by this + weapon, thy son will always, in all the worlds, be invincible and crush + all hostile hosts.’ Saying, So be it! the intelligent goddess went away, + her wishes fulfilled. And Naraka also became invincible and always + scorched his foes. It was from Naraka, O Partha, that the ruler of the + Pragjyotishas got this weapon of mine. There is none, in all the world, O + sire, including even Indra and Rudra, who is unslayable by this weapon. It + was for thy sake, therefore, that I baffled it, violating my promise. The + great Asura hath now been divested of that supreme weapon. Slay now, O + Partha, that invincible foe of thine, viz., Bhagadatta, enemy of the gods, + even as I formerly slew for the good of the worlds, the Asura Naraka.” + Thus addressed by the high-souled Kesava, Partha suddenly overwhelmed + Bhagadatta with clouds of whetted arrows. Then, the mighty-armed and + high-souled Arjuna fearlessly struck a long arrow between the frontal + globes of his enemy’s elephant. That arrow, splitting the elephant like + the thunder splitting a mountain, penetrated into its body to the very + wings, like a snake penetrating into an ant-hill. Though urged repeatedly + then by Bhagadatta, the elephant refused to obey like a poor man’s wife + her lord. With limbs paralysed, it fell down, striking the earth with its + tusks. Uttering a cry of distress, that huge elephant gave up the ghost. + The son of Pandu then, with a straight shaft furnished with a + crescent-shaped head, pierced the bosom of king Bhagadatta. His breast, + being pierced through by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), king Bhagadatta, + deprived of life, threw down his bow and arrows. Loosened from his head, + the valuable piece of cloth that had served him for a turban, fell down, + like a petal from a lotus when its stalk is violently struck. And he + himself, decked with golden garlands, fell down from his huge elephant + adorned with golden housings, like flowering Kinsuka broken by the force + of the wind from the mountain-top. The son of Indra then, having slain in + battle that monarch who resembled Indra himself in prowess and who was + Indra’s friend, broke the other warriors of thy army inspired with hope of + victory like the mighty wind breaking rows of trees.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0028" id="link72H_4_0028"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having slain Bhagadatta who was ever the favourite and + friend of Indra and who was possessed of great energy, Partha + circumambulated him. Then the two sons of the king of Gandhara viz., the + brothers Vrishaka and Achala, those subjugators of hostile towns, began to + afflict Arjuna in battle. Those two heroic bowmen, uniting together, began + to deeply pierce Arjuna from the front and from behind with whetted shafts + of great impetuosity. Arjuna then with sharp shafts cut off the steeds and + driver and bow and umbrella and standard and car of Vrishaka, the son of + Suvala, into atoms. With clouds of arrows and diverse other weapons, + Arjuna then once more severely afflicted the Gandhara troops headed by + Suvala’s son. Then Dhananjaya, filled with rage, despatched to Yama’s + abode, with his shafts, five hundred heroic Gandharas with upraised + weapons. The mighty-armed hero then, quickly alighting from that car whose + steeds had been slain, mounted upon the car of his brother and took up + another bow. Then those two brothers, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, both + mounted on the same car, began incessantly to pierce Vibhatsu with showers + of arrows. Indeed, those high-souled princes, those relatives of thine by + marriage, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, struck Partha very severely, like + Vritra or Vala striking Indra of old. Of unfailing aim, these two princes + of Gandhara, themselves unhurt, began once more to strike the son of + Pandu, like the two months of summer afflicting the world with + sweat-producing rays.<a href="#linknote-757" name="linknoteref-757" + id="linknoteref-757">57</a> Then Arjuna slew those princes and tigers + among men, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, staying on one car side by side, + with, O monarch, a single arrow. Then those mighty-armed heroes, with red + eyes and looking like lions, those uterine brothers having similar + features, together fell down from that car. And their bodies, dear to + friends, falling down upon the earth, lay there, spreading sacred fame all + around. + </p> + <p> + “‘Beholding their brave and unretreating maternal uncles thus slain by + Arjuna, thy sons, O monarch, rained many weapons upon him. Sakuni also, + conversant with a hundred different kinds of illusions, seeing his + brothers slain, created illusions for confounding the two Krishnas. Then + clubs, and iron balls, and rocks and Sataghnis and darts, and maces, and + spiked bludgeons, and scimitars, and lances, mallets, axes, and Kampanas, + and swords, and nails, and short clubs, and battle-axes, and razors, and + arrows with sharp broad heads, and Nalikas, and calf-tooth headed shafts, + and arrows having bony heads and discs and snake-headed shafts, and + spears, and diverse other kinds of weapons, fell upon Arjuna from all + sides. And asses, and camels, and buffaloes, and tigers, and lions, and + deer, and leopards, and bears, and wolves and vultures, and monkeys, and + various reptiles, and diverse cannibals, and swarms of crows, all hungry, + and excited with rage, ran towards Arjuna. Then Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti, that hero conversant with celestial weapons, shooting clouds of + arrows, assailed them all. And assailed by that hero with those excellent + and strong shafts, they uttered loud cries and fell down deprived of life. + Then a thick darkness appeared and covered Arjuna’s car, and from within + that gloom harsh voices rebuked Arjuna. The latter, however, by means of + the weapons called Jyotishka, dispelled that thick and awful darkness. + When that darkness was dispelled frightful waves of water appeared. For + drying up those waters, Arjuna applied the weapon called Aditya. And in + consequence of that weapon, the waters were almost dried up. These diverse + illusions, repeatedly created by Sauvala, Arjuna destroyed speedily by + means of the force of his weapons, laughing the while. Upon all his + illusions being destroyed, afflicted with Arjuna’s shafts and unmanned by + fear, Sakuni fled away, aided by his fleet steeds, like a vulgar wretch. + Then Arjuna, acquainted with all weapons, showing his enemies the + exceeding lightness of his hands, showered upon the Kaurava host clouds of + arrows. That host of thy son, thus slaughtered by Partha, became divided + into two streams like the current of Ganga when impeded by a mountain. And + one of those streams, O bull among men, proceeded towards Drona, and the + other with loud cries, proceeded towards Duryodhana. Then a thick dust + arose and covered all the troops. We could not then see Arjuna. Only the + twang of Gandiva was heard by us from off the field. Indeed, the twang of + Gandiva was heard, rising above the blare of conchs and the beat of drums + and the noise of other instruments. Then on the southern part of the field + took place a fierce battle between many foremost warriors on the one side + and Arjuna on the other. I, however, followed Drona. The various divisions + of Yudhishthira’s force smote the foe on every part of the field. The + diverse divisions of thy son, O Bharata, Arjuna smote, even as the wind in + the summer season destroys masses of clouds in the welkin. Indeed, as + Arjuna came, scattering clouds of arrows, like Vasava pouring thick + showers of rain, there was none in thy army who could resist that great + fierce bowman, that tiger among men. Struck by Partha, thy warriors were + in great pain. They fled away, and in flying killed many among their own + number. The arrows shot by Arjuna, winged Kanka feathers and capable of + penetrating into every body, fell covering all sides, like flights of + locusts. Piercing steeds and car-warriors and elephants and foot-soldiers, + O sire, like snakes through ant-hills, those shafts entered the earth. + Arjuna never shot multiple arrows at any elephant, steed or man. Struck + with only one arrow, each of these, severely afflicted, fell down deprived + of life. With slain men and elephant and shaft-struck steeds lying all + about, and echoing with yells of dogs and jackals, the field of battle + presented a variegated and awful sight. Pained with arrows, sire forsook + son, and friend forsook friend and son forsook sire. Indeed, every one was + intent upon protecting his own self. Struck with Partha’s shafts, many + warriors abandoned the very animals that bore them.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0029" id="link72H_4_0029"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When those divisions (of mine), O Sanjaya, were + broken and routed, and all of you retreated quickly from the field, what + became the state of your minds? The rallying of ranks when broken and + flying away without beholding a spot whereon to stand, is always + exceedingly difficult. Tell me all about it, O Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘[Although thy troops were broken], yet, O monarch, many + foremost of heroes in the world, inspired by the desire of doing good to + thy son and of maintaining their own reputation, followed Drona. In that + dreadful pass, they fearlessly followed their commander, achieving + meritorious feats against the Pandava troops with weapons upraised, and + Yudhishthira within accessible distance.<a href="#linknote-758" + name="linknoteref-758" id="linknoteref-758">58</a> Taking advantage of an + error of Bhimasena of great energy and of heroic Satyaki and + Dhrishtadyumna, O monarch, the Kuru leaders fell upon the Pandava Army.<a + href="#linknote-759" name="linknoteref-759" id="linknoteref-759">59</a> + The Panchalas urged their troops, saying, “Drona, Drona!” Thy sons, + however, urged all the Kurus, saying, “Let not Drona be slain. Let not + Drona be slain!” One side saying, “Slay Drona”, “Slay Drona,” and the + other saying, “Let not Drona be slain,” “Let not Drona be slain,” the + Kurus and the Pandavas seemed to gamble, making Drona their stake. + Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, proceeded to the side of all + those Panchala car-warriors whom Drona sought to crush. Thus no rule was + observed as to the antagonist one might select for battling with him. The + strife became dreadful. Heroes encountered heroes, uttering loud shouts. + Their foes could not make the Pandavas tremble. On the other hand, + recollecting all their woes, the latter made the ranks of their enemies + tremble. Though possessed of modesty, yet excited with rage and + vindictiveness, and urged by energy and might, they approached that + dreadful battle, reckless of their very lives for slaying Drona. That + encounter of heroes of immeasurable energy, sporting in fierce battle + making life itself the stake, resembled the collision of iron against + adamant. The oldest men even could not recollect whether they had seen or + heard of a battle as fierce as that which took place on this occasion. The + earth in that encounter, marked with great carnage and afflicted with the + weight of that vast host, began to tremble. The awful noise made by the + Kuru army agitated and tossed by the foe, paralysing the very welkin, + penetrated into the midst of even the Pandava host. Then Drona, coming + upon the Pandava divisions by thousands, and careering over the field, + broke them by means of his whetted shafts. When these were being thus + crushed by Drona of wonderful achievements, Dhrishtadyumna, the + generalissimo of the Pandava host, filled with rage himself checked Drona. + The encounter that we beheld between Drona and the prince of the Panchalas + was highly wonderful. It is my firm conviction that it has no parallel. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then Nila, resembling a veritable fire, his arrows constituting its + sparks and his bow its flame, began to consume the Kuru ranks, like a + conflagration consuming heaps of dry grass. The valiant son of Drona, who + from before had been desirous of an encounter with him, smilingly + addressed Nila as the latter came consuming the troops, and said unto him + these polite words,<a href="#linknote-760" name="linknoteref-760" + id="linknoteref-760">60</a> “O Nila, what dost thou gain by consuming so + many common soldiers with thy arrowy flames? Fight with my unaided self, + and filled with rage, strike me.” Thus addressed, Nila, the brightness of + whose face resembled the splendour of a full-blown lotus, pierced + Aswatthaman, whose body resembled an assemblage of lotuses and whose eyes + were like lotus-petals with his shafts. Deeply and suddenly pierced by + Nila, Drona’s son with three broad-headed arrows, cut off his antagonist’s + bow and standard and umbrella. Quickly jumping down from his car, Nila, + then, with a shield and an excellent sword, desired to sever from + Aswatthaman’s trunk his head like a bird (bearing away its prey in its + talons). Drona’s son, however, O sinless one, by means of a bearded arrow, + cut off, from his antagonist’s trunk, his head graced with a beautiful + nose and decked with excellent ear-rings, and which rested on elevated + shoulders. That hero, then, the brightness of whose face resembled the + splendour of the full moon and whose eyes were like lotus-petals, whose + stature was tall, and complexion like that of the lotus, thus slain, fell + down on the earth. The Pandava host then, filled with great grief, began + to tremble, when the Preceptor’s son thus slew Nila of blazing energy. The + great car-warriors of the Pandavas, O sire, all thought, “Alas, how would + Indra’s son (Arjuna) be able to rescue us from the foe, when that mighty + warrior is engaged on the southern part of the field in slaughtering the + remnant of the Samsaptakas and the Narayana force?”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0030" id="link72H_4_0030"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Vrikodara, however, could not brook that slaughter of his + army. He struck Valhika with sixty and Karna with ten arrows. Drona then, + desirous of slaying Bhima, quickly struck the latter, in his very vitals, + many straight and whetted shafts of keen edge. Desirous again of allowing + no time, he once more struck him with six and twenty shafts whose touch + resembled that of fire and which were all like snakes of virulent poison. + Then Karna pierced him with a dozen shafts, and Aswatthaman with seven, + and king Duryodhana also with six. The mighty Bhimasena, in return, + pierced them all. He struck Drona with fifty shafts, and Karna with ten. + And piercing Duryodhana with a dozen shafts, and Drona with eight, he + engaged in that battle uttering a loud shout. In that encounter in which + the warriors fought reckless of their lives and in which death was easy of + attainment, Ajatasatru despatched many warriors, urging them to rescue + Bhima. Those heroes of immeasurable energy, viz., the two sons of Madri + and Pandu, and others headed by Yuyudhana, quickly proceeded to + Bhimasena’s side. And those bulls among men, filled with rage and uniting + together, advanced to battle, desirous of breaking the army of Drona that + was protected by many foremost of bowmen. Indeed, those great car-warriors + of mighty energy, viz., Bhima and others, fell furiously upon Drona’s + host. Drona, however, that foremost of car-warriors, received without any + anxiety, all those mighty car-warriors, of great strength,—those + heroes accomplished in battle. Disregarding their kingdoms and casting off + all fear of death, the warriors of thy army proceeded against the + Pandavas. Horsemen encountered horsemen, and car-warriors encountered + car-warriors. The battle proceeded, darts against darts, swords against + swords, axes against axes. A fierce encounter with swords took place, + producing a terrible carnage. And in consequence of the collision of + elephants against elephants the battle became furious. Some fell down from + the backs of elephants, and some from the backs of steeds, with heads + downwards. And others, O sire, fell down from cars, pierced with arrows. + In that fierce press, as some one fell down deprived of armour, an + elephant might be seen attacking him in the chest and crushing his head. + Elsewhere might be seen elephants crushing numbers of men fallen down on + the field. And many elephants, piercing the earth with their tusks (as + they fell down), were seen to tear therewith large bodies of men. Many + elephants, again, with arrows sticking to their trunks, wandered over the + field, tearing and crushing men by hundreds. And some elephants were seen + pressing down into the earth fallen warriors and steeds and elephants + cased in armour of black iron, as if these were only thick reeds. Many + kings, graced with modesty, their hour having come, laid themselves down + (for the last sleep) on painful beds, overlaid with vultures’ feathers. + Advancing to battle on his car, sire slew son; and son also, through + madness all losing regard, approached sire in battle. The wheels of cars + were broken; banners were torn; umbrellas fell down on the earth. Dragging + broken yokes, steeds ran away. Arms with swords in grasp, and heads decked + with ear-rings fell down. Cars, dragged by mighty elephants, thrown down + on the ground, were reduced to fragments. Steeds with riders fell down, + severely wounded by elephants. That fierce battle went on, without anybody + showing any regard for any one. “Oh father!—Oh son!—Where art + thou, friend?—Wait!—Where dost thou go!—Strike!—Bring! + Slay this one!”—these and diverse other cries, with loud laughs and + shouts, and roars were uttered and heard there. The blood of human beings + and steeds and elephants, mingled together. The earthy dust disappeared. + The hearts of all timid persons became cheerless. Here a hero getting his + car-wheel entangled with the car-wheel of another hero, and the distance + being too near to admit of the use of other weapons, smashed that other’s + head by means of his mace. Brave combatants, desirous of safety where + there was no safety, dragged one another by the hair, and fought fiercely + with fists, and teeth and nails. Here was a hero whose upraised arm with + sword in grasp was cut off. There another’s arm was lopped off with bow, + or arrow or hook in grasp. Here one loudly called upon another. There + another turned his back on the field. Here one severed another’s head from + his trunk, getting him within reach. There another rushed with loud shouts + upon an enemy. Here one was filled with fear at another’s roar. There + another slew with sharp shafts a friend or a foe. Here an elephant, huge + as a hill, slain with a long shaft, fell down on the field and lay like a + flat island in a river during the summer season. There an elephant, with + sweat trickling down its body, like a mountain with rills flowing down its + breast, having crushed by its tread a car-warrior with his steeds and + charioteer on the field. Beholding brave warriors, accomplished in arms + and covered with blood, strike one another, they that were timid and of + weak hearts, lost their senses. In fact, all became cheerless. Nothing + could any longer be distinguished. Overwhelmed with the dust raised by the + troops, the battle became furious. Then the commander of the Pandava + forces saying, “This is the time,” speedily led the Pandavas on those + heroes that are always endued with great activity. Obeying his behest, the + mighty-armed Pandavas, smiting (the Kaurava army) proceeded towards + Drona’s car like swans towards a lake,—“Seize him,”—“Do not + fly away,”—“Do not fear,”—“Cut into pieces,”—these + uproarious cries were heard in the vicinity of Drona’s car. Then Drona and + Kripa, and Karna and Drona’s son, and king Jayadratha, and Vinda and + Anuvinda of Avanti, and Salya, received those heroes. Those irresistible + and invincible warriors, however, viz., the Panchalas and the Pandavas, + inspired by noble sentiments, did not, though afflicted with shafts, avoid + Drona. Then Drona, excited with great rage, shot hundreds of shafts, and + caused a great carnage amongst the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the + Pandavas. The twang of his bowstring and the slaps of his palms, were, O + sire, heard on all sides. And they resembled the roar of thunder and + struck fear into the hearts of all. Meanwhile, Jishnu, having vanquished + large number of Samsaptakas, quickly came to that place where Drona was + grinding the Pandava troops. Having crossed many large lakes whose waters + were constituted by blood, and whose fierce billows and eddies were + constituted by shafts, and having slain the Samsaptakas, Phalguni showed + himself there. Possessed of great fame and endued as he was with the + energy of the Sun himself, Arjuna’s emblem, viz., his banner bearing the + ape, was beheld by us to blaze with splendour. Having dried up the + Samsaptaka ocean by means of weapons that constituted his rays, the son of + Pandu then blasted the Kurus also, as if he were the very Sun that arises + at the end of the Yuga. Indeed, Arjuna scorched all the Kurus by the heat + of his weapons, like the fire<a href="#linknote-761" name="linknoteref-761" + id="linknoteref-761">61</a> that appears at the end of the Yuga, burning + down all creatures. Struck by him with thousands of shafts, elephant + warriors and horsemen and car-warriors fell down on the earth, with + dishevelled hair, and exceedingly afflicted with those arrowy showers, + some uttered cries of distress. Others set up loud shouts. And some struck + with the shafts of Partha, fell down deprived of life. Recollecting the + practices of (good) warriors, Arjuna struck not those combatants among the + foe that had fallen down, or those that were retreating, or those that + were unwilling to fight. Deprived of their cars and filled with wonder, + almost all the Kauravas, turning away from the field, uttered cries of Oh + and Alas and called upon Karna (for protection). Hearing that din made by + the Kurus, desirous of protection, Adhiratha’s son (Karna), loudly + assuring the troops with the words “Do not fear” proceeded to face Arjuna. + Then (Karna) that foremost of Bharata car-warriors, that delighter of all + the Bharatas, that first of all persons acquainted with weapons, invoked + into existence the Agneya weapon. Dhananjaya, however, baffled by means of + his own arrowy downpours the flights of arrows shot by Radha’s son, that + warrior of the blazing bow, that hero of bright shafts. And similarly, + Adhiratha’s son also baffled the shafts of Arjuna of supreme energy. + Resisting Arjuna’s weapons thus by his own, Karna uttered loud shouts and + shot many shafts at his antagonist. Then Dhristadyumna and Bhima and the + mighty car-warrior Satyaki, all approached Karna, and each of them pierced + in with three straight shafts. The son of Radha, however, checking + Arjuna’s weapons by his own arrowy showers, cut off with three sharp + shafts the bows of those three warriors. Their bows cut off, they looked + like snakes without poison. Hurling darts at their foe from their + respective cars, they uttered loud leonine shouts. Those fierce darts of + great splendour and great impetuosity, looking like snakes, hurled from + those mighty arms, coursed impetuously towards Karna’s car. Cutting each + of those darts with three straight arrows and speeding many arrows at the + same time at Partha, the mighty Karna uttered a loud shout. Then Arjuna + piercing Karna with seven shafts, despatched the latter’s younger brother + by means of his sharp shafts. Slaying Satrunjaya thus with six arrows, + Partha, with a broad-headed shaft, struck off Vipatha’s head as the latter + stood on his car. In the very sight of the Dhritarashtras, therefore, as + also of the Suta’s son, the three uterine brothers of the latter were + despatched by Arjuna unaided by any one. Then Bhima, jumping down from his + own car, like a second Garuda, slew with his excellent sword five and ten + combatants amongst those that supported Karna. Mounting once more on his + car and taking up another bow, he pierced Karna with ten shafts and his + charioteer and steeds with five. Dhrishtadyumna also taking up a sword and + a bright shield, despatched Charmavarman and also Vrihatkshatra, the ruler + of the Naishadhas. The Panchala prince then, mounting upon his own car and + taking up another bow, pierced Karna with three and seventy shafts, and + uttered a loud roar. Sini’s grandson also, of splendour equal to that of + Indra himself, taking up another bow pierced Suta’s son with four and + sixty shafts and roared like a lion. And cutting off Karna’s bow with a + couple of well-shot shafts, he once more pierced Karna on the arms and the + chest with three arrows. The king Duryodhana, and Drona and Jayadratha, + rescued Karna from the Satyaki-ocean, as the former was about to sink into + it. And foot-soldiers and steeds and cars and elephants, belonging to thy + army and numbering by hundreds, all accomplished in smiting rushed to the + spot where Karna was frightening (his assailants). Then Dhrishtadyumna, + and Bhima and Subhadra’s son, and Arjuna himself, and Nakula, and + Sahadeva, began to protect Satyaki in that battle. Even thus went on that + fierce battle for the destruction of bowmen belonging to thy army and of + the enemy’s. All the combatants fought, reckless of their very lives. + Infantry and cars and steeds and elephants were engaged with cars and + infantry. Car-warriors were engaged with elephants and foot-soldiers and + steeds, and cars and foot-soldiers were engaged with cars and elephants. + And steeds were seen engaged with steeds, and elephants with elephants, + and foot-soldiers with foot-soldiers. Even thus did that battle, marked by + great confusion, take place, enhancing the delight of cannibals and + carnivorous creatures, between those high-souled men facing one another + fearlessly. Indeed, it largely swelled the population of Yama’s kingdom. + Large numbers of elephants and cars and foot-soldiers and steeds were + destroyed by men, cars, steeds and elephants. And elephants were slain by + elephants, and car-warriors with weapons upraised by car-warriors, and + steeds by steeds, and large bodies of foot-soldiers. And elephants were + slain by cars, and large steeds by large elephants and men by steeds; and + steeds by foremost of car-warriors. With tongues lolling out, and teeth + and eyes pressed out of their places, with coats of mail and ornaments + crushed into dust, the slaughtered creatures fell down on the field. + Others, again, of terrible mien were struck and thrown down on the earth + by others armed with diverse and excellent weapons and sunk into the earth + by the tread of steeds and elephants, and tortured and mangled by heavy + cars and car wheels. And during the progress of that fierce carnage so + delightful to beasts of prey and carnivorous birds and cannibals, mighty + combatants, filled with wrath, and slaughtering one another careered over + the field putting forth all their energy. Then when both the hosts were + broken and mangled, the warriors bathed in blood, looked at each other. + Meanwhile, the Sun went to his chambers in the western hills, and both the + armies, O Bharata, slowly retired to their respective tents.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0031" id="link72H_4_0031"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXI + </h2> + <h3> + (Abhimanyu-badha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having been first broken by Arjuna of immeasurable + prowess, and owing also to the failure of Drona’s vow, in consequence of + Yudhishthira having been well-protected, thy warriors were regarded as + defeated. All of them with coats of mail torn and covered with dust, cast + anxious glances around. Retiring from the field with Drona’s consent, + after having been vanquished by their enemies of sure aim and humiliated + by them in battle, they heard, as they proceeded, the countless merits of + Phalguni praised by all creatures, and the friendship of Kesava for Arjuna + spoken of by all. They passed the night like men under a curse, reflecting + upon the course of events and observing perfect silence. + </p> + <p> + “‘Next morning, Duryodhana said unto Drona, these words, from petulance + and wrath, and in great cheerlessness of heart at the sight of the + prosperity of their foe. Skilled in speech, and filled with rage at the + success of the foe, the king said these words in the hearing of all the + troops, “O foremost of regenerate ones, without doubt thou hast set us + down for men who should be destroyed by thee. Thou didst not seize + Yudhishthira today even though thou hadst got him within thy reach. That + foe whom thou wouldst seize in battle is incapable of escaping thee if + once thou gettest him within sight, even if he be protected by the + Pandavas, aided by the very gods. Gratified, thou gavest me a boon; now, + however, thou dost not act according to it. They that are noble (like + thee), never falsify the hopes of one devoted to them.” Thus addressed by + Duryodhana, Bharadwaja’s son felt greatly ashamed. Addressing the king, he + said, “It behoveth thee not to take me to be such. I always endeavour to + achieve what is agreeable to thee. The three worlds with the gods, the + Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Nagas and the Rakshasas, cannot + defeat the force that is protected by the diadem-decked (Arjuna). There + where Govinda, the Creator of the universe is, and there where Arjuna is + the commander, whose might can avail, save three-eyed Mahadeva’s, O lord? + O sire, I tell thee truly today and it will not be otherwise. Today, I + will slay a mighty car-warrior, one of the foremost heroes of the + Pandavas. Today I will also form an array that is impenetrable by the very + gods. Do, however, O king, by some means take Arjuna away from the field. + There is nothing that he doth not know or cannot achieve in battle. From + various places hath he acquired all that is to be known about battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘After Drona had said these words, the Samsaptakas + once more challenged Arjuna to battle and took him away to the southern + side of the field. Then an encounter took place between Arjuna and his + enemies, the like of which had never been seen or heard of. On the other + hand, the array formed by Drona, O king, looked resplendent. Indeed, that + array was incapable of being looked at like the sun himself when in his + course he reaches the meridian and scorches (everything underneath). + Abhimanyu, at the command, O Bharata, of his sire’s eldest brother, + pierced in battle that impenetrable circular array in many places. Having + achieved the most difficult feats and slain heroes by thousands, he was + (at last) encountered by six heroes together. In the end, succumbing to + Duhsasana’s son, O lord of earth, Subhadra’s son, O chastiser of foes, + gave up his life. At this we were filled with great joy and the Pandavas + with great grief. And after Subhadra’s son had been slain, our troops were + withdrawn for nightly rest.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the slaughter of the son + (Abhimanyu), yet in his minority, of that lion among men, (viz., Arjuna), + my heart seems to break into pieces. Cruel, indeed, are the duties of + Kshatriyas as laid down by the legislators, in as much as brave men, + desirous of sovereignty scrupled not to shoot their weapons at even a + child. O son of Gavalgana, tell me how so many warriors, accomplished in + arms, slew that child who, though brought up in luxury, yet careered over + the field so fearlessly. Tell me, O Sanjaya, how our warriors behaved in + battle with Subhadra’s son of immeasurable energy who had penetrated into + our car-array.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That which thou askest me, O king, viz., the slaughter of + Subhadra’s son, I will describe to thee in detail. Listen, O monarch, with + attention. I shall relate to thee how that youth, having penetrated into + our ranks, played with his weapons, and how the irresistible heroes of thy + army, all inspired by hope of victory, were afflicted by him. Like the + denizens of a forest abounding with plants and herbs and trees, when + surrounded on all sides by a forest conflagration, the warriors of thy + army were all filled with fear.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0032" id="link72H_4_0032"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Of fierce deeds in battle and above all fatigue, as proved + by their feats, five sons of Pandu, with Krishna, are incapable of being + resisted by the very gods. In righteousness, in deeds, in lineage, in + intelligence, in achievements, in fame, in prosperity, there never was, + and there never will be, another man so endued as Yudhishthira. Devoted to + truth and righteousness, and with passions under control, king + Yudhishthira, in consequence of his worship of the Brahmans and, diverse + other virtues of similar nature, is always in the enjoyment of Heaven. The + Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga, Jamadagni’s valiant son (Rama), + and Bhimasena on his car,—these three, O king, are spoken of as + equal. Of Partha, the wielder of Gandiva, who always achieveth his vows in + battle, I do not see a proper parallel on earth. Reverence for superiors, + keeping counsels, humility, self-restraint, beauty of person, and bravery—these + six—are ever present in Nakula. In knowledge of scriptures, gravity, + sweetness of temper, righteousness and prowess, the heroic Sahadeva is + equal to the Aswins themselves. All those noble qualities that are in + Krishna, all those that are in the Pandavas, all that assemblage of + qualities was to be found in Abhimanyu alone. In firmness, he was equal to + Yudhishthira, and in conduct to Krishna; in feats, he was the equal to + Bhimasena of terrible deeds, in beauty of person, in prowess, and in + knowledge of scriptures he was the equal to Dhananjaya. In humility, he + was equal to Sahadeva and Nakula.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I desire, O Suta, to hear in detail, how the + invincible Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, hath been slain on the field of + battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Be still, O king! Bear thy grief that is so + unbearable. I shall speak to thee of the great slaughter of thy kinsmen. + </p> + <p> + “‘The preceptor, O king, had formed the great circular array. In it were + placed all the kings (of our side) that are each equal to Sakra himself. + At the entrance were stationed all the princes possessed of solar + effulgence. All of them had taken oaths (about standing by one another). + All of them had standards decked with gold. All of them were attired in + red robes, and all had red ornaments. All of them had red banners and all + were adorned with garlands of gold, smeared with sandal-paste and other + perfumed unguents; they were decked with floral wreaths. In a body they + rushed towards Arjuna’s son, desirous of battle. Firm bowmen, all they + numbered ten thousand. Placing thy handsome grandson, Lakshmana, at their + head, all of them, sympathising with one another in joy and grief, and + emulating one another in feats of courage, desiring to excel one another, + and devoted to one another’s good, they advanced to battle. Duryodhana, O + monarch, was stationed in the midst of his forces. And the king was + surrounded by the mighty car-warriors, Karna, Duhsasana, and Kripa, and + had a white umbrella held over his head. And fanned with yak tails, he + looked resplendent like the chief of the celestials. And at the head of + that army was the commander Drona looking like the rising sun.<a + href="#linknote-762" name="linknoteref-762" id="linknoteref-762">62</a> + And there stood the ruler of the Sindhus, of great beauty of person, and + immovable like the cliff of Meru. Standing by the side of the ruler of the + Sindhus and headed by Aswatthaman, were, O king, thy thirty sons, + resembling the very gods. There also on Jayadratha’s flank, were those + mighty car-warriors, viz., the ruler of Gandhara, i.e., the gamester + (Sakuni), and Salya, and Bhurisrava. Then commenced, the battle, fierce, + and making the hairs stand on their ends, between thy warriors and those + of the foe. And both sides fought, making death itself the goal.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0033" id="link72H_4_0033"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The Parthas then, headed by Bhimasena, approached that + invincible array protected by Bharadwaja’s son. And Satyaki, and + Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, and Kuntibhoja of + great prowess, and the mighty car-warrior Drupada, and Arjuna’s son + (Abhimanyu), and Kshatradharman, and the valiant Vrihatkshatra, and + Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of the Chedis, and the twin sons of Madri, (viz., + Nakula and Sahadeva), and Ghatotkacha, and the powerful Yudhamanyu and the + unvanquished Sikhandin, and the irresistible Uttamaujas and the mighty + car-warrior Virata, and the five sons of Draupadi,—these all excited + with wrath, and the valiant son of Sisupala, and the Kaikeyas of mighty + energy, and the Srinjayas by thousands,—these and others, + accomplished in weapons and difficult of being resisted in battle, + suddenly rushed, at the head of their respective followers, against + Bharadwaja’s son, from a desire of battle. The valiant son of Bharadwaja, + however, fearlessly checked all those warriors, as soon as they came near, + with a thick shower of arrows. Like a mighty wave of waters coming against + an impenetrable hill, or the surging sea itself approaching its bank, + those warriors were pushed back by Drona. And the Pandavas, O king, + afflicted by the shafts shot from Drona’s bow, were unable to stay before + him. And the strength of Drona’s arms that we saw was wonderful in the + extreme, inasmuch as the Panchalas and the Srinjayas failed to approach + him. Beholding Drona advancing in rage. Yudhishthira thought of diverse + means for checking his progress. At last, regarding Drona incapable of + being resisted by any one else, Yudhishthira placed that heavy and + unbearable burden on the son of Subhadra. Addressing Abhimanyu, that + slayer of hostile heroes, who was not inferior to Vasudeva himself and + whose energy was superior to that of Arjuna, the king said, “O child, act + in such a way that Arjuna, returning (from the Samsaptakas), may not + reprove us. We do not know how to break the circular array. Thyself, or + Arjuna or Krishna, or Pradyumna, can pierce that array. O mighty-armed + one, no fifth person can be found (to achieve that feat). O child, it + behoveth thee, O Abhimanyu, to grant the boon that thy sires, thy maternal + uncles, and all these troops ask of thee. Taking up thy arms quickly, + destroy this array of Drona, else Arjuna, returning from the fight, will + reprove us all." </p> + <p> + “‘Abhimanyu said, “Desiring victory to my sires, soon shall I in battle + penetrate into that firm, fierce and foremost of arrays formed by Drona. I + have been taught by my father the method of (penetrating and) smiting this + kind of array. I shall not be able, however, to come out if any kind of + danger overtakes me." </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said, “Break this array once, O foremost of warriors, and + make a passage for us. All of us will follow thee in the track by which + thou wilt go. In battle, thou art equal to Dhananjaya himself. Seeing thee + enter, we shall follow thee, protecting thee on all sides." </p> + <p> + “‘Bhima said, “I myself will follow thee, and Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki, + and the Panchalas, and the Prabhadrakas. After the array once is broken by + thee, we will enter it repeatedly and slay the foremost warriors within + it." </p> + <p> + “‘Abhimanyu said, “I will penetrate into this invincible array of Drona, + like an insect filled with rage entering a blazing fire. Today, I will do + that which will be beneficial to both races (viz., my sire’s and my + mother’s). I will do that which will please my maternal uncle as also my + mother. Today all creatures will behold large bodies of hostile soldiers + continually slaughtered by myself, an unaided child. If anybody, + encountering me, escapes today with life, I shall not then regard myself + begotten by Partha and born of Subhadra. If on a single car I cannot in + battle cut off the whole Kshatriya race into eight fragments, I will not + regard myself the son of Arjuna."<a href="#linknote-763" + name="linknoteref-763" id="linknoteref-763">63</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said, “Since protected by these tigers among men, these + great bowmen endued with fierce might, these warriors that resemble the + Sadhyas, the Rudras, or the Maruts, or are like the Vasus, or Agni or + Aditya himself in prowess, thou venturest to pierce the invincible array + of Drona, and since thou speakest so, let thy strength, O son of Subhadra + be increased.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu + ordered his charioteer, Sumitra, saying, “Quickly urge the steeds towards + Drona’s army.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0034" id="link72H_4_0034"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of the intelligent Yudhishthira, the + son of Subhadra, O Bharata, urged his charioteer towards Drona’s array. + The charioteer, urged by him with the words, “Proceed, Proceed,” replied + unto Abhimanyu, O king, in these words, “O thou that art blest with length + of days, heavy is the burthen that hath been placed upon thee by the + Pandavas! Ascertaining by thy judgment as to whether thou art able to bear + it or not, thou shouldst then engage in battle. The preceptor Drona is a + master of superior weapons and accomplished (in battle). Thou, however, + hast been brought up in great luxury and art unused to battle." </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words, Abhimanyu replied unto his charioteer, saying with + a laugh, “O charioteer, who is this Drona? What, again, is this vast + assemblage of Kshatriyas? Sakra himself on his Airavata and aided by all + the celestials, I would encounter in battle. I do not feel the slightest + anxiety about all these Kshatriyas today. This hostile army doth not come + up to even a sixteen part of myself. O son of a Suta, getting my maternal + uncle Vishnu himself, the conqueror of the universe or my sire, Arjuna, as + an antagonist in battle, fear would not enter my heart.” Abhimanyu then, + thus disregarding those words of the charioteer, urged the latter, saying, + “Go with speed towards the army of Drona.” Thus commanded, the charioteer, + with a heart scarcely cheerful, urged Abhimanyu’s three-year old steeds, + decked with golden trappings. Those coursers, urged by Sumitra towards + Drona’s army, rushed towards Drona himself, O king, with great speed and + prowess. Beholding him coming (towards them) in that way, all the + Kauravas, headed by Drona, advanced against him, as, indeed, the Pandavas + followed him behind. Then Arjuna’s son, superior to Arjuna’s self cased in + golden mail and owning an excellent standard that bore the device of a + Karnikara tree, fearlessly encountered, from desire of battle, warriors + headed by Drona, like a lion-cub assailing a herd of elephants. Those + warriors then, filled with joy, began to strike Abhimanyu while he + endeavoured to pierce their array. And for a moment an agitation took + place there, like to the eddy that is seen in the ocean where the current + of the Ganga mingles with it. The battle, O king, that commenced there, + between those struggling heroes striking one another, became fierce and + terrible. And during the progress of that awful battle, Arjuna’s son, in + the very sight of Drona, breaking that array, penetrated into it. Then + large bodies of elephants and steeds and cars and infantry, filled with + joy, encompassed that mighty warrior after he had thus penetrated into the + midst of the foe, and commenced to smite him. [Causing the earth to + resound] with noise of diverse musical instruments, with shouts and slaps + of arm-pits and roars, with yells and leonine shouts, with exclamations of + “Wait, Wait,” with fierce confused voices with cries of, “Do not go, Wait, + Come to me”, with repeated exclamations of, “This one, It is I, The foe,” + with grunt of elephants, with the tinkling of bells and ornaments, with + bursts of laughter, and the clatter of horse-hoofs and car-wheels, the + (Kaurava) warriors rushed at the son of Arjuna. That mighty hero, however, + endued with great lightness of hands and having a knowledge of the vital + parts of the body, quickly shooting weapons capable of penetrating into + the very vitals, slew those advancing warriors. Slaughtered by means of + sharp shafts of diverse kinds, those warriors became perfectly helpless, + and like insects falling upon a blazing fire, they continued to fall upon + Abhimanyu on the field of battle. And Abhimanyu strewed the earth with + their bodies and diverse limbs of their bodies like priests strewing the + altar at a sacrifice with blades of Kusa grass. And Arjuna’s son cut off + by thousands the arms of those warriors. And some of these were cased in + corslets made of iguana skin and some held bows and shafts, and some held + swords or shields or iron hooks and reins; and some, lances or battle + axes. And some held maces or iron balls or spears and some, rapiers and + crow-bars and axes. And some grasped short arrows, or spiked maces, or + darts, or Kampanas. And some had goads and prodigious conchs; and some + bearded darts and Kachagrahas. And some had mallets and some other kinds + of missiles. And some had nooses, and some heavy clubs, and some + brickbats. And all those arms were decked with armlets and laved with + delightful perfumes and unguents. And with those arms dyed with gore and + looking bright the field of battle became beautiful, as if strewn, O sire, + with five-headed snakes slain by Garuda. And Phalguni’s son also scattered + over the field of battle countless heads of foes, heads graced with + beautiful noses and faces and locks, without pimples, and adorned with + ear-rings. Blood flowed from those heads copiously, and the nether-lips in + all were bit with wrath. Adorned with beautiful garlands and crowns and + turbans and pearls and gems, and possessed of splendour equal to that of + the sun or the moon, they seemed to be like lotuses severed from their + stalks. Fragrant with many perfumes, while life was in them, they could + speak words both agreeable and beneficial. Diverse cars, well-equipped, + and looking like the vapoury edifices in the welkin, with shafts in front + and excellent bamboo poles and looking beautiful with the standards set up + on them, were deprived of their Janghas, and Kuvaras, and Nemis, and + Dasanas, and wheels, and standards and terraces. And the utensils of war + in them were all broken.<a href="#linknote-764" name="linknoteref-764" + id="linknoteref-764">64</a> And the rich clothes with which they were + overlaid, were blown away, and the warriors on them were slain by + thousands. Mangling everything before him with his shafts, Abhimanyu was + seen coursing on all sides. With his keen-edged weapons, he cut into + pieces elephant-warriors, and elephants with standards and hooks and + banners, and quivers and coats of mail, and girths and neck-ropes and + blankets, and bells and trunks and tusks as also the foot-soldiers that + protected those elephants from behind. And many steeds of the Vanayu, the + hilly, the Kamvoja, and the Valhika breeds, with tails and ears and eyes + motionless and fixed, possessed of great speed, well-trained, and ridden + by accomplished warriors armed with swords and lances, were seen to be + deprived of the excellent ornaments on their beautiful tails. And many lay + with tongues lolling out and eyes detached from their sockets, and + entrails and livers drawn out. And the riders on their backs lay lifeless + by their sides. And the rows of bells that adorned them were all torn. + Strewn over the field thus, they caused great delight to Rakshasas and + beasts of prey. With coats of mail and other leathern armour (casing their + limbs) cut open, they weltered in excreta ejected by themselves. Thus + slaying many foremost of steeds of thy army, Abhimanyu looked resplendent. + Alone achieving the most difficult feat, like the inconceivable Vibhu + himself in days of old, Abhimanyu crushed thy vast host of three kinds of + forces (cars, elephants, and steeds), like the three-eyed (Mahadeva) of + immeasurable energy crushing the terrible Asura host. Indeed, Arjuna’s + son, having achieved in battle feats incapable of being borne by his foes, + everywhere mangled large divisions of foot-soldiers belonging to thy army. + Beholding then thy host extensively slaughtered by Subhadra’s son + single-handed with his whetted shafts like the Asura host by Skanda (the + celestial generalissimo), thy warriors and thy sons cast vacant looks on + all sides. Their mouths became dry; their eyes became restless; their + bodies were covered with sweat; and their hairs stood on their ends. + Hopeless of vanquishing their foe, they set their hearts on flying away + from the field. Desirous of saving their lives, called one another by + their names and the names of their families, and abandoning their wounded + sons and sires and brothers and kinsmen and relatives by marriage lying + around on the field, they endeavoured to fly away, urging their steeds and + elephants (to their utmost speed).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0035" id="link72H_4_0035"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding his army routed by Subhadra’s son of + immeasurable energy, Duryodhana, filled with rage, himself proceeded + against the former. Seeing the king turn back towards Subhadra’s son in + battle, Drona, addressing all the (Kaurava) warriors, said, “Rescue the + king.<a href="#linknote-765" name="linknoteref-765" id="linknoteref-765">65</a> + Before us, in our very sight, the valiant Abhimanyu is slaying all he aims + at. Rush ye, therefore, speedily against him, without fear and protect the + Kuru king.” Then many grateful and mighty warriors, having Duryodhana’s + good at heart, and always graced with victory, inspired with fear, + surrounded thy son. And Drona, and Drona’s son, and Kripa and Karna and + Kritavarman and Suvala’s son, Vrihadvala, and the ruler of the Madras, and + Bhuri, and Bhurisravas, and Sala, and Paurava and Vrishasena, shooting + sharp shafts, checked Subhadra’s son by means of those arrowy showers. + Confounding him with those showers of shafts, they rescued Duryodhana. The + son of Arjuna, however, brooked not that act of snatching a morsel from + his mouth. Covering those mighty car-warriors, their charioteers, and + steeds with thick showers of arrows and causing them to turn back, the son + of Subhadra uttered a leonine roar. Hearing that roar of his, resembling + that of a lion hungering after prey, these angry car-warriors, headed by + Drona, brooked it not. Encompassing him on all sides, O sire, with a large + body of cars they shot at him showers of diverse kinds of arrows. The + grandson, however, cut them off in the welkin (before any of them could + reach him) by means of sharp shafts, and then pierced all of them with his + shafts. That feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. Provoked by him + thus by means of those shafts of his that resembled snakes of virulent + poison, they surrounded that unretreating son of Subhadra, desirous of + slaying him. That sea of (Kaurava) troops, however, O bull of Bharata’s + race, the son of Arjuna singly held in check by means of his shafts, like + the continent resisting the surging ocean. And among those heroes thus + fighting with and striking one another, viz., Abhimanyu and his man on one + side and all those warriors together on the other, none turned back from + the field. In that dreadful and fierce battle, Duhsaha pierced Abhimanyu + with nine shafts. And Duhsasana pierced him with a dozen; and Saradwata’s + son Kripa, with three. And Drona pierced him with seventeen shafts, each + resembling a snake of virulent poison. And Vivinsati pierced him with + seventy shafts, and Kritavarman with seven. And Vrihadvala pierced him + with eight, and Aswatthaman with seven shafts. And Bhurisrava pierced him + with three shafts and the ruler of the Madras with six. And Sakuni pierced + him with two, and king Duryodhana with three shafts. The valiant + Abhimanyu, however, O king, seemingly dancing on his car, pierced each of + those warriors in return with three shafts. Then Abhimanyu, filled with + rage in consequence of thy sons’ endeavouring to frighten him thus, + displayed the wonderful strength he had acquired from culture and + practice. Borne by his well-broken steeds, endued with the speed of Garuda + or the Wind, and thoroughly obedient to the behests of him who held their + reins, he quickly checked the heir of Asmaka. Staying before him, the + handsome son of Asmaka, endued with great might, pierced him with ten + shafts and addressing him, said, “Wait, Wait.” Abhimanyu then, with ten + shafts, cut off the former’s steeds and charioteer and standard and two + arms and bow and head, and caused them to fall down on the earth, smiling + the while. After the heroic ruler of the Asmakas had thus been slain by + the son of Subhadra, the whole of his force wavered and began to fly away + from the field. Then Karna and Kripa, and Drona and Drona’s son, and the + ruler of the Gandharas, and Sala and Salya, and Bhurisravas and Kratha, + and Somadatta, and Vivinsati, and Vrishasena, and Sushena, and + Kundavedhin, and Pratardana, and Vrindaraka and Lalithya, and Pravahu, and + Drighalochana, and angry Duryodhana, showered their arrows upon him. Then + Abhimanyu, excessively pierced by those great bowmen with their straight + shafts, shot shafts at Karna which was capable of piercing through every + armour and body. That shaft, piercing through Karna’s coat of mail and + then his body, entered the earth like a snake piercing through an anthill. + Deeply pierced, Karna felt great pain and became perfectly helpless. + Indeed, Karna began to tremble in that battle like a hill during an + earthquake. Then with three other shafts of great sharpness, the mighty + son of Arjuna, excited with rage, slew those three warriors, viz., + Sushena, Drighalochana, and Kundavedhin. Meanwhile, Karna (recovering from + the shock) pierced Abhimanyu with five and twenty shafts. And Aswatthaman + struck him with twenty, and Kritavarman with seven. Covered all over with + arrows, that son of Sakra’s son, filled with rage, careered over the + field. And he was regarded by all the troops as Yama’s self armed with the + noose. He then scattered over Salya, who happened to be near him thick + showers of arrows. That mighty-armed warrior then uttered loud shouts, + frightening thy troops therewith. Meanwhile, Salya, pierced by Abhimanyu + accomplished in weapons, with straight shafts penetrating into his very + vitals, sat down on the terrace of his car and fainted away. Beholding + Salya thus pierced by the celebrated son of Subhadra, all the troops fled + away in the very sight of Bharadwaja’s son. Seeing that mighty-armed + warrior, viz., Salya, thus covered with shafts of golden wings, thy army + fled away like a herd of deer attacked by a lion. And Abhimanyu glorified + by the Pitris, the gods, and Charanas, and Siddhas, as also by diverse + classes of creatures on the earth, with praises about (his heroism and + skill in) battle, looked resplendent like a sacrificial fire fed with + clarified butter.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0036" id="link72H_4_0036"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘While Arjuna’s son was thus grinding, by means of + his straight arrows, our foremost bowmen, what warriors of my army + endeavoured to check him?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hear, O king, of the splendid prowess in battle of + youthful Abhimanyu while engaged in breaking the car-ranks (of the + Kauravas), protected by the son of Bharadwaja himself.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Beholding the ruler of the Madras disabled in battle by Subhadra’s son + with his shafts, the younger brother of Salya, filled with wrath, advanced + against Abhimanyu, scattering his shafts. Arjuna’s son however, endued + with great lightness of hand, cut off his antagonist’s head and + charioteer, his triple bamboo-pole, his bed (on the car), his car-wheels, + his yoke, and shafts and quiver, and car-bottom, by means of his arrows, + as also his banner and every other implements of battle with which his car + was equipped. So quick were his movements that none could obtain a sight + of his person. Deprived of life, that foremost and chief of all ornaments + of battle fell down on the earth, like a huge hill uprooted by a mighty + tempest. His followers then, struck with fear, fled away in all + directions. Beholding that feat of the son of Arjuna, all creatures were + highly gratified, and cheered him, O Bharata, with loud shouts of + “Excellent, Excellent!" </p> + <p> + “‘After Salya’s brother had thus been slain, many followers of his, loudly + proclaiming their families, places of residence, and names, rushed against + Arjuna’s son, filled with rage and armed with diverse weapons. Some of + them were on cars, some on steeds and some on elephants; and others + advanced on foot. And all of them were endued with fierce might. And they + rushed frightening the son of Arjuna with the loud whiz of their arrows, + the deep roar of their car-wheels, their fierce whoops and shouts and + cries, their leonine roars, the loud twang of their bow-string, and the + slaps of their palms. And they said, “Thou shalt not escape us with life + today!” Hearing them say so, the son of Subhadra, smiling the while, + pierced with his shafts those amongst them that had pierced him first. + Displaying diverse weapons of beautiful look and of great celerity, the + heroic son of Arjuna battled mildly with them. Those weapons that he had + received from Vasudeva and those that he had received from Dhananjaya, + Abhimanyu displayed in the very same way as Vasudeva and Dhananjaya. + Disregarding the heavy burthen he had taken upon himself and casting off + all fear, he repeatedly shot his arrows. No interval, again, could be + noticed between his aiming and letting off an arrow. Only his trembling + bow drawn to a circle could be seen on every side, looking like the + blazing disc of the autumnal sun. And the twang of his bow, and the slap + of his palms, O Bharata, were heard to resound like the roaring of clouds + charged with thunder. Modest, wrathful, reverential to superiors, and + exceedingly handsome, the son of Subhadra, out of regard for the hostile + heroes, fought with them mildly. Commencing gently, O king, he gradually + became fierce, like the illustrious maker of the day when autumn comes + after the season of the rains is over. Like the Sun himself shedding his + rays, Abhimanyu, filled with wrath, shot hundreds and thousands of whetted + arrows, furnished with golden wings. In the very sight of Bharadwaja’s + son, that celebrated warrior covered the car-division of the Kaurava army + with diverse kinds of arrows.<a href="#linknote-766" name="linknoteref-766" + id="linknoteref-766">66</a> Thereupon, that army thus afflicted by + Abhimanyu with his shafts, turned its back on the field.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0037" id="link72H_4_0037"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘My heart, O Sanjaya, is agitated with different + emotions, viz., shame and gratification, upon hearing that Subhadra’s son + singly held in check the whole army of my son. O son of Gavalgana, tell me + everything once more in detail about the encounter of youthful Abhimanyu, + which seems to have been pretty like Skanda’s encounter with the Asura + host.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I will relate to thee that fearful encounter, that fierce + battle, as it took place between one and the many. Mounted upon his car, + Abhimanyu, with great daring, showered his arrows on the warriors of thy + army mounted on their cars, all of whom were chastisers of foes, endued + with great courage. Careering with great speed like a circle of fire, he + pierced Drona and Karna, and Kripa, and Salya and Drona’s son, and + Kritavarman of the Bhoja race, and Vrihadvala, and Duryodhana, and + Somadatta, and mighty Sakuni, and diverse kings and diverse princes and + diverse bodies of troops. While engaged in slaying his foes by means of + superior weapons, the valiant son of Subhadra, endued with mighty energy, + seemed, O Bharata, to be present everywhere. Beholding that conduct of + Subhadra’s son of immeasurable energy, thy troops trembled repeatedly. + Seeing that warrior of great proficiency in battle, Bharadwaja’s son of + great wisdom, with eyes expanded in joy, quickly came towards Kripa, and + addressing him said, as if crushing (by that speech of his) the very + vitals of thy son, O Bharata, the following words, “Yonder cometh the + youthful son of Subhadra at the head of the Parthas, delighting all his + friends, and king Yudhishthira, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhimasena, + the son of Pandu, and all his kinsmen, and relatives by marriage, and all + who are watching the battle as spectators without taking any part in it. I + do not regard any bowman to be his equal in battle. If only he entertains + the wish, he can slay this vast host. It seems, that for some reason or + other, he doth not entertain that wish.” Hearing these words of Drona, so + expressive of the gratification he felt, thy son, enraged with Abhimanyu, + looked at Drona, faintly smiling the while. Indeed, Duryodhana said unto + Karna and king Valhika and Duhsasana and the ruler of the Madras and the + many other mighty car-warriors of his army, these words, “The preceptor of + the entire order of the Kshatriyas,—he that is the foremost of all + conversant with Brahma, doth not, from stupefaction, wish to slay this son + of Arjuna. None can, in battle, escape the preceptor with life, not even + the Destroyer himself, if the latter advanceth against the preceptor as a + foe. What, O friend, shall we say then of any mortal? I say this truly. + This one is the son of Arjuna, and Arjuna is the preceptor’s disciple. It + is for this that the preceptor protecteth this youth. Disciples and sons + and their sons are always dear to the virtuous people. Protected by Drona, + the youthful son of Arjuna regardeth himself valourous. He is only a fool + entertaining a high opinion of himself. Crush him, therefore, without + delay.” Thus addressed by the Kuru king, those warriors, O monarch, + excited with rage and desirous of slaying their foe, rushed, in the very + sight of Drona at the son of Subhadra that daughter of the Satwata race. + Duhsasana, in particular, that tiger among the Kurus, hearing those words + of Duryodhana, answered the latter, saying, “O monarch, I tell thee that + even I will slay this one in the very sight of the Pandavas and before the + eyes of the Panchalas. I shall certainly devour the son of Subhadra today, + like Rahu swallowing Surya (sun).” And once more addressing the Kuru king + loudly, Duhsasana said, “Hearing that Subhadra’s son hath been slain by + me, the two Krishnas, who are exceedingly vain, will without doubt, go to + the region of the departed spirits, leaving this world of men. Hearing + then of the death of the two Krishnas, it is evident that the other sons + born of Pandu’s wives, with all their friends, will, in course of a single + day, cast away their lives from despair. It is evident, therefore, that + this one foe of thine being slain, all thy foes will be slain. Wish me + well, O king, even I will slay this foe of thine.” Having said these + words, O king, thy son Duhsasana, filled with rage and uttering a loud + roar, rushed against the son of Subhadra and covered him with showers of + arrows. Abhimanyu then, O chastiser of foes, received that son of thine + thus advancing upon him wrathfully, with six and twenty arrows of sharp + points. Duhsasana, however, filled with rage, and looking like an + infuriated elephant, fought desperately with Abhimanyu, the son of + Subhadra in that battle. Both of them masters in car-fight, they fought on + describing beautiful circles with their cars, one of them to the left and + other to the right. The warriors then, with their Panavas and Mridangas + and Dundubhis and Krakachas and great Anakas and Bheris and Jharjaras, + caused a deafening noise mingled with leonine roars, such as arise from + the great receptacle of salt waters!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0038" id="link72H_4_0038"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then the intelligent Abhimanyu, with limbs mangled with + arrows, smilingly addressed his foe, Duhsasana, stationed before him + saying, “By good luck it is that I behold in battle that vain hero arrived + before me, who is cruel, who hath cast away all righteousness, and who + brawleth out lustily his own praises. In the assembly (for the Kurus) and + in the hearing of king Dhritarashtra, thou hadst, with thy harsh speeches, + angered king Yudhishthira. Relying on the deception of the dice and the + skill (therein) of Suvala’s son, thou hadst also maddened by success, + addressed many delirious speech to Bhima!<a href="#linknote-767" + name="linknoteref-767" id="linknoteref-767">67</a> In consequence of the + anger of those illustrious persons, thou art, at last, about to obtain the + fruit of that conduct of thine!<a href="#linknote-768" + name="linknoteref-768" id="linknoteref-768">68</a>. O thou of wicked + understanding, obtain thou without delay the fruit<a href="#linknote-769" + name="linknoteref-769" id="linknoteref-769">69</a> of the robbery of other + people’s possessions, wrathfulness, of thy hatred of peace, of avarice, of + ignorance, of hostilities (with kinsmen), of injustice and persecution, of + depriving my sires—those fierce bowmen—of their kingdom, and + of thy own fierce temper. I shall today chastise thee with my arrows in + the sight of the whole army. Today, I shall in battle disburden myself of + that wrath which I cherish against thee. I shall today free myself of the + debt I owe to angry Krishna and to my sire who always craveth for an + opportunity to chastise thee. O Kaurava, today I shall free myself of the + debt I owe to Bhima. With life thou shalt not escape me, if indeed, thou + dost not abandon the battle.” Having said these words, that mighty-armed + warrior, that slayer of hostile heroes, aimed a shaft endued with the + splendour of Yama or of Agni or of the Wind-god, capable of despatching + Duhsasana to the other world. Quickly approaching Duhsasana’s bosom, that + shaft fell upon his shoulder-joint and penetrated into his body up to the + very wings, like a snake into an ant-hill. And soon Abhimanyu once more + struck him with five and twenty arrows whose touch resembled that of fire, + and which were sped from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch. Deeply + pierced and greatly pained, Duhsasana, sat down on the terrace of his car + and was, O king, overtaken by a swoon. Afflicted thus by the arrows of + Subhadra’s son and deprived of his senses, Duhsasana was speedily borne + away from the midst of the fight by his charioteer. Beholding this, the + Pandavas, the five sons of Draupadi, Virata, the Panchalas, and the + Kekayas, uttered leonine shouts. And the troops of the Pandavas, filled + with joy, caused diverse kinds of musical instruments to be beat and + blown. Beholding that feat of Subhadra’s son they laughed with joy. Seeing + that implacable and proud foe of theirs thus vanquished, those mighty + car-warriors, viz., the (five) sons of Draupadi, who had on their banners + the images of Yama and Maruta and Sakra and the twin Aswins, and Satyaki, + and Chekitana, and Dhrishtadyumna, and Sikhandin, and the Kekayas, and + Dhrishtaketu, and the Matsyas, Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, and the + Pandavas headed by Yudhishthira, were filled with joy. And all of them + rushed with speed, desirous of piercing Drona’s array. Then a dreadful + battle took place between the warriors and those of the foe. All of them + were unretreating heroes, and inspired by desire of victory. During the + progress of that dreadful encounter, Duryodhana, O monarch, addressing the + son of Radha, said, “Behold, the heroic Duhsasana, who resembleth the + scorching sun who was hitherto slaying the foe in battle, hath at last + himself succumbed to Abhimanyu. The Pandavas also, filled with rage and + looking fierce like mighty lions, are rushing towards us, desirous of + rescuing the son of Subhadra.” Thus addressed, Karna with rage and + desirous of doing good to thy son, rained showers of sharp arrows on the + invincible Abhimanyu. And the heroic Karna, as if in contempt of his + antagonist, also pierced the latter’s followers on the field of battle, + with many excellent shafts of great sharpness. The high-souled Abhimanyu, + however, O king, desirous of proceeding against Drona, quickly pierced + Radha’s son with three and seventy shafts. No car-warrior of thy army + succeeded at that time in obstructing the progress towards Drona, of + Abhimanyu, who was the son of Indra’s son and who was afflicting all the + foremost car-warriors of the Kaurava host. Then Karna, the most honoured + of all bowmen, desirous of obtaining victory, pierced the son of Subhadra + with hundreds of arrows, displacing his best weapons. That foremost of all + persons conversant with weapons, that valiant disciple of Rama, by means + of his weapons, thus afflicted Abhimanyu who was incapable of being + defeated by foes. Though afflicted in battle by Radha’s son with showers + of weapons, still Subhadra’s son who resembled a very celestial (for + prowess) felt no pain. With his shafts whetted on stone and furnished with + sharp points, the son of Arjuna, cutting off the bows of many heroic + warriors, began to afflict Karna in return. With shafts resembling snakes + of virulent poison and shot from his bow drawn to a circle, Abhimanyu + quickly cut off the umbrella, standard, the charioteer, and the steeds of + Karna, smiling the while. Karna then shot five straight arrows at + Abhimanyu. The son of Phalguna, however, received them fearlessly. Endued + with great valour and courage, the latter then, in a moment, with only a + single arrow, cut off Karna’s bow and standard and caused them to drop + down on the ground. Beholding Karna in such distress, his younger brother, + drawing the bow with great force, speedily proceeded against the son of + Subhadra. The Parthas then, and their followers uttered loud shouts and + beat their musical instruments and applauded the son of Subhadra [for his + heroism].’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0039" id="link72H_4_0039"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then the younger brother of Karna, uttering loud roars, + bow in hand, and repeatedly stretching the bow-string, quickly placed + himself between those two illustrious warriors. And Karna’s brother, with + ten shafts, pierced invincible Abhimanyu and his umbrella and standard and + charioteer and steeds, smiling the while. Beholding Abhimanyu thus + afflicted with those arrows, although he had achieved those superhuman + feats in the manner of his sire and grandsire, the warriors of thy army + were filled with delight. Then Abhimanyu, forcibly bending the bow and + smiling the while, with one winged arrow cut off his antagonist’s head. + That head, severed from the trunk, fell down on the earth. Beholding his + brother slain and overthrown, like a Karnikara tree shaken and thrown down + by the wind from the mountain top, Karna, O monarch, was filled with pain. + Meanwhile, the son of Subhadra, causing Karna by means of his arrows to + turn away from the field, quickly rushed against the other great bowmen. + Then Abhimanyu of fierce energy and great fame, filled with wrath, broke + that host of diverse forces abounding with elephants and steeds and cars + and infantry. As regards Karna, afflicted by Abhimanyu with countless + shafts, he fled away from the field borne by swift steeds. The Kaurava + array then broke. When the welkin was covered with Abhimanyu’s shafts, + like flights of locusts or thick showers of rain, nothing, O monarch, + could be distinguished. Amongst thy warriors thus slaughtered by Abhimanyu + with sharp shafts, none, O monarch, stayed any longer on the field of + battle except the ruler of the Sindhus. Then that bull among men, viz., + the son of Subhadra, blowing his conch, speedily fell upon the Bharata + host, O bull of Bharata’s race! Like a burning brand thrown into the midst + of dry grass, Arjuna’s son began to consume his foes, quickly careering + through the Kaurava army. Having pierced through their array, he mangled + cars and elephants and steeds and human beings by means of his sharp + shafts and caused the field of battle teem with headless trunks. Cut off + by means of excellent arrows shot from the bow of Subhadra’s son, the + Kaurava warriors fled away, slaying, as they fled, their own comrades + before them. Those fierce arrows, of terrible effect whetted on stone and + countless in number, slaying car-warriors and elephants, steeds, fell fast + on the field. Arms, decked with Angadas and other ornaments of gold, cut + off and hands cased in leathern covers, and arrows, and bows, and bodies + and heads decked with car-rings and floral wreaths, lay in thousands on + the field. Obstructed with Upashkaras and Adhishthanas and long poles also + with crushed Akshas and broken wheels and yokes, numbering thousands, with + darts and bows and swords and fallen standards, and with shields and bows + lying all about, with the bodies, O monarch, of slain Kshatriyas and + steeds and elephants, the field of battle, looking exceedingly fierce, + soon became impassable. The noise made by the princes, as they called upon + one another while slaughtered by Abhimanyu, became deafening and enhanced + the fears of the timid. That noise, O chief of the Bharatas, filled all + the points of the compass. The son of Subhadra, rushed against the + (Kaurava) troops, slaying foremost of car-warriors and steeds and + elephants, Quickly consuming his foes, like a fire playing in the midst of + a heap of dry grass, the son of Arjuna was seen careering through the + midst of the Bharata army. Encompassed as he was by our troops and covered + with dust, none of us could obtain a sight of that warrior when, O + Bharata, he was careening over the field in all directions, cardinal and + subsidiary. And he took the lives of steeds and elephants and human + warriors, O Bharata, almost incessantly. And soon after we saw him (come + out of the press). Indeed, O monarch, we beheld him then scorching his + foes like the meridian sun (scorching everything with his rays). Equal to + Vasava himself in battle, that son of Vasava’s son, viz., Abhimanyu, + looked resplendent in the midst of the (hostile) army.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0040" id="link72H_4_0040"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XL + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘A mere child in years, brought up in great luxury, + proud of the strength of his arms, accomplished in battle, endued with + great heroism, the perpetuator of his race, and prepared to lay down his + life—when Abhimanyu penetrated into the Kaurava army, borne on his + three-years old steeds of spirited mettle, was there any of great + warriors, in Yudhishthira’s army, that followed the son of Arjuna?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Sikhandin and Satyaki, and + the twins Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna and Virata, and Drupada, + and Kekaya, and Dhrishtaketu, all filled with wrath, and the Matsya + warrior, rushed to battle. Indeed, Abhimanyu’s sires accompanied by his + maternal uncles, those smiters of foes, arrayed in order of battle rushed + along the self-same path that Abhimanyu had created, desirous of rescuing + him. Beholding those heroes rushing, thy troops turned away from the + fight. Seeing then that vast army of thy son turning away from the fight, + the son-in-law of great energy rushed to rally them. Indeed, king + Jayadratha, the son of the ruler of the Sindhus, checked, with all their + followers, the Parthas, desirous of rescuing their son. That fierce and + great bowman, viz. the son of Vriddhakshatra, invoking into existence + celestial weapons resisted the Pandavas, like an elephant sporting in a + low land.‘<a href="#linknote-770" name="linknoteref-770" + id="linknoteref-770">70</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I think, Sanjaya, that heavy was the burthen thrown + upon the ruler of the Sindhus, inasmuch as alone he had to resist the + angry Pandavas desirous of rescuing their son. Exceedingly wonderful, I + think, was the might and heroism of the ruler of the Sindhus. Tell me what + the high-souled warrior’s prowess was and how he accomplished that + foremost of feats. What gifts did he make, what libations had he poured, + what sacrifices had he performed, what ascetic austerities had he well + undergone, in consequence of which, single-handed, he succeeded in + checking Parthas excited with wrath?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘On the occasion of his insult to Draupadi, Jayadratha was + vanquished by Bhimasena. From a keen sense of his humiliation, the king + practised the severest of ascetic austerities, desirous of a boon. + Restraining his senses from all objects dear to them, bearing hunger, + thirst and heat, he reduced his body till his swollen veins became + visible. Uttering the eternal words of the Veda, he paid his adoration to + the god Mahadeva. That illustrious Deity, always inspired with compassion + for his devotees, at last, became kind towards him. Indeed, Hara, + appearing in a dream unto the ruler of the Sindhus, addressed him, saying + “Solicit the boon thou desirest. I am gratified with thee, O Jayadratha! + What dost thou desire?” Thus addressed by Mahadeva, Jayadratha, the ruler + of the Sindhus, bowed down unto him and said with joined palms and + restrained soul, “Alone, on a single car, I shall check in battle all the + sons of Pandu, endued though they are with terrible energy and prowess.” + Even this, O Bharata, was the boon he had solicited. Thus prayed to that + foremost of the deities said unto Jayadratha, “O amiable one, I grant thee + the boon. Except Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, thou shalt in battle check + the four other sons of Pandu.” “So be it,” said Jayadratha unto that Lord + of the gods and then awoke, O monarch, from his slumber. In consequence of + that boon which he had received and of the strength also of his celestial + weapons, Jayadratha, single-handed, held in check the entire army of the + Pandavas. The twang of his bow-string and the slaps of his palms inspired + the hostile Kshatriyas with fear, filling thy troops, at the same time + with delight. And the Kshatriyas (of the Kuru army), beholding that the + burthen was taken up by the ruler of the Sindhus, rushed with loud shouts, + O monarch, to that part of the field where Yudhishthira’s army was.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0041" id="link72H_4_0041"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thou askest me, O monarch, about the prowess of the ruler + of the Sindhus. Listen to me as I describe in detail how he fought with + the Pandavas. Large steeds of the Sindhu breed, well-trained and fleet as + the wind, and obedient to the commands of the charioteer, bore him (on + that occasion). His car, duly equipped, looked like a vapoury edifice in + the welkin. His standard bearing the device of a large boar in silver, + looked exceedingly beautiful. With his white umbrella and banners, and the + yak-tails with which he was fanned—which are regal indications—he + shone like the Moon himself in the firmament. His car-fence made of iron + was decked with pearls and diamonds and gems and gold. And it looked + resplendent like the firmament bespangled with luminous bodies. Drawing + his large bow and scattering countless shafts, he once more filled up that + array in those places where openings had been made by the son of Arjuna. + And he pierced Satyaki with three arrows, and Vrikodara with eight; and + having pierced Dhrishtadyumna with sixty arrows, he pierced Drupada with + five sharp ones, and Sikhandin with ten. Piercing then the Kaikeyas with + five and twenty arrows, Jayadratha pierced each of the five sons of + Draupadi with three arrows. And piercing Yudhishthira then with seventy + arrows, the ruler of the Sindhus pierced the other heroes of the Pandava + army with thick showers of shafts. And that feat of his seemed exceedingly + wonderful. Then, O monarch, the valiant son of Dharma, aiming Jayadratha’s + bow, cut it off with a polished and well-tempered shaft, smiling the + while. Within the twinkling, however, of the eye, the ruler of the Sindhus + took up another bow and piercing Pratha (Yudhishthira) with ten arrows + struck each of the others with three shafts. Marking that lightness of + hands showed by Jayadratha, Bhima then with three broad-headed shafts, + quickly felled on the earth his bow, standard and umbrella. The mighty + Jayadratha then, taking up another bow, strung it and felled Bhima’s + standard and bow and steeds, O sire! His bow cut off, Bhimasena then + jumping down from that excellent car whose steeds had been slain, mounted + on the car of Satyaki, like a lion jumping to the top of a mountain. + Seeing this, thy troops were filled with joy. And they loudly shouted, + “Excellent! Excellent!” And they repeatedly applauded that feat of the + ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, all creatures highly applauded that feat of + his, which consisted in his resisting, single-handed, all the Pandavas + together, excited with wrath. The path that the son of Subhadra had made + for the Pandavas by the slaughter of numerous warriors and elephants was + then filled up by the ruler of the Sindhus. Indeed, those heroes, viz., + the Matsyas, the Panchalas, the Kaikeyas, and the Pandavas, exerting + themselves vigorously, succeeded in approaching the presence of + Jayadratha, but none of them could bear him. Everyone amongst thy enemies + who endeavoured to pierce the array that had been formed by Drona, was + checked by the ruler of the Sindhus in consequence of the boon he had got + (from Mahadeva).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0042" id="link72H_4_0042"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the ruler of the Sindhus checked the Pandavas, + desirous of success, the battle that took place then between thy troops + and the enemy became awful. The invincible son of Arjuna, of sure aim and + mighty energy, having penetrated in the (Kaurava) array agitated it like a + Makara agitating the ocean. Against that chastiser of foes then, viz., the + son of Subhadra, who was thus agitating the hostile host with his arrowy + showers, the principal warriors of the Kaurava army rushed, each according + to his rank and precedence. The clash between them of immeasurable energy, + scattering their arrowy showers with great force, on the one side and + Abhimanyu alone on the other, became awful. The son of Arjuna, encompassed + on all sides by those enemies with crowds of cars, slew the charioteer of + Vrishasena and also cut off his bow. And the mighty Abhimanyu then pierced + Vrishasena’s steeds with his straight shafts, upon which those coursers, + with the speed of the wind, bore Vrishasena away from the battle. + Utilizing that opportunity, Abhimanyu’s charioteer freed his car from that + press by taking it away to another part of the field. Those numerous + car-warriors then, (beholding this feat) were filled with joy and + exclaimed, “Excellent! Excellent!” Seeing the lion-like Abhimanyu angrily + slaying the foe with his shafts and advancing from a distance, Vasatiya, + proceeding towards him quickly fell upon him with great force. The latter + pierced Abhimanyu with sixty shafts of golden wings and addressing him, + said, “As long as I am alive, thou shalt not escape with life.” Cased + though he was in an iron coat of mail, the son of Subhadra pierced him in + the chest with a far-reaching shaft. Thereupon Vasatiya fell down on the + earth, deprived of life. Beholding Vasatiya slain, many bulls among + Kshatriyas became filled with wrath, and surrounded thy grandson, O king, + from a desire of slaying him. They approached him, stretching their + countless bows of diverse kinds, and the battle then that took place + between the son of Subhadra and his foes was exceedingly fierce. Then the + son of Phalguni, filled with wrath, cut off their arrows and bows, and + diverse limbs of their bodies, and their heads decked with ear-rings and + floral garlands. And arms were seen lopped off, that were adorned with + various ornaments of gold, and that still held scimitars and spiked maces + and battle-axes and the fingers of which were still cased in leathern + gloves. [And the earth became strewn]<a href="#linknote-771" + name="linknoteref-771" id="linknoteref-771">71</a> with floral wreaths and + ornaments and cloths, with fallen standards, with coats of mail and + shields and golden chains and diadems and umbrellas and yak-tails; with + Upashkaras and Adhishthanas, and Dandakas, and Vandhuras with crushed + Akshas, broken wheels, and yokes, numbering thousands,<a + href="#linknote-772" name="linknoteref-772" id="linknoteref-772">72</a> + with Anukarashas, and banners, and charioteers, and steeds; as also with + broken cars, and elephants, and steeds. The field of battle, strewn with + slain Kshatriyas endued (while living) with great heroism,—rulers of + diverse realms, inspired with desire of victory,—presented a fearful + sight. When Abhimanyu angrily careered over the field of battle in all + directions, his very form became invisible. Only his coat of mail, decked + with gold, his ornaments, and bow and shafts, could be seen. Indeed, while + he slew the hostile warriors by means of his shafts, staying in their + midst like the sun himself in his blazing effulgence, none could gaze at + him with his eyes.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0043" id="link72H_4_0043"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Engaged in taking the lives of brave warriors, Arjuna’s + son then resembled the Destroyer himself, when the latter takes the lives + of all creatures on the arrival of the Universal Dissolution. Possessed of + prowess resembling that of Sakra himself, the mighty son of Sakra’s son, + viz., Abhimanyu, agitating the Kaurava army looked exceedingly + resplendent. Penetrating into the Kaurava host, O king, that destroyer of + foremost Kshatriyas resembling Yama himself, seized Satyasravas, like an + infuriated tiger seizing a deer. Beholding Satyasrayas, seized by him, + many mighty car-warriors, taking up diverse kinds of weapons, rushed upon + him. Indeed, those bulls among Kshatriyas, from a spirit of rivalry, + rushed at the son of Arjuna from desire of slaying him, all exclaiming, “I + shall go first, I shall go first!” As a whale in the sea obtaining a shoal + of small fish seizes them with the greatest ease, even so did Abhimanyu + receive that whole division of the rushing Kshatriyas. Like rivers that + never go back when they approach the sea, none amongst those unretreating + Kshatriyas turned back when they approached Abhimanyu. That army then + reeled like a boat tossed on the ocean when overtaken by a mighty tempest, + (with its crew) afflicted with panic caused by the violence of the wind. + Then the mighty Rukmaratha, son of the ruler of the Madras, for assuring + the frightened troops, fearlessly said, “Ye heroes, ye need not fear! When + I am here, what is Abhimanyu? Without doubt, I will seize this one a + living captive”. Having said these words, the valiant prince, borne on his + beautiful and well-equipped car, rushed at Abhimanyu. Piercing Abhimanyu + with three shafts in the chest, three in the right arm, and three other + sharp shafts in the left arm, he uttered a loud roar. Phalguni’s son, + however, cutting off his bow, his right and left arms, and his head + adorned with beautiful eyes and eye-brows quickly felled them on the + earth. Beholding Rukmaratha, the honoured son of Salya, slain by the + illustrious son of Subhadra, that Rukmaratha viz., who had vowed to + consume his foe or take him alive, many princely friends of Salya’s son, O + king, accomplished in smiting and incapable of being easily defeated in + battle, and owning standards decked with gold, (came up for the fight). + Those mighty car-warriors, stretching their bows full six cubits long, + surrounded the son of Arjuna, all pouring their arrowy showers upon him. + Beholding the brave and invincible son of Subhadra singly encountered by + all those wrathful princes endued with heroism and skill acquired by + practice and strength and youth, and seeing him covered with showers of + arrows, Duryodhana rejoiced greatly, and regarded Abhimanyu as one already + made a guest of Yama’s abode. Within the twinkling of an eye, those + princes, by means of their shafts of golden wings, and of diverse forms + and great impetuosity, made Arjuna’s son invisible. Himself, his standard, + and his car, O sire, were seen by us covered with shafts like (trees + overwhelmed with) flights of locusts. Deeply pierced, he became filled + with rage like an elephant struck with the hook. He then, O Bharata, + applied the Gandharva weapon and the illusion consequent to it.<a + href="#linknote-773" name="linknoteref-773" id="linknoteref-773">73</a> + Practising ascetic penances, Arjuna had obtained that weapon from the + Gandharva Tumvuru and others. With that weapon, Abhimanyu now confounded + his foes. Quickly displaying his weapons, he careered in that battle like + a circle of fire, and was, O king, seen sometimes as a single individual, + sometimes as a hundred, and sometimes as a thousand ones. Confounding his + foes by the skill with which his car was guided and by the illusion caused + by his weapons, he cut in a hundred pieces, O monarch, the bodies of the + kings (opposed to him). By means of his sharp shafts the lives of living + creatures were despatched. These, O king attained to the other world while + their bodies fell down on the earth. Their bows, and steeds and + charioteers, and standards, and armies decked with Angadar, and heads, the + son of Phalguni cut off with his sharp shafts. Those hundred princes were + slain and felled by Subhadra’s son like a tope of five-year old + mango-trees just on the point of bearing fruit (laid low by a tempest). + Beholding those youthful princes brought up in every luxury, and + resembling angry snakes of virulent poison, all slain by the single-handed + Abhimanyu, Duryodhana was filled with fear. Seeing (his) car-warriors and + elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers crushed, the Kuru king quickly + proceeded in wrath against Abhimanyu. Continued for only a short space of + time, the unfinished battle between them became exceedingly fierce. Thy + son then, afflicted with Abhimanyu’s arrows, was obliged to turn back from + the fight.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0044" id="link72H_4_0044"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘That which thou tellest me, O Suta, about the + battle, fierce and terrible, between the one and the many, and the victory + of that illustrious one, that story of the prowess of Subhadra’s son is + highly wonderful and almost incredible. I do not, however, regard it as a + marvel that is absolutely beyond belief in the case of those that have + righteousness for their refuge. After Duryodhana was beaten back and a + hundred princes slain, what course was pursued by the warriors of my army + against the son of Subhadra?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Their mouths became dry, and eyes restless. Sweat covered + their bodies, and their hairs stood on their ends. Despairing of + vanquishing their foe, they became ready to leave the field. Abandoning + their wounded brothers and sires and sons and friends and relatives by + marriage and kinsmen they fled, urging their steeds and elephants to their + utmost speed. Beholding them broken and routed, Drona and Drona’s son, and + Vrihadvala, and Kripa, and Duryodhana, and Karna, and Kritavarman, and + Suvala’s son (Sakuni), rushed in great wrath against the unvanquished son + of Subhadra. Almost all these, O king, were beaten back by thy grandson. + Only one warrior then, viz., Lakshmana, brought up in luxury, accomplished + in arrows, endued with great energy, and fearless in consequence of + inexperience and pride, proceeded against the son of Arjuna. Anxious about + his son, his father (Duryodhana) turned back for following him. Other + mighty car warriors, turned back for following Duryodhana. All of them + then drenched Abhimanyu with showers of arrows, like clouds pouring rain + on the mountain-breast. Abhimanyu, however, single-handed, began to crush + them like the dry wind that blows in every direction destroying gathering + masses of clouds. Like one infuriated elephant encountering another, + Arjuna’s son then encountered thy invincible grandson, Lakshmana, of great + personal beauty, endued with great bravery, staying near his father with + outstretched bow, brought up in every luxury, and resembling a second + prince of the Yakshas<a href="#linknote-774" name="linknoteref-774" + id="linknoteref-774">74</a>. Encountering Lakshmana, that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, had his two arms and chest + struck with his sharp shafts. Thy grandson, the mighty-armed Abhimanyu + then, filled with rage like a snake struck (with a rod), addressing, O + king, thy (other) grandson, said, “Look well on this world, for thou shalt + (soon) have to go to the other. In the very sight of all thy kinsmen, I + will despatch thee to Yama’s abode.” Saying thus that slayer of hostile + heroes, viz., the mighty-armed son of Subhadra, took out a broad-headed + arrow that resembled a snake just emerged from its slough. That shaft, + sped by Abhimanyu’s arms, cut off the beautiful head, decked with + ear-rings, of Lakshmana, that was graced with a beautiful nose, beautiful + eye-brows, and exceedingly good-looking curls. Beholding Lakshmana slain, + thy troops uttered exclamations of Oh and, Alas. Upon the slaughter of his + dear son, Duryodhana became filled with rage. That bull among Kshatriyas + then loudly urged the Kshatriyas under him, saying, “Slay this one!” Then + Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son and Vrihadvala, and + Kritavarman, the son of Hridika,—these six car-warriors,—encompassed + Abhimanyu. Piercing them with sharp arrows and beating them off from him, + the son of Arjuna fell with great speed and fury upon the vast forces of + Jayadratha. Thereupon, the Kalingas, the Nishadas, and the valiant son of + Kratha, all clad in mail, cut off his path by encompassing him with their + elephant-division. The battle then that took place between Phalguni’s son + and those warriors was obstinate and fierce. Then the son of Arjuna began + to destroy that elephant-division as the wind coursing in every direction + destroys vast masses of gathering clouds in the welkin. Then Kratha + covered the son of Arjuna with showers of arrows, while many other + car-warriors headed by Drona, having returned to the field, rushed at him, + scattering sharp and mighty weapons. Checking all those weapons by means + of his own arrows, the son of Arjuna began to afflict the son of Kratha + with ceaseless showers of shafts, with great despatch and inspired by the + desire of slaying his antagonist. The latter’s bow and shafts, and + bracelets, and arms, and head decked with diadem, and umbrella, and + standard, and charioteer, and steeds, were all cut off and felled by + Abhimanyu. When Kratha’s son, possessed of nobility of lineage, good + behaviour, acquaintance with the scriptures, great strength, fame, and + power of arms, was slain, the other heroic combatants almost all turned + away from the fight.’”<a href="#linknote-775" name="linknoteref-775" + id="linknoteref-775">75</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0045" id="link72H_4_0045"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘While the youthful and invincible son of Subhadra, + never retreating from battle, was, after penetrating into our array, + engaged in achieving feats worthy of his lineage, borne by his three-year + old steeds of great might and of the best breed, and apparently trotting + in the welkin, what heroes of my army encompassed him?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having penetrated into our array, Abhimanyu of Pandu’s + race, by means of his sharp shafts, made all the kings turn away from the + fight. Then Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona’s son, and Vrihadvala + and Kritavarman, the son of Hridika,—these six car-warriors,—encompassed + him. As regards the other combatants of thy army, beholding that + Jayadratha had taken upon himself the heavy duty (of keeping off the + Pandavas), they supported him, O king, by rushing against Yudhishthira.<a + href="#linknote-776" name="linknoteref-776" id="linknoteref-776">76</a> + Many amongst them, endued with great strength, drawing their bows full six + cubits long, showered on the heroic son of Subhadra arrowy downpours like + torrents of rain. Subhadra’s son, however, that slayer of hostile heroes, + paralysed by his shafts all those great bowmen, conversant with every + branch of learning. And he pierced Drona with fifty arrows and Vrihadvala + with twenty. And piercing Kritavarman with eighty shafts, he pierced Kripa + with sixty. And the son of Arjuna pierced Aswatthaman with ten arrows + equipped with golden wings, endued with great speed and shot from his bow + drawn to its fullest stretch. And the son of Phalguni pierced Karna, in + the midst of his foes, in one of his cars, with a bright, well-tempered, + and bearded arrow of great force. Felling the steeds yoked to Kripa’s car, + as also both his Parshni charioteers, Abhimanyu pierced Kripa himself in + the centre of the chest with ten arrows. The mighty Abhimanyu, then, in + the very sight of thy heroic sons, slew the brave Vrindaraka, that + enhancer of the fame of the Kurus. While Abhimanyu was thus engaged in + fearlessly slaying one after another the foremost warriors among his + enemies, Drona’s son Aswatthaman pierced him with five and twenty small + arrows. The son of Arjuna, however, in the very sight of all the + Dhartarashtras quickly pierced Aswatthaman in return, O sire, with many + whetted shafts. Drona’s son, however, in return, piercing Abhimanyu with + sixty fierce arrows of great impetuosity and keen sharpness, failed to + make him tremble, for the latter, pierced by Aswatthaman, stood immovable + like the Mainaka mountain. Endued with great energy, the mighty Abhimanyu + then pierced his antagonist with three and seventy straight arrows, + equipped with wings of gold. Drona then, desirous of rescuing his son, + pierced Abhimanyu with a hundred arrows. And Aswatthaman pierced him with + sixty arrows, desirous of rescuing his father. And Karna struck him with + two and twenty broad-headed arrows and Kritavarman struck him with four + and ten. And Vrihadvala pierced him with fifty such shafts, and + Saradwata’s son, Kripa, with ten. Abhimanyu, however, pierced each of + these in return with ten shafts. The ruler of the Kosala struck Abhimanyu + in the chest with a barbed arrow. Abhimanyu, however, quickly felled on + the earth his antagonist’s steeds and standard and bow and charioteer. The + ruler of the Kosalas, then, thus deprived of his car, took up a sword and + wished to sever from Abhimanyu’s trunk his beautiful head, decked with + ear-rings. Abhimanyu then pierced king Vrihadvala, the ruler of the + Kosalas, in the chest, with a strong arrow. The latter then, with riven + heart, fell down. Beholding this, ten thousand illustrious kings broke and + fled. Those kings, armed with swords and bows, fled away, uttering words + inimical (to king Duryodhana’s interest). Having slain<a + href="#linknote-777" name="linknoteref-777" id="linknoteref-777">77</a> + Vrihadvala thus, the son of Subhadra careered in battle, paralysing thy + warriors,—those great bowmen,—by means of arrowy downpours, + thick as rain.’”<a href="#linknote-778" name="linknoteref-778" + id="linknoteref-778">78</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0046" id="link72H_4_0046"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Phalguni’s son once more pierced Karna in the car with a + barbed arrow, and for angering him still further, he pierced him with + fifty other shafts. The son of Radha pierced Abhimanyu in return with as + many shafts. Covered all over with arrows, Abhimanyu, then, O sire, looked + exceedingly beautiful. Filled with rage, he caused Karna also to be bathed + in blood. Mangled with arrows and covered with blood, the brave Karna also + shone greatly.<a href="#linknote-779" name="linknoteref-779" + id="linknoteref-779">79</a> Both of them pierced with arrows, both bathed + in blood, those illustrious warriors then resembled a couple of flowering + Kinsukas. The son of Subhadra then slew six of Karna’s brave counsellors, + conversant with all modes of warfare, with their steeds and charioteers + and cars. As regards other great bowmen Abhimanyu fearlessly pierced each + of them in return, with ten arrows. That feat of his seemed highly + wonderful. Slaying next the son of the ruler of the Magadhas, Abhimanyu, + with six straight shafts, slew the youthful Aswaketu with his four steeds + and charioteer. Then slaying, with a sharp razor-headed arrow, the Bhoja + prince of Martikavata, bearing the device of an elephant (on his banner), + the son of Arjuna uttered a loud shout and began to scatter his shafts on + all sides. Then the son of Duhsasana pierced the four steeds of Abhimanyu + with four shafts, his charioteer with one and Abhimanyu himself with ten. + The son of Arjuna, then, piercing Duhsasana’s son with ten fleet shafts, + addressed him in a loud tone and with eyes red in wrath, said, “Abandoning + the battle, thy sire hath fled like a coward. It is well thou knowest how + to fight. Thou shalt not, however, escape today with life.” Saying these + words unto him, Abhimanyu sped a long arrow, well polished by smith’s + hand, at his foe. The son of Drona cut that arrow with three shafts of his + own. Leaving Aswatthaman alone, Arjuna’s son struck Salya, in return, + fearlessly pierced him in the chest with highly nine shafts, equipped with + vulture’s feathers. That feat seemed highly wonderful. The son of Arjuna + then cut off Salya’s bow and slew both his Parshni charioteers. Abhimanyu + then pierced Salya himself with six shafts made wholly of iron. Thereupon, + the latter, leaving that steedless car, mounted another. Abhimanyu then + slew five warriors, named Satrunjaya, and Chandraketu, and Mahamegba, and + Suvarchas, and Suryabhasa. He then pierced Suvala’s son. The latter + piercing Abhimanyu with three arrows, said unto Duryodhana, “Let us all + together grind this one, else, fighting singly with us he will slay us + all. O king, think of the means of slaying this one, taking counsel with + Drona and Kripa and others.” Then Karna, the son of Vikartana, said unto + Drona, “Abhimanyu grindeth us all. Tell us the means by which we may slay + him.” Thus addressed, the mighty bowman, Drona, addressing them all, said, + “Observing him with vigilance, have any of you been able to detect any + defeat in this youth? He is careening in all directions. Yet have any of + you been able to detect today the least hole in him? Behold the lightness + of hand and quickness of motion of this lion among men, this son of + Arjuna. In the track of his car, only his bow drawn to a circle can be + seen, so quickly is he aiming his shafts and so quickly is he letting them + off. Indeed, this slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Subhadra, + gratifieth me although he afflicteth my vital breath and stupefieth me + with shafts. Even the mightiest car-warriors, filled with wrath, are + unable to detect any flaw in him. The son of Subhadra, therefore, + careering on the field of battle, gratifieth me greatly. I do not see that + in battle there is any difference between the wielder of Gandiva himself + and this one of great lightness of hand, filling all the points of the + horizon with his mighty shafts.” Hearing these words, Karna, afflicted + with the shafts of Arjuna’s son, once more said unto Drona, “Exceedingly + afflicted with the shafts of Abhimanyu, I am staying in battle, only + because (as a warrior) I should stay here. Indeed, the arrows of this + youth of great energy are exceedingly fierce. Terrible as they are and + possessed of the energy of fire, these arrows are weakening my heart.” The + preceptor then, slowly and with a smile, said unto Karna, “Abhimanyu is + young, his prowess is great. His coat of mail is impenetrable. This one’s + father had been taught by me the method of wearing defensive armour. This + subjugator of hostile towns assuredly knoweth the entire science (of + wearing armour). With shafts well shot, you can, however, cut off his bow, + bow-string, the reins of his steeds, the steeds themselves, and two + Parshni charioteers. O mighty bowman, O son of Radha, if competent, do + this. Making him turn back from the fight (by this means), strike him + then. With his bow in hand he is incapable of being vanquished by the very + gods and the Asuras together. If you wish, deprive him of his car, and + divest him of his bow.” Hearing these words of the preceptor, Vikartana’s + son Karna quickly cut off, by means of his shafts, the bow of Abhimanyu, + as the latter was shooting with great activity. He, of Bhoja’s race (viz., + Kritavarman) then slew his steeds, and Kripa slew his two Parshni + charioteers. The others covered him with showers of arrows after he had + been divested of his bow. Those six great car-warriors, with great speed, + when speed was so necessary, ruthlessly covered that carless youth, + fighting single-handed with them, with showers of arrows. Bowless and + carless, with an eye, however, to his duty (as a warrior), handsome + Abhimanyu, taking up a sword and a shield, jumped into the sky. Displaying + great strength and great activity, and describing the tracks called + Kausika and others, the son of Arjuna fiercely coursed through the sky, + like the prince of winged creatures (viz., Garuda.). “He may fall upon me + sword in hand,” with such thoughts, those mighty bowmen, were on the + lookout for the laches of Abhimanyu, and began to pierce him in that + battle, with their gaze turned upwards. Then Drona of mighty energy, that + conqueror of foes with a sharp arrow quickly cut off the hilt, decked with + gems, of Abhimanyu’s sword. Radha’s son Karna, with sharp shafts, cut off + his excellent shield. Deprived of his sword and shield thus, he came down, + with sound limbs, from the welkin upon the earth. Then taking up a + car-wheel, he rushed in wrath against Drona. His body bright with the dust + of car-wheels, and himself holding the car-wheel in his upraised arms, + Abhimanyu looked exceedingly beautiful, and imitating Vasudeva (with his + discus), became awfully fierce for a while in that battle. His robes dyed + with the blood flowing (from his wounds), his brow formidable with the + wrinkles visible thereon, himself uttering loud leonine roars, lord + Abhimanyu of immeasurable might, staying in the midst of those kings, + looked exceedingly resplendent on the field of battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0047" id="link72H_4_0047"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That joy of Vishnu’s sister (viz., Abhimanyu), that + Atiratha, decked with the weapons of Vishnu himself, looked exceedingly + beautiful on the field of battle and looked like a second Janardana. With + the end of his locks waving in the air, with that supreme weapon upraised + in his hands, his body became incapable of being looked at by the very + gods. The kings beholding it and the wheel in his hands, became filled + with anxiety, and cut that off in a hundred fragments. Then that great + car-warrior, the son of Arjuna, took up a mighty mace. Deprived by them of + his bow and car and sword, and divested also of his wheel by his foes, the + mighty-armed Abhimanyu (mace in hand) rushed against Aswatthaman. + Beholding that mace upraised, which looked like the blazing thunderbolt, + Aswatthaman, that tiger among men, rapidly alighted from his car and took + three (long) leaps (for avoiding Abhimanyu). Slaying Aswatthaman’s steeds + and two Parshni charioteers with that mace of his, Subhadra’s son, pierced + all over with arrows, looked like a porcupine. Then that hero pressed + Suvala’s son, Kalikeya, down into the earth, and slew seven and seventy + Gandhara followers of the latter. Next, he slew ten car-warriors of the + Brahma-Vasatiya race, and then ten huge elephants. Proceeding next towards + the car of Duhsasana’s son, he crushed the latter’s car and steeds, + pressing them down into the earth. The invincible son of Duhsasana, then, + O sire, taking up his mace, rushed at Abhimanyu, saying, “Wait, Wait!” + Then those cousins, those two heroes, with upraised maces, began to strike + each other, desirous of achieving each other’s death, like three-eyed + (Mahadeva) and (the Asura) Andhaka in the days of old. Each of those + chastisers of foes, struck with the other’s mace-ends fell down on the + earth, like two uprooted standards erected to the honour of Indra. Then + Duhsasana’s son, that enhancer of the fame of the Kurus, rising up first, + struck Abhimanyu with the mace on the crown of his head, as the latter was + on the point of rising. Stupefied with the violence of that stroke as also + with the fatigue he had undergone, that slayer of hostile hosts, viz., the + son of Subhadra, fell on the earth, deprived of his senses. Thus, O king, + was one slain by many in battle,—one who had ground the whole army, + like an elephant grinding lotus-stalks in a lake. As he lay dead on the + field, the heroic Abhimanyu looked like a wild elephant slain by the + hunters. The fallen hero was then surrounded by thy troops. And he looked + like an extinguished fire in the summer season after (as it lies) having + consumed a whole forest, or like a tempest divested of its fury after + having crushed mountain crests;<a href="#linknote-780" + name="linknoteref-780" id="linknoteref-780">80</a> or like the sun arrived + at the western hills after having blasted with his heat the Bharata host; + or like Soma swallowed up by Rahu; or like the ocean reft of water. The + mighty car-warriors of thy army beholding Abhimanyu whose face had the + splendour of the full moon, and whose eyes were rendered beautiful in + consequence of lashes black as the feathers of the raven, lying prostrate + on the bare earth, were filled with great joy. And they repeatedly uttered + leonine shouts. Indeed, O monarch, thy troops were in transports of joy, + while tears fell fast from the eyes of the Pandava heroes. Beholding the + heroic Abhimanyu lying on the field of battle, like the moon dropped from + the firmament, diverse creatures, O king, in the welkin, said aloud, + “Alas, this one lieth on the field, slain, while fighting singly, by six + mighty car-warriors of the Dhartarashtra army, headed by Drona and Karna. + This act hath been, we hold, an unrighteous one.” Upon the slaughter of + that hero, the earth looked exceedingly resplendent like the + star-bespangled firmament with the moon. Indeed, the earth was strewn with + shafts equipped with wings of gold, and covered with waves of blood. And + strewn with the beautiful heads of heroes, decked with ear-rings and + variegated turbans of great value, and banners and yak-tails and beautiful + blankets, and begemmed weapons of great efficacy, and the bright ornaments + of cars and steeds, and men and elephants, and sharp and well-tempered + swords, looking like snakes freed from their sloughs, and bows, and broken + shafts, and darts, and swords, and lances, and Kampanas, and diverse other + kinds of weapons, she assumed a beautiful aspect. And in consequence of + the steeds dead or dying, but all weltering in blood, with their riders + (lying about them), felled by Subhadra’s son, the earth in many places + became impassable. And with iron hooks, and elephants—huge as hills—equipped + with shields and weapons and standards, lying about, crushed with shafts, + with excellent cars deprived of steeds and charioteers and car-warriors, + lying scattered on the earth, crushed by elephants and looking like + agitated lakes, with large bodies of foot-soldiers decked with diverse + weapons and lying dead on the ground, the field of battle, wearing a + terrible aspect, inspired all timid hearts with terror. + </p> + <p> + “‘Beholding Abhimanyu, resplendent as the sun or the moon, lying on the + ground, thy troops were in transport of joy, while Pandavas were filled + with grief. When youthful Abhimanyu, yet in his minority, fell, the + Pandava divisions, O king, fled away in the very sight of king + Yudhishthira. Beholding his army breaking upon the fall of Subhadra’s son, + Yudhishthira addressed his brave warriors, saying, “The heroic Abhimanyu, + who without retreating from battle hath been slain, hath certainly + ascended to heaven. Stay then, and fear not, for we shall yet vanquish our + foes.” Endued with great energy and great splendour, king Yudhishthira the + just, that foremost of warriors, saying such words unto his soldiers + inspired with grief, endeavoured to dispel their stupor. The king + continued, “Having in the first instance, slain in battle hostile princes, + resembling snakes of virulent poison, the son of Arjuna hath then given up + his life. Having slain ten thousand warriors, viz., the king of the + Kosalas, Abhimanyu, who was even like Krishna or Arjuna himself, hath + assuredly gone to the abode of Indra. Having destroyed cars and steeds and + men and elephants by thousands, he was still not content with what he did. + Performing as he did such meritorious feats, we should not certainly + grieve for him, he hath gone to the bright regions of the righteous, + regions that men acquire by meritorious deeds.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0048" id="link72H_4_0048"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having thus slain one of their foremost warriors, and + having been afflicted with their arrows, we came back to our encampment in + the evening, covered with blood. Steadfastly gazed at by the enemy, we + slowly left, O monarch, the field of battle, having sustained a severe + loss and nearly deprived of our senses. Then came that wonderful hour + intervening between day and night. Inauspicious howls of jackals were + heard. The sun, with the pale-red hue of the filaments of the lotus, sank + low in the horizon, having approached the western hills. And he took away + with him the splendour of our swords and darts, rapiers and car-fences, + and shields and ornaments. Causing the firmament and the earth to assume + the same hue, the sun assumed his favourite form of fire. The field of + battle was strewn with the motionless bodies of innumerable elephants + deprived of life, looking like crests of cloud-capped hills riven by the + thunder, and lying about with their standards and hooks and riders fallen + from their backs. The earth looked beautiful with large cars crushed to + pieces, and with their warriors and charioteers and ornaments and steeds + and standards and banners crushed, broken and torn. Those huge cars, O + king, looked like living creatures deprived of their lives by the foe with + his shafts. The field of battle assumed a fierce and awful aspect in + consequence of large number of steeds and riders all lying dead, with + costly trappings and blankets of diverse kinds scattered about, and + tongues and teeth and entrails and eyes of those creatures bulging out of + their places. Men decked with costly coats of mail and ornaments and robes + and weapons, deprived of life, lay with slain steeds and elephants and + broken cars, on the bare ground, perfectly helpless, although deserving of + costly beds and blankets. Dogs and jackals, and crown and cranes and other + carnivorous birds, and wolves and hyenas, and ravens and other + food-drinking creatures, all diverse tribes of Rakshasas, and large number + of Pisachas, on the field of battle, tearing the skins of the corpse and + drinking their fat, blood and marrow, began to eat their flesh. And they + began to suck also the secretions of rotten corpses, while the Rakshasas + laughed horribly and sang aloud, dragging dead bodies numbering thousands. + An awful river, difficult to cross, like the Vaitarani itself, was caused + there by foremost of warriors. Its waters were constituted by the blood + (of fallen creatures). Cars constituted the rafts (on which to cross it), + elephants formed its rocks, and the heads of human beings, its smaller + stones. And it was miry with the flesh (of slain steeds and elephants and + men). And diverse kinds of costly weapons constituted the garlands + (floating on it or lying on its banks). And that terrible river flowed + fiercely through the middle of the field of battle, wafting living + creatures to the regions of the dead. And large numbers of Pisachas, of + horrible and repulsive forms, rejoiced, drinking and eating in that + stream. And dogs and jackals and carnivorous birds, all eating of the same + food, and inspiring living creatures with terror, held their high carnival + there. And the warriors, gazing on that field of battle which, enhancing + the population of Yama’s domain, presented such an awful sight, and where + human corpses rising up, began to dance, slowly left it as they beheld the + mighty car-warrior Abhimanyu who resembled Sakra himself, lying on the + field, his costly ornaments displaced and fallen off, and looking like a + sacrificial fire on the altar no longer drenched with clarified butter.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0049" id="link72H_4_0049"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the slaughter of that hero, that leader of + car-divisions, viz., the son of Subhadra, the Pandava warriors, leaving + their cars and putting off their armour, and throwing aside their bows, + sat, surrounding king Yudhishthira. And they were brooding over that grief + of theirs, their hearts fixed upon the (deceased) Abhimanyu. Indeed, upon + the fall of that heroic nephew of his, viz., the mighty car-warrior + Abhimanyu, king Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief, indulged in (these) + lamentations: “Alas, Abhimanyu, from desire of achieving my good, pierced + the array formed by Drona and teeming with his soldiers. Encountering him + in battle, mighty bowmen endued with great courage, accomplished in + weapons and incapable of being easily defeated in battle, were routed and + forced to retreat. Encountering our implacable foe Duhsasana in battle, he + with his arrows, caused that warrior to fly away from the field, deprived + of his senses. Alas, the heroic son of Arjuna, having crossed the vast sea + of Drona’s army, was ultimately obliged to become a guest of Yama’s abode, + upon encountering the son of Duhsasana. When Abhimanyu is slain, how shall + I cast my eyes on Arjuna and also the blessed Subhadra deprived of her + favourite son? What senseless, disjointed, and improper words shall we + have to say today unto Hrishikesa and Dhananjaya! Desirous of achieving + what is good, and expectant of victory, it is I who have done this great + evil unto Subhadra and Kesava and Arjuna. He that is covetous never + beholdeth his faults. Covetousness spring from folly. Collectors of honey + see not the fall that is before them; I am even like them. He who was only + a child, he who should have been provided with (good) food, with vehicles, + with beds, with ornaments, alas, even he was placed by us in the van of + battle. How could good come to a child of tender years, unskilled in + battle, in such a situation of great danger. Like a horse of proud mettle, + he sacrificed himself instead of refusing to do the bidding of his master. + Alas, we also shall today lay ourselves down on the bare earth, blasted by + the glances of grief, cast by Arjuna filled with wrath. Dhananjaya, + liberal, intelligent, modest, forgiving, handsome, mighty, possessed of + well-developed and beautiful limbs, respectful to superiors, heroic, + beloved, and devoted to truth, of glorious achievements, the very gods + applaud his feats. That valiant hero slew the Nivatakavachas and the + Kalakeyas, those enemies of Indra having their abode in Hiranyapura. In + the twinkling of an eye he slew the Paulomas with all their followers. + Endued with great might, he granteth quarter to implacable enemies asking + for quarter. Alas, we could not protect today the son of even such a + person from danger. A great fear hath overtaken the Dhartarashtras endued + though they might be with great strength!<a href="#linknote-781" + name="linknoteref-781" id="linknoteref-781">81</a> Enraged at the + slaughter of his son, Partha will exterminate the Kauravas. It is evident + also that the mean-minded Duryodhana having mean counsellors, that + destroyer of his own race and partisans, beholding this extermination of + the Kaurava army, will give up his life in grief. Beholding this son of + Indra’s son, of unrivalled energy and prowess, on the field of battle, + neither victory, nor sovereignty, nor immortality, nor abode with the very + celestials, causeth me the least delight!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0050" id="link72H_4_0050"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION L + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, was indulging in such + lamentations, the great Rishi Krishna Dwaipayana came to him. Worshipping + him duly, and causing him to be seated, Yudhishthira, afflicted with grief + on account of the death of his brother’s son, said, “Alas, while battling + with many mighty bowmen, the son of Subhadra, surrounded by several great + car-warriors of unrighteous propensities, hath been slain on the field. + The slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Subhadra, was a child in years + and of childish understanding.<a href="#linknote-782" + name="linknoteref-782" id="linknoteref-782">82</a> He fought in battle + against desperate odds. I asked him to open a passage for us in battle. He + penetrated within the hostile army, but we could not follow him, + obstructed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Alas, they that betake themselves + to battle as a profession, always fight with antagonists equally + circumstanced with themselves. This battle, however, that the enemy fought + with Abhimanyu, was an extremely unequal one. It is that which grieves me + greatly and draws tears from me. Thinking of this, I fail to regain peace + of mind.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘The illustrious Vyasa, addressing Yudhishthira who + was indulging in such lamentations and who was thus unmanned by an + accession of sorrow, said these words.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “O Yudhishthira, O thou of great wisdom, O thou that art + master of all branches of knowledge, persons like thee never suffer + themselves to be stupefied by calamities. This brave youth, having slain + numerous foes hath ascended to heaven. Indeed, that best of persons, + (though a child), acted, however, like one of matured years. O + Yudhishthira, this law is incapable of being transgressed. O Bharata, + Death takes all viz., Gods and Danavas and Gandharvas (without + exception)." </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said, “Alas, these lords of earth, that lie on the bare + earth, slain in the midst of their forces, bereft of consciousness, were + possessed of great might. Others (of their class) possessed strength equal + to that of ten thousand elephants. Others, again, were endued with the + impetuosity and might of the very wind. They have all perished in battle, + slain by men of their own class. I do not behold the person (save one of + their own class) who could slay any of them in battle. Endued with great + prowess, they were possessed of great energy and great might. Alas, they + who used daily to come to battle with this hope firmly implanted in their + hearts, viz., that they would conquer, alas even they, possessed of great + wisdom, are lying on a field, struck (with weapons) and deprived of life. + The significance of the word Death hath today been made intelligible, for + these lords of earth, of terrible prowess, have almost all been dead. + Those heroes are lying motionless; reft of vanity, having succumbed to + foes. Many princes, filled with wrath, have been victimised before the + fire (of their enemies’ wrath). A great doubt possesses me, viz., whence + is Death? Whose (offspring) is Death? What is Death? Why does Death take + away creatures? O grandsire, O thou that resemblest a god, tell me this.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Unto Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, asking him thus, the + illustrious Rishi, comforting him, said these words.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “As regards the matter in hand, O king, this ancient story + of what Narada had in days of old said unto Akampana is cited. King + Akampana, O monarch, I know, while in this world was afflicted with very + great and unbearable grief on account of the death of his son, I will now + tell thee the excellent story about the origin of Death. Having listened + to it, thou wilt be emancipated from sorrow and the touch of affection’s + tie. Listen to me, O sire, as I recite this ancient history. This history + is, indeed, excellent. It enhanceth the period of life, killeth grief and + conduceth to health. It is sacred, destructive of large bodies of foes, + and auspicious of all auspicious things. Indeed, this history is even as + the study of the Vedas. O monarch, it should every morning be listened to + by the foremost of kings who are desirous of longlived children and their + own good. + </p> + <p> + “‘"In days of old, O sire, there was a king named Akampana. Once, on the + field of battle, he was surrounded by his foes and nearly overpowered by + them. He had a son who was called Hari. Equal to Narayana himself in + might, that latter was exceedingly handsome, accomplished in weapons, + gifted with great intelligence, possessed of might, resembled Sakra + himself in battle. Encompassed by countless foes on the field of battle, + he sped thousands of shafts at those warriors and the elephants that + surrounded him. Having achieved the most difficult feats in battle, O + Yudhishthira, that scorcher of foes was, at last, slain in the midst of + the army. Performing the obsequies of his son, king Akampana cleansed + himself.<a href="#linknote-783" name="linknoteref-783" id="linknoteref-783">83</a> + Grieving, however, for his son day and night, the king failed to regain + happiness of mind. Informed of his grief on account of the death of his + son, the celestial Rishi Narada came to his presence. The blessed king, + beholding the celestial Rishi, told the latter everything that had + happened unto him, viz., his defeat at the hands of his foes, and the + slaughter of his son. And the king said, ‘My son was endued with great + energy, and equalled Indra or Vishnu himself in splendour. That mighty son + of mine, having displayed his prowess on the field against countless foes + was at last slain! O illustrious one, who is this Death? What is the + measure of his energy, strength and prowess? O foremost of intelligent + persons, I desire to hear all this truly.’ Hearing these words of his, the + boon giving lord, Narada, recited the following elaborate history, + destructive of grief on account of a son’s death. + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Listen, O mighty-armed king, to this long history, + exactly as I have heard it, O monarch! In the beginning, the Grandsire + Brahma created all creatures. Endued with mighty energy, he saw that the + creation bore no signs of decay. Thereat, O king, the Creator began to + think about the destruction of the universe. Reflecting on the matter, O + monarch, the Creator failed to find any means of destruction. He then + became angry, and in consequence of his anger a fire sprang from the sky. + That fire spread in all directions for consuming everything of the + universe. Then heaven, sky, and earth, all became filled with fire. And + thus the Creator began to consume the whole mobile and immobile universe. + Thereby all creatures, mobile and immobile, were destroyed. Indeed, the + mighty Brahma, frightening everything by the force of his wrath, did all + this. Then Hara, otherwise called Sthanu or Siva, with matted locks on his + head, that Lord of all wanderers of the night, appealed to the divine + Brahma, the Lord of the gods. When Sthanu fell (at Brahma’s feet) from a + desire of doing good to all creatures, the Supreme Deity to that greatest + of ascetics, blazing with splendour, said, “What wish of thine shall we + accomplish, O thou that deservest to have all thy wishes fulfilled? O thou + that hast been born of our wish! We shall do all that may be agreeable to + thee! Tell us, O Sthanu, what is thy wish?”’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0051" id="link72H_4_0051"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Sthanu said, “O lord, thou hadst taken great care for creating diverse + creatures. Indeed, creatures of diverse kinds were created and reared by + thee. Those very creatures, again, are now being consumed through thy + fire. Seeing this, I am filled with compassion. O illustrious lord, be + inclined to grace." </p> + <p> + “‘Brahma said, “I had no desire of destroying the universe, I desired + good of the earth, and it was for this that wrath possessed me. The + goddess Earth, afflicted with the heavy weight of creatures, always urged + me for destroying the creatures on her. Urged by her, I could not however, + find any means for the destruction of the infinite creation. At this wrath + possessed me." </p> + <p> + “‘Rudra said, “Be inclined to grace. O lord of the universe, cherish not + the wrath for the destruction of creatures. No more let creatures, + immobile and mobile, be destroyed. Through thy grace, O illustrious one, + let the threefold universe, viz., the Future, the Past, and the Present + exist. Thou, O Lord, hadst blazed up with wrath. From that wrath of thine, + a substance like fire sprang into existence. That fire is even now + blasting rocks and trees and rivers, and all kinds of herbs and grass. + Indeed, that fire is exterminating the immobile and the mobile universe. + The mobile and the immobile universe is being reduced to ashes. Be + inclined to grace, O illustrious one! Do not give way to wrath. Even this + is the boon I solicit. All created things, O divine Being, belonging to + thee, are being destroyed. Therefore, let thy wrath be appeased. Let it be + annihilated in thy own self. Cast thy eye on thy creatures, inspired with + the desire of doing them good. Do that by which creatures endued with life + may not cease to be. Let not these creatures, with their productive powers + weakened be exterminated. O Creator of the worlds, thou hast appointed me + their Protector, O Lord of the universe, let not the mobile and the + immobile universe to be destroyed. Thou art inclined to grace, and it is + for this that I say these words unto thee.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada continued, ‘Hearing these words (of Mahadeva) the divine Brahma, + from desire of benefiting creatures, held in his own inner self his wrath + that had been roused. Extinguishing the fire, the divine Benefactor of the + world, the great Master, declared the duties of Production and + Emancipation. And while the Supreme Deity exterminated that fire born of + his wrath, there came out from the doors of his diverse senses a female + who was dark and red and tawny, whose tongue and face and eyes were red, + and who was decked with two brilliant ear-rings and diverse other + brilliant ornaments. Issuing out of his body, she smilingly looked at + those two lords of the universe and then set out for the southern quarter. + Then Brahma, that controller of the creation and destruction of the + worlds, called after her by the name of Death. And Brahma, O king, said + unto her, “Slay these creatures of mine! Thou hast been born of that wrath + of mine which I cherished for the destruction (of the universe). By doing + this, kill all creatures including idiots and seers at my command. By + doing this, thou wilt be benefited.” The lotus-lady, called Death, thus + addressed by him reflected deeply, and then helplessly wept aloud in + melodious accents. The Grandsire then caught the tears she had shed, with + his two hands, for the benefit of all creatures, and began to implore her + (with these words).’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0052" id="link72H_4_0052"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘The helpless lady, suppressing her arrow within her own + self, addressed, with joined hands, the Lord of the creation, bending with + humility like a creeper. And she said, “O foremost of speakers, created by + thee how shall I, being a female, do such a cruel and evil act knowing it + to be cruel and evil? I fear unrighteousness greatly. O divine Lord, be + inclined to grace. Sons and friends and brothers and sires and husbands + are always dear; (if I kill them), they who will suffer these losses will + seek to injure me. It is this that I fear. The tears that will fall from + the eyes of woe-stricken and weeping persons, inspire me with fear, O + Lord! I seek thy protection. O divine Being, O foremost of gods, I will + not go to Yama’s abode. O boon-giving one, I implore thee of thy grace, + bowing my head and joining my palms. O grandsire of the worlds, I solicit + (the accomplishment of even) this wish at thy hands!<a href="#linknote-784" + name="linknoteref-784" id="linknoteref-784">84</a> I desire, with thy + permission, to undergo ascetic penances, O Lord of created things! Grant + me this boon, O divine Being, O great master! Permitted by thee, I will go + to the excellent asylum of Dhenuka! Engaged in adoring Thyself, I will + undergo the severest austerities there. I will not be able, O Lord of the + gods, to take away the dear life-breaths of living creatures weeping in + sorrow. Protect me from unrighteousness." </p> + <p> + “‘Brahma said, “O Death, thou hast been intended for achieving the + destruction of creatures. Go, destroy all creatures, thou needst have no + scruples. Even this must be. It cannot be otherwise. Do but my behest. + Nobody in the world will find any fault in thee.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada continued, ‘Thus addressed, that lady became very much + affrighted.<a href="#linknote-785" name="linknoteref-785" + id="linknoteref-785">85</a> Looking at Brahma’s face, she stood with + joined hands. From desire of doing good to creatures, she did not set her + heart upon their destruction. The divine Brahma also, that Lord of the + lord of all creatures, remained silent. And soon the Grandsire became + gratified in his own self. And casting his eyes upon all the creation he + smiled. And, thereupon, creatures continued to live as before i.e., + unaffected by premature death. And upon that invincible and illustrious + Lord having shaken off his wrath, that damsel left the presence of that + wise Deity. Leaving Brahma, without having agreed to destroy creatures, + the damsel called Death speedily proceeded to the retreat called Dhenuka. + Arrived there, she practised excellent and highly austere vows. And she + stood there on one leg for sixteen billions of years, and five times ten + billions also, through pity for living creatures and from desire of doing + them good, and all the time restraining her senses from their favourite + objects. And once again, O king she stood there on one leg for one and + twenty times ten billions of years. And then she wandered for ten times + ten thousand billions of years with the creatures (of the earth). Next, + repairing to the sacred Nanda that was full of cool and pure water, she + passed in those waters eight thousand years. Observing rigid vows at + Nanda, she cleansed herself of all her sins. Then she proceeded, first of + all, to the sacred Kausiki, observant of vow. Living upon air and water + only, she practised austerities there. Repairing then to Panchaganga and + next to Vetasa, that cleansed damsel, by diverse kinds of especial + austerities, emaciated her own body. Going next to the Ganga and thence to + the great Meru, she remained motionless like a stone, suspending her + life-breath. Thence going to the top of Himavat, where the gods had + performed their sacrifice (in days of yore), that amiable and auspicious + girl remained for a billion of years standing on the toe only of her feet. + Wending then to Pushkara, and Gokarna, and Naimisha, and Malaya, she + emaciated her body, practising austerities agreeable to her heart. Without + acknowledging any other god, with steady devotion to the Grandsire, she + lived and gratified the Grandsire in every way. Then the unchangeable + Creator of the worlds, gratified, said unto her, with a softened and + delighted heart, “O Death, why dost thou undergo ascetic austerities so + severe?” Thus addressed, Death said unto the divine Grandsire, “Creatures, + O Lord, are living in health. They do not injure one another even by + words. I shall not be able to slay them. O Lord, I desire even this boon + at thy hands. I fear sin, and it is for this that I am engaged in ascetic + austerities. O blessed one, undertake to remove for ever my fears. I am a + woman, in distress, and without fault. I beg thee, be thou protector.” + Unto her the divine Brahman acquainted with the past, the present and the + future, said, “Thou shalt commit no sin, O Death, by slaying these + creatures. My words can never be futile, O amiable one! Therefore, O + auspicious damsel, slay these creatures of four kinds. Eternal virtue + shall always be thine. That Regent of the world, viz., Yama, and the + diverse disease shall become thy helpmates. I myself and all the gods will + grant thee boons, so that, freed from sin and perfectly cleansed, thou + mayst even acquire glory.” Thus addressed, O monarch, that lady, joining + her hands, once more said these words, seeking her grace by bowing down + unto him with her head. “If, O Lord, this is not to be without me, then + thy command I place upon my head. Listen, however, to what I say. Let + covetousness, wrath, malice, jealousy, quarrel, folly and shamelessness, + and other stern passions tear the bodies of all embodied creatures." </p> + <p> + “‘Brahman said, “It will be, O Death, as thou sayest. Meanwhile, slay + creatures duly. Sin shall not be thine, nor shall I seek to injure thee, O + auspicious one. Those tear-drops of thine that are in my hands, even they + will become diseases, springing from living creatures themselves. They + will kill men; and if men are killed, sin shall not be thine. Therefore, + do not fear. Indeed, sin shall not be thine. Devoted to righteousness, and + observant of thy duty, thou shalt slay (all creatures). Therefore, take + thou always the lives of these living creatures. Casting off both desire + and wrath, take thou the life of all living creatures. Even thus will + eternal virtue be thine. Sin will slay those that are of wicked behaviour. + By doing my bidding cleanse thyself. It will be thine to sink them in + their sins that are wicked. Therefore, cast off both desire and wrath, and + kill these creatures endued with life.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada continued, ‘That damsel, seeing that she was (persistently) + called by the name of Death, feared (to act otherwise). And in terror also + of Brahma’s curse, she said, “Yes!” Unable to do otherwise, she began, + casting off desire and wrath, to take the lives of living creatures when + the time came (for their dissolution). It is only living creatures that + die. Diseases spring from living creatures themselves. Disease is the + abnormal condition of creatures. They are pained by it. Therefore, indulge + not in fruitless grief for creatures after they are dead. The senses, upon + the death of creatures, go with the latter (to the other world), and + achieving their (respective) functions, once more come back (with + creatures when the latter are reborn). Thus all creatures, O lion among + beings, the very gods included, going thither, have to act, like mortals.<a + href="#linknote-786" name="linknoteref-786" id="linknoteref-786">86</a> + The wind, that is awful, of terrible roars and great strength, omnipresent + and endued with infinite energy, it is the wind that will rive the bodies + of living creatures. It will, in this matter put forth no active energy, + nor will it suspend its functions; (but do this naturally). Even all the + gods have the appellation of mortals attached to them. Therefore, O lion + among kings, do not grieve for thy son! Repairing to heaven, the son of + thy body is passing his days in perpetual happiness, having obtained those + delightful regions that are for heroes. Casting off all sorrows, he hath + attained to the companionship of the righteous. Death hath been ordained + by the Creator himself for all creatures! When their hour comes, creatures + are destroyed duly. The death of creatures arises from the creatures + themselves. Creatures kill themselves. Death doth not kill any one, armed + with her bludgeon! Therefore, they that are wise, truly knowing death to + be inevitable, because ordained by Brahma himself, never grieve for + creatures that are dead. Knowing this death to be ordained by the Supreme + God, cast off, without delay, thy grief for thy dead son!’" </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa continued, “Hearing these words of grave import spoken by Narada, + king Akampana, addressing his friend, said, ‘O illustrious one, O foremost + of Rishi, my grief is gone, and I am contented. Hearing this history from + thee, I am grateful to thee and I worship thee.’ That foremost of superior + Rishi, that celestial ascetic of immeasurable soul, thus addressed by the + king, proceeded to the woods of Nandava. The frequent recital of this + history for the hearing of others, as also the frequent hearing of this + history, is regarded as cleansing, leading to fame and heaven and worthy + of approbation. It enhanceth besides, the period of life. Having listened + to this instructive story, cast off thy grief, O Yudhishthira, reflecting + besides on the duties of a Kshatriya and the high state (of blessedness) + attainable by heroes. Abhimanyu, that mighty car-warrior, endued with + mighty energy, having slain (numerous) foes before the gaze of all bowmen, + hath attained to heaven. The great bowman, that mighty car-warrior, + struggling on the field, hath fallen in the battle struck with sword and + mace and dart and bow. Sprung from Soma, he hath disappeared in the lunar + essence, cleansed of all his impurities. Therefore, O son of Pandu, + mustering all thy fortitude, thyself with thy brothers, without allowing + your senses to be stupefied speedily set out, inflamed with rage, for + battle.”’”<a href="#linknote-787" name="linknoteref-787" + id="linknoteref-787">87</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0053" id="link72H_4_0053"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing of the origin of Death and her strange acts, king + Yudhishthira, humbly addressing Vyasa, once more said these words unto + him.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said, “Many kings there were in blessed countries, of + righteous deeds and of prowess equal to that of Indra himself. They were + royal sages, O regenerate one, that were sinless and truth-speaking. Once + more, address me in words of grave import, and console me with (accounts + of) the feats of those royal sages of ancient times. What was the measure + of the sacrificial gifts made by them? Who were those high-souled royal + sages of righteous deeds that made them? Tell me all this, O illustrious + one!" </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “There was a king of the name of Switya. He had a son who + was called Srinjaya. The Rishis Narada and Parvata were his friends. One + day, the two ascetics, for paying Srinjaya a visit, came to his palace. + Duly worshipped by Srinjaya, they became pleased with him, and continued + to live with him happily. Once on a time as Srinjaya was seated at his + case with the two ascetics, his beautiful daughter of sweet smiles came to + him. Saluted with reverence by his daughter, Srinjaya delighted that girl + standing by his side with proper benedictions of the kind she desired. + Beholding that maiden, Parvata smilingly asked Srinjaya, saying, ‘Whose + daughter is this damsel of restless glances and possessed of every + auspicious mark? Is she the splendour of Surya, or the flame of Agni? Or, + is she any of these, viz., Sri, Hri, Kirti, Dhriti, Pushti, Siddhi, and + the splendour of Soma?’ After the celestial Rishi (Parvata) said these + words, king Srinjaya answered, saying, ‘O illustrious one, this girl is my + daughter. She beggeth my blessings.’ Then Narada addressed king Srinjaya + and said. ‘If, O monarch, thou wishest for great good (to thyself), then + give this daughter of thine unto me for a wife.’ Delighted (with the + Rishi’s proposal), Srinjaya addressed Narada, saying, ‘I give her unto + thee.’ At this, the other Rishi, viz., Parvata, indignantly addressed + Narada, saying, ‘Chosen before this by me, within my heart, thou hast + taken this damsel as thy wife. And since thou hast done this, thou, O + Brahmana, shalt not go to heaven as thy will.’ Thus addressed by him, + Narada answered him, saying, ‘The husband’s heart and speech (directed + thereto), (the giver’s) consent, the speeches (of both), the actual gift + made by sprinkling water, and the (recital of the mantras) ordained for + the seizure of the (bride’s hand),—these have been declared to be + indications by which one is constituted a husband. Even this ceremonial is + not all. That which (above all) is essential is the walk for seven paces + (by the bride in circumambulating the bridegroom).<a href="#linknote-788" + name="linknoteref-788" id="linknoteref-788">88</a> Without these thy + purpose (about marriage) have been unaccomplished. Thou hast cursed. + Therefore, thou also shalt not go to heaven without me.’ Having cursed + each other those two Rishis continued to live there. Meanwhile, king + Srinjaya, desirous of (obtaining) a son, began, with cleansed soul, to + carefully entertain the Brahmanas, to the utmost of his power, with food + and robes. After a certain time, those foremost of Brahmanas devoted to + the study of the Vedas and fully conversant with those scriptures and + their branches became gratified with that monarch, desirous of getting a + son. Together they came to Narada and said unto him, ‘Give this king a son + of the kind he desires.’—Thus addressed by the Brahmanas, Narada + replied unto them, saying, ‘So be it.’—and then the celestial Rishi + addressed Srinjaya saying, ‘O royal sage, the Brahmanas have been pleased + and they wish thee a son! Solicit thou the boon, blessed be thou, about + the kind of son thou desirest.’ Thus addressed by him, the king, with + joined hands, asked for a son possessed of every accomplishment, famous, + of glorious feats, of great energy, and capable of chastising all foes. + And he further asked that the urine, the excreta, the phlegm and the sweat + of that child should be gold. And in due time the king had a son born unto + him, who came to be named Suvarnashthivin<a href="#linknote-789" + name="linknoteref-789" id="linknoteref-789">89</a> on earth. And in + consequence of the boon, that child began to increase (his father’s) + wealth beyond all limits. And king Srinjaya caused all desirable things of + his to be made of gold. And his houses and walls and forts, and the houses + of all Brahmanas (within his dominions), and his beds, vehicles, and + plates, and all manners of pots and cups, and palace that he owned, and + all implements and utensils, domestic and otherwise were made of gold. And + in time his stock increased. Then certain robbers hearing of the prince + and seeing him to be such, assembled together and sought to injure the + king. And some amongst them said, ‘We will seize the king’s son himself. + He is his father’s mine of gold. Towards that end, therefore, we should + strive.’ Then those robbers inspired with avarice, penetrating into the + king’s palace, forcibly took away prince Suvarnashthivin. Having seized + and taken him to the woods, those senseless idiots, inspired with avarice + but ignorant of what to do with him, slew him there and cut his body in + fragments. They saw not, however, any gold in him. After the prince was + slain, all the gold, obtained in consequence of the Rishi’s boon, + disappeared. The ignorant and senseless robbers struck one another. And + striking one another thus, they perished and with them that wonderful + prince on the earth. And those men of wicked deeds sank in an unimaginable + and awful hell. Seeing that son of his, obtained through the Rishi’s boon + thus slain, that great ascetic, viz., king Srinjaya, afflicted with deep + sorrow, began to lament in piteous accents. Beholding the king afflicted + with grief on account of his son, and thus weeping, the celestial Rishi + Narada showed himself in his presence. Listen, O Yudhishthira, to what + Narada said unto Srinjaya, having approached that king, who afflicted with + grief and deprived of his senses, was indulging in piteous lamentations. + Narada said, ‘Srinjaya, with thy desires unfulfilled, thou shalt have to + die, although we utterers of Brahma, live in thy house. Avikshit’s son + Marutta even, O Srinjaya, we hear, had to die. Piqued with Vrihaspati, he + had caused Samvatta<a href="#linknote-790" name="linknoteref-790" + id="linknoteref-790">90</a> himself to officiate at his great sacrifices! + Unto that royal sage the illustrious lord (Mahadeva) himself had given + wealth in the shape of a golden plateau of Himavat. (With that wealth) + king Marutta had performed diverse sacrifices. Unto him, after the + completion of his sacrifices diverse tribes of celestials, those creators + of the universe, with Indra himself in their company and with Vrihaspati + at their head, used to come. All the carpets and furnitures of his + sacrificial compound were of gold. The regenerate classes, desirous of + food, all ate as they pleased, at his sacrifices, food that was clean and + agreeable to their desires. And in all his sacrifices, milk and curds and + clarified butter and honey, and other kinds of food and edibles, all of + the best order, and robes and ornaments covetable for their costliness, + gratified Brahmanas, thoroughly conversant with the Vedas. The very gods + used to become distributors of food in king Marutta’s palace. The + Viswedevas were the courtiers of that royal sage, the son of Avikshit. By + him were gratified the denizens of heaven with libations of clarified + butter. And gratified (therewith), these, in their turn, increased that + powerful ruler’s wealth of crops with copious showers of rain. He always + contributed to the gratification of the Rishis, the Pitris, and the gods, + and thereby made them happy, by practising Brahmacharya, study of the + Vedas, obsequial rites, and all kinds of gifts. And his beds and carpets + and vehicles, and his vast stores of gold difficult to be given away, in + fact, all that untold wealth of his, was given away voluntarily unto the + Brahmanas. Sakra himself used to wish him well. His subjects were made + happy (by him). Acting always with piety, he (ultimately) repaired to + those eternal regions of bliss, acquired by his religious merit. With his + children and counsellors and wives and descendants and kinsmen, king + Marutta, in his youth, ruled his kingdom for a thousand years. When such a + king, O Srinjaya, died who was superior to thee, in respect of the four + cardinal virtues (viz., ascetic penances, truth, compassion, and + liberality), and who, superior to thee, was much superior to thy son, do + not grieve saying “O Swaitya,” for thy son who performed no sacrifice and + gave no sacrificial present.’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0054" id="link72H_4_0054"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘King Suhotra also, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a prey to + death. He was the foremost of heroes, and invincible in battle. The very + gods used to come for seeing him. Acquiring his kingdom virtuously, he + sought the advice of his Ritwijas and domestic priests and Brahmanas for + his own good, and enquiring of them, used to obey their behests. + Well-acquainted with the duty of protecting his subjects, possessed of + virtue and liberality, performing sacrifices and subjugating foes, king + Suhotra wished for the increase of his wealth. He adored the gods by + following the ordinances of the scriptures, and defeated his foes by means + of his arrows. He gratified all creatures by means of his own excellent + accomplishments. He ruled the earth, freeing her from Mlecchas and the + forest-thieves.<a href="#linknote-791" name="linknoteref-791" + id="linknoteref-791">91</a> The deity of the clouds showered gold unto him + from year’s end to year’s end. In those olden days, therefore, the rivers + (in his kingdom) ran (liquid) gold, and were open to everybody for use.<a + href="#linknote-792" name="linknoteref-792" id="linknoteref-792">92</a> + The deity of the clouds showered on his kingdom large number of alligators + and crabs and fishes of diverse species and various objects of desire, + countless in number, that were all made of gold. The artificial lakes in + that king’s dominions each measured full two miles. Beholding thousands of + dwarfs and humpbacks and alligators and Makaras, and tortoises all made of + gold, king Suhotra wondered much. That unlimited wealth of gold, the royal + sage Suhotra performing a sacrifice at Kurujangala, gave away unto the + Brahmanas, before the completion of the sacrifice. Having performed a + thousand Horse-sacrifices, a hundred Rajasuyas, many sacred + Kshatriya-sacrifices<a href="#linknote-793" name="linknoteref-793" + id="linknoteref-793">93</a> in all of which he made abundant presents to + the Brahmanas and having performed daily rites, almost countless in + number, undergone from specified desires, the king ultimately obtained a + very desirable end. When, O Srinjaya, such a king died, who was superior + to thee as regards the four cardinal virtues and who, superior to thee, + was therefore, much superior to thy son, thou shouldst not grieve saying, + “Oh Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” for thy son performed no sacrifice and made no + sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0055" id="link72H_4_0055"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘The heroic king Paurava also, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. That king gave away a thousand times thousand horses that + were all white in hue. At the Horse-sacrifice performed by that royal + sage, countless number of learned Brahmanas versed in the principles of + Siksha<a href="#linknote-794" name="linknoteref-794" id="linknoteref-794">94</a> + and Akshara come from diverse realms. These Brahmanas, purified by the + Vedas, by knowledge, and by vows, and liberal and of agreeable + countenances, having obtained from the king costly gifts, such as robes + and houses and excellent beds and carpets and vehicles and draft-cattle, + were always delighted by actors and dancers and singers, thoroughly + competent and well-versed (in their respective art), engaged in sport and + ever-striving for their diversion. At each of his sacrifices in due time + he gave away as sacrificial presents ten thousand elephants of golden + splendour, with the temporal juice trickling down their bodies, and cars + made of gold with standards and banners. He also gave away, as sacrificial + presents, a thousand times thousand maidens decked with ornaments of gold, + and cars and steeds and elephants for mounting, and houses and fields, and + hundreds of kine, by hundreds of thousand, and thousands of cowherds + decked with gold. They that are acquainted with the history of the past, + sing this song, viz., that in that sacrifice, king Paurava gave away kine + with calves, having golden horns and silver hoofs and brass milkpots, and + female slaves and male slaves and asses and camels, and sheep, countless + in number, and diverse kinds of gems and diverse hill-like mounds of food. + That sacrificing king of the Angas successively performed, in the order of + their merit, and according to what was competent for his own class, many + auspicious sacrifices capable of yielding every object of desire. When + such a king, O Srinjaya, died who was superior to thee as regards the four + cardinal virtues and who, superior to thee was, therefore, much more + superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, saying “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” + grieve for thy son who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial + present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0056" id="link72H_4_0056"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Usinara’s son, Sivi also, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. That king had, as it were, put a leathern girdle around the + earth, making the earth with her mountains and islands and seas and + forests resound with the clatter of his car. The vanquisher of foes, viz., + king Sivi, always slew the foremost of foes. He performed many sacrifices + with presents in profusion unto the Brahmanas. That monarch of great + prowess and great intelligence had acquired enormous wealth. In battle he + won the applause of all Kshatriyas.<a href="#linknote-795" + name="linknoteref-795" id="linknoteref-795">95</a> Having brought the + whole earth under subjection, he performed many Horse-sacrifices, without + any obstruction, which were productive of great merit giving away (as + sacrificial present) a thousand crores of golden nishkas, and many + elephants and steeds and other kinds of animals, much grain, and many deer + and sheep. And king Sivi gave away the sacred earth consisting of diverse + kinds of soil unto the Brahmanas. Indeed, Usinara’s son, Sivi, gave away + as many kine as the number of rain-drops showered on the earth, or the + number of stars in the firmament, or the number of sand-grains on the bed + of Ganga, or the number of rocks that constitute the mountain called Meru, + or the number of gems or of (aquatic) animals in the ocean. The Creator + himself hath not met with and will not meet within the past, the present, + or the future, another king capable of bearing the burdens that king Sivi + bore. Many were the sacrifices, with every kind of rites, that king Sivi + performed. In those sacrifices, the stakes, the carpets, the houses, the + walls, and the arches, were all made of gold. Food and drink, agreeable to + the taste and perfectly clean were kept in profusion. And the Brahmanas + that repaired to them could be counted by myriads and myriads. Abounding + with viands of every description, nothing but agreeable words such as give + away and take were heard there. Milk and curds were collected in large + lakes. In his sacrificial compound, there were rivers of drink and white + hills of food. “Bathe, and drink and eat as ye like,” these were the only + words heard there. Gratified with his righteous deeds, Rudra granted Sivi + a boon, saying, “As thou givest away, let thy wealth, thy devotion,—thy + fame, thy religious acts, the love that all creatures bear thee, and the + heaven (thou attain), be all inexhaustible.” Having obtained all these + desirable boons, even Sivi, when the time came, left this world for + heaven. When, O Srinjaya, he died who was superior to thee, was much + superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, + Swaitya”, grieve for thy son who performed no sacrifice and made no + sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0057" id="link72H_4_0057"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Rama, the son of Dasaratha, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. His subjects were as much delighted with him, as a sire is + delighted with the children of his loins. Endued with immeasurable energy, + countless virtues were there in him. Of unfading glory, Rama, the elder + brother of Lakshmana, at the command of his father, lived for fourteen + years in the woods, with his wife. That bull among men slew in Janasthana + fourteen thousand Rakshasas for the protection of the ascetics. While + dwelling there, the Rakshasa called Ravana, beguiling both him and his + companion (Lakshmana) abducted his wife, the princess of Videha. Like the + Three-eyed (Mahadeva), in days of old, slaying (the Asura) Andhaka, Rama + in wrath slew in battle that offender of Pulastya’s race who had never + before been vanquished by any foe. Indeed, the mighty-armed Rama slew in + battle that descendant of Pulastya’s race with all his kinsmen and + followers, that Rakshasa who was incapable of being slain by the gods and + the Asuras together, that wretch who was a thorn unto the gods and the + Brahmanas. In consequence of his affectionate treatment of his subjects, + the celestials worshipped Rama. Filling the entire earth with his + achievements, he was much applauded even by the celestial Rishis. + Compassionate unto all creatures, that king, having acquired diverse + realms and protected his subjects virtuously, performed a great sacrifice + without obstruction. And the lord, Rama, also performed a hundred + Horse-sacrifices and the great sacrifice called Jaruthya. And with + libations of clarified butter he contributed to Indra’s delight.<a + href="#linknote-796" name="linknoteref-796" id="linknoteref-796">96</a> + And by these acts of his, Rama conquered hunger and thirst, and all the + diseases to which living creatures are subject. Possessed of every + accomplishment, he always blazed forth with his own energy. Indeed, Rama, + the son of Dasaratha, greatly outshone all creatures. When Rama ruled his + kingdom, the Rishis, the gods, and men, all lived together on the earth. + The lives of living creatures were never otherwise. The life-breaths also, + called Prana, Apana, Samana, and the others, when Rama ruled his kingdom, + all performed their functions. All luminous bodies shone brighter, and + calamities never occurred. All his subjects were long-lived. None died in + youth. The dwellers of heaven highly gratified, used to get, according to + (the ordinances of) the four Vedas, libations of clarified butter and + other offerings of food made by men. His realms were free from flies and + gnats; and of beasts of prey and poisonous reptiles, there were none. And + none was of unrighteous tendencies, none was covetous, and none was + ignorant. The subjects, of all the (four) orders, were engaged in + righteous and desirable acts. When the Rakshasas, about this time + obstructed the offerings to the Pitris and the worship of the gods in + Janasthana, Lord Rama, slaying them, caused those offerings and that + worship to be once more given to the Pitris and the gods. Men were each + blessed with a thousand children, and the period of their lives was a + thousand years. Seniors had never to perform Sraddhas of their juniors.<a + href="#linknote-797" name="linknoteref-797" id="linknoteref-797">97</a> + Youthful in shape, of a dark-blue hue, of red eyes, possessed of the tread + of an infuriated elephant, with arms reaching down to the knees, and + beautiful and massive, of leonine shoulders, of great strength, and + beloved by all creatures, Rama ruled his kingdom for eleven thousand + years. His subjects always uttered his name. While Rama ruled his kingdom, + the world became extremely beautiful. Taking at last his four kinds of + subjects<a href="#linknote-798" name="linknoteref-798" id="linknoteref-798">98</a> + with him Rama went to heaven, having established his own line consisting + of eight houses on the earth. When even he died, O Srinjaya, who was + superior to thee in respect of the four cardinal virtues and superior to + thy son, thou shouldst not lament, saying “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” for + thy son who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0058" id="link72H_4_0058"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Even king Bhagiratha, O Srinjaya, we hear, was dead. He + caused the shores of Ganga, called after his name Bhagirath to be covered + with flights of steps made of gold.<a href="#linknote-799" + name="linknoteref-799" id="linknoteref-799">99</a> Surpassing all kings + and all princes, he gave unto the Brahmanas a thousand times thousand + damsels decked with ornaments of gold. All those damsels were upon cars. + And unto every car were yoked four steeds, and behind each car were a + hundred kine. And behind each cow were (many) goats and sheep. King + Bhagiratha gave enormous presents at his sacrifices. For that reason a + large concourse of men assembled there. Afflicted there with Ganga was + much pained. “Protect Me,” she said and sat down on his lap. And because + Ganga thus sat upon his lap in days of old, therefore, she, like the + celestial dancer Urvasi came to be regarded as his daughter and was named + after his name. And having become the king’s daughter, she became his son + (by becoming like a son, the means of salvation unto his deceased + ancestors).<a href="#linknote-7100" name="linknoteref-7100" id="linknoteref-7100">100</a> Sweet-speeched Gandharvas of celestial + splendour, gratified, sang all this in the hearing of the Rishis, the + gods, and human beings.<a href="#linknote-7101" name="linknoteref-7101" id="linknoteref-7101">101</a> Thus, O Srinjaya, did that goddess, viz., + the ocean-going Ganga, select lord Bhagiratha, descendant of Ikshvaku, the + performer of sacrifices with profuse gifts (to the Brahmanas), as her + father. His sacrifices were always graced with (the presence of) the very + gods with Indra at their head. And the gods used to take their respective + shares, by removing all impediments, to facilitate those sacrifices in + every way. Possessed of great ascetic merit, Bhagiratha gave unto the + Brahmanas whatever benefit they desired without obliging them to stir from + the place wherever they might entertain those desires. There was nothing + which he could withhold from the Brahmanas. Every one received from him + everything he coveted. At last, the king ascended to the region of + Brahman, through the grace of the Brahmanas. For that object on which the + Rishis that subsisted on the rays of the sun used to wait upon the sun and + the presiding deity of the sun, for that very object they used to wait + upon the lord Bhagiratha, that ornament of the three worlds. When he died, + O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee, as regards the four cardinal + virtues, and who, superior to thee, was much superior to thy son, thou + shouldst not grieve, saying “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” for the latter who + performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0059" id="link72H_4_0059"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Dilipa, the son of Havila, too, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell + a prey to death. Brahmanas, vested in knowledge of Truth, devoted to the + performance of sacrifices, blessed with children and children’s children + and numbering myriads upon myriads, were present at his hundreds of + sacrifices. King Dilipa, having performed various sacrifices, gave away + this earth, filled with treasures, unto the Brahmanas. At the sacrifices + of Dilipa, the roads were all made of gold. The very gods, with Indra at + their head used to come to him regarding him as Dharma himself. The upper + and lower rings of his sacrificial stake were made of gold. Eating his + Raga-khandavas, many persons, at his sacrifices, were seen to lie down on + the roads. While battling over the waters, the two wheels of Dilipa’s car + never sank in that liquid. This seemed exceedingly wonderful, and never + occurred to other kings. Even those that saw king Dilipa, that firm + bowman, always truthful in speech and giving away profuse gifts at his + sacrifices, succeeded in ascending to heaven. In the abode of Dilipa, + called also Khattanga, these five sounds were always to be heard, viz., + the sound of Vedic recitations, the twang of bows, and Drink, Enjoy, and + Eat! When he died, O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee in respect of the + four cardinal virtues and who superior to thee, was much superior to thy + son, thou shouldst not, saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” grieve for thy + son who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial gifts.’”’”<a + href="#linknote-7102" name="linknoteref-7102" id="linknoteref-7102">102</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0060" id="link72H_4_0060"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Mandhatri, the son of Yuvanaswa, O Srinjaya, we hear, + fell a prey to death. That king vanquished the gods, the Asuras and men. + Those celestials, viz., the twin Aswins, brought him out of his father’s + womb by a surgical operations. Once on a time, king Yuvanaswa while + chasing the deer in the forest, became very thirsty and his steeds also + became exceedingly fatigued. Beholding a wreath of smoke, the king + (directed by it) went to a sacrifice and drank the sacred sacrificial + butter that lay scattered there. (The king, thereupon, conceived). + Beholding that Yuvanaswa was quick with child, those best of physicians, + viz., the twin Aswins among the celestials, extracted the child from the + king’s womb. Seeing that child of celestial splendour lying on the lap on + his father, the gods said unto one another, “What shall support this + child?” Then Vasava said, “Let the child suck my fingers.” Thereupon from + the fingers of Indra issued milk sweet as nectar. And since Indra from + compassion, said, “He will draw his sustenance from me,” and showed him + that kindness, therefore, the gods named that child Mandhatri.<a + href="#linknote-7103" name="linknoteref-7103" id="linknoteref-7103">103</a> + Then jets of milk and clarified butter dropped into the mouth of + Yuvanaswa’s son from the hand of the high-souled Indra. The boy continued + to suck the hand of Indra and by that means to grow. In twelve days he + became twelve cubits in stature and endued with great prowess. And he + conquered the whole of this earth in the course of a single day. Of + virtuous soul, possessed of great intelligence, heroic, devoted to truth + and a master of his passions, Mandhatri vanquished by his bow Janamejaya + and Sudhanwan and Jaya and Suna<a href="#linknote-7104" name="linknoteref-7104" id="linknoteref-7104">104</a> and Vrihadratha and + Nriga. And the lands lying between the hill where the sun rises and the + hill where he sets, are known to this day as the dominion of Mandhatri. + Having performed a hundred Horse-sacrifices and a hundred Rajasuya + sacrifices also, he gave away, O monarch, unto the Brahmanas, some Rohita + fish made of gold, that were ten Yojanas in length and one Yojana in + breadth. Mountains of savoury food and comestibles of diverse kinds, after + the Brahmanas had been entertained, were eaten by others, (who came at his + sacrifices) and contributed to their gratification. Vast quantities of + food and eatables and drink, and mountains of rice, looked beautiful as + they stood. Many rivers, having lakes of clarified butter, with diverse + kinds of soup for their mire, curds for their froth and liquid honey for + their water, looking beautiful, and wafting honey and milk, encircled + mountains of solid viands. Gods and Asuras and Men and Yakshas and + Gandharvas and Snakes and Birds, and many Brahmanas, accomplished in the + Vedas and their branches, and many Rishis came to his sacrifices. Amongst + those present there, none was illiterate. King Mandhatri, having bestowed + the earth bounded by the seas and full of wealth upon the Brahmanas, at + last disappeared like the sun. Filling all the points of the compass with + his fame, he repaired to the regions of the righteous. When he died, O + Srinjaya, who excelled thee in the four cardinal virtues and who, superior + to thee, was much superior to thy son, thou shouldst not grieve, saying, + “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya” for the latter who performed no sacrifice and + made no sacrificial gift.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0061" id="link72H_4_0061"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Yayati, the son of Nahusha, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. Having performed a hundred Rajasuyas, a hundred + Horse-sacrifices, a thousand Pundarikas, a hundred Vajapeyas, a thousand + Atiratras, innumerable Chaturmasyas, diverse Agnishtomas, and many other + kinds of sacrifices, in all of which he made profuse gifts unto the + Brahmanas, he gave away unto the Brahmanas, having counted it first, the + whole of the wealth that existed on the earth in the possession of + Mlecchas and other Brahmana-hating people. When the gods and the Asuras + were arrayed for battle, king Yayati aided the gods. Having divided the + earth into four parts, he gave it away unto four persons. Having performed + various sacrifices and virtuously begotten excellent offspring upon (his + wives) Devayani, the daughter of Usanas and Sarmishtha, king Yayati, who + was like unto a celestial, roved through the celestial woods at his own + pleasure, like a second Vasava. Acquainted with all the Vedas, when, + however, he found that he was not satiated with the indulgence of his + passions, he then, with his wives, retired into the forest, saying this: + “Whatever of paddy and wheat and gold and animals and women there are on + earth, even the whole of these is not sufficient for one man. Thinking of + this, one should cultivate contentment.” Thus abandoning all his desires, + and attaining to contentment, the lord Yayati, installing (his son) on his + throne, retired into the forest. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was + superior to thee in respect of the four cardinal virtues and who, superior + to thee, was much superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, saying, “Oh, + Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya”, grieve for the latter who performed no sacrifice + and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0062" id="link72H_4_0062"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIV + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Nabhaga’s son, Amvarisha, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. Alone he battled a thousand times with a thousand kings. + Desirous of victory, those foes, accomplished in weapons, rushed against + him in battle from all sides, uttering fierce exclamations. Aided by his + strength and activity and the skill he had acquired by practice, he cut + off, by the force of his weapons, the umbrellas, the weapons, the + standards, the cars, and the lances of those enemies, and dispelled his + anxieties.<a href="#linknote-7105" name="linknoteref-7105" id="linknoteref-7105">105</a> Desirous of saving their lives, those men, + doffing their coats of mail, implored him (for mercy). They sought his + protection, saying, “We yield ourselves to thee.” Reducing them to + subjection and conquering the whole earth, he performed a hundred + sacrifices of the best kind, according to the rites ordained in the + scriptures, O sinless one! Food possessed of every agreeable quality was + eaten (at those sacrifices) by large classes of people. At those + sacrifices, the Brahmanas were respectfully worshipped and greatly + gratified. And the regenerate classes ate sweet-meats, and Purikas and + Puras, and Apupas and Sashkalis of good taste and large size, and + Karambhas and Prithumridwikas, and diverse kinds of dainties, and various + kinds of soup, and Maireyaka, and Ragakhandavas, and diverse kinds of + confectionary, well-prepared, soft, and of excellent fragrance, and + clarified butter, and honey, and milk, and water, and sweet curds, and + many kinds of fruits and roots agreeable to the taste.<a + href="#linknote-7106" name="linknoteref-7106" id="linknoteref-7106">106</a> + And they that were habituated to wine drank in due time diverse kinds of + intoxicating drinks for the sake of the pleasure that those produced, and + sang and played upon their musical instruments. And others, by thousands, + intoxicated with what they drank, danced and merrily sang hymns to the + praise of Amvarisha; while others, unable to keep themselves erect, fell + down on the earth. In those sacrifices, king Amvarisha gave, as + sacrificial presents, the kingdoms of hundreds and thousands of kings unto + the ten million priests (employed by him). Having performed diverse + sacrifices the king gave unto the Brahmanas, as sacrificial presents, + numbers of princes and kings whose coronal locks had undergone the sacred + bath, all cased in golden coats of mail, all having white umbrellas spread + over their heads, all seated on golden cars, all attired in excellent + robes and having large trains of followers, and all bearing their + sceptres, and in possession of their treasuries. The great Rishis, seeing + what he did, were highly gratified, and said, “None amongst men in past + times did, none in future will be able to do, what king Amvarisha of + profuse liberality, is doing now.” When he, O Srinjaya, died who was + superior to thee in respect of the four cardinal virtues and who superior + to thee, was much more superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, therefore, + saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya”, grieve for the latter who performed no + sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0063" id="link72H_4_0063"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXV + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘King Sasavindu, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a prey to + death. Of great beauty and of prowess incapable of being baffled, he + performed diverse sacrifices. That high-souled monarch had one hundred + thousand wives. From each of those wives were born a thousand sons. All + those princes were endued with great prowess. They performed millions of + sacrifices. Accomplished in the Vedas, those kings performed many foremost + of sacrifices. All of them were cased (on occasions of battle) in golden + coats of mail. And all of them were excellent bowmen. All these princes + born of Sasavindu performed Horse-sacrifices. Their father, O best of + monarchs, in the Horse-sacrifices he had performed, gave away, (as + sacrificial presents), all those sons unto the Brahmanas. Behind each of + those princes were hundreds upon hundreds of cars and elephants and fair + maidens decked in ornaments of gold. With each maiden were a hundred + elephants; with each elephant, a hundred cars; with each car a hundred + steeds, adorned with garlands of gold. With each of those steeds were a + thousand kine; and with each cow were fifty goats. The highly blessed + Sasavindu gave away unto the Brahmanas, in the great Horse-sacrifice of + his such unlimited wealth. The king caused as many sacrificial stakes of + gold to be made for that great Horse-sacrifice of his as is the number, + double of sacrificial stakes of wood in other sacrifices of the kind. + There were mountains of food and drink of the height of about two miles + each. Upon the completion of his Horse-sacrifice, thirteen such mountains + of food and drink remained (untouched). His kingdom abounded in people + that were contented and well-fed. And it was free from all inroads of evil + and the people were perfectly happy. Having ruled for many long years, + Sasavindu, at last, ascended to heaven. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was + superior to thee in respect of the four cardinal virtues and who superior + to thee was, therefore, much more superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, + saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh Swaitya”, grieve for the latter who performed no + sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0064" id="link72H_4_0064"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Gaya, the son of Amartarayas, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. That king, for a hundred years, ate nothing but what + remained of the libations of clarified butter poured into the sacrificial + fire. Agni (gratified with his proof of great devotion) offered to give + him a boon. Gaya solicited the boon (desired), saying, “I desire to have a + thorough knowledge of the Vedas through ascetic penances, through practice + of Brahmacharya, and of vows and rules, and through the grace of my + superiors.<a href="#linknote-7107" name="linknoteref-7107" id="linknoteref-7107">107</a> I desire also inexhaustible wealth, through + practice of the duties of my own order and without injury to others. I + wish also that I may always be able to make gifts unto the Brahmanas, with + devotion. Let me also procreate sons upon wives belonging to my own order + and not upon others. Let me be able to give away food with devotion. Let + my heart always delight in righteousness. O (Agni) thou supreme cleanser, + let no impediment overtake me while I am engaged in acts for the + attainment of religious merit.” Saying “Be it so,” Agni disappeared then + and there. And Gaya also, acquiring all he had asked for, subjugated his + foes in fair fight. King Gaya then performed, for a full hundred years, + diverse kinds of sacrifices with profuse presents unto the Brahmanas and + the vows called Chaturmasyas and others. Every year, for a century, the + king gave (unto the Brahmanas) one hundred and sixty thousand kine, ten + thousand steeds, and one crore gold (nishkas) upon rising (on the + completion of his sacrifices). Under every constellation also he gave away + the presents ordained for each of these occasions.<a href="#linknote-7108" name="linknoteref-7108" id="linknoteref-7108">108</a> Indeed, the king + performed various sacrifices like another Soma or another Angiras. In his + great Horse-sacrifice, king Gaya, making a golden earth, gave her away + unto the Brahmanas. In that sacrifice, the stakes of king Gaya were + exceedingly costly, being of gold, decked with gems delightful to all + creatures. Capable of killing every wish, Gaya gave those stakes unto + well-pleased Brahmanas and other people. The diverse classes of creatures + dwelling in the ocean, the woods, the islands, the rivers male and female, + the waters, the towns, the provinces, and even in heaven, were all + gratified with wealth and food distributed at Gaya’s sacrifices. And they + all said, “No other sacrifice can come up to this one of Gaya.” The + sacrificial altar of Gaya was thirty Yojanas in length, six and twenty + Yojanas in width, and twenty Yojanas in height. And it was made entirely + of gold, and overspread with pearls and diamonds and gems. And he gave + away this altar unto the Brahmanas, as also robes and ornaments. And the + munificent monarch also gave unto the Brahmanas other presents of the kind + laid down (in the scriptures). Upon the completion of that sacrifice five + and twenty hills of food remained untouched, and many lakes and several + beautifully flowing rivulets of juicy drinks, and many heaps, besides, of + robes and ornaments. And in consequence of the merit of that great + sacrifice, Gaya came to be well-known in the three worlds. And due to that + sacrifice are the eternal Banian and the sacred Brahmasara. When he died, + O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee in respect of four cardinal virtues + and who superior to thee, was, therefore, much superior to thy son, thou + shouldst not, saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” grieve for the latter + who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0065" id="link72H_4_0065"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Rantideva, the son of Srinjaya, we hear, fell a prey to + death. That high-souled king had two hundred thousand cooks to distribute + excellent food, raw and cooked, like unto Amrita, unto the Brahmanas, by + day and by night, who might come to his house as guests.<a + href="#linknote-7109" name="linknoteref-7109" id="linknoteref-7109">109</a> + The king gave away unto the Brahmanas his wealth acquired by righteous + means. Having studied the Vedas, he subjugated his foes in fair fight. Of + rigid vows and always engaged in due performance of sacrifices, countless + animals, desirous of going to heaven, used to come to him of their own + accord.<a href="#linknote-7110" name="linknoteref-7110" id="linknoteref-7110">110</a> So large was the number of animals + sacrificed in the Agnihotra of that king that the secretions flowing from + his kitchen from the heaps of skins deposited there caused a veritable + river which from this circumstance, came to be called the Charmanwati.<a + href="#linknote-7111" name="linknoteref-7111" id="linknoteref-7111">111</a> + He incessantly gave away nishkas of bright gold unto the Brahmanas, “I + give thee nishkas.” “I give thee nishkas,” these were the words + incessantly uttered by him. “I give thee,” “I give thee” saying these + words he gave away thousands of nishkas. And once again, with soft words + to the Brahmanas, he gave away nishkas. Having given away, in course of a + single day, one crore of such coins, he thought that he had given away + very little. And, therefore, he would give away more. Who else is there + that would be able to give what he gave? The king gave away wealth, + thinking, “If I do not give wealth in the hands of Brahmanas, great and + eternal grief, without doubt, will be mine.” For a hundred years, every + fortnight, he gave unto thousands of Brahmanas a golden bull into each, + followed by a century of kine and eight hundred pieces of nishkas. All the + articles that were needed for his Agnihotra, and all that were needed for + his other sacrifices, he gave away unto the Rishis, including Karukas<a + href="#linknote-7112" name="linknoteref-7112" id="linknoteref-7112">112</a> + and water-pots and plates and beds and carpets and vehicles, and mansions + and houses, and diverse kinds of trees, and various kinds of viands. + Whatever utensils and articles Rantideva possessed were of gold. They that + are acquainted with the history of ancient times seeing the superhuman + affluence of Rantideva, sing this song, viz., “We have not seen such + accumulated treasures even in the abode of Kuvera; what need be said, + therefore, of human beings?” And people wonderingly said, Without doubt, + the kingdom of Rantideva is made of gold.<a href="#linknote-7113" name="linknoteref-7113" id="linknoteref-7113">113</a> On such nights, when + guests were assembled in the abode of Rantideva, one and twenty thousand + kine were sacrificed (for feeding them). And yet the royal cook adorned + with begemmed ear-rings, had to cry out, saying, “Eat as much soup as you + like, for, of meat, there is not as much today as in other days.” Whatever + gold was left belonging to Rantideva, he gave even that remnant away unto + the Brahmanas during the progress of one of his sacrifices. In his very + sight the gods used to take the libations of clarified butter poured into + the fire for them, and the Pitris the food that was offered to them, in + Sraddhas. And all superior Brahmanas used to obtain from him (the means of + gratifying) all their desires. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was superior + to thee in respect of the four cardinal virtues and who, superior to thee + was, therefore, much superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, saying, “Oh, + Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” grieve for the latter who performed no sacrifice + and made no sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0066" id="link72H_4_0066"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Dushmanta’s son, Bharata, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a + prey to death. While only a child (living) in the forest, he achieved + feats incapable of being achieved by others. Endued with great strength, + he speedily deprived the very lions, white as snow and armed with teeth + and claws, of all their prowess, and dragged them and bound them (at his + pleasure). He used to check tigers also, that were fiercer and more + ruthless (than lions), and bring them to subjection. Seizing other beasts + of prey possessed of great might, and even huge elephants, dyed with red + arsenic and spotted with other liquid minerals by their teeth and tusks, + he used to bring them to subjection, causing their mouths to become dry, + or obliging them to fly away. Possessed of great might, he used also to + drag the mightiest of buffaloes. And in consequence of his strength, he + checked proud lions by hundreds, and powerful Srimaras and horned + rhinoceroses and other animals. Binding them by their necks and crushing + them to an inch of their lives, he used to let them go. For those feats of + his the regenerate ascetics (with whom he lived) came to call him + Sarvadamana (the controller of all). His mother, at last, forbade him from + torturing animals in that way. Endued with great prowess he performed a + hundred Horse-sacrifices on the banks of the Yamuna, three hundred such + sacrifices on the banks of Saraswati, and four hundred on the banks of the + Ganga. Having performed these sacrifices, he once more performed a + thousand Horse-sacrifices and a hundred Rajasuyas, great sacrifices, in + which his gifts also to the Brahmanas were very profuse. Other sacrifices, + again, such as the Agnishtoma, the Atiratra, the Uktha and the Viswajit, + he performed together with thousands and thousands of Vajapeyas, and + completed without any impediment. The son of Sakuntala, having performed + all these, gratified the Brahmanas with presents of wealth. Possessed of + great fame, Bharata then gave ten thousand billions of coins, made of the + most pure gold, unto Kanwa (who had brought up his mother Sakuntala as his + own daughter). The gods with Indra at their head, accompanied by the + Brahmanas, coming to his sacrifice, set up his sacrificial stake made + entirely of gold, and measuring in width a hundred Vyamas.<a + href="#linknote-7114" name="linknoteref-7114" id="linknoteref-7114">114</a> + And imperial Bharata, of noble soul, that victor over all foes, that + monarch never conquered by any enemy, gave away unto the Brahmanas + beautiful horses and elephants and cars, decked with gold, and beautiful + gems of all kinds, and camels and goats and sheep, and slaves—male + and female—and wealth, and grains and milch cows with calves, and + villages and fields, and diverse kinds of robes, numbering by millions and + millions. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee in respect of + the four cardinal virtues and who superior to thee, was, therefore, much + superior to thy son, thou shouldst not, saying, “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, + Swaitya,” grieve for the latter who performed no sacrifice and made no + sacrificial present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0067" id="link72H_4_0067"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXIX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Vena’s son, king Prithu, O Srinjaya, we hear, fell a prey + to death. In the Rajasuya sacrifice he performed, the great Rishis + installed him as Emperor (of the world). He vanquished all, and his + achievements, became known (all over the world). For this he came to be + called Prithu (the celebrated). And because he protected all people from + wounds and injuries, for this he became a true Kshatriya.<a + href="#linknote-7115" name="linknoteref-7115" id="linknoteref-7115">115</a> + Beholding Vena’s son, Prithu, all his subjects said, We are highly pleased + with him. In consequence of this affection that he enjoyed of his subjects + he came to be called a Raja.<a href="#linknote-7116" name="linknoteref-7116" id="linknoteref-7116">116</a> During the time of + Prithu, the earth, without being cultivated, yielded crops in sufficiency. + All the kine, again, yielded milk whenever they were touched. Every lotus + was full of honey. The Kusa blades were all of gold, agreeable to the + touch, and otherwise delightful. And the subjects of Prithu made clothes + of these blades and the beds also on which they lay. All the fruits were + soft and sweet and like unto Amrita (in taste). And these constituted the + food of his subjects, none amongst whom had ever to starve. And all men in + Prithu’s time were hale and hearty. And all their wishes were crowned with + fruition. They had nothing to fear. On trees, or in caves, they dwelt as + they liked. His dominions were not distributed into provinces and towns. + The people lived happily and in joy as each desired. When king Prithu went + to the sea, the waves became solid. The very mountains used to yield him + openings that he might pass through them. The standard of his car never + broke (obstructed by anything). Once on a time, the tall trees of the + forest, the mountains, the gods, the Asuras, men, the snakes, the seven + Rishis, the Apsaras, and the Pitris, all came to Prithu, seated at his + ease, and addressing him, said, “Thou art our Emperor. Thou art our king. + Thou art our protector and Father. Thou art our Lord. Therefore, O great + king, give us boons after our own hearts, through which we may, for ever, + obtain gratification and joy.” Unto them Prithu, the son of Vena, said, So + be it. Then taking up his Ajagava bow<a href="#linknote-7117" name="linknoteref-7117" id="linknoteref-7117">117</a> and some terrible + arrows the like of which existed not, he reflected for a moment. He then + addressed the Earth, saying, “Coming quickly, O Earth! Yield to these the + milk they desire. From that, blessed be thou, I will give them the food + they solicit.” Thus addressed by him, the Earth said, “It behoveth thee, O + hero, to regard me as thy daughter.” Prithu answered, So be it!—And + then that great ascetic, his passions under control, made all arrangements + (for milking the Earth. Then the entire assemblage of creatures began to + milk the Earth). And first of all, the tall trees of the forest rose for + milking her. The Earth then, full of affection, stood there desiring a + calf, a milker, and vessels (wherein to hold the milk). Then the + blossoming Sala became the calf, the Banian became the milker, torn buds + became the milk, and the auspicious fig tree became the vessel. (Next, the + mountains milked her). The Eastern hill, whereon the Sun rises, became the + calf; the prince of mountains, viz., Meru, became the milker; the diverse + gems and deciduous herbs became the milk; and the stones became the + vessels (for holding that milk). Next, one of the gods became the milker, + and all things capable of bestowing energy and strength became the coveted + milk. The Asuras then milked the Earth, having wine for their milk, and + using an unbaked pot for their vessel. In that act, Dwimurddhan became the + milker, and Virochana, the calf. The human beings milked the Earth for + cultivation and crops. The self-created Manu became their calf, and Prithu + himself the milker. Next, the Snakes milked the Earth, getting poison as + the milk, and using a vessel made of a gourd, Dhritarashtra became the + milker, and Takshaka the calf. The seven Rishis, capable of producing + everything by their fiat,<a href="#linknote-7118" name="linknoteref-7118" id="linknoteref-7118">118</a> then milked the Earth, getting the Vedas as + their milk. Vrihaspati became the milker, the Chhandas were the vessel, + and the excellent Soma, the calf. The Yakshas, milking the Earth, got the + power of disappearance at will as the milk in an unbaked pot. Vaisravana + (Kuvera) became their milker, and Vrishadhvaja their calf. The Gandharvas + and the Apsaras milked all fragrant perfumes in a vessel made of a + lotus-leaf. Chitraratha became their calf, and the puissant Viswaruchi + their milker. The Pitris milked the Earth, getting Swaha as their milk in + a vessel of silver. Yama, the son of Vivaswat, became their calf, and (the + Destroyer Antaka) their milker. Even thus was the Earth milked by that + assemblage of creatures who all got for milk what they each desired. The + very calves and vessels employed by them are existing to this day and may + always be seen. The powerful Prithu, the son of Vena, performing various + sacrifices, gratified all creatures in respect of all their desires by + gifts of articles agreeable to their hearts. And he caused golden images + to be made of every article on earth, and bestowed them all on the + Brahmanas as his great Horse-sacrifice,<a href="#linknote-7119" name="linknoteref-7119" id="linknoteref-7119">119</a> The king caused six + and sixty thousand elephants to be made of gold, and all those he gave + away unto the Brahmanas. And this whole earth also the king caused to be + decked with jewels and gems and gold, and gave her away unto the + Brahmanas. When he died, O Srinjaya, who was superior to thee as regards + the four cardinal virtues and who, superior to thee, was, therefore, much + superior to thy son thou shouldst not, saying “Oh, Swaitya, Oh, Swaitya,” + grieve for the latter who performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial + present.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0068" id="link72H_4_0068"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXX + </h2> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘Even the great ascetic Rama, the hero worshipped by all + heroes, that son of Jamadagni, of great fame, will die, without being + contented (with the period of his life). Rooting out all evils from the + earth, he caused the primeval Yuga to set in. Having obtained unrivalled + prosperity, no fault could be seen in him.<a href="#linknote-7120" name="linknoteref-7120" id="linknoteref-7120">120</a> His father having + been slain and his calf having been stolen by the Kshatriyas, he without + any boast, slew Kartavirya who had never been vanquished before by foes. + With his bow he slew four and sixty times ten thousand Kshatriyas already + within the jaws of death. In that slaughter were included fourteen + thousand Brahmana-hating Kshatriyas of the Dantakura country, all of whom + he slew. Of the Haihayas, he slew a thousand with his short club, a + thousand with his sword, and a thousand by hanging.<a href="#linknote-7121" name="linknoteref-7121" id="linknoteref-7121">121</a> Heroic warriors, + with their cars, steeds, and elephants, lay dead on the field, slain by + the wise son of Jamadagni, enraged at the slaughter of his father. And + Rama, on that occasion, slew ten thousand Kshatriyas with his axe. He + could not quietly bear the furious speeches uttered by those (foes of + his). And when many foremost of Brahmans uttered exclamations, mentioning + the name of Rama of Bhrigu’s race,<a href="#linknote-7122" name="linknoteref-7122" id="linknoteref-7122">122</a> then the valiant son + of Jamadagni, proceeding against the Kashmiras, the Daradas, the Kuntis, + the Kshudrakas, the Malavas, the Angas, the Vangas, the Kalingas, the + Videhas, the Tamraliptakas, the Rakshovahas, the Vitahotras, the + Trigartas, the Martikavatas, counting by thousand, slew them all by means + of his whetted shafts. Proceeding from province to province, he thus slew + thousands of crores of Kshatriyas. Creating a deluge of blood and filling + many lakes also with blood as red as Indrajopakas or the wild fruit called + Vandujiva, and bringing all the eighteen islands (of which the earth is + composed) under his subjection, that son of Bhrigu’s race performed a + hundred sacrifices of great merit, all of which he completed and in all of + which the presents he made unto the Brahmanas were profuse. The + sacrificial altar, eighteen nalas high made entirely of gold, and + constructed according to the ordinance, full of diverse kinds of jewels + and gems, and decked with hundreds of standards, and this earth abounding + in domestic and wild animals, were accepted by Kasyapa as sacrificial + present made unto him by Rama, the son of Jamadagni. And Rama also gave + him many thousand prodigious elephants, all adorned with gold. Indeed, + freeing the earth from all robbers, and making her teem with honest and + graceful inhabitants, Rama gave her away to Kasyapa at his great + Horse-sacrifice. Having divested the earth of Kshatriyas for one and + twenty times, and having performed hundreds of sacrifices, the puissant + hero gave away the earth to the Brahmanas. And it was Marichi (Kasyapa) + who accepted from him the earth with her seven islands. Then Kasyapa said + unto Rama, “Go out of the earth, at my command.” At the word of Kasyapa, + the foremost of warriors, desirous of obeying the Brahmana’s behest, + caused by his arrows the very ocean to stand aside, and repairing to that + best of mountains called Mahendra, continued to live there. Even that + enhancer of the fame of the Bhrigus, possessed of such numberless virtues, + that famous son of Jamadagni, of great splendour, will die. Superior to + thy son, (even he will die). Do not, therefore, grieve for thy son who + performed no sacrifice and made no sacrificial present. All these, + superior to thee as regards the four cardinal virtues and as regards also + a hundred other merits, all these foremost of men, have died, O Srinjaya, + and they that are like them will also die.’”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0069" id="link72H_4_0069"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “Hearing this sacred history of sixteen kings, capable of + enhancing the period of life (of the listener), king Srinjaya remained + silent without saying anything. The illustrious Rishi Narada then said + unto him thus sitting silent, ‘O thou of great splendour, hast thou heard + those histories recited by me, and hast thou caught their purport? Or, are + all these lost like Sraddha as performed by a person of regenerate classes + having a Sudra wife?’ Thus addressed, Srinjaya then replied with joined + hands, ‘O thou that hast wealth of asceticism, having listened to these + excellent and praiseworthy histories of ancient royal sages, all of whom + had performed great sacrifices with profuse presents unto the Brahmanas, + my grief hath all been dispelled by wonder, like the darkness that is + dispelled by the rays of the sun. I have now been cleansed of my sins, and + I do not feel any pain now. Tell me, what shall I do now?’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘By good luck it is that thy grief hath been dispelled. + Solicit thou the boon that thou desirest. Thou wilt obtain all thou mayst + ask. We never say what is not true.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Srinjaya said, ‘I am happy with even this, viz., that thou, O holy one, + art gratified with me. He with whom thou, O holy one, art gratified, hath + nothing unobtainable here.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘"Narada said, ‘I will once more give thee thy son who was fruitlessly + slain by the robbers, like an animal, slaughtered in sacrifice, taking him + out of terrible hell.’" </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “Then the son of Srinjaya, of wonderful splendour, appeared, + that child resembling the son of Kuvera himself, bestowed by the gratified + Rishi (on the bereaved father). And king Srinjaya, once more meeting with + his son, became highly delighted. And he performed many meritorious + sacrifices, giving away profuse sacrificial presents upon completion. + Srinjaya’s son had not fulfilled the purposes of his being. He had + performed no sacrifice and had no children. Destitute of bravery, he had + perished miserably and not in battle. It was for this reason that he could + be brought back into life.<a href="#linknote-7123" name="linknoteref-7123" id="linknoteref-7123">123</a> As regards Abhimanyu, he was brave and + heroic. He hath fulfilled the purposes of life, for the brave son of + Subhadra, having blasted his foes by thousands, hath left the world, + falling in the field of battle. Those inaccessible regions that are + attainable by Brahmacharya, by knowledge, by acquaintance with the + scriptures, by foremost of sacrifices, even these have been obtained by + thy son. Men of knowledge always desire heaven by their righteous deeds. + They that are living in heaven never prefer this world to heaven. + Therefore, it is not easy for any desirable thing that might have been + unattained by him to bring back into the world Arjuna’s son slain in + battle and now residing in heaven. Thy son has attained to that eternal + goal which is attained by yogins with eyes shut in contemplation or by + performers of great sacrifices, or people possessed of great ascetic + merit. After death, attaining a new body that hero is shining like a king + in his own immortal rays. Indeed, Abhimanyu has once more got his own body + of lunar essence that is desirable by all regenerate persons. He deserveth + not thy grief.<a href="#linknote-7124" name="linknoteref-7124" id="linknoteref-7124">124</a> Knowing this, be quiet, and slay thy foes. + Let fortitude be thine. O sinless one, it is the living that stand in need + of our grief, and not they that have attained to heaven. His sins + increase, O king, for whom, the living grieve. Therefore, he that is wise, + abandoning grief, should strive for (the) benefit (of the dead). The + living man should think of the joy, the glory, and the happiness (of the + dead). Knowing this, the wise never indulge in grief, for grief is + painful. Know this to be true. Rise up! Strive (to achieve thy purpose). + Do not grieve. Thou hast heard of the origin of Death, and her unexampled + penances, as also the impartiality of her behaviour towards all creatures. + Thou hast heard that prosperity is unstable. Thou hast heard how the dead + son of Srinjaya was revived. O learned king, do not grieve. Peace be to + thee, I go!”—Having said this, the holy Vyasa disappeared then and + there. Upon the departure of that master of speech, that foremost of + intelligent persons, viz., the holy Vyasa, whose colour was like that of + the clouded sky, Yudhishthira, having derived consolation in consequence + of what he had heard about the sacrificial merit and prosperity of these + great monarchs of olden times, possessed of energy equal to that of the + great Indra himself and all of whom had acquired wealth by righteous + means, mentally applauded those illustrious persons and became freed from + grief. Once more, however, with a melancholy heart he asked himself, + saying, “What shall we say unto Dhananjaya?”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0070" id="link72H_4_0070"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When that terrible day, so fraught with the slaughter of + creatures, departed, and when the sun set, the beautiful twilight of the + evening spread itself. The troops, O bull of Bharata’s race, of both + parties, had retired to their tents. Then the ape-bannered Jishnu, having + slain a large number of Samsaptakas by means of his celestial weapons, + proceeded towards his tent, mounted on that victorious car of his. And as + he was proceeding, he asked Govinda, with voice choked with tears, “Why is + my heart afraid, O Kesava, and why both my speech falter? Evil omens + encounter me, and my limbs are weak. Thoughts of disaster possess my mind + without living it. On earth, on all sides, various omens strike me with + fear. Of many kinds are those omens and indications, and seen everywhere, + foreboding dire calamity. Is it all right with my venerable superior, + viz., the king with all his friends?" </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “It is evident that everything is right with thy brother + and his friends. Do not grieve, some trifling evil in another direction + will happen.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then those two heroes (viz., Krishna and Arjuna), + having adored the Twilight,<a href="#linknote-7125" name="linknoteref-7125" id="linknoteref-7125">125</a> mounted on their car and proceeded, talking + of the day’s battle so destructive of heroes. Having achieved feats + exceedingly difficult of accomplishment, Vasudeva and Arjuna, at last, + reached the (Pandava) encampment. Then that slayer of hostile heroes, + viz., Vibhatsu, beholding the camp joyless and melancholy and everything + to be in confusion, addressed Krishna with an agonised heart, and said, “O + Janardana, no auspicious trumpet blows today, its blasts mingled with the + beat of drums and the loud blare of conchs. The sweet Vina also is nowhere + played upon in accompaniment with slapping of palms.<a + href="#linknote-7126" name="linknoteref-7126" id="linknoteref-7126">126</a> + Auspicious and delightful songs fraught with praise are nowhere recited or + sung by our bards amongst the troops. The warriors also, all recede + hanging down their heads. They do not tell me beholding me, as before, of + the feats achieved by them. O Madhava, is it all right with my brothers + today? Beholding our own men plunged in grief, I know no peace. Is it all + right, O giver of honours, with the ruler of the Panchalas, or Virata, or + all our warriors, O thou of unfading glory? Alas, Subhadra’s son, ever + cheerful, doth not today, with his brothers, come out with smiles to + receive me returning from battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thus conversing, those two, (viz., Krishna and Arjuna), + entered their own camp. And they saw that the Pandavas, all cheerless, + were sitting, plunged in great grief. Beholding his brothers and sons, the + ape-bannered Arjuna became very cheerless. Not seeing the son of Subhadra + there, Arjuna said, “Pale is the colour I behold of the faces of you all. + I do not, again, see Abhimanyu. Nor doth he come to congratulate me. I + heard that Drona had today formed the circular array. None amongst you, + save the boy Abhimanyu, could break that array. I, however, did not teach + him how to come out of that array, after having pierced it. Did you cause + the boy to enter that array? Hath that slayer of heroes, viz., the son of + Subhadra, that mighty bowman, having pierced that array, through + numberless warriors of the enemy in battle, fallen, at last in the fight? + Oh, tell me, how that hero of mighty arms and red eyes, born (in our line) + like a lion on the mountain breast, and equal unto the younger brother of + Indra himself, hath fallen on the field of battle? What warrior, deprived + on his senses by Death ventured to slay that dear son of Subhadra, that + favourite of Draupadi and Kesava, that child ever loved by Kunti? Equal + unto the high-souled Vrishni hero, Kesava, himself in prowess and learning + and dignity, how hath he been slain on the field of battle? The favourite + son of that daughter of the Vrishni race, always cherished by me, alas, if + I do not see him I will repair to the abode of Yama. With locks ending in + soft curls, of tender years, with eyes like those of a young gazelle, with + tread like that of an infuriated elephant, tall like a Sala offshoot, of + sweet speech accompanied with smiles, quiet, ever obedient to the behest + of his superiors, acting like one of mature years though tender in age, of + agreeable speech, reft of vanity, of great courage and great energy, of + large eyes resembling lotus-petals, kind to those devoted to him, + self-restrained, following nothing mean, grateful, possessed of knowledge, + accomplished in weapons, unretreating from battle, always delighting in + fight, and enhancing the fears of foes, engaged in the welfare of kinsmen, + desirous of victory into sires, never striking first, perfectly fearless + in battle, alas, if I do not behold that son, I will repair to the abode + of Yama. In the counting of car-warriors always reckoned as a Maharatha, + superior to me one and a half times, of tender years, of mighty arms, even + dear to Pradyumna and Kesava and myself, alas, if I do not behold that son + I will repair to the abode of Yama. Of beautiful nose, of beautiful + forehead, of fair eyes and eyebrows and lips, if I do not behold that + face, what peace can my heart have? Melodious as the voice of the male + Kokila, delightful, and sweet as the warblings of the Vina, without + listening to his voice, what peace can my heart have? His beauty was + unrivalled, rare even among the celestials. Without casting my eyes on + that form, what peace can my heart have? Accomplished in saluting (his + superiors) with reverence, and always obedient to the behests of his + sires, alas, if I do not behold him, what peace can my heart have? Brave + in battle, accustomed to every luxury, deserving of the softest bed, alas, + he sleepeth today on the bare earth, as if there is none to take care of + him, although he is foremost of those that have protectors to look after + them. He on whom, while on his bed, the foremost of beautiful women used + to attend, alas, he mangled with shafts, will have inauspicious jackals, + prowling over the field, to attend upon him today. He who was formerly + roused from his slumbers by singers and bards and panegyrists, alas, he + will today be surely awakened by discordant beasts of prey. That beautiful + face of his eminently deserved to be shaded by the umbrella, alas, the + dust of battle-field will surely befoul today. O child, unfortunate that I + am, death forcibly takes thee away from me, who was never satiated with + looking at thee. Without doubt, that abode of Yama, which is always the + goal of persons of righteous deeds, that delightful mansion, illuminated + today by thy own splendours, is rendered exceedingly beautiful by thee. + Without doubt, Yama and Varuna and Satakratu and Kuvera, obtaining thee as + a favourite guest, are making much of thy heroic self.” Thus indulging in + diverse lamentations, like a merchant whose vessel has been sunken, + Arjuna, afflicted with great grief, asked Yudhishthira, saying, “O, thou + of Kuru’s race, hath he ascended to heaven, having caused a great + slaughter among the enemy and contended with the foremost warriors in the + face of battle? Without doubt, while contending single-handed with + foremost of warriors, countless in number, and fighting with vigour and + resolution, his heart turned towards me from a desire of help. While + afflicted by Karna and Drona and Kripa and others with sharp shafts of + diverse kinds and bright points, my son of little strength, must have + repeatedly thought, ‘My father will in this press be my rescuer.’ I think, + while indulging in such lamentations, he was felled on the ground by cruel + warriors. Or, perhaps, when he was begotten by me, when he was the nephew + of Madhva, when he was born in Subhadra he could not have uttered such + lamentations. Without doubt, my heart, hard as it is, is made of the + essence of the thunder, since it breaketh not, even though I do not behold + that mighty-armed hero of red eyes. How could those mighty bowmen of cruel + hearts shoot their deep-piercing shafts upon that child of tender years, + who, again, was my son and the nephew of Vasudeva? That noble-hearted + youth who, coming forward every day, used to congratulate me, alas, why + doth he not present himself today to me when I come back having slain the + foe? Without doubt, overthrown, he lieth today on the bare earth bathed in + blood. Beautifying the earth by his body, he lieth like the sun fallen + (from the firmament). I grieve for Subhadra, who, hearing of the death in + battle of her unretreating son, will, afflicted with sorrow, cast away her + life. What will Subhadra missing Abhimanyu, say unto me? What also will + Draupadi say unto me? Afflicted with grief as they are, what also shall I + say unto them? Without doubt, my heart is made of the essence of the + thunder, since it breaketh not in a thousand fragments at the sight of my + weeping daughter-in-law, pierced with grief. The leonine shouts of the + Dhritarashtras swelling with pride did, indeed, enter my ears.” Krishna + also heard Yuyutsu, censuring the heroes (of the Dhritarashtra army in + these words): “Ye mighty car-warriors, having been unable to vanquish + Vibhatsu, and having slain only a child, why do ye rejoice? Why, having + done what is disagreeable to those two, viz., Kesava and Arjuna, in + battle, why do you in joy roar like lions, when truly the hour for sorrow + is come? The fruits of this sinful deed of yours will soon overtake you. + Heinous is the crime perpetrated by you. How long will it not bear its + fruits?” Rebuking them in these words, the high-souled son of + Dhritarashtra by his Vaisya wife, went away, casting off his weapons + afflicted with rage and grief. “O Krishna, why did you not tell me all + this during the battle? I would then have consumed all those car-warriors + of cruel hearts.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then Vasudeva, consoling Partha who was afflicted + with grief on account of his son, who was exceedingly anxious, whose eyes + were bathed in tears, and who was, in fact, overwhelmed with this sorrow + caused by the slaughter of his child, said unto him, “Do not yield so to + grief. This is the way of all brave, unretreating heroes, especially of + Kshatriyas, whose profession is battle. O foremost of intelligent men, + even this is the goal ordained by the authors of our scriptures for + unretreating heroes engaged in battle. Death is certain for heroes that do + not retreat. There is no doubt that Abhimanyu hath ascended to those + regions that are reserved for persons of righteous acts. O bull of + Bharata’s race, even this is coveted by all that are brave, viz., that + they may die in battle, facing their foes. As regards Abhimanyu, he having + slain in battle many heroic and mighty princes, hath met with that death + in the face of battle which is coveted by heroes. Do not grieve, O tiger + among men. The legislators of old have declared this to be the eternal + merit of the Kshatriyas, viz., their death in battle. O best of the + Bharatas, these brothers of thine are all exceedingly cheerless, as also + the king, and these thy friends, seeing thee plunged in grief. O giver of + honours, comfort them in consoling words. That which should be is known to + thee. It behoveth thee not to grieve.” Thus comforted by Krishna of + wonderful deeds, Partha then said these words unto all his brothers, with + voice choked with sorrow: “O lord of the earth, I desire to hear how the + mighty-armed Abhimanyu, how that hero of large eyes, resembling + lotus-petals, fought. Ye will see that I will exterminate the foe with his + elephants and cars and steeds, I will exterminate in battle those slayers + of my son with all their followers and kinsmen. Ye all are accomplished in + arms. Ye all were armed with weapons, how then could Subhadra’s son be + slain, even if it were the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself with whom + he fought? Alas, if I had known that Pandavas and the Panchalas would be + able to protect my son in battle, I myself would have then protected him. + Ye were then on your cars, ye were shooting your shafts. Alas, how then + could Abhimanyu be slain by the foe, causing a great carnage in your + ranks? Alas, ye have no manliness, nor have ye any prowess, since in the + very sight of you all was Abhimanyu slain. Or, I should chide my own self, + since knowing that ye all are weak, cowardly, and irresolute, I went away! + Alas, are your coats of mail and weapons of all kinds only ornaments for + decking your persons, and were words given to you only for speaking in + assemblies, that ye failed to protect my son (even though ye were clad in + mail, armed from head to foot, and even though you had assured me in words + of your competence)?”—Having said these words, Partha sat down, + holding bow and his excellent sword. Indeed, none could, at that time, + even look at Vibhatsu who then resembled the Destroyer himself in wrath, + repeatedly drawing deep breaths. None of his friends or kinsmen could + venture to look at or speak unto Arjuna, as he sat there exceedingly + afflicted with grief on account of his son, and with face bathed in tears. + None, indeed could address him, save Vasudeva or Yudhishthira. These two, + under all circumstances, were acceptable to Arjuna. And because they were + highly reverenced and dearly loved, therefore, could they alone address + him at such times. Then king Yudhishthira addressing Partha, of eyes like + lotus-petals, who was then filled with rage and exceedingly afflicted with + grief on account of the death of his son, said these words.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0071" id="link72H_4_0071"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira said,—“O mighty-armed one, after thou hadst gone + towards the army of the Samsaptakas, the preceptor Drona made fierce + endeavours for seizing me. We succeeded, however, in resisting Drona at + the head of the array at all points, having in that battle, disposed our + vigorously contending car-divisions in counter-array. Held in check by a + large number of warriors, and myself also having been well protected, + Drona began to smite us with great activity, afflicting us with his + whetted shafts. Thus afflicted by him, we could not then even gaze at his + army, far less face it in battle. All of us then, addressing thy son by + Subhadra, who was equal to thyself, O lord, in prowess said unto him, [O + son, pierce this array of Drona!]—That valorous hero thus urged by + us, then sought, like a good horse, to take that burden on himself, + however unbearable it might have been for him. Endued as he was with thy + energy, aided by that knowledge of weapons which he derived from thee, + that child then penetrated unto that array, like Garuda penetrating into + the ocean. As regards ourselves, we followed that hero, that son of + Subhadra, desirous in that battle, of penetrating (into the Dhritarashtra + army) by the same path by which Abhimanyu had entered it. Then, O sire, + the wretched king of the Sindhus, viz., Jayadratha, in consequence of the + boon granted to him by Rudra, checked all of us! Then Drona, Kripa and + Karna and Drona’s son, and the king of the Kosalas, and Kritavarman, these + six car-warriors surrounded the son of Subhadra. Having surrounded that + child all those great car-warriors—too many for him although he was + contending to the utmost of his power, deprived him of his car. After he + had been deprived of his car, Dussasana’s son, though he himself had a + hair-breadth escape, succeeded, as chance would have it, in making + Abhimanyu, meet with his end. As regards Abhimanyu, he, having slain many + thousands of men and steeds and elephants, and eight thousand cars, and + once more nine hundred elephants, two thousand princes, and a large number + of heroic warriors unknown to fame, and despatching in that battle king + Vrihadvala also to heaven, at last, through ill luck, met with his own + death. Thus hath occurred this event that so enhances our grief! That + tiger among men hath even thus ascended to heaven!” Hearing these words + uttered by king Yudhishthira, Arjuna, saying—Oh son!—and + breathing a deep sigh, fell down on the earth in great pain. Then all the + warriors of the Pandavas, surrounding Dhananjaya with cheerless faces + began, filled with grief, to look at one another with winkless eyes. + Recovering consciousness then, Vasava’s son became furious with rage. He + seemed to be in a feverish tremor, and sighed frequently. Squeezing his + hands, drawing deep breaths, with eyes bathed in tears, and casting his + glances like a mad man, he said these words.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said,—“Truly do I swear that tomorrow I will slay + Jayadratha! If from fear of death, he doth not forsake the Dhritarashtras, + or implore our protection, or the protection of Krishna that foremost of + men or of thine, O king, I shall assuredly slay him tomorrow! Forgetting + his friendship for me, engaged in doing what is agreeable to + Dhritarashtra’s son, that wretch is the cause of the child’s slaughter! + Tomorrow I will slay him! Whoever they may be that will encounter me in + battle tomorrow for protecting him, be it Drona, or Kripa, O king, I will + cover them all with my arrow! Ye bulls among men, if I do not achieve even + this in (tomorrow’s) battle, let me not attain the region reserved for the + righteous, ye foremost of heroes! Those regions that are for them that + slay their mothers, or for them that slay their fathers, or them that + violate their preceptor’s beds, or them that are vile and wicked, or them + that cherish envy against the righteous, or them that speak ill of others + or them that appropriate the wealth confidingly deposited with them by + others, or them that are betrayers of trusts, or them that speak ill of + wives enjoyed by them before, or them that have slain Brahmanas, or them + that have killed kine, or them that eat sugared milk and rice, or food + prepared of barley, or pot-herbs, or dishes prepared of milk, sesamum, and + rice, or thin cakes of powdered barley fried in clarified butter or other + kinds of cakes, or meat, without having dedicated the same to the gods,—even + those regions shall speedily be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha!—Those + regions to which they go that offer insults to Brahmanas devoted to the + study of the Vedas, or otherwise worthy of respect, or to those that are + their preceptors, (those regions shall speedily be mine if I do not slay + Jayadratha!) That end which becomes theirs who touch Brahmanas or fire + with the feet, that end which becomes theirs who throw phlegm and excreta + and eject urine into water, even that miserable end shall be mine, if I do + not slay Jayadratha! That end which is his who bathes (in water) in a + state of nudity, or his who does not hospitably entertain a guest, that + end which is theirs who receive bribes, speak falsehood, and deceive and + cheat others, that end which is theirs who offend against their own souls, + or who falsely utter praises (of others), or of those low wretches who eat + sweetmeats in the sight of servants and sons and wives and dependents + without sharing the same with those, that awful end shall be mine if I do + not slay Jayadratha! That end which overtakes the wretch of ruthless soul + who without supporting a righteous and obedient protege casts him off, or + him who, without giving unto a deserving neighbour the offerings in + Sraddhas, giveth them away unto those that deserve them not, that end + which is his who drinks wine, or his who insults those that are worthy of + respect, or his who is ungrateful, or his who speaketh ill of his + brothers, that end shall soon be mine if I do not stay Jayadratha! The end + of all those sinful persons whom I have not mentioned, as also of those + whom I have mentioned, shall soon be attained by me, if after this night + passes away, I do not slay Jayadratha tomorrow! + </p> + <p> + “‘”—Listen now to another oath of mine! If tomorrow’s sun set + without my slaying that wretch, then even here I shall enter the blazing + fire! Ye Asuras and gods and men, ye birds and snakes, ye Pitris and all + wanderers of the night, ye regenerate Rishis and celestial Rishis, ye + mobile and immobile creatures, ye all that I have not mentioned, ye will + not succeed in protecting my foe from me! If he enters the abode of the + nether region, or ascends the firmament, or repairs to the celestials, or + the realms of the Daityas, I shall still, with a hundred arrows, assuredly + cut off, on the expiration of this night, the head of Abhimanyu’s foe!—“’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued,—‘Having uttered these words, Arjuna began to + stretch Gandiva with both his arms. Transcending Arjuna’s voice the sound + of that bow rose and touched the very heavens. After Arjuna had taken that + oath, Janardana, filled with wrath, blew his conch, Panchajanya. And + Phalguna blew Devadatta. The great conch Panchajanya, well filled with the + wind from Krishna’s mouth, produced a loud blare. And that blare made the + regents of the cardinal and the subsidiary points, the nether regions, and + the whole universe, to shake, as it happens at the end of the Yuga. Indeed + after the high-souled Arjuna had taken the oath, the sound of thousands of + musical instruments and loud leonine roars arose from the Pandava camp.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0072" id="link72H_4_0072"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the spies (of Duryodhana), having heard that loud + uproar made by the Pandavas desirous of victory, informed (their masters + of the cause), Jayadratha, overwhelmed with sorrow, and with heart + stupefied with grief, and like one sinking in a fathomless ocean of + distress, slowly rose up and having reflected for a long while, proceeded + to the assembly of the kings. Reflecting for a while in the presence of + those gods among men, Jayadratha, in fear of Abhimanyu’s father and + covered with shame, said these words—“He who in Pandu’s soil was + begotten by Indra under the influence of desire, that wicked wretch is + thinking of despatching me to the abode of Yama! Blessed be ye, I shall, + therefore go back to my home from desire of life! Or, ye bulls among + Kshatriyas, protect me by the force of your weapons! Partha seeks to slay + me, ye heroes, render me fearless! Drona and Duryodhana and Kripa, and + Karna, and the ruler of the Madras, and Valhika, and Dussasana and others, + are capable of protecting a person who is afflicted by Yama himself. When + however, I am threatened by Phalguna alone, will not all these the lords + of earth, will not all of you, joined together, be able to protect me? + Having heard the shouts of joy of the Pandavas, great hath been my fear. + My limbs, ye lords of earth, have become powerless like those of a person + on the point of death. Without doubt, the wielder of Gandiva hath sworn + for my death! It is for this that the Pandavas are shouting in joy at a + time when they should weep! Let alone the rulers of men, the very gods and + Gandharvas, the Asuras, the Uragas, and the Rakshasas, cannot venture to + baffle a vow of Arjuna. Therefore, ye bulls among men, blessed be ye, give + me permission (to leave the Kuru camp). I want to make myself scarce. The + Pandavas will no longer be able to find me!” While indulging in such + lamentations, with heart agitated by fear, king Duryodhana, always looking + upon the accomplishment of his own business to be preferable to everything + else, said unto him these words. “Do not fear, O tiger among men! O bull + among men, who will seek to encounter thee in battle when thou will remain + in the midst of these Kshatriya heroes! Myself, Vikartana’s son, Karna, + Chitrasena, Vivinsati, Bhurisravas, Sala, Salya, the invincible + Vrishasena, Purumitra, Jaya, Bhoja, Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas, + Satyavrata, the mighty-armed, Vikarna, Durmukha, Dussasana, Subahu, the + ruler of the Kalingas, with his weapons upraised, Vinda and Anuvinda of + Avanti, Drona, Drona’s son, and Suvala’s son (Sakuni),—these and + numerous other kings will, with their forces, face the battle surrounding + thee on all sides! Let the fever of thy heart, therefore, be dispelled! + Thou art thyself one of the foremost of car-warriors! O thou of + immeasurable splendour, thou thyself art a hero! Being what thou art how + canst thou then see any cause of fear, O king of the Sindhus! The eleven + Akshauhinis of troops I own will carefully fight for protecting thee! + Therefore, do not fear, O king of the Sindhus! Let thy fears be + dispelled!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus comforted, O monarch, by thy son, the king of + the Sindhus then, accompanied by Duryodhana, repaired that very night to + Drona (the generalissimo of the Kuru army). Then, O king, having touched + Drona’s feet with reverence, and taken his seat with humility, he asked + the preceptor these words—In hitting the aim, in hitting it from it + distance, in tightness of hand, and in the force of the stroke, O + illustrious one, tell the difference between myself and Phalguna! O + preceptor, I wish to know accurately the difference as regards proficiency + (in the science of arms) between myself and Arjuna! Say it unto me truly.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “Of tutorial instruction, both of you, i.e., thyself and + Arjuna, have had the same measure, O son! In consequence, however, of yoga + and the hard life led by Arjuna, he is superior to thee! Thou shouldst + not, however, for any reason, cherish fear of Partha! Without doubt, I + will, O son, protect thee from this fear! The very gods, cannot prevail + over him who is protected by my arms! I will form an array which Partha + will not succeed in piercing!<a href="#linknote-7127" name="linknoteref-7127" id="linknoteref-7127">127</a> Therefore contained + thou in battle, do not fear, observing the duties of thy own order! O + mighty car-warrior, tread in the track of thy sires and grandsires! Having + duly studied the Vedas, thou hast poured libations, according to the + ordinance, into fire! Thou hast also performed many sacrifices: Death + cannot, therefore, be an object of terror to thee! (For if thou diest), + attaining then to that great good fortune which is unattainable by vile + men, thou will acquire all those excellent regions in heaven that are + attainable by the might of one’s arms! The Kauravas, the Pandavas, the + Vrishnis, and other men, as also myself with my son, are all mortal and + short-lived! Think of this. One after another, all of us, slain by Time + which is all powerful, shall go to the other world, carrying with us only + our respective deeds. Those regions that ascetics acquire by undergoing + severe penances, those regions are acquired by heroic Kshatriyas that are + observant of the duties of their order.” Even thus was the ruler of the + Sindhus consoled by Bharadwaja’s son. Banishing his fear of Partha, he set + his heart on battle. Then, O king thy troops also felt great delight, and + the loud sounds of musical instruments were heard, mingled with leonine + shouts.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0073" id="link72H_4_0073"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After Partha had vowed the death of the ruler of the + Sindhus, the mighty-armed Vasudeva addressed Dhananjaya and said,—“With + the consent of thy brothers (alone, but without consulting me), thou hast + sworn, saying—‘I will slay the ruler of the Sindhus!’ This hath been + an act of great rashness (on thy part)! Without consulting me, thou hast + taken up a great weight (upon thy shoulders)! Alas, how shall we escape + the ridicule of all men? I had sent some spies into the camp of + Dhritarashtra’s son. Those spies, quickly coming unto me, gave me this + information, viz., that after thou, O lord, hadst vowed to slay the ruler + of the Sindhus, loud leonine shouts, mingled with the sounds of (our) + musical instruments, were heard by the Dhritarashtras. In consequence of + that uproar, the Dhritarashtras, with their well-wishers, became + terrified,—‘These leonine shouts are not causeless!’—thought + they, and waited (for what would ensue). O thou of mighty arms, an + uproarious din then arose amongst the Kauravas, of their elephants and + steeds and infantry. And a terrible rattle was also heard of their cars.—‘Having + heard of the death of Abhimanyu, Dhananjaya, deeply afflicted will in + wrath come out in the night for battle!’—Thinking even thus, they + waited (ready for battle). While preparing themselves, O thou of eyes like + lotus-petals, they then learnt truly the vow about the slaughter of the + ruler of the Sindhus, made by thee that art wedded to truth.<a + href="#linknote-7128" name="linknoteref-7128" id="linknoteref-7128">128</a> + Then all the counsellors of Suyodhana became heartless and frightened like + little animals. As regards king Jayadratha, that ruler of the Sindhus and + the Sauviras, overwhelmed with grief and becoming thoroughly cheerless he + stood up and entered his own tent with all his counsellors. Having + consulted (with them) about every remedy that could benefit him at a time + when he stood in need of consultation, he proceeded to the assembly of the + (allied) kings and there said these words unto Suyodhana—‘Dhananjaya + thinking me to be the slayer of his son, will tomorrow encounter me in + battle! He hath, in the midst of his army, vowed to slay me! That vow of + Savyasachin the very gods and Gandharvas and Asuras and Uragas and + Rakshasas cannot venture to frustrate! Protect me, therefore, ye all in + battle! Let not Dhananjaya, placing his foot on your head, succeed in + hitting the mark! Let proper arrangements be made in respect of this + matter! Or, if, O delighter of the Kurus, you think that you will not + succeed in protecting me in battle, grant me permission then, O king, so + that I may return home!’ Thus addressed (by Jayadratha), Suyodhana became + cheerless and sat, hanging down his head. Ascertaining that Jayadratha was + in a great fright, Suyodhana began to reflect in silence. Beholding the + Kuru king to be greatly afflicted, king Jayadratha, the ruler of the + Sindhus, slowly said these words having a beneficial reference to himself—‘I + do not behold here that bowman of superior energy who can baffle with his + arms the weapons of Arjuna in great battle! Who, even if it be Satakratu + himself, will stay in front of Arjuna having Vasudeva for his ally, while + wielding the bow Gandiva? It is heard that lord Maheswara himself of + supreme energy had been encountered, before this, by Partha on foot, on + the mountains of Himavat! Urged by the chief of the celestials, he slew on + a single car, a thousand Danavas dwelling in Hiranyapura! That son of + Kunti is now allied with Vasudeva of great intelligence. I think that he + is competent to destroy the three worlds including the very gods. I wish + that you will either grant me permission (to leave the field for my home) + or that the high-souled and heroic Drona with his son will protect me! Or, + I would await thy pleasure!’—O Arjuna, (thus addressed by + Jayadratha) king Suyodhana humbly beseeched the preceptor in this matter.<a + href="#linknote-7129" name="linknoteref-7129" id="linknoteref-7129">129</a> + All remedial measures have been adopted. Cars and steeds have been + arranged. Karna and Bhurisravas, and Drona’s son, and the invincible + Vrishasena, and Kripa, and the ruler of the Madras, these six will be in + (Jayadratha’s) van. Drona will form an array half of which will be a + Sakata<a href="#linknote-7130" name="linknoteref-7130" id="linknoteref-7130">130</a> and half a lotus. In the middle of the + leaves of that lotus will be a needle-mouthed array. Jayadratha, that + ruler of the Sindhus, difficult of being conquered in battle, will take + his stand, by it, protected by heroes! In (the use of) the bow, in + weapons, in prowess, in strength, and also in lineage, those six + car-warriors, O Partha are without doubt, exceedingly difficult of being + borne. Without first vanquishing those six car-warriors, access to + Jayadratha will not to be had. Think, O Arjuna, of the prowess of each of + those six, O tiger among men, when united together, they are not capable + of being easily vanquished! We should, therefore, once again, take counsel + with well-wishing counsellors, conversant with policy, for our benefit and + for the success of our object!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0074" id="link72H_4_0074"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “These six car-warriors of the Dhritarashtra army whom thou + regardest to be so strong their (united) energy, I think is not equal to + even half of mine! Thou shalt see, O slayer of Madhu, the weapons of all + these cut off and baffled by me when I go against them for slaying + Jayadratha! In the very sight of Drona and all his men, I will fell the + head of the ruler of the Sindhus, on the earth, beholding which they will + indulge in lamentations. If the Siddhas, the Rudras, the Vasus, with the + Aswins, the Maruts with Indra (at their head) the Viswadevas with other + gods, the Pitris, the Gandharvas, Garuda, the Ocean, the mountains, the + firmament, Heaven, Earth, the point of the compass (cardinal and + subsidiary), and the regents of those points, all the creatures that are + domestic and all that are wild, in fact if all the mobile and the immobile + beings together, become the protectors of the ruler of the Sindhus, yet, O + slayer of Madhu, shalt thou behold Jayadratha slain by me tomorrow in + battle with my arrows! O Krishna, I swear by Truth, I touch my weapons + (and swear by them), that I shall, O Kesava, at the very outset, encounter + that Drona, that mighty bowman, who hath become the protector of that + sinful wretch Jayadratha! Suyodhana thinks that this game (of battle) + resteth on Drona! Therefore, piercing through the very van commanded by + Drona himself, I shall get at Jayadratha! Thou shalt tomorrow behold the + mightiest of bowmen riven by me in battle by means of my shafts endued + with fierce energy, like summits of a hill riven by the thunder. Blood + shall flow (in torrents) from the breasts of fallen men and elephants and + steeds, split open by whetted shafts falling fast upon them! The shafts + shot from Gandiva, fleet as the mind or the wind, will deprive thousands + of men and elephants and steeds of life! Men will behold in tomorrow’s + battle those weapons which I have obtained from Yama and Kaurva and Varuna + and Indra and Rudra! Thou shalt behold in tomorrow’s battle the weapons of + all those who come to protect the ruler of the Sindhus, baffled by me with + my Brahma weapon! Thou shalt in tomorrow’s battle, O Kesava, behold the + earth strewn by me with the heads of kings cut off by the force of my + shafts! (Tomorrow) I shall gratify all cannibals, rout the foe, gladden my + friends, and crush the ruler of the Sindhus! A great offender, one who + hath not acted like a relative, born in a sinful country, the ruler of the + Sindhu, slain by me, will sadden his own. Thou shalt behold that ruler of + the Sindhus, of sinful behaviour, and brought up in every luxury, pierced + by me with my shafts! On the morrow, O Krishna, I shall do that which + shall make Suyodhana think that there is no other bowman in the world who + is equal to me! My Gandiva is a celestial bow! I myself am the warrior, O + bull among men! Thou, O Hrishikesa, art the charioteer! What is that I + will not be able to vanquish? Through thy grace, O holy one, what is there + unattainable by me in battle? Knowing my prowess to be incapable of being + resisted, why, O Hrishikesa, dost thou yet rebuke me? As Lakshmi is ever + present in Soma, as water is ever present in the Ocean, know this, O + Janardana, that even so is my vow ever accomplished! Do not think lightly + of my weapons! Do not think lightly of my tough bow! Do not think lightly + of the might of my arms! Do not think lightly of Dhananjaya! I shall go to + battle in such a way that I shall truly win and not lose! When I have + vowed it, know that Jayadratha hath already been slain in battle! Verily, + in the Brahmana is truth; verily, in the righteous is humility; verily, in + sacrifice is prosperity; verily, in Narayana is victory!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued,—‘Having said these words unto Hrishikesa, the + son of Vasudeva, having himself said so unto his own self, Arjuna in a + deep voice, once more addressed lord Kesava, saying—“Thou shouldst, + O Krishna, so act that my car may be well equipt as soon as this night + dawns, since grave is the task that is at hand!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0075" id="link72H_4_0075"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Both Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, afflicted with sorrow and + grief and frequently sighing like two snakes, got no sleep that night. + Understanding that both Nara and Narayana were in rage, the gods with + Vasava became very anxious thinking, “What will come of it?” Fierce winds, + that were again dry and foreboded danger, began to blow. And a headless + trunk and a mace appeared on the disc of the sun. And although it was + cloudless, frequent thunders were heard, of loud report, mixed with + flashes of lightning. The earth with her mountains and waters and forests, + shook. The seas, those habitation of Makaras, swelled O king, in + agitation. The rivers ran in directions opposite to their usual course. + The nether and upper lips of car-warriors and steeds and men and elephants + began to tremble. And as if for gladdening the cannibals, on that occasion + foreboding a great accession of population to the domain of Yama, the + animals (on the field) began to eject urine and excreta, and utter loud + cries of woe. Beholding these fierce omens that made the hair stand on + end, and hearing also of the fierce vow of the mighty Arjuna, all thy + warriors, O bull of Bharata’s race became exceedingly agitated. Then the + mighty-armed son of Pakasasana said unto Krishna. “Go, and comfort thy + sister Subhadra with her daughter-in-law. And, O Madhava, let also that + daughter-in-law, and her companions, be comforted by thee; O lord, comfort + them with soothing words that are again fraught with truth.” Thus + addressed, Vasudeva, with a cheerless heart, wending to Arjuna’s abode, + began to comfort his sorrowing sister afflicted with grief on account of + the death of her son.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “O lady of Vrishni’s race, do not grieve, with thy + daughter-in-law, for thy son, O timid one, all creatures have but one end + ordained by Time. The end thy son hath met with—that becometh a hero + of proud lineage, especially who is a Kshatriya. Do not, therefore, + grieve. By good luck it is that mighty car-warrior of great wisdom, of + prowess equal to that of his father, hath, after the Kshatriya custom, met + with an end that is coveted by heroes. Having vanquished numberless foes + and despatched them unto Yama’s presence, he hath himself repaired to + those eternal regions, that grant the fruition of every wish, and that are + for the righteous. Thy son hath attained that end which the righteous + attain by penance, by Brahmacharya, by knowledge of the scriptures, and by + wisdom. The mother of a hero, the wife of a hero, the daughter of a hero, + and a kinsman of heroes, O amiable one, grieve not thou for thy son who + hath obtained the supreme end. The wretched ruler of the Sindhus, O + beautiful lady, that murderer of a child, that perpetrator of a sinful + act, shall, with his friends and kinsmen, obtain the fruit of this + arrogance of his on the expiry of this night. Even if he enters the abode + of Indra himself he will not escape from the hands of Partha. Tomorrow + thou shalt hear that the head of the Sindhus hath, in battle, been cut off + from his trunk to roll on the outskirts of Samantapanchaka! Dispel thy + sorrow, and do not grieve. Keeping the duties of a Kshatriya before him, + thy brave son hath attained the end of the righteous, that end, viz., + which we here expect to obtain as also others that bear arms as a + profession. Of broad chest, mighty arms, unreturning, a crusher of + car-warriors, thy son, O beautiful lady, hath gone to heaven. Drive away + this fever (of thy heart). Obedient to his sires and maternal relations, + that heroic and mighty car-warrior of great prowess hath fallen a prey to + death, after having slain thousands of foes, comfort thy daughter-in-law, + O queen! Do not grieve too much, O Kshatriya lady! Drive away thy grief, O + daughter, as thou shalt hear such agreeable news on the morrow. That which + Partha hath vowed must be accomplished. It cannot be otherwise. That which + is sought to be done by thy husband can never remain unaccomplished. Even + if all human beings and snakes and Pisachas and all the wanderers of the + night and birds, and all the gods and the Asuras, help the ruler of the + Sindhus on the field of battle; he shall still, with them, cease to exist + tomorrow.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0076" id="link72H_4_0076"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of the high-souled Kesava, Subhadra, + afflicted with grief on account of the death of her son, began to indulge + in these piteous lamentations: “Oh, son of my wretched self, O thou that + wast in prowess equal to thy father, O child, how couldst thou perish, + going to battle! Alas, how doth that face of thine which resembleth the + blue lotus and is graced with beautiful teeth and excellent eyes, now + seem, now that, O child, it is covered with battle’s dust! Without doubt, + thee so brave and unreturning, thee fallen on the field, with beautiful + head and neck and arms, with broad chest, low belly, thy limbs decked with + ornaments, thee that art endued with beautiful eyes, thee that art mangled + with weapon wounds, thee all creatures are, without doubt, beholding as + the rising moon! Alas, thou whose bed used to be overlaid with the whitest + and costliest sheets, alas, deserving as thou art of every luxury, how + dost thou sleep today on the bare earth, thy body pierced with arrows? + That hero of mighty arms who used of old to be waited upon by the foremost + of beautiful women, alas, how can he, fallen on the field of battle, pass + his time now in the company of jackals! He who of old was praised with + hymns by singers and bards and panegyrists, alas, he is today greeted by + fierce and yelling cannibals and beasts of prey. By whom, alas, hast thou + been helplessly slain when thou hadst the Pandavas, O lord, and all the + Panchalas, for thy protectors? Oh son, O sinless one, I am not yet + gratified with looking at thee. Wretched as I am, it is evident that I + shall have to go to Yama’s abode. When again shall I cast my eyes on that + face of thine, adorned, with large eyes and beautiful locks that smooth + face without pimples, from which sweet words and exquisite fragrance + constantly issued? Fie on the strength of Bhimasena, on the bowmanship of + Partha, on the prowess of the Vrishni heroes, and the might of the + Panchalas! Fie on the Kaikeyas, the Chedis, the Matsyas, and the + Srinjayas, they that could not protect thee, O hero, while engaged in + battle! I behold the earth today to be vacant and cheerless. Without + seeing my Abhimanyu, my eyes are troubled with affliction. Thou wast the + sister’s son of Vasudeva, the son of the wielder of Gandiva, and thyself, + a hero and an Atiratha. Alas, how shall I behold the slain! Alas, O hero, + thou hast been to me like a treasure in a dream that is seen and lost. Oh, + every thing human is as transitory as a bubble of water. This thy young + wife is overwhelmed with grief on account of the evil that hath befallen + thee. Alas, how shall I comfort her who is even like a cow without her + calf! Alas, O son, thou hast prematurely fled from me at a time when thou + wast about to bear fruit of greatness, although I am longing for a sight + of thee. Without doubt, the conduct of the Destroyer cannot be understood + even by the wise, since although thou hast Kesava for thy protector, thou + wast yet slain, as if thou wast perfectly helpless. O son, let that end be + thine which is theirs that perform sacrifices and theirs that are + Brahmanas of purified soul, and theirs that have practised Brahmacharya, + and theirs that have bathed in sacred waters, and theirs that are grateful + and charitable and devoted to the service of their preceptors, and theirs + that have made sacrificial presents in profusion. That end which is theirs + that are brave and unretreating while engaged in battle, or theirs that + have fallen in battle, having slain their foes, let that end be thine. + That auspicious end which is theirs that have given away a thousand kine, + or theirs that have given away in sacrifices, or theirs that give away + houses and mansions agreeable to the recipients, that end which is theirs + that give away gems and jewels to deserving Brahmanas, or theirs that are + punishers of crime, O, let that end be thine. That end which is attained + by Munis of rigid vows by Brahmacharya, or that which is attained by those + women that adhere to but one husband, O son, let that end be thine. That + eternal end which is attained by kings by means of good behaviour, or by + those persons that have cleansed themselves by leading, one after another, + all the four modes of life, and through due observance of their duties, + that end which is theirs that are compassionate to the poor and the + distressed, or theirs that equitably divide sweets amongst themselves and + their dependants, or theirs that are never addicted to deceit and + wickedness, O son, let that end be thine! That end which is theirs that + are observant of vows, or theirs that are virtuous, or theirs that are + devoted to the service of preceptors, or theirs that have never sent away + a guest unentertained, O son, let that end be thine. That end which is + theirs that succeed in distress and the most difficult straits in + preserving the equanimity of their souls, however much scorched they might + be by the fire of grief, O son, let that end be thine. O son, let that end + be thine which is theirs that are always devoted to the service of their + fathers and mothers, or theirs that are devoted to their own wives only. O + son, let that end be thine which is attained by those wise men who, + restraining themselves from the wives of others, seek the companionship of + only their own wives in season. O son, let that end be thine which is + theirs that look upon all creatures with an eye of peace, or theirs that + never give pain to others, or theirs that always forgive. O son, let that + end be thine which is theirs that abstain from honey, meat, wine, pride + and untruth, or theirs that have refrained from giving pain to others. Let + that goal be thine which they attain that are modest, acquainted with all + the scriptures, content with knowledge, and have their passions under + control." </p> + <p> + “‘And while cheerless Subhadra, afflicted with grief, was indulging in + such lamentations, the princess of Panchala (Draupadi), accompanied by + Virata’s daughter (Uttara), came to her. All of them, in great grief, wept + copiously and indulged in heart-rending lamentations. And like persons + reft of reason by sorrow, they fainted away and fell down on the earth. + Then Krishna, who stood, ready with water, deeply afflicted, sprinkled it + over his weeping, unconscious and trembling sister, pierced in her very + heart, and comforting her, said what should be said on such an occasion. + And the lotus-eyed one said, “Grieve not, O Subhadra! O Panchali, console + Uttara! Abhimanyu, that bull among Kshatriyas, hath obtained the most + laudable goal. O thou of beautiful face, let all the other men yet alive + in our race obtain that goal which Abhimanyu of great fame hath obtained. + Ourselves with all our friends, wish to achieve, in this battle, that + feat, the like of which, O lady, thy son, that mighty car-warrior, hath + achieved without any assistance.” Having consoled his sister and Draupadi + and Uttara thus, that chastiser of foes, viz., the mighty-armed (Krishna), + returned to Partha’s side. Then Krishna, saluting the kings, friends and + Arjuna, entered the inner apartments of the (latter’s) tent while those + kings also repaired to respective abodes.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0077" id="link72H_4_0077"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then lord Kesava, of eyes like lotus-petals, having + entered the unrivalled mansion of Arjuna, touched water, and spread (for + Arjuna) on the auspicious and even floor an excellent bed of Kusa blades + that were of the hue of the lapis lazuli. And keeping excellent weapons + around that bed, he adorned it duly with garlands of flowers and fried + paddy, perfumes and other auspicious articles. And after Partha (also) had + touched water, meek and submissive attendants brought the usual nightly + sacrifice to the Three-eyed (Mahadeva). Then Partha, with a cheerful soul, + having smeared Madhava with perfumes and adorned with floral garlands, + presented unto Mahadeva the nightly offering.<a href="#linknote-7131" name="linknoteref-7131" id="linknoteref-7131">131</a> Then Govinda, with a + faint smile, addressed Partha, saying, “Blessed be thou, O Partha, lay + thyself down, I leave thee.” Placing door-keepers then, and also sentinels + well-armed, blessed Kesava, followed by (his charioteer) Daruka, repaired + to his own tent. He then laid himself down on his white bed, and thought + of diverse measures to be adopted. And the illustrious one (Kesava) of + eyes like lotus petals, began for Partha’s sake, to think of various means + that would dispel (Partha’s) grief and anxiety and enhance his prowess and + splendour. Of soul wrapt in yoga, that Supreme Lord of all, viz., Vishnu + of wide-spread fame, who always did what was agreeable to Jishnu, desirous + of benefiting (Arjuna), lapsed into yoga, and meditation. There was none + in the Pandava camp who slept that night. Wakefulness possessed every one, + O monarch. And everybody (in the Pandava camp) thought of this, viz.,—“The + high-souled wielder of Gandiva, burning with grief for the death of his + son, hath suddenly vowed the slaughter of the Sindhus. How, indeed, will + that slayer of hostile heroes, that son of Vasava, that mighty-armed + warrior, accomplish his vow? The high-souled son of Pandu hath, indeed + made a most difficult resolve. King Jayadratha is endued with mighty + energy. Oh, let Arjuna succeed in fulfilling his vow. Difficult is that + vow which he, afflicted with grief on account of his son, hath made. + Duryodhana’s brothers are all possessed of great prowess. His forces also + are countless. The son of Dhritarashtra hath assigned all these to + Jayadratha (as his protectors). Oh, let Dhananjaya come back (to the + camp), having slain the ruler of the Sindhus in battle. Vanquishing his + foes, let Arjuna accomplish his vow. If he fails to slay the ruler of the + Sindhus tomorrow, he will certainly enter into blazing fire. Dhananjaya, + the son of Pritha, will not falsify his oath. If Arjuna dies, how will the + son of Dharma succeed in recovering his kingdom? Indeed, (Yudhishthira) + the son of Pandu hath reposed (all his hopes of) victory of Arjuna. If we + have achieved any (religious) merit, if we have ever poured libations of + clarified butter into fire, let Savyasachin, aided by the fruits thereof, + vanquish all his foes.” Thus talking, O lord, with one another about the + victory (of the morrow), that long night, O king, of theirs, at last, + passed away. In the middle of the night, Janardana, having awaked, + remembered Partha’s vow, and addressing (his charioteer) Daruka, said, + “Arjuna, in grief for the death of his son, hath vowed, O Daruka, that + before tomorrow’s sun goes down he will slay Jayadratha. Hearing of this, + Duryodhana will assuredly take counsel with his counsellors, about how + Partha may fail to achieve his object. His several Akshauhinis of troops + will protect Jayadratha. Fully conversant with the ways of applying all + weapons, Drona also, with his son, will protect him. That matchless hero, + the Thousand-eyed (Indra himself), that crusher of the pride of Daityas + and Danavas cannot venture to slay him in battle who is protected by + Drona. I, therefore, will do that tomorrow by which Arjuna, the son of + Kunti, may slay Jayadratha before the sun sets. My wives, my kinsmen, my + relatives, none amongst these is dearer to me than Arjuna. O Daruka, I + shall not be able to cast my eyes, even for a single moment, on the earth + bereft of Arjuna. I tell thee, the earth shall not be reft to Arjuna. + Myself vanquishing them all with their steeds and elephants by putting + forth my strength for the sake of Arjuna, I will slay them with Karna and + Suyodhana. Let the three worlds tomorrow behold my prowess in great + battle, when I put forth my valour, O Daruka, for Dhananjaya’s sake. + Tomorrow thousands of kings and hundreds of princes, with their steeds and + cars and elephants, will, O Daruka, fly away from battle. Thou shalt + tomorrow, O Daruka, behold that army of kings overthrown and crushed with + my discus, by myself in wrath for the sake of the son of Pandu. Tomorrow + the (three) worlds with the gods, the Gandharvas, the Pisachas, the + Snakes, and the Rakshasas, will know me as a (true) friend of Savyasachin. + He that hateth him, hateth me. He that followeth him, followeth me. Thou + hast intelligence. Know that Arjuna is half of myself. When morning comes + after the expiry of this night, thou, O Daruka, equipping my excellent car + according to the rules of military science, must bring it and follow me + with it carefully, placing on it my celestial mace called Kaumodaki, my + dart and discus, bow and arrows, and every other thing necessary. O Suta, + making room on the terrace of my car for my standard and for the heroic + Garuda thereon, that adorns my umbrella, and yoking thereto my foremost of + steeds named Valahaka and Meghapushpa and Saivya and Sugriva, having cased + them in golden mail of the splendour of the sun and fire, and thyself + putting on thy armour, stay on it carefully. Upon hearing the loud and + terrible blast of my conch Panchajanya emitting the shrill Rishava note,<a + href="#linknote-7132" name="linknoteref-7132" id="linknoteref-7132">132</a> + thou wilt come quickly to me. In course of a single day, O Daruka, I shall + dispel the wrath and the diverse woes of my cousin, the son of my paternal + aunt. By every means shall I strive so that Vibhatsu in battle may slay + Jayadratha in the very sight of the Dhartarashtras. O charioteer, I tell + thee that Vibhatsu will certainly succeed in slaying all these for whose + slaughter he will strive." </p> + <p> + “‘Daruka said, “He is certain to have victory whose charioteership, O + tiger among men, hath been taken by thee. Whence, indeed, can defeat come + to him? As regards myself, I will do that which thou hast commanded me to + do. This night will bring (on its train) the auspicious morn for Arjuna’s + victory.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0078" id="link72H_4_0078"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, of inconceivable prowess thinking + of how to accomplish his vow, recollected the mantras (given to him by + Vyasa). And soon he was lulled in the arms of sleep. Unto that + ape-bannered hero, burning with grief and immersed in thought, Kesava, + having Garuda on his banner, appeared in a dream. Dhananjaya of righteous + soul, in consequence of his love and veneration for Kesava, never omitted + under any circumstances to stand up and advance a few steps for receiving + Krishna. Rising up, therefore, now (in his dream), he gave unto Govinda a + seat. He himself, however, at that time, did not set his heart upon taking + his seat. Then Krishna, of mighty energy, knowing the resolution of + Partha, said, while seated, unto the son of Kunti, these words while the + latter was standing: “Do not set thy heart, O Partha, on grief. Time is + unconquerable. Time forceth all creatures into the inevitable course. O + foremost of men what for is this grief of thine? Grief should not be + indulged in, O foremost of learned persons! Grief is an impediment to + action. Accomplish that act which should be accomplished. The grief that + maketh a person forgo all efforts is, indeed, O Dhananjaya, an enemy of + that person. A person, by indulging in grief, gladdens his foes and + saddens his friends, while the person is himself weakened. Therefore, it + behoveth thee not to grieve.” Thus addressed by Vasudeva, the unvanquished + Vibhatsu of great learning then said these words of grave import: “Grave + is the vow that I have made about the slaughter of Jayadratha. Even + tomorrow I shall slay that wicked wretch, that slayer of my son. Even this + hath been my vow, O Kesava! For frustrating my vow, Jayadratha, protected + by all the mighty car-warriors, will be kept in their rear by the + Dhartarashtras. Their force, number, consists, O Madhava, of remnant, + after slaughter, of eleven Akshauhinis of troops, difficult of being + vanquished. Surrounded in battle as he will be by all of them and by all + the great car-warriors, how shall he obtain a sight, O Krishna, of the + wicked ruler of the Sindhus? My vow will not be accomplished, O Kesava! + How can a person like me live, having failed to accomplish his vow? O + hero, the non-accomplishment is evident of this (my vow which to me is a) + source of great grief. (At this season of the year), I tell thee that the + sun setteth quickly.” The bird-bannered Krishna hearing this cause of + Partha’s grief, touched water and sat with face turned to the east. And + then that hero, of eyes like lotus leaves, and possessed of great energy, + said these words for the benefit of Pandu’s son who had resolved upon the + slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, “O Partha, there is an + indestructible, supreme weapon of the name of Pasupata. With it the god + Maheswara slew in battle all the Daityas! If thou rememberest it now, thou + shalt then be able to slay Jayadratha tomorrow. If it is unknown to thee + (now), adore within thy heart the god having the bull for his mark. + Thinking of that god in thy mind, remember him, O Dhananjaya! Thou art his + devotee. Through his grace thou shalt obtain that rich possession.” + Hearing these words of Krishna, Dhananjaya, having touched water, sat on + the earth with concentrated mind and thought of the god Bhava. After he + had thus sat with rapt mind at that hour called Brahma of auspicious + indications, Arjuna saw himself journeying through the sky with Kesava. + And Partha, possessed of the speed of the mind, seemed to reach, with + Kesava, the sacred foot of Himavat and the Manimat mountain abounding in + many brilliant gems and frequented by Siddhas and Charanas. And the lord + Kesava seemed to have caught hold of his left arm. And he seemed to see + many wonderful sights as he reached (those place). And Arjuna of righteous + soul then seemed to arrive at the White mountain on the north. And then he + beheld, in the pleasure-gardens of Kuvera the beautiful lake decked with + lotuses. And he also saw that foremost of rivers, viz., the Ganga full of + water. And then he arrived at the regions about the Mandara mountains. + Those regions were covered with trees that always bore blossoms and + fruits. And they abounded with stones lying scattered about, that were all + transparent crystal. And they were inhabited by lions and tigers and + abounded with animals of diverse kinds. And they were adorned with many + beautiful retreats of ascetics, echoing with the sweet notes of delightful + warblers. And they resounded also with the songs of Kinnaras. Graced with + many golden and silver peaks, they were illumined with diverse herbs and + plants. And many Mandara trees with their pretty loads of flowers, adorned + them. And then Arjuna reached the mountains called Kala that looked like a + mound of antimony. And then he reached the summit called Brahmatunga, and + then many rivers, and then many inhabited provinces. And he arrived at + Satasinga, and the woods known by the name of Sharyati. And then he beheld + the sacred spot known as the Horse-head, and then the region of Atharvana. + And then he beheld that prince of mountains called Vrishadansa, and the + great Mandara, abounding in Apsaras, and graced with the presence of the + Kinnaras. And roaming on that mountain, Partha, with Krishna, beheld a + spot of earth adorned with excellent fountains, decked with golden + mineral, and possessed of the splendour of the lunar rays, and having many + cities and towns. And he also beheld many seas of wonderful forms and + diverse mines of wealth. And thus going through the sky and firmament and + the earth, he reached the spot called Vishnupada. And wandering, with + Krishna in his company, he came down with great velocity, like a shaft + shot (from a bow). And soon Partha beheld a blazing mountain whose + splendour equalled that of the planets, the constellations, or fire. And + arrived at that mountain, he beheld on its top, the high-souled god having + the bull for his mark, and ever engaged in ascetic penances, like a + thousand suns collected together, and blazing with his own effulgence. + Trident in hand, matted locks on the head, of snow-white colour, he was + robed in bark and skin. Endued with great energy, his body seemed to be + flaming with a thousand eyes. And he was seated with Parvati and many + creatures of brilliant forms (around him). And his attendants were engaged + in singing and playing upon musical instruments, in laughing and dancing, + in moving and stretching their hands, and in uttering loud shouts. And the + place was perfumed with fragrant odours, and Rishis that worshipped Brahma + adored with excellent hymns of unfading glory, that God who was the + protector of all creatures, and wielded the (great) bow (called Pinaka). + Beholding him, Vasudeva of righteous soul, with Partha, touched the earth + with his head, uttering the eternal words of the Veda. And Krishna adored, + with speech, mind, understanding, and acts, that God who is the first + source of the universe, himself uncreate, the supreme lord of unfading + glory: who is the highest cause of the mind, who is space and the wind, + who is the cause of all the luminous bodies (in the firmament), who is the + creator of the rain, and the supreme, primordial substance of the earth, + who is the object of adoration, with the gods, the Danavas, the Yakshas, + and human beings; who is the supreme Brahma that is seen by Yogins and the + refuge of those acquainted with Shastras, who is the creator of all mobile + and immobile creatures, and their destroyer also; who is the Wrath that + burns everything at the end of the Yuga; who is the supreme soul; who is + the Sakra and Surya, and the origin of all attributes. And Krishna sought + the protection of that Bhava, whom men of knowledge, desirous of attaining + to that which is called the subtle and the spiritual, behold; that + uncreate one is the soul of all causes. And Arjuna repeatedly adored that + Deity, knowing that he was the origin of all creatures and the cause of + the past, the future, and the present. Beholding those two, viz., Nara and + Narayana arrived, Bhava of cheerful soul, smilingly said unto them, + “Welcome are ye, ye foremost of men! Rise up and let the fatigue of your + journey be over. What, O heroes, is the desire in your heart? Let it be + uttered quickly. What is the business that has brought you hither? I will + accomplish it and do what would benefit you. I will grant everything ye + may desire.” Hearing those words of the god, they both rose. And then with + joined hands, the faultless Vasudeva and Arjuna, both of great wisdom, + began to gratify that high-souled deity with an excellent hymn. And + Krishna and Arjuna said, “We bow to Bhava, to Sarva, to Rudra, to the + boon-giving deity. We bow to the lord of all creatures endued with life, + to the god who is always fierce, to him who is called Kapardin! We bow to + Mahadeva, to Bhima, to the Three-eyed, to him who is peace and + contentment. We bow to Isana, to him who is the destroyer of (Daksha’s) + sacrifice. Let salutations be to the slayer of Andhaka, to the father of + Kumara, to him who is of blue throat, to him who is the creator. Let + salutation be to the wielder of Pinaka, to one worthy of the offer of + libations of clarified butter, to him who is truth, to him who is + all-pervading. To him who is unvanquished! To him who is always of blue + locks, to him who is armed with the trident, to him who is of celestial + vision! To him who is Hotri, to him who protects all, to him who is of + three eyes, to him who is disease, to him whose vital seed fell on fire! + To him who is inconceivable, to him who is the lord of Amvika, to him who + is adored by all the gods! To him who hath the bull for his mark, to him + who is bold, to him who is of matted lock, to him who is a Brahmacharin! + To him who standeth as an ascetic in the water, to him who is devoted to + Brahma, to him who hath never been conquered! To him who is the soul of + the universe, to him who is the creator of the universe, to him who liveth + pervading the whole universe! We bow to thee that art the object of the + reverence of all, to thee that art the original cause of all creatures! To + thee that art called Brahmachakra, to thee that art called Sarva, Sankara, + and Siva! We bow to thee that art the lord of all great beings! We bow to + thee that hast a thousand heads, to thee that hast a thousand arms, to + thee that art called Death! To thee that hast a thousand eyes, a thousand + legs! To thee whose acts are innumerable! We bow to thee whose complexion + is that of gold, to thee that art cased in golden mail, to thee that art + ever compassionate to thy devotees! O lord, let our wish be + accomplished.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having adored Mahadeva in these terms, Vasudeva with + Arjuna then began to gratify him for obtaining (the great) weapon (called + Pasupata).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0079" id="link72H_4_0079"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Partha, with a cheerful soul and joined hands and + eyes expanded (in wonder), gazed at the god having the bull for his mark + and who was the receptacle of every energy. And he beheld the offerings he + made every night to Vasudeva lying by the side of the Three-eyed deity. + The son of Pandu then, mentally worshipping both Krishna and Sarva, said + unto the latter, “I desire (to obtain) the celestial weapon.” Hearing + these words of Partha desiring the boon he sought, god Siva smilingly said + unto Vasudeva and Arjuna, “Welcome to you, ye foremost of men! I know the + wish cherished by you, and the business for which you have come here. I + will give you what you wish. There is a celestial lake full of Amrita, not + far from this place, ye slayers of foes! There were kept some time back, + that celestial bow and arrow of mine. With them I slew in battle all the + enemies of the gods. Bring hither, ye Krishna, that excellent bow with + arrow fixed on it.” Hearing these words of Siva, Vasudeva with Arjuna + answered, “So be it.” And then accompanied by all the attendants of Siva, + those two heroes set out for that celestial lake which possessed hundreds + of heavenly wonders, that sacred lake, capable of granting every object, + which the god, having the bull for his mark, had indicated to them. And + unto that lake, the Rishis Nara and Narayana (viz., Arjuna and Vasudeva) + went fearlessly. And having reached that lake, bright as the disc of the + sun, Arjuna and Achyuta beheld within its waters a terrible snake. And + they beheld there another foremost of snakes, that had a thousand heads. + And possessed of the effulgence of fire, that snake was vomiting fierce + flames. Then Krishna and Partha having touched water, joined their hands, + and approached those snakes, having bowed unto the god having the bull for + his mark. And as they approached the snakes, conversant as they were with + the Vedas, they uttered the hundred stanzas of the Veda, to the praise of + Rudra, bowing the while with their sincere souls unto Bhava of + immeasurable power. Then those two terrible snakes, in consequence of the + power of those adorations to Rudra, abandoned their snake-forms and + assumed the forms of a foe-killing bow and arrow. Gratified (with what + they saw), Krishna and Arjuna then seized that bow and arrow of great + effulgence. And those high-souled heroes then brought them away and gave + them unto the illustrious Mahadeva. Then from one of the sides of Siva’s + body there came out a Brahmacharin of tawny eyes. And he seemed to be the + refuge of asceticism. Of blue throat and red locks, he was endued with + great might. Taking up that best of bows that Brahmacharin stood placing + (both the bow and his feet properly). And fixing the arrow on the + bowstring, he began to stretch the latter duly. Beholding the manner of + his seizing the handle of the bow and drawing the string and placing of + his feet, and hearing also the Mantras uttered by Bhava, the son of Pandu, + of inconceivable prowess, learnt everything duly. The mighty and puissant + Brahmacharin then sped that arrow to that same lake. And he once more + threw that bow also in that self-same lake. Then Arjuna of good memory + knowing that Bhava was gratified with him, and remembering also the boon + the latter had given him in the forest, and the sight also he gave him of + his person, mentally entertained the desire, “Let all this become + productive of fruit!” Understanding this to be his wish, Bhava, gratified + with him, gave him the boon. And the god also granted him the terrible + Pasupata weapon and the accomplishment of his vow. Then having thus once + more obtained the Pasupata weapon from the supreme god, the invincible + Arjuna, with hair standing on end, regarded his business to be already + achieved. Then Arjuna and Krishna filled with joy, paid their adorations + unto the great god by bowing their heads. And permitted by Bhava both + Arjuna and Kesava, those two heroes, almost immediately came back to their + own camp, filled with transports of delight. Indeed, their joy was as + great as that of Indra and Vishnu when those two gods, desirous of slaying + Jambha, obtained the permission of Bhava that slayer of great Asuras.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0080" id="link72H_4_0080"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While Krishna and Daruka were thus conversing together, + that night, O king, passed away. (When morning dawned), king Yudhishthira + rose from his bed. Paniswanikas and Magadhas and Madhuparkikas and Sutas, + gratified that bull among men (with songs and music). And dancers began + their dance, and sweet-voiced singers sang their sweet songs fraught with + the praises of the Kuru race. And skilled musicians, well-trained (in + their respective instruments), played on Mridangas and Jharjharas and + Bheris, and Panavas, and Anakas, and Gomukhas, and Adamvaras, and conchs, + and Dundubhis of loud sound, and diverse other instruments. That loud + noise, deep as the roar of the clouds, touched the very heavens. And it + awoke that foremost of kings, viz., Yudhishthira, from his slumber. Having + slept happily on his excellent and costly bed, the king awoke. + </p> + <p> + “‘And the monarch, rising from his bed, proceeded to the bath-room for + performing those acts that were absolutely necessary. Then a hundred and + eight servants, attired in white, themselves washed, and all young, + approached the king with many golden jars filled to the brim. Seated at + his ease on a royal seat, attired in a thin cloth, the king bathed in + several kinds of water fragrant with sandal-wood and purified with + Mantras. His body was rubbed by strong and well-trained servants with + water in which diverse kinds of medicinal herbs had been soaked. He then + washed with adhivasha water rendered fragrant by various odoriferous + substances. Obtaining then a long piece of cloth (for the head) that was + as white as the feathers of the swan, and that had been kept loose before + him, the king tied it round his head for drying the water. Smearing his + body then with excellent sandal-paste, and wearing floral garlands, and + addressing himself in clean robes, the mighty-armed monarch sat with face + towards the east, and his hands joined together. Following the path of the + righteous, the son of Kunti then mentally said his prayers. And then with + great humility he entered the chamber in which the blazing fire (for + worship) was kept. And having worshipped the fire with faggots of sacred + wood and with libations of clarified butter sanctified with Mantras, he + came out of the chamber. Then that tiger among men, entering a second + chamber, beheld there many bulls among Brahmanas well-acquainted with the + Vedas. And they were all self-restrained, purified by the study of the + Vedas and by vows. And all of them had undergone the bath on the + completion of sacrifices performed by them. Worshippers of the Sun, they + numbered a thousand. And, besides them, there were also eight thousand + others of the same class. And the mighty-armed son of Pandu, having caused + them to utter, in distinct voices, agreeable benedictions, by making + presents to them of honey and clarified butter and auspicious fruits of + the best kind, gave unto each of them a nishka of gold, a hundred steeds + decked with ornaments, and costly robes and such other presents as were + agreeable to them. And making unto them presents also of kine yielding + milk whenever touched, with calves and having their horns decked with gold + and their hoofs with silver, the son of Pandu circumambulated them. And + then seeing and touching Swastikas fraught with increase of good fortune, + and Nandyavartas made of gold, and floral garlands, water-pots and blazing + fire, and vessels full of sun-dried rice and other auspicious articles, + and the yellow pigment prepared from the urine of the cow, and auspicious + and well-decked maidens, and curds and clarified butter and honey, and + auspicious birds and diverse other things held sacred, the son of Kunti + came into the outer chamber. Then, O mighty-armed one, the attendants + waiting in that chamber brought an excellent and costly seat of gold that + was of a circular shape. Decked with pearls and lapis lazuli, and overlaid + with a very costly carpet over which was spread another cloth of fine + texture, that seat was the handiwork of the artificer himself. After the + high-souled monarch had taken his seat, the servants brought to him all + his costly and bright ornaments. The high-souled son of Kunti put on those + begemmed ornaments, whereupon his beauty became such as to enhance the + grief of his foes. And when the servants began to fan him with white + yak-tails of the bright effulgence of the moon and all furnished with + handles of gold, the king looked resplendent like a mass of clouds charged + with lightning. And bards began to sing his praises, and panegyrists + uttered his eulogies. And singers began to sing unto that delighter of + Kuru’s race, and in a moment the voices of the panegyrists swelled into a + loud noise. And then was heard the clatter of car-wheels, and the tread of + horse-hoofs. And in consequence of that noise mingling with the tinkle of + elephants’ bells and the blare of conchs and the tread of men, the very + earth seemed to tremble. Then one of the orderlies in charge of the doors, + cased in mail, youthful in years, decked with ear-rings, and his sword + hanging by his side, entering the private apartment, knelt down on the + ground, and saluting with (a bend of) his head the monarch who deserved + every adoration, represented unto that high-souled and royal son of Dharma + that Hrishikesa was waiting to be introduced. Then that tiger among men, + having ordered his servants, “Let an excellent seat and an Arghya be kept + ready for him,” caused him of Vrishni’s race to be introduced and seated + on a costly seat. And addressing Madhava with the usual enquiries of + welcome, king Yudhishthira the just duly worshipped Kesava.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0081" id="link72H_4_0081"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then king Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, saluting + Devaki’s son Janardana, and cheerfully addressed him saying “Hast thou + passed the night happily, O slayer of Madhu? Are all thy perceptions + clear, O thou of unfading glory?” Vasudeva also made similar enquiries of + Yudhishthira. Then the orderly came and represented that the other + Kshatriya warriors were waiting to be introduced. Commanded by the king, + the man introduced that concourse of heroes, consisting of Virata and + Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki, and Dhrishtaketu, the ruler of + the Chedis, and the mighty car-warriors, Drupada, and Sikhandin, and the + twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and Chekitana, and the ruler of the + Kalikayas, and Yuyutsu, of Kuru’s race, and Uttamaujas of the Panchalas, + and Yudhamanyu, and Suvahu, and the (five) sons of Draupadi. These and + many other Kshatriyas, approaching that high-souled bull among the + Kshatriyas, sat down on excellent seats. Those mighty and high-souled + heroes of great splendour viz., Krishna and Yuyudhana, both sat on the + same seat. Then in the hearing of them all, Yudhishthira addressing the + lotus-eyed slayer of Madhu, and said unto him these sweet words: “Relying + on thee alone, we, like the celestial one, the deity of a thousand eyes, + seek victory in battle and eternal happiness. Thou art aware, O Krishna, + of the deprivation of our kingdom, our exile at the hands of the foe, and + all our diverse woes. O lord of all, O thou that art compassionate unto + those that are devoted to thee, upon thee wholly rests the happiness of us + all and our very existence, O slayer of Madhu! O thou of Vrishni’s race, + do that by which my heart may ever rest on thee! Do also that, O Lord, by + which the proposed vow of Arjuna may be realised. O, rescue us today from + this ocean of grief and rage. O Madhava, become thou today a boat unto us + that are desirous of crossing (that ocean). The car-warriors desirous of + slaying the foe cannot, in battle, do that (for the success of his object) + which, O Krishna, the car-driver can do, if he exerts himself carefully. O + Janardana, as thou always savest the Vrishnis in all calamities, even so + it behoveth thee to save us from this distress, O mighty-armed one! O + bearer of the conch, discus, and mace, rescue the sons of Pandu sunk in + the fathomless and boatless Kuru-ocean, by becoming a boat unto them. I + bow to thee, O God of the lord of the gods, O thou that art eternal, O + supreme Destroyer, O Vishnu, O Jishnu, O Hari, O Krishna, O Vaikuntha, O + best of male beings! Narada described thee as that ancient and best of + Rishis (called Narayana) that giveth boons, that beareth the bow Saranga, + and that is the foremost of all. O Madhava, make those words true.” Thus + addressed in the midst of that assembly by king Yudhishthira the just, + Kesava, that foremost of speakers, replied unto Yudhishthira in a voice + deep as that of clouds charged with rain, saying, “In all the worlds + including that of the celestials, there is no bowman equal to Dhananjaya, + the son of Pritha! Possessed of great energy. accomplished in weapons, of + great prowess and great strength, celebrated in battle, ever wrathful, and + of great energy, Arjuna is the foremost of men. Youthful in years, + bull-necked, and of long arms, he is endued with great strength. Treading + like a lion or a bull, and exceedingly beautiful he will slay all thy + foes. As regards myself, I will do that by which Arjuna, the son of Kunti, + may be able to consume the troops of Dhritarashtra’s son like a swelling + conflagration. This very day, Arjuna will, by his arrows despatch that + vile wretch of sinful deeds, that slayer of Subhadra’s son, (viz., + Jayadratha), to that road from which no traveller comes back. Today + vultures and hawks and furious jackals and other carnivorous creatures + will feed on his flesh. O Yudhishthira, if even all the gods with Indra + become his protectors today, Jayadratha will still, slain in the thick of + battle, repair to Yama’s capital. Having slain the ruler of the Sindhus, + Jishnu will come to thee (in the evening). Dispel thy grief and the fever + (of thy heart), O king, and be thou graced with prosperity.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0082" id="link72H_4_0082"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While Yudhishthira, Vasudeva, and others were thus + conversing, Dhananjaya came there, desirous of beholding that foremost one + of Bharata’s race, viz., the king, as also his friends and well-wishers. + After he had entered that auspicious chamber and having saluted him duly, + had taken its stand before the king, that bull among the Pandavas, (viz., + king Yudhishthira), rising up from his seat, embraced Arjuna with great + affection. Smelling his head and embracing him with his arms, the king + blessed him heartily. And addressing him smilingly, he said, “It is + evident, O Arjuna, that complete victory certainly awaits thee in battle, + judging from thy countenance (bright and cheerful as it is), and by the + fact that Janardana is well-pleased with thee.” Then Jishnu related unto + him that highly wonderful incident, saying, “Blessed be thou, O monarch, I + have, through Kesava’s grace, beheld something exceedingly wonderful.” + Then Dhananjaya related everything he had seen, about his meeting with the + Three-eyed god, for assuring his friends. Then all the hearers, filled + with wonder, bent their heads to the ground. And bowing unto the god + having the bull for his mark, they said, “Excellent, Excellent!” Then all + the friends and well-wishers (of the Pandavas), commanded by the son of + Dharma, quickly and carefully proceeded to battle, their hearts filled + with rage (against the foe). Saluting the king, Yuyudhana and Kesava and + Arjuna, cheerfully set out from Yudhishthira’s abode. And those two + invincible warriors, those two heroes, viz., Yuyudhana, and Janardana, + together proceeded on the same car to Arjuna’s pavilion. Arrived there, + Hrishikesa, like a charioteer (by profession), began to equip that car + bearing the mark of the prince of apes and belonging to that foremost of + car-warriors (viz., Arjuna). And that foremost of cars, of the effulgence + of heated gold, and of rattle resembling the deep roar of the clouds, + equipped (by Krishna), shone brightly like the morning sun. Then that + tiger among men, (viz., Vasudeva), clad in mail informed Partha, who had + finished his morning prayers, of the fact that his car had been properly + equipped. Then that foremost of men in this world, viz., the diadem-decked + (Arjuna), clad in golden armour, with his bow and arrows in hand, + circumambulated that car. And adored and blessed with benedictions about + victory by Brahmanas, old in ascetic penances and knowledge and years, + ever engaged in the performance of religious rites and sacrifices, and + having their passions under control, Arjuna then ascended that great car, + that excellent vehicle, which had previously been sanctified with mantras + capable of giving victory in battle, like Surya of blazing rays ascending + the eastern mountain. And that foremost of car-warriors decked with gold, + in consequence of those golden ornaments of his, on his car like Surya of + blazing splendour on the breast of Meru. After Partha, Yuyudhana and + Janardana mounted on that car, like the twin Aswins riding the same car + with Indra while coming to the sacrifice of Saryati. Then Govinda, that + foremost of charioteers, took the reins (of the steeds), like Matali + taking the reins of Indra’s steeds, while the latter went to battle for + slaying Vritra.<a href="#linknote-7133" name="linknoteref-7133" id="linknoteref-7133">133</a> Mounted on that best of cars with those two + friends, that slayer of large bodies of foes, viz., Partha, proceeded for + achieving the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, like Soma rising (in + the firmament) with Budha and Sukra, for destroying the gloom of night, or + like Indra proceeding with Varuna and Surya to the great battle (with the + Asuras) occasioned by the abduction of Taraka (the wife of Vrihaspati). + The bards and musicians gratified the heroic Arjuna, as he proceeded, with + the sound of musical instruments and auspicious hymns of good omen. And + the voices of the panegyrists and the bards uttering benedictions of + victory and wishing good day, mingling with the sounds of musical + instruments, became gratifying to those heroes. And an auspicious breeze, + fraught with fragrance, blew from behind Partha, gladdening him and + sucking up the energies of his foes. And at that hour, O king, many + auspicious omens of various kinds appeared to view, indicating victory to + the Pandavas and defeat to thy warriors, O sire! Beholding those + indications of victory, Arjuna, addressing the great bowman Yuyudhana on + his right, said these words: “O Yuyudhana! in today’s battle my victory + seems to be certain, since O bull of Sini’s race, all these (auspicious) + omens are seen. I shall, therefore, go thither where the ruler of the + Sindhus waiteth for (the display of) my energy and in expectation of + repairing to the regions of Yama. Indeed, as the slaughter of the ruler of + the Sindhus is one of my most imperative duties, even so is the protection + of king Yudhishthira the just another of my most imperative obligations. O + thou of mighty arms, be thou today the king’s protector. Thou wilt protect + him even as I myself protect him. I do not behold the person in the world + who would be able to vanquish thee. Thou art, in battle, equal to Vasudeva + himself. The chief of the celestials himself is unable to vanquish thee. + Reposing this burden on thee, or on that mighty car-warrior Pradyumna, I + can, O bull among men, without anxiety slay the ruler of the Sindhus. O + thou of the Satwata race, no anxiety need be entertained on my account. + With thy whole heart must thou protect the king. There where the + mighty-armed Vasudeva stayeth, and where I myself stay, without doubt, the + slightest danger to him or me can never befall.” Thus addressed by Partha, + Satyaki, that slayer of hostile heroes, replied saying, “So be it.” And + then the latter proceeded to the spot where king Yudhishthira was.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0083" id="link72H_4_0083"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXV + </h2> + <h3> + (Jayadratha-Vadha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After Abhimanyu’s slaughter when the next day came, + what did the Pandavas, afflicted with grief and sorrow do? Who amongst my + warriors fought with them? Knowing, as they did, the achievements of + Savyasachin, O tell me, how the Kauravas could, having perpetrated such a + wrong, remain fearlessly. How could they in battle venture even to gaze at + that tiger among men (viz., Arjuna), as he advanced like the + all-destroying Death himself in fury, burning with grief on account of the + slaughter of his son? Beholding that warrior having the prince of apes on + his banner, that hero grieved on account of his son’s death shaking his + gigantic bow in battle, what did my warriors do? What, O Sanjaya, hath + befallen unto Duryodhana? A great sorrow hath overtaken us today. I do not + any longer hear the sounds of joy. Those charming sounds, highly agreeable + to the ear, that were formerly heard in the abode of the Sindhu king, alas + those sounds are no longer heard today. Alas, in the camp of my sons, the + sounds of countless bards and panegyrists singing their praises, and of + dances are no longer heard. Formerly, such sounds used to strike my ears + incessantly. Alas, as they are plunged into grief I do not any longer hear + those sounds uttered (in their camp). Formerly, O Sanjaya, while sitting + in the abode of Somadatta who was devoted to truth, I used to hear such + delightful sounds. Alas, how destitute of (religious) merit I am, for I + observe the abode of my sons today to be echoing with sounds of grief and + lamentations and destitute of every noise betokening life and energy. In + the houses of Vivinsati, Durmukha, Chitrasena, Vikarna, and other sons of + mine, I do not hear the sounds I used to hear formerly. That great bowman, + viz., the son of Drona, who was the refuge of my sons, upon him Brahmanas + and Kshatriyas and Vaisyas, and a large number of disciples used to wait, + who took pleasure day and night in controversial disputations, in talk, in + conversation, in the stirring music of diverse instruments, and in various + kinds of delightful songs, who was worshipped by many persons among the + Kurus, the Pandavas, and the Satwatas, alas, O Suta, in the abode of that + son of Drona no sound can be heard as formerly. Singers and dancers used, + in a large number, to wait closely upon that mighty bowman, viz., the son + of Drona. Alas, their sounds can no longer be heard in his abode. That + loud noise which rose in the camp of Vinda and Anuvinda every evening, + alas, that noise is no longer heard there. Not in the camp of the Kaikeyas + can that loud sound of song and slapping of palms be heard today which + their soldiers, engaged in dance and revelry, used to make. Those priests + competent in the performance of sacrifices who used to wait upon + Somadatta’s son, that refuge of scriptural rites, alas, their sounds can + no longer be heard. The twang of the bowstring, the sounds of Vedic + recitation, the whiz of lances and swords, and rattle of car-wheels, used + incessantly to be heard in the abode of Drona. Alas, those sounds can no + longer be heard there. That swell of songs of diverse realms, that loud + noise of musical instruments, which used to arise there, alas, those can + no longer be heard today. When Janardana of unfading glory came from + Upaplavya, desirous of peace, from compassion for every creature, I then, + O Suta, said unto the wicked Duryodhana: “Obtaining Vasudeva as the means, + make peace with the Pandavas, O son! I think the time has come (for making + peace). Do not, O Duryodhana, transgress my command. If thou settest + Vasudeva aside, who now begs thee for peace and addresses thee for my + good, victory thou wilt never have in battle. Duryodhana, however, did set + aside him of Dasarha’s race, that bull among all bowmen, who then spoke + what was for Duryodhana’s good. By this, he embraced what was calamitous + to himself. Seized by Death himself, that wicked-souled son of mine, + rejecting my counsels, adopted those of Duhsasana and Karna. I myself did + not approve of the game of dice. Vidura did not approve of it. The ruler + of the Sindhus did not, nor Bhishma; nor Salya; nor Bhurisravas; nor + Purumitra; nor Jaya; nor Aswatthaman; nor Kripa; nor Drona, O Sanjaya! If + my son had conducted himself according to the counsels of these persons, + he would then, with his kinsmen and friends have lived for ever in + happiness and peace. Of sweet and delightful speech ever saying what is + agreeable amid their kinsmen, high-born, loved by all, and possessed of + wisdom, the sons of Pandu are sure to obtain happiness. The man who + casteth his eye on righteousness, always and everywhere obtaineth + happiness. Such a man after death, winneth benefit and grace. Possessed of + sufficient might, the Pandavas deserve to enjoy half the earth. The earth + girt by the seas is as much their ancestral possession (as of the Kurus). + Possessed of sovereignty, the Pandavas will never deviate from the track + of righteousness. O child, I have kinsmen to whose voice the Pandavas will + ever listen, such, for instance, as Salya, Somadatta, the high-souled + Bhishma, Drona, Vikarna, Valhika, Kripa, and others among the Bharatas + that are illustrious and reverend in years. If they speak unto them on thy + behalf the Pandavas will certainly act according to those beneficial + recommendations. Or, who amongst these, thinkest thou, belongs to their + party that will speak to them otherwise? Krishna will never abandon the + path of righteousness. The Pandavas are all obedient to him. Words of + righteousness spoken by myself also, those heroes will never disobey, for + the Pandavas are all of righteous soul.” Piteously lamenting, O Suta, I + spoke these and many such words unto my son. Foolish as he is, he listened + not to me! I think all this to be the mischievous influence of Time! There + where Vrikodara and Arjuna are, and the Vrishni hero, Satyaki, and + Uttamaujas of the Panchalas, and the invincible Yudhamanyu, and the + irrepressible Dhrishtadyumna, and the unvanquished Sikhandin, the Asmakas, + the Kekayas, and Kshatradharman of the Somakas, the ruler of the Chedis, + and Chekitana, and Vibhu, the son of the ruler of the Kasi, the sons of + Draupadi, and Virata and the mighty car-warrior Drupada, and those tigers + among men viz., the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and the stayer of Madhu + to offer counsel, who is there in this world that would fight these, + expecting to live? Who else, again, is there, save Duryodhana, and Karna, + and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and Duhsasana as their fourth, for I do not + see the fifth that would venture to resist my foes while the latter + display their celestial weapons? They who have Vishnu himself on their + car, clad in mail and reins in hand, they who have Arjuna for their + warrior, they can never have defeat! Doth not Duryodhana now recollect + those lamentations of mine? The tiger among men, Bhishma, thou hast said, + has been slain. I think, beholding the fruits of the words uttered by the + far-seeing Vidura, my sons are now indulging in lamentations! I think, + beholding his army overwhelmed by Sini’s grandson and Arjuna, beholding + the terraces of his cars empty, my sons are indulging in lamentations. As + a swelling conflagration urged by the winds consumes a heap of dry grass + at the close of winter, even so will Dhananjaya consume my troops. O + Sanjaya, thou art accomplished in narration. Tell me everything that + transpired after the doing of that great wrong to Partha in the evening. + When Abhimanyu was slain, what became the state of your minds? Having, O + son, greatly offended the wielder of Gandiva, my warriors are incapable of + bearing in battle his achievements. What measures were resolved upon by + Duryodhana and what by Karna? What also did Duhsasana and Suvala’s son do? + O Sanjaya, O son, that which has in battle befallen all my children + assembled together, is certainly due to the evil acts of the wicked + Duryodhana, who followeth in the path of avarice, who is of wicked + understanding, whose judgment is perverted by wrath, who coveteth + sovereignty, who is foolish, and who is deprived of reason by anger. Tell + me, O Sanjaya, what measures were then adopted by Duryodhana? Were they + ill-judged or well-judged?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0084" id="link72H_4_0084"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I will tell thee all, for everything hath been witnessed + by me with my own eyes. Listen calmly. Great is thy fault. Even as an + embankment is useless after the waters (of the field) have flowed away, + even so, O king, are these lamentations of thine useless! O bull of + Bharata’s race, do not grieve. Wonderful as are the decrees of the + Destroyer, they are incapable of being transgressed. Do not grieve, O bull + of Bharata’s race, for this is not new. If thou hadst formerly restrained + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, and thy sons also from the match at dice, + this calamity then would never have overtaken thee. If, again, when time + for battle came, hadst thou restrained both the parties inflamed by wrath, + this calamity then would never have overtaken thee. If, again, hadst thou + formerly urged the Kurus to slay the disobedient Duryodhana, then this + calamity would never have overtaken thee. (If thou hadst done any of these + acts), the Pandavas, the Panchalas, the Vrishnis, and the other kings + would then have never known thy wrong-headedness. If, again, doing thy + duty as a father, thou hadst, by placing Duryodhana in the path of + righteousness, caused him to tread along it, then this calamity would + never have overtaken thee. Thou art the wisest man on earth. Forsaking + eternal virtue, how couldst thou follow the counsels of Duryodhana and + Karna and Sakuni? These lamentations of thine, therefore, O king, that I + hear,—of thine that art wedded to (worldly) wealth, seem to me to be + honey mixed with poison. O monarch, formerly Krishna did not respect king + Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, or Drona, so much as he used to respect + thee. When, however, he came to know thee as one fallen off from the + duties of a king, since then Krishna hath ceased to regard thee with + respect. Thy sons had addressed various harsh speeches towards the sons of + Pritha. Thou wast indifferent to those speeches then, O thou that wieldest + sovereignty, unto thy sons. The consequence of that indifference of thine + hath now overtaken thee. O sinless one, the ancestral sovereignty is now + in danger. (If it is not so), obtain now the whole earth subjugated by the + sons of Pritha.<a href="#linknote-7134" name="linknoteref-7134" id="linknoteref-7134">134</a> The kingdom that the Kurus enjoy, as also + their fame had been acquired by the Pandus. The virtuous sons of Pandu + added to that kingdom and that fame. Those achievements, however, of + theirs became (to them) barren of fruit as they came in contact with thee, + since they were deprived of even their ancestral kingdom by thy covetous + self. Now, O king, when the battle has begun, thou censurest thy sons + indicating diverse faults of theirs. This is scarcely becoming. The + Kshatriyas, while fighting, do not take care of their very lives. Indeed, + those bulls among Kshatriyas fight, penetrating into the array of the + Parthas. Who else, indeed, save the Kauravas, would venture to fight with + that force which is protected by Krishna and Arjuna, by Satyaki and + Vrikodara? Them that have Arjuna for their warrior, them that have + Janardana for their counsellor, them that have Satyaki and Vrikodara for + their protectors, what mortal bowman is there that would dare fight with, + save the Kauravas and those that are following their lead? All that is + capable of being achieved by friendly kings endued with heroism and + observant of the duties of Kshatriyas, all that is being done by the + warriors on the Kauravas side. Listen now, therefore, to everything that + hath taken place in the terrible battle between those tigers among men + viz., the Kurus and the Pandavas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0085" id="link72H_4_0085"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After that night had passed away, Drona, that foremost of + all wielders of weapons, began to array all his divisions for battle. + Diverse sounds were heard, O monarch of angry heroes shouting in wrath and + desirous of slaying one another. And some stretched their bows, and some + rubbed with their hands their bow-strings. And drawing deep breaths, many + of them shouted, saying, “Where is that Dhananjaya?” And some began to + throw upwards (and again seize) their naked swords, unyielding, + well-tempered, of the colour of the sky, possessed of great sharpness, and + furnished with beautiful hilts. And brave warriors, desirous of battle, by + thousands, were seen to perform the evolutions of swordmen and of bowmen, + with skill acquired by practice. Some whirling their maces decked with + bells, smeared with sandal paste, and adorned with gold and diamonds + enquired after the sons of Pandu. Some intoxicated with the pride of + strength, and possessed of massive arms, obstructed the welkin with their + spiked clubs that resembled (a forest of flag) staff raised in honour of + Indra. Others, brave warriors all, adorned with beautiful garlands of + flowers, desirous of battle, occupied diverse portions of the field, armed + with diverse weapons. “Where is Arjuna? Where is that Govinda? Where is + proud Bhima? Where also are those allies of theirs?” Even thus did they + call upon them in battle. Then blowing his conch and himself urging the + horses to great speed, Drona moved about with great celerity, arraying his + troops. After all those divisions that delight in battle had taken up + their stations, Bharadwaja’s son, O king, said these words unto + Jayadratha. “Thyself, Somadatta’s son, the mighty car-warrior Karna, + Aswatthaman, Salya, Vrishasena and Kripa, with a hundred thousand horse, + sixty thousand cars, four and ten thousand elephants with rent temples, + one and twenty thousand foot-soldiers clad in mail take up your station + behind me at the distance of twelve miles. There the very gods with Vasava + at their head will not be able to attack thee, what need be said, + therefore, of the Pandavas? Take comfort, O ruler of the Sindhus.” Thus + addressed (by Drona), Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, became + comforted. And he proceeded to the spot indicated by Drona, accompanied by + many Gandhara warriors, and surrounded by those great car-warriors, and + with many foot-soldiers clad in mail, prepared to fight vigorously and + armed with nooses. The steeds of Jayadratha, well-skilled in bearing or + drawing were all, O monarch, decked with yak-tails and ornaments of gold. + And seven thousand such steeds, and three thousand other steeds of the + Sindhu breed were with him.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Thy son Durmarshana, desirous of doing battle, stationed himself at the + head of all the troops, accompanied by a thousand and five hundred + infuriated elephants of awful size clad in mail and of fierce deeds, and + all ridden by well-trained elephant-riders. Thy two other sons, viz., + Duhsasana and Vikarna, took up their position amid the advance-divisions + of the army, for the accomplishment of the objects of Jayadratha. The + array that Bharadwaja’s son formed, part Sakata and part a circle, was + full forty-eight miles long and the width of its rear measured twenty + miles. Drona himself formed that array with countless brave kings, + stationed with it, and countless cars and steeds and elephants and + foot-soldiers. In the rear of that array was another impenetrable array of + the form of lotus. And within that lotus was another dense array called + the needle. Having formed his mighty array thus, Drona took up his + station. At the mouth of that needle, the great bowman Kritavarman took up + his stand. Next to Kritavarman, O sire, stood the ruler of the Kamvojas + and Jalasandha. Next to these, stood Duryodhana and Karna. Behind them + hundreds and thousands of unreturning heroes were stationed in that Sakata + for protecting its head. Behind them all, O monarch, and surrounded by a + vast force, was king Jayadratha stationed at one side of that + needle-shaped array. At the entrance of the Sakata, O king, was + Bharadwaja’s son. Behind Drona was the chief of the Bhojas, who protected + him. Clad in white armour, with excellent head-gear, of broad chest and + mighty arms, Drona stood, stretching his large bow, like the Destroyer + himself in wrath. Beholding Drona’s car which was graced with a beautiful + standard and had red sacrificial altar and a black deer-skin, the Kauravas + were filled with delight. Seeing that array formed by Drona, which + resembled the ocean itself in agitation, the Siddhas and the Charanas were + filled with wonder. And all creatures thought that array would devour the + whole earth with her mountains and seas and forests, and abounding with + diverse things. And king Duryodhana, beholding that mighty array in the + form of a Sakata, teeming with carts and men and steeds and elephants, + roaring dreadful of wonderful form, and capable of riving the hearts of + foes, began to rejoice.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0086" id="link72H_4_0086"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the divisions of the Kuru army had been (thus) + arrayed, and a loud uproar, O sire, had arisen; after drums and Mridangas + began to be beaten and played upon, after the din of the warriors and the + noise of musical instruments had become audible; after conch began to be + blown, and an awful roar had arisen, making the hair stand on end; after + the field of battle had been slowly covered by the Bharata heroes desirous + of fight; and after the hour called Rudra had set in, Savyasachin made his + appearance. Many thousands of ravens and crows, O Bharata, proceeded + sporting on the front of Arjuna’s car. Various animals of terrible cries, + and jackals of inauspicious sight, began to yell and howl on our right as + we proceeded to battle. Thousands of blazing meteors fell with great + noise. The whole earth trembled on that dreadful occasion. Dry winds blew + in all directions, accompanied by thunder, and driving hard pebbles and + gravel when Kunti’s son came at the commencement of battle. Then Nakula’s + son, Satanika, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Pritha, those two warriors + possessed of great wisdom, arrayed the several divisions of the Pandavas. + Then thy son Durmarshana, accompanied by a thousand cars, a hundred + elephants, three thousand heroes, and ten thousand foot-soldiers, and + covering a piece of ground that measured the length of fifteen hundred + bows, took up his position at the very van of all the troops, and said: + “Like the continent resisting the surging sea, even I will today resist + the wielder of Gandiva, that scorcher of foes, that warrior who is + irresistible in battle. Let people today behold the wrathful Dhananjaya + collide with me, like a mass of stone against another stony mass. Ye + car-warriors that are desirous of battle, stay ye (as witness). Alone I + will fight with all the Pandavas assembled together, for enhancing my + honour and fame.” That high-souled and noble son of thine, that great + bowman saying this, stood there surrounded by many great bowmen. Then, + like the Destroyer himself in wrath, or Vasava himself armed with the + thunder, or Death’s irresistible self armed with his club and urged on by + Time, or Mahadeva armed with the trident and incapable of being ruffled, + or Varuna bearing his noise, or the blazing fire at the end of the Yuga + risen for consuming the creation, the slayer of the Nivatakavachas + inflamed with rage and swelling with might, the ever-victorious Jaya, + devoted to truth and desirous of achieving his great vow, clad in mail and + armed with sword, decked in golden diadem, adorned with garlands of swords + of white flowers and attired in white robes, his arms decked with + beautiful Angadas and ears with excellent ear-rings, mounted on his own + foremost of cars, (the incarnate) Nara, accompanied by Narayana, shaking + his Gandiva in battle, shone brilliantly like the risen sun. And + Dhananjaya of great prowess, placing his car, O king, at the very van of + his army, where densest showers of arrows would fall, blew his conch. Then + Krishna also, O sire, fearlessly blew with great force his foremost of + conchs called Panchajanya as Partha blew his. And in consequence of the + blare of the conchs, all the warriors in thy army, O monarch, trembled and + became lost of heart. And their hair stood on end at that sound. As all + creatures are oppressed with fright at the sound of the thunder, even so + did all thy warriors take fright at the blare of those conchs. And all the + animals ejected urine and excreta. Thy whole army with its animals became + filled with anxiety, O king, and in consequence of the blare of those + (two) conchs, all men, O sire, lost their strength. And some amongst them, + O monarch, were inspired with dread, and some lost their senses. And the + ape on Arjuna’s banner, opening his mouth wide, made an awful noise with + the other creatures on it, for terrifying thy troops. Then conchs and + horns and cymbals and Anakas were once more blown and beat for cheering + thy warriors. And that noise mingled with the noise of diverse (other) + musical instruments, with the shouts of warriors and the slaps of their + arm-pits, and with their leonine roars uttered by great car-warriors in + summoning and challenging (their antagonists). When that tumultuous uproar + rose there, an uproar that enhanced the fear of the timid, the son of + Pakasana, filled with great delight, addressing him of Dasarha’s race, + said (these words).’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesa, to where Durmarshana + stayeth. Piercing through that elephant division I will penetrate into the + hostile army.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed by Savyasachin, the mighty-armed + Kesava urged the steeds to where Durmarshana was staying. Fierce and awful + was the encounter that commenced there between one and the many, an + encounter that proved very destructive of cars and elephants and men. Then + Partha, resembling a pouring cloud, covered his foes with showers of + shafts, like a mass of clouds pouring rain on the mountain breast.<a + href="#linknote-7135" name="linknoteref-7135" id="linknoteref-7135">135</a> + The hostile of car-warriors also, displaying great lightness of hand, + quickly covered both Krishna and Dhananjaya with clouds of arrows. The + mighty-armed Partha, then, thus opposed in battle by his foes, became + filled with wrath, and began to strike off with his arrows the heads of + car-warriors from their trunks. And the earth became strewn with beautiful + heads decked with ear-rings and turbans, the nether lips bit by the upper + ones, and the faces adorned with eyes troubled with wrath. Indeed, the + scattered heads of the warriors looked resplendent like an assemblage of + plucked off and crushed lotuses lying strewn about the field. Golden coats + of mail<a href="#linknote-7136" name="linknoteref-7136" id="linknoteref-7136">136</a> dyed with gore (lying thick over the field), + looked like masses of clouds charged with lightning. The sound, O king, of + severed heads dropping on the earth, resembled that of falling palmyra + fruits ripened in due time, headless trunks arose, some with bow in hand, + and some with naked swords upraised in the act of striking. Those brave + warriors incapable of brooking Arjuna’s feats and desirous of vanquishing + him, had no distinct perception as to when their heads were struck off by + Arjuna. The earth became strewn with heads of horses, trunks of elephants, + and the arms and legs of heroic warriors. “This is one Partha”, “Where is + Partha? Here is Partha!” Even thus, O king, the warriors, of thy army + became filled with the idea of Partha only. Deprived of their senses by + Time, they regarded the whole world to be full of Partha only, and + therefore, many of them perished, striking one another, and some struck + even their own selves. Uttering yells of woe, many heroes, covered with + blood, deprived of their senses, and in great agony, laid themselves down, + calling upon their friends and kinsmen. Arms, bearing short arrows, or + lances, or darts, or swords, or battle-axes, or pointed stakes, or + scimitars, or bows, or spears, or shafts, or maces, and cased in armour + and decked with Angadas and other ornaments, and looking like large + snakes, and resembling huge clubs, cut off (from trunks) with mighty + weapons, were seen to jump about, jerk about, and move about, with great + force, as if in rage. Every one amongst those that wrathfully advanced + against Partha in that battle, perished, pierced in his body with some + fatal shafts of that hero. While dancing on his car as it moved, and + drawing his bow, no one there could detect the minutest opportunity for + striking him. The quickness with which he took his shafts, fixed them on + the bow, and let them off, filled all his enemies with wonder. Indeed + Phalguna, with his shafts, pierced elephants and elephant-riders, horses + and horse-riders, car-warriors and drivers of cars. There was none amongst + his enemies, whether staying before him or struggling in battle, or + wheeling about, whom the son of Pandu did not slay. As the sun rising in + the welkin destroyeth the thick gloom, even so did Arjuna destroy that + elephant-force by means of his shafts winged with Kanka plumes. The field + occupied by thy troops, in consequence of riven elephants fallen upon it, + looked like the earth strewn with huge hills at the hour of universal + dissolution. As the midday sun is incapable of being looked at by all + creatures, even so was Dhananjaya, excited with wrath, incapable of being + looked at, in battle, by his enemies. The troops of thy son, O chastiser + of foes, afflicted (with the arrows of Dhananjaya), broke and fled in + fear. Like a mass of clouds pierced and driven away by a mighty wind, that + army was pierced and routed by Partha. None indeed could gaze at the hero + while he was slaying the foe. Urging their heroes to great speed by spurs, + by the horns of their bows, by deep growls, by encouraging behests, by + whips, by cuts on their flanks, and by threatening speeches, thy men, + viz., thy cavalry and thy car-warriors, as also thy foot-soldiers, struck + by the shafts of Arjuna, fled away from the fields. Others (that rode on + elephants), fled away, urging those huge beasts by pressing their flanks + with their hooks and many warriors struck by Partha’s arrows, in flying, + ran against Partha himself. Indeed, thy warriors, then became all + cheerless and their understandings were all confused.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0087" id="link72H_4_0087"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION LXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the van of my army thus slaughtered by the + diadem-decked (Arjuna) broke and fled, who were those heroes that advanced + against Arjuna? (Did any of them actually fight with Arjuna, or) did all, + abandoning their determination enter the Sakata array, getting behind the + fearless Drona, resembling a solid wall?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When Indra’s son Arjuna, O sinless one, began, with his + excellent arrows, to break and incessantly slay that force of ours many + heroes were either slain, or becoming dispirited, fled away. None in that + battle, was capable of even looking at Arjuna. Then, thy son Duhsasana, O + king, beholding that state of the troops, became filled with wrath and + rushed against Arjuna for battle. That hero of fierce prowess, cased in a + beautiful coat of mail, made of gold, and his head covered with a turban + decked with gold, caused Arjuna to be surrounded by a large elephant-force + which seemed capable of devouring the whole earth. With sound of the + elephants’ bells, the blare of conchs, the twang of bow-strings, and the + grunts of the tuskers, the earth, the points of compass, and the welkin, + seemed to be entirely filled. That period of time became fierce and awful. + Beholding those huge beasts with extended trunks filled with wrath and + rushing quickly towards him, like winged mountains urged on with hooks, + Dhananjaya, that lion among men, uttering a leonine shout, began to pierce + and slay that elephant-force with his shafts. And like a Makara + penetrating into the vast deep, surging into mountain waves when agitated + by the tempest, the diadem-decked (Arjuna) penetrated into that + elephant-host. Indeed, Partha, that subjugator of hostile cities, was then + seen by all on every side to resemble the scorching sun that rises, + transgressing the rule about direction and hour, on the day of the + universal destruction. And in consequence of the sound of horses’ hoofs, + rattle of car-wheels, the shouts of combatants, the twang of bow-strings, + the noise of diverse musical instruments, the blare of Panchajanya and + Devadatta, and roar of Gandiva, men and elephants were dispirited and + deprived of their senses. And men and elephants were riven by Savyasachin + with his shafts whose touch resembled that of snakes of virulent poison. + And those elephants, in that battle, were pierced all over their bodies + with shafts, numbering thousands upon thousands shot from Gandiva. While + thus mangled by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), they uttered loud noises and + incessantly fell down on the earth like mountains shorn of their wings. + Others struck at the jaw, or frontal globes, or temples with long shafts, + uttered cries resembling those of cranes. The diadem-decked (Arjuna) began + to cut off, with his straight arrows the heads of warriors standing on the + necks of elephants. Those heads decked with ear-rings, constantly falling + on the earth, resembled a multitude of lotuses that Partha was calling for + an offer to his gods. And while the elephants wandered on the field, many + warriors were seen to hang from their bodies, divested of armour, + afflicted with wounds, covered with blood, and looking like painted + pictures. In some instances, two or three warriors, pierced by one arrow + winged with beautiful feathers and well-shot (from Gandiva), fell down on + the earth. Many elephants deeply pierced with long shafts, fell down, + vomiting blood from their mouths, with the riders on their backs, like + hills overgrown with forests tumbling down through some convulsion of + nature. Partha, by means of his straight shafts, cut into fragments the + bow-strings, standards, bows, yokes, and shafts of the car-warriors + opposed to him. None could notice when Arjuna took up his arrows, when he + fixed them on the bow-string, when he drew the string, and when he let + them off. All that could be seen was that Partha seemed to dance on his + car with his bow incessantly drawn to a circle. Elephants, deeply pierced + with long shafts and vomiting blood from their mouths, fell down, as soon + as they were struck, on the earth. And in the midst of that great carnage, + O monarch, innumerable headless trunks were seen to stand up. Arms, with + bows in grasp, or whose fingers were cased in leathern gloves, holding + swords, or decked with Angadas and other ornaments of gold, cut off from + trunks, were seen lying about. And the field of battle was strewn with + innumerable Upashkaras and Adhishthanas, and shafts, and crowns, crushed + car-wheels, and broken Akshas, and yokes, and warriors armed with shields + and bows, and floral garlands, and ornaments and robes and fallen + standards. And in consequence of those slain elephants and steeds, and the + fallen bodies of Kshatriyas, the earth there assumed an awful aspect. + Duhsasana’s forces, thus slaughtered, O king, by the diadem-decked + (Arjuna), fled away. Their leader himself was in great pain, for + Duhsasana, greatly afflicted by those shafts, overcome by fear entered + with his division the Sakata array, seeking Drona as his deliverer.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0088" id="link72H_4_0088"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XC + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Slaying the force of Duhsasana, the mighty car-warrior, + Savyasachin, desirous of getting at the ruler of the Sindhus, proceeded + against the division of Drona. Having approached Drona who was stationed + at the entrance of the array, Partha, at Krishna’s request joined his + hands and said these words unto Drona: “Wish me well, O Brahmana, and + bless me, saying Swasti! Through thy grace, I wish to penetrate into this + impenetrable array. Thou art to me even as my sire, or even as king + Yudhishthira the just, or even as Krishna! I tell thee this truly, O sire, + O sinless one! Even as Aswatthaman deserves to be protected by thee, I + also deserve to be protected by thee, O foremost of regenerate ones! + Through thy grace, O foremost of men, I desire to slay the ruler of the + Sindhu in battle. O lord, see that my vow is accomplished.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed by him, the preceptor, smiling, + replied unto him, saying, “O Vibhatsu, without vanquishing me, thou shalt + not be able to vanquish Jayadratha.” Telling him this much, Drona, with a + smile covered him with showers of sharp arrows, as also his car and steeds + and standard and charioteer. Then, Arjuna baffling Drona’s arrowy showers + with his own arrows, rushed against Drona, shooting mightier and more + awful shafts. Observant of Kshatriya duties, Arjuna then pierced Drona in + that battle with nine arrows. Cutting the shafts of Arjuna by his own + shafts, Drona then pierced both Krishna and Arjuna with many shafts that + resembled poison or fire. Then, while Arjuna was thinking of cutting off + Drona’s bow with his arrows, the latter, endued with great valour, + fearlessly and quickly cut off with shafts the bow-string of the + illustrious Phalguna. And he also pierced Phalguna’s steeds and standard + and charioteer. And the heroic Drona covered Phalguna himself with many + arrows, smiling the while. Meantime, stringing his large bow anew, Partha, + that foremost of all persons conversant with arms, getting the better of + his preceptor, quickly shot six hundred arrows as if he had taken and shot + only one arrow. And once more he shot seven hundred other arrows, and then + a thousand arrows incapable of being resisted, and ten thousand other + arrows. All these slew many warriors of Drona’s array. Deeply pierced with + those weapons by the mighty and accomplished Partha, acquainted with all + modes of warfare, many men and steeds and elephants fell down deprived of + life. And car-warriors, afflicted by those shafts, fell down from their + foremost of cars, deprived of horses and standards and destitute of + weapons and life. And elephants fell down like summits of hills, or masses + of clouds, or large houses, loosened, dispersed, or burnt down by the + thunder, or by the wind, or fire. Struck with Arjuna’s shafts, thousands + of steeds fell down like swans on the breast of Himavat, struck down by + the force of watery current. Like the Sun, that rises at the end of the + Yuga, drying up with his rays, vast quantities of water, the son of Pandu, + by his showers of weapons and arrows, slew a vast number of car-warriors + and steeds and elephants and foot-soldiers. Then like the clouds covering + the sun, the Drona-cloud, with its arrowy showers, covered the + Pandava-sun, whose rays in the shape of thick showers of arrows were + scorching in the battle the foremost ones among the Kurus. And then the + preceptor struck Dhananjaya at the breast with a long shaft shot with + great force and capable of drinking the life-blood of every foe. Then + Arjuna, deprived of strength, shook in all his limbs, like a hill during + an earthquake. Soon, however, regaining his fortitude, Vibhatsu pierced + Drona with many winged arrows. Then Drona struck Vasudeva with five + arrows. And he struck Arjuna with three and seventy arrows, and his + standard with three. Then, O king, the valorous Drona getting the better + of his disciple, within the twinkling of an eye made Arjuna invisible by + means of his arrowy showers. We then beheld the shafts of Bharadwaja’s son + falling in continuous lines, and his bow also was seen to present the + wonderful aspect of being incessantly drawn to a circle. And those shafts, + countless in number, and winged with the Kanka feathers, shot by Drona in + that battle, incessantly fell, O king, on Dhananjaya and Vasudeva. + Beholding then that battle between Drona and the son of Pandu, Vasudeva of + great intelligence began to reflect upon the accomplishment of the + (important) task. Then Vasudeva, addressing Dhananjaya, said these words: + “O Partha, O thou of mighty arms, we should not waste time. We must go on, + avoiding Drona, for a more important task awaits us.” In reply Partha said + unto Krishna, “O Kesava, as thou pleasest!” Then keeping the mighty-armed + Drona to their right, Arjuna proceeded onwards. Turning his face round, + Vibhatsu proceeded, shooting his shafts. Then Drona, addressing Arjuna, + said, “Whither dost thou proceed, O son of Pandu! Is it not true that thou + ceasest not (to fight) till thou hast vanquished thy foe?" </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna answered, “Thou art my preceptor and not my foe. I am thy + disciple and, therefore, like to thy son. Nor is there the man in the + whole world who can vanquish thee in battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Saying these words, the mighty-armed Vibhatsu, + desirous of slaying Jayadratha, quickly proceeded against the (Kaurava) + troops. And while he penetrated into thy army, those high-souled princes + of Panchala, viz., Yudhamanyu, and Uttamaujas, followed him as the + protector of his wheels. Then, O King, Jaya, and Kritavarman of the + Satwata race, and the ruler of the Kamvojas, and Srutayus, began to oppose + the progress of Dhananjaya. And these had ten thousand car-warriors for + their followers. The Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis, + the Mavellakas, the Lilithyas, the Kaikeyas, the Madrakas, the Narayana + Gopalas, and the various tribes of the Kamvojas who had before been + vanquished by Karna, all of whom were regarded as very brave, placing + Bharadwaja’s son at their head, and becoming regardless of their lives, + rushed towards Arjuna, for resisting that angry hero, burning with grief + on account of the death of his son, that warrior resembling all-destroying + Death himself, clad in mail, conversant with all modes of warfare, + prepared to throw away his life in thick of battle,—that mighty + bowman of great prowess, that tiger among men,—who resembled an + infuriate leader of elephantine herd, and who seemed ready to devour the + whole hostile army. The battle then that commenced was exceedingly fierce + and made the hair stand on end, between all those combatants on the one + side and Arjuna on the other. And all of them, uniting together, began to + resist that bull among men, advancing for the slaughter of Jayadratha, + like medicines resisting a raging disease.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0089" id="link72H_4_0089"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Held in check by them, that foremost of car-warriors, + viz., Partha of great might and prowess, was quickly pursued by Drona from + behind. The son of Pandu, however, like diseases scorching the body, + blasted that army, scattering his sharp shafts and resembling on that + account the sun himself scattering his countless rays of light. And steeds + were pierced, and cars with riders were broken and mangled, and elephants + were overthrown. And umbrellas were cut off and displaced, and vehicles + were deprived of their wheels. And the combatants fled on all sides, + exceedingly afflicted with arrows. Even thus progressed that fierce battle + between those warriors and Arjuna encountering each other. Nothing could + be distinguished. With his straight shafts, Arjuna, O monarch, made the + hostile army tremble incessantly. Firmly devoted to truth, Arjuna then, of + white steeds desirous of accomplishing his vow rushed against the foremost + of car-warriors, viz., Drona of red steeds. Then the preceptor, Drona, + struck his disciple, viz., the mighty bowman Arjuna, with five and twenty + straight shafts capable of reaching the very vitals. Thereupon, Vibhatsu, + that foremost of all wielders of weapons, quickly rushed against Drona, + shooting arrows capable of baffling the force of counter arrows, shot at + him. Invoking into existence then the Brahma weapon, Arjuna, of + immeasurable soul, baffled with his straight shafts those shot so speedily + at him by Drona. The skill we then beheld of Drona was exceedingly + wonderful, since Arjuna, though young, and though struggling vigorously, + could not pierce Drona with a single shaft. Like a mass of clouds pouring + torrents of rain, the Drona cloud rained shower on the Partha-mountain. + Possessed of great energy, Arjuna received that arrowy downpour, O king, + by invoking the Brahma weapon, and cut off all those arrows by arrows of + his own. Drona then afflicted Partha of white steeds with five and twenty + arrows. And he struck Vasudeva with seventy arrows on the chest and arms. + Partha then, of great intelligence, smiling the while resisted the + preceptor in that battle who was incessantly shooting sharp arrows. Then + those two foremost of car-warriors, while thus struck by Drona, avoided + that invincible warrior, who resembled the raging Yuga fire. Avoiding + those sharp shafts shot from Drona’s bow, the diadem-decked son of Kunti, + adorned with garlands of flowers, began to slaughter the host of the + Bhojas. Indeed, avoiding the invincible Drona who stood immovable like the + Mainaka mountain, Arjuna took up his position between Kritavarman and + Sudakshina the ruler of the Kamvojas. Then that tiger among men, viz., the + ruler of the Bhojas, coolly pierced that invincible and foremost + descendant of Ruru with ten arrows winged with Kanka feathers. Then Arjuna + pierced him, O monarch, in that battle with a hundred arrows. And once + more he pierced him with three other arrows, stupefying that hero of the + Satwata race. The ruler of the Bhojas then, laughing the while, pierced + Partha and Vasudeva each with five and twenty arrows. Arjuna then, cutting + off Kritavarman’s bow, pierced him with one and twenty arrows resembling + blazing flames of fire or angry snakes of virulent poison. Then + Kritavarman, that mighty car-warrior, taking up another bow, pierced + Arjuna in the chest, O Bharata, with five arrows. And once more he pierced + Partha with five sharp arrows. Then Partha struck him in return in the + centre of the chest with nine arrows. Beholding the son of Kunti + obstructed before the car of Kritavarman, he of Vrishni’s race thought + that no time should be wasted. Then Krishna addressing Partha, said, “Do + not show any mercy to Kritavarman! Disregarding thy relationship (with + him), crush and slay him!” Then Arjuna, stupefying Kritavarman with his + arrows, proceeded, on his swift steeds, to the division of the Kamvojas. + Seeing Arjuna of white steeds penetrate into the Kamvoja force, + Kritavarman became filled with wrath. Taking his bow with arrows fixed + thereon, he then encountered the two Panchala princes. Indeed, + Kritavarman, with his arrows resisted those two Panchala princes as they + advanced, following Arjuna for protecting his wheels. Then Kritavarman, + the ruler of the Bhojas, pierced them both with sharp shafts, striking + Yudhamanyu with three, and Uttamaujas with four. Those two princes in + return each pierced him with ten arrows. And once more, Yudhamanyu + shooting three arrows and Uttamaujas shooting three cut off Kritavarman’s + standard and bow. Then the son of Hridika, taking up another bow, and + becoming infuriated with rage, deprived both those warriors of their bows + and covered them with arrows. Then those two warriors, taking up and + stringing two other bows, began to pierce Kritavarman. Meanwhile Vibhatsu + penetrated into the hostile army. But those two princes, resisted by + Kritavarman, obtained no admittance into the Dhritarashtra host, although + those bulls among men struggled vigorously. Then Arjuna of white steeds + quickly afflicted in that battle the divisions opposed to him. That slayer + of foes, however, slew not Kritavarman although he had got him within + reach. Beholding Partha thus proceeding, the brave king Srutayudha, filled + with wrath, rushed at him, shaking his large bow. And he pierced Partha + with three arrows, and Janardana with seventy. And he struck the standard + of Partha with a very sharp arrow having a razor-like head. Then Arjuna, + filled with wrath deeply pierced his antagonist with ninety straight + shafts, like (a rider) striking a mighty elephant with the hook. + Srutayudha, however, could not, O king, brook that act of prowess on the + part of Pandu’s son. He pierced Arjuna in return with seven and seventy + shafts. Arjuna then cut off Srutayudha’s bow and then his quiver, and + angrily struck him on the chest with seven straight shafts. Then, king + Srutayudha, deprived of his senses by wrath, took up another bow and + struck the son of Vasava with nine arrows on the latter’s arms and chest. + Then Arjuna, that chastiser of foes laughing the while, O Bharata, + afflicted Srutayudha with many thousands of arrows. And that mighty + car-warrior quickly slew also the latter’s steeds and charioteer. Endued + with great strength the son of Pandu then pierced his foe with seventy + arrows. Then the valiant king Srutayudha abandoning that steedless car, + rushed in that encounter against Partha, uplifting his mace. The heroic + king Srutayudha was the son of Varuna, having for his mother that mighty + river of cool water called Parnasa. His mother, O king, had for the sake + of her son, begged Varuna saying, “Let this my son become unslayable on + earth.” Varuna, gratified (with her), had said, “I give him a boon highly + beneficial to him, viz., a celestial weapon, by virtue of which this thy + son will become unslayable on earth by foes. No man can have immortality. + O foremost of rivers, every one who hath taken birth must inevitably die. + This child, however, will always be invincible by foes in battle, through + the power of this weapon. Therefore, let thy heart’s fever be dispelled.” + Having said these words, Varuna gave him, with mantras, a mace. Obtaining + that mace, Srutayudha became invincible on earth. Unto him, however, + illustrious Lord of the waters again said, “This mace should not be hurled + at one who is not engaged in fight. If hurled at such a person, it will + come back and fall upon thyself. O illustrious child, (if so hurled) it + will then course in an opposite direction and slay the person hurling it.” + It would seem that when his hour came, Srutayudha disobeyed that + injunction. With that hero-slaying mace he attacked Janardana. The valiant + Krishna received that mace on one of his well-formed and stout shoulders. + It failed to shake Sauri, like the wind failing to shake the Vindhya + mountain. That mace, returning unto Srutayudha himself, struck that brave + and wrathful king staying on his car, like an ill-accomplished act of + sorcery injuring the performer himself, and slaying that hero fell down on + the earth. Beholding the mace turn back and Srutayudha slain, loud cries + of Alas and Oh arose there among the troops, at the sight of Srutayudha + that chastiser of foes, slain by a weapon of his own.<a + href="#linknote-7137" name="linknoteref-7137" id="linknoteref-7137">137</a> + And because, O monarch, Srutayudha had hurled that mace at Janardana who + was not engaged in fighting it slew him who had hurled it. And Srutayudha + perished on the field, even in the manner that Varuna had indicated. + Deprived of life, he fell down on the earth before the eyes of all the + bowmen. While falling down, that dear son of Parnasa shone resplendent + like a tall banian with spreading boughs broken by the wind. Then all the + troops and even all the principal warriors fled away, beholding + Srutayudha, that chastiser of foes, slain. Then, the son of the ruler of + the Kamvojas, viz., the brave Sudakshina, rushed on his swift steeds + against Phalguna that slayer of foes. Partha, then, O Bharata, sped seven + shafts at him. Those shafts passing through the body of that hero, entered + the earth. Deeply pierced by those shafts sped in battle from Gandiva, + Sudakshina pierced Arjuna in return with ten shafts winged with Kanka + feathers. And piercing Vasudeva with three shafts, he once more pierced + Partha with five. Then, O sire, Partha, cutting off Sudakshina’s bow, + lopped off the latter’s standard. And the son of Pandu pierced his + antagonist with a couple of broad-headed arrows of great sharpness. + Sudakshina, however, piercing Partha once more with three arrows, uttered + a leonine shout. Then the brave Sudakshina, filled with wrath, hurled at + the wielder of Gandiva a terrible dart made wholly of iron and decked with + bells. That dart blazing as a large meteor, and emitting sparks of fire, + approaching that mighty car-warrior pierced him through and fell down on + the earth. Deeply struck by that dart and overcome with a swoon, Arjuna + soon enough recovered. Then that hero of mighty energy, licking the + corners of his mouth, that son of Pandu, of inconceivable feats, pierced + his foe, along with his steeds, standard, bow, and charioteer, with four + and ten shafts winged with Kanka feathers. With other arrows, countless in + number, Partha then cut Sudakshina’s car into fragments. And then the son + of Pandu pierced Sudakshina, the prince of the Kamvojas, whose purpose and + prowess had both been baffled, with a sharp arrow in the chest. Then the + brave prince of the Kamvojas, his coat of mail cut off, his limbs + weakened, his diadem and Angadas displaced, fell head downwards, like a + pole of Indra when hurled from an engine. Like a beautiful Karnikara tree + in the spring, gracefully growing on a mountain summit with beautiful + branches, lying on the earth when uprooted by the wind, the prince of the + Kamvojas lay on the bare ground deprived of life, though deserving of the + costliest bed, decked with costly ornaments. Handsome, possessed of eyes + that were of a coppery hue, and bearing on his head a garland of gold, + endued with the effulgence of fire, the mighty-armed Sudakshina, the son + of the ruler of the Kamvojas, overthrown by Partha with his shafts, and + lying on the earth, reft of life, looked resplendent like a beautiful + mountain with a level top. Then all the troops of thy son fled away, + beholding Srutayudha, and Sudakshina the prince of the Kamvojas, slain.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0090" id="link72H_4_0090"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall of Sudakshina and of the heroic Srutayudha, + O monarch, thy warriors, filled with wrath, rushed with speed at Partha. + The Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, the Vasatis began, O king, to + scatter their arrowy showers on Dhananjaya. The son of Pandu then consumed + by means of his arrows six hundred of them at once. Thereupon, those + warriors, terrified, fled away like smaller animals from a tiger. + Rallying, they once more surrounded Partha, who was slaying his foes and + vanquishing them in battle. Dhananjaya then, with shafts sped from + Gandiva, speedily felled the heads and arms of the combatants thus rushing + upon him. Not an inch of the field of battle was unstrewn with fallen + heads, and the flights of crows and vultures and ravens that hovered over + the field seemed to form a cloudy canopy. Seeing their men thus + exterminated, Srutayus and Achyutayus were both filled with wrath. And + they continued to contend vigorously with Dhananjaya. Endued with great + might, proud, heroic, of noble lineage, and possessed of strength of arms, + those two bowmen, O king, solicitous of winning great fame and desirous, + for the sake of thy son, to compass the destruction of Arjuna, quickly + showered upon the latter their arrowy downpours at once from his right and + left. Those angry heroes, with a thousand straight shafts, covered Arjuna + like two masses of clouds filling a lake. Then that foremost of + car-warriors viz., Srutayus filled with wrath, struck Dhananjaya with a + well-tempered lance. That crusher of foes viz., Arjuna, then, deeply + pierced by his mighty foe, swooned away in that battle, stupefying Kesava + also (by that act). Meanwhile, the mighty car-warrior Achyutayus forcibly + struck the son of Pandu with a keen-pointed spear. By the act he seemed to + pour an acid upon the wound of the high-souled son of Pandu. Deeply + pierced therewith, Partha supported himself by seizing the flag-staff. + Then a leonine shout was sent forth by all the troops, O monarch, in the + belief that Dhananjaya was deprived of life. And Krishna also was scorched + with grief upon beholding Partha senseless. Then Kesava comforted + Dhananjaya with soothing words. Then those foremost of car-warriors, + (viz., Srutayus and Achyutayus), of true aim, pouring their arrowy showers + on all sides, in that battle, made Dhananjaya and Vasudeva of Vrishni’s + race invisible with their car and car-wheels and Kuvaras, their steeds and + flagstaff and banner. And all this seemed wonderful. Meanwhile, O Bharata, + Vibhatsu slowly regained his senses, like one come back from the very + abode of the king of the dead. Beholding his car with Kesava overwhelmed + with arrows and seeing also those two antagonists of his staying before + him like two blazing fires, the mighty car-warrior Partha then invoked + into existence the weapon named after Sakra. From that weapon flowed + thousands of straight shafts. And those shafts struck Srutayus and + Achyutayus, those mighty bowmen. And the arrows shot by the latter, + pierced by those of Partha, coursed through the welkin. And the son of + Pandu quickly baffling those arrows by the force of his own arrows, began + to career over the field, encountering mighty car-warriors. Meanwhile + Srutayus and Achyutayus were, by Arjuna’s arrowy showers, deprived of + their arms and heads. And they fell down on the earth, like a couple of + tall trees broken by the wind. And the death of Srutayus and slaughter of + Achyutayus created surprise equal to what men would feel at the sight of + the ocean becoming dry. Then slaying fifty car-warriors amongst the + followers of those two princes, Partha proceeded against the Bharata army, + slaying many foremost of warriors. Beholding both Srutayus and Achyutayus + slain, their sons, those foremost of men, viz., Niyatayus and Dirghayus, O + Bharata, both filled with rage, rushed against the son of Kunti, + scattering shafts of diverse kinds, and much pained by the calamity that + had happened to their sires. Arjuna, excited with rage, in a moment + despatched them both towards Yama’s abode, by means of straight shafts. + And those bulls among Kshatriyas (that were in the Kuru army) were unable + to resist Partha who agitated the Dhartarashtra ranks, like an elephant + agitating the waters of a lake filled with lotuses. Then thousands of + trained elephant-riders amongst the Angas, O monarch, filled with rage, + surrounded the son of Pandu with their elephant-force. Urged by + Duryodhana, many kings also of the west and the south, and many others + headed by the ruler of the Kalingas, also surrounded Arjuna, with their + elephants huge as hills. Partha however, with shafts sped from Gandiva, + quickly cut off the heads and arms, decked with ornaments, of those + advancing combatants. The field of battle, strewn with those heads and + arms decked with Angadas, looked like golden stones entwined by snakes. + And the arms of warriors cut off therewith, while falling down, looked + like birds dropping down from trees. And the elephants, pierced with + thousands of arrows and shedding blood (from their wounds), looked like + hills in the season of rains with liquefied red chalk streaming down their + sides. Others, slain by Partha with sharp shafts, lay prostrate on the + field. And many Mlecchas on the backs of elephants, of diverse kinds of + ugly forms, robed in diverse attires, O king, and armed with diverse kinds + of weapons, and bathed in blood, looked resplendent as they lay on the + field, deprived of life by means of diverse kinds of arrows. And thousands + of elephants along with their riders and those on foot that urged them + forward, struck with Partha’s shafts, vomited blood, or uttered shrieks of + agony, or fell down, or ran ungovernably in all directions. And many, + exceedingly frightened, trod down and crushed their own men. And many + which were kept as reserves and which were fierce as snakes of virulent + poison, did the same. And many terrible Yavanas and Paradas and Sakas and + Valhikas, and Mlecchas born of the cow (belonging to Vasishtha), of fierce + eyes, accomplished in smiting looking like messengers of Death, and all + conversant with the deceptive powers of the Asuras and many Darvabhisaras + and Daradas and Pundras numbering by thousands, of bands, and together + forming a force that was countless, began to shower their sharp shafts + upon the son of Pandu. Accomplished in various modes of warfare, those + Mlecchas covered Arjuna with their arrows. Upon them, Dhananjaya also + quickly poured his arrows. And those arrows, shot from Gandiva, looked + like flights of locusts, as they coursed through the welkin. Indeed, + Dhananjaya, having by his arrows caused a shade over the troops like that + of the clouds, slew, by the force of his weapons, all the Mlecchas, with + heads completely shaved or half-shaved or covered with matted locks, + impure in habits, and of crooked faces. Those dwellers of hills, pierced + with arrows, those denizens of mountain-caves, fled away in fear. And + ravens and Kankas and wolves, with great glee, drank the blood of those + elephants and steeds and their Mleccha-riders overthrown on the field by + Partha with his sharp shafts. Indeed, Arjuna caused a fierce river to flow + there whose current consisted of blood. (Slain) foot-soldiers and steeds + and cars and elephants constituted its embankments. The showers of shafts + poured constituted its rafts and the hairs of the combatants formed its + moss and weeds. And the fingers cut off from the arms of warriors, formed + its little fishes. And that river was as awful as Death itself at the end + of the Yuga. And that river of blood flowed towards the region of Yama, + and the bodies of slain elephants floating on it, obstructed its current. + And the earth was covered all over with the blood of Kshatriyas and of + elephants and steeds and their riders, and became one bloody expanse like + to what is seen when Indra showers a heavy down-pour covering uplands and + lowlands alike. And that bull among Kshatriyas despatched six thousand + horsemen and again a thousand foremost of Kshatriyas in that battle into + the jaws of death. Thousands of well-equipped elephants, pierced with + arrows, lay prostrate on the field, like hills struck down by thunder. And + Arjuna careered over the field, slaying steeds and car-warriors and + elephants, like an elephant of rent temples crushing a forest a reeds. As + a conflagration, urged by the wind, consumes a dense forest of trees and + creepers and plants and dry wood and grass, even so did that fire, viz., + Pandu’s son Dhananjaya, having shafts for its flames and urged on by the + Krishna-wind, angrily consume the forest of thy warriors. Making the + terraces of cars empty, and causing the earth to be strewn, with human + bodies, Dhananjaya seemed to dance bow in hand, in the midst of those vast + masses of men. Deluging the earth with blood by means of his shafts, + endued with the strength of the thunder, Dhananjaya, excited with wrath, + penetrated into the Bharata host. While thus proceeding, Srutayus, the + ruler of the Amvashthas, resisted him. Arjuna then, O sire, speedily + felled with keen shafts equipped with Kanka feathers, the steeds of + Srutayus struggling in battle. And cutting off with other shafts, the bow + also of his antagonist, Partha careered over the field. The ruler of the + Amvashthas, then with eyes troubled in wrath, took up a mace and + approached the mighty car-warrior Partha and Kesava also in that battle. + Then that hero, uplifting his mace, stopped the (progress of Arjuna’s) car + by its strokes, and struck Kesava also therewith. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., Arjuna, beholding Kesava struck with that mace, + became filled with wrath. And, then, O Bharata, that hero, with his + shafts, equipped with wings of gold, covered the ruler of the Amvashthas, + that foremost or car-warriors, armed with mace, like clouds covering the + risen sun. With other shafts, Partha then cut off the mace of that + high-souled warrior in fragments, reducing it almost to dust. And all this + seemed highly wonderful. Beholding that mace of his cut off in fragments, + the ruler of the Amvashthas took up another huge mace, and repeatedly + struck both Arjuna and Kesava therewith. Then, Arjuna with a couple of + sharp broad-faced arrows, cut off the uplifted arms of Srutayus which held + the mace, those arms that looked like a couple of Indra’s standard, and + with another winged arrow, he cut off the head of that warrior. Thus + slain, Srutayus fell down, O king, filling the earth with a loud noise, + like a tall standard of Indra when the strings, tying it to the engine on + which it is set, are cut off. Surrounded then on all sides by rounds of + cars and by hundreds upon hundreds of elephants and cars, Partha became + invisible like the sun covered with clouds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0091" id="link72H_4_0091"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the son of Kunti, impelled by the desire of slaying + the ruler of the Sindhus, had penetrated (into the Bharata host) having + pierced through the irresistible divisions of both Drona and the Bhojas, + after the heir of the ruler of the Kamvojas, viz., prince Sudakshina, had + been slain, after Savyasachin had killed the valiant Srutayudha also, + after the (Kuru) ranks had fled away and confusion had set in on all + sides, thy son, beholding his army broken, repaired to Drona. Quickly + coming on his car to Drona, Duryodhana said: “That tiger among men (viz., + Arjuna), having crushed this vast host hath already passed through it. + Aided by thy judgment, think now what should be done next for the + slaughter of Arjuna in view of awful carnage. Blessed be thou, adopt such + measures that that tiger among men may not succeed in slaying Jayadratha. + Thou art our sole refuge. Like a raging conflagration consuming heaps of + dry grass and straw, Dhananjaya-fire, urged by the wind of his wrath, is + consuming the grass and straw constituted by my troops. O scorcher of + foes, seeing the son of Kunti pass, having pierced through this host, + those warriors that are protecting Jayadratha have become doubtful (of + their ability to resist Partha). O foremost of those acquainted with + Brahma, it was the settled conviction of the kings that Dhananjaya would + never, with life, succeed in transgressing Drona. O thou of great + splendour, when, however, Partha has pierced through thy division in the + very sight, I regard my army to be very weak. Indeed, I think that I have + no troops. O thou that art highly blessed, I know thou art devoted to the + welfare of the Pandavas. I lose my reason, O regenerate one, in thinking + what should be done. To the best of my power, I also seek to gratify thee. + Thou, however, dost not bear all this in mind. O thou of immeasurable + prowess, although we are devoted to thee, still thou never seekest our + welfare. Thou art always well-pleased with the Pandavas and always engaged + in doing us evil. Though deriving thy livelihood from us, still thou art + engaged in doing evil to us. I was not aware that thou art but a razor + steeped in honey. If thou hadst not granted me the boon about humiliating + and checking the Pandavas, I would never have prevented the ruler of the + Sindhus from returning to his own country. Fool that I am, expecting + protection from thee, I assured the ruler of the Sindhus, and through my + folly offered him as a victim to death. A man may escape, having entered + the very jaws of death, but there is no escape for Jayadratha, when once + he comes within reach of Dhananjaya’s arms. O thou that ownest red steeds, + do that by which the ruler of the Sindhus may yet be saved. Do not give + way to wrath on hearing the delirious ravings of my afflicted self, O, + protect ye the ruler of the Sindhus." </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “I do not find fault with thy words. Thou art as dear to me + as Aswatthaman himself. I tell thee truly. Act, however, now according to + my words, O king! Of all drivers of cars, Krishna is the foremost. His + steeds are also the foremost of their species. Obtaining only a very small + space, Dhananjaya can pass very quickly through it. Seest thou not that + the shafts of the diadem-decked (Arjuna), countless in number, shot from + his bow, are falling full two miles behind his car as he is proceeding? + Burdened with the weight of years, I am now incapable of going so fast. + The whole army of the Parthas, again, is now close upon our van. + Yudhishthira also should be seized by me. Even so, O thou of mighty arms, + hath been the vow made by me in the presence of all bowmen and in the + midst of all the Kshatriyas. O king! he is now staying at the head of his + troops, abandoned by Dhananjaya. I shall not, therefore, abandoning the + gate of our array, fight with Phalguna. It is meet that thyself, properly + supported, shouldst fight with that foe of thine, who is alone and who is + thy equal in lineage and feats. Do not fear. Go and fight with him. Thou + art the ruler of the world. Thou art a king. Thou art a hero. Possessed of + fame, thou art accomplished in vanquishing (thy foes). O brave subjugator + of hostile towns, go thyself to that spot where Dhananjaya the son of + Pritha is." </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “O preceptor, how is it possible for me to resist + Dhananjaya who has transgressed even thee that art the foremost of all + wielders of arms? The very chief of celestials, armed with the thunder, is + capable of being vanquished in battle, but Arjuna that subjugator of + hostile towns, cannot be vanquished in battle. He by whom Hridika’s son + (Kritavarman), the ruler of the Bhojas, and thyself equal unto a + celestial, have both been vanquished by the power of his weapons, he by + whom Srutayus hath been slain, as also Sudakshina, and king Srutayus too, + he by whom both Srutayus and Achyutayus and myriads of Mlecchas also have + been slain, how can I contend in battle with that invincible son of Pandu, + that accomplished master of weapons, who is even like an all-consuming + fire? How also dost thou think me competent to fight with him today? I am + dependent on thee like a slave. Protect my fame." </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “Thou sayest truly, O thou of Kuru’s race, that Dhananjaya + is irresistible. I, however, will do that by which thou shalt be able to + bear him. Let all the bowmen in the world behold today the wonderful feat + of the son of Kunti being held in check by thee in the very sight of + Vasudeva. This thy armour of gold, O king, I will tie on thy body in such + a way that no weapon used by man will be able to strike thee in battle. If + even the three worlds with the Asuras and the celestials, the Yakshas, the + Uragas, and the Rakshasas, together with all human beings, fight with thee + today, thou needst still entertain no fear. Neither Krishna, nor the son + of Kunti, nor any other wielder of weapons in battle, will be able to + pierce this armour of thine with arrows. Cased in that coat of mail, + quickly go thou today against angry Arjuna in battle. He will not be able + to bear thee.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having said these words, Drona, that foremost of persons + conversant with Brahma, touching water, and duly uttering certain Mantras, + speedily tied that highly wonderful and bright armour on Duryodhana’s body + for the victory of thy son in that dreadful battle and causing (by that + act) all persons there to be filled with amazement. And Drona said, “Let + the Vedas, and Brahman, and the Brahmanas, bless thee. Let all the higher + classes of reptiles be a source of blessings to thee, O Bharata! Let + Yayati and Nahusha, and Dhundhumara, and Bhagiratha, and the other royal + sages, all do what is beneficial to thee. Let blessings be to thee from + creatures having but one leg, and from those that have many legs. Let + blessings be to thee, in this great battle from creatures that have no + legs. Let Swaha, and Swadha, and Sachi, also, all do what is beneficial to + thee. O sinless one, let Lakshmi and Arundhati too do what is beneficial + to thee. Let Asita, and Devala and Viswamitra, and Angiras, and Vasishtha, + and Kasyapa, O king, do what is beneficial to thee. Let Dhatri, and the + lord of the worlds and the points of the compass and the regents of those + points, and the six-faced Karttikeya, all give thee what is beneficial. + Let the divine Vivaswat benefit thee completely. Let the four elephants, + of the four quarters, the earth, the firmament, the planets, and he who is + underneath the earth and holds her (on his head), O king, viz., Sesha, + that foremost of snakes, give thee what is for thy benefit. O son of + Gandhari, formerly the Asura named Vritra, displaying his prowess in + battle, had defeated the best of celestials in battle. The latter, + numbering thousands upon thousands, with mangled bodies, those denizens of + heaven, with Indra at their head, deprived of energy and might, all + repaired to Brahman and sought his protection, afraid of the great Asura + Vritra. And the gods said, ‘O best of gods, O foremost of celestials, be + thou the refuge of the gods now crushed by Vritra. Indeed, rescue us from + this great fear.’ Then Brahman, addressing Vishnu staying beside him as + also those best of celestials headed by Sakra, said unto them that were + all cheerless, these words fraught with truth: ‘Indeed, the gods with + Indra at their head, and the Brahmanas also, should ever be protected by + me. The energy of Tvashtri from which Vritra hath been created is + invincible. Having in days of yore performed ascetic penances for a + million of years, Tvashtri, then, ye gods, created Vritra, obtaining + permission from Maheswara. That mighty foe of yours hath succeeded in + smiting you through the grace of that god of gods. Without going to the + place where Sankara stayeth, ye cannot see the divine Hara. Having seen + that god, ye will be able to vanquish Vritra. Therefore, go ye without + delay to the mountains of Mandara. There stayeth that origin of ascetic + penances, that destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice, that wielder of Pinaka, + that lord of all creatures, that slayer of the Asura called Bhaganetra.’ + Thus addressed by Brahman, the gods proceeding to Mandara with Brahman in + their company, beheld there that heap of energy, that Supreme god endued + with the splendour of a million suns. Seeing the gods Maheswara welcomed + them and enquired what he was to do for them. ‘The sight of any person can + never be fruitless. Let the fruition of your desires proceed from this.’ + Thus addressed by him, the dwellers of heaven replied, ‘We have been + deprived of our energy by Vritra. Be thou the refuge of the dwellers of + heaven. Behold, O lord, our bodies beaten and bruised by his strokes. We + seek thy protection. Be thou our refuge, O Maheswara!’ The god of gods, + called Sarva, then said, ‘Ye gods, it is well-known to you how this + action, fraught with great strength, terrible and incapable of being + resisted by persons destitute of ascetic merit, originated, springing from + the energy of Tvashtri (the divine artificer). As regards myself, it is + certainly my duty to render aid to the dwellers of heaven. O Sakra, take + this effulgent armour from off my body. And, O chief of the celestials, + put it on, mentally uttering these mantras.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Drona continued, “Having said these words, the boon-giving (Siva) gave + that armour with the mantras (to be uttered by the wearer). Protected by + that armour, Sakra proceeded against the host of Vritra in battle. And + although diverse kinds of weapons were hurled at him in that dreadful + battle, yet the joints of that armour could not be cut open. Then the lord + of the celestials slew Vritra, and afterwards gave unto Angiras that + armour, whose joints were made up of mantras. And Angiras imparted those + mantras to his son Vrihaspati, having a knowledge of all mantras. And + Vrihaspati imparted that knowledge to Agnivesya of great intelligence. And + Agnivesya imparted it to me, and it is with the aid of those mantras, O + best of kings, that I, for protecting thy body, tie this armour on thy + body.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said these words Drona, that bull among + preceptors, once more addressed thy son, of great splendour, saying, “O + king, I put this armour on thy body, joining its pieces with the aid of + Brahma strings. In days of yore, Brahma himself had thus put it on Vishnu + in battle. Even as Brahma himself had put this celestial armour on Sakra + in the battle caused by the abduction of Taraka, I put it on thee.” Having + thus, with mantras, donned that armour duly on Duryodhana, the regenerate + Drona sent the king to battle. And the mighty-armed king, cased in armour + by the high-souled preceptor, and accomplished in smiting, and a thousand + infuriated elephants endued with great prowess, and a hundred thousand + horses, and many other mighty car-warriors, proceeded towards the car of + Arjuna. And the mighty-armed king proceeded, with the sound of diverse + kinds of musical instruments, against his foe, like Virochana’s son (Vali + in days of yore). Then, O Bharata, a loud uproar arose among thy troops, + beholding the Kuru king proceeding like a fathomless ocean.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0092" id="link72H_4_0092"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After that bull among men, viz., Duryodhana, had set out + from behind, following Partha and him of Vrishni’s race, O king, both of + whom had penetrated into the Kaurava army, the Pandavas accompanied by the + Somakas, quickly rushed against Drona with loud shouts. And then commenced + the battle (between them and Drona’s troops). And the battle that took + place between the Kurus and the Pandavas at the gate of the array, was + fierce and awful, making the hair stand on end. The sight filled the + spectators with wonder. O king, the sun was then in the meridian. That + encounter, O monarch, was truly such that we had never seen or heard of + its like before. The Parthas headed by Dhrishtadyumna, all accomplished in + smiting and arrayed properly covered the troops of Drona with showers of + arrows. Ourselves also, placing Drona, that foremost of all wielders of + weapons, at our head, covered the Parthas, gathered by Prishata’s son, + with our shafts. The two hosts, adorned with cars and looking beautiful, + then appeared like two mighty masses of clouds in the summer sky, driven + towards each other by opposite winds. Encountering each other, the two + hosts increased their impetuosity, like the rivers the Ganga and the + Yamuna, swollen with water during the season of the rains. Having diverse + kinds of weapons for the winds that ran before them, teeming with + elephants and steeds and cars charged with lightning, constituted by the + maces wielded by the warriors, the fierce and mighty cloud formed by the + Kuru host, urged on by the Drona-tempest, and pouring incessant shafts + that constituted its torrents of rain, sought to quench the scorching + Pandava-fire. Like an awful hurricane in summer agitating the ocean, that + best of Brahmanas, viz., Drona, agitating the Pandava host. Exerting + themselves with great vigour, the Pandavas rushed towards Drona alone for + piercing his host, like a mighty torrent of water towards a strong + embankment, for sweeping it away. Like an immovable hill resisting the + fiercest current of water, Drona, however, resisted in that battle the + enraged Pandavas and Panchalas and Kekayas. Many other kings also, endued + with great strength and courage, attacking them from all sides, began to + resist the Pandavas. Then that tiger among men, viz., the son of Prishata, + uniting with the Pandavas, began repeatedly to strike Drona, for piercing + the hostile host. Indeed, as Drona showered his arrows on Prishata’s son, + even so did the latter shower his on Drona. Having scimitars and swords + for the winds that blew before it, well-equipped with darts and lances and + sabres, with the bow-string constituting its lightning, and the (twang of + the) bow for its roars, the Dhrishtadyumna-cloud poured on all sides + torrents of weapons, as its showers of stones. Slaying the foremost of + car-warriors and a large number of steeds, the son of Prishata seemed to + deluge the hostile divisions (with his arrowy downpours). And the son of + Prishata, by his arrows, turned Drona away from all those tracks amid the + car-divisions of the Pandavas, through which that hero attempted to pass, + striking the warriors there with his shafts. And although Drona struggled + vigorously in that battle, yet his host, encountering Dhrishtadyumna, + became divided into three columns. One of these retreated towards + Kritavarman, the chief of the Bhojas; another towards Jalasandha; and + fiercely slaughtered the while by the Pandavas, proceeded towards Drona + himself. Drona, that foremost of car-warriors, repeatedly united his + troops. The mighty warrior Dhrishtadyumna as often smote and separated + them. Indeed, the Dhartarashtra force, divided into three bodies, was + slaughtered by the Pandavas and the Srinjayas fiercely, like a herd of + cattle in the woods by many beasts of prey, when unprotected by herdsmen. + And people thought that in that dreadful battle, it was Death himself who + was swallowing the warriors first stupefied by Dhrishtadyumna. As a + kingdom of a bad king is destroyed by famine and pestilence and robbers, + even so was thy host afflicted by the Pandavas. And in consequence of the + rays of the sun falling upon the weapons and the warriors, and of the dust + raised by the soldiers, the eyes of all were painfully afflicted. Upon the + Kaurava host being divided into three bodies during that dreadful carnage + by the Pandavas, Drona, filled with wrath, began to consume the Panchalas + with his shafts. And while engaged in crushing those divisions and + exterminating them with his shafts, the form of Drona became like that of + the blazing Yuga-fire. That mighty car-warrior pierced cars, elephants, + and steeds, and foot-soldiers, in that battle, each with only a single + arrow, (and never employing more than one in any case). There then was no + warrior in the Pandava army who was capable of bearing, O lord, the arrows + shot from the bow of Drona. Scorched by the rays of the sun and blasted by + the shafts of Drona, the Pandava divisions there began to reel about on + the field. And thy host also, similarly slaughtered by Prishata’s son, + seemed to blaze up at every point like a dry forest on fire. And while + both Drona and Dhrishtadyumna were slaughtering the two hosts, the + warriors of both armies, in utter disregard of their lives, fought + everywhere to the utmost extent of their prowess. Neither in thy host, nor + in that of the enemy, O bull of Bharata’s race, was there a single warrior + who fled away from the battle through fear. Those uterine brothers, viz., + Vivinsati and Chitrasena and the mighty car-warrior Vikarna, surrounded + Kunti’s son Bhimasena on all sides. And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and + Kshemadhurti of great prowess supported thy three sons (who contended + against Bhimasena). King Valhika of great energy and noble parentage, with + his own troops and counsellors, resisted the sons of Draupadi. Saivya, the + chief of the Govasanas, with a thousand foremost warriors, faced the son, + of great prowess, of the king of the Kasis and resisted him. King Salya, + the ruler of the Madras, surrounded royal Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, + who resembled a blazing fire. The brave and wrathful Duhsasana, properly + supported by his own divisions, angrily proceeded, in that battle, against + Satyaki, that foremost of car-warriors. I myself, with my own troops, + cased in mail and equipped with weapons, and supported by four hundred + foremost of bowmen, resisted Chekitana.<a href="#linknote-7138" name="linknoteref-7138" id="linknoteref-7138">138</a> Sakuni with seven + hundred Gandhara warriors armed with bows, darts and swords, resisted the + son of Madri (viz., Sahadeva). Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, those two + great bowmen, who had, for the sake of their friend (Duryodhana), uplifted + their weapons, disregarding their lives, encountered Virata, the king of + the Matsyas. King Valhika, exerting himself vigorously, resisted the + mighty and unvanquished Sikhandin, the son of Yajnasena, that hero capable + of resisting all foes. The chief of Avanti, with the Sauviras and the + cruel Prabhadrakas, resisted wrathful Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the + Panchalas. Alamvusha quickly rushed against the brave Rakshasa Ghatotkacha + of cruel deeds, who was wrathfully advancing to battle. The mighty + car-warrior Kuntibhoja, accompanied by a large force, resisted Alamvusha, + that prince of Rakshasas, of fierce mien. Thus, O Bharata, hundreds of + separate encounters between the warriors of thy army and theirs, took + place. + </p> + <p> + “As regards the ruler of the Sindhus, he remained in the rear of the whole + army protected by many foremost of bowmen and car-warriors numbering Kripa + amongst them. And the ruler of the Sindhus had for the protectors of his + wheels two of the foremost warriors, viz., the son of Drona on his right, + O king, and the Suta’s son (Karna) on the left. And for protecting his + rear he had a number of warriors headed by Somadatta’s son, viz., Kripa, + and Vrishasena, and Sala, and the invincible Salya, who were conversant + with policy and were mighty bowmen accomplished in battle. And the Kuru + warriors, having made these arrangements for the protection of the ruler + of the Sindhus, fought (with the Pandavas).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0093" id="link72H_4_0093"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O king, to me as I describe to thee the wonderful + battle that then took place between the Kurus and the Pandavas. + Approaching Bharadwaja’s son who was staying at the gate of his array, the + Parthas battled vigorously for piercing through Drona’s division. And + Drona also, accompanied by his forces, desirous of protecting his own + array, battled with the Parthas, seeking glory. Vinda and Anuvinda of + Avanti, excited with wrath and desirous of benefiting thy son, struck + Virata with ten shafts. Virata also, O king, approaching those two + warriors of great prowess staying in battle, fought with them and their + followers. The battle that took place between these was fierce in the + extreme, and blood ran in it like water. And it resembled an encounter in + the woods between a lion and a couple of mighty elephants, with rent + temples. The mighty son of Yajnasena forcibly struck king Valhika in that + battle with fierce and sharp shafts capable of penetrating into the very + vitals. Valhika also filled with wrath, deeply pierced Yajnasena’s son + with nine straight shafts of golden wings and whetted on stone. And that + battle between those two warriors became exceedingly fierce, characterised + as it was by dense showers of shafts and darts. And it enhanced the fears + of the timid and the joy of heroes. The arrows shot by them entirely + covered the welkin and all the points of the compass, so that nothing + could any longer be discerned. And Saivya, the king of the Govasanas on + the head of the troops, fought in that battle with the mighty car-warrior, + the prince of the Kasis, like an elephant battling with another. The king + of the Valhikas, excited with wrath, fighting against those (five) mighty + car-warriors, viz., the sons of Draupadi, looked resplendent, like the + mind contending against the five senses. And those five princes also, O + foremost of embodied beings, fought with that antagonist of theirs, + shooting their arrows from all sides, like the objects of the senses + forever battling with the body. Thy son Duhsasana, struck Satyaki of + Vrishni’s race with nine straight shafts of keen points. Deeply pierced by + that strong and great bowman, Satyaki of prowess incapable of being + baffled, was partially deprived of his senses. Comforted soon, he, of + Vrishni’s race, then quickly pierced thy son, that mighty car-warrior, + with ten shafts winged with Kanka feathers. Piercing each other deeply and + afflicted with each other’s shafts, they looked splendid, O king, like two + Kinsukas decked with flowers. Afflicted with the arrows of Kuntibhoja, + Alamvusha, filled with wrath looked like a beautiful Kinsuka graced with + its flowering burthen. The Rakshasa then having pierced Kuntibhoja with + many arrows, uttered awful shouts at the head of thy host. And as those + heroes fought with each other in that battle, they seemed to all the + troops to resemble Sakra and the Asura Jambha in days of old. The two sons + of Madri, filled with wrath, fiercely ground with their shafts the + Gandhara prince Sakuni who had offended against them greatly. The carnage, + O monarch, that set in was awful. Originated by thee, nurtured by Karna, + and kept up by thy sons, the fire of wrath (of the Pandavas) hath swollen + now, O monarch, and is ready to consume the whole earth. Forced to turn + his back on the field by the two sons of Pandu with their shafts, Sakuni + unable to put forth his valour, knew not what to do. Beholding him turn + back, those mighty car-warriors, viz., the two sons of Pandu, once more + showered their arrows on him like two masses of clouds pouring torrents of + rain on a mighty hill. Struck with countless straight shafts, the son of + Suvala fled towards the division of Drona, borne by his swift steeds. The + brave Ghatotkacha rushed towards the Rakshasa Alamvusha in that battle, + with impetuosity much short of what he was capable. The battle between + those two became fearful to behold, like that which in days of yore had + taken place between Rama and Ravana. King Yudhishthira, having in that + battle pierced the ruler of the Madras with five hundred arrows, once more + pierced him with seven. Then commenced that battle between them which was + exceedingly wonderful, O monarch, which resembled that, in days of yore, + between the Asura Samvara and the chief of the celestials. Thy sons + Vivinsati and Chitrasena and Vikarna, surrounded by a large force, battled + with Bhimasena.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0094" id="link72H_4_0094"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When that fierce battle, causing the hair to stand on end, + commenced, the Pandavas rushed against the Kauravas who had been divided + into three bodies. Bhimasena rushed against the mighty-armed Jalasandha, + and Yudhishthira, at the head of his troops rushed, in that battle, + against Kritavarman. And Dhrishtadyumna, O king, scattering the shafts, + like the sun shooting his rays, rushed against Drona. Then commenced that + battle between all the bowmen, eager for the encounter, of the Kurus and + the Pandavas, excited with wrath. And during the progress of that terrible + carnage, when all the warriors were battling with one another fearlessly + the mighty Drona fought with the mighty prince of the Panchalas. And the + clouds of arrows he shot in that encounter filled all spectators with + wonder. And Drona and the prince of the Panchalas, cutting off the heads + of men by thousands, scattered them on the field of battle, making the + latter resemble a forest of lotuses. In every division, were soon strewn + on the ground robes and ornaments and weapons, and standards and coats of + mail. And golden coats of mail, dyed with blood, looked like clouds + charged with lightning. Other mighty car-warriors, drawing their large + bows measuring full six cubits long, felled with their shafts, elephants + and steeds and men. In that dreadful encounter of arms between brave and + high-souled warriors, swords and shields, bows and heads and coats of mail + were seen lying scattered about. Innumerable headless trunks wore seen to + rise up, O king, in the midst of that fierce battle. And vultures and + Kankas and jackals and swarms of other carnivorous animals, O sire, were + seen there, eating the flesh of fallen men and steeds and elephants, of + drinking their blood, or dragging them by the hair, or licking or pecking, + O king, at their marrow, or dragging their bodies and severed limbs, or + rolling their heads on the ground. Warriors, skilled in battle, + accomplished in weapons, and firmly resolved in fight, struggled + vigorously in the combat, solicitous only of fame. Many were the + combatants that careered over the field, performing the diverse + evolutions, of swordsmen. With sabres and darts and lances and spears and + axes, with maces and spiked clubs and other kinds of weapons, and with + even bare arms, men who had entered the arena of battle, filled with rage, + slew one another. And car-warriors fought with car-warriors, and horsemen + with horsemen, and elephants with foremost of elephants, and foot-soldiers + with foot-soldiers. And many infuriated elephants, as if perfectly mad, + uttered loud shrieks and slew one another, after the manner they do in + sporting arenas. + </p> + <p> + “‘During the progress, O king, of that battle in which the combatants + fought without any regard for one another, Dhrishtadyumna caused his own + steeds to be mixed up with those of Drona. Those steeds endued with the + speed of the wind, that were white as pigeons and red as blood, thus mixed + with one another in battle, looked exceedingly beautiful. Indeed, they + looked resplendent like clouds charged with lightning. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., heroic Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, + beholding Drona, O Bharata, arrived so near, cast off his bow and took up + his sword and shield, for achieving a difficult feat. Seizing the shaft of + Drona’s car, he entered into it. And he stayed sometimes on the middle of + the yoke, and sometimes on its joints and sometimes behind the steeds. And + while he was moving, armed with swords, quickly upon the backs of those + red steeds of Drona, the latter could not detect an opportunity for + striking him.<a href="#linknote-7139" name="linknoteref-7139" id="linknoteref-7139">139</a> All this seemed wonderful to us. Indeed, + like the sweep of a hawk in the woods from desire of food, seemed that + sally of Dhrishtadyumna from his own car for the destruction of Drona. + Then Drona cut off, with a hundred arrows, the shield, decked with a + hundred moons, of Drupada’s son, and then his sword, with ten others. And + mighty Drona then, with four and sixty arrows, slew the steeds of his + antagonist. And with a couple of broad-headed shafts he cut off the + latter’s standard and umbrella also, and then slew both his Parshni + charioteers. And then with great speed drawing his bow-string to his ear, + he shot at him a fatal shaft, like the wielder of the thunder hurling the + thunder (at a foe). But soon Satyaki, with four and ten sharp shafts, cut + off that fatal arrow of Drona. And thus the Vrishni hero, O sire, rescued + Dhrishtadyumna, who had been seized by that lion among men, the foremost + of preceptors, like a deer seized by the king of the forests. Even thus + did that bull amongst the Sinis, the prince of the Panchalas. Beholding + Satyaki to rescue the prince of the Panchalas in the dreadful battle, + Drona quickly shot at him six and twenty arrows. The grandson of Sini + then, in return, pierced Drona in the centre of the chest with six and + twenty arrows, while the latter was engaged in devouring the Srinjayas. + Then all the Panchala car-warriors, desirous of victory upon the Satwata + hero, proceeding against Drona, quickly withdrew Dhrishtadyumna from the + battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0095" id="link72H_4_0095"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After that shafts of Drona had been cut off and + Dhrishtadyumna thus rescued, O Sanjaya, by Yuyudhana, that foremost one of + the Vrishni race, what did that great bowman, that foremost of all + wielders of weapons, viz., Drona, do in battle unto that tiger among men, + viz., the grandson of Sini?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Drona, like a mighty snake, having wrath for his + poison, his stretched bow for his wide-open mouth, his sharp shafts for + his teeth and whetted arrows for his fangs, with eyes red as copper from + rage, and breathing hard, that mighty hero among men, perfectly fearless, + borne on his red steeds of great speed, that seemed to soar into the skies + or get at the top of a mountain, rushed towards Yuyudhana, scattering his + arrows equipped with golden wings. Then that subjugator of hostile cities, + that hero of Sini’s race invincible in battle, beholding that irresistible + Drona cloud having showers of arrows for its watery downpour, the rattle + of car-wheels for its roar, the out-stretched bow for its volume, long + shafts for its lightning-flashes, darts and swords for its thunder, wrath + for the winds and urged on by those steeds that constituted the hurricane + (impelling it forwards), rushed towards him, addressed his charioteer and + smilingly said, “O Suta, proceed quickly and cheerfully, urging the steeds + to their greatest speed, against that heroic Brahmana, fallen off from the + duties of his order, that refuge of Dhritarashtra’s son, that dispeller of + the (Kuru) king’s sorrows and fear, that preceptor of all the princes, + that warrior ever boastful of his prowess.” Then the excellent steeds of + silvery hue belonging to him of Madhu’s race, endued with the speed of the + wind, quickly proceeded towards Drona. Then those two chastisers of foes, + viz., Drona and Sini’s grandson, fought with each other, each striking the + other with thousands of shafts. Those two bulls among men filled the + welkin with their arrowy showers. Indeed, the two heroes covered the ten + points of the compass with their shafts. And they poured on each other + their shafts like two clouds pouring their contents (on the earth) on the + expiration of summer. The sun became invisible. The very wind ceased to + blow. And in consequence of those showers of shafts filling the welkin, a + continuous and thick gloom was caused there that became unbearable to the + other heroes. And when the shafts of Drona and Sini’s grandson had caused + that gloom there, none beheld any cessation in shooting in either of them. + They were both quick in the use of weapons, and they were both looked upon + as lions among men. The sound produced by those torrents of arrows, shot + by both striking against each other was heard to resemble the sound of the + thunder hurled by Sakra. The forms of heroic warriors pierced with long + shafts looked like those of snakes, O Bharata, hit by snakes of virulent + poison. Brave warriors incessantly heard the twangs of their bows and the + sounds of their palms to resemble the sound of thunder falling upon + summits of mountains. The cars of both of those warriors, O king, their + steeds, and their charioteers pierced with shafts of golden wings, became + beautiful to behold. Fierce was the downpour, O monarch, of shafts that + were bright and straight and that looked resplendent like snakes of + virulent poison freed from their sloughs. The umbrellas of both were cut + off, as also the standards of both. And both of them were covered with + blood, and both were inspired with the hope of victory. With blood + trickling down every limb of theirs, they resembled a couple of elephants + with secretions trickling down their bodies. And they continued to strike + each other with fatal shafts. The roars and shouts and other cries of the + soldiers, the blare of conchs and the beat of drums ceased, O king, for + none uttered any sound. Indeed, all the divisions became silent, and all + the warriors stopped fighting. People, filled with curiosity became + spectators of that single combat. Car-warriors and elephant riders and + horsemen and foot-soldiers, surrounding those two bulls among men, + witnessed their encounter with steadfast eyes. And the elephant-divisions + stood still and so also the horse-divisions, and so also the + car-divisions. All stood still, disposed in array. Variegated with pearls + and corals, decked with gems and gold, adorned with standards and + ornaments, with coats of mail made of gold, with triumphal banners with + rich caparisons of elephants, with fine blankets, with bright and sharp + weapons, with yak-tails, ornamented with gold and silver, on the heads of + steeds, with garlands, round the frontal globes of elephants and rings + round their tusks, O Bharata, the Kuru and the Pandava hosts then looked + like a mass of clouds at the close of summer, decked with rows of cranes + and myriads of fire-flies (under them) and adorned with rainbows and + flashes of lightning. Both our men and those of Yudhishthira, beheld that + battle between Yuyudhana and high-souled Drona; the gods also, headed by + Brahma and Soma, and the Siddhas, and the Charanas, and the Vidyadharas, + and the great Snakes, saw it, stationed on their foremost of sky-ranging + cars. And beholding the diverse motion, forward and backward, of those + lions among men, and their acts of striking each other, the spectators + were filled with wonder. And both endued with great strength, Drona and + Satyaki, displaying their lightness of hand in the use of weapons, began + to pierce each other with shafts. Then he of Dasarha’s race, with his + mighty shafts, cut off those of the illustrious Drona in that battle, and + then, within a moment, the latter’s bow also. Within, however, the + twinkling of an eye, the son of Bharadwaja took up another bow and strung + it. Even that bow of his was cut off by Satyaki. Drona then, with utmost + quickness waited with another bow in hand. As often, however, as Drona + strung his bow, Satyaki cut it off. And this he did full nine and seven + times. Beholding then that superhuman feat of Yuyudhana in battle, Drona, + O monarch, thought in his mind, “This force of weapons that I see in this + foremost one among the Satwatas exists in Rama and Dhananjaya and was seen + also in Kartavirya and that tiger among men, viz., Bhishma.” The son of + Bharadwaja, therefore, mentally applauded the prowess of Satyaki. + Beholding that lightness of hand equal unto that of Vasava himself, that + foremost of regenerate ones, that first of all persons conversant with + weapons, was highly gratified with Madhava. And the gods also, with Vasava + at their head, were gratified with it. The gods and the Gandharvas, O + monarch, had never before witnessed that lightness of hand of the quickly + moving Yuyudhana, although they and the Siddhas and the Charanas had been + acquainted with the feats of which Drona was capable. Then Drona, that + foremost of persons acquainted with weapons, that grinder of Kshatriyas, + taking up another bow, aimed some weapons. Satyaki, however, baffling + those weapons with the illusion of his own weapon struck him with some + sharp shafts. All this seemed highly wonderful. Beholding that superhuman + feat of his in battle, that feat of which nobody else was capable, and + which displayed very great skill, those amongst thy warriors that were + judges of skill, applauded it. Satyaki shot the same weapons that Drona + shot. Beholding this, that scorcher of foes, viz., the preceptor, fought + with a little less boldness, than usual. Then that master of military + science, O king, filled with wrath, invoked celestial weapons for the + destruction of Yuyudhana. Beholding that terrible foe-slaughtering Agneya + weapon, Satyaki, that mighty bowman, invoked another celestial weapon, + viz., the Varuna. Seeing them both take up celestial weapons, loud cries + of Oh and Alas arose there. The very creatures having the sky for their + element ceased to range through it. Then the Varuna and the Agneya weapons + which had thus been grafted on their shafts coming against each other + became fruitless.<a href="#linknote-7140" name="linknoteref-7140" id="linknoteref-7140">140</a> Just at that time, the sun passed down in + his course. Then king Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, and + Nakula, and Sahadeva, desirous of protecting Satyaki, and the Matsyas, and + the Salweya troops, speedily proceeded towards Drona. Then thousands of + princes placing Duhsasana at their head, hastily proceeded towards Drona + (for protecting him) who was surrounded by foes. Then, O king, commenced a + fierce battle between them and thy bowmen. The earth was covered with dust + and with showers of arrows shot (by both sides). And everything being thus + covered, nothing could any longer be discerned. Indeed, when the troops + were thus overwhelmed with dust, the battle proceeded in utter disregard + (of persons and rules).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0096" id="link72H_4_0096"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the sun turned in his downward course towards the + summit of the Asta hills, when the welkin was covered with dust, when the + heat of the solar rays abated, the day began to fade fast. As regards the + soldiers, some rested, some fought on, some returned to the encounter, + desirous of victory. And while the troops, inspired with hope of victory, + were thus engaged, Arjuna and Vasudeva proceeded towards the place where + the ruler of the Sindhus was. The son of Kunti, by means of his shafts, + made (through the hostile soldiers) a way sufficiently wide for his car. + And it was in this way that Janardana proceeded, (guiding the car). + Thither where the car of the high-souled son of Pandu proceeded, thither + thy troops, O monarch, broke and yielded a way. And he of Dasarha’s race, + endued with great energy, displayed his skill in driving car by showing + diverse kinds of circling motions. And the shafts of Arjuna, engraved with + his name, well-tempered, resembling the Yuga-fire, tied round with catgut, + of straight joints, thick, far-reaching, and made either of (cleft) bamboo + (or their branches) or wholly of iron, taking the lives of diverse foes, + drank in that battle, with the birds (of prey assembled there), the blood + of living creatures. Standing on his car, as Arjuna shot his shafts full + two miles ahead, those shafts pierced and despatched his foes just as that + car itself came up to the spot.<a href="#linknote-7141" name="linknoteref-7141" id="linknoteref-7141">141</a> Hrishikesa + proceeded, borne by those yoke-bearing steeds endued with the speed of + Garuda or the wind, with such speed that he caused the whole universe to + wonder at it. Indeed, O king, the car of Surya himself, or that of Rudra + or that of Vaisravana, never goeth so fast. Nobody else’s car had ever + before moved with such speed in battle as Arjuna’s car, moving with the + celerity of a wish cherished in the mind. Then Kesava, O king, that slayer + of hostile heroes, having taken the car of battle quickly urged the + steeds, O Bharata, through the (hostile) troops. Arrived in the midst of + that throng of cars, those excellent steeds bore Arjuna’s car with + difficulty, suffering as they did from hunger, thirst, and toil, and + mangled as they had been with the weapons of many heroes delighting in + battle. They frequently, however, described beautiful circles as they + moved, proceeding over the bodies of slain steeds and men, over broken + cars, and the bodies of dead elephants, looking like hills by thousands. + </p> + <p> + “‘Meanwhile O king, the two heroic brothers of Avanti, (viz., Vinda and + Anuvinda), at the head of their forces, beholding the steeds of Arjuna to + be tired, encountered him. Filled with joy, they pierced Arjuna with four + and sixty shafts, and Janardana with seventy, and the four steeds (of + Arjuna’s car) with a hundred arrows. Then Arjuna, O king, filled with + wrath, and having a knowledge of the vital parts of the body, struck them + both in the battle, with nine straight shafts, every one of which was + capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Thereupon, the two brothers, + filled with rage, covered Vibhatsu and Kesava with showers of shafts and + uttered leonine roars. Then Partha of white steeds, with a couple of + broad-headed shafts, quickly cut off in that battle the beautiful bows of + the two brothers and then their two standards, bright as gold. Vinda and + Anuvinda then, O king, taking up to other bows and becoming infuriated + with anger, began to grind the son of Pandu with their arrows. Then + Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, exceedingly enraged, once more, with a + couple of shafts quickly cut off those two bows also of his foes. And with + a few other arrows whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold, + Arjuna then slew their steeds, their charioteers, and the two combatants + that protected their rear, with those that followed the latter. And with + another broad-headed arrow, sharp as a razor, he cut off the head of the + eldest brother, who fell down on the earth, deprived of life, like a tree + broken by the wind. The mighty Anuvinda then endued with great prowess, + beholding Vinda slain left his steedless car, having taken up a mace. Then + that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the brother of Vinda, apparently + dancing as he advanced with that mace in his arms, proceeded in that + battle for avenging the slaughter of his elder brother. Filled with rage, + Anuvinda struck Vasudeva on the forehead with that mace. The latter, + however, trembled not, but stood still like the mountain Mainaka. Then + Arjuna with six arrows, cut off his neck and two legs and two arms and + head. Thus cut off (into fragments, the limbs of) Anuvinda fell down like + so many hills. Beholding them both stain, their followers, O king, filled + with rage rushed (towards Arjuna), scattering hundreds of arrows. Slaying + them soon, O bull of Bharata’s race, Arjuna looked resplendent like a fire + consuming a forest on the expiry of winter. Passing over those troops with + some difficulty, Dhananjaya then shone brightly like the risen sun, + transgressing the clouds under which it was hid. Beholding him, the + Kauravas were filled with fright. But recovering soon enough, they + rejoiced once more and rushed at him from all sides. O bull of Bharata’s + race! Understanding that he was tired and that the ruler of the Sindhus + was yet at a distance, they surrounded him, uttering leonine roars. + Beholding them, filled with wrath, Arjuna, that bull among men, smilingly + addressed him of Dasarha’s race in soft words, and said, “Our steeds are + afflicted with arrows and tired. The ruler of the Sindhus is still at a + distance. What do you think to be the best that should be done now? Tell + me, O Krishna, truly. Thou art always the wisest of persons. The Pandavas + having thee for their eyes, will vanquish their foes in battle. That which + seems to me should be done next, truly shall I say unto thee. Unyoking the + steeds to their case, pluck off their arrows, O Madhava!” Thus addressed + by Partha, Kesava replied unto him, “I am, also O Partha, of the opinion + which thou hast expressed." </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna then said, “I will hold in check the whole army, O Kesava! Do + thou properly perform that which should be done next.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Alighting then from the terrace of his car, + Dhananjaya, taking up his bow, Gandiva, fearlessly stood there like an + immovable hill. Beholding Dhananjaya standing on the ground, and regarding + it a good opportunity, the Kshatriyas, desirous of victory and uttering + loud shouts, rushed towards him. Him standing alone, they surrounded with + a large throng of cars, all stretching their bows and showering their + shafts on him. Filled with wrath, they displayed diverse kinds of weapons + and entirely shrouded Partha with their shafts like the clouds shrouding + the sun. And the great Kshatriya warriors impetuously rushed against that + bull among Kshatriyas, that lion among men, like infuriated elephants + rushing towards a lion. The might then that we beheld, of Partha’s arms + was exceedingly great, since, filled with rage, alone, he succeeded in + resisting those countless warriors. The puissant Partha, baffling with his + own weapons those of the foes, quickly covered all of them with countless + shafts. In that part of the welkin, O monarch, in consequence of the clash + of those dense showers of shafts, a fire was generated emitting incessant + sparks. There, in consequence of hostile heroes, countless in number, all + filled with wrath, and all great bowmen united together for a common + purpose, seeking victory in battle, aided by steeds, covered with blood + and breathing hard, and by infuriated and foe-grinding elephants, uttering + loud shrieks, the atmosphere became exceedingly hot. That uncrossable, + wide, and limitless ocean of cars, incapable of being agitated, had arrows + for its current, standards for its eddies, elephants for its crocodiles, + foot-soldiers for its countless fishes, the blare of conchs and the beat + of drums for its roar, cars for its surging waves, head-gears of + combatants for its tortoises, umbrellas and banners for its froth, and the + bodies of slain elephants for its (submarine) rocks: Partha resisted with + his arrows, the approach of the sea like a continent. Then, in course of + that battle, the mighty-armed Janardana, fearlessly addressing that dear + friend of his, that foremost of men, viz., Arjuna, said unto him, “There + is no well here in the field of battle, O Arjuna, for the steeds to drink + from. The steeds want water for drink, but not for a bath.” Thus addressed + by Vasudeva, Arjuna cheerfully said, “Here it is!” And so saying, he + pierced the earth with a weapon and made an excellent lake from which the + steeds could drink. And that lake abounded in swans and ducks, and was + adorned with Chakravakas. And it was wide and full of transparent water, + and abounded in full-blown lotuses of the finest species. And it teemed + with diverse kinds of fish. And fathomless in depth, it was the resort of + many a Rishi. And the celestial Rishi, Narada, came to have a look at that + lake created there in a moment. And Partha, capable of achieving wonderful + works like (the celestial artificer) Tvashtri himself, also constructed + there an arrowy hall, having arrows for its beams and rafters, arrows for + its pillars, and arrows for its roof. Then Govinda smiling in joy, said, + “Excellent, Excellent,” upon seeing the high-souled Partha create that + arrowy hall.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0097" id="link72H_4_0097"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION XCIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the high-souled son of Kunti had created that water, + after he had commenced to hold in check the hostile army, and after he had + built also that arrowy hall, Vasudeva of great splendour, alighting from + the car, unyoked the steeds pierced and mangled with arrows. Beholding + that sight never seen before, loud uproars of applause were heard there, + uttered by the Siddhas and the Charanas and by all the warriors. Mighty + car-warriors (assembled together) were unable to resist the son of Kunti, + even when he fought on foot. All this seemed highly wonderful. Although + throngs upon throngs of cars, and myriads of elephants and steeds, rushed + towards him, yet Partha felt no fear but fought on, prevailing upon all + his foes. And the (hostile) kings shot showers of shafts at the son of + Pandu. That slayer of hostile heroes, however, viz., the son of Vasava, of + virtuous soul, felt no anxiety whatever. Indeed, the valiant Partha + received hundreds of arrowy showers and maces and lances coming towards + him as the ocean receives hundreds upon hundreds of rivers flowing towards + it. With the impetuous might of his own weapons and strength of his arms, + Partha received the foremost of shafts shot at him by those foremost of + kings. Although staying on the ground, and alone, he succeeded yet in + baffling all those kings on their cars, like that one fault, avarice, + destroying a host of accomplishments. The Kauravas, O king, applauded the + highly wonderful prowess of Partha as also of Vasudeva, saying, “What more + wonderful incident hath ever taken place in this world, or will ever take + place than this, viz., that Partha and Govinda, in course of battle, have + unyoked their steeds? Displaying fierce energy on the field of battle and + the greatest assurance, those best of men have inspired us with great + thoughts.” Then Hrishikesa, of eyes like lotus-petals, smiling with the + coolest assurance, as if, O Bharata, he was in the midst of an assembly of + women (and not armed foes), after Arjuna had created in the field of + battle that hall, made of arrows, led the steeds into it, in the very + sight, O monarch, of all thy troops. And Krishna, who was well-skilled in + grooming horses, then removed their fatigue, pain, froth, trembling and + wounds.<a href="#linknote-7142" name="linknoteref-7142" id="linknoteref-7142">142</a> Then plucking out their arrows and rubbing + those steeds with his own hands, and making them trot duly, he caused them + to drink. Having caused them to drink, and removed their fatigue and pain, + he once more carefully yoked them to that foremost of cars. Then, that + foremost one among all wielders of weapons, viz., Sauri, of great energy, + mounting on that car with Arjuna, proceeded with great speed. Beholding + the car of that foremost of car-warriors once more equipped with these + steeds, whose thirst had been slaked, the foremost ones among the Kuru + army once more became cheerless. They began to sigh, O king, like snakes + whose fangs had been pulled out. And they said, “Oh, fie, fie on us! Both + Partha and Krishna have gone, in the very sight of all the Kshatriyas, + riding on the same car, and clad in mail, and slaughtering our troops with + as much ease as boys sporting with a toy. Indeed, those scorchers of foes + have gone away in the very sight of all the kings displaying the prowess + and unimpeded by our shouting and struggling combatants.” Seeing them gone + away, other warriors said, “Ye Kauravas, speed ye for the slaughter of + Krishna and the diadem-decked (Arjuna). Yoking his steeds unto his car in + the very sight of all (our) bowmen, he of Dasarha’s race is proceeding + towards Jayadratha, slaughtering us in battle.” And some lords of earth + there, O king, amongst themselves, having seen that highly wonderful + incident in battle never seen before said, “Alas, through Duryodhana’s + fault, these warriors of king Dhritarashtra, the Kshatriyas, and the whole + earth, fallen into great distress, are being destroyed. King Duryodhana + understands it not.” Thus spoke many Kshatriyas. Others, O Bharata, said, + “The ruler of the Sindhus hath already been despatched to Yama’s abode. Of + narrow sight and unacquainted with means, let Duryodhana now do what + should be done for that king."<a href="#linknote-7143" name="linknoteref-7143" id="linknoteref-7143">143</a> Meanwhile, the son + of Pandu, seeing the sun coursing towards the Western hills, proceeded + with greater speed towards the ruler of the Sindhus, on his steeds, whose + thirst had been slaked. The (Kuru) warriors were unable to resist that + mighty-armed hero, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, as he + proceeded like the Destroyer himself in wrath. That scorcher of foes, + viz., the son of Pandu, routing the warriors (before him), agitated that + army, like a lion agitating a herd of deer, as he proceeded for getting at + Jayadratha. Penetrating into the hostile army, he, of Dasarha’s race, + urged the steeds with great speeds, and blew his conch, Panchajanya, which + was of the hue of the clouds. The shafts shot before by the son of Kunti + began to fall behind him, so swiftly did those steeds, endued with the + speed of the wind, drew that car. Then many kings, filled with rage, and + many other Kshatriyas surrounded Dhananjaya who was desirous of slaying + Jayadratha. When the (Kuru) warriors thus proceeded towards that bull + among men (viz., Arjuna) who had stopped for a moment, Duryodhana, + proceeding quickly, followed Partha in that great battle. Many warriors, + beholding the car whose rattle resembled the roar of clouds, and which was + equipped with that terrible standard bearing the ape and whose banner + floated upon the wind, became exceedingly cheerless. Then when the sun was + almost completely shrouded by the dust (raised by the combatants), the + (Kuru) warriors, afflicted with shafts, became incapable of even gazing, + in that battle, at the two Krishnas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0098" id="link72H_4_0098"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION C + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O monarch, beholding Vasudeva and Dhananjaya penetrate + into their host, having already pierced through many divisions, the kings + of the army, fled away in fear. A little while after, however, those + high-souled ones, filled with rage and shame, and urged on by their might, + became cool and collected, and proceeded towards Dhananjaya. But those, O + king, who filled with rage and vindictiveness, proceeded against the son + of Pandu in battle, returned not, like rivers never returning from the + ocean. Seeing this, many ignoble Kshatriyas incurred sin and hell by + flying away from battle, like atheists turning away from the Vedas.<a + href="#linknote-7144" name="linknoteref-7144" id="linknoteref-7144">144</a> + Transgressing that throng of cars those two bulls among men, at last, + issued out of it, and looked like the sun and the moon freed from the jaws + of Rahu. Indeed, the two Krishnas, their fatigue dispelled, having pierced + through that vast host, looked like two fishes that had passed through a + strong net. Having forced through that impenetrable division of Drona, the + way through which was obstructed by dense showers of weapons, those two + high-souled heroes looked like Yuga-suns risen (on the welkin). Piercing + through those dense showers of weapons and freed from that imminent + danger, those high-souled heroes, themselves obstructing the welkin with + thick clouds of weapons, seemed like persons escaped from a raging + conflagration, or like two fishes from the jaws of a makara. And they + agitated the (Kuru) host like a couple of makaras agitating the ocean. Thy + warriors and thy sons, while Partha and Krishna were in the midst of + Drona’s division, had thought that those two would never be able to issue + out of it. Beholding, however, those two heroes of great splendour issue + out of Drona’s division, they no longer, O monarch, hoped for Jayadratha’s + life. Hitherto they had strong hopes of Jayadratha’s life, for they had + thought, O king, that the two Krishnas would never be able to escape from + Drona and Hridika’s son. Frustrating that hope, those two scorchers of + foes had, O monarch, crossed the division of Drona, as also the almost + uncrossable division of the Bhojas. Beholding them, therefore, ford + through those divisions and look like two blazing fires, thy men became + possessed with despair and no longer hoped for Jayadratha’s life. Then + those two fearless heroes, viz., Krishna and Dhananjaya, those enhancers + of the fears of foes, began to converse between themselves about the + slaughter of Jayadratha. And Arjuna said, “This Jayadratha hath been + placed in their midst by six of the foremost car-warriors among the + Dhartarashtras. The ruler of the Sindhus, however, shall not escape me if + once he is seen by me. If Sakra himself, with all the celestials, become + his protector in battle, yet shall we slay him.” Thus did the two Krishnas + talk. Even so, O mighty-armed one, did they converse amongst themselves, + while looking after the ruler of the Sindhus. (Having heard what they + said), thy sons set up a loud wail. Those two chastisers of foes then + looked like a couple of thirsty elephants of great quickness of motion, + refreshed by drinking water, after having passed through a desert. Beyond + death and above decrepitude, they then looked like two merchants that have + passed over a mountainous country abounding with tigers and lions and + elephants. Indeed, beholding them freed (from Drona and Kritavarman), thy + warriors regarded the colour of Partha’s and Krishna’s face to be + dreadful; and thy men then, from all sides, set up a loud wail. Freed from + Drona who resembled a snake of virulent poison or a blazing fire, as also + from the other lords of the earth, Partha and Krishna looked like two + blazing suns. Indeed, those two chastisers of foes, freed from Drona’s + division, which resembled the very ocean, seemed to be filled with joy + like persons that have safely crossed the vasty deep. Freed from those + dense showers of weapons, from those divisions protected by Drona and + Hridika’s son, Kesava and Arjuna looked like Indra and Agni, or blazing + effulgence. The two Krishnas, pierced with sharp shafts of Bharadwaja’s + son, and with bodies dripping with blood, looked resplendent like two + mountains decked with flowering Karnikaras. Having forded that wide lake, + of which Drona constituted the alligator, darts formed the fierce snakes, + shafts, the Makaras, and Kshatriyas, the deep waters, and having issued + out of that cloud, constituted by Drona’s weapons, whose thunders were the + twang of bows and the sound of palms, and whose lightning flashes were + constituted by maces and swords, Partha and Krishna looked like the sun + and moon freed from darkness. Having crossed the region obstructed by the + weapons of Drona, all creatures regarded those mighty and famous bowmen + viz., the two Krishnas, as persons who had forded, with the aid of their + arms, the five rivers, (viz., the Satadru, the Vipasa, the Ravi, the + Chandrabhaga, and the Vitasta) having the ocean for their sixth, when full + of water during the season of rains, and abounding with alligators. + Casting their eyes, from desire of slaughter, on Jayadratha who was not + far off from them, the two heroes looked like two tigers waiting from + desire of falling upon a Ruru deer. Such was then the colour of their + faces, that thy warriors, O monarch, regarded Jayadratha as one already + slain. Possessed of red eyes, O mighty-armed one, and staying together, + Krishna and the son of Pandu, at the sight of Jayadratha were filled with + joy and roared repeatedly. Indeed, O monarch, the splendour then of Sauri, + standing with reins in hand, and of Partha armed with bow, was like that + of the sun or fire. Freed from the division of Drona, their joy, at sight + of the ruler of the Sindhus, was like that of a couple of hawks at the + sight of a piece of flesh. Beholding the ruler of the Sindhus not far off, + they rushed in wrath towards him like a couple of hawks swooping down + towards a piece of meat. Seeing Hrishikesa and Dhananjaya transgress (the + divisions of Drona), thy valiant son, king Duryodhana, whose armour had + been bound on his person by Drona, and who was well-versed in grooming and + guiding horses, rushed, on a single car, O lord, for the protection of the + Sindhus. Leaving those mighty bowmen, viz., Krishna and Partha, behind, + thy son, O king, turned back, facing Kesava of lotus-like eyes. When thy + son thus outran Dhananjaya, diverse musical instruments were joyfully + blown and beat among all thy troops. And leonine roars were uttered + mingled with the blare of conchs, beholding Duryodhana staying in the face + of the two Krishnas. They also, O king, resembling blazing fires, that + stood as the protectors of Jayadratha, were filled with joy upon beholding + thy son in battle. Seeing Duryodhana transgress them with his followers, + Krishna, O monarch, said unto Arjuna these words suited to the occasion.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0099" id="link72H_4_0099"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “Behold, O Dhananjaya, this Suyodhana who hath + transgressed us! I regard this as highly wonderful. There is no + car-warrior equal to him. His arrows are far-reaching. He is a great + bowman. Accomplished as he is in weapons, it is exceedingly difficult to + vanquish him in battle. The mighty son of Dhritarashtra strikes hard, and + is conversant with all modes of warfare. Brought up in great luxury, he is + much regarded by even the foremost of car-warriors. He is + well-accomplished, and, O Partha, he always hates the Pandavas. For these + reasons, O sinless one, I think, thou shouldst now fight with him. Upon + him resteth, as upon a stake at dice, victory or the reverse. Upon him, O + Partha, vomit that poison of thy wrath which thou hast cherished so long. + This mighty car-warrior is the root of all the wrongs on the Pandavas. He + is now within reach of thy shafts. Look after thy success. Why hath king + Duryodhana, desirous as he is of kingdom, come to battle with thee? By + good luck, it is that he is now arrived within reach of thy arrows. Do + that, O Dhananjaya, by which he may be deprived on his very life. Reft of + his senses through pride of affluence, he hath never felt any distress. O + bull among men, he doth not know also thy prowess in battle. Indeed, the + three worlds with the celestials, the Asuras, and human beings, cannot + venture to vanquish thee in battle. What need be said, therefore, of + single Duryodhana? By good luck it is, O Partha, that he hath approached + the vicinity of thy car. O mighty-armed one, slay him as Purandara slew + Vritra. O sinless one, this Duryodhana hath endeavoured to bring evil on + you. By deceit he cheated king Yudhishthira at dice. O giver of honours, + sinless though you all are, this prince of sinful soul has always done + various evil acts towards him. Nobly resolved upon battle, O Partha, slay + without any scruple this wicked wight, who is ever wrathful and ever + cruel, and who is the very embodiment of avarice. Remembering the + deprivation of your kingdom by deceit, your exile into the woods, and the + wrongs of Krishna, put forth thy prowess, O son of Pandu! By good luck, it + is that he stayeth within the range of the shafts. By good luck, it is + that staying before thee he endeavours to resist thy purpose. By good + luck, it is that he knows today that he will have to fight with thee in + the battle. By good luck, it is that all your purposes, even those that + are not presently entertained by you, will be crowned with fruition. + Therefore, Partha, slay this wretch of his race, viz., the son of + Dhritarashtra, in battle, as Indra had in days of yore, slain the Asura + Jambha in the battle between the celestials and the Asuras. If he is slain + by thee, thou canst then pierce through this masterless host. Cut the very + root of these wicked-souled wretches. Let the avabhritha<a + href="#linknote-7145" name="linknoteref-7145" id="linknoteref-7145">145</a> + of this hostility be now accomplished.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed, Partha replied unto Kesava saying—“So + be it. Even this should be done by me. Disregarding everything else, + proceed thither where Duryodhana is. Putting forth my prowess in battle, I + will cut off the head of that wretch who hath for such a long period + enjoyed our kingdom without a thorn on his side. Shall I not succeed, O + Kesava, in avenging myself of the insult, in the shape of dragging her by + the hair, offered unto Draupadi, undeserving as she was of that wrong.” + Thus conversing with each other, the two Krishnas filled with joy, urged + those excellent white steeds of theirs, desirous of getting at king + Duryodhana. As regards thy son, O bull of Bharata’s race, having + approached the presence of Partha and Krishna, he entertained no fear, + although, O sire, every circumstance was calculated to inspire fear. And + the Kshatriyas there, on thy side, highly applauded him then, for he + proceeded to face Arjuna and Hrishikesa for resisting them. Indeed, + beholding the king in battle, a loud shout was heard there, O monarch, + uttered by the entire Kuru army. What that terrible and awful shout arose + there, thy son, pressing his foe hard, opposed his progress. Held in check + by thy son armed with bow, the son of Kunti became filled with rage, and + that chastiser of foes, Duryodhana, also became highly enraged with + Partha. Beholding both Duryodhana and Dhananjaya enraged with each other, + all the Kshatriyas, of fierce forms, began to look at them from all sides. + Seeing Partha and Vasudeva both filled with rage, thy son, O sire, + desirous of battle, smilingly challenged them, then he of Dasarha’s race + became filled with joy, and Dhananjaya also, the son of Pandu, became + cheerful. Uttering loud roars, they both blew their foremost of conchs. + Seeing them thus cheerful, all the Kauravas became hopeless of thy son’s + life. Indeed, all the Kauravas, and many even amongst the enemy, became + possessed with grief, and regarded thy son as a libation already poured + into the mouth of the (sacred) fire. Thy warriors, seeing Krishna and the + Pandava so cheerful, loudly exclaimed, afflicted with fear, “The king is + slain.” “The king is slain.” Hearing that loud uproar of the warriors, + Duryodhana said, “Let your fears be dispelled. I will despatch the two + Krishnas unto the region of death.” Having told all his warriors these + words, king Duryodhana then, expectant of success, addressed Partha + angrily and said these words: “If, O Partha, thou art begotten by Pandu + apply upon me, without loss of time, all the weapons, celestial and + earthly, that Kesava also hath of either, upon me. I wish to see thy + manliness. They speak of many feats achieved by thee out of our view. Show + me those feats that have won the applause of many endued with great + heroism!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0100" id="link72H_4_0100"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Saying these words, king Duryodhana pierced Arjuna with + three shafts of great impetuosity and capable of penetrating into the very + vitals. And with four others he pierced the four steeds of his foe. And he + pierced Vasudeva in the centre of the chest with ten shafts, and cutting + off, with a broad-headed arrow, the whip in the latter’s hands, he felled + it on the ground. Then Partha, coolly and without losing a moment, shot at + him four and ten shafts whetted on stone and equipped with beautiful + feathers. All those shafts, however, were repelled by Duryodhana’s armour. + Beholding their fruitlessness, Partha once more sped at him nine and five + arrows of keen points. But these too were repelled by Duryodhana’s armour. + Seeing eight and twenty arrows of his become abortive, that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., Krishna said unto Arjuna, these words: “I see a + sight never before witnessed by me, like the movements of the hills. + Shafts sped by thee, O Partha, are becoming abortive. O bull of Bharata’s + race, hath thy Gandiva decayed in power? Have the might of thy grasp and + the power of thy arms become less than what they were. Is not this to be + thy last meeting with Duryodhana? Tell me, O Partha, for I ask thee. Great + hath been my amazement, O Partha, upon seeing all these shafts of thine + fall towards Duryodhana’s car, without producing the slightest effect. + Alas, what misfortune is this that these terrible shafts of thine that are + endued with the might of the thunder and that always pierce the bodies of + foes, fail in producing any effect." </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “I think, O Krishna, that this armour hath been put on + Duryodhana’s body by Drona. This armour, tied as it hath been, is + impenetrable to my weapons. In this armour, O Krishna, inhereth the might + of the three worlds. Only Drona knoweth it, and from that best of men I + also have learnt. This armour is not capable of being pierced by my + weapons. Maghavat himself, O Govinda, cannot pierce it with his thunder. + Knowing it all, O Krishna, why seekest thou to confound me? That which + occurred in the three worlds, that which, O Kesava, exists now, and which + is in the womb of futurity, are all known to thee. Indeed, O slayer of + Madhu, no one else knoweth this better than thou dost. This Duryodhana, O + Krishna, cased by Drona in this armours, is staying fearlessly in battle, + wearing this coat of mail. That however, which one wearing such armour + should do, is not known to him, O Madhava! He weareth it only like a + woman. Behold now, O Janardana, the might of my arms and that of my bow + too. Though protected by such a coat of mail, I will still vanquish the + Kuru prince. The chief of the celestials gave this effulgent armour to + Angiras. From the latter it was obtained by Vrihaspati. And from + Vrihaspati it was got by Purandara. The Lord of the celestials once more + gave it to me with the mantras to be uttered in wearing it. Even if this + armour were divine, if it were created by Brahma himself, still the + wretch, Duryodhana, struck with my arrows, shall not be protected by it.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said these words, Arjuna inspired some arrows + with mantras, and began to draw them on the bow-string. And while he was + thus drawing them on the bow-string, the son of Drona cut them off with a + weapon that was capable of baffling every weapon. Beholding those shafts + of his thus frustrated from a distance by that utterer of Brahma + (Aswatthaman), Arjuna, owning white steeds, filled with amazement + represented unto Kesava, saying, “I cannot, Janardana, twice use this + weapon, for if do so, it will slay my own self and my own troops.” + Meanwhile, Duryodhana, O king, pierced each of the Krishnas in that battle + with nine shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison. And once more the + Kuru king showered his shafts on Krishna and the son of Pandu. Beholding + these showers of arrows (shot by their king), thy warriors were filled + with joy. They beat their musical instrument and uttered leonine roars. + Then Partha, excited with rage in that battle, licked the corners of his + mouth. Casting his eyes on his enemy’s body, he saw not any part that was + not well-covered with that impenetrable armour. With some sharp-pointed + shafts then, well-shot from his bow, and each of which resembled Death + himself, Arjuna slew his antagonist’s steeds and then his two Parshni + charioteers. And soon also the valiant Partha cut off Duryodhana’s bow and + the leathern fence of his fingers. Then, Savyasachin commenced to cut off + his enemy’s car in fragments. And with a couple of keen arrows he made + Duryodhana carless. And then Arjuna pierced both the palms of the Kuru + king. Beholding that great bowman afflicted with the shafts of Dhananjaya + and fallen into great distress, many warriors rushed to the spot, desirous + of rescuing him. These, with many thousands of cars, well-equipped + elephants and horses, as also with large bodies of foot-soldiers, excited + with wrath, encompassed by large bodies of men, neither that car of theirs + nor of Arjuna and Govinda could any longer be seen. Then Arjuna, by the + might of his weapons, began to slaughter that host. And car-warriors and + elephants, by hundreds, deprived of limbs, fell fast on the field. Slain, + or in the act of being slain, those failed to reach the excellent car. + Indeed, the car on which Arjuna rode, stood motionless full two miles from + the besieging force on every side. Then the Vrishni hero (Krishna), + without taking any time, said unto Arjuna these words: “Draw thy bow + quickly and with great force, for I will blow my conch.” Thus addressed, + Arjuna drawing his bow Gandiva with great force, began to slaughter the + foe, shooting dense showers of shafts and making a loud noise by + stretching the bowstring with his fingers. Kesava meanwhile forcibly and + very loudly blew his conch Panchajanya, his face covered with dust. In + consequence of the blare of that conch and of the twang of Gandiva, the + Kuru warriors, strong or weak, all fell down on the ground. The car of + Arjuna then freed from that press, looked resplendent like a cloud driven + by the wind. (Beholding Arjuna) the protectors of Jayadratha, with their + followers, became filled with rage. Indeed, those mighty bowmen, the + protectors of the ruler of Sindhus, suddenly beholding Partha, uttered + loud shouts, filling the earth with that noise. The whiz of their arrows + were mingled with other fierce noises and the loud blare of their conchs. + Those high-souled warriors uttered leonine shouts. Hearing that awful + uproar raised by thy troops, Vasudeva and Dhananjaya blew their conchs. + With their loud blare (of their conchs), the whole earth, with her + mountains and seas and islands and the nether regions, O monarch, seemed + to be filled. Indeed, that blare, O best of Bharatas, filled all the + points of the compass, and was echoed back by both the armies. Then thy + car-warriors, beholding Krishna and Dhananjaya, became very much + frightened. Soon, however, they recovered and put forth their activity. + Indeed, the great car-warriors of thy host, beholding the two Krishnas, + those highly blessed persons, cased in mail rushed towards. The sight thus + presented became a wonderful one.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0101" id="link72H_4_0101"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thy warriors, as soon as they beheld those foremost of + persons of the Vrishni-Andhaka and the Kuru races, lost no time, each + striving to be first, in proceeding against them from a desire of + slaughtering them. And so Vijaya also rushed against those foes of his. On + their great cars, decked with gold, cased in tiger-skins, producing deep + rattle, and resembling blazing fire, they rushed, illumining the ten + points of the compass, armed, O king, with bows, the backs of whose staves + were decked with gold, and which in consequence of their splendour, were + incapable of being looked at, and uttering loud cries, and drawn by angry + steeds. Bhurisravas, and Sala and Karna, and Vrishasena, and Jayadratha, + and Kripa, and the ruler of the Madras, and that foremost of car-warriors, + viz., the son of Drona, these eight great car-warriors, as if devouring + the skies (as they proceeded) illuminated the ten points of the compass + with their splendid cars, cased in tiger-skins and decked with golden + moons. Clad in mail, filled with wrath and mounted upon their cars the + rattle of which resembled the roar of masses of clouds, they covered + Arjuna on every side with a shower of sharp shafts. Beautiful steeds of + the best breed, endued with great speed, bearing those great car-warriors, + looked resplendent as they illumined the points of the compass. Their cars + drawn by foremost steeds of great fleetness were of diverse countries and + of diverse species, some bred in mountainous regions, some in rivers, and + some in the country of the Sindhus, many foremost of car-warriors among + the Kurus desirous, O king, of rescuing thy son quickly rushed towards + Dhananjaya’s car from every side. Those foremost of men, taking up their + conchs blew them, filling O king, the welkin and the earth with her seas + (with that blare). Then those foremost ones among the gods, viz., Vasudeva + and Dhananjaya, also blew their foremost of conchs on earth. The son of + Kunti blew Devadatta, and Kesava blew Panchajanya. The loud blast of + Devadatta, sent forth by Dhananjaya, filled the earth, the welkin, and ten + points of the compass. And so Panchajanya also blown by Vasudeva, + surpassing all sounds, filled the sky and the earth. And while that awful + and fierce noise continued, a noise that inspired the timid with fear and + the brave with cheers, and while drums and Jharjharas, and cymbals and + Mridangas, O great king, were beat by thousands, great car-warriors + invited to the Kuru side and solicitous of Dhananjaya’s welfare, those + great bowmen, filled with rage and unable to bear the loud blast of + Arjuna’s and Krishna’s conchs, those kings from diverse realms supported + by their respective troops, in rage blew their great conchs, desiring to + answer with their own blasts the blasts of Kesava and Arjuna. The Kuru + army then, urged forward by that blare of conchs, had its car-warriors, + elephants, and steeds filled with anxiety and fear. Indeed, O lord, that + host looked as if they that comprised it were ill. The agitated Kuru host, + echoing with that blare of conchs blown by brave warriors, seemed to be + like the welkin resounding with the noise of thunder and fallen down + (through some convulsion of nature).<a href="#linknote-7146" name="linknoteref-7146" id="linknoteref-7146">146</a> That loud uproar, O + monarch, resounded through the ten points and frightened that host like + critical incidents at the end of the Yuga frightening all living + creatures. Then, Duryodhana and those eight great car-warriors appointed + for the protection of Jayadratha all surrounded the son of Pandu. The son + of Drona struck Vasudeva with three and seventy shafts, and Arjuna himself + with three broad-headed shafts, and his standard and (four) steeds with + five others. Beholding Janardana pierced, Arjuna, filled with rage, struck + Aswatthaman with hundred shafts. Then piercing Karna with ten arrows and + Vrishasena with three, the valiant Dhananjaya cut off Salya’s bow with + arrows fixed on the string, at the handle. Salya then, taking up another + bow, pierced the son of Pandu. And Bhurisravas pierced him with three + arrows whetted on stone, and equipped with golden wings. And Karna pierced + him with two and thirty arrows, and Vrishasena with seven. And Jayadratha + pierced Arjuna with three and seventy shafts and Kripa pierced him with + ten. And the ruler of the Madras also pierced Phalguna in that battle with + ten arrows. And the son of Drona pierced him with sixty arrows. And he, + once more, pierced Partha with five arrows, and Vasudeva with twenty. Then + the tiger among men, viz., Arjuna owning white steeds and having Krishna + for his driver, pierced each of those warriors in return, displaying the + lightness of his hand. Piercing Karna with a dozen shafts and Vrishasena + with three, Partha cut off Salya’s bow at the handle. And piercing the son + of Somadatta with three arrows and Salya with ten, he pierced Kripa with + five and twenty arrows, and the ruler of the Sindhus with a hundred, + Partha struck Drona’s son with seventy arrows. Then Bhurisravas filled + with rage, cut off the goad in Krishna’s hand, and struck Arjuna with + three and twenty shafts. Then Dhananjaya, of white steeds, filled with + rage, mangled those enemies of his with hundreds upon hundreds of arrows, + like a mighty tempest tearing masses of clouds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0102" id="link72H_4_0102"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Describe to me, O Sanjaya, the diverse kinds of + standards resplendent with great beauty, of both the Partha and our + warriors (in that battle).’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hear, O king, of the diverse kinds of standards of those + high-souled warriors. Listen to me as I describe their forms and names. + Indeed, O king, upon the cars of those foremost of car-warriors were seen + diverse kinds of standards that shone like blazing flames of fire. Made of + gold, or decked with gold, or adorned with strings of gold and each + looking like the golden mountain (Meru), diverse kinds of standards were + there that were highly beautiful. And those standards of the warriors had + attached all around them excellent banners. Indeed, having banners of + diverse hues attached to them all around, those standards looked + exceedingly beautiful. Those banners, again, moved by the wind, looked + like fair ladies dancing in the midst of a sporting arena. Endued with the + splendour of the rainbow, those banners, O bull of Bharata’s race, of + those car-warriors, floating in the breeze, highly adorned their cars. The + standard, bearing the sign of the ape of fierce face and tail, like that + of the lion, belonging to Dhananjaya, seemed to inspire fear in that + battle. That standard, O king of the wielder of Gandiva, bearing that + foremost of apes, and adorned with many banners, frightened the Kuru host. + Similarly, the lion-tail standard-top of Drona’s son, O Bharata, we saw, + was endued with the effulgence of the rising sun decked with gold, + floating in the breeze, possessed of the splendour of the rainbow, the + standard mark of Drona’s son appeared on high, inspiring the foremost of + Kuru warriors with joy. The standard of Adhiratha’s son bore the mark of + an elephant-rope made of gold. It seemed, O king, in battle to fill the + whole welkin. The banner, adorned with gold and garlands, attached to the + standard of Karna in battle, shaken by the wind, seemed to dance upon his + car. The preceptor of the Pandavas, that Brahmana, given to ascetic + penances, viz., Kripa the son of Gotama, had for his mark an excellent + bovine bull. That high-souled one, O king, with that bovine bull, looked + as resplendent, as the Destroyer of the three cities<a + href="#linknote-7147" name="linknoteref-7147" id="linknoteref-7147">147</a> + looks resplendent with his bull. Vrishasena has a peacock made of gold and + adorned with jewels and gems. And it stood on his standard, as if in the + act of crowing, and always adorned the van of the army. With that peacock, + the car of the high-souled Vrishasena shone, like the car, O king, of + Skanda (the celestial generalissimo) shining with his peacock unrivalled + and beautiful ploughshare made of gold and looking like flame of fire. + That ploughshare, O sire, looked resplendent on his car. Salya, the ruler + of the Madras, we saw, had on his standard-top an image like the presiding + goddess of corn, endued with beauty and producing every seed. A silver + boar adorned the standard-top of the ruler of the Sindhus. Decked with + golden chains, it was of the splendour of a white crystal.<a + href="#linknote-7148" name="linknoteref-7148" id="linknoteref-7148">148</a> + With that silver mark on his banner, the ruler of the Sindhus looked as + resplendent, as Surya in days of yore in the battle between the celestials + and the Asuras. The standard of Somadatta’s son, devoted to sacrifices, + bore the sign of the sacrificial stake. It was seen to shine like the sun + or the moon. That sacrificial stake made of gold, O king of Somadatta’s + son, looked resplendent like the tall stake erected in the foremost of + sacrifices called the Rajasuya. The standard of Salya, O monarch, bearing + a huge silver-elephant was adorned, on all sides, with peacocks made of + gold. The standard, O bull of Bharata’s race, adorned thy troops like the + huge white elephant adorning the host of the celestial king. On the + standard decked with gold, of king Duryodhana, was an elephant adorned + with gems. Tinkling with the sound of a hundred bells, O king, that + standard stood upon the excellent car of that hero. And, O king, thy son, + that bull among the Kurus, looked resplendent, O monarch, with that tall + standard in battle. These nine excellent standards stood erect among thy + divisions. The tenth standard seen there was of Arjuna, decked with that + huge ape. And with that standard Arjuna looked highly resplendent, like + Himavat with a blazing fire (on its top). Then many mighty car-warriors, + all chastisers of foes, quickly took up their beautiful, bright and large + bows for the sake of (resisting) Arjuna. Similarly, Partha also, that + achiever of celestial feats, took up his foe-destroying bow Gandiva, in + consequence, O king, of thy evil policy. Many royal warriors, O king, were + then slain in that battle owing to thy fault. Rulers of men came from + different realms invited (by thy sons). And with them perished many steeds + and many elephants. Then those mighty car-warriors headed by Duryodhana + (on one side) and that bull amongst the Pandavas on the other, uttered + loud roars and began the encounter. And the feat that Kunti’s son, having + Krishna for his charioteer, achieved there, was highly wonderful, inasmuch + as, alone, he encountered fearlessly all those warriors united together. + And that mighty-armed hero looked resplendent as he stretched his bow + Gandiva, desirous of vanquishing all those tigers among men for slaying + the ruler of the Sindhus. With his shafts shot in thousands, that tiger + among men, viz., Arjuna, that scorcher of foes, made all those warriors + invisible (by means of his arrowy showers). On their side, those tigers + among men, those mighty car-warriors, also made Partha invisible by means + of their clouds of shafts shot from all sides. Beholding Arjuna, that bull + of Kuru’s race covered by those lions among men with their shafts, loud + was the uproar made by thy troops.’" </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +SECTION CV +</pre> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After Arjuna had got the ruler of the Sindhus within + sight, what, O Sanjaya, did the Panchalas, attacked by Bharadwaja’s son, + do, encountering the Kurus?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘In the afternoon of that day, O monarch, in the battle + that took place between the Panchalas and the Kurus, Drona became, as it + were, the stake (for which each fought on to win or lose). The Panchalas, + O sire, desirous of slaying Drona, cheerfully uttered loud roars and shot + dense showers of arrows. Indeed, that encounter between the Panchalas and + the Kurus, fierce, awful, and highly wonderful as it was, resembled that + in days of yore between the gods and the Asuras. Indeed, all the Panchalas + with the Pandavas, obtaining Drona’s car (within reach) used many mighty + weapons, desirous of piercing through his array. Car-warriors stationed on + their cars, causing the earth to shake under them, and showering their + arrowy downpours, rushed towards Drona’s car, without much speed. Then + that mighty car-warrior among the Kaikeyas, viz., Vrihatkshatra, + incessantly scattering keen shafts that resembled the thunder in force, + proceeded towards Drona. Then Kshemadhurti of great fame quickly rushed + against Vrihatkshatra, shooting keen arrows by thousands. Beholding this, + that bull among the Chedis, viz., Dhrishtaketu, endued with great might, + quickly proceeded against Kshemadhurti, like Mahendra proceeding against + the Asura Samvara. Seeing him rush with great impetuosity, like the + Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, that mighty bowman viz., + Viradhanwan, proceeded against him with great speed. King Yudhishthira + staying there at the head of his division from desire of victory, was + resisted by valiant Drona himself. Thy son Vikarna, O lord, endued with + great prowess, proceeded against the rushing Nakula of great prowess, that + warrior accomplished in battle. That scorcher of foes, viz., Durmukha, + covered the advancing Sahadeva with many thousands of swiftly-coursing + shafts. The heroic Vyughradatta resisted that tiger among men, viz., + Satyaki making him repeatedly tremble by means of his sharp and + keen-pointed shafts. The son of Somadatta resisted the (five) sons of + Draupadi, those tigers among men, those great car-warriors, wrathfully + shooting mighty shafts. That mighty car-warrior, viz., Rishyasringa’s + fierce son (the Rakshasa Alamvusha), of awful mien, resisted the advancing + Bhimasena filled with wrath. The encounter that then took place between + that man and Rakshasa resembled, O king, the battle in days of yore + between Rama, and Ravana. Then, O Bharata, Yudhishthira, that chief of the + Bharatas, struck Drona with ninety straight shafts in all his vital parts. + Enraged by the famous son of Kunti, Drona struck him in return, O chief of + the Bharatas, in the centre of the chest with five and twenty shafts. And + once more, in the very sight of all the bowmen, Drona struck him, with his + steeds, charioteer, and standard, with twenty shafts. Pandu’s son, of + virtuous soul, displaying great lightness of hand, baffled with his own + arrowy showers those arrows shot by Drona. Then that great bowman Drona, + filled with rage, cut off the bow of the high souled king Yudhishthira the + just. Then that great car-warrior (viz., the son of Bharadwaja) speedily + covered the bowless Yudhishthira with many thousands of shafts. Beholding + the king made invisible by the shafts of Bharadwaja’s son, all thought + that Yudhishthira was dead, and some thought that the king had fled before + Drona. And many cried out, O king, saying, “Alas the king hath been slain + by the high-souled Brahmana.” Then, king Yudhishthira the just, fallen + into great distress, having laid aside that bow cut off by Bharadwaja’s + son in battle took up another excellent, bright and tougher bow. And that + hero then cut off in that encounter all those shafts shot in thousands by + Drona. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. Having cut off those shafts, + O king, Yudhishthira, with eyes red in wrath, took up in that battle a + dart, capable of riving even a mountain. Equipped with a golden staff, of + awful mien, having eight bells attached to it, and exceedingly terrible, + the mighty Yudhishthira, taking it up, uttered a loud roar. And with that + roar, O Bharata, the son of Pandu inspired all creatures with fear. + Beholding that dart upraised by king Yudhishthira the just, all creatures, + as if with one accord, said, “Good be to Drona!” Hurled from the king’s + arms, that dart resembling a snake just freed from its slough, coursed + towards Drona, illumining the welkin and all the directions cardinal and + subsidiary, like a she-snake with fiery mouth. Beholding it coursing + towards him impetuously, O king, Drona, that foremost of all persons + acquainted with weapons invoked into existence the weapon called Brahma. + That weapon, reducing that dart of terrible mien into dust, coursed + towards the car of the illustrious son of Pandu. Then, O sire, king + Yudhishthira of great wisdom baffled that weapon of Drona, thus coursing + towards him by himself invoking the Brahma weapon. And then piercing Drona + himself in that battle with five straight shafts, he cut off, with a sharp + razor-faced shaft, the large bow of Drona. Then Drona, that grinder of + Kshatriyas, throwing aside that broken bow, hurled with great force, O + sire, a mace at the son of Dharma. Beholding that mace impetuously + coursing towards him, Yudhishthira, O chastiser of foes, filled with rage, + took up a mace. Then those two maces, both hurled with great force, + encountering each other in mid-air, produced by their collision sparks of + fire and then fell down on the earth. Then Drona, filled with fury, slew, + O sire, the steeds of Yudhishthira, with four excellent shafts of keen + points. And with another broad-headed shaft he cut off the king’s bow + resembling a pole erected to the honour of Indra. And with another shaft + he cut off the standard of Yudhishthira, and with three he afflicted the + Pandava himself. Then king Yudhishthira, speedily jumping down from that + steedless car, stood weaponless and with arms upraised, O bull of + Bharata’s race! Beholding him carless, and especially weaponless, Drona, O + lord, stupefied his foes, rather the whole army. Firmly adhering to his + vow, and endued with great lightness of hands, Drona shot showers of sharp + shafts and rushed towards the king, like a furious lion towards a deer. + Beholding Drona, that slayer of foes, rush towards him, cries of “Oh” and + “Alas” suddenly rose from the Pandava army. And many cried out, saying, + “The king is slain by Bharadwaja’s son.” Loud wails of this kind were + heard, O Bharata, among the Pandava troops. Meanwhile, king Yudhishthira, + the son of Kunti, getting up on the car of Sahadeva, retreated from the + field, borne away by swift steeds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0103" id="link72H_4_0103"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Kshemadhurti, O monarch, pierced the advancing + Vrihatkshatra of great valour, that prince of the Kaikeyas, with many + arrows in the chest. King Vrihatkshatra then, O monarch, desirous of + piercing through Drona’s division, quickly struck his antagonist with + ninety straight shafts. Kshemadhurti, however, filled with rage, cut off, + with a sharp well-tempered, and broad-headed shaft, the bow of that + high-souled prince of the Kaikeyas. Having cut off his bow, Kshemadhurti + then, with a keen and straight shaft, quickly pierced in that encounter + that foremost of all bowmen. Then Vrihatkshatra, taking up another bow and + smiling (at his foe), soon made the mighty car-warrior Kshemadhurti + steedless and driverless and carless. And with another broad-headed shaft + that was well-tempered and sharp, he cut off, from the trunk of his royal + antagonist his head blazing with (a pair of) ear-rings. That head, graced + with only locks and a diadem, suddenly cut off, fell down on the earth and + looked resplendent like a luminary fallen from the firmament. Having slain + his foe, the mighty car-warrior Vrihatkshatra became filled with joy and + fell with great force upon thy troops for the sake of the Parthas. The + great bowman Viradhanwan, O Bharata, endued with great prowess, resisted + Dhrishtaketu who was advancing against Drona. Encountering each other, + those two heroes having arrows for their fangs, and both endued with great + activity, struck each other with many thousands of arrows. Indeed, those + two tigers among men fought with each other, like two leaders of + elephantine herds in the deep woods with fury. Both endued with great + energy, they fought, each desirous of slaying the other, like two enraged + tigers in a mountain-cave. That combat, O monarch, became exceedingly + fierce. Deserving to be witnessed, it became highly wonderful. The very + Siddhas and the Charanas, in large numbers, witnessed it with + wonder-waiting eyes. Then Viradhanwan, O Bharata, with a laugh, cut off in + rage Dhrishtaketu’s bow in twain by means of broad-headed arrows. + Abandoning that broken bow, the ruler of the Chedis, that mighty + car-warrior took up a fierce dart made of iron and equipped with a golden + staff. Bending with his hands, O Bharata, that dart of fierce energy + towards the car of Viradhanwan, Dhrishtaketu hurled it carefully and with + great force. Struck with great force by that hero-slaying dart, and his + heart pierced by it through, Viradhanwan, quickly fell down on the earth + from his car. Upon the fall of that hero, that mighty car-warrior among + the Trigartas, thy army, O lord, was broken by the Pandavas. (Thy son) + Durmukha sped sixty shafts at Sahadeva, and uttered a loud shout in that + battle, challenging that son of Pandu. The son of Madri, then, filled with + rage, pierced Durmukha with many keen arrows, smiling the while, the + brother striking the brother. Beholding the mighty Durmukha fighting + furiously, Sahadeva, then, O Bharata, once more struck him with nine + shafts. Endued with great strength, Sahadeva then cut off Durmukha’s + standard with a broad-headed arrow and struck down his four steeds with + four other arrows. And then with another broad-headed arrow, well-tempered + and sharp, he cut off, from his trunk, the head of Durmukha’s charioteer + that shone with a pair of ear-rings. And cutting off Durmukha’s large bow + with a razor-faced arrow, Sahadeva pierced Durmukha himself in that battle + with five arrows. Durmukha fearlessly jumping down from that steedless + car, mounted the car, O Bharata, of Niramitra. Then that slayer of hostile + heroes, viz., Sahadeva, filled with rage slew in that great battle + Niramitra in the midst of his division with a broad-headed arrow. + Thereupon, prince Niramitra, the son of the ruler of the Trigartas, fell + down from his car, afflicting thy army with great grief. Slaying him, the + mighty-armed Sahadeva looked resplendent like Rama, the son of Dasaratha, + after slaying the mighty (Rakshasa) Khara. Beholding that mighty + car-warrior, viz., prince Niramitra slain, loud cries of Oh and Alas + arose, O monarch, among the Trigarta warriors. Nakula, O king, in a moment + vanquished thy son Vikarna of large eyes. This seemed highly wonderful. + Vyaghradatta, by means of his straight shafts, made Satyaki invisible with + his steeds and driver and standard in the midst of his division. The brave + grandson of Sini, baffling those shafts with great lightness of hand, + felled Vyaghradatta by means of his arrows, with his steeds and driver and + standard. Upon the fall, O lord, of that prince of the Magadhas, the + latter, struggling vigorously, rushed against Yuyudhana from all sides. + Scattering their shafts and lances by thousands, and sharp arrows and + spears and mallets and thick clubs, those brave warriors fought in that + battle with that invincible hero of the Satwata race. Endued with great + might, invincible Satyaki, that bull among men, with the greatest ease and + laughing the while, vanquished them all. The Magadhas were nearly + exterminated. A small remnant flew from the field. Beholding this, thy + army, already afflicted with the arrows of Yuyudhana, broke, O lord! Then + that foremost one of Madhu’s race, having slaughtered in battle thy + troops, that illustrious hero, looked resplendent as he shook his bow. The + army, O king, was thus routed by that high-souled one of the Satwata race. + Indeed, frightened by that hero of long arms, none approached him for + fight. Then Drona filled with rage and rolling his eyes, himself rushed + impetuously towards Satyaki, of feats incapable of being baffled.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0104" id="link72H_4_0104"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The illustrious son of Somadatta pierced each of the sons + of Draupadi, those great bowmen, with five arrows, and once more with + seven arrows. Much afflicted, O lord, by that fierce warrior, they were + stupefied and knew not for some time what to do. Then that crusher of + foes, Satanika, the son of Nakula, piercing Somadatta’s son, that bull + among men, with a couple of arrows, uttered in joy a loud roar. The other + brothers then, struggling vigorously, quickly pierced the wrathful son of + Somadatta, each with three straight shafts. Then the illustrious son of + Somadatta, O monarch, sped at them five shafts, piercing each of them in + the chest with one shaft. Then those five brothers, thus pierced by that + high-souled warrior with his shafts, surrounded that hero on every side + and began to pierce him deeply with their shafts. Then the son of Arjuna, + filled with rage, despatched with keen shafts, the four steeds of + Saumadatti to the region of Yama. And the son of Bhimasena, cutting off + the bow of the illustrious son of Somadatta, uttered a loud shout and + pierced his foe with many sharp arrows. The son of Yudhishthira then, + cutting off Saumadatti’s standard, felled it on the earth, while the son + of Nakula felled the enemy’s charioteer from his niche in the car. Then + the son of Sahadeva, ascertaining the foe to be on the point of leaving + the field in consequence of the brothers, cut off, with a razor-faced + arrow, the head of that illustrious warrior. That head, decked with + ear-rings of gold, fell on the earth and adorned the field like the sun of + brilliant effulgence that rises at the end of the Yuga. Beholding the head + of the high-souled son of Somadatta thus fallen on the ground, thy troops, + O king, overcome with fear, fled in all directions. + </p> + <p> + “‘The Rakshasa Alamvusha in that battle, filled with rage, fought with the + mighty Bhimasena, like Ravana’s son (Indrajit) with (Rama’s brother) + Lakshmana. Beholding that Rakshasa and that human warrior engaged in + fight, all creatures experienced both joy and wonder. Then Bhima, O king, + laughing the while, pierced that wrathful prince of Rakshasa, viz., + Rishyasringa’s son (Alamvusha), with nine keen shafts. Then that Rakshasa, + thus pierced in battle, uttered a loud and awful sound, and rushed, with + all his followers, against Bhima. Piercing Bhima then with five straight + shafts, he quickly destroyed in that battle, thirty cars supporting Bhima. + And once more destroying four hundred cars of Bhimasena, the Rakshasa + pierced Bhimasena himself with winged arrows. Then the mighty Bhima deeply + pierced by the Rakshasa, sat down on the terrace of his car, overcome by a + swoon. The son of the Wind-god then, recovering his senses, became filled + with rage. Drawing his excellent and terrible bow that was capable of + bearing a great strain, he afflicted Alamvusha, in every part of his body, + with keen shafts. Thereupon, the Rakshasa who resembled a huge mass of + antimony, looked resplendent O king, like a flowering Kinsuka. Whilst + being struck in that battle with those shafts sped from the bow of Bhima, + the Rakshasa recollected the slaughter of his brother (Vaka) by the + illustrious Pandava. Assuming then an awful form, he addressed Bhima, + saying, “Wait a little in this battle, O Partha! Behold today my prowess. + O thou of wicked understanding, that foremost of Rakshasas, viz., the + mighty Vaka, was my brother. It is true he was slain by thee. But that + took place out of my sight.” Having said these words unto Bhima, Alamvusha + made himself invisible, and began to cover Bhimasena with a dense shower + of arrows. Upon the disappearance of the Rakshasa, Bhima, O monarch, + covered the welkin with straight shafts. Thus afflicted by Bhima, + Alamvusha soon returned to his car. And soon again, he entered into the + bowels of the earth and once more becoming little he suddenly soared into + the sky. Alamvusha assumed countless forms. Now becoming subtle and now + huge and gross, he began to roar like the clouds. And he uttered diverse + kinds of words and speeches all around. And from the welkin there fell + thousands of arrowy torrents, as also darts, and Kunapas, and lances, and + spiked maces, and short arrows, and scimitars, and swords, and thunders + also. That awful downpour of arrows caused by the Rakshasa, slew the + troops of Pandu’s son on the field of battle. And in consequence of that + arrowy downpour, many elephants also of the Pandava army were slain, and + many steeds also, O king, and many foot-soldiers. And a river was caused + there, whose waters were blood and whose eddies were constituted by cars. + And it abounded with elephants that constituted its alligators. And the + umbrellas of car-warriors constituted its swans, and the flesh and marrow + of animals, its mire. And it teemed with the (cut off) arms of human + beings that constituted its snakes. And it was haunted by many Rakshasas + and other cannibals. And it wafted away, O king, countless Chedis and + Panchalas and Srinjayas. Beholding him, O monarch, careering so fearlessly + in that battle and seeing his prowess, the Pandavas became filled with + anxiety; and joy filled the hearts of thy troops then. And amongst the + latter, loud and terrible sounds of musical instruments, making the hair + stand on end, arose. Hearing that loud uproar made by thy troops, the son + of Pandu could not bear it, as a snake cannot bear the clap of human + palms. With eyes red as copper in rage, with glances that like fire + consumed every thing, the son of the Wind-god, like Tvashtri himself, + aimed the weapon known by the name of Tvashtri. From that weapon were + produced thousands of arrows on all sides. And in consequence of those + arrows, a universal rout was seen among thy troops. That weapon, shot in + battle by Bhimasena, destroying the effective illusion produced by the + Rakshasa, greatly afflicted the Rakshasa himself. Struck in every part of + his body by Bhimasena, the Rakshasa, then abandoning Bhimasena, fled + towards the division of Drona. Upon the defeat of that prince of Rakshasa + by the high-souled Bhima, the Pandavas caused every point of the compass + to resound with their leonine roars. And filled with joy, they worshipped + the mighty son of Marut, like the Maruts worshipping Sakra after the + defeat in battle of Prahlada.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0105" id="link72H_4_0105"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having fled away from Bhima, Alamvusha, in another part of + the field, careered fearlessly in battle. And while he was thus fearlessly + careering in battle, the son of Hidimva rushed impetuously at him and + pierced him with keen shafts. The battle between those two lions among + Rakshasas became terrible. Both of them invoked into existence illusions + like Sakra and Samvara (in days of old). Alamvusha, excited with rage, + attacked Ghatotkacha. Indeed, that encounter between those two foremost of + Rakshasas resembled that of old between Rama and Ravana, O lord! Then + Ghatotkacha having pierced Alamvusha, in the centre of the chest with + twenty long shafts, repeatedly roared like a lion. Smilingly, O king, + Alamvusha also, repeatedly piercing the invincible son of Hidimva, uttered + loud roars in joy, filling the entire welkin. Then, those two foremost of + Rakshasas, endued with great might, became filled with rage. They fought + with each other, displaying their powers of illusion, but without any of + them getting any advantage over the other. Each, creating a hundred + illusions, stupefied the other. Both accomplished in producing illusions, + O king, that Ghatotkacha displayed in battle, were all destroyed, O + monarch, by Alamvusha, producing similar illusions of his own. Beholding + that prince of Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, who was accomplished in + producing illusions, fight in that manner, the Pandavas became filled with + anxiety, they then caused him to be surrounded by many foremost of + car-warriors. Bhimasena and others, O monarch, all rushed in rage against + him. Hemming him, O sire, on all sides by means of numberless cars, they + shrouded him from every side with shafts, like men in a forest + encompassing an elephant with blazing brands. Baffling that shower of + weapons by means of the illusion of his own weapons, freed himself from + that press of cars like an elephant from a forest conflagration. Then + drawing his terrible bow whose twang resembled the thunder of Indra, he + pierced the son of the Wind-god with five and twenty shafts, and + Bhimasena’s son with five, and Yudhishthira with three, and Sahadeva with + seven, and Nakula with three and seventy, and each of the five sons of + Draupadi with five shafts, and uttered a loud roar. Then Bhimasena pierced + him in return with nine shafts, and Sahadeva with five. And Yudhishthira + pierced the Rakshasa with a hundred shafts. And Nakula pierced him with + three shafts. The son of Hidimva having pierced him with five hundred + shafts, Alamvusha once more pierced him with seventy, and that mighty + warrior uttered a loud roar. With that loud roar of Ghatotkacha the earth + shook, O king, with her mountains and forests and with her trees and + waters. Deeply pierced on all sides by those great bowmen and mighty + car-warriors, Alamvusha pierced each of them in return with five arrows. + Then that Rakshasa, O chief of the Bharatas, viz., the son of Hidimva, + filled with rage, pierced that other angry Rakshasa in battle with many + shafts. Then that mighty prince of Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, deeply + pierced, quickly shot countless shafts equipped with wings of gold and + whetted on stone. Those shafts, perfectly straight, all entered the body + of Ghatotkacha, like angry snakes of great strength entering a mountain + summit. Then the Pandavas, O king, filled with anxiety, and Hidimva’s son + Ghatotkacha, also sped at their foe from every side clouds of keen shafts. + Thus struck in battle by the Pandavas, desirous of victory, Alamvusha + mortal as he was, did not know what to do. Then that delighter in battle, + viz., the mighty son of Bhimasena, beholding that state of Alamvusha, set + his heart upon his destruction. He rushed with great impetuosity towards + the car of the prince of Rakshasas, that car which resembled a burnt + mountain summit or a broken heap of antimony. The son of Hidimva, inflamed + with wrath, flew from his own car to that of Alamvusha, and seized the + latter. He then took him up from the car, like Garuda taking up a snake. + Thus dragging him up with his arms, he began to whirl him repeatedly, and + then crushed him into pieces, hurling him down on the earth, like a man + crushing an earthen pot into fragments by hurling it against a rock. + Endued with strength and activity, possessed of great prowess, the son of + Bhimasena, inflamed with wrath in battle, inspired all the troops with + fear. All the limbs broken and bones reduced to fragments, the frightful + Rakshasa Alamvusha, thus slain by the heroic Ghatotkacha, resembled a tall + Sala uprooted and broken by the wind. Upon the slaughter of that wanderer + of the night, the Parthas became very cheerful. And they uttered leonine + roars and waved their garments. Thy brave warriors, however, beholding + that mighty prince or Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, slain and lying like a + crushed mountain, uttered cries, O monarch, of Oh and Alas. And people, + possessed with curiosity, went to view that Rakshasa lying helplessly on + the earth like a piece of charcoal (no longer capable of burning). The + Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, then, that foremost of mighty beings, having thus + slain his foe, uttered a loud shout, like Vasava after slaying (the Asura) + Vala. Having achieved that exceedingly difficult feat, Ghatotkacha, was + much applauded by his sires as also by his relatives. Indeed, having + felled Alamvusha, like an Alamvusha fruit, he rejoiced exceedingly with + his friends. There arose then a loud uproar (in the Pandava army) of + conchs and of diverse kinds of arrows. Hearing that noise the Kauravas + uttered loud shouts in reply, filling the whole earth with its echoes.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0106" id="link72H_4_0106"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, how Yuyudhana rushed against the + son of Bharadwaja in battle. I feel a great curiosity to hear it.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen, O thou of great wisdom, to the account of that + battle, that makes the hair stand on end, between Drona and the Pandavas + headed by Yuyudhana. Beholding the (Kuru) army slaughtered, O sire, by + Yuyudhana, Drona himself rushed towards that warrior of unbaffled prowess, + called also by the name of Satyaki. Satyaki pierced that mighty + car-warrior, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, thus advancing against him, with + five and twenty small arrows. Drona also, possessed of great prowess in + battle, with deliberate aim, quickly pierced Yuyudhana, with five whetted + arrows, equipped with wings of gold. Those arrows, piercing the hard mount + of the foe and drinking his life-blood, entered the earth, O king, like + hissing snakes. The long-armed Satyaki then, inflamed with rage like an + elephant struck with the hook, pierced Drona with fifty long arrows that + resembled flames of fire. Then Bharadwaja’s son, thus quickly pierced in + battle by Yuyudhana, pierced carefully exerting Satyaki in return with + many arrows. Then that great bowman, endued with great might, and filled + with rage, once more afflicted that hero of the Satwata race with many + straight shafts. Thus struck in that battle by the son of Bharadwaja, + Satyaki, O monarch, knew not what to do. Then, O king, Yuyudhana’s face + became cheerless, seeing the son of Bharadwaja shoot countless keen + arrows. Beholding Satyaki thus situated, thy sons and troops, O king, + becoming exceedingly cheerful, repeatedly uttered leonine roars. Hearing + that terrible uproar and beholding that hero of Madhu’s race thus + afflicted, king Yudhishthira, O monarch, addressing all his soldiers, + said, “That foremost one among the Vrishnis, viz., the brave Satyaki, of + prowess incapable of being baffled, is about to be devoured by the heroic + Drona, like the sun by Rahu. Go and rush ye to the spot where Satyaki is + battling.” The king, addressing Dhrishtadyumna of the Panchala race, said, + “Rush thou with speed at Drona. Why dost thou tarry, O son of Prishata! + Seest thou not the great danger to ourselves that has already arisen from + Drona? Drona is a great bowman. He is sporting with Yuyudhana, in battle, + like a boy with a bird bound in a string. Let all of you, headed by + Bhimasena, and accompanied by others proceed thither where Satyaki’s car + is. Behind you I will follow with my troops. Rescue Satyaki today who is + already within the jaws of the Destroyer.” Having said these words, O + Bharata, king Yudhishthira with all his troops rushed towards Drona for + the sake of Yuyudhana. Blessed be thou, great was the uproar made there by + the Pandavas and the Srinjayas all fighting with Drona only. Together + approaching, O tiger among men, that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of + Bharadwaja, they covered with showers of keen arrows equipped with the + feathers of Kankas and peacocks. Drona, however, received all those heroes + smilingly, like a householder receiving guests arrived of their own will, + with seats and water. With the shafts of Bharadwaja’s bow-wielding son, + those heroes were well-gratified like guests, O king, with the hospitality + they receive in the houses (of good hosts). And none of them, O lord, + could even gaze at the son of Bharadwaja who then resembled the + thousand-rayed sun at midday. Indeed, Drona, that foremost of all wielders + of weapons, scorched all those great bowmen with showers of arrows like + the sun scorching (everything below) with his burning rays. Thus struck, O + king, by Drona, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas beheld no protector, like + elephants sunk in a morass. The mighty arrows of Drona, as they coursed + (through the welkin), looked like the rays of the sun blasting everything + around. In that encounter, five and twenty warriors among the Panchalas + were slain by Drona, who were all regarded as Maharathas and all approved + (as such) by Dhrishtadyumna. And amongst all the troops of the Pandavas + and the Panchalas, men quietly beheld brave Drona slaying the foremost of + warriors in succession. Having slain a hundred warriors amongst the + Kekayas and routing them on all sides, Drona stood, O monarch, like the + Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth. The mighty-armed Drona vanquished + the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Matsyas and the Kekayas, O monarch, by + hundreds and thousands. Pierced by the arrows of Drona, the clamour made + by them resembled that made in the woods by the denizens of the forest + when encompassed by a conflagration. The gods, Gandharvas, and the Pitris, + said, “Behold, the Panchalas, and the Pandavas, with all their troops, are + flying away.” Indeed, when Drona was thus engaged in slaughtering the + Somakas in battle, none ventured to advance against him and none succeeded + in piercing him. And while that dreadful encounter, so destructive of + great heroes, continued, Pritha’s son (Yudhishthira) suddenly heard the + blare of Panchajanya. Blown by Vasudeva, that best of conchs gave loud + blasts. Indeed, while the heroic protectors of the ruler of the Sindhus + were fighting, and while the Dhartarashtras were roaring in front of + Arjuna’s car, the twang of Gandiva could not be heard. The royal son of + Pandu repeatedly swooned, and thought, “Without doubt, all is not well + with Partha, since that prince of conchs (Panchajanya) is yielding such + blasts and since the Kauravas also, filled with joy, are incessantly + uttering such shouts.” Thinking in this way, with an anxious heart, + Ajatasatru, the son of Kunti, said unto him of the Satwata race (viz., + Satyaki) these words in a voice choked with tears. Though repeatedly + stupefied, king Yudhishthira, however, did not lose sight of what was to + be done next. Addressing Sini’s grandson, that bull of his clan, + (Yudhishthira said), “O grandson of Sini, the time for that eternal duty + which the righteous ones of old have indicated (for friends) towards + friends in seasons of distress, hath now come. O bull amongst the Sinis, + reflecting within myself, I do not, O Satyaki, see amongst all my warriors + one who is a greater well wisher to us than thou art. He who is always + well-affected, he who is always obedient, I think, he should be appointed + to a grave commission in times of distress. As Kesava is ever the refuge + of the Pandavas even, so art thou, O thou of Vrishni’s race, who art like + Kesava in prowess. I will, therefore, lay a burthen on thee. It behoveth + thee not to frustrate my purpose. Arjuna is thy brother, friend, and + preceptor, O bull among men, in this battle render him aid in time of + distress. Thou art devoted to truth. Thou art a hero. Thou art the + dispeller of the fears of friends. Thou art celebrated in the world, in + consequence of thy acts, O hero, as one that is truthful in speech. He, O + grandson of Sini, who casteth away his body while fighting in battle for + friends, is equal to him who giveth away to Brahmanas the whole earth. We + have heard of various kings gone to heaven, having given away the whole of + this earth unto Brahmanas with due rites. O thou of virtuous soul, I beg + of thee, with joined hands, even this viz., that, O lord, attain thou the + fruit of giving away (unto Brahmanas) the whole earth, or something higher + than that by incurring danger to thy life itself for helping Arjuna. There + is one, viz., Krishna, that dispeller of the fears of friends, who is ever + willing to cast away his life in battle (for the sake of friends). Thou, O + Satyaki, art the second. None but a hero can render aid unto a hero, + exerting valorously in battle, from desire of fame. An ordinary person + cannot do so. In this matter, here is none else but thee who can protect + Arjuna. On one occasion, while applauding thy numerous feats, Arjuna, + giving me great pleasure repeatedly recited them. He said of thee that + thou art endued with extreme lightness of hand, that thou art conversant + with all modes of warfare, that thou art possessed of great activity and + great prowess. He said, ‘Satyaki is endued with great wisdom, is + acquainted with every weapon, is a hero, and is never stupefied in battle. + Of broad neck and broad chest, of mighty arms and broad cheeks, or great + strength and great prowess, Satyaki is a high-souled Maharatha. He is my + disciple and friend; I am dear to him and he is dear to me. Becoming my + ally, Yuyudhana will crush the Kauravas. Even if Kesava and Rama, and + Aniruddha, and the mighty car-warrior Pradyumna, and Gada, and Sarana, and + Samva, with all the Vrishnis, case themselves in mail for assisting us, O + king, in the field of battle, I shall yet appoint that tiger among men + viz., Satyaki of unbaffled prowess, for our aid, since there is none equal + to him.’ Even this is what Dhananjaya told me in the Dwaita woods, in thy + absence, while truly describing thy merits in an assembly of righteous + persons. It behoveth thee not, O thou of the Vrishni race, to falsify that + expectation of Dhananjaya, and also of myself and Bhima! When, returning + from various tirthas, I proceeded to Dwaraka, there I witnessed thy + reverence for Arjuna. While we were at Upaplavya I did not mark anybody + else, O grandson of Sini, who showed us such affection as thou didst. Thou + art of noble lineage and feelest reverence for us. For showing kindness, + therefore, to one who is thy friend and preceptor, it behoveth thee, O + thou of mighty arms, to act in a way deserving, O great bowman, of thy + friendship and prowess and noble parentage and truthfulness. O thou of + Madhu’s race! Suyodhana, cased in armour by Drona himself, hath suddenly + gone, following Arjuna! The other great car-warriors of Kauravas have, + before that followed Arjuna. Loud uproars are being heard against Arjuna’s + car. O grandson of Sini, it behoveth thee, O giver of honours, to go + thither quickly. Bhimasena and ourselves, well-equipped and with all our + forces, will resist Drona if he advances against thee. Behold, O Grandson + of Sini, the Bharata troops are flying away in battle, and as they are + flying away, they are tittering loud wails. Like the very ocean at full + tide agitated by a mighty tempest, the Dhartarashtra host, O sire, is + agitated by Savyasachin. Behold, in consequence of countless cars and men + and steeds moving quickly, the earthly dust raised is gradually spreading + (over the field). See, that slayer of hostile hosts, Phalguna, is + encompassed by the Sindhu-Sauviras, armed with spikes and lances and + adorned with many horses in their ranks. Without vanquishing this force it + will not be possible to vanquish Jayadratha. These warriors are prepared + to lay down their lives for the sake of the ruler of the Sindhus. Behold + the invincible Dhartarashtra force, stationed there, that bristles with + arrows and darts and tall standards, and that teems with steeds and + elephants. Hear the beat of their drums and the loud blare of their + conchs, the tremendous leonine shouts uttered by them, and the rattle of + their car-wheels. Hear the grunt of their elephants, the heavy tread of + their foot-soldiers, and the stamping of their rushing cavalry which all + seem to shake the very earth itself. Before him is the division of + Jayadratha, and behind is that of Drona. So great is the number of the + foes that he is capable of afflicting the chief of the celestials himself. + Sunk in the midst of the fathomless host, Arjuna may lose his life. If he + be slain in battle, how can one like me live? Is this calamity to befall + me when thou art alive? Dark-blue in colour, young in years, of curled + locks and exceedingly handsome is that son of Pandu. Active in the use of + weapons, and conversant with every mode of warfare, the mighty-armed + Arjuna hath, O sire, penetrated into the Bharata host at sunrise. The day + is about to end. O thou of Vrishni’s race, I do not know whether he liveth + or not. The vast Kuru host is like ocean. O sire, Vibhatsu hath penetrated + into it all alone. That army is incapable of being resisted by the very + gods in battle. In today’s battle, I fail to keep my judgment clear. Drona + also is, with great might, afflicting my forces! Thou seest, O + mighty-armed one, how that regenerate one is careering in battle. When + several tasks present themselves together, thou art well-skilled in + selecting that which would be first attended to. It behoveth thee, O giver + of honours, to accomplish with activity that task which is the gravest of + all. Amongst all these tasks, I myself think, that this (aiding Arjuna) is + the first that demands our attention. The rescue of Arjuna in battle + should be first undertaken. I do not grieve for him of Dasarha’s race. He + is the Protector and the Lord of the Universe. I tell thee truly that + tiger among men, O sire, is able to vanquish in battle the three worlds + assembled together. What need I say, therefore, of this weak Dhritarashtra + host? Arjuna, however, O thou of Vrishni’s race, is being afflicted by + countless odds in battle. He may yield up his life. It is for this that I + am so cheerless. O thou then go in his track, since persons like thee + should follow a person like him, at such a season, urged on by one like + me. Amongst the foremost ones of the Vrishni race, two are regarded as + Atirathas. They are mighty-armed Pradyumna and thyself, O Satwata, that + are so famous. In weapons, thou art equal to Narayana himself, and in + strength to Sankarshana. In bravery, thou art equal to Dhananjaya, O tiger + among men, and surpassest Bhishma and Drona and every one accomplished in + battle. O tiger among men, the wise speak of thee, saying, O Madhava, + ‘There is nothing unachievable by Satyaki.’ O thou of great strength, do + thou, therefore, that which I say unto thee, viz., obey the wishes of all + here, of myself and of Arjuna. It behoveth thee not, O mighty-armed one, + to frustrate that wish. Reckless of thy very life, career thou in battle + like a hero. O grandson of Sini, the scions of Dasarha’s race never care + to protect their lives in battle. Avoiding battle, or fighting from behind + breast-works, or flying away from battle,—those practices of cowards + and wretches are never practised by the Dasarhas. The virtuous-souled + Arjuna is thy superior, O bull among the Sinis! Vasudeva is the superior + of both thyself and intelligent Arjuna. Casting my eyes on these two + reasons, I say unto thee these words. Do not discard my words, I am the + superior of thy superiors. That which I am saying unto thee is approved as + also by Arjuna. I tell thee this truly. Go then to the spot where + Dhananjaya is. Attending to these words of mine, O thou of prowess + incapable of being baffled, penetrate in this host of the wicked son of + Dhritarashtra. Having penetrated into it duly, encounter the great + car-warriors, and display, O Satwata, such feats as are worthy of + thyself!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0107" id="link72H_4_0107"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That bull amongst the Sinis, viz., Satyaki, hearing these + words of full affection, agreeable, fraught with sweet sounds, opportune, + delightful, and equitable that were uttered by king Yudhishthira the just, + replied unto him, O chief of the Bharatas, saying, “O thou of unfading + glory, I have heard all the words thou hast said, words fraught with + justice, delightful, and conducive to fame for the sake of Phalguna. At + such a time, indeed, beholding one devoted (to thee) like me, it behoveth + thee, O king of kings, to command him as much, as thou canst command + Partha himself. As regards myself, I am prepared to cast away my life for + the sake of Dhananjaya. Commanded, again, by thee, what is there I would + not do in great battle? What need I say of this weak (Dhritarashtra) + force? Urged by thee, I am prepared, O best of men, to battle with three + worlds including the gods, the Asuras, and men. Today I will fight with + the entire army of Suyodhana and vanquish it in battle. Truly do I say + this unto thee, O king! Safely shall I reach Dhananjaya himself in safety, + and after Jayadratha is slain, I shall, O king, come back into thy + presence. I must, however, O king, inform thee of the words of Vasudeva as + also those of the intelligent Arjuna. I was strongly and repeatedly + solicited by Arjuna in the midst of all our warriors and in the hearing + also of Vasudeva (in these words), ‘Today, O Madhava, nobly resolved in + battle, protect thou the king carefully, till I slay Jayadratha! Making + over the monarch to thee, O mighty-armed one, or to that great car-warrior + Pradyumna, I can go with an easy heart towards Jayadratha. Thou knowest + Drona in battle, that warrior who is regarded as the foremost one among + the Kurus. Thou knowest also the vow made by him in the presence of all, O + lord! The son of Bharadwaja is always eager to seize the king. He is + competent also in afflicting king Yudhishthira in battle. Charging thee + with the protection of that best of men, viz., king Yudhishthira the just, + I will proceed today for the destruction of the ruler of the Sindhus. + Slaying Jayadratha, I shall soon come back, O Madhava! See that Drona may + not succeed in forcibly seizing king Yudhishthira the just in battle. If + Yudhishthira be seized by Bharadwaja’s son, O Madhava, I shall not succeed + in slaying Jayadratha, and great will be my grief. If that best of men, + the truthful son of Pandu, be seized, it is evident that we shall have + again to go into woods. My success, therefore, over Jayadratha, it is + plain, will be productive of no benefit, if Drona, inflamed with rage, + succeeds in seizing Yudhishthira in battle. O mighty-armed one, for doing + what is agreeable to me, therefore, O Madhava, as also for the sake of my + success and fame, protect the king in battle.’ Thou seest, therefore, O + king, thou hast been made over to me as a trust by Savyasachin, O lord, in + consequence of his constant fear of Bharadwaja’s son. O mighty-armed one, + I myself daily see, O lord, that there is none, save Rukmini’s son + (Pradyumna), who can be a match for Drona in battle. I also am regarded to + be a match for the intelligent son of Bharadwaja in battle. It is plain, + therefore, I cannot dare falsify that reputation which I have, or + disregard the commands of my preceptor (Arjuna), or leave thee, O king! + The preceptor (Drona), cased as he is in impenetrable mail, in consequence + of his lightness of arms, obtaining thee in battle, will sport with thee + as a child with a little bird. If Krishna’s son, bearing the Makara on his + banner, were here, I could then have made over to him, for he would have + protected thee as Arjuna himself. Thou shouldst protect thyself. When I am + gone, who will protect thee, who that is, that will advance against Drona + while I proceed towards Arjuna? O king, let no fear be thine today on + Arjuna’s account. He never becomes cheerless under any burden howsoever + heavy. Those warriors that are opposed to him, viz., the Sauvirakas, the + Sindhava-Pauravas, they from the north, they from the south, and they, O + king, headed by Karna, that are regarded as foremost of car-warriors, do + not together come up to a sixteenth part of Arjuna. The whole earth rising + against him, with the gods, the Asuras, and men, with all the tribes of + Rakshasas, O king, with the Kinnaras, the great snakes, and in fact, all + the mobile and the immobile creatures assembled together, is no match for + Arjuna in battle. Knowing this, O king, let thy fear on Dhananjaya’s + account be dispelled. There where those two heroes and great bowmen, viz., + the two Krishnas, of prowess incapable of being baffled, are, there the + slightest obstacle cannot happen to their purpose. Think of the celestial + puissance, the accomplishment in weapons, the resourcefulness, the wrath + in battle, the gratefulness, and the compassion of thy brother. Think + also, O king, of the wonderful knowledge of weapons that Drona will + display in battle when I leave this place for going to Arjuna. The + preceptor, O monarch, is eagerly solicitous of seizing thee. He is eagerly + desirous also, O king, of making good his vow, O Bharata! Be attentive, O + king, to thy own protection. Who will protect thee when I am gone, who is + he that is, confiding on whom I may go towards Pritha’s son, Phalguna? I + tell thee truly, O great king, that without making thee over to somebody + in this great battle, I will not surely go towards Arjuna, O thou of + Kuru’s race! Reflecting on this, from every point of view, with the aid of + thy intelligence, O foremost of all intelligent persons, and ascertaining + with thy intelligence what is for thy highest good, command me, O king!”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Yudhishthira hearing these words said, “It is even so, O mighty-armed + one, as thou sayest, O Madhava! For all that, however, O sire, my heart + doth not become easy on Arjuna’s account. I shall take the greatest + precaution in protecting myself. Commanded by me, go thou thither where + Dhananjaya hath gone. Weighing, with my judgment, my own protection in + battle with the necessity of your going towards Arjuna, the latter seems + to me preferable, Make thyself ready, therefore, to go thither whither + Dhananjaya hath gone. The mighty Bhima will protect me. Prishata’s son, + with all his uterine brothers, and all the mighty kings, and the sons of + Draupadi, will without doubt, protect me. The five Kekaya brothers, and + the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, and Virata, and Drupada, and the mighty + car-warrior Sikhandin and Dhrishtaketu of great strength, and Kuntibhoja, + O sire, Nakula, and Sahadeva, and the Panchalas, and the Srinjayas,—all + these, O sire, will without doubt, very carefully protect me. Drona at the + head of his troops, and Kritavarman also, in battle, will not succeed in + beating us or afflicting me. That scorcher of foes, viz., Dhrishtadyumna, + displaying his prowess, will resist the angry Drona, like the continent + resisting the sea. There where Prishata’s son, that slayer of hostile + heroes, will remain, there Drona will never be able to forcibly transgress + our troops. This Dhristadyumna sprang from the fire, for the destruction + of Drona, clad in mail, armed with bow and arrows and sword, and decked + with costly ornaments. Go, O grandson of Sini, with an easy heart, do not + be anxious on my account. Dhrishtadyumna will resist angry Drona in + battle.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0108" id="link72H_4_0108"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of the king Yudhishthira the just, + that bull among the Sinis feared the censure of Arjuna if he left the + king. Seeing, however, the certainty of an imputation of cowardice by the + people (if he disobeyed Yudhishthira), he said to himself, “Let not people + say that I am afraid of proceeding towards Arjuna.” Reflecting repeatedly + on this, Satyaki, that hero invincible in battle, that bull among men, + said these words unto king Yudhishthira the just, “If thou thinkest that + these arrangements will suffice for thy protection, O monarch, I will then + do thy bidding and follow Vibhatsu. I tell thee truly, O king, that there + is none in the three worlds who is dearer to me than Phalguna. I will + follow in his track at the command, O giver of honours. There is nothing + that I will not do for thy sake. O best of men, the commands of my + preceptor are always of weight with me. But thy commands are still + weightier with me, O lord! Thy brothers, viz., Krishna and Dhananjaya, are + always engaged in doing what is agreeable to thee. Taking thy command on + my head for the sake of Arjuna, O lord, I will proceed, O bull among men, + piercing through this impenetrable host. Darting wrathfully through this + force of Drona, like a fish through the sea, I will go thither, O monarch, + where king Jayadratha, depending upon his troops, stayeth, in fear of the + son of Pandu, protected by those foremost of car-warriors, viz., Drona’s + son Karna and Kripa! The distance from here, O king, is three Yojanas, I + think, of that spot where Partha stayeth, ready to slay Jayadratha! But + though Partha is three Yojanas distant I shall yet follow in his track + with a stout heart, and stay with him, O king, till Jayadratha’s + slaughter. What man is there that goes to battle without the commands of + his superiors? And when one is commanded, O king, as I have been by thee, + who is there like me that would not fight? I know that place whither I + shall have to go, O lord! Teeming as this ocean-like host doth with + ploughshare and darts and maces and shields and scimitars and swords and + lances and foremost of shafts, I will today agitate this ocean. This + elephant division, consisting of a thousand elephants, that thou seest, + all belonging to the breed known by the name of Anjana and all endued with + great prowess, which are all mounted by a large number of Mlecchas, + delighting in battle and accomplished in smiting,—these elephants, O + king, that are shedding their juicy secretions like rain-pouring clouds,—these + never retreat if urged forward by those upon their backs. They cannot be + vanquished, O king, unless they are slaughtered. Then again, those + car-warriors numbering thousands, that thou seest, are all of royal + lineage and are all Maharathas. They are called Rukmarathas.<a + href="#linknote-7149" name="linknoteref-7149" id="linknoteref-7149">149</a> + They are accomplished in weapons and battling from cars, as also in + fighting from the backs of elephants, O monarch! Thorough masters of the + science of weapons, they are accomplished in fighting with their fists. + Skilled in battling with maces, masters also of the art of close fight, + they are equally clever in striking with scimitars and in falling upon the + foe with sword and shield. They are brave and learned, and animated by a + spirit of rivalry. Every day, O king, they vanquish a vast number of men + in battle. They are commanded by Karna and devoted to Duhsasana. Even + Vasudeva applauds them as great car-warriors. Always solicitous of Karna’s + welfare, they are obedient to him. It is at Karna’s command, O king, that + returning from their pursuit of Arjuna and, therefore, unfatigued and + unworn, those brave warriors, cased in impenetrable armour and armed with + strong bows, are certainly waiting for me, ordered by Duryodhana also. + Crushing them in battle for thy good, O Kaurava, I shall then follow in + the track of Savyasachin. Those other elephants, O king, seven hundred in + number, that thou seest, all cased in armour and ridden by Kiratas, and + decked with ornaments, the king of the Kiratas, desirous of his life, had + formerly presented to Savyasachin together with many servants in their + train. These, O king, were formerly employed in doing thy business. Behold + the vicissitudes that time brings about, for these are now battling + against thee. Those elephants are ridden by Kiratas difficult of defeat in + battle. They are accomplished in fighting from elephants, and are all + sprung from the race of Agni. Formerly, they were all vanquished in battle + by Savyasachin. They are now waiting for me carefully, under the orders of + Duryodhana. Slaying with my shafts, O king, these Kiratas difficult of + defeat in battle, I shall follow in the track of Arjuna who is intent on + the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus. Those (other) huge elephants, + sprung from the race of Arjuna, of impenetrable hides, well-trained, and + adorned, and from whose mouths the juicy secretions are trickling down, + and which are well-adorned with armour made wholly of gold are very + formidable in battle and resemble Airavata himself. They have come from + the northern hills, and are ridden by fierce robbers that are of strong + limbs, that are all foremost of warriors, and that are cased in steel + coats of mail. There, amongst them, are persons born of the cow, or the + ape, or of diverse other creatures, including those born of men. That + division of the assembled Mlecchas that are all sinful and that come from + the fastnesses of Himavat, seem at a distance to be of smoky colour. + Obtaining these, and countless Kshatriyas, as also Kripa and that foremost + of car-warriors, viz., Drona and the ruler of the Sindhus, and the Karna, + he thinks lightly of the Pandavas. Impelled by fate, he regards himself + crowned with success. Those I have named will, however, today be within + reach of my arrows. They shall not escape me, O son of Kunti, even if they + be endued with the speed of the mind. Much regarded always by Duryodhana, + that prince who dependeth upon the prowess of others, those warriors, + afflicted with my clouds of shafts, will meet with destruction. Those + other car-warriors, O king, whom thou seest, and who have golden standards + and are difficult of being resisted, are called Kamvojas. They are brave + and accomplished, and firmly devoted to the science of weapons. Desiring + one another’s welfare they are all firmly united. They constitute a full + Akshauhini of wrathful warriors, O Bharata, and are staying carefully for + my sake, well-protected by the Kuru heroes. They are on the alert, O king, + with their eyes on me. I shall certainly destroy them all, like fire + destroying a heap of straw. Therefore, O king, let those that equip cars, + place quivers and all necessaries on my car in proper places. Indeed, in + such a dreadful battle, diverse kinds of weapons ought to be taken. Let + the car be equipped (with necessaries) five times more than what + professors of military science direct, for I shall have to encounter the + Kamvojas who resemble fierce snakes of virulent poison. I shall have also + to encounter the Kiratas who are armed with diverse weapons of warfare, + who resemble virulent poison, who are accomplished in smiting, who have + always been well-treated by Duryodhana, and who on that account are always + intent on Duryodhana’s welfare. I shall also have to encounter the Sakas + endued with prowess equal to that of Sakra himself, who are fierce as + fire, and difficult to put out like a blazing conflagration. Indeed, O + king, I shall have to encounter in battle many warriors difficult of being + resisted. For this let well-known steeds of best breed and graced with + auspicious marks be yoked to my car, after causing their thirst to be + slaked and after grooming them duly!”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘After this, Yudhishthira caused quivers full of + shafts, and diverse kinds of weapons, and, indeed, all necessaries, to be + placed on Satyaki’s car. Then, people caused his four well-harnessed and + excellent steeds to drink and walk, bathe and eat, and having adorned them + with golden chains and plucked out their arrows, those animals, that had + (for these operations) been freed from the yoke, and that were of the hue + of gold and well-trained and endued with great speed and cheerful and + exceedingly docile, were duly yoked again unto his car. And upon that car + was set up a tall standard bearing a lion of golden maces. And that + standard had attached round it banners of the hue of white clouds and + decked with gold was also placed upon that vehicle bearing a heavy weight + of weapons. After those steeds, adorned with trappings of gold, had been + yoked to that car, the younger brother of Daruka, who was the charioteer + and the dear friend of Satyaki, came and represented unto the latter that + the car had been duly equipped, like Matali representing the equipment of + the car unto Vasava himself. Satyaki then, having taken a bath and + purified himself and undergone every auspicious ceremony, gave nishkas of + gold unto a thousand Snataka Brahmanas who uttered benedictions upon him. + Blessed with those benedictions Satyaki that foremost of handsome men, + that hero worthy of worship, having drunk kairata, honey, shone + resplendent, with reddened eyes rolling in intoxication. Having touched a + brazen mirror and filled with great joy, his energy became doubled, and + himself looked like a blazing fire. Taking upon his shoulders his bow with + arrows, that foremost of car-warriors, eased in armour and decked in + ornaments, had the regenerate ones perform for him the rites of + propitiation. And fair maidens honoured him by showering upon him fried + paddy and perfumes and floral garlands. And the hero then, with joined + hands, worshipped the feet of Yudhishthira, and the latter smelt his head. + And having undergone all these rites, he then mounted his foremost of + cars. Then those steeds, cheerful and strong and fleet as the wind, and + invincible, and belonging to the Sindhu breed, bore him on that triumphant + car. Similarly, Bhimasena also, honoured by king Yudhishthira the just, + and reverentially saluting the monarch, set out with Satyaki. Beholding + those two chastisers of foes on the point of penetrating thy host, their + enemies, viz., thy troops, all stood still with Drona at their head. Then + Satyaki, seeing Bhima cased in mail and following him, saluted that hero + and spoke unto him these delightful words. Indeed, heroic Satyaki, with + every limb filled with joy, said unto Bhima, “Do thou, O Bhima, protect + the king. Even this is thy duty above all things. Piercing through this + host whose hour hath come, I will proceed. Whether now or hence, the + protection of the king is thy highest duty. Thou knowest my prowess, thou + desirest my good, return, O Bhima!” Thus addressed by Satyaki, Bhima + replied, “Go then, for the success of thy object. O best of men, I will + protect the king.” Thus addressed, he of Madhu’s race answered Bhima, + saying, “Go back, O son of Pritha! My success is certain, since won over + by my merits, thus, O Bhima, art today obedient to my wishes. Indeed, O + Bhima, as these auspicious omens tell me, my victory is assured. After the + sinful ruler of the Sindhus has been slain by the high-souled son of + Pandu, I shall embrace king Yudhishthira of virtuous soul.” Having said + these words unto Bhima and dismissing him with an embrace that illustrious + warrior eyed thy troops, like a tiger eyeing a herd of deer. Beholding him + thus looking at thy army, O king, thy troops become once more stupefied + and began to tremble violently. Then, O king, Satyaki desirous of seeing + Arjuna at the command of king Yudhishthira the just, suddenly dashed + against thy troops.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0109" id="link72H_4_0109"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O king, when Yuyudhana, from desire of battle proceeded + against thy troops, king Yudhishthira, surrounded by his forces, followed + Yuyudhana for reaching the car of Drona. Then the son of the king of the + Panchalas, viz., the invincible warrior Dhrishtadyumna, the king Vasudana, + both loudly exclaimed with the Pandava host, “Come, smite quickly, and + rush against the foe, so that Satyaki, that warrior invincible in battle, + might pass easily (through the Kaurava host). Many mighty car-warriors + will struggle for vanquishing him.” The great car-warriors (of the Pandava + army), saying this, fell impetuously upon their foes. Indeed, they all + rushed, saying, “We will vanquish those that will endeavour to vanquish + Satyaki.” Then a loud uproar was heard about the car of Satyaki. Thy son’s + host, however, covered with Satyaki’s shafts, fled away. Indeed, O king + that host was broken into a hundred struggling bodies by him of the + Satwata race. And while that force was breaking, that mighty car-warrior, + viz., the (grandson) of Sini, crushed seven heroic and great bowmen in the + front rank of the foe. And, O monarch, with his shafts that resembled + blazing flames of fire, he despatched many other heroes, kings of diverse + realms, unto the region of Yama. He sometimes pierced a hundred warriors + with one shaft, and sometimes one warrior with a hundred shafts. Like the + great Rudra destroying creatures, he slew elephant-riders and car-warriors + with steeds and drivers. None amongst thy troops ventured to advance + against Satyaki who was displaying such lightness of hand and who showered + such clouds of shafts. Struck with panic and crushed grounded thus by that + hero of long arms, those brave warriors all left the field at the sight of + that proud hero. Although alone, they saw him multiplied manifold, and + were stupefied by his energy. And the earth looked exceedingly beautiful + with crushed cars and broken nidas,<a href="#linknote-7150" name="linknoteref-7150" id="linknoteref-7150">150</a> O sire, and wheels + and fallen umbrellas and standards and anukarshas, and banners, and + headgears decked with gold, and human arms smeared with sandal-paste and + adorned with Angadas, O king, and human thighs, resembling trunks of + elephants or the tapering bodies of snakes, and faces, beautiful as the + moon and decked with ear-rings, of large-eyed warriors lying all about the + field. And the ground there looked exceedingly beautiful with the huge + bodies of fallen elephants, cut off in diverse ways, like a large plain + strewn with hills. Crushed by that hero of long arms, steeds, deprived of + life and fallen down on the ground, looked beautiful in their traces made + of burnished gold and decked with rows of pearls, and in their carcasses + of handsome make and design. Having slain diverse kinds of thy troops, he + of the Satwata race entered into thy host, agitating and routing thy army. + Then Satyaki desired to go by that very track by which Dhananjaya had gone + before him. Then Drona came and resisted him. Encountering the son of + Bharadwaja, Yuyudhana, filled with rage, stopped not like a vast expanse + of water upon encountering on embankment. Drona, however, checking in that + battle the mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana, pierced him with five keen + shafts, capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Satyaki, however, O + king, in that battle pierced Drona with seven shafts whetted on stone, + equipped with golden wings and the feathers of the Kanka and the peacock. + Then Drona afflicted Satyaki, his steeds and the drivers, with six shafts. + The mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana could not brook that feat of Drona. + Uttering a leonine shout, he then pierced Drona with ten shafts, and then + with six, and then with eight others. And once more Yuyudhana pierced + Drona with ten shafts, his charioteer with one and his four steeds with + four. And with another shaft, O sire, Satyaki struck Drona’s standard. + Then, Drona speedily covered Satyaki, his car, steeds, driver, and + standard, with swiftly coursing shafts, countless in number like a flight + of locusts. Similarly, Yuyudhana fearlessly covered Drona with countless + shafts of great speed. Then Drona, addressing Yuyudhana, said, “Thy + preceptor (Arjuna) hath, like a coward, gone away, leaving the battle, + avoiding me who was fighting with him, proceeding by my flank. O thou of + Madhu’s race, if like thy preceptor, thou too dost not quickly avoid me in + this battle, thou shalt not escape me with life today, engaged as I am in + battle with thee.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Satyaki, hearing these words, answered, “At the command of king + Yudhishthira the just, I shall follow in the track of Dhananjaya. Blessed + be thou, O Brahmana, I would lose time (if I fight with thee). A disciple + should always tread in the way trod by his preceptor. I shall, therefore + follow in the track that has been trod by my preceptor.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said this much, the grandson of Sini avoided + the preceptor and suddenly proceeded onwards, O king! And addressing his + charioteer, he said, “Drona will, by every means, endeavour to check my + progress. Proceed carefully, O Suta, in battle and listen to these grave + words of mine. Yonder is seen the host of great splendour of Avantis. Next + to them, is the mighty host of the Southerners. And next to it, is the + great host of the Valhikas. By the side of the Valhikas, stands resolved + for fight the mighty host commanded by Karna. O charioteer, all these + hosts are different from one another, but relying upon one another, they + protect one another on the field of battle. Arrived at the space left open + between these divisions cheerfully urge thou the steeds. Indeed, O + charioteer, bear me thither, making the steeds adopt a tolerable speed,—thither, + that is, where are seen the Valhikas with diverse weapons uplifted in + their arms, and the countless Southerners headed by the Suta’s son and + whose division is seen to present a serried array of elephants and steeds + and cars and in which stand foot-soldiers from various realms.” Having + said this much unto his driver, avoiding the Brahmana (Drona), he + proceeded, telling his charioteer, “Pass through the open space between + those two divisions towards the fierce and mighty host of Karna.” Drona, + however, excited with wrath, pursued him from behind, shooting at him + countless shafts. Indeed, the preceptor closely followed highly blessed + Yuyudhana who advanced without any desire of turning back. Smiting the + great host of Karna with whetted arrows, Satyaki penetrated into the vast + and limitless army of the Bharatas. When Yuyudhana, however, entered the + army, the troops (opposed to him) fled away. At this, wrathful Kritavarman + came forward to resist Satyaki. The valiant Satyaki striking the advancing + Kritavarman with six shafts, quickly slew his four steeds with four other + shafts. And once again, he pierced Kritavarman in the centre of the chest + with four other shafts. And once again, he pierced Kritavarman in the + centre of the chest with sixteen straight shafts of great speed. Thus + encountered, O monarch, with many shafts of fierce energy by him of the + Satwata race, Kritavarman was unable to brook it. Aiming then a + calf-toothed shaft resembling a snake of virulent poison and endued with + the speed of the wind, and drawing the bow-string, O monarch, to his ear, + he pierced Satyaki in the chest. That shaft, equipped with beautiful + feathers, penetrating through his armour and body, and dyed in blood, + entered the earth. Then, O king, Kritavarman, that warrior equipped with + the highest weapons, shooting many shafts, cut off the bow of Satyaki with + arrows fixed thereon. And excited with rage, he then, in that battle, O + king, pierced Satyaki of unbaffled prowess in the centre of the chest with + ten shafts of great keenness. Upon his bow being broken, the foremost of + mighty men, viz., Satyaki, hurled a dart at the right arm of Kritavarman. + And taking up and drawing a tougher bow, Yuyudhana quickly shot at his + foe, shafts by hundreds and thousands and entirely shrouded Kritavarman + and his car with that arrowy downpour. Having thus shrouded the son of + Hridika, O monarch, in that battle, Satyaki cut of, with a broad-headed + arrow, the head of his foe’s charioteer from his trunk. The charioteer of + Hridika’s son then, thus slain, fell down from that great car. At this, + the steeds of Kritavarman, deprived of a driver, ran away with great + speed. The ruler of the Bhojas, then, in great agitation, himself checked + those steeds. That heroic warrior then, bow in hand, stood upon his car + (ready for battle). Beholding this feat, his troops applauded it highly. + Resting for a short space of time, Kritavarman then urged those good + steeds of his. Himself devoid of fear, he inspired his foes with great + fear. Satyaki, however, had by that time, left him behind, while + Kritavarman himself now rushed against Bhimasena without pursuing Satyaki. + Thus issuing out of the division of the Bhojas, Satyaki proceeded with + great speed towards the mighty division of the Kamvojas. Resisted there by + many brave and mighty car-warriors, Yuyudhana, of prowess incapable of + being thwarted, could not then, O monarch, proceed a step. Meanwhile, + Drona, having placed his troops in a proper position and made over the + burthen of their protection to the ruler of the Bhojas, firmly resolved, + proceeded with great speed towards Yuyudhana from desire of battle. Then + the foremost warriors of the Pandava host, beholding Drona thus pursuing + Yuyudhana from behind, cheerfully began to resist him. The Panchalas, + however, who were headed by Bhimasena, having approached the son of + Hridika, that foremost of car-warriors, all became cheerless. The heroic + Kritavarman, O king, displaying his prowess, resisted all those warriors + who, although they had become a little heartless, struggled yet with great + vigour. Fearlessly he weakened, by means of his arrowy showers, the + animals of his foes. The brave warriors, however, (of the Pandava army), + though thus afflicted by the ruler of the Bhojas, stood, like high-born + soldiers that they were, resolved to fight with the division of the Bhojas + itself, from a desire of great renown.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0110" id="link72H_4_0110"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Our army is equally possessed of many excellences. + It is equally regarded as superior. It is equally arrayed according to the + rules of science, and it is equally numerous, O Sanjaya!<a + href="#linknote-7151" name="linknoteref-7151" id="linknoteref-7151">151</a> + It is always well-treated by us, and is always devoted to us. It is vast + in numerical strength, and presents a wonderful aspect. Its prowess had + before been tested. The soldiers are neither very old nor very young. They + are neither lean nor corpulent. Of active habits, of well-developed and + strong frames, they are free from disease. They are cased in mail and + well-equipped with arms. They are devoted to all kinds of armed exercises. + They are adepts in mounting upon and descending from the backs of + elephants, in moving forward and stepping back, in smiting effectually, + and in marching and retreating. Oftentimes have they been tested in the + management of elephants and steeds and cars. Having been examined duly, + they have been entertained on pay and not for the sake of lineage, nor + from favour, nor from relationship. They are not a rabble come of their + own accord, nor have they been admitted into my army without pay. My army + consists of well-born and respectable men, who are, again, contented, + well-fed, and submissive. They are sufficiently rewarded. They are all + famous and endued with great intelligence. They are, again, O son, + protected by many of our foremost counsellors and others of righteous + deeds, all of whom are best of men, resembling the very Regents of the + world. Innumerable rulers of earth, seeking to do what is agreeable to us, + and who have of their own well sided with us with their forces and + followers, also protect them. Indeed, our army is like the vast ocean + filled with the waters of innumerable rivers running from all directions. + It abounds in steeds and cars which, though destitute of wings, still + resemble the winged tenants of the air. It seems also with elephants + adorned whose cheeks flow with juicy secretions. What can it, therefore, + be but Destiny that even such an army should be slain? (Ocean-like it is) + vast number of combatants constitute its interminable waters, and the + steeds and other animals constitute its terrible waves. Innumerable swords + and maces and darts and arrows and lances constitute the oars (plied on + that ocean).<a href="#linknote-7152" name="linknoteref-7152" id="linknoteref-7152">152</a> Abounding in standards and ornaments, the + pearls and gems (of the warriors) constitute the lotuses that deck it. The + rushing steeds and elephants constitute the winds that agitate it into + fury. Drona constitutes the fathomless cave of that ocean, Kritavarman its + vast vortex. Jalasandha its mighty alligator, and Karna the rise of the + moon that makes it swell with energy and pride. When that bull amongst the + Pandavas, on his single car, hath speedily gone, piercing through that + army of mine vast (though it be) like the ocean, and when Yuyudhana also + hath followed him, I do not, O Sanjaya, see the prospect of even a remnant + of my troops being left alive by Savyasachin, and that foremost of + car-warriors belonging to the Satwata race. Beholding those two + exceedingly active heroes pierce through (the divisions placed in the + van), and seeing the ruler of the Sindhus also within reach of the shafts + from Gandiva, what, indeed, was the measure adopted by the Kaurava + impelled by fate? At that time, when all were fighting intently, what + became of them? O sire, I regard the assembled Kurus to be overtaken by + Death himself. Indeed, their prowess also in battle is no longer seen to + be what it once was. Krishna and the son of Pandu have both entered the + (Kuru) host unwounded. There is none in that host, O Sanjaya, capable of + resisting them. Many combatants that are great car-warriors were admitted + by us after examination. They are all honoured (by us) with pay as each + deserves, and others with agreeable speeches. There is none, O son, + amongst my troops who is not honoured with good offices (done to him). + Each receives his assigned pay and rations according to the character of + his services. In my army, O Sanjaya, there is none who is unskilled in + battle, none who receives pay less than what he deserves, or none who does + not receive any pay. The soldiers are adored by me, according to the best + of my powers, with gifts and honours and seats. The same conduct is + followed towards them by my sons, my kinsmen, and my friends. Yet on the + very approach of Savyasachin, have they been vanquished by him and by the + grandson of Sini. What can it be but Destiny? They who are protecting + them, all follow the same road, the protected with the protectors! + Beholding Arjuna arrived at the front of Jayadratha, what measure was + adopted by my foolish son? Beholding Satyaki also entering the host, what + step did Duryodhana think suitable to that occasion? Indeed, beholding + those two foremost of car-warriors who are beyond the touch of all + weapons, enter my host, what resolution was formed by my warriors in + battle? I think, beholding Krishna of Dasarha’s race and that bull of + Sini’s race also both engaged for Arjuna’s sake my sons are filled with + grief. I think, seeing both Satwata and Arjuna pass through my army and + the Kurus flying away, my sons are filled with grief. I think, seeing + their car-warriors retreat in despair of subjugating the foe and set their + hearts upon flying away from the field, my sons are filled with grief. + Their steeds and elephants and cars and heroic combatants by thousands + flying away from the field in anxiety, my sons are filled with grief. I + think, seeing many huge elephants fly away, afflicted with the shafts of + Arjuna, and others fallen and falling, my sons are filled with grief. I + think, seeing steeds deprived of riders and warriors deprived of cars by + Satyaki and Partha, my sons are filled with grief. I think, large bodies + of steeds slain or routed by Madhava and Partha, my sons are filled with + grief. I think, seeing large bodies of foot-soldiers flying away in all + directions, my sons, despairing of success, are filled with grief. I + think, seeing those two heroes pass through Drona’s division unvanquished + within a moment, my sons are filled with grief. Stupefied am I, O son, + upon hearing that Krishna and Dhananjaya, those two heroes of unfading + glory, have both, with Satwata, penetrated into my host. After that + foremost of car-warriors among the Sinis, had entered my host, and after + he had passed through the division of the Bhojas, what did the Kauravas + do? Tell me also, O Sanjaya, how did the battle take place there where + Drona afflicted the Pandavas on the field? Drona is endued with great + might, is the foremost of all persons, is accomplished in weapons, and is + incapable of being defeated in battle. How could the Panchalas pierce that + great bowman in the fight? Desirous of Dhananjaya’s victory, the Panchalas + are inveterate foes of Drona. The mighty car-warrior Drona also is an + inveterate foe of theirs. Thou art skilled in a narration, O Sanjaya! Tell + me, therefore, everything about what Arjuna did for compassing the + slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O bull of Bharata’s race, overtaken by a calamity that is + the direct result of thy own fault, thou shouldst not, O hero, indulge in + such lamentations like an ordinary person. Formerly, many of thy wise + well-wishers, numbering Vidura amongst them, had told thee, “Do not, O + king, abandon the sons of Pandu.” Thou didst not then heed those words. + The man that heedeth not the counsels of well-wishing friends, weepeth, + falling into great distress, like thyself. He of Dasarha’s race, O king, + had formerly begged thee for peace. For all that, Krishna of world-wide + fame, obtained not his prayer. Ascertaining thy worthlessness, and thy + jealousy towards the Pandavas, and understanding also thy crooked + intentions towards the sons of Pandu, and hearing thy delirious + lamentations, O best of kings, that puissant Lord of all the worlds, that + Being, acquainted with the truth of everything in all the worlds, viz., + Vasudeva, then caused the flame of war to blaze forth among the Kurus. + This great and wholesale destruction hath come upon thee, brought about by + thy own fault. O giver of honours, it behoveth thee not to impute the + fault to Duryodhana. In the development of these incidents no merit of + thine is to be seen in the beginning, in the middle, or at the end. This + defeat is entirely owing to thee. Therefore, knowing as thou dost the + truth about this world, be quiet and hear how this fierce battle, + resembling that between the gods and the Asuras, took place. After the + grandson of Sini, that warrior of prowess incapable of being baffled, had + entered into thy host, the Parthas headed by Bhimasena also rushed against + thy troops. The mighty car-warrior Kritavarman, however, alone, resisted, + in that battle the Pandavas thus rushing in fury and wrath with their + followers against thy host. As the continent resists the surgings, even so + did the son of Hridika resist the troops of the Pandavas in that battle. + The prowess that we then beheld of the son of Hridika was wonderful, + inasmuch as the united Parthas succeeded not in transgressing his single + self. Then the mighty-armed Bhima, piercing Kritavarman with three shafts, + blew his conch, gladdening all the Pandavas. Then Sahadeva pierced the son + of Hridika with twenty shafts, and Yudhishthira the just pierced him with + five and Nakula pierced him with a hundred. And the sons of Draupadi + pierced him with three and seventy shafts, Ghatotkacha pierced him with + seven. And Virata and Drupada and Drupada’s son (Dhrishtadyumna) each + pierced him with five shafts, and Sikhandin, having once pierced him with + five, again pierced him smilingly with five and twenty shafts. Then + Kritavarman, O king, pierced every one of those great car-warriors with + five shafts, and Bhima again with seven. And the son of Hridika felled + both the bow and the standard of Bhima from the latter’s car. Then that + mighty car-warrior, with great speed, wrathfully struck Bhima, whose bow + had been cut off with seventy keen shafts in the chest. Then mighty Bhima, + deeply pierced with those excellent shafts of Hridika’s son, trembled on + his car like a mountain during an earthquake. Beholding Bhimasena in that + condition, the Parthas headed by king Yudhishthira the just afflicted + Kritavarman, O king, shooting at him many shafts. Encompassing that + warrior there with throngs of cars, O sire, they cheerfully began to + pierce him with their shafts, desiring to protect the Wind-god’s son in + that battle. Then mighty Bhimasena recovering consciousness, took up in + that battle a dart made of steel and equipped with a golden staff, and + hurled it with great speed from his own car at the car of Kritavarman. + That dart resembling a snake freed from its slough, hurled from Bhima’s + hands, fierce-looking, blazed forth as it proceeded towards Kritavarman. + Beholding that dart endued with the splendour of the Yuga-fire coursing + towards him, the son of Hridika cut it in twain with two shafts. + Thereupon, that dart decked with gold, thus cut off, fell down on the + earth, illumining the ten points of the compass, O king, like a large + meteor falling from the firmament. Seeing his dart baffled, Bhima blazed + forth in wrath. Then taking up another bow which was tougher and whose + twang was louder, Bhimasena, filled with wrath, attacked the son of + Hridika in that battle. Then O king, Bhima, of terrible might, struck + Kritavarman, in the centre of the chest with five shafts, in consequence + of thy evil policy, O monarch! The ruler of the Bhoja then, mangled in + every limb, O sire, by Bhimasena, shone resplendent in the field like a + red Asoka covered with flowers. Then that mighty bowman, viz., + Kritavarman, filled with rage, smilingly struck Bhimasena with three + shafts, and having struck him forcibly, pierced in return every one of + those great car-warriors struggling vigorously in battle, with three + shafts. Each of the latter then pierced him in return with seven shafts. + Then that mighty car-warrior of the Satwata race, filled with rage, cut + off, smiling in that battle, with a razor-faced shaft the bow of + Sikhandin. Sikhandin then, seeing his bow cut off, quickly took up a sword + and a bright shield decked with a hundred moons. Whirling his large + shield, decked with gold, Sikhandin sent that sword towards the car of + Kritavarman. That large sword, cutting off, O king, Kritavarman’s bow with + arrow fixed thereon, fell down on the earth, like, O monarch, a bright + luminary loosened from the firmament. Meanwhile, those mighty car-warriors + quickly and deeply pierced Kritavarman with their shafts in that battle. + Then that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Hridika, casting off + that broken bow, and taking up another, pierced each of the Pandavas with + three straight shafts. And he pierced Sikhandin at first with three, and + then with five shafts. Then the illustrious Sikhandin, taking up another + bow, checked the son of Hridika with many swift-flying shafts, furnished + with heads like tortoise nails. Then, O king, the son of Hridika, inflamed + with rage in that battle, rushed impetuously at that mighty car-warrior, + viz., the son of Yajnasena, that warrior, O monarch, who was the cause of + the illustrious Bhishma’s fall in battle. Indeed, the heroic Kritavarman + rushed at Sikhandin, displaying his might, like a tiger at an elephant. + Then those two chastisers of foes, who resembled a couple of huge + elephants or two blazing fires, encountered each other with clouds of + shafts. And they took their best of bows and aimed their arrows, and shot + them in hundreds like a couple of suns shedding their rays. And those two + mighty car-warriors scorched each other with their keen shafts, and shone + resplendent like two Suns appearing at the end of the Yuga. And + Kritavarman in that battle pierced that mighty car-warrior viz., + Yajnasena’s son, with three and seventy shafts and once more with seven. + Deeply pierced therewith, Sikhandin sat down in pain on the terrace of his + car, throwing aside his bow and arrows, and was overtaken by a swoon. + Beholding that hero in a swoon, thy troops, O bull among men, worshipped + the son of Hridika, and waved their garments in the air. Seeing Sikhandin + thus afflicted with the shafts of Hridika’s son his charioteer quickly + bore that mighty car-warrior away from the battle. The Parthas, beholding + Sikhandin lying senseless on the terrace of his car, soon encompassed + Kritavarman in that battle with crowds of cars. The mighty car-warrior, + Kritavarman, then achieved a most wonderful feat there, inasmuch as, + alone, he held in check all the Parthas with their followers. Having thus + vanquished the Parthas, that mighty car-warrior then vanquished the + Chedis, the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, and the Kekayas, all of whom are + endued with great prowess. The forces of the Pandavas then, thus + slaughtered by the son of Hridika began to run in all directions, unable + to stay coolly in battle. Having vanquished the sons of Pandu headed by + Bhimasena himself, the son of Hridika stayed in battle like a blazing + fire. Those mighty car-warriors, afflicted with torrents of shafts and + routed by Hridika’s son in battle, ventured not to face him.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0111" id="link72H_4_0111"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen with undivided attention, O king. After the rout of + that force by the high-souled son of Hridika, and upon the Parthas being + humiliated with shame and thy troops elated with joy, he that became + protector of the Pandavas who were solicitous of protection while sinking + in that fathomless sea of distress, that hero, viz., the grandson of Sini, + hearing that fierce uproar, of thy army in that terrible fight, quickly + turned back and proceeded against Kritavarman. Hridika’s son, Kritavarman, + then excited with wrath, covered the grandson of Sini with clouds of sharp + shafts. At this, Satyaki also became filled with rage. The grandson of + Sini then quickly sped at Kritavarman a sharp and broad-headed arrow in + the encounter and then four other arrows. These four arrows slew the + steeds of Kritavarman, and the other cut off Kritavarman’s bow. Then + Satyaki pierced the charioteer of his foe and those that protected the + latter’s rear, with many keen shafts, to afflict his antagonist’s forces. + The hostile division then, afflicted with Satyaki’s arrows, broke down. + Thereupon, Satyaki of prowess incapable of being baffled, quickly + proceeded on his way. Hear now, O king, what that hero of great valour + then did unto thy troops. Having, O monarch, forded the ocean constituted + by Drona’s division, and filled with joy at having vanquished Kritavarman + in battle, that hero then addressed his charioteer, saying, “Proceed + slowly without fear.” Beholding, however, that army of thine that abounded + with cars, steeds, elephants and foot-soldiers, Satyaki once more told his + charioteer, “That large division which thou seest on left of Drona’s host, + and which looks dark as the clouds, consists of the elephants (of the + foe). Rukmaratha is its leader. Those elephants are many, O charioteer, + and are difficult of being resisted in battle. Urged by Duryodhana, they + wait for me, prepared to cast away their lives. All those combatants are + of princely birth, and great bowmen, and capable of displaying great + prowess in battle, belonging to the country of the Trigartas, they are all + illustrious car-warriors, owning standards decked with gold. Those brave + warriors are waiting, desirous of battle with me. Urge the steeds quickly, + O charioteer and take me thither. I shall fight with the Trigartas in the + very sight of Bharadwaja’s son.” Thus addressed, the charioteer, obedient + to Satwata’s will, proceeded slowly. Upon that bright car of solar + effulgence, equipped with standard, those excellent steeds harnessed + thereto and perfectly obedient to the driver, endued with speed of the + wind, white as the Kunda flower, or the moon, or silver, bore him (to that + spot). As he advanced to battle, drawn by those excellent steeds of the + hue of a conch, those brave warriors encompassed him on all sides with + their elephants, scattering diverse kinds of keen arrows capable of easily + piercing everything. Satwata also fought with that elephant division, + shooting his keen shafts, like a mighty cloud at the end of summer pouring + torrents of rain on a mountain breast. Those elephants slaughtered with + those shafts, whose touch resembled thunder sped by that foremost one + among the Sinis began to fly away from the field, their tusks broken, + bodies covered with blood, heads and frontal globes split open, ears and + faces and trunks cut off, and themselves deprived of riders, and standards + cut down, riders slain, and blankets loosened, ran away, O king, in all + directions. Many amongst them, O monarch, mangled by Satwata with long + shafts and calf-tooth-headed arrows and broad-headed arrows and Anjalikas + and razor-faced arrows and crescent-shaped ones fled away, with blood + flowing down their bodies, and themselves ejecting urine and excreta and + uttering loud and diverse cries, deep as the roar of clouds. And some + amongst the others wandered, and some limped, and some fell down, and some + became pale and cheerless. Thus afflicted by Yuyudhana, with shafts that + resembled the sun or fire, that elephant division fled away in all + directions. After that elephant division was exterminated, the mighty + Jalasandha, exerting himself coolly, led his elephant before Yuyudhana’s + car drawn by white steeds. Cased in golden Angadas, with ear-rings and + diadem, armed with sword, smeared with red sandal-paste, his head + encircled with a blazing chain of gold, his breast covered with a cuirass, + his neck adorned with a bright chain (of gold), that hero of sinless soul, + stationed on the heads of his elephant, shaking his bow decked with gold, + looked resplendent, O king, like a cloud charged with lightning. Like the + continent resisting the surging sea, Satyaki checked that excellent + elephant of the ruler of the Magadhas that approached him with such fury. + Beholding the elephant checked by the excellent shafts of Yuyudhana, the + mighty Jalasandha became filled with rage. Then, O king, the enraged + Jalasandha, pierced Sini’s grandson on his broad chest with some shafts of + great force. With another sharp and well tempered broad-headed arrow, he + cut off the bow of the Vrishni hero while the latter was drawing it. And + then, O Bharata, smiling the while, the heroic ruler of the Magadhas + pierced the bowless Satyaki with five keen shafts. The valiant and + mighty-armed Satyaki, however, though pierced with many shafts by + Jalasandha, trembled not in the least. All this seemed exceedingly + wonderful. Then mighty Yuyudhana without any fear, thought of the shafts + (he should use). Taking up another bow, addressed Jalasandha, saying, + “Wait, Wait!” Saying this much, the grandson of Sini deeply pierced + Jalasandha on his broad breast with sixty arrows, smiling the while. And + with another razor-faced arrow of great sharpness he cut off Jalasandha’s + bow at the handle, and with three more shafts he pierced Jalasandha + himself. Then Jalasandha, casting aside that bow of his with an arrow + fixed thereon, hurled a lance, O sire, at Satyaki. That terrible lance, + passing through the left arm of Madhava in fierce battle, entered the + earth, like a hissing snake of gigantic proportion. And his left arm had + thus been pierced. Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled, struck + Jalasandha with thirty keen shafts. Then mighty Jalasandha taking up his + scimitar and large shield made of bull’s hide and decked with a hundred + moons whirled the former for a while and hurled it at Satwata. Cutting off + the bow of Sini’s grandson, that scimitar fell down on the earth, and + looked resplendent like a circle of fire, as it lay on the earth. Then + Yuyudhana took up another bow capable of piercing everybody, large as a + Sala-offshoot, and of twang resembling the roar of Indra’s thunder, and + filled with rage, stretched it and then pierced Jalasandha with a single + shaft. And then Satyaki, that foremost one of Madhu’s race, smiling the + while, cut off, with a pair of razor-faced arrows, the two arms, decked + with ornaments, of Jalasandha. Thereupon, those two arms, looking like a + couple of spiked maces, fell down from that foremost of elephants, like a + couple of five-headed snakes falling down from a Mountain. And then, with + a third razor-headed arrow, Satyaki cut off his antagonist’s large head + endued with beautiful teeth and adorned with a pair of beautiful + ear-rings. The headless and armless trunk, of fearful aspect, dyed + Jalasandha’s elephant with blood. Having slain Jalasandha, in battle, + Satwata quickly felled the wooden structure, O king, from that elephant’s + back. Bathed in blood, the elephant of Jalasandha bore that costly seat, + hanging down from his back. And afflicted with the arrows of Satwata, the + huge beast crushed friendly ranks as it ran wildly, uttering fierce cries + of pain. Then, O sire, wails of woe arose among thy troops, at the sight + of Jalasandha slain by that bull among the Vrishnis. Thy warriors then, + turning their faces, fled away in all directions. Indeed, despairing of + success over the foe, they set their hearts on flight. Meanwhile, O king, + Drona, that foremost of all wielders of bows, approached the mighty + car-warrior Yuyudhana, borne by his swift coursers. Many bulls among the + Kurus, beholding Sini’s grandson swelling (with rage and pride), rushed at + him with fury, accompanied by Drona. Then commenced a battle, O king, + between the Kurus and Drona (on one side) and Yuyudhana (on the other), + that resembled the awful battle of old between the gods and the Asuras.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0112" id="link72H_4_0112"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Shooting clouds of arrows, all those warriors, + accomplished in smiting, carefully, O monarch, encountered Yuyudhana. + Drona struck him with seven and seventy shafts of great keenness. And + Durmarshana struck him with a dozen, Duhsasana, struck him with ten + shafts. And Vikarna also pierced him on the left side as also on the + centre of the chest with thirty keen shafts equipped with Kanka feathers. + And Durmukha struck him with ten shafts, and Duhsasana with eight, + Chitrasena, O sire, pierced him with a couple of shafts. And Duryodhana, O + king, and many other heroes, afflicted that mighty car-warrior with dense + showers of shafts in that battle. Though checked on all sides by those + mighty car-warriors, viz., thy sons, Yuyudhana of Vrishni’s race pierced + each of them separately with his straight shafts. Indeed, he pierced the + son of Bharadwaja with three shafts, and Duhsasana with nine, and Vikarna + with five and twenty, and Chitrasena with seven, and Durmarshana with a + dozen, and Vivinsati with eight, and Satyavrata with nine, and Vijaya with + ten shafts. And having pierced Rukmangada also that mighty car-warrior, + viz., Satyaki, shaking his bow, speedily proceeded against thy son + (Duryodhana). And Yuyudhana, in the sight of all men, deeply pierced with + his arrows the king, that greatest of car-warriors in the whole world. + Then commenced a battle between those two. Both shooting keen arrows and + both aiming countless shafts, each of those mighty car-warriors made the + other invisible in that battle. And Satyaki, pierced by the Kuru king, + looked exceedingly resplendent as blood copiously ran down his body, like + a sandal tree shedding its juicy secretions. Thy son also pierced by + Satwata with clouds of shafts, looked beautiful like a stake set up (at a + sacrifice) decked all over with gold. Then Madhava, O king, in that + battle, cut off with razor-faced arrow, smiling the while, the bow of the + Kuru king. And then he pierced the bowless king with countless arrows. + Pierced with arrows by that foe of great activity, the king could not + brook this indication of the enemy’s success. Duryodhana then, taking up + another formidable bow, the back of whose staff was decked with gold, + speedily pierced Satyaki with a hundred arrows. Deeply pierced by thy + mighty son armed with the bow, Yuyudhana became inflamed with wrath and + began to afflict thy son. Beholding the king thus afflicted, thy sons, + those mighty car-warriors, shrouded Satyaki with dense showers of arrows, + shot with great force. Whilst being thus shrouded by those mighty + car-warriors, viz., thy multitude of sons, Yuyudhana pierced each of them + with five arrows, and once more with seven. And soon he pierced Duryodhana + with eight swift arrows and, smiling the while, cut off the latter’s bow + that frightened all foes. And with a few arrows he also felled the king’s + standard adorned with a jewelled elephant. And slaying then the four + steeds of Duryodhana with four arrows, the illustrious Satyaki felled the + king’s charioteer with a razor-faced shaft. Meanwhile, Yuyudhana, filled + with joy, pierced the mighty car-warrior, viz., the Kuru king, with many + arrows capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Then, O king, thy son + Duryodhana, while being thus struck in that battle with those excellent + arrows of Sini’s grandson, suddenly fled away. And the king, quickly + mounted the car of Chitrasena, armed with the bow. Beholding the king thus + attacked by Satyaki in battle, and reduced to the position of Soma in the + firmament while seized by Rahu, cries of woe arose from every section of + the Kuru host. Hearing that uproar, the mighty car-warrior Kritavarman + quickly proceeded to that spot where the puissant Madhava was battling. + And Kritavarman proceeded, shaking his bow, and urging his steeds, and + urging his charioteer with the words, “Go with speed, Go with speed!” + Beholding Kritavarman rushing towards him like the Destroyer himself with + wide-open mouth, Yuyudhana, O king, addressed his driver, saying, “That + Kritavarman, armed with arrows, is rushing in his car towards me with + speed.” Then, with his steeds urged to their greatest speed, and on his + car duly equipped, Satyaki came upon the ruler of the Bhojas, the foremost + of all bowmen. Then those two tigers among men, both inflamed with rage, + and both resembling fire encountered each other like two tigers endued + with great activity. Kritavarman pierced Sini’s grandson with six and + twenty whetted arrows of keen points, and the latter’s driver with five + arrows. And skilled in battle, the son of Hridika pierced, with four + mighty shafts, the four excellent and well-broken steeds of Satyaki that + were of the Sindhu breed. Owning a standard decked with gold, and adorned + with golden mail, Kritavarman, shaking his formidable bow, whose staff was + decked with gold, thus checked Yuyudhana with shafts equipped with golden + wings. Then the grandson of Sini, desirous of seeing Dhananjaya, sped with + great activity eight arrows at Kritavarman. That scorcher of foes, then, + deeply pierced by that mighty foe,—that invincible warrior,—began + to tremble like a hill during an earthquake. After this, Satyaki, of + prowess incapable of being baffled, speedily pierced Kritavarman’s four + steeds with three and sixty keen arrows, and his driver also with seven. + Indeed, Satyaki, then aiming another arrow of golden wings, that emitted + blazing flames and resembled an angry snake, or the rod of the Destroyer + himself, pierced Kritavarman. That terrible arrow, penetrating through his + antagonist’s effulgent armour decked with gold, entered the earth, dyed + with blood. Afflicted with the shafts of Satwata, and bathed in blood in + that battle, Kritavarman throwing aside his bow with arrow, fell upon his + car. That lion-toothed hero of immeasurable prowess, that bull among men, + afflicted by Satyaki with his arrows, fell on his knees upon the terrace + of his car. Having thus resisted Kritavarman who resembled the + thousand-armed Arjuna of old, or Ocean himself of immeasurable might, + Satyaki proceeded onwards. Passing through Kritavarman’s division + bristling with swords and darts and bows, and abounding in elephants and + steeds and cars, and out of the ground rendered awful in consequence of + the blood shed by foremost Kshatriyas numbering by hundreds, that bull + among the Sinis proceeded onwards in the very sight of all the troops, + like the slayer of Vritra through the Asura array. Meanwhile, the mighty + son of Hridika, taking up another huge bow, stayed where he was, resisting + Pandavas in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0113" id="link72H_4_0113"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While the (Kuru) host was shaken by the grandson of Sini + in these places (through which he proceeded), the son of Bharadwaja + covered him with a dense shower of arrows. The encounter that then took + place between Drona and Satwata in the very sight of all the troops was + extremely fierce, like that between Vali and Vasava (in days of old). Then + Drona pierced the grandson of Sini on the forehead with three beautiful + arrows made entirely of iron and resembling snakes of virulent poison. + Thus pierced on the forehead with those straight shafts, Yuyudhana, O + king, looked beautiful like a mountain with three summits. The son of + Bharadwaja always on the alert for an opportunity, then sped in that + battle many other arrows of Satyaki which resembled the roar of Indra’s + thunder. Then he of Dasarha’s race, acquainted with the highest weapons, + cut off all those arrows shot from Drona’s bow, with two beautifully + winged arrows of his. Beholding that lightness of hand (in Satyaki), + Drona, O king, smiling the while, suddenly pierced that bull among the + Sinis with thirty arrows. Surpassing by his own lightness the lightness of + Yuyudhana, Drona, once more, pierced the latter with fifty arrows and then + with a hundred. Indeed, those mangling arrows, O king, issued from Drona’s + car, like vigorous snakes in wrath issuing through an ant-hill. Similarly, + blood-drinking arrows shot by Yuyudhana in hundreds and thousands covered + the car of Drona. We did not mark any difference, however, between the + lightness of hand displayed by that foremost of regenerate ones and that + displayed by him of the Satwata race. Indeed, in this respect, both those + bulls among men were equal. Then Satyaki, inflamed with wrath, struck + Drona with nine straight arrows. And he struck Drona’s standard also with + many sharp shafts. And in the sight of Bharadwaja’s son, he pierced the + latter’s driver also with a hundred arrows. Beholding the lightness of + hand displayed by Yuyudhana, the mighty car-warrior Drona piercing + Yuyudhana’s driver with seventy shafts, and each of his (four) steeds with + three, cut off with a single arrow the standard that stood on Madhava’s + car. With another broad-headed arrow, equipped with feathers and with + wings of gold, he cut off in that battle the bow of that illustrious hero + of Madhu’s race. Thereupon, the mighty car-warrior Satyaki, excited with + wrath, laid aside that, taking up a huge mace, hurled it at the son of + Bharadwaja. Drona, however, with many arrows of diverse forms, resisted + that mace, made of iron and twined round with strings, as it coursed + impetuously towards him. Then Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being + baffled, took up another bow and pierced the heroic son of Bharadwaja with + many arrows whetted on stone. Piercing Drona thereby in that battle, + Yuyudhana uttered a leonine shout. Drona, however, that foremost of all + wielders of weapons, was unable to brook that roar. Taking up a dart made + of iron and equipped with golden staff Drona sped it quickly at the car of + Madhava. That dart, however, fatal as Death, without touching the grandson + of Sini, pierced through the latter’s car and entered the earth with a + fierce noise. The grandson of Sini then, O king, pierced Drona with many + winged arrows. Indeed, striking him on the right arm, Satyaki, O bull of + Bharata’s race, afflicted him greatly. Drona also, in that battle, O king, + cut off the huge bow of Madhava with a crescent-shaped arrow and smote the + latter’s driver with a dart. Struck with that dart, Yuyudhana’s driver + swooned away and for a while lay motionless on the terrace of the car. + Then, O Monarch, Satyaki, acting as his own driver, achieved a superhuman + feat, inasmuch as he continued to fight with Drona and hold the reins + himself. Then the mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana struck that Brahmana with a + hundred arrows in that battle, and rejoiced exceedingly, O monarch, at the + feat he had achieved. Then Drona, O Bharata, sped at Satyaki five arrows. + Those fierce arrows, piercing Satyaki’s armour, drank his blood in that + battle. Thus pierced with those frightful arrows, Satyaki became inflamed + with wrath. In return, that hero shot many shafts at him of the golden + car. Then felling on the earth with a single shaft, the driver of Drona, + he caused next, with his arrows, those driverless steeds of his antagonist + to fly away. Thereupon that car was dragged to a distance. Indeed, the + bright chariot of Drona, O king, began to trace a thousand circles in the + field of battle like a sun in motion. Then all the kings and princes (of + the Kaurava host) made a loud uproar, exclaiming, “Run, Rush, Seize the + steeds of Drona.” Quickly abandoning Satyaki in that battle, O monarch, + all those mighty car-warriors rushed to the place where Drona was. + Beholding those car-warriors run away afflicted with the arrows of + Satyaki, thy troops once more broke down and became exceedingly cheerless. + Meanwhile, Drona, once more proceeding to the gate of the array, took up + his station there, borne away (from Satyaki’s presence) by those steeds, + fleet as the wind, that had been, afflicted with the shafts of the Vrishni + hero. The valiant son of Bharadwaja, beholding the array broken (in his + absence) by the Pandavas and the Panchalas, made no endeavour to follow + the grandson of Sini, but employed himself in protecting his (broken) + array. Checking the Pandavas and the Panchalas then, the Drona fire, + blazing up in wrath stayed there, consuming everything, like the sun that + rises at the end of the Yuga.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0114" id="link72H_4_0114"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having vanquished Drona and other warriors of thy army, + headed by the son of Hridika, that foremost of men, viz., that bull + amongst the Sinis, O foremost one of the Kurus, laughing said unto his + charioteer, “Our foes, O Suta, had already been consumed by Kesava and + Phalguna. In vanquishing them (again), we have only been the (ostensible) + means. Already slain by that bull among men, viz., the son of the + celestial chief, we have but slain the dead.” Saying these words unto his + charioteer, that bull amongst the Sinis, that foremost of bowmen, that + slayer of hostile heroes, that mighty warrior, scattering with great force + his arrows all around in that dreadful battle, proceeded like a hawk in + search of prey. The Kuru warriors, although they attacked him from all + sides, succeeded not in resisting that foremost of car-warriors, + resembling the sun himself of a thousand rays, that foremost of men, who, + having pierced the Kaurava ranks, was proceeding, borne by those excellent + steeds of his that were white as the moon or a conch. Indeed, O Bharata, + none amongst those that fought on thy side could resist Yuyudhana of + irresistible prowess, of might incapable of impairment, of valour equal to + that of him of a thousand eyes, and looking like the autumnal sun in the + firmament. Then that foremost of kings, viz., Sudarsana, conversant with + all modes of warfare, clad in golden coat of mail, armed with bow and + arrows and filled with rage, advanced against the rushing Satyaki and + endeavoured to check his course. Then the encounter that took place + between them was fierce in the extreme. And both thy warriors and the + Somakas, O king highly applauded the encounter as between Vritra and + Vasava. Sudarsana endeavoured to pierce that foremost one of the Satwata’s + in that battle with hundreds of keen shafts before they could reach him. + Similarly, Sudarsana, stationed on his foremost of cars, cut off, by means + of his own excellent shafts in two or three fragments all the shafts that + Satyaki, resembling Indra himself, sped at him. Beholding his shafts + baffled by the force of Satyaki’s shafts, Sudarsana of fierce energy, as + if to consume (his foe), wrathfully shot beautiful arrows winged with + gold. And once more he pierced his enemy with three beautiful arrows + resembling fire itself and equipped with wings of gold, shot from his + bow-string drawn to the ear. Those piercing through Satyaki’s armour, + penetrated into the latter’s body. Similarly, that (prince, viz., + Sudarsana), aiming four other blazing arrows, smote therewith the four + steeds of Satyaki that were white as silver in hue. Thus afflicted by him + the grandson of Sini, endued with great activity and possessed of prowess + equal to that of Indra himself speedily slew with his keen shafts the + steeds of Sudarsana and uttered a loud roar. Then cutting off with a + broad-headed arrow endued with the force of Sakra’s thunder, the head of + Sudarsana’s driver, the foremost one amongst the Sinis with a razor-faced + arrow resembling the Yuga-fire, cut off from Sudarsana’s trunk his head + graced with ear-rings, resembling the moon at full, and decked with an + exceedingly radiant face, like the wielder of the thunder, O king, in days + of old, forcibly cutting off the head of the mighty Vala in battle. That + high-souled bull among the Yadus then, endued with great activity thus + slaying that grandson of a prince, became filled with delight and shone + resplendent, O monarch, like the chief of the celestials himself. + Yuyudhana, then, that hero among men, proceeded along the track by which + Arjuna had passed before him, checking (as he went) by means of clouds of + shafts, all thy troops, and riding on that same car of his, O king, unto + which were yoked those excellent steeds and filling everybody with + amazement. All the foremost of warriors there, assembled together, + applauded that foremost of amazing feats achieved by him, for he consumed + all foes that came within reach of his arrows, like a conflagration + consuming everything in its way.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0115" id="link72H_4_0115"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then that bull of Vrishni’s race, viz., the high-souled + Satyaki of great intelligence, having slain Sudarsana, once more addressed + his driver, saying, “Having forded through the almost unfordable ocean of + Drona’s division, teeming with cars and steeds and elephants, whose waves + are constituted by arrows and darts, fishes by swords and scimitars and + alligators by maces, which roar with the whiz of shafts and the clash of + diverse weapons,—an ocean that is fierce and destructive of life, + and resounds with the noise of diverse musical instruments, whose touch is + unpleasant and unbearable to warriors of victory, and whose margin is + infested with fierce cannibals represented by the force of Jalasandha.—I + think, the portion of the array that remains may easily be forded like a + poor stream of shallow water. Urge thou the steeds, therefore, without + fear. I think, I am very near to Savyasachin. Having vanquished in battle + the invincible Drona with his followers, and that foremost of warriors, + viz., the son of Hridika, I think, I cannot be distant from Dhananjaya. + Fear never comes to my heart even if I behold countless foes before me. + These to me are like a heap of straw and grass to a blazing conflagration + in the woods. Behold, the track by which the diadem-decked (Arjuna), that + foremost one among the Pandavas, hath gone, is rendered uneven with large + bodies of foot-soldiers and steeds and car-warriors and elephants lying + slain on the ground. Behold, routed by that high-souled warrior, the + Kaurava army is flying away. Behold, O charioteer, a dark brown dust is + raised by those retreating cars and elephants and steeds. I think, I am + very near to Arjuna of white steeds having Krishna for his charioteer. + Hark, the well-known twang of Gandiva of immeasurable energy is being + heard. From the character of the omens that appear to my view, I am sure + that Arjuna will slay the ruler of the Sindhus before the sun sets. + Without causing their strength to be spent, urge the steeds slowly to + where those hostile ranks are staying, that is, to where yonder warriors + headed by Duryodhana, their hands cased in leathern fences, and yonder + Kamvojas of fierce deeds, clad in mail and difficult of being defeated in + battle, and those Yavanas armed with bow and arrows and skilled in + smiting, and under Sakas and Daradas and Barbaras and Tamraliptakas, and + other countless Mlecchas, armed with diverse weapons, are,—to the + spot (I repeat) where, indeed, yonder warriors headed by Duryodhana, their + hands cased in leathern fences,—are waiting with their faces turned + towards me and inspired with the resolution of battling with me. Regard me + to have already passed through this fierce fastness, O Suta, having slain + in battle all these combatants with cars and elephants and steeds and + foot-soldiers that are amongst them." </p> + <p> + “‘The charioteer, thus addressed, said, “O thou of Vrishni’s race, fear I + have none, O thou of prowess that cannot be baffled! If thou hast before + the Jamadagni’s son himself in wrath, or Drona, that foremost of + car-warriors, or the ruler of the Madras himself, even then fear doth not + enter my heart, O thou of mighty arms, as long as I am under the shadow of + thy protection, O slayer of foes, countless Kamvojas, clad in mail, of + fierce deeds, and difficult to defeat in battle, have already been + vanquished by thee, as also many Yavanas armed with bow and arrows and + accomplished in smiting, including Sakas and Daradas and Tamraliptakas, + and many other Mlecchas armed with various weapons. Never before did I + experience fear in any battle. Why shall I, therefore, O thou of great + courage, experience any fear in this miserable fray? O thou that art + blessed with length of days, by which way shall I take thee to where + Dhananjaya is? With whom hast thou been angry, O thou of Vrishni’s race? + Who are they that will fly away from battle, beholding thee endued with + such a prowess, resembling the Destroyer himself as he appears at the end + of the Yuga, and putting forth that prowess of thine (against thy foes)? O + thou of mighty arms, who are they of whom king Vaivaswata is thinking + today?" </p> + <p> + “‘Satyaki said, “Like Vasava destroying the Danavas, I shall slay these + warriors with shaved heads. By slaying these Kamvojas I will fulfil my + vow. Bear me thither. Causing a great carnage amongst these, I shall today + repair to the dear son of Pandu. The Kauravas, with Suyodhana at their + head, will today behold my prowess, when this division of Mlecchas, of + shaved heads, will have been exterminated and the whole Kaurava army put + to the greatest distress. Hearing the loud wails of the Kaurava host, + today, mangled and broken by me in battle Suyodhana will be inspired with + grief. Today, I shall show unto my preceptor, the high-souled Pandava, of + white steeds, the skill in weapons acquired by me from him. Beholding + today thousands of foremost warriors slain with my arrows, king Duryodhana + will be plunged into great grief. The Kauravas will today behold the bow + in my hands to resemble a circle of fire when, light-handed, I will + stretch the bowstring for shooting my host of shafts. Beholding the + incessant slaughter of his troops today, their bodies covered with blood + and pierced all over with my shafts, Suyodhana will be filled with grief. + While I shall slay in wrath the foremost of Kuru warriors, Suyodhana will + today behold to count two Arjunas. Beholding thousands of kings slain by + me in battle, king Duryodhana will be filled with grief in today’s great + battle. Slaying thousands of kings today, I will show my love and devotion + to those high-souled ones, viz., the royal sons of Pandu. The Kauravas + will know today the measure of my might and energy, and my gratefulness + (to the Pandavas).”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed, the charioteer urged to their utmost + speed those well-trained coursers of delightful pace and of the hue of the + moon. Those excellent animals, endued with the speed of the wind or + thought, proceeded, devouring the very skies, and bore Yuyudhana to the + spot where those Yavanas were. Thereupon, the Yavanas, many in number and + endued with lightness of hands, approaching unretreating Satyaki, covered + him with showers of arrows. The rushing Satyaki, however, O king, cut off + by means of his own straight arrows, all those shafts and weapons of the + Yavanas. Inflamed with wrath, Yuyudhana then, with his straight shafts of + great sharpness, winged with gold and vulture’s feathers, cut off the + heads and arms of those Yavanas. Many of those arrows, again, piercing + through their coats of mail, made of iron and brass, entered the earth. + Struck by the brave Satyaki in that battle, the Mlecchas began to fall + down on the earth in hundreds, deprived of life. With his arrows shot in + continuous lines from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, that hero + began to slay five, six, seven, or eight Yavanas at a time. Thousands of + Kamvojas, and Sakas, and Barbaras, were similarly slain by Satyaki. + Indeed, the grandson of Sini, causing a great carnage among thy troops, + made the earth impassable and miry with flesh and blood. The field of + battle was strewn with the head-gears of those robbers and their shaved + heads too that looked, in consequence of their long beards, like + featherless birds. Indeed, the field of battle covered with headless + trunks dyed all over with blood, looked beautiful like the welkin covered + with coppery clouds. Slain by Satwata by means of his straight shafts + whose touch resembled that of Indra’s thunder, the Yavanas covered the + surface of the earth. The small remnant of those mail-clad troops + vanquished in battle, O king, by Satwata, becoming cheerless, their lives + on the point of being taken, broke and urging their steeds with goads and + whips to their utmost speed, fled from fear in all directions. Routing the + invincible Kamvoja host in battle, O Bharata, as also that host of the + Yavanas and that large force of the Sakas, that tiger among men who had + penetrated into thy army, viz., Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being + baffled, crowned with victory, urged his charioteer, saying, “Proceed!” + Beholding that feat of his in battle, never before achieved by any one + else, the Charanas and the Gandharvas applauded him highly. Indeed, O + king, the Charanas, as also thy warriors, beholding Yuyudhana thus + proceeded for aiding Arjuna, became filled with delight (at his + heroism).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0116" id="link72H_4_0116"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having thus vanquished the Yavanas and the Kamvojas that + foremost of car-warriors, viz., Yuyudhana, proceeded towards Arjuna, right + through the midst of thy troops. Like a hunter slaying deer, that tiger + among men, (Satyaki), endued with beautiful teeth, clad in excellent + armour, and owning a beautiful standard, slew the Kaurava troops and + inspired them with fear. Proceeding on his car, he shook his bow with + great force, that bow, the back of whose staff was decked with gold, whose + toughness was great, and which was adorned with many golden moons. His + arms decked with golden Angadas, his head-gear adorned with gold; his body + clad in golden mail, his standard and bow also was so embellished with + gold, that he shone like the summit of Meru. Himself shedding such + effulgence, and bearing that circular bow in his hand, he looked like a + second sun in autumn. That bull among men, possessing the shoulders and + the tread and eyes of a bull, looked in the midst of thy troops, like a + bull in a cow-pen. Thy warriors approached him from desire of slaughter + like a tiger approaching the leader, with rent temples, of an + elephant-herd, standing proudly in the midst of his herd, resembling as he + did and possessed as he was of the tread of an infuriated elephant. + Indeed, after he had passed through Drona’s division, and the unfordable + division of the Bhojas, after he had forded through the sea of + Jalasandha’s troops as also the host of the Kamvojas, after he had escaped + the alligator constituted by Hridika’s son, after he had traversed those + ocean-like host, many car-warriors of thy army, excited with wrath, + surrounded Satyaki. And Duryodhana and Chitrasena and Duhsasana and + Vivinsati, and Sakuni and Duhsaha, and the youthful Durdharshana, and + Kratha, and many other brave warriors well-conversant with weapons and + difficult of defeat, wrathfully followed Satyaki from behind as he + proceeded onwards. Then, O sire, loud was the uproar that arose among thy + troops, resembling that of the ocean itself at full tide when lashed into + fury by the tempest. Beholding all those warriors rushing at him, that + bull among the Sinis smilingly addressed his charioteer, saying, “Proceed + slowly. The Dhartarashtra force, swelling (with rage and pride), and + teeming with elephants and steeds and cars and foot-soldiers, that is + rushing with speed towards me, filling the ten points of the compass with + deep roar of its cars, O charioteer, and causing the earth, the welkin, + and the very seas, to tremble, therewith,—this sea of troops, O + driver, I will resist in great battle, like the continent resisting the + ocean swelling to its utmost height at full moon. Behold, O charioteer, my + prowess which is equal to that of Indra himself in great battle. I will + consume this hostile force by means of my whetted arrows. Behold these + foot-soldiers and horsemen and car-warriors, and elephants slain by me in + thousands, their bodies pierced with my fiery arrows.” While saying these + words (unto his charioteer), those combatants from desire of battle, + speedily came before Satyaki of immeasurable prowess. They made a loud + noise, saying as they came, “Slay, Rush, Wait, See, See!” Of those brave + warriors that said these words, Satyaki, by means of his sharp arrows, + slew three hundred horsemen and four hundred elephants. The passage at + arms between those united bowmen (on the one side) and Satyaki (on the + other) was exceedingly fierce, resembling that between the gods and the + Asuras (in days of old). An awful carnage set in. The grandson of Sini + received with his shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison that force, + O sire, of thy son which looked like a mass of clouds. Shrouding every + side, in that battle with his arrowy downpours, that valiant hero, O + monarch, fearlessly slew a large number of thy troops. Exceedingly + wonderful, O king, was the sight that I witnessed there, viz., that not an + arrow even, O lord, of Satyaki failed in effect. That sea of troops, + abounding in cars and elephants and steeds, and full of waves constituted + by foot-soldiers, stood still as soon as it came in contact with the + Satyaki continent. That host consisting of panic-stricken combatants and + elephants and steeds, slaughtered on all sides by Satyaki with his shafts + repeatedly turned round, and wandered hither and thither as if afflicted + with the chilling blasts of winter. We saw not foot-soldiers or + car-warriors or elephants or horsemen or steeds that were not struck with + Yuyudhana’s arrows. Not even Phalguna, O king, had caused such a carnage + there as Satyaki, O monarch, then caused among those troops. That bull + among men, viz., the dauntless grandson of Sini, endued with great + lightness of hand and displaying the utmost skill, fighteth, surpassing + Arjuna himself. Then king Duryodhana pierced the charioteer of Satwata + with three keen shafts and his four steeds with four shafts. And he + pierced Satyaki himself with three arrows and once again with eight. And + Duhsasana pierced that bull among the Sinis with sixteen arrows. And + Sakuni pierced him with five and twenty arrows and Chitrasena with five. + And Duhsasana pierced Satyaki in the chest with five and ten arrows. That + tiger amongst the Vrishnis then, thus struck with their arrows, proudly + pierced every one of them, O monarch, with three arrows. Deeply piercing + all his foes with shafts endued with great energy, the grandson of Sini, + possessed of great activity and prowess, careered on the field with the + celerity of a hawk. Cutting off the bow of Suvala’s son and the leathern + fence that cased his hand, Yuyudhana pierced Duryodhana in the centre of + the chest with three shafts. And he pierced Chitrasena with a hundred + arrows, and Duhsaha with ten. And that bull of Sini’s race then pierced + Duhsasana with twenty arrows. Thy brother-in-law (Sakuni) then, O king, + taking up another bow, pierced Satyaki with eight arrows and once more + with five. And Duhsasana pierced him with three. And Durmukha, O king, + pierced Satyaki with a dozen shafts. And Duryodhana, having pierced + Madhava with three and seventy arrows, then pierced his charioteer with + three keen shafts. Then Satyaki pierced each of those brave and mighty + car-warriors vigorously contending in battle together with five shafts in + return. Then the foremost of car-warriors, (viz., Yuyudhana) speedily + struck thy son’s charioteer with a broad-headed shaft; whereupon, the + latter deprived of life, fell down on the earth. Upon the fall of the + charioteer, O lord, thy son’s car was taken away from the battle by the + steeds yoked thereto, with the speed of the wind. Then thy sons, O king, + and the other warriors, O monarch, setting their eyes on the king’s car + fled away in hundreds. Beholding that host fly away, O Bharata, Satyaki + covered it with showers of keen shafts whetted on stone and equipped with + wings of gold. Routing all thy combatants counting by thousands, Satyaki, + O king, proceeded towards the car of Arjuna. Indeed, thy troops worshipped + Yuyudhana, beholding him shooting arrows and protecting his charioteer and + himself as he fought in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0117" id="link72H_4_0117"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Beholding the grandson of Sini proceeding towards + Arjuna, grinding as he went that large force, what, indeed, O Sanjaya, did + those shameless sons of mine do? When Yuyudhana who is equal to + Savyasachin himself was before them, how, indeed, could those wretches, + that were at the point of death, set their hearts upon battle? What also + did all those Kshatriyas, vanquished in battle, then, do? How, indeed, + could Satyaki of world-wide renown pass through them in battle? How also, + O Sanjaya, when my sons were alive, could the grandson of Sini go to + battle? Tell me all this. This is exceedingly wonderful, O sire, that I + have heard from thee, viz., this encounter between one and the many, the + latter, again, being all mighty car-warriors. O Suta, I think, Destiny is + now unpropitious to my sons, since so many mighty car-warriors have been + slain by that one warrior of the Satwata race. Alas, O Sanjaya, my army is + no match for even one warrior, viz., Yuyudhana inflamed with wrath. Let + all the Pandavas hang up these weapons. Vanquishing in battle Drona + himself who skilled in weapons and conversant with all modes of warfare, + Satyaki will slay my sons, like a lion slaying smaller animals. Numerous + heroes, of whom Kritavarman is the first, contending vigorously in battle, + could not slay Yuyudhana. The latter, without doubt, will slay my sons. + Phalguna himself fought not in the manner in which the renowned grandson + of Sini has fought.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘All this, O king, has been brought about by thy evil + counsels and the acts of Duryodhana. Listen attentively to what, O + Bharata, I say unto thee. At the command of thy son, the Samsaptakas, + rallying, all resolved upon fighting fiercely. Three thousand bowmen + headed by Duryodhana, with a number of Sakas and Kamvojas and Valhikas and + Yavanas and Paradas, and Kalingas and Tanganas and Amvashtas and Pisachas + and Barbaras and mountaineers, O monarch, inflamed with rage and armed + with stone, all rushed against the grandson of Sini like insects against a + blazing fire. Five hundred other warriors, O king, similarly rushed + against Satyaki. And another mighty body consisting of a thousand cars, a + hundred great car-warriors, a thousand elephants, two thousand heroes, and + countless foot-soldiers, also rushed against the grandson of Sini. + Duhsasana, O Bharata, urging all those warriors, saying, “Slay him,” + surrounded Satyaki therewith. Grand and wonderful was the conduct that we + then beheld of Sini’s grandson, inasmuch as alone he fought fearlessly + with those innumerable foes. And he slew that entire body of car-warriors + and that elephant force, and all those horsemen and that entire body of + robbers. Like the autumnal firmament bespangled with stars, the field of + battle there became strewn with car-wheels broken and crushed by means of + his mighty weapons with innumerable Akshas and beautiful cart-shafts + reduced to fragments, with crushed elephants and fallen standards, with + coats of mail and shields scattered all about, with garlands and ornaments + and robes and Anuskarshas, O sire! Many foremost of elephants, huge as + hills, and born of the race of Anjana or Vamana, O Bharata, or of other + races, many foremost of tuskers, O king, lay there on the ground, deprived + of life. And Satyaki slew, O monarch, many foremost of steeds of the + Vanayu, the mountain, the Kamvoja and the Valhika breeds. And the grandson + of Sini also slew foot-soldiers there, in hundreds and thousands, born in + various realms and belonging to various nations. Whilst those soldiers + were being thus slaughtered, Duhsasana, addressing the robbers said, “Ye + warriors unacquainted with morality, fight! Why do you retreat?” Beholding + them run away without paying any heed to his words, thy son Duhsasana + urged on the brave mountaineers, skilled in fighting with stones, saying, + “Ye are accomplished in battling with stones. Satyaki is ignorant of this + mode of warfare. Stay ye, therefore, that warrior who, though desirous of + battle, is ignorant of your mode of fight. The Kauravas also are all + unacquainted with this mode of battle. Rush ye at Satyaki. Do not fear. + Satyaki will not be able to approach you.” Thus urged, those Kshatriyas + dwelling on the mountains, all acquainted with the method of fighting with + stones, rushed towards the grandson of Sini like ministers towards a king. + Those denizens of the mountain then, with stones huge as elephants’ heads + uplifted in their hands, stood before Yuyudhana in that battle. Others, + urged by thy son, and desirous of slaying Satwata, encompassed the latter + on all sides, armed with missiles. Then, Satyaki, aiming at those warriors + rushing at him from desire of fighting with stones, sped at them showers + of keen shafts. That bull amongst the Sinis, with those shafts looking + like snakes, cut into fragments that dense shower of stones thrown by the + mountaineers. The fragments of those stones, looking like a swarm of + blazing fire-flies, slew many combatants there, whereupon, O sire, cries + of oh and alas arose on the field. Then, again, five hundred brave + warriors with huge stones uplifted in their hands, fell down, O king, on + the ground, their arms cut off. And once more a full thousand, and again a + hundred thousand, amongst others, fell down without being able to approach + Satyaki, their arms with stones still in grasp cut off by him. Indeed, + Satyaki slew many thousands of those warriors fighting with stones. All + this seemed exceedingly wonderful. Then many of them, returning to the + fight, hurled at Satyaki showers of stones. And armed with swords and + lances many Daradas and Tanganas and Khasas and Lampakas and Pulindas, + hurled their weapons at him. Satyaki however, well-conversant with the + application of weapons, cut off those stones and weapons by means of his + shafts. Those stones while being pierced, broken in the welkin by + Satyaki’s whetted shafts, produced a fierce noise, at which many + car-warriors and steeds and elephants fled away from battle. And struck + with the fragments of those stones, men and elephants and steeds, became + incapable of staying in battle, for they felt as if they were bit by + wasps. The small remnant of the elephants (that had attacked Satyaki), + covered with blood, their heads, and frontal globes split open, then fled + away from Yuyudhana’s car. Then there arose among thy troops, O sire, + while they were being thus ground by Madhava a noise like that of the + ocean at full tide. Hearing that great uproar, Drona, addressing his + charioteer, said, “O Suta, that great car-warrior of the Satwata race, + excited with wrath, is tearing our army into diverse fragments, and + careering in battle like the Destroyer himself. Take thou the car to that + spot whence this furious uproar is coming. Without doubt, Yuyudhana is + engaged with the mountaineers who battle with stones. Our car-warriors are + seen also to be borne away by their wildly running steeds. Many amongst + them, weaponless and armourless and wounded, are falling down. The + charioteers are unable to check their steeds as these are rushing wildly.” + Hearing these words of Bharadwaja’s son, the charioteer said unto Drona, + that foremost of wielders of weapons, “Thou blest with length of days, the + Kaurava troops are flying away. Behold, our warriors, routed (by the foe), + are flying in all directions. There, again, those heroes, viz., the + Panchalas, and the Pandavas, united together, are rushing from all sides + from desire of slaughtering thee. O chastiser of foes, do thou determine + which of these tasks should first demand attention. Should we stay here + (to meet the advancing Pandava), or should we proceed (towards Satyaki)? + As regards Satyaki, he is now far ahead of us.” While the charioteer, O + sire, was speaking thus unto Bharadwaja’s son, the grandson of Sini + suddenly appeared to the view, engaged in slaughtering a large number of + car-warriors. Those troops of thine, while being thus slaughtered by + Yuyudhana in battle, fled away from Yuyudhana’s car towards where Drona’s + division was. Those (other) car-warriors also with whom Duhsasana had + proceeded, all struck with panic, similarly rushed to the spot where + Drona’s car was seen.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0118" id="link72H_4_0118"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Duhsasana’s car staying near his, the son of + Bharadwaja, addressing Duhsasana, said these words, “Why, O Duhsasana, are + all these cars flying away? Is the king well? Is the ruler of the Sindhus + yet alive? Thou art a prince. Thou art a brother of the king. Thou art a + mighty car-warrior. Why dost thou fly away from battle? (Securing the + throne to thy brother), become thou that Prince-Regent. Thou hadst + formerly said unto Draupadi, ‘Thou art our slave, having been won by us at + dice. Without being confined to thy husbands, cast aside thy chastity. Be + thou a bearer of robes to the king, my eldest brother. Thy husbands are + all dead. They are as worthless as grains of sesamum without kernel.’ + Having said these words then, why, O Duhsasana, dost thou fly from battle + now? Having thyself provoked such fierce hostilities with the Panchalas + and the Pandavas, why art thou afraid in battle in the presence of Satyaki + alone? Taking up the dice on the occasion of the gambling match, couldst + thou not divine that those dice then handled by thee would soon transform + themselves into fierce shafts resembling snakes of virulent poison? It was + thou that hadst formerly applied diverse abusive epithets towards the + Pandavas. The woes of Draupadi have thee for their root. Where now is that + pride, that insolence, that brag of thine? Why dost thou fly, having + angered the Pandavas, those terrible snakes of virulent poison? When thou + that art a brave brother of Suyodhana, are intent on flight, without + doubt, O hero, thou shouldst today protect, relying on the energy of thy + own arms, this routed and panic-stricken Kaurava host. Without doing this, + thou, however, forsakest the battle in fear and enhancest the joy of thy + foes. O slayer of foes, when thou that art the leader of thy host, fliest + away thus, who else will stay in battle? When thou, its refuge, art + frightened, who is there that will not be frightened? Fighting with a + single warrior of the Satwata race, thy heart is inclined towards flight + from battle. What, however, O Kaurava, wilt thou do when thou wilt see the + wielder of Gandiva in battle, or Bhimasena, or the twins (Nakula and + Sahadeva)? The shafts of Satyaki, frightened by which thou seekest safety + in flight, are scarcely equal to those of Phalguna in battle that resemble + the sun or fire in splendour. If thy heart is firmly bent on flight, let + the sovereignty of the earth then, upon the conclusion of peace, be given + to king Yudhishthira the Just. Before the shafts of Phalguna, resembling + snakes freed from their sloughs, enter thy body, make peace with the + Pandavas. Before the high-souled Parthas, slaying thy hundred brothers in + battle, wrest the earth by force, make peace with the Pandavas. Before + king Yudhishthira is enraged, and Krishna also, that delighter in battle, + makes peace with the Pandavas. Before the mighty-armed Bhima, penetrating + into this vast host, seizes thy brothers, make peace with the Pandavas. + Bhishma formerly told thy brother Suyodhana, ‘The Pandavas are + unconquerable in battle. O amiable one, make peace with them.’ Thy wicked + brother Suyodhana however, did not do it. Therefore, setting thy heart + firmly on battle, fight vigorously with the Pandavas. Go quickly on thy + car to the spot where Satyaki is. Without thee, O Bharata, this host will + fly away. For the sake of thy own self, fight in battle with Satyaki, of + prowess incapable of being baffled.” Thus addressed (by Drona), thy son + said not a word in reply. Feigning not to have heard the words (of + Bharadwaja’s son), Duhsasana proceeded to the place where Satyaki was. + Accompanied by a large force of unretreating Mlecchas, and coming upon + Satyaki in battle, Duhsasana fought vigorously with that hero. Drona also, + that foremost of car-warriors, excited with wrath, rushed against the + Panchalas and the Pandavas, with moderate speed. Penetrating into the + midst of the Pandava host in that battle, Drona began to crush their + warriors by hundreds and thousands. And Drona, O king, proclaiming his + name in that battle, caused a great carnage among the Pandavas, the + Panchalas, and the Matsyas. The illustrious Viraketu, the son of the ruler + of the Panchalas, rushed against the son of Bharadwaja who thus engaged in + vanquishing the Pandava ranks. Piercing Drona with five straight shafts, + that prince then pierced Drona’s standard with one shaft, and then his + charioteer with seven. The sight that I then beheld, O monarch, in that + battle, was exceedingly wonderful, inasmuch as Drona, though exerting + himself vigorously could not approach the prince of the Panchalas. Then, O + sire, the Panchalas, beholding Drona checked in battle, surrounded the + latter on all sides, O king, from desire of king Yudhishthira’s victory. + And those warriors then covered Drona along with showers of fiery shafts + and strong lances and various other kinds of weapons, O king! Baffling + then those dense showers of weapons by means of his own numerous shafts + like the wind driving away from the welkin masses of clouds, Drona looked + exceedingly resplendent. Then that slayer of hostile heroes (the son of + Bharadwaja), aimed a fierce shaft endued with the effulgence of the sun or + the fire, at the car of Viraketu. The shaft, O monarch, piercing through + the prince of Panchala, quickly entered the earth, bathed in blood and + blazing like a flame of fire. Then the prince of the Panchalas quickly + fell down from his car, like a Champaka tree uprooted by the wind, falling + down from a mountain summit. Upon the fall of that great bowman, that + prince endued with great might, the Panchalas speedily encompassed Drona + on every side. Then Chitraketu, and Sudhanwan, and Chitravarman, O + Bharata, and Chitraratha also, all afflicted with grief on account of + their (slain) brother, together rushed against the son of Bharadwaja, + desirous of battling with him, and shooting shafts (at him) like the + clouds (pouring) at the end of summer. Struck from all sides by those + mighty car-warriors of royal lineage, that bull among Brahmanas mustered + all his energy and wrath for their destruction. Then Drona shot showers of + shafts at them. Struck with those shafts of Drona shot from his bow to its + fullest stretch, those princes, O best of monarchs, became confounded and + knew not what to do. The angry Drona, O Bharata, beholding those princes + stupefied, smilingly deprived them of their steeds and charioteers and + cars in that battle. Then the illustrious son of Bharadwaja, by means of + his sharp arrows and broad-headed shafts, cut off their heads, like a + person plucking flowers from a tree. Deprived of life, those princes + there, O king of great splendour, fell down from their cars on the earth, + like the (slain) Daityas and Danavas in the battle between the gods and + the Asuras in days of old. Having slain them in battle, O king, the + valiant son of Bharadwaja shook his invincible bow, the back of whose + staff was decked with gold. Beholding those mighty car-warriors, + resembling the very celestials among the Panchalas slain, Dhrishtadyumna + inflamed with rage, shed tears in that battle. Excited with wrath, he + rushed, in that encounter, against Drona’s car. Then, O king, cries of woe + suddenly arose there at the sight of Drona covered with arrows by the + prince of Panchala. Completely shrouded by the high-souled son of + Prishata, Drona, however, suffered no pain. On the other hand, he + continued to fight, smiling the while. The prince of the Panchalas then, + furious with rage, struck Drona in the chest with many straight shafts. + Deeply pierced by that mighty warrior, the illustrious son Of Bharadwaja + sat down on the terrace of his car and fell into a swoon. Beholding him in + that condition, Dhrishtadyumna endued with great prowess and energy, laid + aside his bow and quickly took up a sword. That mighty car-warrior then, + speedily jumping down from his own car, mounted that of Bharadwaja, O + sire, in no time, his eyes red in wrath and impelled by the desire of + cutting Drona’s head from off his trunk. Meanwhile, the valiant Drona, + regaining his senses, took up his bow and seeing Dhrishtadyumna arrived so + near him from desire of slaughter, began to pierce that mighty car-warrior + with shafts measuring a span only in length and therefore, fit to be used + in close fight. Those arrows of the measure of a span and fit to be used + in close fight, were known to Drona, O king! And with them he succeeded in + weakening Dhrishtadyumna. The mighty Dhrishtadyumna, struck with a large + number of those arrows, quickly jumped down from Drona’s car. Then, that + hero of great prowess, his impetuosity baffled, mounted upon his own car + and once more took up his large bow. And the mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtadyumna once more began to pierce Drona in that battle. And Drona + also, O monarch, began to pierce the son of Prishata with his arrows. + Thereupon, the battle that took place between Drona and the prince of the + Panchalas was wonderful in the extreme, like that between Indra and + Prahlada, both desirous of the sovereignty of the three worlds. Both + conversant with the ways of battle, they careered over the field, + displaying diverse motions of their cars and mangling each other with + their shafts. And Drona and Prishata’s son, stupefying the mind of the + warriors, shot showers of shafts like two mighty clouds (pouring torrents + of rain) in the rainy season. And those illustrious warriors shrouded with + their shafts the welkin, the points of the compass, and the earth. And all + creatures, viz., the Kshatriyas, O king, and all the other combatants + there, highly applauded that battle between them. And the Panchalas, O + king, loudly exclaimed, “Without doubt, Drona, having encountered + Dhrishtadyumna in battle, will succumb to us. Then Drona, in that battle, + quickly cut off the head of Dhristadyumna’s charioteer like a person + plucking a ripe fruit from a tree. Then the steeds, O king, of the + high-souled Dhrishtadyumna ran away and after those steeds had carried + away Dhrishtadyumna from the field, Drona, endued with great prowess, + began to rout the Panchalas and the Srinjayas in that battle. Having + vanquished the Pandus and the Panchalas, Bharadwaja’s son of great + prowess, that chastiser of foes, once more took up his station in the + midst of his own array. And the Pandavas, O lord, ventured not to vanquish + him in battle.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0119" id="link72H_4_0119"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Meanwhile, O king, Duhsasana rushed against the grandson + of Sini, scattering thousands of shafts like a mighty cloud pouring + torrents of rain. Having pierced Satyaki with sixty arrows and once more + with sixteen, he failed to make that hero tremble, for the latter stood in + battle, immovable as the Mainaka mountain. Accompanied by a large throng + of cars hailing from diverse realms, that foremost one of Bharata’s race + shot numberless arrows, and filled all the points of the compass with + roars deep as those of the clouds. Beholding the Kaurava coming to battle, + Satyaki of mighty arms rushed towards him and shrouded him with his + shafts. They that were at the van of Duhsasana, thus covered with those + arrowy showers, all fled away in fear, in the very sight of thy son. After + they had fled away, O monarch, thy son Duhsasana, O king, remained + fearlessly in battle and began to afflict Satyaki with arrows. And + piercing the four steeds of Satyaki with four arrows, his charioteer with + three, and Satyaki himself with a hundred in that battle, Duhsasana + uttered a loud roar. Then, O monarch, Madhava, inflamed with rage, soon + made Duhsasana’s car and driver and standard and Duhsasana himself + invisible by means of his straight arrows. Indeed, Satyaki entirely + shrouded the brave Duhsasana with arrows. Like a spider entangling a gnat + within reach by means of its threads, that vanquisher of foes quickly + covered Duhsasana with his shafts. Then King Duryodhana, seeing Duhsasana + thus covered with arrows, urged a body of Trigartas towards the car of + Yuyudhana. Those Trigarta car-warriors, of fierce deeds, accomplished in + battle, and numbering three thousand, proceeded towards Yuyudhana. Firmly + resolved upon battle and swearing not to retreat, all of them encompassed + Yuyudhana with a large throng of cars. Soon, however, Yuyudhana struck + down five hundred of their foremost warriors stationed in the van of the + force as it advanced towards him in battle, shooting showers of arrows at + him. Speedily slain by that foremost one amongst the Sinis with his + shafts, these fell down, like tall trees from mountain-tops uprooted by a + tempest. And the field of battle, strewn with mangled elephants, O + monarch, and fallen standards, and bodies of steeds decked in trappings of + gold, and torn and lacerated with the shafts of Sini’s grandson and + weltering in blood, looked beautiful, O king, like a plain overgrown with + flowering Kinsukas. Those soldiers of thine, thus slaughtered by + Yuyudhana, failed to find a protector like elephants sunk in a morass. + Then all of them turned towards the spot where Drona’s car was, like + mighty snakes making towards holes from fear of the prince of birds. + Having slain those five hundred brave warriors by means of his shafts, + resembling snakes of virulent poison, that hero slowly proceeded towards + the place where Dhananjaya was. And as that foremost of men was thus + proceeding thy son Duhsasana quickly pierced him with nine straight + arrows. That mighty bowman then (Yuyudhana), pierced Duhsasana, in return, + with five straight and sharp arrows equipped with golden wings and + vulturine feather. Then Duhsasana, O Bharata, smiling the while, pierced + Satyaki, O monarch, with three arrows, and once more with five. The + grandson of Sini, then, striking thy Son with five arrows and cutting off + his bow proceeded smilingly towards Arjuna. Then Duhsasana, inflamed with + wrath and desirous of slaying the Vrishni hero, hurled at him, as he + proceeded, a dart made wholly of iron. Satyaki, however, O king, cut off, + with his shafts, equipped with Kanka feathers, that fierce dart of thy + son. Then, O ruler of men, thy son, taking up another bow, pierced Satyaki + with some arrows and uttered a loud roar. Then Satyaki excited with wrath, + stupefying thy son in that battle, struck him in the centre of the chest + with some shafts that resembled flames of fire. And once more, he pierced + Duhsasana with eight shafts made wholly of iron and having very keen + points. Duhsasana, however, pierced Satyaki in return with twenty arrows. + Then, the highly-blessed Satyaki, O monarch, pierced Duhsasana in the + centre of the chest with three straight arrows. And the mighty car-warrior + Yuyudhana, with some straight shafts slew the steeds of Duhsasana; + inflamed with wrath he slew, with some straight arrows, the latter’s + charioteer also. With one broad-headed arrow he then cut off thy son’s + bow, and with five arrows he cut the leathern fence that encased his hand. + Acquainted as he was with highest weapons, Satyaki, then, with a couple of + broad-headed shafts, cut off Duhsasana’s standard and the wooden shafts of + his car. And then with a number of keen arrows he slew both the Parshni + charioteers of thy son. The latter, then, bowless and carless and + steedless and driverless, was taken up by the leader of the Trigarta + warriors on his car. The grandson of Sini, then, O Bharata, pursuing him a + moment, restrained himself and slew him not, for the mighty-armed hero + recollected the words of Bhimasena. Indeed, Bhimasena, O Bharata, vowed in + the midst of the assembly the destruction of all thy sons in battle. Then, + O lord, Satyaki, having thus vanquished Duhsasana, quickly proceeded, O + king, along the track by which Dhananjaya had gone before him.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0120" id="link72H_4_0120"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Were there, O Sanjaya, no mighty car-warriors in + that army of mine who could slay or resist that Satyaki while he proceeded + (towards Arjuna)? Of prowess incapable of being baffled, and endued with + might equal to that of Sakra himself, alone he achieved feats in battle + like the great Indra amidst the Danavas! Or, perhaps, the track by which + Satyaki proceeded was empty? Alas, possessed of true prowess, alone he + hath crushed numberless warriors! Tell me, O Sanjaya, how the grandson of + Sini, alone as he was, passed through that vast force struggling with him + in battle?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘O king, the fierce exertions and the uproar made by thy + host which abounded with cars and elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers, + resembled what is seen at the end of the yuga. O giver of honours, when + thy assembled host was (duly) mustered, it seemed to me that another + assemblage like that of thy army had never been on earth. The gods and the + Charanas, who came there said, “This muster will be the last of its kind + on earth.” Indeed, O king, never had such an array been formed before as + that which was formed by Drona on the day of Jayadratha’s slaughter. The + uproar made by those vast bodies of soldiers rushing at one another in + battle resembled that of the ocean itself lashed into fury by the tempest. + In that host of thine, as also in that of the Pandavas, there were + hundreds and thousands of kings, O best of men. The noise made by those + angry heroes of fierce deeds while engaged in battle was tremendous and + made the hair stand on end. Then Bhimasena and Dhrishtadyumna, O sire, and + Nakula and Sahadeva and king Yudhishthira the Just, loudly shouted, “Come, + Strike, Rush! The brave Madhava and Arjuna have entered the hostile army! + Do that quickly by which they may easily go to where Jayadratha’s car is.” + Saying this, they urged their soldiers. And they continued, “If Satyaki + and Arjuna be slain, Kurus will have achieved their objects, and ourselves + shall be defeated. All of you, therefore, uniting together, quickly + agitate this ocean-like army (of the foe) like impetuous winds agitating + the deep.” The warriors, O king, thus urged by Bhimasena and the prince of + the Panchalas, smothered the Kauravas, becoming reckless of their very + lives. Endued with great energy, all of them, desiring death in battle, at + the point or the edge of weapons in expectation of heaven, showed not the + least regard for their lives in fighting for their friends. Similarly, thy + warriors, O king, desirous of great renown, and nobly resolved upon + battle, stood on the field, determined to fight. In that fierce and + terrible battle, Satyaki having vanquished all the combatants proceeded + towards Arjuna. The rays of the sun being reflected from the bright armour + of the warriors, the combatants were obliged to withdraw their eyes from + those. Duryodhana also, O king, penetrated the mighty host of the + high-souled Pandavas vigorously struggling in battle. The encounter that + took place between him on the one side and them on the other, was + exceedingly fierce, and great was the carnage that occurred there on the + occasion.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the Pandava host was thus proceeding to battle, + Duryodhana, in penetrating it, must have been placed in great distress. I + hope, he did not turn his back upon the field, O Suta! That encounter + between one and the many in dreadful battle, the one, again, being a king, + seems to me to have been very unequal. Besides, Duryodhana hath been + brought up in great luxury, in wealth and possessions, he is a king of + men. Alone encountering many, I hope he did not turn back from fight.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Listen to me, O king, as I describe, O Bharata, that + wonderful battle fought by thy son, that encounter between one and the + many. Indeed, the Pandava army was agitated by Duryodhana in that battle, + like an assemblage of lotus-stalks in a lake by an elephant. Seeing then + that army thus smitten by thy son, O king, the Panchalas headed by + Bhimasena rushed at them. Then Duryodhana pierced Bhimasena with ten + arrows and each of the twins with three and king Yudhishthira with seven. + And he pierced Virata and Drupada with six arrows, and Sikhandin with a + hundred. And piercing Dhrishtadyumna with twenty arrows, he struck each of + the five sons of Draupadi with three arrows. With his fierce shafts he cut + off hundreds of other combatants in that battle, including elephants and + car-warriors, like the Destroyer himself in wrath exterminating creatures. + In consequence of his skill cultured by practice and of the power of his + weapons, he seemed, as he was engaged in striking down his foes, to bend + his bow incessantly drawn to a circle whether when aiming or letting off + his shafts. Indeed, that formidable bow of his, the back of whose staff + was decked with gold, was seen by people to be drawn into a perpetual + circle as he was employed in slaying his enemies. Then king Yudhishthira, + with a couple of broad-headed shafts, cut off the bow of thy son, O thou + of Kuru’s race, as the latter struggled in fight. And Yudhishthira also + pierced him deeply with ten excellent and foremost of shafts. Those + arrows, however, touching the armour of Duryodhana, quickly broke into + pieces. Then the Parthas, filled with delight surrounded Yudhishthira, + like the celestials and great Rishis in days of old surrounding Sakra on + the occasion of the slaughter of Vritra. Thy valiant son then, taking up + another bow, addressed king Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, saying, “Wait, + Wait,” and rushed against him. Beholding thy son thus advancing in great + battle, the Panchalas, cheerfully and with hopes of victory, advanced to + receive him. Then Drona, desirous of rescuing the (Kuru) king, received + the rushing Panchalas, like a mountain receiving masses of rain-charged + clouds driven by tempest. The battle then, O king, that took place there + was exceedingly fierce, making the hair stand on end, between the + Pandavas, O thou of mighty arms, and thy warriors. Dreadful was the + carnage of all creatures that then took place, resembling the sport of + Rudra himself (at the end of the Yuga). Then there arose a loud uproar at + the place where Dhananjaya was. And that uproar, O lord, making the hair + stand on end, rose above all other sounds. Thus, O mighty-armed one, + progressed the battle between Arjuna and thy bowmen. Thus progressed the + battle between Satyaki and thy men in the midst of thy army. And thus + continued the fight between Drona and his enemies at the gate of the + array. Thus, indeed, O lord of the earth, continued that carnage on the + earth, when Arjuna and Drona and the mighty car-warrior Satyaki were all + excited with wrath.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0121" id="link72H_4_0121"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘In the afternoon of that day, O king, a dreadful battle, + characterised by roars, deep as those of the clouds, once more occurred + between Drona and the Somakas. That foremost of men, Drona, mounted on his + car of red steeds, and intent on battle rushed against the Pandavas, with + moderate speed. The valiant son of Bharadwaja, that great bowman endued + with mighty strength, that hero born in an excellent pot, engaged in doing + what was agreeable to thee, O king, and striking down, O Bharata, many + foremost of warriors with his whetted arrows, equipped with beautiful + wings, seemed to sport in that battle. Then that mighty car-warrior of the + Kaikeyas, Vrihatkshatra, irresistible in battle, and the eldest of five + brothers, rushed against him. Shooting many keen shafts, he greatly + afflicted the preceptor, like a mighty mass of clouds pouring torrents of + rain on the mountain of Gandhamadana. Then Drona, O king, excited with + wrath sped at him five and ten shafts whetted on stone and equipped with + wings of gold. The prince of the Kekayas, however, cheerfully cut off + every one of those shafts shot by Drona, and which resembled angry snakes + of virulent poison, with five shafts of his own. Beholding that lightness + of hand displayed by him that bull among Brahmanas, then, sped at him + eight straight shafts. Seeing those shafts shot from Drona’s bow, swiftly + coursing towards him, Vrihatkshatra in that battle resisted them with as + many sharp shafts of his. Beholding that exceedingly difficult feat + achieved by Vrihatkshatra, thy troops, O king, were filled with amazement. + Then Drona, O monarch, applauding Vrihatkshatra, invoked into existence + the irresistible and celestial weapon called Brahma in that battle. The + prince of the Kekayas, seeing it shot by Drona in battle, baffled that + Brahma weapon, O monarch, by a Brahma weapon of his own. After that weapon + had been thus baffled, Vrihatkshatra, O Bharata, pierced the Brahmana with + sixty shafts whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold. Then Drona, + that foremost of men, pierced the prince of the Kekayas with a powerful + shaft which, penetrating through the latter’s armour, (passed through his + body and) entered the earth. As a black cobra, O best of kings, pierces + through an ant-hill, even so did that shaft enter the earth, having + pierced through the body of the Kekaya prince in that battle. Deeply + pierced, O monarch, with the shafts of Drona, the prince of the Kekayas, + filled with rage, and rolling his beautiful eyes, pierced Drona with + seventy arrows whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold. And with + another arrow he greatly afflicted Drona’s charioteer in this very vitals. + Pierced by Vrihatkshatra, O sire, with arrows, Drona shot showers of keen + shafts at the car of the Prince of the Kekayas. Depriving the mighty + car-warrior, Vrihatkshatra, of his coolness, Drona then, with four-winged + arrows, slew the four steeds of the former. With another arrow he felled + Vrihatkshatra’s charioteer from his niche in the car. And felling on the + earth, with two other arrows, his enemy’s standard and umbrella, that bull + among Brahmanas, with a third shaft well-shot from his bow, pierced + Vrihatkshatra himself in the chest. Thereupon, the latter, thus struck in + the chest, fell down from his car. + </p> + <p> + “‘Upon the slaughter, O king, of Vrihatkshatra, that mighty car-warrior + among the Kaikeyas, the son of Sisupala, filled with rage, addressed his + charioteer, saying, “O charioteer, proceed to the spot where Drona + stayeth, clad in armour and engaged in slaying the Kaikeya and the + Panchala hosts.” Hearing these words of his, the charioteer soon took that + foremost of car-warriors unto Drona, by means of those fleet steeds of the + Kamvoja breed. Then Dhrishtaketu, that bull among the Chedis, swelling + with might, rushed towards Drona for his own destruction like an insect + upon a blazing fire. Soon he pierced Drona and his steeds and car and + standard with sixty shafts. And once more he struck him with many other + keen shafts like a man rousing a sleeping tiger. Then Drona, with a sharp + razor-faced arrow winged with vulturine feathers, cut off the middle of + the bow of that mighty warrior struggling in battle. Then that powerful + car-warrior, viz., the son of Sisupala, taking up another bow, pierced + Drona with many shafts winged with the feathers of Kankas and peacocks. + Drona then, slaying with four shafts the four steeds of Dhrishtaketu, + smilingly cut off the head of the latter’s charioteer from his trunk. And + then he pierced Dhrishtaketu himself with five and twenty arrows. The + prince of the Chedis then, quickly jumping down from his car, took up a + mace, and hurled it at the son of Bharadwaja like an angry snake. + Beholding that heavy mace, endued with the strength of adamant and decked + with gold, coursing towards him like Death, the son of Bharadwaja cut it + off with many thousands of whetted arrows. That mace, cut off by + Bharadwaja’s son, O sire, with many shafts, fell down, O Kaurava, making + the earth echo with its noise. Beholding his mace baffled, the wrathful + and brave Dhrishtaketu hurled a lance and then a dart decked with gold. + Cutting off that lance with five shafts, Drona cut off that dart also with + five arrows. Both those missiles, thus cut off, fell down on the earth, + like a couple of snakes mangled and torn by Garuda. The valiant son of + Bharadwaja then, in that battle, sped for his destruction a keen shaft at + Dhrishtaketu who was battling for the destruction of Bharadwaja himself. + That shaft, piercing through the armour and breast of Dhrishtaketu of + immeasurable energy, entered the earth, like a swan diving into a lake + overgrown with lotuses. As a hungry jay seizes and devours a little + insect, even so did the heroic Drona swallows up Dhrishtaketu in that + great battle. Upon the slaughter of the ruler of the Chedis, his son who + was conversant with the highest weapons, excited with wrath, sought to + bear the burthen of his sire. Him also, Drona, smiling, despatched to the + abode of Yama by means of his shafts, like a huge and mighty tiger in the + deep woods slaying an infant deer. + </p> + <p> + “‘While the Pandavas, O Bharata, were thus being thinned, the heroic son + of Jarasandha rushed towards Drona. Like the clouds shrouding the sun, he + quickly made the mighty-armed Drona invisible in that battle by means of + his arrowy showers. Beholding that lightness of hand in him, Drona, that + grinder of Kshatriyas, quickly shot his shafts by hundreds and thousands. + Covering (with his arrows) in that battle that foremost of car-warriors + stationed on his car, Drona speedily slew the son of Jarasandha in the + very sight of all bowmen. Indeed, Drona, resembling the Destroyer himself, + swallowing up every one who approached him then, like the Destroyer + himself, swallowing up creatures when their hour arrives. Then Drona, O + monarch, proclaiming his name in that battle, covered the Pandavas with + many thousands of shafts. Those shafts shot by Drona, whetted on stone and + engraved with his name, slew in that battle men and elephants and steeds + by hundreds. Thus slaughtered by Drona, like the Asuras by Sakra, the + Panchalas began to tremble like a herd of kine afflicted with cold. + Indeed, O bull of Bharata’s race, when the Pandava army was thus being + slaughtered by Drona, there arose an awful wail of woe from it. Scorched + by the sun and slaughtered by means of those arrows, the Panchalas then + became filled with anxiety. Stupefied by Bharadwaja’s son with his arrowy + showers in that battle the mighty car-warriors among the Panchalas felt + like persons whose thighs had been seized by alligators. Then, O king, the + Chedis, the Srinjayas, the Kasis, and the Kosalas, rushed cheerfully + against the son of Bharadwaja from desire of battle. And the Chedis, the + Panchalas, and the Srinjayas addressed one another, saying, “Drona is + slain! Drona is slain!” Saying these words, they rushed at that hero. + Indeed, all these tigers among men fell with their utmost might upon the + illustrious Drona, desirous of despatching him to the abode of Yama. Then + the son of Bharadwaja, by means of his shafts, despatched those brave + warriors struggling vigorously in battle, especially those foremost ones + among the Chedis, into the presence of the King of the dead. After those + foremost ones among the Chedis had been exterminated, the Panchalas, + afflicted with the shafts of Drona, began to tremble. Beholding, O sire, + those feats of Drona, they loudly called after Bhimasena and + Dhrishtadyumna, O Bharata, and said, “This Brahmana hath, without doubt, + practised the austerest of penances and acquired great ascetic merit. + Inflamed with rage in battle, he consumeth the foremost of Kshatriyas. A + Kshatriya’s duty is battle; a Brahmana’s, the highest asceticism. A + Brahmana endued with ascetic merit and learning, is capable of burning + everything by his glances only. Many foremost of Kshatriyas, having + approached the uncrossable and fierce fire of Drona’s weapons, have, O + Bharata, been blasted and consumed. The illustrious Drona, to the measure + of his might, courage, and perseverance, stupefies all creatures and slays + our troops!” Hearing these words of theirs, the mighty Kshatradharman, + rightly observant of the duties of a Kshatriya, wrathfully cut off with a + crescent-shaped arrow the bow of Drona with arrow fixed thereon. Then + Drona, that grinder of Kshatriyas, becoming more angry still, took up + another bright bow, tougher than the one he had laid aside. Fixing on it a + keen arrow, destructive of hostile ranks, the preceptor, endued with great + strength, sped it at the prince, drawing the bowstring to his ear. That + arrow, slaying Kshatradharman entered the earth. His breast pierced + through, he fell down from his vehicle on the earth. Upon the slaughter of + Dhrishtadyumna’s son, the (Pandava) troops began to tremble. Then the + mighty Chekitana fell upon Drona, Piercing Drona with ten arrows, he once + more pierced him with a shaft in the centre of his chest. And he pierced + Drona’s charioteer with four arrows and his four steeds also with four. + The Preceptor then pierced the right arm of Chekitana with sixteen arrows, + and his standard with sixteen, and his charioteer with seven. Upon the + charioteer being slain, Chekitana’s steeds fled away, dragging the car + after them. Beholding the steeds of Chekitana pierced with the arrows of + Bharadwaja’s son, and his car also deprived of driver, the Panchalas and + the Pandavas were filled with great fear. Drona then, O sire, routing on + all sides the Panchalas and the Srinjayas united together in battle looked + exceedingly resplendent. The venerable Drona, full five and eighty years + of age, dark in hue and with white locks descending to his ears, careered + in battle like a youth of sixteen. Indeed, O king, enemies regarded the + foe-slaying Drona, as he fearlessly careered in battle, to be none else + than Indra himself armed with the thunder. Then, O monarch, the + mighty-armed Drupada of great intelligence said, “This one (Drona) is + slaying the Kshatriyas like a hungry tiger slaying smaller animals. The + sinful Duryodhana of wicked soul will assuredly obtain the most miserable + regions (in the next world). It is through his covetousness that many + foremost of the Kshatriyas, slain in battle, lay prostrate on the field, + like mangled bulls, weltering in blood and becoming the food of dogs and + jackals.” Saying these words, O monarch, Drupada, that master of an + Akshauhini of troops, placing the Parthas at his head, rushed with speed + towards Drona.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0122" id="link72H_4_0122"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the army of the Pandavas was thus agitated on all + sides, the Parthas and the Panchalas and the Somakas, retreated to a great + distance. During the progress of that fierce battle, making the hair stand + on end, and that universal carnage like to what happens, O Bharata, at + that end of the Yuga, when, indeed, Drona of great prowess was repeatedly + uttering leonine shouts, and when the Panchalas were being weakened and + the Pandavas slaughtered, king Yudhishthira the Just, failing in that + battle to find any refuge in that distress, began, O king, to think how + the matter would end. Casting his eyes around in expectation of seeing + Savyasachin, Yudhishthira, however, saw neither that son of Pritha nor + Madhava. Not seeing that tiger among men viz., the ape-bannered Arjuna, + and not hearing also the twang of Gandiva, the monarch became filled with + anxiety, not seeing Satyaki also, that foremost of car-warriors among the + Vrishnis, king Yudhishthira the Just became equally anxious. Indeed, not + seeing those two foremost of men, Yudhishthira knew no peace. The + high-souled king Yudhishthira the Just, of mighty arms, fearing the evil + opinion of the world, began to think of Satyaki’s car. “Sini’s grandson + Satyaki, of true prowess, that dispeller of the fears of friends, hath + been sent by me in the track of Phalguna. I had only one source of anxiety + before, but now I have two. I should have tidings of both Satyaki and + Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu. Having despatched Satyaki to follow in the + track of Arjuna, whom shall I now send in the track of Satyaki? If by + every means I endeavour to obtain intelligence of my brother only, without + enquiring after Yuyudhana, the world will reproach me. They will say that, + ‘Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, having enquired after his brother, + leaves Satyaki of Vrishni’s race, that hero of unfailing prowess, to his + fate!’ Fearing, as I do, the reproach of the world, I should therefore, + send Vrikodara, the son of Pritha, in the track of the high-souled + Madhava. The love I bear to the Vrishni hero, to that invincible warrior + of the Satwata race, (viz., Satyaki), is not less than the love I bear to + Arjuna, that slayer of foes. The delighter of the Sinis hath again, been + set by me to a very heavy task. That mighty warrior, however, hath, either + for the sake of a friend’s request or for that of honour, penetrated into + the Bharata army like a Makara into the ocean. Loud is the noise I hear of + unretreating heroes, fighting together against that Vrishni hero of great + intelligence. Without doubt, they are too many for him. The time, + therefore, is come when I should think of his rescue. It seems to me that + armed with the bow, Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, should go there where + those two mighty car-warriors are. There is nothing on earth that Bhima + cannot bear. If he struggles with resolution, he is a match in battle for + all the bowmen in the world. Depending on the might of his own arms, he + can stand against all foes. Relying on the strength of arms of that + high-souled warrior, we have been able to come back from our exile in the + woods and we have never been vanquished in battle. If Bhimasena, the son + of Pandu, proceedeth hence to Satyaki, both Satyaki and Phalguna will + derive real aid. Without doubt, I should not feel any anxiety for Satyaki + and Phalguna. Both of them are accomplished in weapons, and Vasudeva + himself is protecting them. (For all that, I feel anxious on their + account), I should certainly seek to remove my anxiety. I shall, + therefore, set Bhima to follow in the wake of Satyaki. Having done this, I + should regard my arrangements complete for the rescue of Satyaki.” + Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, having settled this in his mind, + addressed his charioteer and said, “Take me to Bhima.” Hearing the command + of king Yudhishthira the Just, the charioteer who was versed in + horse-lore, took that car decked with gold to where Bhima was. Arrived at + the presence of Bhima, the king, remembering the occasion, became unmanned + by grief, and pressed Bhima with diverse solicitations. Indeed, + overwhelmed with grief, the monarch addressed Bhima. And these were the + words, O king, that Yudhishthira the son of Kunti then said unto him, “O + Bhima, I do not behold the standard of that Arjuna, who on a single car + had vanquished all the gods, the Gandharvas and Asuras!” Then Bhimasena, + addressing king Yudhishthira the Just who was in that plight, said, “Never + before did I see, or hear thy words afflicted with such cheerlessness. + Indeed, formerly, when we were smitten with grief, it was thou who hadst + been our comforter. Rise, Rise, O king of kings, say what I am to do for + thee. O giver of honours, there is nothing that I cannot do. Tell me what + your commands are, O foremost one of Kuru’s race! Do not set your heart on + grief.” Unto Bhimasena then, the king with a sorrowful face and with eyes + bathed in tears, said, sighing the while like a black cobra, “The blasts + of the conch Panchajanya, wrathfully blown by Vasudeva of world-wide + renown, are being heard. It seems, from this, that thy brother Dhananjaya + lieth today on the field, deprived of life. Without doubt, Arjuna having + been slain, Janardana is fighting. That hero of great might, relying on + whose prowess the Pandavas are alive, he to whom we always turn in times + of fear like the celestials towards their chief of a thousand eyes, that + hero hath, in search after the ruler of Sindhus, penetrated into the + Bharata host. I know this, O Bhima, viz., that he hath gone, but he hath + not yet returned. Dark in complexion, youthful in years, of curly locks, + exceedingly handsome mighty car-warrior, of broad chest and long arms, + possessed of the tread of an infuriated elephant, of eyes of the colour of + burnished copper and like those a chakra, that brother of thine enhances + the fears of foes. Blessed be thou, even this is the cause of my grief, O + chastiser of foes! For Arjuna’s sake, O thou of mighty arms, as also for + the sake of Satwata, my grief increaseth like a blazing fire fed with + libations of clarified butter. I do not see his standard. For this am I + stupefied with sorrow. Without doubt, he hath been slain, and Krishna, + skilled in battle, is fighting. Know also that the tiger among men, that + mighty car-warrior, Satwata is slain. Alas! Satyaki hath followed in the + wake of that other mighty car-warrior, with thy brother. Without seeing + Satyaki also, I am stupefied by grief. Therefore, O son of Kunti, go + thither, where Dhananjaya is and Satyaki also of mighty energy, if, of + course, thou thinkest it thy duty to obey my words, O thou that art + acquainted with duty. Remember that I am thy eldest brother. Thou shouldst + think Satyaki to be dearer to thee than Arjuna himself. O son of Pritha, + Satyaki hath gone, from desire of doing good to me, in the track of + Arjuna, a track that is incapable of being trod by persons of vile souls. + Beholding the two Krishnas and Satyaki also of the Satwata race sound and + whole, send me a message, O son of Pandu, by uttering a leonine roar.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0123" id="link72H_4_0123"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Bhima said, “That car which formerly bore Brahma and Isana and Indra and + Varuna (to battle), mounting upon that car, have two Krishnas gone. They + can have no fear of danger. Taking, however, thy command on my head, lo, I + am going. Do not grieve. Meeting with those tigers among men, I shall send + thee intelligence." </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having said those words, the mighty Bhima began to prepare + for setting out, repeatedly making over Yudhishthira to Dhrishtadyumna and + the other friends (of the Pandava cause). Indeed, Bhimasena of mighty + strength addressing Dhrishtadyumna, said, “It is known to thee, O thou of + mighty arms, how the mighty car-warrior Drona is always on the alert to + seize king Yudhishthira the Just by all means in his power. Indeed, O son + of Prishata, I should never place my going (to Arjuna and Satyaki) above + my duty of protecting the king. King Yudhishthira, however, hath commanded + me to go, I dare not contradict him. I shall go thither where the ruler of + the Sindhus stayeth, at the point of death. I should, in complete + truthfulness, act according to the words of my brother (Arjuna) and of + Satyaki endued with great intelligence. Thou shouldst, therefore, + vigorously resolved on fight, protect Yudhishthira the son of Pritha + today. Of all tasks, this is thy highest duty in battle.” Thus addressed + by Vrikodara, O monarch, Dhrishtadyumna replied, “I shall do what thou + wishest. Go, O son of Pritha, without any anxiety of the kind. Without + slaying Dhrishtadyumna in battle, Drona will never be able to humiliate + king Yudhishthira in the fight.” Thus making the royal son of Pandu over + to Dhrishtadyumna, and saluting his elder brother, Bhimasena, proceeded + towards the spot where Phalguna was. Before dismissing him, however, king + Yudhishthira the Just, O Bharata, embraced Bhimasena and smelt his head + and pronounced auspicious blessings upon him. After circumambulating a + number of Brahmanas, gratified with worship and presents, and touching the + eight kinds of auspicious articles, and quaffing Kairataka honey, that + hero, the corners of whose eyes had become red in intoxication, felt his + might to be doubled. The Brahmanas performed propitiatory ceremonies for + him. Various omens, indicative of success, greeted him. Beholding them, he + felt the delight of anticipated victory. Favourable winds began to blow + and indicate his success. Then the mighty-armed Bhimasena, the foremost of + car-warriors, clad in mail, decked with earrings and Angadas, and his + hands cased in leathern fences, mounted on his own excellent car. His + costly coat of mail, made of black steel and decked with gold, looked like + a cloud charged with lightning. His body was beautifully covered with + yellow and red and black and white robes. Wearing a coloured cuirass that + protected also his neck, Bhimasena looked resplendent like a cloud decked + with a rainbow. + </p> + <p> + “‘While Bhimasena was on the point of setting out against thy troops from + desire of battle, the fierce blasts of Panchajanya were once more heard. + Hearing those loud and terrible blasts, capable of filling the three + worlds with fear, the son of Dharma once more addressed Bhimasena, saying, + “There, the Vrishni hero is fiercely blowing his conch. Indeed, that + Prince of conchs is filling the earth and the welkin with its sound. + Without doubt, Savyasachin having fallen into great distress, the bearer + of the discus and the mace is battling with all the Kurus. Without doubt, + the venerable Kunti, and Draupadi, and Subhadra, are all, with their + relatives and friends, beholding today exceedingly inauspicious omens. + Therefore, O Bhima, go thither with speed where Dhananjaya is. All the + points of the compass, O Partha, seem empty to my eyes in consequence of + my (unsatisfied) desire to see Dhananjaya and owing also to Satwata.” + Repeatedly urged by his superior to go, the valiant son of Pandu, viz., + Bhimasena, O king, casing his hands in leathern fence, took up his bow. + Urged by his eldest brother, that brother, Bhimasena, who was devoted to + his brother’s good, caused drums to be beat. And Bhima forcibly blew his + conch also and uttering leonine roars, began to twang his bow. Damping the + hearts of hostile heroes by those leonine roars, and assuming a dreadful + form, he rushed against his foes. Swift and well-broken steeds of the + foremost breed neighing furiously, bore him. Endued with the speed of the + wind or thought, their reins were held by Visoka. Then the son of Pritha, + drawing the bowstring with great force, began to crush the head of the + hostile array, mangling and piercing the combatants there. And as that + mighty-armed hero proceeded, the brave Panchalas and the Somakas followed + him behind, like the celestials following Maghavat. Then the brothers + Duhsasana and Chitrasena and Kundabhedin and Vivinsati, and Durmukha and + Duhsaha and Sala, and Vinda and Anuvinda and Sumukha and Dirghavahu and + Sudarsana, and Suhasta and Sushena and Dirghalochana, and Abhaya and + Raudrakarman and Suvarman and Durvimochana, approaching, encompassed + Bhimasena. These foremost of car-warriors, these heroes, all looking + resplendent, with their troops and followers, firmly resolved upon battle, + rushed against Bhimasena. That heroic and mighty car-warrior, viz., + Kunti’s son Bhimasena of great prowess, thus encompassed, cast his eyes on + them, and rushed against them with the impetuosity of a lion against + smaller animals. Those heroes, displaying celestial and mighty weapons, + covered Bhima with shafts, like clouds shrouding the risen sun. + Transgressing all those warriors with impetuosity, Bhimasena rushed + against Drona’s division, and covered the elephant-force before him with + showers of arrows. The son of the Wind-god, mangling with his shafts + almost in no time that elephant division dispersed it in all directions. + Indeed, like animals terrified in the forest at the roar of a Sarabha, + those elephants all fled away, uttering frightful cries. Passing over that + ground with speed, he then approached the division of Drona. Then the + preceptor checked his course, like the continent resisting the surging + sea. Smilingly, he struck the son of Pandu in his forehead with a shaft. + Thereupon, the son of Pandu looked resplendent like the sun with upward + rays. The preceptor thought that Bhima would show him reverence as + Phalguna had done before. Addressing Vrikodara, therefore, he said, “O + Bhimasena, it is beyond thy power to enter into the hostile host, without + vanquishing me, thy foe, in battle, O thou of mighty strength! Although + Krishna with thy younger brother hath penetrated this host with my + permission, thyself, however, will never succeed in doing so.” Hearing + these words of the preceptor, the dauntless Bhima, excited with wrath, and + his eyes red as blood or burnished copper, quickly replied unto Drona, + saying, “O wretch of a Brahmana, it cannot be that Arjuna hath entered + this host with thy permission. He is invincible. He would penetrate into + the host commanded by Sakra himself. If he offered thee reverential + worship, it was only for honouring thee. But know, O Drona, that myself, I + am not compassionate like Arjuna. On the other hand, I am Bhimasena, thy + foe. We regard thee as our father, preceptor, and friend. Ourselves we + look upon as thy sons. Thinking so we always humble ourselves to thee. + When, however, thou usest such words towards us today, it seems that all + that is altered. If thou regardest thyself as our foe, let it be as thou + thinkest. Being none else than Bhima, I will presently act towards thee as + I should towards a foe.” Saying this, Bhima whirling a mace, like the + Destroyer himself whirling his fatal rod, hurled it, O king, at Drona. + Drona, however, had quickly jumped down from his car, (and that proved his + safety). For that mace pressed down into the earth the car of Drona, with + its steeds, driver, and standard. Then Bhima crushed numerous warriors + like the tempest crushing trees with its force. Then those sons of thine + once more encompassed that foremost of car-warriors. Meanwhile, Drona, + that foremost of smiters mounting another chariot, proceeded to the gate + of the array and stayed there for battle. Then, O king, the angry Bhima of + great prowess, covered the car-division in his front with showers of + shafts. Then those mighty car-warriors, viz., thy sons, thus struck in + battle, endued as they were with great strength fought with Bhima from + desire of victory. Then Duhsasana, excited with wrath, hurled at Bhimasena + a keen dart made entirely of iron, wishing to slay the son of Pandu. Bhima + however, cut in twain that fierce dart hurled by thy son, as it coursed + towards him. This feat seemed exceedingly wonderful. The mighty son of + Pandu, then, with three other keen shafts, slew the three brothers + Kundabhedin and Sushena and Dirghanetra. And, again, amongst those heroic + sons of thine battling with him, Bhima slew heroic Vrindaraka, that + enhancer of the fame of the Kurus. And again, with three other shafts, + Bhima slew three other sons of thine, viz., Abhaya and Raudrakarman and + Durvimochana. Thus slaughtered, O king, by that mighty warrior, thy sons + surrounded Bhima, that foremost of smiters on all sides. They then + showered their arrows upon that son of Pandu, of terrible deeds, like the + cloud at the end of summer pouring torrents of rain on the + mountain-breast. That slayer of hosts, the heir of Pandu, received that + arrowy shower, like a mountain receiving a shower of stones. Indeed, the + heroic Bhima felt no pain. Then the son of Kunti, smiling the while, + despatched by means of his shafts thy sons Vinda and Anuvinda and Suvarman + to the abode of Yama. Then the son of Pandu, O bull of Bharata’s race, + quickly pierced in that battle thy heroic son Sudarsan. The latter, + thereupon, fell down and expired. Within a very short time, the son of + Pandu, casting his glances on that car-force caused it by his shafts to + fly away in all directions. Then like a herd of deer frightened at the + clatter of car-wheels, or a loud shout, thy sons, in that battle, O king, + afflicted with the fear of Bhimasena, suddenly broke and fled. The son of + Kunti, however, pursued that large force of thy sons, and began, O king, + to pierce the Kauravas from every side. Thy soldiers, O monarch, thus + slaughtered by Bhimasena, fled away from battle, avoiding the son of Pandu + and urging their own excellent steeds to their greatest speed. The mighty + Bhimasena then, having vanquished them in battle, uttered leonine roars + and made a great noise by slapping his armpits. And the mighty Bhima, + having made also a fierce noise with his palms, and thereby frightened + that car-force and the foremost of warriors that were in it, passed + towards the division of Drona, transgressing that car-force (which he had + vanquished.)’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0124" id="link72H_4_0124"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the son of Pandu had crossed that car-force, the + preceptor Drona, smiling the while, covered him with showers of arrows, + desirous of checking his course. Stupefying thy force then with his powers + of illusion, and drinking, as it were, those shafts shot from the bow of + Drona, Bhimasena rushed against those brothers (viz., thy sons). Then many + kings, that were all great bowmen, urged by thy sons, rushing impetuously, + began to surround him. Encompassed by them, O Bharata, Bhima smiling the + while and uttering a leonine roar, took up and hurled at them with great + force a fierce mace destructive of hostile ranks. That mace of adamantine + strength, hurled like Indra’s thunder by Indra himself, crushed, O king, + thy soldiers in battle. And it seemed to fill, O king, the whole earth + with loud noise. And blazing forth in splendour, that fierce mace inspired + thy sons with fear. Beholding that mace of impetuous course and endued + with lightning flashes, coursing towards them, thy warriors fled away, + uttering frightful cries. And at the unbearable sound, O sire, of that + fierce mace, many men fell down where they stood, and many car-warriors + also fell down from their cars. Slaughtered by Bhimasena armed with the + mace, thy warriors fled away in fear from battle, like the deer attacked + by a tiger. The son of Kunti, routing in battle those valorous foes of + his, impetuously crossed that force like Garuda of beautiful feathers. + </p> + <p> + “‘While Bhimasena, that leader of leaders of car-divisions, was engaged in + such carnage, Bharadwaja’s son, O king, rushed at him. And Drona, checking + Bhima by means of his arrowy showers, suddenly uttered a leonine roar that + inspired the Pandavas with fear. The battle that took place between Drona + and the high-souled Bhima was, O king, furious and terrible and resembled + the encounter between the gods and the Asuras of old. Heroic warriors by + hundreds and thousands in that battle slain by the keen shafts shot from + the bow of Drona. The son of Pandu then, jumping down from his car shut + his eyes, O king, and rushed on foot with great speed towards the car of + Drona. Indeed, as a bovine bull easily bears a heavy shower of rain, even + so that tiger among men, viz., Bhima, bore that arrowy downpour from + Drona’s bow. Struck in that battle, O sire, by Drona, the mighty Bhima, + seizing Drona’s car by the shaft, threw it down with great force. Thus + thrown down in battle, O king, Drona, however, quickly mounting another + car, proceeded towards the gate of the array, his driver urging his steeds + at that time with great speed. That feat, O thou of Kuru’s race, achieved + by Bhimasena, seemed exceedingly wonderful. The mighty Bhima, then, + mounting upon his own car, rushed impetuously towards the army of thy son. + And he crushed the Kshatriyas in battle, like a tempest crushing rows of + trees. Indeed, Bhima proceeded, resisting the hostile warriors like the + mountain resisting the surging sea. Coming then upon the Bhoja-troops that + were protected by the son of Hridika, Bhimasena, O king, ground it + greatly, and passed through it. Frightening the hostile soldiers with the + sound of his palms, O sire, Bhima vanquished them all like a tiger + vanquishing a herd of bovine bulls. Passing through the Bhoja division and + that of the Kamvojas also, and countless tribes of Mlecchas too, who were + all accomplished in fight, and beholding that mighty car-warrior, Satyaki, + engaged in fight, Bhimasena, the son of Kunti, O monarch proceeded + resolutely and with great speed, desirous of having a sight of Dhananjaya. + Transgressing all thy warriors in that battle, the son of Pandu then + sighted the mighty car-warrior Arjuna engaged in the fight. The valiant + Bhima, that tiger among men, beholding Arjuna putting forth his prowess + for the slaughter of the ruler of the Sindhus, uttered a loud shout, like, + O monarch, the clouds roaring in the season of rains. Those terrible + shouts of the roaring Bhimasena were, O thou of Kuru’s race, heard by both + Arjuna and Vasudeva in the midst of the battle. Both those heroes, + simultaneously hearing that shout of the mighty Bhima, repeatedly shouted + from desire of beholding Vrikodara. Then Arjuna uttering loud roar, and + Madhava also doing the same, careered in battle like a couple of roaring + bulls. Hearing then that roar of Bhimasena, as also that of Phalguna armed + with the bow, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, O king, became highly + gratified. And king Yudhishthira, hearing those sounds of Bhima and + Arjuna, had his grief dispelled. And the lord Yudhishthira repeatedly + wished success to Dhananjaya in battle. + </p> + <p> + “‘While the fierce Bhima was thus roaring, the mighty-armed Yudhishthira, + the son of Dharma, that foremost of virtuous men, smilingly reflected a + while and thus worded the thoughts that inspired his heart, “O Bhima, thou + hast truly sent me the message. Thou hast truly obeyed the commands of thy + superior. They, O son of Pandu, can never have victory that have thee for + their foe. By good luck it is that Dhananjaya, capable of shooting the bow + with (even) his left hand, still liveth. By good luck, the heroic Satyaki + also, of prowess incapable of being baffled, is safe and sound. By good + luck, it is that I hear both Vasudeva and Dhananjaya uttering these roars. + He who having vanquished Sakra himself in battle, had gratified the bearer + of sacrificial libations, that slayer of foes, viz., Phalguna, by good + luck, still liveth in this battle. He, relying upon the might of whose + arms all of us are alive, that slayer of hostile armies, Phalguna, by good + luck, liveth still. He by whom with the aid of a single bow the + Nivatakavachas were vanquished, those Danavas, that is, that were + incapable of being defeated by the very gods, he, viz., Partha, by good + luck, liveth still. He who had vanquished in Matsya’s city all the + Kauravas assembled together for seizing Virata’s kine, that Partha, by + good luck, liveth still. He who, by the might of his arms, slew fourteen + thousands of Kalakeyas, that Partha, by good luck, liveth still. He who, + for Duryodhana’s sake, had vanquished, by the energy of his weapons, the + mighty king of the Gandharvas, that Partha, by good luck, liveth still. + Decked with diadem and garlands (of gold), endued with great strength, + having white steeds (yoked to his car) and Krishna himself for his + charioteer, that Phalguna, always dear to me, by good luck, liveth still. + Burning with grief on account of the death of his son, endeavouring to + achieve a most difficult feat, and even now seeking to slaughter + Jayadratha, alas, he that hath made that vow, viz., Dhananjaya, will he + succeed in slaying the ruler of the Sindhus in battle? After he, protected + by Vasudeva, will have accomplished that vow of his, shall I behold that + Arjuna again, before the sun sets? Shall the ruler of the Sindhus who is + devoted to Duryodhana’s welfare, slain by Phalguna, gladden his foes? + Shall king Duryodhana, beholding the ruler of the Sindhus slain in battle + make peace with us? Beholding his brother slain in battle by Bhimasena + shall the wicked Duryodhana make peace with us? Beholding other great + warriors lying prostrate on the surface of the earth, shall wicked + Duryodhana give way to remorse? Shall not our hostilities cease with the + single sacrifice of Bhishma? Shall that Suyodhana, make peace with us for + saving the remnant (of what is still left to him and us)?” Diverse + reflections of this kind passed through the mind of king Yudhishthira who + was overwhelmed with compassion. Meanwhile, the battle (between the + Pandavas and the Kauravas) raged furiously.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0125" id="link72H_4_0125"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘While mighty Bhimasena was uttering those loud + shouts deep as the roar of the clouds or peals of thunder, what heroes (of + our side) surrounded him? I do not behold that warrior, O Sanjaya, in the + three worlds, who is capable of staying before the enraged Bhimasena in + battle. I do not, O son, behold him that can stay on the field of battle + before Bhimasena armed with mace and resembling Death himself. Who will + stand before that Bhima, not excepting Sakra himself, that destroys a car + with a car and an elephant with an elephant?<a href="#linknote-7153" name="linknoteref-7153" id="linknoteref-7153">153</a> Who, amongst those + devoted to Duryodhana’s welfare stood in battle before Bhimasena excited + with rage and engaged in slaughtering my sons? Who were those men that + stood in battle in front of Bhimasena, engaged in consuming my sons like a + forest conflagration consuming dry leaves and straw? Who were they that + surrounded Bhima in battle, beholding my sons slain by him one after + another like Death himself cutting off all creatures? I do not fear Arjuna + so much, or Krishna so much, or Satyaki so much, or him (viz., + Dhrishtadyumna) so much who was born of the sacrificial fire, as I fear + Bhima. Tell me, O Sanjaya, who were those heroes that rushed against that + blazing fire, represented by Bhima, which so consumed my sons?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘While the mighty car-warrior Bhimasena was uttering those + roars, mighty Karna, unable to bear them, rushed at him with a loud shout, + stretching his bow with great force. Indeed, the mighty Karna, desirous of + battle, displayed his strength and checked Bhima’s course like a tall tree + withstanding tempest. The heroic Bhima also, beholding Vikartana’s son + before him, suddenly blazed up in wrath and sped at him with great force + many shafts whetted on stone. Karna received all those shafts and sped + many in return. At that encounter between Bhima and Karna, hearing the + sounds of their palms, the limbs of all the struggling combatants, + car-warriors, and horsemen, began to tremble. Indeed, hearing the terrible + roars of Bhimasena on the field of battle, even all the foremost of + Kshatriyas regarded the whole earth and the welkin to be filled with that + noise. And at the fierce peals uttered by the high-souled son of Pandu, + the bows of all warriors in that battle dropped on the earth. And steeds + and elephants, O king, dispirited, ejected urine and excreta. Various + frightful omens of evil then made their appearance. The welkin was covered + with flights of vultures and Kankas during that terrific encounter between + Bhima and Karna. Then Karna struck Bhima with twenty arrows, and quickly + pierced the latter’s charioteer also with five. Smiling the while, the + mighty and active Bhima then, in that battle, quickly sped at Karna four + and sixty arrows. Then Karna, O king, sped four shafts at him. Bhima, by + means of his straight shafts, cut them into many fragments, O king, + displaying his lightness of hand. Then Karna covered him with dense + showers of arrows. Thus covered by Karna, the mighty son of Pandu, + however, cut off Karna’s bow at the handle and then pierced Karna with ten + straight arrows. The Suta’s son then, that mighty car-warrior of terrible + deeds, taking up another bow and stringing it quickly, pierced Bhima in + that battle (with many shafts). Then Bhima, excited with rage, struck the + Suta’s son with great force on the chest with three straight shafts. With + those arrows sticking at his breast, Karna looked beautiful, O bull of + Bharata’s race, like a mountain with three tall summits. Thus pierced with + mighty shafts, blood began to flow from his wounds, like torrents of + liquid red-chalk down the breast of a mountain. Afflicted with those + shafts shot with great force, Karna became agitated a little. Fixing an + arrow then on his bow, he pierced Bhima, again, O sire! And once more he + began to shoot arrows by hundreds and thousands. Suddenly shrouded with + shafts by that firm bowman, viz., Karna, the son of Pandu, smiling the + while, cut off Karna’s bow-string. And then with a broad-headed arrow, he + despatched Karna’s charioteer to the abode of Yama. And that mighty + car-warrior, viz., Bhima, deprived the four steeds also of Karna of their + lives. The mighty car-warrior Karna then speedily jumping down, O king, + from his steedless car, mounted the car of Vrishasena. The valiant + Bhimasena then, having vanquished Karna in battle, uttered a loud shout + deep as the roar of the clouds. Hearing that roar, O Bharata, Yudhishthira + became highly gratified, knowing that Karna had been vanquished by + Bhimasena. And the combatants of the Pandava army blew their conchs from + every side. Their enemies, viz., thy warriors, hearing that noise, roared + loudly. Arjuna stretched Gandiva, and Krishna blew Panchajanya. Drowning, + however, all those sounds, the noise made by the roaring Bhima, was, O + king, heard by all the combatants, O sire! Then those two warriors, viz., + Karna, and Bhima, each struck the other with straight shafts. The son of + Radha, however, shot shafts mildly, but the son of Pandu shot his with + great force.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0126" id="link72H_4_0126"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After that army had (thus) been routed, and Arjuna and + Bhimasena had all gone after the ruler of the Sindhus, thy son + (Duryodhana) proceeded towards Drona. And Duryodhana went to the + preceptor, on his single car, thinking, by the way, of diverse duties. + That car of thy son, endued with the speed of the wind or thought, + proceeded with great celerity towards Drona. With eyes red in wrath, thy + son addressed the preceptor and said, “O grinder of foes, Arjuna and + Bhimasena, and unvanquished Satyaki, and many mighty car-warriors, + defeating all our troops, have succeeded in approaching the ruler of the + Sindhus. Indeed, those mighty car-warriors, who vanquished all the troops, + themselves unvanquished, are fighting even there. O giver of honours, how + hast thou been transgressed by both Satyaki and Bhima? O foremost of + Brahmanas, this thy defeat at the hands of Satwata, of Arjuna, and of + Bhimasena, is like the drying of the ocean, exceedingly wonderful in this + world. People are loudly asking, ‘How, indeed, could Drona, that master of + the science of arms, be vanquished?’ Even thus all the warriors are + speaking in depreciation of thee. Destruction is certain for my luckless + self in battle, when three car-warriors, O tiger among men, have in + succession transgressed thee. When, however, all this hath happened, tell + us what thou hast to say on the business that awaits us. What hath + happened, is past. O giver of honours, think now of what is remaining. Say + quickly what should next be done for the ruler of the Sindhus on the + present occasion, and let what thou sayest be quickly and properly carried + out." </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “Listen, O great king, to what I, having reflected much, say + unto thee about what should now be done. As yet only three great + car-warriors among the Pandavas have transgressed us. We have as much to + fear behind those three as we have to dread before them.<a + href="#linknote-7154" name="linknoteref-7154" id="linknoteref-7154">154</a> + There, however, where Krishna and Dhananjaya are, our fear must be + greater. The Bharata army hath been attacked both on the front and from + behind. In this pass, I think, the protection of the ruler of the Sindhus + is our first duty. Jayadratha, afraid of Dhananjaya, deserves of + everything else to be protected by us. The heroic Yuyudhana and Vrikodara + have both gone against the ruler of the Sindhus. All this that hath come + is the fruit of that match at dice conceived by Sakuni’s intellect. + Neither victory nor defeat took place in the (gaming) assembly. Now that + we are engaged in this sport, there will be victory or defeat. Those + innocent things with which Sakuni had formerly played in the Kuru assembly + and which he regarded as dice, were, in reality, invincible shafts. Truly, + there where, O sire, the Kauravas were congregated, they were not dice but + terrible arrows capable of mangling your bodies. At present, however, O + king, know the combatants for players, these shafts for dice, and the + ruler of the Sindhus, without doubt, O monarch, as the stake, in this game + of battle. Indeed, Jayadratha is the great stake about which we are + playing today with the enemy. Under the circumstances, therefore, O + monarch, all of us becoming reckless of our very lives, should make due + arrangements for the protection of the ruler of the Sindhus in battle. + Engaged as we are in our present sport, it is here that we shall have + victory or defeat, here, that is, where those great bowmen are protecting + the ruler of the Sindhus. Go thither, therefore, with speed, and protect + those protectors (of Jayadratha). As regards myself, I will stay here, for + despatching others (to the presence of Jayadratha) and checking the + Panchalas, the Pandus and the Srinjayas united together.” Thus commanded + by the preceptor, Duryodhana quickly proceeded (to the place indicated) + with his followers, resolutely setting himself to (the accomplishment of) + a fierce task. The two protectors of the wheels of Arjuna’s car, viz., the + Panchala princes, Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, were at that time proceeding + towards Savyasachin by the skirts of the Kuru array. Thou mayest remember, + O king, that formerly while Arjuna penetrated thy host from desire of + battle, those two princes, O monarch, had been checked in their progress + by Kritavarman. Now, the Kuru king beheld them proceeding by the skirts of + his host. The mighty Duryodhana of Bharata’s race lost no time in engaging + in a fierce battle with those two brothers thus rushing furiously. Those + two foremost of Kshatriyas, reputed as mighty car-warriors, then rushed in + that battle at Duryodhana, with outstretched bows. Yudhamanyu pierced + Duryodhana with twenty, and his four steeds with four shafts. Duryodhana, + however, with a single shaft, cut off Yudhamanyu’s standard. And thy son + then cut off the former’s bow also with another shaft. And then with a + broad-headed arrow, the Kuru king felled Yudhamanyu’s charioteer from his + niche in the car. And then he pierced the four steeds of the latter with + four shafts. Then Yudhamanyu, excited with wrath, quickly sped, in that + battle, thirty shafts at the centre of thy son’s chest. Then Uttamaujas + also, excited with wrath, pierced Duryodhana’s charioteer with shafts + decked with gold, and despatched him to Yama’s abode. Duryodhana also, O + monarch, then slew the four steeds as also the two Parshni charioteers of + Uttamaujas, the prince of Panchalas. Then Uttamaujas, in that battle, + becoming steedless and driverless, quickly ascended the car of his + brother, Yudhamanyu. Ascending on the car of his brother, he struck + Duryodhana’s steeds with many shafts. Slain therewith, those steeds fell + down on the earth. Upon the fall of his steeds, the valiant Yudhamanyu + then, by a mighty weapon, quickly cut off Duryodhana’s bow and then (with + another shaft), his leathern fence. That bull among men then, viz., thy + son, jumping down from that steedless and driverless car, took up a mace + and proceeded against the two princes of Panchala. Beholding that + subjugator of hostile town, thus advancing in wrath, both Yudhamanyu and + Uttamaujas jumped down from the terrace of their car. Then Duryodhana + armed as he was with a mace, pressed down into the earth with that mace + that foremost of cars furnished with gold, with steeds and driver and + standard. Thy son then, that scorcher of foes, having thus crushed that + car, steedless and driverless as he himself was, quickly ascended the car + of the king of the Madras. Meanwhile, those two mighty car-warriors, viz., + those two foremost Panchala princes, ascending on two other cars, + proceeded towards Arjuna.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0127" id="link72H_4_0127"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During the progress, O monarch, of that battle, making the + hair stand on end, and when all the combatants were filled with anxiety + and greatly afflicted, the son of Radha, O bull of Bharata’s race, + proceeded against Bhima for battle, like an infuriated elephant in the + forest proceeding against another infuriated elephant.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘How raged that battle, in the neighbourhood of + Arjuna’s car, between those two mighty car-warriors, viz., Bhima and + Karna, both of whom are endued with great strength? Once before Karna had + been vanquished by Bhimasena in battle. How, therefore, could the mighty + car-warrior Karna again proceed against Bhima? How also could Bhima + proceed against the Suta’s son, that mighty warrior who is reckoned as the + greatest of car-warriors on earth? Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, having + prevailed over Bhishma and Drona, did not fear anybody else so much as the + bowman Karna. Indeed, thinking of the mighty car-warrior Karna, he passeth + his nights sleeplessly from fear. How, then, could Bhima encounter that + Suta’s son in battle? Indeed, O Sanjaya, how could Bhima fight with Karna, + that foremost of warriors, that hero devoted to the Brahmanas endued with + energy and never retreating from battle? How, indeed, did those two + heroes, viz., the Suta’s son and Vrikodara, fight with each other in that + encounter which took place in the vicinity of Arjuna’s car? Informed + before of his brotherhood (with the Pandavas), the Suta’s son is again, + compassionate. Remembering also his words to Kunti, how could he fight + with Bhima? As regards Bhima also, remembering all the wrongs formerly + inflicted on him by the Suta’s son, how did that hero fight with Karna in + battle? My son Duryodhana, O Suta, hopeth that Karna will vanquish all the + Pandavas in battle. Upon whom my wretched son resteth his hope of victory + in battle, how did he fight with Bhimasena of terrible deeds? That Suta’s + son, relying upon whom my sons chose hostilities with those mighty + car-warriors (viz., the sons of Pandu), how did Bhima fight with him? + Indeed, remembering the diverse wrongs and injuries done by him, how did + Bhima fight with that son of Suta? How indeed, could Bhima fight with that + son of a Suta, who, endued with great valour, had formerly subjugated the + whole earth on a single car? How did Bhima fight with that son of a Suta, + who was born with a (natural) pair of ear-rings? Thou art skilled in + narration, O Sanjaya! Tell me, therefore, in detail how the battle took + place between those two, and who amongst them obtained the victory?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Leaving Radha’s son, that foremost of car-warriors + Bhimasena, desired to proceed to the place where those two heroes, viz., + Krishna and Dhananjaya were. The son of Radha, however, rushing towards + him as he proceeded, covered him, O king, with dense showers of arrows, + like a cloud pouring torrents of rain on a mountain. The mighty son of + Adhiratha, his face beautiful as a full-blown lotus, lighted up with a + smile, challenged Bhimasena to battle, as the latter was proceeding. And + Karna said, “O Bhima, I dreamt not that thou knowest how to fight. Why + then dost thou show me thy back from desire of meeting with Arjuna? O + delighter of the Pandavas, this is scarcely fit for a son of Kunti. + Staying, therefore, where thou art, cover me with thy arrows.” Bhimasena, + hearing that challenge of Karna, brooked it not, but wheeling his car a + little, began to fight with the Suta’s son. The illustrious Bhimasena + showered clouds of straight shafts. Desiring also to arrive at the end of + those hostilities by slaying Karna, Bhima began to weaken that hero + conversant with every weapon and clad in mail, and staying before him for + engaging in a single combat. Then mighty Bhima, that scorcher of foes, + that wrathful son of Pandu, having slain numerous Kauravas, shot diverse + showers of fierce shafts at Karna, O sire! The Suta’s son, endued with + great strength, swallowed, by means of the power of his own weapons, all + those showers of arrows shot by that hero, possessed of the tread of an + infuriated elephant. Duly favoured by knowledge, that great bowman, viz., + Karna, began in that battle, O monarch, to career like a preceptor (of + military science). The wrathful son of Radha, smiling the while, seemed to + mock Bhimasena as the latter was battling with great fury. The son of + Kunti brooked not that smile of Karna in the midst of many brave warriors + witnessing from all sides that fight of theirs. Like a driver striking a + huge elephant with a hook, the mighty Bhima, excited with rage, pierced + Karna whom he had obtained within reach, with many calf-toothed shafts in + the centre of the chest. And once more, Bhimasena pierced the Suta’s son + of variegated armour with three and seventy well-shot and keen arrows + equipped with beautiful wings and cased in golden armour, each with five + shafts. And soon, within the twinkling of the eye, was seen a network of + shafts about Bhima’s car caused by Karna. Indeed, O monarch, those shafts + shot from Karna’s bow completely shrouded that car with its standard and + driver and the Pandava himself. Then Karna pierced the impenetrable armour + of Bhima with four and sixty arrows. And excited with rage he then pierced + Partha himself with many straight shafts capable of penetrating into the + very vitals. The mighty-armed Vrikodara, however, disregarding those + shafts shot from Karna’s bow fearlessly struck the Suta’s son. Pierced + with those shafts, resembling snakes of virulent poison, shot from Karna’s + bow, Bhima, O monarch, felt no pain in that battle. The valiant Bhima + then, in that encounter, pierced Karna with two and thirty broad-headed + shafts of keen points and fierce energy. Karna, however, with the greatest + indifference, covered, in return, with his arrows, the mighty-armed + Bhimasena who was desirous of Jayadratha’s slaughter. Indeed, the son of + Radha, in that encounter, fought mildly with Bhima, while Bhima, + remembering his former wrongs, fought with him furiously. The wrathful + Bhimasena could not brook that disregard by Karna. Indeed, that slayer of + foes quickly shot showers of arrows at Radha’s son. Those arrows, sped in + that encounter by Bhimasena, fell on every limb of Karna like cooing + birds. Those arrows equipped with golden wings and keen points, shot from + Bhimasena’s bow, covered the son of Radha like a flight of insects + covering a blazing fire. Karna, however, O king, shot showers of fierce + shafts in return, O Bharata. Then Vrikodara cut off, with many + broad-headed arrows, those shafts resembling thunderbolts, shot by that + ornament of battle, before they could come at him. That chastiser of foes, + viz., Karna, the son of Vikartana, once more, O Bharata, covered Bhimasena + with his arrowy showers. We then, O Bharata, beheld Bhima so pierced in + that encounter with arrows as to resemble a porcupine with its quills + erect on its body.<a href="#linknote-7155" name="linknoteref-7155" id="linknoteref-7155">155</a> Like the sun holding his own rays, the + heroic Bhima held in that battle all those shafts, whetted on stone and + equipped with wings of gold, that were shot from Karna’s bow. All his + limbs bathed in blood, Bhimasena looked resplendent like an Asoka tree in + spring adorned with its flowery burthen. The mighty-armed Bhima could not + brook that conduct, in battle, of the mighty-armed Karna. Rolling his eyes + in wrath, he pierced Karna with five and twenty long shafts. Thereupon, + Karna looked like a white mountain with many snakes of virulent poison + (hanging from its sides). And once more, Bhimasena, endued with the + prowess of a celestial, pierced the Suta’s son who was prepared to lay + down his life in battle, with six and then with eight arrows. And, again, + with another arrow, the valiant Bhimasena quickly cut off Karna’s bow, + smiling the while. And he slew also with his shafts the four steeds of + Karna and then his charioteer, and then pierced Karna himself in the chest + with a number of long shafts endued with the effulgence of the sun. Those + winged shafts, piercing through Karna’s body, entered the earth, like the + rays of the sun piercing through the clouds. Afflicted with arrows and his + bow cut off, Karna, though proud of his manliness, felt great pain and + proceeded to another car.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0128" id="link72H_4_0128"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘What, indeed, O Sanjaya, did Duryodhana say when he + saw that Karna turning away from the field upon whom my sons had reposed + all their hopes of victory? How, indeed, did the mighty Bhima, proud of + his energy, fight? What also, O son, did Karna do after this, beholding + Bhimasena in that battle resemble a blazing fire?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Mounting upon another car that was duly equipped Karna + once more proceeded against the son of Pandu, with the fury of the Ocean + tossed by the tempest. Beholding Adhiratha’s son excited with rage, thy + sons, O king, regarded Bhimasena to be already poured as a libation on the + (Karna) fire. With furious twang of bowstring and terrible sounds of his + palms, the son of Radha shot dense showers of shafts towards Bhimasena’s + car. And once more, O monarch, a terrible encounter took place between the + heroic Karna and the high-souled Bhima. Both excited with wrath, both + endued with mighty arms, each desirous of slaying the other, those two + warriors looked at each other, as if resolved to burn each other with + their (wrathful) glances. The eyes of both were red in rage, and both + breathed fiercely, like a couple of snakes. Endued with great heroism, + those two chastisers of foes approached and mangled each other. Indeed, + they fought with each other like two hawks endued with great activity, or + like two Sarabhas excited with wrath. Then that chastiser of foes, viz., + Bhima recollecting all the woes suffered by him on the occasion of the + match at dice, and during his exile in the woods and residence in Virata’s + city, and bearing in mind the robbing of their kingdom swelling with + prosperity and gems, by thy sons, and the numerous other wrongs inflicted + on the Pandavas by thee and the Suta’s son and remembering also the fact + that thou hadst conspired to burn innocent Kunti with her sons, and + calling to his memory the sufferings of Krishna in the midst of the + assembly at the hands of those wretches, as also the seizure of her + tresses by Duhsasana, and the harsh speeches uttered, O Bharata, by Karna, + to the effect, “Take thou another husband, for all thy husbands are dead: + the sons of Pritha have sunk into hell and are like sesamum seeds without + kernel,”—remembering also those other words, O son of Kuru, that the + Kauravas uttered in thy presence, add the fact also that thy sons had been + desirous of enjoying Krishna as a slave, and those harsh words that Karna + spoke to the sons of Pandu when the latter, attired in deer-skins were + about to be banished to the woods, and the joy in which thy wrathful and + foolish son, himself in prosperity, indulged, thinking the distressed sons + of Pritha as veritable straw, the virtuous Bhima that slayer of foes, + remembering these and all the woes he had suffered since his childhood, + became reckless of his very life. Stretching his invincible and formidable + bow, the back of whose staff was decked with gold, Vrikodara, that tiger + of Bharata’s race, utterly reckless of his life, rushed against Karna. + Shooting dense showers of bright arrows whetted on stone, Bhima shrouded + the very light of the sun. Adhiratha’s son, however, smiling the while, + quickly baffled, by means of his own winged arrows whetted on stone, that + arrowy downpour of Bhimasena. Endued with great strength and mighty arms, + that mighty car-warrior, the son of Adhiratha, then pierced Bhima with + nine keen arrows. Struck with those arrows, like an elephant struck with + the hook, Vrikodara fearlessly rushed against the Suta’s son. Karna, + however, rushed against that bull among the Pandavas who was thus rushing + towards him with great impetuosity and might, like an infuriated elephant + against an infuriated compeer. Blowing his conch then, whose blast + resembled the sound of a hundred trumpets, Karna cheerfully agitated the + force that supported Bhima, like the raging sea. Beholding that force of + his consisting of elephants and steeds and cars and foot-soldiers, thus + agitated by Karna, Bhima, approaching the former, covered him with arrows. + Then Karna caused his own steeds of the hue of swans to be mingled with + those of Bhimasena’s of the hue of bears, and shrouded the son of Pandu + with his shafts. Beholding those steeds of the hue of bears and fleet as + the wind, mingled with those of the hue of swans, cries of oh and alas + arose from among the troops of thy sons. Those steeds, fleet as the wind, + thus mingled together, looked exceedingly beautiful like white and black + clouds, O monarch, mingled together in the firmament. Beholding Karna and + Vrikodara to be both excited with wrath, great car-warriors of thy army + began to tremble with fear. The field of battle where they fought soon + became awful like the domain of Yama. Indeed, O best of Bharatas, it + became as frightful to behold as the city of the dead. The great car, + warriors of thy army, looking upon that scene, as if they were spectators + of a sport in an arena, beheld not any of the two to gain any advantage + over the other in that dreadful encounter. They only beheld, O king, that + mingling and clash of the mighty weapons of those two warriors, as a + result, O monarch, of the evil policy of thyself and thy son. Those two + slayers of foes continued to cover each other with their keen shafts. Both + endued with wonderful prowess, they filled the welkin with their arrowy + downpours. Those two mighty car-warriors shooting at each other keen + shafts from desire of taking each other’s life, became exceedingly + beautiful to behold like two clouds pouring torrents of rain. Those two + chastisers of foes, shooting gold-decked arrows, made the welkin look + bright, O king, as if with blazing meteors. Shafts equipped with vulturine + feathers, shot by those two heroes, looked like rows of excited cranes in + the autumn sky. Meanwhile, Krishna and Dhananjaya, those chastisers of + foes, engaged in battle with the Suta’s son, thought the burthen too great + for Bhima to bear. As Karna and Bhima for baffling each other’s shafts, + shot these arrows at each other, many elephants and steeds and men deeply + struck therewith, fell down deprived of life. And in consequence of those + falling and fallen creatures deprived of life counting by thousands, a + great carnage, O king, took place in the army of thy sons. And soon, O + bull of Bharata’s race, the field of battle became covered with the bodies + of men and steeds and elephants deprived of life.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0129" id="link72H_4_0129"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I regard Bhimasena’s prowess to be exceedingly + wonderful, inasmuch as he succeeded in battling with Karna of singular + activity and energy. Indeed, O Sanjaya, tell me why that Karna, who is + capable of resisting in battle the very celestials with the Yakshas and + Asuras and men, armed with all kinds of weapons, could not vanquish in + battle Pandu’s son Bhima blazing with resplendence? O tell me, how that + battle took place between them in which each staked his very life. I think + that in an encounter between the two, success is within reach of both as, + indeed, both are liable to defeat.<a href="#linknote-7156" name="linknoteref-7156" id="linknoteref-7156">156</a> O Suta, obtaining + Karna in battle, my son Suyodhana always ventures to vanquish the sons of + Pritha with Govinda and the Satwatas. Hearing, however, of the repeated + defeat in battle of Karna by Bhimasena of terrible deeds, a swoon seems to + come upon me. I think, the Kauravas to be already slain, in consequence of + evil policy of my son. Karna will never succeed, O Sanjaya, in vanquishing + those mighty bowmen, viz., the sons of Pritha. In all the battles that + Karna has fought with the sons of Pandu, the latter have invariably + defeated him on the field. Indeed, O son, the Pandavas are incapable of + being vanquished by the very gods with Vasava at their head. Alas, my + wicked son Duryodhana knoweth it not. Having robbed Pritha’s son, who is + like the Lord of the treasures himself, of his wealth, my son of little + intelligence seeth not the fall like a searcher of honey (in the + mountains). Conversant with deceit, he regardeth it to be irrevocably his + and always insulteth the Pandavas. Myself also, of unrefined soul, + overcome with affection for my children, scrupled not to despise the + high-souled sons of Pandu that are observant of morality. Yudhishthira, + the son of Pritha, of great foresight, always showed himself desirous of + peace. My sons, however, regarding him incapable, despised him. Bearing in + mind all those woes and all the wrongs (sustained by the Pandavas), the + mighty-armed Bhimasena battled with the Suta’s son. Tell me, therefore, O + Sanjaya, how Bhima and Karna, those two foremost of warriors, fought with + each other, desirous of taking each other’s life!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hear, O king, how the battle took place between Karna and + Bhima which resembled an encounter between two elephants in the forest, + desirous of slaying each other. The son of Vikartana, O king, excited with + rage and putting forth his prowess, pierced that chastiser of foes, viz., + the angry Bhima of great prowess with thirty shafts. Indeed, O chief of + Bharata’s race, Vikartana’s son struck Bhima with many arrows of keen + points, decked with gold, and endued with great impetuosity. Bhima, + however, with three sharp shafts cut off the bow of Karna, as the latter + was engaged in striking him. And with a broad-headed arrow, the son of + Pandu then felled on the earth Karna’s charioteer from his niche in the + car. The son of Vikartana, then desirous of slaying Bhimasena, seized a + dart whose shaft was adorned with gold and stones of lapis lazuli. + Grasping that fierce dart, which resembled a second dart of death, and + uplifting and aiming it, the mighty son of Radha hurled it at Bhimasena + with a force sufficient to take away Bhima’s life. Hurling that dart, like + Purandara hurling the thunderbolt, Radha’s son of great strength uttered a + loud roar. Hearing that roar thy sons became filled with delight. Bhima, + however, with seven swift arrows, cut off in the welkin that dart endued + with the effulgence of the sun or fire, hurled from the hands of Karna. + Cutting off that dart, resembling a snake just freed from its slough, + Bhima, O sire, as if on the lookout for taking the life-breath of the + Suta’s son, sped, in great wrath, many shafts in that battle that were + equipped with peacock-feathers and golden wings and each of which, whetted + on stone, resembled the rod of Yama. Karna also of great energy, taking up + another formidable bow, the back of whose staff was adorned with gold, and + drawing it with force, shot many shafts. The son of Pandu, however, cut + off all those arrows with nine straight arrows of his own. Having cut off, + O ruler of men those mighty shafts shot by Vasushena, Bhima, O monarch, + uttered a loud roar like that of a lion. Roaring at each other like two + mighty bulls for the sake of a cow in season, or like two tigers for the + sake of the same piece of meat, they endeavoured to strike each other, + each being desirous of finding the other’s laches. At times they looked at + each other with angry eyes, like two mighty bulls in a cow-pen. Then like + two huge elephants striking each other with the points of their tusks, + they encountered each other with shafts shot from their bows drawn to the + fullest stretch. Scorching each other, O king, with their arrowy showers, + they put forth their prowess upon each other, eyeing each other in great + wrath. Sometimes laughing at each other, and sometimes rebuking each + other, and sometimes blowing their conchs, they continued to fight with + each other. Then Bhima once more cut Karna’s bow at the handle, O sire, + and despatched by means of his shafts the latter’s steeds, white as + conchs, to the abode of Yama, and the son of Pandu also felled his enemy’s + charioteer from his niche in the car. Then Karna, the son of Vikartana, + made steedless and driverless, and covered in that battle (with shafts), + became plunged into great anxiety. Stupefied by Bhima with his arrowy + showers, he knew not what to do. Beholding Karna placed in the distressful + plight, king Duryodhana, trembling with wrath, commended (his brother) + Durjaya, saying, “Go, O Durjaya! There the son of Pandu is about to devour + the son of Radha! Slay that beardless Bhima soon, and infuse strength into + Karna!” Thus addressed, the son Durjaya, saying unto Duryodhana, “So be + it”, rushed towards Bhimasena engaged (with Karna) and covered him with + arrows. And Durjaya struck Bhima with nine shafts, his steeds with eight, + his driver with six, his standard with three, and once more Bhima himself + with seven. Then Bhimasena, excited with wrath, piercing with his shafts + the very vitals of Durjaya, and his steeds and driver, despatched them of + Yama’s abode. Then Karna, weeping in grief, circumambulated that son of + thine, who, adorned with ornaments, lay on the earth, writhing like a + snake. Bhima then, having made that deadly foe of his, viz., Karna, + carless, smilingly covered him with shafts and made him look like a + Sataghni with numberless spikes on it. The Atiratha Karna, however, that + chastiser of foes, though thus pierced with arrows, did not yet avoid the + enraged Bhima in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0130" id="link72H_4_0130"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then the carless Karna, thus once more completely defeated + by Bhima, mounted another car and speedily began to pierce the son of + Pandu. Like two huge elephants encountering each other with the points of + their tusks, they struck each other with shafts, shot from their bows + drawn to the fullest stretch. Then Karna, striking Bhimasena with showers + of shafts, uttered a loud roar, and once more pierced him in the chest. + Bhima, however, in return, pierced Karna with ten straight arrows and once + more with twenty straight arrows. Then Karna, piercing Bhima, O king, with + nine arrows in the centre of the chest, struck the latter’s standard with + a sharp shaft. The son of Pritha then pierced Karna in return with three + and sixty arrows, like a driver striking a mighty elephant with the hook, + or a rider striking a steed with a whip. Deeply pierced, O king, by the + illustrious son of Pandu, the heroic Karna began to lick with his tongue + the corners of his mouth, and his eyes became red in rage. Then, O + monarch, Karna, sped at Bhimasena, for his destruction, a shaft capable of + piercing everybody, like Indra hurling his thunderbolt. That shaft + equipped with beautiful feathers sped from the bow of the Suta’s son, + piercing Partha in that battle, sank deep into the earth. Then the + mighty-armed Bhima, with eyes red in wrath, hurled without a moment’s + reflection, at the Suta’s son, a heavy six-sided mace, adorned with gold + measuring full four cubits in length, and resembling the bolt of Indra in + force. Indeed, like Indra slaying the Asuras with his thunderbolt, that + hero of Bharata’s race, excited with wrath, slew with that mace the + well-trained steeds of the foremost breed, of Adhiratha’s son. Then, O + bull of Bharata’s race, the mighty-armed Bhima, with a couple of + razor-faced arrows, cut off the standard of Karna. And then he slew, with + a number of shafts his enemy’s charioteer. Abandoning that steedless and + driverless and standardless car, Karna, O Bharata, cheerlessly stood on + the earth, drawing his bow. The prowess that we then beheld of Radha’s son + was extremely wonderful, inasmuch as that foremost of car-warriors, though + deprived of car, continued to resist his foe. Beholding that foremost of + men, viz., the son of Adhiratha, deprived of his car, Duryodhana, O + monarch, said unto (his brother) Durmukha, “There, O Durmukha, the son of + Radha hath been deprived of his car by Bhimasena. Furnish that foremost of + men, that mighty car-warrior with a car.” Hearing these words of + Duryodhana, thy son Durmukha, O Bharata, quickly proceeded towards Karna + and covered Bhima with his shafts. Beholding Durmukha desirous of + supporting the Suta’s son in that battle, the son of the Wind god was + filled with delight and began to lick the corners of his mouth. Then + resisting Karna the while with his shafts, the son of Pandu quickly drove + his car towards Durmukha. And in that moment, O king, with nine straight + arrows of keen points, Bhima despatched Durmukha to Yama’s abode. Upon + Durmukha’s slaughter, the son of Adhiratha mounted upon the car of that + prince and looked resplendent, O king, like the blazing sun. Beholding + Durmukha lying prostrate on the field, his very vital pierced (with + shafts) and his body bathed in blood, Karna with tearful eyes abstained + for a moment from the fight. Circumambulating the fallen prince and + leaving him there, the heroic Karna began to breathe long and hot breaths + and knew not what to do. Seizing that opportunity, O king, Bhimasena shot + at the Suta’s son four and ten long shafts equipped with vulturine + feathers. Those blood-drinking shafts of golden wings, endued with great + force illuminating the ten points as they coursed through the welkin, + pierced the armour of the Suta’s son, and drank his life-blood, O king, + and passing through his body, sank into the earth and looked resplendent + like angry snakes, O monarch, urged on by Death himself, with half their + bodies inserted within their holes. Then the son of Radha, without + reflecting a moment, pierced Bhima in return with four and ten fierce + shafts adorned with gold. Those fierce-winged arrows, piercing through + Bhima’s right arms, entered the earth like birds entering a grove of + trees. Striking against the earth, those arrows looked resplendent, like + the blazing rays of the sun while proceeding towards the Asta hills. + Pierced in that battle with those all-piercing arrows, Bhima began to shed + copious streams of blood, like a mountain ejecting streams of water. Then + Bhima pierced the Suta’s son in return with three shafts endued with the + impetuosity of Garuda and he pierced the latter’s charioteer also with + seven. Then, O king, Karna thus afflicted by Bhima’s might, became + exceedingly distressed. And that illustrious warrior then fled, forsaking + the battle, borne away by his fleet steeds. The Atiratha Bhimasena, + however, drawing his bow adorned with gold, stayed in battle, looking + resplendent like a blazing fire.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0131" id="link72H_4_0131"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I think, Destiny is supreme. Fie on exertion which + is useless, inasmuch as the son of Adhiratha, though fighting resolutely, + could not vanquish the son of Pandu. Karna boasts of his competency to + vanquish in battle all the Parthas with Govinda amongst them. I do not see + in the world, another warrior like Karna! I often heard Duryodhana speak + in this strain. Indeed, O Suta, the wretched Duryodhana used to tell me + formerly, “Karna is a mighty hero, a firm bowman, above all fatigue. If I + have that Vasushena for my ally, the very gods will not be a match for me, + what need be said, therefore, O monarch, of the sons of Pandu that are + weak and heartless?” Tell me therefore, O Sanjaya, what Duryodhana said, + beholding that Karna defeated and looking like a snake deprived of its + poison and flying away from battle. Alas, deprived of his senses, + Duryodhana despatched the unsupported Durmukha, unacquainted though he was + with battle, into that fiery encounter, like an insect into the blazing + fire. O Sanjaya, even Aswatthaman and the ruler of the Madras and Kripa, + united together, could not stand before Bhimasena. Even these know the + terrible might, equal to that of ten thousand elephants, of Bhima, endued + with the energy of Marut himself, as also his cruel intents. Why did they + provoke the fire in battle, of that hero of cruel deeds, that warrior + resembling Yama himself as the latter becomes at the end of the Yuga? It + seems that Suta’s son, the mighty armed Karna alone, relying on the + prowess of his own arms, fought in battle with Bhimasena, disregarding the + latter. That son of Pandu who vanquished Karna in battle like Purandara + vanquishing an Asura, is capable of being vanquished by anybody in fight. + Who is there that would, hopeful of life, approach that Bhima who, in + Arjuna’s quest, alone entered my host, having ground Drona himself? Who, + indeed, is there, O Sanjaya, that would dare stay in the face of Bhima? + Who is there among the Asuras that would venture to stay before the great + Indra with the thunderbolt uplifted in his hand?<a href="#linknote-7157" name="linknoteref-7157" id="linknoteref-7157">157</a> A man may return + having entered the abode of the dead, but none, however, can return having + encountered Bhimasena! Those men of weak prowess, who senselessly rushed + against the angry Bhimasena were like insects falling upon a blazing fire. + Without doubt, reflecting upon what the angry and fierce Bhima had said in + the assembly in the hearing of the Kurus about the slaughter of my sons, + and beholding the defeat of Karna, Duhsasana and his brothers ceased to + encounter Bhima from fear. That wicked son also of mine, O Sanjaya, who + repeatedly said in the assembly (these words, viz.,) “Karna and Duhsasana + and I myself will vanquish the Pandavas in battle,”—without doubt, + beholding Karna defeated and deprived of his car by Bhima, is consumed + with grief in consequence of his rejection of Krishna’s suit!<a + href="#linknote-7158" name="linknoteref-7158" id="linknoteref-7158">158</a> + Beholding his mail-clad brothers slain in battle by Bhimasena, in + consequence of his own fault, without doubt, my son is burning with grief. + Who that is desirous of life will make a hostile advance against Pandu’s + son, Bhima, excited with wrath armed with terrible weapons and standing in + battle like Death himself? A man may escape from the very jaws of the + Vadava fire. But it is my belief that no one can escape from before + Bhima’s face. Indeed, neither Partha, nor the Panchalas, nor Kesava, nor + Satyaki, when excited with wrath in battle, shows the least regard for + (his) life. Alas, O Suta, the very lives of my sons are in danger.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thou, O Kaurava, that art thus grieving in view of the + present carnage, thou, without doubt, art the root of this destruction of + the world! Obedient to the counsels of thy sons, thou hast thyself + provoked this fierce hostility. Though urged (by well-wishers) thou + acceptest not the proper medicine like a man fated to die. O monarch, O + best of men, having thyself drunk the fiercest and the most indigestible + poison, take thou all its consequences now. The combatants are fighting to + the best of their might, still thou speakest ill of them. Listen, however, + to me as I describe to thee how the battle raged on. + </p> + <p> + “‘Beholding Karna defeated by Bhimasena, five of thy sons, those uterine + brothers that were great bowmen, could not, O sire, brook it. They were + Durmarshana and Duhsaha and Durmada and Durdhara and Jaya. Clad in + beautiful mail, all of them rushed against the son of Pandu. Encompassing + the mighty-armed Vrikodara, on all sides, they shrouded all the points of + the compass with their shafts looking like flights of locusts. Bhimasena, + however, in the battle, smilingly received those princes of celestial + beauty thus rushing suddenly against him. Beholding thy sons advancing + against Bhimasena, Radha’s son, Karna rushed against that mighty warrior, + shooting arrows of keen points that were equipped with golden wings and + whetted on stone. Bhima, however, quickly rushed against Karna, though + resisted by thy sons. Then the Kurus, surrounding Karna, covered Bhimasena + with showers of straight shafts. With five and twenty arrows, O king, + Bhima, armed with his formidable bow, despatched all those bulls among men + to Yama’s abode with their steeds and charioteers. Falling down from their + cars along with their charioteers, their lifeless forms looked like large + trees with their weight of variegated flowers uprooted by the tempest. The + prowess that we then beheld of Bhimasena was exceedingly wonderful, + inasmuch as, resisting Adhiratha’s son the while, he slew those sons of + thine. Resisted by Bhima with whetted arrows on all sides, the Suta’s son, + O king, only looked at Bhima. Bhimasena also, with eyes red in wrath, + began to cast angry glances on Karna, stretching his formidable bow the + while.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0132" id="link72H_4_0132"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding thy sons lying (on the field), Karna of great + prowess filled with great wrath, became hopeless about his life. And + Adhiratha’s son regarded himself guilty, seeing thy sons slain before his + eyes in battle by Bhima. Then Bhimasena, recollecting the wrongs formerly + inflicted by Karna, became filled with rage and began with deliberate care + to pierce Karna with many keen arrows. Then Karna, piercing Bhima with + five arrows, smiling the while, once more pierced him with seventy arrows, + equipped with golden wings and whetted on stone. Disregarding these shafts + shot by Karna, Vrikodara pierced the son of Radha in that battle with a + hundred straight shafts. And once more, piercing him in his vitals with + five keen arrows, Bhima, O sire, cut off with a broad-headed arrow the bow + of the Suta’s son. The cheerless Karna then, O Bharata, taking up another + bow shrouded Bhimasena on all sides with his arrows. Then Bhima, slaying + Karna’s steeds and charioteer, laughed a laugh, having thus counteracted + Karna’s feats. Then that bull amongst men, viz., Bhima, cut off with his + arrows the bow of Karna. That bow, O king, of loud twang, and the back of + whose staff was decked with gold, fell down (from his hand). Then the + mighty car-warrior Karna alighted from his car and taking up a mace in + that battle wrathfully hurled it at Bhima. Beholding that mace, O king, + impetuously coursing towards him, Vrikodara resisted it with his arrows in + the sight of all thy troops. Then the son of Pandu, gifted with great + prowess and exerting himself with great activity, shot a thousand arrows + at the Suta’s son, desirous of taking the latter’s life. Karna, however, + in the dreadful battle, resisting all those shafts with his own, cut off + Bhima’s armour also with his arrows. And then he pierced Bhima with five + and twenty small shafts in the sight of all the troops. All this seemed + exceedingly wonderful. Then, O monarch, Bhima, excited with rage, sped + nine straight shafts at the Suta’s son. Those keen shafts, piercing + through Karna’s coat of mail and right arm, entered the earth like snakes + into an ant-hill. Shrouded with showers of shafts shot from Bhimasena’s + bow, Karna once more turned his back upon Bhimasena. Beholding the Suta’s + son turn back and flying away on foot, covered all over with the arrows of + Kunti’s son, Duryodhana said, “Go ye quickly from all sides towards the + car of Radha’s son.” Then, O king, thy sons, hearing these words of their + brother that were to them a surprise, rushed towards the son of Pandu for + battle, shooting showers of shafts. They were Chitra, and Upachitra, and + Charuchitra, and Sarasan, and Chitrayudha, and Chitravarman. All of them + were well-versed in every mode of warfare. The mighty car-warrior, + Bhimasena, however, felled each of those sons of thine thus rushing + against him, with a single arrow. Deprived of life, they fell down on the + earth like trees uprooted by a tempest. Beholding those sons of thine, all + mighty car-warriors, O king, thus slain, Karna, with tearful face, + recollected the word of Vidura. Mounting upon another car that was duly + equipped, Karna, endued with great prowess, quickly proceeded against the + son of Pandu in battle. Piercing each other with whetted arrows, equipped + with wings of gold, the two warriors looked resplendent like two masses of + clouds penetrated by the rays of the sun. Then the son of Pandu, excited + with rage, cut off the armour of Suta’s son with six and thirty + broad-headed arrows of great sharpness and fierce energy. The mighty-armed + Suta’s son also, O bull of Bharata’s race, pierced the son of Kunti with + fifty straight arrows. The two warriors then, smeared with red + sandal-paste with many a wound caused by each other’s arrows, and covered + also with gore, looked resplendent like the risen sun and the moon. Their + coats of mail cut off by means of arrows, and their bodies covered with + blood, Karna and Bhima then looked like a couple of snakes just freed from + their sloughs. Indeed, those two tigers among men mangled each other with + their arrows, like two tigers mangling each other with their teeth. The + two heroes incessantly showered their shafts, like two masses of clouds + pouring torrents of rain. Those two chastisers of foes tore each other’s + body with their arrows, like two elephants tearing each other with the + points of their tusks. Roaring at each other and showering their arrows + upon each other, causing their cars to trace beautiful circles, they + resembled a couple of mighty bulls roaring at each other in the presence + of a cow in her season. Indeed, those two lions among men then looked like + a couple of mighty lions endued with eyes red in wrath, these two warriors + endued with great energy fought on like Sakra and Virochana’s son + (Prahlada). Then, O king, the mighty-armed Bhima, as he stretched his bow + with his two hands, looked like a cloud charged with lightning. Then + mighty Bhima-cloud, having the twang of the bow for its thunder and + incessant showers of arrows for its rainy downpour, covered, O king, the + Karna-mountain. And once more Pandu’s son, Bhima of terrible prowess, O + Bharata, shrouded Karna with a thousand shafts shot from his bow. And as + he shrouded Karna with his winged shafts, equipped with Kanka feathers, + thy sons witnessed his extra-ordinary prowess. Gladdening Partha himself + and the illustrious Kesava, Satyaki and the two protectors of (two) wheels + (of Arjuna’s car), Bhima fought even thus with Karna. Beholding the + perseverance of Bhima who knew his own self, thy sons, O monarch, all + became cheerless.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0133" id="link72H_4_0133"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing the twang of Bhimasena’s bow and the sound of his + palms, the son of Radha could not brook it, like an infuriated elephant + incapable of brooking the roars of an infuriated rival. Returning for a + moment from before Bhimasena, Karna cast his eyes upon those sons of thine + that had been slain by Bhimasena. Beholding them, O best of men, Karna + became cheerless and plunged in grief. Breathing hot and long sighs, he, + once more, proceeded against the son of Pandu. With eyes red as copper, + and sighing in wrath like a mighty snake, Karna then, as he shot his + arrows, looked resplendent like the sun scattering his rays.<a + href="#linknote-7159" name="linknoteref-7159" id="linknoteref-7159">159</a> + Indeed, O bull of Bharata’s race, Vrikodara was then covered with the + arrows, resembling the spreading rays of the sun that were shot from + Karna’s bow. The beautiful shafts, equipped with peacock-feathers, shot + from Karna’s bow, penetrated into every part of Bhima’s body, like birds + into a tree for roosting there. Indeed, the arrows, equipped with wings of + gold, shot from Karna’s bow falling incessantly, resembled continuous rows + of cranes. So numerous were the shafts shot by Adhiratha’s son that, these + seemed to issue not from his bow alone but from his standard, his + umbrella, and the shaft and yoke and bottom of his car also. Indeed, + Adhiratha’s son shot his sky-ranging shafts of impetuous energy, decked + with gold and equipped with vulturine feathers, in such a way as to fill + the entire welkin with them. Beholding him (thus) excited with fury and + rushing towards him like the Destroyer himself, Vrikodara, becoming + utterly reckless of his life and prevailing over his foe, pierced him with + nine shafts.<a href="#linknote-7160" name="linknoteref-7160" id="linknoteref-7160">160</a> Beholding the irresistible impetuosity of + Karna as also that dense shower of arrows, Bhima, endued as he was with + great prowess, quailed not in fear. The son of Pandu then counteracting + that arrowy downpour of Adhiratha’s son, pierced Karna himself with twenty + other sharp shafts. Indeed, as Pritha’s son himself had before been + shrouded by the Suta’s son, even so was the latter now shrouded by the + former in that battle. Beholding the prowess of Bhimasena in battle, thy + warriors, as also the Gandharas, filled with joy, applauded him. + Bhurisravas, and Kripa, and Drona’s son, and the ruler of the Madras, and + Uttamaujas and Yudhamanyu, and Kesava, and Arjuna,—these great + car-warriors, O king, among both the Kurus and the Pandavas,—loudly + cheered Bhima, saying, “Excellent, Excellent,” and uttered leonine roars. + When that fierce uproar, making the hair stand on end rose, thy son + Duryodhana, O king, quickly said unto all the kings and princes and + particularly his uterine brothers, these words, “Blessed be ye, proceed + towards Karna for rescuing him from Vrikodara, else the shafts shot from + Bhima’s bow will slay the son of Radha. Ye mighty bowmen, strive ye to + protect the Suta’s son.” Thus commanded by Duryodhana, seven of his + uterine brothers, O sire, rushing in wrath towards Bhimasena, encompassed + him on all sides. Approaching the son of Kunti they covered him with + showers of arrows, like clouds pouring torrents of rain on the + mountain-breast in the season of rains. Excited with wrath, those seven + great car-warriors began to afflict Bhimasena, O king, like the seven + planets afflicting the moon at the hour of the universal dissolution. The + son of Kunti, then, O monarch, drawing his beautiful bow with great force + and firm grasp, and knowing that his foes were but men, aimed seven + shafts. And lord Bhima in great rage sped at them those shafts, effulgent + as solar rays. Indeed, Bhimasena recollecting his former wrongs, shot + those shafts as if for extracting the life from out of the bodies of those + sons of thine. Those arrows, O Bharata, whetted on stone and equipped with + wings of gold, shot by Bhimasena, piercing through the bodies of those + Bharata princes, flew into the sky. Indeed, those arrows winged with gold, + piercing through the hearts of thy sons, looked beautiful, O monarch, as + they passed into the sky, like birds of excellent plumage. Decked with + gold and covered all over with blood, those arrows, O king, drinking the + blood of thy sons passed out of their body. Pierced in their vital limbs + by means of those arrows, they fell down on the earth from their cars, + like tall trees growing on mountain precipices, broken by an elephant. The + seven sons of thine that were thus slain were Satrunjaya, and Satrusaha, + and Chitra, and Chitrayudha, and Dridha, and Chitrasena and Vikarna. + Amongst all thy sons thus slain, Vrikodara, the son of Pandu, grieved + bitterly from sorrow for Vikarna who was dear to him. And Bhima said, + “Even thus was the vow made by me, viz., that all of you should be slain + by me in battle. It is for that, O Vikarna, that thou hast been slain. My + vow hath been accomplished. O hero, thou camest to battle, bearing in mind + the duties of a Kshatriya. Thou wert ever engaged in our good, and + especially in that of the king (our eldest brother). It is scarcely + proper, therefore, for me to grieve for thy illustrious self.” Having + slain those princes, O king, in the very sight of Radha’s son, the son of + Pandu uttered a terrible leonine roar. That loud shout of the heroic + Bhima, O Bharata, informed king Yudhishthira the Just that the victory in + that battle was his. Indeed, hearing that tremendous shout of Bhima armed + with the bow, king Yudhishthira felt great joy in the midst of that + battle. The gladdened son of Pandu, then, O king, received that leonine + shout of his brother with sounds and other musical instruments. And after + Vrikodara, had sent him that message by the sign agreed upon, + Yudhishthira, that foremost of persons acquainted with weapons, filled + with joy, rushed against Drona in battle. On the other hand, O king, + beholding one and thirty of thy sons slain, Duryodhana recollected the + words of Vidura. “Those beneficial words spoken by Vidura are now + realised!” Thinking even so, king Duryodhana was unable to do what he + should. All that, during the match at dice, thy foolish and wicked son, + with Karna (on his side), said unto the princes of Panchala causing her to + be brought into the assembly, all the harsh words, again, that Karna said + unto Krishna, in the same place, before thyself, O king, and the sons of + Pandu, in thy hearing and that of all the Kurus, viz., “O Krishna, the + Pandavas are lost and have sunk into eternal hell, therefore, choose thou + other husbands,”—alas, the fruit of all that is now manifesting + itself. Then, again, O thou of Kuru’s race, diverse harsh speeches, such + as sesamum seeds without kernel, etc., were applied by the wrathful sons + to those high-souled ones, viz., the sons of Pandu. Bhimasena, vomiting + forth the fire of wrath (which these enraged) and which he had restrained + for thirteen years, is now compassing the destruction of thy sons. + Indulging in copious lamentations, Vidura failed to persuade thee towards + peace. O chief of the Bharatas, suffer the fruit of all that with thy + sons. Thou art old, patient, and capable of foreseeing the consequences of + all acts. Being so, when thou didst yet refuse to follow the counsels of + thy well-wishers, it seems that all this is the result of destiny. Do not + grieve, O tiger among men! All this is thy great fault. In my opinion, + thou art thyself the cause of the destruction of thy sons. O monarch, + Vikarna hath fallen, and Chitrasena also of great prowess. Many other + mighty car-warriors and foremost ones among thy sons have also fallen. + Others, again, among thy sons whom Bhima saw come within the range of his + vision, O mighty-armed one, he slew in a trice. It is for thee only that I + had to see our array scorched in thousands by means of the arrows shot by + Pandu’s son, Bhima and Vrisha (Karna)!’" </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link137" id="link137"></a> <br /> <br /> + </p> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘O Suta, O Sanjaya, this grievous result that has now + overtaken us is, I think, certainly due to my evil policy. I had hitherto + thought that what is past. But, O Sanjaya, what measures should I now + adopt? I am now once more calm, O Sanjaya, therefore, tell me how this + slaughter of heroes is going on, having my evil policy for its cause.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Indeed, O king, Karna and Bhima, both endued with great + prowess, continued in that battle to pour their arrowy showers like two + rain-charged clouds. The arrows, winged with gold and whetted on stone and + marked with Bhima’s name, approaching Karna, penetrated into his body, as + if piercing into his very life. Similarly, Bhima also, in that battle was + shrouded with the shafts of Karna in hundreds and thousands, resembling + snakes of virulent poison. With their arrows, O king, falling on all + sides, an agitation was produced among the troops resembling that of the + very ocean. Many were the combatants, O chastiser of foes, in thy host + that were deprived of life by arrows, resembling snakes of virulent poison + shot from Bhima’s bow. Strewn with fallen elephants and steeds mixed with + the bodies of men, the field of battle looked like one covered with trees + broken by a tempest. Slaughtered in battle with the arrows from Bhima’s + bow, thy warriors fled away, saying, “What is this?” Indeed, that host of + the Sindhus, the Sauviras, and the Kauravas, afflicted with the impetuous + shafts of both Karna and Bhima, was removed to a great distance. The + remnant of those brave soldiers, with their steeds and elephants killed, + leaving the vicinity of both Karna and Bhima, fled away in all directions. + (And they cried out), “Verily, for the sake of the Parthas, the gods are + stupefying us, since those arrows shot by both Bhima and Karna are slaying + our forces.” Saying those words, these troops of thine afflicted with fear + avoiding the range of (Karna’s and Bhima’s) arrows, stood at a distance + for witnessing that combat. Then, on the field of battle there began to + flow a terrible river enhancing the joy of the heroes and the fears of the + timid. And it was caused by the blood of elephants and steeds and men. And + covered with the lifeless forms of men and elephants and steeds, with + flagstaffs and the bottoms of cars, with the adornments of cars and + elephants and steeds with broken cars and wheels and Akshas and Kuveras, + with loud-twanged bows decked with gold, and gold-winged arrows and shafts + in thousands, shot by Karna and Bhima, resembling snakes just freed from + their sloughs, with countless lances and spears and scimitars and + battleaxes, with maces and clubs and axes, all adorned with gold, with + standards of diverse shapes, and darts and spiked clubs, and with + beautiful Sataghnis, the earth, O Bharata, looked resplendent. And strewn + all over with earrings and necklaces of gold and bracelets loosened (from + wrists), and rings, and precious gems worn on diadems and crowns, and + head-gears, and golden ornaments of diverse kinds, O sire, and coats of + mail, and leathern fences, and elephants’ ropes, and umbrellas displaced + (from their places) and Yak-tails, and fans with the pierced bodies of + elephants and steeds and men, with blood-dyed arrows, and with diverse + other objects, lying about and loosened from their places, the field of + battle looked resplendent like the firmament bespangled with stars. + Beholding the wonderful, inconceivable, and superhuman feats of those two + warriors, the Charanas and the Siddhas were exceedingly amazed. As a + blazing conflagration, having the wind for its ally, courses through an + (extended) heap of dry grass, even so, Adhiratha’s son, engaged with + Bhima, coursed fiercely in that battle.<a href="#linknote-7161" name="linknoteref-7161" id="linknoteref-7161">161</a> Both of them felled + countless standards and cars and slew steeds and men and elephants, like a + pair of elephants crushing a forest of reeds while engaged in battle with + other. Thy host looked like a mass of clouds, O king of men, and great was + the carnage caused in that battle by Karna and Bhima.’”<a + href="#linknote-7162" name="linknoteref-7162" id="linknoteref-7162">162</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0134" id="link72H_4_0134"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Karna, O king, piercing Bhima with three arrows, + poured countless beautiful arrows upon him. The mighty-armed Bhimasena, + the son of Pandu, though thus struck by the Suta’s son, showed no signs of + pain but stood immovable like a hill pierced (with arrows). In return, O + sire, in that battle, he deeply pierced Karna in the ear with a barbed + arrow, rubbed with oil, of great keenness, and of excellent temper. (With + that arrow) he felled on the earth the large and beautiful ear-ring of + Karna. And it felled down, O monarch, like a blazing luminary of great + effulgence from the firmament. Excited with wrath, Vrikodara, then, + smiling the while, deeply pierced the Suta’s son in the centre of the + chest with another broad-headed arrow. And once again, O Bharata, the + mighty-armed Bhima quickly shot in that battle ten long shafts that looked + like snakes of virulent poison just freed from their sloughs. Shot by + Bhima, those shafts, O sire, striking Karna’s forehead, entered it like + snakes entering an ant-hill. With those shafts sticking to his forehead, + the Suta’s son looked beautiful, as he did before, while his brow had been + encircled with a chaplet of blue lotuses. Deeply pierced by the active son + of Pandu, Karna, supporting himself on the Kuxara of his car, closed his + eyes. Soon, however, regaining consciousness, Karna, that scorcher of + foes, with his body bathed in blood, became mad with rage.<a + href="#linknote-7163" name="linknoteref-7163" id="linknoteref-7163">163</a> + Infuriated with rage in consequence of his being thus afflicted by that + firm bowman, Karna, endued with great impetuosity, rushed fiercely towards + Bhimasena’s car. Then, O king, the mighty and wrathful Karna, maddened + with rage, shot at Bhimasena, O Bharata, a hundred shafts winged with + vulturine feathers. The son of Pandu, however, disregarding his foe and + setting at nought his energy, began to shoot showers of fierce arrows at + him. Then Karna, O king, excited with rage, O scorcher of foes, struck the + son of Pandu, that embodiment of wrath with nine arrows in the chest. Then + both those tigers among men (armed with arrows and, therefore), resembling + a couple of tigers with fierce teeth, poured upon each other, in that + battle, their arrowy showers, like two mighty masses of clouds. They + sought to frighten each other in that battle, with sounds of their palms + and with showers of arrows of diverse kinds. Excited with rage, each + sought in that battle to counteract the other’s feat. Then that slayer of + hostile heroes, viz., the mighty-armed Bhima, O Bharata, cutting off, with + a razor-faced arrow, the bow of the Suta’s son, uttered a loud shout. + Casting off that broken bow, the Suta’s son, that mighty car-warrior, took + up another bow that was stronger and tougher. Beholding that slaughter of + the Kuru, the Sauvira, and the Sindhu heroes, and marking that the earth + was covered with coats of mail and standards and weapons lying about, and + also seeing the lifeless forms of elephants, foot-soldiers and horsemen + and car-warriors on all sides, the body of the Suta’s son, from wrath, + blazed up with effulgence. Stretching his formidable bow, decked with + gold, Radha’s son, O king, eyed Bhima with wrathful glances. Infuriated + with rage, the Suta’s son, while shooting his arrows, looked resplendent, + like the autumnal sun of dazzling rays at mid-day. While employed with his + hands in taking up an arrow, fixing it on the bow-string, stretching the + string and letting it off, none could notice any interval between those + acts. And while Karna was thus engaged in shooting his arrows right and + left, his bow incessantly drawn to a circle, like a terrible circle of + fire. The keen pointed arrows, equipped with wings of gold, shot from + Karna’s bow, covered, O king, all the points of the compass, darkening the + very light of the sun. Countless flights were seen, in the welkin, of + those shafts equipped with wings of gold, shot from Karna’s bow. Indeed, + the shafts shot from the bow of Adhiratha’s son, looked like rows of + cranes in the sky. The arrows that Adhiratha’s son shot were all equipped + with vulturine feathers, whetted on stone, decked with gold, endued with + great impetuosity, and furnished with blazing points. Impelled by the + force of his bow, those arrows urged by Karna, while coursing in thousands + through the welkin looked beautiful like successive flights of locusts. + The arrows shot from the bow of Adhiratha’s son, as they coursed through + the welkin, looked like one long continuously drawn arrow in the sky. Like + a cloud covering a mountain with torrents of rain, Karna in rage, covered + Bhima with showers of arrows. Then thy sons, O Bharata, with their troops, + beheld the might, energy, prowess and perseverance of Bhima, for the + latter, disregarding that arrowy downpour, resembling the raging sea, + rushed in wrath against Karna, Bhima, O monarch, was armed with a + formidable bow, the back of whose staff was decked with gold. He stretched + it so quickly that it seemed, like a second bow of Indra, incessantly + drawn to a circle. Shafts issued continuously from it seemed to fill the + welkin. With those straight arrows, equipped with wings of gold, shot by + Bhima, a continuous line was made in the sky that looked effulgent like a + garland of gold. Then those showers of (Karna’s) arrows spread in the + welkin, struck by Bhimasena with his shafts, were scattered in portions + and fell down on the earth. Then the sky was covered with those showers of + gold-winged and swiftly-coursing arrows, of both Karna and Bhimasena, that + produced sparks of fire as they clashed against each other. The very sun + was then shrouded, and the very wind ceased to blow. Indeed, when the + welkin was thus covered with those arrowy showers, nothing could be seen. + Then the Suta’s son, disregarding the energy of the high-souled Bhima, + completely shrouded Bhima with other arrows and endeavoured to prevail + over him. Then, O sire, those arrowy showers shot by both of them, seemed + to clash against each other like two opposite currents of wind. And in + consequence of that clash of the arrowy showers of those two lions among + men, a conflagration, O chief of the Bharatas, seemed to be generated in + the sky. Then Karna, desirous of slaying Bhima, shot at him in rage many + whetted arrows equipped with wings of gold and polished by the hands of + the smith. Bhima, however, cut off with his own shafts every one of those + arrows into three fragments, and prevailing over the Suta’s son, he cried + out, “Wait, Wait.” And the wrathful and mighty son of Pandu, like an + all-consuming conflagration, once more shot in rage showers of fierce + shafts. And then in consequence of their leathern fences striking against + their bow-strings, loud sounds were generated. And loud also became the + sound of their palms, and terrible their leonine shouts, and fierce the + rattle of their car-wheels and the twang of their bow-strings. And all the + combatants, O king, ceased to fight, desirous of beholding the prowess of + Karna and of the son of Pandu, each of whom was desirous of slaying the + other. And the celestial Rishis and Siddhas and Gandharvas, applauded + them, saying, “Excellent, Excellent!” And the tribes of Vidyadharas rained + flowery showers upon them. Then the wrathful and mighty-armed Bhima of + fierce prowess, baffling with his own weapons the weapons of his foe, + pierced the Suta’s son with many shafts. Karna also, endued with great + might, baffling the shafts of Bhimasena, sped at him nine long shafts in + that battle. Bhima, however, with as many arrows, cut off those shafts of + Suta’s son in the welkin and addressed him, saying, “Wait, Wait!” Then the + mighty-armed and heroic Bhima, excited with rage, shot at Adhiratha’s son + an arrow resembling the rod of Yama or Death himself. Radha’s son, + however, smiling, cut off that arrow, O king, of Pandu’s son, however, of + great Prowess, with three arrows of his, as it coursed towards him through + the welkin. The son of Pandu then once more shot showers of fierce shafts. + Karna, however, fearlessly received all those arrows of Bhima. Then + excited with rage, the Suta’s son, Karna, by the power of his weapons, + with his straight arrows, cut off in that encounter the couple of quivers + and the bow-string of fighting Bhima, as also the traces of his steeds. + And then slaying his steeds also, Karna pierced Bhima’s charioteer with + five shafts. The charioteer, quickly running away, proceeded to + Yudhamanyu’s car. Excited with rage, the son of Radha then, whose + splendour resembled that of the Yuga-fire, smiling the while, cut off the + flag-staff of Bhima and felled his banner. Deprived of his bow, the + mighty-armed Bhima then seized a dart, such as car-warriors may use. + Excited with wrath, he whirled it in his hand and then hurled it with + great force at Karna’s car. The son of Adhiratha then, with ten shafts, + cut off, as it coursed towards him with the effulgence of a large meteor, + the gold-decked dart thus hurled (by Bhima).<a href="#linknote-7164" name="linknoteref-7164" id="linknoteref-7164">164</a> Thereupon, that dart + fell down, cut off into ten fragments by those sharp shafts of the Suta’s + son, Karna, that warrior conversant with every mode of warfare, then + battling for the sake of his friends. Then, the son of Kunti took up a + shield decked with gold and a sword, desirous of obtaining either death or + victory. Karna, however, O Bharata, smiling the while, cut off that bright + shield of Bhima with many fierce shafts. Then, car-less, Bhima, O king, + deprived of his shield, became mad with rage. Quickly, then, he hurled his + formidable sword at Karna’s car. That large sword, cutting off the + stringed bow of the Suta’s son, fell down on the earth, O king, like an + angry snake from the sky. Then Adhiratha’s son, excited with rage in that + battle, smilingly took up another bow destructive of foes, having a + stronger string, and tougher than the one he had lost. Desirous of slaying + the son of Kunti, Karna then began to shoot thousands of arrows, O king, + equipped with wings of gold and endued with great energy. Struck by those + shafts shot from Karna’s bow, the mighty Bhima leaped into the sky, + filling Karna’s heart with anguish. Beholding the conduct of Bhima, in + battle desirous of victory, the son of Radha beguiled him by concealing + himself in his car. Seeing Karna concealing himself with an agitated heart + on the terrace of his car, Bhima catching hold of Karna’s flagstaff, + waited on the earth. All the Kurus and the Charanas highly applauded that + attempt of Bhima of snatching Karna away from his car, like Garuda + snatching away a snake. His bow cut off, himself deprived of his car, + Bhima, observant of the duties of his order, stood still for battle, + keeping his (broken) car behind him. The son of Radha, then, from rage, in + that encounter, proceeded against the son of Pandu who was waiting for + battle. Then those two mighty warriors, O king, challenging as they + approached each other, those two bulls among men, roared at each other, + like clouds at the close of summer. And the passage-at-arms that then took + place between those two enraged lions among men that could not brook each + other in battle resembled that of old between the gods and the Danavas. + The son of Kunti, however, whose stock of weapons was exhausted, was + (obliged to turn back) pursued by Karna. Beholding the elephants, huge as + hills that had been slain by Arjuna, lying (near), unarmed Bhimasena + entered into their midst, for impeding the progress of Karna’s car. + Approaching that multitude of elephants and getting into the midst of that + fastness which was inaccessible to a car, the son of Pandu, desirous of + saving his life, refrained from striking the son of Radha. Desirous of + shelter, that subjugator of hostile cities viz., the son of Pritha, + uplifting an elephant that had been slain by Dhananjaya with his shafts, + waited there, like Hanumat uplifting the peak of Gandhamadana.<a + href="#linknote-7165" name="linknoteref-7165" id="linknoteref-7165">165</a> + Karna, however, with his shafts, cut off that elephant held by Bhima. The + son of Pandu, thereupon, hurled at Karna the fragments of that elephant’s + body as also car-wheels and steeds. In fact, all objects that he saw lying + there on the field, the son of Pandu, excited with rage, took up and + hurled at Karna. Karna, however, with his sharp arrows, cut off every one + of those objects thus thrown at him. Bhima also, raising his fierce fists + that were endued with the force of the thunder, desired to slay the Suta’s + son. Soon, however, he recollected Arjuna’s vow. The son of Pandu, + therefore, though competent, spared the life of Karna, from desire of not + falsifying the vow that Savyasachin had made. The Suta’s son, however, + with his sharp shafts, repeatedly caused the distressed Bhima, to lose the + sense. But Karna, recollecting the words of Kunti, took not the life of + the unarmed Bhima. Approaching quickly Karna touched him with the horn of + his bow. As soon, however, as Bhimasena was touched with the bow, excited + with rage and sighing like a snake, he snatched the bow from Karna and + struck him with it on the head. Struck by Bhimasena, the son of Radha, + with eyes red in wrath, smiling the while, said unto him repeatedly these + words, viz., “Beardless eunuch, ignorant fool and glutton.” And Karna + said, “Without skill in weapons, do not fight with me. Thou art but a + child, a laggard in battle! There, son of Pandu, where occurs a profusion + of eatables and drink, there, O wretch, shouldst thou be but never in + battle. Subsisting on roots, flowers, and observant of vows and + austerities, thou, O Bhima, shouldst pass thy days in the woods for thou + art unskilled in battle. Great is the difference between battle and the + austere mode of a Muni’s life. Therefore, O Vrikodara, retire into the + woods. O child, thou art not fit for being engaged in battle. Thou hast an + aptitude for a life in the woods. Urging cooks and servants and slaves in + the house to speed, thou art fit only for reproving them in wrath for the + sake of thy dinner, O Vrikodara! O Bhima, O thou of a foolish + understanding, betaking thyself to a Muni’s mode of life, gather thou + fruits (for thy food). Go to the woods, O son of Kunti, for thou art not + skilled in battle. Employed in cutting fruits and roots or in waiting upon + guests, thou art unfit, I think, to take a part, O Vrikodara, in any + passage-at-arms.” And, O monarch, all the wrongs done to him in his + younger years, were also reminded by Karna in harsh words. And as he stood + there in weakness, Karna once more touched him with the bow. And laughing + loudly, Vrisha once more told Bhima those words, “Thou shouldst fight with + others, O sire, but never with one like me. They that fight with persons + like us have to undergo this and else! Go thither where the two Krishnas + are! They will protect thee in battle. Or, O son of Kunti, go home, for, a + child as thou art, what business hast thou with battle?” Hearing those + harsh words of Karna, Bhimasena laughed aloud and addressing Karna said + unto him these words in the hearing of all, “O wicked wight, repeatedly + hast thou been vanquished by me. How canst thou indulge, then, in such + idle boast? In this world the ancients witnessed the victory and defeat of + the great Indra himself. O thou of ignoble parentage, engage thyself with + me in an athletic encounter with bare arms. Even as I slew the mighty + Kichaka of gigantic frame, I would then slay thee in the very sight of all + kings.” Understanding the motives of Bhima, Karna, that foremost of + intelligent men, abstained from that combat in the very sight of all the + bowmen. Indeed, having made Bhima carless, Karna, O king, reproved him in + such boastful language in the sight of that lion among the Vrishnis (viz., + Krishna) and of the high-souled Partha. Then the ape-bannered (Arjuna), + urged by Kesava, shot at the Suta’s son, O king, many shafts whetted on + stone. Those arrows adorned with gold, shot by Partha’s arms and issuing + out of Gandiva, entered Karna’s body, like cranes into the Krauncha + mountains. With those arrows shot from Gandiva which entered Karna’s body + like so many snakes, Dhananjaya drove the Suta’s son from Bhimasena’s + vicinity. His bow cut off by Bhima, and himself afflicted with the arrows + of Dhananjaya, Karna quickly fled away from Bhima on his great car. + Bhimasena also, O bull among men, mounting upon Satyaki’s car, proceeded + in that battle in the wake of his brother Savyasachin, the son of Pandu. + Then Dhananjaya, with eyes red in wrath, aiming at Karna, quickly sped a + shaft like the Destroyer urging forward Death’s self. That shaft shot from + Gandiva, like Garuda in the welkin in quest of a mighty snake, quickly + coursed towards Karna. The son of Drona, however, that mighty car-warrior, + with a winged arrow of his, cut it off in mid-air, desirous of rescuing + Karna from fear of Dhananjaya. Then Arjuna, excited with wrath, pierced + the son of Drona with four and sixty arrows, O king, and addressing him, + said, “Do not fly away, O Aswatthaman, but wait a moment.” Drona’s son, + however, afflicted with the shafts of Dhananjaya, quickly entered a + division of the Kaurava army that abounded with infuriated elephants and + teemed with cars. The mighty son of Kunti, then, with the twang of + Gandiva, drowned the noise made in that battle by all other twangings of + bows, of shafts decked with gold. Then, the mighty Dhananjaya followed + from behind the son of Drona who had not retreated to a great distance, + frightening him all the way with his shafts. Piercing with his shafts, + winged with the feathers of Kankas and peacocks, the bodies of men and + elephants and steeds, Arjuna began to grind that force. Indeed, O chief of + the Bharatas, Partha, the son of Indra, began to exterminate that host + teeming with steeds and elephants and men.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0135" id="link72H_4_0135"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Day by day, O Sanjaya, my blazing fame is being + darkened. A great many warriors of mine have fallen. I think, all this is + due to the reverse brought about by time. Dhananjaya, excited with rage, + hath penetrated into my host which is protected by Drona’s son, and Karna + and which, therefore, is incapable of being penetrated by the very gods. + United with those two of blazing energy viz., Krishna and Bhima, as also + with that bull among the Sinis, his prowess hath been increased. Since I + have heard of Dhananjaya’s entry, grief is consuming my heart, like fire + consuming a heap of dry grass, I see that all the kings of the earth with + the ruler of the Sindhus amongst them, are affected by evil destiny. + Having done a great wrong to the diadem-decked (Arjuna), how can the ruler + of the Sindhus, if he falls within Arjuna’s sight, save his life? From + circumstantial inference, I see, O Sanjaya, how can the ruler of the + Sindhus, if he falls within Arjuna’s sight, save his life? From + circumstantial inference, I see, O Sanjaya, that the ruler of the Sindhus + is already dead. Tell me, however, truly how the battle raged. Thou art + skilled in narration, O Sanjaya, tell me truly how the Vrishni hero + Satyaki fought, who striving resolutely for Dhananjaya’s sake, alone + entered in rage the vast force, disturbing and agitating it repeatedly, + like an elephant plunging into a lake overgrown with lotuses.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that foremost of men, viz., Bhima, to proceed, + afflicted with Karna’s shafts in the midst, O king, of many heroes, that + foremost warrior amongst the Sinis followed him on his car. Roaring like + the clouds at the close of summer, and blazing like the autumnal sun, he + began to slaughter with his formidable bow the host of thy son, causing it + to tremble repeatedly. And as the foremost one of Madhu’s race, O Bharata, + thus proceeded along the field on his car, drawn by steeds of the hue of + silver and himself roaring terribly, none amongst thy warriors could check + his progress. Then that foremost of kings, viz., Alamvusha, full of rage, + never retreating from battle, armed with bow, and clad in a golden coat of + mail rushing quickly, impeded the progress of Satyaki, that foremost + warrior of Madhu’s race. The encounter, then, O Bharata, that took place + between them was such that its like had never been. All thy warriors and + the enemy, abstaining from the fight, became spectators of that engagement + between those two ornaments of battle. Then that foremost of kings, viz., + Alamvusha forcibly pierced Satyaki with ten arrows. That bull of Sini’s + race, however, with shafts, cut all those arrows before they could reach + him. And once more, Alamvusha struck Satyaki with three sharp arrows + equipped with beautiful wings, blazing as fire, and shot from his bow + drawn to the ear. Those piercing through Satyaki’s coat of mail, + penetrated into his body. Having pierced Satyaki’s body with those sharp + and blazing arrows, endued with the force of fire or the wind, Alamvusha + forcibly struck the four steeds of Satyaki, white as silver, with four + other arrows. The grandson of Sini, endued with great activity and prowess + like that of (Kesava himself), the bearer of the discus, thus struck by + him, slew with four shafts of great impetuosity the four steeds of + Alamvusha. Having then cut off his head, beautiful as the full moon and + decked with excellent car-rings with a broad-headed arrow, fierce as the + Yuga-fire. Having slain that descendant of many kings in battle, that bull + among the Yadus, that hero capable of grinding hostile hosts, proceeded + towards Arjuna, O king, resisting, as he went, the enemy’s troops. Indeed, + O king, thus careering in the midst of the foe, the Vrishni hero, while + proceeding in the wake (of Arjuna), was seen repeatedly to destroy with + his shafts the Kuru host, like the hurricane dispersing gathering masses + of clouds. Whithersoever that lion among men desired to go, thither he was + borne by those excellent steeds of his, of the Sindhu breed, well-broken, + docile, white as milk of the Kunda flower or the moon or snow, and adorned + with trappings of warriors, viz., Duhsasana,—their commander. Those + leaders of divisions, encompassing the grandson of Sini on all sides in + that battle, began to strike him. That foremost one among the Satwatas, + that hero, viz., Satyaki also, resisted them all with showers of arrows. + Quickly checking all of them by means of his fiery shafts, that slayer of + foes, viz., the grandson of Sini, forcibly uplifting his bow, O Ajamida, + slew the steeds of Duhsasana. Then, Arjuna and Krishna, beholding that + foremost of men, (viz., Satyaki) in that battle, became filled with joy.”’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0136" id="link72H_4_0136"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXL + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then the great bowmen of the Trigarta country owning + standards, adorned with gold, encompassed on all sides the mighty-armed + Satyaki, that warrior who accomplished with great activity everything that + demanded accomplishment and who, having penetrated into that host, + unlimited as the sea, was rushing against Duhsasana’s car from desire of + Dhananjaya’s success. Checking his course with a large throng of cars on + all sides, those great bowmen, excited with rage, covered him with showers + of arrows. Having penetrated into the midst of the Bharata army which + resembled a shoreless sea, and which, filled with the sound of palms + abounded with swords and darts and maces, Satyaki, of prowess incapable of + being baffled, alone vanquished his foes, those fifty (Trigarta) princes + shining brilliantly in that battle. On that occasion we saw that the + conduct of Sini’s grandson in battle was extremely wonderful. So great was + the lightness (of his movements) that having seen him on the west, we + immediately saw him in the east. North, south, east, west, and in the + other subsidiary directions, that hero seemed to career dancingly, as if + he constituted a hundred warriors in his single self. Beholding that + conduct of Satyaki, endued with the sportive tread of the lion, the + Trigarta warriors, unable to bear his prowess fled away towards (the + division of) their own (countrymen). Then the brave warriors of the + Surasenas endeavoured to check Satyaki, striking him with showers of + shafts, like a driver striking an infuriated elephant with the hook. The + high-souled Satyaki struggled with them for a short space of time and then + that hero of inconceivable prowess began to fight with the Kalingas. + Transgressing that division of the Kalingas which was incapable of being + crossed, the mighty-armed Satyaki approached the presence of Dhananjaya, + the son of Pritha. Like a tired swimmer in water when he reaches the land, + Yuyudhana became comforted on obtaining the sight of Dhananjaya, that + tiger among men. Beholding him approach, Kesava, addressing Partha, said, + “Yonder cometh the grandson of Sini, O Partha, following in thy wake. O + thou of prowess incapable of being baffled, he is thy disciple and friend. + That bull among men, regarding all the warriors as straw, hath vanquished + them. Inflicting terrible injuries upon the Kaurava warriors, Satyaki, who + is dear to thee as life, cometh towards thee, O Kiritin! Having with his + shafts crushed Drona himself and Kritavarman of the Bhoja race, this + Satyaki cometh to thee, O Phalguna! Intent on Yudhishthira’s good, having + slain many foremost of warriors, the brave Satyaki, skilled in weapons, is + coming to thee, O Phalguna! Having achieved the most difficult feat in the + midst of the (Kaurava) troops, the mighty Satyaki, desirous of obtaining + thy sight cometh to thee, O son of Pandu! Having on a single car fought in + battle many mighty car-warriors with the preceptor (Drona) on their head, + Satyaki cometh to thee, O Partha! Despatched by Dharma’s son, this Satyaki + cometh to thee, O Partha, having pierced through the Kaurava army, relying + on the might of his own arms. Invincible in battle, that Satyaki, who hath + no warrior amongst the Kauravas equal to him, is coming to thee, O son of + Kunti! Having slain countless warriors, this Satyaki cometh to thee, O + Partha, freed from amid the Kaurva troops, like a lion from amid a herd of + kine. Having strewn the earth with the faces, beautiful as the lotus, of + thousands of kings, this Satyaki is coming to thee, O Partha! Having + vanquished in battle Duryodhana himself with his brothers, and having + slain Jalasandha, Satyaki is coming quickly. Having caused a river of + blood for its mire, and regarding the Kauravas as straw, Satyaki cometh + towards thee.” The son of Kunti, without being cheerful, said these words + unto Kesava, “The arrival of Satyaki, O mighty-armed one, is scarcely + agreeable to me. I do not, O Kesava, know how king Yudhishthira the Just + is. Now that he is separated from Satwata, I doubt whether he is alive; O + mighty-armed one, this Satyaki should have protected the king. Why then, O + Krishna, hath this one, leaving Yudhishthira followed in my wake? The + king, therefore, hath been abandoned to Drona. The ruler of the Sindhus + hath not yet been slain. There, Bhurisravas is proceeding against Satyaki + in battle. A heavier burthen hath been cast upon me on account of + Jayadratha. I should know how the king is and I should also protect + Satyaki. I should also slay Jayadratha. The sun hangeth low. As regards + the mighty-armed Satyaki, he is tired; his weapons also have been + exhausted. His steeds as also their driver, are tired, O Madhava! + Bhurisravas, on the other hand, is not tired, he hath supporters behind + him, O Kesava! Will success be Satyaki’s in this encounter? Having crossed + the very ocean, will Satyaki of unbaffled prowess, will that bull amongst + the Sinis, of great energy, succumb, obtaining (before him) the vestige of + a cow’s foot?<a href="#linknote-7166" name="linknoteref-7166" id="linknoteref-7166">166</a> Encountering that foremost one amongst the + Kurus, viz., the high-souled Bhurisravas, skilled in weapons, will Satyaki + have good fortune? I regard this, O Kesava, to have been an error of + judgment on the part of king Yudhishthira the Just. Casting off all fear + of the preceptor, he hath despatched Satyaki (from away his side). Like a + sky-ranging hawk after a peace of meat, Drona always endeavoureth after + the seizure of king Yudhishthira the Just. Will the king be free from all + danger?”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0137" id="link72H_4_0137"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Satwata, invincible in battle coming (towards + Arjuna), Bhurisravas, in rage, O king, suddenly advanced towards him. He + of Kuru’s race, then, O king, addressing that bull of Sini’s race, said, + “By luck it is thou that hast today come within the range of my vision. + Today in this battle, I obtain the wish I had always cherished. If thou + dost not flee away from battle, thou wilt not escape me with life. Slaying + thee today in fight, thou that art ever proud of thy heroism, I will, O + thou of Dasarha’s race, gladden the Kuru king Suyodhana. Those heroes, + viz., Kesava and Arjuna, will today together behold thee lying on the + field of battle, scorched with my arrows. Hearing that thou hast been + slain by me, the royal son of Dharma, who caused thee to penetrate into + this host, will today be covered with shame. Pritha’s son, Dhananjaya, + will today behold my prowess when he sees thee slain and lying on the + earth, covered with gore. This encounter with thee hath always been + desired by me, like the encounter of Sakra with Vali in the battle between + the gods and the Asuras in days of old. Today I will give thee dreadful + battle, O Satwata! Thou shalt thence truly understand (the measure of) my + energy, might, and manliness. Slain by me in battle, thou shalt today + proceed to the abode of Yama, like Ravana’s son (Indrajit) slain by + Lakshmana, the younger brother of Rama. Today, Krishna and Partha and king + Yudhishthira the Just, O thou of Madhu’s race, witnessing thy slaughter + will, without doubt, be overcome with despondency and will give up battle. + Causing thy death today, O Madhava, with keen shafts, I will gladden the + wives of all those that have been slain by thee in battle. Having come + within the scope of my vision, thou shalt not escape, like a small deer + from within the range of a lion’s vision.” Hearing these words of his, + Yuyudhana, O king, answered him with a laugh, saying, “O thou of Kuru’s + race, I am never inspired with fear in battle. Thou shalt not succeed in + terrifying me with thy words only. He will slay me in battle who will + succeed in disarming me. He that will slay me in battle will slay (foes) + for all time to come.<a href="#linknote-7167" name="linknoteref-7167" id="linknoteref-7167">167</a> What is the use of such idle and long-winded + boast in words? Accomplish in deed what thou sayest. Thy words seem to be + as fruitless as the roar of autumnal clouds. Hearing, O hero, these roars + of thine, I cannot restrain my laughter. Let that encounter, O thou of + Kuru’s race, which has been desired by thee so long, take place today. My + heart, O sire, inspired as it is with the desire of an encounter with + thee, cannot brook any delay. Before slaying thee, I shall not abstain + from the fight, O wretch.” Rebuking each other in such words, those two + bulls among men, both excited with great wrath, struck each other in + battle, each being desirous of taking the other’s life. Those great bowmen + both endued with great might, encountered each other in battle, each + challenging the other, like two wrathful elephants in rut for the sake of + a she-elephant in her season. And those two chastisers of foes, viz., + Bhurisravas and Satyaki, poured upon each other dense showers of arrows + like two masses of clouds. Then Somadatta’s son, having shrouded the + grandson of Sini with swift coursing shafts, once more pierced the latter, + O chief of the Bharatas, with many keen shafts, from desire of slaying + him. Having pierced Satyaki with ten shafts, Somadatta’s son sped many + other keen shafts at that bull amongst the Sinis, from a desire of + compassing his destruction. Satyaki, however, O lord, cut off, with the + power of his weapons, all those keen shafts of Bhurisravas, O king, in the + welkin, before, in fact, any of them could reach him. Those two heroes, + those two warriors that enhanced the fame of the Kurus and the Vrishnis + respectively, both of noble lineage, thus poured upon each other their + arrowy showers. Like two tigers fighting with their claws or two huge + elephants with their tusks they mangled each other with shafts and darts, + such as car-warriors may use. Mangling each other’s limbs, and with blood + issuing out of their wounds, those two warriors engaged in a gambling + match in which their lives were at the stake, checked and confounded each + other. Those heroes of excellent feats, those enhancers of the fame of the + Kurus and the Vrishnis, thus fought with each other, like two leaders of + elephantine herds. Indeed, those warriors, both coveting the highest + region, both cherishing the desire of very soon attaining the region of + Brahman, thus roared at each other. Indeed, Satyaki and Somadatta’s son + continued to cover each other with their arrowy showers in the sight of + the Dhartarashtras filled with joy. And the people there witnessed that + encounter between those two foremost of warriors who were fighting like + two leaders of elephantine herds for the sake of a she-elephant in her + season. Then each slaying the other’s steeds and cutting off the other’s + bow, those car-less combatants encountered each other with swords in a + dreadful fight. Taking up two beautiful and large and bright shields made + of bull’s hide, and two naked swords, they careered on the field. Stalking + in circles and in diverse other kinds of courses duly, those grinders of + foes excited with rage, frequently struck each other. Armed with swords, + clad in bright armour, decked with cuirass and Angadas, those two famous + warriors showed diverse kinds of motion. They wheeled about on high and + made side-thrusts, and ran about, and rushed forward and rushed upwards. + And those chastisers of foes began to strike each other with their swords. + And each of them looked eagerly for the dereliction of the other. And both + of those heroes leapt beautifully and both showed their skill in that + battle, began also to make skilful passes at each other, and having struck + each other, O king, those heroes took rest for a moment in the sight of + all the troops. Having with their swords cut in pieces each other’s + beautiful shield, O king, decked with a hundred moons, those tigers among + men, engaged themselves in a wrestling encounter. Both having broad + chests, both having long arms, both well-skilled in wrestling, they + encountered each other with their arms of iron that resembled spiked + maces. And they struck each other with their arms, and seized each other’s + arms, and each seized with his arms the other’s neck. And the skill they + had acquired by exercise, contributed to the joy of all the warriors that + stood as spectators of the encounter. And as those heroes fought with each + other, O king, in that battle, loud and terrible were the sounds produced + by them, resembling the fall of the thunder upon the mountain breast. Like + two elephants encountering each other with the end of their tusks, or like + two bulls with their horns, those two illustrious and foremost warriors of + the Kuru and the Satwata races, fought with each other, sometimes binding + each other with their arms, sometimes striking each other with their + heads, sometimes intertwining each other’s legs, sometimes slapping their + armpits, sometimes pinching each other with their nails, sometimes + clasping each other tightly, sometimes twining their legs round each + other’s loins, sometimes rolling on the ground, sometimes advancing, + sometimes receding, sometimes rising up, and sometimes leaping up. Indeed, + those two and thirty kinds of separate manoeuvres that characterise + encounters of that kind. + </p> + <p> + “‘When Satwata’s weapons were exhausted during his engagement with + Bhurisravas, Vasudeva said unto Arjuna, “Behold that foremost of all + bowmen, viz., Satyaki, engaged in battle, deprived of car. He hath entered + the Bharata host, having pierced through it, following in thy wake, O son + of Pandu! He hath fought with all the Bharata warriors of great energy. + The giver of large sacrificial presents, viz., Bhurisravas, hath + encountered that foremost of warriors while tired with fatigue. Desirous + of battle, Bhurisravas is about to encounter.” Then that warrior + invincible in battle, viz., Bhurisravas, excited with wrath, vigorously + struck Satyaki, O king, like an infuriated elephant striking an infuriated + compeer. Those two foremost of warriors, both upon their cars, and both + excited with wrath, fought on, king, Kesava and Arjuna witnessing their + encounter. Then the mighty-armed Krishna, addressing Arjuna, said, + “Behold, that tiger among the Vrishnis and the Andhakas has succumbed to + Somadatta’s son. Having achieved the most difficult feats, exhausted with + exertion, he hath been deprived of his car. O Arjuna, protect Satyaki, thy + heroic disciple. See that foremost of men may not, for thy sake, O tiger + among men, succumb to Bhurisravas, devoted to sacrifices. O puissant one, + speedily do what is needed.” Dhananjaya, with a cheerful heart addressing + Vasudeva, said, “Behold, that bull amongst the Kurus and that foremost one + among the Vrishnis are sporting with each other, like a huge elephant mad + with rage sporting with a mighty lion in the forest.” While Dhananjaya the + son of Pandu was thus speaking, loud cries of oh and alas arose among the + troops, O bull of Bharata’s race, since the mighty-armed Bhurisravas, + exerting vigorously struck Satyaki and brought him down upon the ground. + And like a lion dragging an elephant, that foremost one of Kuru’s race, + viz., Bhurisravas, that giver of profuse presents at sacrifices, dragging + that foremost one amongst the Satwatas, looked resplendent in that battle. + Then Bhurisravas in that encounter, drawing his sword from the scabbard, + seized Satyaki by the hair of his head and struck him at the chest with + his feet. Bhurisravas then was about to cut off from Satyaki’s trunk his + head decked with ear-rings. For sometime, the Satwata hero rapidly whirled + his head with the arm of Bhurisravas that held it by the hair, like a + potter’s wheel whirled round with the staff. Beholding Satwata thus + dragged in battle by Bhurisravas. Vasudeva once more, O king, addressed + Arjuna and said, “Behold, that tiger among the Vrishnis and the Andhakas, + that disciple of thine, O mighty-armed one, not inferior to thee in + bowmanship, hath succumbed to Somadatta’s son. O Partha, since Bhurisravas + is thus prevailing over the Vrishni hero, Satyaki, of prowess incapable of + being baffled, the very name of the latter is about to be falsified."<a + href="#linknote-7168" name="linknoteref-7168" id="linknoteref-7168">168</a> + Thus addressed by Vasudeva the mighty-armed son of Pandu, mentally + worshipped Bhurisravas in that battle, saying, “I am glad that, + Bhurisravas, that enhancer of the fame of the Kurus, is dragging Satyaki + in battle, as if in sport. Without slaying Satyaki that foremost one among + the heroes of the Vrishni race, the Kuru warrior is only dragging him like + a mighty lion in the forest dragging a huge elephant.” Mentally applauding + the Kuru warrior thus, O king, the mighty-armed Arjuna, the son of Pritha, + replied unto Vasudeva, saying, “My eyes having rested upon the Sindhus, I + could not, O Madhava, see Satyaki. I shall, however, for the sake of that + Yadava warrior, achieve a most difficult feat.” Having said these words, + in obedience to Vasudeva, the son of Pandu, fixed on Gandiva a sharp + razor-headed arrow. That arrow, shot by Partha’s hand and resembling a + meteor flashing down from the firmament, cut off the Kuru warrior’s arm + with the sword in the grasp and decked with Angada.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0138" id="link72H_4_0138"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That arm (of Bhurisravas) decked with Angada and the sword + in its grasp (thus cut off), fell down on the earth to the great grief of + all living creatures. Indeed, that arm, which was to have cut off + Satyaki’s head itself, cut off by the unseen Arjuna, quickly dropped down + on the earth, like a snake of five heads. The Kuru warrior, beholding + himself incapacitated by Partha abandoned his hold on Satyaki and + wrathfully reproved the son of Pandu.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhurisravas said, “Thou hast, O son of Kunti, done a cruel and heartless + deed, since without being engaged with me, thou hast, unseen by me, cut + off my arm. Shalt thou not have to say unto Yudhishthira, the royal son of + Dharma, even this, viz., ‘Bhurisravas, while otherwise engaged, was slain + by me in battle?’ Wert thou taught this use of weapons by the high-souled + Indra or by Rudra, O Partha, or by Drona, or by Kripa? Thou art, in this + world, better acquainted with the rules about the use of weapons than all + others. Why then hast thou cut off in battle the arm of a warrior who was + not engaged with thee? The righteous never strike him that is heedless, or + him that is terrified, or him that is made carless, or him that beggeth + for life or protection, or him that hath fallen into distress. Why, then, + O Partha, hast thou perpetrated such an extremely unworthy deed that is + sinful, that is worthy only of a low wretch, and that is practised by only + a wicked bloke! A respectable person, O Dhananjaya, can easily accomplish + a deed that is respectable. A deed, however, that is disrespectable + becomes difficult of accomplishment by a person that is respectable. A man + quickly catches the behaviour of those with whom and amongst whom he + moves. This is seen in thee, O Partha! Being of royal lineage and born, + especially, in Kuru’s race, how hast thou fallen off from the duties of a + Kshatriya, although thou wert of good behaviour and observant of excellent + vows. This mean act that thou hast perpetrated for the sake of the Vrishni + warrior, is without doubt, conformable to Vasudeva’s counsels. Such an act + does not suit one like thee. Who else, unless he were a friend of + Krishna’s, would inflict such a wrong upon one that is heedlessly engaged + with another in battle? The Vrishnis and the Andhakas are bad Kshatriyas, + ever engaged in sinful deeds, and are, by nature, addicted to disreputable + behaviour. Why, O Partha, hast thou taken them as model?” Thus addressed + in battle, Partha replied unto Bhurisravas, saying, “It is evident that + with the decrepitude of the body one’s intellect also becomes decrepit, + since, O lord, all those senseless words have been uttered by thee. + Although thou knowest Hrishikesa and myself well, how is it that thou + rebukest us thus? Knowing as I do the rules of battle and conversant as I + am with the meaning of all the scriptures, I would never do an act that is + sinful. Knowing this well, thou rebukest me yet. The Kshatriyas fight with + their foes, surrounded by their own followers, their brothers, sires, + sons, relatives, kinsmen, companions, and friends. These also fight, + relying on the (strength of) arms of those they follow. Why, then, should + I not protect Satyaki, my disciple and dear kinsman, who is fighting for + our sake in this battle, regardless of life itself, that is so difficult + of being laid down.<a href="#linknote-7169" name="linknoteref-7169" id="linknoteref-7169">169</a> Invincible in fight, Satyaki, O king, is my + right arm in battle. One should not protect one’s own self only, when one + goes to battle, he, O king, who is engaged in the business of another + should be protected (by that other). Such men being protected, the king is + protected in press of battle. If I had calmly beheld Satyaki on the point + of being slain in great battle (and had not interfered for saying him), + sin would, then, owing to Satyaki’s death, have been mine, for such + negligence! Why then dost thou become angry with me for my having + protected Satyaki? Thou rebukest me, O king, saying, ‘Though engaged with + another, I have yet been maimed by thee.’ In that matter, I answer, I + judged wrongly. Sometimes shaking my armour; sometimes riding on my car, + sometimes drawing the bow-string, I was fighting with my enemies in the + midst of a host resembling the vast deep, teeming with cars and elephants + and abounding with steeds and foot-soldiers and echoing with fierce + leonine shouts. Amongst friends and foes engaged with one another, how + could it be possible that the Satwata warrior was engaged with only one + person in battle? Having fought with many and vanquished many mighty + car-warriors, Satyaki had been tired. He himself, afflicted with weapons, + had become cheerless. Having, under such circumstances, vanquished the + mighty car-warrior, Satyaki, and brought him under thy control, thou + soughtest to display thy superiority. Thou hadst desired to cut off, with + thy sword, the head of Satyaki in battle. I could not possibly behold with + indifference Satyaki reduced to that strait.<a href="#linknote-7170" name="linknoteref-7170" id="linknoteref-7170">170</a> Thou shouldst rather + rebuke thy own self, since thou didst not take care of thyself (when + seeking to injure another). Indeed, O hero, how wouldst thou have behaved + towards one who is thy dependant?”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed (by Arjuna), the mighty-armed and + illustrious Bhurisravas, bearing the device of the sacrificial stake on + his banner, abandoning Yuyudhana, desired to die according to the vow of + Praya.<a href="#linknote-7171" name="linknoteref-7171" id="linknoteref-7171">171</a> Distinguished by many righteous deeds, he + spread with his left hand a bed of arrows, and desirous of proceeding to + the region of Brahman, committed his senses to the care of the deities + presiding over them. Fixing his gaze on the sun, and setting his cleansed + heart on the moon, and thinking of (the mantras in) the great Upanishad, + Bhurisravas, betaking himself to Yoga, ceased to speak. Then all the + persons in the entire army began to speak ill of Krishna and Dhananjaya + and applauded Bhurisravas, that bull among men. Though censured, the two + Krishnas, however, spoke not a word disagreeable (to the dying hero). The + stake-bannered Bhurisravas also, though thus applauded, felt no joy. Then + Pandu’s son Dhananjaya, called also Phalguna, incapable of bearing thy + sons speaking in that strain, as also of putting up with their words and + the words of Bhurisravas, O Bharata, in grief and without an angry heart, + and as if for reminding them all, said these words, “All the kings are + acquainted with my great vow, viz., that no one shall succeed in slaying + anybody that belongs to our side, as long as the latter is within the + range of my shafts. Remembering this, O stake-bannered one, it behoveth + thee not to censure me. Without knowing rules of morality, it is not + proper for one to censure others. That I have cut off thy arm while thou, + well-armed in battle, wert on the point of slaying (the unarmed) Satyaki, + is not all contrary to morality. But what righteous man is there, O sire, + that would applaud the slaughter of Abhimanyu, a mere child, without arms, + deprived of car, and his armour fallen off?” Thus addressed by Partha, + Bhurisravas touched the ground with his left arm the right one (that had + been lopped off). The stake-bannered Bhurisravas, O king of dazzling + effulgence, having heard those words of Partha, remained silent, with his + head hanging down. Then Arjuna said, “O eldest brother of Sala, equal to + what I bear to king Yudhishthira the Just, or Bhima, that foremost of all + mighty persons, or Nakula, or Sahadeva, is the love I bear to thee. + Commanded by me as also by the illustrious Krishna, repair thou to the + region of the righteous, even where Sivi, the son of Usinara, is." </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva also said, “Thou hast constantly performed sacrifices and + Agnihotras. Go thou then, without delay, into those pure regions of mine + that incessantly blaze forth with splendour and that are desired by the + foremost of deities with Brahma as their head, and becoming equal to + myself, be thou borne on the back to Garuda.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Set free by Somadatta’s son, the grandson of Sini, + rising up, drew his sword and desired to cut off the head of the + high-souled Bhurisravas. Indeed, Satyaki desired to slay the sinless + Bhurisravas, the eldest brother of Sala, that giver of plenty in + sacrifices who was staying with his senses withdrawn from battle, who had + already been almost slain by the son of Pandu, who was sitting with his + arm lopped off and who resembled on that account a trunkless elephant. All + the warriors loudly censured him (for his intention). But deprived of + reason, and forbidden by Krishna and the high-souled Partha, Bhima, and + the two protectors of the two wheels (of Arjuna’s car, viz., Yudhamanyu + and Uttamaujas), and Aswatthaman, and Kripa and Karna, and Vrishasena, and + the ruler of the Sindhus also, and while the soldiers were yet uttering + shouts of disapproval, Satyaki slew Bhurisravas while in the observance of + his vow. Indeed, Satyaki, with his sword, cut off the head of the Kuru + warrior who had been deprived of his arm by Partha and who was then + sitting in Praya for freeing his soul from the body. The warriors did not + applaud Satyaki for that act of his in slaying that perpetuator of Kuru’s + race who had before been almost slain by Partha. The Siddhas, the + Charanas, and the men there present, as also the gods, beholding the + Sakra-like Bhurisravas slain in that battle, through sitting in the + observance of that Praya vow, began to applaud him, amazed at the acts, + accomplished by him. Thy soldiers also argued the matter, “It is no fault + of the Vrishni hero. That which was pre-ordained has happened. Therefore, + we should not give way to wrath. Anger is the cause of men’s sorrow. It + was ordained that Bhurisravas would be slain by the Vrishni hero. There is + no use of judging of its propriety or otherwise. The Creator had ordained + Satyaki to be the cause of Bhurisrava’s death in battle." </p> + <p> + “‘Satyaki said, “Ye sinful Kauravas, wearing the outward garment of + righteousness, ye tell me, in words of virtue, that Bhurisravas should not + be slain. Where, however, did this righteousness of yours go when ye slew + in battle that child, viz., the son of Subhadra, while destitute of arms? + I had in a certain fit of haughtiness vowed that he who would, throwing me + down alive in battle, strike me with his foot in rage, he would be slain + by me even though that foe should adopt the vow of asceticism. Struggling + in the encounter, with my arms and eyes hale and sound, ye had yet + regarded me as dead. This was an act of folly on your part. Ye bulls among + the Kurus, the slaughter of Bhurisravas, accomplished by me, hath been + very proper! Partha, however, by cutting off this one’s arm with sword in + grasp for fulfilling, from his affection for me, his own vow (about + protecting all on his side), hath simply robbed me of glory. That which is + ordained must happen. It is destiny that works. Bhurisravas hath been + slain in press of battle. What sin have I perpetrated? In days of yore, + Valmiki sang this verse on earth, viz., ‘Thou sayest, O ape, that women + should not be slain. In all ages, however, men should always, with + resolute care, accomplish that which gives pain to enemies.’”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘After Satyaki had said these words, none amongst the + Pandavas and the Kauravas, O king, said anything. On the other hand, they + mentally applauded Bhurisravas. No one there applauded the slaughter of + Somadatta’s illustrious son who resembled an ascetic living in the woods, + or one sanctified with mantras in a great sacrifice, and who had given + away thousands of gold coins. The head of that hero, graced with beautiful + blue locks and eyes, red as those of pigeons, looked like the head of a + horse cut off in a Horse-sacrifice and placed on the sacrificial altar.<a + href="#linknote-7172" name="linknoteref-7172" id="linknoteref-7172">172</a> + Sanctified by his prowess and the death he obtained at the edge of the + weapon, the boon-giving Bhurisravas, worthy of every boon, casting off his + body in great battle, repaired to regions on high, filling the welkin with + his high virtues.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0139" id="link72H_4_0139"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Unvanquished by Drona, and Radha’s son and Vikarna + and Kritavarman, how could the heroic Satyaki, never before checked in + battle, having after his promise to Yudhishthira crossed the ocean of the + Kaurava troops, being humiliated by the Kuru warrior Bhurisravas and + forcibly thrown on the ground?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hear, O king, about the origin, in the past times, of + Sini’s grandson, and of how Bhurisravas also came to be descended. This + will clear thy doubts. Atri had for son Soma. Soma’s son was called Vudha. + Vudha had one son, of the splendour of the great Indra, called Pururavas. + Pururavas had a son called Ayus. Ayus had for his son Nahusha. Nahusha had + for his son Yayati who was a royal sage equal to a celestial. Yayati had + by Devayani Yadu for his eldest son. In Yadu’s race was born a son of the + name of Devamidha of Yadu’s race had a son named Sura, applauded in the + three worlds. Sura had for his son that foremost of men, viz., the + celebrated Vasudeva. Foremost in bowmanship, Sura was equal to Kartavirya + in battle. In Sura’s race and equal unto Sura in energy was born Sini, O + king! About this time, O king, occurred the Swayamvara of the high-souled + Devaka’s daughter, in which all the Kshatriyas were present. In that + self-choice, Sini vanquishing all the kings, quickly took up on his car + the princess Devaki for the sake of Vasudeva. Beholding the princess + Devaki on Sini’s car, that bull among men, viz., the brave Somadatta of + mighty energy could not brook the sight. A battle, O king, ensued between + the two which lasted for half a day and was beautiful and wonderful to + behold. The battle that took place between those two mighty men was a + wrestling encounter. That bull among men, viz., Somadatta, was forcibly + thrown down on the earth by Sini. Uplifting his sword and seizing him by + the hair, Sini struck his foe with his foot, in the midst of many + thousands of kings who stood as spectators all around. At last, from + compassion, he let him off, saying, “Live!” Reduced to that plight by + Sini, Somadatta, O sire, under the influence of wrath began to pay his + adorations to Mahadeva for inducing the latter to bless him. That great + lord of all boon-giving deities viz., Mahadeva, became gratified with him + and asked him to solicit the boon he desired. The royal Somadatta then + solicited the following boon, “I desire a son, O divine lord, who will + strike Sini’s son in the midst of thousands of kings and who will in + battle strike him with his foot.” Hearing these words, O king, of + Somadatta, the god saying, “So be it,” disappeared then and there. It was + in consequence of the gift of that boon that Somadatta subsequently + obtained the highly charitable Bhurisravas for son, and it was for this, + Somadatta’s son threw down Sini’s descendant in battle and struck him, + before the eyes of the whole army, with his foot. I have now told thee, O + king, what thou hadst asked me. Indeed, the Satwata hero is incapable of + being vanquished in battle by even the foremost of men. The Vrishni heroes + are all of sure aim in battle, and are conversant with all modes of + warfare. They are vanquishers of the very gods, the Danavas and the + Gandharvas. They are never confounded. They always fight, relying upon + their own energy. They are never dependent on others. None, O lord, are + seen in this world to be equal to the Vrishni’s. None, O bull of Bharata’s + race, have been, are, or will be equal in might to the Vrishni’s. They + never show disrespect to their kinsmen. They are always obedient to the + commands of those that are reverend in years. The very gods and Asuras and + Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Uragas and the Rakshasas cannot vanquish the + Vrishni heroes, what need be said of men, therefore, in battle? They never + covet also the possessions of those that ever render them aid on any + occasion of distress. Devoted to the Brahmanas and truthful in speech, + they never display any pride although they are wealthy. The Vrishnis + regard even the strong as weak and rescue them from distress. Always + devoted to the gods, the Vrishnis are self-restrained, charitable, and + free from pride. It is for this that the prowess<a href="#linknote-7173" name="linknoteref-7173" id="linknoteref-7173">173</a> of the Vrishnis is + never baffled. A person may remove the mountains of Meru or swim across + the ocean but cannot defeat the Vrishnis. I have told thee everything + about which thou hadst thy doubts. All this, however, O king of the Kurus, + that is happening is due to thy evil policy, O best of men!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0140" id="link72H_4_0140"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After the Kuru warrior Bhurisravas had been slain + under those circumstances, tell me, O Sanjaya, how proceeded the battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After Bhurisravas had proceeded to the other world, O + Bharata, the mighty-armed Arjuna urged Vasudeva, saying, “Urge the steeds, + O Krishna, to greater speed for taking me to the spot where king + Jayadratha is. O sinless one, the sun is quickly proceeding towards the + Asta hills. O tiger among men, this great task should be achieved by me. + The ruler of the Sindhus is, again, protected by many mighty car-warriors + among the Kuru army. Urge thou the steeds, therefore, O Krishna, in such a + way that I may, by slaying Jayadratha before the sun sets, make my vow + true.” Then the mighty-armed Krishna conversant with horse-lore, urged + those steeds of silvery hue towards the car of Jayadratha. Then, O king, + many leaders of the Kuru army, such as Duryodhana and Karna and Vrishasena + and the ruler of the Sindhus himself, rushed with speed, O king, against + Arjuna whose shafts were never baffled and who was proceeding, on his car + drawn by steeds of great fleetness. Vibhatsu, however, getting at the + ruler of the Sindhus who was staying before him, and casting his glances + upon him, seemed to scorch him with his eyes blazing with wrath. Then, + king Duryodhana, quickly addressed the son of Radha. Indeed, O monarch, + thy son Suyodhana said unto Karna, “O son of Vikartana, that time of + battle hath come at last. O high-souled one, exhibit now thy might. O + Karna, act in such a way that Jayadratha may not be slain by Arjuna! O + foremost of men, the day is about to expire, strike now the foe with + clouds of shafts! If the day expire, O foremost of men, victory, O Karna, + will certainly be ours! If the ruler of the Sindhus can be protected till + the setting of the sun, then Partha, his vow being falsified, will enter + into blazing fire. O giver of honours, the brothers, then, of Arjuna, with + all their followers, will not be able to live for even a moment in a world + that is destitute of Arjuna! Upon the death of the sons of Pandu, the + whole of the earth, O Karna, with her mountains and waters and forests, we + will enjoy without a thorn on our side! O giver of honours, it seems that + Partha, who without ascertaining what is practicable and what is + impracticable, made this vow in battle, was afflicted by destiny itself, + his judgment having taken a misdirected course! Without doubt, O Karna, + the diadem-decked son of Pandu must have made this vow about the slaughter + of Jayadratha for his own destruction! How, O son of Radha, when thou art + alive will Phalguna succeed in slaying the ruler of the Sindhus before the + sun goes to the Asta hills? How will Dhananjaya slay Jayadratha in battle + when the latter is protected by the king of the Madras and by the + illustrious Kripa? How will Vibhatsu, who seems to have been urged on by + Fate, get at the ruler of the Sindhus when the latter is protected by + Drona’s son, by myself, and Duhsasana? Many are the heroes engaged in + fight. The sun is hanging low in the sky. Partha will not even get at + Jayadratha in battle, O giver of honours. Do thou therefore, O Karna, with + myself and other brave and mighty car-warriors, with Drona’s son and the + ruler of the Madras and Kripa fight with Partha in battle, exerting + thyself with the greatest firmness and resolution.” Thus addressed by thy + son, O sire, the son of Radha replied unto Duryodhana, that foremost one + among the Kurus, in these words, “Deeply hath my body been pierced in + battle by the brave bowman Bhimasena, capable of striking vigorously with + repeated showers of arrows. O giver of honours, that I am yet present in + battle is because that one like me should be present here. Scorched with + the powerful shafts of Bhimasena, every limb of mine is suffering from + torturing pain. I shall, however, for all that, fight to the best of my + powers. My life itself is for thee. I shall strive my best so that this + foremost one of the sons of Pandu may not succeed in slaying the ruler of + the Sindhus. As long as I shall fight, shooting my whetted shafts, the + heroic Dhananjaya, capable of drawing the bow with even his left hand, + will not succeed in getting at the ruler of the Sindhus. All that a + person, bearing love and affection to thee and always solicitous of thy + good, may do, shall be done by me, O thou of Kuru’s race! As regards + victory, that depends on destiny. I shall in battle today exert myself to + my utmost for the sake of the ruler of the Sindhus, and for achieving thy + good. O king, victory, however, is dependent on destiny. Relying on my + manliness, I shall fight with Arjuna today for thy sake, O tiger among + men! Victory, however, is dependent on destiny. O chief of the Kurus, let + all the troops behold today the fierce battle, making the very hair stand + on end, that takes place between myself and Arjuna.” While Karna and the + Kuru king were thus talking to each other in battle, Arjuna began, with + his keen arrows, to slaughter thy host. With his broad-headed arrows of + great sharpness he began to cut off in that battle the arms, looking like + spiked clubs or the trunks of elephants, of unreturning heroes. And the + mighty-armed hero also cut off their heads with whetted shafts. And + Vibhatsu also cut off the trunks of elephants and the necks of steeds and + the Akshas of cars all around, as also blood-dyed horsemen, armed with + spears and lances, with razor-faced arrows into two or three fragments. + And steeds and foremost of elephants and standards and umbrellas and bows + and Yak-tails and heads fell fast on all sides. Consuming thy host like a + blazing fire consuming a heap of dry grass, Partha soon caused the earth + to be covered with blood. And the mighty and invincible Partha, of prowess + incapable of being baffled, causing an immense slaughter in that army of + thine, soon reached the ruler of the Sindhus. Protected by Bhimasena and + by Satwata, Vibhatsu, O chief of the Bharatas, looked resplendent like a + blazing fire. Beholding Phalguna in that state, the mighty bowmen of thy + army, those bulls among men, endued with wealth of energy, could not brook + him. Then Duryodhana and Karna and Vrishasena and the ruler of the Madras, + and Aswatthaman and Kripa and the ruler of the Sindhus himself, excited + with wrath and fighting for the sake of the Sindhu king, encompassed the + diadem-decked Arjuna on all sides. All those warriors, skilled in battle, + placing the ruler of the Sindhus at their back, and desirous of slaying + Arjuna and Krishna, surrounded Partha, that hero conversant with battle, + who was then dancing along the track of his car, producing fierce sounds + with the bowstring and his palms and resembling the Destroyer himself with + wide-opened mouth. The sun then had assumed a red hue in the sky. Desirous + of his (speedy) setting, the Kaurava warriors, bending their bows with + arms, resembling the (tapering) bodies of snake sped their shafts in + hundreds towards Phalguna, resembling the rays of the sun. Cutting off + those shafts thus sped towards him, into two, three, or eight fragments + the diadem-decked Arjuna, invincible in battle, pierced them all in that + encounter. Then Aswatthaman, bearing on his banner the mark of a lion’s + tail, displaying his might, began, O king, to resist Arjuna. Indeed, the + son of Saradwata’s daughter piercing Partha with ten shafts and Vasudeva + with seven, stayed in the track of Arjuna’s car, protecting the ruler of + the Sindhus. Then, many foremost ones among the Kurus, great car-warriors, + all encompassed Arjuna on all sides with a large throng of cars. + Stretching their bows and shooting countless shafts, they began to protect + the ruler of the Sindhus, at the command of thy son. We then beheld the + prowess of the brave Partha as also the inexhaustible character of his + shafts, and the might, too, of his bow Gandiva. Baffling with his own + weapons those of Drona’s son and Kripa, he pierced every one of those + warriors with nine shafts. Then, Drona’s son pierced him with five and + twenty arrows, and Vrishasena with seven, and Duryodhana pierced him with + twenty, and Karna and Salya each with three. And all of them roared at him + and continued to pierce him frequently, and shaking their bows, they + surrounded him on all sides. And soon they caused their cars to be drawn + up in a serried line around Arjuna. Desirous of the (speedy) setting of + the sun, those mighty car-warriors of the Kaurava army, endued with great + activity, began to roar at Arjuna, and shaking their bows, covered him + with showers of keen arrows like cloud pouring rain on a mountain. Those + brave warriors, with arms resembling heavy clubs, also discharged on that + occasion, O king, on Dhananjaya’s body celestial weapons. Having caused an + immense slaughter in thy army, the mighty and invincible Dhananjaya, of + prowess incapable of being baffled came upon the ruler of the Sindhus. + Karna, however, O king, with his arrows, resisted him in that battle in + the very sight, O Bharata, of Bhimasena and Satwata. The mighty-armed + Partha, in the very sight of all the troops, pierced the Suta’s son, in + return, with ten arrows, on the field of battle. Then Satwata, O sire, + pierced Karna with three arrows. And Bhimasena pierced him with three + arrows, and Partha himself, once more, with seven. The mighty car-warrior, + Karna, then pierced each of those three warriors with sixty arrows. And + thus, O king, raged that battle between Karna alone (on one side) and the + many (on the other). The prowess, O sire, that we then beheld of the + Suta’s son was wonderful in the extreme, since, excited with wrath in + battle, he singly resisted those three great car-warriors. Then the + mighty-armed Phalguna, in that battle, pierced Karna, the son of + Vikartana, in all his limbs with a hundred arrows. All his limbs bathed in + blood, the Suta’s son of great prowess and bravery, pierced Phalguna in + return with fifty arrows. Beholding that lightness of hand displayed by + him in battle, Arjuna brooked it not. Cutting off his bow, that hero, + viz., Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, quickly pierced Karna in the centre + of the chest with nine arrows. Then Dhananjaya, with great speed at a + time, when speed was necessary shot in that battle a shaft of solar + effulgence for the destruction of Karna. Drona’s son, however, with a + crescent-shaped arrow, cut off that shaft as it coursed impetuously + (towards Karna). Thus cut off by Aswatthaman, that shaft fell down on the + earth. Endued with great prowess, the Suta’s son, then, O king, took up + another bow, and covered the son of Pandu with several thousands of + arrows. Partha, however, like the wind dispersing flight of locusts, + dispelled with his own arrows that extraordinary shower of arrows issuing + out of Karna’s bow. Then Arjuna, displaying his lightness of hands, + covered Karna, in that battle, with his arrows, in the very sight of all + thy troops. Karna also, that slayer of hosts, desirous of counteracting + Arjuna’s feat, covered Arjuna with several thousands of arrows. Roaring at + each other like two bulls, those lions among men, those mighty + car-warriors, shrouded the welkin with clouds of straight shafts. Each + rendered invisible by the other’s arrowy showers, they continued to strike + each other. And they roared at each other and pierced each other with + their wordy darts, saying, “I am Partha, wait”—or, “I am Karna, + wait, O Phalguna!” Indeed these two heroes fought with each other + wonderfully, displaying great activity and skill. And the sight they + presented was such that other warriors became witnesses of that battle. + And applauded by Siddhas, Charnas and Pannagas, they fought with each + other, O king, each desirous of slaying the other. Then Duryodhana, O king + addressing thy warriors, said, “Carefully protect the son of Radha! + Without slaying Arjuna he would not abstain from battle. Even this is what + Vrisha told me.” Meanwhile, O monarch, beholding the prowess of Karna, + Arjuna, of white steeds, with four shafts shot from the bow-string drawn + to the ear, despatched the four steeds of Karna to Yama’s domain. And he + also felled with a broad-headed arrow, Karna’s charioteer from his niche + in the car. And he covered Karna himself with clouds of shafts in the very + sight of thy son. Thus shrouded with arrows the steedless and driverless + Karna, stupefied by that arrowy shower, knew not what to do. Beholding him + made carless, Aswatthaman, O king, caused him to ride on his car, and + continued to fight with Arjuna. Then the ruler of the Madras pierced the + son of Kunti with thirty arrows. Saradwata’s son pierced Vasudeva with + twenty arrows. And he struck Dhananjaya also with a dozen shafts. And the + ruler of the Sindhus pierced each with four arrows, and Vrishasena also + pierced each of them, O king, with seven arrows. Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, + pierced all of them in return. Indeed, piercing Drona’s son with four and + sixty shafts, and the ruler of the Madras with a hundred, and the Sindhu + king with ten broad-headed arrows, and Vrishasena with three arrows and + Saradwata’s son with twenty, Partha uttered a loud shout. Desirous of + baffling the vow of Savyasachin, thy warriors, excited with wrath, quickly + rushed at Dhananjaya from all sides. Then Arjuna, frightening the + Dhartarashtras, invoked into existence the Varuna weapon on all sides. The + Kauravas, however, on their costly cars, pouring showers of arrows, + advanced against the son of Pandu. But, O Bharata, in course of that + stupefying and fierce engagement, fraught with the greatest confusion, + that prince, viz., Arjuna, decked with diadem and gold chain never lost + his senses. On the other hand, he continued to pour showers of arrows. + Desirous of recovering the kingdom and recollecting all the wrongs he had + suffered for twelve years in consequence of the Kurus, the high-souled and + immeasurable Arjuna darkened all the points of the compass with shafts + from Gandiva. The welkin seemed ablaze with meteors. Innumerable crows, + alighting from the sky, perched on the bodies (of dead combatants). + Meanwhile, Arjuna continued to slay the foe with his Gandiva, like + Mahadeva slaying the Asuras with his Pinaka equipped with tawny string.<a + href="#linknote-7174" name="linknoteref-7174" id="linknoteref-7174">174</a> + Then the illustrious Kiritin, that subjugator of (hostile) ranks, + dispersing the shafts of the foe by means of his own formidable bow, + slaughtered with his arrows many foremost ones among the Kurus, mounted on + their foremost of steeds and elephants. Then many kings, taking up heavy + maces and clubs of iron and swords and darts and diverse other kinds of + powerful weapons, assuming terrible forms, rushed suddenly against Partha + in that battle. Then Arjuna, bending with his arms his formidable bow + Gandiva which resembled the bow of Indra himself and whose twang was as + loud as the roar of the clouds congregating at the end of the Yuga, and + laughing the while, went on consuming thy troops and increasing the + population of Yama’s kingdom. Indeed, that hero caused those enraged + warriors with their cars and elephants and with the foot-soldiers and + bowmen supporting them, to be deprived of their arms and lives and thus to + swell the population of Yama’s domain.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0141" id="link72H_4_0141"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing the twang, resembling the loud call of Death + himself or the frightful peal of Indra’s thunder, of Dhananjaya’s bow, + while he stretched it, that host of thine, O king, anxious with fear and + exceedingly agitated, became like the waters of the sea with fishes and + makaras within them, ruffled into mountain-like waves and lashed into fury + by the hurricane that arises at the end of the Yuga. Then Dhananjaya, the + son of Pritha, careered in battle in such a way that he was seen at the + same time to be present in all directions, displaying his wonderful + weapons. Indeed, so light-handed was the son of Pandu that we could not + mark when he took out his shafts, O king, when he fixed them on the + bow-string, when he stretched the bow, and when he let them off. Then the + mighty-armed one, O king, excited with wrath, invoked into existence the + invincible Aindra weapon, frightening all the Bharatas. Hundreds and + thousands of blazing shafts of fiery mouths, inspired by mantras with the + force of celestial weapons, flowed from it. With those shafts resembling + fire or the rays of the sun, coursing with fierce impetuosity, the welkin + became incapable of being gazed at, as if filled with flashing meteors. + Then that darkness which had been caused by the Kaurava with their arrows, + which was incapable of being dispersed even in imagination by others, the + son of Pandu, careering around and displaying his prowess, destroyed by + means of those shafts of his that were inspired by means of mantras with + the force of celestial weapons, like the sun himself speedily dispersing + at dawn of day the darkness of night by means of his rays. Then the + puissant Arjuna, with those blazing shafts of his, sucked the lives of thy + warriors like the summer sun sucking with his hot rays the waters of tanks + and lakes. Indeed, showers of shafts endued with the force of celestial + weapons, (shot by Arjuna) covered the hostile army like the rays of the + sun covering the earth. Other arrows of fierce energy, sped (by + Dhananjaya), quickly entered the hearts of (hostile) heroes, like dear + friends. Indeed, those brave warriors that came in that battle before + Arjuna, all perished like insects approaching a blazing fire. Thus + crushing the lives of his foes and their fame, Partha careered in that + battle like Death in embodied form. Heads decked with diadems, massive + arms, adorned with Angadas, and ears with ear-rings of the foes, Partha, + cut off with his shafts. The arms, with spears, of elephant-riders; those, + with lances, of horsemen; those, with shields, of foot-soldiers; those + with bows, of car-warriors; and those, with whips and goads, of + charioteers the son of Pandu cut off. Indeed, Dhananjaya looked + resplendent with his shafts of blazing points that seemed to constitute + his rays, like a blazing fire with incessant sparks and rising flames. The + hostile kings, mustering all their resolution, could not even gaze at + Dhananjaya, that foremost of all bearers of arms, that hero equal to the + chief of the gods himself, that bull among men, seen at the same time in + all directions on his car, scattering his mighty weapons, dancing in the + track of his car, and producing deafening sounds with his bowstring and + palms, and resembling the midday sun of scorching rays in the firmament. + Bearing his shafts of blazing points, the diadem-decked Arjuna looked + beautiful like a mighty mass of rain-charged clouds in the season of rains + decked with a rainbow. When that perfect flood of mighty weapons was set + in motion by Jishnu, many bulls among warriors sank in that frightful and + unfordable flood. Strewn with infuriated elephants whose trunks or tusks + had been cut off, with steeds deprived of hoofs or necks, with cars + reduced to pieces, with warriors having their entrails drawn out and + others with legs or other limbs cut off, with bodies lying in hundreds and + thousands that were either perfectly still or moving unconsciously, we + beheld the vast field, on which Partha battled, resembled the coveted + arena of Death, O king, enhancing the terrors of the timid, or like the + sporting ground of Rudra when he destroyed creatures in days of old. + Portions of the field, strewn with the trunks of elephants cut off with + razor-headed arrows, looked as if strewn with snakes. Portions, again, + covered with the cut-off heads of warriors, looked as if strewn with + garlands of lotuses. Variegated with beautiful head-gear and crowns, + Keyuras and Angadas and car-rings with coats of mail decked with gold, and + with the trappings and other ornaments of elephants and steeds, and + scattered over with hundreds of diadems, lying here and there, and the + earth looked exceedingly beautiful like a new bride. Dhananjaya then + caused a fierce and terrible river full of fearful objects and enhancing + the fear of the timid, to flow resembling the Vaitarani itself. The marrow + and fat (of men and animals) formed its mire. Blood formed its current. + Full of limbs and bones, it was fathomless in depth. The hairs of + creatures formed its moss and weeds. Heads and arms formed the stones on + its shores. It was decked with standards and banners that variegated its + aspect. Umbrellas and bows formed the waves. And it abounded with bodies + of huge elephants deprived of life, and it teemed with cars that formed + hundreds of rafts floating on its surface. And the carcases of countless + steeds formed its banks. And it was difficult to cross in consequence of + wheels and yokes and shafts and Akshas and Kuveras of cars, and spears and + swords and darts and battle-axes and shafts looking like snakes. And + ravens and kankas formed its alligators. And jackals, forming its Makaras, + made it terrible. And fierce vultures formed its sharks. And it became + frightful in consequence of the howls of jackals. And it abounded with + capering ghosts and Pisachas and thousands of other kinds of spirits. And + on it floated countless bodies of warriors destitute of life. Beholding + that prowess of Arjuna whose visage then resembled that of the Destroyer + himself, a panic, such as had never occurred before, possessed the Kurus + on the field of battle. The son of Pandu, then, baffling with his weapons + those of the hostile heroes, and engaged in achieving fierce feats, gave + all to understand that he was a warrior of fierce feats. Then Arjuna + transgressed all those foremost of car-warriors, like the midday sun of + scorching rays in the firmament, no one amongst the creatures there could + even look at him. The shafts issuing out of the bow Gandiva of that + illustrious hero in that battle, seemed to us to resemble a row of cranes + in the welkin. Baffling with his own the weapons of all those heroes, and + showing by the terrible achievements in which he was engaged that he was a + warrior of fierce feats, Arjuna, desirous of slaying Jayadratha, + transgressed all those foremost of car-warriors, stupefying them all by + means of his shafts. Shooting his shafts on all sides, Dhananjaya, having + Krishna for his charioteer, presented a beautiful sight by careering with + great speed on the field of battle. The shafts in the welkin, by hundreds + and thousands, of that illustrious hero, seemed to course incessantly + through the sky. We never could notice when that mighty bowman took out + his shafts, when indeed, that son of Pandu aimed them, and when he let + them off. Then, O king, filling all the points of the compass with his + shafts and afflicting all the car-warriors in battle, the son of Kunti + proceeded towards Jayadratha and pierced him with four and sixty straight + arrows. Then the Kuru warriors, beholding the son of Pandu proceeded + towards Jayadratha, all abstained from battle. In fact, those heroes + became hopeless of Jayadratha’s life. Every one amongst thy warriors that + rushed in that fierce battle against the son of Pandu, had his body deeply + pierced, O lord, with a shaft of Arjuna. The mighty car-warrior Arjuna, + that foremost of victorious persons, with his shafts blazing as fire made + thy army teem with headless trunks.<a href="#linknote-7175" name="linknoteref-7175" id="linknoteref-7175">175</a> Indeed, O king, thus + creating a perfect confusion in thy host consisting of four kinds of + forces, the son of Kunti proceeded towards Jayadratha, And he pierced the + son of Drona with fifty shafts and Vrishasena with three. And the son of + Kunti mildly struck Kripa with nine arrows, and he struck Salya with + sixteen arrows and Karna with two and thirty. And piercing the ruler of + the Sindhus then with four and sixty arrows, he uttered a leonine shout. + The ruler of the Sindhus, however, thus pierced by the wielder of Gandiva + with his arrows, became filled with rage and unable to brook it, like an + elephant when pierced with the hook. Bearing the device of the boar on his + banner, he quickly sped towards Phalguna’s car many straight shafts + equipped with vulturine feathers, resembling angry snakes of virulent + poison, well-polished by the hands of the smith, and shot from his bow + drawn to the fullest stretch. Then piercing Govinda with three shafts, he + struck Arjuna with six. And then he pierced the steeds of Arjuna with + eight arrows and his standard also with one. Then Arjuna, baffling the + keen arrows sped by the ruler of the Sindhus, cut off at the same time, + with a pair of shafts, the head of Jayadratha’s driver and the well-decked + standard also of Jayadratha. Its stay cut off and itself pierced and + struck with arrows, that standard fell down like a flame of fire. + Meanwhile, the sun was going down quickly. Janardana then quickly + addressed the son of Pandu and said, “Behold, O Partha, the ruler of the + Sindhus hath, by six mighty and heroic car-warriors, been placed in + their-midst! Jayadratha also, O mighty-armed one, is waiting there in + fear! Without vanquishing those six car-warriors in battle, O bull among + men, thou wilt never be able to slay the ruler of the Sindhus even if thou + exertest thyself without intermission. I shall, therefore, resort to Yoga + for shrouding the sun. Then the ruler of the Sindhus will (in consequence) + behold the sun to have set. Desirous of life, O lord, through joy that + wicked wight will no longer, for his destruction, conceal himself. + Availing yourself of that opportunity, thou shouldst then, O best of the + Kurus, strike him. Thou shouldst not give up the enterprise, thinking the + sun to have really set.” Hearing these words, Vibhatsu replied unto + Kesava, saying, “Let it be so.” Then Krishna otherwise called Hari, + possessed of ascetic powers, that lord of all ascetics, having taken + recourse to Yoga, created that darkness. Thy warriors, O king, thinking + the sun to have set were filled with delight at the prospect of Partha’s + laying down his life. Indeed, thy warriors, not seeing the sun, were + filled with gladness. All of them stood, with heads thrown backwards. King + Jayadratha also was in the same attitude. And while the ruler of the + Sindhus was thus beholding the sun, Krishna, once more addressing + Dhananjaya said these words, “Behold, the heroic ruler of the Sindhus is + now looking at the sun, casting off his fear of thee, O foremost one among + the Bharatas! This is the hour, O mighty-armed one, for the slaughter of + that wicked-souled wretch. Speedily cut off the head and make thy vow + true.” Thus addressed by Kesava the valiant son of Pandu began to + slaughter thy host with his arrows resembling the sun or fire in + splendour. And he pierced Kripa with twenty arrows and Karna with fifty. + And he struck Salya and Duryodhana each with six. And he pierced + Vrishasena with eight arrows and the ruler of the Sindhus himself with + sixty. And the mighty-armed son of Pandu, O king, deeply piercing with his + arrows the other warriors of thy host, rushed against Jayadratha. + Beholding him in their presence like a swelling fire with its tongue of + flame outstretched, the protectors of Jayadratha were sorely puzzled. Then + all the warriors, O king, desirous of victory bathed the son of Indra in + that battle with torrents of arrows. Shrouded with incessant showers of + arrows, the son of Kunti, that mighty-armed and unvanquished descendant of + Kuru, became filled with rage. Then that tiger among men, viz., the son of + Indra, desirous of slaughtering thy host, created a thick net of arrows. + Then those warriors of thine, O king, thus slaughtered in battle by that + hero, abandoned the ruler of the Sindhus in fear and fled away. And they + fled away in such a manner that no two persons could be seen flying + together. The prowess that we then beheld of Kunti’s son was extremely + wonderful. Indeed, the like of what that illustrious warrior then did had + never been nor will ever be. Like Rudra himself slaughtering creatures, + Dhananjaya slaughtered elephants and elephant-riders, horses and + horse-riders, and (car-warriors and) car-drivers. I did not in that + battle, O king, see a single elephant or steed or human warrior that was + not struck with Partha’s shafts. Their vision blurred by dust and + darkness, thy warriors became perfectly cheerless and unable to + distinguish one another. Urged on by fate and with their vital limbs cut + open and mangled with shafts, they began to wander, or limp, or fall down. + And some amongst them, O Bharata, became paralysed and some became deathly + pale. During that terrible carnage resembling the slaughter of creatures + at the end of the Yuga, in that deadly and fierce battle from which few + could escape with life, the earth became drenched with gore and the earthy + dust that had arisen disappeared in consequence of the showers of blood + that fell and the swift currents of wind that blew over the field. So deep + was that rain of blood that the wheels of cars sank to their naves. + Thousands of infuriated elephants endued with great speed, O king, of thy + army, their riders slain and limbs mangled, fled away, uttering cries of + pain and crushing friendly ranks with their tread. Steeds destitute of + riders and foot-soldiers also, O king, fled away, O monarch, from fear, + struck with the shafts of Dhananjaya. Indeed, thy soldiers, with + dishevelled hair and deprived of their coats of mail, with blood streaming + out of their wounds, fled away in terror, leaving the field of battle. And + some, deprived of the power of motion as if their lower limbs had been + seized by alligators, remained on the field. And others concealed + themselves behind and under the bodies of slain elephants. Routing thy + host thus, O king, Dhananjaya began to strike with terrible shafts the + protectors of the ruler of the Sindhus with his arrowy showers, Karna and + Drona’s son and Kripa and Salya and Vrishasena and Duryodhana. So quick + was he in the use of weapons that no one could mark when Arjuna took out + his arrows, when he fixed them on the bowstring, when he stretched the bow + and let them off. Indeed, while striking the foe, his bow was seen + incessantly drawn to a circle. His arrows also were seen incessantly + issuing out of his bow and scattered in all directions. Then cutting off + Karna’s bow as also of Vrishasena’s, Arjuna felled Salya’s driver from his + niche in the car, with a broad-headed arrow. With many arrows that + foremost of victors, viz., Dhananjaya, then deeply pierced in that battle + Kripa and Aswatthaman, related as uncle and nephew to each other. Sorely + afflicting those mighty car-warriors of thy army thus, the son of Pandu + took up a terrible arrow of fiery splendour. Looking like the thunderbolt + of Indra, and inspired with divine mantras, that formidable arrow was + capable of bearing any strain. And it had been always worshipped with + incense and garlands of flowers. Duly inspiring it (by mantras) with the + force of the thunderbolt, that descendant, of Kuru, viz., the mighty-armed + Arjuna, fixed it on Gandiva. When that arrow of fiery effulgence was fixed + on the bowstring, loud shouts, O king, were heard in the welkin. Then + Janardana, once more addressing Arjuna, quickly said, “O Dhananjaya, + quickly cut off the head of the wicked-souled ruler of the Sindhus! The + sun is about to get at the mountain of Asta. Listen, however, to the words + I say about the slaughter of Jayadratha. The father of Jayadratha is + Vriddhakshatra known all over the world. It was after a long time that he + got Jayadratha, that slayer of foes, for his son. (At the birth of the + son) an incorporeal and invisible voice, deep as that of the clouds or of + the drum, said unto king Vriddhakshatra. ‘This thy son, O lord, amongst + men in this world will become worthy of the two races (viz., the Solar and + the Lunar) in respect of blood, behaviour, self-restraint and the other + attributes. He will become one of the foremost of Kshatriyas, and will + always be worshipped by heroes. But while struggling in battle, some bull + among the Kshatriyas, some conspicuous person in the world, excited with + wrath, will cut off this one’s head.’ That chastiser of foes, viz., the + (old) ruler of the Sindhus, hearing these words, reflected for sometime. + Overwhelmed with affection for his son, he summoned all his kinsmen and + said, ‘That man who will cause the head of my son to fall on the earth + while the latter, struggling in battle, will be bearing a great burthen, I + say that the head of that man will certainly crack into a hundred pieces.’ + Having spoken these words and installed Jayadratha on the throne, + Vriddhakshatra, repairing to the woods, devoted himself to ascetic + austerities. Endued with great energy, he is still engaged in the + observance of the austerest of penances outside this very Samantapanchaka, + O ape-bannered one! Therefore, cutting off Jayadratha’s head in this + dreadful battle, thou, O slayer of foes, shouldst, O Bharata, by thy + fierce celestial weapon of wonderful feats, quickly throw that head decked + with car-rings upon the lap of Vriddhakshatra himself, O younger brother + of the son of the Wind-god! If thou fellest Jayadratha’s head on the + earth, thy own head, then, without doubt, will crack into a hundred + fragments. Aided by thy celestial weapon, do thee deed in such a way that + the lord of earth viz., the old Sindhu king, may not know that it is done. + Truly, O Arjuna, there is nothing in the three worlds which thou canst not + achieve or do, O son of Vasava!” Hearing these words (of Krishna), + Dhananjaya, licking the corners of his mouth, quickly shot that arrow + which he had taken up for Jayadratha’s slaughter, that arrow, viz., whose + touch resembled that of Indra’s thunder, which was inspired with mantras + and converted into a celestial weapon, which was capable of bearing any + strain, and which had always been worshipped with incense and garlands. + That shaft, sped from Gandiva, coursing swiftly, snatched Jayadratha’s + head away, like a hawk snatching away a smaller bird from the top of a + tree. Dhananjaya, then, with his shafts, sent that head along in the + welkin (without allowing it to fall down). For grieving his foes and + gladdening his friends, the son of Pandu, by shooting his shafts + repeatedly at it, sent that head outside the limits of Samantapanchaka. + Meanwhile, king Vriddhakshatra, the father of thy son-in-law, endued with + great energy, was, O sire, engaged in his evening prayers. Decked with + black locks and adorned with ear-rings, that head of Jayadratha was thrown + upon Vriddhakshatra’s lap, as the latter was saying his prayers in a + sitting posture. Thus thrown on his lap, that head decked with car-rings, + O chastiser of foes, was not seen by king Vriddhakshatra. As the latter, + however, stood up after finishing his prayers it suddenly fell down on the + earth. And as the head of Jayadratha fell down on the earth, the head of + Vriddhakshatra, O chastiser of foes, cracked into a hundred pieces. At the + sight of this, all creatures were filled with wonder. And all of them + applauded Vasudeva and the mighty Vibhatsu. + </p> + <p> + “‘After, O king, the ruler of the Sindhus had been slain by the + diadem-decked Arjuna, that darkness, O bull of Bharata’s race, was + withdrawn by Vasudeva. Thy sons with their followers, O king, thus came to + know subsequently that the darkness, they had seen, had all been an + illusion produced by Vasudeva. Even thus, O king, was thy son-in-law, the + ruler of the Sindhus, having caused eight Akshauhinis to be slaughtered, + himself slain by Partha of inconceivable energy. Beholding Jayadratha, the + ruler of the Sindhus slain, tears of sorrow fell from the eyes of thy + sons. After Jayadratha, O king, had been slain by Partha, Kesava blew his + conch and that scorcher of foes, viz., the mighty-armed Arjuna also blew + his; Bhimasena also, in that battle, as if for sending a message to + Yudhishthira, filled the welkin with a tremendous leonine shout. + Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, hearing that tremendous shout understood + that the ruler of the Sindhus had been slain by the high-souled Phalguna. + With sounds of drums and other instruments he gladdened the warriors of + his own army, and proceeded against the son of Bharadwaja from desire of + battle. Then commenced, O king, after the sun had set, a fierce battle + between Drona and the Somakas, that made the very hair stand on end. + Desirous of slaying him, those mighty car-warriors after the fall of + Jayadratha, fought with the son of Bharadwaja, exerting themselves to + their utmost. Indeed, the Pandavas, having got the victory by slaying the + ruler of the Sindhus fought with Drona, intoxicated with success. Arjuna, + also, O king, having slain king Jayadratha, fought with many mighty + car-warriors of thy army. Indeed, that hero decked with diadem and + garlands, having accomplished his former vow, began to destroy his foes + like the chief of the celestials destroying the Danavas, or the sun + destroying darkness.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0142" id="link72H_4_0142"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVI + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, what did my warriors do after + the heroic ruler of the Sindhus had been slain, by Arjuna.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the ruler of the Sindhus, O sire, slain in + battle by Partha, Kripa, the son of Saradwat, under the influence of + wrath, covered the son of Pandu with a dense shower of arrows. Drona’s son + also, on his car, rushed against Phalguna, the son of Pritha. Those two + foremost of car-warriors began from their cars to shower from opposite + directions upon the son of Pandu their keen arrows. That foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the mighty-armed Arjuna, afflicted by those arrowy + showers of (Kripa and Drona’s son) felt great pain. Without desiring, + however, to slay his preceptor (Kripa) as also the son of (his other + preceptor) Drona, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, began to act like a + preceptor in arms. Baffling with his own weapons those of both Aswatthaman + and Kripa, he sped at them, without desiring to slay them, shafts that + coursed mildly. Those shafts, however (though mildly), shot by Jaya struck + the two with great force, and in consequence of their number, caused great + pain to Kripa and his nephew. Then Saradwat’s son, O king, thus afflicted + with the arrows of Arjuna, lost all strength and swooned away on the + terrace of his car. Understanding his master afflicted with shafts to be + deprived of his senses, and believing him to be dead, the driver of + Kripa’s car bore Kripa away from the fight. And after Kripa, the son of + Saradwat, had thus been borne away from the battle, Aswatthaman also, from + fear, fled away from the son of Pandu. Then the mighty bowman, Partha, + beholding the son of Saradwat afflicted with shafts and in a swoon, began + to indulge, on his car, in piteous lamentations. With a tearful face and + in great dejection of heart, he uttered these words: “Beholding all this + (in his mental vision), Vidura of great wisdom had, on the birth of the + wretched Suyodhana, that exterminator of his race, said unto + Dhritarashtra, ‘Let this wretch of his race be soon killed. Owing to him, + a great calamity will overtake the foremost ones of Kuru’s race.’ Alas, + these words of the truth-telling Vidura have come to be true. It is for + him that I behold my preceptor today lying on a bed of arrows. Fie on the + practices of Kshatriya! Fie on my might and prowess! Who else like me + would fight with a Brahmana that is besides his preceptor? Kripa is the + son of a Rishi; he is, again, my preceptor; he is also the dear friend of + Drona. Alas, he lieth stretched on the terrace of his car, afflicted with + my arrows. Though not wishing it, I have still been the means of crushing + him with my shafts. Lying senseless on the terrace of his car, he paineth + my heart exceedingly. Even though he afflicted me with shafts, I should + still have only looked at that warrior of dazzling splendour (without + striking him in return). Struck with numerous shafts of mine, he hath gone + the way of all creatures. By that he hath pained me more than even the + slaughter of my own son. Behold, O Krishna, to what plight he hath been + reduced, thus lying miserably and in a senseless state on his own car. + Those bulls among men that give desirable objects unto their preceptors + after obtaining knowledge from them, attain to godhead. Those lowest of + mortals on the other hand, who, after obtaining knowledge from their + preceptors strike the latter, those wicked men, go to hell. Without doubt, + this act that I have done will lead me to hell. I have deeply pierced my + preceptor on his car with showers of arrows. While studying the science of + arms at his feet, Kripa told me in those days, ‘Do not, O thou of Kuru’s + race, ever strike thy preceptor.’ That command of my righteous and + high-souled preceptor I have not obeyed, for I have struck, the very Kripa + himself with my shafts. I bow to that worshipful son of Gotama, to that + unretreating hero. Fie on me, O thou of Vrishni’s race, since I have + struck even him.” While Savyasachin was thus lamenting for Kripa, the son + of Radha, beholding the ruler of the Sindhu slain, rushed towards him. + Seeing the son of Radha thus rushing towards Arjuna the two Panchala + princes and Satyaki suddenly rushed towards him. The mighty car-warrior, + Partha, beholding the son of Radha advancing, smilingly addressed the son + of Devaki and said, “Yonder cometh the son of Adhiratha against the car of + Satyaki. Without doubt, he is unable to bear the slaughter of Bhurisravas + in battle. Urge my steeds, O Janardana, towards the spot whither Karna + cometh. Let not Vrisha (Karna) cause the Satwata hero to follow in the + wake of Bhurisravas.” Thus addressed by Savyasachin, the mighty-armed + Kesava, endued with great energy, replied in these opportune words, “The + mighty-armed Satyaki is singly a match for Karna, O son of Pandu! How much + superior then will this bull among the Satwatas be when he is united with + the two sons of Drupada! For the present, O Partha, it is not proper for + thee to fight with Karna. The latter hath with him the blazing dart, like + a fierce meteor, that Vasava gave him. O slayer of hostile heroes, he hath + kept it for thy sake, worshipping it with reverence. Let Karna then freely + proceed against the Satwata hero. I know, O son of Kunti, this wicked + wight’s hour, when, indeed, thou wilt, with keen shafts, throw him down + from his car.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, how the battle took place + between the heroic Karna and Satyaki of the Vrishni race, after the fall + of Bhurisravas and of the ruler of the Sindhus. Satyaki had been carless, + upon what car then was he mounted? And how also did the two protectors of + the wheels (of Arjuna’s car), viz., the two Panchala princes, fight?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘I will describe to thee all that happened in that dreadful + battle. Listen patiently to (the consequences of) thy own evil conduct. + Before even the encounter, Krishna knew it in his heart that the heroic + Satyaki would be vanquished by the stake-bannered (Bhurisravas). + Janardana, O king, knoweth both the past and the future. For this, + summoning his charioteer, Daruka, he had commanded him, saying, “Let my + car be kept equipped tomorrow.” Even this had been the command of that + mighty one. Neither the gods, nor the Gandharvas, nor the Yakshas, nor the + Uragas, nor the Rakshasas, nor human beings, are capable of conquering the + two Krishnas. The gods with the Grandsire at their head, as also the + Siddhas, know the incomparable prowess of those two. Listen, however, now + to the battle as it happened. Beholding Satyaki carless and Karna ready + for battle Madhava blew his conch of loud blare in the Rishabha note.<a + href="#linknote-7176" name="linknoteref-7176" id="linknoteref-7176">176</a> + Daruka, hearing the blare of (Kesava’s) conch, understood the meaning, and + soon took that car, equipped with a lofty standard of gold, to where + Kesava was. With Kesava’s permission, upon that car guided by Daruka, and + which resembled the blazing fire or the sun in effulgence, ascended the + grandson of Sini. Ascending upon the car which resembled a celestial + vehicle and unto which were yoked those foremost of steeds, capable of + going everywhere at will, viz., Saivya and Sugriva and Meghapushya and + Valahaka, and which were adorned with trappings of gold, Satyaki rushed + against the son of Radha, scattering countless shafts. The two protectors + of (Arjuna’s) car-wheels, viz., Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, abandoning + Dhananjaya’s car, proceeded against the son of Radha. Radha’s son also, O + king, shooting showers of shafts, angrily rushed, in that battle, against + the invincible grandson of Sini. The battle that took place between them + was such that its like had never been heard to have taken place on earth + or in heaven between gods, Gandharvas, Asuras, Uragas, or Rakshasas. The + entire host consisting of cars, steeds, men, and elephants, abstained from + the fight, beholding, O monarch, the stunning feats of two warriors. All + became silent spectators of that superhuman battle between those two human + heroes, O king, and of the skill of Daruka in guiding the car. Indeed, + beholding the skill of the charioteer Daruka standing on the car, as he + guided the vehicle forwards, backwards, sidelong, now wheeling in circles + and now stopping outright, all were amazed. The gods, the Gandharvas, and + the Danavas, in the welkin, intently watched that battle between Karna and + the grandson of Sini. Both of them endued with great might, each + challenging the other, those two warriors put forth their prowess for the + sake of their friends. Karna who looked like a celestial, and Yuyudhana, O + king, rained upon each other showers of shafts. Indeed, Karna ground the + grandson of Sini with his arrowy downpours, unable to put up with the + slaughter (by Satyaki) of the Kuru hero, Jalasandha. Filled with grief and + sighing like a mighty snake, Karna, casting angry glances on the grandson + of Sini in that battle, and as if burning him therewith, rushed at him + furiously again and again, O chastiser of foes! Beholding him filled with + rage, Satyaki pierced him in return, shooting dense showers of arrows, + like an elephant piercing (with his tusks) a rival elephant. Those two + tigers among men, endued with the activity of tigers and possessed of + incomparable prowess, mangled each other furiously in that battle. The + grandson of Sini, then, with shafts made entirely of iron, repeatedly + pierced Karna, that chastiser of foes, in all his limbs. And he also + felled, with a broad-headed arrow, the charioteer of Karna from his niche + in the car. And with his keen shafts, he slew the four steeds, white in + hue, of Adhiratha’s son. And then cutting into a hundred fragments the + standard of Karna with a hundred arrows, that bull among men made Karna + carless in the very sight of thy son. Then all thy warriors, O king, + became cheerless. Then Vrishasena, the son of Karna, and Salya, the ruler + of the Madras, and Drona’s son, encompassed the grandson of Sini from all + sides. Then a confusion set in, and nothing could be seen. Indeed, when + the heroic Karna was made carless by Satyaki, cries of Oh and Alas arose, + among all thy troops. Karna also, O king, pierced by Satwata with his + arrows and exceedingly weakened ascended the car of Duryodhana, sighing + deeply, remembering his friendship for thy son from his childhood and + having striven to realise the promise he had made about the bestowal of + sovereignty on Duryodhana. After Karna hath been made carless, thy brave + sons, headed by Duhsasana, O king, were not slain by the self-restrained + Satyaki because the latter wished not to falsify the vow made by + Bhimasena. Desirous also of not falsifying the vow formerly made by Partha + (about the slaughter of Karna), Satyaki simply made those warriors carless + and weakened them exceedingly, but did not deprive them of life. It is + Bhima that hath vowed the slaughter of thy sons, and it is Partha that, at + the time of the second match at dice, vowed the slaughter of Karna. + Although all those warriors headed by Karna made strong efforts for + slaying Satyaki, yet those foremost of car-warriors, failed to slay him. + Drona’s son and Kritavarman and other mighty car-warriors, as also + hundreds of foremost Kshatriyas, were all vanquished by Satyaki with only + one bow. That hero fought, desirous of benefiting king Yudhishthira the + Just, and of attaining to heaven. Indeed, Satyaki, that crusher of foes, + is equal to either of the two Krishnas in energy. Smiling the while, he + vanquished all thy troops, O best of men! In this world, there are only + three mighty bowmen, viz., Krishna, Partha, and Satyaki. There is no + fourth to be seen.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Ascending on the invincible car of Vasudeva that had + Daruka for its driver, Satyaki, proud of the might of his arms and equal + in battle unto Vasudeva himself, made Karna carless. Did Satyaki ride any + other car (after his encounter with Karna was over)? I am desirous of + hearing this, O Sanjaya! Thou art skilled in narration. I regard Satyaki + to be endued with unbearable prowess. Tell me all, O Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hear, O king, how it had happened. The intelligent younger + brother of Daruka soon brought unto Satyaki another car, duly equipped + with all necessaries. With shafts attached to it by chains of iron and + gold and bands of silk, decked with a thousand stars, decked with banners + and with the figure of a lion on his standard, with horses, fleet as the + wind and adorned with trappings of gold, yoked unto it, and with rattle + deep as the roar of the clouds, that car was brought unto him. Ascending + upon it, the grandson of Sini rushed against thy troops. Daruka, + meanwhile, went as he listed to Kesava’s side. A new car was brought for + Karna also, O king, unto which were yoked four steeds of the best breed + that were decked in trappings of gold and white as conchs or milk. Its + kaksha and standard were made of gold. Furnished with banners and + machines, that foremost of cars had an excellent driver. And it was + furnished with a profusion of weapons of every kind. Mounting on that car, + Karna also rushed against his foes. I have now told thee all that thou + hadst asked me. Once more, however, O king, learn the (extent of the) + destruction caused by thy evil policy. Thirty one of thy sons have been + slain by Bhimasena. Having Durmukha for their foremost, they were + conversant with all modes of warfare. Satyaki and Arjuna also have slain + hundreds of heroes with Bhimasena as their foremost, and Bhagadatta also, + O sire! Even thus, O king, hath the destruction commenced, caused by thy + evil counsels.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0143" id="link72H_4_0143"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When such was the condition of battle, between those + heroes of their side and mine, what did Bhima then do? Tell me all, O + Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After Bhimasena had been made carless, that hero, + afflicted with the wordy darts of Karna and filled with rage, addressed + Phalguna and said, “In thy very sight, O Dhananjaya, Karna hath repeatedly + said to me, ‘Eunuch, fool, glutton, unskilled in weapons, do not fight, + child, unable to bear the burden of battle!’ He that would tell me so + would be slain by me. Karna hath told me those words, O Bharata! O + mighty-armed one, thou knowest the vow which I have made jointly with + thee. Remember the words that were then spoken by me. O foremost of men, + act in such a way that that vow of mine, O son of Kunti, as also thy own + vow, may not be falsified. O Dhananjaya, do that by which that vow of mine + may be made true.” Hearing these words of Bhima, Arjuna of immeasurable + prowess, getting near Karna in that battle, told him, “O Karna, thou art + of false fight. O son of a Suta, thou applaudest thy own self. Of wicked + understanding, listen now to what I tell thee. Heroes meet with either of + these two things in battle, viz., victory or defeat. Both of these are + uncertain, O son of Radha! The case is not otherwise when Indra himself is + engaged in battle. Made carless by Yuyudhana, with thy senses no longer + under thy control, thou wert almost at the point of death. Remembering, + however, that I had vowed to slay thee, that hero dismissed thee without + taking thy life. It is true thou hadst succeeded in depriving Bhimasena of + his car. Thy abuse, however, O son of Radha, of that hero was sinful. + Those bulls among men that are truly righteous and brave, having + vanquished a foe, never boast, nor speak ill of anybody. Thy knowledge, + however, is little. It is for this, O son of a Suta, that thou indulged in + such speeches. Then again the abusive epithets thou didst apply to the + battling Bhimasena, endued with great prowess and heroism and devoted to + the practices of the righteous, were not consistent with truth. In the + very sight of all the troops, of Kesava, as also of myself, thou wert many + a time made carless by Bhimasena in battle. That son of Pandu, however, + did not call thee a single harsh word. Since, however, thou hast addressed + Vrikodara in many harsh speeches, and since thou with others hast slain + the son of Subhadra out of my sight, therefore, this very day obtain the + fruit of those offences of thine. It was for thy own destruction, O wicked + wight, that thou didst then cut off Abhimanyu’s bow; for that, O thou of + little understanding, thou shalt be slain by me, with all thy followers, + forces, and animals. Accomplish now all those acts which thou shouldst do, + for a great calamity is impending over thee. I will slay Vrishasena in thy + very sight in battle. All those other kings, again, that will fully + advance against me, I will despatch unto Yama’s abode. I say this truly, + laying my hand on my weapon. A fool as thou art, without wisdom and full + of vanity, I say that beholding thee lying on the field of battle the + wicked Duryodhana will indulge in bitter lamentations.” After Arjuna had + vowed the slaughter of Karna’s son, a loud and tremendous uproar arose + amongst the car-warriors. At that frightful time when confusion was + everywhere, the thousand-rayed sun, dimming his rays, entered the Asta + hill. Then, O king, Hrishikesa, stationed in the van of battle embracing + Arjuna who had accomplished his vow, told him these words, “By good luck, + O Jishnu, thy great vow hath been accomplished. By good luck, that + Vriddhakshatra hath been slain along with his son. The celestial + generalissimo himself, O Bharata, encountering the Dhartarashtra force, + would, in battle, O Jishnu, lose his senses. There is no doubt of this. + Except thee, O tiger among men, I do not even in thought see the person in + the three worlds that could fight with this host. Many royal warriors + endued with great prowess, equal to thee or superior have been united + together at Duryodhana’s command. Clad in mail, they could not approach + thee, encountering thy angry self in battle. Thy energy and might are + equal to that of Rudra or the Destroyer himself. None else is capable of + putting forth such prowess in battle as thou, O scorcher of foes, alone + and unsupported, didst today put forth. Thus shall I applaud thee again + after Karna of wicked soul has been slain along with his followers. Thus + shall I glorify thee when that foe of thine shall have been vanquished and + slain.” Unto him Arjuna replied, “Through thy grace, O Madhava, this vow + that even the gods could with difficulty accomplish, hath been + accomplished by me. Their victory is not at all a matter of wonder that + have thee, O Kesava, for their lord. Through thy grace, Yudhishthira will + obtain the whole earth. All this is due to thy power, O thou of Vrishni’s + race! This is thy victory, O lord! Our prosperity is thy victory, O lord! + Our prosperity is thy care and we are thy servants, O slayer of Madhu!” + Thus addressed, Krishna smiled softly, and slowly urged the steeds. And he + showed unto Partha, as they came, the field of battle abounding with cruel + sights. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then Krishna said, “Desirous of victory in battle or world-wide fame + many heroic kings are lying on the earth, struck with thy shafts. Their + weapons and ornaments lay scattered, and their steeds, cars, and elephants + are mangled and broken. With their coats of mail pierced or cut open, they + have come to the greatest grief. Some of them are yet alive, and some of + them are dead. Those, however, that are dead, still seem to be alive in + consequence of the splendour with which they are endued. Behold the earth + covered with their shafts equipped with golden wings, with their numerous + other weapons of attack and defence, and with their animals (deprived of + life). Indeed, the earth looks resplendent with coats of mail and + necklaces of gems, with their heads decked with earrings, and headgears + and diadems, and floral wreaths and jewels worn on crowns, and + Kanthasutras and Angadas, and collars of gold, and with diverse other + beautiful ornaments. Strewn with Anuskaras and quivers, with standards and + banners, with Upaskaras and Adhishthanas, with shafts and crests of cars, + with broken wheels and beautiful Akshas in profusion, with yokes and + trappings of steeds, with belts and bows and arrows, with elephants, + housings, with spiked maces and hooks of iron, with darts and short + arrows, with spears and pikes, with Kundas and clubs, with Sataghnis and + Bhushandis, with scimitars and axes, with short and heavy clubs and + mallets, with maces and Kunapas, with whips decked with gold, O bull of + Bharata’s race, with the bells and diverse other ornaments of mighty + elephants, with floral garlands and various kinds of decorations, and with + costly robes all loosened from the bodies of men and animals, the earth + shines brilliantly, like the autumnal firmament with planets and stars. + The lords of the earth, slain for the sake of earth, are slumbering on the + earth clasping with their limbs the earth like a dear wife. Like mountains + shedding through their caves and fissures streams of liquid chalk, these + elephants, resembling Airavata himself and huge as mountains, are shedding + profuse streams of blood through the openings in their bodies caused by + weapons. Behold, O hero, those huge creatures afflicted with shafts lying + on the ground in convulsions. Behold, those steeds also, lying on the + ground, adorned with trappings of gold. Behold also, O Partha, those + riderless and driverless cars that had at one time resembled celestial + vehicles or the vapoury forms in the evening sky, now lying on the ground, + with standards and banners and Akshas and yokes cut into pieces, and with + broken shafts and crests, O lord. Foot-soldiers also, O hero, bearing bows + and shields and slain in hundreds and thousands are lying on the ground, + bathed in blood and clasping the earth with every limb and their locks + smeared with dust. Behold, O mighty-armed one, those warriors with bodies + mangled with thy weapons. Behold the earth, strewn with Yak-tails and + fans, and umbrellas and standards, and steeds and cars and elephants, and + with diverse kinds of blankets, and reins of steeds, and beautiful robes + and costly Varuthas (of cars), look, as if overspread with embroidered + tapestry. Many warriors fallen from the backs of well-equipped elephants + along with those creatures themselves that they had ridden, are looking + like lions fallen from mountain summits struck down by thunder. Mingled + with the steeds (they had ridden) and the bows (they had held), horsemen + and foot-soldiers in large numbers, are lying on the field, covered with + blood. Behold, O foremost of men, the surface of the earth is frightful to + look at, covered as it is with large number of slain elephants and steeds + and car-warriors, and miry with blood, fat, and rotten flesh in profusion, + and on which dogs and wolves and Pisachas and diverse wanderers of the + night are cantering with joy! This fame-enhancing and mighty feat on the + field of battle is capable of being achieved by thee only, O puissant one, + or by that chief of the gods, viz., Indra himself, who in great battle + slayeth the Daityas and the Danavas.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus showing the field of battle unto the + diadem-decked Arjuna, Krishna blew his conch Panchajanya with the gleeful + soldiers of the Pandava army (blowing their respective conchs). Having + shown the field of battle unto the diadem-decked hero, that slayer of foes + viz., Janardana quickly proceeded towards Ajatasatru, the son of Pandu, + and informed him of the slaying of Jayadratha.’”<a href="#linknote-7177" name="linknoteref-7177" id="linknoteref-7177">177</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0144" id="link72H_4_0144"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the ruler of the Sindhus had been slain by Partha, + Krishna, repairing unto the king, viz., Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, + worshipped the latter with a gladdened heart. And he said, “By good luck, + O king of kings, thy prosperity increaseth. O best of men, thy foe hath + been slain. By good luck, thy younger brother hath accomplished his vow.” + Thus addressed by Krishna, that subjugator of hostile towns, viz., king + Yudhishthira, filled with joy, came down from his car, O Bharata! His eyes + filled with tears of joy, he embraced the two Krishnas and wiping his + bright and lotus-like face, said these words unto Vasudeva, and + Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, “Ye mighty car-warriors, by good luck, I + behold both of you after ye have accomplished your task. By good luck, + that sinful wretch, viz., the ruler of the Sindhus, hath been slain. Ye + Krishnas, by good luck, ye have done that which hath filled me with great + happiness. By good luck, our foes have been plunged into an ocean of + grief. Thou art the sovereign lord of all the worlds, O slayer of Madhu! + In the three worlds they that have thee for their preceptor can have no + object incapable of accomplishment. Through thy grace, O Govinda, we will + conquer our foes, like Indra conquering the Danavas in days of old. Be it + the conquest of the world, or be it the conquest of the three worlds, + everything is certain, O thou of the Vrishni race, in their case with whom + thou art gratified, O giver of honours! They can have no sin, nor can they + meet with defeat in battle with whom thou, O lord of the celestials, art + gratified, O giver of honours! It is through thy grace, O Hrishikesa, that + Sakra hath become the chief of the celestials. It is through thy grace, + that blessed personage obtained on the field of battle the sovereignty of + the three worlds! It is through thy grace, O lord of the celestials, that + the latter obtained immortality, O Krishna, and enjoy eternal regions (of + bliss). Having slain thousands of Daityas, with prowess having its origin + in thy grace, O slayer of foes, Sakra obtained the lordship of the + celestials. Through thy grace, O Hrishikesa, the mobile and immobile + universe, without swerving from its (ordained) course, O hero, is engaged + in prayers and homa!<a href="#linknote-7178" name="linknoteref-7178" id="linknoteref-7178">178</a> In the beginning, this universe, enveloped + in darkness, had been one vast expanse of water. Through thy grace, O + mighty-armed one, the universe became manifest, O best of men! Thou art + the creator of all the worlds, thou art the Supreme Soul, and thou art + immutable! They that behold thee, O Hrishikesa, are never confounded. Thou + art the Supreme God, thou art the God of gods, and thou art Eternal. They + that seek refuge with thee, O lord of the gods, are never confounded. + Without beginning and without death, thou art Divine, the Creator of all + the worlds, and immutable. They that are devoted to thee, O Hrishikesa, + always tide over every difficulty. Thou art Supreme, the Ancient one, the + Divine-Being, and that which is the Highest of the high. He that attaineth + to that viz., thy Supreme Self hath ordained for him the highest + prosperity. Thou art sung in the four Vedas. The four Vedas sing of thee. + Be seeking thy shelter, O high-souled one, I shall enjoy unrivalled + prosperity. Thou art the Supreme God, thou art the God of the highest + gods, thou art the lord of Winged creatures, and the lord of all human + beings. Thou art the Supremest Lord of everything. I bow to thee, O best + of beings! Thou art the Lord, the Lord of lords O puissant one! Prosperity + to thee, O Madhava! O thou of large eyes, O Universal soul, Thou art the + origin of all things. He, again, that is a friend of Dhananjaya or is + engaged in Dhananjaya’s good, obtaineth thee that art the preceptor of + Dhananjaya and attaineth to happiness.” Thus addressed by him those + high-souled ones, viz., Kesava and Arjuna, cheerfully said unto the king, + that lord of the earth, “The sinful king Jayadratha, hath been consumed by + the fire of thy wrath. O puissant one, although the Dhartarashtra host is + vast and swelleth with pride, yet, O Bharata, struck and slain, it is + being exterminated. O slayer of foes, it is in consequence of thy wrath + that the Kauravas are being destroyed. Having, O hero, angered thee that + canst slay with thy eyes alone, the wicked-minded Suyodhana, with his + friends and kinsmen, will have to lay down his life in battle. Slain + before in consequence of thy ire, and struck down also by the gods + themselves, the invincible Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, lieth now + on a bed of arrows. O slayer of foes, victory in battle is unattainable by + them, and death also waiteth for them, that have thee, O son of Pandu, for + their foe. Kingdom, life, dear ones, children, and diverse kinds of bliss, + will soon be lost by him with whom thou, O scorcher of foes, hast been + angry. I regard the Kauravas to be lost with their sons, and kinsmen, when + thou, O scorcher of foes, that art observant of the duties of a king, hast + been angry with them.” Then Bhima, O king, and the mighty car-warrior + Satyaki, both mangled with shafts, saluted their senior. And those two + mighty bowmen sat down on the ground, surrounded by the Panchalas. + Beholding those two heroes filled with joy and arrived and waiting with + joined hands, the son of Kunti congratulated them both, saying, “By good + luck, it is that I see you both, ye heroes, escaped with life from that + sea of (hostile) troops, that sea in which Drona acted the part of an + invincible alligator, and the son of Hridika that of a fierce shark. By + good luck, all the kings of the earth have been vanquished (by you two).<a + href="#linknote-7179" name="linknoteref-7179" id="linknoteref-7179">179</a> + By good luck, I see both of you victorious in battle. By good luck, Drona + hath been vanquished in battle, and that mighty car-warrior also viz., the + son of Hridika. By good luck, Karna hath been vanquished in battle with + barbed shafts. By good luck, Salya also was obliged to turn away from the + field by you both, ye bulls among men. By good luck, I behold you both + come back from battle safe and sound, ye that are foremost of car-warriors + and well-skilled in battle! By good luck, I behold again, ye heroes, that + have forded that sea of troops in obedience to my command, ye that went to + battle impelled by the desire of honouring me! Ye are heroes delighting in + battle. Ye are to me as life. By good luck, I see you both.” Having said + this, the son of Pandu, O king, embraced both Yuyudhana and Vrikodara, + those tigers among men, and shed tears of joy. Then, O monarch, the entire + host of the Pandavas became cheerful and filled with joy. And all of them + once more set their hearts on battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0145" id="link72H_4_0145"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall, O king, of the ruler of the Sindhus, thy + son Suyodhana, his face bedewed with tears, and himself filled with grief + and breathing hot sighs like a snake whose fangs have been broken, that + offender against the whole world, viz., thy son, experienced bitter + affliction. Beholding that great terrible slaughter of his troops caused + by Jishnu and Bhimasena and Satwata in battle, he became pale, dejected + and melancholy, and his eyes became filled with tears. And he came to + think no warrior existed on the earth that could be compared with Arjuna. + Neither Drona, nor the son of Radha, nor Aswatthaman, nor Kripa, O sire, + is competent to stand before Arjuna when the latter is excited with wrath. + And Suyodhana, said unto himself, “Having vanquished in battle all the + mighty car-warriors of my army, Partha slew the ruler of the Sindhus. None + could resist him. This my vast host hath almost been exterminated by the + Pandavas. I think, there is no one that can protect my army, no, not even + Purandara himself. He, relying upon whom I have been engaged in this + passage-at-arms in battle, alas, that Karna hath been defeated in battle + and Jayadratha slain. That Karna relying upon whose energy I regarded + Krishna as straw who came to sue me for peace, alas, that Karna hath been + vanquished in battle.” Grieving so within his heart, that offender against + the whole world, O king, went to Drona, O bull of Bharata’s race, for + seeing him. Repairing unto him, he informed Drona of that immense + slaughter of the Kurus, the victory of his foes, and the dire calamity of + the Dhartarashtras.<a href="#linknote-7180" name="linknoteref-7180" id="linknoteref-7180">180</a> And Suyodhana said, “Behold, O preceptor, + this immense slaughter of kings.<a href="#linknote-7181" name="linknoteref-7181" id="linknoteref-7181">181</a> I came to battle, + placing that grandsire of mine, viz., the heroic Bhishma, at our head. + Having slain him, Sikhandin, his aspiration fulfilled, stayeth at the very + van of all the troops, surrounded by all the Panchalas, covetous of + another triumph.<a href="#linknote-7182" name="linknoteref-7182" id="linknoteref-7182">182</a> Another disciple of thine, viz., the + invincible Savyasachin, having slain seven Akshauhinis of troops hath + despatched king Jayadratha to Yama’s abode. How, O preceptor, shall I be + freed from the debt I owe to those allies of mine who, desirous of victory + to me and ever engaged in my good, have gone to Yama’s abode? Those lords + of earth who had desired the sovereignty of the earth, are now lying on + the earth, abandoning all their earthly prosperity. Truly, I am a coward. + Having caused such a slaughter of friends, I dare not think that I shall + be sanctified by performing even a hundred horse-sacrifices. I am covetous + and sinful and a transgressor against righteousness. Through my acts + alone, these lords of earth, in their desire for victory, have gone to + Yama’s abode. Why, in presence of those kings, does not the earth yield me + a hole (through which to sink), since I am so sinful in behaviour and such + a fomenter of internecine dissensions!<a href="#linknote-7183" name="linknoteref-7183" id="linknoteref-7183">183</a> Alas, what will the + grandsire with blood-red eyes, that invincible hero who hath conquered the + other world, tell me in the midst of the kings when he meets me?<a + href="#linknote-7184" name="linknoteref-7184" id="linknoteref-7184">184</a> + Behold that mighty bowman, Jalasandha, slain by Satyaki. That great + car-warrior, that hero, came proudly to battle for my sake, prepared to + lay down his life. Beholding the ruler of the Kamvojas slain, as also + Alamvusha and many other allies of mine, what object can I have for + preserving my life? Those unretreating heroes who, fighting for my sake + and struggling to the utmost of their powers to vanquish my foes, have + laid down their lives. I shall today, O scorcher of foes, exerting the + utmost measure of my might, free myself from the debt that I owe them and + gratify them with oblations of water by repairing to the Yamuna. O + foremost of all bearers of arms, I tell thee truly and swear by the good + acts I have performed, by the prowess I possess and by my sons, that + slaying all the Panchalas with the Pandavas, I shall obtain peace of mind, + or slain by them in battle I shall repair to those regions whither those + allies of mine have gone. I shall certainly proceed thither whither those + bulls among men, slain, while engaged in battle for my sake, by Arjuna + have gone! Our allies, seeing that they are not well-protected by us, no + longer desire to stand by us. O thou of mighty arms, they now regard the + Pandavas to be preferable to ourselves. Thyself, of sure aim, hast + ordained our extermination in battle, for thou treatest Arjuna leniently, + since he is thy disciple. It is for this that all those have been slain + who had endeavoured to secure victory to us. It seems that only Karna now + wishes us victory. The man of weak understanding who without duly + examining another, accepteth him for a friend and engageth him in concerns + that require friends for their accomplishment, is certain to suffer + injury, even so hath this affair of mine been managed by my best friend!<a + href="#linknote-7185" name="linknoteref-7185" id="linknoteref-7185">185</a> + I am exceedingly covetous, sinful, crooked-hearted, and characterised by + avarice! Alas, king Jayadratha hath been slain, and Somadatta’s son also + of great energy, and the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Sivis, and the + Vasatis! I shall go thither today whither those bulls among men, slain, + while engaged in battle for my sake, by Arjuna, have gone. In the absence + of those bulls among men, I have no need for life. O preceptor of the sons + of Pandu, let me have thy permission in this.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0146" id="link72H_4_0146"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CL + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After the ruler of the Sindhus had been slain in + battle by Savyasachin and after the fall of Bhurisravas, what became the + state of your mind? After Drona also had been thus addressed by Duryodhana + in the midst of the Kurus, what did the preceptor say unto him then? Tell + me all this, O Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Loud wails arose among thy coops, O Bharata, after the + slaughter of Bhurisravas and the ruler of the Sindhus. All of them + disregarded the counsels of thy son, those counsels in consequence of + which leaders of men, by hundreds, were slain. As regards Drona, hearing + those words of thy son, he became filled with grief. Reflecting for a + short while, O monarch, he said these words in great affliction. + </p> + <p> + “‘Drona said, “O Duryodhana, why dost thou pierce me thus with wordy + shafts? I told thee before that Arjuna is incapable of defeat in battle. + Protected by the diadem-decked Arjuna, Sikhandin slew Bhishma. By that + feat, O thou of Kuru’s race, the prowess of Arjuna in battle hath been + well-tested. Beholding Bhishma who was incapable of being defeated by the + gods and the Danavas, actually slain in battle, even then I knew that this + Bharata host is doomed. Upon the fall of him whom of all persons in the + three worlds, we had regarded to be the very foremost of heroes, who else + is there upon whom we are to rely? Those dice, O sire, with which Sakuni + formerly played in the Kuru assembly, were not dice but keen arrows + capable of slaying foes. Even those arrows, O sire, sped by Jaya, are now + slaying us. Though Vidura characterised them to be such, thou didst not + yet understand them to be so. Those words, again, that the wise and + high-souled Vidura, with tears in his eyes had then said unto thee, those + auspicious words recommending peace, thou didst not then hear. That + calamity which foretold hath now come. That frightful carnage, O + Duryodhana, hath now come as the result of that disobedience by thee of + Vidura’s words. That man of foolish understanding who, disregarding the + salutary words of trusted friends, followeth his own opinion, soon falls + into a pitiable plight. O son of Gandhari, this great evil, viz., that + dragging in our very sight to the Kuru assembly of Krishna who never + deserved such treatment, who hath been born in a noble race, and who + practiseth every virtue. Know that all this is but little, for in the next + world dire consequences yet will be thine. Vanquishing the Pandavas at + dice by deceit, thou hadst sent them, into the woods, attired in + deer-skins. What other Brahmana, except myself, in this world, would seek + to injure those princes that are ever engaged in the practice of virtue + and that are to me even as my own sons. With the approval of + Dhritarashtra, in the midst of the Kuru assembly, thou hadst, with Sakuni + as thy help-mate, provoked the ire of the Pandavas. United with Duhsasana, + Karna then fanned that wrath. Disregarding the words of Vidura, thou hast + repeatedly fanned it thyself. With resolute care, all of you had + surrounded Arjuna, resolved to stand by the ruler of the Sindhus. Why then + have all of you been vanquished and why also has Jayadratha been slain? + Why, when thou art alive, and Karna, and Kripa, and Salya, and + Aswatthaman, O Kauravya, hath the ruler of the Sindhus been slain? For + rescuing the ruler of the Sindhus, the kings (on thy side) had put forth + all their fierce energy. Why, then, hath Jayadratha been slain in their + midst? Relying upon me, king Jayadratha had expected his rescue from the + hands of Arjuna. He, however, obtained not the rescue he had expected. I + do not also see my safety for my own self. Until I succeed in slaying the + Panchalas with Sikhandin, I feel like one sinking in the + Dhristadyumna-mire. Having failed, O Bharata, in rescuing the ruler of the + Sindhus, why dost thou pierce me thus with thy wordy shafts, seeing that I + too am burning with grief? Thou seest not any longer on the field the gold + standards of Bhishma of sure aim, that warrior who was never tired in + battle. How, then, canst thou hope for success? When the rulers of the + Sindhus and Bhurisravas also have been slain in the very midst of so many + mighty car-warriors, what do you think, will the end be? Kripa, difficult + of being vanquished, is still alive, O king! That he hath not followed in + the track of Jayadratha, I applaud him highly for this! When I saw Bhishma + himself, that achiever of the most difficult feats (in battle), that + warrior who was incapable of being slain in battle by the gods with Vasava + at their head, slain in thy sight, O Kaurava, as also of thy younger + brother Duhsasana, I thought then, O king, that the Earth hath abandoned + thee. Yonder the troops of the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, united + together, are now rushing against me. For achieving thy good in battle, O + son of Dhritarashtra, I will not without slaying all the Panchalas, put + off my armour. O king, go and tell my son Aswatthaman who is present in + battle that even at the risk of his life he should not let the Somakas + alone.<a href="#linknote-7186" name="linknoteref-7186" id="linknoteref-7186">186</a> Thou shouldst also tell him, ‘Observe all + the instructions thou hast received from thy father. Be firm in acts of + humility, in self-restraint, in truth and righteousness. Observant of + religion, profit, and pleasure, without neglecting religion and profit, + thou shouldst always accomplish those acts in which religion predominates. + The Brahmanas should always be gratified with presents. All of them + deserve thy worship. Thou shouldst never do anything that is injurious to + them. They are like flames of fire.’ As regards myself, I will penetrate + the hostile host, O slayer of foes, for doing great battle, pierced as I + am by thee with thy wordy shafts. If thou canst, O Duryodhana, go and + protect those troops. Both the Kurus and the Srinjayas have been angry. + They will fight even during the night.” Having said these words, Drona + proceeded against the Pandavas and set himself to over-ride the energy of + the Kshatriyas like the sun overshadowing the light of the stars.’" </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +SECTION CLI +</pre> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thus urged by Drona, king Duryodhana, filled with rage set + his heart on battle. And thy son, Duryodhana, then said unto Karna, + “Behold, the diadem-decked son of Pandu, with Krishna alone for helpmate, + penetrated into the array formed by the preceptor, an array that the gods + themselves could not pierce, and in the very sight of the illustrious + Drona struggling in battle and of many other foremost of warriors, slew + the ruler of the Sindhus. Behold, O son of Radha, many foremost of kings + lying on the earth, slain in battle. Partha unaided by any one, in the + very sight of the illustrious Drona and myself, vigorously exerting + ourselves like a host of inferior animals-slain by a lion. The son of + Sakra hath reduced my host to a small remnant of what it was. How, indeed, + could Phalguna, in spite of the resistance offered by Drona in battle, + accomplish his vow by slaying the ruler of the Sindhus? If Drona had not + himself willed it, O hero, how could the son of Pandu, in battle, have + pierced that impenetrable array, overcoming his struggling preceptor? + Truly, Phalguna is exceedingly dear to the illustrious preceptor! For + this, the latter gave him admittance, without having fought with him. + Behold my misfortune! Having in the first instance promised protection + unto the ruler of the Sindhus, Drona, that scorcher of foes, gave unto the + diadem-decked Arjuna admittance into the array! If he had in the beginning + granted permission to the ruler of the Sindhus for his return home, + without doubt, such an awful carnage would then have never occurred. Alas! + Jayadratha, in hopes of saving his life, had desired to return home. + Having obtained from Drona a promise of protection in battle, it was I, a + fool that I was, who prevented him from going. Alas, today my brothers + having Chitrasena for their head, have all perished in the very sight of + our wretched selves."<a href="#linknote-7187" name="linknoteref-7187" id="linknoteref-7187">187</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Karna said, “Do not blame the preceptor. That Brahmana is fighting + according to the measure of his power and courage and regardless of his + very life. If Arjuna, of white steeds, having transgressed him, penetrated + into our array, the slightest fault does not, for that, attach to the + preceptor. Phalguna is accomplished in weapons, possessed of great + activity, endued with youth; he is a hero who has mastered all arms; he is + distinguished for the celerity of his movements. Armed with celestial + weapons and mounted on his ape-bannered car, the reins of whose steeds + again were in the hands of Krishna, cased in impenetrable armour, and + taking his celestial bow Gandiva of unfading might, the valiant Arjuna, + scattering keen arrows, and proud of the strength of his arms, + transgressed Drona. There is nothing to wonder at this. The preceptor, on + the other hand is, O king, old and incapable of proceeding quickly. He is + also, O king, incapable of exercising his arms long. It was for this that + Phalguna, of white steeds and having Krishna for his charioteer, succeeded + in transgressing the preceptor. For this reason also, I do not see any + fault in Drona. For all that, when Arjuna, of white steeds, penetrated + into our array, having transgressed the preceptor it seems that the + latter, however skilled in weapons, is incapable of vanquishing the + Pandavas in battle. I think that which is ordained by Fate never occurs + otherwise. And since, O Suyodhana, in spite of ourselves fighting to the + utmost extent of our powers, the ruler of the Sindhus has been slain in + battle, it seems that Fate is all-powerful. With thyself we had all been + exerting to the utmost of our might on the field of battle. Fate, however, + baffling our exertions, did not smile on us. We have always exerted to + injure the Pandavas, relying both on deceit and prowess. Whatever act, O + king, a person afflicted by Fate does, is frustrated by Fate, however, + much the person himself may strive to achieve it. Whatever, indeed, a man + endued with perseverance should do, ought to be done fearlessly. Success + depends on Fate! By deceit the sons of Pritha were beguiled as also by the + administration of poison, O Bharata! Burnt they were in the palace of lac, + vanquished they were at dice. In accordance with the dictates of + statecraft, they were exiled into the woods. All these, though done by us + with care, have been baffled by Fate. Fight with resolution, O king, + setting Fate at nought. Between thee and them, both striving to the best + of your prowess even Fate may prove auspicious to that party which excels + the other.<a href="#linknote-7188" name="linknoteref-7188" id="linknoteref-7188">188</a> No wise measures have been adopted by the + Pandavas with the aid of superior intelligence. Nor, O hero, do we see, O + perpetuator of Kuru’s race, that thou hast done anything unwise from want + of intelligence! It is Fate that decides the result of acts, wise or + unwise; Fate, ever intent on its own purposes is awake when all else + sleeps. Vast was thy host, and thy warriors are many. Even thus the battle + began. With their small force, much greater and consisting of men capable + of smiting effectually, hath been much reduced. I fear, it is the work of + Fate, that has frustrated our exertions.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘While they were discoursing thus, O king, the Pandava + divisions appeared for battle. Then occurred a fierce battle between thy + warriors and theirs, in which cars and elephants encountered one another. + All this, however, O king, was due to thy evil policy!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0147" id="link72H_4_0147"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLII + </h2> + <h3> + (Ghatotkacha-badha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘That elephant force of thine, O king, swelling with might, + fought everywhere, prevailing over the Pandava force. Resolved to go to + the other world, the Panchalas and the Kauravas fought with one another + for admission into the swelling domains of Yama. Brave warriors, + encountering brave rivals, pierced one another with arrows and lances and + darts, and quickly despatched one another unto Yama’s abode. Dreadful was + the battle that took place between car-warriors and car-warriors who + struck one another and caused a fierce flow of blood. Infuriated + elephants, encountering infuriated compeers, afflicted one another with + their tusks. Horsemen, solicitous of glory, pierced and cut down horsemen + in that terrific melee with spears and darts and battle-axes. + Foot-soldiers also O mighty-armed one, in hundreds, armed with weapons, + repeatedly rushed against one another with resolute courage, O scorcher of + foes! So great was the confusion that the Panchalas and the Kurus could + only be distinguished from each other by the tribal, the family, and the + personal names we heard them utter. The warriors, despatching one another + to the other world with arrows and darts and axes, careered fearlessly on + the field. With thousands of arrows, however, O king, shot by the + combatants the ten points were no longer illuminated as before in + consequence of the Sun having set. While the Pandavas were thus fighting, + O Bharata, Duryodhana, O king, penetrated into the midst of their host. + Filled with great wrath at the slaughter of the ruler of Sindhus, and + resolved to lay down his life, he penetrated into the hostile army. + Filling the earth with the rattle of his car-wheels and causing her to + tremble therewith, thy son approached the Pandava host. Terrific was the + clash that took place between him and them, O Bharata, causing a + tremendous carnage of troops. Like the sun himself at midday scorching + everything with his rays, thy son scorched the hostile host with his + arrowy showers.<a href="#linknote-7189" name="linknoteref-7189" id="linknoteref-7189">189</a> The Pandavas became incapable of even + looking at their brother (Duryodhana). Despairing of vanquishing their + foes, they set their hearts on flying away from the field. Slaughtered by + thy illustrious son, armed with the bow, by means of his gold-winged + arrows of blazing points, the Panchalas ran away in all directions. + Afflicted with those keen shafts, the Pandava troops began to fall down on + the ground. Indeed, the Pandavas had never succeeded in achieving such a + feat in battle as was then achieved by thy royal son, O monarch! The + Pandava host was crushed and ground by an elephant.<a href="#linknote-7190" name="linknoteref-7190" id="linknoteref-7190">190</a> As, again, an + assemblage of lotuses becomes shorn of its beauty when the water (over + which it grows) is dried up by the sun and the wind, even so became the + Pandava host being dried up by thy son, O Bharata, the Panchalas, with + Bhimasena then with ten shafts, and each of the sons of Madri with three, + and Virata and Drupada each with six, and Sikhandin with a hundred, and + Dhrishtadyumna with seventy, and Yudhishthira with seven, and the Kaikeyas + and the Chedis with innumerable keen shafts, and Satwata with five, and + each of the (five) sons of Draupadi with three, and Ghatotkacha also with + a few, he uttered a leonine shout. Cutting off hundreds of other warriors + and the bodies of elephants and steeds in that great battle by means of + his fierce shafts, he behaved like the Destroyer himself in rage slaying + created beings.<a href="#linknote-7191" name="linknoteref-7191" id="linknoteref-7191">191</a> While engaged, however, in thus slaughtering + his foes, his bow, the back of whose staff was ornamented with gold, + Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu, O sire, cut off into three parts with a + pair of broad-headed shafts. And Yudhishthira pierced Duryodhana himself + with ten keen arrows shot with great force. Piercing through Duryodhana’s + vital limbs, those passed out and entered the earth in a continuous line. + The troops that stood around then encompassed Yudhishthira, like the + celestials encompassing Purandara for the slaughter of Vritra. Then king + Yudhishthira, O sire, who is incapable of being easily defeated, shot at + thy son in that battle a fierce shaft. Deeply pierced therewith, + Duryodhana sat down on his excellent car. Then a loud noise arose from + among the Panchala troops. Even this, O monarch, was that tremendous + uproar, viz., “The king is slain!” The fierce whizz of arrows also was + heard there, O Bharata. Then Drona quickly showed himself there in that + battle. Meanwhile, Duryodhana recovering his senses, had firmly grasped + the bow. He then rushed towards the royal son of Pandu saying, “Wait, + Wait.” Then the Panchalas also solicitous of victory, began to advance + with speed. Desirous of rescuing the Kuru prince, Drona received them all. + And the preceptor began to destroy them like the bright-rayed maker of day + destroying tempest-tossed clouds. Then, O king, there occurred a fierce + battle, fraught with immense carnage, between thine and theirs + encountering one another from desire of fight.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0148" id="link72H_4_0148"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Having said all those words unto my son, Duryodhana, + who is ever disobedient to my commands, when that mighty bowman endued + with great strength, viz., the preceptor Drona, penetrated in wrath into + the Pandava host, and when that hero, stationed on his car, careered over + the field, how did the Pandavas check his course? Who protected the right + wheel of the preceptor’s car in that dreadful battle? Who also protected + his left when he fiercely slaughtered the foe? Who were those brave + warriors that followed that fighting hero at his back? Who were those, + then, that stood in front of that car-warrior? When that unvanquished and + great bowman, that foremost of all bearers of weapons, dancing along the + track of his car, entered the Pandavas host, I think, his foes felt an + excessive and unseasonable cold. I think, they trembled like kine exposed + to wintry blasts. How did that bull among car-warriors, who consumed all + the troops of the Panchalas like a raging conflagration, meet with his + death?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having slain the ruler of the Sindhus in the evening, + Partha, after his meeting with Yudhishthira and the great bowman, viz., + Satyaki, both proceeded towards Drona. Then Yudhishthira, and Bhimasena, + the son of Pandu, each with a separate division of the army, quickly + proceeded against Drona. Similarly, the intelligent Nakula, and the + invincible Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna with his own division, and Virata, + and the ruler of the Salwas, with a large force, proceeded against Drona + in battle. Similarly, king Drupada, the father of Dhrishtadyumna, + protected by the Panchalas proceeded, O king, against Drona. And the sons + of Draupadi, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, accompanied by their forces, + proceeded against Drona of great splendour. The Prabhadraka-Panchalas also + six thousand strong, and all effectual smiters, proceeded against Drona + placing Sikhandin at their head. Other foremost of men and mighty + car-warriors among the Pandavas, uniting together, O bull among men, + proceeded against Drona. When those heroic warriors, O bull among the + Bharatas, proceeded to battle, the night became pitch dark, enhancing the + terrors of the timid. And during that hour of darkness, O king, many were + the warriors that laid down their lives. And that night also proved the + death of many elephants and steeds and foot-soldiers. On that night of + pitch darkness, yelling jackals everywhere inspired great fear with their + blazing mouths. Fierce owls, perching on the standards of Kauravas and + hooting therefrom, foreboded fears. Then, O king, a fierce uproar arose + among the troops. Mingling with the loud beat of drums and cymbals, grunts + of elephants, neighings of steeds, and stampings of horse-hoofs, that + uproar spread everywhere. Then, in that hour of evening, fierce was the + battle that took place between Drona, O king, and all of the Srinjayas. + The world having been enveloped in darkness, nothing could be noticed. The + welkin was covered with the dust raised by the combatants. Blood of man + and horse and elephant mingled together. The earthy dust then disappeared. + All of us became perfectly cheerless. During that night, like the sounds + of a burning forest of bamboos on a mountain, frightful sounds were heard + of clashing weapons. With the sounds of Mridangas and Anakas and Vallakis + and Patahas,<a href="#linknote-7192" name="linknoteref-7192" id="linknoteref-7192">192</a> with the shouts (of human beings) and the + neigh (of steeds), a dreadful confusion set in everywhere, O lord! When + the field of battle was enveloped in darkness, friends, O king, could not + be distinguished from foes. All were possessed with a madness in that + night. The earthen dust that had arisen, O king, was soon allayed with + showers of blood. Then, in consequence of golden coats of mail and the + bright ornaments of the warriors, that darkness was dispelled. The Bharata + host then, adorned with gems and gold (and abounding with darts and + standards), looked like the firmament in the night, O bull of Bharata’s + race, bespangled with stars. The field of battle then resounded with the + yells of jackals and the cawings of crows, with the grunts of elephants, + and the shouts and cries of the warriors. Those sounds, mingling together, + produced a loud uproar, making the hair stand on end. That uproar filled + all the points of the compass like the report of Indra’s thunder. At dead + of night, the Bharata host seemed illuminated with the Angadas, the + ear-rings, the cuirasses, and the weapons of combatants. There elephants + and cars, adorned with gold, looked in that night like clouds charged with + lightning. Swords and darts and maces and scimitars and clubs and lances + and axes, as they fell, looked like dazzling flashes of fire. Duryodhana + was the gust of wind that was the precursor (of that tempest-like host). + Cars and elephants constituted its dry clouds. The loud noise of drums and + other instruments formed the peal of its thunders. Abounding with + standards, bows formed to lightning flashes. Drona and the Pandavas formed + its pouring clouds. Scimitars and darts and maces constituted its + thunders. Shafts formed its downpour, and weapons (of other kinds) its + incessant gusts of wind. And the winds that blew were both exceedingly hot + and exceedingly cold. Terrible, stunning and fierce, it was destructive of + life. There was nothing that could afford shelter from it.<a + href="#linknote-7193" name="linknoteref-7193" id="linknoteref-7193">193</a> + Combatants, desirous of battle entered into that frightful host on that + dreadful night resounding with terrible noises, enhancing the fears of the + timid and the delight of heroes. And during the progress of that fierce + and dreadful battle in the night, the Pandus and the Srinjayas, united + together, rushed in wrath against Drona. All these, however, O king, that + advanced right against the illustrious Drona, were either obliged to turn + back or despatched to the abode of Yama. Indeed, on that night, Drona + alone pierced with his shafts, elephants in thousands and cars in tens of + thousands and millions of millions of foot-soldiers and steeds.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0149" id="link72H_4_0149"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the invincible Drona, of immeasurable energy, + unable to bear (the slaughter of Jayadratha), wrathfully entered into the + midst of the Srinjayas, what did all of you think? When that warrior of + immeasurable soul, having said those words unto my disobedient son, + Duryodhana, so entered (the hostile ranks), what steps did Partha take? + When after the fall of the heroic Jayadratha and of Bhurisravas, that + unvanquished warrior of great energy, that scorcher of foes, viz., the + unconquerable Drona, proceeded against the Panchalas, what did Arjuna + think? What also did Duryodhana think as the most seasonable step that he + could adopt? Who were they that followed that boon-giving hero, that + foremost of regenerated ones? Who were those heroes, O Suta, that stood + behind that hero while engaged in battle? Who fought in his van, while he + was employed in slaughter? I think, all the Pandavas, afflicted with the + arrows of Bharadwaja’s son, were, O Suta, like lean kine trembling under a + wintry sky. Having penetrated into the midst of the Panchalas how did that + great bowman, that scorcher of foes, that tiger among men, meet with his + death?<a href="#linknote-7194" name="linknoteref-7194" id="linknoteref-7194">194</a> When on that night all the troops, united + together, and all the great car-warriors combined were being separately + ground (by Drona), who were those intelligent men amongst you that were + present there? Thou sayest that my troops were slain or huddled together, + or vanquished, and that my car-warriors were made carless in those + encounters. While those combatants became cheerless and were being ground + by the Pandavas, what did they think when they sank in such affliction on + that dark night? Thou sayest that the Pandavas were hearty and exceedingly + hopeful, and that mine were melancholy and heartless and panic-stricken. + How, O Sanjaya, couldst thou mark the distinction on that night between + the Kurus and the unretreating Parthas?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During the progress, O king, of that fierce night-battle, + the Pandavas along with the Somakas all rushed against Drona. Then Drona, + with his swift-going shafts, despatched all the Kaikeyas and the sons of + Dhrishtadyumna into the world of spirits. Indeed, all those mighty + car-warriors, O king, that advanced right against Drona, all those lords + of the earth, were despatched (by him) into the region of the dead. Then + king Sivi, of great prowess, filled with rage, proceeded against that + mighty car-warrior, viz., the heroic son of Bharadwaja, while the latter + was thus employed in grinding (the hostile combatants). Beholding that + great car-warrior of the Pandavas advancing, Drona pierced him with ten + shafts made entirely of iron. Sivi, however, pierced Drona in return with + thirty shafts, winged with Kanka feathers. And smiling the while, he also, + with a broad-headed shaft felled the driver of Drona’s car. Drona then, + slaying the steeds of the illustrious Sivi as also the driver of his car, + cut off from his trunk Sivi’s head with head-gear on it. Then Duryodhana + quickly sent unto Drona a driver for his car. The reins of his steeds + having been taken up by the new man, Drona once more rushed against his + foes. The sort of the ruler of the Kalingas, supported by the Kalinga + troops, rushed against Bhimasena, filled with rage at the slaughter of his + sire by the latter. Having pierced Bhima with five shafts he once more + pierced him with seven. And he struck Visoka (the driver of Bhima’s car) + with three shafts and the latter’s standard with one. Then Vrikodara, + filled with rage, leaping from his own car to that of his foe, slew with + only his fists that angry hero of the Kalingas. The bones of that prince + thus slain in battle by the mighty son of Pandu with only his fists, fell + down on the earth separated from one another. Karna and the brother of the + slain prince, (and others), could not brook that act of Bhima. All of them + began to strike Bhimasena with keen shafts resembling snakes of virulent + poison. Abandoning then that car of the foe (upon which he stood), Bhima + proceeded to the car of Dhruva,<a href="#linknote-7195" name="linknoteref-7195" id="linknoteref-7195">195</a> and crushed, by a + blow of his fist, that prince who had been striking him incessantly. Thus + struck by the mighty son of Pandu, Dhruva fell down. Having slain him, O + king, Bhimasena of great strength, proceeding to the car of Jayarata, + began to roar repeatedly like a lion. Dragging Jayarata then with his left + arm, while, employed in roaring, he slew that warrior with a slap of his + palm in the very sight of Karna. Then Karna hurled at the son of Pandu, a + dart decked with gold. The Pandava, however, smiling the while, seized + with his hand that dart. And the invincible Vrikodara in that battle + hurled that very dart back at Karna. Then Sakuni, with a shaft that had + drunk oil, cut off that dart as it coursed towards Karna. Having achieved + these mighty feats in battle, Bhima, of wonderful prowess, came back to + his own car and rushed against thy troops. And while Bhima was thus + advancing, slaughtering (thy troops) like the Destroyer himself in rage, + thy sons, O monarch, attempted to resist that mighty-armed hero. Indeed, + those mighty car-warriors covered him with a dense shower of arrows. Then + Bhima, smiling the while, despatched in that battle, with his shafts, the + driver and the steeds of Durmada unto the abode of Yama. Durmada, at this, + quickly mounted upon the car of Dushkarna. Then those scorchers of foes, + viz., the two brothers, riding on the same car, both rushed against Bhima + in the front rank of battle, like the Regent of the waters and Surya + rushing against Taraka, that foremost of Daityas. Then thy sons, Durmada + and Dushkarna, mounting on the same car, pierced Bhima with shafts. Then + in the very sight of Karna, of Aswatthaman, of Duryodhana, of Kripa, of + Somadatta, and of Valhika, the son of Pandu, that chastiser of foes, by a + stamp of his foot, caused that car of the heroic Durmada and Dushkarna to + sink into the earth. Filled with rage, Bhima struck with his fists those + mighty and brave sons of thine, viz., Durmada and Dushkarna, and crushed + them therewith and roared aloud. Then cries of Oh and Alas arose among the + troops. And the kings, beholding Bhima said, “That is Rudra who is + fighting in Bhima’s form among the Dhartarashtras.” Saying these words, O + Bharata, all the kings fled away, deprived of their senses and urging the + animals they rode to their greatest speed. Indeed, no two of them could be + seen running together. Then, when on that night a great carnage had been + caused among the (Kaurava) army, the mighty Vrikodara, with eyes beautiful + as the full-blown lotus, highly applauded by many bulls among kings, + repairing unto Yudhishthira, paid his regards unto him. Then the twins + (Nakula and Sahadeva), and Drupada and Virata, and the Kaikeyas, and + Yudhishthira also, felt great joy. And all of them paid their adorations + unto Vrikodara even as the celestials did unto Mahadeva after Andhaka had + been slain. Then thy sons, all equal unto the sons of Varuna, filled with + rage and accompanied by the illustrious Preceptor and a large number of + cars, foot-soldiers, and elephants encompassed Vrikodara on all sides from + desire of fight. Then, O best of kings, on that terrible night, when + everything was enveloped in darkness, as thick as a cloud, a dreadful + battle took place between those illustrious warriors, delightful to wolves + and crows and vultures.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0150" id="link72H_4_0150"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After his son (Bhurisravas) had been slain by Satyaki + while the former was sitting in Praya, Somadatta, filled with rage, said + unto Satyaki these words, “Why, O Satwata, having abandoned those + Kshatriya duties ordained by the high-souled gods, hast thou betaken + thyself to the practices of robbers? Why would one that is observant of + Kshatriya duties and possessed of wisdom, strike in battle a person that + is turning away from the fight, or one that has become helpless, or one + that has laid aside his weapons, or one that beggeth for quarters? Two + persons, indeed, among the Vrishnis are reputed to be the foremost of + great car-warriors, viz., Pradyumna of mighty energy and thou also, O + Satyaki! Why then didst thou behave so cruelly and sinfully towards one + that had sat in Praya and that had his arms cut off by Partha?<a + href="#linknote-7196" name="linknoteref-7196" id="linknoteref-7196">196</a> + Take now in battle the consequence of that act of thine, O thou of wicked + behaviour! I shall today, O wretch, putting forth my prowess, cut off thy + head with a winged arrow. I swear, O Satwata, by my two sons, by what is + dear to me, and by all my meritorious acts, that, if before this night + passes away, I do not slay thee, that art so proud of thy heroism, with + thy sons and younger brothers, provided Jishnu, the son of Pritha, does + not protect thee, then let me sink into terrible hell, O wretch of + Vrishni’s race!” Having said these words, the mighty Somadatta, filled + with rage, blew his conch loudly and uttered a leonine roar. Then Satyaki, + of eyes like lotus-petals and teeth like those of a lion, possessed of + great strength, and filled with rage, said these words unto Somadatta, “O + thou of Kuru’s race, whether battling with thee or with others, I do not + in my heart ever experience the slightest fear. If, protected by all the + troops, thou fightest with me, I would not, even then experience on thy + account, any pain, O thou of Kuru’s race! I am ever observant of Kshatriya + practices. Thou canst not, therefore, frighten me with only words smacking + of battle or with speeches that insult the good. If, O king, thou wishest + to fight with me today, be cruel and strike me with keen shafts and I will + also strike thee. Thy son, the mighty car-warrior Bhurisravas, O king, had + been slain. Sala also, and Vrishasena, have been crushed by me. Thee also + today I shall slay, with thy sons and kinsmen. Stay with resolution in + battle, for thou, O Kaurava, art endued with great strength. Thou art + already slain in consequence of the energy of that drum-bannered king + Yudhishthira in whom are always charity, and self-restraint, and purity of + heart, compassion, and modesty, and intelligence, and forgiveness, and all + else that is indestructible. Thou shalt meet with destruction along with + Karna and Suvala’s son. I swear by Krishna’s feet and by all my good acts + that, filled with rage, I shall, with my shafts, slay thee with thy sons + in battle. If thou fliest away from battle, then mayst thou have safety.” + Having thus addressed each other, with eyes red in wrath, those foremost + of men began to shoot their shafts at each other. Then with a thousand + cars and ten thousand horses, Duryodhana took his station, encompassing + Somadatta. Sakuni also, filled with rage, and armed with every weapon and + surrounded by his sons and grandsons as also by his brothers, that were + equal to Indra himself in prowess (did the same). Thy brother-in-law, O + king, young in years and of body hard as the thunder-bolt and possessed of + wisdom, had a hundred thousand horses of the foremost valour with him. + With these he encompassed the mighty bowman Somadatta. Protected by those + mighty warriors, Somadatta covered Satyaki (with clouds of shafts). + Beholding Satyaki thus covered with clouds of straight shafts, + Dhrishtadyumna proceeded towards him in rage and accompanied by a mighty + force. Then, O king, the sound that arose there of those two large hosts + striking each other, resembled that of many oceans lashed into fury by + frightful hurricanes. Then Somadatta pierced Satyaki, with nine arrows. + Satyaki, in return, struck that foremost of Kuru warriors with nine + arrows. Deeply pierced in that battle by the mighty and firm bowman + (Satyaki), Somadatta sat down on the terrace of his car and lost his + senses in a swoon. Beholding him deprived of his senses, his driver, with + great speed, bore away from the battle that great car-warrior, viz., the + heroic Somadatta. Seeing that Somadatta, afflicted with Yuyudhana’s + shafts, had lost his senses Drona rushed with speed, desiring to slay the + Yadu hero. Beholding the Preceptor advance, many Pandava warriors headed + by Yudhishthira surrounded that illustrious perpetuator of Yadu’s race + from desire of rescuing him. Then commenced a battle between Drona and the + Pandavas, resembling that between Vali and the celestials for acquiring + sovereignty of the three worlds. Then Bharadwaja’s son of great energy + shrouded the Pandava host with clouds of arrows and pierced Yudhishthira + also. And Drona pierced Satyaki with ten arrows, and the son of Prishata + with twenty. And he pierced Bhimasena with nine arrows and Nakula with + five, and Sahadeva with eight, and Sikhandin with a hundred. And the + mighty-armed hero pierced each of the (five) sons of Draupadi with five + arrows. And he pierced Virata with eight arrows and Drupada with ten. And + he pierced Yudhamanyu with three arrows and Uttamaujas with six in that + encounter. And piercing many other combatants, he rushed towards + Yudhishthira. The troops of Pandu’s son, slaughtered by Drona, ran away in + all directions, from fear, O king, with loud wails. Beholding that host + slaughtered by Drona, Phalguna, the son of Pritha, with wrath excited a + little, quickly proceeded towards the preceptor. Beholding then that Drona + was also proceeding towards Arjuna in that battle, that host of + Yudhishthira, O king, once more rallied. Then once more occurred a battle + between Drona and the Pandavas. Drona, surrounded, O king, on all sides, + by thy sons, began to consume the Pandava host, like fire consuming a heap + of cotton. Beholding him radiant like the sun and endued with the + splendour of a blazing fire, and fiercely and continually, O king, + emitting his ray-like arrows, with bow incessantly drawn to a circle and + scorching everything around like the sun himself, and consuming his foes, + there was none in that army that could check him. The shafts of Drona + cutting off the head of all those that ventured to approach him in the + face, penetrated into the earth. Thus slaughtered by that illustrious + warrior, the Pandava host, once more fled away in fear in the very sight + of Arjuna. Beholding that force, O Bharata, thus routed on that night by + Drona, Jishnu asked Govinda to proceed towards Drona’s car. Then he of + Dasarha’s race urged those steeds, white as silver or milk or the Kunda + flower, or the moon, towards the car of Drona. Bhimasena also, beholding + Phalguna proceed towards Drona, commanded his own charioteer, saying, + “Bear me towards Drona’s division.” Hearing those words of Bhima, his + driver Visoka urged his steeds, following in the wake, O chief of the + Bharatas, of Jishnu, of sure aim. Beholding the two brothers resolutely + proceeding towards Drona’s division, the mighty car-warriors among the + Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Matsyas, the Chedis, the Karushas, the + Kosalas, and the Kaikeyas, O king, all followed them. Then, O monarch, + took place a terrible battle that made the hair stand on end. With two + mighty throngs of cars, Vibhatsu and Vrikodara attacked thy host; the + former on the right and the latter in the front. Seeing those tigers among + men, viz., Bhimasena and Dhananjaya (thus engaged), Dhrishtadyumna, O + monarch, and Satyaki of great strength, rushed behind. Then, O king, an + uproar arose there in consequence of the two hosts striking each other, + that resembled the noise made by many seas lashed into fury by a tempest. + Beholding Satyaki in battle, Aswatthaman, filled with rage at the + slaughter of Somadatta’s son, rushed furiously against that Satwata hero + at the van of battle. Seeing him rush in that battle against the car of + Sini’s grandson, Bhimasena’s son, the gigantic Rakshasa, Ghatotkacha, + endued with great strength, rushed at him, riding on a huge and terrible + car made of black iron covered with bear-skins. Both the height and the + width of that large car measured thirty nalwas.<a href="#linknote-7197" name="linknoteref-7197" id="linknoteref-7197">197</a> Equipped with + machines set in proper places it was; its rattle resembled that of a + mighty mass of clouds. No steeds or elephants were yoked unto it, but, + instead, beings that looked like elephants.<a href="#linknote-7198" name="linknoteref-7198" id="linknoteref-7198">198</a> On its tall standard + perched a prince of vultures with outstretched wings and feet, with eyes + wide-expanded, and shrieking awfully. And it was equipped with red flags + and decked with the entrails of various animals. And that huge vehicle was + furnished with eight wheels. Riding on it, Ghatotkacha was surrounded by a + full Akshauhini of fierce-looking Rakshasas armed with lances and heavy + clubs and rocks and trees. Seeing him advance with uplifted bow, + resembling the mace-armed Destroyer himself in the hour of universal + dissolution, the hostile kings were struck with fear. At sight of that + prince of Rakshasas, viz., Ghatotkacha, looking like a mountain summit of + terrible aspect, frightful, possessed of terrible teeth and fierce face, + with arrow-like ears and high cheek-bones, with stiff hair rising upwards, + awful eyes, sunken belly, blazing mouth, wide as a chasm, and diadem on + his head, capable of striking every creature with fear, possessing jaws + wide-open like those of the Destroyer, endued with great splendour and + capable of agitating all foes, advancing towards them, thy son’s host, + afflicted with fear, became highly agitated like the current of the Ganga + agitated into fierce eddies by (the action of) the wind. Terrified by the + leonine roar uttered by Ghatotkacha, elephants began to eject urine and + the kings began to tremble. Then, thrown by the Rakshasas who had become + more powerful in consequence of the night, there began to fall on the + field of battle a thick shower of stones. And a ceaseless shower of iron + wheels and Bhundis and darts and lances and spears and Sataghnis and axes + also fell there. Beholding that fierce and awful battle, the kings, thy + sons, and Karna, also exceedingly pained, fled away. Only the proud son of + Drona, ever boastful of his might in arms, stood fearlessly. And he soon + dispelled that illusion that had been created by Ghatotkacha. Upon the + destruction of his illusion, Ghatotkacha in rage sped fierce shafts at + (Aswatthaman). These pierced the son of Drona, like angry snakes speedily + piercing through an ant-hill. Those arrows, having pierced through the + body of Aswatthaman, dyed with blood and quickly entered the earth like + snakes into an ant-hill. The light-handed Aswatthaman, however, of great + prowess, filled with wrath, pierced Ghatotkacha with ten arrows. + Ghatotkacha, deeply pierced in his vital parts by Drona’s son, and feeling + great pain, took up a wheel having a thousand spokes. Its edge was sharp + as a razor, and it was resplendent as the rising sun. And it was decked + with diverse gems and diamonds. Desirous of slaying him, the son of + Bhimasena hurled that wheel at Aswatthaman. And as that wheel coursed + swiftly towards Drona’s son, the latter cut it into fragments by means of + his shafts. Baffled, it fell down on the earth, like the hope cherished by + an unfortunate man. Beholding his wheel baffled, Ghatotkacha quickly + covered the son of Drona with his shafts, like Rahu swallowing the sun. + Meanwhile, Ghatotkacha’s son endued with great splendour and looking like + a mass of antimony, checked the advancing son of Drona like the king of + mountain (Meru) checking the (course of the) wind. Afflicted with showers + of shafts by Bhimasena’s grandson, viz., the brave Anjanaparvan, + Aswatthaman looked like the mountain Meru bearing a torrent of rain from a + mighty cloud. Then Aswatthaman, equal unto Rudra or Upendra in prowess, + became filled with rage. With one shaft he cut off the standard of + Anjanaparvan. With two others, his two drivers, and with three others, his + Trivenuka. And he cut off the Rakshasa’s bow with one arrow, and his four + steeds with four other arrows. Made carless, Anjanaparvan took up a + scimitar. With another keen shaft, Aswatthaman cut off in two fragments + that scimitar, decked with golden stars, in the Rakshasa’s hand. The + grandson of Hidimva then, O king, whirling a gold adorned mace, quickly + hurled it at Aswatthaman. Drona’s son, however, striking it with his + shafts, caused it to fall down on the earth. Soaring up then into the sky, + Anjanaparvan began to roar like a cloud. And from the welkin he showered + trees upon his foe. Like the sun piercing a mass of clouds with his rays, + Aswatthaman then began to pierce with his shafts the son of Ghatotkacha, + that receptacle of illusions, in the welkin. Gifted with great energy, the + Rakshasa once more came down on his gold decked car. He then looked like a + high and beautiful hill of antimony on the surface of the earth. The son + of Drona then slew that son of Bhima’s son, viz., Anjanaparvan, cased in + an iron coat of mail, even as Mahadeva had slain in days of yore the Asura + Andhaka. Beholding his mighty son slain by Aswatthaman, Ghatotkacha, + coming unto the son of Drona, fearlessly addressed the heroic son of + Saradwata’s daughter, who was then consuming the Pandava troops like a + raging forest-conflagration, in these words: + </p> + <p> + “‘Ghatotkacha said, “Wait, Wait, O son of Drona! Thou shalt not escape me + with life! I shall slay thee today like Agni’s son slaying Krauncha." </p> + <p> + “‘Aswatthaman said, “Go, O son, and fight with others, O thou that hast + the prowess of a celestial. It is not proper, O son of Hidimva, that sire + should battle with son.<a href="#linknote-7199" name="linknoteref-7199" id="linknoteref-7199">199</a> I do not cherish any grudge against thee, O + son of Hidimva! When, however, one’s ire is excited, one may kill one’s + own self.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having heard these words, Ghatotkacha, filled with + grief on account of the fall of his son, and with eyes red as copper in + wrath, approached Aswatthaman and said, “Am I a dastard in battle, O son + of Drona, like a vulgar person, that thou dost frighten me thus with + words? Thy words are improper. Verily, I have been begotten by Bhima in + the celebrated race of the Kurus. I am a son of the Pandavas, those heroes + that never retreat from battle. I am the king of the Rakshasas, equal to + the Ten-necked (Ravana) in might. Wait, wait, O son of Drona! Thou shalt + not escape me with life. I shall today, on the field of battle, dispel thy + desire for fight.” Having thus replied unto Aswatthaman, that mighty + Rakshasa with eyes red as copper in rage, rushed furiously against the son + of Drona, like a lion against a prince of elephants. And Ghatotkacha began + to shower upon that bull among car-warriors, viz., Drona’s son, shafts of + the measure of Aksha of battle car, like a cloud pouring torrents of rain. + Drona’s son however, with his own shafts, checked that arrowy shower + before it could reach him. At that time, it seemed that another encounter + was taking place in the welkin between shafts (as the combatants). The + welkin, then, during the night, shone resplendent with the sparks caused + by the clash of those weapons, as if with (myriads of) flies. Observing + that his illusion was dispelled by Drona’s son, proud of his prowess in + battle, Ghatotkacha, once more making himself invisible, created an + illusion. He assumed the form of a high mountain, crowded with cliffs and + trees, and possessing fountains from which ceaselessly flowed spears and + lances and swords and heavy clubs. Beholding that mountain-like mass of + antimony, with countless weapons falling from it, Drona’s son was not at + all moved. The latter invoked into existence the Vajra weapon.<a + href="#linknote-7200" name="linknoteref-7200" id="linknoteref-7200">200</a> + The prince of mountains, then, struck with that weapon, was quickly + destroyed. Then the Rakshasa, becoming a mass of blue clouds in the + firmament, decked with rainbow, began furiously to shower upon Drona’s son + in that battle a downpour of stones and rocks. Then that foremost of all + persons acquainted with weapons, viz., Aswatthaman, aiming the Vayavya + weapon, destroyed that blue cloud which had risen on the firmament. + Drona’s son, that foremost of men, covering then all the points of the + compass with his shafts, slew a hundred thousand car-warriors. He then + beheld Ghatotkacha fearlessly coming towards him with bent bow and + accompanied by a large number of Rakshasas that resembled lions or + infuriated elephants of great strength, some riding on elephants, some on + cars, and some on steeds. The son of Hidimva was accompanied by those + fierce followers of his, with frightful faces and heads and necks. Those + Rakshasas consisted of both Paulastyas and Yatudhanas.<a + href="#linknote-7201" name="linknoteref-7201" id="linknoteref-7201">201</a> + Their prowess was equal to that of Indra himself. They were armed with + diverse kinds of weapons and were cased in diverse kinds of armour. Of + terrible visage, they swelled with rage. Ghatotkacha came to battle, + accompanied by those Rakshasas, who were, indeed, incapable of being + easily defeated in battle. Beholding them, thy son, Duryodhana, became + exceedingly cheerless. Unto him the son of Drona said, “Wait, O + Duryodhana! Thou needst have no fear. Stand aside with these thy heroic + brothers and these lords of earth, endued with the prowess of Indra. I + will slay thy foes. Defeat thou shalt not have. I tell thee truly. + Meanwhile, assure thy troops." </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “I do not regard what thou sayest to be at all + wonderful, since thy heart is large. O son of Gautama’s daughter, thy + regard for us is great.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said those words unto Aswatthaman, he then + addressed the son of Suvala, saying, “Dhananjaya is engaged in battle + surrounded by a hundred thousand car-warriors of great valour. Go thou + against him, with sixty thousand cars. Karna also, and Vrishasena and + Kripa, and Nila, and the Northerners, and Kritavarman, and the sons of + Purumitra, and Duhsasana, and Nikumbha, and Kundabhedin, and Puranjaya and + Dridharatha, and Hemakampana, and Salya, and Aruni, and Indrasena, and + Sanjaya, and Vijaya, and Jaya, and Purakrathin, and Jayavarman, and + Sudarsana, these will follow thee, with sixty thousand foot-soldiers. O + uncle, slay Bhima and the twins and king Yudhishthira the Just, like the + chief of the celestials slaying the Asuras. My hope of victory is in thee. + Already pierced by Drona’s son with shafts, all their limbs have been + exceedingly mangled. Slay the sons of Kunti, O uncle, like Kartikeya + slaying the Asuras.” Thus addressed by thy son, Sakuni proceeded quickly + to destroy the Pandavas, filling thy son’s heart, O king, with delight. + </p> + <p> + “‘Meanwhile, O king, the battle that took place between the Rakshasas and + the son of Drona on that night was exceedingly terrible like that between + Sakra and Prahlada (in days of old). Ghatotkacha, filled with rage, struck + Drona’s son in the chest with ten powerful shafts fierce as poison or + fire. Deeply pierced with those shafts by the son of Bhimasena, + Aswatthaman trembled on the terrace of his car like a tall tree shaken by + the tempest. Once more Ghatotkacha, with a broad-headed shaft, quickly cut + off the bright bow that was in the hands of Drona’s son. The latter, then, + taking up another bow capable of bearing of great strain, showered keen + arrows (upon his foe) like a cloud pouring torrents of rain. Then the son + of Saradwat’s daughter, O Bharata, sped many sky-ranging and foe-slaying + arrows, winged with gold, towards the sky-ranging Rakshasa. Afflicted with + those shafts of Aswatthaman, that vast force of broad-chested Rakshasas + looked like a herd of infuriated elephants afflicted by lions. Consuming + with his arrows those Rakshasas with their steeds, drivers, and elephants, + he blazed forth like the adorable Agni while consuming creatures at the + end of the Yuga. Having burnt with his shafts a full Akshauhini of + Rakshasa troops, Aswatthaman shone resplendent like the divine Maheswara + in heaven after the burning of the triple city.<a href="#linknote-7202" name="linknoteref-7202" id="linknoteref-7202">202</a> That foremost of + victors, viz., Drona’s son, having burnt thy foes, shone brilliantly like + the blazing Yuga-fire after having burnt all creatures at the end of the + Yuga. Then Ghatotkacha, filled with rage, urged that vast Rakshasa force + on, saying, “Slay the son of Drona!” That command of Ghatotkacha was + obeyed by those terrible Rakshasa of bright teeth, large faces, frightful + aspects, gaping mouths, long tongues and eyes blazing with wrath. Causing + the earth to be filled with their loud leonine roars, and armed with + diverse kinds of weapons, they rushed against the son of Drona for slaying + him. Endued with fierce prowess, those Rakshasas, with eyes red in wrath, + fearlessly hurled at Aswatthaman’s head hundreds and thousands of darts, + and Sataghnis, and spiked maces, and Asanis and long lances, and axes, and + scimitars, and maces, and short arrows and heavy clubs, and battle-axes, + and spears, and swords, and lances, and polished Kampanas and Kunapas, and + Hulas, and rockets, and stones, and vessels of (hot) treacle, and thunas + made of black iron, and mallets, all of terrible forms and capable of + destroying foes. Beholding that thick shower of weapons falling upon the + head of Drona’s son, thy warriors were much pained. The son of Drona, + however, fearlessly destroyed with his whetted shafts endued with the + force of the thunder that frightful shower of weapons looking like a risen + cloud. Then the high-souled son of Drona, with other weapons, equipped + with golden wings and inspired with mantras speedily slew many Rakshasas. + Afflicted with those shafts, that vast force of broad-chested Rakshasas + looked like a herd of infuriated elephants afflicted by lions. Then those + mighty Rakshasas, thus afflicted by Drona’s son, became filled with fury + and rushed against the former. The prowess that the son of Drona then + showed was exceedingly wonderful, for the feat he achieved is incapable of + being achieved by any other being among living creatures, since, alone and + unsupported, that warrior acquainted with high and mighty weapons burnt + that Rakshasa force with his blazing shafts in the very sight of that + prince of Rakshasas. Whilst consuming that Rakshasa force, Drona’s son in + that battle shone resplendent like the Samvartaka fire, while burning all + creatures at the end of the Yuga. Indeed, amongst those thousands of kings + and those Pandavas, O Bharata, there was none, except that mighty prince + of the Rakshasa, viz., the heroic Ghatotkacha, capable of even looking at + the son of Drona in that battle, who was thus employed in consuming their + ranks with his shafts, resembling snakes of virulent poison. The Rakshasa, + O chief of the Bharatas, with eyes rolling in wrath, striking his palms, + and biting his (nether) lip, addressed his own driver, saying, “Bear me + towards the son of Drona.” Riding on that formidable car equipped with + triumphal banners, that slayer of foes once more proceeded against Drona’s + son, desirous of a single combat with the latter. Endued with terrible + prowess, the Rakshasa, uttering a loud leonine roar, hurled in that + encounter at Drona’s son, having whirled it (previously), a terrible Asani + of celestial workmanship, and equipped with eight bells.<a + href="#linknote-7203" name="linknoteref-7203" id="linknoteref-7203">203</a> + Drona’s son, however, jumping down from his car, having left his bow + thereon, seized it and hurled it back at Ghatotkacha himself. Ghatotkacha, + meanwhile, had quickly alighted from his car. That formidable Asani, of + dazzling effulgence, having reduced to ashes the Rakshasa’s vehicle with + steeds and drivers and standard, entered the earth, having pierced her + through. Beholding that feat of Drona’s son, viz., his having jumped down + and seized that terrible Asani of celestial workmanship, all creatures + applauded it. Proceeding then, O king, to Dhrishtadyumna’s car, + Bhimasena’s son, taking up a terrible bow that resembled the large bow of + Indra himself, once more shot many keen shafts at the illustrious son of + Drona. Dhrishtadyumna also fearlessly shot at Aswatthaman’s chest many + foremost of shafts, equipped with wings of gold and resembling snakes of + virulent poison. Then Drona’s son shot arrows and long shafts by + thousands. These two heroes, however, viz., Ghatotkacha and + Dhrishtadyumna, struck and baffled Aswatthaman’s shafts by means of their + own shafts whose touch resembled that of fire. The battle then that took + place between those two lions among men (Ghatotkacha on the one side) and + the son of Drona (on the other) became fierce in the extreme and gladdened + all the combatants, O bull of Bharata’s race! Then, accompanied by a + thousand cars, three hundred elephants, and six thousand horses, Bhimasena + arrived at that spot. The virtuous son of Drona, however, endued as he was + with prowess that knew no fatigue, continued to fight with the heroic son + of Bhima and with Dhrishtadyumna supported by his followers.<a + href="#linknote-7204" name="linknoteref-7204" id="linknoteref-7204">204</a> + The prowess then that Drona’s son displayed on that occasion was + exceedingly wonderful, in as much as, O Bharata, none else amongst all + creatures is capable of accomplishing such feats. Within the twinkling of + an eye, he destroyed, by means of his sharp shafts, a full Akshauhini of + Rakshasa troops with steeds, drivers, cars, and elephants, in the very + sight of Bhimasena and Hidimva’s son and Prishata’s son and the twins and + Dharma’s son and Vijaya and Achyuta.<a href="#linknote-7205" name="linknoteref-7205" id="linknoteref-7205">205</a> Deeply struck with + the straight-going shafts (of Aswatthaman), elephants fell down on + elephants on the earth like crestless mountains. Strewn all around with + the lopped off trunks of elephants, that moved still in convulsions, the + earth looked as if overspread with moving snakes. And the earth looked + resplendent with golden staves and royal umbrellas, like the firmament at + the end of the Yuga, bespangled with planets and stars and many moons and + suns. And Drona’s son caused a bloody river of impetuous current to flow + there. The blood of elephants and steeds and combatants formed its water; + tall standards its frogs; drums formed its large tortoises; umbrellas, its + rows of swans, yak-tails in profusion, Kankas and vultures, its + crocodiles; weapons its fishes; large elephants the stones and rocks on + its banks; elephants and steeds, its sharks; cars, its unstable and broad + banks; and banners, its beautiful rows of trees. Having shafts for its + (smaller) fishes, that frightful river had lances and darts and swords for + snakes; marrow and flesh for its mire, and trunkless bodies floating on it + for its rafts. And it was choked with the hair (of men and animals) for + its moss. And it inspired the timid with cheerlessness and fear. And + bloody waves were seen on its surface. Rendered frightful by means of the + foot-soldiers with which it teemed, Yama’s abode, was the ocean towards + which it flowed. Having slain the Rakshasas, Drona’s son then began to + afflict the son of Hidimva with arrows. Filled once more with rage, the + puissant son of Drona having pierced those mighty car-warriors, viz., the + Parthas including Vrikodara and the sons of Prishata, slew Suratha, one of + the sons of Drupada. Then he slew in that battle Suratha’s younger brother + named Satrunjaya. And then he slew Valanika and Jayanika, and Jaya. And + once more, with a keen shaft, Drona’s son uttering a leonine roar, slew + Prishdhra, and then proud Chandrasena. And then he slew with ten arrows + the ten sons of Kuntibhoja. Then, O king, Drona’s son despatched Srutayus + to the abode of Yama. With three other keen shafts, equipped with + beautiful wings and red eyes, he despatched the mighty Satrunjaya to the + region of Sakra.<a href="#linknote-7206" name="linknoteref-7206" id="linknoteref-7206">206</a> Then Aswatthaman, filled with rage, fixed on + his bowstring a fierce and straight arrow. Drawing the string to his ear, + he quickly shot that fierce and excellent arrow resembling the rod of + Death himself, aiming at Ghatotkacha. That mighty shaft, equipped with + beautiful wings, passing through the chest of that Rakshasa, O lord of the + earth, entered the earth, piercing through it, Ghatotkacha thereupon fell + down on the car. Beholding him fallen down and believing him to be dead, + the mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna took him away from the presence of + Drona’s son and caused him to be placed upon another car. Thus, O king, + that car-force of Yudhishthira turned away from the fight. The heroic son + of Drona having vanquished his foes, uttered a loud roar. And he was + worshipped by all men and all thy sons, O sire.<a href="#linknote-7207" name="linknoteref-7207" id="linknoteref-7207">207</a> The earth, strewn + all around with the fallen bodies of dead Rakshasas, pierced and mangled + with hundreds of arrows, became fierce looking and impassable, as if + strewn with mountain summits. The Siddhas and Gandharvas and Pisachas, and + Nagas, and birds, and Pitris and ravens and large numbers of cannibals and + ghosts, and Apsaras and celestials, all combined in highly applauding the + son of Drona.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0151" id="link72H_4_0151"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the sons of Drupada, as also those of + Kuntibhoja, and Rakshasas too in thousands, slain by the son of Drona, + Yudhishthira and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, and + Yuyudhana, uniting together, set their hearts firmly on battle. Then + Somadatta, once more filled with rage upon beholding Satyaki in that + battle, covered the latter, O Bharata, with a dense shower of arrows. Then + took place a battle, fierce and exceedingly wonderful to behold, between + thy warriors and those of the foe, both parties being solicitous of + victory. Fighting on behalf of Satyaki, Bhima pierced the Kaurava hero + with ten shafts. Somadatta, however, in return, pierced that hero with a + hundred arrows. Then Satwata, filled with rage, pierced with ten keen + shafts, endued with the force of the thunder, that old warrior afflicted + with grief on account of the death of his son, and who was, besides, + endued with every estimable virtue like Yayati, the son of Nahusha. Having + pierced him with great force, he struck him once more with seven arrows. + Then, fighting for the sake of Satyaki, Bhimasena hurled at the head of + Somadatta a new, hard and terrible Parigha. Satyaki also filled with rage, + shot at Somadatta’s chest, in that battle, an excellent shaft, keen and + equipped with goodly wings and resembling fire itself in splendour. The + Parigha and the shaft, both terrible, fell simultaneously upon the body of + the heroic Somadatta. That mighty car-warrior, thereupon, fell down. + Beholding his son (Somadatta) thus fallen into a swoon, Valhika rushed at + Satyaki scattering showers of arrows like a cloud in season. Then Bhima, + for Satyaki’s sake, afflicted the illustrious Valhika with nine shafts and + pierced him therewith at the van of battle. Then the mighty-armed son of + Pratipa, Valhika, filled with great fury, hurled a dart at the chest of + Bhima, like Purandara himself hurling the thunder. Struck therewith, Bhima + trembled (on his car) and swooned away. The mighty warrior then, + recovering his senses, hurled a mace at his opponent. Hurled by the son of + Pandu, that mace snatched away the head of Valhika, who, thereupon, fell + down lifeless on the earth, like a tree struck down by lightning. Upon the + slaughter of that bull among men, viz., the heroic Valhika, ten of thy + sons, each of whom was equal unto Rama, the son of Dasaratha, in prowess, + began to afflict Bhima. They were Nagadatta, and Dridharatha, and + Viravahu, and Ayobhuja, and Dridha, and Suhasta, and Viragas and Pramatha, + and Ugrayayin. Beholding them Bhimasena became filled with rage. He then + took up a number of arrows, each capable of bearing a great strain. Aiming + at each of them one after another, he sped those arrows at them, striking + each in his vital part. Pierced therewith, they fell down from their cars, + deprived of energy and life, like tall trees from mountain cliffs broken + by a tempest. Having with those ten shafts slain those ten sons of thine, + Bhima shrouded the favourite son of Karna with showers of arrows. Then the + celebrated Vrikaratha, brother of Karna, pierced Bhima with many arrows. + The mighty Pandava, however, soon disposed of him effectually. Slaying + next, O Bharata, seven car-warriors among thy brother-in-law, with his + shafts, the heroic Bhima pressed Satachandra down into the earth. Unable + to bear the slaughter of the mighty car-warrior Satachandra, Sakuni’s + brothers, viz., the heroic Gavaksha and Sarabha and Bibhu, and Subhaga, + and Bhanudatta, those five mighty car-warriors, rushing towards Bhimasena, + attacked him with their keen shafts. Thus attacked with those shafts, like + a mountain with torrents of rain,<a href="#linknote-7208" name="linknoteref-7208" id="linknoteref-7208">208</a> Bhima slew those + five mighty kings with five shafts of his. Beholding those heroes slain + many great kings began to waver. + </p> + <p> + “‘Then Yudhishthira, filled with wrath, began to destroy thy ranks, in the + sight, O sinless one, of the Pot-born (Drona) and of thy sons. Indeed, + with his shafts, Yudhishthira began to despatch to the regions of Yama the + Amvashthas, the Malavas, the brave Trigartas and the Sivis. And cutting + off the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the Valhikas, and the Vasatis, he + caused the earth to be miry with flesh and blood. And he also despatched + within a trice, by means of many shafts, to Yama’s domains, the Yaudheyas, + the Malavas, and large numbers, O king, of the Madrakas. Then a loud + uproar arose in the vicinity of Yudhishthira’s car, amid which was heard, + “Slay”, “Seize”, “Capture”, “Pierce”, “Cut into pieces”! Beholding him + thus slaying and routing thy troops, Drona, urged on by thy son, shrouded + Yudhishthira with showers of shafts. Drona filled with great wrath, struck + Yudhishthira with the Vayavya weapon. The son of Pandu, however, baffled + that celestial weapon with a similar weapon of his own. Seeing his weapon + baffled, the son of Bharadwaja, filled with great wrath and desirous of + slaying the son of Pandu, sped at Yudhishthira diverse celestial weapons + such as the Varuna, the Yamya, the Agneya, the Tvashtra, and the Savitra. + The mighty-armed Pandava, however, conversant with morality, fearlessly + baffled all those weapons of the Pot-born that were hurled or in course of + being hurled at him. Then the Pot-born, striving to accomplish his vow and + desirous also for thy son’s good, to slay the son of Dharma, invoked into + existence, O Bharata, the Aindra and the Prajapatya weapons. Then that + foremost one of Kuru’s race, Yudhishthira, of the gait of the elephant or + the lion, of broad chest and large and red eyes, and endued with energy + scarcely inferior (to that of Drona) invoked into existence the Mahendra + weapon. With that he baffled the weapon of Drona. Seeing all his weapons + baffled, Drona, filled with wrath and desirous of accomplishing the + destruction of Yudhishthira, invoked into existence the Brahma weapon. + Enveloped as we then were by a thick gloom, we could not observe what + passed. All creatures also, O monarch, were filled with great fright. + Beholding the Brahma weapon uplifted, Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, O king, + baffled it with a Brahma weapon of his own. Then, all the foremost + warriors applauded those two bulls among men, viz., Drona and + Yudhishthira, those great bowmen acquainted with every mode of warfare. + Abandoning Yudhishthira, Drona then, with eyes red as copper in rage, + began to consume the division of Drupada with the Vayavya weapon. + Oppressed by Drona, the Panchalas fled away from fear, in the very sight + of Bhimasena and of the illustrious Partha. Then the diadem-decked + (Arjuna) and Bhimasena, checking that flight of their troops, suddenly + encountered that hostile force with two large throngs of cars. Vibhatsu, + attacking the right and Vrikodara the left, Bharadwaja’s son was + encountered, with two mighty showers of shafts. Then the Kaikeyas, the + Srinjayas, and the Panchalas of great energy followed the two brothers, O + king, accompanied by the Matsyas and the Satwatas. Then the Bharata host, + slaughtered by the diadem-decked (Arjuna) and overcome with sleep and + darkness, began to break. Drona, and thy son himself, endeavoured to rally + them. The combatants, however, O king, were incapable of being then + checked in their flight.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0152" id="link72H_4_0152"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that vast host of the Pandavas swelling with + rage and regarding it to be incapable of being resisted, thy son + Duryodhana, addressing Karna, said these words, “O thou that art devoted + to friends, that hour hath now come in respect of thy friends (when thy + help is most needed). O Karna, save in battle all my warriors. Our + combatants are now encompassed on all sides by the Panchalas, the + Kaikeyas, the Matsyas, and the mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, all + filled with rage and resembling hissing snakes. Yonder the Pandavas, + solicitous of victory, are roaring in joy. The vast car-force of the + Panchalas is possessed of the prowess of Sakra himself." </p> + <p> + “‘Karna replied, “If Purandara himself were to come hither for saving + Partha, quickly vanquishing even him, I would slay that son of Pandu. I + tell thee truly. Be cheered, O Bharata! I will slay the son of Pandu and + all the assembled Panchalas, I will give thee victory, like Pavaka’s son + giving victory unto Vasava. I shall do what is agreeable to thee in this + battle that has begun. Amongst all the Parthas, Phalguna is the strongest. + At him I will hurl the fatal dart of Sakra’s workmanship. Upon the death + of that great bowman, his brothers, O giver of honour, will either + surrender themselves unto thee or once more retire into the forest. When I + am alive, O Kauravya, never indulge in any grief. I will vanquish in + battle all the Pandavas united together and all the Panchalas, the + Kaikeyas, and the Vrishnis assembled together. Making porcupines of them + by means of my arrowy showers, I will give thee the earth.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘While Karna was uttering those words, Kripa, the + mighty armed son of Saradwat, smiling the while, addressed the Suta’s son + in these words, “Thy speech is fair, O Karna! If words alone could lead to + success, then with thee, O son of Radha, as his protector, this bull among + the Kurus would be considered to have the amplest measure of protection. + Thou boastest much, O Karna, in the presence of the Kuru chief, but thy + prowess is seldom witnessed, nor, indeed, any result (of thy boastful + speeches). Many a time have we seen thee encounter the sons of Pandu in + battle. On every one of those occasions, O Suta’s son, thou hast been + vanquished by the Pandavas. While Dhritarashtra’s son was being taken away + (as a captive) by the Gandharvas, all the troops fought on that occasion + except thy single self, who was the first to fly away. In Virata’s city + also, all the Kauravas, united together, including thyself and thy younger + brother were vanquished by Partha in battle. Thou art not a match for even + one of the sons of Pandu, viz., Phalguna, on the field of battle. How then + canst thou venture to vanquish all the sons of Pandu with Krishna at their + head? Thou indulgest in too much brag, O Suta’s son! Engage thyself in + battle without saying anything. To put forth prowess without indulging in + brag is the duty of good men. Ever roaring aloud, O Suta’s son like the + dry clouds of autumn, thou showest thyself, O Karna to be without + substance. The king, however, does not understand it. Thou roarest, O son + of Radha, as long as thou seest not the son of Pritha. These thy roars + disappear when thou seest Partha near. Indeed, thou roarest as long as + thou art out of the range of Phalguna’s shafts. Those roars of thine + disappear when thou art pierced with Partha’s shafts. Kshatriyas evince + their eminence by means of their arms; Brahmanas, by means of speech; + Arjuna evinces his by means of the bow; but Karna, by the castles he + builds in the air. Who is there that will resist that Partha who gratified + Rudra himself (in battle)?” Thus railed at by Saradwat’s son, Karna, that + foremost of smiters, answered Kripa in the following strain, “Heroes + always roar like clouds in the season of rains, and like steeds put in the + soil, quickly yield fruits. I do not see any fault in heroes that take + great burdens on their shoulders, indulging in boastful speeches on the + field of battle. When a person mentally resolves to bear a burden, Destiny + itself aids him in the execution. Wishing in my heart bear a great burden, + I always summon sufficient resolution. If, slaying the sons of Pandu with + Krishna and Satwatas in battle, I indulge in such roars, what is it to + thee, O Brahmana? They that are heroes never roar fruitlessly like + autumnal clouds. Conscious of their own might, the wise indulge in roars! + In my heart I am determined to vanquish in battle today Krishna and Partha + united together and fighting with resolution! It is for this that I roar, + O son of Gotama! Behold the fruit of these my roars, O Brahmana! Slaying + the son of Pandu in battle, with all their followers, Krishna and + Satwatas, I will bestow on Duryodhana the whole earth without a thorn in + it." </p> + <p> + “‘Kripa said, “Little do I reckon, O Suta’s son, these delirious sayings + of thine discovering thy thoughts, not deeds. Thou always speakest in + depreciation of the two Krishnas and king Yudhishthira the just. He, O + Karna, is certain, to have the victory who hath on his side those two + heroes skilled in battle. Indeed, Krishna and Arjuna are incapable of + being defeated by the celestials, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, human + beings, the Nagas, and the birds, all clad in mail. Yudhishthira, the son + of Dharma is devoted to the Brahmanas. He is truthful in speech and + self-restrained. He reverences the Pitris and the deities. He is devoted + to the practice of truth and righteousness. He is, again, skilled in + weapons. Possessed of great intelligence, he is also grateful. His + brothers are all endued with great might and well-practised in all + weapons. They are devoted to the service of their seniors. Possessed of + wisdom and fame, they are also righteous in their practices. Their kinsmen + and relatives are all endued with the prowess of Indra. Effectual smiters, + they are all exceedingly devoted to the Pandavas. Dhrishtadyumna, and + Sikhandin and Janamejaya, the son of Durmuksha and Chandrasen, and + Madrasen, and Kritavarman, Dhruva, and Dhara and Vasuchandra, and + Sutejana, the sons of Drupada, and Drupada himself, conversant with high + and mighty weapons, and the king of the Matsyas also, with his younger + brothers, all resolutely struggling for their sake, and Gajanika, and + Virabhadra, and Sudarsana, and Srutadhwaja, and Valanika, and Jayanika, + and Jayaprya, and Vijaya and Labhalaksha, and Jayaswa, and Kamaratha, and + the handsome brothers of Virata, and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and + the (five) sons of Draupadi, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, are all + fighting for the Pandavas. The sons of Pandu, therefore, will not meet + with destruction. These and many other hosts (of heroes) are for the sons + of Pandu. Without doubt, the entire universe, with the celestials, Asuras, + and human beings, with all the tribes of Yaksha and Rakshas and with all + the elephants and snakes and other creatures, can be annihilated by Bhima + and Phalguna by the prowess of their weapons. As regards Yudhishthira + also, he can, with angry eyes only, consume the whole world. How, O Karna, + canst thou venture to vanquish those foes in battle for whom Sauri of + immeasurable might hath clad himself in mail? This, O Suta’s son, is a + great folly on thy part, since thou always venturest to contend with Sauri + himself in battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus addressed (by Kripa), Karna the son of Radha, O + bull of Bharata’s race, smiling the while, said these words unto the + preceptor Kripa, the son of Saradwat, “The words thou hast spoken about + the Pandavas, O Brahmana, are all true. These and many other virtues are + to be seen in the sons of Pandu. It is true also that the Parthas are + incapable of being vanquished by the very gods with Vasava at their head, + and the Daityas, the Yakshas, and the Rakshasas. For all that I will + vanquish the Parthas with the help of the dart given me by Vasava. Thou + knowest, O Brahmana, that the dart given by Sakra is incapable of being + baffled. With that I will slay Savyasachin in battle. Upon Arjuna’s fall, + Krishna and the uterine brothers of Arjuna will never be able to enjoy the + (sovereignty of the) earth without Arjuna (to aid them). All of them, + therefore, will perish. This earth then, with her seas, will remain + subject to the chief of the Kurus, O Gautama, without costing him any + efforts. In this world everything, without doubt, becomes attainable by + policy. Knowing this, I indulge in these roars, O Gautama! As regards + thyself, thou art old, a Brahmana by birth, and unskilled in battle. Thou + bearest much love for the Pandavas. It is for this thou insultest me thus. + If, O Brahmana, thou tellest me again such words as these, I shall, then, + drawing out my scimitar, cut off thy tongue, O wretch! Thou desirest, O + Brahmana, to applaud the Pandavas, for frightening all the troops and the + Kauravas, O thou of wretched understanding! As regards this also, O + Gautama, listen to what I say. Duryodhana, and Drona, and Sakuni, and + Durmukha, and Jaya, and Duhsasana, and Vrishasena, and the ruler of the + Madras, and thyself too and Somadatta and Drona’s son, and Vivinsati,—all + these heroes skilled in battle,—are here, clad in mail. What foe is + there, endued with even the prowess of Sakra, that would vanquish these in + battle? All those I have named are heroes, skilled in weapons, endued with + great might, solicitous of admission into heaven, conversant with + morality, and skilled in battle. They would stay the very gods in fight. + These will take their places on the field for slaying the Pandavas, clad + in mail on behalf of Duryodhana desirous of victory. I regard victory to + be dependent on destiny, even in the case of the foremost of mighty men. + When the mighty-armed Bhishma himself lieth pierced with a hundred arrows, + as also Vikarna, and Jayadratha, and Bhurisravas, and Jaya, and + Jalasandha, and Sudakshina, and Sala, that foremost of car-warriors, and + Bhagadatta of great energy, I say, when these and many others, incapable + of being easily vanquished by the very gods, heroes all and mightier (than + the Pandavas), lie on the field of battle, slain by the Pandavas, what + dost thou think, O wretch among men, but that all this is the result of + destiny? As regards them also, viz., the foes of Duryodhana, whom thou + adorest, O Brahmana, brave warriors of theirs, in hundreds and thousands, + have been slain. The armies of both the Kurus and the Pandavas are + diminishing in numbers; I do not, in this, behold the prowess of the + Pandavas! With them, O lowest of men, whom thou always regardest to be so + mighty, I shall strive, to the utmost extent of my might, to contend in + battle, for Duryodhana’s good. As regards victory, that depends on + destiny.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0153" id="link72H_4_0153"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Seeing his uncle thus addressed in harsh and insulting + words by the Suta’s son, Aswatthaman, uplifting his scimitar, furiously + rushed towards the latter. Filled with fury, Drona’s son rushed towards + Karna, in the very sight of the Kuru king, like a lion at an infuriated + elephant. + </p> + <p> + “‘And Aswatthaman said, “O lowest of men, Kripa was speaking of the + virtues truly possessed by Arjuna. Of wicked understanding as thou art, + thou rebukest, however, my brave uncle from malice. Possessed with pride + and insolence, thou braggest today of thy prowess, not regarding any of + the world’s bowmen in battle!<a href="#linknote-7209" name="linknoteref-7209" id="linknoteref-7209">209</a> Where was thy + prowess and where were thy weapons when vanquishing thee in battle the + wielder of Gandiva slew Jayadratha in thy very sight? Vainly, O wretch of + a Suta, dost thou indulge in thy mind the hope of vanquishing him who + formerly contended in battle with Mahadeva himself. The very gods with the + Asuras united together and with Indra at their head had failed to vanquish + Arjuna, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, having Krishna only for + his ally. How then, O Suta, hopest thou, aided by these kings, to vanquish + that foremost of heroes in the world, viz., the unvanquished Arjuna, in + battle? Behold, O Karna of wicked soul, (what I do to thee) today! O + lowest of men, O thou of wretched understanding, I shall presently sever + thy head from thy trunk.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus saying, Aswatthaman made a furious rush at + Karna. The king himself, of great energy, and Kripa, that foremost of men, + held him fast. Then Karna said, “Of wicked understanding, this wretch of a + Brahmana thinks himself brave and boasts of his prowess in battle. Set him + at liberty, O chief of the Kurus. Let him come in contact with my might." </p> + <p> + “‘Aswatthaman said, “O son of a Suta, O thou of wicked understanding, this + (thy fault) is pardoned by us. Phalguna, however, will quell this risen + pride of thine." </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “O Aswatthaman, quell thy wrath. It behoveth thee, O + giver of honours, to forgive. Thou shouldst not, O sinless one, be angry + with the Suta’s son. Upon thee and Karna and Kripa and Drona and the ruler + of the Madras and Suvala’s son resteth a great burthen. Drive away thy + wrath, O best of Brahmanas! Yonder, all the Pandava troops are approaching + from desire of fight with Radha’s son. Indeed, O Brahmana, yonder they + come, challenging us all.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus pacified by the king, the high-souled son of + Drona, O monarch, whose ire had been excited, suppressed his wrath and + forgave (Karna). Then the preceptor Kripa, of noble heart, who is of a + quiet disposition, O monarch, and mild temper, therefore, returned soon + unto him, said these words.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Kripa said, “O Suta’s son of wicked heart, this (thy fault) is pardoned + by us. Phalguna, however, will quell this thy risen pride.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then the Pandavas, O king, and the Panchalas, + celebrated for their prowess, uniting together approached in thousands, + uttering loud shouts; Karna also, that foremost of car-warriors, endued + with great energy, surrounded by many foremost ones among the Kuru + warriors and resembling Sakra in the midst of the celestials, waited, + drawing his bow and relying on the might of his own arms. Then commenced a + battle between Karna and the Pandavas, O king, that was exceedingly + dreadful and characterised by loud leonine roars. Then Pandavas, O + monarch, and the Panchalas, celebrated for their prowess, beholding the + mighty-armed Karna, loudly shouted, saying, “There is Karna,” “Where is + Karna in this fierce battle.”—“O thou of wicked understanding, O + lowest of men, fight with us!”—Others, beholding the son of Radha + said, with eyes expanded in wrath, “Let this arrogant wretch of little + understanding, this son of a Suta, be slain by the allied kings. He hath + no need to live. This sinful man is always very hostile to the Parthas. + Obedient to the counsels of Duryodhana, this one is the root of these + evils. Slay him.” Uttering such words, great Kshatriya car-warriors, urged + by Pandu’s son, rushed towards him, covering him with a dense shower of + arrows, for slaying him. Beholding all those mighty Pandavas thus + (advancing), the Suta’s son trembled not, nor experienced any fear. + Indeed, seeing that wonderful sea of troops, resembling Death himself, + that benefactor of thy sons, viz., the mighty and fight-handed Karna, + never vanquished in battle, O bull of Bharata’s race, began, with clouds + of shafts, to resist that force on all sides. The Pandavas also fought + with the foe, shooting showers of shafts. Shaking their hundreds and + thousands of bows they fought with Radha’s son, like the Daityas of old + fighting with Sakra. The mighty Karna, however, with a dense arrowy shower + of his own dispelled that downpour of arrows caused by those lords of + earth on all sides. The battle that took place between them, and in which + each party counteracted the feats of the other, resembled the encounter + between Sakra and the Danavas in the great battle fought of yore between + the gods and the Asuras. The lightness of arm that we then beheld of the + Suta’s son was wonderful in the extreme, inasmuch as, all his foes, + fighting resolutely, could not strike him in that battle. Checking the + clouds of arrows shot by the (hostile) king, that mighty car-warrior, + viz., Radha’s son, sped terrible arrows marked with his own name at the + yokes, the shafts, the umbrellas, the cars, and the steeds (of his foes). + Then those kings, afflicted by Karna and losing their coolness, began to + wander on the field like a herd of kine afflicted with cold. Struck by + Karna, large numbers of steeds and elephants and car-warriors were seen + there to drop down deprived of life. The whole field, O king, became + strewn with the fallen heads and arms of unreturning heroes. With the + dead, the dying, and the wailing warriors, the field of battle, O monarch, + assumed the aspect of Yama’s domain. Then Duryodhana, O king, witnessing + the prowess of Karna, repaired to Aswatthaman and addressing him, said, + “Behold, Karna, clad in mail, is engaged with all the (hostile) kings. + Behold, the hostile army, afflicted with the arrows of Karna, is being + routed like the Asura army overwhelmed with the energy of Kartikeya. + Seeing his army vanquished in battle by that intelligent Karna, yonder + cometh Vibhatsu from desire of slaying the Suta’s son. Let such steps, + therefore, be taken as may prevent the son of Pandu from slaying that + mighty car-warrior viz., Suta’s son, in the very sight of us all.” (Thus + addressed), Drona’s son, and Kripa, and Salya, and that great car-warrior, + viz., the son of Hridika, beholding the son of Kunti coming (towards them) + like Sakra himself towards the Daitya host, all advanced against Partha + for rescuing the Suta’s son. Meanwhile, Vibhatsu, O monarch, surrounded by + the Panchalas, advanced against Karna, like Purandara proceeding against + the Asura Vritra.‘<a href="#linknote-7210" name="linknoteref-7210" id="linknoteref-7210">210</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Beholding Phalguna excited with fury and looking + like the Destroyer himself, as he appears at the end of the Yuga, what, O + Suta, did Vikartana’s son Karna do next? Indeed, the mighty car-warrior + Karna, the son of Vikartana, had always challenged Partha. Indeed, he had + always said that he was competent to vanquish the terrible Vibhatsu. What + then, O Suta, did that warrior do when he thus suddenly met his ever + deadly foe?’<a href="#linknote-7211" name="linknoteref-7211" id="linknoteref-7211">211</a> + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Beholding the son of Pandu rushing towards him like + an elephant towards a rival elephant, Karna fearlessly proceeded against + Dhananjaya. Partha, however, soon covered Karna who was thus advancing + with great impetuosity, with showers of straight shafts, equipped with + wings of gold. Karna also covered Vijaya with his shafts. The son of Pandu + then once more shrouded Karna with clouds of arrows. Then Karna, filled + with rage, pierced Arjuna with three shafts. The mighty car-warrior, + Arjuna, beholding Karna’s lightness of hand, could not brook it. That + scorcher of foes shot at the Suta’s son thirty straight shafts, whetted on + stone and equipped with blazing points. Endued with great might and + energy, he also pierced him, in rage, with another long arrow on the wrist + of his left arm, smiling the while. Karna’s bow then dropped from that arm + of his, which had thus been pierced with great force. Then the mighty + Karna, taking up that bow within the twinkling of an eye, once more + covered Phalguna with clouds of shafts, displaying great lightness of + hand. Dhananjaya then, O Bharata, smiling the while, baffled with his own + shafts, that arrowy shower shot by the Suta’s son. Approaching each other, + those two great bowmen, desirous of counteracting each other’s feats, + continued to cover each other with showers of shafts. The battle that took + place between them, viz., Karna and the son of Pandu, became exceedingly + wonderful, like that between the two wild elephants for the sake of a + she-elephant in her season. Then the mighty bowman Partha, beholding + Karna’s prowess, quickly cut off the latter’s bow at the handle. And he + also despatched the four steeds of the Suta’s son to Yama’s abode with a + number of broad-headed shafts. And that scorcher of foes also cut off from + the trunk the head of Karna’s driver. Then, the son of Pandu and Pritha + pierced the bowless, the steedless, and the driverless Karna with four + shafts. Then that bull among men Karna, afflicted with those shafts, + specially jumping down from that steedless car, mounted upon that of + Kripa. Beholding the son of Radha vanquished, thy warriors, O bull of + Bharata’s race, fled away in all directions. Seeing them fly away, king + Duryodhana himself checked them and said these words, “Ye heroes, do not + fly away. Ye bulls among Kshatriyas, stay in battle. I myself will now + advance for slaying Partha in battle. I myself will slay Partha with the + assembled Panchalas. While I shall fight with the wielder of Gandiva + today, Partha will behold my prowess to resemble that of the Destroyer + himself at the end of the Yuga. Today the Parthas shall behold my shafts + shot in thousands to resemble flights of locusts. The combatants shall + behold me today shooting, bow in hand, dense showers of shafts, like + torrents of rain poured by the clouds at the end of the summer season. I + shall today vanquish Partha with my straight shafts. Stay, ye heroes, in + battle, and remove your fear of Phalguna. Encountering my prowess, + Phalguna shall never be able to bear it, like the ocean, the abode of + makaras, unable to overcome the continents.” Thus saying, the king + proceeded in rage, his eyes red in wrath, surrounded by a large host, + towards Phalguna. Beholding the mighty-armed Duryodhana thus proceeding, + Saradwat’s son, approaching Aswatthaman, said these words, “Yonder, the + mighty-armed Duryodhana, deprived of his senses by wrath, desireth to + fight with Phalguna, like an insect desiring to rush into a blazing fire. + Before this foremost of kings layeth down his life, in our very sight, in + this battle with Partha, prevent him (from rushing into the encounter). + The brave Kuru king can remain alive in battle as long only as he doth not + place himself within the range of Partha’s shafts. Let the king be stopped + before he is consumed into ashes by the terrible shafts of Partha, that + resemble snakes just freed from their sloughs. When we are here, O giver + of honours, it seems to be highly improper that the king should himself go + to battle to fight, as if he had none to fight for him. The life of this + descendant of Kuru will be in great danger if he engages in battle with + the diadem-decked (Arjuna), like that of an elephant contending with a + tiger.” Thus addressed by his maternal uncle, Drona’s son, that foremost + of all wielders of weapons, quickly repaired unto Duryodhana and + addressing him, said these words, “When I am alive, O son of Gandhari, it + behoveth thee not to engage thyself in battle, disregarding me, O + descendant of Kuru, that am ever desirous of thy good. Thou needst not be + at all anxious about vanquishing Partha. I will check Partha! Stand here, + O Suyodhana." </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “The preceptor (Drona) always protecteth the sons of + Pandu, as if they are his own sons. Thou also always never interferest + with those my foes. Or, it may be due to my misfortune, that thy prowess + never becometh fierce in battle. This may be due also to thy affection for + Yudhishthira or Draupadi. I myself am ignorant of the true reason. Fie on + my covetous self, for whose sake all friends, desirous of making me happy, + are themselves vanquished and plunged into grief. Except thee, O son of + Gotama’s daughter, what foremost of all wielders of weapons of there, what + warrior, indeed, equal to Mahadeva himself in battle, that would not, + though competent, destroy the foe? O Aswatthaman, be pleased with me and + destroy my enemies. Neither the gods nor the Danavas are capable of + staying within the range of thy weapons. O son of Drona, slay the + Panchalas and the Somakas with all their followers. As regards the rest, + we will slay them, protected by thee. Yonder, O Brahmana, the Somakas and + the Panchalas, possessed of great fame, are careering amid my troops like + a forest-conflagration. O mighty-armed one, check them as also the + Kailkeyas, O best of men, else, protected by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), + they will annihilate us all. O Aswatthaman, O chastiser of foes, go + thither with speed. Whether thou accomplishest it now or afterwards, that + feat, O sire, should be accomplished by thee. Thou hast been born, O + mighty-armed one, for the destruction of the Panchalas. Putting forth thy + prowess, thou shalt make the world destitute of Panchalas. Even thus the + reverend ones crowned with (ascetic) success, have said. It will be as + they have said. Therefore, O tiger among men, slay the Panchalas with all + their followers. The very gods with Vasava at their head are incapable of + staying within the range of thy weapons, what need be said then of the + Parthas and the Panchalas? These words of mine are true. I tell thee + truly, O hero, that the Pandavas united with the Somakas are no match for + thee in battle! Go, O mighty-armed one! Let there be no delay. Behold, our + army, afflicted with Partha’s shafts, is breaking and flying away. Thou + art competent, O mighty-armed one, aided by thy own celestial energy, to + afflict, O giver of honours, the Pandavas and the Panchalas.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0154" id="link72H_4_0154"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thus addressed by Duryodhana, Drona’s son, that warrior + difficult of defeat in battle, set his heart upon destroying the foe, like + Indra bent upon destroying the Daityas. The mighty-armed Aswatthaman + answered thy son, saying, “It is even so as thou sayest, O descendant of + Kuru! The Pandavas are always dear to both myself and my father. So also, + are we both dear unto them. Not so, however, in battle. We will, according + to the measure of our might, fearlessly contend in battle, reckless of our + lives. Myself, Karna, Salya, Kripa, and Hridika’s son, could, O best of + kings, destroy the Pandava host within the twinkling of an eye. The + Pandavas also, O best of the Kurus, could within the twinkling of an eye, + destroy the Kaurava host, if, O mighty-armed one, we were not present in + battle. We are fighting with the Pandavas to the best of our might, and + they also are fighting with us to the best of their might. Energy, + encountering energy, is being neutralised, O Bharata! The Pandava army is + incapable of being vanquished as long as the sons of Pandu are alive. This + that I tell thee is true. The sons of Pandu are endued with great might. + They are, again, fighting for their own sake. Why should not they, O + Bharata, be able to slay thy troops. Thou, however, O king, art + exceedingly covetous. Thou, O Kaurava, art deceitful. Thou art + vainglorious and suspicious of everything. For this, thou suspectest even + us. I think, O king, thou art wicked, of sinful soul, and an embodiment of + sin. Mean and of sinful thoughts, thou doubtest us and others. As regards + myself, fighting with resolution for thy sake, I am prepared to lay down + my life. I will presently go to battle for thy sake, O chief of the Kurus. + I will fight with the foe and slay a large number of the enemy. I will + fight with the Panchalas, the Somakas, the Kaikeyas, and the Pandavas + also, in battle, for doing what is agreeable to thee, O chastiser of foes. + Scorched with my arrows today, the Chedis, the Panchalas, and the Somakas, + will fly away on all sides like a herd of kine afflicted by a lion. Today, + the royal son of Dharma with all the Somakas, beholding my prowess, will + regard the whole world to be filled with Aswatthamans. Dharma’s son, + Yudhishthira, will become exceedingly cheerless, beholding the Panchalas + and Somakas slain (by me) in battle. I will, O Bharata, slay all those + that will approach me in battle. Afflicted with the might of my arms, none + of them, O hero, will escape me today with life.” Having said so unto thy + son, Duryodhana, the mighty-armed (Aswatthaman) proceeded to battle, and + afflicted all bowmen. That foremost of all living beings thus sought to + achieve what was agreeable to thy sons. The son of Gotama’s daughter, then + addressing the Panchalas and the Kaikeyas, said unto them, “Ye mighty + car-warriors, strike ye all at my body. Displaying your lightness in the + use of arms, fight ye with me coolly.” Thus addressed by him, all those + combatants, O king, poured showers of weapons upon Drona’s son like clouds + pouring torrents of rain. Baffling that shower, Drona’s son in that + battle, slew ten brave warriors amongst them, in the very sight, O lord, + of Dhrishtadyumna and the sons of Pandu. The Panchalas and the Somakas + then, thus worked in battle, abandoned the son of Drona and fled away in + all directions. Beholding those brave warriors, viz., the Panchalas and + the Somakas, flying away, Dhrishtadyumna, O king, rushed against Drona’s + son in that battle. Surrounded then by a hundred brave and unreturning + car-warriors mounted upon cars, decked with gold, and the rattle of whose + wheels resembled the roar of rain-charged clouds, the mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtadyumna, the son of the Panchala king, beholding his warriors + slain, addressed Drona’s son and said these words, “O foolish son of the + preceptor, what is the use of slaying vulgar combatants. If thou art a + hero, fight then with me in battle. I will slay thee. Wait for a moment + without flying away.” Saying thus, Dhrishtadyumna of great prowess struck + the preceptor’s son with many keen and terrible arrows capable of piercing + the very vitals. Those swiftly-coursing shafts, equipped with golden wings + and keen points, and capable of piercing the body of every foe proceeding + in a continuous line, penetrated into Aswatthaman’s body, like + freely-roaming bees in search of honey entering a flowering tree. Deeply + pierced and swelling with rage, like a trodden snake, the proud and + fearless son of Drona, arrow in hand, addressed his foe, saying, “O + Dhrishtadyumna, wait for moment, without leaving my presence. Soon shall I + despatch thee to Yama’s abode with my keen shafts.” Having said these + words, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the son of Drona, displaying + great lightness of hands, covered the son of Prishata from every side with + clouds of arrows. Thus covered in that encounter (with arrows) by Drona’s + son, the Panchala prince, difficult to defeat in battle, said “Thou + knowest not of my origin, O Brahmana, or of my vow. O thou of wicked + understanding, having first slain Drona himself, I will not, therefore, + slay thee today when Drona himself is still alive. O thou of wicked + understanding, after this night passeth away and bringeth in the fair + dawn, I shall first slay thy sire in battle and then despatch thee also to + the region of Spirits. Even this is the wish entertained by me. Standing + before me, display, therefore, till then, the hatred thou bearest towards + the Parthas, and the devotion thou cherishest for the Kurus. Thou shalt + not escape from me with life. That Brahmana who, abandoning the practices + of a Brahmana, devoteth himself to the practices of a Kshatriya, becomes + slayable by all Kshatriyas even as thou, O lowest of men.” Thus addressed + by Prishata’s son in language so harsh and insulting that best of + Brahmanas Aswatthaman mustered all his rage and answered, saying, “Wait, + Wait!” And he gazed at Prishata’s son apparently burning him with his + eyes. Sighing (in rage) like a snake, the preceptor’s son, then, covered + Dhrishtadyumna in that battle (with a shower of arrows). The mighty-armed + son of Prishata, however, that best of car-warriors, surrounded by all the + Panchala troops, though thus struck with arrows in that encounter by + Drona’s son, did not tremble, relying as he did on his own energy. In + return, he sped many arrows at Aswatthaman. Both engaged in a gambling + match in which the stake was life itself, those heroes, unable to brook + each other, resisted each other and checked each other’s arrowy showers. + And those great bowmen shot dense showers of shafts all around. Beholding + that fierce battle, inspiring terror, between Drona’s and Prishata’s son, + the Siddhas and Charanas and other sky-ranging beings applauded them + highly. Filling the welkin and all the points of the compass with clouds + of shafts, and creating a thick gloom therewith, those two warriors + continued to fight with each other, unseen (by any of us). As if dancing + in that battle, with their bows drawn to circles, resolutely aspiring to + slay each other, those mighty-armed warriors, inspiring fear in every + heart, fought wonderfully and with remarkable activity and skill. + Applauded by thousands of foremost warriors in that battle, and thus + resolutely engaged in fight like two wild elephants in the forest, both + the armies, beholding them, became filled with delight. And leonine shouts + were heard there, and all the combatants blew their conchs. And hundreds + and thousands of musical instruments began to be sounded. That fierce + fight, enhancing the terror of the timid, seemed only for a short time to + be waged equally. Then Drona’s son, O king, making a rush, cut off the + bow, and standard, and umbrella, and the two Parshni drivers, and the + principal driver, and the four steeds, of the high-souled son of Prishata. + And that warrior of immeasurable soul then caused the Panchalas in + hundreds and thousands, by means of his straight shafts, to fly away. + Beholding those feats of Drona’s son, resembling those of Vasava himself + in battle, the Pandava host, O bull of Bharata race, began to tremble in + fear. Slaying a hundred Panchalas with a hundred arrows, and three + foremost of men with three keen arrows, in the very sight of Drupada’s son + and of Phalguna, that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Drona, slew a + very large number of Panchalas that stayed before him. The Panchalas then, + as also the Srinjayas, thus disconcerted in battle, fled away leaving + Drona’s son, with their banners torn. Then that mighty car-warrior, viz., + the son of Drona, having vanquished his foes in battle, uttered a loud + roar like that of a mass of clouds at the end of summer. Having slain a + large number of foes, Aswatthaman looked resplendent like the blazing fire + at the end of the Yuga, after having consumed all creatures. Applauded by + all the Kauravas after having defeated thousands of foes in battle, the + valiant son of Drona beamed forth in beauty, like the chief of the + celestials himself after vanquishing his foes.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0155" id="link72H_4_0155"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then king Yudhishthira, and Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, O + monarch, encompassed Drona’s son on all sides. Seeing this, king + Duryodhana, aided by Bharadwaja’s son, rushed against the Pandavas in that + encounter. Then commenced a battle that was fierce and terrific, enhancing + the fears of the timid. Yudhishthira, in wrath began to despatch vast + numbers of Amvashthas, Malavas, Vangas, Sivis, and Trigartas, to the + domain of the dead. Bhima also, mangling the Abhishahas, the Surasenas, + and other Kshatriyas difficult to defeat in battle, made the earth miry + with blood. The diadem-decked (Arjuna) of white steeds despatched, O king, + the Yaudheyas, the Mountaineers, the Madrakas, and the Malavas also, to + the regions of the dead. Forcibly struck with swiftly-coursing shafts, + elephants began to fall down on the earth like double-crested hills. + Strewn with the lopped-off trunks of elephants that still moved in + convulsions, the earth seemed as if covered with moving snakes. Covered + with the fallen umbrellas of kings that were adorned with gold, the field + of battle looked resplendent like the firmament at the end of the Yuga + bespangled with suns, moons and stars. About this time a fierce uproar + arose near Drona’s car, in the midst of which could be heard the words, + “Slay”, “Strike fearlessly”, “Pierce”, “cut in pieces”. Drona, however, + filled with rage, began to destroy by means of the Vayavya weapon the foes + about him, like a mighty tempest destroying gathering masses of clouds. + Thus treated by Drona, the Panchalas fled away, from fear, in the very + sight to Bhimasena and the high-souled Partha. Then the diadem-decked + (Arjuna) and Bhimasena soon checked the flight of their troops and + accompanied by a large car-force attacked the vast force of Drona. + Vibhatsu attacking the right and Vrikodara the left, they both poured on + Bharadwaja’s son two dense showers of arrows. The mighty car-warriors + among the Srinjayas and the Panchalas, with the Matsyas and the Somakas, O + king, followed the two brothers thus engaged (in that encounter with + Drona). Similarly, many foremost of car-warriors, skilled in smiting, + belonging to thy son, accompanied by a large force, proceeded towards + Drona’s car (for supporting the latter). Then the Bharata host, + slaughtered by the diadem-decked (Arjuna) and overcome with and afflicted + by the darkness, began to break. Thy son himself, and Drona, both + endeavoured to rally them. Thy troops, however, O king, could not be + checked in their flight. Indeed, that vast host, slaughtered by the shafts + of Pandu’s son, began to fly away in all directions in that hour when the + world was enveloped with gloom. Many kings, abandoning the animals and + vehicles they rode, fled away on all sides, O monarch, overwhelmed with + fear’." </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0156" id="link72H_4_0156"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Somadatta shaking his large bow, Satyaki, + addressing his driver, said, “Bear me towards Somadatta. I tell thee + truely, O Suta, that I shall not return from battle today without having + slain that foe, viz., that worst of the Kurus, the son of Valhika”. Thus + addressed, the charioteer then urged to battle those fleet steeds of the + Sindhu breed, white as conch and capable of bearing every weapon. Those + steeds endued with the speed of the wind or the mind, bore Yuyudhana to + battle like the steeds of Indra, O king, bearing the latter in days of + yore when he proceeded to quell the Danavas. Beholding the Satwata hero + thus advancing quickly in battle Somadatta, O king, fearlessly turned + towards him. Scattering showers of shafts like the clouds pouring torrents + of rain, he covered the grandson of Sini like the clouds covering the sun. + Satyaki also, O bull of Bharata’s race, in that encounter fearlessly + covered that bull amongst the Kurus with showers of shafts. Then Somadatta + pierced that hero of Madhu’s race with sixty shafts in the chest. Satyaki, + in turn, O king, pierced Somadatta with many whetted arrows. Mangled by + each other with each-other’s shafts, those two warriors looked resplendent + like a couple of flowering Kinsukas in the season of spring. Dyed all over + with blood, those illustrious warriors of the Kuru and the Vrishni races + looked at each other with their glances. Riding on their cars that coursed + in circles, those grinders of foes, of terrible countenances, resembled + two clouds pouring torrents of rain. Their bodies mangled and pierced all + over with arrows, they looked, O king, like two porcupines. Pierced with + countless shafts, equipped with wings of gold, the two warriors looked + resplendent, O monarch, like a couple of tall trees covered with + fire-flies. Their bodies looking bright with the blazing arrows sticking + to them, those two mighty car-warriors looked in that battle like two + angry elephants decked with burning torches. Then, O monarch, the mighty + car-warrior, Somadatta, in that battle, cut off with a crescent-shaped + arrow the large bow of Madhava. With great speed also, at a time when + speed was of the utmost consequence, the Kuru hero then pierced Satyaki + with five and twenty shafts, and once again with ten. Then Satyaki, taking + up a tougher bow, quickly pierced Somadatta with five shafts. With another + broad-headed arrow, Satyaki also, O king, smiling the while, cut off the + golden standard of Valhika’s son. Somadatta, however, beholding his + standard cut down, fearlessly pierced the grandson of Sini with five and + twenty arrows. Satwata also, excited with rage, cut off with a razor-faced + arrow the bow of Somadatta, in that encounter. And he also pierced + Somadatta who then resembled a snake without fangs, with a hundred + straight arrows, equipped with wings of gold. The mighty car-warrior + Somadatta, then, who was endued with great strength taking up another bow, + began to cover Satyaki (with showers of shafts). Satyaki too, inflamed + with rage, pierced Somadatta with many shafts. Somadatta, in return, + afflicted Satyaki with his arrowy showers. Then Bhima coming to the + encounter, and fighting on behalf of Satyaki, struck Valhika’s son with + ten shafts. Somadatta, however, fearlessly struck Bhimasena with many + whetted arrows. Then Satyaki, inflamed with rage, aiming at Somadatta’s + chest, shot a new and terrible Parigha equipped with a golden staff and + hard as the thunder. The Kuru warrior, however, smiling the while, cut off + that terrible Parigha advancing with speed against him in two parts. That + formidable Parigha of iron, then, thus cut off into two fragments, fell + down like so many crests of a mountain riven by thunder. Then Satyaki, O + king, with a broad-headed arrow, cut off in that encounter Somadatta’s + bow, and then with five arrows, the leathern fence that cased his fingers. + Then, O Bharata, with four other shafts he speedily despatched the four + excellent steeds of the Kuru warrior to Yama’s presence. And then that + tiger among car-warriors with another straight shaft, smiling the while, + cut off from his trunk the head of Somadatta’s driver. Then he sought at + Somadatta himself a terrible shaft of fiery effulgence, whetted on stone, + steeped in oil, and equipped with wings of gold. That excellent and fierce + shaft, shot by the mighty grandson of Sini, quickly fell like a hawk, O + Lord, upon the chest of Somadatta. Deeply pierced by the mighty Satwata, + the great car-warrior Somadatta, O monarch, fell down (from his car) and + expired. Beholding the great car-warrior Somadatta slain there, thy + warriors with a large throng of cars rushed against Yuyudhana. Meanwhile, + the Pandava also, O king, with all the Prabhadrakas and accompanied by a + large force, rushed against Drona’s army. Then Yudhishthira, excited with + wrath, began, with his shafts, to strike and rout the troops of + Bharadwaja’s son at the very sight of the latter. Beholding Yudhishthira + thus agitating his troops, Drona, with eyes red in wrath, furiously rushed + against him. The preceptor, then pierced the son of Pritha with seven keen + arrows. Yudhishthira, in return, excited with wrath, pierced the preceptor + with five arrows. Deeply pierced by the son of Pandu, the mighty bowman + (Drona), licking the corners of his mouth for a moment, cut off both the + standard and the bow of Yudhishthira. With great speed, at a time when + speed was of the utmost consequence, that best of kings, whose bow had + been cut off, took up another bow that was sufficiently tough and hard. + The son of Pandu then pierced Drona with his steeds, driver, standard, and + car, with a thousand arrows. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. + Afflicted with the strokes of those arrows and feeling great pain, Drona, + that bull among Brahmanas, sat down for a while on the terrace of his car. + Recovering his senses, sighing like a snake, and filled with great rage, + the preceptor invoked into existence the Vayavya weapon. The valiant son + of Pritha, bow in hand, fearlessly baffled that weapon with a similar + weapon of his in that encounter. And the son of Pandu also cut in two + fragments the large bow of the Brahmana. Then Drona, that grinder of + Kshatriyas, took up another bow. That bull of Kuru’s race, Yudhishthira, + cut off that bow also, with many keen shafts. Then Vasudeva, addressing + Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, said, “Listen, O mighty-armed + Yudhishthira, to what I say. Cease, O best of the Bharatas, to fight with + Drona. Drona always striveth to seize thee in battle. I do not think it + fit that thou shouldst fight with him. He who hath been created for + Drona’s destruction will, without doubt, slay him. Leaving the preceptor, + go where king Suyodhana is. Kings should fight with kings, they should not + desire to fight with such as are not kings. Surrounded, therefore, by + elephants and steeds and cars, repair thou thither, O son of Kunti, where + Dhananjaya with myself, aided by a small force, and Bhima also, that tiger + among men, are fighting with the Kurus”. Hearing these words of Vasudeva, + king Yudhishthira the just, reflecting for a moment, proceeded to that + part of the field where that slayer of foes, viz., Bhima, engaged in + fierce battle, was slaughtering thy troops like the Destroyer himself with + wide-open mouth. Making the earth resound with the loud rattle of his car, + which resembled the roar of the clouds at the end of summer, king + Yudhishthira the just, the (eldest) son of Pandu, took up the flank of + Bhima, engaged in the slaughter of the foe. Drona also on that night, + began to consume his foes, the Panchalas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0157" id="link72H_4_0157"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During the progress of that fierce and terrible battle, + when the world was enveloped with darkness and dust, O king, the + combatants, as they stood on the field, could not see one another. Those + foremost of Kshatriyas fought with each other, guided by conjectures and + the personal and other names (they uttered). And during the progress, O + lord, of that terrible carnage of car-warriors and elephants and steeds + and foot-soldiers<a href="#linknote-7212" name="linknoteref-7212" id="linknoteref-7212">212</a>, those heroes, viz., Drona and Karna and + Kripa, and Bhima and Prishata’s son and Satwata, afflicted one another and + the troops of either party, O bull of Bharata’s race. The combatants of + both armies, oppressed all around by those foremost of car-warriors, + during the hour of darkness, fled away on all sides. Indeed, the warriors, + broke and fled away in all directions with hearts perfectly cheerless. And + as they fled away in all directions, they underwent a great carnage. + Thousands of foremost car-warriors also, O king, slaughtered one another + in that battle. Unable to see anything in the dark, the combatants became + deprived of their senses. All this was the result of the evil counsels of + thy son. Indeed, at that hour when the world was enveloped in darkness, + all creatures, O Bharata, including even the foremost of warriors, + overcome with panic, were deprived of their senses in that battle.‘<a + href="#linknote-7213" name="linknoteref-7213" id="linknoteref-7213">213</a> + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘What became the state of your mind then when, + afflicted by that darkness, ye all were deprived of your energy and + furiously agitated by the Pandavas! How also, O Sanjaya, when everything + was enveloped in darkness, did the Pandava troops as also mine once more + became visible?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then the remnant of the army (of the Kaurava), under + the orders of their leaders, were once more disposed in (compact) array. + Drona placed himself at the van, and Salya at the rear. And Drona’s son + and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, placed themselves on the right and the left + flanks. And king Duryodhana himself, O monarch, on that night, busied + himself in protecting all the troops. Cheering all the foot-soldiers, O + king, Duryodhana said unto them, “Laying aside your great weapons, take ye + all blazing lamps in your hands.” Thus commanded by that best of kings, + the foot-soldiers joyfully took up burning lamps. The gods and Rishis, + Gandharvas and celestial Rishis, and the diverse tribes of Vidyadharas and + Apsaras, and Nagas and Yakshas and Uragas and Kinnaras, stationed on the + welkin also joyfully took up blazing lamps. Many lamps, filled with + sweet-scented oil, were seen to fall from the Regents of the cardinal and + the subsidiary points of the compass. For Duryodhana’s sake, many such + were seen to come from Narada and Parvata in especial, lighting up that + darkness. The (Kaurava) army then, disposed in compact array, looked + resplendent on that night with the light of those lamps, the costly + ornaments (on the persons of combatants), and the blazing celestial + weapons as those were shot or hurled by it. On each car were placed five + lamps, and on each infuriated elephant three.<a href="#linknote-7214" name="linknoteref-7214" id="linknoteref-7214">214</a> And upon each horse + was placed a large lamp. Thus was that host lighted up by the Kuru + warriors.<a href="#linknote-7215" name="linknoteref-7215" id="linknoteref-7215">215</a> Set in their places within a short time, + those lamps speedily lighted up thy army. Indeed, all the troops, thus + made radiant by the foot-soldiers with oil-fed lamps in their hands, + looked beautiful like clouds in the nocturnal sky illumined by flashes of + lightning. When the Kuru host had thus been illuminated, Drona, endued + with the effulgence of fire, scorching everything around, looked radiant, + O king, in his golden armour, like the midday sun of blazing ray. The + light of those lamps began to be reflected from the golden ornaments, the + bright cuirasses and bows, and the well-tempered weapons of the + combatants. And maces twined with strings, and bright Parighas, and cars + and shafts and darts, as they coursed along, repeatedly created, O + Ajamida, by their reflection myriads of lamps. And umbrellas and yak-tails + and scimitars and blazing brands, O king, and necklaces of gold, as these + were whirled or moved, reflecting that light, looked exceedingly + beautiful. Illuminated by the light of those lamps and irradiated by the + reflection from weapons and ornaments, that host, O king, blazed up with + splendour. Well-tempered and beautiful weapons, red with blood, and + whirled by heroes, created a blazing effulgence there, like flashes of + lightning in the sky at the end of summer. The faces of warriors, + impetuously pursuing foes for striking them down and themselves trembling + in the ardour of the rush, looked beautiful like masses of clouds urged on + by the wind. As the splendour of the sun becomes fierce on the occasion of + the conflagration of a forest full of trees, even so on that terrible + night became the splendour of that fierce and illuminated host. Beholding + that host of ours illumined, the Parthas also, with great speed, stirring + up the foot-soldiers throughout their army, acted like ourselves. On each + elephant, they placed seven lamps; on each car, ten; and on the back of + each steed they placed two lamps; and on the flanks and rear (of their + cars) and on their standard also, they placed many lamps. And on the + flanks of their host, and on the rear and the van, and all around and + within, many other lamps were lighted. The Kurus having done the same, + both the armies were thus lighted. Throughout the host, the foot-soldiers + became mingled with elephants and cars and cavalry. And the army of + Pandu’s son was also illuminated by others (than foot-soldiers) standing + with blazing torches in their hands.<a href="#linknote-7216" name="linknoteref-7216" id="linknoteref-7216">216</a> With those lamps + that host became fiercely effulgent, like a blazing fire made doubly + resplendent by the dazzling rays of the maker of day. The splendour of + both the armies, over-spreading the earth, the welkin, and all the points + of the compass, seemed to increase. With that light, thy army as also + theirs became distinctly visible. Awakened by that light which reached the + skies, the gods, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Rishis and other crowned + with (ascetic) success, and the Apsaras, all came there. Crowded then with + gods and Gandharvas, and Yakshas, and Rishis crowned with (ascetic) + success, and Apsaras, and the spirits of slain warriors about to enter the + celestial regions, the field of battle looked like a second heaven. + Teeming with cars and steeds and elephants, brilliantly illumined with + lamps, with angry combatants and horses slain or wandering wildly, that + vast force of arrayed warriors and steeds and elephants looked like the + arrays of the celestials and the Asuras in days of old. The rush of darts + formed the fierce winds; great cars, the cloud; the neigh and grunt of + steeds and elephants, the roars; shafts, the showers; and the blood of + warriors and animals, the flood, of that tempest like nocturnal encounter + between those god-like men. In the midst of that battle, that foremost of + Brahmanas, viz., the high-souled Aswatthaman, scorching the Pandavas, O + ruler of men, resembled the midday sun at the end of the season of rains, + scorching everything with his fierce ray.’”<a href="#linknote-7217" name="linknoteref-7217" id="linknoteref-7217">217</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0158" id="link72H_4_0158"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the field of battle which had before been enveloped + in darkness and dust had thus become illuminated, heroic warriors + encountered one another, desirous of taking one another’s life.<a + href="#linknote-7218" name="linknoteref-7218" id="linknoteref-7218">218</a> + Encountering one another in battle, O king, those combatants, armed with + lances and swords and other weapons, gazed at one another under the + influence of rage. With thousands of lamps blazing all around and with the + more blazing lamps of the gods and the Gandharvas, set upon golden stands + decked with jewels, and fed with fragrant oil, the field of battle, O + Bharata, looked resplendent like the firmament bespangled with stars. With + hundreds upon hundreds of blazing brands, the earth looked exceedingly + beautiful. Indeed, the earth seemed to be in a conflagration, like what + happens at the universal destruction.<a href="#linknote-7219" name="linknoteref-7219" id="linknoteref-7219">219</a> All the points of + the compass blazed up with those lamps all around and looked like trees + covered by fire-flies at an evening in the season of rains. Heroic + combatants, then, O king, engaged in battle with heroic rivals. Elephants + engaged with elephants, and horsemen with horsemen, and car-warriors with + car-warriors, filled with joy, on that fierce night at the command of thy + son. The clash of the two armies both consisting of four kinds of forces, + became terrible. Then Arjuna, O monarch, began, with great speed, to + destroy the Kaurava ranks, weakening all the kings.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the invincible Arjuna, excited with wrath and + unable to brook (the feats of the Kurus), penetrated into the army of my + son, what became the state of your minds? Indeed, when that scorcher of + foes entered into their midst, what did the soldiers think? What steps + also did Duryodhana think fit to be adopted then? Who were those + chastisers of foes that proceeded in that battle against that hero? + Indeed, when Arjuna, of white steeds, entered (our army), who were they + that protected Drona? Who guarded the right wheel and who the left wheel + of Drona’s car? Who were those heroes that protected the rear of that + battling hero? Indeed, when Bharadwaja’s son proceeded, slaying the foe + (along his route), who were they that proceeded in his van? That mighty + and invincible bowman who penetrated into the midst of the Panchalas, that + tiger among men endued with great valour, who proceeded, as if dancing, + along the track of his car, and consumed large throngs of Panchala cars by + means of his shafts like a raging conflagration; alas, how did that Drona + meet with his death? Thou always speakest of my foes as cool and + unvanquished and cheerful and swelling with might in battle. Thou dost + not, however, speak of mine in such words. On the other hand, thou + describest them to be slain, pale, and routed, and thou speakest of my + car-warriors, as always deprived of their cars in all the battles they + fight!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Understanding the wishes of Drona who was bent on + battle, Duryodhana, on that night, O king, addressing his obedient + brothers, viz., Vikarna and Chitrasena and Suparsva and Durdharsha and + Dirghavahu, and all those that followed them, said those words, “Ye heroes + of great valour, struggling with resolution, all of you protect Drona from + the rear. The son of Hridika will protect his right and Sala his left.” + Saying this, thy son then urged forward placing them at the van, the + remnant of the brave and mighty Trigarta car-warriors, saying, “The + preceptor is merciful. The Pandavas are fighting with great resolution. + While engaged in slaughtering the foe in battle, protect him well, uniting + together. Drona is mighty in battle; is endued with great lightness of + hand and great valour. He can vanquish the very gods in battle,—what + need then be said of the Pandavas and the Somakas? All of you, however, + united together and struggling with great resolution in this terrible + battle, protect the invincible Drona from that mighty car-warrior, viz., + Dhrishtadyumna. Except Dhrishtadyumna, I do not see the man amongst all + the warriors of the Pandavas that can vanquish Drona in battle. I, + therefore, think that we should, with our whole soul, protect the son of + Bharadwaja. Protected (by us), he is sure to slay the Somakas and the + Srinjayas, one after another. Upon the slaughter of all the Srinjayas at + the head of the (Pandava) army, Drona’s son without doubt, will slay + Dhrishtadyumna in battle. Similarly, the mighty car-warrior Karna will + vanquish Arjuna in battle. As regards Bhimasena and others clad in mail, I + will subjugate them all in fight. The rest of the Pandavas deprived of + energy, will be easily defeated by the warriors. It is evident, my success + then will last for ever. For these reasons, protect the mighty car-warrior + Drona in battle.” Having said these words, O chief of the Bharatas, thy + son Duryodhana, urged his troops on that night of terrible darkness. Then + commenced a battle, O chief of the Bharatas, between the two hosts, O + Monarch, both actuated by the desire of victory. Arjuna began to afflict + the Kauravas, and the Kauravas began to afflict Arjuna, with diverse kinds + of weapons. Drona’s son covered the ruler of the Panchalas, and Drona + himself covered the Srinjaya, with showers of straight shafts in that + battle. And as the Pandava and the Panchala troops (on the one side) and + the Kaurava troops (on the other), O Bharata, were engaged in slaughtering + each other, there arose a furious uproar on the field. The battle that + took place on that night was so terrible and fierce that its like had + never been previously witnessed by ourselves or those gone before us.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0159" id="link72H_4_0159"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During the progress of that terrible nocturnal engagement, + O king, which was fraught with an indiscriminate carnage, Dharma’s son + Yudhishthira, addressed the Pandavas, the Panchalas, and the Somakas. + Indeed, O king, for the destruction of men, cars, and elephants, king + Yudhishthira commanded his own troops, saying, “Proceed ye against Drona + only, for slaying him!”<a href="#linknote-7220" name="linknoteref-7220" id="linknoteref-7220">220</a> At the command of the king, O monarch, the + Panchalas and the Somakas rushed against Drona alone, uttering terrible + shouts. Ourselves excited with rage, and loudly roaring in return, rushed + against them, to the best of our prowess, courage, and might, in battle. + Kritavarman, the son of Hridika, rushed against Yudhishthira, as the + latter was advancing against Drona, like an infuriated elephant against an + infuriated compeer. Against Sini’s grandson who advanced scattering arrowy + showers all around, rushed, O king, the Kuru warrior Bhuri, that grinder + (of foes) in battle. Karna, the son of Vikartana, O king, resisted that + mighty car-warrior, viz., Pandu’s son, Sahadeva, as the letter advanced + for getting at Drona. King Duryodhana, in that battle, himself rushed + against that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Bhimasena, advancing on his + car like the Destroyer. Sakuni, the son of Suvala, O king, proceeding + quickly, resisted that foremost of warriors, viz., Nakula, who was + conversant with every kind of battle. Kripa, the son of Saradwat, O king, + resisted Sikhandin in that battle, that foremost of car-warriors, as the + latter advanced on his car. Duhsasana, O king, contending vigorously, + resisted Prativindhya as the latter advanced with resolution (on his car), + drawn by steeds looking like peacocks. Aswatthaman, O monarch, resisted + Bhimasena’s son, viz., Rakshasa (Ghatotkacha) acquainted with a hundred + kinds of illusion, as the latter advanced. Vrishasena in that battle + resisted the mighty Drupada with his troops and followers as the latter + advanced for getting at Drona. The ruler of the Madras, O king, excited + with wrath resisted Virata, O Bharata, as the latter quickly advanced for + the slaughter of Drona; Chitrasena, in that battle, resisted, with great + force and shooting many shafts, Nakula’s son, Satanika, as the latter + advanced for slaying Drona. The prince of the Rakshasas, viz., Alambhusha, + O king, resisted Arjuna, that foremost of car-warriors, as the latter + advanced. Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, cheerfully resisted + the great bowman Drona as the latter was engaged in slaughtering the foe. + As regards the mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, that advanced (against + Drona), other car-warriors of thy army, O king, resisted them with great + force. Elephant riders speedily encountering elephant riders in that + dreadful battle, began to fight with each other and grind each other by + thousands. At dead of night, O monarch, as the steeds rushed against each + other with impetuosity, they looked like winged hills. Horsemen, O + monarch, encountered horsemen, armed with lances and darts and swords, and + uttering loud shouts. Large numbers of men slaughtered one another in + heaps, with maces and short clubs and diverse other weapons. Kritavarman, + the son of Hridika, excited with wrath, resisted Dharma’s son, + Yudhishthira, like continents resisting the swelling sea. Yudhishthira, + however, piercing Hridika’s son with five arrows, once more pierced him + with twenty, and addressing him, said, “Wait, Wait.” Then Kritavarman, O + sire, excited with wrath, cut off with a broad-headed shaft, the bow of + king Yudhishthira the just and pierced the latter with seven arrows. + Taking up another bow, that mighty car-warrior, viz., Dharma’s son, + pierced the son of Hridika in the arms and chest with ten arrows. Then + that warrior of Madhu’s race, thus pierced, O sire, by Dharma’s son in + that battle, trembled with rage and afflicted Yudhishthira with seven + shafts. Then Pritha’s son cutting off his enemy’s bow as also the leathern + fence that cased his hands, sped at him five keen shafts whetted on stone. + Those fierce shafts, piercing through the latter’s costly armour, decked + with gold, entered the earth like snakes into an ant-hill. With the + twinkling of an eye, Kritavarman, taking up another bow, pierced the son + of Pandu with sixty arrows and once more with ten. Of immeasurable soul, + the son of Pandu, then placing his large bow on his car, sped at + Kritavarman a dart resembling a snake. That dart decked with gold, shot by + the son of Pandu, piercing through Kritavarman’s right arm, entered the + earth. Meanwhile, Pritha’s son, taking up his formidable bow, shrouded the + son of Hridika with showers of straight shafts. Then brave Kritavarman, + that great car-warrior among the Vrishnis, within less than the twinkling + of an eye, made Yudhishthira steedless and driverless and carless. + Thereupon, the eldest son of Pandu took up a sword and a shield. Then he, + of Madhu’s race, cut off both those weapons in that battle. Yudhishthira + then, taking up a fierce lance, equipped with a gold-decked staff, quickly + sped it, in that battle, at the illustrious son of Hridika. Hridika’s son, + however, smiling the while, and displaying great lightness of hand, cut + off into two fragments that lance hurled from the arms of Yudhishthira, as + it coursed impetuously towards him. He then covered the son of Dharma with + a hundred arrows in that encounter. Excited with wrath, he then cut off + the latter’s coat of mail with showers of shafts. Yudhishthira’s armour, + decked with gold, cut off by Hridika’s son with his shafts, dropped down + from his body, O king, like a cluster of stars dropping down from the + firmament. His armour cut off, himself deprived of car and afflicted with + the shafts of Kritavarman, Dharma’s son, Yudhishthira, quickly retreated + from battle. The mighty car-warrior Kritavarman, then, having vanquished + Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, once more began to protect the wheel of + Drona’s car.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0160" id="link72H_4_0160"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Bhuri, O king, in that battle, resisted that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the grandson of Sini, who advanced like an elephant + towards a lake full of water. Then Satyaki, excited with wrath, pierced + his foe in chest with five keen shafts. At this, the latter’s blood began + to flow. The Kuru warrior in that encounter similarly pierced with great + speed the grandson of Sini, that hero difficult of defeat in battle, with + ten shafts in the chest. Those warriors, drawing their bows to their + fullest stretch, and with eyes red in wrath, began, O king, to mangle each + other in that combat. The arrowy downpours of those two warriors, both + excited with rage and resembling Death himself or the sun scattering his + rays, were exceedingly terrible. Shrouding each other with shafts, each + stayed before the other in that battle. For a short while that battle + proceeded equally. Then, O king, the grandson of Sini, excited with rage + and smiling the while, cut off the bow of the illustrious Kuru warrior in + that battle. Having cut off his bow, Satyaki quickly pierced him in the + chest with nine keen arrows and addressing him, said, “Wait! Wait!” That + scorcher of foes deeply pierced his mighty foe, quickly took up another + bow and pierced the Satwata warrior in return. Having pierced the Satwata + hero with three shafts, O monarch, Bhuri, then, smiling the while, cut off + his foe’s bow with a sharp and broad-headed shaft. His bow being cut off, + Satyaki, O king, maddened with rage, hurled an impetuous dart at the broad + chest of Bhuri. Pierced with that dart, Bhuri fell down from his excellent + car, covered with blood, like the sun dropping down from the firmament. + Beholding him thus slain, the mighty car-warrior Aswatthaman, O Bharata, + rushed impetuously against grandson of Sini. Having addressed Satyaki, O + king, saying, “Wait, Wait,” he shrouded him with showers of shafts, like + the clouds pouring torrents of rain on the crest of Meru. Beholding him + rushing towards the car of Sini’s grandson, the mighty car-warrior + Ghatotkacha, O king, uttering a loud roar, addressed saying, “Wait, Wait, + O son of Drona! Thou shalt not escape from me with life. I will presently + slay thee like the six-faced (Karttikeya) slaying (the Asura) Mahisha. I + shall today, on the field, purge thy heart of all desire of battle.” + Having said these words, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the Rakshasa + (Ghatotkacha), with eyes red like copper in wrath, rushed furiously + against the son of Drona, like a lion rushing against a prince of + elephants. And Ghatotkacha sped at his foe shafts of the measure of the + Aksha of a car, and covered that bull among car-warriors therewith, like + clouds pouring torrents of rain. With his own shafts resembling snakes of + virulent poison, Drona’s son, however, in that battle, quickly dispelled + that arrowy shower before it could reach him. He then pierced that + chastiser of foes, viz., Ghatotkacha, that prince of the Rakshasas, with + hundreds of keen and swift-coursing arrows, all capable of penetrating + into the very vitals. Thus pierced with those shafts by Aswatthaman, that + Rakshasa, on the field of battle, looked beautiful, O monarch, like a + porcupine with quills erect on its body. Then the valiant son of + Bhimasena, filled with rage, mangled the son of Drona with many fierce + arrows, whizzing through the air with the roar of thunder. And he rained + on Aswatthaman a perfect shower of arrows of diverse kinds; some, equipped + with heads like razors; some, shaped as the crescent; some, only pointed; + some, frog-faced; some, with heads resembling the boar’s ear; some, + barbed; and some of other species.<a href="#linknote-7221" name="linknoteref-7221" id="linknoteref-7221">221</a> Like the wind + dispersing mighty masses of clouds, Drona’s son, O king, without his + senses being agitated, destroyed with his own terrible arrows, inspired by + mantras with the force of celestial weapons, that fierce, unbearable and + unrivalled shower of weapons, whose sound resembled the roar of thunder, + and which fell incessantly upon him. It seemed then that another encounter + was taking place in the welkin between weapons (as the combatants), which + was terrible, and which, O king, filled the warriors with awe. With the + sparks all around, generated by the clash of the weapons, shot by those + two warriors, the welkin looked beautiful as illumined by myriads of + fire-flies in the evening. Drona’s son then, filling all the points of the + compass with his shafts, shrouded the Rakshasa himself, for doing what was + agreeable to thy sons. Then commenced a battle once more between Drona’s + son and the Rakshasa on that night of thick darkness, which resembled the + encounter between Sakra and Prahlada. Then Ghatotkacha, filled with rage, + struck Drona’s son, in that battle, on the chest with ten shafts, each + resembling the Yuga-fire. Deeply pierced by the Rakshasa, the mighty son + of Drona began to tremble in that battle like a tall tree shaken by the + wind. Supporting himself by holding the flagstaff, he swooned away. Then + all thy troops, O king, uttered cries of Oh and Alas. Indeed, O monarch, + all thy warriors then regarded Drona’s son as slain. Beholding Aswatthaman + in that plight, the Panchalas and the Srinjayas in that battle uttered + leonine roars. Then that crusher of foes, viz., the mighty car-warrior + Aswatthaman, recovering his senses, forcibly drawing the bow with his left + hand, stretching the bowstring to his ear, quickly shot a terrible shaft + resembling the rod of Yama himself, aiming at Ghatotkacha. That excellent + shaft, fierce and equipped with golden wings, piercing through the chest + of the Rakshasa, entered the earth, O king. Deeply pierced, O monarch, by + Drona’s son who was proud of his prowess in battle, that prince of + Rakshasas, endued with great strength, sat down on the terrace of his car. + Beholding Hidimva’s son deprived of his senses, his charioteer, inspired + with fear, speedily removed him from the field, bearing him away from the + presence of Drona’s son. Having pierced that prince of Rakshasas, viz., + Ghatotkacha, in that encounter thus, Drona’s son, that mighty car-warrior, + uttered a loud roar. Worshipped by thy sons as also by all thy warriors, O + Bharata, Aswatthaman’s body blazed up like the midday sun. + </p> + <p> + “‘As regards Bhimasena who was battling in front of Drona’s car, king + Duryodhana himself pierced him with many whetted shafts. Bhimasena, + however, O Bharata, pierced him in return with nine arrows. Duryodhana, + then, pierced Bhimasena with twenty arrows. Covered with each other’s + arrows on the field of battle, those two warriors looked like the sun and + the moon covered with clouds in the firmament. Then king Duryodhana, O + chief of Bharatas, pierced Bhima with five winged arrows and said, “Wait! + Wait!” Bhima then, cutting off his bow as also his standard with keen + shafts, pierced the Kuru king himself with ninety straight arrows. Then, + Duryodhana filled with rage, taking up a more formidable bow, O chief of + the Bharatas, afflicted Bhimasena, at the van of battle, with many whetted + shafts, in the very sight of all the bowmen. Baffling those shafts shot + from Duryodhana’s bow, Bhima pierced the Kuru king with five and twenty + short arrows. Duryodhana then, O sire, excited with wrath, cut off + Bhimasena’s bow with a razor-faced arrow and pierced Bhima himself with + ten shafts in return. Then the mighty Bhimasena, taking up another bow, + quickly pierced the king with seven keen shafts. Displaying great + lightness of hand, Duryodhana cut off even that bow of Bhima. The second, + the third, the fourth, and the fifth, bow that Bhima took up were + similarly cut off. Indeed, O king, thy son, proud of his prowess and + desirous of victory, cut off Bhima’s bow as soon as the latter took up + one. Seeing his bows repeatedly cut off, Bhima then hurled, in that + battle, a dart made wholly of iron and hard as the thunder. That dart + blazing as a flame of fire, resembled the sister of Death. The Kuru king, + however, in the very sight of all the warriors and before the eyes of + Bhima himself, cut in three fragments that dart, which coursed towards him + through the welkin with the splendour of fire and dividing it, as it were + by a straight line such as is visible on the head of a woman parting her + tresses. Then Bhima, O king, whirling his heavy and blazing mace, hurled + it with great force at the car of Duryodhana. That heavy mace speedily + crushed the steeds, the driver, and the car also, of thy son in that + encounter. Thy son, then, O monarch, afraid of Bhima and shrinking within + the narrowest compass, ascended another car, viz., that of the illustrious + Nandaka. Then Bhima, regarding Suyodhana to have been slain amid the + darkness of that night, uttered a loud leonine roar challenging the + Kauravas. Thy warriors regarded the king to be slain. All of them uttered + loud cries of Oh and Alas. Hearing the wails of the affrighted warriors + and the roars of the high souled Bhima, O king, king Yudhishthira also + regarded Suyodhana to have been slain. And the eldest son of Pandu, + thereupon, rushed quickly to the spot where Vrikodara, the son of Pritha, + was. And the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Matsyas, the Kaikeyas, and the + Chedis, speedily advanced, with all their might against Drona from desire + of slaying him. There also occurred a dreadful battle between Drona and + the enemy. And the combatants of both sides were enveloped in thick gloom + and struck and slew one another’." </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0161" id="link72H_4_0161"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Karna, the son of Vikartana,<a href="#linknote-7222" name="linknoteref-7222" id="linknoteref-7222">222</a> O king, resisted the + mighty car-warrior Sahadeva in that battle, who advanced from desire of + getting at Drona. Piercing the son of Radha with nine shafts, Sahadeva + once more pierced that warrior with nine straight arrows. Karna then + pierced Sahadeva in return with a hundred straight shafts, and displaying + great lightness in hand, cut off the latter’s stringed bow. Then the + valiant son of Madri, taking up another bow, pierced Karna with twenty + arrows. This feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. Then Karna, slaying + Sahadeva’s steeds with many straight shafts, speedily despatched the + latter’s driver with a broad-headed shaft, to Yama’s abode. This carless + Sahadeva then took up a sword and a shield. Even those weapons were cut + off by Karna smiling the while. Then the mighty Sahadeva, in that + encounter, sped towards the car of Vikartana’s son, a heavy and terrible + mace decked with gold. Karna then with his shafts, quickly cut off that + mace which hurled by Sahadeva, coursed towards him impetuously, and caused + it to fall down on the earth. Beholding his mace cut off, Sahadeva quickly + hurled a dart at Karna. That dart also was cut off by Karna. The son of + Madri, then, quickly jumping down from his excellent car, and blazing with + wrath upon beholding Karna stationed before him, took up a car-wheel and + hurled it at the son of Adhiratha. The Suta’s son, however, with many + thousands of arrows, cut off that wheel coursing towards him like the + uplifted wheel of Death. When that wheel had been cut off, Sahadeva, O + sire, aiming at Karna, hurled at him the shafts of his car, the traces of + his steeds, the yokes of his cars, the limbs of elephants and steeds and + dead human bodies. Karna cut off all these with his shafts. Seeing himself + deprived of all weapons, Madri’s son, Sahadeva, struck by Karna with many + shafts, left the battle. Pursuing him for a while, the son of Radha, O + bull of Bharata’s race, smilingly addressed Sahadeva and said these cruel + words, “Do not, O hero, fight in battle with those that are superior to + thee. Fight with thy equals, O son of Madri! Do not mistrust my words.” + Then touching him with the horn of his bow, he once more said, “Yonder, + Arjuna is fighting resolutely with the Kurus in battle. Go there, O son of + Madri, or return home if thou likest.” Having said those words, Karna, + that foremost of car-warriors, smilingly proceeded on his car against the + troops of the king of the Panchalas. The slayer of foes, that mighty + car-warrior, devoted to truth, slew not the son of Madri although he had + got the opportunity, recollecting the words of Kunti. Sahadeva, then, + heartless and afflicted with arrows, and pierced with the wordy darts of + Karna, no longer cherished any love for life. That mighty car-warrior then + quickly ascended the car of Janamejaya, the illustrious prince of the + Panchalas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0162" id="link72H_4_0162"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘The ruler of the Madras shrouded on all sides, with clouds + of shafts, Virata with his troops, who was proceeding quickly for getting + at Drona. The battle that took place between those two great bowmen + resembled, O king, that between Vala and Vasava in days of yore. The ruler + of the Madras, O monarch, with great activity, struck Virata, that + commander of a large division, with a hundred straight shafts. King + Virata, in return, pierced the ruler of the Madras with nine keen arrows, + and once more with three and seventy, and once again with a hundred. The + ruler of the Madras, then, slaying the four steeds yoked unto Virata’s + car, cut down with a couple of shafts, the latter’s umbrella and standard. + Quickly jumping down from that steedless car, the king stood, drawing his + bow and shooting keen shafts. Beholding his brother deprived of his + steeds, Satanika quickly approached him on his car in the very sight of + all the troops. The ruler of the Madras, however, piercing the advancing + Satanika with many shafts, despatched him to the abode of Yama. Upon the + fall of the heroic Satanika, Virata, that commander of a large division, + ascended the fallen hero’s car, decked with standard and garlands.<a + href="#linknote-7223" name="linknoteref-7223" id="linknoteref-7223">223</a> + Opening his eyes wide, and with prowess doubled by wrath, Virata quickly + covered the car of the ruler of the Madras with winged arrows. The ruler + of the Madras then, excited with rage, deeply pierced Virata, that + commander of a large division, in the chest, with a hundred straight + shafts. Deeply pierced by the mighty ruler of the Madras, that great + car-warrior, viz., Virata, sat down on the terrace of his car and swooned + away. His driver, then, beholding him mangled with shafts in that + encounter, bore him away. Then that vast force, O Bharata, fled away on + that night, oppressed by hundreds of arrows of Salya, that ornament of + battle. Beholding the troops flying away, Vasudeva and Dhananjaya quickly + advanced to that spot, O monarch, where Salya was stationed. Then that + prince of the Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, O king, riding upon a foremost + car, harnessed with eight steeds, having terrible-looking Pisachas of + equine faces yoked unto it, furnished with blood-red banners, decked with + floral garlands made of black iron, covered with bear-skins, and + possessing a tall standard over which perched a terrible, fierce-looking, + and incessantly shrieking vulture, of spotted wings and wide-open eyes, + proceeded against those advancing heroes. That Rakshasa, O king, looked + beautiful like a loose heap of antimony, and he withstood the advancing + Arjuna, like Meru withstanding a tempest, scattering showers of arrows, O + monarch, upon Arjuna’s head. The battle then that commenced between the + Rakshasa and that human warrior, was exceedingly fierce. And it filled all + the spectators there, O Bharata, with wonder. And it conduced to the joy + also of vultures and crows, of ravens and owls and Kankas and jackals. + Arjuna struck Alamvusha with six shafts and then cut off his standard with + ten sharp arrows. With a few other arrows, he cut off his driver, and with + some others his Trivenu, and with one more, his bow, and with four others + his four steeds. Alamvusha strung another bow, but that also Arjuna cut + off in two fragments. Then, O bull of Bharata’s race, Partha pierced that + prince of the Rakshasas with four keen arrows. Thus pierced, the Rakshasa + fled away in fear. Having vanquished him, Arjuna quickly proceeded towards + the spot where Drona was, shooting as he went, many shafts, O king, at + men, elephants, and steeds. Slaughtered O monarch, by the illustrious son + of Pandu, the combatants fell down on the ground, like trees laid low by a + tempest. Thus treated by the illustrious son of Pandu, all of them fled + like a frightened herd of deer.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0163" id="link72H_4_0163"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thy son, Chitrasena, O Bharata, resisted (Nakula’s son) + Satanika who was engaged in scorching thy host with his keen shafts. + Nakula’s son pierced Chitrasena with five arrows. The latter then pierced + the former in return with ten whetted shafts. And once more Chitrasena, O + monarch, in that battle, pierced Satanika in the chest with nine keen + shafts. Then the son of Nakula with many straight shafts cut Chitrasena’s + armour from off his body. This feat of his seemed exceedingly wonderful. + Divested of his armour, thy son, O king, looked exceedingly beautiful, + like a snake, O monarch, having cast off his slough at the proper season. + Then Nakula’s son, with many keen shafts, cut off the struggling + Chitrasena’s standard, and then his bow, O monarch, in that encounter. His + bow cut off in that combat, and deprived also of his armour, that mighty + car-warrior, then, O king, took up another bow capable of piercing every + foe. Then Chitrasena, that mighty car-warrior amongst the Bharatas, + quickly pierced the son of Nakula with many straight arrows. Then mighty + Satanika, excited with rage, O Bharata, slew the four steeds of Chitrasena + and then his driver. The illustrious Chitrasena, endued with great + strength, jumping down from that car, afflicted the son of Nakula with + five and twenty arrows. Then Nakula’s son with a crescent-shaped arrow, + cut off in that combat the gold-decked bow of Chitrasena while the latter + was engaged in thus striking him. Bowless and carless and steedless and + driverless, Chitrasena then quickly ascended the car of the illustrious + son Hridika. + </p> + <p> + “‘Vrishasena, O king, rushed with great speed, scattering shafts in + hundreds, against the mighty car-warrior Drupada, advancing at the head of + his troops against Drona.<a href="#linknote-7224" name="linknoteref-7224" id="linknoteref-7224">224</a> Yajnasena, in that encounter pierced that + mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Karna in the arms and the chest, O + lord, with sixty arrows. Vrishasena, then, excited with rage, quickly + pierced Yajnasena, standing on his car, with many shafts in the centre of + the chest. Those two warriors mangled by arrows, and with shafts sticking + to their bodies, looked beautiful like a couple of porcupines with their + quills erect. Bathed in blood in consequence of the wounds caused by those + straight arrows of keen points and golden wings, they looked exceedingly + beautiful in that dreadful encounter. Indeed, the spectacle they presented + was that of a couple of beautiful and radiant Kalpa trees or of a couple + of Kinsukas rich with their flowery burthens. Then Vrishasena, O king, + having pierced Drupada with nine arrows, once more pierced him with + seventy, and then again with three other arrows. Then shooting thousands + of arrows, Karna’s son, O monarch, looked beautiful in that battle, like a + cloud pouring torrents of rain. Then Drupada, inflamed with wrath, cut off + Vrishasena’s bow into two fragments, with a broad-headed arrow, sharp and + well-tempered. Taking, then, another gold-decked bow that was new and + strong, and drawing out of his quiver a strong, whetted, well-tempered, + sharp and broad-headed arrow, and fixing it on his string, and carefully + aiming it at Drupada, he let it off with great force, inspiring all the + Somakas with fear. That arrow, piercing through the breast of Drupada, + fell on the surface of the earth. The king (of the Panchalas), then, thus + pierced through with Vrishasena’s arrow, swooned away. His driver, then, + recollecting his own duty, bore him away from the field. After the + retreat, O monarch, of that mighty car-warrior of the Panchalas, the + (Kaurava) army, on that terrible night, rushed furiously against Drupada’s + troops whose coats of mail had been cut off by means of the arrows of the + foe. In consequence of the blazing lamps dropped by the combatants all + around, the earth, O king, looked beautiful like the cloudless firmament + bespangled with planets and stars. With the fallen Angadas of the + combatants, the earth looked resplendent, O king, like a mass of clouds in + the rainy season with flashes of lightning. Afflicted with the fear of + Karna’s son, the Panchalas fled away on all sides, like the Danavas from + fear of Indra in the great battle of yore between the gods and the Asuras. + Thus afflicted in battle by Vrishasena, the Panchalas and the Somakas, O + monarch, illumined by lamps, looked exceedingly beautiful.<a + href="#linknote-7225" name="linknoteref-7225" id="linknoteref-7225">225</a> + Having vanquished them in battle, Karna’s son looked beautiful like the + sun, O Bharata, when he reaches the meridian. Amongst all those thousands + of kings of thy side and theirs the valiant Vrishasena then seemed to be + the only resplendent luminary. Having defeated in battle many heroes and + all the mighty car-warriors among the Somakas, he quickly proceeded, O + king, to the spot where king Yudhishthira was stationed. + </p> + <p> + “‘Thy son Duhsasana proceeded against that mighty car-warrior, viz., + Prativindhya, who was advancing (against Drona), scorching his foes in + battle. The encounter that took place between them, O king, looked + beautiful, like that of Mercury and Venus in the cloudless firmament. + Duhsasana pierced Prativindhya, who was accomplishing fierce feats in + battle, with three arrows on the forehead. Deeply pierced by that mighty + bowman, thy son, Prativindhya, O monarch, looked beautiful like a crested + hill. The mighty car-warrior Prativindhya, then, piercing Duhsasana with + three arrows, once more pierced him with seven. Thy son, then, O Bharata, + achieved there an exceedingly difficult feat, for he felled Prativindhya’s + steeds with many arrows. With another broad-headed arrow he also felled + the latter’s driver, and then his standard. And then he cut off, O king, + into a thousand fragments the car of Prativindhya, armed with the bow. + Excited with rage, O lord, thy son also cut off, with his straight shafts, + into numberless fragments the banner, the quivers, the strings, and the + traces (of his antagonist’s car). Deprived of his car, the virtuous + Prativindhya stood, bow in hand, and contended with thy son scattering + numberless arrows. Then Duhsasana, displaying great lightness of hand, cut + off Prativindhya’s bow. And then he afflicted his bowless antagonist with + ten shafts. Beholding their brother, (Prativindhya) in that plight, his + brothers, all mighty car-warriors, rushed impetuously to that spot with a + large force. He then ascended the resplendent car of Sutasoma. Taking up + another bow, he continued, O king, to pierce thy son. Then many warriors + on thy side, accompanied by a large force, rushed impetuously and + surrounded thy son (for rescuing him). Then commenced a fierce battle + between thy troops and theirs, O Bharata, at that dreadful hour of + midnight, increasing the population of Yama’s kingdom.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0164" id="link72H_4_0164"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Against Nakula who was engaged in smiting thy host, + Suvala’s son (Sakuni) in wrath, rushed with great impetuosity and + addressing him, said, “Wait! Wait!” Each enraged with the other and each + desirous of slaying the other, those two heroes struck each other with + shafts sped from their bows drawn to their fullest stretch. Suvala’s son + in that encounter displayed the same measure of skill that Nakula + displayed, O king, in shooting showers of arrows. Both pierced with + arrows, O king, in that battle, they looked beautiful like a couple of + porcupines with quills erect on their bodies. The armour of each cut off + by means of shafts with straight points and golden wings, and each bathed + in blood, those two warriors looked resplendent in that dreadful battle + like two beautiful and brilliant Kalpa trees, or like two flowering + Kinsukas on the field of battle. Indeed, O king, those two heroes in that + encounter, both pierced with arrows, looked beautiful like a couple of + Salmali trees with prickly thorns on them. Casting oblique glances at each + other, with eyes expanded in rage, whose corners had become red, they + seemed to scorch each other by those glances. Then thy brother-in-law, + excited with wrath, and smiling the while, pierced Madri’s son in the + chest with a barbed arrow of keen point. Deeply pierced by that great + bowman, viz., thy brother-in-law, Nakula sat down on the terrace of his + car and swooned away. Beholding his proud foe, that mortal enemy of his in + that plight, Sakuni uttered a roar loud as that of the clouds at the end + of summer. Recovering consciousness, Nakula, the son of Pandu, once more + rushed against Suvala’s son, like the Destroyer himself of wide-open + mouth. Inflamed with rage, O bull of Bharata’s race, he pierced Sakuni + with sixty arrows, and more with a hundred long shafts at the centre of + his chest. He then cut off Sakuni’s bow with arrow fixed thereon, into two + fragments, at the handle. And then cutting off in a trice Sakuni’s + standard, he caused it to fall down on the earth. Piercing next Sakuni’s + thigh with keen, sharp, and well-tempered shafts, Nakula, the son of + Pandu, caused him to fall down on the terrace of his car, clasping his + flag-staff, like an amorous man clasping his mistress. Beholding that + brother-in-law of thine laid low and deprived of consciousness, O sinless + one, his driver quickly bore him away from the van of battle. The Parthas, + then, and all their followers, uttered a loud roar. Having vanquished his + foes, Nakula, that scorcher of foes, addressing his driver, said, “Bear me + to the host commanded by Drona.” Hearing these words of Madri’s son, his + driver proceeded to the spot, O king, where Drona was stationed.<a + href="#linknote-7226" name="linknoteref-7226" id="linknoteref-7226">226</a> + Against mighty Sikhandin proceeding towards Drona, Kripa resolutely + advanced with great impetuosity. That chastiser of foes, viz., Sikhandin, + then, smiling the while, pierced with nine arrows the son of Gotama thus + advancing against him towards the vicinity of Drona. Then the preceptor, + Kripa, that benefactor of thy sons, piercing Sikhandin first with five + arrows, once more pierced him with twenty. The combat that took place, O + monarch, between them, was exceedingly dreadful, like that between Samvara + and the chief of the celestials in the battle between the gods and the + Asuras. Those heroic and mighty car-warriors, both invincible in battle, + covered the welkin with their arrows, like clouds covering the welkin on + the expiry or summer. Terrible of itself, that night, O chief of the + Bharatas, became more terrible still to the heroic combatants engaged in + battle. Indeed, of terrible aspects and inspiring all sorts of fear, that + night became, as it were, death-night (of all creatures). Then Sikhandin, + O king, cut off, with a crescent-shaped arrow, the large bow of Gotama’s + son and shot at the latter many whetted shafts. Inflamed with wrath, O + monarch, Kripa then sped at his antagonist a fierce dart, equipped with a + golden shaft and keen point, and polished by the hands of the smith. + Sikhandin, however, cut it off with ten shafts as it coursed towards him. + That dart, then, decked with gold (thus cut off), fell down on the earth. + Then Gautama, foremost of men, taking up another bow, O king, covered + Sikhandin with a large number of whetted shafts. Thus covered in that + battle by the illustrious son of Gotama, Sikhandin, that foremost of + car-warriors sank on the terrace of his car. Beholding him thus weakened, + Kripa in that encounter, struck him with many arrows, from desire of + slaying him, O Bharata! (Sikhandin then was borne away by his driver). + Beholding that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Yajnasena retreating + from battle, the Panchalas and the Somakas surrounded him on all sides + (for rescuing him). Similarly, thy sons also surrounded that foremost of + Brahmans, Kripa, with a large force. Then commenced a battle once more, + between car-warriors, O king, that struck one another. The uproar that + rose became loud as the roaring of clouds, O Bharata, caused by rushing + horsemen and elephants, O monarch, smiting one another down. Then, O king, + the field of battle looked exceedingly fierce. With the tread of rushing + infantry the earth began to tremble, O monarch, like a lady shaken with + fear. Car-warriors, mounting on their cars, rushed impetuously, attacking + compeers by their thousands, O king, like crows seizing winged insects (in + the air). Similarly, mighty elephants with winy exudation down their + bodies, pursuing similar elephants, encountered them, O Bharata, + furiously. So also, horsemen coming upon horsemen, and foot-soldiers + angrily encountered one another in that battle. At dead of night, the + sound of retreating and the rushing of troops and of those coming again to + the encounter became deafening. The blazing lamps also, placed on cars and + elephants and steeds, seemed, O king, large meteors falling from the + firmament. That night, O chief of the Bharatas, lightened up by those + lamps looked like day, O king, on the field of battle. As the sun, + encountering the thick gloom, destroys it completely, even so the thick + gloom of the battle was destroyed by those blazing lamps. Indeed, the + welkin, the earth, the cardinal and the subsidiary points of the compass, + enveloped by dust and darkness, became once more illuminated by that + light. The splendour of weapons and coats of mail, and of the jewels of + illustrious heroes, became overshadowed, by the light of those blazing + lamps. During the progress of that fierce battle at night, none of the + combatants, O Bharata, could know the warriors of his own side. Sire, O + chief of the Bharatas, slew son, and son, from ignorance, slew sire, and + friend slew friend. And relatives slew relatives, and maternal uncles slew + sisters’ sons, and warriors slew warriors of their own side, and foes slew + their own men, in that battle, O Bharata. In that dreadful nocturnal + encounter, O king, all fought furiously, ceasing to have any regard for + one another.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0165" id="link72H_4_0165"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘In that fierce and terrible battle, Dhrishtadyumna, O + king, proceeded against Drona. Holding his formidable bow and repeatedly + stretching his bowstring, the Panchala prince rushed towards Drona’s car + decked with gold. And as Dhrishtadyumna proceeded for accomplishing the + destruction of Drona, the Panchalas and the Pandavas, O king, surrounded + him. Beholding Drona, that foremost of preceptors, thus assailed, thy son, + resolutely contending in battle, protected Drona on all sides. Then those + two oceans of troops encountered each other on that night, looked like two + terrible oceans lashed into fury by tempest, with all living creatures + within them exceedingly agitated. Then the prince of the Panchalas, O + king, quickly pierced Drona in the chest with five arrows and uttered a + leonine roar. Drona, however, O Bharata, piercing his foe in return with + five and twenty arrows in that battle, cut off, with another broad-headed + arrow, his bright bow. Forcibly pierced by Drona, O bull of Bharata’s + race, Dhrishtadyumna, quickly casting aside his bow, bit his (nether) lip + in rage. Indeed, O monarch, the valiant Dhrishtadyumna, excited with + wrath, took up another formidable bow for accomplishing the destruction of + Drona. That slayer of hostile heroes, that warrior endued with great + beauty, stretching that formidable bow to his ear, shot a terrible shaft + capable of taking Drona’s life. That shaft, thus sped by the mighty prince + in that fierce and dreadful battle, illumined the whole army like the + risen sun. Beholding that terrible shaft, the gods, the Gandharvas, and + the Danavas, said these words, O king, viz., “Prosperity to Drona!” Karna, + however, O king, displaying great lightness of hand cut off into dozen + fragments that shaft as it coursed towards the preceptor’s car. Thus cut + off into many fragments, O king, that shaft of Dhrishtadyumna, O sire, + quickly fell down on the earth like a snake without poison. Having cut off + with his own straight shafts those of Dhrishtadyumna in that battle, Karna + then pierced Dhrishtadyumna himself with many sharp arrows. And Drona’s + son pierced him with five, and Drona himself with five, and Salya pierced + him with nine, and Duhsasana with three. And Duryodhana pierced him with + twenty arrows and Sakuni with five. Indeed, all those mighty car-warriors + quickly pierced the prince of the Panchalas. Thus was he pierced by these + seven heroes in that battle exerting themselves for the rescue of Drona. + The prince of the Panchalas, however, pierced every one of these heroes + with three arrows. Indeed, O king, Dhrishtadyumna, in that dreadful + battle, quickly pierced Drona himself, and Karna, and Drona’s son, and thy + son. Thus pierced by that bowman, those warriors, fighting together, + pierced Dhrishtadyumna again in that encounter, uttering loud roars the + while. Then Drumasena, excited with wrath, O king, pierced the Panchala + prince with a winged arrow, and once again quickly with three other + arrows. And addressing the prince, he said, “Wait! Wait!” Dhrishtadyumna + then pierced Drumasena in return with three straight arrows, in the + encounter, which were equipped with wings of gold, steeped in oil, and + capable of taking the life of him at whom they are sped. With another + broad-headed shaft, the prince of the Panchalas then, in that battle, cut + off from Drumasena’s trunk the latter’s head decked with bright ear-rings + of gold. That head, with (the lower) lip bit (in rage), fell on the ground + like a ripe palmyra fruit separated from the stalk by the action of a + strong wind. Once again, piercing all those warriors with keen shafts, + that hero, with some broad-headed shafts, cut off the bow of Radha’s son, + that warrior conversant with all modes of warfare. Karna could not brook + that cutting off of his bow, like a fierce lion incapable of brooking the + cutting off of his tail. Taking up another bow, Karna, with eyes red in + rage, and breathing hard, covered mighty Dhrishtadyumna with clouds of + arrows. Beholding Karna excited with rage, those heroes, viz., those six + bulls among car-warriors, quickly encompassed the prince of the Panchalas + from desire of slaying him. Seeing the latter in front of those six + foremost warriors of thy side, all thy troops, O lord, regarded him to be + already within the jaws of the Destroyer. Meanwhile, Satyaki, of the + Dasarha race, scattering his shafts as he proceeded, reached the spot + where the valiant Dhrishtadyumna was battling. Beholding that invincible + warrior of the Satwata race advancing, Radha’s son pierced him in that + battle with ten arrows. Satyaki, then, O king, pierced Karna with ten + shafts in the very sight of all those heroes, and addressing him, said, + “Do not fly away but stay before me.” The encounter then, that took place + between mighty Satyaki and the industrious Karna, resembled, O king, that + between Vali and Vasava (in the days of yore). That bull among Kshatriyas, + viz., Satyaki, terrifying all the Kshatriyas with the rattle of his car, + pierced the lotus-eyed Karna in return (with many arrows). Making the + earth tremble with the twang of his bow, the mighty son of the Suta, O + monarch, contended with Satyaki. Indeed, Karna pierced the grandson of + Sini in return with hundreds of long, and barbed, and pointed, and + tall-toothed, and razor-headed arrows and diverse other shafts. Similarly, + that foremost one of Vrishni’s race, Yuyudhana, in that battle, shrouded + Karna with his arrows. For a time that battle proceeded equally. Then thy + sons, O monarch, placing Karna at their head, all pierced Satyaki from + every side with keen arrows. Resisting with his own weapons those of them + all and of Karna also, O lord, Satyaki quickly pierced Vrishasena in the + centre of the chest. Pierced with that arrow, the valiant Vrishasena, of + great splendour, quickly fell down on his car, casting aside his bow. Then + Karna, believing that mighty car-warrior, viz., Vrishasena, slain, became + scorched with grief on account of the death of his son and began to + afflict Satyaki with great force. Thus afflicted by Karna, the mighty + car-warrior Yuyudhana, with great speed, repeatedly pierced Karna with + many shafts. Once more piercing Karna with ten arrows, and Vrishasena with + five, the Satwata hero cut off the leathern fences and the bows of both + sire and son. Then those two warriors, stringing two other bows, capable + of inspiring enemies with terror, began to pierce Yuyudhana from every + side with keen shafts. During the progress of that fierce conflict that + was so destructive of heroes the loud twang of Gandiva, O king, was heard + over every other sound. Hearing then the rattle of Arjuna’s car as also + that twang of Gandiva, the Suta’s son, O king, said these words unto + Duryodhana, “Slaughtering our entire army and the foremost of heroic + warriors and many mighty bowmen among the Kauravas, Arjuna is loudly + twanging his bow. The rattle also of his car is heard, resembling the roar + of the thunder. It’s evident, the son of Pandu is achieving feats worthy + of his own self. This son of Pritha, O monarch, will grind our large host. + Many of our troops are already breaking. No one stays in battle. Indeed, + our army is being dispersed like a risen mass of clouds dispersed by the + wind. Encountering Arjuna, our host breaks like a boat on the ocean. The + loud wails, O king, of the foremost of warriors, O monarch, flying away + from the field, or falling down in consequence of the arrows sped from + Gandiva, are being heard. Hear, O tiger among car-warriors, the sound of + drums and cymbals near Arjuna’s car at dead of night, resembling the deep + roll of thunder in the welkin. Hear also the loud wails (of afflicted + combatants) and the tremendous leonine shouts, and diverse other noises in + the vicinity of Arjuna’s car. Here, however, this Satyaki, this foremost + one of the Satwata race, stayeth amid us. If this object of our aim can be + struck down, we can then vanquish all our foes. Similarly, the son of the + Panchala king is engaged with Drona. He is encompassed on all sides by + many heroic and foremost of car-warriors. If we can slay Satyaki and + Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata without doubt, O king, victory will be + ours. Surrounding these two heroes, these two mighty car-warriors, as we + did the son of Subhadra we will strive, O king, to slay them, viz., this + son of Vrishni’s race and this son of Prishata. Savyasachin, O Bharata, is + before us, coming towards this division of Drona, knowing that Satyaki is + engaged here with many chiefs among the Kurus. Let a large number of our + foremost of car-warriors proceed thither, so that Partha may not be able + to come to the rescue of Satyaki, now encompassed by many. Let these great + heroes speedily shoot clouds of shafts with great force, so that Satyaki + of Madhu’s race may be speedily despatched to Yama’s abode.” Ascertaining + this to be the opinion of Karna, thy son, addressing Suvala’s son in the + battle, like the illustrious Indra addressing Vishnu, said these words, + “Surrounded by ten thousand unretreating elephants and ten thousand cars + also, proceed against Dhananjaya! Duhsasana and Durvishaha and Suvahu and + Dushpradharshana—these will follow thee, surrounded by a large + number of foot-soldiers. O uncle, slay those great bowmen, viz., the two + Krishnas, and Yudhishthira, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhima, the son + of Pandu. My hope of victory resteth on thee, like that of the gods on + their chief Indra. O uncle, slay the son of Kunti, like (Kartikeya) + slaying the Asuras.” Thus addressed and urged by thy son, Sakuni, clad in + mail, proceeded against the Parthas, accompanied by a large force as also + by thy sons, in order to consume the sons of Pandu. Then commenced a great + battle between the warriors of thy army and the foe. When Suvala’s son, O + king, (thus) proceeded against the Pandavas, the Suta’s son, accompanied + by a large force, quickly advanced against Satyaki, shooting many hundreds + of shafts. Indeed, thy warriors, combining together, encompassed Satyaki. + Then Bharadwaja’s son, proceeding against the car of Dhrishtadyumna, + fought a wonderful and fierce battle at dead of night, O bull of Bharata’s + race, with the brave Dhrishtadyumna and the Panchalas.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0166" id="link72H_4_0166"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then all those kings of thy army, incapable of being + easily defeated in battle, angrily proceeded against Yuyudhana’s car, + unable to brook (his feats). Mounting on their well-equipped cars, O king, + that were decked with gold and jewels, and accompanied also by cavalry and + elephants, they encompassed the Satwata hero. Hemming him on all sides + those mighty car-warriors, challenging that hero, uttered loud leonine + roars. Those great heroes, desirous of slaying him of Madhu’s race, poured + their keen arrows on Satyaki of invincible prowess. Beholding them thus + advancing with speed towards him, that slayer of hostile hosts, viz., the + mighty-armed grandson of Sini, took up and shot many shafts. The heroic + and great bowman Satyaki, invincible in battle, cut off many heads with + his fierce and straight arrows. And he of Madhu’s race also cut off the + trunks of many elephants, the necks of many steeds, and arms decked with + Angadas of many warriors, by means of razor-faced arrows. With the fallen + yak-tails and white umbrellas, O Bharata, the field of battle became + almost full, and resembled the firmament, O lord, with stars. The wails of + the host thus slaughtered in battle, O Bharata, by Yuyudhana, became as + loud as those of shrieking ghosts (in hell). With that loud uproar the + earth became filled, and the night became fiercer and more terrible. + Beholding his host, afflicted with Yuyudhana’s arrows breaking, and + hearing that tremendous uproar at dead of night making the hair stand on + end, thy son, that mighty car-warrior, addressing his driver, repeatedly + said, “Urge the steeds to that spot whence this uproar cometh.” Then king + Duryodhana, that firm bowman, above all modes of warfare, rushed against + Yuyudhana. Madhava pierced Duryodhana with a dozen blood-drinking shafts, + sped from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch. Thus afflicted with arrows + by Yuyudhana first, Duryodhana, excited with rage, pierced the grandson of + Sini in return with ten arrows. Meanwhile, the battle that raged between + the Panchalas and all thy troops presented an exceedingly wonderful sight. + Then the grandson of Sini, excited with rage in that battle, pierced thy + son, that mighty car-warrior, with eighty shafts, in the chest. He then, + with other shafts, despatched Duryodhana’s steeds to Yama’s abode. And + that slayer of foes then quickly felled his antagonist’s driver from the + car. Thy son, O monarch, staying on that steedless car, shot many keen + arrows towards Satyaki’s car. The grandson of Sini, however, displaying + great lightness of hand, O king, cut off those fifty shafts sped in that + battle by thy son. Then Madhava, with a broad-headed shafts suddenly cut + off in that encounter the formidable bow of thy son in the handle. + Deprived of both his car and bow, that puissant ruler of men then mounted + quickly upon the bright car of Kritavarman. Upon Duryodhana’s retreat, the + grandson of Sini, O monarch, afflicted and routed thy army at dead of + night. + </p> + <p> + “‘Sakuni, meanwhile, O king, encompassing Arjuna on all sides with many + thousands of cars and several thousands of elephants, and many thousands + of steeds, began to fight desperately. Many of them hurled towards Arjuna + celestial weapons of great power. Indeed, those Kshatriyas fought with + Arjuna, incurring the certitude of death. Arjuna, however, excited with + rage, checked those thousands of cars and elephants and steeds, and + ultimately caused those foes to turn back. Then Suvala’s son, with eyes + red as copper with rage, deeply pierced Arjuna, that slayer of foes, with + twenty shafts. And once more shooting a hundred shafts, he checked the + progress of Partha’s great car. Then Arjuna, O Bharata, pierced Sakuni + with twenty arrows in that battle. And he pierced each of the great bowmen + with three arrows. Checking all of them with his arrows, O king, + Dhananjaya slew those warriors of thy army with excellent shafts, endued + with the force of thunder.<a href="#linknote-7227" name="linknoteref-7227" id="linknoteref-7227">227</a> Strewn with lopped off arrows, O monarch, + and (dead) bodies by thousands, the earth looked as if covered with + flowers. Indeed, strewn with the heads of Kshatriyas, heads that were + decked with diadems and handsome noses and beautiful ear-rings and + (nether) lips bit in rage and wide open eyes,—heads that were graced + with collars and crowned also with gems, and which, while life was in + them, spoke sweet words,—the earth looked resplendent as if strewn + with hillocks overspread with Champaka flowers. Having achieved that + fierce feat, and pierced Sakuni once more, struck Uluka with an arrow in + that battle. Piercing Uluka thus in the sight of his sire, viz., Suvala’s + son, Arjuna uttered a loud roar, filling the earth therewith. Then the son + of Indra cut off Sakuni’s bow. And then he despatched his four steeds to + Yama’s abode. Then Suvala’s son, O bull of Bharata’s race, jumping down + from his car, quickly ascended the car of Uluka. Then those two mighty + car-warriors, viz., sire and son, both riding on the same car, showered + their arrows on Partha like two risen clouds pouring torrents of rain on a + mountain. The son of Pandu then piercing both those warriors with keen + shafts, afflicted and caused thy troops to fly away in hundreds and + thousands. Like a mighty mass of clouds dispersed on all sides by the + wind, that army of thine, O monarch, was dispersed on all sides. Indeed, + that host, O chief of the Bharatas, thus slaughtered on the night, fled + away in all directions, afflicted with fear and in the very sight (of + their leaders). Many abandoning the animals they rode, other urging their + animals to their greatest speed, turned back from the battle, inspired + with fear, during that fierce hour of darkness. Having vanquished thy + warriors thus, O bull of Bharata’s race, Vasudeva and Dhananjaya + cheerfully blew their conchs. + </p> + <p> + “‘Dhrishtadyumna, O monarch, piercing Drona with three arrows, quickly cut + off the latter’s bowstring with a sharp arrow. Throwing down that bow on + the earth, heroic Drona, that grinder of Kshatriyas, took up another that + was exceedingly tough and strong. Piercing Dhrishtadyumna then with five + arrows, Drona pierced his driver also, O bull of Bharata’s race, with five + arrows. Checking Drona with his arrows, the mighty car-warrior + Dhrishtadyumna began to destroy the Kaurava host, like Maghavat destroying + the Asura army. During the slaughter of thy son’s army, O sire, a terrible + river, having blood for its current, began to flow. And it ran between the + two hosts, bearing away men and steeds and elephants along its current. + And it resembled, O king, the Vaitarani that flows, O lord, towards the + domains of Yama. Agitating and routing thy army, the valiant + Dhrishtadyumna, endued with great energy, blazed forth like Sakra in the + midst of the celestials. Then Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin blew their + large conchs, as also the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva), and Vrikodara, the + son of Pandu. Thus those fierce warriors, vanquished thousands of kings on + thy side that were endued with great energy, at the sight of thy son and + of Karna and the heroic Drona and Drona’s son, O monarch!’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0167" id="link72H_4_0167"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding his own army routed while being slaughtered by + those illustrious heroes, thy son, well-acquainted with words, O monarch, + quickly repairing unto Karna and Drona, that foremost of all victors in + battle, wrathfully said these words, “This battle has been set on foot by + you two in rage, having seen the ruler of the Sindhus slain by + Savyasachin. You are beholding with indifference the slaughter of my army + by the forces of the Pandavas, although you two are fully competent to + vanquish those forces. If you two now abandon me, you should have, in the + beginning, told me of it. ‘We two shall vanquish the sons of Pandu in + battle.’ Even these were the words, ye givers of honours, that ye then + said unto me. Hearing these words of yours, I sanctioned these + proceedings. I would never have provoked these hostilities with the + Parthas,—hostilities that are so destructive of heroic combatants + (if ye had told me otherwise). If I do not deserve to be abandoned by you + two, ye bulls among men, then fight according to the true measure of your + prowess, ye heroes endued with great prowess.” Thus pierced by the goad of + speech of thy son, those two heroes once more engaged in battle, like two + snakes vexed with sticks. Then those two foremost of car-warriors, those + two bowmen above all bowmen in the world, rushed with speed against the + Parthas headed by the grandson of Sini and by others. Similarly, the + Parthas uniting together, and accompanied by all their troops, advanced + against those two heroes, who were roaring repeatedly. Then the great + bowman, Drona, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, excited with + rage, quickly pierced (Satyaki), that bull amongst the Sinis, with ten + arrows. And Karna pierced him with ten arrows, and thy son with seven, and + Vrishasena pierced him with ten, and Suvala’s son with seven. In that + impervious wall of Kauravas around the grandson of Sini, these also + stationed themselves, encompassing him. Beholding Drona slaughtering the + Pandava army in that battle, the Somakas quickly pierced him from every + side with showers of arrows. Then Drona began to take the lives of + Kshatriyas, O monarch, like the sun destroying darkness around him by his + rays. We then heard, O monarch, a loud uproar amongst the Panchalas, who + called upon one another, while they were being slaughtered by Drona. Some + abandoning sons, some sires, some brothers, some uncles, some their + sister’s sons, some their relatives and kinsmen, fled away with speed, for + saving their own lives. Some, again, deprived of their senses, ran against + Drona himself. Indeed, many were the combatants of the Pandava army that + were then despatched to the other world. Thus afflicted by that + illustrious hero, the Pandava host, that night, O king, fled away, + throwing down their blazing torches all around, in the very sight of + Bhimasena and Arjuna and Krishna and the twins and Yudhishthira and + Prishata’s son. The world being enveloped in darkness, nothing could be + seen. In consequence of the light that was amongst the Kaurava troops, the + flight of the foe could be ascertained. Those mighty car-warriors, viz., + Drona and Karna, O king, pursued the flying host, scattering numerous + shafts. Seeing the Panchalas slaughtered and routed, Janardana becoming + cheerless, said these words unto Phalguna, “Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki, + accompanied by the Panchalas, had proceeded against those great bowmen, + viz., Drona and Karna, shooting many shafts. This large host of ours hath + been broken and routed (by them) with showers of arrows. Though their + flight is sought to be checked, they are still incapable of being rallied, + O son of Kunti!—Beholding the host fly away, through fear, ye + Pandava warriors, cast away your fears! Accompanied by all the forces and + arraying then, in good order, both of us, with uplifted weapons, are even + now proceeding against Drona and the Suta’s son for withstanding them.” + Then Janardana beholding Vrikodara advancing, once more addressed Arjuna, + the son of Pandu, as if for gladdening him, in these words, “Yonder Bhima, + who taketh delight in battle, surrounded by the Somakas and the Pandavas, + is coming against those mighty car-warriors, viz., Drona and Karna. + Supported by him, as also by the many mighty car-warriors among the + Pandavas, fight now, O son of Pandu, for assuring all your troops."<a + href="#linknote-7228" name="linknoteref-7228" id="linknoteref-7228">228</a> + Then those two tigers among men, viz., the son of Pandu and he of Madhu’s + race, approaching Drona and Karna, took up their station at the head of + battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Then that vast force of Yudhishthira once more + returned to battle, proceeding to the place where Drona and Karna were + grinding their foes in battle. At dead of night, a fierce encounter took + place, resembling that of two oceans swelling at moon-rise. Then the + warriors of thy army, throwing away from their hands the blazing lamps + held by them, fought with the Pandavas fearlessly and madly. On that + terrible night when the world was enveloped with gloom and dust, the + combatants fought with one another, guided only by the names they uttered. + The names uttered by the kings contending in battle, were heard, O + monarch, there, like what happens, O king, at a Swayamvara or self-choice. + Suddenly, a silence overspread the field of battle, and lasted for a + moment. Then, again, a loud uproar was heard made by the angry combatants, + victors and vanquished. Thither where blazing lamps were seen, O bull of + Kuru’s race, thither rushed those heroes like insects (towards a blazing + fire). And as the Pandavas, O king, and the Kauravas, contended with each + other in battle, the darkness of night thickened around them.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0168" id="link72H_4_0168"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Karna, that slayer of hostile heroes, beholding + Prishata’s son in battle, struck him on the chest with ten shafts capable + of penetrating into the very vitals. Dhrishtadyumna quickly pierced Karna + in return in that great battle, with five shafts, and addressing him, + said, “Wait! Wait!” Shrouding each other in that dreadful combat with + showers of arrows, O king, they once more pierced each other with keen + shafts, sped from bows drawn to their fullest stretch. Then Karna, in that + battle, despatched to Yama’s abode the driver and the four steeds or + Dhrishtadyumna, that foremost warrior among the Panchalas. He then cut off + his enemy’s foremost bow with keen arrows, and felled, with a broad-headed + shaft the latter’s driver from his niche in the car. Then the valiant + Dhrishtadyumna, deprived of car, steeds, and driver, quickly jumped down + from his car and took up a mace. Though struck all the while with straight + shafts by Karna, the Panchala prince, approaching Karna, slew the four + steeds of the latter. Turning back with great speed, that slayer of hosts, + viz., the son of Prishata, quickly ascended the car of Dhananjaya. + Mounting upon that car, the mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna desired to + proceed towards Karna. Dharma’s son (Yudhishthira), however, bade him + desist. Then Karna endued with great energy, mingling his leonine shouts + with it twanged his bow loudly and blew his conch with great force. + Beholding Prishata’s son vanquished in battle, those mighty car-warriors, + viz., the Panchalas and the Somakas, excited with rage, and taking up all + kinds of weapons, proceeded, making death itself their goal, towards + Karna, from desire of slaughtering him. Meanwhile, Karna’s driver had + yoked other steeds unto his master’s car, that were white as conchs, + endued with great speed, of the Sindhu breed, and well-broken. Then Karna + of sure aim, contending with vigour, afflicted those mighty car-warriors + among the Panchalas with his shafts like a cloud pouring torrents of rain + upon a mountain. The Panchala host, thus afflicted by Karna, fled away in + fear, like a doe frightened by a lion. Horsemen were seen falling from + their horses, and elephant-riders from their elephants, O monarch, and + car-warriors from cars, all around. In that dreadful battle, Karna cut off + with razor-faced arrows the arms of flying combatants and heads decked + with car-rings. And he cut off, O king, the thighs of others that were on + elephants or on the back of steeds, or on the earth, O sire! Many mighty + car-warriors, as they fled away, felt not their loss of limbs or the + injury in their animals, in that battle. Slaughtered by terrible shafts, + the Panchalas and the Srinjayas took the motion of even a straw for Karna + (so great was their fright). Deprived of their senses, the warriors took + their flying friends for Karna and fled away from these in fear. Karna + pursued the broken and retreating host, O Bharata, shooting his shafts on + all sides. Indeed, in that battle, the retreating warriors, deprived of + their senses, were slaughtered with mighty weapons by that illustrious + hero, Karna. Others, only looked at by Drona, fled away on all sides. Then + king Yudhishthira, beholding his army flying away, and regarding retreat + to be advisable, addressed Phalguna and said, “Behold that mighty bowman, + Karna stationed there like Rudra himself armed with his bow. Behold him + scorching everything around like the blazing sun himself, at this fierce + hour, this dead of night. These wails are being incessantly heard, O + Partha, of thy helpless friends who are uttering them, mangled by the + shafts of Karna. The manner in which Karna is aiming and letting off his + shafts is such that no interval can be noticed between the two acts. He + will, O Partha, annihilate all our friends. Do that now, Dhananjaya, about + the slaughter of Karna, which, according to thy judgment, should next be + done and the time for which may have come.” Thus addressed (by + Yudhishthira), Partha said unto Krishna, “The royal son of Dharma is + frightened today by the prowess of Karna. When Karna’s division is thus + acting (towards us) repeatedly, do thou speedily adopt that course which + should now be adopted. Our army is flying away, O slayer of Madhu, our + troops, broken and mangled with Drona’s shafts and frightened by Karna, + are unable to make a stand. I see Karna careering fearlessly. Our foremost + of car-warriors are flying away. Karna is scattering his keen shafts. I + cannot, like a snake incapable of putting up with the tread of a human + being upon its body, bear to see him thus careering at the head of battle, + before my eyes, O tiger of Vrishni’s race. Proceed, therefore, to that + spot where the mighty car-warrior Karna is. I will either kill him, O + slayer of Madhu, or let him slay me."<a href="#linknote-7229" name="linknoteref-7229" id="linknoteref-7229">229</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “I behold Karna, O son of Kunti, that tiger among men, + that warrior of superhuman prowess, careering in battle like the chief of + the celestials himself. O Dhananjaya, there is none else capable of + advancing against him in battle, save thee, O tiger among men, and the + Rakshasa Ghatotkacha. I do not, however, O sinless one, regard the time to + have come, O mighty-armed one, for thee to encounter the Suta’s son in + battle. The blazing dart, resembling a mighty meteor, given him by Vasava, + is still with him, O thou of mighty arms, kept for thee with care, by the + Suta’s son. He keepeth that dart by him, and hath now assumed a terrible + form. As regards Ghatotkacha, he is always devoted to you and desirous of + your good. Let the mighty Ghatotkacha proceed against the son of Radha. + Endued with the prowess of a celestial, he has been begotten by the mighty + Bhima. With him are celestial weapons as also those used by Rakshasa.” The + latter soon came before him, clad in mail, and armed, O king, with sword, + arrow, and bow. Saluting Krishna and also Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, he + proudly said, “Here I am, command me.” Then he of Dasarha’s race, + addressed Hidimva’s son, that Rakshasa of blazing mouth and fiery eyes and + body of the hue of clouds, and said these words, “Listen, O Ghatotkacha, + attend to what I say. The time is come for the display of thy prowess, and + not of anybody else. Be thou the raft in this battle to the sinking + Pandavas. Thou hast diverse weapons, and many kinds of Rakshasa illusion. + Behold, O son of Hidimva, the army of the Pandavas is being beaten by + Karna on the field of battle, like a herd of kine by the herdsman. Yonder, + the mighty bowman Karna, endued with great intelligence and steady + prowess, is scorching the foremost of Kshatriyas among the divisions of + the Pandava host. Afflicted by his fiery arrows, the Pandava warriors are + incapable of standing in front of that firm bowman who is shooting showers + of mighty shafts. Afflicted at dead of night by the Suta’s son with his + arrowy showers, the Panchalas are flying away like a herd of deer + afflicted by a lion. Except thee, O thou of terrible prowess, there is + none else that can withstand the Suta’s son who is thus engaged in battle. + Aided by thy energy and might, do thou, O mighty-armed one, accomplish + that which is worthy of thy own self, of thy maternal race, and of thy + sires. It is even for this, O son of Hidimva, that men desire children, + viz., for being rescued from difficulties. Do thou now rescue thy kinsmen. + O Ghatotkacha, sires desire sons for achieving their own objects. + Children, those sources of good, are expected to rescue their sires both + here and hereafter. Illustrious thou art, and thy might in battle is + terrible and unrivalled, while contending in battle, there is none equal + to thee. O scorcher of foes, be thou the means by which the Pandavas who + are routed by Karna with his shafts this night, and who are now sinking in + the Dhartarashtra ocean, may safely reach the shore. At night, Rakshasas, + again, become endued with unlimited prowess, great might, and great + courage. They become (at such an hour) warriors of great valour and + incapable of defeat. Slay Karna in battle, at this dead of night, aided by + thy illusions. The Parthas, with Dhrishtadyumna, will dispose of Drona.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing those words of Kesava, Vibhatsu also, O + Kauravya, said these words unto that chastiser of foes, viz., the Rakshasa + Ghatotkacha, “O Ghatotkacha, thyself, the long-armed Satyaki, and + Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, these three, in my judgment, are the foremost + ones among all our warriors. Go and encounter Karna in single combat this + night. The mighty car-warrior Satyaki will protect thy rear. Assisted by + Satwata hero, slay brave Karna in battle, as Indra in days of old had + slain (the Asura) Taraka, aided by (the celestial generalissimo) Skanda." </p> + <p> + “‘Ghatotkacha said, “I am match for Karna, as also for Drona, O Bharata, + or for any illustrious Kshatriya accomplished in weapons. This night I + shall fight such a battle with the Suta’s son as will form the subject of + talk as long as the world lasts. Tonight, I will spare neither the brave + nor the timid nor those that will, with joined hands, pray for quarter. + Following the Rakshasa usage, I shall slay all.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having said these words, that slayer of hostile + heroes, viz., the son of Hidimva, rushed against Karna in that dreadful + fight frightening thy troops. The Suta’s son, that tiger among men, + smilingly received that angry warrior of blazing mouth and blazing locks. + The battle then that took place between Karna and that Rakshasa, both + roaring against each other, O tiger among kings, resembled that between + Indra and Prahlada (in days of yore).’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0169" id="link72H_4_0169"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding the mighty-armed Ghatotkacha, O king, proceeding + towards the car of Suta’s son, Karna, for slaughtering him in battle, thy + son Duryodhana addressing Duhsasana, said these words, “The Rakshasa, + seeing the prowess of Karna in battle, is speedily advancing against him. + Resist that mighty car-warrior. Surrounded by a mighty force proceed to + that spot where the mighty Karna, the son of Vikartana, is contending with + the Rakshasa in battle. O giver of honours, surrounded by troops and + exerting thyself vigorously, protect Karna in battle. Let not the terrible + Rakshasa slay Karna in consequence of our carelessness.” Meanwhile, O + king, Jatasura’s mighty son, that foremost of smiters, approaching + Duryodhana, said unto him, “O Duryodhana, commanded by thee, I desire to + slay, with their followers, thy foes of celebrity, viz., the Pandavas, + those warriors incapable of being easily defeated in battle. My father was + mighty Jatasura, that foremost of Rakshasa. Formerly, having performed + some Rakshasa slaying incantations, the despicable sons of Pritha slew + him. I desire to worship my dead sire by offering him the blood of his + foes, and their flesh, O monarch! it behoveth thee to grant me + permission.” The king, thus addressed, became exceedingly delighted and + said unto him repeatedly, “Aided by Drona and Karna and others, I am quite + competent to vanquish my foes. Commanded, however, by me, O Rakshasa, go + thou to battle and slay Ghatotkacha in the fight—that Rakshasa of + fierce deeds, born of man, ever devoted to the welfare of the Pandavas, + and always slaying our elephants and steeds and car-warriors in battle, + himself all the while staying in the welkin. O, despatch him to Yama’s + abode.” Saying, “so be it,” and summoning Ghatotkacha to the fight, + Jatasura’s son shrouded the son of Bhimasena with diverse kinds of + weapons. The son of Hidimva, however, alone and unsupported began to grind + Alamvusha and Karna and the vast Kuru host, like the tempest crushing a + mass of clouds. Seeing then the power of (Ghatotkacha’s) illusion, the + Rakshasa Alamvusha covered Ghatotkacha with showers of diverse kinds of + arrows. Having pierced Bhimasena’s son with many shafts, Alamvusha, + without losing any time, began to afflict the Pandava host with his + arrows. Thus afflicted by him, O Bharata, the Pandava troops, at dead of + night, broke and fled away like clouds dispersed by a tempest. Similarly, + thy host also, mingled with the shafts of Ghatotkacha, fled away at dead + of night, O king, in thousands, throwing down their torches. Alamvusha + then, excited with great wrath, struck Bhimasena’s son in that dreadful + battle with many shafts, like a driver striking an elephant. Then + Ghatotkacha cut off into minute fragments the car, the driver, and all the + weapons of his foe and laughed frightfully. Then, like the clouds pouring + torrents of rain on the mountains of Meru, Ghatotkacha poured showers of + arrows on Karna, Alamvusha and all the Kurus. Afflicted by the Rakshasa, + the Kuru host became exceedingly agitated. The four kinds of forces, of + which thy army consisted, began to press and crush one another. Then + Jatasura’s son, carless and driverless, wrathfully struck Ghatotkacha, in + that battle, with his fists. Thus struck, Ghatotkacha trembled like a + mountain with its trees and creepers and grass at the time of an + earthquake. Then Bhimasena’s son, mad with rage, raising his own + foe-slaying arm that resembled a spiked mace, dealt a severe blow on + Jatasura’s son. Crushing him then in rage, Hidimva’s son quickly threw him + down, and seizing him with his two arms he began to press him with great + force upon the earth. Then Jatasura’s son freeing himself from + Ghatotkacha, rose up and assailed Ghatotkacha with great impetuosity. + Alamvusha also, dragging and throwing down the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, in + that battle, began to crush him in rage on the surface of the earth. The + battle then that took place between those two roaring and gigantic + warriors, viz., Ghatotkacha and Alamvusha, became exceedingly fierce and + made the hair stand on end. Endeavouring to prevail over each other by + means of their powers of illusion, those two proud warriors, endued with + great energy, fought with each other like Indra and Virochana’s son. + Becoming fire and ocean, and, once more, Garuda and Takshaka, and once + again, a cloud and a tempest, and then thunder and a large mountain, and + once again, an elephant and then Rahu and the sun, they thus displayed a + hundred different kinds of illusion, solicitous of destroying each other. + Indeed, Alamvusha and Ghatotkacha fought most wonderfully, striking each + other with spiked clubs and maces and lances and mallets and axes and + short clubs and mountain-cliffs. Riding on horseback or on elephants, on + foot or on car, those foremost of Rakshasas, both endued with large powers + of illusion, fought with each other in battle. Then Ghatotkacha, O king, + desiring to slay Alamvusha, roared aloft in rage and then alighted with + great quickness like a hawk. Seizing then that gigantic prince of + Rakshasas, viz., Alamvusha, who thus struggled with him, he pressed him + down on the earth, like Vishnu slaying (the Asura) Maya in battle. Taking + a scimitar of wonderful appearance, Ghatotkacha, of immeasurable prowess, + then cut off from his trunk, O king, his fierce and mighty foe’s terrible + head that was still uttering awful roars. Seizing that blood-dyed head by + the hair, Ghatotkacha quickly proceeded towards Duryodhana’s car. + Approaching (the Kuru king), the mighty-armed Rakshasa, smiling the while, + threw upon Duryodhana’s car that head with frightful face and hair. + Uttering then a fierce roar, deep as that of the clouds in the season of + rains, he addressed Duryodhana, O king, and said, “This thy ally is now + slain, he, that is, whose prowess thou hadst beheld! Thou shalt see the + slaughter of Karna again, and then thy own. One that is observant of these + three, viz., morality, profit and pleasure, should never see with empty + hands a king, a Brahmana, or a woman.<a href="#linknote-7230" name="linknoteref-7230" id="linknoteref-7230">230</a> Live cheerfully till + that time when I slay Karna.” Having said these words, he then, O king, + proceeded towards Karna, shooting hundreds of keen arrows upon the head of + Karna. The battle then that took place between that human warrior and that + Rakshasa, was fierce and terrible, O king, and exceedingly wonderful.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0170" id="link72H_4_0170"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘How, indeed, did that battle take place when at dead + of night Vikartana’s son, Karna, and the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha encountered + each other? What aspect did that fierce Rakshasa then present? What kind + of car did he ride, and what was the nature of his steeds and what of his + weapons? What was the size of his steeds, of the standard of his car, and + of his bow? What was the kind of armour he wore, and what head-gear had he + on? Asked by me, describe all this, for thou art skilled in narration, O + Sanjaya!’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Of blood-red eyes, Ghatotkacha was of gigantic form. His + face was of the hue of copper. His belly was low and sunken. The bristles + on his body all pointed upwards. His head was green. His ears were like + arrows. His cheek-bones were high. His mouth was large, extending from ear + to ear. His teeth were keen, and four of these were high and pointed. His + tongue and lips were very long and of a coppery hue. His brows were + long-extending. His nose was thick. His body was blue, and neck red. Tall + as a hill, he was terrible to behold. Of gigantic frame, gigantic arms, + and gigantic head, he was endued with great might. Ugly and of hard limbs, + the hair on his head was tied upwards in a frightful shape. His hips were + large and his navel was deep. Of gigantic frame, the circumference of his + body, however, was not great. The ornaments on his arms were + proportionate. Possessed of great powers of illusion, he was decked also + in Angadas. He wore a cuirass on his breast like a circle of fire on the + breast of a mountain. On his head was a bright and beautiful diadem made + of gold, with every part proportionate and beautiful, and looking like an + arch. His ear-rings were bright as the morning sun, and his garlands were + made of gold and exceedingly bright. He had on his body a gigantic armour + of brass of great effulgence. His car was decked with a hundred tinkling + bells, and on his standard waved numerous blood-red banners. Of prodigious + proportions, and of the measure of a nalwa, that car was covered with + bear-skins. Equipped with all kinds of mighty weapons, it possessed a tall + standard and was adorned with garlands, having eight wheels, and its + clatter resembled the roar of the clouds. His steeds were like infuriated + elephants, and possessed of red eyes; of terrible aspect, they were + variegated in hue, and endued with great speed and might. Above all + fatigue, and adorned with long manes and neighing repeatedly, they bore + that hero to battle. A Rakshasa of terrible eyes, fiery mouth, and blazing + ear-rings, acted as his driver, holding the reins, bright as the rays of + the sun, of his steeds in battle. With that driver he came to battle like + Surya with his driver Aruna. Looking like a high mountain encircled with a + mighty cloud, a very tall standard, that touched the heavens, was set up + on his car. A carnivorous and awful vulture of blood-red body perched on + it. He came, forcibly drawing his bow whose twang resembled the thunder of + Indra, and whose string was very hard, and which measured a dozen cubits + in length and one cubit in breadth.<a href="#linknote-7231" name="linknoteref-7231" id="linknoteref-7231">231</a> Filling all the + points of the compass with shafts of the measure of the Aksha of a car, + the Rakshasa rushed against Karna on that night that was so destructive of + heroes. Staying proudly on his car, as he stretched his bow, the twang + that was heard resembled that sound of the roaring thunder. Frightened by + him, O Bharata, all thy troops trembled like the surging waves of the + ocean. Beholding that frightful Rakshasa of horrible eyes advancing + against him, Radha’s son, as if smiling, withstood him speedily. And Karna + proceeded against the smiling Rakshasa, smiting him in return from a near + point, like an elephant against an elephant or the leader of a bovine herd + against the leader of another herd. The collision that took place between + them, i.e., Karna and the Rakshasa, O king, became terrible and resembled + that between Indra and Samvara. Each taking a formidable bow of loud + twang, struck and covered the other with powerful shafts. With straight + shafts sped from bows drawn to their fullest stretch, they mangled each + other, piercing their coats of mail made of brass. With darts of the + measure of Akshas, and shafts also they continued to mangle each other, + like a couple of tigers or of mighty elephants with their teeth or tusks. + Piercing each other’s body, aiming shafts at each other, scorching each + other with clouds of arrows, they became incapable of being gazed at. With + limbs pierced and mangled with shafts, and bathed in streams of blood, + they looked like two hills of chalk with rivulets running down their + breasts. Those two mighty car-warriors, both struggling vigorously, both + with limbs pierced with keen-pointed shafts, and each mangling the other, + failed, however to make each other tremble. For a long time, that + nocturnal combat between Karna and the Rakshasas in which both seemed to + sport, making life itself the stake, continued equally. Aiming keen shafts + and shooting them to the utmost measure of his might, the twang of + Ghatotkacha’s bow inspired both friends and foes with fear.<a + href="#linknote-7232" name="linknoteref-7232" id="linknoteref-7232">232</a> + At that time, O king, Karna could not prevail over Ghatotkacha. Seeing + this, that foremost of all persons acquainted with weapons, invoked into + existence celestial weapons. Beholding a celestial weapon aimed at him by + Karna, Ghatotkacha, that foremost of Rakshasas invoked into existence his + Rakshasa illusion. He was seen surrounded by a large force of + terrible-looking Rakshasas, armed with lances, large rocks and hills and + clubs.<a href="#linknote-7233" name="linknoteref-7233" id="linknoteref-7233">233</a> Beholding Ghatotkacha advancing with a + mighty weapon uplifted (in his hands) like unto the Destroyer himself of + all creatures armed with his fierce and fatal club, all the kings there + were struck with fear. Terrified at the leonine roars uttered by + Ghatotkacha, the elephants passed urine, and all the combatants trembled + with fear. Then there fell on all sides a thick rain of rocks and stones + poured incessantly by the Rakshasas, who had, in consequence of midnight, + became inspired with greater strength.<a href="#linknote-7234" name="linknoteref-7234" id="linknoteref-7234">234</a> Iron wheels and + Bhusundis, and darts, and lances and spears and Sataghnis and axes also + began to fall incessantly. Beholding that fierce and terrible battle, all + the kings, as also thy sons and the combatants, fled away in fear. Only + one amongst them, viz., Karna, proud of the power of his weapons, and + feeling a noble pride, trembled not. Indeed, with his shafts he destroyed + that illusion invoked into existence by Ghatotkacha. Beholding his + illusion dispelled, Ghatotkacha, filled with rage began to shoot deadly + shafts from desire of slaying the Suta’s son. Those shafts, bathed in + blood, piercing through Karna’s body in that dreadful battle, entered the + earth like angry snakes. Then the valiant son of the Suta, filled with + rage and possessed of great lightness of hands, prevailing over + Ghatotkacha, pierced the latter with ten shafts. Then Ghatotkacha, thus + pierced by the Suta’s son in his vital parts and feeling great pain, took + up a celestial wheel having a thousand radii. The edge of that wheel was + sharp as a razor. Possessed of the splendour of the morning sun, and + decked with jewels and gems, Bhimasena’s son hurled that wheel at the son + of Adhiratha, desirous of making an end of the latter. That wheel, + however, of great power and hurled also with great might, was cut off into + pieces by Karna with his shafts, and fell down, baffled of its object, + like the hopes and purposes of an unfortunate man. Filled with rage upon + beholding his wheel baffled, Ghatotkacha covered Karna with showers of + shafts, like Rahu covering the sun. The Suta’s son, however, endued with + the prowess of Rudra or of Indra’s younger brother or of Indra, fearlessly + shrouded Ghatotkacha’s car in a moment with winged arrows. Then + Ghatotkacha, whirling a gold-decked mace, hurled it at Karna. Karna, + however, with his shafts, cutting it off, caused it to fall down. Then + soaring into the sky and roaring deep like a mass of clouds, the gigantic + Rakshasa poured from the welkin a perfect shower of trees. Then Karna + pierced with his shafts Bhima’s son in the sky, that Rakshasa acquainted + with illusions, like the sun piercing with his rays a mass of clouds. + Slaying then all the steeds of Ghatotkacha, and cutting also his car into + a hundred pieces, Karna began to pour upon him his arrows like a cloud + pouring torrents of rain. On Ghatotkacha’s body there was not even two + finger’s breadth of space that was not pierced with Karna’s shafts. Soon + the Rakshasa seemed to be like a porcupine with quills erect on his body. + So completely was he shrouded with shafts that we could not in that + battle, any longer see either the steeds or the car or the standard of + Ghatotkacha or Ghatotkacha himself. Destroying then by his own weapon, the + celestial weapon of Karna, Ghatotkacha, endued with the power of illusion, + began to fight with the Suta’s son, aided by his powers of illusion. + Indeed, he began to fight with Karna, aided by his illusion and displaying + the greatest activity. Showers of shafts fell from an invisible source + from the welkin. Then Bhimasena’s son, endued with great prowess of + illusion, O foremost of the Kurus, assumed a fierce form, aided by those + powers, began to stupefy the Kauravas, O Bharata! The valiant Rakshasa, + assuming many fierce and grim heads, began to devour the celestial weapons + of the Suta’s son. Soon again, the gigantic Rakshasa, with a hundred + wounds on his body seemed to lie cheerlessly, as if dead, on the field. + The Kaurava bulls then, regarding Ghatotkacha deed, uttered loud shouts + (of joy). Soon, however, he was seen on all sides, careering in new forms. + Once more, he was seen to assume a prodigious form, with a hundred heads + and a hundred stomachs, and looking like the Mainaka mountain.<a + href="#linknote-7235" name="linknoteref-7235" id="linknoteref-7235">235</a> + Once again, becoming small about the measure of the thumb, he moved about + transversely or soared aloft like the swelling surges of the sea. Tearing + through the earth and rising on the surface, he dived again into the + waters. Once seen here, he was next seen at a different place. Descending + then from the welkin, he was seen standing, clad in mail, on a car decked + with gold, having wandered through earth and sky and all the points of the + compass, aided by his powers of illusion. Approaching then the vicinity of + Karna’s car, Ghatotkacha, with his ear-rings waving, fearlessly addressed + the Suta’s son, O monarch, and said, “Wait a little, O Suta’s son. Whither + shalt thou go with life, avoiding me. I shall today, on the field of + battle, quell thy desire of fight.” Having said those words, that + Rakshasas, of cruel prowess and eyes red like copper in wrath, soared + aloft into the sky and laughed aloud. Like a lion smiting a prince of + elephants, he began to strike Karna, pouring upon him a shower of shafts, + each of the measure the Aksha, of a car. Indeed, he poured that arrowy + shower upon Karna, that bull among car-warriors, like a cloud pouring + torrents of rain on a mountain, Karna destroyed that shower of arrows from + a distance. Beholding his illusion destroyed by Karna, O bull of Bharata’s + race, Ghatotkacha once more created an illusion and made himself + invisible. He became a high mountain with many summits and abounding with + tall trees. And from that mountain incessantly issued streams of lances + and spears and swords and clubs. Seeing that mountain, which resembled a + mighty mass of antimony, with its streams of fierce weapons, on the + welkin, Karna was not at all agitated. Smiling the while, Karna invoked + into existence a celestial weapon. Cut off with that weapon, that huge + mountain was destroyed. Then the fierce Ghatotkacha, becoming a blue cloud + with a rainbow, in the welkin, began to pour upon the Suta’s son a shower + of stones. Vikartana’s son, Karna, who was called also Vrisha, that + foremost of all persons acquainted with weapons, aiming a Vayavya weapon, + destroyed that dart-cloud. Then covering all the points of the compass + with innumerable shafts, he destroyed a weapon that had been aimed at him + by Ghatotkacha. The mighty son of Bhimasena then laughing loudly in that + battle, once more invoked into existence an all-powerful illusion against + the mighty car-warrior Karna. Once more beholding that foremost of + warriors, viz., Ghatotkacha, fearlessly approaching him, surrounded by a + large number of Rakshasas that resembled lions and tigers and infuriated + elephants in prowess, some riding on elephants, some on cars, and some on + horseback, all armed with diverse weapons and clad in diverse kinds of + mail and diverse kinds of ornaments; in fact, beholding Ghatotkacha + surrounded by those fierce Rakshasas like Vasava by the Maruts, the mighty + bowman Karna began to battle with him fiercely. Then Ghatotkacha piercing + Karna with five shafts, uttered a terrible roar frightening all the kings. + Once more shooting an Anjalika weapon, Ghatotkacha quickly cut off the bow + of Karna’s hand along with the arrowy shower the latter had shot. Karna + then taking out another bow that was strong and capable of bearing a great + strain and that was as large as Indra’s bow, drew it with great force. + Then Karna shot some foe-slaying shafts of golden wings at those + sky-ranging Rakshasas. Afflicted with those shafts, the large foes of + broad chested Rakshasas looked agitated like a herd of wild elephants + afflicted by a lion. Destroying with his shafts those Rakshasas along with + their steeds and diverse elephants, the puissant Karna looked like the + divine Agni consuming all creatures at the time of the universal + dissolution. Having destroyed that Rakshasa host, the Suta’s son looked + resplendent like the god Maheswara in heaven after having consumed the + triple city (of the Asuras). Among those thousands of kings on the Pandava + side, O sire, there was not a single one, O monarch, that could even look + at Karna then, save the mighty Ghatotkacha, that prince of Rakshasas, who + was endued with terrible energy and strength, and who, inflamed with rage, + then looked like Yama himself. From his eyes, as he was excited with + wrath, flames of fire seemed to emit, like blazing drops of oil from a + couple of burning brands. Striking his palm against palm and biting his + nether lip, the Rakshasa was once more seen on a car that had been created + by his illusion, and unto which were yoked a number of asses, looking like + elephants and having the faces of Pisachas. Excited with wrath, he + addressed his driver, saying, “Bear me towards the Suta’s son.” Then that + foremost of car-warriors proceeded on that terrible-looking car of his, + for once more fighting a single combat with the Suta’s son, O king! The + Rakshasa, excited with rage, hurled at the Suta’s son an Asani of Rudra’s + workmanship, terrible and furnished with eight wheels. Karna, placing his + bow on his car, jumped down on the earth and seizing that Asani hurled it + back at Ghatotkacha. The latter, however, had quickly descended from his + car (before the weapon could reach it). The Asani, meanwhile, of great + effulgence, having reduced the Raksha’s car to ashes, with its steeds, + driver, and standard, piercing through the earth, disappeared within its + bowels, at which the gods were filled with wonder. Then all creatures + applauded Karna, who, having jumped down from his car, had seized that + Asani. Having achieved that feat, Karna once more ascended his car. The + Suta’s son, that scorcher of foes, then began to shoot his shafts. Indeed, + O giver of honours, there is none else amongst all living creatures who + can accomplish what Karna accomplished in that frightful battle. Struck by + Karna with shafts like a mountain with torrents of rain, Ghatotkacha once + more disappeared from the field of battle like the melting forms of vapour + in the sky. Contending in this way, the gigantic Rakshasa, that slayer of + foes, destroyed the celestial weapons of Karna by means of his activity as + also his power of illusion. Seeing his weapons destroyed by the Rakshasa, + aided by his powers of illusion, Karna, without being inspired with fear, + continued to fight with the cannibal. Then, O monarch, the mighty son of + Bhimasena excited with wrath, divided his own self into many parts, + frightening all the mighty car-warriors (of the Kuru army). Then there + came on the field of battle lions, and tigers, and hyenas, and snakes with + fiery tongues, and birds with iron beaks. As regards Ghatotkacha himself, + struck with the keen arrows that were sped from Karna’s bow, that huge + Rakshasa, looking like (Himavat) the prince of mountains, disappeared then + and there. Then many Rakshasas and Pisachas and Yatudhanas, and large + numbers of wolves and leopards, of frightful faces rushed towards Karna + for devouring him. These approached the Suta’s son, uttering fierce howls + for frightening him. Karna pierced every one of those monsters with many + swift-winged and terrible shafts that drank their blood. At last, using a + celestial weapon, he destroyed that illusion of the Rakshasa. He then, + with some straight and fierce shafts, struck the steeds of Ghatotkacha. + These, with broken and maimed limbs, and their backs cut by those shafts, + fell down on the earth, in the very sight of Ghatotkacha. The son of + Hidimva, seeing his illusion dispelled, once more made himself invisible, + saying unto Karna, the son of Vikartana, “I will presently compass thy + destruction.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0171" id="link72H_4_0171"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During the progress of that battle between Karna and the + Rakshasa, the valiant Alayudha, that prince of Rakshasa, appeared (on the + field). Accompanied by a large force, he approached Duryodhana. Indeed, + surrounded by many thousands of frightful Rakshasas of diverse forms and + endued with great heroism, he appeared (on the field) recollecting his old + quarrel (with the Pandavas). His kinsmen, that valiant Vaka, who ate + Brahmanas, as also Kirmira of great energy, and his friend Hidimva, had + been slain (by Bhima). He had waited for a long time, brooding over his + old quarrel. Learning now that a nocturnal battle was raging, he came, + impelled by the desire of slaying Bhima in fight, like an infuriated + elephant or an angry snake. Desirous of battle, he addressed Duryodhana + and said, “It is known to thee, how my kinsmen, the Rakshasa Vaka and + Kirmira and Hidimva have been slain by Bhima. What shall I say more, the + virgin Hidimva was formerly deflowered by him, disregarding us and the + other Rakshasas. I am here, O king, to slay that Bhima with all his + followers, steeds, cars, and elephants, as also that son of Hidimva with + friends. Slaying today all the sons of Kunti, Vasudeva and others that + walk before them, I will devour them with all their followers. Command all + thy troops to desist from battle. We will fight with the Pandavas." </p> + <p> + “‘Hearing these words of his, Duryodhana became very glad. Surrounded by + his brothers, the king, accepting the words of the Rakshasa, said, + “Placing thee with thine in the van, we will fight the foe. My troops will + not stand as indifferent spectators since their enmity has not cooled.” + That bull amongst Rakshasa, saying, “Let it be so,” unto the king, + speedily proceeded against Bhima, accompanied by his cannibal force. + Endued with a blazing form, Alayudha rode a car bright like the sun. + Indeed, O monarch, that car of his was similar to Ghatotkacha’s car. The + rattle also of Alayudha’s car was as deep as that of Ghatotkacha’s, and it + was decked with many arches. That large car was covered with bear-skins, + and its measure was a nalwa. His steeds, like those of Ghatotkacha, were + endued with great speed, resembled elephants in shape, and had the voice + of asses. Subsisting on flesh and blood and gigantic in size, a hundred of + them were yoked unto his vehicle. Indeed, the rattle of his car, like that + of his rival, was loud and strong, and its string was as hard. His shafts + also, winged with gold and whetted on stone, were as large as + Ghatotkacha’s, being of the measure of Akshas. The heroic Alayudha was as + mighty-armed as Ghatotkacha, and the standard of his car, endued with the + splendour of the sun or fire, was, like Ghatotkacha’s, pierced upon by + vultures and ravens. In form, he was more handsome than Ghatotkacha, and + his face, agitated (with wrath) looked blazing. With blazing Angadas and + blazing diadem and garlands, decked with floral wreaths and headgear and + sword armed with mace and Bhushundis and short clubs and ploughs and bows + and arrows, and with skin black and hard as that of the elephant, riding + on that car possessed of the splendour of fire, he looked, while employed + in afflicting and routing the Pandava host, like a roving cloud in the + welkin, decked with flashes of lighting. (As Alayudha came to battle), the + principal kings of the Pandava army endued with great might, and armed + with (sword and) shield, and clad in mail, engaged in fight, O king, with + joyous hearts.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0172" id="link72H_4_0172"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Alayudha of terrible deeds come to battle, all + the Kauravas became filled with delight. Similarly, thy sons having + Duryodhana for their head, (were filled with delight) like raftless men + desirous of crossing the ocean when they meet with a raft. Indeed, the + kings in the Kuru army then regarded themselves as persons reborn after + death.<a href="#linknote-7236" name="linknoteref-7236" id="linknoteref-7236">236</a> They all offered a respectful welcome to + Alayudha. During the progress of that terrible and superhuman battle + between Karna and the Rakshasa at night,—a battle which though + fierce was yet delightful to behold,—the Panchalas, with all the + other Kshatriyas, smilingly looked on as spectators. Meanwhile, thy + soldiers, O king, though protected (by their leaders) all over the field + and Drona and Drona’s son and Kripa and others, uttered loud wails, + saying, “All is lost!” Indeed, beholding those feats of Hidimva’s son on + the field of battle, all thy warriors were agitated with fear, and + uttering cries of woe became almost deprived of their senses. Thy troops, + O king, became hopeless of Karna’s life. Then Duryodhana, beholding Karna + fallen into great distress, summoned Alayudha and said unto him, “Yonder + Vikartana’s son, Karna, is engaged with the son of Hidimva, and is + accomplishing such feats in battle as are worthy of his might and prowess. + Behold those brave kings slain by the son of Bhimasena, struck with + diverse kinds of weapons (and lying on the field) like trees broken by an + elephant. Amongst all my royal warriors, let this be thy share in battle, + allotted by me, with thy permission, O hero, displaying thy prowess, slay + thou this Rakshasa. O crusher of foes, see that this wretch viz., + Ghatotkacha, may not, relying on his powers of illusion, slay Karna, the + son of Vikartana, before thou finishest him.” Thus addressed by the king, + that Rakshasa of fierce prowess and mighty arms, saying, “So be it,” + rushed against Ghatotkacha. Then Bhimasena’s son, O lord, abandoning + Karna, began to grind his advancing foe with arrows. The battle that took + place then between those angry Rakshasa princes, resembled that between + two infuriated elephants in the forest, fighting for the sake of the same + she-elephant in her season. Freed then from the Rakshasa, Karna, that + foremost of car-warriors, rushed against Bhimasena, riding on his car of + solar effulgence. Beholding Ghatotkacha engaged with Alayudha in battle + and afflicted like the leader of a bovine herd when engaged with a lion, + Bhima, that foremost of smiters, disregarding the advancing Karna, rushed + towards Alayudha, riding on his car of solar effulgence and scattering + clouds of shafts. Seeing Bhima advance, Alayudha, O lord, abandoning + Ghatotkacha, proceeded against Bhima himself. Then Bhima, that + exterminator of Rakshasas, impetuously rushed towards him, O lord, and + covered that prince of the Rakshasas with shafts. Similarly, Alayudha, + that chastiser of foes, repeatedly covered the son of Kunti with straight + shafts whetted on stone. All the other Rakshasas also, of terrible forms + and armed with diverse weapons solicitous for the victory of thy sons, + rushed against Bhimasena. The mighty Bhimasena, thus assailed by them, + pierced each of them with five whetted shafts. Then those Rakshasas of + wicked understanding, thus received by Bhimasena, uttered loud wails and + fled away on all sides. The mighty Rakshasa, beholding his followers + frightened by Bhima, rushed impetuously against Bhima and covered him with + shafts. Then Bhimasena, in that battle, weakened his foe by means of many + keen-pointed arrows. Amongst those arrows sped at him by Bhima, Alayudha + speedily cut off some and seized others in that battle. Then Bhima of + terrible prowess, looking steadily at that prince of the Rakshasas, hurled + at him with great force a mace endued with the impetuosity of thunder. + That mace, coursed towards him like a flame of fire, and the cannibal + struck it with a mace of his own, where-upon the latter (baffling the + former) proceeded towards Bhima. Then, the son of Kunti covered that + prince of Rakshasas, with showers of shafts. The Rakshasa, with his own + keen shafts, baffled all those shafts of Bhima. Then all those Rakshasa + warriors, of terrible forms, rallying and returning to battle, at the + command of their leader, began to slay the elephants (of Bhima’s force). + The Panchalas and the Srinjayas, the steeds and huge elephants (of Bhima’s + army), exceedingly afflicted by the Rakshasas, became much agitated. + Beholding that terrible battle (fought between Bhima and the Rakshasa), + Vasudeva, that foremost of men addressing Dhananjaya, said these words, + “Behold, the mighty-armed Bhima is succumbing to that prince of Rakshasas. + Quickly proceed in Bhima’s wake, without thinking of anything else, O son + of Pandu. Meanwhile, let Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin, and Yudhamanyu and + Uttamaujas, these mighty car-warriors, uniting with the son of Draupadi, + proceed against Karna. Let Nakula and Sahadeva and the valiant Yuyudhana, + O son of Pandu, at thy command, slay the other Rakshasas! As regards + thyself, O mighty armed one, do thou resist this division having Drona at + its head. O thou of mighty arms, great is the danger that threatens us + now.” After Krishna had said so, those foremost of car-warriors, as + commanded, proceeded against Karna, the son of Vikartana, and against the + other Rakshasas (fighting for the Kurus). Then with some shafts resembling + snakes of virulent poison and sped from his bow drawn to its fullest + stretch, the valiant prince of the Rakshasas cut off Bhima’s bow. The + mighty cannibal next, in the very sight of Bhima, O Bharata, slew the + latter’s steeds and driver with some whetted shafts. Steedless and + driverless, Bhima, descending from the terrace of his car, uttered a loud + roar and hurled a heavy mace at his foe. That heavy mace, as it coursed + impetuously towards him with a terrible sound, the mighty cannibal baffled + with a mace of his own. The latter then uttered a loud roar. Beholding + that mighty and terrible feat of that prince of Rakshasas, Bhimasena + filled with joy, seized another fierce mace. The battle then that took + place between that human warrior and that Rakshasa, became dreadful. With + the clash of their descending maces, the earth trembled violently. Casting + aside their maces, they once more encountered each other. They struck each + other with their clenched fists, falling with the sound of thunder. + Excited with rage, they encountered each other with car-wheels, and yokes, + and Akshas and Adhishthanas, and Upaskaras, in fact, with anything that + came in their way. Encountering each other thus and both covered with + blood, they looked like a couple of infuriated elephants of gigantic size. + Then, Hrishikesa, ever devoted to the good of the Pandavas, beholding that + combat, despatched Hidimva’s son for protecting Bhimasena.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0173" id="link72H_4_0173"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Seeing Bhima in that battle assailed by the cannibal, + Vasudeva, approaching Ghatotkacha, said unto him these words, “Behold, O + mighty-armed one, Bhima is violently assailed by the Rakshasa in battle, + in the very sight of all the troops and of thyself, O thou of great + splendour! Abandoning Karna for the present, quickly slay Alayudha, O + mighty armed one! Thou can afterwards slay Karna.” Hearing these words of + him of Vrishni’s race, the valiant Ghatotkacha, abandoning Karna, + encountered Alayudha, that prince of cannibals and brother of Vaka. The + battle then that took place at night between those two cannibals, viz., + Alayudha and the son of Hidimva became fierce and dreadful, O Bharata. + Meanwhile, the mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, + pierced with keen shafts the warriors of Alayudha, those terrible-looking + and heroic Rakshasas, armed with bows. The diadem-decked Vibhatsu, O king, + in that battle, shooting his arrows on all sides, began to overthrow many + foremost of Kshatriyas. Meanwhile, Karna, O king, in that battle agitated + many kings and many mighty car-warriors amongst the Panchalas headed by + Dhrishtadyumna and Sikhandin and others. Beholding them slaughtered (by + Karna), Bhima, of terrible prowess, rushed speedily towards Karna, + shooting his shafts in that battle. Then those warriors also, viz., Nakula + and Sahadeva and the mighty car-warrior, Satyaki, having slain the + Rakshasas, proceeded to that place where the Suta’s son was. All of them, + then, began to fight with Karna, while the Panchalas encountered Drona. + Then Alayudha, excited with rage, struck Ghatotkacha, that chastiser of + foes, on the head, with a gigantic Parigha. With the stroke of that + Parigha, the mighty son of Bhimasena, endued with great prowess, seemed to + be in a state of partial swoon and sat down motionless. Recovering + consciousness, the latter, then, in that encounter, hurled at his foe a + gold-decked mace adorned with a hundred bells and looking like a blazing + fire. Hurled forcibly by that achiever of fierce feats, that mace crushed + into pieces the steeds, the driver, and the loud-rattling car of Alayudha. + Having recourse to illusion, the latter, then, jumped down from that car + of his, whose steeds and wheels and Akshas and standard and Kuvara had all + been crushed into pieces. Relying on his illusion, he poured a copious + shower of blood. The sky then seemed to be overspread with a mass of black + clouds adorned with flashes of lightning. A thunder-storm was then heard, + accompanied with loud reports and loud roars of clouds. Loud sounds also + of chat, chat, were heard in that dreadful battle. Beholding that illusion + created by the Rakshasa Alayudha, the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, soaring aloft, + destroyed it by means of his own illusion. Alayudha, beholding his own + illusion destroyed by that of his foe, began to pour a heavy shower of + stones on Ghatotkacha. That terrible shower of stones, the valiant + Ghatotkacha dispelled by means of a shower of arrows. They then rained on + each other diverse weapons, such as iron Parighas and spears and maces and + short clubs and mallets, and Pinakas and swords and lances and long spears + and Kampanas, and keen shafts, both long and broad-headed, and arrows and + discs and battle-axes, and Ayogudas and short-arrows, and weapons with + heads like those of kine, and Ulukhalas. And they struck each other, + tearing up many kinds of large-branched trees such as Sami and Pilu and + Karira and Champaka, O Bharata, and Inguidi and Vadari and flowering + Kovidara and Arimeda and Plaksha and banian and peepul, and also with + diverse mountain-summits and diverse kinds of metals. The clash of those + trees and mountain-summits became very loud like the roar of driving + thunder. Indeed, the battle that took place between Bhima’s son and + Alayudha, was, O king, dreadful in the extreme, like that in days of old, + O monarch, between Vali and Sugriva, those two princes among the monkeys. + They struck each other with shafts and diverse other kinds of fierce + weapons, as also with sharp scimitars. Then the mighty Rakshasas, rushing + against each other, seized each other by the hair. And, O king, those two + gigantic warriors, with many wounds on their bodies and blood and sweat + trickling down, looked like two mighty masses of clouds pouring rain. Then + rushing with speed and whirling the Rakshasas on high and dashing him + down, Hidimva’s son cut off his large head. Then taking that head decked + with a pair of ear-rings, the mighty Ghatotkacha uttered a loud roar. + Beholding the gigantic brother of Vaka, that chastiser of foes, thus + slain, the Panchalas and the Pandavas began to utter leonine shouts. Then, + upon the fall of the Rakshasa, the Pandavas beat and blew thousands of + drums and ten thousands of conchs. That night then clearly indicated the + victory of the Pandavas. Illumined with torches all around, and resounding + with the noise of musical instruments, the night looked exceedingly + resplendent. Then the mighty son of Bhimasena threw down the head of the + slain Alayudha before Duryodhana. Duryodhana, beholding the heroic + Alayudha slain, became, O Bharata, filled with anxiety, for all his + troops. Alayudha, having come to Duryodhana of his own accord. remembering + his former quarrel, had said unto him that he would slay Bhima in battle. + The Kuru king had regarded Bhima’s slaughter to be certain, and had + believed that his brothers would all be long-lived. Beholding that + Alayudha slain by Bhimasena’s son, the king regarded Bhima’s vow (about + the slaughter of himself and his brothers) already fulfilled.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0174" id="link72H_4_0174"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXIX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having slain Alayudha, the Rakshasa Ghatotkacha became + filled with delight. Standing at the head of the army he began to utter + diverse kinds of shouts. Hearing those loud roars of his that made + elephants tremble, a great fear, O monarch, entered into the hearts of thy + warriors. Beholding the mighty son of Bhimasena engaged with Alayudha, the + mighty-armed Karna rushed against the Panchalas. He pierced Dhrishtadyumna + and Sikhandin, each with ten strong and straight shafts sped from his bow + drawn to its fullest stretch. With a number of other powerful shafts, the + Suta’s son then caused Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, and the great + car-warrior Satyaki to tremble. The bows of those warriors also, O king, + while they were engaged in striking Karna from all sides, were seen to be + drawn into circles. On that night, the twang of their bow-strings and the + rattle of their car-wheels (mingling together), became loud and deep as + the roar of the clouds at the close of summer. The nocturnal battle, O + monarch, resembled a gathering mass of clouds. The twang of bow-string and + the rattle of car-wheels constituted its roar. The bows (of warriors) + constituted its lightning flashes; and showers of shafts formed its + downpour of rain. Standing immovable like a hill and possessed of the + strength of a prince of mountains, that grinder of foes, viz., Vikartana’s + son, Karna, O king, destroyed that wonderful shower of arrows shot at him. + Devoted to the good of thy sons, the high-souled Vaikartana, in the + battle, began to strike his foes with lances endued with the force of + thunder, and with whetted shafts, equipped with beautiful wings of gold. + Soon the standards of some were broken and cut down by Karna, and the + bodies of others pierced and mangled by him with keen arrows; and soon + some were deprived of drivers, and some of their steeds. Exceedingly + afflicted by the Suta’s son in that battle, many of them entered the force + of Yudhishthira. Beholding them broken and compelled to retreat, + Ghatotkacha became mad with rage. Mounted on that excellent car of his + that was decked with gold and jewels, he uttered a leonine roar and + approaching Vikartana’s son, Karna, pierced him with shafts endued with + the force of thunder. Both of them began to cover the welkin with barbed + arrows, and cloth-yard shafts, and frog-faced arrows, and Nalikas and + Dandas and Asanis and arrows bearing heads like the calf’s tooth or the + boar’s ear, and broad-headed shafts, and shafts pointed like horns, and + others bearing heads like razors. The welkin, covered with that arrowy + shower, looked, in consequence of those gold-winged shafts of blazing + splendour coursing horizontally through it, as if hung with garland of + beautiful flowers. Each endued with prowess equal to that of the other, + they struck each other equally with powerful weapons. None could, in that + battle, find any mark of superiority in either of those excellent heroes. + Indeed, that battle between the son of Surya and Bhima’s son, + characterised by a thick and heavy shower of weapons, looked exceedingly + beautiful and presented almost an unrivalled sight like the fierce + encounter between Rahu and Surya in the welkin.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘When Ghatotkacha, O king, that foremost of all + persons conversant with weapons, found that he could not prevail over + Karna, he invoked into existence a fierce and mighty weapon. With that + weapon, the Rakshasa first slew the steeds of Karna and then the latter’s + driver. Having achieved that feat, Hidimva’s son quickly made himself + invisible.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the Rakshasa fighting by deceitful means thus + disappeared, tell me, O Sanjaya, what the warriors of my army thought.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Seeing the Rakshasa disappear, all the Kauravas loudly + said, “Appearing next, the Rakshasa, fighting deceitfully, will certainly + slay Karna.” Then Karna, endued with wonderful lightness in the use of + weapons, covered all sides with showers of shafts. The welkin being + covered with the darkness caused by that thick arrowy shower, all + creatures became invisible. So great was the lightness of hand displayed + by the Suta’s son, that none could mark when he touched his quivers with + his fingers, when he fixed his arrows on the bowstring, and when he aimed + and sped them off. The entire welkin seemed to be shrouded with his + arrows. Then a fierce and terrible illusion was invoked into existence by + the Rakshas in the welkin. We beheld in the sky what appeared to us to be + a mass of red clouds resembling the fierce flame of a blazing fire. From + that cloud issued flashes of lightning, and many blazing brands, O Kuru + king! And tremendous roars also issued therefrom, like the noise of + thousands of drums beat at once. And from it fell many shafts winged with + gold, and darts, lances and heavy clubs, and other similar weapons, and + battle-axes, and scimitars washed with oil, and axes of blazing edges, and + spears, and spiked maces emitting shining rays, and beautiful maces of + iron, and long darts of keen points, and heavy maces decked with gold and + twined round with string’s, and Sataghnis, all around. And large rocks + fell from it, and thousands of thunderbolts with loud report, and many + hundreds of wheels and razors of the splendour of fire. Karna shooting + showers of shafts, failed to destroy that thick and blazing downpour of + darts and lances and clubs. Loud became the uproar then of falling steeds + slain by those shafts, and mighty elephants struck with thunder, and great + car-warriors deprived of life by other weapons. Afflicted by Ghatotkacha + with that terrible shower of arrows all around, that host of Duryodhana + was seen to wander in great pain over the field. With cries of Oh and + Alas, and exceedingly cheerless, that wandering host seemed on the point + of being annihilated. The leaders, however, in consequence of the nobility + of their hearts, fled not away with faces turned from the field. Beholding + that exceedingly frightful and awful shower of mighty weapons, caused by + the Rakshasa’s illusion, falling upon the field, and seeing their vast + army incessantly slaughtered, thy sons became inspired with great fear. + Hundreds of jackals with tongues blazing like fire and terrible yells, + began to cry. And, O king, the (Kaurava) warriors beholding the yelling + Rakshasas, became exceedingly distressed. Those terrible Rakshasas with + fiery tongues and blazing mouths and sharp teeth, and with forms huge as + hills, stationed in the welkin, with darts in grasp looked like clouds + pouring torrents of rain. Struck and crushed with those fierce shafts and + darts and lances and maces and spiked clubs of blazing splendour, and + thunder-bolts and Pinakas and Asanis and discs and Sataghnis, the + (Kaurava) troops began to fall down. The Rakshasas began to pour upon the + warriors of thy son long darts, and treacle and Sataghnis, and Sthunas + made of black iron and twined with strings of jute. Then all the + combatants became stunned. Brave warriors, with weapons broken or loosened + from their grasp, or deprived of heads, or with fractured limbs began to + fall down on the field. And in consequence of the falling rocks, steeds + and elephants and cars began to be crushed. Those Yatudhanas of terrible + forms created by Ghatotkacha with the aid of his powers of illusion + pouring that thick shower of mighty weapons spared neither those that were + terrified nor those that begged for quarter. During that cruel carnage of + Kuru heroes, brought on by Death himself, during that extermination of + Kshatriyas the Kaurava warriors suddenly broke and fled with speed, crying + aloud, “Fly, ye Kauravas! All is lost! The gods Indra at their head are + slaying us for the sake of the Pandavas!” At that time there was none that + could rescue the sinking Bharata troops. During that fierce uproar and + rout and extermination of the Kauravas, the camps losing their distinctive + features, the parties could not be distinguished from each other. Indeed, + during that terrible rout in which the soldiers showed no regard for one + another, every side of the field, when looked at, seemed to be empty. Only + Karna, O king, could be seen there, drowned in that shower of weapons. + Then Karna covered the welkin with his shafts, contending with that + celestial illusion of the Rakshasa. The Suta’s son, endued with modesty + and achieving the most difficult and noble feats, did not lose his senses + in that battle. Then, O king, all the Saindhavas and Valhikas affrightedly + looked at Karna who kept his senses in that fight. And they all worshipped + him, while they looked at the triumph of the Rakshasa. Then a Sataghni + equipped with wheels, hurled by Ghatotkacha, slew the four steeds of Karna + simultaneously. These dropped down on the ground, on their knees, deprived + of life, teeth, eyes, and tongues. Then jumping down from his steedless + car and seeing the Kauravas flying away, and beholding his own celestial + weapon baffled by the Rakshasa illusion, Karna, without losing his senses, + turned his mind inwards and began to reflect on what he should next do. At + that time all the Kauravas, beholding Karna and that terrible illusion (of + the Rakshasa) cried out saying, “O Karna, slay the Rakshasa soon with thy + dart. These Kauravas and the Dhartarashtras are on the point of being + annihilated. What will Bhima and Arjuna do to us? Slay this wretched + Rakshasa at dead of night, who is consuming us all. They that will escape + from this dreadful encounter to-day will fight with the Parthas in battle. + Therefore, slay this terrible Rakshas now with that dart given thee by + Vasava. O Karna, let not these great warriors, the Kauravas, these princes + that resemble Indra himself, be all destroyed in this nocturnal battle.” + Then Karna, seeing the Rakshasa alive at dead of night, and the Kuru army + struck with fear, and hearing also the loud wails of the latter set his + heart upon hurling his dart. Inflamed with rage like a wrathful lion and + unable to brook the assaults of the Rakshasa, Karna took up that foremost + of victory-giving and invincible darts, desirous of compassing the + destruction of Ghatotkacha. Indeed, that dart, O king, which he had kept + and adored for years for (achieving) the slaughter of Pandu’s son in + battle, that foremost of darts which Sakra himself had given to the Suta’s + son in exchange for the latter’s ear-rings, that blazing and terrible + missile twined with strings and which seemed to thirst for blood, that + fierce weapon which looked like the very tongue of the Destroyer or the + sister of Death himself, that terrible and effulgent dart, Naikartana, was + now hurled at the Rakshasa. Beholding that excellent and blazing weapon + capable of piercing the body of every foe, in the hands of the Suta’s son, + the Rakshasa began to fly away in fear assuming a body gigantic as the + foot of the Vindhya mountains. Indeed, seeing that dart in Karna’s hand, + all creatures in the sky, O king, uttered loud cries. Fierce winds began + to blow, and thunders with loud report began to fall on the earth. + Destroying that blazing illusion of Ghatotkacha and piercing right through + his breast that resplendent dart soared aloft in the night and entered a + starry constellation in the firmament. Having fought, using diverse + beautiful weapons, with many heroic Rakshasa and human warriors, + Ghatotkacha, then uttering diverse terrible roars, fell, deprived of life + with that dart of Sakra. This also is another exceedingly wonderful feat + that the Rakshasa accomplished for the destruction of his foes, that at a + time when his heart was pierced by that dart, he shone resplendent, O + king, like a mighty mountain or a mass of clouds. Indeed, having assumed + that terrible and awful form, Bhimasena’s son of frightful deeds fell + down. When dying, O king, he fell upon a portion of thy army and pressed + those troops down by the weight of his own body. Quickly falling down, the + Rakshasa with his gigantic and still increasing body, desirous of + benefiting the Pandavas, slew a full Akshauhini of thy troops while he + himself breathed his last. Then a loud uproar arose there made up of + leonine shouts and blare of conchs and the beat of drums and cymbals. The + Kauravas indeed, beholding the illusion of the Rakshasa destroyed and the + Rakshasa himself slain uttered loud shouts of joy. Then Karna, worshipped + by the Kurus as Sakra had been by the Maruts upon the slaughter of Vritra, + ascended behind the car of thy son, and becoming the observed of all, + entered the Kuru host.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0175" id="link72H_4_0175"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXX + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Hidimva’s son slain and lying like a riven + mountain, all the Pandavas became filled with grief and began to shed + copious tears. Only Vasudeva filled with transports of delight, began to + utter leonine shouts, grieving the Pandavas. Indeed, uttering loud shouts + he embraced Arjuna. Tying the steeds and uttering loud roars, he began to + dance in a transport of joy, like a tree shaken by a tempest. Then + embracing Arjuna once more, and repeatedly slapping his own armpits, + Achyuta endued with great intelligence once more began to shout, standing + on the terrace of the car. Beholding those tokens of delight that Kesava + manifested, Dhananjaya, O king, with heart in grief, addressed him, + saying, “O slayer of Madhu, thou showest great joy at a time scarcely fit + for it, indeed on an occasion for sorrow caused by the death of Hidimva’s + son. Our troops are flying away, beholding Ghatotkacha slain. We also are + filled with anxiety in consequence of the fall of Hidimva’s son. O + Janardana, the cause must be very grave when at such a time thou feelest + such joy. Therefore, O foremost of truthful men, asked by me, tell me + truly (what that cause is). Indeed, if it be not a secret, it behoveth + thee, O chastiser of foes, to say it unto me. O slayer of Madhu, tell me + what has removed thy gravity today. This act of thine, O Janardana, this + lightness of heart, seems to me like the drying up of the ocean or the + locomotion of Meru.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “Great is the joy I feel. Listen to me, Dhananjaya! This + that I will tell thee will immediately dispel thy sorrow and infuse + delight into thy heart. O thou of great splendour, know, O Dhananjaya, + that Karna, his dart being baffled through Ghatotkacha, is already slain + in battle. The man does not exist in this world that could not stay before + Karna armed with that dart and looking like Kartikeya in battle. By good + luck, his (natural) armour had been taken away. By good luck, his earrings + also had been taken away. By good luck, his infallible dart also is now + baffled, through Ghatotkacha. Clad in (natural) coat of mail and decked + with his (natural) ear-rings, Karna, who had his senses under control, + could singly vanquish the three worlds with the very gods. Neither Vasava, + nor Varuna the lord of the waters, nor Yama, could venture to approach + him. Indeed, if that bull among men had his armour and ear-rings, neither + thyself, bending the Gandiva, nor myself, uplifting my discus, called + Sudarsana, could vanquish him in battle. For thy good, Karna was divested + of his ear-rings by Sakra with the help of an illusion. Similarly was that + subjugator of hostile towns deprived of his (natural) armour. Indeed, + because Karna, cutting off his (natural) armour and his brilliant + ear-rings, gave them unto Sakra, it is for that he came to be called + Vaikartana. Karna now seems to me to be like an angry snake of virulent + poison stupefied by power of incantation, or like a fire of mild flames. + From that time, O mighty-armed one, when the high-souled Sakra gave that + dart unto Karna in exchange for the latter’s ear-rings, and celestial + armour, that dart, viz., which has slain Ghatotkacha, from that time, + Vrisha, having obtained it, had always regarded thee as slain in battle! + But though deprived of that dart, O sinless one, I swear to thee that hero + is still incapable of being slain by anybody else save thee. Devoted to + Brahmanas, truthful in speech, engaged in penances, observant of vows, + kind even unto foes, for these reasons Karna is called Vrisha. Heroic in + battle, possessed of mighty arms and with bow always uplifted, like the + lion in the forest depriving leaders of elephantine herds of their pride, + Karna always deprives the greatest car-warriors of their pride on the + field of battle, and resembles the mid-day sun at whom none can gaze. + Contending with all the illustrious and foremost of warriors of thy army, + O tiger among men, Karna, while shooting his arrowy showers, looked like + the autumnal sun with his thousand rays. Indeed, incessantly shooting + showers of shafts like the clouds pouring torrents of rain at the end of + summer, Karna is like a pouring cloud charged with celestial weapons. He + is incapable of being vanquished in battle by the gods, he would mangle + them in such a way that their flesh and blood would fall copiously on the + field. Deprived, however, of his armour as also of his car-rings, O son of + Pandu, and divested also of the dart given him by Vasava, Karna is now + like a man (and no longer like a god). There will occur one opportunity + for his slaughter. When his car-wheels will sink in the earth, availing + thyself of that opportunity, thou shouldst slay him in that distressful + situation. I will make thee a sign beforehand. Warned by it, thou shouldst + act. The vanquisher of Vala himself, that foremost of heroes, wielding his + thunder, is incapable of slaying the invincible Karna while the latter + stands weapon in hand. Indeed, O Arjuna, for thy good, with the aid of + diverse contrivances I have slain, one after another, Jarasandha and the + illustrious ruler of the Chedis and the mighty-armed Nishada of the name + of Ekalavya. Other great Rakshasas having Hidimva and Kirmira and Vaka for + their foremost, as also Alayudha, that grinder of hostile troops, and + Ghatotkacha, that crusher of foes and warrior of fierce deeds, have all + been slain.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0176" id="link72H_4_0176"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXI + </h2> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “How, O Janardana, for our good, and by what means, were + those lords of the earth, viz., Jarasandha and the others, slain?" </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “If Jarasandha, and the ruler of the Chedis, and the + mighty son of the Nishada king, had not been slain, they would have become + terrible. Without doubt, Duryodhana would have chosen those foremost of + car-warriors (for embracing his side). They had always been hostile to us, + and, accordingly, they would all have adopted the side of the Kauravas. + All of them were heroes and mighty bowmen accomplished in weapons and firm + in battle. Like the celestials (in prowess), they would have protected + Dhritarashtra’s sons. Indeed, the Suta’s son, and Jarasandha, and the + ruler of the Chedis, and the son of the Nishada adopting the son of + Suyodhana, would have succeeded in conquering the whole earth. Listen, O + Dhananjaya, by what means they were slain. Indeed, without the employment + of means, the very gods could not have conquered them in battle. Each of + them, O Partha, could fight in battle with the whole celestial host + protected by the Regents of the world. (On one occasion), assailed by + Valadeva, Jarasandha, excited with wrath, hurled for our destruction a + mace capable of slaying all creatures. Endued with the splendour of fire, + that mace coursed towards us dividing the welkin like the line on the head + that parts the tresses of a woman, and with the impetuosity of the thunder + hurled by Sakra. Beholding that mace thus coursing towards us the son of + Rohini hurled the weapon called Sthunakarna for baffling it. Its force + destroyed by the energy of Valadeva’s weapon, that mace fell down on the + earth, splitting her (with its might) and making the very mountains + tremble. There was a terrible Rakshasa of the name Jara, endued with great + prowess. She, O prince, had united that slayer of foes, and, therefore, + was the latter called Jarasandha. Jarasandha had been made up of two + halves of one child. And because it was Jara that had united those two + halves, it was for this that he came to be called Jarasandha.<a + href="#linknote-7237" name="linknoteref-7237" id="linknoteref-7237">237</a> + That Rakshasa woman, O Partha, who was there within the earth, was slain + with her son and kinsmen by means of that mace and the weapon of + Sthunakarna. Deprived of his mace in that great battle, Jarasandha was + afterwards slain by Bhimasena in thy presence, O Dhananjaya.<a + href="#linknote-7238" name="linknoteref-7238" id="linknoteref-7238">238</a> + If the valiant Jarasandha had stood armed with his mace, the very gods + with Indra at their head could not have slain him in battle. O best of + men! for thy good, the Nishada’s son also, of prowess incapable of being + baffled, was, by an act of guile, deprived of his thumb by Drona, assuming + the position of his preceptor. Proud and endued with steady prowess, the + Nishada’s son, with fingers cased in leathern gloves, looked resplendent + like a second Rama. Undeprived of thumb, Ekalavya, O Partha, was incapable + of being vanquished in battle by the gods, the Danavas, the Rakshasas, and + the Uragas (together). Of firm grasp, accomplished in weapons, and capable + of shooting incessantly day and night, he was incapable of being looked at + by mere men. For thy good, he was slain by me on the field of battle. + Endued with great prowess, the ruler of the Chedis was slain by me before + thy eyes. He also was incapable of being vanquished in battle by the gods + and the Asuras together. I was born to slay him as also the other enemies + of the gods, with thy assistance, O tiger among men, from desire of + benefiting the world. Hidimva and Vaka and Kirmira have all been slain by + Bhimasena. All those Rakshasas were endued with might equal to that Ravana + and all of them were destroyers of Brahmanas and sacrifices. Similarly, + Alayudha, possessed of large powers of illusion, had been slain by + Hidimva’s son. Hidimva’s son also, I have slain by the employment of + means, viz., through Karna with his dart. If Karna had not slain him with + his dart in great battle, I myself would have had to slay Bhima’s son + Ghatotkacha. From desire of benefiting you, I did not slay him before. + That Rakshasa was inimical to Brahmanas and sacrifices. Because he was a + destroyer of sacrifices and of a sinful soul, therefore hath he been thus + slain. O sinless one, by that act as a means, the dart given by Sakra, + hath also been rendered futile. O son of Pandu, they that are destroyers + of righteousness are all slayable by me. Even that is the vow made by me, + for establishing righteousness. Whither the Vedas and truth and + self-restraint and purity and righteousness and modesty and prosperity and + wisdom and forgiveness are always to be met with, thither I myself always + remain. Thou needst not be at all anxious about Karna’s slaughter. I will + tell you the means by which you will slay him. Vrikodara also will succeed + in slaying Suyodhana. I will tell thee, O son of Pandu, the means by which + that will have to be compassed. Meanwhile, the uproar made by the hostile + army is increasing. Thy troops also are flying away on all sides. Having + achieved their objects, the Kauravas are destroying thy host. Indeed, + Drona, that foremost of all smiters, is scorching us in battle.”’" </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +SECTION CLXXXII +</pre> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘When the Suta’s son had such a dart as was sure to + slay one person, why did he not hurl it at Partha, to the exclusion of all + others? Upon Partha’s slaughter by means of that dart, all the Srinjayas + and the Pandavas would have been slain. Indeed, upon Phalguna’s death, why + should not the victory have been ours? Arjuna has made a vow to the effect + that summoned to battle he would never refuse to accept the challenge. The + Suta’s son should have, therefore, summoned Phalguna to battle. Tell me, O + Sanjaya, why did not Vrisha then engaging Phalguna in single combat, slay + the latter with that dart given him by Sakra? Without doubt, my son is + destitute of both intelligence and counsellors. That sinful wretch is + constantly baffled by the foe. How should he then succeed in vanquishing + his enemies? Indeed, that dart which was such a mighty weapon and upon + which rested his victory, alas, that dart, hath, by Vasudeva, been made + fruitless through Ghatotkacha. Indeed, it hath been snatched from Karna, + like a fruit from the hand of a cripple, with a withered arm, by a strong + person. Even so hath that fatal dart been rendered fruitless through + Ghatotkacha. As in a fight between a boar and a dog, upon the death of + either, the hunter is the party profited. I think, O learned one, that + even so was Vasudeva the party to profit by the battle between Karna and + Hidimva’s son. If Ghatotkacha had slain Karna in battle, that would have + been a great gain for the Pandavas. If, on the other hand, Karna had slain + Ghatotkacha, that too would have been a great gain to them in consequence + of the loss of Karna’s dart. Endued with great wisdom, that lion among + men, viz., Vasudeva, reflecting in this way, and for doing what was + agreeable to and good for the Pandavas, caused Ghatotkacha to be slain by + Karna in battle.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Knowing the feat that Karna desired to achieve, the slayer + of Madhu, the mighty-armed Janardana, O king, commanded the prince of the + Rakshasas, Ghatotkacha of mighty energy, to engage in single combat with + Karna for rendering, O monarch, the latter’s fatal dart fruitless. All + this, O king, is the result of thy evil policy! We would certainly have + achieved success, O perpetuator of Kuru’s race, if Krishna had not (thus) + rescued the mighty car-warrior Partha from Karna’s hands. Indeed, Partha + would have been destroyed with his steeds, standard, and car, in battle, O + Dhritarashtra, if that master, that lord of Yogins, viz., Janardana had + not saved him. Protected by diverse means, O king, and well-aided by + Krishna, Partha approaching his foes, vanquished that fatal dart, + otherwise that weapon would have quickly destroyed the son of Kunti like + the lightning destroying a tree.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘My son is fond of quarrel. His advisers are foolish. + He is vain of his wisdom. It is for that, that this certain means of + Arjuna’s death hath been baffled. Why, O Suta, did not Duryodhana, or that + foremost of all wielders, viz., Karna, possessed of great intelligence, + hurl that fatal dart at Dhananjaya? Why, O son of Gavalgana, didst thou + too forget this great object, possessed as thou art of great wisdom, or + why didst not thou remind Karna of it?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Indeed, O king, every night this formed the subject of + deliberation with Duryodhana and Sakuni and myself and Duhsasana. And we + said unto Karna, “Excluding all other warriors, O Karna, slay Dhananjaya. + We would then lord it over the Pandu’s and the Panchalas as if these were + our slaves. Or, if upon Partha’s fall, he of Vrishni’s race appoints + another amongst the sons of Pandu (in this place for carrying on the + fight), let Krishna himself be slain. Krishna is the root of the Pandavas, + and Partha is like their risen trunk. The other sons of Pritha are like + their branches, while the Panchalas may be called their leaves. The + Pandavas have Krishna for their refuge, Krishna for their might, Krishna + for their leader. Indeed, Krishna is their central support even as the + moon is of the constellations. Therefore, O Suta’s son, avoiding the + leaves and branches and trunk, slay that Krishna who is everywhere and + always the root of the Pandavas. Indeed, if Karna had slain him of + Dasarha’s race, viz., that delighter of the Yadavas, the whole earth, O + king, would, without doubt, have come under thy control. Truly, O monarch, + if that illustrious one, that delighter of both the Yadavas and the + Pandavas, could be made to lie down on the earth, deprived of life, then + certainly, O monarch, the entire earth with the mountains and forests + would have owned thy supremacy.” We rose every morning, having formed such + a resolution in respect of that Lord of the very gods, viz., Hrishikesa of + immeasurable energy. At the time of battle, however, we forget our + resolution. Kesava always protected Arjuna, the son of Kunti. He never + placed Arjuna before the Suta’s son in battle. Indeed, Achyuta always + placed other foremost of car-warriors before Karna, thinking how that + fatal dart of ours might be made fruitless by ourselves, O lord! When, + again, the high-souled Krishna protected Partha in this manner from Karna, + why, O monarch, would not that foremost of beings protect his own self? + Reflecting well, I see that there is no person in the three worlds who is + able to vanquish that chastiser of foes, viz., Janardana, that hero + bearing the discus in hand.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘That tiger among car-warriors, viz., Satyaki of + prowess incapable of being baffled, asked the mighty-armed Krishna about + the great car-warrior, Karna, saying, “O Janardana, even this had been + Karna’s firm resolution, viz., that he would hurl that dart of + immeasurable energy at Phalguna. Why, however, did not the Suta’s son + actually hurl it then at him?" </p> + <p> + “‘Vasudeva said, “Duhsasana and Karna and Sakuni and the ruler of the + Sindhus, with Duryodhana at their head, had frequently debated on this + subject. Addressing Karna, they used to say, ‘O Karna. O great bowman, O + thou of immeasurable prowess in battle, O foremost of all victors, this + dart should not be hurled at any one else than that great car-warrior, + viz., Kunti’s son, Partha or Dhananjaya. He is the most celebrated amongst + them, like Vasava amongst the gods. He being slain, all the other Pandavas + with the Srinjayas will be heartless like fireless celestials!<a + href="#linknote-7239" name="linknoteref-7239" id="linknoteref-7239">239</a>’ + Karna having assented to this, saying ‘So be it’ (the desire of) + slaughtering the wielder of Gandiva, O bull amongst the Sinis, was ever + present in Karna’s heart. I, however, O foremost of warriors, always used + to stupefy the son of Radha. It was for this that he did not hurl the dart + at Pandu’s son, owning white steeds. As long as I could not baffle that + means of Phalguna’s death, I had neither sleep, nor joy in my heart, O + foremost of warriors! Beholding that dart, therefore, rendered futile + through Ghatotkacha, O bull amongst the Sinis, I regarded Dhananjaya today + to have been rescued from within the jaws of Death. I do not regard my + sire, my mother, yourselves, my brothers, ay, my very life, so worthy of + protection as Vibhatsu in battle. If there be anything more precious than + the sovereignty of the three worlds, I do not, O Satwata, desire (to + enjoy) it without Pritha’s son, Dhananjaya (to share it with me). + Beholding Dhananjaya, therefore, like one returned from the dead, these + transports of delight, O Yuyudhana, have been mine. It was for this that I + had despatched the Rakshasa unto Karna for battle. None else was capable + of withstanding, in the night, Karna in battle.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Even thus did Devaki’s son who is ever devoted to + Dhananjaya’s good and to what is agreeable to him, speak unto Satyaki on + that occasion.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0177" id="link72H_4_0177"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘I see, O sire, that this act of Karna and Duryodhana + and Suvala’s son, Sakuni, and of thyself, in especial, hath been very much + against the dictates of policy. Indeed, when you knew that dart could + always slay one person in battle, and that it was incapable of being + either borne or baffled by the very gods with Vasava at their head, why + then, O Sanjaya, was it not hurled by Karna at Devaki’s son, or Phalguna, + while he was engaged with this in battle before?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Returning from battle every day, O monarch, all of us, O + foremost one of Kuru’s race, used to debate in the night and say unto + Karna, “Tomorrow morning, O Karna, this dart should be hurled at either + Kesava or Arjuna.” When, however, the morning came, O king, through + destiny, both Karna and the other warriors forgot that resolution. I think + destiny to be supreme, since Karna, with that dart in his hands, did not + slay in battle either Partha or Devaki’s son, Krishna. Indeed, because his + understanding was afflicted by destiny itself, it is for this that he did + not, stupefied by the illusion of the gods, hurl that fatal dart of + Vasava, though he had it in his hand, at Devaki’s son, Krishna for his + destruction or at Partha endued with prowess like Indra’s, O lord!’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Ye are destroyed by destiny, by your own + understanding, and by Kesava. Vasava’s dart is lost, having effected the + slaughter of Ghatotkacha who was as insignificant as straw. Karna, and my + sons, as all the other kings, through his highly impolitic act, have + already entered the abode of Yama. Tell me now how the battle once more + raged between the Kurus and the Pandavas after the fall of Hidimva’s son. + How did they that rushed against Drona, arrayed in order of battle and + well-skilled in smiting, viz., the Srinjaya and the Panchalas, fight? How, + indeed, did the Pandus and Srinjaya withstand the smiting Drona, when the + latter proceeding against them, penetrated into their host, excited with + wrath at the slaughter of Bhurisravas and Jayadratha, reckless of his very + life, and resembling a yawning tiger or the Destroyer himself with wide + open mouth? What also did they do in battle, O sire, viz., Drona’s son and + Karna and Kripa and others headed by Duryodhana that protected the + preceptor? Tell me, O Sanjaya, how my warriors in that battle covered with + their shafts Dhananjaya and Vrikodara who were solicitous of slaying + Bharadwaja’s son. How, indeed, did these excited with wrath at the death + of the ruler of the Sindhus, and those at the death of Ghatotkacha, each + side unable to brook their loss, fight that nocturnal battle?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the slaughter, that night, O king, of the Rakshasa, + Ghatotkacha, by Karna, thy troops, filled with joy, uttered loud shouts. + In that dark hour of the night, they fell impetuously upon the Pandava + troops and began to slay them. Seeing all this, king Yudhishthira became + exceedingly cheerless, O chastiser of foes. The mighty-armed son of Pandu, + then addressed Bhimasena and said, “O thou of mighty arms, resist the + Dhritarashtra host. In consequence of the slaughter of Hidimva’s son, a + great stupefaction overwhelms me.” Having ordered Bhimasena thus, he sat + down on his car. With tearful face and sighing repeatedly, the king became + exceedingly cheerless at the sight of Karna’s prowess. Beholding him so + afflicted, Krishna said these words, “O son of Kunti, let not such grief + be thine. Such cheerlessness does not become thee, O chief of the + Bharatas, as it does an ordinary person. Rise, O king, and fight. Bear the + heavy burden, O lord! If cheerlessness overtakes thee, our victory becomes + uncertain.” Hearing these words of Krishna, Dharma’s son, Yudhishthira, + wiping his eyes with his hands, replied unto Krishna, saying, “O thou of + mighty arms, the excellent path of duty is not unknown to me. The dire + consequences of a Brahmana’s slaughter are his that forgets the services + he receives at other’s hands. Whilst we were living in the woods the + high-souled son of Hidimva, although then a mere child did us many + services, O Janardana! Learning that Partha, having white steeds, had + departed for the acquisition of weapons, that great bowman (viz., + Ghatotkacha), O Krishna, came to me at Kamyaka. He dwelt with us till + Dhananjaya’s reappearance. Whilst proceeding over many inaccessible + fastnesses, he himself carried on his back the tired princess of Panchala. + The feats he achieved, O lord, show that he was skilled in all modes of + warfare. Indeed, that high-souled one accomplished many difficult feats + for my benefit. My affection for Ghatotkacha, that prince of the Rakshasas + is twice that, O Janardana, which I naturally bear towards Sahadeva. That + mighty-armed one was devoted to me. I was dear to him and he was dear to + me. It is for this that, scorched by grief, O thou of Vrishni’s race, I + have become so cheerless. Behold, O thou of Vrishni’s race, our troops + afflicted and routed by the Kauravas. Behold, those mighty car-warriors, + viz., Drona and Karna, are contending earnestly in battle. Behold, the + Pandava host crushed at dead of night, like an extensive forest of heath + by a couple of infuriated elephants. Disregarding the might of Bhimasena’s + son, as also the variety of weapon that Partha bears, the Kauravas are + putting forth their prowess. Yonder, Drona and Karna and king Suyodhana, + having slain the Rakshasa in battle, are uttering loud roars. How, O + Janardana, when we are alive and thyself too, could Hidimva’s son be slain + while engaged with the Suta’s son? Having caused a great slaughter amongst + us, and in the very sight of Savyasachin, Karna, O Krishna, hath slain + Bhimasena’s son of great strength, the Rakshasa, Ghatotkacha. When + Abhimanyu was slain by the wicked Dhartarashtras, the mighty car-warrior + Savyasachin, O Krishna, was not present in that battle. We also were all + held in check by the illustrious ruler of the Sindhus. Drona, with his son + (Aswatthaman), became the cause of that act. The preceptor himself told + Karna the means of Abhimanyu’s slaughter. While Abhimanyu was battling + with the sword it was the preceptor himself that cut off that weapon. And + while fallen into such distress, Kritavarman most cruelly slew the steeds + and the two Parshni drivers (of the boy). Other great bowmen then + despatched the son of Subhadra. For a little offence, O Krishna, was the + ruler of the Sindhus slain by the wielder of Gandiva. O foremost one among + the Yadavas, that act did not give me great joy. If the slaughter of foes + is just and should be achieved by the Pandavas, then Drona and Karna + should have been slain before this. This is what I think. O bull among + men, those two are the root of our woes. Obtaining those two (as his + allies) in battle, Suyodhana has become confident. Indeed, when it was + Drona that should have been slain or the Suta’s son with his followers, + the mighty-armed Dhananjaya slew the Sindhu king whose connection with the + affair was very remote. The punishment of the Suta’s son should certainly + by undertaken by me. I shall, therefore, O hero, now fight for slaying the + Suta’s son. The mighty-armed Bhimasena is now engaged with Drona’s + division.” Having said these words, Yudhishthira quickly proceeded against + Karna, holding his formidable bow and blowing his conch fiercely. Then, + surrounded by a Panchala and Prabhadraka force of a thousand cars, three + hundred elephants and five thousand horses, Sikhandin speedily followed in + the wake of the king. Then the mail-clad Panchalas and the Pandavas headed + by Yudhishthira beat their drums and blew their conchs. At this time + Vasudeva of mighty arms, addressing Dhananjaya said, “Filled with wrath, + yonder proceedeth Yudhishthira with great speed from desire of slaying the + Suta’s son. It is not proper that thou shouldst rely upon him in this.” + Having said these words, Hrishikesa quickly urged the steeds. Indeed, + Janardana followed in the wake of the king who was now at a distance. At + that time, seeing Dharma’s son, Yudhishthira, whose mind was afflicted by + grief and who seemed to be scorched as if by fire, rush with speed from + desire of slaying the Suta’s son, Vyasa approached him and said these + words.‘<a href="#linknote-7240" name="linknoteref-7240" id="linknoteref-7240">240</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “By good luck, Phalguna liveth still although he had + encountered Karna in battle. Indeed, Karna had kept his dart, desirous of + slaying Savyasachin, O bull of Bharata’s race, by good luck Jishnu did not + engage in single combat with Karna. Each of them in that case challenging + the other, would have shot his celestial weapons on all sides. The weapons + of the Suta’s son would have been destroyed by Arjuna. The former then + afflicted by the latter, would certainly have hurled Indra’s dart in that + battle. O Yudhishthira! O foremost one of Bharata’s race, (if this had + come to pass), then great would have been thy grief. O giver of honours, + by good luck the Rakshasa hath been slain in battle by the Suta’s son. + Indeed, Ghatotkacha hath been slain by death himself making the dart of + Vasava an instrument only. For thy good it is, O sire, that the Rakshasa + hath been slain in battle. Do not yield to anger, O foremost one of + Bharata’s race, and do not set thy heart on grief. O Yudhishthira, this is + the end of all creatures in this world. Uniting with thy brothers and all + the illustrious kings (of the host), fight with the Kauravas in battle, O + Bharata! On the fifth day from this, the earth will be thine. O tiger + among men, always think of virtue. With a cheerful heart, O son of Pandu, + practise kindness (to all creatures), penances, charity, forgiveness, and + truth. Victory is there where righteousness is.” Having said these words + unto the son of Pandu, Vyasa made himself invisible there and then.’”<a + href="#linknote-7241" name="linknoteref-7241" id="linknoteref-7241">241</a> + </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0178" id="link72H_4_0178"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXIV + </h2> + <h3> + (Drona-vadha Parva) + </h3> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Thus addressed by Vyasa, the heroic king Yudhishthira the + just refrained, O bull of Bharata’s race, from himself seeking to slay + Karna. In consequence, however of the slaughter of Ghatotkacha by the + Suta’s son that night, the king became filled with grief and anger. + Beholding thy vast host held in check by Bhima, Yudhishthira, addressing + Dhrishtadyumna, said, “Resist the Pot-born! O scorcher of foes, thou + hadst, clad in mail, and armed with bow and arrows and scimitar, sprung + from fire, for the destruction of Drona! Cheerfully rush thou to battle, + thou needst have no fear. Let also Janamejaya and Sikhandin and Durmukha’s + son and Yasodhara, rush in wrath against the Pot-born on every side. Let + Nakula and Sahadeva and the sons of Draupadi and the Prabhadrakas, and + Drupada and Virata with their sons and brothers, and Satyaki and the + Kaikeyas and the Pandavas and Dhananjaya, rush with speed against + Bharadwaja’s son, from desire of slaying him. Let also all our + car-warriors and all the elephants and horses we have, and all our + foot-soldiers, overthrow the mighty car-warrior Drona in battle.” Thus + ordered by the illustrious son of Pandu, all of them rushed impetuously + against the Pot-born from desire of slaughtering him. Drona, however, that + foremost of all wielders of arms, received in battle all those Pandava + warriors thus rushing towards him suddenly with great force and + perseverance. The king Duryodhana, desiring to protect Drona’s life, + rushed, filled with wrath, against the Pandavas, with great force and + perseverance. Then commenced the battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas + who roared at each other. The animals of both hosts as also the warriors + were all tired. The great car-warriors also, O king, with eyes closing in + sleep and worn out with exertion in battle, knew not what to do. That + night of nine hours, so terrible and awful<a href="#linknote-7242" name="linknoteref-7242" id="linknoteref-7242">242</a> and so destructive + of creatures, appeared to them to be everything.<a href="#linknote-7243" name="linknoteref-7243" id="linknoteref-7243">243</a> While they were + being thus slain and mangled by one another, and while sleep sat heavy on + their eyes, it became midnight. All the Kshatriyas became cheerless. Thy + troops, as also those of the foe, had no more weapons and arrows. Passing + the time thus (most of), the warriors (of both armies) endued with modesty + and energy and observant of the duties of their order, did not abandon + their divisions. Others, blind with sleep, abandoning their weapons, laid + themselves down. Some laid themselves down on the backs of elephants, some + on cars, and some on horseback, O Bharata! Blind with sleep, they became + perfectly motionless, O king. Other warriors (that were yet awake) in that + battle, despatched these to Yama’s abode. Others, deprived of their + senses, and dreaming in sleep, slew themselves, that is, their own + comrades, as also foes. Indeed, these fought in that dreadful battle, + uttering various exclamations. Many warriors, O monarch, of our army, + desirous of continuing the fight with the foe, stood with eyes drowsy with + sleep. Some brave warriors, during that terrible hour of darkness, though + blind with sleep, yet gliding along the field, slew one another in that + battle. Many amongst the foe, entirely stupefied by slumber, were slain + without their being conscious (of the strokes that launched them into + eternity). Beholding this condition of the soldiers, O bull among men, + Vibhatsu in a very loud voice, said these words: “all of you, with your + animals, are worn out with exertion and blind with sleep. Ye warriors, ye + are enveloped in darkness and with dust. Therefore, if ye like, ye may + rest. Indeed, here, on the field of battle close your eyes for a while. + Then when the moon will rise, ye Kurus and Pandavas, ye may again, having + slept and taken rest, encounter each other for the sake of heaven.” + Hearing these words of the virtuous Arjuna, the virtuous warriors (of the + Kuru army) assented to the suggestion, and addressing one another, loudly + said, “O Karna, O Karna, O king Duryodhana, abstain from the fight. The + Pandava host hath ceased to strike us.” Then at those words of Phalguna, + uttered loudly by him, the Pandava army as also thine, O Bharata, + abstained from battle. Indeed, these noble words of Partha were highly + applauded by the gods, the high-souled Rishis, and all the gladdened + soldiers. Applauding those kind words, O Bharata, all the troops, O king, + worn out with exertion, laid themselves down for sleep, O bull of + Bharata’s race. Then that army of thine, O Bharata, happy at the prospect + of rest and sleep, sincerely blessed Arjuna saying, “In thee are the Vedas + as also all weapons! In thee are intelligence and prowess! In thee, O + mighty armed one, are righteousness and compassion for all creatures, O + sinless one! And since we have been comforted by thee, we wish thy good, O + Partha! Let prosperity be to thee! Soon do thou get, O hero, those objects + that are dear to thy heart!” Blessing him thus, O tiger among men, those + great car-warriors, overcome with sleep, became silent, O monarch! Some + laid themselves down on horseback, some on the car-boxes, some on the + necks of elephants, and some on the bare ground. Many men, with their + weapons and maces and swords and battle axes and lances and with their + armours on, laid themselves down for sleep, apart from one another. + Elephants, heavy with sleep, made the earth cool with the breath of their + nostrils, that passed through their snake-like trunks spotted with dust. + Indeed, the elephants, as they breathed on the ground, looked beautiful + like hills scattered (on the field of battle) over whose breasts hissed + gigantic snakes. Steeds, in trappings of gold and with manes mingling with + their yokes, stamping their hoofs made even grounds uneven. Thus every + one, O king, slept there with the animal he rode. Thus steeds and + elephants and warriors, O bull of Bharata’s race, very much worn out with + exertion, slept, abstaining from battle. That slumbering host, deprived of + sense and sunk in sleep, then looked like a wonderful picture drawn on + canvas by skilful artists. Those Kshatriyas, decked in ear-rings and + endued with youth, with limbs mangled by shafts, and immersed in sleep, + having laid themselves down on the coronal globes of elephants, looked as + if they were lying on the deep bosom of beautiful ladies. Then the moon, + that delighter of eye and lord of lilies, of hue white as the checks of a. + beautiful lady, rose, adorning the direction presided over by Indra.<a + href="#linknote-7244" name="linknoteref-7244" id="linknoteref-7244">244</a> + Indeed, like a lion of the Udaya hills, with rays constituting his manes + of brilliant yellow, he issued out of his cave in the east, tearing to + pieces the thick gloom of night resembling an extensive herd of elephants.<a + href="#linknote-7245" name="linknoteref-7245" id="linknoteref-7245">245</a> + That lover of all assemblage of lilies (in the world), bright as the body + of Mahadeva’s excellent bull, full-arched and radiant as Karna’s bow, and + delightful and charming as the smile on the lips of a bashful bride, + bloomed in the firmament.<a href="#linknote-7246" name="linknoteref-7246" id="linknoteref-7246">246</a> Soon, however, that divine lord having the + hare for his mark showed himself shedding brighter rays around. Indeed, + the moon, after this seemed to gradually emit a bright halo of + far-reaching light that resembled the splendour of gold. Then the rays of + that luminary, dispelling the darkness by their splendour, slowly spread + themselves over all the quarters, the welkin, and the earth. Soon, + therefore, the world became illuminated. The unspeakable darkness that had + hidden everything quickly fled away. When the world was thus illuminated + into almost daylight by the moon, amongst the creatures that wander at + night, some continued to roam about and some abstained. That host, O king, + awakened by the rays of the sun. Indeed, that sea of troops was awakened + by the rays of the moon bloomed (into life) like an assemblage of lotuses + expanded by the rays of the sun. Indeed, that sea of troops was awakened + by the risen moon like the ocean swelling up in agitated surges at the + rise of that luminary. Then, O king, the battle once more commenced on + earth, for the destruction of the earth’s population, between men that + desired to attain to heaven.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0179" id="link72H_4_0179"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘At this time Duryodhana, under the influence of wrath, + approached Drona and addressing him said these words, for inspiring him + with joy and provoking his anger.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Duryodhana said, “No mercy should have been shown to our foes while they + were heartless and worn out with toil and taking rest, especially when + they are all of sure aim. Desirous of doing what is agreeable to thee, we + showed them kindness by then letting them alone. The tired Pandavas, + however (having taken rest), have become stronger. As regards ourselves, + we are, in every respect, losing in energy and strength. The Pandavas, + protected by thee, are constantly gaining prosperity. All weapons that are + celestial and all those that appertain to Brahma exist in thee. I tell + thee truly, that neither the Pandavas, nor ourselves, nor any other bowmen + in the world, can be a match for thee while thou art engaged in battle. O + foremost of regenerate ones, thou art acquainted with all weapons. Without + doubt, by means of thy celestial weapons thou art capable of destroying + the (three) worlds with the gods, the Asuras, and the Gandharvas. The + Pandavas are all afraid of thee. Thou, however, forgivest them, + remembering that they were thy pupils, or, perhaps, owing to my ill + luck.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus rebuked and angered by thy son, Drona, O king, + wrathfully addressed Duryodhana and said these words: “Although I am so + old, O Duryodhana, I am still exerting myself in battle to the utmost + extent of might. All these men are unacquainted with weapons. I am, + however, well-versed in them. If, from desire of victory, I slay these + men, there can be no more ignoble act for me to do. That, however, which + is in thy mind, be it good or bad, I will accomplish, O Kaurava, at thy + command. It will not be otherwise. Putting forth my prowess in battle and + slaying all the Panchalas, I will doff my armour, O king! I swear this to + thee truly. Thou thinkest that Arjuna, the son of Kunti, was worn out in + battle. O mighty-armed Kaurava! Listen to what I truly say regarding his + prowess. If Savyasachin’s wrath is excited, neither Gandharvas, nor + Yakshas nor Rakshasas can venture to bear him. At Khandavas, he + encountered the divine chief of the celestials himself. The illustrious + Arjuna, with his shafts baffled the pouring Indra. Yakshas, and Nagas, and + Daityas, and all others proud of their might, were slain by that foremost + of men. That also is known to thee. On the occasion of the tale of cattle, + the Gandharvas headed by Chitrasena and others were vanquished by him. + That firm bowman rescued you, while you were being carried away by those + Gandharvas. Nivatakavachas also, those enemies of the celestials, that + were unslayable in battle by the celestials, themselves, were vanquished + by that hero. Thousands of Danavas dwelling in Hiranyapura, that tiger + among men vanquished. How can human beings then withstand him? O monarch, + thou hast seen with thy own eyes how this host of thine, although exerting + themselves so heroically, hath been destroyed by the son of Pandu.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Unto Drona who was thus applauding Arjuna, thy son, O + king, angered thereat, once more said these words: “Myself and Duhsasana, + and Karna, and my maternal uncle, Sakuni, dividing this Bharata host into + two divisions (and taking one with us), shall to-day slay Arjuna in + battle.” Hearing these words of his, Bharadwaja’s son, laughing, + sanctioned that speech of the king and said, “Blessings to thee! What + Kshatriya is there that would slay that bull amongst Kshatriyas, that + unslayable one, viz., the bearer of Gandiva, that hero blazing forth with + energy? Neither the Lord of treasures, nor Indra, nor Yama, nor the + Asuras, the Uragas, and the Rakshasas can stay Arjuna armed with weapons. + Only they that are fools say such words as those thou hast said, O + Bharata! Who is there that would return home in safety, having encountered + Arjuna in battle? As regards thyself, thou art sinful and cruel and + suspicious of everybody. Even them that are employed in thy welfare, thou + art ready to rebuke in this way. Go thou against the son of Kunti, for + withstanding him for thy own sake. Thou art a well-born Kshatriya. Thou + seekest battle. Why dost thou cause all these unoffending Kshatriyas to be + slain? Thou art the root of this hostility. Therefore, go thou against + Arjuna. This thy maternal uncle is possessed of wisdom and observant of + Kshatriya duties. O son of Gandhari, let this one addicted to gambling + proceed against Arjuna in battle. This one, skilled in dice, wedded to + deception, addicted to gambling, versed in cunning and imposture, this + gambler conversant with the ways of deceiving, will vanquish the Pandavas + in battle! With Karna in thy company, thou hadst often joyfully boasted, + from folly and emptiness of understanding, in the hearing of + Dhritarashtra, saying, ‘O sire, myself, and Karna, and my brother + Duhsasana, these three, uniting together, will slay the sons of Pandu in + battle.’ This thy boast was heard in every meeting of the court. + Accomplish thy vow, be truthful in speech, with them. There thy mortal + foe, the son of Pandu, is staying before thee. Observe the duties of a + Kshatriya. Thy slaughter at the hands of Jaya would be worthy of every + praise. Thou hast practised charity. Thou hast eaten (everything ever + desired by thee). Thou hast obtained wealth to the measure of thy wish. + Thou hast no debts. Thou hast done all that one should do. Do not fear. + Fight now with the son of Pandu.” These words said, the battle + commenced.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0180" id="link72H_4_0180"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When three-fourths of that night had worn away, the + battle, O king, once more commenced between the Kurus and the Pandavas. + Both sides were elated with joy. Soon after, Aruna, the charioteer of + Surya, weakening the splendour of the moon, appeared, causing the welkin + to assume a coppery hue. The east was soon reddened with the red rays of + the sun that resembled a circular plate of gold. Then all the warriors of + the Kuru and the Pandava hosts, alighting from cars and steeds and + vehicles borne by men, stood, with joined hands, facing the sun, and + uttered the prayers of the twilight of dawn. The Kuru army having been + divided into two bodies, Drona, with Duryodhana before him, proceeded + (with one of those divisions) against the Somakas, the Pandavas, and the + Panchalas. Beholding the Kuru host divided into two bodies, Madhava + addressed Arjuna and said, “Keeping thy foes to thy left, place this + division (commanded by Drona) to thy right.” Obedient to the counsels of + Madhava in respect of the Kurus, Dhananjaya moved to the left of those two + mighty bowmen, viz., Drona and Karna. Understanding the intentions of + Krishna, that subjugator of hostile cities, viz., Bhimasena, addressing + Partha who was then staying at the van of battle, said these words. + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhimasena said, “O Arjuna, O Vibhatsu, listen to these words of mine. + The time for that object for which Kshatriya ladies bring forth sons has + now come. If at such a time thou dost not strive to win prosperity, thou + shalt then act meanly like a veritable wretch. Putting forth thy prowess, + pay the debt thou owest to Truth, Prosperity, Virtue, and Fame! O foremost + of warriors, pierce this division, and keep these to thy right.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Thus urged by Bhima and Kesava, Savyasachin + prevailing over Drona and Karna, began to resist the foe all round. Many + foremost of Kshatriyas (among the Kurus), putting forth all their prowess, + failed to withstand Arjuna who advanced at the very van of his troops, and + who, like a raging conflagration, was consuming the foremost ones among + his foes. Then Duryodhana and Karna, and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, + covered Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, with showers of shafts. Baffling the + weapons of all those warriors, that foremost of all persons well-skilled + in weapons, O monarch, covered them (in return) with his shafts. Aiming at + their weapons with his (and thus baffling them all), Arjuna, endued with + great lightness of hand and possessing a complete control over his senses, + pierced every one of those warriors with ten keen-pointed shafts. The + welkin was then covered with dust. Thick showers of arrows fell. Darkness + set in, and a loud and terrible uproar arose. When such was the state of + things, neither the welkin, nor the earth, nor the points of the compass, + could any longer be seen. Stupefied by the dust, all the troops became + blind. Neither the foe, O king, nor we, could distinguish each other. For + this reason, the kings began to fight, guided by conjecture and the names + they uttered. Deprived of their cars, car-warriors, O king, encountering + one another, lost all order and became a tangled mass. Their steeds killed + and drivers slain, many of them, becoming inactive, preserved their lives + and looked exceedingly affrighted. Slain steeds with riders deprived of + lives were seen to lie on slain elephants as if stretched on + mountain-breasts. Then Drona, moving away from that battle towards the + north took up his station there, and seemed to resemble a smokeless fire. + Beholding him move away from the battle towards the north, the Pandava + troops, O king, began to tremble. Indeed, beholding Drona resplendent and + handsome and blazing with energy, the enemy, inspired with fright became + pale and wavered on the field, O Bharata! While summoning the hostile army + to battle, and looking like an elephant in rut, the enemy became perfectly + hopeless of vanquishing him, like the Danavas hopeless of vanquishing + Vasava. Some among them became perfectly cheerless, and some, endued with + energy, became inspired with wrath. And some were filled with wonder, and + some became incapable of brooking (the challenge). And some of the kings + squeezed their hands, and some deprived of their senses by rage, bit their + lips. And some whirled their weapons, and some rubbed their arms; and + some, possessed of great energy and souls under complete control, rushed + against Drona. The Panchalas particularly, afflicted with the shafts of + Drona, O monarch, though suffering great pain, continued to contend in + battle.<a href="#linknote-7247" name="linknoteref-7247" id="linknoteref-7247">247</a> Then Drupada and Virata proceeded, in that + battle, against Drona, that invincible warrior, who was thus careering on + the field. Then, O king, the three grandsons of Drupada, and those mighty + bowmen, viz., the Chedis, also proceeded against Drona in that encounter. + Drona, with three sharp shafts, took the lives of the three grandsons of + Drupada. Deprived of lives, the princes fell down on the earth. Drona next + vanquished in that battle the Chedis, the Kaikeyas, and the Srinjayas. + That mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, then vanquished all + Matsyas. Then Drupada, filled with wrath, and Virata, in that battle, shot + showers of shafts, O king, at Drona. Baffling that arrowy shower, Drona, + that grinder of Kshatriyas, covered both Drupada and Virata with his + shafts. Shrouded by Drona, both those warriors, with rage, began to pierce + him on the field of battle with their arrows. Then Drona, O monarch, + filled with wrath and desire of revenge, cut off, with a couple of + broad-headed shafts, the bows of both his antagonists. Then Virata, filled + with wrath, sped in that encounter ten lances and ten shafts at Drona from + desire of slaying him. And Drupada, in anger, hurled at Drona’s car a + terrible dart made of iron and decked with gold and resembling a large + snake. Drona cut off, with a number of sharp and broad-headed arrows, + those ten lances (of Virata), and with certain other shafts that dart (of + Drupada) decked with gold and stones of lapis lazuli. Then that grinder of + foes, viz., the son of Bharadwaja, with a couple of well-tempered and + broad-headed shafts, despatched both Drupada and Virata unto the abode of + Yama. Upon the fall of Virata and Drupada, and the slaughter of the + Kshatriyas, the Chedis, the Matsyas, and the Panchalas, and upon the fall + of those three heroes, viz., the three grandsons of Drupada, the + high-souled Dhrishtadyumna, beholding those feats of Drona, became filled + with rage and grief, and swore in the midst of all the ear-warriors, + saying, “Let me lose merits of all my religious acts as also my Kshatriya + and Brahma energy, if Drona escape me today with life, or if he succeed in + vanquishing me!”<a href="#linknote-7248" name="linknoteref-7248" id="linknoteref-7248">248</a> Having taken that oath in the midst of all + the bowmen, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., the prince of the + Panchalas, supported by his own division, advanced against Drona. The + Panchalas then began to strike Drona from one side, and Arjuna from + another. Duryodhana, and Karna, and Sakuni, the son of Suvala, and the + uterine brothers of Duryodhana (stationed), according to their precedence, + began to protect Drona in battle. Drona being thus protected in battle by + those illustrious warriors, the Panchalas though struggling vigorously, + could not even gaze at him. Then Bhimasena, O sire, became highly angry + with Dhrishtadyumna and, O bull among men, that son of Pandu pierced + Dhrishtadyumna with these fierce words:<a href="#linknote-7249" name="linknoteref-7249" id="linknoteref-7249">249</a> + </p> + <p> + “‘Bhimasena said, “What man is there who being regarded as a Kshatriya and + who taking his birth in the race of Drupada and who being the foremost of + all persons possessing a knowledge of weapons, would only thus look at his + foe stationed before him? What man having seen his sire and son slain, and + especially, having sworn such an oath in the midst of the king, would thus + be indifferent to his enemy? Yonder stands Drona like a fire swelling with + its own energy. Indeed, with bow and arrows constituting his fuel, he is + consuming with his energy all the Kshatriyas. Soon will he annihilate the + Pandava army. Stand ye (as spectators) and behold my feat. Against Drona + himself will I proceed.” Having said these words, Vrikodara, filled with + rage, penetrated into Drona’s array, began to afflict and rout that host. + Then the Panchala prince Dhrishtadyumna, also, penetrating into that large + host, engaged himself with Drona in battle. The battle became furious. + Such a fierce encounter we had never seen or heard of before, O king, as + that which now took place at sunrise of that day. The cars, O sire, were + seen to be entangled with one another. The bodies of embodied creatures + deprived of lives were scattered all over the field. Some, while + proceeding towards another part of the field, were, on the way, assailed + by others. Some, while flying away, were struck on their backs, and others + on their sides. That general engagement continued to rage fiercely. Soon, + however, the morning sun rose.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0181" id="link72H_4_0181"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘The warrior, O king, thus clad in mail on the field + of battle, adored the thousand-rayed Aditya as he rose at morn. When the + thousand-rayed luminary, of splendour bright as burning gold, arose, and + the world became illumined, the battle once more commenced. The same + soldiers that were engaged with each other before the sunrise, once more + fought with each other, O Bharata, after the rise of the sun. Horsemen + engaged with car-warriors, and elephants with horsemen, and foot-soldiers + with elephants and horsemen with horsemen, O bull of Bharata’s race. + Sometimes unitedly and sometimes separately, the warriors, fell upon one + another in battle. Having fought vigorously in the night, many, tired with + exertion, and weak with hunger and thirst became deprived of their senses. + The uproar made of the blare of conchs, the beat of drums, the roar of + elephants, and the twang of out-stretched bows drawn with force touched + the very heavens, O king! The noise made also by rushing infantry and + falling weapons, and neighing steeds and rolling cars, and shouting and + roaring of warriors, became tremendous. That loud noise increasing every + minute, reached the heavens. The groans and wails of pain, on falling and + fallen foot-soldiers and car-warriors and elephants, became exceedingly + loud and pitiable as these were heard on the field. When the engagement + became general, both side slew each other’s own men and animals. Hurled + from the hands of heroes upon warriors and elephants, heaps of swords were + seen on the field, resembling heaps of cloths on the washing ground. The + sound, again, of uplifted and descending swords in heroic arms resembled + that of cloths thrashed for wash. That general engagement then, in which + the warriors encountered one another with swords and scimitars and lances + and battle-axes, became exceedingly dreadful. The heroic combatants caused + a river there, that ran its course towards the regions of the dead. The + blood of elephants and steeds and human beings formed its current. Weapons + formed its fish in profusion. It was miry with blood and flesh. Wails of + grief and pain formed its roar. Banners and cloth formed its froth. + Afflicted with shafts and darts, worn with exertion, spent with toil on + the (previous) night, and exceedingly weakened, elephants and steeds, with + limbs perfectly motionless, stood on the field. With their arms (in + beautiful attitudes) and with their beautiful coats of mail, and heads + decked with beautiful ear-rings, the warriors, adorned with implements of + battle, looked exceedingly resplendent.<a href="#linknote-7250" name="linknoteref-7250" id="linknoteref-7250">250</a> At that time, in + consequence of the carnivorous animals and the dead and the dying, there + was no path for the cars all over the field. Afflicted with shafts steeds + of the noblest breed and high mettle, resembling elephants (in size and + strength), worn out with toil, were seen to tremble with great effort, as + they drew vehicles whose wheels had sunk in the earth. The whole of that + host, O Bharata, resembling the ocean for vastness, then became agitated, + and afflicted, inspired with terror, with the exception only of Drona and + Arjuna. Those two became the refuge, these two became the saviours, of the + warriors of their respective sides. Others, encountering these two + proceeded to the abode of Yama. Then the vast host of the Kurus became + greatly agitated, and the Panchalas, huddled together, became no longer + distinguishable. During that great carnage of the Kshatriyas on earth, on + that field of battle, enhancing the terrors of the timid and looking like + a crematorium neither Karna, nor Drona, nor Arjuna, nor Yudhishthira, nor + Bhimasena, nor the twins, nor the Panchala prince, nor Satyaki, nor + Duhsasana, nor Drona’s son, nor Duryodhana nor Suvala’s son, nor Kripa, + nor the ruler of the Madras, nor Kritavarman, nor others, nor my own self, + nor the earth, nor points of the compass, could be seen, O king, for all + of them, mingled with the troops, were shrouded by clouds of dust. During + the progress of that fierce and terrible battle, when that dusty cloud + arose, all thought that night had once more come over the scene. Neither + the Kauravas, nor the Panchalas, nor the Pandavas, could be distinguished, + nor the points of the compass, nor the welkin, nor the earth, nor even + land nor uneven land. The warriors, desirous of victory, slew foes and + friends, in fact, all whom they could perceive by the touch of their + hands. The earthly dust that had arisen was soon dispelled by the winds + that blew, and drenched by the blood that was shed. Elephants and steeds + and car-warriors and foot-soldiers, bathed in blood, looked beautiful like + the (celestial) forest of Parijata. Then Duryodhana, Karna, Drona and + Duhsasana, these four (Kauravas) warriors engaged in battle with four of + the Pandava warriors. Duryodhana and his brothers, encountered the twins + (Nakula and Sahadeva). And Radha’s son engaged himself with Vrikodara, and + Arjuna with the son of Bharadwaja, all the troops, from every side, looked + on that terrible encounter. The car-warriors (of both armies quietly) + beheld that beautiful, that superhuman engagement between those fierce and + foremost of car-warriors conversant with every mode of warfare, riding on + their own beautiful cars that performed diverse delightful evolutions. + Endued with great prowess, struggling vigorously, and each solicitous of + vanquishing the other, they covered each other with showers of shafts, + like the clouds at the close of summer (pouring torrents of rain). Those + bulls among men, riding on their cars of solar effulgence, looked + beautiful like congregated masses of clouds in the autumnal sky. Then + those warriors, O monarch, filled with wrath and desire of revenge, mighty + bowmen all, challenging, rushed at one another with great vigour like + infuriated leaders of elephantine herds. Verily, O king, death does not + take place till its hour comes, since all those warriors did not + simultaneously perish in that battle. Strewn with lopped off arms and + legs, and heads decked with beautiful ear-rings, and bows and arrows and + lances and scimitars and battle-axes and (other kinds of) axes, and + Nalihas and razor-headed arrows and cloth-yard shafts and darts and + diverse kinds of beautiful armour, and beautiful cars broken into pieces, + and slain elephants and standardless cars broken like cities, and vehicles + dragged hither and thither with the speed of the wind by driverless steeds + in great fright, and a large number of well-decked warriors of great + courage, and fallen fans and coats of mail and standards, and ornaments + and robes and fragrant garlands, and chains of gold and diadems and crowns + and head-gears and rows of bells, and jewels worn on breasts, and + cuirasses and collars and gems that adorn head-gears, the field of battle + looked beautiful like the firmament bespangled with stars.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Then there occurred an encounter between Duryodhana, filled with wrath + and desire of revenge, and Nakula filled with the same feelings. Madri’s + son cheerfully shooting hundreds of shafts, placed thy son on his right. + At this loud cheers were bestowed upon him. Placed on the right by his + cousin-brother in wrath, thy son king Duryodhana, filled with rage, began, + in battle, to wonderfully counteract Nakula from that very side. + Thereupon, Nakula, endued with great energy and acquainted with the + diverse course (in which a car may be conducted), began to resist thy son + who was engaged in counteracting him from his right. Duryodhana, however, + afflicting Nakula with showers of shafts and resisting him on every side, + caused him to turn back. All the troops applauded that feat (of thy son). + Then Nakula, addressing thy son, said, “Wait, Wait,” recollecting all his + woes caused by thy evil counsels.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0182" id="link72H_4_0182"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CLXXXVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Duhsasana, filled with wrath, rushed against + Sahadeva, causing the earth to tremble with the fierce speed of his car. + Madri’s son, however, that crusher of foes, with a broad-headed arrow, + quickly cut off the head, decked with the head-gear of his rushing + antagonist’s driver. From the celerity with which that act was + accomplished by Sahadeva, neither Duhsasana nor any of the troops knew + that the driver’s head had been cut off. The reins being no longer held by + anybody, the steeds ran at their will. It was then that Duhsasana knew + that his driver had been slain. Conversant with the management of steeds, + that foremost of car-warriors, himself restraining his steeds in that + battle fought beautifully and with great activity and skill. That feat of + his was applauded by friends and foes, since riding on that driverless + car, he careered fearlessly in that battle. Then Sahadeva pierced those + steeds with keen shafts. Afflicted with those shafts, they quickly ran + away, careering hither and thither. For catching hold of the reins, he + once laid aside his bow, and then he took up his bow for using it, laying + aside the reins. During those opportunities the son of Madri covered him + with arrows. Then Karna, desirous of rescuing thy son, rushed to that + spot. Thereupon, Vrikodara, with great care, pierced Karna in the chest + and arms with three broad-headed shafts sped from his bow drawn to its + fullest stretch. Struck with those shafts like a snake with a stick, Karna + stopped and began to resist Bhimasena, shooting keen shafts. Thereupon, a + fierce battle took place between Bhima and Radha’s son. Both of them + roared like bulls, and the eyes of both were expanded (with rage). Excited + with wrath, and rushing towards each other, with great speed, they roared + at each other. Those two delighters in battle were then very close to each + other. So near were they that they could not easily shoot their shafts at + each other. Thereupon, an encounter with maces happened. Bhimasena + speedily broke with his mace the Kuvara of Karna’s car. That feat of his, + O king, seemed highly wonderful. Then the valiant son of Radha, taking up + a mace, hurled it at Bhima’s car. Bhima, however, broke it with the mace + of his own. Then taking up a heavy mace, once more, Bhima hurled it at + Adhiratha’s son. Karna struck that mace with numerous shafts of beautiful + wings, sped with great force, and once again with other shafts. Thus + struck with Karna’s shafts, the mace turned back towards Bhima, like a + snake afflicted with incantations. With the rebound of that mace, the huge + standard of Bhima, broke and fell down. Struck with that same mace, + Bhima’s driver also became deprived of his senses. Then Bhima, mad with + rage, sped eight shafts at Karna, and his standard and bow, and leathern + fence, O Bharata. The mighty Bhimasena, that slayer of hostile heroes, + with the greatest care, O Bharata, cut off, with those keen shafts, the + standards, the bow, and the leathern fence of Karna. The latter then, + viz., the son of Radha, taking up another invincible and gold-decked bow, + shot a number of shafts, and quickly slew Bhima’s steeds of the hue of + bears, and then his two drivers. When his car was thus injured, Bhima, + that chastiser of foes, quickly jumped into the car of Nakula like a lion + jumping down upon a mountain summit.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Meanwhile, Drona and Arjuna, those two foremost of car-warriors, + preceptor and pupil, both skilled in weapon, O monarch, fought with each + other in battle, stupefying the eyes and minds of men with their lightness + in the use of weapons and the sureness of their aim, and with the motions + of their cars. Beholding that battle, the like of which had never been + witnessed before, between preceptor and pupil, the other warriors + abstained from fighting with each other and trembled. Each of those + heroes, displaying beautiful revolutions of his car, wished to place the + other on his right. The warriors present there beheld their prowess and + became filled with wonder. Indeed, that great battle between Drona and the + son of Pandu resembled that, O monarch, between a couple of hawks in the + welkin for the sake of a piece of meat. Whatever feats Drona performed for + vanquishing the son of Kunti, were all counteracted by Arjuna’s performing + similar feats. When Drona failed to gain any ascendency over the son of + Pandu, the son of Bharadwaja, that warrior acquainted with the course of + all weapons, invoked into existence the Aindra, the Pasupata, the + Tvashtra, the Vayavya, and the Yamya weapons. As soon as those weapons + issued from Drona’s bow, Dhananjaya destroyed them quickly. When his + weapons were thus duly destroyed by Arjuna with his own weapons, Drona + shrouded the son of Pandu with the mightiest of celestial weapons. Every + weapon, however, that Drona shot at Partha from desire of vanquishing the + latter, was shot by Partha in return for baffling it. Seeing all his + weapons, even the celestial ones, duly baffled by Arjuna, Drona applauded + the latter in his heart. That chastiser of foes, O Bharata, regarded + himself superior to every person in the world acquainted with weapons, in + consequence of Arjuna having been his pupil. Thus resisted by Partha in + the midst of all those illustrious warriors, Drona, struggling with + vigour, cheerfully resisted Arjuna (in return), wondering all the while. + Then the celestials and Gandharvas in thousands, and Rishis and bodies of + Siddhas, were seen on all sides in the welkin. Filled with (those as also + with) Apsaras and Yakshas and Rakshasas, it once more seemed that the + welkin was darkened by gathering clouds. An invisible voice, fraught with + the praises of Drona and the high-souled Partha, was heard to repeatedly + course through the firmament. When in consequence of the weapons shot by + Drona and Partha all sides seemed ablaze with light, the Siddhas and the + Rishis that were present, said, “This is no human nor Asura, nor Rakshasa, + nor celestial, nor Gandharva battle. Without doubt this is a high Brahma + encounter. This battle is exceedingly beautiful and highly wonderful. We + have never seen or heard of its like. Now, the preceptor prevails over the + son of Pandu, and then the son of Pandu prevails over Drona. No one can + find any difference between them. If Rudra, dividing his own self into two + portions, fights, himself with himself, then may an instance be had to + match this. Nowhere else can an instance be found to match it. Science, + gathered in one place, exists in the preceptor; science and means are in + the son of Pandu. Heroism, in one place, is in Drona; heroism and might + are in the son of Pandu. None of these warriors can be withstood by foes + in battle. If they wish, both of them can destroy the universe with the + gods.” Beholding those two bulls among men, all invisible and visible + creatures said these words. The high-souled Drona then, in that battle, + invoked into existence the Brahma weapon, afflicting Partha and all + invisible beings. Thereupon, the earth with the mountains and waters and + trees trembled. Fierce winds began to blow. The seas swelled in agitation. + The combatants of the Kurus and the Pandava armies, as also all other + creatures, became inspired with fear, when that illustrious warrior + uplifted that weapon. The Partha, O monarch, fearlessly baffled that + weapon by a Brahma weapon of his own, at which all that agitation in + nature was speedily pacified. At last, when none of them could vanquish + his antagonist in combat, a general engagement took place between the + hosts, causing a great confusion on the field. During the progress of that + dreadful battle between Drona and the son of Pandu (as also of that + general engagement), once more, O king, nothing could be distinguished. + The welkin became covered with dense showers of shafts, as if with masses + of clouds, and creatures ranging in the air could no longer find a passage + through their element." </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0183" id="link72H_4_0183"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXC + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘During that fearful carnage of men and steeds and + elephants, Duhsasana, O king, encountered Dhrishtadyumna. Mounted upon his + golden car and exceedingly afflicted with the shafts of Duhsasana, the + Panchala prince wrathfully showered his shafts upon thy son’s steeds. + Covered with the shafts of Prishata’s son, O king, Duhsasana’s car, with + standard and driver, soon became invisible. Afflicted with those showers + of arrows, Duhsasana, O monarch, became unable to stay before the + illustrious prince of the Panchalas. Forcing, by means of his shafts, + Duhsasana to turn back Pritha’s son, scattering his arrows, proceeded + against Drona in that battle. At the time Hridika’s son, Kritavarman, with + three of his uterine brothers, appeared on the scene and attempted to + oppose Dhrishtadyumna. Those bulls among men, however, viz., the twins, + Nakula and Sahadeva following in the wake of Dhrishtadyumna who was thus + proceeding like a blazing fire towards Drona, began to protect him. Then, + all those great car-warriors, endued with might and excited with rage, + began to strike one another, making death their goal. Of pure souls and + pure conduct, O king, and keeping heaven in view, they fought according to + righteous methods, desirous of vanquishing one another. Of stainless + lineage and stainless acts, and endued with great intelligence, those + rulers of men, keeping heaven in view, fought fair battles with another. + There was nothing unfair in that fight and no weapon was used that was + regarded as unfair. No barbed arrows, nor those called nalikas, nor those + that are poisoned, nor those with heads made of horns, nor those equipped + with many pointed heads, nor those made of the bones of bulls and + elephants, nor those having two heads, nor those having rusty heads, nor + those that are not straight going, were used by any of them.<a + href="#linknote-7251" name="linknoteref-7251" id="linknoteref-7251">251</a> + All of them used simple and fair weapons and desired to win both fame and + region of great blessedness by fighting fairly. Between those four + warriors of thy army and those three of the Pandava side, the battle that + took place was exceedingly dreadful but divested of everything unfair. + Then Dhrishtadyumna, exceedingly quick in the use of weapons, beholding + those brave and mighty car warriors of thy army checked by the twins + (Nakula and Sahadeva), proceeded towards Drona. Checked by those two lions + among men, those four heroic warriors encountered the former like the wind + assailing a couple of mountains (standing on their way). Each of the twins—those + great car-warriors—was engaged with a couple of arrows against + Drona. Beholding the invincible prince of the Panchalas proceeding against + Drona, and those four heroes (of his own army) engaged with the twins, + Duryodhana, O monarch, rushed to that spot, scattering showers of + blood-drinking arrows. Seeing this, Satyaki quickly approached the Kuru + king. Those two tigers among men, viz., the two descendants of Kuru and + Madhu, approaching each other, became desirous of striking each other in + battle. Recalling to mind their behaviour towards each other in childhood + and reflecting with pleasure on the same, they gazed at each other and + smiled repeatedly. Then king Duryodhana (mentally), blaming his own + conduct, addressed his ever dear friend Satyaki, and said, “Fie on wrath, + O friend, and fie on vindictiveness! Fie on Kshatriya usage, and fie on + might and prowess, since thou aimest thy weapons at me, and I too am + aiming at thee, O bull of Sini’s race! In those days thou wert dearer to + me than life itself, and I also was such to thee! Alas, all those acts of + childhood that I remember, of both thyself and mine, became quite + insignificant in the field of battle! Alas, moved by wrath and + covetousness, we are here to-day for fighting against each other, O thou + of the Satwata race!” Unto him who said those words, O king, Satyaki, + conversant with high weapons, taking up some keen arrows, smilingly + replied, “This is no assembly, O prince, nor the abode of our preceptor, + where in former days we sported together.” Duryodhana answered, “Where + have those sports of our childhood gone, O bull of Sini’s race, and, alas, + how has this battle now come upon us? It seems that the influence of Time + is irresistible. (Urged though we are) by desire of wealth, what use, + however, have we of wealth that, assembled together, we are now engaged in + battle, moved by the avarice of wealth.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Unto king Duryodhana who said so, Satyaki replied, “This + has always been the usage of the Kshatriyas that they have to fight even + against their preceptors. If I am dear to thee, O king, then slay me + without any delay. Through thee, O bull of Bharata’s race, I shall then + enter the region of the righteous. Exhibit, without delay, all thy might + and prowess. I do not desire to witness this great calamity of friends.” + Having replied and reasoned thus, Satyaki, O monarch, fearlessly and in + utter disregard of life, quickly advanced against Duryodhana. Beholding + him advance, thy son received him; indeed, O king, thy son poured on him + of Sini’s race a perfect shower of arrows. Then commenced a terrible + battle between those lions of Kuru’s and Madhu’s races, resembling an + encounter between an elephant and a lion. Then Duryodhana, filled with + wrath, pierced the invincible Satyaki with many keen arrows, shot from his + bow drawn to its fullest stretch. Satyaki quickly pierced the Kuru prince + in return with fifty keen shafts in that battle and once more with twenty, + and again with ten shafts. Then, in that encounter, O king, thy son, + smiling the while, pierced Satyaki in return with thirty arrows shot from + his bowstring drawn to his ear. Shooting then a razor-headed arrow, he cut + off in twain the bow, with arrow fixed thereon, of Satyaki. Endued with + great lightness of hand, the latter then, taking up a tougher bow, shot + showers of shafts at thy son. As those lines of arrows advanced for + compassing the death of Duryodhana, the latter, O king, cut them in + pieces, at which the troops shouted loudly. With great swiftness, the Kuru + king afflicted Satyaki with three and seventy shafts, equipped with wings + of gold and steeped in oil and shot from his bow drawn to its fullest + stretch. All those arrows of Duryodhana, as also his bow, with arrow fixed + thereon, Satyaki quickly cut off. The Satwata hero then poured showers of + shafts on his antagonist. Deeply pierced by Satyaki and feeling great + pain, Duryodhana, O king, in great distress, sought shelter in another + car. Having rested awhile and refreshed himself, thy son once more + advanced against Satyaki, shooting showers of shafts at the latter’s car. + Smilingly, O king, Satyaki ceaselessly shot multitudes of shafts at + Duryodhana’s car. The shafts of both mingled with one another in the + welkin. In consequence of those arrows thus shot by both, falling fast on + every side, loud sounds, like those of a raging fire consuming a mighty + forest, arose there. With thousands of arrows shot by both, the earth was + densely covered. The welkin also became filled therewith. Beholding then + that foremost of car-warriors, viz., that hero of Madhu’s race, to be + mightier than Duryodhana, Karna rushed to that spot, desirous of rescuing + thy son. Mighty Bhimasena, however, could not brook that attempt of Karna. + He, therefore, quickly proceeded against Karna, shooting innumerable + shafts. Cutting off all those shafts of Bhima with the greatest ease, + Karna cut off Bhima’s bow, arrows and driver also, with his own shafts. + Then, Pandu’s son, Bhima, filled with rage, took up a mace and crushed the + bow, standard, and driver of his antagonist in that encounter. The mighty + Bhima also broke one of the wheels of Karna’s car. Karna, however, stood + on that car of his, which had one of his wheels broken, immovable as + (Meru), the king of mountains. That beautiful car of his which had now + only one wheel, was borne by his steeds, like the single wheeled car of + Surya, drawn by the seven celestial steeds. Incapable of brooking the + feats of Bhimasena, Karna continued to fight with the latter, using + diverse kinds of shafts in profusion and diverse kinds of other weapons in + that encounter. Bhimasena also filled with wrath, continued to fight with + the Suta’s son. When the engagement became general and confused, + (Yudhishthira) the son of Dharma, addressing all the foremost of warriors + among the Panchalas and the Matsyas, said, “They that are our life, they + that are our heads, they amongst us that are endued with great strength, + those bulls among men are all engaged with the Dhartarashtras. Why do ye + then stand thus, as if stupefied and deprived of your senses? Proceed + thither where those car-warriors of my army are fighting. Driving away + your fears and keeping in view the duties of Kshatriyas (engage in fight), + for then conquering or slain ye will gain desirable goals. If you prove + victors, you may perform diverse sacrifices with profuse gifts to + Brahmanas. If, on the other hand, you are slain, becoming then equals of + the celestials, you will win many regions of blessedness.” Thus urged by + the king, those heroic and mighty car-warriors engaged in battle, + observant of Kshatriya duties, quickly proceeded against Drona. The + Panchalas then, from one side, assailed Drona with innumerable arrows, + while others headed by Bhimasena began to resist him from another side. + The Pandavas had three crooked-minded mighty car-warriors amongst them. + They were Bhimasena and the twins (Nakula and Sahadeva). These addressed + Dhananjaya loudly and said, “Rush, O Arjuna, with speed and drive away the + Kurus from Drona’s vicinity. If the preceptor can be deprived of his + protectors, the Panchalas may then slay him easily.” Thus addressed, + Partha suddenly rushed against the Kauravas, while Drona rushed against + the Panchalas headed by Dhrishtadyumna. Indeed, on that the fifth day (of + Drona’s command) those heroic combatants, O Bharata, were grounded and + crushed with great celerity (by Bharadwaja’s son.)’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0184" id="link72H_4_0184"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Drona caused a great carnage among the Panchalas, + like the slaughter caused by Sakra himself in rage amongst the Danavas in + the days of yore. The great car-warriors of the Pandava army, endued with + might and energy, though slaughtered, O king, by Drona’s weapons, were not + yet afraid of Drona in that battle. Indeed, O monarch, those mighty + car-warriors, viz., the Panchalas and the Srinjayas, all rushed against + Drona himself, for fighting with him. Loud and fierce were the yells they + uttered as they rushed towards Drona for encompassing him on all sides and + were slaughtered by him with shafts and darts. Beholding the slaughter of + the Panchalas in that battle by the illustrious Drona, and seeing his + weapons overwhelm all sides, fear entered the hearts of the Pandavas. + Beholding that dreadful carnage of steeds and human beings in that battle, + the Pandavas, O monarch, became hopeless of victory. (They began to say + unto each other) “Is it not evident that Drona, that warrior conversant + with the mightiest of weapons, will consume us all like a raging + conflagration consuming a heap of straw in the season of spring? There is + none competent to even look at him in battle. Conversant with the ways of + morality, Arjuna (who alone is a match for him) will not fight with him.” + Beholding the sons of Kunti afflicted with the shafts of Drona and + inspired with fear, Kesava, endued with great intelligence and devoted to + their welfare, addressed Arjuna and said, “This foremost of all bowmen is + incapable of being ever vanquished by force in battle, by the very gods + with Vasava at their head. When, however, he lays aside his weapons, he + becomes capable of being slain on the field even by human beings. Casting + aside virtue, ye sons of Pandu, adopt now some contrivance for gaining the + victory, so that Drona of the golden car may not slay us all in battle. + Upon the fall of (his son) Aswatthaman he will cease to fight, I think. + Let some man, therefore, tell him that Aswatthaman hath been slain in + battle.” This advice, however, O king was not approved by Kunti’s son, + Dhananjaya. Others approved of it. But Yudhishthira accepted it with great + difficulty. Then the mighty-armed Bhima, O king, slew with a mace a + foe-crushing, terrible and huge elephant named Aswatthaman, of his own + army, belonging to Indravarman, the chief of the Malavas. Approaching + Drona then in that battle with some bashfulness Bhimasena began to exclaim + aloud, “Aswatthaman hath been slain.” That elephant named Aswatthaman + having been thus slain, Bhima spoke of Aswatthaman’s slaughter. Keeping + the true fact within his mind, he said what was untrue. Hearing those + highly disagreeable words of Bhima and reflecting upon them, Drona’s limbs + seemed to dissolve like sands in water. Recollecting however, the prowess + of his son, he soon came to regard that intelligence as false. Hearing, + therefore, of his slaughter, Drona did not become unmanned. Indeed, soon + recovering his senses, he became comforted, remembering that his son was + incapable of being resisted by foes. Rushing towards the son of Prishata + and desirous of slaying that hero who had been ordained as his slayer, he + covered him with a thousand keen shafts, equipped with kanka feathers. + Then twenty thousand Panchala car-warriors of great energy covered him, + while he was thus careering in battle, with their shafts. Completely + shrouded with those shafts, we could not any longer see that great + car-warrior who then resembled, O monarch, the sun, covered with clouds in + the season of rains. Filled with wrath and desirous of compassing the + destruction of those brave Panchalas, that mighty car-warrior, that + scorcher of foes, viz., Drona, dispelling all those shafts of the + Panchalas, then invoked into existence the Brahma weapon. At that time, + Drona looked resplendent like a smokeless, blazing fire. Once more filled + with rage the valiant son of Bharadwaja slaughtering all the Somakas, + seemed to be invested with great splendour. In that dreadful battle, he + felled the heads of the Panchalas and cut off their massive arms, looking + like spiked maces and decked with golden ornaments. Indeed, those + Kshatriyas, slaughtered in battle by Bharadwaja’s son fell down on the + earth and lay scattered like trees uprooted by the tempest. In consequence + of fallen elephants and steeds, O Bharata, the earth, miry with flesh and + blood, became impassable. Having slain twenty thousand Panchala + car-warriors, Drona, in that battle, shone resplendent like a smokeless, + blazing fire. Once more filled with rage, the valiant son of Bharadwaja + cut off, with a broad-headed arrow, the head of Vasudana from his trunk. + Once more slaying five hundred Matsyas, and six thousand elephants, he + slew ten thousand steeds. Beholding Drona stationed on the field for the + extermination of the Kshatriya race, the Rishis Viswamitra, and Jamadagni, + and Bharadwaja, and Gautama, and Vasishtha, and Kasyapa, and Atri, and the + Srikatas, the Prisnis, Garga, the Valkhilyas, the Marichis, the + descendants of Bhrigu and Angiras, and diverse other sages of subtle forms + quickly came thither, with the Bearer of sacrificial libations at their + head, and, desirous of taking Drona unto the region of Brahman, addressed + Drona, that ornament of battle, and said, “Thou art fighting + unrighteously. The hour of thy death is come. Laying aside thy weapons in + battle, O Drona, behold us stationed here. After this, it behoveth thee + not to perpetrate such exceedingly cruel deeds. Thou art versed in the + Vedas and their branches. Thou art devoted to the duties enjoined by + truth, especially, thou art a Brahmana. Such acts do not become thee. Lay + aside thy weapons. Drive away the film of error that shrouds thee. Adhere + now to the eternal path. The period for which thou art to dwell in the + world of men is now full. Thou hast, with the Brahma weapon, burnt men on + earth that are unacquainted with weapons. This act that thou hast + perpetrated, O regenerate one, is not righteous. Lay aside thy weapons in + battle without delay, O Drona, do not wait longer on earth. Do not, O + regenerate one, perpetrate such a sinful act.” Hearing these words of + theirs as also those spoken by Bhimasena, and beholding Dhrishtadyumna + before him, Drona became exceedingly cheerless in battle. Burning with + grief and exceedingly afflicted, he enquired of Kunti’s son Yudhishthira + as to whether his son (Aswatthaman) had been slain or not. Drona firmly + believed that Yudhishthira would never speak an untruth even for the sake + of the sovereignty of the three worlds. For this reason, that bull among + Brahmanas asked Yudhishthira and not any body else. He had hoped for truth + from Yudhishthira from the latter’s infancy. + </p> + <p> + “‘Meanwhile, O monarch, Govinda, knowing that Drona, that foremost of + warriors, was capable of sweeping all the Pandavas off the face of the + earth, became much distressed. Addressing Yudhishthira he said, “If Drona + fighteth, filled with rage, for even half-a-day, I tell thee truly, thy + army will then be annihilated. Save us, then, from Drona. Under such + circumstances, falsehood is better than truth. By telling an untruth for + saving a life, one is not touched by sin. There is no sin in untruth + spoken unto women, or in marriages, or for saving a king, or for rescuing + a Brahmana."<a href="#linknote-7252" name="linknoteref-7252" id="linknoteref-7252">252</a> While Govinda and Yudhishthira were thus + talking with each other, Bhimasena (addressing the king) said, “As soon, O + monarch, as I heard of the means by which the high-souled Drona might be + slain, putting forth my prowess in battle, I immediately slew a mighty + elephant, like unto the elephant of Sakra himself, belonging to + Indravarman, the chief of the Malavas, who was standing within thy army. I + then went to Drona and told him, ‘Aswatthaman has been slain, O Brahmana! + Cease, then, to fight.’ Verily, O bull among men, the preceptor did not + believe in the truth of words. Desirous of victory as thou art, accept the + advice of Govinda. Tell Drona, O King, that the son of Saradwat’s daughter + is no more. Told by thee, that bull among Brahmanas will never fight. + Thou, O ruler of men, art reputed to be truthful in the three worlds.” + Hearing those words of Bhima and induced by the counsels of Krishna, and + owing also to the inevitability of destiny, O monarch, Yudhishthira made + up his mind to say what he desired. Fearing to utter an untruth, but + earnestly desirous of victory, Yudhishthira distinctly said that + Aswatthaman was dead, adding indistinctly the world elephant (after the + name). Before this, Yudhishthira’s car had stayed at a height of four + fingers’ breadth from the surface of the earth; after, however, he had + said that untruth, his (vehicle and) animals touched the earth. Hearing + those words from Yudhishthira, the mighty car-warrior Drona, afflicted + with grief, for the (supposed) death of his son, yielded to the influence + of despair. By the words, again, of the Rishis, he regarded himself a + great offender against the high-souled Pandavas. Hearing now about the + death of his son, he became perfectly cheerless and filled with anxiety; + upon beholding Dhrishtadyumna, O king, that chastiser of foes could not + fight as before.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0185" id="link72H_4_0185"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Drona filled with great anxiety and almost + deprived of his senses by grief, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of the Panchala + king, rushed at him. That hero had, for the destruction of Drona, been + obtained by Drupada, that ruler of men, at a great sacrifice, from the + Bearer of sacrificial libations. Desirous of slaying Drona, he now took up + a victory-giving and formidable bow whose twang resembled the roll of the + clouds, whose string was possessed of great strength, and which was + irrefragable and celestial. And he fixed on it a fierce arrow, resembling + a snake of virulent poison and possessed of the splendour of fire. That + arrow, resembling a fire of fierce flame, while within the circle of his + bow, looked like the autumnal sun of great splendour within a radiant + circle. Beholding that blazing bow bent with force by Prishata’s son, the + troops regarded that to be the last hour (of the world). Seeing that arrow + aimed at him, the valiant son of Bharadwaja thought that the last hour of + his body had come. The preceptor prepared with care to baffle that shaft. + The weapons, however, of that high-souled one, O monarch, no longer + appeared at his bidding.<a href="#linknote-7253" name="linknoteref-7253" id="linknoteref-7253">253</a> His weapons had not been exhausted although + he had shot them ceaselessly for four days and one night. On the expiry, + however, of the third part of that of the fifth day, his arrows became + exhausted. Seeing the exhaustion of his arrows and afflicted with grief on + account of his son’s death, and in consequence also of the unwillingness + of the celestial weapons to appear at his bidding, he desired to lay aside + his weapons, as requested by the words of the Rishis also. Though filled + with great energy, he could not however, fight as before. Then taking up + another celestial bow that Angiras had given him, and certain arrows that + resembled a Brahmana’s curse, he continued to fight with Dhrishtadyumna. + He covered the Panchala prince with a thick shower of arrows, and filled + with rage, mangled his angry antagonist. With his own keen shafts he cut + off in a hundred fragments those of the prince as also the latter’s + standard and bow. He then killed his antagonist’s driver. Then + Dhrishtadyumna, smiling, took up another bow, and pierced Drona with a + keen shaft in the centre of the chest. Deeply pierced therewith and losing + his self-possession in that encounter, that mighty bowman, then, with a + sharp and broad-headed arrow, once more cut off Dhrishtadyumna’s bow. + Indeed, the invincible Drona then cut off all the weapons, O king, and all + the bows that his antagonist had, with the exception only of his mace and + sword. Filled with rage, he then pierced the angry Dhrishtadyumna, O + chastiser of foes, with nine keen arrows, capable of taking the life of + every foe. Then the mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, of immeasurable + soul, invoking into existence the Brahma weapon, caused the steeds of his + own car to be mingled with those of his foes. Endued with the speed of the + wind, those steeds that were red and of the hue of pigeons, O bull of + Bharata’s race, thus mingled together, looked exceedingly beautiful. + Indeed, O king, those steeds thus mingled together on the field of battle, + looked beautiful like roaring clouds in the season of rains, charged with + lightning. Then that twice-born one of immeasurable soul cut off the + shaft-joints, the wheel-joints, and (other) car-joints of Dhrishtadyumna. + Deprived of his bow, and made carless and steedless and driverless, the + heroic Dhrishtadyumna, fallen into great distress, grasped a mace. Filled + with rage, the mighty car-warrior, Drona, of unbaffled prowess, by means + of a number of keen shafts, cut off that mace, while it was on the point + of being hurled at him. Beholding his mace cut off by Drona with arrows, + that tiger among men, (viz., the Panchala prince), took up a spotless + sword and a bright shield decked with a hundred moons. Without doubt, + under those circumstances, the Panchala prince determined to make an end + of that foremost of preceptors, that high-souled warrior. Sometimes + sheltering himself in his car-box and sometimes riding on his car-shafts, + the prince moved about, uplifting his swords and whirling his bright + shield. The mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, desirous of achieving, from + folly, a difficult feat, hoped to pierce the chest of Bharadwaja’s son in + that battle. Sometimes, he stayed upon the yoke, and sometimes under the + haunches of Drona’s red steeds. These movements of his were highly + applauded by all the troops. Indeed, while he stayed amid the trappings of + the yoke or behind those red steeds, Drona found no opportunity to strike + him. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. The movements of both Drona + and Prishata’s son in that battle resembled the fight of hawk careering + through the welkin for a piece of meat. Then Drona, by means of a dart + pierced the white steeds of his antagonist, one after another, not + striking, however, the red ones amongst them (that belonged to himself)<a + href="#linknote-7254" name="linknoteref-7254" id="linknoteref-7254">254</a>. + Deprived of life, those steeds of Dhrishtadyumna fell down upon the earth. + Thereupon, the red steeds of Drona himself, O king, were freed from the + entanglements of Dhrishtadyumna’s car. Beholding his steeds slain by that + foremost of Brahmanas, Prishata’s son, that mighty car-warrior, that + foremost of fighters, could not brook it. Though deprived of his car, + still that foremost of all swordsmen, armed with his sword, sprang towards + Drona, O monarch, like Vinata’s son (Garuda) making a swoop at a snake. + The form, O king, of Dhrishtadyumna at that time, when he sought to slay + the son of Bharadwaja, resembled the form of Vishnu himself in days of + yore when at the point of slaying Hiranyakasipu. He performed diverse + evolutions, in fact. O Kauravya, the son of Prishata, careering in that + battle, exhibited the well-known one and twenty different kinds of motion. + Armed with the sword, and shield in hand, Prishata’s son wheeled about and + whirled his sword on high, and made side thrusts, and rushed forward, and + ran sideways, and leapt high, and assailed the flanks of his antagonists + and receded backwards, and closed with his foes, and pressed them hard. + Having practised them well, he also showed the evolutions called Bharata, + Kausika Satwata, as he careened in that battle for compassing the + destruction of Drona. Beholding those beautiful evolutions of + Dhrishtadyumna, as he careered on the field, sword and shield in hand, all + the warriors, as also the celestials assembled there, were filled with + wonder. The regenerate Drona then, shooting a thousand arrows in the thick + of fight, cut off the sword of Dhrishtadyumna as also his shield, decked + with a hundred moons. Those arrows that Drona shot, while fighting from + such a near point, were of the length of a span. Such arrows are used only + in close fight. None else have arrows of that kind, except Kripa, and + Partha, and Aswatthaman and Karna, Pradyumna and Yuyudhana; Abhimanyu also + had such arrows. Then the preceptor, desirous of slaying his disciple who + was unto him even as his own son, fixed on his bow-string a shaft endued + with great impetuosity. That shaft, however, Satyaki cut off by means of + ten arrows, in the very sight of thy son as also of the high-souled Karna, + as thus rescued Dhrishtadyumna who was on the point of succumbing to + Drona. Then Kesava and Dhananjaya beheld Satyaki of prowess incapable of + being baffled, who, O Bharata, was thus careering in the car-tracks (of + the Kuru warriors) and within the range of the shafts of Drona and Karna + and Kripa. Saying. “Excellent, Excellent!” both of them loudly applauded + Satyaki of unfading glory, who was thus destroying the celestial weapons + of all those warriors. Then Kesava and Dhananjaya rushed towards the + Kurus. Addressing Krishna, Dhananjaya said, “Behold, O Kesava, that + perpetuator of Madhu’s race, viz., Satyaki of true prowess, sporting + before the preceptor and those mighty car-warriors and gladdening me and + the twins and Bhima and king Yudhishthira. With skill acquired by practice + and without insolence, behold that enhancer of the fame of the Vrishnis, + viz., Satyaki, careering in battle, sporting the while with those mighty + car-warriors. All these troops, as also the Siddhas (in the welkin), + beholding him invincible in battle, are filled with wonder, and applauding + him, saying, ‘Excellent, Excellent!’ Indeed, O king, the warriors of both + armies all applauded the Satwata hero, for his feats.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0186" id="link72H_4_0186"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding those feats of the Satwata hero, Duryodhana and + others, filled with rage, quickly encompassed the grandson of Sini on all + sides. Kripa and Karna, and also thy sons, O sire, in that battle, quickly + approaching the grandson of Sini, began to strike him with keen arrows. + Then king Yudhishthira, and the two other Pandavas, viz., the two sons of + Madri and Bhimasena of great might surrounded Satyaki (for protecting + him). Karna, and the mighty car-warrior Kripa, and Duryodhana and others, + all resisted Satyaki, pouring showers of arrows on him. The grandson of + Sini, however, contending with all those car-warriors, baffled, O monarch, + that terrible downpour of arrows, so suddenly created by his foes. Indeed, + in that dreadful battle, Satyaki, by means of his own celestial weapons, + duly resisted all those celestial weapons aimed at him by those + illustrious warriors. The field of battle became full of many cruel sights + upon that encounter of those royal combatants, resembling that scene of + yore when Rudra, filled with rage, had destroyed all creatures. Human arms + and heads and bows, O Bharata, and umbrellas displaced (from cars), and + yak-tails, were seen lying in heaps on the field of battle. The earth + became quickly strewn with broken wheels and cars, and massive arms lopped + off from trunks, and brave horsemen deprived of life. And, O foremost one + among the Kurus, a large number of warriors, mangled with falling arrows, + were seen in that great battle to roll and writhe on the ground in agony + of the last spasms of death. During the progress of that terrible battle, + resembling the encounter in days of old between the celestials and the + Asuras, king Yudhishthira the just, addressing his warriors, said, + “Putting forth all your vigour, rush, ye great car-warriors, against the + Pot-born! Yonder the heroic son of Prishata is engaged with Drona! He is + endeavouring to the utmost of his might, to slay the son of Bharadwaja. + Judging from the aspect he is presenting in this great battle, it is + evident that filled with rage, he will today overthrow Drona. Uniting + together, all of you fight with the Pot-born.” Thus ordered by + Yudhishthira, the mighty car-warriors of the Srinjayas all rushed with + great vigour to slay the son of Bharadwaja. That mighty car-warrior, viz., + Bharadwaja’s son, quickly rushed against those advancing warriors, knowing + for certain that he would die. When Drona, of sure aim, thus proceeded, + the earth trembled violently. Fierce winds began to blow, inspiring the + (hostile) ranks with fear. Large meteors fell, seemingly issuing out of + the sun, blazing fiercely as they fell and foreboding great terrors. The + weapons of Drona, O sire, seemed to blaze forth. Cars seemed to produce + loud rattles, and steeds to shed tears. The mighty car-warrior, Drona, + seemed to be divested of his energy. His left eye and left hand began to + twitch. Beholding Prishata’s son, again, before him, and bearing in mind + the words of the Rishis about his leaving the world for heaven, he became + cheerless. He then desired to give up life by fighting fairly. Encompassed + on all sides by the troops of Drupada’s son, Drona began to career in + battle, consuming large numbers of Kshatriyas. That grinder of foes, + having slain four and twenty thousand Kshatriyas, then despatched to + Yama’s abode ten times ten thousand, by means of his shafts of keen + points. Exerting himself with care, he seemed to stand in that battle like + a smokeless fire. For the extermination of the Kshatriya race, he then had + recourse to the Brahma weapon. Then the mighty Bhima, beholding the + illustrious and irresistible prince of the Panchalas carless and + weaponless, quickly proceeded towards him. Beholding him striking at Drona + from a near point, that grinder of foes took up Dhrishtadyumna on his own + car and said unto him, “Save thee there is no other man that can venture + to fight with the preceptor. Be quick to slay him. The burden of his + slaughter rests upon thee.” Thus addressed by Bhima, the mighty-armed + Dhrishtadyumna speedily took up a strong, a new and a superb bow capable + of bearing a great strain. Filled with rage, and shooting his arrows in + that battle at the irresistible Drona, Dhrishtadyumna covered the + preceptor, desirous of withstanding him. Those two ornaments of battle + then, both foremost of fighters and both filled with rage, invoked into + existence the Brahma and diverse other celestial weapons. Indeed, O king, + Dhrishtadyumna covered Drona with many mighty weapons in that encounter. + Destroying all the weapons of Bharadwaja’s son, the Panchala prince, that + warrior of unfading glory, began to slay the Vasatis, the Sivis, the + Valhikas and the Kurus, that is, them, who protected Drona in that battle. + Indeed, O king, shooting showers of arrows on all sides, Dhrishtadyumna at + that time looked resplendent like the sun himself shedding his thousands + of rays. Drona, however, once more cut off the prince’s bow and pierced + the vitals of the prince himself with many arrows. Thus pierced, the + prince felt great pain. Then Bhima, of great wrath, holding the car of + Drona, O monarch, slowly said these words unto him: “If wretches amongst + Brahmanas, discontented with the avocations of their own order, but + well-versed in arms, did not fight, the Kshatriya order then would not + have been thus exterminated. Abstention from injury to all creatures hath + been said to be the highest of all virtues. The Brahmana is the root of + that virtue. As regards thyself, again, thou art the foremost of all + persons acquainted with Brahma. Slaying all those Mlecchas and other + warriors, who, however, are all engaged in the proper avocations of their + order, moved thereto by ignorance and folly, O Brahmana, and by the desire + of wealth for benefiting sons and wives; indeed, for the sake of an only + son, why dost thou not feel ashamed? He for whom thou hast taken up + weapons, and for whom thou livest, he, deprived of life, lieth today on + the field of battle, unknown to thee and behind thy back. King + Yudhishthira the just hath told thee this. It behoveth thee not to doubt + this fact.” Thus addressed by Bhima, Drona laid aside his bow. Desirous of + laying aside all his weapons also, Bharadwaja’s son of virtuous soul said + aloud, “O Karna, Karna, O great bowman, O Kripa, O Duryodhana, I tell you + repeatedly, exert yourselves carefully in battle. Let no injury happen to + you from the Pandavas. As regards myself, I lay aside my weapons.” Saying + these words, he began loudly to take the name of Aswatthaman. Laying aside + his weapons then in that battle, and sitting down on the terrace of his + car, he devoted himself to Yoga and assured all creatures, dispelling + their fears. Beholding that opportunity, Dhrishtadyumna mustered all his + energy. Laying down on the car his formidable bow, with arrow fixed on the + bow-string, he took up a sword, and jumping down from his vehicle, rushed + quickly against Drona. All creatures, human beings and others, uttered + exclamation of woe, beholding Drona thus brought under Dhrishtadyumna’s + power. Loud cries of Oh and Alas were uttered, as also those of Oh and + Fie. As regards Drona himself, abandoning his weapons, he was then in a + supremely tranquil state. Having said those words he had devoted himself + to Yoga. Endued with great effulgence and possessed of high ascetic merit, + he had fixed his heart on that Supreme and Ancient Being, viz., Vishnu. + Bending his face slightly down, and heaving his breast forward, and + closing his eyes, and resting on the quality of goodness, and disposing + his heart to contemplation, and thinking on the monosyllable Om, + representing Brahma, and remembering the puissant, supreme, and + indestructible God of gods, the radiant Drona of high ascetic merit, the + preceptor (of the Kurus and the Pandavas) repaired to heaven that is so + difficult of being attained even by the pious. Indeed, when Drona thus + proceeded to heaven it seemed to us that there were then two suns in the + firmament. The whole welkin was ablaze and seemed to be one vast expanse + of equal light when the sun-like Bharadwaja, of solar effulgence, + disappeared. Confused sounds of joy were heard, uttered by the delighted + celestials. When Drona thus repaired to the region of Brahman, + Dhrishtadyumna stood, unconscious of it all, beside him. Only we five + amongst men beheld the high-souled Drona rapt in Yoga proceed to the + highest region of blessedness. These five were myself, Dhananjaya, the son + of Pritha, and Drona’s son, Aswatthaman, and Vasudeva of Vrishni’s race, + and king Yudhishthira the just, the son of Pandu. Nobody else, O king, + could see that glory of the wise Drona, devoted to Yoga, while passing out + of the world. In fact, all human beings were unconscious of the fact that + the preceptor attained to the supreme region of Brahman, a region + mysterious to the very gods, and one that is the highest of all. Indeed, + none of them could see the preceptor, that chastiser of foes, proceed to + the region of Brahman, devoted to Yoga in the company of the foremost of + Rishis, his body mangled with arrows and bathed in blood, after he had + laid aside his weapons. As regards Prishata’s son, though everybody cried + fie on him, yet casting his eyes on the lifeless Drona’s head, he began to + drag it. With his sword, then, he lopped off from his foe’s trunk that + head,—his foe remained speechless the while. Having slain + Bharadwaja’s son. Dhrishtadyumna was filled with great joy, and uttered + leonine shouts, whirling his sword. Of a dark complexion, with white locks + hanging down to his ears, that old man of five and eighty years of age, + used, for thy sake only, to career on the field of battle with the + activity of a youth of sixteen. The mighty-armed Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti, (before Drona’s head was cut off) had said, “O son of Drupada, + bring the preceptor alive, do not slay him. He should not be slain.” Even + thus all the troops also had cried out. Arjuna, in particular, melted with + pity, had cried out repeatedly. Disregarding, however, the cries of Arjuna + as also these of all the kings, Dhrishtadyumna slew Drona, that bull among + men, on the terrace of his car. Covered with Drona’s blood, Dhrishtadyumna + then jumped from the car down upon the ground. Looking red like the sun, + he then seemed to be exceedingly fierce. Thy troops beheld Drona slain + even thus in that battle. Then Dhrishtadyumna, that great bowman, O king, + threw down that large head of Bharadwaja’s son before the warriors of thy + army. Thy soldiers, O monarch, beholding the head of Bharadwaja’s son, set + their hearts on flight and ran away in all directions. Meanwhile Drona, + ascending the skies, entered the stellar path. Through the grace of the + Rishis Krishna (Dwaipayana), the son of Satyavati, I witnessed, O king, + the (true circumstances about the) death of Drona. I beheld that + illustrious one proceeding, after he had ascended the sky, like a + smokeless brand of blazing splendour. Upon the fall of Drona, the Kurus, + the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, all became cheerless and ran away with + great speed. The army then broke up. Many had been slain, and many wounded + by means of keen shafts. Thy warriors (in particular), upon the fall of + Drona, seemed to be deprived of life. Having sustained a defeat, and being + inspired with fear about the future, the Kurus regarded themselves + deprived of both the worlds. Indeed, they lost all self-control.<a + href="#linknote-7255" name="linknoteref-7255" id="linknoteref-7255">255</a> + Searching for the body of Bharadwaja’s son, O monarch, on the field + covered with thousands of headless trunks, the kings could not find it. + The Pandavas, having gained the victory and great prospects of renown in + the future, began to make loud sounds with their arrows and conchs and + uttered loud leonine roars. Then Bhimasena, O king, and Dhrishtadyumna, + the son of Prishata, were seen in the midst of the (Pandava) host to + embrace each other. Addressing the son of Prishata, that scorcher of foes, + viz., Bhima said, “I will again embrace thee, O son of Prishata, as one + crowned with victory, when that wretch of a Suta’s son shall be slain in + battle, as also that other wretch, viz., Duryodhana.” Having said these + words, Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, filled with transports of joy, caused + the earth to tremble with slaps on his armpits. Terrified by that sound, + thy troops ran away from battle, forgetting the duties of the Kshatriyas + and setting their hearts on flight. The Pandavas, having become victors, + became very glad, O monarch, and they felt great happiness, derived from + the destruction of their foes in battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0187" id="link72H_4_0187"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIV + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall of Drona, O king, the Kurus, afflicted with + weapons, deprived of their leader, broken and routed, became filled with + exertion, and deprived of energy through grief. Uttering loud wails, they + grieved. Seeing their foes (the Pandavas) prevailing over them, they + repeatedly trembled. Their eyes filled with tears, and hearts inspired + with fear, they became, O king, melancholy and cheerless, and destitute of + will gathered round thy son. Covered with dust, trembling (with fear), + casting vacant looks on all sides, and their voice choked with fear, they + resembled the Daityas after the fall of Hiranyaksha in the days of yore. + Surrounded by them all, as if by small animals struck with fear, thy son, + unable to stay in their midst, moved away. Afflicted with hunger and + thirst, and scorched by the sun, thy warriors, then, O Bharata, became + exceedingly cheerless. Beholding the fall of Bharadwaja’s son, which was + like unto the dropping of the sun down upon the earth, or the drying up of + the ocean, or the transplantation of Meru, or the defeat of Vasava, + beholding that act, incapable of being quietly witnessed, the Kauravas, O + king, fled away in fear,—terror lending them greater speed. The + ruler of the Gandharas Sakuni, beholding Drona of the golden car slain, + fled with the car-warriors of his division, with speed that was much + greater. Even the Suta’s son fled away in fear, taking with him his own + vast division, that was retreating with great speed with all its + standards. The ruler of the Madras, viz., Salya, also, casting vacant + looks around, fled away in fear, taking with him his division, teeming + with cars and elephants and steeds. Saradwat’s son, Kripa, too, fled away, + saying, “Alas. Alas,” taking with him his division of elephants and + foot-soldiers, the greater part thereof having been slain. Kritavarman, O + king, also fled away, borne by his swift steeds, and surrounded by the + remnant of his Bhoja, Kalinga, Aratta, and Valhika troops. Uluka, O king, + beholding Drona slain, fled away with speed, afflicted with fear and + accompanied by a large body of foot-soldiers. Handsome and endued with + youth, and reputed for his bravery, Duhsasana, also, in great anxiety, + fled away surrounded by his elephant division. Taking with him ten + thousand cars and three thousand elephants, Vrishasena also fled with + speed at the sight of Drona’s fall. Accompanied by his elephants and + horses and cars, and surrounded also by foot-soldiers, thy son, the mighty + car-warrior, Duryodhana, too, fled away, O king, taking with him the + remnant of the Samsaptakas whom Arjuna had not yet slaughtered. Susarman, + O king, fled away, beholding Drona slain. Riding on elephants and cars and + steeds, all the warriors of the Kaurava army fled away from the field, + seeing Drona, of golden car, slain. Some urging their sires on, some their + brothers, some their maternal uncles, some their sons, some their friends, + the Kauravas fled away. Others urging on their brethren in arms or their + sisters’ sons, their kinsmen, fled away on all sides. With dishevelled + hair, and accoutrements loosened, all fled away in such a manner that even + two persons could not be seen running together.—The Kuru army has + been totally destroyed,—even this was the belief of every body. + Others amongst thy troops, fled away, O king, throwing off their coats of + mail. The soldiers loudly called upon one another, O bull of Bharata’s + race, saying,—“Wait, Wait, do not fly,” but none of them that said + so themselves stood on the field. Abandoning their vehicles and cars + decked with ornaments, the warriors, riding on steeds or using their legs, + fled away with great speed. + </p> + <p> + “‘While the troops, deprived of energy, were thus flying away with speed, + only Drona’s son, Aswatthaman, like a huge alligator coming up against the + current of a stream, rushed against his foes. A fierce battle took place + between him and many warriors headed by Sikhandin and the Prabhadrakas, + the Panchalas, the Chedis, and the Kaikeyas. Slaying many warriors of the + Pandava army that were incapable of being defeated with ease, and escaping + with difficulty from the press of battle, that hero, possessed of the + tread of an infuriated elephant, saw the (Kaurava) host running away, + resolved on flight. Proceeding towards Duryodhana, Drona’s son, + approaching the Kuru king, said, “Why, O Bharata, are the troops flying + away as if in fear? Although flying away, thus, O monarch, why dost thou + not yet rally them in battle? Thyself, too, O king, dost not seem to be in + thy usual frame of mind. Upon the slaughter of that lion among + car-warriors, O monarch, hath thy force fallen into this plight. O + Kaurava, O king, all these that are headed (even) by Karna, wait not on + the field. In no battle fought before did the army fly away thus. Hath any + evil befallen thy troops, O Bharata?” Hearing these words of Drona’s son + on that occasion, Duryodhana, that bull among kings, felt himself unable + to impart the bitter intelligence. Indeed, thy son seemed to sink into an + ocean of grief, like a foundered boat. Beholding Drona’s son on his car, + the king became bathed in tears. Suffused with shame, O monarch, the king + then addressed Saradwat’s son, saying, “Blessed be thou, say thou, before + others, why the army is thus flying away”. Then Saradwat’s son, O king, + repeatedly feeling great anguish, told Drona’s son how his sire had been + slain. + </p> + <p> + “‘Kripa said, “Placing Drona, that foremost of car-warriors, at our head, + we commenced to fight with only the Panchalas. When the battle commenced, + the Kurus and the Somakas, mingled together, roared at one another and + began to strike down one another with their weapons. During the progress + of that battle the Dhartarashtras began to be thinned. Seeing this, thy + sire, filled with rage, invoked into existence a celestial weapon. Indeed, + Drona, that bull among men, having invoked the Brahma weapon, slew his + enemies with broad-headed arrows, by hundreds, and thousands.<a + href="#linknote-7256" name="linknoteref-7256" id="linknoteref-7256">256</a> + Urged by fate, the Pandavas, the Kaikeyas, the Matsyas, and the Panchalas, + O foremast of regenerate ones, approaching Drona’s car, began to perish. + With his Brahma weapon, Drona despatched unto Yama’s abode a thousand + brave warriors and two thousand elephants. Of a dark complexion, with his + gray locks hanging down to his ears, and full five and eighty years old, + the aged Drona used to careen in battle like a youth of sixteen, When the + enemy’s troops were thus afflicted and the kings were being slain, the + Panchalas, though filled with desire of revenge, turned back from the + fight. When the enemy, turning back, partially lost their order, that + vanquisher of foes, (viz., Drona), invoking celestial weapons into + existence, shone resplendent like the risen sun. Indeed, thy valiant sire, + getting into the midst of the Pandavas, and having arrows for the rays + that emanated from him, resembled the midday sun at whom none could gaze. + Scorched by Drona, as if by the blazing sun, they became cheerless and + deprived of their energy and senses. Beholding them thus afflicted by + Drona with his shafts, the slayer of Madhu, desirous of victory to the son + of Pandu, said these words: ‘Truly, this foremost of all wielders of arms, + this leader of the leaders is incapable of being vanquished in battle by + the slayer of Vritra himself. Ye sons of Pandu, laying aside + righteousness, take care of victory, so that Drona of the golden car may + not slay all of you in battle. I think he will not fight after the fall of + Aswatthaman. Let some man falsely tell him that Aswatthaman has been slain + in battle.’ Hearing these words Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, approved them + not. The advice, however, met with the approval of all others, and even of + Yudhishthira with some difficulty. Then, Bhimasena, with a tinge of + bashfulness, said unto thy sire, ‘Aswatthaman hath been slain.’ Thy sire, + however, did not believe him. Suspecting the intelligence to be false, thy + father, so affectionate towards thee, enquired of Yudhishthira as to + whether thou wert really dead or not. Afflicted with the fear of a lie, + solicitous at the same time of victory, Yudhishthira, beholding a mighty + elephant, huge as a hill and called Aswatthaman, belonging to the Malava + chief, Indravarman, slain on the field by Bhima, approached Drona and + answered him, saying, ‘He for whom thou wieldest weapons, he, looking upon + whom thou livest that ever dear son of thine, viz., Aswatthaman, hath been + slain. Deprived of life he lieth on the bare ground like a young lion.’ + Aware fully of the evil consequences of falsehood, the king spoke those + words unto that best of Brahmans, indistinctly adding elephant (after + Aswatthaman). Hearing of the fall of his son, he began to wail aloud, + afflicted with grief, Restraining (the force of) his celestial weapons, he + fought not as before. Beholding him filled with anxiety, and almost + deprived of his senses by grief, the son of the Panchala king, of cruel + deeds, rushed towards him. Seeing the prince who had been ordained as his + slayer, Drona, versed in all truths about men and things, abandoned all + his celestial weapons and sat in Praya on the field of battle. Then + Prishata’s son, seizing Drona’s head with his left hand and disregarding + the loud admonitions of all the heroes, cut off that head. ‘Drona should + not be slain,’ even these were the words uttered from every side. + Similarly, Arjuna also, jumping down from his car, quickly ran towards + Prishata’s son, with arms upraised and repeatedly saying, ‘O thou that art + acquainted with the ways of morality, do not slay the preceptor but bring + him alive.’ Though thus forbidden by the Kauravas as also by Arjuna, + Dhrishtadyumna killed thy father. For this, afflicted with fear, the + troops are all flying away. Ourselves also, for the same reason, in great + cheerlessness, O sinless one, are doing the same.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing of the slaughter of his sire in battle, + Drona’s son, like a snake struck with the foot, became filled with fierce + wrath. And filled with rage, O sire, Aswatthaman blazed up in that battle + like a fire fed with a large quantity of fuel. As he squeezed his hands + and ground his teeth, and breathed like a snake, his eyes became red as + blood.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0188" id="link72H_4_0188"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCV + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the slaughter, by unrighteous + means, of his aged sire, by Dhrishtadyumna, what did the valiant + Aswatthaman say, he, that is, in whom human and Varuna and Agneya and + Brahma and Aindra and Narayana weapons are always present? Indeed, + learning that the preceptor, that foremost of virtuous men, had been + unrighteously slain by Dhrishtadyumna in battle, what did Aswatthaman say? + The high-souled Drona, having obtained the science of weapons from Rama + have imparted (a knowledge of) all the celestial weapons unto his son + desirous of seeing the latter adorned with all the accomplishments (of a + warrior). There is only one person in this world, viz., the son, and none + else, whom people desire to become superior to themselves. All high-souled + preceptors have this characteristic, viz., that they impart all the + mysteries of their science unto either sons or devoted disciples. Becoming + his sire’s pupil, O Sanjaya, and obtaining all those mysteries with every + detail, the son of Saradwat’s daughter has become a second Drona, and a + great hero. Aswatthaman is equal to Karna in knowledge of weapons, to + Purandara in battle, to Kartavirya in energy, and Vrihaspati in wisdom. In + fortitude, that youth is equal to a mountain, and in energy to fire. In + gravity, he is equal to an ocean, and in wrath, to the poison of the + snake. He is the foremost of all car-warriors in battle, a firm bowman, + and above all fatigue. In speed he is equal to the wind itself and he + careens in the thick of fight like Yama in rage. While his engaged in + shooting arrows in battle, the very earth becomes afflicted. Of prowess + incapable of being baffled, that hero is never fatigued by exertions. + Purified by the Vedas and by vows, he is a thorough master of the science + of arms, like Rama, the son of Dasaratha. He is like the ocean, incapable + of being agitated. Hearing that the preceptor, that foremost of righteous + persons, had been unrighteously slain in battle by Dhrishtadyumna, what, + indeed, did Aswatthaman say? Aswatthaman hath been ordained to be the + slayer of Dhrishtadyumna, even as Yajnasena’s son, the prince of the + Panchalas, was ordained to be the slayer of Drona. What, O Suta, did + Aswatthaman say, hearing that his sire, the preceptor, had been slain by + the cruel, sinful, and mean Dhrishtadyumna of little foresight?’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0189" id="link72H_4_0189"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing of the slaughter of his sire by Dhrishtadyumna, of + sinful deeds, Drona’s son was filled with grief and rage, O bull among + men. Filled with rage, O king, his body seems to blaze forth like that of + the Destroyer while engaged in slaughtering creatures at the end of Yuga. + Repeatedly wiping his tearful eyes, and breathing hot sighs in rage, he + said unto Duryodhana, “I have now learnt how my sire has been slain by + those low wretches after he laid aside his weapons, and how also has a + sinful act been perpetrated by Yudhishthira disguised in the grab of + virtue!<a href="#linknote-7257" name="linknoteref-7257" id="linknoteref-7257">257</a> I have now heard of that unrighteous and + exceedingly cruel act of Dharma’s son. Indeed, to those engaged in battle, + either of the two things must happen, viz., victory or defeat. Death in + battle is always to be applauded. That death, in battle, of a person + engaged in fight, which takes place under circumstances of righteousness, + is not deserving of grief, as has been observed by the sages. Without + doubt, my sire has gone to the region of heroes. He having met with such a + death, I should not grieve for him. The humiliation, however, of a seizure + of his locks, that he sustained in the very sight of all the troops, while + he was righteously engaged in battle, is tearing the very core of my + heart. Myself alive, my sire’s locks were seized, why should sonless + people then entertain a desire of offspring?<a href="#linknote-7258" name="linknoteref-7258" id="linknoteref-7258">258</a> People perpetrate + unrighteous acts or humiliate others, moved by lust or wrath or folly or + hatred or levity. The cruel and wicked-souled son of Prishata hath + perpetrated this exceedingly sinful act in total disregard of me. + Dhrishtadyumna, therefore, shall surely suffer the dreadful consequence of + that act, as also the false-speeched son of Pandu, that has acted so + wrongly. Today, the earth shall certainly drink the blood of that king + Yudhishthira the just, who caused the preceptor, by an act of deceit to + lay aside his weapons. I swear by truth, O Kauraveya, as also by my + religious acts, that I shall never bear the burden of life if I fail to + exterminate the Panchalas. By every means I contend with the Panchalas in + dreadful strife. I shall certainly slay in battle Dhrishtadyumna, that + perpetrator of unrighteous deeds. Mild or violent, let the means be what + they will, I shall effect the destruction of all the Panchalas before + peace becomes mine. O Kaurava! O tiger among men, persons desire children + so that obtaining them they may be rescued from great fears both here and + hereafter. My sire, however, fell unto that plight, like a friendless + creature, although myself am alive, his disciple and son, resembling a + mountain (in might). Fie on my celestial weapons. Fie on my arms. Fie on + my prowess. Since Drona, although he had a son in me, had his locks + seized! I shall, therefore, O chief of the Bharatas, now achieve that by + which I may be freed from the debt I owe to my sire, now gone to the other + world. He that is good never indulges in self-praise. Unable, however, to + brook the slaughter of my sire, I speak of my prowess. Let the Pandavas, + with Janardana among them, behold my energy today, while I grind all their + troops, achieving what is done (by the destroyer himself) at the end of + the Yuga. Neither the gods, nor the Gandharvas, nor the Asuras, the + Uragas, and the Rakshasas, nor all the foremost of men, shall today be + able to vanquish me on my car in battle. There is none in the world equal + to me or Arjuna in knowledge of weapons. Entering into the midst of the + troops, like the sun himself in the midst of his blazing rays, I shall + today use my celestial weapons. Today, applied by me, innumerable shafts, + sped from my bow in dreadful battle, displaying their terrible energy, I + shall grind the Pandavas. Today, all the points of the compass, O king + will be seen by the warriors of our army shrouded with my winged arrows of + keen points, as if with torrents of rain. Scattering showers of shafts on + all sides with a loud noise, I shall overthrow my foes, like a tempest + felling trees. Neither Vibhatsu, nor Janardana, nor Bhimasena, nor Nakula, + nor Sahadeva, nor king Yudhishthira, nor Prishata’s wicked-souled son + (Dhrishtadyumna), nor Sikhandin, nor Satyaki, O Kauravya, knoweth that + weapon which I have, along with the mantras, for hurting and withdrawing + it. Formerly on one occasion, Narayana, assuming the form of a Brahmana, + came to my father. Bowing unto him, my father presented his offerings unto + him in due form. Taking them himself, the divine Lord offered to give him + a boon. My father then solicited that supreme weapon called Narayana. The + divine Lord, the foremost of all gods, addressing my sire, said, ‘No man + shall ever become thy equal in battle. This weapon, however, O Brahmana, + should never be used in haste. It never comes back without effecting the + destruction of the foe. I know none whom it may not slay, O lord! Indeed, + it would slay even the unslayable. Therefore, it should not be used + (without the greatest deliberation). This mighty weapon, O scorcher of + foes, should never be hurled upon persons that abandon their cars or + weapons in battle, or upon those that seek for quarter or those that wield + themselves up. He who seeketh to afflict in battle the unslayable with it, + is himself exceedingly afflicted by it!<a href="#linknote-7259" name="linknoteref-7259" id="linknoteref-7259">259</a>’—My sire thus + received that weapon. Then Lord Narayana, addressing myself also, said, + ‘With the aid of this weapon, thou too shalt pour diverse showers of + celestial weapons in battle and blaze with energy in consequence of it.’ + Having said these words, the divine Lord ascended to heaven. Even this is + the history of the Narayana weapon which has been obtained by my sire’s + son. With that I will rout and slay the Pandavas, the Panchalas, the + Matsyas, and the Kaikeyas, in battle, like Sachi’s lord routing and + slaying the Asuras. My shafts, O Bharata, will fall upon the contending + foes, in those particular forms which I shall wish them to assume. Staying + in battle, I will pour showers of weapons as I desire. I will rout and + slay all the foremost of car warriors with sky-ranging arrows of + iron-points. Without doubt, I will shower innumerable battle-axes upon the + foe. With the mighty Narayana weapon, a scorcher of foes that I am, I will + destroy the Pandavas, causing an immense carnage amongst them. That wretch + amongst the Panchalas, (viz., Dhrishtadyumna), who is an injurer of + friends and Brahmanas and of his own preceptor, who is a deceitful wretch + of the most reprehensible conduct, shall never escape from me today with + life.” Hearing these words of Drona’s son, the (Kuru) army rallied. Then + many foremost of men blew their gigantic conchs. And filled with delight, + they beat their drums and dindimas by thousands. The earth resounded with + loud noises, afflicted with the hoofs of steeds and the wheels of cars. + That loud uproar made the earth, and the firmament also echo with it. + Hearing that uproar, deep as the roll of the clouds, the Pandavas, those + foremost of car-warriors, uniting together, took counsel of one another. + Meanwhile, Drona’s son, having said those words, O Bharata, touched water + and invoked the celestial weapon called the Narayana.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0190" id="link72H_4_0190"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘When the weapon called Narayana was invoked, violent winds + began to blow with showers of rain, and peals of thunder were heard + although the sky was cloudless. The earth trembled, and the seas swelled + up in agitation. The rivers began to run in a contrary course. The summits + of mountains, O Bharata, began to split. Diverse animals began to pass by + the left side of the Pandavas.<a href="#linknote-7260" name="linknoteref-7260" id="linknoteref-7260">260</a> Darkness set in, the + sun became obscure. Diverse kinds of carnivorous creatures began to alight + on the field in joy. The gods, the Danavas, and the Gandharvas, O monarch, + all became inspired with fear. Beholding that tremendous agitation (in + nature), all began to ask one another loudly about its cause. Indeed, + seeing that fierce and terrible weapon invoked by Drona’s son, all the + kings, inspired with fear, felt great pain.’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Tell me, O Sanjaya, what counsel was adopted by the + Pandavas for the protection of Dhrishtadyumna when they saw the Kauravas + once more advance to battle, rallied by Drona’s son who was scorched by + grief and unable to brook the slaughter of his sire?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Having behold before the Dhartarashtras fly away, + Yudhishthira, seeing them once more prepared for furious battle, addressed + Arjuna, saying, “After the preceptor Drona had been slain in battle by + Dhrishtadyumna, like the mighty Asura, Vritra, by the wielder of the + thunderbolt, (the Kurus), O Dhananjaya, becoming cheerless, gave up all + hopes of victory. Desirous of saving themselves, all of them fled away + from battle. Some kings fled, riding on cars borne along irregular course + without Parshni drivers, and divested of standards and banners and + umbrellas, and with their Kuvaras and boxes broken, and all their + equipments displaced. Others, struck with panic and deprived of their + senses, themselves striking the steeds of their cars with their feet, fled + precipitately. Others, riding on cars with broken yokes and wheels and + Akshas, fled afflicted with fear. Others on horseback were carried away, + their bodies half displaced from their saddles. Others, dislodged from + their seats, and pinned by shafts to the necks of elephants, were quickly + carried away by those animals. Others were trodden to death all around by + elephants, afflicted and mangled with arrows. Others, deprived of weapons + and divested of armour, fell from their vehicles and animals down upon the + earth. Others were cut by car-wheels, or crushed by steeds and elephants. + Others loudly calling after their sires and sons, fled away in fear, + without recognising one another, deprived of all energy by grief. Some, + placing their sons and sires and friends and brothers (on vehicles) and + taking off their armour, were seen washing them with water. After the + slaughter of Drona, (the Kuru) army, fallen into such a plight, fled away + precipitously. By whom then hath it been rallied? Tell me, if thou + knowest. The sound of neighing steeds and trumpeting elephants, mingled + with the clatter of car-wheels, is heard loud. These sounds, so fierce, + occuring in the Kuru ocean, are repeatedly swelling up and causing my + troops to tremble. This terrific uproar, making the hair stand on end, + that is now heard, would, it seems, swallow the three worlds with Indra at + their head. I think this terrible uproar is uttered by the wielder of the + thunderbolt himself. It is evident that upon the fall of Drona, Vasava + himself is approaching (against us) for the sake of the Kauravas. Our + hairs have stood on their ends, our foremost of car-warriors are all + afflicted with anxiety. O Dhananjaya, hearing this loud and terrible + noise, I ask thee who is that mighty car-warrior, like the lord of the + celestials himself, that rallying this terrible and swelling host, is + causing it to return?" </p> + <p> + “‘Arjuna said, “He, relying upon whose energy the Kauravas, having + addressed themselves to the accomplishment of fierce feats, are blowing + their conchs and staying with patience, he about whom thou hast thy + doubts, O king, as to who he may be that is roaring so loud, having + rallied the Dhartarashtras after the fall of the disarmed preceptor, he, + who is endued with modesty, possessed of mighty arms, has the tread of an + infuriated elephant, owns a face like that of a tiger, always achieves + fierce feats, and dispels the fears of the Kurus, he upon whose birth + Drona gave away a thousand kine unto Brahmanas of high worth, he O king, + that is roaring so loud, is Aswatthaman. As soon as he was born, that hero + neighed like Indra’s steed and caused the three worlds to tremble at that + sound. Hearing that sound, an invisible being, O lord, (speaking audibly) + bestowed upon him the name of Aswatthaman (the horse-voiced). That hero, O + son of Pandu, is roaring today. Prishata’s son, by an exceedingly cruel + act, assailed Drona and took his life as if the latter was without a + preceptor. Yonder stayeth the preceptor of that Drona. Since the prince of + the Panchalas seized my preceptor by the hair, Aswatthaman, confident of + his own prowess, will never forgive him. Thou, O monarch, hath told thy + preceptor a falsehood for the sake of kingdom! Although thou art + acquainted with the dictates of righteousness, thou hast yet perpetrated a + very sinful act. Thy ill fame, in consequence of the slaughter of Drona, + will be eternal in the three worlds with their mobile and immobile + creatures, like Rama’s in consequence of the slaughter of Bali!<a + href="#linknote-7261" name="linknoteref-7261" id="linknoteref-7261">261</a> + About thyself, Drona had thought, ‘The son of Pandu is possessed of every + virtue; he is, besides, my disciple. He will never speak an untruth to + me.’ Thinking so, he gave credence to what thou hadst said. Although in + speaking of Aswatthaman’s death thou hadst added the word elephant, yet + thy answer to the preceptor was, after all, an untruth in the garb of + truth. Thus told by thee, the puissant Drona laid aside his weapons and, + as thou sawest, became indifferent (to everything), exceedingly agitated, + and almost deprived of his senses. It was even a disciple who, abandoning + all morality, thus slew his own preceptor, full of affection for his son, + while, indeed, that preceptor was filled with grief and unwilling to + fight. Having caused him, who had laid his weapons to be unrighteously + slain, protect the son of Prishata if thou canst, with all thy + counsellors. All of us, uniting together, shall not be able to protect + Prishata’s son today, who will be assailed by the preceptor’s son in wrath + and grief. That superhuman being who is in that habit of displaying his + friendship for all creatures, that hero, hearing of the seizure of his + sire’s locks, will certainly consume us all in battle today. Although I + cried repeatedly at the top of my voice for saving the preceptor’s life, + yet, disregarding my cries and abandoning mortality, a disciple took the + life of that preceptor. All of us have passed the greater part of our + lives. The days that remain to us are limited. This exceedingly + unrighteous act that we have perpetrated has stained that remnant. In + consequence of the affection he bore to us, he was a sire unto us. + According to the dictates of the scriptures also, he was a sire unto us. + Yet he, that preceptor of ours, has been slain by us for the sake of + short-lived sovereignty. Dhritarashtra, O king, had given unto Bhishma and + Drona the whole earth, and what was still more valuable, all his children. + Though honoured by our foe thus, and though he had obtained such wealth + from him, the preceptor still loved us as his own children. Of unfading + energy and prowess, the preceptor has been slain, only because, induced by + thy words he had laid aside his weapons. While engaged in fight he was + incapable of being slain by Indra himself. The preceptor was venerable in + years and always devoted to our welfare. Yet unrighteous that we are, and + stained with a levity of behaviour, we scrupled not to injure him. Alas, + exceedingly cruel and very heinous has been the sin that we have + committed, for, moved by the desire of enjoying the pleasures of + sovereignty, we have slain that Drona. My preceptor had all along been + under the impression that in consequence of my love for him, I could, (for + his sake) abandon all,—sire, brother, children, wife and life + itself. And yet moved by the desire of sovereignty, I interfered not when + he was about to be slain. For this fault, O king, I have, O lord, already + sunk into hell, overcome with shame. Having, for the sake of kingdom, + caused the slaughter of one who was a Brahmana, who was venerable in + years, who was my preceptor, who had laid aside his weapons, and who was + then devoted, like a great ascetic, to Yoga, death has become preferable + to me to life!”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0191" id="link72H_4_0191"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCVIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of Arjuna, the mighty car-warriors + present there said not a single word, O monarch, agreeable or + disagreeable, unto Dhananjaya. Then the mighty-armed Bhimasena, filled + with wrath, O bull of Bharata’s race, reproaching Kunti’s son, Arjuna, + said these words, “Thou preachest truths of morality like an anchorite + living in the woods or a Brahmana of rigid vows and senses under complete + control. A person is called a Kshatriya because he rescues others from + wounds and injuries. Being such, he must save himself from wounds and + injuries. Showing forgiveness towards the three that are good (viz., the + gods, the Brahmanas, and preceptor), a Kshatriya, by doing his duties, + soon wins the earth as also piety and fame and prosperity.<a + href="#linknote-7262" name="linknoteref-7262" id="linknoteref-7262">262</a> + Thou, O perpetuator of thy race, art endued with every attribute of a + Kshatriya. It does not, therefore, look well for thee to speak like an + ignorant wight. O son of Kunti, thy prowess is like that of Sakra himself, + the lord of Sachi. Thou dost not transgress the bounds of morality like + the ocean that never transgresses its continents. Who is there that would + not worship thee, seeing that thou seekest virtue, having abandoned the + wrath cherished by thee for thirteen years? By good luck, O sire, thy + heart today followeth in the wake of virtue. O thou of unfading glory, by + good luck, thy understanding inclineth towards compassion. Though, + however, thou art inclined to adopt the path of virtue, thy kingdom was + snatched from thee most unrighteously. Dragging thy wife Draupadi to the + assembly, thy foes insulted her. Clad in barks of trees and skins of + animals, all of us were exiled to the woods, and though we were + undeserving of that plight, our foes nevertheless compelled us to endure + it for thirteen years. O sinless one, thou hast forgiven all these + circumstances, every one of which demands the exhibition of wrath. Wedded + as thou art to duties of a Kshatriya, thou hast quietly borne these. + Remembering all those acts of unrighteousness, I came here with thee for + avenging myself of them. (When, however, I see that thou art so + indifferent, why), I myself will slay those low wretches that despoiled us + of our kingdom. Thou hadst formerly said these words, viz., ‘Addressing + ourselves to battle, we will exert to the utmost extent of our abilities.’ + Today, however, thou reproachest us. Thou now seekest virtue. Those words, + therefore, that thou saidst formerly were untrue. We are already afflicted + with fear. Thou cuttest, however, the very core of our hearts with these + thy words, O crusher of foes, like one pouring acid upon the sores of + wounded men. Afflicted with thy wordy darts, my heart is breaking. Thou + art virtuous, but thou dost not know in what righteousness truly consists, + since thou applaudest neither thyself nor us, though all of us are worthy + of applause. When Kesava himself is here, praisest thou the son of Drona, + a warrior that does not come up to even a sixteenth part of thyself, O + Dhananjaya, confessing thy own faults, why dost thou not feel shame? I can + rend asunder this earth in rage, or split the very mountains in whirling + that terrible and heavy mace of mine, decked with gold. Like the tempest, + I can break down gigantic trees looking like hills. I can, with my arrows, + rout the united celestials with Indra at their head, together with all the + Rakshasas, O Partha, and the Asuras, the Uragas and human beings. Knowing + me, thy brother, to be such, O bull among men, it behoveth thee not, O + thou of immeasurable prowess, to entertain any fear about Drona’s son. Or, + O Vibhatsu, stand thou here, with all these bulls amongst men. Alone and + unsupported, I shall, armed with my mace, vanquish this one in great + battle.” After Bhima had ended, the son of the Panchala king, addressing + Partha, said these words, like Hiranyakasipu (the leader of the Daityas) + unto the enraged and roaring Vishnu,<a href="#linknote-7263" name="linknoteref-7263" id="linknoteref-7263">263</a> “O Vibhatsu, the + sages have ordained these to be the duties of Brahmanas, viz., assisting + at sacrifices, teaching, giving away, performance of sacrifices, receiving + of gifts, and study as the sixth. To which of these six was that Drona + devoted who has been slain by me? Fallen off from the duties of his own + order and practising those of the Kshatriya order, that achiever of wicked + deeds used to slay us by means of superhuman weapons. Professing himself + to be a Brahmana, he was in the habit of using irresistible illusion. By + an illusion itself hath he been slain today. O Partha, what is there that + is improper in this? Drona having been thus punished by me, if his son, + from rage, uttereth loud roars, what do you lose by that? I do not think + it at all wonderful that Drona’s son, urging the Kauravas to battle, will + cause them to be slain, unable to protect them himself. Thou art + acquainted with morality. Why then dost thou say that I am a slayer of my + preceptor? It was for this that I was born as a son to the king of the + Panchalas, having sprung from the (sacrificial) fire. How, O Dhananjaya, + you call him a Brahmana or Kshatriya, with whom, while engaged in battle, + all acts, proper and improper, were the same? O foremost of men, why + should not he be slain, by any means in our power, who, deprived of his + senses in wrath, used to slay with the Brahma weapons even those that were + unacquainted with weapons? He that is unrighteous is said by those that + are righteous to be equal to poison. Knowing this, O thou that art well + versed with the truths of morality, why dost thou, O Arjuna, reproach me? + That cruel car-warrior was seized and slain by me. I have done nothing + that is worthy of reproach. Why then, O Vibhatsu, dost thou not + congratulate me? O Partha, I have cut off that terrible head, like unto + the blazing sun or virulent poison or the all-destroying Yuga fire, of + Drona. Why then dost thou not applaud an act that is worthy of applause? + He had slain in battle only my kinsmen and not those of any one else. I + say that having only cut off his head, the fever of my heart hath not + abated. The very core of my heart is being pierced for my not having + thrown that head within the dominion of the Nishadas, like that of + Jayadratha!<a href="#linknote-7264" name="linknoteref-7264" id="linknoteref-7264">264</a> It hath been heard, O Arjuna, that one + incurreth sin by not slaying his foes. Even this is the duty of a + Kshatriya, viz., to slay or be slain. Drona was my foe. He hath been + righteously slain by me in battle, O son of Pandu, even as thou hast slain + the brave Bhagadatta, thy friend. Having slain thy grandsire in battle, + thou regardest that act to be righteous. Why then shouldst thou regard it + unrighteous in me for my having slain my wretched foe? In consequence of + our relationship, O Partha, I cannot raise my head in thy presence and am + like a prostrate elephant with a ladder against his body (for helping puny + creatures to get on his back). It, therefore, behoveth thee not to + reproach me. I forgive all the faults of thy speech, O Arjuna, for the + sake of Draupadi and Draupadi’s children and not for any other reason. It + is well known that my hostility with the preceptor has descended from sire + to son. All persons in this world know it. Ye sons of Pandu, are ye not + acquainted with it? The eldest son of Pandu hath not been untruthful in + speech. I myself, O Arjuna, am not sinful. The wretched Drona was a hater + of his disciples. Fight now. Victory will be thine.”’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0192" id="link72H_4_0192"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CXCIX + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘That illustrious person who had duly studied the + Vedas with all their branches, he, in whom the entire science of arms and + modesty had dwelt, he through whose grace many foremost of men are still + capable of achieving superhuman feats which the very gods cannot achieve + with care, alas, when he, viz., that Drona, that son of a great Rishi was + insulted in the sight of all by the low, wicked, mean minded and sinful + Dhrishtadyumna, that slayer of his own preceptor, was there no Kshatriya + who felt called upon to display his wrath? Fie on the Kshatriya order, and + fie on wrath itself! Tell me, O Sanjaya, what the sons of Pritha, as also + all the other royal bowmen in the world, hearing of Drona’s slaughter, + said unto the prince of Panchala.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Hearing these words of Drupada’s son, of crooked deeds, + all the persons present there, O monarch, remained perfectly silent. + Arjuna, however, casting oblique glances upon Prishata’s son, seemed, with + tears and sighs, to reproach him, saying, “Fie, fie.” Yudhishthira and + Bhima and the twins and Krishna and the others stood bashfully. Satyaki, + however, O king, said these words, “Is there no man here that would, + without delay, slay this sinful wight, this lowest of men, who is uttering + such evil speeches? The Pandavas are all condemning thee for this sinful + act of thine, like Brahmanas condemning a person of the Chandala class. + Having committed such a heinous act, having incurred the censures of all + honest men, art thou not ashamed to open thy lips in the midst of such a + respectable assembly? O despicable wretch, why did not thy tongue and head + split into a hundred fragments while thou wert about to slay thy own + preceptor? Why wert thou not struck down by that act of sin? Since, having + perpetrated such a sinful act, again applauding thyself in the midst of + human beings, thou incurrest the censures of the Parthas and all the + Andhakas and the Vrishnis. Having perpetrated such an atrocious act, thou + art again displaying such hatred towards the preceptor. For this thou + deservest death at our hands. There is no use in keeping thee alive for + even a single moment. Who is there, save thee, O wretch, that would cause + the death of the virtuous preceptor, seizing him by his locks? Having + obtained thee, O wretch, thy ancestors, for seven generations and thy + descendants also for seven generations, deprived of fame, have sunk into + hell. Thou hast charged Partha, that bull among men, with the slaughter of + Bhishma. The latter, however, viz., that illustrious personage, himself + accomplished his own death. Truly speaking, the uterine brother, (viz., + Sikhandin), that foremost of all sinners, was the cause of Bhishma’s + death. There is none in the world that is more sinful than the sons of the + Panchala king. Thy father had created Sikhandin for the destruction of + Bhishma. As regards Arjuna, he had only protected Sikhandin while + Sikhandin became the cause of the illustrious Bhishma’s death. Having got + thee that is condemned by all righteous men, and thy brother, amongst + them, the Panchalas have fallen off from righteousness, and stained with + meanness, have become haters of friends and preceptors. If thou again + speakest such words in my presence, I shall then break with this mace of + mine that is as strong as the thunderbolt. Beholding thee that art the + slayer of a Brahmana, since thou art guilty of nothing less than the + slaughter of a Brahmana, people have to look at the sun for purifying + themselves. Thou wretch of a Panchala, O thou of wicked conduct, speaking + all of my preceptor first and then of my preceptor’s preceptor, art thou + not ashamed?<a href="#linknote-7265" name="linknoteref-7265" id="linknoteref-7265">265</a> Wait, wait! Bear thou but one stroke of this + my mace! I myself will bear many strokes of thine.” Thus rebuked by the + Satwata hero, Prishata’s son, filled with rage, smilingly addressed the + angry Satyaki in these harsh words.’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Dhrishtadyumna said, “I have heard thy words, O thou of Madhu’s race, + but I have forgiven thee. Being thyself unrighteous and sinful, desirest + thou to rebuke them that are righteous and honest? Forgiveness is + applauded in the world. Sin, however, does not deserve forgiveness. He + that is of sinful soul regards the forgiving person powerless. Thou art a + wretch in thy behaviour. Thou art of sinful soul. Thou art wedded to + unrighteousness. Thou art censurable in every respect, from the tip of thy + toe to the end of their hair. Desirest thou still to speak ill of others? + What can be more sinful than that act of thine, viz., thy slaughter of the + armless Bhurisravas while sitting in Praya, although thou wert with the + aid of celestial weapons. He had laid aside his weapons and I slew him. O + thou of crooked heart, what is there in that act that is improper? How can + he, O Satyaki, blame such an act who himself has in Praya like an ascetic, + and whose arms had been cut off by another? That valiant enemy of thine + had displayed his prowess having struck thee with his foot and thrown thee + down on the earth. Why didst thou not then slay him, showing thy + manliness? When Partha, however, had already vanquished him, it was then + that thou, acting most unrighteously, didst kill the brave and valiant + Somadatta’s son. When Drona had sought to rout the forces of the Pandavas, + then I proceeded, shooting thousands of arrows. Having thyself acted in + such a way, like a Chandala, and having thyself become worthy of reproach, + desirest thou to reproach me in such harsh words? Thou art a perpetrator + of evil deeds, and not I, O wretch of the Vrishni race! Thou art the abode + of all sinful deeds. Do not again blame me. Be silent. It behoveth thee. + Don’t say anything unto me after this. This is the reply I give thee with + my lips. Don’t say anything more. If, from folly, thou repeatest such + harsh words, I shall then, in battle, despatch thee, with my arrows, to + Yama’s abode. By righteousness alone, O fool, one cannot vanquish his + enemies. Listen now to the unrighteous acts of the Kurus also. Pandu’s + son, Yudhishthira was some time back unrighteously deceived by them. O + Satyaki, Draupadi also was persecuted by them unrighteously. The Pandavas, + with Krishna in their company, were also exiled and they were robbed of + their all, O fool, most unrighteously. By an act of unrighteousness, + again, has the ruler of the Madras been withdrawn from us by the enemy. By + an act of unrighteousness also was the son of Subhadra slain. On this + side, it was by an act of unrighteousness that Bhishma, the Kuru + grandsire, was slain. Bhurisravas, too, was, by an act of unrighteousness, + slain by thee that art so acquainted with righteousness. Even thus have + the enemy, as also the Pandavas, acted in this battle. Possessed of + courage and acquainted with morality, all of them, O Satwata, have acted + thus, for gaining victory. High morality is difficult of ascertainment. + Similarly, immorality also can with difficulty be comprehended. Fight now + with the Kauravas, without returning to the home of thy fathers.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these harsh and cruel words (from + Dhrishtadyumna’s lips), the blessed Satyaki began to tremble from head to + foot. With rage his eyes assumed the hue of copper. Keeping his bow then + upon his car, he grasped his mace, sighing like a Snake. Rushing, then, + towards the prince of the Panchalas, he said unto him in great wrath, “I + will not speak harshly to thee, but I will slay thee, deserving as thou + art of slaughter.” Seeing the mighty Satyaki rushing, from wrath and + desire of revenge, at the Panchala prince, like Yama against one like his + own self, the mighty Bhima, urged by Vasudeva, quickly jumped down from + his car and seized him with his arms. Endued with great strength, Satyaki, + who was rushing in great wrath, proceeded for a few steps, forcibly + dragging after him the mighty son of Pandu who was endeavouring to hold + him back. Then Bhima firmly planting his feet stopped at the sixth step + that foremost of strong men, viz., that bull of Sini’s race. Then + Sahadeva, O king, jumping down from his own car, addressed Satyaki, thus + held fast by the strong arms of Bhima, in these words, “O tiger among men, + O thou of Madhu’s race, we have no friends dearer to us than the Andhakas, + the Vrishnis and the Panchalas. So also the Andhakas and the Vrishnis, + particularly Krishna, cannot have any friends dearer than ourselves. The + Panchalas, also, O thou of Vrishni’s race, even if they search the whole + world to the confines of the sea, have no friends dearer to them than the + Pandavas and the Vrishnis. Thou art even such a friend to this prince; and + he also is a similar friend to thee. Ye all are to us even as we are to + you. Acquainted as thou art with all duties, remembering now the duties + thou owest to friends, restrain this wrath of thine, that has the prince + of the Panchalas for its object. Be calm, O foremost one of Sini’s race! + Forgive the son of Prishata, and let Prishata’s son also forgive thee. + Ourselves also will practise forgiveness. What is there that is better + than forgiveness?" </p> + <p> + “‘While the scion of Sini, O sire, was thus being pacified by Sahadeva, + the son of the Panchala king, smiling, said these words, “Release Sini’s + grandson, O Bhima who is so proud of his prowess in battle. Let him come + at me like the wind assailing the mountains, till, with my keen arrows, O + son of Kunti, I quell his rage and desire for battle and take his life. + Yonder come the Kauravas. I shall (after slaying Satyaki) achieve this + great task of the Pandavas that has presented itself. Or let Phalguna + resist all the enemies in battle. As regards myself, I will fell this + one’s head with my arrows. He taketh me for the armless Bhurisravas in + battle. Release him. Either I will slay him or he will slay me.” Hearing + these words of the Panchala prince, the mighty Satyaki held fast in + Bhima’s clasp, sighing like a snake, began to tremble. Both of them, + endued with great might and possessed of powerful arms, began to roar like + a couple of bulls. Then Vasudeva, O sire, and king Yudhishthira the just, + with great effort, succeeded in pacifying those heroes. Having pacified + those two great bowmen, those two heroes, whose eyes had become blood-red + with rage, all the Kshatriyas (of the Pandava) army proceeded against the + warriors of the hostile army for battle.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0193" id="link72H_4_0193"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CC + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Then Drona’s son began to cause a great carnage amongst + his foes in that battle, like the Destroyer himself at the end of the + Yuga. Slaying his enemies by means of his broad-headed arrows, Aswatthaman + soon piled a mountain there of the dead. The standards of cars formed its + trees; and weapons its pointed summits; the lifeless elephants formed its + large rocks; the steeds, its Kimpurushas; and bows, its creepers and + plants. And it resounded with the cries of all carnivorous creatures, that + constituted its feathery population. And the spirits that walked there + formed its Yakshas<a href="#linknote-7266" name="linknoteref-7266" id="linknoteref-7266">266</a>. Then roaring aloud, O bull of Bharata’s + race, Aswatthaman once more repeated his vow in the hearing of thy son, + thus, “Since Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira, assuming only the outward garb of + virtue, had caused the preceptor who was (righteously) engaged in battle + to lay aside his weapons, I shall, in his very sight, rout and destroy his + army. Having mangled all his troops, I shall, then, slay the sinful prince + of the Panchalas. Indeed, I shall slay all of them, if they contend with + me in battle. I tell thee truly, therefore, rally thou thy troops.” + Hearing these words of Aswatthaman, thy son rallied the troops, having + dispelled their fears with a loud leonine roar. The encounter, then, O + king, that once more took place between the Kuru and the Pandava armies, + became as terrible as that of two oceans at full tide. The terrified + Kauravas had their fears dispelled by Drona’s son. The Pandus and the + Panchalas had become fierce in consequence of Drona’s slaughter. Great was + the violence of that collision, on the field of battle, between those + warriors, all of whom were cheerful and filled with rage and inspired with + certain hopes of victory. Like a mountain, striking against a mountain, or + an ocean against an ocean, O monarch, was that collision between the Kurus + and the Pandavas. Filled with joy, the Kuru and the Pandava warriors beat + thousands of drums. The loud and stunning uproar that arose from among + those troops resembled that of the ocean itself while churned (of old by + the gods and the Danavas). Then Drona’s son, aiming at the host of the + Pandavas and the Panchalas, invoked the weapon called Narayana. Then + thousands of arrows with blazing mouths appeared in the welkin, resembling + snakes of fiery mouths, that continued to agitate the Pandavas. In that + dreadful battle, those shafts, O king, like the very rays of the sun in a + moment shrouded all the points of the compass, the welkin, and the troops. + Innumerable iron balls also, O king, then appeared, like resplendent + luminaries in the clear firmament. Sataghnis, some equipped with four and + some with two wheels, and innumerable maces, and discs, with edges sharp + as razor and resplendent like the sun, also appeared there. Beholding the + welkin densely shrouded with those weapons, O bull of Bharata’s race, the + Pandavas, the Panchalas, and the Srinjayas, became exceedingly agitated. + In all those places, O ruler of men, where the great car-warriors of the + Pandavas contended in battle, that weapon became exceedingly powerful. + Slaughtered by the Narayana weapon, as if consumed by a conflagration, the + Pandava troops were exceedingly afflicted all over the field in that + battle. Indeed, O lord, as fire consumeth a heap of dry grass in summer, + even so did that weapon consume the army of the Pandus. Beholding that + weapon filling every side, seeing his own troops destroyed in large + numbers, king Yudhishthira the just, O lord, became inspired with great + fright. Seeing his army in course of flight and deprived of its senses, + and beholding Parthas standing indifferent, Dharma’s son said these words, + “O Dhrishtadyumna, fly away with your Panchala troops. O Satyaki, you also + go away, surrounded by the Vrishnis and the Andhakas. Of virtuous soul, + Vasudeva will himself seek the means of his own safety. He is competent to + offer advice to the whole world. What need is there of telling him what he + should do? We should not any longer fight. I say so unto all the troops. + As regards myself, I will, with all my brothers ascend a funeral pile. + Having crossed the Bhishma and the Drona oceans in this battle, that are + incapable of being crossed by the timid, shall I sink with all my + followers in the vestige, represented by Drona’s son, of a cow’s hoof? Let + the wishes of king Duryodhana be crowned with success today, for I have + today slain in battle the preceptor, that always cherished such friendly + feelings towards us, that preceptor, who, without protecting, caused that + child unacquainted with battle, viz., the son of Subhadra, to be slain by + a multitude of wicked warriors, that preceptor, who with his son, sat + indifferently, without answering, when Krishna in such distress, dragged + into the assembly and sought to be made a slave, asked him to say the + truth, that preceptor, who, while all the other warriors were fatigued, + cased Duryodhana in invulnerable armour when the latter desired to slay + Phalguna and who, having cased him so, appointed him to protect + Jayadratha, who, being acquainted with the Brahma weapon, scrupled not to + exterminate the Panchalas, headed by Satyajit, that had exerted themselves + for my victory, that preceptor, who, whilst we were being unrighteously + exiled from our kingdom, freely told us to go into the woods although he + had been solicited by our friends to withhold his permission<a + href="#linknote-7267" name="linknoteref-7267" id="linknoteref-7267">267</a>. + Alas, that great friend of our hath been slain! For his sake, I will, with + my friends, lay down my life.” After Kunti’s son, Yudhishthira had said + this, he of Dasarha’s race, (viz., Kesava) quickly forbidding the troops, + by motion of his arms, to fly away said these words, “Speedily lay down + your weapons, all of you, and alight from your vehicles. Even this is the + means ordained by the illustrious one, (viz., Narayana himself) for + baffling this weapon. Come down on the earth, all of you from your + elephants and steeds and cars. If you stand weaponless on the earth, this + weapon will not slay you. In those places where you will fight for + quelling the force of this weapon the Kauravas will become more powerful + than you. Those men, however, that will throw down their weapons and + alight from their vehicles, will not in this battle, be slain by this + weapon. They, however, that will, even in imagination, contend against + this weapon, will all be slain even if they seek refuge deep beneath the + earth”. The warriors of the Pandava army, hearing, O Bharata, these words + of Vasudeva, threw their weapons and drove away from their hearts all + desire of battle. Then Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, beholding the warriors + about to abandon their weapons, said these words, O king, gladdening them + all: “None should lay down his weapons here. I shall, with my shafts, + oppose this weapon of Drona’s son. With this heavy mace of mine, that is + decked with gold, I shall career in this battle like the Destroyer + himself, quelling this weapon of Drona’s son. There is no man here that is + equal to me in prowess, even as there is no luminary in the firmament that + is equal to the sun. Beholding these two strong arms of mine like unto the + trunks of a couple of mighty elephants, capable of pulling down the + mountain of Himavat, I am the one person here that possesses the might of + the thousand elephants. I am without a peer, even as Sakra is known to be + in heaven among the celestials. Let people witness today the prowess of + these two arms of my broad-chested self, while engaged in baffling the + bright and blazing weapon of Drona’s son. If there be none (else) capable + of contending against the Narayana weapon, even I shall contend against it + today in the very sight of all the Kurus and the Pandavas. O Arjuna, O + Vibhatsu, thou shouldst not lay Gandiva aside. A stain will then attach to + thee like that of the moon.” Thus addressed by Bhima, Arjuna said, “O + Bhima, even this is my great vow, viz., that my Gandiva shall not be used + against the Narayana weapon, kine, and Brahmanas.” Thus answered by + Arjuna, Bhima, that chastiser of foes, riding on his car of solar + effulgence, whose rattle, besides, resembled the roar of the clouds, + rushed against the son of Drona. Endued with great energy and prowess, the + son of Kunti, in consequence of his extreme lightness of hand, within the + twinkling of an eye, covered Aswatthaman with a shower of weapons. Then + Drona’s son, smiling at the rushing Bhima and addressing him (in proper + words) covered him with arrows, inspired with mantras and equipped with + blazing points. Shrouded with those shafts that vomited fire and resembled + snakes of blazing mouths, as if covered with sparks of gold, the form, O + king, of Bhimasena in that battle looked like that of a mountain in the + evening when covered with fire. That weapon of Drona’s son, directed + against Bhimasena increased in energy and might, O king, like a + conflagration assisted by the wind. Beholding that weapon of terrible + energy thus increasing in might, a panic entered the hearts of all the + combatants of the Pandava army with the exception of Bhima. Then all of + them, throwing down their weapons on the earth, alighted from their cars + and steeds. After they had thrown their weapons and alighted from their + vehicles, that weapon of exceeding energy fell upon the head of Bhima. All + creatures, especially the Pandavas, uttered cries of Oh and Alas, + beholding Bhimasena overwhelmed by the energy of that weapon.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0194" id="link72H_4_0194"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCI + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding Bhimasena overwhelmed by that weapon, + Dhananjaya, for baffling its energy, covered him with the Varuna weapon. + In consequence of the lightness of Arjuna’s arms, and owing also to the + fiery force that shrouded Bhima, none could see that the latter had been + covered with the Varuna weapon. Shrouded with the weapon of Drona’s son, + Bhima, his steeds, driver, and car became incapable of being gazed at, + like a fire of blazing flame in the midst of another fire. As at the close + of the night, O king, all the luminaries run towards the Asta hill, even + so the fiery shafts (of Aswatthaman) all began to proceed towards + Bhimasena’s car. Indeed, Bhima himself, his car, steeds, and driver, O + sire, thus shrouded by Drona’s son seemed to be in the midst of a + conflagration. As the (Yuga) fire consuming the entire universe with its + mobile and immobile creatures when the hour of dissolution comes, at last + enters the mouth of the Creator, even so as the weapon of Drona’s son + began to enter the body of Bhimasena. As one cannot perceive a fire if it + penetrates into the sun or the sun if it enters into a fire, even so none + could perceive that energy which penetrated into Bhima’s body. Beholding + that weapon thus investing Bhima all around, and seeing Drona’s son + swelling with energy and might, the latter being then without an + antagonist, and observing also that all the warriors of the Pandava army + had laid down their weapons and that all the mighty car-warriors of that + host headed by Yudhishthira had turned away their faces from the foe, + those two heroes, viz., Arjuna and Vasudeva, both endued with great + splendour, quickly alighting from their car, ran towards Bhima. Those two + mighty men, diving into that energy born of the might of Aswatthaman’s + weapon, had resorted to the power of illusion. The fire of that weapon + consumed them not, in consequence of their having laid aside their + weapons, as also in consequence of the force of the Varuna weapon, and + owing also to the energy possessed by themselves. Then Nara and Narayana, + for the pacification of Narayana weapon, began forcibly to drag Bhima and + all his weapons. Thus dragged by them, Kunti’s son, that mighty + car-warrior, began to roar aloud. Thereupon, that terrible and invincible + weapon of Drona’s son began to increase (in might and energy). Then + Vasudeva, addressing Bhima, said, “How is it, O son of Pandu, that though + forbidden by us, thou, O son of Kunti, dost not yet abstain from battle? + If the Kurus could now be vanquished in battle, then we, as also all these + foremost of men, would certainly have continued to fight. Behold, all the + warriors of thy host have alighted from their cars. For this reason, O son + of Kunti, do thou also come down from thy car.” Having said these words, + Krishna brought Bhima down from his car. The latter, with eyes red as + blood in rage, was sighing like a snake. When, however, he was dragged + down from his car and made to lay aside his weapons, the Narayana weapon, + that scorcher of foes, became pacified.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘When, by this means, the unbearable energy of that + weapon became stilled, all the points of the compass, cardinal and + subsidiary, became clear. Sweet breezes began to blow and birds and + animals all became quiet. The steeds and elephants became cheerful, as + also all the warriors, O ruler of men! Indeed, when the terrible energy of + that weapon, O Bharata, became stilled, Bhima, of great intelligence, + shone resplendent like the morning sun. The remnant of the Pandava host, + beholding the pacification of the Narayana weapon, once more stood + prepared on the field for compassing the destruction of thy sons. When, + after that weapon had been baffled, the Pandava host, stood arrayed, + Duryodhana, O king, addressing Drona’s son, said, “O Aswatthaman, once + more use that weapon speedily since the Panchalas are once more arrayed, + desirous of victory.” Then addressed by thy son, O sire, Aswatthaman, + sighing cheerlessly, replied unto the king in these words, “That weapon, O + king, cannot be brought back. It cannot be used twice. If brought back, it + will without doubt, slay the person calling it back. Vasudeva hath, by + what means thou hast seen, caused it to be baffled. For this, O ruler of + men, the destruction of the foe hath not been compassed in battle. Defeat + and death, however, are the same. Rather, defeat is worse than death. Lo, + the enemy, vanquished and compelled to lay down his arms, looks as if + deprived of life”. Duryodhana then said, “O preceptor’s son, if it be so, + if this weapon cannot be used twice, let those slayers of their preceptor + be slain with other weapons then, O foremost one of all persons acquainted + with weapons! In thee are all celestial as well as in the Three eyed + (Siva) of immeasurable energy. If thou wishest it not, even Purandara in + rage cannot escape thee." </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘After Drona had been slain with the aid of fraud, + and the Narayana weapon baffled, what, indeed, did Drona’s son, thus urged + by Duryodhana then, do, beholding the Parthas once more arrived for battle + freed from the Narayana weapon, and careering at the head of their + divisions?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Remembering the slaughter of his sire, Drona’s son, owning + the device of the lion’s tail on his banner, filled with rage and casting + off all fears, rushed against the son of Prishata. Rushing at him, O bull + among men, that foremost of warriors, with great impetuosity, pierced the + Panchala prince with five and twenty small arrows. Then Dhrishtadyumna, O + King, pierced Drona’s son that resembled a blazing fire, with four and + sixty shafts. And he pierced Aswatthaman’s driver also with twenty arrows + whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold, and then his four steeds + with four sharp arrows. Repeatedly piercing Drona’s son, and causing the + earth to tremble with his leonine roars. Dhrishtadyumna then seemed to be + employed in taking the lives of creatures in the world in dreadful battle. + Making death itself his goal, the mighty son of Prishata, O king, + accomplished in weapons and endued with sureness of aim, then rushed + against Drona’s son alone. Of immeasurable soul, that foremost of + car-warriors, viz., the prince of Panchala, poured upon Aswatthaman’s head + a shower of arrows. Then Drona’s son, in that battle, covered the angry + prince with winged shafts. And once more, he pierced the latter with ten + shafts, remembering the slaughter of his father. Then cutting off the + standard and bow of the Panchala prince with a couple of well-shot shafts, + equipped with heads like razors, Drona’s son began to grind his foe with + other arrows. In that dreadful battle, Aswatthaman made his antagonist + steedless and driverless and carless, and covered his followers also with + thick showers of shafts. At this, the Panchala troops, O king, mangled by + means of those arrowy showers fled away in fear and great affliction. + Beholding the troops turning away from battle and Dhrishtadyumna + exceedingly afflicted, the grandson of Sini quickly urged his car against + that of Drona’s son. He then afflicted Aswatthaman with eight keen shafts. + And once more striking that angry warrior with twenty shafts of diverse + kinds, he pierced Aswatthaman’s driver, and then his four steeds with four + shafts. With great deliberations and displaying a wonderful lightness of + hand, he cut off Aswatthaman’s bow and standard, Satyaki then cut into + fragments the gold-decked car of this foe together with its steeds. And + then he deeply pierced Aswatthaman in the chest with thirty arrows in that + battle. Thus afflicted, O king, (by Satyaki), and shrouded with arrows, + the mighty Aswatthaman knew not what to do. When the preceptor’s son had + fallen into that plight, thy son, that car-warrior, accompanied by Kripa + and Karna and others began to cover the Satwata hero with arrows. All of + them began quickly to pierce Satyaki from every side with keen shafts, + Duryodhana pierced him with twenty, Saradwat’s son, Kripa, with three. And + Kritavarman pierced him with ten, and Karna with fifty. And Duhsasana + pierced him with a hundred arrows, and Vrishasena with seven. Satyaki, + however, O king, soon made all those great car-warriors fly away from the + field, deprived of their cars. Meanwhile, Aswatthaman, O bull of Bharata’s + race, recovering consciousness, and sighing repeatedly in sorrow, began to + think of what he should do. Riding then upon another car, that scorcher of + foes, viz., the son of Drona, began to resist Satyaki, shooting hundreds + of arrows. Beholding Aswatthaman once more approaching him in battle, the + mighty car-warrior, Satyaki, once more made him carless and caused him to + turn back. Then the Pandavas, O king, beholding the prowess of Satyaki, + blew their conchs with great force and uttered loud leonine roars. Having + deprived Aswatthaman of his car thus, Satyaki, of unbaffled prowess, then + slew three thousand mighty car-warriors of Vrishasena’s division. And then + he slew fifteen thousand elephants of Kripa’s force and fifty thousand + horses of Sakuni. Then, the valiant son of Drona, O monarch, riding upon + another car, and highly enraged with Satyaki, proceeded against the + latter, desirous of slaying him. Beholding him approach again, the + grandson of Sini, that chastiser of foes, once more pierced and mangled + him with keen shafts, fiercer than those he had used before. Deeply + pierced with those arrows of diverse forms by Yuyudhana, that great + bowman, viz., the angry son of Drona, smilingly addressed his foe and + said, “O grandson of Sini, I know thy partiality for Dhrishtadyumna, that + slayer of his preceptor, but thou shalt not be able to rescue him or your + own self when attacked by me. I swear to thee, O grandson of Sini, by + truth and by my ascetic austerities, that I shall know no peace till I + slay all the Panchalas. You may unite the forces of the Pandavas and those + of the Vrishnis together, but I shall still slay the Somakas.” Saying + this, the son of Drona shot at Satyaki an excellent and straight arrow + possessed of the effulgence of the sun, even as Sakra had hurled in days + of yore his thunder at the Asura Vritra. Thus shot by Aswatthaman, that + arrow, piercing through the armour of Satyaki, and passing through his + body, entered the earth like a hissing snake entering its hole. His armour + pierced through, the heroic Satyaki, like an elephant deeply struck with + the hook, became bathed in blood that flowed from his wound. His bow, with + arrow fixed thereon, being then loosened from his grasp, he sat down on + the terrace of his car strengthless and covered all over with blood. + Seeing this his driver speedily bore him away from Drona’s son. With + another shaft, perfectly straight and equipped with goodly wings that + scorcher of foes, viz., Aswatthaman, struck Dhrishtadyumna between his + eyebrows. The Panchala prince had before this been much pierced; + therefore, deeply wounded by that arrow, he became exceedingly weak and + supported himself by seizing his flag-staff. Beholding Dhrishtadyumna thus + afflicted by Aswatthaman, like an infuriated elephant by a lion, five + heroic car-warriors of the Pandava army, viz., Kiritin, Bhimasena, + Vrihatkshatra of Puru’s race, the youthful prince of the Chedis, and + Sudarsana, the chief of the Malavas, quickly rushed against Aswatthaman. + Armed with bows, all these rushed with cries Oh and Alas. And those heroes + quickly encompassed the son of Drona on all sides. Advancing twenty paces, + all of them, with great care, simultaneously struck the angry son of the + preceptor with five and twenty arrows. Drona’s son, however, with five and + twenty shafts, resembling snakes of virulent poison, cut off, almost at + the same time, those five and twenty arrows shot at him. Then Aswatthaman + afflicted the Paurava prince with seven sharp shafts. And he afflicted the + chief of the Malavas with three, Partha with one, and Vrikodara with six + shafts. Then all those great car-warriors, O king, pierced Drona’s son + unitedly and separately with many shafts, whetted on stone equipped with + wings of gold. The youthful prince of the Chedis pierced Drona’s son with + twenty and Partha pierced him with three. Then Drona’s son struck Arjuna + with six arrows, and Vasudeva with six, and Bhima with five, and each of + the other two viz., the Malava and the Paurava, with two arrows. Piercing + next the driver of Bhima’s car with six arrows, Aswatthaman cut off + Bhimasena’s bow and standard with a couple of arrows. Then piercing Partha + once more with a shower of arrows, Drona’s son uttered a leonine roar. + With the sharp, well-tempered, and terrible arrows shot by Drona’s son, + the earth, the sky, the firmament, and the points of the compass, cardinal + and subsidiary, all became entirely shrouded both in his front and rear. + Endued with fierce energy and equal to Indra himself in prowess, + Aswatthaman with three arrows, almost simultaneously cut off the two arms, + like unto Indra’s poles, and the head of Sudarsana, as the latter was + seated on his car. Then piercing Paurava with a dart and cutting off his + car into minute fragments by means of his arrows, Aswatthaman lopped off + his antagonist’s two arms smeared with sandal-paste and then his head from + off his trunk with a broad-headed shaft. Possessed of great activity, he + then pierced with many arrows resembling blazing flames of fire in energy, + the youthful and mighty prince of the Chedis who was of the hue of the + dark lotus, and despatched him to Yama’s abode with his driver and steeds. + Beholding the chief of the Malavas, the descendant of Puru, and the + youthful ruler of the Chedis slain in his very sight by the son of Drona. + Bhimasena, the mighty-armed son of Pandu, became filled with rage. The + scorcher of foes then covered Drona’s son in that battle with hundreds of + keen arrows resembling angry snakes of virulent poison. Endued with mighty + energy, the angry son of Drona then destroying that arrowy shower, pierced + Bhimasena with sharp shafts. The mighty-armed Bhima then, possessed of + great strength, cut off with a broad-headed arrow the bow of Drona’s son + and then pierced Drona’s son himself with a powerful shaft. Throwing away + that broken bow, the high-souled son of Drona took up another and pierced + Bhima with his winged shafts. Then those two, viz., Drona’s son and Bhima, + both possessed of great prowess and might, began to shower their arrowy + downpours like two masses of rain-charged clouds. Gold-winged arrows, + whetted on stone and engraved with Bhima’s name shrouded Drona’s son, like + gathering masses of clouds shrouding the sun. Similarly, Bhima was soon + shrouded with hundreds and thousands of strong arrows shot by Drona’s son. + Though shrouded in that battle by Drona’s son, that warrior of great + skill, Bhima yet felt no pain, O monarch, which seemed exceedingly + wonderful. Then the mighty-armed Bhima sped ten gold-decked arrows, of + great keenness and resembling the darts of Yama himself, at his foe. Those + shafts, O sire, falling upon the shoulders of Drona’s son, quickly pierced + his body, like snakes penetrating into an ant-hill. Deeply pierced by the + high-souled son of Pandu, Aswatthaman, closing his eyes, supported himself + by seizing his flagstaff. Recovering his senses within a moment, O king, + Drona’s son bathed in blood, mustered all his wrath. Forcibly struck by + the high-souled son of Pandu, Aswatthaman, endued with mighty arms, rushed + with great speed towards the car of Bhimasena. And then, O Bharata, he + sped at Bhimasena, from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, a hundred + arrows of fierce energy, all looking like snakes of virulent poison. + Pandu’s son Bhima also, proud of his prowess in battle, disregarding + Aswatthaman’s energy, speedily showered upon him a dense arrowy downpour. + Then Drona’s son, O king, cutting off Bhima’s bow by means of his arrows, + and filled with rage, struck the Pandava in the chest with many keen + shafts. Incapable of brooking that feat, Bhimasena took up another bow and + pierced Drona’s son in that battle with five keen shafts. Indeed, + showering upon each other their arrowy downpours like two masses of clouds + at the close of summer, two warriors, with eyes red as copper in rage, + completely covered each other in that battle with their shafts. + Frightening each other with the terrible sounds they made by their palms, + they continued to fight with each other, each counteracting the feats of + the other. Then bending his formidable bow adorned with gold, Drona’s son + began to gaze steadfastly at Bhima who was thus shooting his shafts at + him. At that time, Aswatthaman looked like the meridian sun of blazing + rays in an autumnal day. So quickly then did he shoot his shafts that + people could not see when he took them out of his quiver, when he fixed + them on the bowstring, when he drew the string, and when he let them off. + Indeed, when employed in shooting his arrows, his bow, O monarch, seemed + to be incessantly drawn to fiery circle. Shafts in a hundred thousands, + shot from his bow, seemed to course through the welkin like a flight of + locusts. Indeed, those terrible shafts adorned with gold, shot from the + bow of Drona’s son, coursed incessantly towards Bhima’s car. The prowess, + O Bharata, that we then beheld of Bhimasena, and his might, energy, and + spirit, were exceedingly wonderful, for, regarding that terrible shower of + arrows thick as a gathering mass of clouds, falling around him to be + nothing more than a downpour of rain at the close of summer. Bhima of + terrible prowess, desirous of slaying the son of Drona, in return poured + his arrows upon the latter like a cloud in the season of rains. Bhima’s + large and formidable bow of golden back, incessantly drawn in that battle, + looked resplendent like a second bow of Indra. Shafts in hundreds and + thousands, issuing from it, shrouded Drona’s son, that ornament of battle + in that encounter. The showers of shafts, shot by both of them were so + dense, O sire, that the very wind, O king, could not find room for + coursing through them. Then Drona’s son, O king, desirous of slaying + Bhima, sped at him many gold-decked arrows of keen points steeped in oil. + Showing his superiority to Drona’s son Bhimasena cut off each of those + arrows into three fragments before they could come at him. The son of + Pandu then said, “Wait, Wait.” And once more, the mighty son of Pandu + filled with rage, and desirous of slaying the son of Drona, shot at him a + terrible shower of fierce arrows. Then Drona’s son that warrior acquainted + with the highest weapons, quickly destroying that arrowy shower by the + illusion of his own weapons, cut off Bhima’s bow in that encounter. Filled + with rage, he then pierced Bhima himself with innumerable shafts in that + battle. Endued with great might, Bhima then, after his bow had been cut + off, hurled a dart at Aswatthaman’s car, having whirled it previously with + great impetuosity. The son of Drona, displaying the lightness of his hand + in that encounter, quickly cut off, by means of sharp shafts, that dart as + it coursed towards him with the splendour of a blazing brand. Meanwhile, + terrible Vrikodara, taking up a very strong bow, and smiling the while, + began to pierce the son of Drona with many arrows. Then Drona’s son, O + monarch, with a straight shaft, pierced the forehead of Bhima’s driver. + The latter, deeply pierced by the mighty son of Drona, fell into a swoon, + O king, abandoning the reins of the steeds. The driver of Bhima’s car + having fallen into a swoon, the steeds, O king, began to fly away with + great speed, in the very sight of all the bowmen. Beholding Bhima carried + away from the field of battle by those running steeds, the unvanquished + Aswatthaman joyfully blew his huge conch. Beholding Bhimasena borne away + from the field, all the Panchalas, inspired with fear, abandoning the car + of Dhrishtadyumna, fled away on every side. Then Drona’s son, shooting his + shafts fiercely, pursued those broken troops, causing a great carnage + among them. Thus slaughtered in battle by the son of Drona, those + Kshatriyas fled away in all directions from fear of that warrior.’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Beholding that force broken, Kunti’s son, Dhananjaya, of + immeasurable soul, proceeded against Aswatthaman from desire of slaying + him. Those troops then, O king, rallied with effort by Govinda and Arjuna, + stayed on the field of battle. Only Vibhatsu, supported by the Somakas and + the Matsyas, shot his arrows at the Kauravas and checked their onset.<a + href="#linknote-7268" name="linknoteref-7268" id="linknoteref-7268">268</a> + Quickly approaching Aswatthaman, that great bowman having the mark of the + lion’s tail on his banner, Arjuna addressed him, saying, “Show me now the + might thou hast, the energy, the knowledge, and the manliness, that are in + thee, as also thy affection for the Dhartarashtras and thy hatred for us, + and the high mettle of which thou art capable. Even Prishata’s son, that + slayer of Drona, will quell thy pride today. Come now and encounter the + Panchala prince, that hero resembling the Yuga fire and like the Destroyer + himself with Govinda. Thou hast displayed thy pride in battle, but I shall + quell that pride of thine.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘The preceptor’s son, O Sanjaya, is possessed of + might and worthy of respect. He beareth great love to Dhananjaya and the + high-souled Dhananjaya also loveth him in return. Vibhatsu had never + addressed Drona’s son before in this way. Why then did the son of Kunti + address his friend in such words?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Upon the fall of the youthful prince of the Chedis, of + Vrihatkshatra of Puru’s race, and of Sudarsana, the chief of the Malavas, + who was well-accomplished in the science of arms, and upon the defeat of + Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki and Bhima, and feeling great pain and touched + to the quick by those words of Yudhishthira, and remembering all his + former woes, O lord, Vibhatsu, in consequence of his grief, felt such + wrath rise within him the like of which he had never experienced before. + It was for this that like a vulgar person, he addressed the preceptor’s + son who was worthy of every respect, in such unworthy, indecent, bitter, + and harsh language. Addressed, from wrath, in such harsh and cruel words + by Partha, O king, Drona’s son, that foremost of all mighty bowmen, became + highly angry with Partha and especially with Krishna. The valiant + Aswatthaman, then, staying resolutely on his car, touched water and + invoked the Agneya weapon incapable of being resisted by the very gods. + Aiming at all his visible and invisible foes, the preceptor’s son, that + slayer of hostile heroes, inspired with mantras a blazing shaft possessed + of the effulgence of a smokeless fire, and let it off on all sides, filled + with rage. Dense showers of arrows then issued from it in the welkin. + Endued with fiery flames, those arrows encompassed Partha on all sides. + Meteors flashed down from the firmament. A thick gloom suddenly shrouded + the (Pandava) host. All the points of the compass also were enveloped by + that darkness. Rakshasas and Pisachas, crowding together, uttered fierce + cries. Inauspicious winds began to blow. The sun himself no longer gave + any heat. Ravens fiercely croaked on all sides. Clouds roared in the + welkin, showering blood. Birds and beasts and kine, and Munis of high vows + and souls under complete control, became exceedingly uneasy. The very + elements seemed to be perturbed. The sun seemed to turn. The universe, + scorched with heat, seemed to be in a fever. The elephants and other + creatures of the land, scorched by the energy of that weapon, ran in + fright, breathing heavily and desirous of protection against that terrible + force. The very waters heated, the creatures residing in that element, O + Bharata, became exceedingly uneasy and seemed to burn. From all the points + of the compass, cardinal and subsidiary, from the firmament and the very + earth, showers of sharp and fierce arrows fell and issued with the + impetuosity of Garuda or the wind. Struck and burnt by those shafts of + Aswatthaman that were all endued with the impetuosity of the thunder, the + hostile warriors fell down like trees burnt down by a raging fire. Huge + elephants, burnt by that weapon, fell down on the earth all around, + uttering fierce cries loud as the rumblings of the clouds. Other huge + elephants, scorched by that fire, ran hither and thither, and roared aloud + in fear, as if in the midst of a forest conflagration. The steeds, O king, + and the cars also, burnt by the energy of that weapon, looked, O sire, + like the tops of trees burnt in a forest-fire. Thousands of cars fell down + on all sides. Indeed, O Bharata, it seemed that the divine lord Agni burnt + the (Pandava) host in that battle, like the Samvarta fire consuming + everything at the end of the Yuga. + </p> + <p> + “‘Beholding the Pandava army thus burning in that dreadful battle, thy + soldiers, O king, filled with joy, uttered leonine shouts. Indeed, the + combatants, desirous of victory and filled with joy, speedily blew + thousands of trumpets, O Bharata, of diverse kinds. Darkness having + enveloped the world during that fierce battle, the entire Pandava army, + with Savyasachin, the son of Panda, could not be seen. We had never + before, O king, heard of or seen the like of that weapon which Drona’s son + created in wrath on that occasion. Then Arjuna, O king, invoked into + existence the Brahma weapon, capable of baffling every other weapon, as + ordained by the Lotus-born (Brahma) himself. Within a moment that darkness + was dispelled, cool winds began to blow, and all the points of the compass + became clear and bright. We then beheld a wonderful sight, viz., a full + Akshauhini (of the Pandava troops) laid low. Burnt by the energy of + Aswatthaman’s weapon, the forms of the slain could not be distinguished. + Then those two heroic and mighty bowmen, viz., Kesava and Arjuna, freed + from that darkness, were seen together, like the sun and the moon in the + firmament. Indeed, the wielder of Gandiva and Kesava were both unwounded. + Equipped with its banners and standards and steeds, with the Anukarsa + unjoined; and with all the mighty weapons stored on it remaining + uninjured, that car, so terrible to thy warriors, freed from that + darkness, shone resplendent on the field. And soon there arose diverse + sounds of life mingled with the blare of conchs and the beat of drums, + from among the Pandava troops filled with joy. Both hosts thought that + Kesava and Arjuna had perished. Beholding Kesava and Arjuna, therefore + (freed from darkness and the energy of that weapon) and seeing that + reappear so quickly, the Pandavas were filled with joy, and the Kauravas + with wonder. Unwounded and full of cheerfulness, those two heroes blew + their excellent conchs. Indeed, seeing Partha filled with joy, thy + soldiers became exceedingly melancholy. Seeing those two high-souled ones + (viz., Kesava and Arjuna), freed (from the energy of his weapon) the son + of Drona became very cheerless. For a moment he reflected, O sire, on what + had happened. And having reflected, O king, he became filled with anxiety + and grief. Breathing long and hot sighs, he became exceedingly cheerless. + Laying aside his bow, then, the son of Drona speedily alighted from his + car, and saying, “O fie, fie! Every thing is untrue,” he ran away from the + fight. On his way he met Vyasa, the abode of Saraswati, the compiler of + the Vedas, the habitation of those scriptures, unstained by sin, and of + the hue of rain-charged cloud. Beholding him, that perpetuator of Kuru’s + race, standing on his way, the son of Drona with voice choked in grief, + and like one exceedingly cheerless, saluted him and said, “O sire, O sire, + is this an illusion, or is it a caprice (on the part of the weapon)? I do + not know what it is. Why, indeed, hath my weapon become fruitless? What + breach (has there been in the method of invocation)? Or, is it something + abnormal, or, is it a victory over Nature (achieved by the two Krishnas) + since they are yet alive? It seems that Time is irresistible. Neither + Asuras, nor Gandharvas, nor Pisachas, nor Rakshasas, nor Uragas, Yakshas, + and birds, nor human beings, can venture to baffle this weapon shot by me. + This fiery weapon, however, having slain only one Akshauhini of troops, + hath been pacified. This exceedingly fierce weapon shot by me is capable + of slaying all creatures. For what reason then could it not slay Kesava + and Arjuna, both of whom are endued with the attributes of humanity? Asked + by me, O holy one, answer me truly. O great Muni, I desire to hear all + this in detail.”’ + </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “O highly significant is this matter that thou enquirest of + me from surprise. I will tell thee everything; listen attentively. He that + is called Narayana is older than the oldest ones. For accomplishing some + purpose, that creator of the universe took his birth as the son of Dharma. + On the mountain of Himavat he underwent the severest ascetic austerities. + Endued with mighty energy, and resembling fire or the sun (in splendour), + he stood there with arms upraised. Possessed of eyes like lotus-petals, he + emaciated himself there for sixty-six thousand years, subsisting all the + while upon air alone. Once more undergoing severe austerities of another + kind for twice that period, he filled the space between earth and heaven + with his energy. When by those austerities, O sire, he became like Brahma<a + href="#linknote-7269" name="linknoteref-7269" id="linknoteref-7269">269</a> + he then beheld the Master, Origin, and Guardian of the Universe, the Lord + of all the gods, the Supreme Deity, who is exceedingly difficult of being + gazed at, who is minuter than the minutest and larger than the largest, + who is called Rudra,<a href="#linknote-7270" name="linknoteref-7270" id="linknoteref-7270">270</a> who is the lord of all the superior ones, + who is called Hara and Sambhu, who has matted locks on his head, who is + the infuser of life into every form, who is the First cause of all + immobile and mobile things, who is irresistible and of frightful aspect, + who is of fierce wrath and great Soul, who is the All-destroyer, and of + large heart; who beareth the celestial bow and a couple of quivers, who is + cased in golden armour, and whose energy is infinite, who holdeth Pinaka, + who is armed with thunderbolt, a blazing trident, battle axe, mace, and a + large sword; whose eye-brows are fair, whose locks are matted, who + wieldeth the heavy short club, who hath the moon on his forehead, who is + clad in tiger-skin, and who is armed with the bludgeon; who is decked with + beautiful angadas, who hath snakes for his sacred thread, and who is + surrounded by diverse creatures of the universe and by numerous ghosts and + spirits, who is the One, who is the abode of ascetic austerities, and who + is highly adored by persons of venerable age; who is Water, Heaven, Sky, + Earth, Sun, Moon, Wind and Fire, and who is the measure of the duration of + the universe. Persons of wicked behaviour can never obtain a sight of that + unborn one, that slayer of all haters of Brahmanas, that giver of + emancipation.<a href="#linknote-7271" name="linknoteref-7271" id="linknoteref-7271">271</a> Only Brahmanas of righteous conduct, when + cleansed of their sins and freed from the control of grief, behold him + with their mind’s eye. In consequence of his ascetic austerities, Narayana + obtained a sight of that unfading one, that embodiment of righteousness, + that adorable one, that Being having the universe for his form. Beholding + that supreme Abode of all kinds of splendour, that God with a garland of + Akshas round his neck, Vasudeva, with gratified soul, became filled with + delight which he sought to express by words, heart, understanding, and + body. Then Narayana worshipped that Divine Lord, that First cause of the + universe, that giver of boons, that puissant one sporting with the + fair-limbed Parvati, that high-souled Being surrounded by large bands of + ghosts, spirits, that Unborn one, that Supreme Lord, that Embodiment of + the unmanifest, that Essence of all causes, that One of unfading power. + Having saluted Rudra, that destroyer of the Asura Andhaka, the lotus eyed + Narayana, with emotion filling his heart, began to praise the Three-eyed + one (in these words), ‘O adorable one, O first of all the gods, the + creator of everything (viz., the Prajapatis) who are the regents of the + world, and who having entered the earth,—thy first work,—had, + O lord, protected it before, have all sprung from thee. Gods, Asuras, + Nagas, Rakshasas, Pisachas, human beings, birds, Gandharvas, Yakshas and + other creatures: with the entire universe, we know, have all sprung from + thee. Everything that is done for propitiating Indra, and Yama, and + Varuna, and Kuvera and Pitris and Tvashtri, and Soma, is really offered to + thee. Form and light, sound and sky, wind and touch, taste and water, + scent and earth,<a href="#linknote-7272" name="linknoteref-7272" id="linknoteref-7272">272</a> time, Brahma himself, the Vedas, the + Brahmanas and all these mobile objects, have sprung from thee. Vapours + rising from diverse receptacles of water, becoming rain-drops, which + falling upon the earth, are separated from one another. When the time of + the Universal dissolution comes those individual drops, separated from one + another, once more unite together and make the earth one vast expanse of + water. He that is learned, thus observing the origin and the destruction, + of all things, understands thy oneness. Two birds (viz., Iswara and Jiva), + four Aswatthas with their wordy branches (viz., the Vedas), the seven + guardians (viz., the five essences or elements and the heart and the + understanding), and the ten others that hold this city (viz., the ten + senses that constitute the body), have all been created by thee, but thou + art separate from and independent of them. The Past, the Future, and the + Present, over each of which none can have any sway, are from thee, as also + the seven worlds and this universe. I am thy devoted adorer,—be + graceful unto me. Do not injure me, by causing evil thoughts to penetrate + my heart. Thou art the Soul of souls, incapable of being known. He that + knows thee as the Universal Seed, attaineth to Brahma. Desiring to pay + thee respects, I am praising thee, endeavouring to ascertain thy real + nature, O thou that art incapable of being understood by the very gods. + Adored by me, grant me the boons I desire but which are difficult of + acquisition. Do not hide thyself in thy illusion.’" </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa continued, “The blue-throated God, of inconceivable soul, that + wielder of Pinaka, that divine Lord ever praised by the Rishis, then gave + boons unto Vasudeva who deserved them all. The great God said, ‘O + Narayana, through my grace, amongst men, gods, and Gandharvas, thou shalt + be of immeasurable might and soul. Neither gods, nor Asuras, nor great + Uragas, nor Pisachas, nor Gandharvas, nor men, nor Rakshasas, nor birds, + nor Nagas, nor any creatures in the Universe, shall ever be able to bear + thy prowess. No one amongst even the celestials shall be able to vanquish + thee in battle. Through my grace, none shall ever be able to cause thee + pain by the weapon of thunderbolt or with any object that is wet or dry, + or with any mobile or immobile thing. Thou shalt be superior to myself if + thou ever goest to battle against me.’ Thus were these boons acquired by + Sauri in days of yore. Even that God now walketh the earth (as Vasudeva), + beguiling the universe by his illusion. From Narayana’s asceticism was + born a great Muni of the name of Nara, equal to Narayana himself. Know + that Arjuna is none else than that Nara. Those two Rishis, said to be + older than the oldest gods, take their births in every Yuga for serving + the purposes of the world. Thyself also, O thou of great heart, hast been + born as a portion of Rudra, by virtue of all thy religious acts and as a + consequence of high ascetic austerities, endued with great energy and + wrath. Thou wert (in a former life) endued with great wisdom and equal to + a god. Regarding the universe to consist only of Mahadeva, thou hadst + emaciated thyself by diverse vows from desire of gratifying that God. + Assuming the form of a very superior person, that blazes fourth with + splendour, thou hast, O giver of honours, worshipped the great god with + mantras, with homa, and with offerings. Thus adored by thee in thy former + life, the great god became gratified with thee, and granted thee numerous + boons, O learned one, that thou hadst cherished in thy heart. Like + Kesava’s and Arjuna’s thy birth acts and ascetic austerities are also + superior. Like them, in thy worship, thou hast, in every Yuga, adored the + great God in his Phallic form. Kesava is that devoted worshipper of Rudra + who has sprung from Rudra himself. Kesava always worship the Lord Siva, + regarding his Phallic emblem to be the origin of the universe. In Kesava + is always present that knowledge, in consequence of which he views the + identity of Brahman with the universe and that other knowledge by which + the Past, the Present and the Future, the near and the remote, are all + seen, as if the whole are before his eyes. The gods, the Siddhas and the + great Rishis, adore Kesava for obtaining that highest object in the + universe, viz., Mahadeva. Kesava is the creator of everything. The Eternal + Krishna should be adored with sacrifices. The Lord Kesava always + worshippeth Siva in the Phallic emblem as the origin of all creatures. The + God having the bull for his mark cherisheth greater regard for Kesava.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya continued, ‘Hearing these words of Vyasa, Drona’s son, that + mighty car-warrior, bowed unto Rudra and regarded Kesava as worthy of the + highest regards. Having his soul under complete control, he became filled + with delight, the marks whereof appeared on his body. Bowing unto the + great Rishi, Aswatthaman then, casting his eyes on the (Kuru) army, caused + it to be withdrawn (for nightly rest). Indeed, when, after the fall of + Drona, the cheerless Kurus retired from the field, the Pandavas also, O + monarch, caused their army to be withdrawn. Having fought for five days + and caused an immense carnage, that Brahman well-versed in the Vedas, + viz., Drona, repaired, O king, to the region of Brahma!’." </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0195" id="link72H_4_0195"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCII + </h2> + <p> + “Dhritarashtra said, ‘Upon the slaughter of the Atiratha, viz., Drona, by + Prishata’s son, what did my sons and the Pandavas next do?’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘After the rout of the Kuru army, upon the slaughter of + that Atiratha, viz., Drona, by Prishata’s son, Dhananjaya, the son of + Kunti beholding a wonderful phenomenon in connection with his own victory, + asked Vyasa, O bull of Bharata’s race, who came thither in course of his + wanderings, saying, “O great Rishi, while I was engaged in slaying the foe + in battle with showers of bright shafts, I continually beheld before me, + proceeding in advance of my car, a person of blazing hue, as if endued + with the effulgence of fire. Whithersoever he proceeded with his uplifted + lance, all the hostile warriors were seen to break before him. Broken in + reality by him, people regarded the foe to have been broken by me. + Following in his wake, I only destroyed those, already destroyed by him. O + holy one, tell me who was that foremost of persons, armed with lance, + resembling the sun himself in energy, that was thus seen by me? He did not + touch the earth with his feet, nor did he hurl his lance even once. In + consequence of his energy, thousands of lances issued out of that one + lance held by him." </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa said, “Thou hast, O Arjuna, seen Sankara, that First cause from + which have sprung the Prajapatis, that puissant Being endued with great + energy, he that is the embodiment of heaven, earth and sky, the Divine + Lord, the protector of the universe, the great Master, the giver of boons, + called also Isana. O, seek the protection of that boon-giving Deity, that + lord of the universe. He is called Mahadeva (the Supreme Deity), of + Supreme Soul, the one only Lord, with matted locks (on head), the abode of + auspiciousness. Of three eyes and mighty arms, he is called Rudra, with + his locks tied in the shape of a crown, and his body attired in skins. + That boon-giving lord of the universe, that Supreme Deity, is also called + Hara and Sthanu. He is the foremost of every being in the universe, he is + incapable of being vanquished, he is the delighter of the universe and its + supreme ruler. The first cause, the light and refuge of the universe, he + is ever victorious. The Soul and the creator of the universe, and having + the universe for his form, he is possessed of great fame. The Lord of the + universe, and its great Ruler, that puissant one, is also the master of + all actions. Called also Sambhu, he is self-born, he is the lord of all + creatures, and the origin of the Past, the Future, and the Present. He is + Yoga and the lord of Yoga; he is called Sarva, and is the Lord of all the + worlds. He is superior to everything. The foremost of everything in the + universe, and the highest of all, he is called also Parumesthin. The + Ordainer of the three worlds, he is the sole refuge of the three worlds. + Incapable of being vanquished, he is the protector of the universe, and + abode (the necessity of) birth, decay, and death. The Soul of knowledge, + incapable of being compassed by knowledge, and the highest of all + knowledge he is unknowable. Through grace, he giveth unto his worshippers + the boons they desire. That Lord hath for his companions celestial beings + of diverse forms, some of whom are dwarfs, some having matted locks, some + with bald heads, some with short necks, some with large stomachs, some + with huge bodies, some possessed of great strength and some of long ears. + All of them, O Partha, have deformed faces and mouths and legs and strange + attires. That Supreme Deity, called Mahadeva, is worshipped by followers + that are even such. Even that Siva, O son, endued with such energy, + proceedeth through kindness, in advance of thee. In that fierce battle, O + Partha, making the very hair stand on end, who else, O Arjuna, than the + divine Maheswara, that foremost of all bowmen, that Deity of divine form, + could even in imagination venture to vanquish that force which was + protected by those great smiters and bowmen, viz., Aswatthaman and Karna + and Kripa? None can venture to stay before the warrior that hath Maheswara + walking before him. There is no being in the three worlds that is equal to + him. At the very scent of the enraged Mahadeva, foes in battle tremble and + become senseless and fall in large numbers. For this, the gods in heaven + adore and bow to him. Those men in this world and those other men of pious + conduct, that devoutly worship the boon-giving, divine, and auspicious + Rudra, obtain happiness here and attain to the highest state hereafter. O + son of Kunti, bow down unto him that is peace, unto him, called Rudra of + blue throat, exceedingly subtle, and of great effulgence, unto him called + Kapardin, him that is terrible, him that of tawny eyes, him that is + boon-giving; unto that great ordainer, of red locks and righteous conduct; + unto him that always does auspicious acts; unto him that is an object of + desire; him that is of tawny eyes; him that is called Sthanu; him that is + called Purusha; unto him that is of tawny hair; him that is bold, him that + is exceedingly subtle and of great effulgence; unto him that is the giver + of light; him that is the embodiment of all sacred waters; him that is the + God of gods; and him that is endued with great impetuosity; unto him that + is of manifest form; him that is called Sarva; him that is of agreeable + attire; unto him that has an excellent head-gear, him that is of handsome + face; him that has the mountains for his habitation; him that is peace; + him that is the protector; him that has barks of trees for his attire; him + whose arms are decked with ornaments of gold, him who is fierce, him that + is the lord of all the points of the compass; him that is the lord of the + clouds and of all created beings; him that is the lord of all trees and of + all kine; him that has his body shrouded with trees; him who is the + celestial generalissimo; him who inspires all thought; him who has the + sacrificial ladle in his hand; him who is blazing; him who wields the bow; + him who is Rama’s self, him who has diverse forms; him who is the lord of + the universe; him who had the munja grass for his attire; him who has a + thousand heads, a thousand eyes, a thousand arms, and a thousand legs. O + son of Kunti, seek the protection of that boon-giving Lord of the + universe, the lord of Uma, that God of three eyes, that destroyer of + Daksha’s sacrifice; that guardian of all created things, that being who is + always cheerful, that protector of all beings, that God of unfading glory; + that one with matted locks; that mover of all superior beings, that one + whose navel is like that of a bull and who hath the bull for his symbol; + that one who is proud like the bull, who is the lord of bulls; who is + represented by the horns of the bull; and who is the bull of bulls; that + one who hath the image of the bull on his banner; who is liberal to all + righteous persons; who can be approached by Yoga only; and whose eyes are + like those of a bull; who owneth very superior weapons; who hath Vishnu + himself for his arrow; who is the embodiment of righteousness; and who is + called Maheswara; who is of vast stomach and vast body; who hath a + leopard’s skin for his seat; who is the lord of the worlds; who is devoted + to Brahma and who loveth Brahmanas; who is armed with trident; who is + boon-giving; who wieldeth the sword and the shield, and who is highly + auspicious, who wieldeth the bow called Pinaka, who is divested of the + battle axe,<a href="#linknote-7273" name="linknoteref-7273" id="linknoteref-7273">273</a> and who is the protector and lord of the + universe. I place myself in the hands of that divine Lord, that grantor of + protection, that God attired in deer-skins. Salutations, to that Lord of + the celestials who hath Vaisravana for his friend. Salutations ever to him + of excellent vows; to him who hath excellent bowmen for his companions; to + him who himself wieldeth the bow; to that God with whom the bow is a + favourite weapon; who is himself the shaft impelled by the bow; who is the + bowstring and the bow; and the preceptor teaching the use of the bow. + Salutations to the God whose weapons are fierce; and who is the foremost + of all the gods. Salutations to him of diverse forms; to him who hath many + bowmen around him. Salutations ever to him who is called Sthanu and who + has a large number of excellent bowmen for his companions. Salutations to + him who destroyed the triple city. Salutations to him who slew (the Asura) + Bhaga. Salutations to him who is the lord of trees and of men. Salutations + to him who is the lord of the (celestial) Mothers, and of those tribes of + spirits known by the name of Ganas. Salutations ever to him who is the + lord of kine and of sacrifices. Salutations ever to him who is the lord of + the waters and the lord of the gods, who is the destroyer of Surya’s + teeth, who is of three eyes, who is the grantor of boons; who is called + Hara, who is blue-throated, and who is of golden locks. I will now tell + thee, according to my knowledge and as I have heard of them, all the + divine deeds of Mahadeva of Supreme wisdom. If Mahadeva becomes angry, + neither gods, nor Asuras, Gandharvas, nor Rakshasas, even if they hide + themselves in deep oceans, can have peace. In the days of yore, Daksha, + for performing a sacrifice, had collected the necessary articles. Mahadeva + destroyed that sacrifice in wrath. Indeed, he became very stern on that + occasion. Shooting an arrow from his bow, he uttered terrible roars. The + celestials then became filled with anxiety and fright. Indeed, when + Mahadeva became angry and the Sacrifice (in its embodied form) fled away, + the gods became exceedingly frightened at the twang of Mahadeva’s bow and + the sound of his palms. The gods and Asuras all fell down and submitted to + Mahadeva. All the waters swelled up in agitations and the earth trembled. + The mountains split, and all the points of the compass and the Nagas + became stupefied. The universe, enveloped in a thick darkness, could no + longer be seen. The splendour of all luminaries, with the sun was + destroyed. The Rishis, filled with fear, became agitated, and desirous of + their own good as also of all creatures, performed propitiatory rites. + Surya was then eating the principal oblation. Smilingly Sankara approached + him and tore out his teeth. The gods then, humbling themselves to him, + fled away, trembling. Once more, Mahadeva aimed at the gods a shower of + blazing and keen arrows resembling flames of fire mixed with smoke, or + clouds with lightning. Beholding that arrowy shower, all the gods bowing + down unto Maheswara, assigned to Rudra a substantial share in sacrifices. + In fright, the gods, O prince, sought his protection. His wrath being + dispelled, the great God then restored the sacrifice. The gods that had + fled away came back. Indeed, they are to this day afraid of Maheswara. + Formerly, the valiant Asuras had, in heaven, three cities. Each of those + cities was excellent and large. One was made of iron, another of silver, + and the third of gold. The golden city belonged to Kamalaksha, the silver + city to Tarakaksha, and the third, made of iron, had Vidyunmalin for its + lord. With all his weapons, Maghavat (Indra) was unable to make any + impression on those cities. Afflicted (by the Asuras), all the gods sought + the protection of Rudra. Approaching him, all the gods with Vasava at + their head, said, ‘These terrible dwellers of the triple city have + received boons from Brahma. Filled with pride in consequence of those + boons, they are greatly afflicting the universe, O Lord of the gods, none, + save thee, is competent to slay them. Therefore, O Mahadeva, slay these + enemies of the gods: O Rudra, creatures slain in every sacrifice shall + then be thine.’ Thus addressed by the gods, Mahadeva thus accepted their + request, moved by the desire of benefiting them, and said, ‘I will + overthrow these Asuras.’ And Hara made the two mountains, viz., + Gandhamadana and Vindhya, the two poles of his car. And Sankara made the + earth with her oceans and forests his battle car. And the three-eyed deity + made that prince of snakes, viz., Sesha, the Aksha, of that car. And that + God of gods, the wielder of Pinaka, made the moon and the sun the two + wheels of that vehicle. And the triple-eyed Lord made Elapatra and + Pushpadanta, the two pins of the yoke. And the valiant Mahadeva made the + Malaya mountains the yoke, and the great Takshaka the string for tying the + yoke to the poles, and the creatures about him the traces of the steed. + And Maheswara made the four Vedas his four steeds. And that lord of the + three worlds made the supplementary Vedas the bridle-bits. And Mahadeva + made Gayatri and Savitri the reins, the syllable Om the whip, and Brahma + the driver. And making the Mandara mountains the bow, Vasuki the + bowstring, Vishnu his excellent shaft, Agni the arrow-head, and Vayu the + two wings of that shafts, Yama the feathers in its tail, lightning the + whetting stone, and Meru the standard, Siva, riding on that excellent car + which was composed of all the celestial forces, proceeded for the + destruction of the triple city. Indeed, Sthanu, that foremost of smiter, + that Destroyer of Asuras, that handsome warrior of immeasurable prowess, + adored by the celestials, O Partha, and by Rishis possessing wealth of + asceticism, caused an excellent and unrivalled array called after his own + name, and stood immovable for a thousand years. When, however, the three + cities came together in the firmament, the lord Mahadeva pierced them with + that terrible shaft of his, consisting of three knots. The Danavas were + unable to gaze at that shafts inspired with Yuga-fire and composed of + Vishnu and Soma. While the triple city commenced to burn, the goddess + Parvati repaired thither to behold the sight. She had then on her lap, a + child having a bald head with five clumps of hair on it. The goddess asked + the deities as to who that child was. Sakra, through ill-feeling + endeavoured to strike that child with his thunderbolt. The divine lord + Mahadeva (for the child was none other), smiling, quickly paralysed the + arm of the enraged Sakra. Then god Sakra, with his arm paralysed + accompanied by all the celestials, speedily repaired to the lord Brahma of + unfading glory. Bowing unto him with their heads, they addressed Brahma + with joined hands and said, ‘Some wonderful creature, O Brahma, lying on + the lap of Parvati, in the form of a child, was behold by us but not + saluted. We have all been vanquished by him. We, therefore, desire to ask + thee as to who he may be. Indeed, that boy, without fighting, hath with + the greatest ease vanquished us all with Purandara at our head.’ Hearing + these words of theirs, Brahma, that foremost of all persons, acquainted + with Brahma, reflected for a moment and understood that boy of + immeasurable energy to be none else than the divine Sambhu. Addressing + then, those foremost of celestials with Sakra at their head, Brahma said, + ‘That child is the divine Hara the Lord of the entire mobile and immobile + universe. There is nothing superior to Maheswara. That Being of + immeasurable splendour who was beheld by you all with Uma, that divine + lord, had assumed the form of a child for Uma’s sake. Let us all go unto + him. That divine and illustrious one is the Supreme Lord of the world. Ye + gods, ye could not recognise that master of the universe.’ Then all the + gods with the Grandsire repaired to that child, endued with the effulgence + of the morning sun. Beholding Maheswara, and knowing that he was the + Supreme Being, the Grandsire Brahma thus adored him: ‘Thou art Sacrifice, + O lord, thou art the stay and refuge of the universe. Thou art Bhava, thou + art Mahadeva, thou art the abode (of all things), and thou art the highest + refuge. This whole universe with its mobile and immobile creatures, is + pervaded by thee. O holy one, O lord of the past and the future, O lord of + the world, O protector of the universe, let Sakra, afflicted with thy + wrath, have thy grace.’" </p> + <p> + “‘Vyasa continued, “Hearing these words of the lotus-born Brahma, + Maheswara became gratified. Desirous of extending his grace, he laughed + aloud. The celestials then gratified (with praise) both Uma and Rudra. The + arm of the thunder-wielding Sakra re-got its natural state. That foremost + one of all the gods, that destroyer of Daksha’s sacrifice, that divine + lord having the bull for his sign, became gratified with the gods. He is + Rudra, he is Siva, he is Agni, he is everything, and he hath knowledge of + everything. He is Indra, he is the Wind, he is the twin Aswins, and he is + the lightning. He is Bhava, he is Parjanya, he is Mahadeva, he is sinless. + He is the Moon, he is Isana, he is Surya, he is Varuna. He is Kala, he is + Antaka, he is Mrityu, he is Yama.<a href="#linknote-7274" name="linknoteref-7274" id="linknoteref-7274">274</a> He is the day, and + he is the night. He is the fortnight, he is the month, he is the seasons. + He is the morning and evening-twilights, he is the year. He is Dhatri, he + is Vidhatri, he is the Soul of the universe, and he is the doer of all + acts in the universe. Though himself without body, it is he who is the + embodied celestial. Endued with great splendour he is adored and praised + by all the gods. He is One, he is Many, he is hundred and thousand. + Brahmanas versed in the Vedas say that he hath two forms. These are the + terrible and the auspicious. These two forms, again, are multifarious. His + auspicious forms are water, light, and the moon. Whatever is highly + mysterious in the several branches of the Vedas, in the Upanishads, in the + Puranas, and in those sciences that deal with the soul, is that God, viz., + Maheswara, Mahadeva is even such. That God is, again, without birth. All + the attributes of that God are not capable of being enumerated by me even + if, O son of Pandu, I were to recite them continually for a thousand + years. Even unto those that are afflicted by all the evil planets, even + unto those that are stained with every sin, that great protector, if they + seek him, becomes gratified with them and granteth them salvation. He + granteth, and taketh away life and health and prosperity and wealth and + diverse kinds of objects of desire. The prosperity is his that is seen in + Indra and other gods. He is ever engaged in the good and evil of men in + this world. In consequence of his supremacy, he can always obtain whatever + objects he desires. He is called Maheswara and is the lord of even the + supreme ones. In many forms of many kinds he pervadeth the universe. The + mouth which that God has is in the ocean. It is well-known that mouth, + assuming the form of a mare’s head, drinketh the sacrificial libation in + the shape of water. This god always dwelleth in crematoriums. Men worship + that Supreme lord in that place where none but the courageous can go. Many + are the blazing and terrible forms of this God that men speak of and + worship in the world. Many also are the names, of truthful import, of this + Deity in all the worlds. Those names are founded upon his supremacy, his + omnipotence, and his acts. In the Vedas the excellent hymn called Sata + Rudriya, hath been sung in honour of that great God called the infinite + Rudra. That God is the lord of all wishes that are human and heavenly. He + is omnipotent, and he is the supreme master. Indeed, that God pervadeth + the vast universe. The Brahmanas and the Munis describe him as the + First-born of all creatures. He is the First of all the gods; from his + mouth was born Vayu (the wind). And since he always protecteth the + creatures (of the universe) and sporteth with them, and since also he is + the lord of all creatures, therefore is he called Pasupati. And since his + Phallic emblem is always supposed to be in the observance of the vow of + Brahmacharya, and since he always gladden the world, therefore he is + called Maheswara. The Rishis, the gods, the Gandharvas, and Apsaras, + always worship his Phallic emblem which is supposed to stand upright. That + worship maketh Maheswara glad. Indeed, Sankara (at such worship) becomes + happy, pleased, and highly glad. And since with respect to the past, the + future, and the present, that God has many forms, he is, on that account, + called Vahurupa (many-formed). Possessed of one eye he blazeth forth in + effulgence, or he may be regarded to have many eyes on every side of his + body. And since, he possesseth the worlds, he is for that reason called + Sarva. And since his form is like that of smoke, he is for that reason + called Dhurjjati. And since those deities, viz., the Viswedevas are in + him, he is for that reason called Viswarupa. And since three goddesses + adore and have recourse to that Lord of the universe, viz., Firmament, + Water and Earth, he is for that reason called Tryamvaka. And since he + always increaseth all kinds of wealth and wisheth the good of mankind in + all their acts, he is for that reason called Siva. He possesseth a + thousand eyes, or ten thousand eyes, and hath them on all sides. And since + he protecteth this vast universe, he is for that reason called Mahadeva. + And since he is great and ancient and is the source of life and of its + continuance, and since his Phallic emblem is everlasting, he is for that + reason called Sthanu. And since the solar and the lunar rays of light that + appear in the world are spoken of as the hair on the Three-eyed one, he is + for that reason called Vyomakesa. And since, afflicting Brahma and Indra + and Varuna and Yama and Kuvera, he destroyeth them ultimately, he is for + that reason called Hara. And since, he is the Past, the Future, and the + Present, and, in fact, everything in the universe, and since he is the + origin of the past, the future, and the present, he is for that reason + called Bhava. The word Kapi is said to mean supreme, and Vrisha is said to + mean righteousness. The illustrious God of gods, therefore, is called + Vrishakapi. And since Maheswara by means of his two eyes closed (in + meditation), created through sheer force of will a third eye on his + forehead, he is for that reason called the Three-eyed. Whatever of + unsoundness there is in the bodies of living creatures, and whatever of + soundness there is in them, represent that God. He is the wind, the vital + airs called Prana, Apana (and the others) in the bodies of all creatures, + including even those that are diseased. He who adoreth any image of the + Phallic emblem of that high-souled God, always obtaineth great prosperity + by that act. Downwards fiery, and half the body, that is auspiciousness is + the moon. His auspiciousness is the moon. So also half his soul is fire + and half the moon. His auspicious form, full of energy, is more blazing + than the forms of the gods. Among men, his blazing and terrible form is + called fire. With that auspicious form he practiseth Brahmacharya. With + that other terrible form he as supreme Lord devoureth everything. And + since he burneth, since he is fierce, since he is endued with great + prowess, and since he devoureth flesh and blood and marrow, he is for this + called Rudra. Even such is the deity called Mahadeva, armed with Pinaka, + who, O Partha, was seen by thee engaged in slaying thy foes in advance of + thy car. After thou hadst vowed to slay the ruler of the Sindhus, O + sinless one, Krishna showed thee this God, in thy dream, sitting on the + top of that foremost of mountains. This illustrious God proceedeth in + advance of thee in battle. It is he who gave thee those weapons with which + thou didst slay the Danavas. The hymn approved of the Vedas, and called + Sata-Rudriya, in honour of that God of gods, that excellent, famous, + life-enhancing, and sacred hymn, has now, O Partha, been explained to + thee. This hymn of four divisions, capable of accomplishing every object, + is sacred, destructive of all sins, and competent to drive away all stains + and to kill all sorrows and all fears. The man that always listen to this + succeeds in vanquishing all his foes and is highly respected in the region + of Rudra. The person who always attentively reads or listens to the + recitation of this excellent and auspicious account, appertaining to + battle, of the illustrious Deity, and he worships with devotion that + illustrious Lord of the universe, obtaineth all the objects of desire, in + consequence of the three-eyed God being gratified with him. Go and fight, + O son of Kunti, defeat is not for thee, that hast Janardana on thy side + for thy adviser and protector.”’ + </p> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having addressed Arjuna in these words, the son of + Parasara, O chief of the Bharatas, went away to the place he had come + from, O chastiser of foes.’" </p> + <p> + <a name="link72H_4_0196" id="link72H_4_0196"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <div style="height: 4em;"> + <br /><br /><br /><br /> + </div> + <h2> + SECTION CCIII + </h2> + <p> + “Sanjaya said, ‘Having battled fiercely for five days, O king, the + Brahmana (Drona) endued with great strength, fell and repaired to the + region of Brahma. The fruits that arise from a study of the Vedas arise + from a study of this Parva also. The great achievements of brave + Kshatriyas have been described here. He who readeth or listeneth to the + recitation of this Parva every day is freed from heinous sins and the most + atrocious acts of his life. Brahmanas may always obtain herefrom the + fruits of sacrifices. From this, Kshatriyas may obtain victory in fierce + battle. The other orders (Vaisyas and Sudras) may obtain desirable sons + and grandsons and all objects of desire!’" </p> + <p> + The end of Drona Parva. + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> + </p> + <hr /> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <a name="link72H_FOOT" id="link72H_FOOT"> + <!-- H2 anchor --> </a> + </p> + <h2> + FOOTNOTES + </h2> + <p> + <a name="linknote-71" id="linknote-71"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 1 (<a href="#linknoteref-71">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, like an oration + teeming with unrefined expressions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-72" id="linknote-72"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 2 (<a href="#linknoteref-72">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., deprived of robes + and ornaments because of her widowhood.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-73" id="linknote-73"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 3 (<a href="#linknoteref-73">return</a>)<br /> [ A Sarabha is a fabulous + animal of eight legs supposed to be stronger than the lion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-74" id="linknote-74"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 4 (<a href="#linknoteref-74">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense seems to be, + that when such an one hath been slain, what is there on earth that is not + subject to destruction? Ye, should, therefore, grieve for your wealth, + children etc. as things already gone.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-75" id="linknote-75"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 5 (<a href="#linknoteref-75">return</a>)<br /> [ There is a slight + difference of reading in this sloka as it occurs in the Bombay text. The + sense seems to be, that since everything is destined to die, why should I + fear to do my duty.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-76" id="linknote-76"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 6 (<a href="#linknoteref-76">return</a>)<br /> [ The last line is read + incorrectly, I think, in the Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-77" id="linknote-77"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 7 (<a href="#linknoteref-77">return</a>)<br /> [ The second fine of 12 is + read incorrectly in the Bengal text. Instead of tathapi the true reading + (as in the Bombay edition) is tavapi.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-78" id="linknote-78"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 8 (<a href="#linknoteref-78">return</a>)<br /> [ Kula-samhanana-jnana, + i.e., ‘knowledge of Kula,’ as also of samhanana, which latter, as + Nilakantha explains, means the body. A knowledge of the body, of vital and + other limbs, was possessed by every accomplished warrior who wanted to + smite effectually.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-79" id="linknote-79"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 9 (<a href="#linknoteref-79">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., who will feel it + humiliating for him to walk behind Drona? + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-710" id="linknote-710"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 10 (<a href="#linknoteref-710">return</a>)<br /> [ A substantial difference + of reading occurs here between the Bengal and the Bombay texts. Both have + defects of their own. It seems to me that Drona, as leader, proceeded in + the van. Karna, when described as proceeding at the head of all bowmen, + must be taken marching at the head of the whole rear guard. In the case, + his position would be immediately behind Drona’s.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-711" id="linknote-711"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 11 (<a href="#linknoteref-711">return</a>)<br /> [ Lit, “placed army to + their right,” i.e., these birds wheeled to the left of thy host, which is + an evil omen.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-712" id="linknote-712"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 12 (<a href="#linknoteref-712">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of 23 is + read with a slight variation in the Bengal text. The words ‘nothing could + be seen save Drona’s arrows’ are added here to make the sense clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-713" id="linknote-713"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 13 (<a href="#linknoteref-713">return</a>)<br /> [ Probably, a ready + instrument.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-714" id="linknote-714"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 14 (<a href="#linknoteref-714">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense seems to be + that having carefully attained Arjuna in arms he has got the fruit of his + care and labour in the form of defeat and death at the hands of, or, at + least, through, his own pupil.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-715" id="linknote-715"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 15 (<a href="#linknoteref-715">return</a>)<br /> [ This sentence comprises + 7, 8 and the first line of 9: I have followed the exact order of the + original. The peculiarity of the Sanskrit construction is that the + Nominative Pronoun is made to stand in apposition with a noun in the + objective case. The whole of this Section contains many such sentences.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-716" id="linknote-716"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 16 (<a href="#linknoteref-716">return</a>)<br /> [ 10 and 11 also refer to + Ajatasatru.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-717" id="linknote-717"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 17 (<a href="#linknoteref-717">return</a>)<br /> [ Ghatotkacha was the son + of Hidimva by Bhimasena. Rakshasi women bring forth the very day they + conceive, and their offspring attain to youth the very day they are born! + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-718" id="linknote-718"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 18 (<a href="#linknoteref-718">return</a>)<br /> [ Hayaraja, lit., the + prince of steeds. He was an Asura, otherwise called Kesi, in the form of a + steed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-719" id="linknote-719"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 19 (<a href="#linknoteref-719">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., without weapons of + any kind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-720" id="linknote-720"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 20 (<a href="#linknoteref-720">return</a>)<br /> [ Kaliprasanna Singha, in + his Bengali translation, makes a mess of this Sloka.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-721" id="linknote-721"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 21 (<a href="#linknoteref-721">return</a>)<br /> [ Jarasandha, the powerful + king of the Magadhas, and the sworn foe of Krishna, was slain by Bhima + through Krishna’s instigation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-722" id="linknote-722"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 22 (<a href="#linknoteref-722">return</a>)<br /> [ viz., the + transplantation of the Parijata from Amaravati to the earth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-723" id="linknote-723"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 23 (<a href="#linknoteref-723">return</a>)<br /> [ Though gods, they have + taken their births as men, and, they must achieve their objects by human + means. It is for this that they do not, by a fiat only of their will, + destroy this host.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-724" id="linknote-724"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 24 (<a href="#linknoteref-724">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal Texts read + this verse incorrectly. For Prataptam, the correct reading is satatam; and + for anukarinas, the correct word is asukarinas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-725" id="linknote-725"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 25 (<a href="#linknoteref-725">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Sura-vyala. The Bombay texts reads Sulav-yala. I adopt the latter. + Vajinas, in Prani-vaji-nishevitam, is explained by Nilakantha to mean fowl + or bird.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-726" id="linknote-726"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 26 (<a href="#linknoteref-726">return</a>)<br /> [ It is evident that the + very minuteness with which the comparison is sought to be sustained, + destroys the effect. Regarding the repetition, they are just such as one + may expect to find in verses composed extempore.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-727" id="linknote-727"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 27 (<a href="#linknoteref-727">return</a>)<br /> [ This verse is read + incorrectly in the Bengal texts. For hayan read Dhanus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-728" id="linknote-728"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 28 (<a href="#linknoteref-728">return</a>)<br /> [ The word “heroic” occurs + in the next verse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-729" id="linknote-729"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 29 (<a href="#linknoteref-729">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the original + are Sampata, Abhighata, and Nipata.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-730" id="linknote-730"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 30 (<a href="#linknoteref-730">return</a>)<br /> [ Nishka, literally, a + golden coin, whose weight is diversely stated by diverse authorities.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-731" id="linknote-731"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 31 (<a href="#linknoteref-731">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bengal + reading which is Vidhayaivam. The Bombay reading is Vihayainam, meaning + ‘leaving Yudhishthira.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-732" id="linknote-732"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 32 (<a href="#linknoteref-732">return</a>)<br /> [ Soldiers sworn to + conquer or die. Instead of using a long-winded phrase each time the word + occurs, it is better to repeat it in this form.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-733" id="linknote-733"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 33 (<a href="#linknoteref-733">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line reads + differently in the Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-734" id="linknote-734"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 34 (<a href="#linknoteref-734">return</a>)<br /> [ It seems that the text + here is vicious. It certainly requires settling. One complete Sloka seems + to be wanting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-735" id="linknote-735"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 35 (<a href="#linknoteref-735">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of this + verse is certainly vicious.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-736" id="linknote-736"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 36 (<a href="#linknoteref-736">return</a>)<br /> [ Ekacharas is explained + by Nilakantha as ‘unable to bear the sight of others of their species,’ + i.e., walking by themselves, or solitarily or singly. Some of the + vernacular translators are for taking this word as implying the + Rhinoceros.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-737" id="linknote-737"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 37 (<a href="#linknoteref-737">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘thought in + his mind that his hour was come.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-738" id="linknote-738"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 38 (<a href="#linknoteref-738">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, + ‘half-moon-shaped.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-739" id="linknote-739"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 39 (<a href="#linknoteref-739">return</a>)<br /> [ Cruel because it was a + Brahmana with whom Satanika was fighting.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-740" id="linknote-740"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 40 (<a href="#linknoteref-740">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Vahupellava is a mistake. The correct reading is Vahupannaga as in the + Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-741" id="linknote-741"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 41 (<a href="#linknoteref-741">return</a>)<br /> [ Using even these as + implements for striking, for Bhima’s might was superhuman.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-742" id="linknote-742"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 42 (<a href="#linknoteref-742">return</a>)<br /> [ Hemadandais is a mistake + of the Bengal texts for Hemabhandiers.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-743" id="linknote-743"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 43 (<a href="#linknoteref-743">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of 20 is + vicious as it occurs in the Bengal texts. The Bombay reading is correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-744" id="linknote-744"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 44 (<a href="#linknoteref-744">return</a>)<br /> [ This seems to be a + repetition of the 6th verse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-745" id="linknote-745"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 45 (<a href="#linknoteref-745">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., not to abandon + their comrades in distress.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-746" id="linknote-746"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 46 (<a href="#linknoteref-746">return</a>)<br /> [ The last word of the + first line of 74 is vicious as printed in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-747" id="linknote-747"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 47 (<a href="#linknoteref-747">return</a>)<br /> [ The custom, when one + warrior attacked another, was invariably to give his name and lineage + before striking.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-748" id="linknote-748"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 48 (<a href="#linknoteref-748">return</a>)<br /> [ All the printed texts, + not excepting that of Bombay, read Drupadeyas. There can be no doubt, + however, that it should be Draupadeyas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-749" id="linknote-749"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 49 (<a href="#linknoteref-749">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of 54 is + read incorrectly in the Bengal texts. I follow the Bombay reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-750" id="linknote-750"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 50 (<a href="#linknoteref-750">return</a>)<br /> [ After 19 occurs a + complete sloka in the Bombay text which does not appear to be genuine.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-751" id="linknote-751"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 51 (<a href="#linknoteref-751">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 46 is + omitted in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-752" id="linknote-752"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 52 (<a href="#linknoteref-752">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengali translators + have made a mess of these two verses. Among others, K. P. Singha makes + Ruchiparvan follow Bhima and suppose Suvarchas to be some Pandava warrior + who slew Ruchiparvan. The reading Suvarchas is vicious. The correct + reading is Suparva, meaning, as Nilakantha explains, “of beautiful limbs.” + Parvatapati is Bhagadatta himself.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-753" id="linknote-753"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 53 (<a href="#linknoteref-753">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + abhitas is incorrect. It should be Kshubitas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-754" id="linknote-754"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 54 (<a href="#linknoteref-754">return</a>)<br /> [ I render 16 and 17 + rather freely, as otherwise the sense would not be clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-755" id="linknote-755"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 55 (<a href="#linknoteref-755">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read,—“he + is either the first or the second, on the earth, I think.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-756" id="linknote-756"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 56 (<a href="#linknoteref-756">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading + paritas is vicious. The Bengal texts read twaritas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-757" id="linknote-757"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 57 (<a href="#linknoteref-757">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + the second line differently. Lokam (accusative). For Gharmancubhis the + Bengal reading is Gharmamvubhis. Nilakantha explains that varsha (whence + varshika) means season. Hence Nigadavarshikau masau would mean the two + months of summer. If the Bengal reading were adopted, the meaning would be + “like summer and the rainy seasons afflicting the world with sweat and + rain.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-758" id="linknote-758"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 58 (<a href="#linknoteref-758">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Samprapte is vicious. The Bombay reading Sambhrante is evidently correct.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-759" id="linknote-759"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 59 (<a href="#linknoteref-759">return</a>)<br /> [ I render 5 a little + freely, and expand it slightly to make the sense clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-760" id="linknote-760"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 60 (<a href="#linknoteref-760">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Purvabhilashi is better than Purvabhilbhashi. Between Nila and Aswatthaman + existed a rivalry since some time.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-761" id="linknote-761"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 61 (<a href="#linknoteref-761">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the original + is dhumaketu. Elsewhere I have rendered it comet. It would seem, however, + that is wrong. In such passages the word is used in its literal sense, + viz., “(an article) having smoke for its mark,” hence fire.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-762" id="linknote-762"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 62 (<a href="#linknoteref-762">return</a>)<br /> [ The first half of the + first line of 21 seems to be grammatically connected with 20: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-763" id="linknote-763"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 63 (<a href="#linknoteref-763">return</a>)<br /> [ The last half of the + second line of 4 is vicious as occuring in the Bengal texts. The correct + reading is ayuduha-viarada.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-764" id="linknote-764"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 64 (<a href="#linknoteref-764">return</a>)<br /> [ Janghas, etc., are + diverse limbs of cars used in battle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-765" id="linknote-765"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 65 (<a href="#linknoteref-765">return</a>)<br /> [ The second half of the + second line of 2 is vicious in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-766" id="linknote-766"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 66 (<a href="#linknoteref-766">return</a>)<br /> [ I omit the names as they + occur in the text. These are: (1) Kshurupras, i.e., arrows sharp as + razors, (2) Vatsadantas, i.e., arrows having heads like the calf-tooth, + (3) Vipathas, i.e., long arrows having stout bodies, (4) Narachas, long + arrows; Ardhachandrabhais, i.e., looking like shafts furnished with heads + of the form of the half-moon; it is an adjective qualifying Narachis, (5) + Anjalikas were broad-headed shafts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-767" id="linknote-767"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 67 (<a href="#linknoteref-767">return</a>)<br /> [ There are the names of + diverse kinds of drums small and large.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-768" id="linknote-768"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 68 (<a href="#linknoteref-768">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading of the 1st line of 4: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-769" id="linknote-769"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 69 (<a href="#linknoteref-769">return</a>)<br /> [ The fruit being the + present encounter with Abhimanyu in which Duhsasana, according to + Abhimanyu, shall have to lay down his life.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-770" id="linknote-770"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 70 (<a href="#linknoteref-770">return</a>)<br /> [ Pravanddiva is explained + by Nilakantha as nimnadeeam prapya. The meaning seems to be, as I have put + it, “like an elephant in a low land, i.e., land covered with mud and + water.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-771" id="linknote-771"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 71 (<a href="#linknoteref-771">return</a>)<br /> [ These words occur in 17 + lower down.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-772" id="linknote-772"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 72 (<a href="#linknoteref-772">return</a>)<br /> [ These are limbs of + cars.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-773" id="linknote-773"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 73 (<a href="#linknoteref-773">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading is + slightly different.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-774" id="linknote-774"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 74 (<a href="#linknoteref-774">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “like another + son of the Lord of Treasure”.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-775" id="linknote-775"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 75 (<a href="#linknoteref-775">return</a>)<br /> [ I confess I do not + understand what the meaning is of asiva vachvz Srijatam. The rendering I + offer is tentative.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-776" id="linknote-776"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 76 (<a href="#linknoteref-776">return</a>)<br /> [ I follow the numbering + of the Bengal texts. 23 consists of three lines.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-777" id="linknote-777"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 77 (<a href="#linknoteref-777">return</a>)<br /> [ I expand the 5th a + little to make the sense clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-778" id="linknote-778"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 78 (<a href="#linknoteref-778">return</a>)<br /> [ I expand the 5th a + little to make the sense clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-779" id="linknote-779"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 79 (<a href="#linknoteref-779">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first fine of 3, + the correct reading is Karnanchapy akarot kradha, etc., the reading in the + Bengal text is vicious and unmeaning.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-780" id="linknote-780"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 80 (<a href="#linknoteref-780">return</a>)<br /> [ Bengal text read + Taru-tringani i.e., tree-tops.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-781" id="linknote-781"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 81 (<a href="#linknoteref-781">return</a>)<br /> [ The correct reading is + Mahavalan Mahavalat.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-782" id="linknote-782"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 82 (<a href="#linknoteref-782">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading which + I accept, is Valabudhischa. Of course Bengal reading is Avalabudhischa.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-783" id="linknote-783"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 83 (<a href="#linknoteref-783">return</a>)<br /> [ During the days of + mourning a person is regarded as unclean, being unable to perform his + ordinary worship and other religious rites. After the obsequies are + performed the mourning is ended, he is supposed to be cleansed.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-784" id="linknote-784"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 84 (<a href="#linknoteref-784">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of 6 is + read differently in the Bombay edition. The Bengal reading, however, seems + to me to be preferable.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-785" id="linknote-785"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 85 (<a href="#linknoteref-785">return</a>)<br /> [ Both the Bengal and + Bombay editions, in the first line of 12, read prita, i.e., gratified. + There can be no doubt, however, that the correct reading is Bhita, i.e., + affrighted, as I have put it. I find that some of the Bengali translators + have also made this correction.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-786" id="linknote-786"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 86 (<a href="#linknoteref-786">return</a>)<br /> [ Devas, in the first line + of 46, means the senses, Vrittas, as explained by Nilakantha, means + Vritavantus.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-787" id="linknote-787"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 87 (<a href="#linknoteref-787">return</a>)<br /> [ Verse 55, as occuring in + both the Bengal and the Bombay text, requires corrections, 55 is + incomplete. For the words tada Raja, therefore, I read Sokam tyaja, as + suggested by K. P. Singha. Then the Visarga after Yudhishthira must be + dropped to make it a vocative. Similarly, Pandavas in 58 should be + Pandava, a vocative and not a nominative, upakramat should be upakrama. + The last two corrections are made in the Bombay text. The fact, is, are 55 + to 58 the words of Vyasa, or of Sanjaya? Evidently, it is Vyasa that + speaks, and, hence the necessity of the corrections noted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-788" id="linknote-788"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 88 (<a href="#linknoteref-788">return</a>)<br /> [ I follow Nilakantha in + rendering these two verses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-789" id="linknote-789"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 89 (<a href="#linknoteref-789">return</a>)<br /> [ Of golden excreta.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-790" id="linknote-790"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 90 (<a href="#linknoteref-790">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + Samvartam. The Bombay text makes Samvarta a nominative. I have adopted the + Bengal reading. If the Bombay reading be accepted, the meaning would be + that Samvarta himself, piqued with Vrihaspati, caused Marutta to perform a + sacrifice. K. P. Singha makes a ludicrous blunder in supposing Samvarta to + have been a kind of sacrifice.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-791" id="linknote-791"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 91 (<a href="#linknoteref-791">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the original + Atavika, literally meaning one dwelling in the woods. It is very generally + used in the sense of thieves or robbers, thus showing that these + depredators from the earliest times, had the woods and the forests for + their home.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-792" id="linknote-792"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 92 (<a href="#linknoteref-792">return</a>)<br /> [ Vahinyas rivers. + Swairinyas, open to every body. The Bengal reading is abhavan; the Bombay + reading Vyatahan. If the former reading be adopted, it would mean the + rivers were of liquid gold.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-793" id="linknote-793"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 93 (<a href="#linknoteref-793">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., sacrifices + ordained for Kshatriyas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-794" id="linknote-794"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 94 (<a href="#linknoteref-794">return</a>)<br /> [ Siksha, one of the six + branches of Vedas; it may be called the orthoepy of the Vedas. Akshara, + letters of the alphabet. The sense seems to be that these Brahmanas were + good readers of the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-795" id="linknote-795"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 95 (<a href="#linknoteref-795">return</a>)<br /> [ The word in the original + Murddhabhishikta, which literally means one whose coronal locks have + undergone the ceremony of the sacred investiture. Hence, it is used to + denote Kshatriyas or persons of the royal order.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-796" id="linknote-796"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 96 (<a href="#linknoteref-796">return</a>)<br /> [ Havisha mudamavahat; or + havisham udam avahat, which would mean, he poured libations unto Indra as + copious as water.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-797" id="linknote-797"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 97 (<a href="#linknoteref-797">return</a>)<br /> [ Because juniors + pre-deceased their seniors. The causative form of akarayan is a license.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-798" id="linknote-798"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 98 (<a href="#linknoteref-798">return</a>)<br /> [ The four kinds of + creatures that owned Rama’s sway were (1) those that were oviparous, (2) + those that were viviparous, (3) those born of filth, and (4) the + vegetables.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-799" id="linknote-799"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 99 (<a href="#linknoteref-799">return</a>)<br /> [ These were ghats for + facilitating access to the sacred stream.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7100" id="linknote-7100"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 100 (<a href="#linknoteref-7100">return</a>)<br /> [ Both 5 and 6 are + difficult slokas. But for Nilakantha I could never have understood their + sense. The reading Jalaughena, occuring in both the Bengal and the Bombay + editions, is a mistake for Janaughena. The construction of 5 is this: + Dakshina Bhuyasirdadat: tena hetuna Janaughena akaranta. The story of the + salvation of Bhagiratha’s ancestors is a beautiful myth. King Sagara + (whence Sagara or the Ocean) had sixty thousand sons. They were all + reduced to ashes by the curse of the sage Kapila, an incarnation of Vishnu + himself. Bhagiratha, a remote descendant, caused the sacred Ganga to roll + over the spot where the ashes of his ancestors lay, and thus procured + their salvation.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7101" id="linknote-7101"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 101 (<a href="#linknoteref-7101">return</a>)<br /> [ The correct reading is + Valguvadinas, and not the form in the genitive plural.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7102" id="linknote-7102"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 102 (<a href="#linknoteref-7102">return</a>)<br /> [ In the Bombay edition + some verses occur after the 3rd.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7103" id="linknote-7103"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 103 (<a href="#linknoteref-7103">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally “Having me + for his sustainer.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7104" id="linknote-7104"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 104 (<a href="#linknoteref-7104">return</a>)<br /> [ Instead of Suna, the + Bombay text gives Puru.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7105" id="linknote-7105"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 105 (<a href="#linknoteref-7105">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal text reads + this verse differently.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7106" id="linknote-7106"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 106 (<a href="#linknoteref-7106">return</a>)<br /> [ The words in italics + are names of Indian confectionery, prepared with wheat or barley, milk, + and sugar or honey.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7107" id="linknote-7107"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 107 (<a href="#linknoteref-7107">return</a>)<br /> [ These are the methods + by which he sought knowledge of the Vedas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7108" id="linknote-7108"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 108 (<a href="#linknoteref-7108">return</a>)<br /> [ Nakshatra-dakshina is + explained by Nilakantha as Nakshatra vihitro-Dakshina.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7109" id="linknote-7109"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 109 (<a href="#linknoteref-7109">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading of + the second line of the second verse is vicious. At any rate, the Bombay + reading is better.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7110" id="linknote-7110"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 110 (<a href="#linknoteref-7110">return</a>)<br /> [ Animals slain in + sacrifices are believed to go to heaven.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7111" id="linknote-7111"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 111 (<a href="#linknoteref-7111">return</a>)<br /> [ Identified with the + modern Chumbal.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7112" id="linknote-7112"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 112 (<a href="#linknoteref-7112">return</a>)<br /> [ A kind of vessel used + by Brahmanas and others for begging.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7113" id="linknote-7113"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 113 (<a href="#linknoteref-7113">return</a>)<br /> [ Vaswoksara means made + ‘of gold.’ It is a feminine adjective. The substantive is omitted. I think + the passage may mean—‘The city of Rantideva is made of gold.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7114" id="linknote-7114"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 114 (<a href="#linknoteref-7114">return</a>)<br /> [ A Vyama is the space + between the two arms extended at their furthest.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7115" id="linknote-7115"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 115 (<a href="#linknoteref-7115">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, a Kshatriya + is one that rescues another from wounds and injuries.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7116" id="linknote-7116"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 116 (<a href="#linknoteref-7116">return</a>)<br /> [ A raja is one who + enjoys the affection of his people, and with whom they are delighted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7117" id="linknote-7117"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 117 (<a href="#linknoteref-7117">return</a>)<br /> [ The bow of Siva, + otherwise called Pinaka.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7118" id="linknote-7118"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 118 (<a href="#linknoteref-7118">return</a>)<br /> [ Aklishtakarman, + literally, one who is never fatigued with work; hence one capable of + obtaining the results of action by a mere fiat of the will. It may also + mean, of unspotted acts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7119" id="linknote-7119"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 119 (<a href="#linknoteref-7119">return</a>)<br /> [ Parthivas, i.e., + relating to the earth.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7120" id="linknote-7120"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 120 (<a href="#linknoteref-7120">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of the + verse, I think, has been correctly explained by Nilakantha. The paraphrase + is ya imam bhumim sukham kurvan adyam i.e. adyam yugam anuparyeti sma.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7121" id="linknote-7121"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 121 (<a href="#linknoteref-7121">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay text adds + some verses here which do not occur in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7122" id="linknote-7122"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 122 (<a href="#linknoteref-7122">return</a>)<br /> [ K. P. Sinha makes a + ludicrous blunder in reading this line.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7123" id="linknote-7123"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 123 (<a href="#linknoteref-7123">return</a>)<br /> [ Sannahikas, i.e., clad + in mail.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7124" id="linknote-7124"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 124 (<a href="#linknoteref-7124">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Dwijaidhitam is certainly better than the Bombay reading Dwijochitam + although Nilakantha explains uchitam as abhimatam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7125" id="linknote-7125"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 125 (<a href="#linknoteref-7125">return</a>)<br /> [ Twilight is herself + the goddess who is supposed to be adored by certain prayers and on the + occasion.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7126" id="linknote-7126"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 126 (<a href="#linknoteref-7126">return</a>)<br /> [ These slaps mark the + cadences.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7127" id="linknote-7127"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 127 (<a href="#linknoteref-7127">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘in + crossing.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7128" id="linknote-7128"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 128 (<a href="#linknoteref-7128">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + Satyavrataiv in the first line of 9 is vicious. I adopt the Bombay reading + Satyaratas, qualifying tara. To suppose that Krishna paid such a + complement to the Kauravas as is implied by the Bengal reading is an + absurdity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7129" id="linknote-7129"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 129 (<a href="#linknoteref-7129">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e. added his voice + to that of Jayadratha, requesting Drona to protect the latter.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7130" id="linknote-7130"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 130 (<a href="#linknoteref-7130">return</a>)<br /> [ A kind of car or + vehicle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7131" id="linknote-7131"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 131 (<a href="#linknoteref-7131">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha supposes + that tasmai here refers to the Three-eyed and not to Krishna. This seems + to be right.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7132" id="linknote-7132"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 132 (<a href="#linknoteref-7132">return</a>)<br /> [ The second note of the + Hindu gamut.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7133" id="linknote-7133"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 133 (<a href="#linknoteref-7133">return</a>)<br /> [ Vasavamiva is a + mistake for Vasavasyeva.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7134" id="linknote-7134"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 134 (<a href="#linknoteref-7134">return</a>)<br /> [ Apavrittam is + explained by Nilakantha as endangered or made doubtful. What Sanjaya says + is that if it is not so, thou shalt then have to undergo the bitterness of + ruling over the whole world bestowed upon thee by the Pandavas. Either the + Pandavas will snatch away thy kingdom or make thee ruler of the whole + after slaying thy sons. Either of these alternatives would be bitter to + thee.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7135" id="linknote-7135"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 135 (<a href="#linknoteref-7135">return</a>)<br /> [ The original is + pleonastic.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7136" id="linknote-7136"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 136 (<a href="#linknoteref-7136">return</a>)<br /> [ This verse obviously + needs correction. Instead of “golden coats of mail,” I think some such + correction is needed, viz. coats of mail, of black iron, decked with gold + and dyed with blood, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7137" id="linknote-7137"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 137 (<a href="#linknoteref-7137">return</a>)<br /> [ The original is + pleonastic.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7138" id="linknote-7138"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 138 (<a href="#linknoteref-7138">return</a>)<br /> [ This Sloka occurs in + all the texts. It would seem, therefore, that Sanjaya was not always a + witness only of the battle for narrating what he saw to Dhritarashtra, but + sometimes at least he took part in the battle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7139" id="linknote-7139"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 139 (<a href="#linknoteref-7139">return</a>)<br /> [ The words + tatsainyanyabhyapujayan seem to be unmeaning in this connection. The + Bengali translators, unable to do anything with them, have left them out.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7140" id="linknote-7140"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 140 (<a href="#linknoteref-7140">return</a>)<br /> [ The celestial weapons + were forces dependent on mantras. Ordinary shafts, inspired with these + mantras, were converted into celestial weapons.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7141" id="linknote-7141"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 141 (<a href="#linknoteref-7141">return</a>)<br /> [ In other words. + Arjuna’s car shot as quickly through the enemy as the arrows themselves + sped from it.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7142" id="linknote-7142"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 142 (<a href="#linknoteref-7142">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading of + the first line is vicious. The Bombay reading is Vamatkum Vipathum, Vanan. + The first word means the froth in the mouth of the steeds.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7143" id="linknote-7143"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 143 (<a href="#linknoteref-7143">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., his funeral + obsequies. The vernacular translators do not see the intended joke.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7144" id="linknote-7144"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 144 (<a href="#linknoteref-7144">return</a>)<br /> [ I give the sense of + this verse, without giving a closely literal version.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7145" id="linknote-7145"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 145 (<a href="#linknoteref-7145">return</a>)<br /> [ Avabhritha is the + final bath undergone, on completion of as sacrifice by the person + performing the sacrifice. The slaughter of Duryodhana would according to + Krishna, be the avabhritha of the sacrifice of battle.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7146" id="linknote-7146"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 146 (<a href="#linknoteref-7146">return</a>)<br /> [ Praviddham means + fallen down or loosened from its usual place. Thus Nilakantha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7147" id="linknote-7147"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 147 (<a href="#linknoteref-7147">return</a>)<br /> [ Tripura means the + three cities constructed by the Asura artificer Maya. The Asura, however, + who owned those cities is also called Tripura. It was Mahadeva who + destroyed the three cities with all their population vide the close of the + Harivansa.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7148" id="linknote-7148"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 148 (<a href="#linknoteref-7148">return</a>)<br /> [ The true reading is + alohita and not lohita. Arka here is crystal and not the sun. It was a + silvern boar, which could not, evidently, be like the sun.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7149" id="linknote-7149"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 149 (<a href="#linknoteref-7149">return</a>)<br /> [ Owners of golden + cars.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7150" id="linknote-7150"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 150 (<a href="#linknoteref-7150">return</a>)<br /> [ Nidas were niches or + drivers boxes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7151" id="linknote-7151"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 151 (<a href="#linknoteref-7151">return</a>)<br /> [ Many of the opening + slokas of this section are nearly the same as those of section 76 of + Bhishma Parva, vide ante. In a few instances I have adopted the readings + of the Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7152" id="linknote-7152"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 152 (<a href="#linknoteref-7152">return</a>)<br /> [ I prefer the reading + Samakulam to Jhashakulam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7153" id="linknote-7153"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 153 (<a href="#linknoteref-7153">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., using cars and + elephants as weapons for destroying cars and elephants.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7154" id="linknote-7154"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 154 (<a href="#linknoteref-7154">return</a>)<br /> [ The fear behind them + was from the Pandava army. The fear before them was from the car-warriors + who had succeeded in penetrating the Kuru host.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7155" id="linknote-7155"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 155 (<a href="#linknoteref-7155">return</a>)<br /> [ Many of the Bengal + texts have Calabhairiva. This is a mistake, the word being Calada, and not + Calabha which would be unmeaning here.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7156" id="linknote-7156"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 156 (<a href="#linknoteref-7156">return</a>)<br /> [ I render the second + line of 4 too freely. The sense seems to be that when two persons fight, + one cannot say beforehand who will succeed. Both have chances of success, + as, indeed, both have chances of defeat.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7157" id="linknote-7157"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 157 (<a href="#linknoteref-7157">return</a>)<br /> [ The genius of the two + languages being entirely different, I give the sense of the first line of + 14 separately, without seeking to connect it, in the assertive form, with + the second half of 13: + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7158" id="linknote-7158"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 158 (<a href="#linknoteref-7158">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘disregard + of Krishna.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7159" id="linknote-7159"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 159 (<a href="#linknoteref-7159">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading, + which I adopt, seems to be better than the Bengal one.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7160" id="linknote-7160"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 160 (<a href="#linknoteref-7160">return</a>)<br /> [ I think that both + Vrikodaram and nisitais in this verse as given in the Bombay text are + incorrect. I read Vrikodaras and navavhis following the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7161" id="linknote-7161"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 161 (<a href="#linknoteref-7161">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense seems to be + that Karna and Bhima were like fire and wind.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7162" id="linknote-7162"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 162 (<a href="#linknoteref-7162">return</a>)<br /> [ Verse 28 is a triplet. + The second line is obscure. It seems that a line has been omitted.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7163" id="linknote-7163"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 163 (<a href="#linknoteref-7163">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, mustered + all his rage.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7164" id="linknote-7164"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 164 (<a href="#linknoteref-7164">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + the 62 the Bengal reading Ayastam is better than the Bombay reading + Ayastas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7165" id="linknote-7165"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 165 (<a href="#linknoteref-7165">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘a mountain + overgrown with medicinal herbs of great efficacy.’ Of course, the allusion + is to Hanumat’s removal of Gandhamadana for the cure of Lakshmana.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7166" id="linknote-7166"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 166 (<a href="#linknoteref-7166">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the little + indent caused by a cow’s hoof.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7167" id="linknote-7167"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 167 (<a href="#linknoteref-7167">return</a>)<br /> [ The sense is that he + that will slay me will always be victorious in battle, will always slay + the warriors with whom he may be engaged in battle. Defeat will never be + his.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7168" id="linknote-7168"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 168 (<a href="#linknoteref-7168">return</a>)<br /> [ Do not render 55 + literally. Satyaki is called ‘Satyavikrama,’ i.e., ‘of true prowess’ or + ‘of prowess incapable of being baffled.’ If he sustains a defeat today at + Bhurisrava’s hand, that title of his will be falsified. This is all that + Krishna means.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7169" id="linknote-7169"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 169 (<a href="#linknoteref-7169">return</a>)<br /> [ Verse 20 is + incomplete. I supply the words,—‘Why then should I not protect’ in + order to make the meaning intelligible. The first line of 21 is + grammatically connected with 20: To avoid an ugly construction I render it + separately.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7170" id="linknote-7170"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 170 (<a href="#linknoteref-7170">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘who could + witness with indifference Satyaki reduced to that plight?’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7171" id="linknote-7171"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 171 (<a href="#linknoteref-7171">return</a>)<br /> [ Generally, to die, + abstaining from all food. It is a method of freeing the soul from the body + by Yoga.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7172" id="linknote-7172"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 172 (<a href="#linknoteref-7172">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘near the + place assigned for the sacrificial butter.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7173" id="linknote-7173"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 173 (<a href="#linknoteref-7173">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains + chakram as Pratapam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7174" id="linknote-7174"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 174 (<a href="#linknoteref-7174">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 94 + I render a little freely to make the sense clearer.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7175" id="linknote-7175"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 175 (<a href="#linknoteref-7175">return</a>)<br /> [ A Kavandha is a + headless trunk moving about as if endued with life. Tales are told of + these headless beings drinking the blood of victims falling within their + grasp.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7176" id="linknote-7176"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 176 (<a href="#linknoteref-7176">return</a>)<br /> [ The second of the + seven notes of the Hindu gamut.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7177" id="linknote-7177"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 177 (<a href="#linknoteref-7177">return</a>)<br /> [ The printed editions + and the manuscripts do not agree with one another in respect of the order + and numbering of the last dozen verses. The Bombay edition omits a few of + the verses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7178" id="linknote-7178"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 178 (<a href="#linknoteref-7178">return</a>)<br /> [ Everything even the + inanimate creation, exists and adores the Supreme deity.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7179" id="linknote-7179"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 179 (<a href="#linknoteref-7179">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet in + the Calcutta edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7180" id="linknote-7180"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 180 (<a href="#linknoteref-7180">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘the fact + of the Dhartarashtras having sunk (into distress).‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7181" id="linknote-7181"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 181 (<a href="#linknoteref-7181">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘of persons + whose coronal locks have undergone the sacred bath.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7182" id="linknote-7182"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 182 (<a href="#linknoteref-7182">return</a>)<br /> [ Praluvdhas is + explained by Nilakantha differently. He supposes that Duryodhana here + characterises Sikhandin to be a deceitful fowler or hunter in consequence + of the deceit with which he caused Bhishma’s fall. This is far-fetched.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7183" id="linknote-7183"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 183 (<a href="#linknoteref-7183">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7184" id="linknote-7184"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 184 (<a href="#linknoteref-7184">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay edition + reads this verse differently and introduces another after it which does + not occur in the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7185" id="linknote-7185"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 185 (<a href="#linknoteref-7185">return</a>)<br /> [ I am not sure whether + I have rendered the 31st and the first half of 32nd correctly. The + vernacular translators have made a mess of the passage. The difficulty + lies with Surhittamais. I take it to mean that Duryodhana says, ‘Karna, + Sakuni, Duhsasana, with myself, had taken thee, O preceptor, for a friend, + and had engaged thee in this battle. We did not, however, then know that + thou art an enemy in disguise.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7186" id="linknote-7186"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 186 (<a href="#linknoteref-7186">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., ‘he should, by + every means in his power, avenge himself on the Somakas, those enemies of + mine.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7187" id="linknote-7187"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 187 (<a href="#linknoteref-7187">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet in + the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7188" id="linknote-7188"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 188 (<a href="#linknoteref-7188">return</a>)<br /> [ I render the second + line freely, following Nilakantha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7189" id="linknote-7189"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 189 (<a href="#linknoteref-7189">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘with + shafts resembling his rays.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7190" id="linknote-7190"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 190 (<a href="#linknoteref-7190">return</a>)<br /> [ Or, ‘as a lake + overgrown with lotuses is agitated on every side by an elephant.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7191" id="linknote-7191"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 191 (<a href="#linknoteref-7191">return</a>)<br /> [ Sixteen lines, + occurring after this in the Bombay edition, have been omitted in the + Calcutta edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7192" id="linknote-7192"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 192 (<a href="#linknoteref-7192">return</a>)<br /> [ Drums of diverse kinds + and sizes.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7193" id="linknote-7193"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 193 (<a href="#linknoteref-7193">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay reading is + apalavam and not viplatam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7194" id="linknote-7194"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 194 (<a href="#linknoteref-7194">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet in + all the editions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7195" id="linknote-7195"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 195 (<a href="#linknoteref-7195">return</a>)<br /> [ The brother of the + Kalinga prince.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7196" id="linknote-7196"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 196 (<a href="#linknoteref-7196">return</a>)<br /> [ Patanipam is explained + by Nilakantha as something that causes the patana or downfall of a person + hence sin. [There is no reference for this note in the body of this page, + so I have placed it in a likely location.—JBH] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7197" id="linknote-7197"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 197 (<a href="#linknoteref-7197">return</a>)<br /> [ A nalwa measured four + hundred cubits.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7198" id="linknote-7198"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 198 (<a href="#linknoteref-7198">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains + that there were Pisachas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7199" id="linknote-7199"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 199 (<a href="#linknoteref-7199">return</a>)<br /> [ Aswatthaman and the + Pandavas were like brothers, for both were disciples of Drona. + Ghatotkacha, therefore, having been Bhima’s son was Aswatthaman’s + brother’s son.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7200" id="linknote-7200"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 200 (<a href="#linknoteref-7200">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the weapon + endued with the force of the thunder.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7201" id="linknote-7201"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 201 (<a href="#linknoteref-7201">return</a>)<br /> [ Different species of + Rakshasas.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7202" id="linknote-7202"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 202 (<a href="#linknoteref-7202">return</a>)<br /> [ Tripura, belonging to + an Asura of the same.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7203" id="linknote-7203"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 203 (<a href="#linknoteref-7203">return</a>)<br /> [ Asani literally means + the thunder. Probably, some kind of iron mace.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7204" id="linknote-7204"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 204 (<a href="#linknoteref-7204">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal texts read + Utkrisha-vikramas. The correct reading seems to be Aklivhtavikramas. Then + again Sahanujam seems to be inaccurate. I follow the Bombay reading + Sahanugam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7205" id="linknote-7205"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 205 (<a href="#linknoteref-7205">return</a>)<br /> [ Achyuta, when used as + a proper noun, refers to Krishna. It means of unfading glory and ‘the + immortal.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7206" id="linknote-7206"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 206 (<a href="#linknoteref-7206">return</a>)<br /> [ Slight differences are + observable between the Bengal and the Bombay texts as regards the last + three verses.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7207" id="linknote-7207"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 207 (<a href="#linknoteref-7207">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7208" id="linknote-7208"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 208 (<a href="#linknoteref-7208">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7209" id="linknote-7209"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 209 (<a href="#linknoteref-7209">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 4, utsedha and not udvrita is the true reading. So also kanchit and not + kinchit. The paraphrase, according to Nilakantha, in kanchit dhanurdharam + na ganayan, etc.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7210" id="linknote-7210"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 210 (<a href="#linknoteref-7210">return</a>)<br /> [ 147 is a triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7211" id="linknote-7211"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 211 (<a href="#linknoteref-7211">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + sudakshinas at the end of 49 dose not seem to be correct. I adopt the + Bombay reading sudarnnam.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7212" id="linknote-7212"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 212 (<a href="#linknoteref-7212">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bombay edition + reads the first line of 3 differently. The Bengal reading is also + defective. The correct reading seems to be Rathanaga instead of Naranaga.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7213" id="linknote-7213"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 213 (<a href="#linknoteref-7213">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a Triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7214" id="linknote-7214"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 214 (<a href="#linknoteref-7214">return</a>)<br /> [ Instead of mattagaje, + the Bombay edition reads tatragaje.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7215" id="linknote-7215"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 215 (<a href="#linknoteref-7215">return</a>)<br /> [ There seems to be a + mistake in this sloka in its reference to the Pandavas. The reading, + however, that occurs in all the printed edition, is the same. In one + manuscript I find Kamrava-yodhavurgais (which I adopt) for + Pandava-Kauraveyais.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7216" id="linknote-7216"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 216 (<a href="#linknoteref-7216">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 30, + as it occurs in the Bengal texts, is adopted by me. A slight difference of + reading occurs between the Bengal and the Bombay editions.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7217" id="linknote-7217"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 217 (<a href="#linknoteref-7217">return</a>)<br /> [ As regards almost + every one of these slokas, differences of reading are observable between + the Bengal texts and the Bombay edition. The readings of the Bombay + edition are almost uniformly better. Then, again, many of those verses are + disfigured with syntactical pleonasms and other grave errors. Abounding + with tiresome repetitions that scarcely attract notice amid the variety of + synonyms with which the language of the original abounds and amid also the + melodious flow of the rhythm, the defects become glaring in translation. + At the latter, however, of faithfulness, I have been obliged to sacrifice + elegance, in rendering this section.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7218" id="linknote-7218"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 218 (<a href="#linknoteref-7218">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading + tatha loka is incorrect. The Bombay text correctly reads tadaloka. Then + also, instead of the Bengal reading rajasacaa samavrite (which is faulty), + the true reading is raja tamasa vrite.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7219" id="linknote-7219"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 219 (<a href="#linknoteref-7219">return</a>)<br /> [ Lokanamabhave is + explained by Nilakantha as pralaya-kale.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7220" id="linknote-7220"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 220 (<a href="#linknoteref-7220">return</a>)<br /> [ A different reading + occurs in the Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7221" id="linknote-7221"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 221 (<a href="#linknoteref-7221">return</a>)<br /> [ Nalikas, as used here, + appear to have been some species of shafts. In an earlier note, relying on + other authorities, I took it to mean some kind of air-gun.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7222" id="linknote-7222"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 222 (<a href="#linknoteref-7222">return</a>)<br /> [ Vaikartana may also + mean one who has peeled off his skin of natural armour. To preserve + dramatic propriety, the Hindu commentators explain it in this sense when + it occurs in any such passage, for the real origin of Karna, viz., his + procreation by the deity of the sun, became known after his death.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7223" id="linknote-7223"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 223 (<a href="#linknoteref-7223">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 9 + is read differently in the Calcutta edition. I adopt the Bombay reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7224" id="linknote-7224"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 224 (<a href="#linknoteref-7224">return</a>)<br /> [ In the second line of + 13, Avyayatturnam instead of Maharaja is the correct reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7225" id="linknote-7225"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 225 (<a href="#linknoteref-7225">return</a>)<br /> [ This sloka seems to be + a vicious one.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7226" id="linknote-7226"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 226 (<a href="#linknoteref-7226">return</a>)<br /> [ Yena and tena here are + equal to yatra and tatra.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7227" id="linknote-7227"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 227 (<a href="#linknoteref-7227">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 30 Vaganais and not Vanaganan is the true reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7228" id="linknote-7228"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 228 (<a href="#linknoteref-7228">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 30 + is read differently in the Calcutta edition. In consequence also of some + differences between two printed editions, 30 of the Calcutta text is 32 of + the Bombay text.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7229" id="linknote-7229"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 229 (<a href="#linknoteref-7229">return</a>)<br /> [ In the Bengal texts + this is a triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7230" id="linknote-7230"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 230 (<a href="#linknoteref-7230">return</a>)<br /> [ It is for this that I + see thee with this head as a tribute.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7231" id="linknote-7231"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 231 (<a href="#linknoteref-7231">return</a>)<br /> [ An arani is a cubit + measuring from the elbow to the end of the little figure.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7232" id="linknote-7232"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 232 (<a href="#linknoteref-7232">return</a>)<br /> [ Both reading, viz., + asaktam and asaktam are correct. The former means ‘engaged’, the latter, + ‘to the measure of his might!’ + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7233" id="linknote-7233"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 233 (<a href="#linknoteref-7233">return</a>)<br /> [ The second line of 85 + is differently in the Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7234" id="linknote-7234"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 234 (<a href="#linknoteref-7234">return</a>)<br /> [ Rakshasas at certain + hours were believed to be inspired with greater strength.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7235" id="linknote-7235"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 235 (<a href="#linknoteref-7235">return</a>)<br /> [ Mainaka the son of + Himavat, has a hundred heads.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7236" id="linknote-7236"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 236 (<a href="#linknoteref-7236">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., they thought + they obtained a new lease of life.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7237" id="linknote-7237"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 237 (<a href="#linknoteref-7237">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally means, + “united by Jara.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7238" id="linknote-7238"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 238 (<a href="#linknoteref-7238">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha thinks that + Sagadaya in one word, meaning ‘deprived of the both Rakshasas and the + mace.’ This is far-fetched.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7239" id="linknote-7239"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 239 (<a href="#linknoteref-7239">return</a>)<br /> [ Fire being the mouth + of the celestials, without fire, the celestials become mouthless. Thus + Nilakantha.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7240" id="linknote-7240"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 240 (<a href="#linknoteref-7240">return</a>)<br /> [ This is a triplet in + the Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7241" id="linknote-7241"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 241 (<a href="#linknoteref-7241">return</a>)<br /> [ 66 is a triplet in the + Bengal texts.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7242" id="linknote-7242"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 242 (<a href="#linknoteref-7242">return</a>)<br /> [ Triyama, literally, + consisting of three Yamas, a Yama being a watch of three hours. The first + hour and a half of the night and the last hour and a half, being regarded + as twilight, the night, truly as such, with the ancient Hindoos, consisted + of only nine hours.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7243" id="linknote-7243"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 243 (<a href="#linknoteref-7243">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, ‘of a + thousand Yamas.‘] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7244" id="linknote-7244"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 244 (<a href="#linknoteref-7244">return</a>)<br /> [ The moon is called the + lord of lilies because the water-lily is seen to bloom at moonrise, just + as the sun is called the lord of the lotuses because the lotus blooms at + sun-rise. The direction presided over by Indra means the East.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7245" id="linknote-7245"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 245 (<a href="#linknoteref-7245">return</a>)<br /> [ Dasatakasha-kkupa + means the Kakup or direction presided by him of a thousand eyes; hence the + East.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7246" id="linknote-7246"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 246 (<a href="#linknoteref-7246">return</a>)<br /> [ Instead of Vrishodara, + the Bombay text reads Vrishottama, which I adopt.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7247" id="linknote-7247"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 247 (<a href="#linknoteref-7247">return</a>)<br /> [ In the first line of + 31, the Bengal texts read Rajanam probably referring to Drupada. The + correct reading, however, is Rujendra in the vocative case as in the + Bombay edition.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7248" id="linknote-7248"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 248 (<a href="#linknoteref-7248">return</a>)<br /> [ I render this a little + too freely. The form of the oath is, “Let that man lose, etc. whom Drona + escapes today with life or whom Drona vanquishes today.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7249" id="linknote-7249"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 249 (<a href="#linknoteref-7249">return</a>)<br /> [ This, in the Bengal + texts, is a triplet.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7250" id="linknote-7250"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 250 (<a href="#linknoteref-7250">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading of the first line of this verse.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7251" id="linknote-7251"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 251 (<a href="#linknoteref-7251">return</a>)<br /> [ All these arrows + inflicted had wounds and could not be easily extracted. Shafts of crooked + courses were condemned because the combatants could not easily baffle + them, not knowing at whom they would fall.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7252" id="linknote-7252"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 252 (<a href="#linknoteref-7252">return</a>)<br /> [ This verse is omitted + in the Bombay text. There can be no doubt, however, about its + genuineness.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7253" id="linknote-7253"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 253 (<a href="#linknoteref-7253">return</a>)<br /> [ The celestial weapons + were all living agents that appeared at the bidding of him who knew to + invoke them. They abandoned, however, the person whose death was imminent, + although invoked with the usual formulae.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7254" id="linknote-7254"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 254 (<a href="#linknoteref-7254">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7255" id="linknote-7255"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 255 (<a href="#linknoteref-7255">return</a>)<br /> [ Deprived of both the + worlds, having sustained a defeat, they lost this world, and flying away + from the field, they committed a sin and lost the next world.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7256" id="linknote-7256"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 256 (<a href="#linknoteref-7256">return</a>)<br /> [ Celestial weapons were + invoked with mantras, as explained in a previous note. They were forces + which created all sorts of tangible weapons that the invoked desired. Here + the Brahma weapon took the form of broad-headed arrows.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7257" id="linknote-7257"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 257 (<a href="#linknoteref-7257">return</a>)<br /> [ Dharmadhwajin + literally means a person bearing the standard of virtue, hence, hypocrite, + sanctimoniously talking only virtue and morality but acting differently.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7258" id="linknote-7258"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 258 (<a href="#linknoteref-7258">return</a>)<br /> [ I think the correct + reading is aputrinas and not putrinas. If it is putrinas, literally + rendered, the meaning is, ‘Why should persons having children, feel any + affection for the latter?’ It the worthy of remark that the author of + Venisamhara has bodily adopted this verse, putting it in the mouth of + Aswatthaman when introduced in the third Act.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7259" id="linknote-7259"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 259 (<a href="#linknoteref-7259">return</a>)<br /> [ The last line of 37 is + read differently in the Bombay edition. Nilakantha accepts that reading, + and explains it in his gloss remarking that the grammatical solecism + occuring in it is a license. The Bengal reading, however, is more + apposite.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7260" id="linknote-7260"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 260 (<a href="#linknoteref-7260">return</a>)<br /> [ Literally, “the + animals kept the Pandavas to their right.”] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7261" id="linknote-7261"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 261 (<a href="#linknoteref-7261">return</a>)<br /> [ Dasaratha’s son Rama, + during his exile, slew the monkey-chief Bali, the brother of Sugriva, + while Bali was engaged with Sugriva in battle. Bali had not done any + injury to Rama. That act has always been regarded as a stain on Rama.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7262" id="linknote-7262"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 262 (<a href="#linknoteref-7262">return</a>)<br /> [ I expand the original + to make the sense clear.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7263" id="linknote-7263"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 263 (<a href="#linknoteref-7263">return</a>)<br /> [ The first line of the + 23rd verse in the Bengal editions, is made the second line of that verse + in the Bombay text. There seems to be a mistake, however, in both the + texts. Vishnu slew Hiranyakasipu without allowing the latter to say + anything unto him. Vide Vishnu Purana. If instead of Hiranyakasipu Harim, + the rendering be Hiranyakasipu Haris, the line may then be connected with + Bhima’s speech, and the comparison would become more apposite.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7264" id="linknote-7264"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 264 (<a href="#linknoteref-7264">return</a>)<br /> [ The Nishadas were and + to this day are the lowest caste in India.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7265" id="linknote-7265"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 265 (<a href="#linknoteref-7265">return</a>)<br /> [ The Bengal reading is + vicious, I adopt the Bombay reading which is Surorgurunsha bhuyopi, + meaning, “this preceptor again.” The fact is, Arjuna was Satyaki’s + preceptor; Drona, therefore, was the latter’s preceptor’s preceptor.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7266" id="linknote-7266"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 266 (<a href="#linknoteref-7266">return</a>)<br /> [ Kimpurushas were + fabled creatures, half men and steeds. Not a mountain but had its + Kimpurushas, according to the Hindu belief. Yakshas were a sort of + superhuman beings inhabiting inaccessible hills and mountains.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7267" id="linknote-7267"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 267 (<a href="#linknoteref-7267">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading of the 2nd line of 35 and think that Nilakantha explains it + correctly.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7268" id="linknote-7268"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 268 (<a href="#linknoteref-7268">return</a>)<br /> [ I adopt the Bombay + reading.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7269" id="linknote-7269"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 269 (<a href="#linknoteref-7269">return</a>)<br /> [ Nilakantha explains + this to mean that when he became unconnected with the world, rising + superior to everything connected with the world.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7270" id="linknote-7270"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 270 (<a href="#linknoteref-7270">return</a>)<br /> [ The terrible.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7271" id="linknote-7271"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 271 (<a href="#linknoteref-7271">return</a>)<br /> [ Amritasya yonim, + literally, the origin or cause of immortality, i.e., he from whom + immortality springs. Hence, as explained by Nilakantha, the phrase means + the source of salvation, for those only that are emancipate became + immortal as the Supreme Soul itself.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7272" id="linknote-7272"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 272 (<a href="#linknoteref-7272">return</a>)<br /> [ i.e., the five + attributes perceivable by the five senses, with the five objects of Nature + with which they are directly connected or in which they manifest + themselves.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7273" id="linknote-7273"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 273 (<a href="#linknoteref-7273">return</a>)<br /> [ Having given it away + to Rama, his disciple.] + </p> + <p> + <a name="linknote-7274" id="linknote-7274"> + <!-- Note --></a> + </p> + <p class="foot"> + 274 (<a href="#linknoteref-7274">return</a>)<br /> [ All these terms imply + Death or the Destroyer.] + </p> + <p> + <br /> <br /> <br /> <br /> + </p> +<pre xml:space="preserve"> + +End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana +Vyasa, Volume 2 + +*** END OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA VOL 2 *** + +***** This file should be named 15475-h.htm or 15475-h.zip ***** +This and all associated files of various formats will be found in: + https://www.gutenberg.org/1/5/4/7/15475/ + +Produced by John B. 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