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+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: January 25, 2010
+
+Language: English
+
+Character set encoding: ASCII
+
+*** START OF THIS PROJECT GUTENBERG EBOOK THE MAHABHARATA VOL 2 ***
+
+
+
+
+Produced by John B. Hare. Please notify any corrections
+to John B. Hare at www.sacred-texts.com
+
+
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 4
+
+VIRATA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+Scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2003. Proofed at Distributed Proofing,
+Juliet Sutherland, Project Manager. Additional proofing and formatting at
+sacred-texts.com, by J. B. Hare.
+
+
+
+SECTION I
+
+(Pandava-Pravesa Parva)
+
+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.
+
+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[1], spend her days unrecognised?"
+
+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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION II
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."[2]
+
+
+
+SECTION III
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.[3] 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!'[4]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Draupadi replied, 'There is a class of persons called Sairindhris,[5] 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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IV
+
+"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."'"
+
+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. [6] 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.[7] 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.[8]
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION V
+
+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.'"
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION VI
+
+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, [9] 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[10] 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!'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+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!'
+
+"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,[11] 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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+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!'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION IX
+
+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?'
+
+"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).'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION X
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XI
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XII
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII
+
+(Samayapalana Parva)
+
+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!"
+
+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.[12] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV
+
+(Kichaka-badha Parva)
+
+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[13]. 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.'"
+
+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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XV
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII
+
+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)?'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII
+
+"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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XX
+
+"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.[14] 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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI
+
+"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[15] 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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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, [16] the head of the wicked Kichaka who wisheth
+for what is unattainable by him!'"
+
+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!'"
+
+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.[17] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII
+
+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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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[18] 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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"[19]
+
+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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV
+
+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.
+
+"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.[20] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI
+
+(Go-harana Parva)
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII
+
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII
+
+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,[21] 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, [22] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX
+
+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,[23] 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,[24] 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.[25]
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI
+
+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,[26] 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[27] 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[28] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII
+
+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.[29] 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.[30] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIII
+
+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.[31] 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.'"
+
+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!'"
+
+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!'[32] 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,[33] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIV
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXV
+
+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.[34] 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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVI
+
+"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?"'"
+
+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."'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Draupadi said, 'Vrihannala, O hero, will without doubt, obey the words
+of thy younger sister[35]--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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVII
+
+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,[36]
+endued with the splendour of Lakshmi herself,[37] 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.[38] 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!'"
+
+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[39], 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?'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVIII
+
+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.[40] 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.'"
+
+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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIX
+
+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.[41] 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!
+[42] 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.'"
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION XL
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLI
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?'"
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLII
+
+"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 [43] 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, [44] 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? [45] 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?
+[46] 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? [47] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIII
+
+"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,[48] hath held it for five and sixty
+years.[49] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIV
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Uttara said, 'I would believe all this if thou canst enumerate the ten
+names of Partha, previously heard by me!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLV
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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 [50] and all sides were enveloped in gloom. And the birds began
+to totter in the skies and large trees began to shake. [51] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVI
+
+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. [52] 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?'
+
+"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!'[53]
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVII
+
+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.[54] 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. [55] Even moralists are puzzled in judging of their own
+acts. [56] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION L
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LI
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Then, O Bharata, Duryodhana assisted by Karna
+and Kripa, and the high-souled Bhishma pacified Drona.
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LII
+
+"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.'
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'I will not, O grandsire, give back the Pandavas their
+kingdom. Let every preparation, therefore, for battle be made without
+delay.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LIII
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LIV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LV
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVI
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVII
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVIII
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LIX
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LX
+
+"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?'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXI
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIII
+
+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."
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIV
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXV
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVI
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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!"'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVII
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVIII
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIX
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXX
+
+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?'"
+
+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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXI
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXII
+
+"Virata said, 'Why, O best among the Pandavas, dost thou not wish to
+accept as wife this my daughter that I bestow upon thee?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+"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.'"
+
+The end of Virata Parva
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+1. Brahma Vadini--Nilakantha explains this as Krishna-kirtanasila.
+
+2. 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.
+
+3. The sloka commencing with Adushta and ending ratheshu cha does not
+occur in texts except those in Bengal.
+
+4. A difference of reading is observable here. The sense, however, is the
+same.
+
+5. An independent female artisan working in another person's
+house.--Wilson.
+
+6. Some of the Bengal text read Sarvastramaya for Sarvamantramaya. The
+former is evidently incorrect.
+
+7. 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.
+
+8. 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.
+
+9. 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.
+
+10. Literally, one that rescues from difficulty.
+
+11. Kamachara is explained by Nilakantha thus, although in other places
+it bears a quite different meaning.
+
+12. Krita--attack; Pratikrita--warding it off; Sankata--clenched. Some
+texts read Sankatakais. The meaning then would be 'cased in gauntlets.'
+
+13. Bhuti, Hri, Sri, Kirti and Kanti are respectively the feminine
+embodiments of Prosperity, Modesty, Beauty, Fame and Loveliness.
+
+14. 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.
+
+15. Jayate asyas--i.e., she from whom one is born.
+
+16. Some texts read, Vilwam nagaviodhara--i.e., 'As an elephant lifts up
+a vela fruit.'
+
+17. Veri means both a kettle-drum and a trumpet. The latter however
+conveys a better meaning here.
+
+18. Literally, force of his thighs.
+
+19. 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.
+
+20. 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.
+
+21. 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.
+
+22. Indicating the unobstructed completion of the sacrifice.
+
+23. The word tirtha here means, as Nilakantha rightly explains spies and
+not holy spots.
+
+24. 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.
+
+25. 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.
+
+26. Bhagasas lit., each in its proper place. It may also mean, 'according
+to their respective division.'
+
+27. Kalyana-patalam is explained by Nilakantha to mean suvarna
+pattachchaditam.
+
+28. One of the generals of Virata.
+
+29. Some differences of reading are noticeable here, for Yasaswinau some
+texts read Manaswinau, and for Vahusamravdhau--Vahusanrambhat; and for
+Nakha-naki--Ratha-rathi.
+
+30. Some texts read Ghanabiva for Ghanarva. The latter is unquestionably
+better in form.
+
+31. 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.
+
+32. 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.
+
+33. The adjective Bhima-sankasas as explained by Nilakantha is in this
+sense, quoting the celebrated simile of Valmiki.
+
+34. 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.
+
+35. Some read kaniasi for vaviasi. Both words are the same, and mean the
+same thing.
+
+36. 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.
+
+37. 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.
+
+38. 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.
+
+39. 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.
+
+40. 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.
+
+41. Some texts read Diptasya for Diptayam.
+
+42. 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.
+
+43. Indian insects of a particular kind.
+
+44. Most editions read chapas which is evidently wrong. The correct
+reading is avapas, meaning quiver. The Burdwan Pandits give this latter
+reading.
+
+45. Some read chandrargha-darsanas. The correct reading is
+chandrardha-darsanas.
+
+46. Most editions read hema-punkha and silasita in the instrumental
+plural; the correct reading is their nominative plural forms.
+
+47. Sayaka means here, as explained by Nilakantha, a sword, and not a
+shaft.
+
+48. From the colour of his steeds.
+
+49. Nilakantha spends much learning and ingenuity in making out that
+sixty-five years in this connection means thirty-two years of ordinary
+human computation.
+
+50. Some texts read,--'One large meteor fell.'
+
+51. 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.'
+
+52. 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.
+
+53. The Roy Press edition adds here a line which looks very much like an
+interpolation.
+
+54. 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.
+
+55. 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.'
+
+56. 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata
+
+of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 5
+
+UDYOGA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+Scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2004. Proofed by John Bruno Hare, October
+2004.
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+UDYOGA PARVA
+
+SECTION I
+
+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.
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION II
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION III
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IV
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION V
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION VI
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."'
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION X
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XII
+
+"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!"
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"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!"
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"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!"'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII
+
+"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,[1] 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.[2] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XV
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XX
+
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI
+
+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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII
+
+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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV
+
+"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.'
+
+"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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX
+
+"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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII
+
+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.'
+
+"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?'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIII
+
+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.'"
+
+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!'
+
+"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'.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIV
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXV
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVI
+
+"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)."'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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!'
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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?
+
+"'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!'
+
+"'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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XL
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLI
+
+(Sanat-sujata Parva)
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Vidura, how with this body of mine I can
+meet with that ancient and immortal one?'"
+
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLII
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'[3]
+
+"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.'[4]
+
+"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.'[5]
+
+"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.'[6]
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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).'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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).
+
+"'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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIV
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVI
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIX
+
+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."'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION L
+
+"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"?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LI
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LIV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LV
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Having said this, O Bharata, that conqueror of hostile chiefs,
+Duryodhana, asked Sanjaya again, anxious to known more about the doings
+of the Pandavas."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVI
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LVII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LVIII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Having said this unto all those rulers of the
+earth, the king addressing Sanjaya again, asked him as follows."
+
+
+
+SECTION LIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LX
+
+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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXI
+
+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."
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXII
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIV
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVI
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVII
+
+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?"'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, of that path without terrors by
+which, obtaining Hrishikesa, salvation may be mine.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXII
+
+(Bhagwat Yana Parva)
+
+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."
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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?'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIII
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXV
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVI
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIX
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXX
+
+"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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXI
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXII
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIII
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIV
+
+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."
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Having said this, that aged chief of the Bharata race, Bhishma of
+unbaffled prowess, inflamed with rage rose and left that place."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIX
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XC
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"'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!'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Bidding her farewell and respectfully walking
+round her, the mighty-armed Govinda then departed for Duryodhana's
+mansion."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCI
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCII
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIV
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCV
+
+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!'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVI
+
+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,[7] 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVII
+
+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."
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVIII
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIX
+
+"'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[8] 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,[9] 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.[10] 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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION C
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CI
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CII
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIII
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIV
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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!"'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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[11] (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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CV
+
+"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?"'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVI
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+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[12]. 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVIII
+
+"'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.[13] 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![14] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIX
+
+"'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.[15] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CX
+
+"'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?"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXI
+
+"'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."
+
+"'"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXII
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIV
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXV
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVI
+
+"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[16] 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."'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVII
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIX
+
+"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.[17] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXX
+
+"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.
+
+"'(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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXI
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIII
+
+"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."'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIV
+
+"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)!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXV
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVI
+
+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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVII
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVIII
+
+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.'"
+
+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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIX
+
+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.'"
+
+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?'"
+
+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."
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXX
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXI
+
+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.'"
+
+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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXII
+
+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.'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIV
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXV
+
+"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?"'
+
+"'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."'
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXVI
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXVII
+
+"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!'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXVIII
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIX
+
+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).'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXL
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLI
+
+"'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.
+
+"'"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIII
+
+"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.
+
+"'"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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIV
+
+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.'
+
+"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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLV
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVI
+
+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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVII
+
+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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVIII
+
+"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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIX
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CL
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLI
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIV
+
+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."
+
+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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLV
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVI
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVII
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVIII
+
+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?"
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIX
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLX
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXI
+
+(Uluka Dutagamana Parva)
+
+"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.'
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!
+
+"'"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!"'"
+
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXII
+
+"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!"'
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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?"
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIII
+
+"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!'"
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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!'"
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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?'"
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIV
+
+"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!"
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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.'"
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVI
+
+"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?'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Thus questioned, Sanjaya told him everything
+about what that eldest one of the Kurus, Bhishma of immeasurable energy,
+had said."
+
+"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!"'
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVII
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVIII
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIX
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXX
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXI
+
+"'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)."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXII
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIII
+
+"'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.
+
+"'"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.
+
+"'"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIV
+
+"'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)."
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXV
+
+"'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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVI
+
+"'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!'
+
+"'"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVII
+
+"'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.
+
+"'"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVIII
+
+"'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!'
+
+"'"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!'"
+
+"'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.'
+
+"'"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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIX
+
+"'"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.'
+
+"'"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!'"
+
+"'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.'
+
+"'"'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.'"
+
+"'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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXX
+
+"'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.'
+
+"'"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.'
+
+"'"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!'
+
+"'"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.'"
+
+"'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!'
+
+"'"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXI
+
+"'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."
+
+"'"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!'
+
+"'"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.[18] 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!'"
+
+"'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!'"'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXII
+
+"'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!
+
+"'"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIII
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIV
+
+"'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,[19] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXV
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVI
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVII
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVIII
+
+"'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!'"
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIX
+
+"'"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXC
+
+"'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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCI
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCII
+
+"'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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIII
+
+"'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."'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIV
+
+"'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!'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCV
+
+"'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!'"'
+
+"'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!'"'
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVI
+
+"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!"
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVII
+
+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.
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIX
+
+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.
+
+"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!"
+
+The End of Udyoga Parva
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+1. i.e., passage of the sun from the winter to the summer solstice.
+
+2. Divination was practised by reference to the stars in the night.
+
+3. 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.
+
+4. 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.
+
+5. 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?
+
+6. 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.
+
+7. Cars, elephants, horses, infantry, vehicles other than cars, and
+warriors fighting from the backs of camels.
+
+8. Called also the Badava fire.
+
+9. 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.
+
+10. Patauti Jalam sravantiti patalam. Thus Nilakantha.
+
+11. Literally, one that hath a beautiful or excellent face.
+
+12. 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.
+
+13. These articles of cognate origin are clarified butter, milk, and
+other things used as libations in sacrifices.
+
+14. 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.
+
+15. Small divisions of time.
+
+16. 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.
+
+17. 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.
+
+18. 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.
+
+19. 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.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata
+
+of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 6
+
+BHISHMA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+Scanned at sacred-texts.com, January, 2004. Proofed by John Bruno Hare.
+
+
+
+THE MAHABHARATA
+
+BHISHMA PARVA
+
+SECTION I
+
+(Jamvu-khanda Nirmana Parva)
+
+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.
+
+Janamejaya said,--"How did those heroes, the Kurus, the Pandavas, and the
+Somakas, and the high-souled kings assembled together from various
+countries, fight?"
+
+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.[1] 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[2] 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,[3] was collected that force, O best of
+kings. Men of all races,[4] 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.
+
+"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.[5] 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.[6]
+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.[7] 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[8] 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,[9] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION II
+
+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.
+
+"Vyasa said,--'O king, thy sons and the other monarchs have their hour
+arrived.[10] 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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.[11] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION III
+
+"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.[12] 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.[13] 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.[14] 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,[15] 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.[16] 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.[17] 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.[18] 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.[19] 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.[20] The Sun and the Moon therefore,
+by undergoing eclipses on unusual days,[21] 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.[22] Meteors, effulgent like Indra's
+thunder-bolt, fall with loud hisses.[23] 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.[24] 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.[25] 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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+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.[26] 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.'"
+
+"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.[27] 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.'
+
+"Vyasa said,--'O royal son of Vichitravirya, tell me freely what is in
+thy mind. I will remove thy doubts.'"
+
+"Dhritarashtra said,--'O holy one, I desire to hear from thee of all
+those indications that happen unto those that become victorious in
+battle.'"
+
+"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.[28] 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,[29] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IV
+
+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.'
+
+"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.[30] 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.[31] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION V
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[32] 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.[33] 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.[34] 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.
+
+"'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.[35]'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VI
+
+"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.'"
+
+Vaisampayana said,--"Thus addressed by the king, Sanjaya began to say.
+
+"Sanjaya said,--'Stretching from east to west, are these six mountains
+that are equal[36] 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.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39]
+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.[40] Upon the summit of that mountain, Usanas, otherwise called the
+Poet, sporteth with the Daityas (his disciples).[41] 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,[42] 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.[43] 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.[44] On the western side of Meru, O king, is
+Ketumala.[45] And there also is Jamvukhanda. Both are great seats of
+humanity, O king.[46] 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,[47] 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[48] 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.
+
+"'These then, O great king, are the seven Varshas of the world as they
+are divided. Diverse creatures, mobile[49] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+"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.'[50]
+
+"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.[51] 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.[52] 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.
+
+"'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[53] 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,[54] 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.
+
+"'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[55]
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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,[56] 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.'"
+
+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.[57] The gods speak of him as Vaikuntha (of
+immeasurable puissance), while men call him Vishnu (one that pervadeth
+the Universe)!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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[58] (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;[59] of Karishini, and Chitravaha, and the river
+called Chitrasena; of Gomati, and Dhutapada and the large river called
+Gandaki[60], of Kausiki, and Nischitra, and Kirtya, and Nichita, and
+Lohatarini;[61] of Rashasi and Satakumbha, and also Sarayu; of
+Charmanwati, and Vetravati,[62] 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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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[63] 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.[64]
+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.[65] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION X
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XI
+
+(Bhumi Parva)
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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?'"[66]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[67] 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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'"[68]
+
+
+
+SECTION XII
+
+"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.[69] 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.
+
+"'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,[70] 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.[71] They are, O best of
+the Bharatas, Vamana, and Airavata, and another, and also Supratika.[72]
+O king, with rent cheeks and mouth, I do not venture to calculate the
+proportions of these four elephants.[73] Their length, breadth and
+thickness have for ever remained unascertained. There in those regions, O
+king, winds blow irregularly from all directions.[74] 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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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,[75] 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.[76]'
+
+"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.[77] 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!"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII
+
+(Bhagavat-Gita Parva)
+
+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."
+
+"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.[78] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV
+
+"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?[79] 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?[80] 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,[81]--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[82] 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,[83] 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?[84] 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?[85] 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?[86] 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.[87] 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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XV
+
+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.
+
+"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[88]) 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,[89] 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.
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI
+
+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.[90] 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,[91] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII
+
+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.[92] The seven large planets, as they appeared in the
+firmament, all looked blazing like fire.[93] 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.[94] 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.[95]
+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,[96]
+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.[97] That large force of the Easterners
+looking like the fleecy clouds of autumn[98] 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.[99] 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,[100] 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[101] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII
+
+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.[102]"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX
+
+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?"
+
+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[103] 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[104] of Dhritarashtra.--Even this, O monarch, was what Vibhatsu
+said, pointing out the mighty Bhimasena (to Yudhishthira).[105] 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,[106] endued with great courage, blazing with
+golden armour, huge hills, costly, and emitting the fragrance of lotuses,
+followed the king behind like moving mountains.[107] And the high-souled
+and invincible Bhimasena, whirling his fierce mace that resembled a
+parigha[108] 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,[109] 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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XX
+
+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."
+
+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,[110] 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[111] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI
+
+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.[112] 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."[113]--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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII
+
+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.[114] His pure white umbrella with ivory handle,
+raised over his head, looked exceedingly beautiful; and many great Rishis
+walked around the king[115] uttering words in his praise. And many
+priests, and regenerate Rishis and Siddhas, uttering hymns in his
+praise[116] 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[117] 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.[118] 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.[119] 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.
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII
+
+Sanjaya said,--"Beholding the Dhartarashtra army approach for fight,
+Krishna said these words for Arjuna's benefit."
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.
+
+"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[120], I bow
+to thee that art fond of battle! O Uma,[121] 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,[122] 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.[123]'"
+
+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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter I)]
+
+([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])
+
+Dhritarashtra said,--"Assembled together on the sacred plain of
+Kurukshetra from desire of fighting what did my sons and the Pandavas do,
+O Sanjaya."
+
+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.[124] 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.[125] 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.[126] 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.[127]
+
+"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.[128] 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.'"
+
+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)."
+
+"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?[129] What
+gratification can be ours, O Janardana, by slaying the Dhartarashtras?
+Even if they be regarded as foes,[130] sin will overtake us if we slay
+them. Therefore, it behoveth us not to slay the sons of Dhritarashtra who
+are our own kinsmen.[131] 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.--'"
+
+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."
+
+[Here ends the first lesson entitled "Survey of Forces"[132] 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.]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter II)]
+
+Sanjaya said,--"Unto him thus possessed with pity, his eyes filled and
+oppressed with tears, and desponding, the slayer of Madhu said these
+words."
+
+"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.--'
+
+"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?[133] 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![134] 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.[135] 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.'"[136]
+
+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.[137] Unto him overcome by despondency,
+Hrishikesa, in the midst of the two armies, said:"
+
+"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.[138] 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.[139] 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).[140] 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.[141] 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.[142] 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.[143]
+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).[144]
+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.[145]
+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.'
+
+"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?'"
+
+"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).[146] 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.[147] He who is not self-restrained hath no contemplation
+(of self). He who hath no contemplation hath no peace (of mind).[148]
+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.[149] 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.[150] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter III)]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[151] 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.[152] 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.[153] 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).[154] 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.[155] 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.[156] 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.[157] 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.[158] 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).[159] 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.[160] 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.[161] 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.[162] 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.[163] 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.[164] 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.[165] 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).'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.[166] 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.[167] 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.[168] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter IV)]
+
+"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.'
+
+"Arjuna said,--'Thy birth is posterior; Vivaswat's birth is prior. How
+shall I understand then that thou hadst first declared (it)?'
+
+"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.[169] 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.[170] 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.[171] 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.[172] 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,[173] 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.[174] Some devotees perform
+sacrifice to the gods. Others, by means of sacrifice, offer up sacrifices
+to the fire of Brahma.[175] 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.[176] 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.[177] 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.[178] 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.[179] 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.[180] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter V)]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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[181]. 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.[182] 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).[183] 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.[184] 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.[185] 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.[186] 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.[187] 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.[188] 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.[189] 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.[190] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VI)]
+
+"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.[191] 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.[192] 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.[193] 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).[194] 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.[195] 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.[196] 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.[197] 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.[198]
+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.'
+
+"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.[199] 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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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,[200] 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.'[201]
+
+"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.[202] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VII)]
+
+"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.[203] 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.[204] 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.[205] 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.[206]
+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.[207]
+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.[208] 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.[209] 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.[210] 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.[211] 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).'"[212]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter VIII)]
+
+"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'?--
+
+"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.[213] 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.[214] 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.[215] 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.[216] 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.)[217]. 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.[218] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter IX)]
+
+"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.[219] 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.[220] 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.[221] 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).[222] 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.[223] Others again, performing the sacrifice of knowledge, worship me,
+(some) as one, (some) as distinct, (some) as pervading the universe, in
+many forms.[224] 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.[225] 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.[226] 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.[227] 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.[228] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIV
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter X)]
+
+"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).[229] 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.[230] 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.[231] 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.[232] Their hearts on me, their
+lives devoted to me, instructing one another, and glorifying me they are
+ever contented and happy.[233] Unto them always devoted, and worshipping
+(me) with love, I give that devotion in the form of knowledge by which
+they come to me.[234] Of them, for compassion's sake, I destroy the
+darkness born of ignorance, by the brilliant lamp of knowledge, (myself)
+dwelling in their souls.'
+
+"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?[235] Do thou again, O Janardana,
+copiously declare thy mystic powers and (thy) perfections, for I am never
+satiated with hearing thy nectar-like words.'
+
+"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).[236] 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.[237] 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). [238] 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.[239] 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.[240] 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.[241] 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.[242] 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.[243] 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.[244] 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.[245] 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.[246]'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXV
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XI)]
+
+"Arjuna said,--'This discourse about the supreme mystery, called
+Adhyatman, which thou hast uttered for my welfare, hath dispelled my
+delusion.[247] 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.[248]'
+
+"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.[249] Thou art,
+however, not competent to behold me with this eye of thine. I give thee
+celestial sight. Behold my sovereign mystic nature.'"
+
+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.[250] 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.[251] Then Dhananjaya, filled with amazement, (and) with hair
+standing on end, bowing with (his) head, with joined hands addressed the
+God.
+
+"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.[252] 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.'[253]
+
+"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.[254] 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.'"
+
+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).--
+
+"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.[255] 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?[256] 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.'
+
+"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.[257] 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.'"
+
+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."
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVI
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XII)]
+
+"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?'
+
+"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).[258] 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.[259] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XIII)]
+
+"The Holy One said, 'This body, O son of Kunti, is called Kshetra. Him
+who knoweth it, the learned call Kshetrajna.[260] 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,[261] 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,[262] 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.[263] 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,[264]
+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.[265] Nature is said to be the source of the capacity of enjoying
+pleasures and pains.[266] 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.[267] The Supreme Purusha in this
+body is said to be surveyor, approver, supporter, enjoyer, the mighty
+lord, and also the Supreme Soul.[268] 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.[269] 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[270] 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.[271] 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.'"[272]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVIII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XIV)]
+
+"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.[273]
+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.[274] Goodness, passion, darkness, these qualities, born of nature,
+bind down, O thou of mighty arms, the eternal embodied [soul] in the
+body.[275] 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.'[276]
+
+"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?'
+
+"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,[277] 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.'"[278]
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIX
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XV)]
+
+"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.[279] 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.[280] 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.[281] 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).[282] 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.[283] 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.[284] 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.[285] 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.[286] 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.[287] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XL
+ [(Bhagavad Gita Chapter XVI)]
+
+"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,[288]
+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.[289] 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.[290] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLI
+ [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVII)]
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.[291] 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.'"[292]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLII
+ [(Bhagavad Gita, Chapter XVIII)]
+
+"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.'[293]
+
+"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.[294] (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[295] 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).[296] 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.[297] 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.[298] (They are) substratum,
+agent, the diverse kinds of organs, the diverse efforts severally, and
+with them the deities as the fifth.[299] 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).[300]--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.[301] 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.[302] 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.[303] 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.[304] 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.[305] 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.[306] 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.[307] 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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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[308]"
+
+[End of the Bhagavad Gita]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIII
+
+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).[309] 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.
+
+"Arjuna said, 'What is this act of thine, O king, that abandoning thy
+brothers, thou proceedest on foot, face eastwards, to the hostile host?'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?'"
+
+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).
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?"[310]'
+
+"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).'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.[311]
+
+"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?'[312]
+
+"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."'[313]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.--'"
+
+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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?"'
+
+"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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.'[314]--
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'[315]
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.--'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."'"
+
+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.[316] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIV
+
+Dhritarashtra said, "When the divisions of both my side and the foe were
+thus arrayed, who struck first, the Kurus or the Pandavas?"
+
+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.[317] 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.[318] 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.[319] 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,[320] 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)[321] 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.[322] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XLV
+
+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.[323] 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.[324] 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[325] 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[326] (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.[327] 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."[328]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVI
+
+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.[329]
+Disciplined by training and urged on by pikes and hooks, elephants not in
+rut rushed straight against those that were in rut.[330] 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.[331] And some
+heroic horsemen, on coursers of speed, leaping high, cut off the heads of
+car-warriors from their cars.[332] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVII
+
+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[333], 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.[334] 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.[335] And his bow, emitting a twang like
+that of Gandiva, while stretched and re-stretched, seemed to revolve like
+a circle of fire.[336] 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.[337] 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."[338]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVIII
+
+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."
+
+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).[339] 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.[340]
+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.[341] 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.[342] 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.[343] 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.[344] 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[345], 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[346]
+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.[347] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIX
+
+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.[348] 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.[349] 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."
+
+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.[350] 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.[351] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION L
+
+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).[352] 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.[353] 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.'
+
+"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,[354] 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,[355] 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).[356] 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.[357] 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."[358]
+
+
+
+SECTION LI
+
+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.[359] 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.[360] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LII
+
+Dhritarashtra said, "When mine and the hostile hosts were thus formed
+into battle array, how did the foremost of smiters begin to strike?"
+
+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,[361] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LIII
+
+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?"
+
+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.[362] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LIV
+
+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?"
+
+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[363] 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.[364] 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.[365] 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.[366] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LV
+
+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.[367] 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.[368] 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,[369] 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.[370] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVI
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVII
+
+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.[371] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LVIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LIX
+
+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."
+
+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.[372] 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.[373] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LX
+
+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.[374] 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.[375] 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.[376] 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.[377] 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.[378]
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXI
+
+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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXII
+
+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."
+
+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.[379] 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.[380] 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.[381] 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[382] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXV
+
+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.[383] 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?"
+
+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.[384] 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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[385] 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.[386] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVI
+
+"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."'--
+
+"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.--'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVII
+
+"Duryodhana said, 'In all the worlds Vasudeva is spoken of as the Supreme
+Being. I desire, O Grandsire, to know his origin and glory.'
+
+"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.[387] 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.[388] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVIII
+
+"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.[389] 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.[390] 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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIX
+
+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.[391] 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.[392] 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.[393] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXX
+
+Sanjaya said, "Then Bhishma the son of Santanu fought fiercely,[394]
+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.[395] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXI
+
+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[396] 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.[397] 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.[398]
+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.[399] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIII
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIV
+
+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.[400] 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.[401] 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.[402] 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.
+
+"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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXV
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.[403] And the Pandavas and the
+Kauravas, O king, in that conflict, fought with one another counteracting
+one another's weapons."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVI
+
+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.[404] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVII
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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,[405] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIX
+
+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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXX
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXI
+
+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,[406] '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.[407]
+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,[408] '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.[409]"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXII
+
+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,[410] 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.[411] 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.[412] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIII
+
+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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.[413] 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIV
+
+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."
+
+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.
+
+"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.[414] 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.
+
+"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).
+
+"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.[415] 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[416]. 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.[417] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXV
+
+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.[418] 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.[419] That tiger among men, however,
+(viz., Abhimanyu), having, O king, deprived thy sons of their cars, slew
+them not, remembering Bhima's words.[420] 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.[421] 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).[422] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVI
+
+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.[423]'--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.[424] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVII
+
+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.[425] 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,[426] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVIII
+
+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.[427] 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.[428] 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.[429] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIX
+
+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.[430] 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.'"
+
+Sanjaya continued. "Hearing these cruel words of Duryodhana, thy sire
+Devavrata with eyes filled with tears, said this unto him.[431] '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.--'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XC
+
+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?[432] 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?[433] 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.[434] 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."
+
+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.[435] 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.[436] 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.[437] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCI
+
+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).[438] 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.[439] 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.[440] 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.[441] [(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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCII
+
+Dhritarashtra said, "Tell me, O Sanjaya, all that the mighty Partha did
+in battle when they heard that Iravat had been slain."
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIII
+
+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).[442] 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.[443]
+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[444] 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.[445]' 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIV
+
+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).[446] 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.[447] 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,[448] and others with mangled limbs, dropped
+down in that dreadful battle like mountains shorn of their wings.[449]
+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).[450] Others, slain with shafts
+or pierced with lances and deprived of their riders, looked like
+mountains deprived of their crests.[451] Some amongst them, possessed by
+wrath and blinded (with fury) in consequence of the juice (trickling down
+their temples and cheeks)[452] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVI
+
+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.[453] 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.[454] 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.[455] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVII
+
+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.[456] 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[457]
+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.[458] 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.[459] 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.
+
+"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.[460] 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[461] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVIII
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIX
+
+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.[462] 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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION C
+
+Sanjaya said, "Then Bhishma, the son of Santanu, went out with the
+troops. And he disposed his own troops in mighty array called
+Sarvatobhadra.[463] 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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.[464] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CI
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CII
+
+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)."
+
+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.[465] 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.[466] 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."[467]
+
+
+
+SECTION CIII
+
+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?"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CIV
+
+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.[468] 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.[469] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CV
+
+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.[470] 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,[471] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CVI
+
+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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CVII
+
+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.
+
+"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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CVIII
+
+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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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.[472] After I am
+slain, all the rest will be slain. Therefore, do as I bid'.
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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!'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CIX
+
+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!"
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+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,[473] 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).[474] 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'.[475] 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.'"
+
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CX
+
+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?"
+
+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.
+
+"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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXI
+
+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.[476] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXII
+
+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,[477] 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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIII
+
+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.[478] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXV
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVI
+
+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."
+
+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.[479] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVII
+
+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.
+
+"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.[480]
+
+"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.
+
+"Bhimasena, fighting against the elephant-division, looked highly
+resplendent like Sakra armed with the thunder after splitting large
+mountains.[481] 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVIII
+
+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.[482] 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.
+
+"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,[483] 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.[484]"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIX
+
+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.[485] 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.
+
+"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.
+
+"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)."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXX
+
+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.[486] 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),[487] 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.[488]--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.[489] 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.
+
+"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.[490] 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,[491] 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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXI
+
+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!--"
+
+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!--'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXII
+
+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--'"
+
+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.
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIII
+
+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."
+
+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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIV
+
+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!--'
+
+"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!--'
+
+"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!--'"
+
+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."
+
+The End of Bhishma Parva
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+1. 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.
+
+2. Some texts have Duddharsham for Durddharshas.
+
+3. Literally, "gives heat".
+
+4. 'Varna' is used here in the sense of races and not castes.
+
+5. 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'.
+
+6. 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.
+
+7. i.e., stragglers should not be slain.
+
+8. Literally, "confiding."
+
+9. The Bombay text has Castropanayishu; the Bengal texts have
+Castropojibishu.
+
+10. Rather, "have their periods run out."
+
+11. The Bombay text reads pralahshaye for prajashaye. I have adopted the
+former.
+
+12. 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.
+
+13. 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.
+
+14. The Bombay text reads Paricchanna for Paricchinna. The former is
+better.
+
+15. Vaisase is explained by Nilakantha as Virodhe. Conttavarta--a river
+having bloody eddies.
+
+16. 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.
+
+17. 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.
+
+18. 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.
+
+19. 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.
+
+20. Vide note ante.
+
+21. 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.
+
+22. 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.
+
+23. The Burdwan Pundits reads suskasani for sakrasani. The latter,
+however, is the true reading.
+
+24. 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.
+
+25. Mahabhuta is swelling greatly.
+
+26. Parena is explained by Nilakantha as atisayena.
+
+27. 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.
+
+28. 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.
+
+29. Such as "don't fight, for you will be dead men soon." &c.
+
+30. 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.
+
+31. 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.
+
+32. I have rendered 4 and 5 a little too freely. The language of the
+original is very terse.
+
+33. 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.
+
+34. 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.
+
+35. 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.
+
+36. The Bombay text reads Varsha parvatas for parvatas samas.
+
+37. For Pinaddha occurring in the Bengal texts, the Bombay edition reads
+Vichitra.
+
+38. The Bengal texts add a line here which is properly omitted in the
+Bombay edition.
+
+39. After the 10th occurs a line in the Bengal text which is evidently
+vicious.
+
+40. Day of the full-moon and that of the new-moon.
+
+41. The Bengal texts, except the Burdwan one, have divi for Daityas, of
+course, the latter reading is correct.
+
+42. The Bombay text has Sarvatas (which is better) for Sarvata in the
+Bengal texts.
+
+43. 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.
+
+44. Alluding to the tradition of Siva's holding Ganga on his head and for
+which the great god is sometimes called Gangadhara.
+
+45. This word occurs in various forms, Ketumala and Ketumali being two
+others.
+
+46. The Bombay edition reads tu for cha after Jamvukhanda. The meaning
+becomes changed.
+
+47. 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.
+
+48. The Bengal texts, excepting the Burdwan one, incorrectly read Sakram
+for Satram.
+
+49. The correct reading is Gatimanti. Many of the Bengal texts
+incorrectly read matimanti, which is unmeaning.
+
+50. Many of the Bengal texts incorrectly read Merorapyyantaram for
+Merorathottaram.
+
+51. 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.
+
+52. i.e. "have fallen away from a celestial state."
+
+53. 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.
+
+54. The Bengal texts have Chandrabhasa for Chandraprabha. The difference
+is not material.
+
+55. Both the Burdwan and the Bombay editions read Panchashat (five and
+six). The Bengal texts generally have panchasat (fifty).
+
+56. 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.
+
+57. They are but portions of the same Supreme Being.
+
+58. i.e. mountains forming boundaries of divisions.
+
+59. The Bombay text reads Ikshula and Krimi for "Ikshumlavi" occurring in
+Bengal texts.
+
+60. The Bengal texts have Gandakincha mahanadim. The Bombay text reads
+Vandanancha mahanadim with a cha immediately before. The Burdwan Pandits
+read Chandanancha mahanadim.
+
+61. 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.
+
+62. For Vetravati, the Bengal texts read Chandrabhaga. Both Chandrabhaga
+and Vetravati, however occur before.
+
+63. Kamadhuk is that species of kine which always yield milk.
+
+64. 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.
+
+65. 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."
+
+66. The Bombay text reads Kimanyat Kathayami te. The Bengal reading is
+Kimanyat srotumicchasi.
+
+67. The Bombay text reads Tatas parena; the Bengal reading is Tatas
+purvena. I adopt the former.
+
+68. 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.
+
+69. 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.
+
+70. 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.
+
+71. Dig-gaja, i.e. an elephant supporting the globe. There are four such
+in Hindu mythology or ten according to some accounts.
+
+72. 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.
+
+73. Tasya (singular of Tad) and sa (masculine singular of Tad) both refer
+to the four elephants, Gaja-chatushtaya in singular.
+
+74. Asamyadha lit. "Unbound" or "unrestrained," i.e. freely or
+irregularly.
+
+75. 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.
+
+76. 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.
+
+77. For Sadhusattamas of the Bengal texts, the Bombay edition reads
+Sadhusammatas. I adopt the last.
+
+78. 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.
+
+79. 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.
+
+80. 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)?
+
+81. 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).
+
+82. Some of the Bengal texts have Panchalanam for Pandavanam.
+
+83. The form of the 2nd line is a negative interrogative, implying,--'I
+hope the Kurus did not abandon him.'
+
+84. 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.
+
+85. 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?"
+
+86. The Burdwan Pundits make Mahavalas an adjective of Putras. A better
+construction would be to take it as referring to Bhishma.
+
+87. Ghatayitwa is, literally, causing to be slain.
+
+88. The words "high-souled" and also "through whose boon bestowed of me"
+occur in the 9th sloka following.
+
+89. Vyotthiopatti vijananam, Vyutthita is a very doubtful word.
+
+90. Literally, "in Indra's abodes," i.e. Amaravati.
+
+91. A Kshatriya falling bravely in fight at once goes to the highest
+regions of bliss.
+
+92. 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.
+
+93. 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.
+
+94. The Bengal texts read Bhanumanudito divi. The Bombay reading is
+Bhanumanudito Ravis. If the latter be adopted, Bhanuman would be an
+adjective of Ravis.
+
+95. 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.
+
+96. 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."
+
+97. 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."
+
+98. The Bengal reading is Saradabhraghana-prakshyam. The Bombay reading
+is 'Sharadamvudhara-prakshyam.'
+
+99. 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.
+
+100. Machines, perhaps catapults.
+
+101. '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.
+
+102. The Bombay edition reads Yamunantara for Yamunantare of the Bengal
+texts. The difference in meaning is not very material.
+
+103. 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.
+
+104. The word used is Dayadas lit., taker of (one's) wealth.
+
+105. The Bombay text is here faulty. Darsay swamahavalam is scarcely
+correct. The Bengal reading is 'Darsayan sumahavalam.'
+
+106. Literally, "with rent cheeks and mouth."
+
+107. 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.
+
+108. 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.
+
+109. 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.
+
+110. The word is Uttaradhus which seems to be very doubtful.
+
+111. Yenarjunastena, Yena is yatra and tena is tatra, as Nilakantha
+rightly explains. The meaning is--"who would be there where Arjuna would
+be."
+
+112. 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.
+
+113. 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.
+
+114. 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.
+
+115. 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.
+
+116. 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.
+
+117. The Bengal reading Sahasrani for Savastrani is correct. I adopt the
+latter.
+
+118. 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.
+
+119. 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.
+
+120. 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.
+
+121. 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.
+
+122. Both Swaha and Swadha are mantras of high efficacy. Kala and Kastha
+are divisions of time. Saraswati implies speech.
+
+123. Sankhye is explained by Nilakantha to be Samyak Khyanam Prakasana
+Yasmin; hence Atmanatma-vivekarupa Samadhi.
+
+124. 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.
+
+125. 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.
+
+126. 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.
+
+127. 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.
+
+128. Ranasamudyame may also mean "at the outset of battle."
+
+129. 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.
+
+130. The word is atatayinas.
+
+131. 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.
+
+132. In some editions this lesson is stated to be "Arjuna's grief." The
+description of the lesson again is given in fewer words.
+
+133. 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?"
+
+134. 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.
+
+135. 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.
+
+136. 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.
+
+137. 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.
+
+138. 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.
+
+139. 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.
+
+140. 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?
+
+141. 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.
+
+142. A life in this world that is subject to decay and death. So say all
+the commentators.
+
+143. 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.
+
+144. 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.
+
+145. 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.
+
+146. 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.
+
+147. 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."
+
+148. 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.
+
+149. 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.
+
+150. The vulgar, being spiritually dark, are engaged in worldly pursuits.
+The sage in spiritual light is dead to the latter.
+
+151. 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.
+
+152. "Apply to work", i.e. to work as prescribed in the scriptures. Thus
+says Sankara. "To morning and evening prayers, etc." says Sreedhara.
+
+153. 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.
+
+154. 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.
+
+155. Parjjanya is explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara as rain. It
+means also the clouds or the origin of rain.
+
+156. 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.
+
+157. 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.
+
+158. 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.
+
+159. 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.
+
+160. Sreedhara would connect "in the three worlds" with what follows. I
+follow Sankara and the natural order of words.
+
+161. The word rendered "nature" is prakriti. It really implies "primal
+matter."
+
+162. 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.
+
+163. 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."
+
+164. Devoting all work to me, i.e., in the belief that all you do is for
+me or my sake.
+
+165. 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.
+
+166. Desire, if not gratified, results in wrath. Thus say the
+commentators.
+
+167. Prajahi is explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara as parityaja
+(cast off).
+
+168. He is the Supreme Soul or Being.
+
+169. 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.
+
+170. 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.
+
+171. '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.
+
+172. Chitta the mind and atma in this connection is the senses. Thus both
+Sreedhara and Sankara.
+
+173. Sacrifice means here the Supreme Soul. What is done for the sake of
+sacrifice is done for procuring emancipation.
+
+174. 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.
+
+175. I.e., offering up sacrifice itself as a sacrifice to the Brahma
+fire, they cast off all action.
+
+176. 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.
+
+177. Suspending the functions of life for contemplation or Yoga.
+
+178. 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.
+
+179. All these are different kinds of Yoga, or the different stages of
+Yoga practice.
+
+180. i.e., knowledge being attained, the fruits of action are attained
+by, at least, their end being compassed.
+
+181. Sankhya is renunciation of action, while Yoga is devotion through
+action.
+
+182. The grammatical form of the word Yoga as here employed is
+exceptional.
+
+183. The first atman is explained as the soul, the second as the body, by
+all the commentators.
+
+184. Taking means taking anything with the hands.
+
+185. Water when thrown over a lotus-leaf escapes without soaking or
+drenching the leaf at all.
+
+186. 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.
+
+187. Such men are exempted from the obligation of re-birth. Leaving this
+body they merge into the Supreme Soul.
+
+188. The word is Swapacha meaning a member of the lowest caste.
+
+189. "Brahma is faultless and equable"; so Sreedhara and others,--"since
+faultless equality is Brahma."
+
+190. The sense is that they are at one with Brahma both here and
+hereafter.
+
+191. Renouncer and devotee Sannyasin and Yogin.
+
+192. Which spring from desire.
+
+193. Self in this sloka is explained by the commentators as mind. The
+mind, unless controlled, cannot lead to devotion.
+
+194. Chitta and atma are explained by the commentators as "mind and body."
+
+195. Fixed on one's own self, i.e., withdrawn from all objects of sense.
+Thus Sankara.
+
+196. 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."
+
+197. 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."
+
+198. i.e. I am always visible to him, and he too is always within my
+sight and I am always kind to him.
+
+199. i.e. how its stable existence may be secured, the mind being by
+nature ever restless.
+
+200. Fallen off from both, i.e., from heaven (through work) and
+absorption into Brahma (through devotion).
+
+201. Without leaving anything, i.e., entirely.
+
+202. 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.
+
+203. Only some one, i.e., very few. Few perfection, i.e., for knowledge
+of self. Thus all the commentators.
+
+204. 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.
+
+205. 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.
+
+206. Daivi is explained by Sankara as divine; by Sreedhara as marvellous.
+
+207. 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.
+
+208. The worshipper obtains his desires, thinking he gets them from the
+godhead he worships. It is however, that gives him those.
+
+209. The divinities being perishable, myself imperishable. What these
+obtain is perishable. What my worshippers obtain is imperishable.
+
+210. 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.
+
+211. 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.
+
+212. The three words occurring in this sloka and explained in the next
+section, forming as they do the subject of a question by Arjuna.
+
+213. Bhava is production, and Udbhava is growth or development. Thus
+Sreedhara.
+
+214. 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."
+
+215. All these regions being destructible and liable to re-birth, those
+that live there are equally liable to death and re-birth.
+
+216. 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.
+
+217. 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.
+
+218. The commentators explain the word fire, the light, day, &c., as
+several godheads presiding over particular times.
+
+219. The atmosphere occupies space without affecting it or its nature. So
+all things are in the Supreme Being without affecting him.
+
+220. My nature, i.e., the unmanifest principle or primal essence.
+
+221. 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.
+
+222. This reason, i.e., my supervision.
+
+223. 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.
+
+224. Performing the sacrifice of knowledge, i.e., believing Vasudeva to
+be everything. In many forms, i.e., as Brahman, Rudra, etc.
+
+225. Mantra is the sacred verse or verses used for invoking godheads, and
+for other purposes.
+
+226. Hence they have to come back, explains Sreedhara.
+
+227. Prayatatmanas is explained as Suddhachittasya.
+
+228. Iman lokan (this mortal world), Sreedhara says, may mean "this form
+of royal saint that thou hast." This is far-fetched.
+
+229. Telang renders Paramam 'excellent'; Mr. John Davies, 'all
+important'. The meaning is referring to the 'Supreme Soul'.
+
+230. Both Sankara and Sreedhara explain Sarvassas as "in every way".
+i.e., as creator, as guide, &c.
+
+231. Prajas offspring, including, as Sankara says, both mobile, and
+immobile, therefore, not mankind alone.
+
+232. 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."
+
+233. Tityam, ever, is connected with what follows and not what precedes.
+Thus Sreedhara. Mr. Davies connects it with Kathayantas.
+
+234. K. T. Telang renders buddhi-yogam as knowledge; Mr. Davies, as
+mental devotion and Sankara, "devotion by special insight."
+
+235. 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.
+
+236. 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.
+
+237. 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.
+
+238. 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.
+
+239. The Japa-sacrifice is the sacrifice by meditation which is superior
+to all sacrifices.
+
+240. 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.
+
+241. 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.
+
+242. 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.
+
+243. Mr. Davies renders Vedas 'Pravadatam' as "the speech of those that
+speak." K. T. Telang renders it "the argument of controversialists."
+
+244. 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.
+
+245. 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.
+
+246. 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.
+
+247. Adhyatman, i.e., the relation between the Supreme and the individual
+soul. This my delusion, i.e., about my being the slayer.
+
+248. Avyayam is that which has no decay. Ordinarily, it may be rendered
+"eternal." Telang renders it "inexhaustible". Elsewhere I have rendered
+it as "understanding."
+
+249. Ekastham, lit. "all in one". i.e., collected together.
+
+250. Devam is explained by Sreedhara as Dyotanatmakam i.e., endued with
+splendour. Mr. Davies renders it resplendent; but Telang renders it
+"deity."
+
+251. 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.
+
+252. Verse 21 is read differently. For Twam Surasangha, some texts read
+twa-Asurasanghas. Then again for Stuvanti in the second line some read
+Vikshate.
+
+253. 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."
+
+254. 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.
+
+255. Nidhanam is either refuge or support or abode or receptacle. Mr.
+Davies incorrectly renders it "treasure-house."
+
+256. Sankara accepts the reading Gururgariyan, Sreedhara takes it as
+Gururgariyan. In either case the difference in meaning is not material.
+
+257. Sankara connects Adhyayana with Veda and Yajna. This seems to be
+right explanation.
+
+258. Ata urddham is 'after this,' or 'hereafter on high' as Mr. Davies
+renders it.
+
+259. 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."
+
+260. 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.
+
+261. Dukha-dosha is explained by both Sankara and Sreedhara as a Dwanda
+compound.
+
+262. 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".
+
+263. The object of the knowledge of truth is the dispelling of ignorance
+and the acquisition of happiness.
+
+264. Nor having eyes, etc., yet seeing, etc.; without attributes, yet
+having or enjoying all that the attributes give.
+
+265. 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.
+
+266. 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.
+
+267. 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.
+
+268. 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."
+
+269. What is heard, i.e., the Srutis or the sacred doctrines.
+
+270. Destroying self by self is to be deprived of true knowledge.
+
+271. 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.
+
+272. 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.
+
+273. Itas is explained by Sreedhara as "from the fetters of this body."
+
+274. Sreedhara makes mahat an adjective of yoni; Sankara makes it an
+adjective of Brahma. K. T. Telang follows Sankara.
+
+275. 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.
+
+276. Deha samudbhava is explained by the commentators as having their
+"samudbhava or parinama in deha." It is an instance of the vahuvrihi
+compound.
+
+277. Light, activity, and delusion are the three qualities as indicated
+by their effects.
+
+278. 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.
+
+279. 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.
+
+280. 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.
+
+281. Joined to the qualities, i.e., perceiving objects of sense or
+experiencing pleasure and pain.
+
+282. "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."
+
+283. 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."
+
+284. The four kinds of food are: that which is masticated, that which is
+sucked, that which is licked, and that which is drunk.
+
+285. 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."
+
+286. 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."
+
+287. 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."
+
+288. I adopt Sankara's explanation of the last compound of the first line
+of this sloka. Sreedhara explains it differently.
+
+289. 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."
+
+290. Sankara seems to connect the genitive Jagatas with achitas Sreedhara
+connects it (which is natural) with Kshayaya, which I accept.
+
+291. '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.
+
+292. 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.
+
+293. 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.
+
+294. Both Sankara and Sreedhara explain the second line consisting of two
+propositions, the connecting verb bhavet being understood.
+
+295. I have used "when" for "whatever" to make the sentence grammatical.
+
+296. 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.
+
+297. That is, as Sreedhara explains, one who hath renounced the fruit of
+actions.
+
+298. 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.
+
+299. 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.
+
+300. Hath no feeling of egoism, i.e., doth not regard himself as the
+doer, sullied, i.e., by the taint of desire of fruit.
+
+301. Mr. Davies, I think, is right in rendering Samgrahas as
+"complement." K. T. Telang renders it as equivalent to "in brief."
+
+302. In the enunciation of qualities i.e., in the Sankhya system.
+
+303. Full of affections, i.e., for children, etc., as Sreedhara.
+
+304. Prakrita which I have rendered "without discernment" following
+Sreedhara, may be, as Mr. Davies renders it, but "malicious."
+
+305. Mr. Davies makes "unswerving" an adjective of 'devotion.' This is
+wrong, for Avyabhicharinya (unswerving) is a feminine instrumental, and
+must qualify Dhritya.
+
+306. 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.
+
+307. 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."
+
+308. Bhuti is explained by Sreedhara as gradual abhivridhhi, i.e., growth
+or greatness. Niti is explained as Nyaya or justice.
+
+309. Varayudham is according to Nilakantha, the excellent bow. Yena in
+verse 8 is equivalent to Yatra.
+
+310. 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.
+
+311. The Bengal reading is evidently incorrect. The Bombay text reads
+Raja for Vacoa.
+
+312. 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.
+
+313. 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.
+
+314. Paran is explained by Nilakantha as "superior" qualifying Ripun.
+
+315. 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.
+
+316. For Puskalan the Bombay text reads Pushkaran which means a kind of
+drum.
+
+317. For rajan in the Bengal texts, in the first line of the 5th verse,
+the Bombay text reads hyasan which I adopt.
+
+318. Maha samucchrave is explained by Nilakantha as Mahasamprahare.
+
+319. Literally, "showing himself in an awful form."
+
+320. Subhadra's son Abhimanyu.
+
+321. These fences were made of iguana skins and cased the hands of the
+bowmen up to a few inches of the elbow-joint.
+
+322. Nimitta is explained by Nilakantha as the mark of object aimed at.
+Drona was the preceptor in arms of almost all the Bharata princes.
+
+323. 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.
+
+324. 'Angaraka' is the planet Mars, and 'Sukra' i.e. Venus.
+
+325. Prativindhya was Yudhishthira's son by Draupadi.
+
+326. Maghavat is Indra, the chief of the celestials.
+
+327. 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.
+
+328. i.e., though repulsed, these frequently rallied, and occupied the
+same ground as before.
+
+329. 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.
+
+330. 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.
+
+331. For the Bengal reading 'Mahaprajna' the Bombay text reads
+'Mahaprasas.'
+
+332. Rathat and not Rathan is the reading that I adopt.
+
+333. The Bengal reading 'narvarakshaye' seems to be better than
+'Mahavirakshaye' of the Bombay text.
+
+334. Talaketu is lit. Palmyra-bannered. Without using such compounds, the
+'brevity' of the sentences cannot be maintained.
+
+335. Karshni is Krishna's or Arjuna's son Abhimanyu. Arjuna was sometimes
+called Krishna.
+
+336. Laghavamargasya is a mis-reading for Laghavamargastham'; then again
+chapi is incorrect, the correct reading chapam as in the Bombay text.
+
+337. The Bengal reading is 'Suaris Vritascha Sainyena'. The Bombay
+reading (which I do not adopt) is 'Vritastu Sarva Sainyena.'
+
+338. 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.
+
+339. The Bombay text reads 'Yavana nihatam,' which is better.
+
+340. I adopt the Bombay reading of the 22nd verse.
+
+341. 'Swayam' in some of the Bengal texts is a misprint for 'Kshayam'.
+
+342. Chakrapani is Vishnu armed with the discus.
+
+343. For 'Yuthan' which gives no meaning, I read 'Yodhas'. The Bengal
+reading 'muktvagnimiva daruna' is better than the Bombay reading 'muktam
+ripumishu darunam.'
+
+344. The Bombay reading 'jivitam dustyajam' is better than the Bengal
+reading 'jivam taduttham', if it has any meaning.
+
+345. 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.
+
+346. 'Ghoram', 'ugram', 'mahabhayam', are pleonastic.
+
+347. 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'.
+
+348. 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.
+
+349. 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.
+
+350. As both operations are useless, so are these thy regrets.
+
+351. 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.
+
+352. Aplavas and Alpave are both correct.
+
+353. In the first line of the 14th verse Aviseshana seems to be
+incorrect. The Bombay text reads Avaseshena which I adopt.
+
+354. The correct reading is Vishnu, and not Jishnu as in many of the
+Bengal texts.
+
+355. 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).
+
+356. 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.
+
+357. 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.
+
+358. The last word of the 28th verse is 'Ratheshu cha', and not 'Dhajeshu
+cha' for umbrellas could not possibly be fastened to standards.
+
+359. 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.
+
+360. For these names, vide note in page ante, Bhishma Parva.
+
+361. The 26th verse in the Bengal texts consists of three lines. In the
+Bombay texts, the half-sloka about Artayani does not occur.
+
+362. In the first line of the 5th verse, the true reading is avidhata and
+not amarshanam.
+
+363. In the first line of 29, the correct reading is Prishna and not
+Pritana.
+
+364. 'Samuchchhritam' or 'Samutthitam,' meaning risen, is scarcely a
+happy adjective here.
+
+365. 'Parshni' is the wing or side of a car-warrior. The last word of
+this verse is not 'Satpurushochitam' but 'Satparushairvritam'.
+
+366. 'Kovdara' is the species of ebony called Bauhinia Variegata.
+
+367. The Bombay reading 'Vegavattaram' is better. Literally, it means,
+'capable of imparting a greater impetus.' To avoid such periphrasis I
+render it 'tougher'.
+
+368. The sense is that all these were entirely shrouded by Arjuna's
+arrows.
+
+369. The true reading is Charmanam and not Varmanam: also bhumipa and
+bhutale.
+
+370. i.e., is about to set.
+
+371. For 'Satyatha tena' the Bombay text reads 'Satyasandhena'. I follow
+the Bengal reading.
+
+372. 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.
+
+373. The Vaitarani is the fabulous river that separate this world from
+the next.
+
+374. 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.
+
+375. In the second line of the 6th, for sasars sena the Bombay reading is
+sena mahogra which is better. I adopt it.
+
+376. I adopt the Bengal reading Vyapta and not Vyala.
+
+377. 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.
+
+378. In the first line of 19th, the Bengal reading Saykanam is a mistake.
+The true reading is Saditanam.
+
+379. Salya is called Artayani after the name of his father.
+
+380. These were Kshuras (arrows with heads like razors), kshurapras,
+(arrows with horseshoe heads), bhallas (broad-headed arrows), and
+anjalikas (arrows with crescent-shaped-heads).
+
+381. i.e., the universal destroyer armed with his bow.
+
+382. Gory mace wet with &c. the original is pleonastic.
+
+383. The Bengal reading parantapa is a mistake for kathanchana.
+
+384. 'Kimpaca' is a species of cucurbitaceous plant. To avoid periphrasis
+I render it poison.
+
+385. 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.
+
+386. Literally "be a perpetuator (son) of Yadu's race!"
+
+387. The Bengal reading is Sa vai devas. The Bombay reading is Purvadevas.
+
+388. 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.
+
+389. Word of command.
+
+390. i.e., really existent among all things.
+
+391. A fabulous aquatic animal resembling an alligator.
+
+392. Formed after the shape of the hawk.
+
+393. The Bengal reading is 'Yudhi sandhaya'. The Bombay reading is
+'pratisamvarya'. I adopt the latter.
+
+394. Literally, "made a fierce battle."
+
+395. 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.
+
+396. Kandigbhutas lit. "not knowing which point of the compass was which."
+
+397. In the second line of 17, the Bombay text incorrectly reads Arjunam
+for Pandavas.
+
+398. In the first line of 32 the Bengal reading is Mahabhujas. The
+correct reading seems to be (as in the Bombay text) Mahadhvajas.
+
+399. The last half of the second line of 35 in the Bengal text is
+vicious. I adopt the Bombay reading.
+
+400. 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.
+
+401. 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.
+
+402. An additional verse occurs here in connection with the slaughter of
+Satyaki's sons, in the Bombay texts. The Bengal texts omit it.
+
+403. Ekayangatas is lit. "intently."
+
+404. Literally, "hence his thoughts were so."
+
+405. Suchimukha is literally "needle-mouthed." It is a wedge-like column
+with the thin or pointed end turned towards the side of the enemy.
+
+406. 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.
+
+407. The last word of 4 is read differently in the Bengal texts viz.,
+Rathanghas, instead of, as in the Bombay edition, Maharathas.
+
+408. 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.
+
+409. 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).
+
+410. Differently read in the Bengal texts, viz., Somadatta with the
+Saindhavas.
+
+411. The Bengal reading Rathas in the first line of 6 is a mistake;
+should be, as in the Bombay text, tatha.
+
+412. 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.
+
+413. Satyaki was Arjuna's disciple in arms. Vijaya was another name of
+Arjuna.
+
+414. Divakaram prapya, lit, 'reaching the path of the sun,' i.e., while
+coursing through the sky.
+
+415. 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.
+
+416. 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.
+
+417. Lit. "This one no longer is" i.e., 'alive'.
+
+418. The original is Vichnvantas (a practical) meaning 'plucking as
+flowers'.
+
+419. These, in Hindu physiology, are the three humours of the body always
+contending for mastery over the vital forces.
+
+420. 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.
+
+421. Instead of yat in the beginning of the second line, yada would be
+better. None of the printed text, however, have yada.
+
+422. 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.
+
+423. The Bombay reading which I adopt is ajnayamanas cha. The Bengal
+reading seems to be incorrect.
+
+424. Vipralapapavidham is literally "force from unreasoning declamation."
+The Bombay reading is vicious.
+
+425. 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.
+
+426. i.e., just before setting.
+
+427. Krishna-sarathis (Bombay); the Bengal reading is Vanaradhvajas.
+
+428. 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?
+
+429. Nagas, which may mean both stones and trees. In either case, the
+comparison would apply.
+
+430. His pledge, viz., that in battle he would slay all the sons of
+Dhritarashtra.
+
+431. The Bengal reading is tatas kruddhar. The Bombay reading is vachas
+kruram. I adopt the latter.
+
+432. 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.
+
+433. The last word of the 4th verse is anivartinam. In the Bengal texts
+it is sumahatmanam.
+
+434. 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.
+
+435. 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.
+
+436. The Bengal reading Dwidhabhutais is incorrect. It should be, as in
+the Bombay text, tridhabhutais.
+
+437. In the Bengal texts, tava in the first line is incorrect. It should
+be tatra (Bombay).
+
+438. 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.
+
+439. Literally, "in soil belonging to another." The original is
+parakshetre.
+
+440. 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.
+
+441. In the first line of 64, the true reading is Survamarmajna, and not
+Sarvadharmajna.
+
+442. 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.
+
+443. i.e., with temporal juice trickling down.
+
+444. The duty consisted in not retreating from the field.
+
+445. i.e., the rescue of the king.
+
+446. In the second line of 15, the Bengal reading saravarshena is
+incorrect. The Bombay reading Rathavansena is what I follow.
+
+447. The Bengal reading hayais in the instrumental plural is incorrect.
+The Bombay text reads hayas (nom. plural). This is correct.
+
+448. Literally, 'divided in twain'.
+
+449. 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.
+
+450. 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.
+
+451. The correct reading, as settled by the Burdwan Pundits, is Hataroha
+vyodrisyanta. Some texts have Hayaroha which is incorrect.
+
+452. "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.
+
+453. 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.
+
+454. 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.
+
+455. 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.
+
+456. In the first line of the 3rd verse, the Bengal reading is bhayam.
+The true reading, however, is khayam.
+
+457. 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.
+
+458. Literally, "when its impetuosity is stirred up by the wind."
+
+459. The Bengal reading, which I adopt is sardula iva vegavan. The Bombay
+reading is sardula iva darpitas.
+
+460. In the first line of 54, the Bombay reading pragrihya is better than
+the Bengal reading visrijya.
+
+461. Literally, hundred-slayers; supposed to be a kind of rockets.
+
+462. Some of the Bengal texts, in the first line of the 6th, incorrectly
+read sa-run for Sakram.
+
+463. 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.
+
+464. 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.
+
+465. The Bengal reading vanya-nagendra is better than the Bombay reading
+gandha-nagendra.
+
+466. In Hindu mythology, solar eclipses are caused by Rahu's attempts at
+swallowing the Sun.
+
+467. Budha is Mercury, and Sukra is Venus.
+
+468. 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.
+
+469. 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.
+
+470. Lit. "reached him with shafts etc."
+
+471. 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.
+
+472. 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.
+
+473. 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.
+
+474. 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.
+
+475. i.e. Thou art still a woman though the sex hath been changed.
+
+476. Literally, "will not get or obtain you."
+
+477. 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.
+
+478. I think Yatavrata had better be read Yatavratam. It would then mean
+Bhishma.
+
+479. 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.
+
+480. This Susarman was not the king of the Trigartas but another person
+who was on the Pandava side.
+
+481. Both the Bengal and the Bombay texts have Rathanika. The correct
+reading as settled by the Burdwan Pundits, is Gajanika.
+
+482. 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.
+
+483. In the second line of 35 for Satanika, the true reading, is
+Sahanikan.
+
+484. 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."
+
+485. 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.
+
+486. 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.
+
+487. 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.
+
+488. 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.
+
+489. Indraddhwaja was a pole, decked with banners, created in honour of
+Indra. The festival attracted considerable crowds.
+
+490. 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."
+
+491. By bravery on the field of battle, which, according to the Hindu
+scriptures, is always thus rewarded.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+The Mahabharata
+
+of
+
+Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
+
+BOOK 7
+
+DRONA PARVA
+
+Translated into English Prose from the Original Sanskrit Text
+
+by
+
+Kisari Mohan Ganguli
+
+[1883-1896]
+
+Scanned at sacred-texts.com, 2004. Proofed by John Bruno Hare, October
+2004.
+
+
+
+
+
+SECTION I
+
+(Dronabhisheka Parva)
+
+OM! HAVING BOWED down unto Narayan, and unto that most exalted of male
+beings, viz., Nara, and unto the goddess Saraswati also, must the word
+Jaya be uttered.
+
+Janamejaya said, "Hearing that his sire Devavrata of unrivalled vigour
+and sturdiness, and might, energy and prowess, had been slain by
+Sikhandin, the prince of the Panchalas, what, indeed, O regenerate Rishi,
+did the powerful king Dhritarashtra with eyes bathed in tears do? O
+illustrious one, his son (Duryodhana) wished for sovereignty after
+vanquishing those mighty bowmen, viz., the sons of Panda, through Bhishma
+and Drona and other great car-warriors. Tell me, O thou that hast wealth
+of asceticism, all that he, of Kuru's race, did after that chief of all
+bowmen had been slain."
+
+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.
+
+"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.'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Listen, O king, with undivided attention, to me as I
+recite what thy sons did after Devavrata had been killed in battle. When
+Bhishma, O monarch, of prowess incapable of being baffled, was slain, thy
+warriors as also the Pandavas both reflected by themselves (on the
+situation). Reflecting on the duties of the Kshatriya order, they were
+filled with wonder and joy; but acting according to those duties of their
+own order, they all bowed to that high-souled warrior. Then those tigers
+among men contrived for Bhishma of immeasurable prowess a bed with a
+pillow made of straight shafts. And having made arrangements for
+Bhishma's protection, they addressed one another (in pleasant converse).
+Then bidding Ganga's son their farewell and walking round him, and
+looking at one another with eyes red in anger, those Kshatriyas, urged by
+fate, once more went out against one another for battle. Then by the
+blare of trumpets and the beat of drums, the divisions of thy army as
+also those of the foe, marched out. After the fall of Ganga's son, O
+king, when the best part of the day had passed away, yielding to the
+influence of wrath, with hearts afflicted by fate, and disregarding the
+words, worthy of acceptance, of the high-souled Bhishma, those foremost
+ones of Bharata's race went out with great speed, armed with weapons. In
+consequence of thy folly and of thy son's and of the slaughter of
+Santanu's son, the Kauravas with all the kings seemed to be summoned by
+Death himself. The Kurus, deprived of Devavrata, were filled with great
+anxiety, and resembled a herd of goats and sheep without a herdsman, in a
+forest abounding with beasts of prey. Indeed, after the fall of that
+foremost one of Bharata's race, the Kuru host looked like the firmament
+divested of stars, or like the sky without the atmosphere, or like the
+earth with blasted crops, or like an oration disfigured by bad
+grammar,[1] or like the Asura host of old after Vali had been smitten
+down, or like a beautiful damsel deprived of husband,[2] or like a river
+whose waters have been dried up, or like a roe deprived of her mate and
+encompassed in the woods by wolves; or like a spacious mountain cave with
+its lion killed by a Sarabha.[3] Indeed, O chief of the Bharatas, the
+Bharata host, on the fall of Ganga's son, became like a frail boat on the
+bosom of the ocean, tossed by a tempest blowing from every side.
+Exceedingly afflicted by the mighty and heroic Pandavas of sure aim, the
+Kaurava host, with its steeds, car-warriors and elephants much troubled,
+became exceedingly distressed, helpless, and panic-stricken. And the
+frightened kings and the common soldiers, no longer relying upon one
+another, of that army, deprived of Devavrata, seemed to sink into the
+nethermost region of the world. Then the Kauravas remembered Karna, who
+indeed, was equal to Devavrata himself. All hearts turned to that
+foremost of all wielders of arms, that one resembling a guest resplendent
+(with learning and ascetic austerities). And all hearts turned to him, as
+the heart of a man in distress turneth to a friend capable of relieving
+that distress. And, O Bharata, the kings then cried out saying, "Karna!
+Karna! The son of Radha, our friend, the son of a Suta, that one who is
+ever prepared to lay down his life in battle! Endued with great fame,
+Karna, with his followers and friends, did not fight for these ten days.
+O, summon him soon!" The mighty-armed hero, in the presence of all the
+Kshatriyas, during the mention of valiant and mighty car-warriors, was by
+Bhishma classed as an Ardha-ratha, although that bull among men is equal
+to two Maharathas! Even thus was he classed during the counting of Rathas
+and Atirathas, he that is the foremost (of all Rathas and Atirathas), he
+that is respected by all heroes, he that would venture to fight even with
+Yama, Kuvera, Varuna, and Indra. Through anger caused by this, O king, he
+had said unto Ganga's son these words: "As long as thou livest, O thou of
+Kuru's race, I will never fight! if thou, however, succeedest in slaying
+the sons of Pandu in great battle, I shall, O Kaurava, with Duryodhana's
+permission, retire into the woods. If, on the other hand, thou, O
+Bhishma, slain by the Pandavas, attainest to heaven, I shall then, on a
+single car, slay all of them, whom thou regardest as great car-warriors."
+Having said this, mighty-armed Karna of great fame, with thy son's
+approval, did not fight for the first ten days. Bhishma, of great prowess
+in battle and of immeasurable might, slew, O Bharata, a very large number
+of warriors belonging to Yudhishthira's army. When, however, that hero of
+sure aim and great energy was slain, thy sons thought of Karna, like
+persons desirous of crossing a river thinking of a boat. Thy warriors
+and thy sons, together with all the kings, cried out, saying, Karna! And
+they all said, "Even this is the time for the display of his prowess."
+Our hearts are turned to that Karna who derived his knowledge of weapons
+from Jamadagni's son, and whose prowess is incapable of being resisted!
+He, indeed, O king, is competent to save us from great dangers, like
+Govinda always saving the celestials from great dangers.'"
+
+Vaisampayana continued, "Unto Sanjaya who was thus repeatedly applauding
+Karna, Dhritarashtra sighing like a snake, said those words."
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, '[I understand] that the hearts of all of you are
+turned towards Vikartana's son Karna, and that all of you, saw that son
+of Radha, that hero of the Suta caste, ever prepared to lay down his life
+in battle. I hope that hero of prowess incapable of being baffled, did
+not falsify the expectations of Duryodhana and his brothers, all of whom
+were then afflicted with grief and fear, and desirous of being relieved
+from their danger. When Bhishma, that refuge of Kauravas, was slain,
+could Karna, that foremost of bowmen, succeed in filling up the gap
+caused? Filling up that gap, could Karna fill the foe with fear? Could he
+also crown with fruit the hopes, entertained by my sons, of victory?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION II
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Then Adhiratha's son of the Suta caste, knowing that
+Bhishma had been slain, became desirous of rescuing, like a brother, thy
+son's army from the distress into which it had fallen, and which then
+resembled a boat sunk in the fathomless ocean. [Indeed], O king, having
+heard that that mighty car-warrior and foremost of men, that hero of
+unfading glory, viz., Santanu's son, had been thrown down (from his car),
+that grinder of foes, that foremost of all wielders of bows, viz., Karna,
+soon came (to the field of battle). When the best of car-warriors, viz.,
+Bhishma, was slain by the foe, Karna speedily came there, desirous of
+rescuing the Kuru host which resembled a boat sunk in the ocean, like a
+sire desirous of rescuing his children.'
+
+"'And Karna (addressing the soldiers) said, "That Bhishma who possessed
+firmness, intelligence, prowess, vigour, truth, self-restraint, and all
+the virtues of a hero, as also celestial weapons, and 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."'[4]
+
+"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.[5] 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.[6] 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION III
+
+"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!"''"
+
+
+
+SECTION IV
+
+"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![7] 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."
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION V
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding that tiger among men, viz., Karna, mounted on
+his car, Duryodhana, O king, filled with joy, said these words, "This
+host, protected by thee, hath now, I think, got a proper leader. Let
+that, however, be settled now which is proper and within our power."
+
+"'Karna said, "Tell us thyself, O tiger among men, for thou art the wisest
+of kings. Another can never see so well what should be done as one seeth
+it whose concern it is. Those kings are all desirous of listening to what
+thou mayst have to say. I am sure that no improper words will be uttered
+by thee."
+
+"'Duryodhana said, "Bhishma was our commander possessed (as he was) of
+years, prowess, and learning and supported by all our warriors. That
+high-souled one, O Karna, achieving great glory and slaying large numbers
+of my enemies protected us by fair fight for ten days. He achieved the
+most difficult of feats. But now that he is about to ascend to heaven,
+whom, O Karna, dost thou think fit to our commander after him? Without a
+leader, an army cannot stay in battle for even a short while. Thou art
+foremost in battle, like a boat without a helmsman in the waters. Indeed,
+as a boat without a helmsman, or a car without a driver, would go
+anywhere, so would the plight be of a host that is without a leader. Like
+a merchant who falleth into every kind of distress when he is
+unacquainted with the ways of the country he visits, an army that is
+without a leader is exposed to every kind of distress. Look thou,
+therefore, among all the high-souled warriors of our army and find out a
+proper leader who may succeed the son of Santanu. Him whom thou wouldst
+regard as a fit leader in battle, him, all of us, without doubt, will
+together make our leader."
+
+"'Karna said, "All these foremost of men are high-souled persons. Every
+one of them deserveth to be our leader. There is no need of any minute
+examination. All of them are conversant with noble genealogies and with
+the art of smiting; all of them are endued with prowess and intelligence,
+all of them are attentive and acquainted with the scriptures, possessed
+of wisdom, and unretreating from battle.[8] 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.[9] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VI
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of Karna, king Duryodhana then said
+this unto Drona who was staying in the midst of the troops.'
+
+"'Duryodhana said, "For the superiority of the order of thy birth, for the
+nobility of thy parentage, for thy learning, years and intelligence, for
+also thy prowess, skill, invincibility, knowledge of worldly matters,
+policy, and self-conquest, by reason also of thy ascetic austerities and
+thy gratitude, superior as thou art as regards every virtue, among these
+kings there is none who can make so good a leader as thou. Protect thou,
+therefore, ourselves, like Vasava protecting the celestials. Having thee
+for our leader, we desire, O best of Brahmanas, to vanquish our foes. As
+Kapali amongst the Rudras, Pavaka among the Vasus, Kuvera among the
+Yakshas, Vasava among the Maruts, Vasishtha among Brahmanas, the Sun
+amongst luminous bodies, Yama among the Pitris, Varuna among aquatic
+creatures, as the Moon among the stars, and Usanas among the sons of
+Diti, so art thou the foremost of all leaders of forces. Be thou,
+therefore, our leader. O sinless one, let these ten and one Akshauhinis
+of troops be obedient to thy word of command. Disposing these troops in
+battle array, slay thou our foes, like Indra slaying the Danavas. Proceed
+thou art the head of us all, like Pavaka's son (Kartikeya) at the head of
+the celestial forces. We will follow thee to battle, like bulls following
+a bovine leader. A fierce and great bowman as thou art, beholding thee
+stretching the bow at our head, Arjuna will not strike. Without doubt, O
+tiger among men, if thou becomest our leader, I will vanquish
+Yudhishthira with all his followers and relatives in battle."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'After Duryodhana had uttered these words, the kings
+(in the Kaurava army) all cried victory to Drona. And they delighted thy
+son by uttering a loud leonine shout. And the troops, filled with joy,
+and with Duryodhana at their head, desirous of winning great renown,
+began to glorify that best of Brahmanas. Then, O king, Drona addressed
+Duryodhana in those words.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VII
+
+"'Drona said, "I know the Vedas with their six branches. I know also the
+science of human affairs. I am acquainted also with the Saiva weapon, and
+diverse other species of weapons. Endeavouring to actually display all
+those virtues which ye, desirous of victory, have attributed to me, I
+will fight with the Pandavas. I will not, however, O king, be able to
+slay the son of Prishata. O bull among men, he hath been created for my
+slaughter. I will fight with the Pandavas, and slay the Somakas. As
+regards the Pandavas, they will not fight with me with cheerful hearts."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus permitted by Drona, 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.'
+
+"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.[10] 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.'
+
+"'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,[11] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION VIII
+
+"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.[12] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION IX
+
+"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,[13] 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.[14] 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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION X
+
+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."
+
+"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?[15] 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?[16] 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?[17]
+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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XI
+
+"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.[18] 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.[19]
+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.[20] 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.[21] 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.[22] 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.[23] 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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'After Drona had promised the kings seizure under those
+limitations, thy troops hearing of (that promise about) Yudhishthira's
+capture, uttered many leonine shouts, mingling them with the whiz of
+their arrows and the blare of their conchs. King Yudhishthira the just,
+however, O Bharata, soon learnt in detail, through his spies, everything
+about the purpose upon which Bharadwaja's son was intent. Then bringing
+together all his brothers and all the other kings of his army, king
+Yudhishthira the just addressed Dhananjaya, saying, "Thou hast heard, O
+tiger among men, about the intention of Drona. Let such measures,
+therefore, be adopted as may prevent the accomplishment of that purpose.
+It is true, Drona, that grinder of foes, hath vowed his pledge, subject
+to limitations, however, O great bowman, rest on thee. Fight thou,
+therefore, today, O thou of mighty arms, in my vicinity, so that
+Duryodhana may not obtain from Drona the fruition of his desire."
+
+"'Arjuna said, "As the slaughter of my preceptor can never be accomplished
+by me, so, king, I can never consent to give thee up. O son of Pandu, I
+would rather yield up my life in battle than fight against my preceptor.
+This son of Dhritarashtra desireth sovereignty, having seized thee as a
+captive in battle. In this world he will never obtain the fruition of
+that desire of his. The firmament itself with its stars may fall down,
+the Earth herself may split into fragments, yet Drona will, surely, never
+succeed in seizing thee as long as I am alive. If the wielder of the
+thunderbolt himself, or Vishnu at the head of the gods, assist him in
+battle, still he shall not succeed in seizing thee on the field. As long
+as I am alive, O great king, it behoveth thee not to entertain any fear
+of Drona, although he is the foremost of all wielders of weapons. I
+further say unto thee, O monarch, that my promise never remains
+unfulfilled. I do not recollect having ever spoken any untruth. I do not
+recollect having ever been vanquished. I do not recollect having ever,
+after making a vow, left the least part of it unfulfilled."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Then, O king, conchs and drums and cymbals and
+smaller drums were sounded and beaten in the Pandava camp. And the
+high-souled Pandavas uttered many leonine shouts. These and the awful
+twang of their bow-strings and the slaps of palms reached the very
+heaven. Hearing that loud blare of conchs that arose from the camp of the
+mighty sons of Pandu, diverse instruments were sounded amongst thy
+divisions also. Then thy divisions as also those of theirs were arrayed
+in order of battle. And slowly they advanced against each other from
+desire of battle. Then commenced a battle, that was fierce and that made
+the hairs stand on their ends, between the Pandavas and the Kurus, and
+Drona and the Panchalas. The Srinjayas, though struggling vigorously,
+were unable to beat in battle the host of Drona as it was protected by
+Drona himself. And so also the mighty car-warriors of thy son, skilled in
+smiting, could not beat the Pandava host, as it was protected by the
+Diadem-decked (Arjuna). Protected by Drona and Arjuna, both the hosts
+seemed to stand inactive like two blossoming forests in the silence of
+the night. Then he, of the golden car, (viz., Drona) like the Sun himself
+of great splendour, crushing the ranks of the Pandavas, careered through
+them at will. And the Pandavas, and the Srinjayas, through fear, regarded
+that single warrior of great activity upon his quickly-moving car as if
+multiplied into many. Shot by him, terrible shafts coursed in all
+directions, frightening, O king, the army of Pandu's son. Indeed, Drona
+then seemed as the Sun himself at mid-day covered by a hundred rays of
+light. And as the Danavas were unable to look at Indra, so there was not
+one amongst the Pandavas, who, O monarch, was able to look at the angry
+son of Bharadwaja in that battle. The valiant son of Bharadwaja then,
+having 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIV
+
+"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.[24] 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.[25] 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.[26]
+
+"'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.[27] 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,[28] 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.[29] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Thou hast, O Sanjaya, described to me many
+excellent single combats. Hearing about them, I envy those that have
+eyes. This battle between the Kurus and the Pandavas, resembling that (of
+old) between the gods and the Asuras, will be spoken of as exceedingly
+wonderful by all men. I am scarcely gratified by listening to thy
+narrations of this stirring battle. Tell me, therefore, about this combat
+between Artayani (Salya) and Subhadra's son.'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding his driver slain, Salya, upraising a mace made
+wholly of iron, jumped down in rage from his excellent car. Bhima, then
+taking up his own huge mace, quickly rushed towards Salya who then
+resembled the blazing Yuga-fire or the Destroyer himself armed with his
+bludgeon. Subhadra's son also, taking up a prodigious mace resembling the
+bolt of heaven, addressed Salya, saying, "Come, Come!" Bhima, however,
+with much ado, persuaded him to stand aside. The valiant Bhimasena, then,
+having persuaded Subhadra's son to stand aside, approached Salya in
+battle and stood immovable as a hill. The mighty ruler of Madras also
+beheld Bhima, and proceeded towards him like a tiger towards an elephant.
+Then was heard there the loud blare of trumpets and conchs by thousands
+and leonine shouts, and the sound of drums. And loud cries of "Bravo,
+Bravo," arose among hundreds of Pandava and Kaurava warriors rushing
+towards each other. There is none else among all the kings, O Bharata,
+save the ruler of Madras who can venture to bear the might of Bhimasena
+in battle; similarly, who else save Vrikodara, in the world, can venture
+to bear the impetus of the illustrious Salya's mace in battle? Bound in
+hempen strings mixed with wires of gold, the prodigious mace of Bhima,
+capable of delighting by its beauty all spectators, being grasped by him,
+shone brilliantly. And similarly the mace of Salya, also, who coursed in
+beautiful circles, looked like a blazing flash of lightning. Both of them
+roared like bulls, and both coursed in circles. And both Salya and
+Vrikodara, standing as they did, with their maces slightly bent, looked
+like a couple of horned bulls. Whether as regards coursing in circles or
+in whirling and striking with their maces, the combat that took place
+between those two lions among men was in every way equal. Struck by
+Bhimasena with his mace, the prodigious mace of Salya, emitting fierce
+sparks of fire, soon broke unto fragments. And similarly, Bhimasena's
+mace, struck by the foe, looked beautiful like a tree covered 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'The troops of both the armies, having proceeded to their
+tents, duly took up their quarters, O king, according to the divisions
+and the sub-divisions to which they belonged. Having withdrawn the
+troops, Drona, in great cheerlessness of mind, beholding Duryodhana, said
+these words in shame: "I told thee before that when Dhananjaya is by
+Yudhishthira, he is incapable of being seized in battle by the very gods.
+Although all of you fell upon him in battle, yet Partha frustrated all
+your attempts. Do not doubt what I say, Krishna and Pandu's son (Arjuna)
+are invincible. If, however, Arjuna of white steeds can, by any means, be
+withdrawn (from Yudhishthira's side), then Yudhishthira, O king, shall
+soon come under thy control. Let some one challenging him (Arjuna) in
+battle draw him away to some other part of the field. The son of Kunti
+will not return without vanquishing him. Meanwhile, when Arjuna will not
+be by, O monarch, I will seize king Yudhishthira the just, penetrating
+through the Pandava host in the very sight of Dhrishtadyumna. Thus, O
+monarch, I will, without doubt, bring Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma,
+along with his followers, under control. If that son of Pandu stays even
+for a moment before me in battle, I will bring him a captive from the
+field. That feat will be more advantageous than victory (over the Pandava
+army)."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing those words of Drona, the ruler of the
+Trigartas, O monarch, with his brothers, said these words: "We, O king,
+are always humiliated by the wielder of Gandiva! O bull of Bharata's
+race, although we have done him no injury, yet he hath always injured us.
+Remembering all those diverse instances of humiliation, we burn in wrath
+and are never able to sleep at night. By good luck, that Arjuna, armed
+with weapons, will stand before us. That therefore, which is in our heart
+and which we strive to accomplish, we are resolved to achieve now, that
+viz., which will be agreeable to thee, and which will bring us renown.
+Taking him out of the field will slay him. Let the earth today be without
+Arjuna or let it be without the Trigartas. We truly swear this before
+thee. This our vow will never be false." And Satyaratha and Satyavarman,
+O Bharata, and Satyavrata and Satyeshu, and Satyakarman also, having
+spoken similarly, those five brothers together, with ten thousand cars,
+came, O king, (before Duryodhana), having taken that oath on the field of
+battle. And the Malavas, and the Tundikeras with thousand cars, and the
+tiger among men, Susarman, the ruler of Prasthala, with the Mavellakas,
+the Lalithas, and the Madrakas, accompanied by ten thousand cars and his
+brothers, and with another ten thousand cars from diverse realms came
+forward for taking the oath. Then bringing fire, and each making
+preparations for igniting one for himself, they took up ropes Kusa grass
+and beautiful coats of mail. And equipped in mail, bathed in clarified
+butter, clad in robes of Kusa grass, and with their bow-strings serving
+as girdles, those heroes, who had given away hundreds and thousands as
+presents to Brahmanas, who had performed many sacrifices, had been
+blessed with children, and were deserving of blessed regions hereafter,
+who had nothing more to do in this world, who were deserving of blessed
+regions hereafter, who were prepared to lay down their lives in battle,
+and who devoted their souls to the attainment of fame and victory, who
+were desirous of soon repairing by fair fight to those regions
+(hereafter) that are attainable by means only of sacrifices, with
+abundant presents to Brahmanas, and by means also of the rites, the chief
+amongst which are Brahmacharya and study of the Vedas, those heroes,
+having each gratified Brahmanas by giving them gold,[30] and kine, and
+robes, and having addressed one another in loving discourse, ignited
+those fires and took that vow in battle. And in the presence of those
+fires, firmly resolved, they took that vow. And having made that vow for
+the slaughter of Dhananjaya, they, in the hearing of creatures, very
+loudly said, "Those regions that are for persons who have never adopted
+any vows, are for one who drinketh wine, those that are for him who hath
+adulterous connection with his preceptor's wife, those that are for him
+who robbeth the property of a Brahmana, or for him who enjoyeth the
+king's grant without satisfying the condition of that grant or for him
+who abandoneth one asking for shelter, or for him who slayeth a candidate
+for his favour, those that are for persons that set fire to houses and
+for those that slay kine, those regions that are for those that injure
+others, those that are for persons harbouring malice against Brahmanas,
+those that are for him who from folly doth not seek the companionship of
+his wife in her season, those also that are for those that seek the
+companionship of women on the day they have to perform the Sraddha of
+their ancestors, those that are for persons that injure their own selves,
+or for those that misappropriate what is deposited with them from
+confidence or for those that destroy learning, or for those who battle
+with eunuchs, or for those that follow persons that are mean, those
+regions that are for atheists, or for those that abandon their (sacred)
+fires and mothers, and those regions also that are for the sinful, those
+shall be ours, if without slaying Dhananjaya we return from the field, or
+if, ground by him on the field, we turn back from fear. If, again, we
+succeed in achieving in battle feats the most difficult of accomplishment
+in the world, we shalt then, without doubt, obtain the most desirable
+regions." Having said these words, O king, those heroes then marched to
+battle, summoning Arjuna towards the southern part of the field. That
+tiger among men, and subjugator of hostile cities, Arjuna, thus
+challenged by them, said these words unto king Yudhishthira the Just
+without any delay: "Summoned, I never turn back. This is my fixed vow.
+These men, sworn to conquer or die, are summoning me, O king, to great
+battle. This Susarman here, with his brothers, summoneth me to battle. It
+behoveth thee to grant me permission for slaying him, with all his
+followers. O bull among men, I am unable to brook this challenge. I tell
+thee truly, know these foes to be (already) slain in battle."
+
+"'Yudhishthira said, "Thou hast heard, O child, in detail, what Drona hath
+resolved to accomplish. Act thou in such a way that that resolve of his
+may become futile. Drona is endued with great might. He is a hero,
+accomplished in arms, and above fatigue. O mighty car-warrior, even he
+hath vowed my seizure."
+
+"'Arjuna said, "This Satyajit, O king, will today become thy protector in
+battle. As long as Satyajit lives, the preceptor will never be able to
+attain his desire. If, however, O lord, this tiger among men, Satyajit,
+be slain in battle, thou shouldst not then remain on the field even if
+surrounded by all our warriors."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'King Yudhishthira then gave (Arjuna) the leave (he
+sought). And he also embraced Arjuna and eyed him affectionately. And
+diverse were the benedictions that the king uttered on him. Having made
+this arrangement (for Yudhishthira's protection),[31] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XVIII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'The Samsaptakas,[32] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XX
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Having passed the night, that mighty car-warrior viz.,
+Bharadwaja's son, addressed Suyodhana, O monarch, saying, "I am
+thine![33] I have made arrangements for Partha's encounter with the
+Samsaptaka."[34] After Partha went out for slaying the Samsaptakas, Drona
+then, at the head of his troops arrayed for battle, proceeded, O chief of
+the Bharatas, for seizing king Yudhishthira the just. Seeing that Drona
+had arrayed his forces in the form of a Garuda, Yudhishthira disposed his
+troops in counter array in the form of a semi-circle. In the mouth of
+that Garuda was the mighty car-warrior Drona himself. And its head was
+formed by king Duryodhana, surrounded by his uterine brothers. And
+Kritavarman and the illustrious Kripa formed the two eyes of that Garuda.
+And Bhutasarman, and Kshemasarman, and the valiant Karakaksha, and the
+Kalingas, the Singhalas, the Easterners, the Sudras, the Abhiras, the
+Daserakas, the Sakas, the Yavanas, the Kamvojas, the Hangsapadas, the
+Surasenas, the Daradas, the Madras, and the Kalikeyas, with hundreds and
+thousands of elephants, steeds, cars, and foot-soldiers were stationed at
+its neck. And Bhurisravah, and Salya, and Somadatta, and Valhika, these
+heroes, surrounded by a full Akshauhini, took up their position in the
+right wing. And Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Sudakshina, the ruler
+of the Kamvojas, stationed themselves in the left wing at the head,
+however, of Drona's son Aswatthaman. In the back (of that Garuda) were
+the Kalingas, the Amvashthas, the Magadhas, the Paundras, the Madrakas,
+the Gandharas, the Sakunas, the Easterners, the Mountaineers, and the
+Vasatis. In the tail stood Vikartana's son Karna, with his sons, kinsmen
+and friends, and surrounded by a large force raised from diverse realms,
+Jayadratha, and Bhimaratha, and Sampati, and the Jays, and the Bhojas,
+and Bhuminjaya, and Vrisha, and Kratha, and the mighty ruler of the
+Nishadhas, all accomplished in battle, surrounded by a large host and
+keeping the region of Brahma before their eyes, stood, O king, in the
+heart of that array. That array, formed by Drona, in consequence of its
+foot-soldiers, steeds, cars and elephants, seemed to surge like the
+tempest-tossed ocean (as it advanced to battle). Warriors, desirous of
+battle, began to start out from the wings and sides of that array, like
+roaring clouds charged with lightning rushing from all sides (in the
+welkin) at summer. And in the midst of that army, the ruler of the
+Pragjyotishas, mounted on his duly equipped elephant, looked resplendent,
+O king, like the rising sun. Decked, O monarch, in garlands of flower,
+and with a white umbrella held over his head, he looked like the full
+moon when in conjunction with the constellation Krittika. And blind with
+the wine-like exudation, the elephant, looking like a mass of black
+antimony, shone like a huge mountain washed by mighty clouds (with their
+showers). And the ruler of the Pragjyotishas was surrounded by many
+heroic kings of the hilly countries, armed with diverse weapons, like
+Sakra himself surrounded by the celestials. Then Yudhishthira, beholding
+that superhuman array incapable of being vanquished by foes in battle,
+addressed Prishata's son, saying, "O lord, O thou that ownest steeds
+white as pigeons, let such measures be adopted that I may not be taken a
+prisoner by the Brahmana."
+
+"'Dhrishtadyumna said, "O thou of excellent vows, never shalt thou be
+placed under the power of Drona, however much may he strive. Even I shall
+check Drona today with all his followers. As long as I am alive, O thou
+of Kuru's race, it behoveth thee not to feel any anxiety. Under no
+circumstances will Drona be able to vanquish me in battle."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words, the mighty son of Drupada
+owning steeds of the hue of pigeons, scattering his shafts, rushed
+himself at Drona. Beholding that (to him) evil omen in the form of
+Dhrishtadyumna stationed before him, Drona soon became exceedingly
+cheerless. Beholding this, that crusher of foes, viz., thy son Durmukha,
+desirous of doing what was agreeable to Drona, began to resist
+Dhrishtadyumna. Then a terrible and a fierce battle took place, O
+Bharata, between the brave son of Prishata and thy son, Durmukha. Then
+Prishata's son, quickly covering Durmukha, with a shower of arrows,
+checked Bharadwaja's son also with a thick arrowy downpour. Beholding
+Drona checked, thy son Durmukha quickly rushed at Prishata's son and
+confounded him with clouds of arrows of diverse kinds. And while the
+prince of the Panchalas and that foremost one of Kuru's race were thus
+engaged in battle, Drona consumed many sections of Yudhishthira's host.
+As a mass of clouds is dispersed in different directions by the wind,
+even so was 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.[35] 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.[36] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXI
+
+"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.[37] 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.[38] 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.[39] 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.[40] 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.
+
+"'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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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,[41] 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!"'
+
+"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,[42] all
+actuated by the desire of slaying Drona alone.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIII
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, the distinctive indications of
+the cars of all those who, excited with wrath and headed by Bhimasena,
+had proceeded against Drona.'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Beholding Vrikodara advancing (on a car drawn) by steeds
+of dappled hue (like that of the antelope), the brave grandson of Sini
+(Satyaki) proceeded, borne by steeds of a silvery hue. The irresistible
+Yudhamanyu, excited with rage, proceeded against Drona, borne by
+excellent steeds of variegated hue. Dhristadyumna, the son of the
+Panchala king, proceeded, borne by steeds of great fleetness in trappings
+of gold and of the hue of pigeons.[43] 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.[44] 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,[45] 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.[46] Superior steeds of the hue of gold,
+followed that foremost of kings viz., the virtuous Yudhishthira at his
+back. Large number of Prabhadrakas, of celestial shapes, advanced to
+battle, with steeds of diverse excellent colours. All of them owning
+standards of gold and prepared to struggle vigorously, proceeded with
+Bhimasena, and wore the aspect, O monarch, of the denizens of heaven with
+Indra at their head. That assembled host of Prabhadrakas was much liked
+by Dhristadyumna.'
+
+"'Bharadwaja's son, however, O monarch, surpassed all the warriors in
+splendour. His standard, with a black deer-skin waving on its top and the
+beautiful water-pot, O monarch, that it bore, looked exceedingly
+beautiful. And Bhimasena's standard, bearing the device of a gigantic
+lion in silver with its eyes made of lapis lazuli, looked exceedingly
+resplendent. The standard of Yudhishthira of great energy, bearing the
+device of a golden moon with planets around it, looked very beautiful.
+Two large and beautiful kettle-drums, called Nanda and Upananda, were
+tied to it. Played upon by machinery, these produced excellent music that
+enhanced the delight of all who heard it. For terrifying the foe, we
+beheld that tall and fierce standard of Nakula, placed on his car bearing
+the device of a Sarabha with its back made of gold. A beautiful silver
+swan with bells and banner terrible to look at and enhancing the grief of
+the foe, was seen on Sahadeva's standard. The standards of the five sons
+of Draupadi bore on them the excellent images of Dharma, Marut, Sakra,
+and the twin Aswins. On the car, O king, of the youthful Abhimanyu was an
+excellent standard that bore a golden peacock, which was bright as heated
+gold. On Ghatotkacha's standard, O king, a vulture shone brightly, and
+his steeds also were capable of going everywhere at will, like those of
+Ravana in days of yore. In Yudhishthira's hands was the celestial bow
+called Mahendra; and in the hands of Bhimasena, O king, was the celestial
+bow called Vayavya. For the protection of the three worlds Brahman
+created a bow. That celestial and indestructible bow was held by
+Phalguni. The Vaishnava bow was held by Nakula, and the bow called Aswina
+was held by Sahadeva. That celestial and terrible bow called the
+Paulastya, was held by Ghatotkacha. The five jewels of bows 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.[47]
+
+"'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.[48] 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.[49] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the troops were thus engaged and thus
+proceeded against one another in separate divisions, how did Partha and
+the warriors of my army endued with great activity fight? What also did
+Arjuna do towards the car-warriors of the Samsaptakas? And what, O
+Sanjaya, did the Samsaptakas, in their turn, do to Arjuna?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'When the troops were thus engaged and proceeded against
+one another, thy son Duryodhana himself rushed against Bhimasena, leading
+his elephant division. Like an elephant encountering an elephant, like a
+bull encountering a bull, Bhimasena, summoned by the king himself, rushed
+against that elephant division of the Kaurava army. Skilled in battle and
+endued with great might of arms, Pritha's son, O sire, quickly broke that
+elephant division. These elephants, huge as hills, and with ichor
+trickling down from every part of their bodies, were mangled and forced
+to turn back by Bhimasena with his arrows. Indeed, as the wind, when it
+riseth, driveth away gathering masses of clouds, so did that son of
+Pavana rout that elephant force of the Kauravas. And Bhima, shooting his
+arrows at those elephants, looked resplendent like the risen sun,
+striking everything in the world with his rays. Those elephants,
+afflicted with the shafts of Bhima, became covered with blood and looked
+beautiful like masses of clouds in the welkin penetrated with the rays of
+the sun. Then Duryodhana, excited with wrath, pierced with the sharp
+shafts that son of the Wind-god who was causing such a slaughter among
+his elephants. Then Bhima, with eyes red in wrath, desirous of
+despatching the king to Yama's abode, pierced him speedily with many
+sharp shafts. Then Duryodhana, mangled all over with arrows and excited
+with rage, pierced Bhima, the son of Pandu, with many shafts endued with
+the effulgence of solar rays, smiling the while. Then the son of Pandu,
+with a couple of broad-headed arrows, quickly cut off Duryodhana's bow as
+also his standard, bearing the device of a jewelled elephant, decked with
+diverse gems. Beholding Duryodhana thus afflicted, O sire, by Bhima, the
+ruler of the Angas on his elephant came there for afflicting the son of
+Pandu. Thereupon, Bhimasena deeply pierced with a long arrow that prince
+of elephants advancing with loud roars, between its two frontal globes.
+That arrow, penetrating through its body, sank deep in the earth. And at
+this the elephants fell down like a hill riven by the thunder. While the
+elephant was falling down, the Mleccha king also was falling down it. But
+Vrikodara, endued with great activity, cut off his head with a
+broad-headed arrow before his antagonist actually fell down. When the
+heroic ruler of the Angas fell, his divisions fled away. Steeds and
+elephants and car-warriors struck with panic, crushed the foot-soldiers
+as they fled.
+
+"'When those troops, thus broken, fled away in all directions, the ruler
+of the Pragjyotishas then advanced against Bhima, upon his elephant.[50]
+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).[51] 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.[52] 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.[53] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXV
+
+"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.[54] 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.[55] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVI
+
+"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.[56] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVII
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Filled with rage, what did Partha, the son of
+Pandu, do to Bhagadatta? What also did the king of the Pragjyotishas do
+to Partha? Tell me all this, O Sanjaya!'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'While Partha and Krishna were thus engaged with the ruler
+of the Pragjyotishas, all creatures regarded them to be very near the
+jaws of Death. Indeed, O monarch, from the neck of his elephant,
+Bhagadatta scattered showers of shafts on the two Krishnas, staying upon
+their car. He pierced Devaki's son with many arrows made wholly of black
+iron, equipped with wings of gold, whetted on stone, and shot from his
+bow, drawn to the fullest stretch. Those shafts whose touch resembled
+that of fire, equipped with beautiful feathers, and shot by Bhagadatta,
+passing through Devaki's son, entered the earth. Partha then cut off
+Bhagadatta's bow and slaying next the warrior that protected his elephant
+from the flank, began to fight with him as if in sport. Then Bhagadatta
+hurled at him fourteen lances of sharp points, that were bright as the
+rays of the sun. Arjuna, however, cut each of those lances into three
+fragments. Then Indra's son cut open the armour in which that elephant
+was 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXVIII
+
+"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.[57] Then Arjuna slew those princes and
+tigers among men, viz., Vrishaka and Achala, staying on one car side by
+side, with, O monarch, a single arrow. Then those mighty-armed heroes,
+with red eyes and looking like lions, those uterine brothers having
+similar features, together fell down from that car. And their bodies,
+dear to friends, falling down upon the earth, lay there, spreading sacred
+fame all around.
+
+"'Beholding their brave and unretreating maternal uncles thus slain by
+Arjuna, thy sons, O monarch, rained many weapons upon him. Sakuni also,
+conversant with a hundred different kinds of illusions, seeing his
+brothers slain, created illusions for confounding the two Krishnas. Then
+clubs, and iron balls, and rocks and Sataghnis and darts, and maces, and
+spiked bludgeons, and scimitars, and lances, mallets, axes, and Kampanas,
+and swords, and nails, and short clubs, and battle-axes, and razors, and
+arrows with sharp broad heads, and Nalikas, and calf-tooth headed shafts,
+and arrows having bony heads and discs and snake-headed shafts, and
+spears, and diverse other kinds of weapons, fell upon Arjuna from all
+sides. And asses, and camels, and buffaloes, and tigers, and lions, and
+deer, and leopards, and bears, and wolves and vultures, and monkeys, and
+various reptiles, and diverse cannibals, and swarms of crows, all hungry,
+and excited with rage, ran towards Arjuna. Then Dhananjaya, the son of
+Kunti, that hero conversant with celestial weapons, shooting clouds of
+arrows, assailed them all. And assailed by that hero with those excellent
+and strong shafts, they uttered loud cries and fell down deprived of
+life. Then a thick darkness appeared and covered Arjuna's car, and from
+within that gloom harsh voices rebuked Arjuna. The latter, however, by
+means of the weapons called Jyotishka, dispelled that thick and awful
+darkness. When that darkness was dispelled frightful waves of water
+appeared. For drying up those waters, Arjuna applied the weapon called
+Aditya. And in consequence of that weapon, the waters were almost dried
+up. These diverse illusions, repeatedly created by Sauvala, Arjuna
+destroyed speedily by means of the force of his weapons, laughing the
+while. Upon all his illusions being destroyed, afflicted with Arjuna's
+shafts and unmanned by fear, Sakuni fled away, aided by his fleet
+steeds, like a vulgar wretch. Then Arjuna, acquainted with all weapons,
+showing his enemies the exceeding lightness of his hands, showered upon
+the Kaurava host clouds of arrows. That host of thy son, thus slaughtered
+by Partha, became divided into two streams like the current of Ganga when
+impeded by a mountain. And one of those streams, O bull among men,
+proceeded towards Drona, and the other with loud cries, proceeded towards
+Duryodhana. Then a thick dust arose and covered all the troops. We could
+not then see Arjuna. Only the twang of 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXIX
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'When those divisions (of mine), O Sanjaya, were
+broken and routed, and all of you retreated quickly from the field, what
+became the state of your minds? The rallying of ranks when broken and
+flying away without beholding a spot whereon to stand, is always
+exceedingly difficult. Tell me all about it, O Sanjaya!'
+
+"Sanjaya said, '[Although thy troops were broken], yet, O monarch, many
+foremost of heroes in the world, inspired by the desire of doing good to
+thy son and of maintaining their own reputation, followed Drona. In that
+dreadful pass, they fearlessly followed their commander, achieving
+meritorious feats against the Pandava troops with weapons upraised, and
+Yudhishthira within accessible distance.[58] 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.[59] 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.
+
+"'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,[60] "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?"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXX
+
+"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[61] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXI
+
+(Abhimanyu-badha Parva)
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Having been first broken by Arjuna of immeasurable
+prowess, and owing also to the failure of Drona's vow, in consequence of
+Yudhishthira having been well-protected, thy warriors were regarded as
+defeated. All of them with coats of mail torn and covered with dust, cast
+anxious glances around. Retiring from the field with Drona's consent,
+after having been vanquished by their enemies of sure aim and humiliated
+by them in battle, they heard, as they proceeded, the countless merits of
+Phalguni praised by all creatures, and the friendship of Kesava for
+Arjuna spoken of by all. They passed the night like men under a curse,
+reflecting upon the course of events and observing perfect silence.
+
+"'Next morning, Duryodhana said unto Drona, these words, from petulance
+and wrath, and in great cheerlessness of heart at the sight of the
+prosperity of their foe. Skilled in speech, and filled with rage at the
+success of the foe, the king said these words in the hearing of all the
+troops, "O foremost of regenerate ones, without doubt thou hast set us
+down for men who should be destroyed by thee. Thou didst not seize
+Yudhishthira today even though thou hadst got him within thy reach. That
+foe whom thou wouldst seize in battle is incapable of escaping thee if
+once thou gettest him within sight, even if he be protected by the
+Pandavas, aided by the very gods. Gratified, thou gavest me a boon; now,
+however, thou dost not act according to it. They that are noble (like
+thee), never falsify the hopes of one devoted to them." Thus addressed by
+Duryodhana, Bharadwaja's son felt greatly ashamed. Addressing the king,
+he said, "It behoveth thee not to take me to be such. I always endeavour
+to achieve what is agreeable to thee. The three worlds with the gods, the
+Asuras, the Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Nagas and the Rakshasas, cannot
+defeat the force that is protected by the diadem-decked (Arjuna). There
+where Govinda, the Creator of the universe is, and there where Arjuna is
+the commander, whose might can avail, save three-eyed Mahadeva's, O lord?
+O sire, I tell 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."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'After Drona had said these words, the Samsaptakas
+once more challenged Arjuna to battle and took him away to the southern
+side of the field. Then an encounter took place between Arjuna and his
+enemies, the like of which had never been seen or heard of. On the other
+hand, the array formed by Drona, O king, looked resplendent. Indeed, that
+array was incapable of being looked at like the sun himself when in his
+course he reaches the meridian and scorches (everything underneath).
+Abhimanyu, at the command, O Bharata, of his sire's eldest brother,
+pierced in battle that impenetrable circular array in many places. Having
+achieved the most difficult feats and slain heroes by thousands, he was
+(at last) encountered by six heroes together. In the end, succumbing to
+Duhsasana's son, O lord of earth, Subhadra's son, O chastiser of foes,
+gave up his life. At this we were filled with great joy and the Pandavas
+with great grief. And after Subhadra's son had been slain, our troops
+were withdrawn for nightly rest.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the slaughter of the son
+(Abhimanyu), yet in his minority, of that lion among men, (viz., Arjuna),
+my heart seems to break into pieces. Cruel, indeed, are the duties of
+Kshatriyas as laid down by the legislators, in as much as brave men,
+desirous of sovereignty scrupled not to shoot their weapons at even a
+child. O son of Gavalgana, tell me how so many warriors, accomplished in
+arms, slew that child who, though brought up in luxury, yet careered over
+the field so fearlessly. Tell me, O Sanjaya, how our warriors behaved in
+battle with Subhadra's son of immeasurable energy who had penetrated into
+our car-array.'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'That which thou askest me, O king, viz., the slaughter of
+Subhadra's son, I will describe to thee in detail. Listen, O monarch,
+with attention. I shall relate to thee how that youth, having penetrated
+into our ranks, played with his weapons, and how the irresistible heroes
+of thy army, all inspired by hope of victory, were afflicted by him. Like
+the denizens of a forest abounding with plants and herbs and trees, when
+surrounded on all sides by a forest conflagration, the warriors of thy
+army were all filled with fear.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Of fierce deeds in battle and above all fatigue, as
+proved by their feats, five sons of Pandu, with Krishna, are incapable of
+being resisted by the very gods. In righteousness, in deeds, in lineage,
+in intelligence, in achievements, in fame, in prosperity, there never
+was, and there never will be, another man so endued as Yudhishthira.
+Devoted to truth and righteousness, and with passions under control, king
+Yudhishthira, in consequence of his worship of the Brahmans and, diverse
+other virtues of similar nature, is always in the enjoyment of Heaven.
+The Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga, Jamadagni's valiant son
+(Rama), and Bhimasena on his car,--these three, O king, are spoken of as
+equal. Of Partha, the wielder of Gandiva, who always achieveth his vows
+in battle, I do not see a proper parallel on earth. Reverence for
+superiors, keeping counsels, humility, self-restraint, beauty of person,
+and bravery--these six--are ever present in Nakula. In knowledge of
+scriptures, gravity, sweetness of temper, righteousness and prowess, the
+heroic Sahadeva is equal to the Aswins themselves. All those noble
+qualities that are in Krishna, all those that are in the Pandavas, all
+that assemblage of qualities was to be found in Abhimanyu alone. In
+firmness, he was equal to Yudhishthira, and in conduct to Krishna; in
+feats, he was the equal to Bhimasena of terrible deeds, in beauty of
+person, in prowess, and in knowledge of scriptures he was the equal to
+Dhananjaya. In humility, he was equal to Sahadeva and Nakula.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'I desire, O Suta, to hear in detail, how the
+invincible Abhimanyu, the son of Subhadra, hath been slain on the field
+of battle.'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Be still, O king! Bear thy grief that is so
+unbearable. I shall speak to thee of the great slaughter of thy kinsmen.
+
+"'The preceptor, O king, had formed the great circular array. In it were
+placed all the kings (of our side) that are each equal to Sakra himself.
+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.[62] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIII
+
+"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."
+
+"'Abhimanyu said, "Desiring victory to my sires, soon shall I in battle
+penetrate into that firm, fierce and foremost of arrays formed by Drona.
+I have been taught by my father the method of (penetrating and) smiting
+this kind of array. I shall not be able, however, to come out if any kind
+of danger overtakes me."
+
+"'Yudhishthira said, "Break this array once, O foremost of warriors, and
+make a passage for us. All of us will follow thee in the track by which
+thou wilt go. In battle, thou art equal to Dhananjaya himself. Seeing
+thee enter, we shall follow thee, protecting thee on all sides."
+
+"'Bhima said, "I myself will follow thee, and Dhrishtadyumna and Satyaki,
+and the Panchalas, and the Prabhadrakas. After the array once is broken
+by thee, we will enter it repeatedly and slay the foremost warriors within
+it."
+
+"'Abhimanyu said, "I will penetrate into this invincible array of Drona,
+like an insect filled with rage entering a blazing fire. Today, I will do
+that which will be beneficial to both races (viz., my sire's and my
+mother's). I will do that which will please my maternal uncle as also my
+mother. Today all creatures will behold large bodies of hostile soldiers
+continually slaughtered by myself, an unaided child. If anybody,
+encountering me, escapes today with life, I shall not then regard myself
+begotten by Partha and born of Subhadra. If on a single car I cannot in
+battle cut off the whole Kshatriya race into eight fragments, I will not
+regard myself the son of Arjuna."[63]
+
+"'Yudhishthira said, "Since protected by these tigers among men, these
+great bowmen endued with fierce might, these warriors that resemble the
+Sadhyas, the Rudras, or the Maruts, or are like the Vasus, or Agni or
+Aditya himself in prowess, thou venturest to pierce the invincible array
+of Drona, and since thou speakest so, let thy strength, O son of Subhadra
+be increased."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Hearing these words of Yudhishthira, Abhimanyu
+ordered his charioteer, Sumitra, saying, "Quickly urge the steeds towards
+Drona's army."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIV
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the intelligent Yudhishthira, the
+son of Subhadra, O Bharata, urged his charioteer towards Drona's array.
+The charioteer, urged by him with the words, "Proceed, Proceed," replied
+unto Abhimanyu, O king, in these words, "O thou that art blest with
+length of days, heavy is the burthen that hath been placed upon thee by
+the Pandavas! Ascertaining by thy judgment as to whether thou art able to
+bear it or not, thou shouldst then engage in battle. The preceptor Drona
+is a master of superior weapons and accomplished (in battle). Thou,
+however, hast been brought up in great luxury and art unused to battle."
+
+"'Hearing these words, Abhimanyu replied unto his charioteer, saying with
+a laugh, "O charioteer, who is this Drona? What, again, is this vast
+assemblage of Kshatriyas? Sakra himself on his Airavata and aided by all
+the celestials, I would encounter in battle. I do not feel the slightest
+anxiety about all these Kshatriyas today. This hostile army doth not come
+up to even a sixteen part of myself. O son of a Suta, getting my maternal
+uncle Vishnu himself, the conqueror of the universe or my sire, Arjuna,
+as an antagonist in battle, fear would not enter my heart." Abhimanyu
+then, thus disregarding those words of the charioteer, urged the latter,
+saying, "Go with speed towards the army of Drona." Thus commanded, the
+charioteer, with a heart scarcely cheerful, urged Abhimanyu's three-year
+old steeds, decked with golden trappings. Those coursers, urged by
+Sumitra towards Drona's army, rushed towards Drona himself, O king, with
+great speed and prowess. Beholding him coming (towards them) in that way,
+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.[64] 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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXV
+
+"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.[65] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVI
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'While Arjuna's son was thus grinding, by means of
+his straight arrows, our foremost bowmen, what warriors of my army
+endeavoured to check him?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hear, O king, of the splendid prowess in battle of
+youthful Abhimanyu while engaged in breaking the car-ranks (of the
+Kauravas), protected by the son of Bharadwaja himself.'
+
+"'Beholding the ruler of the Madras disabled in battle by Subhadra's son
+with his shafts, the younger brother of Salya, filled with wrath,
+advanced against Abhimanyu, scattering his shafts. Arjuna's son however,
+endued with great lightness of hand, cut off his antagonist's head and
+charioteer, his triple bamboo-pole, his bed (on the car), his car-wheels,
+his yoke, and shafts and quiver, and car-bottom, by means of his arrows,
+as also his banner and every other implements of battle with which his
+car was equipped. So quick were his movements that none could obtain a
+sight of his person. Deprived of life, that foremost and chief of all
+ornaments of battle fell down on the earth, like a huge hill uprooted by
+a mighty tempest. His followers then, struck with fear, fled away in all
+directions. Beholding that feat of the son of Arjuna, all creatures were
+highly gratified, and cheered him, O Bharata, with loud shouts of
+"Excellent, Excellent!"
+
+"'After Salya's brother had thus been slain, many followers of his, loudly
+proclaiming their families, places of residence, and names, rushed
+against Arjuna's son, filled with rage and armed with diverse weapons.
+Some of them were on cars, some on steeds and some on elephants; and
+others advanced on foot. And all of them were endued with fierce might.
+And they rushed frightening the son of Arjuna with the loud whiz of their
+arrows, the deep roar of their car-wheels, their fierce whoops and shouts
+and cries, their leonine roars, the loud twang of their bow-string, and
+the slaps of their palms. And they said, "Thou shalt not escape us with
+life today!" Hearing them say so, the son of Subhadra, smiling the while,
+pierced with his shafts those amongst them that had pierced him first.
+Displaying diverse weapons of beautiful look and of great celerity, the
+heroic son of Arjuna battled mildly with them. Those weapons that he had
+received from Vasudeva and those that he had received from Dhananjaya,
+Abhimanyu displayed in the very same way as Vasudeva and Dhananjaya.
+Disregarding the heavy burthen he had taken upon himself and casting off
+all fear, he repeatedly shot his arrows. No interval, again, could be
+noticed between his aiming and letting off an arrow. Only his trembling
+bow drawn to a circle could be seen on every side, looking like the
+blazing disc of the autumnal sun. And the twang of his bow, and the slap
+of his palms, O Bharata, were heard to resound like the roaring of clouds
+charged with thunder. Modest, wrathful, reverential to superiors, and
+exceedingly handsome, the son of Subhadra, out of regard for the hostile
+heroes, fought with them mildly. Commencing gently, O king, he gradually
+became fierce, like the illustrious maker of the day when autumn comes
+after the season of the rains is over. Like the Sun himself shedding his
+rays, Abhimanyu, filled with wrath, shot hundreds and thousands of
+whetted arrows, furnished with golden wings. In the very sight of
+Bharadwaja's son, that celebrated warrior covered the car-division of the
+Kaurava army with diverse kinds of arrows.[66] Thereupon, that army thus
+afflicted by Abhimanyu with his shafts, turned its back on the field.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXVIII
+
+"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![67] In
+consequence of the anger of those illustrious persons, thou art, at last,
+about to obtain the fruit of that conduct of thine![68]. O thou of wicked
+understanding, obtain thou without delay the fruit[69] 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].'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XXXIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XL
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'[70]
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'I think, Sanjaya, that heavy was the burthen thrown
+upon the ruler of the Sindhus, inasmuch as alone he had to resist the
+angry Pandavas desirous of rescuing their son. Exceedingly wonderful, I
+think, was the might and heroism of the ruler of the Sindhus. Tell me
+what the high-souled warrior's prowess was and how he accomplished that
+foremost of feats. What gifts did he make, what libations had he poured,
+what sacrifices had he performed, what ascetic austerities had he well
+undergone, in consequence of which, single-handed, he succeeded in
+checking Parthas excited with wrath?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'On the occasion of his insult to Draupadi, Jayadratha was
+vanquished by Bhimasena. From a keen sense of his humiliation, the king
+practised the severest of ascetic austerities, desirous of a boon.
+Restraining his senses from all objects dear to them, bearing hunger,
+thirst and heat, he reduced his body till his swollen veins became
+visible. Uttering the eternal words of the Veda, he paid his adoration to
+the god Mahadeva. That illustrious Deity, always inspired with compassion
+for his devotees, at last, became kind towards him. Indeed, Hara,
+appearing in a dream unto the ruler of the Sindhus, addressed him, saying
+"Solicit the boon thou desirest. I am gratified with thee, O Jayadratha!
+What dost thou desire?" Thus addressed by Mahadeva, Jayadratha, the ruler
+of the Sindhus, bowed down unto him and said with joined palms and
+restrained soul, "Alone, on a single car, I shall check in battle all the
+sons of Pandu, endued though they are with terrible energy and prowess."
+Even this, O Bharata, was the boon he had solicited. Thus prayed to that
+foremost of the deities said unto Jayadratha, "O amiable one, I grant
+thee the boon. Except Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, thou shalt in battle
+check the four other sons of Pandu." "So be it," said Jayadratha unto
+that Lord of the gods and then awoke, O monarch, from his slumber. In
+consequence of that boon which he had received and of the strength also
+of his celestial weapons, Jayadratha, single-handed, held in check the
+entire army of the Pandavas. The twang of his bow-string and the slaps of
+his palms inspired the hostile Kshatriyas with fear, filling thy troops,
+at the same time with delight. And the Kshatriyas (of the Kuru army),
+beholding that the burthen was taken up by the ruler of the Sindhus,
+rushed with loud shouts, O monarch, to that part of the field where
+Yudhishthira's army was.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLI
+
+"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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLII
+
+"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][71] 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,[72]
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIII
+
+"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.[73] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'That which thou tellest me, O Suta, about the
+battle, fierce and terrible, between the one and the many, and the
+victory of that illustrious one, that story of the prowess of Subhadra's
+son is highly wonderful and almost incredible. I do not, however, regard
+it as a marvel that is absolutely beyond belief in the case of those that
+have righteousness for their refuge. After Duryodhana was beaten back and
+a hundred princes slain, what course was pursued by the warriors of my
+army against the son of Subhadra?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Their mouths became dry, and eyes restless. Sweat covered
+their bodies, and their hairs stood on their ends. Despairing of
+vanquishing their foe, they became ready to leave the field. Abandoning
+their wounded brothers and sires and sons and friends and relatives by
+marriage and kinsmen they fled, urging their steeds and elephants to
+their utmost speed. Beholding them broken and routed, Drona and Drona's
+son, and Vrihadvala, and Kripa, and Duryodhana, and Karna, and
+Kritavarman, and Suvala's son (Sakuni), rushed in great wrath against the
+unvanquished son of Subhadra. Almost all these, O king, were beaten back
+by thy grandson. Only one warrior then, viz., Lakshmana, brought up in
+luxury, accomplished in arrows, endued with great energy, and fearless in
+consequence of inexperience and pride, proceeded against the son of
+Arjuna. Anxious about his son, his father (Duryodhana) turned back for
+following him. Other mighty car warriors, turned back for following
+Duryodhana. All of them then drenched Abhimanyu with showers of arrows,
+like clouds pouring rain on the mountain-breast. Abhimanyu, however,
+single-handed, began to crush them like the dry wind that blows in every
+direction destroying gathering masses of clouds. Like one infuriated
+elephant encountering another, Arjuna's son then encountered thy
+invincible grandson, Lakshmana, of great personal beauty, endued with
+great bravery, staying near his father with outstretched bow, brought up
+in every luxury, and resembling a second prince of the Yakshas[74].
+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.'"[75]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'While the youthful and invincible son of Subhadra,
+never retreating from battle, was, after penetrating into our array,
+engaged in achieving feats worthy of his lineage, borne by his three-year
+old steeds of great might and of the best breed, and apparently trotting
+in the welkin, what heroes of my army encompassed him?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Having penetrated into our array, Abhimanyu of Pandu's
+race, by means of his sharp shafts, made all the kings turn away from the
+fight. Then Drona, and Kripa, and Karna, and Drona's son, and Vrihadvala
+and Kritavarman, the son of Hridika,--these six
+car-warriors,--encompassed him. As regards the other combatants of thy
+army, beholding that Jayadratha had taken upon himself the heavy duty (of
+keeping off the Pandavas), they supported him, O king, by rushing against
+Yudhishthira.[76] 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[77] Vrihadvala thus, the son of Subhadra careered
+in battle, paralysing thy warriors,--those great bowmen,--by means of
+arrowy downpours, thick as rain.'"[78]
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVI
+
+"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.[79] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVII
+
+"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;[80] 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.
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XLIX
+
+"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![81] 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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION L
+
+"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.[82] 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."'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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)."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Unto Kunti's son, Yudhishthira, asking him thus, the
+illustrious Rishi, comforting him, said these words.'
+
+"'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.
+
+"'"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.[83] 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.
+
+"'"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?"'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LI
+
+"'"'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."
+
+"'"'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."
+
+"'"'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."'
+
+"'"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).'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LII
+
+"'"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![84] 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."
+
+"'"'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."'
+
+"'"Narada continued, 'Thus addressed, that lady became very much
+affrighted.[85] 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."
+
+"'"'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."'
+
+"'"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.[86] 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!'"
+
+"'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."'"[87]
+
+
+
+SECTION LIII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing of the origin of Death and her strange acts, king
+Yudhishthira, humbly addressing Vyasa, once more said these words unto
+him.'
+
+"'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!"
+
+"'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).[88]
+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[89] 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[90] 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.'
+
+
+
+SECTION LVI
+
+"'"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.[91] 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.[92] 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[93] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LVII
+
+"'"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[94] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LVIII
+
+"'"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.[95] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LIX
+
+"'"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.[96]
+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.[97] 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[98] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LX
+
+"'"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.[99] 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).[100] Sweet-speeched Gandharvas of celestial splendour,
+gratified, sang all this in the hearing of the Rishis, the gods, and
+human beings.[101] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXI
+
+"'"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.'"'"[102]
+
+
+
+SECTION LXII
+
+"'"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.[103] 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[104] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIII
+
+"'"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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIV
+
+"'"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.[105] 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.[106] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXV
+
+"'"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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVI
+
+"'"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.[107] 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.[108] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVII
+
+"'"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.[109] 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.[110] 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.[111] 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[112] 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.[113] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXVIII
+
+"'"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.[114] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXIX
+
+"'"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.[115] 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.[116] 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[117] 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,[118] 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,[119] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXX
+
+"'"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.[120] 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.[121] 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,[122] 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.'"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXI
+
+"'Vyasa said, "Hearing this sacred history of sixteen kings, capable of
+enhancing the period of life (of the listener), king Srinjaya remained
+silent without saying anything. The illustrious Rishi Narada then said
+unto him thus sitting silent, 'O thou of great splendour, hast thou heard
+those histories recited by me, and hast thou caught their purport? Or,
+are all these lost like Sraddha as performed by a person of regenerate
+classes having a Sudra wife?' Thus addressed, Srinjaya then replied with
+joined hands, 'O thou that hast wealth of asceticism, having listened to
+these excellent and praiseworthy histories of ancient royal sages, all of
+whom had performed great sacrifices with profuse presents unto the
+Brahmanas, my grief hath all been dispelled by wonder, like the darkness
+that is dispelled by the rays of the sun. I have now been cleansed of my
+sins, and I do not feel any pain now. Tell me, what shall I do now?'
+
+"'"Narada said, 'By good luck it is that thy grief hath been dispelled.
+Solicit thou the boon that thou desirest. Thou wilt obtain all thou mayst
+ask. We never say what is not true.'
+
+"'"Srinjaya said, 'I am happy with even this, viz., that thou, O holy one,
+art gratified with me. He with whom thou, O holy one, art gratified, hath
+nothing unobtainable here.'
+
+"'"Narada said, 'I will once more give thee thy son who was fruitlessly
+slain by the robbers, like an animal, slaughtered in sacrifice, taking
+him out of terrible hell.'"
+
+"'Vyasa said, "Then the son of Srinjaya, of wonderful splendour, appeared,
+that child resembling the son of Kuvera himself, bestowed by the
+gratified Rishi (on the bereaved father). And king Srinjaya, once more
+meeting with his son, became highly delighted. And he performed many
+meritorious sacrifices, giving away profuse sacrificial presents upon
+completion. Srinjaya's son had not fulfilled the purposes of his being.
+He had performed no sacrifice and had no children. Destitute of bravery,
+he had perished miserably and not in battle. It was for this reason that
+he could be brought back into life.[123] 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.[124] 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?"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'When that terrible day, so fraught with the slaughter of
+creatures, departed, and when the sun set, the beautiful twilight of the
+evening spread itself. The troops, O bull of Bharata's race, of both
+parties, had retired to their tents. Then the ape-bannered Jishnu, having
+slain a large number of Samsaptakas by means of his celestial weapons,
+proceeded towards his tent, mounted on that victorious car of his. And as
+he was proceeding, he asked Govinda, with voice choked with tears, "Why
+is my heart afraid, O Kesava, and why both my speech falter? Evil omens
+encounter me, and my limbs are weak. Thoughts of disaster possess my mind
+without living it. On earth, on all sides, various omens strike me with
+fear. Of many kinds are those omens and indications, and seen everywhere,
+foreboding dire calamity. Is it all right with my venerable superior,
+viz., the king with all his friends?"
+
+"'Vasudeva said, "It is evident that everything is right with thy brother
+and his friends. Do not grieve, some trifling evil in another direction
+will happen."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Then those two heroes (viz., Krishna and Arjuna),
+having adored the Twilight,[125] 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.[126] Auspicious and delightful songs fraught with praise are
+nowhere recited or sung by our bards amongst the troops. The warriors
+also, all recede hanging down their heads. They do not tell me beholding
+me, as before, of the feats achieved by them. O Madhava, is it all right
+with my brothers today? Beholding our own men plunged in grief, I know no
+peace. Is it all right, O giver of honours, with the ruler of the
+Panchalas, or Virata, or all our warriors, O thou of unfading glory?
+Alas, Subhadra's son, ever cheerful, doth not today, with his brothers,
+come out with smiles to receive me returning from battle."'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Thus conversing, those two, (viz., Krishna and Arjuna),
+entered their own camp. And they saw that the Pandavas, all cheerless,
+were sitting, plunged in great grief. Beholding his brothers and sons,
+the ape-bannered Arjuna became very cheerless. Not seeing the son of
+Subhadra there, Arjuna said, "Pale is the colour I behold of the faces of
+you all. I do not, again, see Abhimanyu. Nor doth he come to congratulate
+me. I heard that Drona had today formed the circular array. None amongst
+you, save the boy Abhimanyu, could break that array. I, however, did not
+teach him how to come out of that array, after having pierced it. Did you
+cause the boy to enter that array? Hath that slayer of heroes, viz., the
+son of Subhadra, that mighty bowman, having pierced that array, through
+numberless warriors of the enemy in battle, fallen, at last in the fight?
+Oh, tell me, how that hero of mighty arms and red eyes, born (in our
+line) like a lion on the mountain breast, and equal unto the younger
+brother of Indra himself, hath fallen on the field of battle? What
+warrior, deprived on his senses by Death ventured to slay that dear son
+of Subhadra, that favourite of Draupadi and Kesava, that child ever loved
+by Kunti? Equal unto the high-souled Vrishni hero, Kesava, himself in
+prowess and learning and dignity, how hath he been slain on the field of
+battle? The favourite son of that daughter of the Vrishni race, always
+cherished by me, alas, if I do not see him I will repair to the abode of
+Yama. With locks ending in soft curls, of tender years, with eyes like
+those of a young gazelle, with tread like that of an infuriated elephant,
+tall like a Sala offshoot, of sweet speech accompanied with smiles,
+quiet, ever obedient to the behest of his superiors, acting like one of
+mature years though tender in age, of agreeable speech, reft of vanity,
+of great courage and great energy, of large eyes resembling lotus-petals,
+kind to those devoted to him, self-restrained, following nothing mean,
+grateful, possessed of knowledge, accomplished in weapons, unretreating
+from battle, always delighting in fight, and enhancing the fears of foes,
+engaged in the welfare of kinsmen, desirous of victory into sires, never
+striking first, perfectly fearless in battle, alas, if I do not behold
+that son, I will repair to the abode of Yama. In the counting of
+car-warriors always reckoned as a Maharatha, superior to me one and a
+half times, of tender years, of mighty arms, even dear to Pradyumna and
+Kesava and myself, alas, if I do not behold that son I will repair to the
+abode of Yama. Of beautiful nose, of beautiful forehead, of fair eyes and
+eyebrows and lips, if I do not behold that face, what peace can my heart
+have? Melodious as the voice of the male Kokila, delightful, and sweet as
+the warblings of the Vina, without listening to his voice, what peace can
+my heart have? His beauty was unrivalled, rare even among the celestials.
+Without casting my eyes on that form, what peace can my heart have?
+Accomplished in saluting (his superiors) with reverence, and always
+obedient to the behests of his sires, alas, if I do not behold him, what
+peace can my heart have? Brave in battle, accustomed to every luxury,
+deserving of the softest bed, alas, he sleepeth today on the bare earth,
+as if there is none to take care of him, although he is foremost of those
+that have protectors to look after them. He on whom, while on his bed,
+the foremost of beautiful women used to attend, alas, he mangled with
+shafts, will have inauspicious jackals, prowling over the field, to
+attend upon him today. He who was formerly roused from his slumbers by
+singers and bards and panegyrists, alas, he will today be surely awakened
+by discordant beasts of prey. That beautiful face of his eminently
+deserved to be shaded by the umbrella, alas, the dust of battle-field
+will surely befoul today. O child, unfortunate that I am, death forcibly
+takes thee away from me, who was never satiated with looking at thee.
+Without doubt, that abode of Yama, which is always the goal of persons of
+righteous deeds, that delightful mansion, illuminated today by thy own
+splendours, is rendered exceedingly beautiful by thee. Without doubt,
+Yama and Varuna and Satakratu and Kuvera, obtaining thee as a favourite
+guest, are making much of thy heroic self." Thus indulging in diverse
+lamentations, like a merchant whose vessel has been sunken, Arjuna,
+afflicted with great grief, asked Yudhishthira, saying, "O, thou of
+Kuru's race, hath he ascended to heaven, having caused a great slaughter
+among the enemy and contended with the foremost warriors in the face of
+battle? Without doubt, while contending single-handed with foremost of
+warriors, countless in number, and fighting with vigour and resolution,
+his heart turned towards me from a desire of help. While afflicted by
+Karna and Drona and Kripa and others with sharp shafts of diverse kinds
+and bright points, my 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIII
+
+"'Yudhishthira said,--"O mighty-armed one, after thou hadst gone towards
+the army of the Samsaptakas, the preceptor Drona made fierce endeavours
+for seizing me. We succeeded, however, in resisting Drona at the head of
+the array at all points, having in that battle, disposed our vigorously
+contending car-divisions in counter-array. Held in check by a large
+number of warriors, and myself also having been well protected, Drona
+began to smite us with great activity, afflicting us with his whetted
+shafts. Thus afflicted by him, we could not then even gaze at his army,
+far less face it in battle. All of us then, addressing thy son by
+Subhadra, who was equal to thyself, O lord, in prowess said unto him, [O
+son, pierce this array of Drona!]--That valorous hero thus urged by us,
+then sought, like a good horse, to take that burden on himself, however
+unbearable it might have been for him. Endued as he was with thy energy,
+aided by that knowledge of weapons which he derived from thee, that child
+then penetrated unto that array, like Garuda penetrating into the ocean.
+As regards ourselves, we followed that hero, that son of Subhadra,
+desirous in that battle, of penetrating (into the Dhritarashtra army) by
+the same path by which Abhimanyu had entered it. Then, O sire, the
+wretched king of the Sindhus, viz., Jayadratha, in consequence of the
+boon granted to him by Rudra, checked all of us! Then Drona, Kripa and
+Karna and Drona's son, and the king of the Kosalas, and Kritavarman,
+these six car-warriors surrounded the son of Subhadra. Having surrounded
+that child all those great car-warriors--too many for him although he was
+contending to the utmost of his power, deprived him of his car. After he
+had been deprived of his car, Dussasana's son, though he himself had a
+hair-breadth escape, succeeded, as chance would have it, in making
+Abhimanyu, meet with his end. As regards Abhimanyu, he, having slain many
+thousands of men and steeds and elephants, and eight thousand cars, and
+once more nine hundred elephants, two thousand princes, and a large
+number of heroic warriors unknown to fame, and despatching in that battle
+king Vrihadvala also to heaven, at last, through ill luck, met with his
+own death. Thus hath occurred this event that so enhances our grief! That
+tiger among men hath even thus ascended to heaven!" Hearing these words
+uttered by king Yudhishthira, Arjuna, saying--Oh son!--and breathing a
+deep sigh, fell down on the earth in great pain. Then all the warriors of
+the Pandavas, surrounding Dhananjaya with cheerless faces began, filled
+with grief, to look at one another with winkless eyes. Recovering
+consciousness then, Vasava's son became furious with rage. He seemed to
+be in a feverish tremor, and sighed frequently. Squeezing his hands,
+drawing deep breaths, with eyes bathed in tears, and casting his glances
+like a mad man, he said these words.'
+
+"'Arjuna said,--"Truly do I swear that tomorrow I will slay Jayadratha!
+If from fear of death, he doth not forsake the Dhritarashtras, or implore
+our protection, or the protection of Krishna that foremost of men or of
+thine, O king, I shall assuredly slay him tomorrow! Forgetting his
+friendship for me, engaged in doing what is agreeable to Dhritarashtra's
+son, that wretch is the cause of the child's slaughter! Tomorrow I will
+slay him! Whoever they may be that will encounter me in battle tomorrow
+for protecting him, be it Drona, or Kripa, O king, I will cover them all
+with my arrow! Ye bulls among men, if I do not achieve even this in
+(tomorrow's) battle, let me not attain the region reserved for the
+righteous, ye foremost of heroes! Those regions that are for them that
+slay their mothers, or for them that slay their fathers, or them that
+violate their preceptor's beds, or them that are vile and wicked, or them
+that cherish envy against the righteous, or them that speak ill of others
+or them that appropriate the wealth confidingly deposited with them by
+others, or them that are betrayers of trusts, or them that speak ill of
+wives enjoyed by them before, or them that have slain Brahmanas, or them
+that have killed kine, or them that eat sugared milk and rice, or food
+prepared of barley, or pot-herbs, or dishes prepared of milk, sesamum,
+and rice, or thin cakes of powdered barley fried in clarified butter or
+other kinds of cakes, or meat, without having dedicated the same to the
+gods,--even those regions shall speedily be mine if I do not slay
+Jayadratha!--Those regions to which they go that offer insults to
+Brahmanas devoted to the study of the Vedas, or otherwise worthy of
+respect, or to those that are their preceptors, (those regions shall
+speedily be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha!) That end which becomes
+theirs who touch Brahmanas or fire with the feet, that end which becomes
+theirs who throw phlegm and excreta and eject urine into water, even that
+miserable end shall be mine, if I do not slay Jayadratha! That end which
+is his who bathes (in water) in a state of nudity, or his who does not
+hospitably entertain a guest, that end which is theirs who receive
+bribes, speak falsehood, and deceive and cheat others, that end which is
+theirs who offend against their own souls, or who falsely utter praises
+(of others), or of those low wretches who eat sweetmeats in the sight of
+servants and sons and wives and dependents without sharing the same with
+those, that awful end shall be mine if I do not slay Jayadratha! That end
+which overtakes the wretch of ruthless soul who without supporting a
+righteous and obedient 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!
+
+"'"--Listen now to another oath of mine! If tomorrow's sun set without my
+slaying that wretch, then even here I shall enter the blazing fire! Ye
+Asuras and gods and men, ye birds and snakes, ye Pitris and all wanderers
+of the night, ye regenerate Rishis and celestial Rishis, ye mobile and
+immobile creatures, ye all that I have not mentioned, ye will not succeed
+in protecting my foe from me! If he enters the abode of the nether
+region, or ascends the firmament, or repairs to the celestials, or the
+realms of the Daityas, I shall still, with a hundred arrows, assuredly
+cut off, on the expiration of this night, the head of Abhimanyu's foe!--"'
+
+"Sanjaya continued,--'Having uttered these words, Arjuna began to stretch
+Gandiva with both his arms. Transcending Arjuna's voice the sound of that
+bow rose and touched the very heavens. After Arjuna had taken that oath,
+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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIV
+
+"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!"'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus comforted, O monarch, by thy son, the king of
+the Sindhus then, accompanied by Duryodhana, repaired that very night to
+Drona (the generalissimo of the Kuru army). Then, O king, having touched
+Drona's feet with reverence, and taken his seat with humility, he asked
+the preceptor these words--In hitting the aim, in hitting it from it
+distance, in tightness of hand, and in the force of the stroke, O
+illustrious one, tell the difference between myself and Phalguna! O
+preceptor, I wish to know accurately the difference as regards
+proficiency (in the science of arms) between myself and Arjuna! Say it
+unto me truly.'
+
+"'Drona said, "Of tutorial instruction, both of you, i.e., thyself and
+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![127] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXV
+
+"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.[128] 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.[129] 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[130] 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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVI
+
+"'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!"'
+
+"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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Both Vasudeva and Dhananjaya, afflicted with sorrow and
+grief and frequently sighing like two snakes, got no sleep that night.
+Understanding that both Nara and Narayana were in rage, the gods with
+Vasava became very anxious thinking, "What will come of it?" Fierce
+winds, that were again dry and foreboded danger, began to blow. And a
+headless trunk and a mace appeared on the disc of the sun. And although
+it was cloudless, frequent thunders were heard, of loud report, mixed
+with flashes of lightning. The earth with her mountains and waters and
+forests, shook. The seas, those habitation of Makaras, swelled O king, in
+agitation. The rivers ran in directions opposite to their usual course.
+The nether and upper lips of car-warriors and steeds and men and
+elephants began to tremble. And as if for gladdening the cannibals, on
+that occasion foreboding a great accession of population to the domain of
+Yama, the animals (on the field) began to eject urine and excreta, and
+utter loud cries of woe. Beholding these fierce omens that made the hair
+stand on end, and hearing also of the fierce vow of the mighty Arjuna,
+all thy warriors, O bull of Bharata's race became exceedingly agitated.
+Then the mighty-armed son of Pakasasana said unto Krishna. "Go, and
+comfort thy sister Subhadra with her daughter-in-law. And, O Madhava, let
+also that daughter-in-law, and her companions, be comforted by thee; O
+lord, comfort them with soothing words that are again fraught with
+truth." Thus addressed, Vasudeva, with a cheerless heart, wending to
+Arjuna's abode, began to comfort his sorrowing sister afflicted with
+grief on account of the death of her son.'
+
+"'Vasudeva said, "O lady of Vrishni's race, do not grieve, with thy
+daughter-in-law, for thy son, 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXVIII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hearing these words of the high-souled Kesava, Subhadra,
+afflicted with grief on account of the death of her son, began to indulge
+in these piteous lamentations: "Oh, son of my wretched self, O thou that
+wast in prowess equal to thy father, O child, how couldst thou perish,
+going to battle! Alas, how doth that face of thine which resembleth the
+blue lotus and is graced with beautiful teeth and excellent eyes, now
+seem, now that, O child, it is covered with battle's dust! Without doubt,
+thee so brave and unreturning, thee fallen on the field, with beautiful
+head and neck and arms, with broad chest, low belly, thy limbs decked
+with ornaments, thee that art endued with beautiful eyes, thee that art
+mangled with weapon wounds, thee all creatures are, without doubt,
+beholding as the rising moon! Alas, thou whose bed used to be overlaid
+with the whitest and costliest sheets, alas, deserving as thou art of
+every luxury, how dost thou sleep today on the bare earth, thy body
+pierced with arrows? That hero of mighty arms who used of old to be
+waited upon by the foremost of beautiful women, alas, how can he, fallen
+on the field of battle, pass his time now in the company of jackals! He
+who of old was praised with hymns by singers and bards and panegyrists,
+alas, he is today greeted by fierce and yelling cannibals and beasts of
+prey. By whom, alas, hast thou been helplessly slain when thou hadst the
+Pandavas, O lord, and all the Panchalas, for thy protectors? Oh son, O
+sinless one, I am not yet gratified with looking at thee. Wretched as I
+am, it is evident that I shall have to go to Yama's abode. When again
+shall I cast my eyes on that face of thine, adorned, with large eyes and
+beautiful locks that smooth face without pimples, from which sweet words
+and exquisite fragrance constantly issued? Fie on the strength of
+Bhimasena, on the bowmanship of Partha, on the prowess of the Vrishni
+heroes, and the might of the Panchalas! Fie on the Kaikeyas, the Chedis,
+the Matsyas, and the Srinjayas, they that could not protect thee, O hero,
+while engaged in battle! I behold the earth today to be vacant and
+cheerless. Without seeing my Abhimanyu, my eyes are troubled with
+affliction. Thou wast the sister's son of Vasudeva, the son of the
+wielder of Gandiva, and thyself, a hero and an Atiratha. Alas, how shall
+I behold the slain! Alas, O hero, thou hast been to me like a treasure in
+a dream that is seen and lost. Oh, every thing human is as transitory as
+a bubble of water. This thy young wife is overwhelmed with grief on
+account of the evil that hath befallen thee. Alas, how shall I comfort
+her who is even like a cow without her calf! Alas, O son, thou hast
+prematurely fled from me at a time when thou wast about to bear fruit of
+greatness, although I am longing for a sight of thee. Without doubt, the
+conduct of the Destroyer cannot be understood even by the wise, since
+although thou hast Kesava for thy protector, thou wast yet slain, as if
+thou wast perfectly helpless. O son, let that end be thine which is
+theirs that perform sacrifices and theirs that are Brahmanas of purified
+soul, and theirs that have practised Brahmacharya, and theirs that have
+bathed in sacred waters, and theirs that are grateful and charitable and
+devoted to the service of their preceptors, and theirs that have made
+sacrificial presents in profusion. That end which is theirs that are
+brave and unretreating while engaged in battle, or theirs that have
+fallen in battle, having slain their foes, let that end be thine. That
+auspicious end which is theirs that have given away a thousand kine, or
+theirs that have given away in sacrifices, or theirs that give away
+houses and mansions agreeable to the recipients, that end which is theirs
+that give away gems and jewels to deserving Brahmanas, or theirs that are
+punishers of crime, O, let that end be thine. That end which is attained
+by Munis of rigid vows by Brahmacharya, or that which is attained by
+those women that adhere to but one husband, O son, let that end be thine.
+That eternal end which is attained by kings by means of good behaviour,
+or by those persons that have cleansed themselves by leading, one after
+another, all the four modes of life, and through due observance of their
+duties, that end which is theirs that are compassionate to the poor and
+the distressed, or theirs that equitably divide sweets amongst themselves
+and their dependants, or theirs that are never addicted to deceit and
+wickedness, O son, let that end be thine! That end which is theirs that
+are observant of vows, or theirs that are virtuous, or theirs that are
+devoted to the service of preceptors, or theirs that have never sent away
+a guest unentertained, O son, let that end be thine. That end which is
+theirs that succeed in distress and the most difficult straits in
+preserving the equanimity of their souls, however much scorched they
+might be by the fire of grief, O son, let that end be thine. O son, let
+that end be thine which is theirs that are always devoted to the service
+of their fathers and mothers, or theirs that are devoted to their own
+wives only. O son, let that end be thine which is attained by those wise
+men who, restraining themselves from the wives of others, seek the
+companionship of only their own wives in season. O son, let that end be
+thine which is theirs that look upon all creatures with an eye of peace,
+or theirs that never give pain to others, or theirs that always forgive.
+O son, let that end be thine which is theirs that abstain from honey,
+meat, wine, pride and untruth, or theirs that have refrained from giving
+pain to others. Let that goal be thine which they attain that are modest,
+acquainted with all the scriptures, content with knowledge, and have
+their passions under control."
+
+"'And while cheerless Subhadra, afflicted with grief, was indulging in
+such lamentations, the princess of Panchala (Draupadi), accompanied by
+Virata's daughter (Uttara), came to her. All of them, in great grief,
+wept copiously and indulged in heart-rending lamentations. And like
+persons reft of reason by sorrow, they fainted away and fell down on the
+earth. Then Krishna, who stood, ready with water, deeply afflicted,
+sprinkled it over his weeping, unconscious and trembling sister, pierced
+in her very heart, and comforting her, said what should be said on such
+an occasion. And the lotus-eyed one said, "Grieve not, O Subhadra! O
+Panchali, console Uttara! Abhimanyu, that bull among Kshatriyas, hath
+obtained the most laudable goal. O thou of beautiful face, let all the
+other men yet alive in our race obtain that goal which Abhimanyu of great
+fame hath obtained. Ourselves with all our friends, wish to achieve, in
+this battle, that feat, the like of which, O lady, thy son, that mighty
+car-warrior, hath achieved without any assistance." Having consoled his
+sister and Draupadi and Uttara thus, that chastiser of foes, viz., the
+mighty-armed (Krishna), returned to Partha's side. Then Krishna, saluting
+the kings, friends and Arjuna, entered the inner apartments of the
+(latter's) tent while those kings also repaired to respective abodes.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXIX
+
+"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.[131] 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,[132] thou
+wilt come quickly to me. In course of a single day, O Daruka, I shall
+dispel the wrath and the diverse woes of my cousin, the son of my
+paternal aunt. By every means shall I strive so that Vibhatsu in battle
+may slay Jayadratha in the very sight of the Dhartarashtras. O
+charioteer, I tell thee that Vibhatsu will certainly succeed in slaying
+all these for whose slaughter he will strive."
+
+"'Daruka said, "He is certain to have victory whose charioteership, O
+tiger among men, hath been taken by thee. Whence, indeed, can defeat come
+to him? As regards myself, I will do that which thou hast commanded me to
+do. This night will bring (on its train) the auspicious morn for Arjuna's
+victory."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXX
+
+"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."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Having adored Mahadeva in these terms, Vasudeva with
+Arjuna then began to gratify him for obtaining (the great) weapon (called
+Pasupata).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'While Krishna and Daruka were thus conversing together,
+that night, O king, passed away. (When morning dawned), king Yudhishthira
+rose from his bed. Paniswanikas and Magadhas and Madhuparkikas and Sutas,
+gratified that bull among men (with songs and music). And dancers began
+their dance, and sweet-voiced singers sang their sweet songs fraught with
+the praises of the Kuru race. And skilled musicians, well-trained (in
+their respective instruments), played on Mridangas and Jharjharas and
+Bheris, and Panavas, and Anakas, and Gomukhas, and Adamvaras, and conchs,
+and Dundubhis of loud sound, and diverse other instruments. That loud
+noise, deep as the roar of the clouds, touched the very heavens. And it
+awoke that foremost of kings, viz., Yudhishthira, from his slumber.
+Having slept happily on his excellent and costly bed, the king awoke.
+
+"'And the monarch, rising from his bed, proceeded to the bath-room for
+performing those acts that were absolutely necessary. Then a hundred and
+eight servants, attired in white, themselves washed, and all young,
+approached the king with many golden jars filled to the brim. Seated at
+his ease on a royal seat, attired in a thin cloth, the king bathed in
+several kinds of water fragrant with sandal-wood and purified with
+Mantras. His body was rubbed by strong and well-trained servants with
+water in which diverse kinds of medicinal herbs had been soaked. He then
+washed with adhivasha water rendered fragrant by various odoriferous
+substances. Obtaining then a long piece of cloth (for the head) that was
+as white as the feathers of the swan, and that had been kept loose before
+him, the king tied it round his head for drying the water. Smearing his
+body then with excellent sandal-paste, and wearing floral garlands, and
+addressing himself in clean robes, the mighty-armed monarch sat with face
+towards the 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIII
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIV
+
+"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.[133] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXV
+
+(Jayadratha-Vadha Parva)
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'After Abhimanyu's slaughter when the next day came,
+what did the Pandavas, afflicted with grief and sorrow do? Who amongst my
+warriors fought with them? Knowing, as they did, the achievements of
+Savyasachin, O tell me, how the Kauravas could, having perpetrated such
+a wrong, remain fearlessly. How could they in battle venture even to gaze
+at that tiger among men (viz., Arjuna), as he advanced like the
+all-destroying Death himself in fury, burning with grief on account of
+the slaughter of his son? Beholding that warrior having the prince of
+apes on his banner, that hero grieved on account of his son's death
+shaking his gigantic bow in battle, what did my 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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVI
+
+"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.[134] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVII
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXVIII
+
+"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).'
+
+"'Arjuna said, "Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesa, to where Durmarshana
+stayeth. Piercing through that elephant division I will penetrate into
+the hostile army."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed by Savyasachin, the mighty-armed
+Kesava urged the steeds to where Durmarshana was staying. Fierce and
+awful was the encounter that commenced there between one and the many, an
+encounter that proved very destructive of cars and elephants and men.
+Then Partha, resembling a pouring cloud, covered his foes with showers of
+shafts, like a mass of clouds pouring rain on the mountain breast.[135]
+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[136] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION LXXXIX
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the van of my army thus slaughtered by the
+diadem-decked (Arjuna) broke and fled, who were those heroes that
+advanced against Arjuna? (Did any of them actually fight with Arjuna, or)
+did all, abandoning their determination enter the Sakata array, getting
+behind the fearless Drona, resembling a solid wall?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'When Indra's son Arjuna, O sinless one, began, with his
+excellent arrows, to break and incessantly slay that force of ours many
+heroes were either slain, or becoming dispirited, fled away. None in that
+battle, was capable of even looking at Arjuna. Then, thy son Duhsasana,
+O king, beholding that state of the troops, became filled with wrath and
+rushed against Arjuna for battle. That hero of fierce prowess, cased in a
+beautiful coat of mail, made of gold, and his head covered with a turban
+decked with gold, caused Arjuna to be surrounded by a large
+elephant-force which seemed capable of devouring the whole earth. With
+sound of the elephants' bells, the blare of conchs, the twang of
+bow-strings, and the grunts of the tuskers, the earth, the points of
+compass, and the welkin, seemed to be entirely filled. That period of
+time became fierce and awful. Beholding those huge beasts with extended
+trunks filled with wrath and rushing quickly towards him, like winged
+mountains urged on with hooks, Dhananjaya, that lion among men, uttering
+a leonine shout, began to pierce and slay that elephant-force with his
+shafts. And like a Makara penetrating into the vast deep, surging into
+mountain waves when agitated by the tempest, the diadem-decked (Arjuna)
+penetrated into that elephant-host. Indeed, Partha, that subjugator of
+hostile cities, was then seen by all on every side to resemble the
+scorching sun that rises, transgressing the rule about direction and
+hour, on the day of the universal destruction. And in consequence of the
+sound of horses' hoofs, rattle of car-wheels, the shouts of combatants,
+the twang of bow-strings, the noise of diverse musical instruments, the
+blare of Panchajanya and Devadatta, and roar of Gandiva, men and
+elephants were dispirited and deprived of their senses. And men and
+elephants were riven by Savyasachin with his shafts whose touch resembled
+that of snakes of virulent poison. And those elephants, in that battle,
+were pierced all over their bodies with shafts, numbering thousands upon
+thousands shot from Gandiva. While thus mangled by the diadem-decked
+(Arjuna), they uttered loud noises and incessantly fell down on the earth
+like mountains shorn of their wings. Others struck at the jaw, or frontal
+globes, or temples with long shafts, uttered cries resembling those of
+cranes. The diadem-decked (Arjuna) began to cut off, with his straight
+arrows the heads of warriors standing on the necks of elephants. Those
+heads decked with ear-rings, constantly falling on the earth, resembled a
+multitude of lotuses that Partha was calling for an offer to his gods.
+And while the elephants wandered on the field, many warriors were seen to
+hang from their bodies, divested of armour, afflicted with wounds,
+covered with blood, and looking like painted pictures. In some instances,
+two or three warriors, pierced by one arrow winged with beautiful
+feathers and well-shot (from Gandiva), fell down on the earth. Many
+elephants deeply pierced with long shafts, fell down, vomiting blood from
+their mouths, with the riders on their backs, like hills overgrown with
+forests tumbling down through some convulsion of nature. Partha, by means
+of his straight shafts, cut into fragments the bow-strings, standards,
+bows, yokes, and shafts of the car-warriors opposed to him. None could
+notice when Arjuna took up his arrows, when he fixed them on the
+bow-string, when he drew the string, and when he let them off. All that
+could be seen was that Partha seemed to dance on his car with his bow
+incessantly drawn to a circle. Elephants, deeply pierced with long shafts
+and vomiting blood from their mouths, fell down, as soon as they were
+struck, on the earth. And in the midst of that great carnage, O monarch,
+innumerable headless trunks were seen to stand up. Arms, with bows in
+grasp, or whose fingers were cased in leathern gloves, holding swords, or
+decked with Angadas and other ornaments of gold, cut off from trunks,
+were seen lying about. And the field of battle was strewn with
+innumerable Upashkaras and Adhishthanas, and shafts, and crowns, crushed
+car-wheels, and broken Akshas, and yokes, and warriors armed with shields
+and bows, and floral garlands, and ornaments and robes and fallen
+standards. And in consequence of those slain elephants and steeds, and
+the fallen bodies of Kshatriyas, the earth there assumed an awful aspect.
+Duhsasana's forces, thus slaughtered, O king, by the diadem-decked
+(Arjuna), fled away. Their leader himself was in great pain, for
+Duhsasana, greatly afflicted by those shafts, overcome by fear entered
+with his division the Sakata array, seeking Drona as his deliverer.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XC
+
+"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."'
+
+"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?"
+
+"'Arjuna answered, "Thou art my preceptor and not my foe. I am thy
+disciple and, therefore, like to thy son. Nor is there the man in the
+whole world who can vanquish thee in battle."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Saying these words, the mighty-armed Vibhatsu,
+desirous of slaying Jayadratha, quickly proceeded against the (Kaurava)
+troops. And while he penetrated into thy army, those high-souled princes
+of Panchala, viz., Yudhamanyu, and Uttamaujas, followed him as the
+protector of his wheels. Then, O King, Jaya, and Kritavarman of the
+Satwata race, and the ruler of the Kamvojas, and Srutayus, began to
+oppose the progress of Dhananjaya. And these had ten thousand
+car-warriors for their followers. The Abhishahas, the Surasenas, the
+Sivis, the Vasatis, the Mavellakas, the Lilithyas, the Kaikeyas, the
+Madrakas, the Narayana Gopalas, and the various tribes of the Kamvojas
+who had before been vanquished by Karna, all of whom were regarded as
+very brave, placing Bharadwaja's son at their head, and becoming
+regardless of their lives, rushed towards Arjuna, for resisting that
+angry hero, burning with grief on account of the death of his son, that
+warrior resembling all-destroying Death himself, clad in mail, conversant
+with all modes of warfare, prepared to throw away his life in thick of
+battle,--that mighty bowman of great prowess, that tiger among men,--who
+resembled an infuriate leader of elephantine herd, and who seemed ready
+to devour the whole hostile army. The battle then that commenced was
+exceedingly fierce and made the hair stand on end, between all those
+combatants on the one side and Arjuna on the other. And all of them,
+uniting together, began to resist that bull among men, advancing for the
+slaughter of Jayadratha, like medicines resisting a raging disease.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCI
+
+"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.[137] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'After the son of Kunti, impelled by the desire of slaying
+the ruler of the Sindhus, had penetrated (into the Bharata host) having
+pierced through the irresistible divisions of both Drona and the Bhojas,
+after the heir of the ruler of the Kamvojas, viz., prince Sudakshina, had
+been slain, after Savyasachin had killed the valiant Srutayudha also,
+after the (Kuru) ranks had fled away and confusion had set in on all
+sides, thy son, beholding his army broken, repaired to Drona. Quickly
+coming on his car to Drona, Duryodhana said: "That tiger among men (viz.,
+Arjuna), having crushed this vast host hath already passed through it.
+Aided by thy judgment, think now what should be done next for the
+slaughter of Arjuna in view of awful carnage. Blessed be thou, adopt such
+measures that that tiger among men may not succeed in slaying Jayadratha.
+Thou art our sole refuge. Like a raging conflagration consuming heaps of
+dry grass and straw, Dhananjaya-fire, urged by the wind of his wrath, is
+consuming the grass and straw constituted by my troops. O scorcher of
+foes, seeing the son of Kunti pass, having pierced through this host,
+those warriors that are protecting Jayadratha have become doubtful (of
+their ability to resist Partha). O foremost of those acquainted with
+Brahma, it was the settled conviction of the kings that Dhananjaya would
+never, with life, succeed in transgressing Drona. O thou of great
+splendour, when, however, Partha has pierced through thy division in the
+very sight, I regard my army to be very weak. Indeed, I think that I have
+no troops. O thou that art highly blessed, I know thou art devoted to the
+welfare of the Pandavas. I lose my reason, O regenerate one, in thinking
+what should be done. To the best of my power, I also seek to gratify
+thee. Thou, however, dost not bear all this in mind. O thou of
+immeasurable prowess, although we are devoted to thee, still thou never
+seekest our welfare. Thou art always well-pleased with the Pandavas and
+always engaged in doing us evil. Though deriving thy livelihood from us,
+still thou art engaged in doing evil to us. I was not aware that thou art
+but a razor steeped in honey. If thou hadst not granted me the boon about
+humiliating and checking the Pandavas, I would never have prevented the
+ruler of the Sindhus from returning to his own country. Fool that I am,
+expecting protection from thee, I assured the ruler of the Sindhus, and
+through my folly offered him as a victim to death. A man may escape,
+having entered the very jaws of death, but there is no escape for
+Jayadratha, when once he comes within reach of Dhananjaya's arms. O thou
+that ownest red steeds, do that by which the ruler of the Sindhus may yet
+be saved. Do not give way to wrath on hearing the delirious ravings of my
+afflicted self, O, protect ye the ruler of the Sindhus."
+
+"'Drona said, "I do not find fault with thy words. Thou art as dear to me
+as Aswatthaman himself. I tell thee truly. Act, however, now according to
+my words, O king! Of all drivers of cars, Krishna is the foremost. His
+steeds are also the foremost of their species. Obtaining only a very
+small space, Dhananjaya can pass very quickly through it. Seest thou not
+that the shafts of the diadem-decked (Arjuna), countless in number, shot
+from his bow, are falling full two miles behind his car as he is
+proceeding? Burdened with the weight of years, I am now incapable of
+going so fast. The whole army of the Parthas, again, is now close upon
+our van. Yudhishthira also should be seized by me. Even so, O thou of
+mighty arms, hath been the vow made by me in the presence of all bowmen
+and in the midst of all the Kshatriyas. O king! he is now staying at the
+head of his troops, abandoned by Dhananjaya. I shall not, therefore,
+abandoning the gate of our array, fight with Phalguna. It is meet that
+thyself, properly supported, shouldst fight with that foe of thine, who
+is alone and who is thy equal in lineage and feats. Do not fear. Go and
+fight with him. Thou art the ruler of the world. Thou art a king. Thou
+art a hero. Possessed of fame, thou art accomplished in vanquishing (thy
+foes). O brave subjugator of hostile towns, go thyself to that spot where
+Dhananjaya the son of Pritha is."
+
+"'Duryodhana said, "O preceptor, how is it possible for me to resist
+Dhananjaya who has transgressed even thee that art the foremost of all
+wielders of arms? The very chief of celestials, armed with the thunder,
+is capable of being vanquished in battle, but Arjuna that subjugator of
+hostile towns, cannot be vanquished in battle. He by whom Hridika's son
+(Kritavarman), the ruler of the Bhojas, and thyself equal unto a
+celestial, have both been vanquished by the power of his weapons, he by
+whom Srutayus hath been slain, as also Sudakshina, and king Srutayus too,
+he by whom both Srutayus and Achyutayus and myriads of Mlecchas also have
+been slain, how can I contend in battle with that invincible son of
+Pandu, that accomplished master of weapons, who is even like an
+all-consuming fire? How also dost thou think me competent to fight with
+him today? I am dependent on thee like a slave. Protect my fame."
+
+"'Drona said, "Thou sayest truly, O thou of Kuru's race, that Dhananjaya
+is irresistible. I, however, will do that by which thou shalt be able to
+bear him. Let all the bowmen in the world behold today the wonderful feat
+of the son of Kunti being held in check by thee in the very sight of
+Vasudeva. This thy armour of gold, O king, I will tie on thy body in such
+a way that no weapon used by man will be able to strike thee in battle.
+If even the three worlds with the Asuras and the celestials, the Yakshas,
+the Uragas, and the Rakshasas, together with all human beings, fight with
+thee today, thou needst still entertain no fear. Neither Krishna, nor the
+son of Kunti, nor any other wielder of weapons in battle, will be able to
+pierce this armour of thine with arrows. Cased in that coat of mail,
+quickly go thou today against angry Arjuna in battle. He will not be able
+to bear thee."'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Having said these words, Drona, that foremost of persons
+conversant with Brahma, touching water, and duly uttering certain
+Mantras, speedily tied that highly wonderful and bright armour on
+Duryodhana's body for the victory of thy son in that dreadful battle and
+causing (by that act) all persons there to be filled with amazement. And
+Drona said, "Let the Vedas, and Brahman, and the Brahmanas, bless thee.
+Let all the higher classes of reptiles be a source of blessings to thee,
+O Bharata! Let Yayati and Nahusha, and Dhundhumara, and Bhagiratha, and
+the other royal sages, all do what is beneficial to thee. Let blessings
+be to thee from creatures having but one leg, and from those that have
+many legs. Let blessings be to thee, in this great battle from creatures
+that have no legs. Let Swaha, and Swadha, and Sachi, also, all do what is
+beneficial to thee. O sinless one, let Lakshmi and Arundhati too do what
+is beneficial to thee. Let Asita, and Devala and Viswamitra, and Angiras,
+and Vasishtha, and Kasyapa, O king, do what is beneficial to thee. Let
+Dhatri, and the lord of the worlds and the points of the compass and the
+regents of those points, and the six-faced Karttikeya, all give thee what
+is beneficial. Let the divine Vivaswat benefit thee completely. Let the
+four elephants, of the four quarters, the earth, the firmament, the
+planets, and he who is underneath the earth and holds her (on his head),
+O king, viz., Sesha, that foremost of snakes, give thee what is for thy
+benefit. O son of Gandhari, formerly the Asura named Vritra, displaying
+his prowess in battle, had defeated the best of celestials in battle. The
+latter, numbering thousands upon thousands, with mangled bodies, those
+denizens of heaven, with Indra at their head, deprived of energy and
+might, all repaired to Brahman and sought his protection, afraid of the
+great Asura Vritra. And the gods said, 'O best of gods, O foremost of
+celestials, be thou the refuge of the gods now crushed by Vritra. Indeed,
+rescue us from this great fear.' Then 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.'
+
+"'Drona continued, "Having said these words, the boon-giving (Siva) gave
+that armour with the mantras (to be uttered by the wearer). Protected by
+that armour, Sakra proceeded against the host of Vritra in battle. And
+although diverse kinds of weapons were hurled at him in that dreadful
+battle, yet the joints of that armour could not be cut open. Then the
+lord of the celestials slew Vritra, and afterwards gave unto Angiras that
+armour, whose joints were made up of mantras. And Angiras imparted those
+mantras to his son Vrihaspati, having a knowledge of all mantras. And
+Vrihaspati imparted that knowledge to Agnivesya of great intelligence.
+And Agnivesya imparted it to me, and it is with the aid of those mantras,
+O best of kings, that I, for protecting thy body, tie this armour on thy
+body."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words Drona, that bull among
+preceptors, once more addressed thy son, of great splendour, saying, "O
+king, I put this armour on thy body, joining its pieces with the aid of
+Brahma strings. In days of yore, Brahma himself had thus put it on Vishnu
+in battle. Even as Brahma himself had put this celestial armour on Sakra
+in the battle caused by the abduction of Taraka, I put it on thee."
+Having thus, with mantras, donned that armour duly on Duryodhana, the
+regenerate Drona sent the king to battle. And the mighty-armed king,
+cased in armour by the high-souled preceptor, and accomplished in
+smiting, and a thousand infuriated elephants endued with great prowess,
+and a hundred thousand horses, and many other mighty car-warriors,
+proceeded towards the car of Arjuna. And the mighty-armed king proceeded,
+with the sound of diverse kinds of musical instruments, against his foe,
+like Virochana's son (Vali in days of yore). Then, O Bharata, a loud
+uproar arose among thy troops, beholding the Kuru king proceeding like a
+fathomless ocean.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIV
+
+"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.[138] Sakuni with seven hundred Gandhara warriors armed with
+bows, darts and swords, resisted the son of Madri (viz., Sahadeva). Vinda
+and Anuvinda of Avanti, those two great bowmen, who had, for the sake of
+their friend (Duryodhana), uplifted their weapons, disregarding their
+lives, encountered Virata, the king of the Matsyas. King Valhika,
+exerting himself vigorously, resisted the mighty and unvanquished
+Sikhandin, the son of Yajnasena, that hero capable of resisting all foes.
+The chief of Avanti, with the Sauviras and the cruel Prabhadrakas,
+resisted wrathful Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas. Alamvusha
+quickly rushed against the brave Rakshasa Ghatotkacha of cruel deeds,
+who was wrathfully advancing to battle. The mighty car-warrior
+Kuntibhoja, accompanied by a large force, resisted Alamvusha, that prince
+of Rakshasas, of fierce mien. Thus, O Bharata, hundreds of separate
+encounters between the warriors of thy army and theirs, took place.
+
+"As regards the ruler of the Sindhus, he remained in the rear of the
+whole army protected by many foremost of bowmen and car-warriors
+numbering Kripa amongst them. And the ruler of the Sindhus had for the
+protectors of his wheels two of the foremost warriors, viz., the son of
+Drona on his right, O king, and the Suta's son (Karna) on the left. And
+for protecting his rear he had a number of warriors headed by Somadatta's
+son, viz., Kripa, and Vrishasena, and Sala, and the invincible Salya, who
+were conversant with policy and were mighty bowmen accomplished in
+battle. And the Kuru warriors, having made these arrangements for the
+protection of the ruler of the Sindhus, fought (with the Pandavas).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVI
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'When that fierce battle, causing the hair to stand on
+end, commenced, the Pandavas rushed against the Kauravas who had been
+divided into three bodies. Bhimasena rushed against the mighty-armed
+Jalasandha, and Yudhishthira, at the head of his troops rushed, in that
+battle, against Kritavarman. And Dhrishtadyumna, O king, scattering the
+shafts, like the sun shooting his rays, rushed against Drona. Then
+commenced that battle between all the bowmen, eager for the encounter, of
+the Kurus and the Pandavas, excited with wrath. And during the progress
+of that terrible carnage, when all the warriors were battling with one
+another fearlessly the mighty Drona fought with the mighty prince of the
+Panchalas. And the clouds of arrows he shot in that encounter filled all
+spectators with wonder. And Drona and the prince of the Panchalas,
+cutting off the heads of men by thousands, scattered them on the field of
+battle, making the latter resemble a forest of lotuses. In every
+division, were soon strewn on the ground robes and ornaments and weapons,
+and standards and coats of mail. And golden coats of mail, dyed with
+blood, looked like clouds charged with lightning. Other mighty
+car-warriors, drawing their large bows measuring full six cubits long,
+felled with their shafts, elephants and steeds and men. In that dreadful
+encounter of arms between brave and high-souled warriors, swords and
+shields, bows and heads and coats of mail were seen lying scattered
+about. Innumerable headless trunks wore seen to rise up, O king, in the
+midst of that fierce battle. And vultures and Kankas and jackals and
+swarms of other carnivorous animals, O sire, were seen there, eating the
+flesh of fallen men and steeds and elephants, of drinking their blood, or
+dragging them by the hair, or licking or pecking, O king, at their
+marrow, or dragging their bodies and severed limbs, or rolling their
+heads on the ground. Warriors, skilled in battle, accomplished in
+weapons, and firmly resolved in fight, struggled vigorously in the
+combat, solicitous only of fame. Many were the combatants that careered
+over the field, performing the diverse evolutions, of swordsmen. With
+sabres and darts and lances and spears and axes, with maces and spiked
+clubs and other kinds of weapons, and with even bare arms, men who had
+entered the arena of battle, filled with rage, slew one another. And
+car-warriors fought with car-warriors, and horsemen with horsemen, and
+elephants with foremost of elephants, and foot-soldiers with
+foot-soldiers. And many infuriated elephants, as if perfectly mad,
+uttered loud shrieks and slew one another, after the manner they do in
+sporting arenas.
+
+"'During the progress, O king, of that battle in which the combatants
+fought without any regard for one another, Dhrishtadyumna caused his own
+steeds to be mixed up with those of Drona. Those steeds endued with the
+speed of the wind, that were white as pigeons and red as blood, thus
+mixed with one another in battle, looked exceedingly beautiful. Indeed,
+they looked resplendent like clouds charged with lightning. Then that
+slayer of hostile heroes, viz., heroic Dhrishtadyumna, the son of
+Prishata, beholding Drona, O Bharata, arrived so near, cast off his bow
+and took up his sword and shield, for achieving a difficult feat. Seizing
+the shaft of Drona's car, he entered into it. And he stayed sometimes on
+the middle of the yoke, and sometimes on its joints and sometimes behind
+the steeds. And while he was moving, armed with swords, quickly upon the
+backs of those red steeds of Drona, the latter could not detect an
+opportunity for striking him.[139] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVII
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'After that shafts of Drona had been cut off and
+Dhrishtadyumna thus rescued, O Sanjaya, by Yuyudhana, that foremost one
+of the Vrishni race, what did that great bowman, that foremost of all
+wielders of weapons, viz., Drona, do in battle unto that tiger among men,
+viz., the grandson of Sini?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Then Drona, like a mighty snake, having wrath for his
+poison, his stretched bow for his wide-open mouth, his sharp shafts for
+his teeth and whetted arrows for his fangs, with eyes red as copper from
+rage, and breathing hard, that mighty hero among men, perfectly fearless,
+borne on his red steeds of great speed, that seemed to soar into the
+skies or get at the top of a mountain, rushed towards Yuyudhana,
+scattering his arrows equipped with golden wings. Then that subjugator of
+hostile cities, that hero of Sini's race invincible in battle, beholding
+that irresistible Drona cloud having showers of arrows for its watery
+downpour, the rattle of car-wheels for its roar, the out-stretched bow
+for its volume, long shafts for its lightning-flashes, darts and swords
+for its thunder, wrath for the winds and urged on by those steeds that
+constituted the hurricane (impelling it forwards), rushed towards him,
+addressed his charioteer and smilingly said, "O Suta, proceed quickly and
+cheerfully, urging the steeds to their greatest speed, against that
+heroic Brahmana, fallen off from the duties of his order, that refuge of
+Dhritarashtra's son, that dispeller of the (Kuru) king's sorrows and
+fear, that preceptor of all the princes, that warrior ever boastful of
+his prowess." Then the excellent steeds of silvery hue belonging to him
+of Madhu's race, endued with the speed of the wind, quickly proceeded
+towards Drona. Then those two chastisers of foes, viz., Drona and Sini's
+grandson, fought with each other, each striking the other with thousands
+of shafts. Those two bulls among men filled the welkin with their arrowy
+showers. Indeed, the two heroes covered the ten points of the compass
+with their shafts. And they poured on each other their shafts like two
+clouds pouring their contents (on the earth) on the expiration of summer.
+The sun became invisible. The very wind ceased to blow. And in
+consequence of those showers of shafts filling the welkin, a continuous
+and thick gloom was caused there that became unbearable to the other
+heroes. And when the shafts of Drona and Sini's grandson had caused that
+gloom there, none beheld any cessation in shooting in either of them.
+They were both quick in the use of weapons, and they were both looked
+upon as lions among men. The sound produced by those torrents of arrows,
+shot by both striking against each other was heard to resemble the sound
+of the thunder hurled by Sakra. The forms of heroic warriors pierced with
+long shafts looked like those of snakes, O Bharata, hit by snakes of
+virulent poison. Brave warriors incessantly heard the twangs of their
+bows and the sounds of their palms to resemble the sound of thunder
+falling upon summits of mountains. The cars of both of those warriors, O
+king, their steeds, and their charioteers pierced with shafts of golden
+wings, became beautiful to behold. Fierce was the downpour, O monarch, of
+shafts that were bright and straight and that looked resplendent like
+snakes of virulent poison freed from their sloughs. The umbrellas of both
+were cut off, as also the standards of both. And both of them were
+covered with blood, and both were inspired with the hope of victory. With
+blood trickling down every limb of theirs, they resembled a couple of
+elephants with secretions trickling down their bodies. And they continued
+to strike each other with fatal shafts. The roars and shouts and other
+cries of the soldiers, the blare of conchs and the beat of drums ceased,
+O king, for none uttered any sound. Indeed, all the divisions became
+silent, and all the warriors stopped fighting. People, filled with
+curiosity became spectators of that single combat. Car-warriors and
+elephant riders and horsemen and foot-soldiers, surrounding those two
+bulls among men, witnessed their encounter with steadfast eyes. And the
+elephant-divisions stood still and so also the horse-divisions, and so
+also the car-divisions. All stood still, disposed in array. Variegated
+with pearls and corals, decked with gems and gold, adorned with standards
+and ornaments, with coats of mail made of gold, with triumphal banners
+with rich caparisons of elephants, with fine blankets, with bright and
+sharp weapons, with yak-tails, ornamented with gold and silver, on the
+heads of steeds, with garlands, round the frontal globes of elephants and
+rings round their tusks, O Bharata, the Kuru and the Pandava hosts then
+looked like a mass of clouds at the close of summer, decked with rows of
+cranes and myriads of fire-flies (under them) and adorned with rainbows
+and flashes of lightning. Both our men and those of Yudhishthira, beheld
+that battle between Yuyudhana and high-souled Drona; the gods also,
+headed by Brahma and Soma, and the Siddhas, and the Charanas, and the
+Vidyadharas, and the great Snakes, saw it, stationed on their foremost of
+sky-ranging cars. And beholding the diverse motion, forward and backward,
+of those lions among men, and their acts of striking each other, the
+spectators were filled with wonder. And both endued with great strength,
+Drona and Satyaki, displaying their lightness of hand in the use of
+weapons, began to pierce each other with shafts. Then he of Dasarha's
+race, with his mighty shafts, cut off those of the illustrious Drona in
+that battle, and then, within a moment, the latter's bow also. Within,
+however, the twinkling of an eye, the son of Bharadwaja took up another
+bow and strung it. Even that bow of his was cut off by Satyaki. Drona
+then, with utmost quickness waited with another bow in hand. As often,
+however, as Drona strung his bow, Satyaki cut it off. And this he did
+full nine and seven times. Beholding then that superhuman feat of
+Yuyudhana in battle, Drona, O monarch, thought in his mind, "This force
+of weapons that I see in this foremost one among the Satwatas exists in
+Rama and Dhananjaya and was seen also in Kartavirya and that tiger among
+men, viz., Bhishma." The son of Bharadwaja, therefore, mentally applauded
+the prowess of Satyaki. Beholding that lightness of hand equal unto that
+of Vasava himself, that foremost of regenerate ones, that first of all
+persons conversant with weapons, was highly gratified with Madhava. And
+the gods also, with Vasava at their head, were gratified with it. The
+gods and the Gandharvas, O monarch, had never before witnessed that
+lightness of hand of the quickly moving Yuyudhana, although they and the
+Siddhas and the Charanas had been acquainted with the feats of which
+Drona was capable. Then Drona, that foremost of persons acquainted with
+weapons, that grinder of Kshatriyas, taking up another bow, aimed some
+weapons. Satyaki, however, baffling those weapons with the illusion of
+his own weapon struck him with some sharp shafts. All this seemed highly
+wonderful. Beholding that superhuman feat of his in battle, that feat of
+which nobody else was capable, and which displayed very great skill,
+those amongst thy warriors that were judges of skill, applauded it.
+Satyaki shot the same weapons that Drona shot. Beholding this, that
+scorcher of foes, viz., the preceptor, fought with a little less
+boldness, than usual. Then that master of military science, O king,
+filled with wrath, invoked celestial weapons for the destruction of
+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.[140] 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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION XCVIII
+
+"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.[141] Hrishikesa
+proceeded, borne by those yoke-bearing steeds endued with the speed of
+Garuda or the wind, with such speed that he caused the whole universe to
+wonder at it. Indeed, O king, the car of Surya himself, or that of Rudra
+or that of Vaisravana, never goeth so fast. Nobody else's car had ever
+before moved with such speed in battle as Arjuna's car, moving with the
+celerity of a wish cherished in the mind. Then Kesava, O king, that
+slayer of hostile heroes, having taken the car of battle quickly urged
+the steeds, O Bharata, through the (hostile) troops. Arrived in the midst
+of that throng of cars, those excellent steeds bore Arjuna's car with
+difficulty, suffering as they did from hunger, thirst, and toil, and
+mangled as they had been with the weapons of many heroes delighting in
+battle. They frequently, however, described beautiful circles as they
+moved, proceeding over the bodies of slain steeds and men, over broken
+cars, and the bodies of dead elephants, looking like hills by thousands.
+
+"'Meanwhile O king, the two heroic brothers of Avanti, (viz., Vinda and
+Anuvinda), at the head of their forces, beholding the steeds of Arjuna to
+be tired, encountered him. Filled with joy, they pierced Arjuna with four
+and sixty shafts, and Janardana with seventy, and the four steeds (of
+Arjuna's car) with a hundred arrows. Then Arjuna, O king, filled with
+wrath, and having a knowledge of the vital parts of the body, struck them
+both in the battle, with nine straight shafts, every one of which was
+capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Thereupon, the two brothers,
+filled with rage, covered Vibhatsu and Kesava with showers of shafts and
+uttered leonine roars. Then Partha of white steeds, with a couple of
+broad-headed shafts, quickly cut off in that battle the beautiful bows of
+the two brothers and then their two standards, bright as gold. Vinda and
+Anuvinda then, O king, taking up to other bows and becoming infuriated
+with anger, began to grind the son of Pandu with their arrows. Then
+Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, exceedingly enraged, once more, with a
+couple of shafts quickly cut off those two bows also of his foes. And
+with a few other arrows whetted on stone and equipped with wings of gold,
+Arjuna then slew their steeds, their charioteers, and the two combatants
+that protected their rear, with those that followed the latter. And with
+another broad-headed arrow, sharp as a razor, he cut off the head of the
+eldest brother, who fell down on the earth, deprived of life, like a tree
+broken by the wind. The mighty Anuvinda then endued with great prowess,
+beholding Vinda slain left his steedless car, having taken up a mace.
+Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., the brother of Vinda,
+apparently dancing as he advanced with that mace in his arms, proceeded
+in that battle for avenging the slaughter of his elder brother. Filled
+with rage, Anuvinda struck Vasudeva on the forehead with that mace. The
+latter, however, trembled not, but stood still like the mountain Mainaka.
+Then Arjuna with six arrows, cut off his neck and two legs and two arms
+and head. Thus cut off (into fragments, the limbs of) Anuvinda fell down
+like so many hills. Beholding them both stain, their followers, O king,
+filled with rage rushed (towards Arjuna), scattering hundreds of arrows.
+Slaying them soon, O bull of Bharata's race, Arjuna looked resplendent
+like a fire consuming a forest on the expiry of winter. Passing over
+those troops with some difficulty, Dhananjaya then shone brightly like
+the risen sun, transgressing the clouds under which it was hid. Beholding
+him, the Kauravas were filled with fright. But recovering soon enough,
+they rejoiced once more and rushed at him from all sides. O bull of
+Bharata's race! Understanding that he was tired and that the ruler of the
+Sindhus was yet at a distance, they surrounded him, uttering leonine
+roars. Beholding them, 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."
+
+"'Arjuna then said, "I will hold in check the whole army, O Kesava! Do
+thou properly perform that which should be done next."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Alighting then from the terrace of his car,
+Dhananjaya, taking up his bow, Gandiva, fearlessly stood there like an
+immovable hill. Beholding Dhananjaya standing on the ground, and
+regarding it a good opportunity, the Kshatriyas, desirous of victory and
+uttering loud shouts, rushed towards him. Him standing 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.'"
+
+
+
+
+
+SECTION XCIX
+
+"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.[142] 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."[143] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION C
+
+"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.[144] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CI
+
+"'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[145] of
+this hostility be now accomplished."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed, Partha replied unto Kesava
+saying--"So be it. Even this should be done by me. Disregarding
+everything else, proceed thither where Duryodhana is. Putting forth my
+prowess in battle, I will cut off the head of that wretch who hath for
+such a long period enjoyed our kingdom without a thorn on his side. Shall
+I not succeed, O Kesava, in avenging myself of the insult, in the shape
+of dragging her by the hair, offered unto Draupadi, undeserving as she
+was of that wrong." Thus conversing with each other, the two Krishnas
+filled with joy, urged those excellent white steeds of theirs, desirous
+of getting at king Duryodhana. As regards thy son, O bull of Bharata's
+race, having approached the presence of Partha and Krishna, he
+entertained no fear, although, O sire, every circumstance was calculated
+to inspire fear. And the Kshatriyas there, on thy side, highly applauded
+him then, for he proceeded to face Arjuna and Hrishikesa for resisting
+them. Indeed, beholding the king in battle, a loud shout was heard there,
+O monarch, uttered by the entire Kuru army. What that terrible and awful
+shout arose there, thy son, pressing his foe hard, opposed his progress.
+Held in check by thy son armed with bow, the son of Kunti became filled
+with rage, and that chastiser of foes, Duryodhana, also became highly
+enraged with Partha. Beholding both Duryodhana and Dhananjaya enraged
+with each other, all the Kshatriyas, of fierce forms, began to look at
+them from all sides. Seeing Partha and Vasudeva both filled with rage,
+thy son, O sire, desirous of battle, smilingly challenged them, then he
+of Dasarha's race became filled with joy, and Dhananjaya also, the son of
+Pandu, became cheerful. Uttering loud roars, they both blew their
+foremost of conchs. Seeing them thus cheerful, all the Kauravas became
+hopeless of thy son's life. Indeed, all the Kauravas, and many even
+amongst the enemy, became possessed with grief, and regarded thy son as a
+libation already poured into the mouth of the (sacred) fire. Thy
+warriors, seeing Krishna and the Pandava so cheerful, 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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CII
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Saying these words, king Duryodhana pierced Arjuna with
+three shafts of great impetuosity and capable of penetrating into the
+very vitals. And with four others he pierced the four steeds of his foe.
+And he pierced Vasudeva in the centre of the chest with ten shafts, and
+cutting off, with a broad-headed arrow, the whip in the latter's hands,
+he felled it on the ground. Then Partha, coolly and without losing a
+moment, shot at him four and ten shafts whetted on stone and equipped
+with beautiful feathers. All those shafts, however, were repelled by
+Duryodhana's armour. Beholding their fruitlessness, Partha once more sped
+at him nine and five arrows of keen points. But these too were repelled
+by Duryodhana's armour. Seeing eight and twenty arrows of his become
+abortive, that slayer of hostile heroes, viz., Krishna said unto Arjuna,
+these words: "I see a sight never before witnessed by me, like the
+movements of the hills. Shafts sped by thee, O Partha, are becoming
+abortive. O bull of Bharata's race, hath thy Gandiva decayed in power?
+Have the might of thy grasp and the power of thy arms become less than
+what they were. Is not this to be thy last meeting with Duryodhana? Tell
+me, O Partha, for I ask thee. Great hath been my amazement, O Partha,
+upon seeing all these shafts of thine fall towards Duryodhana's car,
+without producing the slightest effect. Alas, what misfortune is this
+that these terrible shafts of thine that are endued with the might of the
+thunder and that always pierce the bodies of foes, fail in producing any
+effect."
+
+"'Arjuna said, "I think, O Krishna, that this armour hath been put on
+Duryodhana's body by Drona. This armour, tied as it hath been, is
+impenetrable to my weapons. In this armour, O Krishna, inhereth the might
+of the three worlds. Only Drona knoweth it, and from that best of men I
+also have learnt. This armour is not capable of being pierced by my
+weapons. Maghavat himself, O Govinda, cannot pierce it with his thunder.
+Knowing it all, O Krishna, why seekest thou to confound me? That which
+occurred in the three worlds, that which, O Kesava, exists now, and which
+is in the womb of futurity, are all known to thee. Indeed, O slayer of
+Madhu, no one else knoweth this better than thou dost. This Duryodhana, O
+Krishna, cased by Drona in this armours, is staying fearlessly in battle,
+wearing this coat of mail. That however, which one wearing such armour
+should do, is not known to him, O Madhava! He weareth it only like a
+woman. Behold now, O Janardana, the might of my arms and that of my bow
+too. Though protected by such a coat of mail, I will still vanquish the
+Kuru prince. The chief of the celestials gave this effulgent armour to
+Angiras. From the latter it was obtained by Vrihaspati. And from
+Vrihaspati it was got by Purandara. The Lord of the celestials once more
+gave it to me with the mantras to be uttered in wearing it. Even if this
+armour were divine, if it were created by Brahma himself, still the
+wretch, Duryodhana, struck with my arrows, shall not be protected by it."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words, Arjuna inspired some arrows
+with mantras, and began to draw them on the bow-string. And while he was
+thus drawing them on the bow-string, the son of Drona cut them off with a
+weapon that was capable of baffling every weapon. Beholding those shafts
+of his thus frustrated from a distance by that utterer of Brahma
+(Aswatthaman), Arjuna, owning white steeds, filled with amazement
+represented unto Kesava, saying, "I cannot, Janardana, twice use this
+weapon, for if do so, it will slay my own self and my own troops."
+Meanwhile, 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIII
+
+"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).[146] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Describe to me, O Sanjaya, the diverse kinds of
+standards resplendent with great beauty, of both the Partha and our
+warriors (in that battle).'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Hear, O king, of the diverse kinds of standards of those
+high-souled warriors. Listen to me as I describe their forms and names.
+Indeed, O king, upon the cars of those foremost of car-warriors were seen
+diverse kinds of standards that shone like blazing flames of fire. Made
+of gold, or decked with gold, or adorned with strings of gold and each
+looking like the golden mountain (Meru), diverse kinds of standards were
+there that were highly beautiful. And those standards of the warriors had
+attached all around them excellent banners. Indeed, having banners of
+diverse hues attached to them all around, those standards looked
+exceedingly beautiful. Those banners, again, moved by the wind, looked
+like fair ladies dancing in the midst of a sporting arena. Endued with
+the splendour of the rainbow, those banners, O bull of Bharata's race, of
+those car-warriors, floating in the breeze, highly adorned their cars.
+The standard, bearing the sign of the ape of fierce face and tail, like
+that of the lion, belonging to Dhananjaya, seemed to inspire fear in that
+battle. That standard, O king of the wielder of Gandiva, bearing that
+foremost of apes, and adorned with many banners, frightened the Kuru
+host. Similarly, the lion-tail standard-top of Drona's son, O Bharata, we
+saw, was endued with the effulgence of the rising sun decked with gold,
+floating in the breeze, possessed of the splendour of the rainbow, the
+standard mark of Drona's son appeared on high, inspiring the foremost of
+Kuru warriors with joy. The standard of Adhiratha's son bore the mark of
+an elephant-rope made of gold. It seemed, O king, in battle to fill the
+whole welkin. The banner, adorned with gold and garlands, attached to the
+standard of Karna in battle, shaken by the wind, seemed to dance upon his
+car. The preceptor of the Pandavas, that Brahmana, given to ascetic
+penances, viz., Kripa the son of Gotama, had for his mark an excellent
+bovine bull. That high-souled one, O king, with that bovine bull, looked
+as resplendent, as the Destroyer of the three cities[147] 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.[148] 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.'"
+
+
+
+ SECTION CV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'After Arjuna had got the ruler of the Sindhus
+within sight, what, O Sanjaya, did the Panchalas, attacked by
+Bharadwaja's son, do, encountering the Kurus?'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'In the afternoon of that day, O monarch, in the battle
+that took place between the Panchalas and the Kurus, Drona became, as it
+were, the stake (for which each fought on to win or lose). The Panchalas,
+O sire, desirous of slaying Drona, cheerfully uttered loud roars and shot
+dense showers of arrows. Indeed, that encounter between the Panchalas and
+the Kurus, fierce, awful, and highly wonderful as it was, resembled that
+in days of yore between the gods and the Asuras. Indeed, all the
+Panchalas with the Pandavas, obtaining Drona's car (within reach) used
+many mighty weapons, desirous of piercing through his array. Car-warriors
+stationed on their cars, causing the earth to shake under them, and
+showering their arrowy downpours, rushed towards Drona's car, without
+much speed. Then that mighty car-warrior among the Kaikeyas, viz.,
+Vrihatkshatra, incessantly scattering keen shafts that resembled the
+thunder in force, proceeded towards Drona. Then Kshemadhurti of great
+fame quickly rushed against Vrihatkshatra, shooting keen arrows by
+thousands. Beholding this, that bull among the Chedis, viz.,
+Dhrishtaketu, endued with great might, quickly proceeded against
+Kshemadhurti, like Mahendra proceeding against the Asura Samvara. Seeing
+him rush with great impetuosity, like the Destroyer himself with
+wide-open mouth, that mighty bowman viz., Viradhanwan, proceeded against
+him with great speed. King Yudhishthira staying there at the head of his
+division from desire of victory, was resisted by valiant Drona himself.
+Thy son Vikarna, O lord, endued with great prowess, proceeded against the
+rushing Nakula of great prowess, that warrior accomplished in battle.
+That scorcher of foes, viz., Durmukha, covered the advancing Sahadeva
+with many thousands of swiftly-coursing shafts. The heroic Vyughradatta
+resisted that tiger among men, viz., Satyaki making him repeatedly
+tremble by means of his sharp and keen-pointed shafts. The son of
+Somadatta resisted the (five) sons of Draupadi, those tigers among men,
+those great car-warriors, wrathfully shooting mighty shafts. That mighty
+car-warrior, viz., Rishyasringa's fierce son (the Rakshasa Alamvusha), of
+awful mien, resisted the advancing Bhimasena filled with wrath. The
+encounter that then took place between that man and Rakshasa resembled, O
+king, the battle in days of yore between Rama, and Ravana. Then, O
+Bharata, Yudhishthira, that chief of the Bharatas, struck Drona with
+ninety straight shafts in all his vital parts. Enraged by the famous son
+of Kunti, Drona struck him in return, O chief of the Bharatas, in the
+centre of the chest with five and twenty shafts. And once more, in the
+very sight of all the bowmen, Drona struck him, with his steeds,
+charioteer, and standard, with twenty shafts. Pandu's son, of virtuous
+soul, displaying great lightness of hand, baffled with his own arrowy
+showers those arrows shot by Drona. Then that great bowman Drona, filled
+with rage, cut off the bow of the high souled king Yudhishthira the just.
+Then that great car-warrior (viz., the son of Bharadwaja) speedily
+covered the bowless Yudhishthira with many thousands of shafts. Beholding
+the king made invisible by the shafts of Bharadwaja's son, all thought
+that Yudhishthira was dead, and some thought that the king had fled
+before Drona. And many cried out, O king, saying, "Alas the king hath
+been slain by the high-souled Brahmana." Then, king Yudhishthira the
+just, fallen into great distress, having laid aside that bow cut off by
+Bharadwaja's son in battle took up another excellent, bright and tougher
+bow. And that hero then cut off in that encounter all those shafts shot
+in thousands by Drona. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful. Having cut
+off those shafts, O king, Yudhishthira, with eyes red in wrath, took up
+in that battle a dart, capable of riving even a mountain. Equipped with a
+golden staff, of awful mien, having eight bells attached to it, and
+exceedingly terrible, the mighty Yudhishthira, taking it up, uttered a
+loud roar. And with that roar, O Bharata, the son of Pandu inspired all
+creatures with fear. Beholding that dart upraised by king Yudhishthira
+the just, all creatures, as if with one accord, said, "Good be to Drona!"
+Hurled from the king's arms, that dart resembling a snake just freed from
+its slough, coursed towards Drona, illumining the welkin and all the
+directions cardinal and subsidiary, like a she-snake with fiery mouth.
+Beholding it coursing towards him impetuously, O king, Drona, that
+foremost of all persons acquainted with weapons invoked into existence
+the weapon called Brahma. That weapon, reducing that dart of terrible
+mien into dust, coursed towards the car of the illustrious son of Pandu.
+Then, O sire, king Yudhishthira of great wisdom baffled that weapon of
+Drona, thus coursing towards him by himself invoking the Brahma weapon.
+And then piercing Drona himself in that battle with five straight shafts,
+he cut off, with a sharp razor-faced shaft, the large bow of Drona. Then
+Drona, that grinder of Kshatriyas, throwing aside that broken bow, hurled
+with great force, O sire, a mace at the son of Dharma. Beholding that
+mace impetuously coursing towards him, Yudhishthira, O chastiser of foes,
+filled with rage, took up a mace. Then those two maces, both hurled with
+great force, encountering each other in mid-air, produced by their
+collision sparks of fire and then fell down on the earth. Then Drona,
+filled with fury, slew, O sire, the steeds of Yudhishthira, with four
+excellent shafts of keen points. And with another broad-headed shaft he
+cut off 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CIX
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, how Yuyudhana rushed against
+the son of Bharadwaja in battle. I feel a great curiosity to hear it.'
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Listen, O thou of great wisdom, to the account of that
+battle, that makes the hair stand on end, between Drona and the 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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CX
+
+"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!"'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXI
+
+"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.[149] 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!"'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXII
+
+"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,[150] O sire, and wheels and fallen
+umbrellas and standards and anukarshas, and banners, and headgears decked
+with gold, and human arms smeared with sandal-paste and adorned with
+Angadas, O king, and human thighs, resembling trunks of elephants or the
+tapering bodies of snakes, and faces, beautiful as the moon and decked
+with ear-rings, of large-eyed warriors lying all about the field. And the
+ground there looked exceedingly beautiful with the huge bodies of fallen
+elephants, cut off in diverse ways, like a large plain strewn with hills.
+Crushed by that hero of long arms, steeds, deprived of life and fallen
+down on the ground, looked beautiful in their traces made of burnished
+gold and decked with rows of pearls, and in their carcasses of handsome
+make and design. Having slain diverse kinds of thy troops, he of the
+Satwata race entered into thy host, agitating and routing thy army. Then
+Satyaki desired to go by that very track by which Dhananjaya had gone
+before him. Then Drona came and resisted him. Encountering the son of
+Bharadwaja, Yuyudhana, filled with rage, stopped not like a vast expanse
+of water upon encountering on embankment. Drona, however, checking in
+that battle the mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana, pierced him with five keen
+shafts, capable of penetrating into the very vitals. Satyaki, however, O
+king, in that battle pierced Drona with seven shafts whetted on stone,
+equipped with golden wings and the feathers of the Kanka and the peacock.
+Then Drona afflicted Satyaki, his steeds and the drivers, with six
+shafts. The mighty car-warrior Yuyudhana could not brook that feat of
+Drona. Uttering a leonine shout, he then pierced Drona with ten shafts,
+and then with six, and then with eight others. And once more Yuyudhana
+pierced Drona with ten shafts, his charioteer with one and his four
+steeds with four. And with another shaft, O sire, Satyaki struck Drona's
+standard. Then, Drona speedily covered Satyaki, his car, steeds, driver,
+and standard, with swiftly coursing shafts, countless in number like a
+flight of locusts. Similarly, Yuyudhana fearlessly covered Drona with
+countless shafts of great speed. Then Drona, addressing Yuyudhana, said,
+"Thy preceptor (Arjuna) hath, like a coward, gone away, leaving the
+battle, avoiding me who was fighting with him, proceeding by my flank. O
+thou of Madhu's race, if like thy preceptor, thou too dost not quickly
+avoid me in this battle, thou shalt not escape me with life today,
+engaged as I am in battle with thee."'
+
+"'Satyaki, hearing these words, answered, "At the command of king
+Yudhishthira the just, I shall follow in the track of Dhananjaya. Blessed
+be thou, O Brahmana, I would lose time (if I fight with thee). A disciple
+should always tread in the way trod by his preceptor. I shall, therefore
+follow in the track that has been trod by my preceptor."'
+
+"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said this much, the grandson of Sini avoided
+the preceptor and suddenly proceeded onwards, O king! And addressing his
+charioteer, he said, "Drona will, by every means, endeavour to check my
+progress. Proceed carefully, O Suta, in battle and listen to these grave
+words of mine. Yonder is seen the host of great splendour of Avantis.
+Next to them, is the mighty host of the Southerners. And next to it, is
+the great host of the Valhikas. By the side of the Valhikas, stands
+resolved for fight the mighty host commanded by Karna. O charioteer, all
+these hosts are different from one another, but relying upon one another,
+they protect one another on the field of battle. Arrived at the space
+left open between these divisions cheerfully urge thou the 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIII
+
+"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![151] 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).[152] 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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXVIII
+
+"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."
+
+"'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?"
+
+"'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)."'
+
+"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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXI
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIV
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXV
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVI
+
+"'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."
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.)'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXVIII
+
+"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?[153] 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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXIX
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.[154] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.[155] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXI
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXII
+
+"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.[156] 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!'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIV
+
+"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?[157] 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![158] 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.'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXV
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXVI
+
+"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.[159] 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.[160] 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)!'"
+
+
+
+ SECTION CXXXVII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[161] 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.'"[162]
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXVIII
+
+"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.[163] 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).[164] 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.[165] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXXXIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."'
+
+
+
+SECTION CXL
+
+"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?[166] 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?"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLI
+
+"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.[167] 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.
+
+"'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."[168] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLII
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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.[169] 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.[170] 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?"'
+
+"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.[171] 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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.'"'
+
+"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.[172] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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[173] 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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIV
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'After the Kuru warrior Bhurisravas had been slain
+under those circumstances, tell me, O Sanjaya, how proceeded the battle.'
+
+"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.[174] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLV
+
+"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.[175] 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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVI
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Tell me, O Sanjaya, what did my warriors do after
+the heroic ruler of the Sindhus had been slain, by Arjuna.'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.[176] 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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVII
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.'"[177]
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLVIII
+
+"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![178] 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).[179] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXLIX
+
+"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.[180] And Suyodhana said, "Behold, O preceptor, this
+immense slaughter of kings.[181] 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.[182] 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![183] 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?[184]
+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![185] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CL
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.[186] 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.'"
+
+
+
+ SECTION CLI
+
+"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."[187]
+
+"'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.[188] 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."'
+
+"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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLII
+
+(Ghatotkacha-badha Parva)
+
+"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.[189] 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.[190] 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.[191] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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,[192] 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.[193] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIV
+
+"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?[194] 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?'
+
+"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,[195] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLV
+
+"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?[196] 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.[197] 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.[198]
+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:
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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.[199] 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."'
+
+"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.[200] 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.[201] 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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.[202] 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.[203] 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.[204] 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.[205] 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.[206] 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.[207] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVI
+
+"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,[208]
+Bhima slew those five mighty kings with five shafts of his. Beholding
+those heroes slain many great kings began to waver.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVII
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLVIII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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![209] 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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.'
+
+"'Kripa said, "O Suta's son of wicked heart, this (thy fault) is pardoned
+by us. Phalguna, however, will quell this thy risen pride."'
+
+"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.'[210]
+
+"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?'[211]
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLIX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLX
+
+"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'."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXI
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXII
+
+"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[212], 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.'[213]
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.[214] And
+upon each horse was placed a large lamp. Thus was that host lighted up by
+the Kuru warriors.[215] 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.[216] 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.'"[217]
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIII
+
+"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.[218]
+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.[219] 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.'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIV
+
+"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!"[220] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXV
+
+"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.[221] 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.
+
+"'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'."
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVI
+
+"Sanjaya said, 'Karna, the son of Vikartana,[222] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVII
+
+"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.[223] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXVIII
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.[224] 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.[225] 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.
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXIX
+
+"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.[226] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXX
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXI
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.[227] 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.
+
+"'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!'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXII
+
+"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."[228] 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.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIII
+
+"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."[229]
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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).'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIV
+
+"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.[230] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXV
+
+"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!'
+
+"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.[231] 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.[232] 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.[233] 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.[234] 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.[235] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVI
+
+"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."
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVII
+
+"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.[236] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXVIII
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'When the Rakshasa fighting by deceitful means thus
+disappeared, tell me, O Sanjaya, what the warriors of my army thought.'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXX
+
+"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."'
+
+"'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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXI
+
+"'Arjuna said, "How, O Janardana, for our good, and by what means, were
+those lords of the earth, viz., Jarasandha and the others, slain?"
+
+"'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.[237] 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.[238] 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."'"
+
+
+
+ SECTION CLXXXII
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?"
+
+"'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![239]' 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIII
+
+"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?'
+
+"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!'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'[240]
+
+"'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.'"[241]
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXIV
+
+(Drona-vadha Parva)
+
+"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[242] and so
+destructive of creatures, appeared to them to be everything.[243] 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.[244]
+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.[245] 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.[246] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXV
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVI
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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.[247] 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!"[248] 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:[249]
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVII
+
+"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.[250] 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.'
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CLXXXVIII
+
+"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.'
+
+"'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."
+
+
+
+SECTION CXC
+
+"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.[251] 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."'
+
+"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.)'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCI
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."[252] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCII
+
+"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.[253] 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)[254]. 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIII
+
+"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.[255] 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIV
+
+"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.
+
+"'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.
+
+"'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.[256] 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCV
+
+"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?'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVI
+
+"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![257] 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?[258] 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![259]'--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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVII
+
+"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.[260] 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.'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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?"
+
+"'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![261] 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!"'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCVIII
+
+"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.[262] 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,[263] "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![264] 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."'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CXCIX
+
+"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.'
+
+"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?[265] 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.'
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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?"
+
+"'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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CC
+
+"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[266]. 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[267]. 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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CCI
+
+"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.'
+
+"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."
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.'
+
+"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.[268] 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."'
+
+"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?'
+
+"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.
+
+"'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."'
+
+"'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[269] 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,[270] 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.[271]
+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,[272]
+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.'"
+
+"'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."'
+
+"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!'."
+
+
+
+SECTION CCII
+
+"Dhritarashtra said, 'Upon the slaughter of the Atiratha, viz., Drona, by
+Prishata's son, what did my sons and the Pandavas next do?'
+
+"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."
+
+"'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,[273] 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.'"
+
+"'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.[274] 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."'
+
+"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.'"
+
+
+
+SECTION CCIII
+
+"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!'"
+
+The end of Drona Parva.
+
+
+
+
+FOOTNOTES
+
+1. Literally, like an oration teeming with unrefined expressions.
+
+2. i.e., deprived of robes and ornaments because of her widowhood.
+
+3. A Sarabha is a fabulous animal of eight legs supposed to be stronger
+than the lion.
+
+4. 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.
+
+5. 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.
+
+6. The last line is read incorrectly, I think, in the Bombay text.
+
+7. 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.
+
+8. 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.
+
+9. i.e., who will feel it humiliating for him to walk behind Drona?
+
+10. 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.
+
+11. Lit, "placed army to their right," i.e., these birds wheeled to the
+left of thy host, which is an evil omen.
+
+12. 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.
+
+13. Probably, a ready instrument.
+
+14. 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.
+
+15. 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.
+
+16. 10 and 11 also refer to Ajatasatru.
+
+17. 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!
+
+18. Hayaraja, lit., the prince of steeds. He was an Asura, otherwise
+called Kesi, in the form of a steed.
+
+19. i.e., without weapons of any kind.
+
+20. Kaliprasanna Singha, in his Bengali translation, makes a mess of this
+Sloka.
+
+21. Jarasandha, the powerful king of the Magadhas, and the sworn foe of
+Krishna, was slain by Bhima through Krishna's instigation.
+
+22. viz., the transplantation of the Parijata from Amaravati to the earth.
+
+23. 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.
+
+24. The Bengal Texts read this verse incorrectly. For Prataptam, the
+correct reading is satatam; and for anukarinas, the correct word is
+asukarinas.
+
+25. 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.
+
+26. 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.
+
+27. This verse is read incorrectly in the Bengal texts. For hayan read
+Dhanus.
+
+28. The word "heroic" occurs in the next verse.
+
+29. The word in the original are Sampata, Abhighata, and Nipata.
+
+30. Nishka, literally, a golden coin, whose weight is diversely stated by
+diverse authorities.
+
+31. I adopt the Bengal reading which is Vidhayaivam. The Bombay reading
+is Vihayainam, meaning 'leaving Yudhishthira.'
+
+32. 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.
+
+33. The second line reads differently in the Bombay text.
+
+34. It seems that the text here is vicious. It certainly requires
+settling. One complete Sloka seems to be wanting.
+
+35. The second line of this verse is certainly vicious.
+
+36. 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.
+
+37. Literally, 'thought in his mind that his hour was come.'
+
+38. Literally, 'half-moon-shaped.'
+
+39. Cruel because it was a Brahmana with whom Satanika was fighting.
+
+40. The Bengal reading Vahupellava is a mistake. The correct reading is
+Vahupannaga as in the Bombay text.
+
+41. Using even these as implements for striking, for Bhima's might was
+superhuman.
+
+42. Hemadandais is a mistake of the Bengal texts for Hemabhandiers.
+
+43. The first line of 20 is vicious as it occurs in the Bengal texts. The
+Bombay reading is correct.
+
+44. This seems to be a repetition of the 6th verse.
+
+45. i.e., not to abandon their comrades in distress.
+
+46. The last word of the first line of 74 is vicious as printed in the
+Bengal texts.
+
+47. The custom, when one warrior attacked another, was invariably to give
+his name and lineage before striking.
+
+48. All the printed texts, not excepting that of Bombay, read Drupadeyas.
+There can be no doubt, however, that it should be Draupadeyas.
+
+49. The first line of 54 is read incorrectly in the Bengal texts. I
+follow the Bombay reading.
+
+50. After 19 occurs a complete sloka in the Bombay text which does not
+appear to be genuine.
+
+51. The second line of 46 is omitted in the Bengal texts.
+
+52. 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.
+
+53. The Bengal reading abhitas is incorrect. It should be Kshubitas.
+
+54. I render 16 and 17 rather freely, as otherwise the sense would not be
+clear.
+
+55. The Bengal texts read,--"he is either the first or the second, on the
+earth, I think."
+
+56. The Bombay reading paritas is vicious. The Bengal texts read twaritas.
+
+57. 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."
+
+58. The Bengal reading Samprapte is vicious. The Bombay reading
+Sambhrante is evidently correct.
+
+59. I render 5 a little freely, and expand it slightly to make the sense
+clear.
+
+60. The Bengal reading Purvabhilashi is better than Purvabhilbhashi.
+Between Nila and Aswatthaman existed a rivalry since some time.
+
+61. 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.
+
+62. The first half of the first line of 21 seems to be grammatically
+connected with 20.
+
+63. The last half of the second line of 4 is vicious as occuring in the
+Bengal texts. The correct reading is ayuduha-viarada.
+
+64. Janghas, etc., are diverse limbs of cars used in battle.
+
+65. The second half of the second line of 2 is vicious in the Bengal
+texts.
+
+66. 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.
+
+67. There are the names of diverse kinds of drums small and large.
+
+68. I adopt the Bombay reading of the 1st line of 4.
+
+69. The fruit being the present encounter with Abhimanyu in which
+Duhsasana, according to Abhimanyu, shall have to lay down his life.
+
+70. 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."
+
+71. These words occur in 17 lower down.
+
+72. These are limbs of cars.
+
+73. The Bombay reading is slightly different.
+
+74. Literally, "like another son of the Lord of Treasure".
+
+75. I confess I do not understand what the meaning is of asiva vachvz
+Srijatam. The rendering I offer is tentative.
+
+76. I follow the numbering of the Bengal texts. 23 consists of three
+lines.
+
+77. I expand the 5th a little to make the sense clear.
+
+78. I expand the 5th a little to make the sense clear.
+
+79. In the first fine of 3, the correct reading is Karnanchapy akarot
+kradha, etc., the reading in the Bengal text is vicious and unmeaning.
+
+80. Bengal text read Taru-tringani i.e., tree-tops.
+
+81. The correct reading is Mahavalan Mahavalat.
+
+82. The Bombay reading which I accept, is Valabudhischa. Of course Bengal
+reading is Avalabudhischa.
+
+83. 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.
+
+84. The first line of 6 is read differently in the Bombay edition. The
+Bengal reading, however, seems to me to be preferable.
+
+85. 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.
+
+86. Devas, in the first line of 46, means the senses, Vrittas, as
+explained by Nilakantha, means Vritavantus.
+
+87. 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.
+
+88. I follow Nilakantha in rendering these two verses.
+
+89. Of golden excreta.
+
+90. 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.
+
+91. 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.
+
+92. 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.
+
+93. i.e., sacrifices ordained for Kshatriyas.
+
+94. 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.
+
+95. 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.
+
+96. Havisha mudamavahat; or havisham udam avahat, which would mean, he
+poured libations unto Indra as copious as water.
+
+97. Because juniors pre-deceased their seniors. The causative form of
+akarayan is a license.
+
+98. 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.
+
+99. These were ghats for facilitating access to the sacred stream.
+
+100. 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.
+
+101. The correct reading is Valguvadinas, and not the form in the
+genitive plural.
+
+102. In the Bombay edition some verses occur after the 3rd.
+
+103. Literally "Having me for his sustainer."
+
+104. Instead of Suna, the Bombay text gives Puru.
+
+105. The Bengal text reads this verse differently.
+
+106. The words in italics are names of Indian confectionery, prepared
+with wheat or barley, milk, and sugar or honey.
+
+107. These are the methods by which he sought knowledge of the Vedas.
+
+108. Nakshatra-dakshina is explained by Nilakantha as Nakshatra
+vihitro-Dakshina.
+
+109. The Bengal reading of the second line of the second verse is
+vicious. At any rate, the Bombay reading is better.
+
+110. Animals slain in sacrifices are believed to go to heaven.
+
+111. Identified with the modern Chumbal.
+
+112. A kind of vessel used by Brahmanas and others for begging.
+
+113. 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.'
+
+114. A Vyama is the space between the two arms extended at their furthest.
+
+115. Literally, a Kshatriya is one that rescues another from wounds and
+injuries.
+
+116. A raja is one who enjoys the affection of his people, and with whom
+they are delighted.
+
+117. The bow of Siva, otherwise called Pinaka.
+
+118. 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.
+
+119. Parthivas, i.e., relating to the earth.
+
+120. 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.
+
+121. The Bombay text adds some verses here which do not occur in the
+Bengal texts.
+
+122. K. P. Sinha makes a ludicrous blunder in reading this line.
+
+123. Sannahikas, i.e., clad in mail.
+
+124. The Bengal reading Dwijaidhitam is certainly better than the Bombay
+reading Dwijochitam although Nilakantha explains uchitam as abhimatam.
+
+125. Twilight is herself the goddess who is supposed to be adored by
+certain prayers and on the occasion.
+
+126. These slaps mark the cadences.
+
+127. Literally, 'in crossing.'
+
+128. 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.
+
+129. i.e. added his voice to that of Jayadratha, requesting Drona to
+protect the latter.
+
+130. A kind of car or vehicle.
+
+131. Nilakantha supposes that tasmai here refers to the Three-eyed and
+not to Krishna. This seems to be right.
+
+132. The second note of the Hindu gamut.
+
+133. Vasavamiva is a mistake for Vasavasyeva.
+
+134. 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.
+
+135. The original is pleonastic.
+
+136. 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.
+
+137. The original is pleonastic.
+
+138. 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.
+
+139. The words tatsainyanyabhyapujayan seem to be unmeaning in this
+connection. The Bengali translators, unable to do anything with them,
+have left them out.
+
+140. The celestial weapons were forces dependent on mantras. Ordinary
+shafts, inspired with these mantras, were converted into celestial
+weapons.
+
+141. In other words. Arjuna's car shot as quickly through the enemy as
+the arrows themselves sped from it.
+
+142. 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.
+
+143. i.e., his funeral obsequies. The vernacular translators do not see
+the intended joke.
+
+144. I give the sense of this verse, without giving a closely literal
+version.
+
+145. 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.
+
+146. Praviddham means fallen down or loosened from its usual place. Thus
+Nilakantha.
+
+147. 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.
+
+148. 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.
+
+149. Owners of golden cars.
+
+150. Nidas were niches or drivers boxes.
+
+151. 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.
+
+152. I prefer the reading Samakulam to Jhashakulam.
+
+153. i.e., using cars and elephants as weapons for destroying cars and
+elephants.
+
+154. 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.
+
+155. Many of the Bengal texts have Calabhairiva. This is a mistake, the
+word being Calada, and not Calabha which would be unmeaning here.
+
+156. 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.
+
+157. 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.
+
+158. Literally, 'disregard of Krishna.'
+
+159. The Bombay reading, which I adopt, seems to be better than the
+Bengal one.
+
+160. 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.
+
+161. The sense seems to be that Karna and Bhima were like fire and wind.
+
+162. Verse 28 is a triplet. The second line is obscure. It seems that a
+line has been omitted.
+
+163. Literally, mustered all his rage.
+
+164. In the first line of the 62 the Bengal reading Ayastam is better
+than the Bombay reading Ayastas.
+
+165. 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.
+
+166. i.e., the little indent caused by a cow's hoof.
+
+167. 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.
+
+168. 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.
+
+169. 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.
+
+170. Literally, 'who could witness with indifference Satyaki reduced to
+that plight?'
+
+171. Generally, to die, abstaining from all food. It is a method of
+freeing the soul from the body by Yoga.
+
+172. Literally, 'near the place assigned for the sacrificial butter.'
+
+173. Nilakantha explains chakram as Pratapam.
+
+174. The second line of 94 I render a little freely to make the sense
+clearer.
+
+175. 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.
+
+176. The second of the seven notes of the Hindu gamut.
+
+177. 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.
+
+178. Everything even the inanimate creation, exists and adores the
+Supreme deity.
+
+179. This is a triplet in the Calcutta edition.
+
+180. Literally, 'the fact of the Dhartarashtras having sunk (into
+distress).'
+
+181. Literally, 'of persons whose coronal locks have undergone the sacred
+bath.'
+
+182. 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.
+
+183. I adopt the Bombay reading.
+
+184. The Bombay edition reads this verse differently and introduces
+another after it which does not occur in the Bengal texts.
+
+185. 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.'
+
+186. i.e., 'he should, by every means in his power, avenge himself on the
+Somakas, those enemies of mine.'
+
+187. This is a triplet in the Bengal texts.
+
+188. I render the second line freely, following Nilakantha.
+
+189. Literally, 'with shafts resembling his rays.'
+
+190. Or, 'as a lake overgrown with lotuses is agitated on every side by
+an elephant.'
+
+191. Sixteen lines, occurring after this in the Bombay edition, have been
+omitted in the Calcutta edition.
+
+192. Drums of diverse kinds and sizes.
+
+193. The Bombay reading is apalavam and not viplatam.
+
+194. This is a triplet in all the editions.
+
+195. The brother of the Kalinga prince.
+
+196. 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]
+
+197. A nalwa measured four hundred cubits.
+
+198. Nilakantha explains that there were Pisachas.
+
+199. 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.
+
+200. i.e., the weapon endued with the force of the thunder.
+
+201. Different species of Rakshasas.
+
+202. Tripura, belonging to an Asura of the same.
+
+203. Asani literally means the thunder. Probably, some kind of iron mace.
+
+204. 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.
+
+205. Achyuta, when used as a proper noun, refers to Krishna. It means of
+unfading glory and 'the immortal.'
+
+206. Slight differences are observable between the Bengal and the Bombay
+texts as regards the last three verses.
+
+207. This is a triplet.
+
+208. This is a triplet.
+
+209. 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.
+
+210. 147 is a triplet.
+
+211. The Bengal reading sudakshinas at the end of 49 dose not seem to be
+correct. I adopt the Bombay reading sudarnnam.
+
+212. 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.
+
+213. This is a Triplet.
+
+214. Instead of mattagaje, the Bombay edition reads tatragaje.
+
+215. 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.
+
+216. 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.
+
+217. 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.
+
+218. 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.
+
+219. Lokanamabhave is explained by Nilakantha as pralaya-kale.
+
+220. A different reading occurs in the Bombay edition.
+
+221. 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.
+
+222. 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.
+
+223. The second line of 9 is read differently in the Calcutta edition. I
+adopt the Bombay reading.
+
+224. In the second line of 13, Avyayatturnam instead of Maharaja is the
+correct reading.
+
+225. This sloka seems to be a vicious one.
+
+226. Yena and tena here are equal to yatra and tatra.
+
+227. In the first line of 30 Vaganais and not Vanaganan is the true
+reading.
+
+228. 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.
+
+229. In the Bengal texts this is a triplet.
+
+230. It is for this that I see thee with this head as a tribute.
+
+231. An arani is a cubit measuring from the elbow to the end of the
+little figure.
+
+232. Both reading, viz., asaktam and asaktam are correct. The former
+means 'engaged', the latter, 'to the measure of his might!'
+
+233. The second line of 85 is differently in the Bombay edition.
+
+234. Rakshasas at certain hours were believed to be inspired with greater
+strength.
+
+235. Mainaka the son of Himavat, has a hundred heads.
+
+236. i.e., they thought they obtained a new lease of life.
+
+237. Literally means, "united by Jara."
+
+238. Nilakantha thinks that Sagadaya in one word, meaning 'deprived of
+the both Rakshasas and the mace.' This is far-fetched.
+
+239. Fire being the mouth of the celestials, without fire, the celestials
+become mouthless. Thus Nilakantha.
+
+240. This is a triplet in the Bengal texts.
+
+241. 66 is a triplet in the Bengal texts.
+
+242. 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.
+
+243. Literally, 'of a thousand Yamas.'
+
+244. 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.
+
+245. Dasatakasha-kkupa means the Kakup or direction presided by him of a
+thousand eyes; hence the East.
+
+246. Instead of Vrishodara, the Bombay text reads Vrishottama, which I
+adopt.
+
+247. 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.
+
+248. 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."
+
+249. This, in the Bengal texts, is a triplet.
+
+250. I adopt the Bombay reading of the first line of this verse.
+
+251. 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.
+
+252. This verse is omitted in the Bombay text. There can be no doubt,
+however, about its genuineness.
+
+253. 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.
+
+254. I adopt the Bombay reading.
+
+255. 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.
+
+256. 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.
+
+257. Dharmadhwajin literally means a person bearing the standard of
+virtue, hence, hypocrite, sanctimoniously talking only virtue and
+morality but acting differently.
+
+258. 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.
+
+259. 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.
+
+260. Literally, "the animals kept the Pandavas to their right."
+
+261. 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.
+
+262. I expand the original to make the sense clear.
+
+263. 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.
+
+264. The Nishadas were and to this day are the lowest caste in India.
+
+265. 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.
+
+266. 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.
+
+267. I adopt the Bombay reading of the 2nd line of 35 and think that
+Nilakantha explains it correctly.
+
+268. I adopt the Bombay reading.
+
+269. Nilakantha explains this to mean that when he became unconnected
+with the world, rising superior to everything connected with the world.
+
+270. The terrible.
+
+271. 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.
+
+272. 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.
+
+273. Having given it away to Rama, his disciple.
+
+274. All these terms imply Death or the Destroyer.
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+
+End of the Project Gutenberg EBook of The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana
+Vyasa, Volume 2
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