Tuesday, January 3, 2012

srimahabharat - (Book 8) Karna Parva chapters 1 to 13
























 

The Sacred  Scripture of
 great Epic Sree Mahabharatam:

The Mahabharata

                                      Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa
                                                        translated by

                                  Sreemaan Brahmasri  Kisari Mohan Ganguli





The Mahabharata

Karna Parva

Book 8

Chapter 1

 

 1 [v]
      tato dro
e hate rājan duryodhanamukhā n
      bh
śam udvignamanaso droaputram upāgaman
  2 te dro
am upaśocanta kaśmalābhihataujasa
      paryupāsanta śokārtās tata
śāradvatī sutam
  3 muhūrta
te samāśvāsya hetubhi śāstrasamitai
      rātryāgame mahīpālā
svāni veśmāni bhejire
  4 viśe
ata sūtaputro rājā caiva suyodhana
      du
śāsano 'tha śakunir na nidrām upalebhire
  5 te veśmasv api kauravya p
thvīśā nāpnuvan sukham
      cintayanta
kaya tīvra nidrā naivopalebhire
  6 sahitās te niśāyā
tu duryodhana niveśane
      atipraca
ṇḍād vidveāt pāṇḍavānā mahātmanām
  7 yat tad dyūtaparikli
ṣṭā kṛṣṇām āninyire sabhām
      tat smaranto 'nvatapyanta bh
śam udvignacetasa
  8 cintayantaś ca pārthānā
tān kleśān dyūtakāritān
      k
cchrea kaadā rājan ninyur abda śatopamām
  9 tata
prabhāte vimale sthitā diṣṭasya śāsane
      cakrur āvaśyaka
sarve vidhidṛṣṭena karmaā
  10 te k
tvāvaśya kāryāi samāśvasya ca bhārata
     yogam ājñāpayām āsur yuddhāya ca viniryayu

 11 kar
a senāpati ktvā ktakautuka magalā
     vācayitvā dvijaśre
ṣṭhān dadhi pātraghtākatai
 12 ni
kair gobhir hirayena vāsobhiś ca mahādhanai
     vardhyamānā jayāśīrbhi
sūtamāgadhabandibhi
 13 tathaiva pā
ṇḍavā rājan ktasarvāhika kriyā
     śibirān niryayū rājan yuddhāya k
taniścayā
 14 tata
pravavte yuddha tumula romaharaam
     kurū
āṇḍavānā ca parasparavadhaiiām
 15 tayor dve divase yuddha
kurupāṇḍavasenayo
     kar
e senāpatau rājann abhūd adbhutadarśanam
 16 tata
śatrukaya ktvā sumahānta rae vṛṣa
     paśyatā
dhārtarāṣṭā phalgunena nipātita
 17 tatas tat sa
jaya sarva gatvā nāgāhvaya puram
     ācakhyau dh
tarāṣṭrāya yadvtta kurujāgale
 18 [j]
     āpageya
hata śrutvā droa ca samare parai
     yo jagāma parām ārti
vddho rājāmbikā suta
 19 sa śrutvā nihata
kara duryodhanahitaiiam
     katha
dvija varaprāān adhārayata dukhita
 20 yasmiñ jayāśā
putrāām amanyata sa pārthiva
     tasmin hate sa kauravya
katha prāān adhārayat
 21 durmara
bata manye 'ha nṛṣā kcchre 'pi vartatām
     yatra kar
a hata śrutvā nātyajaj jīvita npa
 22 tathā śā
tanava vddha brahman bāhlikam eva ca
     dro
a ca somadatta ca bhūriśravasam eva ca
 23 tathaiva cānyān suh
da putrapautrāś ca pātitān
     śrutvā yan nājahāt prā
ās tan manye dukara dvija
 24 etan me sarvam ācak
va vistarea tapodhana
     na hi t
pyāmi pūrveā śṛṇvānaś carita mahat
 25 [v]
     hate kar
e mahārāja niśi gāvalgais tadā
     dīno yayau nāgapuram aśvair vātasamair jave
 26 sa hāstinapura
gatvā bhśam udvignamānasa
     jagāma dh
tarāṣṭrasya kaya prakīabāndhavam
 27 sa samudvīk
ya rājāna kaśmalābhihataujasam
     vavande prāñjalir bhūtvā mūrdhnā pādau n
pasya ha
 28 sa
pūjya ca yathānyāya dhtarāṣṭra mahīpatim
     hā ka
ṣṭam iti coktvā sa tato vacanam ādade
 29 sa
jayo 'ha kitipate kac cid āste sukha bhavān
     svado
eāpada prāpya kac cin nādya vimuhyasi
 30 hitāny uktāni vidura dro
a gāgeya keśavai
     ag
hītāny anusmtya kac cin na kurue vyathām
 31 rāma nārada ka
vaiś ca hitam ukta sabhā tale
     na g
hītam anusmtya kac cin na kurue vyathām
 32 suh
das tvaddhite yuktān bhīmadroamukhān parai
     nihatān yudhi sa
smtya kac cin na kurue vyathām
 33 tam eva
vādina rājā sūtaputra ktāñjalim
     sudīrgham abhini
śvasya dukhārta idam abravīt
 34
geye nihate śūre divyāstravati sajaya
     dro
e ca paramevāse bhśa me vyathita mana
 35 yo rathānā
sahasrāi daśitānā daśaiva hi
     ahany ahani tejasvī nijaghne vasu sa
bhava
 36 sa hato yajñasenasya putre
eha śikhaṇḍinā
     pā
ṇḍaveyābhiguptena bhśa me vyathita mana
 37 bhārgava
pradadau yasmai paramāstra mahātmane
     sāk
ād rāmea yo bālye dhanurveda upākta
 38 yasya prasādāt kaunteyā rājaputrā mahābalā

     mahārathatva
saprāptās tathānye vasudhādhipā
 39 ta
droa nihata śrutvā dhṛṣṭadyumnena sayuge
     satyasa
dha mahevāsa bhśa me vyathita mana
 40 trailokye yasya śāstre
u na pumān vidyate sama
     ta
droa nihata śrutvā kim akurvata māmakā
 41 sa
śaptakānā ca bale pāṇḍavena mahātmanā
     dhana
jayena vikramya gamite yamasādanam
 42 nārāya
āstre nihate droaputrasya dhīmata
     hataśe
ev anīkeu kim akurvata māmakā
 43 vipradrutān aha
manye nimagna śokasāgare
     pravamānān hate dro
e sannanaukān ivārave
 44 duryodhanasya kar
asya bhojasya ktavarmaa
     madrarājasya śalyasya drau
eś caiva kpasya ca
 45 mat putra śe
asya tathā tathānyeā ca sajaya
     viprakīr
ev anīkeu mukhavaro 'bhavat katham
 46 etat sarva
yathāvtta tattva gāvalgae rae
     ācak
va pāṇḍaveyānā māmakānā ca sarvaśa
 47 [s]
     pā
ṇḍaveyair hi yadvtta kauraveyeu māria
     tac chrutvā mā vyathā
kārīd iṣṭe na vyathate mana
 48 yasmād abhāvī bhāvī vā bhaved artho nara
prati
     aprāptau tasya vā prāptau na kaś cid vyathate budha

 49 [dh
]
     na vyathā ś
ṛṇvata kā cid vidyate mama sajaya
     di
ṣṭam etat purā manye kathayasva yathecchakam

 

1
Om! Having bowed down unto Narayana, and unto that most exalted of male beings, Nara, and unto the goddess Sarasvati also, must the word Jaya be uttered.
Vaishampayana said, "After Drona had been slain, O monarch, the royal warriors (of the Kaurava army) headed by Duryodhana, with hearts filled with great anxiety, all repaired to Drona's son. Lamenting the loss of Drona, and deprived of energy in consequence of their cheerlessness, they sat around the son of Sharadvata's daughter, afflicted with grief. Comforted for a little while by considerations founded upon the scriptures, when night came, those rulers of Earth proceeded to their respective tents. Those lords of Earth, however, O thou of Kuru's race, could feel no happiness in their abodes. Thinking of that immense slaughter, they could not also sleep. The Suta's son (Karna), and king Suyodhana and Duhshasana and Shakuni, in special, could not compose themselves to sleep. Those four passed that night together in Duryodhana's tent, reflecting upon the woes they had inflicted upon the high-souled Pandavas. Formerly they had brought Draupadi, plunged into woe on account of the match at dice, into the assembly. Recollecting it they experienced great regret, their hearts being filled with anxiety. Thinking of those sufferings inflicted (upon the Pandavas) in consequence of the gambling match they passed that night in sorrow, O king, as if it were really a hundred years. Then when morning came, observing the dictates of the ordinance, all of them duly went through the customary rites. Having gone through these customary rites, and comforted to some extent, O Bharata, they ordered their troops to be arrayed, and then came out for battle, having made Karna their generalissimo by tying the auspicious thread round his wrists, and having caused many foremost of brahmanas, by presents of vessels of curds, clarified butter, akshatas, coins of gold, kine, jewels and gems, and costly robes, to pray for their victory, and having caused heralds and musicians, and panegyrists to adore them with hymns about victory. The Pandavas also, O king, having gone through their morning rites, issued from their camp, resolved on battle. Then commenced a fierce battle, making the hair to stand on end, between the Kurus and the Pandavas, each desirous of vanquishing the other. During the commandership of Karna, the battle that took place between the Kuru and the Pandava troops was exceedingly fierce and lasted for two days. Then Vrisha (Karna) having made an immense slaughter of his enemies in battle, was at last slain in the sight of the Dhartarashtras, by Arjuna. Then Sanjaya, repairing to Hastinapura told Dhritarashtra all that had happened at Kurujangala."
Janamejaya said, "Having heard of the fall of Bhishma and that other mighty car-warrior, Drona, the old king Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika had been afflicted with great grief. How, O foremost of brahmanas, could he, plunged into grief, support his life having heard of the death of Karna, that well-wisher of Duryodhana? How indeed, could that descendant of Kuru support his life when he, upon whom that monarch had rested the hope of his sons' victory, had fallen? When the king did not lay down his life even after hearing of Karna's death, I think that it is very difficult for men to yield up life even under circumstances of great grief! O brahmana, when the king did not yield up his life after hearing of the fall of the venerable son of Shantanu, of Bahlika and Drona and Somadatta and Bhurishrava, as also other friends and his sons and grandsons, I think, O regenerate one, that the act of yielding up one's life is exceedingly difficult! Tell me all these in detail and as they actually happened! I am not satiated with hearing the high achievements of my ancestors!"

 

 

Book 8
Chapter 2

 

 

 

 1 [s]
      hate dro
e mahevāse tava putrā mahārathā
      babhūvur āśvasta mukhā vi
aṇṇā gatacetasa
  2 avā
mukhā śastrabhta sarva eva viśā pate
      aprek
amāā śokārtā nābhyabhāan parasparam
  3 tān d
ṛṣṭvā vyathitākārān sainyāni tava bhārata
      ūrdhvam evābhyavek
anta dukhatrastāny anekaśa
  4 śastrā
y eā ca rājendra śoitāktāny aśeata
      prābhraśyanta karāgrebhyo d
ṛṣṭvā droa nipātitam
  5 tāni baddhāny ani
ṣṭāni lambamānāni bhārata
      ad
śyanta mahārāja nakatrāi yathā divi
  6 tathārta
stimita dṛṣṭvā gatasattvam iva sthitam
      sva
bala tan mahārāja rājā duryodhano 'bravīt
  7 bhavatā
bāhuvīrya hi samāśritya mayā yudhi
      pā
ṇḍaveyā samāhūtā yuddha ceda pravartitam
  8 tad ida
nihate droe viaṇṇam iva lakyate
      yudhyamānāś ca samare yodhā vadhyanti sarvata

  9 jayo vāpi vadho vāpi yudhyamānasya sa
yuge
      bhavet kim atra citra
vai yudhyadhva sarvato mukhā
  10 paśyadhva
ca mahātmāna kara vaikartana yudhi
     pracaranta
mahevāsa divyair astrair mahābalam
 11 yasya vai yudhi sa
trāsāt kuntīputro dhanajaya
     nivartate sadāmar
āt sihāt kudramgo yathā
 12 yena nāgāyuta prā
o bhīmaseno mahābala
     mānu
eaiva yuddhena tām avasthā praveśita
 13 yena divyāstravic chūro māyāvī sa gha
otkaca
     amoghayā ra
e śaktyā nihato bhairava nadan
 14 tasya du
pāra vīryasya satyasadhasya dhīmata
     bāhvor dravi
am akayyam adya drakyatha sayuge
 15 dro
aputrasya vikrānta rādheyasyaiva cobhayo
     pā
ṇḍupāñcāla sainyeu drakyathāpi mahātmano
 16 sarva eva bhavantaś ca śūrā
prājñā kulodgatā
     śīlavanta
ktāstrāś ca drakyathādya parasparam
 17 evam ukte mahārāja kar
o vaikartano npa
     si
hanāda vinadyoccai prāyudhyata mahābala
 18 sa s
ñjayānā sarveā pāñcālānā ca paśyatām
     kekayānā
videhānām akarot kadana mahat
 19 tasye
u dhārā śataśa prādurāsañ śarāsanāt
     agre pu
khe ca sasaktā yathā bhramarapaktaya
 20 sa pī
ayitvā pāñcālān pāṇḍavāś ca tarasvina
     hatvā sahasraśo yodhān arjunena nipātita

2
Vaishampayana said, "Upon the fall of Karna, O monarch, the son of Gavalgana, with a cheerless heart, set out that night for Nagapura, on steeds that rivalled the wind in speed. Arrived at Hastinapura, with a heart filled with deep anxiety, he proceeded to Dhritarashtra's abode which no longer teemed with kinsmen and friends. Beholding the king deprived of all energy by grief, joining his hands he worshipped, with a bend of his head, the monarch's feet. Having duly worshipped king Dhritarashtra, he uttered an exclamation of woe and then began, 'I am Sanjaya, O lord of Earth! Art thou not happy? I hope thou art not stupefied, having through thy own faults fallen into such distress? Counsels for thy good had been uttered by Vidura and Ganga's son and Keshava. I hope thou feelest no pain now, remembering thy rejection of those counsels? Counsels for thy good had also been uttered in the assembly by Rama and Narada and Kanwa and others. I hope thou feelest no pain now, remembering their rejection by thee? I hope thou feelest no pain, remembering the slaughter in battle, by the foe, of Bhishma and Drona and others, those friends that were ever engaged in thy good?' Unto the Suta's son who with joined hands was telling him so, the monarch afflicted with grief and drawing a long and hot breath, said these words.
"Dhritarashtra said, 'Hearing, O Sanjaya, of the fall of the heroic son of Ganga, that warrior of all celestial weapons, as also of the fall of that foremost of all bowmen, Drona, my heart feeleth great pain! That hero endued with great energy and born of the Vasus themselves, who slew every day 10,000 car-warriors clad in mail, that high-souled one unto whom Bhrigu's son had given the highest weapons, that warrior who in his childhood had been trained in the science of the bow by Rama, alas, even he hath been slain by Yajnasena's son Shikhandi protected by the Pandavas! At this my heart is greatly pained! That hero through whose grace those mighty car-warriors, the royal sons of Kunti, as also many other lords of Earth, have become maharathas, alas, hearing of the slaughter of that great bowman of sure aim, Drona, by Dhrishtadyumna, my heart is exceedingly pained! Those two had not in the world a person equal to them in (knowledge and use of) the four kinds of weapons! Alas, hearing of the slaughter of these two, Bhishma and Drona, in battle my heart is exceedingly pained! That warrior who had not in the three worlds a person equal to him in knowledge of weapons, alas, hearing of the slaughter of that hero, Drona, what did the people of my side do? After the high-souled son of Pandu, Dhananjaya, exerting himself with prowess, had despatched unto Yama's abode the strong force of the samsaptakas, after the Narayana weapon of the intelligent son of Drona had been baffled, and after the (Kaurava) divisions had begun to fly away, what, indeed, did the people of my side do? I think that, after Drona's death my troops, flying away and sinking in an ocean of grief, resembled shipwrecked mariners struggling on the bosom of the vast deep. What also, O Sanjaya, became the colour of the faces of Duryodhana, and Karna, and Kritavarma the chief of the Bhojas and Shalya, the ruler of the Madras, and of my remaining sons, and of the others, when the Kuru divisions fled away from the field? Tell me all this as it truly happened in battle, O son of Gavalgana, and describe to me the prowess put forth by the Pandavas and the warriors of my side!"
"Sanjaya said, 'O sire, hearing all that has happened unto the Kauravas through thy fault, thou shouldst not feel any anguish! He that is wise never feeleth any pain at what Destiny bringeth! And since Destiny is unconquerable, human purposes may or may not become attainable. Hence, he that is wise never feeleth pain on the acquisition or the reverse of the objects cherished by him.
"Dhritarashtra said, 'I do not feel great pain, O Sanjaya! I regard all this to be the result of Destiny! Tell me all that thou wishest!'"

 

 

 

Book 8
Chapter 3



1 [vai]
      etac chrutvā mahārāja dhtarāṣṭro 'mbikā suta
      śokasyāntam apaśyan vai hata matvā suyodhanam
      vihvala patito bhūmau naṣṭacetā iva dvipa
  2 tasmin nipatite bhūmau vihvale rājasattame
      ārtanādo mahān āsīt strīā bharatasattama
  3 sa śabda pthivī sarvā pūrayām āsa sarvaśa
      śokārave mahāghore nimagnā bharata striya
  4 rājāna ca samāsādya gāndhārī bharatarabha
      nisajñā patitā bhūmau sarvāy antapurāi ca
  5 tatas tā sajayo rājan samāśvāsayad āturā
      muhyamānā subahuśo muñcantyo vāri netrajam
  6 samāśvastā striyas tās tu vepamānā muhur muhu
      kadalya iva vātena dhūyamānā samantata
  7 rājāna viduraś cāpi prajñā cakuam īśvaram
      āśvāsayām āsa tadā siñcas toyena kauravam
  8 sa labdhvā śanakai sajñā tāś ca dṛṣṭvā striyo npa
      unmatta iva rājā sa sthitas tūṣṇī viśā pate
  9 tato dhyātvā cira kāla niśvasaś ca puna puna
      svān putrān garhayām āsa bahu mene ca pāṇḍavān
  10 garhayitvātmano buddhi śakune saubalasya ca
     dhyātvā ca sucira kāla vepamāno muhur muhu
 11 sastabhya ca mano bhūyo rājā dhairyasamanvita
     punar gāvalgai sūta paryapcchata sajayam
 12 yat tvayā kathita vākya śruta sajaya tan mayā
     kac cid duryodhana sūta na gato vai yamakayam
     brūhi sajaya tattvena punar uktā kathām imām
 13 evam ukto 'bravīt sūto rājāna janamejaya
     hato vaikartano rājan saha putrair mahārathai
     bhrātbhiś ca mahevāsai sūtaputrais tanutyajai
 14 duśāsanaś ca nihataṇḍavena yaśasvinā
     pīta ca rudhira kopād bhīmasenena sayuge


3
"Sanjaya said, 'Upon the fall of the great bowman Drona, thy sons, those mighty car-warriors, became pale and deprived of their senses. Armed with weapons, all of them, O monarch, hung down their heads. Afflicted with grief and without looking at one another, they stood perfectly silent. Beholding them with such afflicted countenances, thy troops, O Bharata, themselves perturbed by grief, vacantly gazed upwards. Seeing Drona slain in battle, the weapons of many of them, O king, dyed with blood, dropped from their hands. Innumerable weapons, again, O Bharata, still retained in the grasp of the soldiers, seemed in their pendent attitude, to resemble falling meteors in the sky. Then king Duryodhana, O monarch, beholding that army of thine thus standing as if paralysed and lifeless, said, "Relying upon the might of your army I have summoned the Pandavas to battle and caused this passage-at-arms to commence! Upon the fall of Drona, however, the prospect seems to be cheerless. Warriors engaged in battle all die in battle. Engaged in battle, a warrior may have either victory or death. What can be strange then in this (viz., the death of Drona)? Fight ye with faces turned towards every direction. Behold now the high-souled Karna, the son of Vikartana, that great bowman of mighty strength, careering in battle, using his celestial weapons! Through fear of that warrior in battle, that coward, viz., Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, always turns back like a small deer at the sight of a lion! It is he who, by the ordinary methods of human battle, brought the mighty Bhimasena endued with the strength of 10,000 elephants to that plight! It is he who, uttering a loud roar, slew with his invincible dart the brave Ghatotkaca of a 1,000 illusions and well-acquainted with celestial weapons! Behold today the inexhaustible might of arms of that intelligent warrior of sure aim and invincible energy! Let the sons of Pandu behold today the prowess of both Ashvatthama and Karna resembling that of Vishnu and Vasava! All of you are singly able to slay the sons of Pandu with their troops in battle! How much more then are you capable, when united together, of that feat! Endued with great energy and accomplished in weapons, you will today behold one another engaged in the achievement of mighty tasks!'"
"Sanjaya continued, 'Having said these words, O sinless one, thy son Duryodhana, with his brothers, made Karna the generalissimo (of the Kuru army). Obtaining the command, the mighty car-warrior Karna, so fierce in battle, uttered loud roars and fought with the foe. He caused, O sire, a great carnage among the Srinjayas, the Pancalas, the Kekayas, and the Videhas. From his bow issued innumerable lines of arrows, one close behind the wings of another, like flights of bees. Having afflicted the Pancalas and the Pandavas endued with great activity, and slain thousands of warriors, he was at last slain by Arjuna!"







Book 8
Chapter 4






 1 [vai]
      etac chrutvā mahārāja dhtarāṣṭro 'mbikā suta
      abravīt sajaya sūta śokavyākula cetana
  2 dupraītena me tāta manasābhiplutātmana
      hata vaikartana śrutvā śoko marmāi kntati
  3 ktāstra paramā śalye dukhapāra titīrava
      kurūā sñjayānā ca ke nu jīvanti ke m
  4 [s]
      hata śātanavo rājan durādhara pratāpavān
      hatvā pāṇḍava yodhānām arbuda daśabhir dinai
  5 tato droo mahevāsa pāñcālānā rathavrajān
      nihatya yudhi durdhara paścād rukmaratho hata
  6 hataśiṣṭasya bhīmea droena ca mahātmanā
      ardha nihatya sainyasya karo vaikartano hata
  7 viviśatir mahārāja rājaputro mahābala
      ānartayodhāñ śataśo nihatya nihato rae
  8 atha putro vikaras te katravratam anusmaran
      kīavāhāyudha śūra sthito 'bhimukhata parān
  9 ghorarūpān parikleśān duryodhanaktān bahūn
      pratijñā smaratā caiva bhīmasenena pātita
  10 vindānuvindāv āvantyau rājaputrau mahābalau
     ktvā na sukara karma gatau vaivasvatakayam
 11 sindhurāṣṭramukhānīha daśa rāṣṭi yasya vai
     vaśe tiṣṭhanti vīrasya ya sthitas tava śāsane
 12 akauhiīr daśaikā ca nirjitya niśitai śarai
     arjunena hato rājan mahāvīryo jayadratha
 13 tathā duryodhana sutas tarasvī yuddhadurmada
     vartamāna pitu śāstre saubhadrea nipātita
 14 tathā dauśāsanir vīro bāhuśālī raotkaa
     draupadeyena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 15 kirātānām adhipati sāgarānūpavāsinām
     devarājasya dharmātmā priyo bahumata sakhā
 16 bhagadatto mahīpāla katradharmarata sadā
     dhanajayena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 17 tathā kaurava dāyāda saumadattir mahāyaśā
     hato bhūriśravā rājañ śūra sātyakinā yudhi
 18 śrutāyur api cāmbaṣṭha katriyāā dhanurdhara
     carann abhītavat sakhye nihata savyasācinā
 19 tava putra sadā sakhye ktāstro yuddhadurmada
     duśāsano mahārāja bhīmasenena pātita
 20 yasya rājan gajānīka bahusāhasram adbhutam
     sudakia sa sagrāme nihata savyasācinā
 21 kosalānām adhipatir hatvā bahuśatān parān
     saubhadrea hi vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 22 bahuśo yodhayitvā ca bhīmasena mahāratha
     citrasenas tava suto bhīmasenena pātita
 23 madrarājātmaja śūra pareā bhayavardhana
     asi carma dhara śrīmān saubhadrea nipātita
 24 sama karasya samare ya sa karasya paśyata
     vṛṣaseno mahātejā śīghrāstra ktaniścaya
 25 abhimanyor vadha smtvā pratijñām api cātmana
     dhanajayena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 26 nityaprasaktavairo yaṇḍavai pthivīpati
     viśrāvya vaira pārthena śrutāyu sa nipātita
 27 śalya putras tu vikrānta sahadevena māria
     hato rukmaratho rājan bhrātā mātulajo yudhi
 28 rājā bhagīratho vddho bhat katraś ca kekaya
     parākramantau vikrāntau nihatau vīryavattarau
 29 bhagadattasuto rājan ktaprajño mahābala
     śyenavac caratā sakhye nakulena nipātita
 30 pitāmahas tava tathā bāhlika saha bāhlikai
     bhīmasenena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 31 jayatsenas tathā rājañ jārāsadhir mahābala
     māgadho nihata sakhye saubhadrea mahātmanā
 32 putras te durmukho rājan dusahaś ca mahāratha
     gadayā bhīmasenena nihatau śūramāninau
 33 durmarao durviaho durjayaś ca mahāratha
     ktvā na sukara karma gatā vaivasvatakayam
 34 sacivo vṛṣavarmā te sūta paramavīryavān
     bhīmasenena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 35 nāgāyuta balo rājā nāgāyuta balo mahān
     sagaaṇḍuputrea nihata savyasācinā
 36 vasātayo mahārāja dvisāhasrā prahāria
     śūrasenāś ca vikrāntā sarve yudhi nipātitā
 37 abhīāhā kavacina praharanto mahotkaā
     śibayaś ca rathodārā kaliga sahitā hatā
 38 gokule nityasavddhā yuddhe paramakovidā
     śreayo bahusāhasrā saśaptaka gaāś ca ye
     te sarve pārtham āsādya gatā vaivasvatakayam
 39 syālau tava mahārāja rājānau vṛṣakācalau
     tvadarthe saparākrāntau nihatau savyasācinā
 40 ugrakarmā mahevāso nāmata karmatas tathā
     śālvarājo mahārāja bhīmasenena pātita
 41 oghavāś ca mahārāja bhanta sahito rae
     parākramantau mitrārthe gatau vaivasvatakayam
 42 tathaiva rathinā śreṣṭha kemadhūrtir viśā pate
     nihato gadayā rājan bhīmasenena sayuge
 43 tathā rājā mahevāso jalasadho mahābala
     sumahat kadana kttvā hata sātyakinā rae
 44 alāyudho rākasendra kharabandhura yānaga
     ghaotkacena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 45 rādheyā sūtaputrāś ca bhrātaraś ca mahārathā
     kekayā sarvaśaś cāpi nihatā savyasācinā
 46 mālavā madrakāś caiva draviāś cogravikramā
     yaudheyāś ca lalitthāś ca kudrakāś cāpy uśīnarā
 47 māvellakās tuṇḍikerā sāvitrī putra kāñcalāh
     prācyodīcyā pratīcyāś ca dākiātyāś ca māria
 48 pattīnā nihatā saghā hayānām ayutāni ca
     rathavrajāś ca nihatā hatāś ca varavāraā
 49 sa dhvajā sāyudhā śūrā sa varmāmbara bhūaā
     kālena mahatā yattā kule ye ca vivardhitā
 50 te hatā samare rājan pārthenākliṣṭa karmaā
     anye tathāmita balā parasparavadhaiia
 51 ete cānye ca bahavo rājāna sagaā rae
     hatā sahasraśo rājan yan mā tva paripcchasi
     evam ea kayo vtta karārjuna samāgame
 52 mahendrea yathā vtro yathā rāmea rāvaa
     yathā kṛṣṇena nihato muro raanipātita
     kārtavīryaś ca rāmea bhārgavea hato yathā
 53 sa jñātibāndhava śūra samare yuddhadurmada
     rae ktvā mahāyuddha ghora trailokyaviśrutam
 54 tathārjunena nihato dvairathe yuddhadurmada
     sāmātyabāndhavo rājan kara praharatā vara
 55 jayāśā dhārtarāṣṭā vairasya ca mukha yata
     tīra tat pāṇḍavai rājan yat purā nāvabudhyase
 56 ucyamāno mahārāja bandhubhir hitakākibhi
     tad ida samanuprāpta vyasana tvā mahātyayam
 57 putrāā rājyakāmānā tvayā rājan hitaiiā
     ahitānīva cīrāni teā te phalam āgatam
 58 [dh]
     ākhyātā māmakās tāta nihatā yudhi pāṇḍavai
     nihatān pāṇḍaveyānā māmakair brūhi sajaya
 59 [s]
     kuntayo yudhi vikrāntā mahāsattvā mahābalā
     sānubandhā sahāmātyā bhīmea yudhi pātitā
 60 sama kirīinā sakhye vīryea ca balena ca
     satyajit satyasadhena droena nihato rae
 61 tathā virāadrupadau vddhau saha sutau npau
     parākramantau mitrārthe droena nihatau rae
 62 yo bāla eva samare samita savyasācinā
     keśavena ca durdharo baladevena cābhibhū
 63 sa ea kadana ktvā mahad raaviśārada
     parivārya mahāmātrai abhi paramakai rathai
     aśaknuvadbhir bībhatsum abhimanyur nipātita
 64 ta kta viratha vīra katradharme vyavasthitam
     dauśāsanir mahārāja saubhadra hatavān rae
 65 bhantas tu mahevāsa ktāstro yuddhadurmada
     duśāsanena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 66 maimān daṇḍadhāraś ca rājānau yuddhadurmadau
     parākramantau mitrārthe droena vinipātitau
 67 aśumān bhojarājas tu saha sainyo mahāratha
     bhāradvājena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 68 citrāyudhaś citrayodhī ktvā tau kadana mahat
     citramārgea vikramya karena nihatau yudhi
 69 vkodara samo yuddhe dṛḍha kekayajo yudhi
     kekayenaiva vikramya bhrātrā bhrātā nipātita
 70 janamejayo gadāyudhī pārvatīya pratāpavān
     durmukhena mahārāja tava putrea pātita
 71 rocamānau naravyāghrau rocamānau grahāv iva
     droena yugapad rājan diva sapreitau śarai
 72 npāś ca pratiyudhyanta parākrāntā viśā pate
     ktvā na sukara karma gatā vaivasvatakayam
 73 purujit kuntibhojaś ca mātula savyasācina
     sagrāmanirjitāl lokān gamito droa sāyakai
 74 abhibhū kāśirājaś ca kāśikair bahubhir vta
     vasu dānasya putrea nyāsito deham āhave
 75 amitaujā yudhāmanyur uttamaujāś ca vīryavān
     nihatya śataśa śūrān parair vinihatau rae
 76 katradharmā ca pāñcālya katravarmā ca māria
     droena paramevāsau gamitau yamasādanam
 77 śikhaṇḍitanayo yuddhe katradevo yudhā pati
     lakmaena hato rājas tava pautrea bhārata
 78 sucitraś citradharmā ca pitā putrau mahārathau
     pracarantau mahāvīryau droena nihatau rae
 79 vārdhakemir mahārāja ktvā kadanam āhave
     bāhlikena mahārāja kauravea nipātita
 80 dhṛṣṭaketur mahārāja cedīnā pravaro ratha
     ktvā na sukara karma gato vaivasvatakayam
 81 tathā satyadhtis tāta ktvā kadanam āhave
     pāṇḍavārthe parākrānto gamito yamasādanam
 82 putras tu śiśupālasya suketu pthivīpate
     nihatya śātravān sakhye droena nihato yudhi
 83 tathā satyadhtir vīro madirāśvaś ca vīryavān
     sūryadattaś ca vikrānto nihato droa sāyakai
 84 śreimāś ca mahārāja yudhyamāna parākramī
     ktvā na sukara karma gato vaivasvatakayam
 85 tathaiva yudhi vikrānto māgadha paravīrahā
     bhīmea nihato rājanyudhyamāna parākramī
 86 vasu dānaś ca kadana kurvāo 'tīva sayuge
     bhāradvājena vikramya gamito yamasādanam
 87 ete cānye ca bahavaṇḍavānā mahārathā
     hatā droena vikramya yan mā tva paripcchasi
 88 [dh]
     hatapravīre sainye 'smin māmake vadatā vara
     ahatāñ śasa me sūta ye 'tra jīvanti ke cana
 89 eteu nihatev adya ye tvayā parikīrtitā
     ahatān manyase yās tva te 'pi svargajito matā
 90 [s]
     yasmin mahāstrāi samarpitāni; citrāi śubhrāi caturvidhāni
     divyāni rājan nihitāni caiva; droena vīra dvijasattamena
 91 mahāratha ktimān kiprahasto; dṛḍhāyudho dṛḍhamuṣṭir dṛḍheu
     sa vīryavān droaputras tarasvī; vyavasthito yoddhukāmas tvadarthe
 92 ānartavāsī hdikātmajo 'sau; mahāratha sātvatānā variṣṭha
     svaya bhoja ktavarmā ktāstro; vyavasthito yoddhukāmas tvadarthe
 93 śāradvato gautamaś cāpi rājan; mahābalo bahu citrāstra yodhī
     dhanuś citra sumahad bhārasāha; vyavasthito yotsyamāna praghya
 94 ārtāyani samare duprakampya; senāgraī prathamas tāvakānām
     svasreyās tān pāṇḍaveyān visjya; satyā vāca cikīrus tarasvī
 95 tejovadha sūtaputrasya sakhye; pratiśrutvājāta śatro purastāt
     durādhara śakrasamānavīrya; śalya sthito yuddu kāmas tvadarthe
 96 ājāneyai saindhavai pārvatīyair; nadīja kāmbojavanāyu bāhlikai
     gāndhārarāja svabalena yukto; vyavasthito yoddhukāmas tvadarthe
 97 tathā sutas te jvalanārkavara; ratha samāsthāya kurupravīra
     vyavasthita kuru mitro narendra; vyabhre sūryo bhrājamāno yathā vai
 98 duryodhano nāgakulasya madhye; mahāvīrya saha sainyapravīrai
     rathena jāmbūnadabhūaena; vyavasthita samare yoddhukāma
 99 sa rājamadhye puruapravīro; rarāja jāmbūnadacitravarmā
     padmaprabho vahnir ivālpadhūmo; meghāntare sūrya iva prakāśa
 100 tathā sueo 'py asi carma pāis; tavātmaja satyasenaś ca vīra
    vyavasthitau citrasenena sārdha; hṛṣṭātmānau samare yoddhukāmau
101 hrīniedhā bharatā rājaputrāś; citrāyudha śrutakarmā jayaś ca
    śalaś ca satyavrataduśalau ca; vyavasthitā balino yoddhukāmā
102 kaitavyānām adhipa śūramānī; rae rae śatruhā rājaputra
    patrī hayī nāgarathaprayāyī; vyavasthito yoddhukāmas tvadarthe
103 vīra śrutāyuś ca śrutāyudhaś ca; citrāgadaś citravarmā sa vīra
    vyavasthitā ye tu sainye narāgryā; prahārio mānina satyasadhā
104 karātmaja satyaseno mahātmā; vyavasthita samare yoddhukāma
    athāparau karasutau varārhau; vyavasthitau laghuhastau narendra
    bala mahad durbhidam alpadhairyai; samāśritau yotsyamānau tvadarthe
105 etaiś ca mukhyair aparaiś ca rājan; yodhapravīrair amitaprabhāvai
    vyavasthito nāgakulasya madhye; yathā mahendra kururājo jayāya
106 [dh]
    ākhyātā jīvamānā ye parebhyo 'nye yathātatham
    itīdam abhigacchāmi vyaktam arthābhipattita
107 [vai]
    eva bruvann eva tadā dhtarāṣṭro 'bmikā suta
    hatapravīra vidhvasta ki cic chea svaka balam
    śrutvā vyāmoham agamac chokavyākulitendriya
108 muhyamāno 'bravīc cāpi muhūrta tiṣṭha sajaya
    vyākula me manas tāta śrutvā sumahad apriyam
    naṣṭacittas tata so 'tha babhūva jagatīpati



4
Vaishampayana said, "Hearing this intelligence, O monarch, Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika, feeling the acme of grief, regarded Suyodhana to be already dead. Exceedingly agitated, the king fell down on the Earth like an elephant deprived of its senses. When that foremost of the monarchs, greatly agitated, fell down on the Earth, loud wails were uttered, O best of the Bharatas, by the ladies (of the royal household). That noise was so loud that it seemed to fill the entire Earth. Immersed in a deep ocean of woe, the Bharata ladies, with hearts exceedingly agitated and scorched by grief, wept aloud. Approaching the king, Gandhari, O bull of Bharata's race, and the other ladies of the household, all fell down on the earth, deprived of their senses. Then Sanjaya, O king, began to comfort those ladies stricken with grief, bathed in tears, and reft of consciousness. Comforted (by Sanjaya), those ladies began to tremble repeatedly like a plantain grove shaken by the wind. Vidura also, sprinkling that descendant of Kuru with water, began to comfort the puissant monarch who had knowledge only for his eye. Slowly restored to consciousness, and understanding that the ladies of the household were there, the king, O monarch, remained perfectly silent for some time like one reft of reason. Having reflected then for some time, and repeatedly drawn long breaths, the king censured his own sons and applauded the Pandavas. Censuring also his own intelligence and that of Shakuni the son of Subala, the king, having reflected for a long time, began to tremble repeatedly. Controlling his mind once more, the king, with sufficient fortitude, questioned his charioteer Sanjaya the son of Gavalgana.
"Dhritarashtra said, 'I have heard, O Sanjaya, all that thou hast said. Hath my son Duryodhana, O Suta, who is ever desirous of victory, already gone to Yama's abode, despairing of success? Tell me truly, O Sanjaya, all this even if thou wilt have to repeat it!'"
Vaishampayana continued, "Thus addressed by the king, O Janamejaya, the Suta said unto him, 'The mighty car-warrior Vaikartana, O monarch, hath been slain with his sons and brothers, and other Suta warriors, all of whom were mighty bowmen ready to lay down their lives in battle! Duhshasana also hath been slain by the renowned son of Pandu. Indeed, his blood also hath been, from wrath, drunk by Bhimasena in battle!'"




Book 8
Chapter 5





1 [j]
      śrutvā kara hata yuddhe putrāś caivāpalāyina
      narendra ki cid āśvasto dvijaśreṣṭha kim abravīt
  2 prāptavān parama dukha putravyasanaja mahat
      tasmin yad uktavān kāle tan mamācakva pcchata
  3 [vai]
      śrutvā karasya nidhanam aśraddheyam ivādbhutam
      bhūtasamohana bhīma mero paryasana yathā
  4 cittamoham ivāyukta bhārgavasya mahāmate
      parājayam ivendrasya dviadbhyo bhīmakarmaa
  5 diva prapatana bhānor urvyām iva mahādyute
      saśoaam ivācintya samudrasyākayāmbhasa
  6 mahī viyad dig īśānā sarvanāśam ivādbhutam
      karmaor iva vaiphalyam ubhayo puyapāpayo
  7 sacintya nipua buddhyā dhtarāṣṭro janeśvara
      nedam astīti sacintya karasya nidhana prati
  8 prāinām etad ātmatvāt syād apīti vināśanam
      śokāgninā dahyamāno dhamyamāna ivāśaya
  9 vidhvastātmā śvasan dīno hāhety uktvā sudukhita
      vilalāpa mahārāja dhtarāṣṭro 'mbikā suta
  10 [dh]
     sajayādhiratho vīra sihadviradavikrama
     vṛṣam apratimaskandho vṛṣabhāka gatisvana
 11 vṛṣabho vṛṣabhasyeva yo yuddhe na nivartate
     śatror api mahendrasya vajrasahanano yuvā
 12 yasya jyātalaśabdena śaravṛṣṭiravea ca
     rathāśvanaramātagā nāvatiṣṭhanti sayuge
 13 yam āśritya mahābāhu dviat saghaghnam acyutam
     duryodhano 'karod vairaṇḍuputrair mahābalai
 14 sa katha rathinā śreṣṭha kara pārthena sayuge
     nihata puruavyāghra prasahyāsahya vikrama
 15 yo nāmanyata vai nityam acyuta na dhanajayam
     na vṛṣṇīn api tān anyān svabāhubalam āśrita
 16 śārgagāṇḍīvadhanvānau sahitāv aparājitau
     aha divyād rathād eka pātayiyāmi sayuge
 17 iti ya satata mandam avocal lobhamohitam
     duryodhanam apādīna rājyakāmukam ātulam
 18 yaś cājaiīd atibalān amitrān api durjayān
     gāndhārān madrakān matsyās trigartās tagaāñ śakān
 19 pāñcālāś ca videhāś ca kuindān kāśikosalān
     suhyān aś ca puṇḍś ca niādān vaga kīcakān
 20 vatsān kalis taralān aśmakān ṛṣikās tathā
     yo jitvā samare vīraś cakre balibhta purā
 21 uccaiśravā varo 'śvānā rājñā vaiśravao vara
     varo mahendro devānā kara praharatā vara
 22 ya labdhvā māgadho rājā sāntvamānārtha gauravai
     arautsīt pārthiva katram te kaurava yādavān
 23 ta śrutvā nihata kara dvairathe savyasācinā
     śokārave nimagno 'ham aplava sāgare yathā
 24 īdśair yady aha dukhair na vinaśyāmi sajaya
     vajrād dṛḍhatara manye hdaya mama durbhidam
 25 jñātisabandhimitrāām ima śrutvā parājayam
     ko mad anya pumāl loke na jahyāt sūta jīvitam
 26 viam agni prapāta vā parvatāgrād aha vṛṇe
     na hi śakyāmi dukhāni sohu kaṣṭāni sajaya
 27 [s]
     śriyā kulena yaśasā tapasā ca śrutena ca
     tvām adya santo manyante yayātim iva nāhuam
 28 śrute maharipratima ktaktyo 'si pārthiva
     paryavasthāpayātmāna mā viāde mana kthā
 29 [dh]
     daivam eva para manye dhik pauruam anarthakam
     yatra rāma pratīkāśa karo 'hanyata sayuge
 30 hatvā yudhiṣṭhirānīka pāñcālānā rathavrajān
     pratāpya śaravarea diśa sarvā mahāratha
 31 mohayitvā rae pārthān vajrahasta ivāsurān
     sa katha nihata śete vātaruga iva druma
 32 śokasyānta na paśyāmi samudrasyeva viplukā
     cintā me vardhate tīvrā mumūrā cāpi jāyate
 33 karasya nidhana śrutvā vijaya phalgunasya ca
     aśraddheyam aha manye vadha karasya sajaya
 34 vajrasāra maya nūna hdaya sudṛḍha mama
     yac chrutvā puruavyāghra hata kara na dīryate
 35 āyur nūna sudīrgha me vihita daivatai purā
     yatra kara hata śrutvā jīvāmīha sudukhita
 36 dhig jīvitam ida me 'dya suhd dhīnasya sajaya
     adya cāha daśām etā gata sajaya garhitām
     kpaa vartayiyāmi śocya sarvasya mandadhī
 37 aham eva purā bhūtvā sarvalokasya satkta
     paribhūta katha sūta puna śakyāmi jīvitum
     dukhāt sudukha vyasana prāptavān asmi sajaya
 38 tasmād bhīma vadhe caiva droasya ca mahātmana
     nātra śea prapaśyāmi sūtaputre hate yudhi
 39 sa hi pāra mahān āsīt putrāā mama sajaya
     yuddhe vinihata śūro visjan sāyakān bahūn
 40 ko hi me jīvitenārthas tam te puruarabham
     rathād atiratho nūnam apatat sāyakārdita
 41 parvatasyeva śikhara vajrapāta vidāritam
     śayīta pthivī nūna śobhayan rudhirokita
     mātaga iva mattena mātagena nipātita
 42 yad bala dhārtarāṣṭāṇḍavānā yato bhayam
     so 'rjunena hata kara pratimāna dhanumatām
 43 sa hi vīro mahevāsa putrāām abhayakara
     śete vinihato vīra śakreeva yathābala
 44 pagor ivādhva gamana daridrasyeva kāmitam
     duryodhanasya cākūta tṛṣitasyeva piplukā
 45 anyathā cintita kāryam anyathā tat tu jāyate
     aho nu balavad daiva kālaś ca duratikrama
 46 palāyamāna kpaa dīnātmā dīnapaurua
     kac cin na nihata sūtaputro duśāsano mama
 47 kac cin na nīcācarita ktavās tāta sayuge
     kac cin na nihata śūro yathā na katriyā hatā
 48 yudhiṣṭhirasya vacana mā yuddham iti sarvadā
     duryodhano nābhyaghān mūha pathyam ivauadham
 49 śaratalpe śayānena bhīmea sumahātmanā
     pānīya yācita pārtha so 'vidhyan medinī talam
 50 jalasya dhārā vihitā dṛṣṭvā tāṇḍavena ha
     abravīt sa mahābāhus tāta saśāmya pāṇḍavai
 51 praśamād dhi bhavec chāntir madanta yuddham astu ca
     bhrātbhāvena pthivī bhukva pāṇḍusutai saha
 52 akurvan vacana tasya nūna śocati me suta
     tad ida samanuprāpta vacana dīrghadarśina
 53 aha tu nihatāmātyo hataputraś ca sajaya
     dyūtata kcchram āpanno lūnapaka iva dvija
 54 yathā hi śakuni ghya chitvā pakau ca sajaya
     visarjayanti sahṛṣṭā krīamānā kumārakā
 55 chinnapakatayā tasya gamana nopapadyate
     tathāham api saprāpto lūnapaka iva dvija
 56 kīa sarvārthahīnaś ca nirbandhur jñātivarjita
     kā diśa pratipatsyāmi dīna śatruvaśa gata
 57 duryodhanasya vddhyartha pthivī yo 'jayat prabhu
     sa jitaṇḍavai śūrai samarthair vīryaśālibhi
 58 tasmin hate mahevāse kare yudhi kirīinā
     ke vīrā paryavartanta tan mamācakva sajaya
 59 kac cin naika parityaktaṇḍavair nihato rae
     ukta tvayā purā vīra yathā vīrā nipātitā
 60 bhīmam apratiyudhyanta śikhaṇḍī sāyakottamai
     pātayām āsa samare sarvaśastrabh varam
 61 tathā draupadinā droo nyastasarvāyudho yudhi
     yuktayogo mahevāsa śarair bahubhir ācita
     nihata khagam udyamya dhṛṣṭadyumnena sajaya
 62 antarea hatāv etau chalena ca viśeata
     aśrauam aham etad vai bhīmadroau nipātitau
 63 bhīmadroau hi samare na hanyād vajrabht svayam
     nyāyena yudhyamānau hi tad vai satya bravīmi te
 64 kara tv asyantam astrāi divyāni ca bahūni ca
     katham indropama vīra mtyur yuddhe samaspśat
 65 yasya vidyutprabhā śakti divyā kanakabhūaām
     prāyacchad dviatā hantrī kuṇḍalābhyā puradara
 66 yasya sarpamukho divya śara kanakabhūaa
     aśeta nihata patrī candanev arisūdana
 67 bhīmadroamukhān vīrān yo 'vamanya mahārathān
     jāmadagnyān mahāghora brāhmam astram aśikata
 68 yaś ca droa mukhān dṛṣṭvā vimukhān arditāñ śarai
     saubhadrasya mahābāhur vyadhamat kārmuka śarai
 69 yaś ca nāgāyuta prāa vātarahasam acyutam
     viratha bhrātara ktvā bhīmasenam upāhasat
 70 sahadeva ca nirjitya śarai sanataparvabhi
     kpayā viratha ktvā nāhanad dharmavittayā
 71 yaś ca māyā sahasrāi dhvasayitvā raotkaam
     ghaotkaca rākasendra śakra śaktyābhijaghnivān
 72 etāni divasāny asya yuddhe bhīto dhanajaya
     nāgamad dvairatha vīra sa katha nihato rae
 73 rathasago na cet tasya dhanur vā na vyaśīryata
     na ced astrāi nireśu sa katha nihata parai
 74 ko hi śakto rae kara vidhunvāna mahad dhanu
     vimuñcanta śarān ghorān divyāny astrāi cāhave
     jetu puruaśārdūla śārdūlam iva vegitam
 75 dhruva tasya dhanuś chinna ratho vāpi gato mahīm
     astrāi vā pranaṣṭāni yathā śasasi me hatam
     na hy anyad anupaśyāmi kāraa tasya nāśane
 76 na hanyām arjuna yāvat tāvat pādau na dhāvaye
     iti yasya mahāghora vratam āsīn mahātmana
 77 yasya bhīto vane nitya dharmarājo yudhiṣṭhira
     trayodaśa samā nidrā na lebhe puruarabha
 78 yasya vīryavato vīrya samāśritya mahātmana
     mama putra sabhā bhāryāṇḍūnā nītavān balāt
 79 tatra cāpi sabhāmadhye pāṇḍavānā ca paśyatām
     dāsabhāryeti pāñcālīm abravīt kurusasadi
 80 yaś ca gāṇḍīvamuktānā sparśam ugram acintayan
     apatir hy asi kṛṣṇeti bruvan pārthān avaikata
 81 yasya nāsīd bhaya pārthai saputrai sajanārdanai
     svabāhubalam āśritya muhūrtam api sajaya
 82 tasya nāha vadha manye devair api sa vāsavai
     pratīpam upadhāvadbhi ki punas tāta pāṇḍavai
 83 na hi jyā spśamānasya talatre cāpi ghata
     pumān ādhirathe kaś cit pramukhe sthātum arhati
 84 api syān medinī hīnā somasūryaprabhāśubhi
     na vadha puruendrasya samarev apalāyina
 85 yadi manda sahāyena bhrātrā duśāsanena ca
     vāsudevasya durbuddhi pratyākhyānam arocayat
 86 sa nūnam ṛṣabhaskandha dṛṣṭvā kara nipātitam
     duśāsana ca nihata manye śocati putraka
 87 hata vaikartana śrutvā dvairathe savyasācinā
     jayataṇḍavān dṛṣṭvā kisvid duryodhano 'bravīt
 88 durmaraa hata śrutvā vṛṣasena ca sayuge
     prabhagna ca bala dṛṣṭvā vadhyamāna mahārathai
 89 parāmukhās tathā rājña palāyanaparāyaān
     vidrutān rathino dṛṣṭvā manye śocati putraka
 90 aneyaś cābhimānena bāla buddhir amaraa
     hatotsāha bala dṛṣṭvā kisvid duryodhano 'bravīt
 91 bhrātara nihata dṛṣṭvā bhīmasenena sayuge
     rudhira pīyamānena kisvid duryodhano 'bravīt
 92 saha gāndhārarājena sabhāyā yad abhāata
     karo 'rjuna rae hantā hate tasmin kim abravīt
 93 dyūta ktvā purā hṛṣṭo vañcayitvā ca pāṇḍavān
     śakuni saubalas tāta hate kare kim abravīt
 94 ktavarmā mahevāsa sātvatānā mahāratha
     kara vinihata dṛṣṭvā hārdikya kim abhāata
 95 brāhmaā katriyā vaiśyā yasya śikām upāsate
     dhanurveda cikīranto droaputrasya dhīmata
 96 yuvā rūpea sapanno darśanīyo mahāyaśā
     aśvatthāmā hate kare kim abhāata sajaya
 97 ācāryatva dhanurvede gata paramatattvavit
     kpa śāradvatas tāta hate kare kim abravīt
 98 madrarājo mahevāsa śalya samitiśobhana
     diṣṭa tena hi tat sarva yathā karo nipātita
 99 ye ca ke cana rājāna pthivyā yoddhum āgatā
     vaikartana hata dṛṣṭvā kim abhāanta sajaya
 100 kare tu nihate vīre rathavyāghre nararabhe
    ki vo mukham anīkānām āsīt sajaya bhāgaśa
101 madrarāja katha śalyo niyukto rathinā vara
    vaikartanasya sārathye tan mamācakva sajaya
102 ke 'rakan dakia cakra sūtaputrasya sayuge
    vāma cakra rarakur vā ke vā vīrasya pṛṣṭhata
103 ke kara vājahu śūrā ke kudrā prādravan bhayāt
    katha ca va sametānā hata karo mahāratha
104ṇḍavāś ca katha śūrā pratyudīyur mahāratham
    sjanta śaravarāi vāridhārā ivāmbudam
105 sa ca sarpamukho divyo maheu pravaras tadā
    vyartha katha samabhavat tan mamācakva sajaya
106 māmakasyāsya sainyasya htotsedhasya sajaya
    avaśea na paśyāmi kakude mdite sati
107 tau hi vīrau mahevāsau madarthe kurusattamau
    bhīmadroau hatau śrutvā ko nv artho jīvitena me
108 na mṛṣyāmi ca rādheya hatam āhavaśobhinam
    yasya bāhvor bala tulya kuñjarāā śata śatam
109 droe hate ca yadvtta kauravāā parai saha
    sagrāme naravīrāā tan mamācakva sajaya
110 yathā ca kara kaunteyai saha yuddham ayojayat
    yathā ca dviatā hantā rae śāntas tad ucyatām


5
Vaishampayana said, "Hearing these words, O monarch, Ambika's son Dhritarashtra, with heart agitated by grief, addressed his driver Sanjaya, saying, 'Though the evil policy, O sire, of my son of little foresight, Vikartana's son hath been slain! This intelligence is cutting the very core of my heart! I am desirous of crossing this sea of grief! Remove my doubts, therefore, by telling me who are still alive and who are dead amongst the Kurus and the Pandavas!'
"Sanjaya said, 'Endued with great prowess and invincible in battle, Bhishma the son of Shantanu, O king, having slain large numbers of Srinjayas and Pancalas, hath been slain after ten days. The mighty and invincible bowman Drona of the golden car, having slaughtered the Pancala divisions in battle, hath been slain. Having slaughtered the half of what remained after the carnage by Bhishma and the illustrious Drona, Vikartana's son Karna hath been slain. Endued with great strength, O monarch, prince Vivingsati, having slain hundreds of Anarta warriors in battle, hath been slain. Thy heroic son Vikarna, deprived of steeds and weapons, stood, facing the foe, remembering the duties of Kshatriyas. Remembering the many foul wrongs inflicted upon him by Duryodhana, and bearing in mind his own vow, Bhimasena hath slain him. Possessed of great might, Vinda and Anuvinda, the two princes of Avanti, after achieving the most difficult feats, have gone to Yama's abode. That hero who had under his sway ten kingdoms, having Sindhu for their chief, him who was ever obedient to thee, Jayadratha of mighty energy, O king, Arjuna hath slain after vanquishing eleven akshauhinis of troops with his keen arrows. Endued with great activity and incapable of being easily defeated in battle, the son of Duryodhana, ever obedient to his sire's commands, hath been slain by the son of Subhadra. The brave son of Duhshasana, possessed of mighty arms and fierce in battle, hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Draupadi's son exerting himself with great prowess! The ruler of the Kiratas and other dwellers of the lowlands on the seacoast, the much respected and dear friend of the chief of the celestials himself, the virtuous king Bhagadatta, who was ever devoted to Kshatriya duties, hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Dhananjaya exerting himself great with prowess. The kinsman of the Kauravas, the son of Somadatta, the brave and celebrated Bhurishrava, O king, hath been slain by Satyaki in battle. The Amvashtha king Srutayus, that foremost of Kshatriyas, who used to career in battle most fearlessly, hath been slain by Arjuna. Thy son Duhshasana, accomplished in arms and invincible in battle, and who was always wrathful, hath, O monarch, been slain by Bhimasena. Sudakshina, O king, who had many thousands of wonderful elephants, hath been slain in battle by Arjuna. The ruler of the Kosolas, having slain many hundreds of foes, hath himself been despatched to Yama's abode by Subhadra's son exerting himself with prowess. Having fought with many thousands of foes and with the mighty car-warrior Bhimasena himself, thy son Citrasena hath been slain by Bhimasena. The brave younger brother of the ruler of the Madras, that enhancer of the fears of foes, that handsome warrior armed with sword and shield, hath been slain by Subhadra's son. He who was equal to Karna himself in battle, Karna's son Vrishasena, accomplished in arms, of mighty energy and steady prowess, hath, in the very sight of Karna, been despatched to Yama's abode by Dhananjaya who put forth his prowess remembering the slaughter of his own son Abhimanyu and bearing in mind the vow he had made. That lord of Earth, Srutayus, who always displayed a deep-rooted antipathy towards the Pandavas, hath been slain by Partha who reminded him of that antipathy before taking his life. Shalya's son of great prowess, O sire, Rukmaratha, hath, O king, been slain in battle by Sahadeva although the former happened to be the latter's brother, having been the son of the latter's maternal uncle. The old king Bhagiratha, and Vrihatkshatra the ruler of the Kaikeyas both endued with great prowess and might and energy, have been slain. Bhagadatta's son, O king who was possessed of great wisdom and great strength, hath been slain by Nakula who always careers in battle with the activity of the hawk. Thy grandsire Bahlika, possessed of great might and prowess, hath, with all his followers, been slain by Bhimasena. The mighty Jayatsena the son of Jarasandha, the prince of the Magadhas, O king, hath been slain in battle by the high-souled son of Subhadra. Thy son Durmukha, O king, as also thy other son Dussaha, that mighty car-warrior, both of whom were regarded as heroes, have been slain by Bhimasena with his mace. Durmarshana and Durvisaha and the mighty car-warrior Durjaya, having achieved the most difficult feats, have gone to Yama's abode. The two brothers Kalinga and Vrishaka, who were invincible in battle, having achieved very difficult feats have gone to Yama's abode. Thy counsellor Vrishavarman of the Suta caste, endued with great energy, hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Bhimasena exerting himself with prowess. So also king Paurava who was endued with the might of 10,000 elephants, hath, with all his followers, been slain by Pandu's son Arjuna. The Vasatis, O king, numbering 2,000, effectual smiters of all, as also the Surasenas endued with prowess, have all been slain in battle. The Abhishahas, clad in mail, capable of smiting effectually, and fierce in battle, also the Sivis, those foremost of car-warriors, with the Kalingas, have all been slain. Those other heroes also, (the Narayana Gopas) who live and grew in Gokula, who were exceedingly wrathful in battle, and who never retreated from the field have been slain by Savyasaci. Many thousands of Srenis, as also the samsaptakas, approaching Arjuna, have all repaired to the abode of Yama. Thy two brothers-in-law, viz., the princes Vrishaka and Achala, who were endued with great prowess, have for thy sake been slain by Savyasaci. King Shalva of mighty arms and fierce deeds, who was a great bowman both in name and feats, hath been slain by Bhimasena. Oghavat, O king, and Vrishanta, fighting together in battle and exerting themselves with great vigour for the sake of their ally, have both repaired to Yama's abode. So also that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Kshemadhurti, O monarch, hath been slain in battle by Bhimasena with his mace. So also that great bowman, viz., the mighty king Jalasandha, after causing an immense carnage, hath been slain by Satyaki in battle. That prince of Rakshasas, viz., Alayudha, unto whose vehicle were yoked asses (of monstrous shape) hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Ghatotkaca exerting himself with great prowess. Radha's son of the Suta caste, and those mighty car-warriors who were his brothers, and the Kaikeyas, the Malavas, the Madrakas the Dravidas of fierce prowess, the Yaudheyas, the Lalittyas, the Kshudrakas, the Usinaras, the Tundikeras, the Savitriputras, the Easterners, the Northerners, the Westerners, and the Southerners, O sire, have all been slain by Savyasaci. Large bands of foot-soldiers, myriads upon myriads of steeds, large number of car-warriors, and many huge elephants, have been slain. Many heroes also, with standards and weapons, and with armour and attire and ornaments, and endued with perseverance and possessed of high birth and good conduct, have been slain in battle by Partha who is never fatigued with exertion. Others, endued with immeasurable might, and desirous of slaying their foes, (have met with a similar fate). These and many other kings, numbering thousands, with their followers, have, O monarch, been slain in battle. That which thou askest me I am answering now. Even thus did the destruction take place when Arjuna and Karna fought. Even as Mahendra slew Vritra, and Rama slew Ravana; even as Krishna slew Naraka or Mura in battle; even as the mighty Rama of Bhrigu's race slew the heroic Kartavirya, invincible in battle, with all his kinsmen and friends, after fighting a terrible battle celebrated through the three worlds; even as Skanda slew (the Asura) Mahisha, and Rudra slew (the Asura) Andhaka, even so hath Arjuna, O king, in single combat, slain, with all his kinsmen, that foremost of smiters, viz., Karna, who was invincible in battle and upon whom the Dhartarashtras had placed their hopes of victory, and who was the great cause of the hostility with the Pandavas! Pandu's son hath now accomplished that which at one time thou couldst not believe him capable of accomplishing, although, O monarch, well-meaning friends failed not to apprise thee of it. That calamity, fraught with great destruction, hath now come! Thou, O king wishing them well, hast heaped those evils on the heads of thy covetous sons! The fruit of those evils is now manifesting itself!'"




Book 8
Chapter 6



 1 [s]
      hate droe mahevāse tasminn ahani bhārata
      kte ca moghasakalpe droaputre mahārathe
  2 dravamāe mahārāja kauravāā bale tathā
      vyūhya pārtha svaka sainyam atiṣṭhad bhrātbhi saha
  3 tam avasthitam ājñāya putras te bharatarabha
      dravac ca svabala dṛṣṭvā pauruea nyavārayat
  4 svam anīkam avasthāpya bāhuvīrye vyavasthita
      yuddhvā ca sucira kālaṇḍavai saha bhārata
  5 labdhalakai parair hṛṣṭair vyāyacchadbhiś cira tadā
      sadhyākāla samāsādya pratyāhāram akārayat
  6 ktvāvahāra sainyānā praviśya śibira svakam
      kuravo ''tmahita mantra mantrayā cakrire tadā
  7 paryakeu parārdhyeu spardhyāstaraavatsu ca
      varāsaneūpaviṣṭā sukhaśayyāsv ivāmarā
  8 tato duryodhano rājā sāmnā paramavalgunā
      tān ābhāya mahevāsān prāptakālam abhāata
  9 mati matimatā śreṣṭ sarve prabrūta māciram
      evagate tu yat kārya bhavet kāryakara n
  10 evam ukte narendrea narasihā yuyutsava
     cakrur nānāvidhāś ceṣṭā sihāsanagatās tadā
 11 teā niśamyegitāni yuddhe prāāñ juhūatām
     samudvīkya mukha rājño bālārkasamavarcasa
     ācārya putro medhāvī vākyajño vākyam ādade
 12 rāgo yogas tathā dākya nayaś cety arthasādhakā
     upāyā paṇḍitai proktā sarve daivasamāśritā
 13 lokapravīrā ye 'smāka devakalpā mahārathā
     nītimantas tathāyuktā dakā raktāś ca te hatā
 14 na tv eva kārya nairāśyam asmābhir vijaya prati
     sunītair iha sarvārthair daivam apy anulomyate
 15 te vaya pravara nṝṇā sarvair guaguair yutam
     kara senāpati ktvā pramathiyāmahe ripūn
 16 tato duryodhana prīta priya śrutvā vacas tadā
     prītisaskāra sayukta tathyam ātmahita śubham
 17 sva mana samavasthāpya bāhuvīryam upāśrita
     duryodhano mahārāja rādheyam idam abbravīt
 18 kara jānāmi te vīrya sauhda ca para mayi
     tathāpi tvā mahābāho pravakyāmi hita vaca
 19 śrutvā yatheṣṭa ca kuruvīra yat tava rocate
     bhavān prājñatamo nitya mama caiva parā gati
 20 bhīmadroāv atirathau hatau senāpatī mama
     senāpatir bhavān astu tābhyā draviavattara
 21 veddhau ca tau mahevāsau sāpekau ca dhanajaye
     mānitau ca mayā vīrau rādheya vacanāt tava
 22 pitāmahatva saprekya pāṇḍuputrā mahārae
     rakitās tāta bhīmea divasāni daśaiva ha
 23 nyastaśastre ca bhavati hato bhīma pitāmaha
     śikhaṇḍina purasktya phalgunena mahāhave
 24 hate tasmin mahābhāge śaratalpagate tadā
     tvayokte puruavyāghra droo hy āsīt purasara
 25 tenāpi rakitā pārthā śiyatvād iha sayuge
     sa cāpi nihato vddho dhṛṣṭadyumnena sa tvaram
 26 nihatābhyā pradhānābhyā tābhyām amitavikrama
     tvatsama samare yoddha nānya paśyāmi cintayan
 27 bhavān eva tu na śakto vijayāya na saśaya
     pūrva madhye ca paśccāc ca tavaiva vidita hi tat
 28 sa bhavān dhuryavat sakhye duram udvohum arhasi
     abhiecaya senānye svayam ātmānam ātmanā
 29 devatānā yathā skanda senānī prabhur avyaya
     tathā bhavān imā senā dhārtarāṣṭ bibhartu me
     jahi śatrugaān sarvān mahendra iva dānavān
 30 avasthita rae jñātvā pāṇḍavās tvā mahāratham
     draviyanti sa pāñcālā viṣṇu dṛṣṭveva dānavā
     tasmāt tva puruavyāghra prakarethā mahācamūm
 31 bhavaty avasthite yat te pāṇḍavā gatacetasa
     bhaviyanti sahāmātyā pāñcālai sñjayai saha
 32 yathā hy abhyudita sūrya pratapan svena tejasā
     vyapohati tamas tīvra tathā śatrūn vyapoha na
 33 [kara]
     uktam etan mayā pūrva gāndhare tava sanidhau
     jeyāmi pāṇḍavān rājan saputrān sajanārdanān
 34 senāpatir bhaviyāmi tavāha nātra saśaya
     sthiro bhava mahārāja jitān viddhi ca pāṇḍavān
 35 [s]
     evam ukto mahātejās tato duryodhano npa
     uttasthau rājabhi sārdha devair iva śatakratu
     senāpatyena satkartu kara skandam ivāmarā
 36 tato 'bhiiicus tūra vidhidṛṣṭena karmaā
     duryodhanamukhā rājan rājāno vijayaiia
     śātakaumbha mayai kumbhair māheyaiś cābhimantritai
 37 toyapūrair viāaiś ca dvīpikhagamaharabhai
     maimuktā mayaiś cānyai puyagandhais tathauadhai
 38 audumbare samāsīnam āsane kaumasavtam
     śāstradṛṣṭena vidhinā sabhāraiś ca susabhtai
 39 jaya pārthān sa govindān sānugās tva mahāhave
     iti ta bandina prāhur dvijāś ca bharatarabha
 40 jahi pārthān sapāñcālān rādheya vijayāya na
     udyann iva sadā bhānus tamāsy ugrair gabhastibhi
 41 na hy ala tvad visṛṣṭānā śarāā te sa keśavā
     ktaghnā sūryaraśmīnā jvalatām iva darśane
 42 na hi pārthā sapāñcālā sthātu śaktās tavāgrata
     āttaśastrasya samare mahendrasyeva dānavā
 43 abhiiktas tu rādheya prabhayā so 'mitaprabha
     vyatyaricyata rūpea divākara ivāpara
 44 senāpatyena rādheyam abhiicya sutas tava
     amanyata tadātmāna ktārtha kālacodita
 45 karo 'pi rājan saprāpya senāpatyam aridama
     yogam ājñāpayām āsa sūryasyodayana prati
 46 tava putrair vta kara śuśubhe tatra bhārata
     devair iva yathā skanda sagrāme tārakā maye



6
"Dhritarashtra said, 'Thou hast, O son, mentioned the names of those of my side that have been slain in battle by the Pandavas. Tell me now, O Sanjaya, the names of those amongst the Pandavas that have been slain by the people of my side!'
"Sanjaya said, 'The Kuntis possessed of great prowess in battle, endued with great energy and great might, have been slain in fight by Bhishma, with all their kinsmen and advisers. The Narayanas, the Valabhadras, and hundreds of other heroes, all devoted (to the Pandavas) have been slain in battle by the heroic Bhishma. Satyajit, who was equal to the diadem-decked Arjuna himself in battle as regards energy and might, hath been slain in battle by Drona of sure aim. Many mighty bowmen among the Pancalas, all of whom were skilled in battle, encountering Drona, have repaired to Yama's abode. So the two kings Virata and Drupada, both venerable in years, who exerted themselves with great prowess for their ally, have, with their sons, been slain in battle by Drona. That invincible hero, viz., Abhimanyu, who, though a child in years, was still equal in battle to Arjuna or Keshava or Baladeva, O lord, that, warrior who was highly accomplished in battle, after making an immense slaughter of the foe, was at last encompassed by six foremost of car-warriors and slain by them. Unable to resist Arjuna himself, they thus slew Arjuna's son! Deprived of his car, that hero, viz., the son of Subhadra, still stayed in battle, remembering the duties of a Kshatriya. At last, O king, Duhshasana's son slew him on the field. The slayer of the Patachchatras, viz., the handsome son of Amvashtha, surrounded by a large force, had put forth all his prowess for the sake of his allies. Having made a great slaughter among the foe, he was encountered by Duryodhana's son, the brave Lakshmana, in battle and despatched to Yama's abode. The mighty bowman Vrihanta, accomplished in arms and invincible in battle, hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Duhshasana, exerting himself with great prowess. The two kings Manimat and Dandadhara, both of whom were invincible in battle and had put forth their prowess for their allies, have been slain by Drona. Ansumat the ruler of the Bhojas, that mighty car-warrior at the head of his own forces, hath been despatched to Yama's abode by Drona exerting himself with great prowess. Citrasena, the ruler of the sea-coast, with his son, O Bharata, hath been forcibly despatched by Samudrasena to Yama's abode. Another ruler of a maritime country, viz., Nila, and Vyaghradatta of great energy, have both, O king, been despatched to Yama's abode by Ashvatthama. Citrayudha and Citrayodhin, after making a great slaughter, have both been slain in battle by Vikarna exerting himself with great prowess and displaying diverse manoeuvres of his car. The chief of the Kaikeyas, who was equal to Vrikodara himself in battle and surrounded by Kaikeya warriors, has been slain by Kaikeya, the brother by the brother. Janamejaya of the hilly country, endued with great prowess and accomplished in encounters with the mace, hath, O king, been slain by thy son Durmukha. Those two foremost of men, viz., the brothers Rochamana, like two brilliant planets, have together been despatched to heaven by Drona with his shafts. Many other kings, O monarch, endued with great prowess, have fought (for the Pandavas) Having achieved the most difficult feats, all of them have gone to Yama's abode. Purujit and Kuntibhoja, the two maternal uncles of Savyasaci, have been despatched by Drona with shafts to such regions as are attained by death in battle. Abhibhu the Kasis, at the head of many of his followers, hath been obliged by Vasudana's son to lay down his life in battle. Yudhamanyu of immeasurable prowess, and Uttamauja of great energy, after slaying hundreds of heroic warriors, have themselves been slain by our men. The Pancala prince Mitravarman, O Bharata, those two foremost of bowmen, have been despatched to Yama's abode by Drona. Shikhandi's son Kshatradeva, that foremost of warriors, possessed of great bravery, hath, O king, been slain by thy grandson Lakshmana, O sire! The two heroes Sucitra and Citravarman, who were sire and son and endued with great might, and who careered fearlessly in battle, have been slain by Drona. Vardhakshemi, O monarch, who was like the ocean at full tide, having had his weapons exhausted in battle, hath at last obtained undisturbed peace. That foremost of Sutas, viz., Senavindu, having consumed many foes in battle, hath, at last, O king been slain by Bahlika. Dhrishtaketu, O monarch, that foremost of car-warriors among the Cedis, after accomplishing the most difficult feats, hath repaired to the abode of Yama. Similarly, the heroic Satyadhriti, endued with great prowess, having made a great slaughter in battle for the sake of the Pandavas, has been despatched to Yama's abode. That lord of Earth, viz., Suketu, the son of Shishupala, having slain many foes, hath at last been slain by Drona in battle. Virata's son Sankha, as also Uttara of great strength, having accomplished the most difficult feats, have repaired to Yama's abode. Similarly, Satyadhriti of the Matsyas, and Madiraswa of great energy, and Suryadatta possessed of great prowess, have all been slain by Drona with his shafts. Srenimat also, O monarch, having fought with great prowess and accomplished the most difficult feats, hath repaired to Yama's abode. Similarly, the chief of the Magadhas, that slayer of hostile heroes, endued with great energy and acquainted with the highest weapons, sleepeth on the field of battle, slain by Bhishma. Vasudana also, having made an immense carnage in battle, has been despatched to Yama's abode by Bharadwaja's son exerting himself with great prowess. These and many other mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas have been slain by Drona exerting himself with great energy. I have now told them all that thou hadst asked me.'"




Book 8
Chapter 7



 1 [dh]
      senāpatya tu saprāpya karo vaikartanas tadā
      tathoktaś ca svaya rājñā snigdha bhrātsama vaca
  2 yogam ājñāpya senāyā āditye 'bhyudite tadā
      akarot ki mahāprājñas tan mamācakva sajaya
  3 [s]
      karasya matam ājñāya putras te bharatarabha
      yogam ājñāpayām āsa nāndī tūryapurasaram
  4 mahaty apararātre tu tava putrasya māria
      yogo gogeti sahasā prādurāsīn mahāsvana
  5 nāgānā kalpamānānā rathānā ca varūthinām
      sanahyatā padātīnā vājinā ca viśā pate
  6 krośatā cāpi yodhānā tvaritānā parasparam
      babhūva tumula śabdo divaspk sumahās tadā
  7 tata śvetapatākena bālārkākāra vājinā
      hemapṛṣṭhena dhanuā hastikakyea ketunā
  8ena śarapūrena sāgadena varūthinā
      śataghnī kikiī śaktiśūlatomara dhāriā
  9 kārmukeopapannena vimalāditya varcasā
      rathenātipatākena sūtaputro vyadśyata
  10 dhamanta vārija tāta hemajālavibhūitam
     vidhunvāna mahac cāpa kārtasvaravibhūitam
 11 dṛṣṭvā kara mahevāsa rathastha rathinā varam
     bhānumantam ivodyanta tamo ghnanta sahasraśa
 12 na bhīma vyasana ke cin nāpi droasya māria
     nānyeā puruavyāghra menire tatra kauravā
 13 tatas tu tvarayan yodhāñ śakhaśabdena māria
     karo nikāsayām āsa kauravāā varūthinīm
 14 vyūha vyūhya mahevāso mākara śatrutāpana
     pratyudyayau tadā karaṇḍavān vijigīayā
 15 makarasya tu tuṇḍe vai karo rājan vyavasthita
     netrābhyā śakuni śūra ulūkaś ca mahāratha
 16 droaputras tu śirasi grīvāyā sarvasodarā
     madhye duryodhano rājā balena mahatā vta
 17 vāme pāde tu rājendra ktavarmā vyavasthita
     nārāyaa balair yukto gopālair yuddhadurmada
 18 pāde tu dakie rājan gautama satyavikrama
     trigartaiś ca mahevāsair dākiātyaiś ca savta
 19 anupādas tu yo vāmas tatra śalyo vyavasthita
     mahatyā senayā sārdha madradeśasamutthayā
 20 dakie tu mahārāja suea satyasagara
     vto rathasahasraiś ca dantinā ca śatais tathā
 21 pucche āstā mahāvīrau bhrātarau pārthivau tadā
     citrasenaś ca citraś ca mahatyā senayā vtau
 22 tata prayāte rājendra kare naravarottame
     dhanajayam abhiprekya dharmarājo 'bravīd idam
 23 paśya pārtha mahāsenā dhārtarāṣṭrasya sayuge
     karena nirmitā vīra guptā vīrair mahārathai
 24 hatavīratamā hy eā dhārtarāṣṭrī mahācamū
     phalgu śeā mahābāho tṛṇais tulyā matā mama
 25 eko hy atra mahevāsa sūtaputro vyavasthita
     sa devāsuragandharvai sa kinaramahoragai
     carācarais tribhir lokair yo 'jayyo rathinā vara
 26 ta hatvādya mahābāho vijayas tava phalgunā
     uddhtaś ca bhavec chalyo mama dvādaśa vārika
     eva jñātvā mahābāho vyūha vyūha yathecchasi
 27 bhrātus tad vacana śrutvā pāṇḍava śvetavāhana
     ardhacandrea vyūhena pratyavyūhata tā camūm
 28 vāmapārśve 'bhavad rājan bhīmaseno vyavasthita
     dakie ca mahevāso dhṛṣṭadyumno mahābala
 29 madhye vyūhasya sākāt tu pāṇḍava kṛṣṇasārathi
     nakula sahadevaś ca dharmarājaś ca pṛṣṭhata
 30 cakrarakau tu pāñcālyau yudhāmanyūttamaujasau
     nārjuna jahatur yuddhe pālyamānau kirīinā
 31 śeā npatayo vīrā sthitā vyūhasya daśitā
     yathā bhāva yathotsāha yathā sattva ca bhārata
 32 evam etan mahāvyūha vyūhya bhārata pāṇḍavā
     tāvakāś ca mahevāsā yuddhāyaiva mano dadhu
 33 dṛṣṭvā vyū tava camū sūtaputrea sayuge
     nihatān pāṇḍavān mene tava putra sahānvaya
 34 tathaiva pāṇḍavī senā vyū dṛṣṭvā yudhiṣṭhira
     dhārtarāṣṭrān hatān mene sa karān vai janādhipa
 35 tata śakhāś ca bheryaś ca paavānakagomukhā
     sahasaivābhyahanyanta sa śabdāś ca samantata
 36 senayor ubhayo rājan prāvādyanta mahāsvanā
     sihanādaś ca sajajñe śūrāā jaya gddhinām
 37 hayaheita śabdāś ca vāraānā ca bṛṃhitam
     rathanemi svanāś cogrā sababhūvur janādhipa
 38 na droa vyasana kaś cij jānīte bharatarabha
     dṛṣṭvā kara mahevāsa mukhe vyūhasya daśitam
 39 ubhe sene mahāsattve prahṛṣṭanarakuñjare
     yoddhukāme sthite rājan hantum anyonyam añjasā
 40 tatra yattau susarabdhau dṛṣṭvānyonya vyavasthitau
     anīkamadhye rājendra rejatu karapāṇḍavau
 41 ntyamāne tu te sene sameyātā parasparam
     tayo pakai prapakaiś ca nirjagmur vai yuyutsava
 42 tata pravavte yuddha naravāraavājinām
     rathinā ca mahārāja anyonya nighnatā dṛḍham


7
"Dhritarashtra said, 'When all the foremost of my warriors, O Sanjaya have perished, I do not think that the remnant of my army will not perish! When those two heroes, those two mighty bowmen, those two foremost of the Kurus, Bhishma and Drona, have been slain, what use can I any longer have with life? I cannot also brook the death of Radha's son, that ornament of battle, the might of whose arms was as great as that of 10,000 elephants! O foremost of speakers, tell me now, O Suta, who are yet alive in my army after the death of all the foremost heroes! Thou hast told me the names of those that have fallen. It seems, however, to me that those who are still alive are almost all dead!'
"Sanjaya said, 'That hero O king, to whom Drona, that foremost of brahmanas, imparted many blazing, celestial, and mighty weapons of the four kinds, that mighty car-warrior, possessed of skill and lightness of hands, that hero of firm grasp, strong weapons, and powerful shafts, that high-souled son of Drona, capable of shooting to a great distance, is still on the field, desirous of battling for thy sake. That dweller of the Anarta country, that son of Hridika, that mighty car-warrior, that foremost one among the Satwatas, that chief of the Bhojas, Kritavarma, accomplished in arms, is on the field, desirous of battle. Artayana's son, dauntless in battle, that first of warriors, that foremost of all yet on thy side, he, that abandoned his own sister's sons, the Pandavas, for making his own words true, that hero endued with great activity who promised in the presence of Yudhishthira that he would in battle depress the proud spirit of Karna, that invincible Shalya, who is equal unto Sakra himself in energy, is still on the field, desirous of battling for thy sake. Accompanied by his own force consisting of Ajaneyas, Saindhavas, mountaineers, dwellers of riparian regions, Kambojas, and Vanayus, the king of the Gandharas stayeth on the field, desirous of battling for thy sake. Sharadvata's son called Gautama, O king, endued with mighty arms and capable of fighting with diverse weapons in diverse beautiful ways, taking up a beautiful and large bow capable of bearing great strain, stayeth on the field, desirous of battle. That mighty car-warrior, the son of the ruler of the Kaikeyas, riding on a goodly car equipped with standard and goodly steeds, stayeth on the field, O chief of Kuru's race, for battling for thy sake. Thy son also, that foremost of heroes in Kuru's race, Purumitra, O king, riding on his car possessed of the effulgence of fire or the Sun, stayeth on the field, like the Sun himself shining brilliantly in the cloudless firmament. Duryodhana also, endued with great energy, in the midst of an elephant force and accompanied by many foremost of combatants, stayeth on his car adorned with gold, desirous of engaging in battle. In the midst of many kings, that foremost of men, possessed of the splendour of a lotus, looked resplendent in his beautiful armour of gold like a fire with little smoke or the Sun emerged from the clouds. So also thy sons Sushena, armed with sword and shield, and the heroic Satyasena, are staying with Citrasena, their hearts full of joy and themselves desirous of battle. Endued with modesty, the Bharata princes Citrayudha, Srutavarman, and Jaya, Dala, and Satyavrata, and Dussala, all of whom are possessed of great might, stay on the field, desirous of battle. The ruler of the Kaitavyas, that prince proud of his courage, and capable of fearlessly careering in battle and slaying his foes, possessing foot-soldiers and cavalry, and elephants and cars, stayeth on the field, desirous of battling for thy sake. The heroic Srutayu and Srutayudha, and Citrangada and Citravarman, those foremost of men, those proud warriors capable of smiting effectually and possessed of sureness of aim, stay on the field, desirous of battle. The high-souled Satyasandha, the son of Karna, stayeth on the field, desirous of battle. Two other sons of Karna, possessing a knowledge of high weapons and endued with great lightness of hands, are both staying, O king, at the head of forces that are large and incapable of being pierced by warriors of little energy, desirous of battling for thy sake. Accompanied by these heroes and by many other foremost of warriors, O king, that are possessed of immeasurable might, the Kuru king (Duryodhana) is staying like a second Indra in the midst of his elephant division in expectation of victory!'
"Dhritarashtra said, 'Thou hast told me duly all that are alive both amongst us and the foe. From this I plainly see on which side the victory will be. Indeed, it may be inferred from the facts.'"
Vaishampayana continued, "While saying this, Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika, having learnt that only a small portion of his army was alive, for all his foremost of warriors had died, felt his heart to be exceedingly agitated by grief. The king swooned away. Partially restored to his senses, he addressed Sanjaya, saying, 'Wait for a moment!' And the king said, 'O son, having heard of this dire calamity, my heart is greatly agitated. My senses are being stupefied, and my limbs are about to be paralysed!' Having said these words, Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika, that lord of earth, lost his senses and fell down on the earth."



Book 8
Chapter 8







 1 [s]
      te sene 'nyonyam āsādya prahṛṣṭāśvanaradvipe
      bhatyau saprajahrāte devāsuracamūpame
  2 tato gajā rathāś cāśvā pattayaś ca mahāhave
      saprahāra para cakrur deva pāpma praāśanam
  3 pūracandrārka padmānā kānti tvi gandhata samai
      uttamāgair nsihānā nsihās tastarur mahīm
  4 ardhacandrais tathā bhallai kuraprair asi paṭṭiśai
      paraśvadhaiś cāpy akntann uttamāgāni yudhyatām
  5 vyāyatāyata bāhūnā vyāyatāyata bāhubhi
      vyāyatā bāhava petuś chinnamuṣṭy āyudhāgadā
  6 tai sphuradbhir mahī bhāti raktāguli talais tadā
      garua prahatair ugrai pañcāsyair iva pannagai
  7 hayasyandana nāgebhya petur vīrā dviad dhatā
      vimānebhyo yathā kīe puye svargasadas tathā
  8 gadābhir anyair gurvībhi parighair musalair api
      pothitā śataśa petur vīrā vīratarai rae
  9 rathā rathair vinihatā mattā mattair dvipair dvipā
      sādina sādibhiś caiva tasmin paramasakule
  10 rathā vararathair nāgair aśvārohāś ca pattibhi
     aśvārohai padātāś ca nihatā yudhi śerate
 11 rathāśvapattayo nāgai rathair nāgāś ca pattaya
     rathapattidvipāś cāśvair nbhiś cāśvarathadvipā
 12 rathāśvebha narāā ca narāśvebha rathai ktam
     pāipādaiś ca śastraiś ca rathaiś ca kadana mahat
 13 tathā tasmin bale śūrair vadhyamāne hate 'pi ca
     asmān abhyāgaman pārthā vkodara purogamā
 14 dhṛṣṭadyumna śikhaṇḍī ca draupadeyā prabhadrakā
     sātyakiś cekitānaś ca draviai sainikai saha
 15 bhtā vittena mahatā pāṇḍyāś cau sa keralā
     vyūhoraskā dīrghabhujā prāśava priyadarśanā
 16 āpīino raktadantā mattamātagavikramā
     nānā virāga vasanā gandhacūrāvacūritā
 17 baddhāsaya pāśahastā vāraaprativāraā
     samānamtyavo rājann anīkasthā parasparam
 18 kalāpinaś cāpahastā dīrghakeśā priyāhavā
     pattaya sātyaker andhrā ghorarūpaparākramā
 19 athāpare puna śūrāś cedipāñcālakekayā
     karūā kosalā kāśyā māgadhāś cāpi dudruvu
 20 teā rathāś ca nāgāś ca pravarāś cāpi pattaya
     nānāvidha ravair hṛṣṭā ntyanti ca hasanti ca
 21 tasya sainyasya mahato mahāmātravarair vta
     madhya vkodaro 'bhyāgāt tvadīya nāgadhūr gata
 22 sa nāgapravaro 'tyugro vidhivat kalpito babhau
     udayādry agryabhavana yathābhyudita bhāskaram
 23 tasyāyasa varma vara vararatnavibhūitam
     tārodbhāsasya nabhasa śāradasya samatviam
 24 sa tomaraprāsakaraś cāru mauli svalakta
     caran madhyadinārkābhas tejasā vyadahad ripūn
 25 ta dṛṣṭvā dvirada dūrāt kemadhūrtir dvipasthita
     āhvayāno 'bhidudrāva pramanā pramanastaram
 26 tayo samabhavad yuddha dvipayor ugrarūpayo
     yadcchayā drumavator mahāparvatayor iva
 27 sasaktanāgau tau vīrau tomarair itaretaram
     balavat sūryaraśmy ābhair bhittvā bhittvā vinedatu
 28 vyapastya tu nāgābhyā maalāni viceratu
     praghya caiva dhanuī jaghnatur vai parasparam
 29 kveitāsphoita ravair bāaśabdaiś ca sarvaśa
     tau janān harayitvā ca sihanādān pracakratu
 30 samudyatakarābhyā tau dvipābhyā ktināv ubhau
     vātoddhūta patākābhyā yuyudhāte mahābalau
 31 tāv anyonyasya dhanuī chittvānyonya vinedatu
     śaktitomara varea prāvṛṇ meghāv ivāmbubhi
 32 kemadhūrtis tadā bhīma tomarea stanāntare
     nirbibheda tu vegena abhiś cāpy aparair nadan
 33 sa bhīmasena śuśubhe tomarair agamāśritai
     krodhadīptavapur meghai sapta saptir ivāśumān
 34 tato bhāskaravarābham añjo gatimaya smayam
     sasarja tomara bhīma pratyamitrāya yatnavān
 35 tata kulūtādhipatiś cāpam āyamya sāyakai
     daśabhis tomara chittvā śaktyā vivyādha pāṇḍavam
 36 atha kārmukam ādāya mahājalada nisvanam
     ripor abhyardayan nāgam unmadaṇḍava śarai
 37 sa śaraughārdito nāgo bhīmasenena sayuge
     nighyamāo nātiṣṭhad vātadhvasta ivāmbuda
 38 tām abhyadhāvad dvirada bhīmasenasya nāgarā
     mahāvāterita megha vātoddhūta ivāmbuda
 39 sanivartyātmano nāga kemadhūrti prayatnata
     vivyādhābhidrutaair bhīmasena sa kuñjaram
 40 tata sādhu visṛṣṭena kurea puruarabha
     chittvā śarāsana śatror nāgam āmitram ārdayat
 41 tata khajā kayā bhīma kemadhūrti parābhinat
     jaghāna cāsya dvirada nārācai sarvamarmasu
 42 purā nāgasya patanād avaplutya sthito mahīm
     bhīmaseno ripor nāga gadayā samapothayat
 43 tasmāt pramathitān nāgāt kemadhūrtim avadrutam
     udyatāsim upāyānta gadayāhan vkodara
 44 sa papāta hata sāsir vyasu svam abhito dvipam
     vajraprarugam acala siho vajrahato yathā
 45 nihata npati dṛṣṭvā kulūtānā yaśaskaram
     prādravad vyathitā senā tvadīyā bharatarabha


8
Janamejaya said, "Having heard of Karna's fall and the slaughter of his sons, what, O foremost of regenerate ones, did the king say, after he had been a little comforted? Indeed, poignant was the grief that he experienced, arising from the calamity that befell his sons! Tell me, I ask thee, all that the king said on that occasion!"
Vaishampayana said, "Hearing of the slaughter of Karna that was incredible and astounding, that was dreadful and capable of paralysing the senses of all creatures, that looked like the downfall of Meru, or a never-to-be-believed clouding of the intellect of the wise Shukra, or the defeat of Indra of terrible feats at the hands of his foes, or the falling down on the Earth of the resplendent Sun from the firmament, or a scarcely-to-be-comprehended drying up of the ocean, that receptacle of inexhaustible waters, or the annihilation, perfectly astounding, of the earth, the firmament, the points of the compass, and the waters, or the fruitlessness of acts both virtuous and sinful, king Dhritarashtra, having earnestly reflected for some time on it, thought that his army had been annihilated. Thinking that other creatures also, as unslayable as Karna, would meet with a similar fate, king Dhritarashtra the son of Ambika, scorched with grief and sighing like a snake, with limbs almost palsied, long breaths, highly cheerless, and filled with melancholy, began to lament, saying, 'Oh!' and 'Alas!' And the king said, 'O Sanjaya, the heroic son of Adhiratha was endued with the prowess of the lion or the elephant! His neck was as thick as that of a bull, and his eyes, gait, and voice were like the bull's! Of limbs as hard as the thunderbolt, that young man, like a bull never flying away from a bull, never desisted from battle even if his foe happened to be the great Indra himself! At the sound of his bow-string and palms and at the whizz of his arrowy showers men and steeds and cars and elephants fled away from battle. Relying upon that mighty-armed one, that slayer of large bands of foes, that warrior of unfading glory, Duryodhana had provoked hostilities with those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Pandu! How then could Karna, that foremost of car-warriors, that tiger among men, that hero of irresistible onset, be forcibly slain by Partha in battle? Relying on the might of his own arms, he always disregarded Keshava of unfading glory, and Dhananjaya, and the Vrishnis, and all other foes! Often did he use to say unto the foolish, avaricious crestfallen, kingdom-coveting, and afflicted Duryodhana even such words as these, "Alone, I shall, in battle, throw down from their foremost of cars, those two invincible warriors united together, the wielder of sarnga and the wielder of gandiva!" He had subjugated many invincible and mighty foes--the Gandharas, the Madrakas, the Matsyas, the Trigartas, the Tanganas, the Khasas, the Pancalas, the Videhas, the Kulindas, the Kasi-kosalas, the Suhmas, the Angas, the Nishadhas, the Pundras, the Kichakas, the Vatsas, the Kalingas, the Taralas, the Asmakas, and the Rishikas. Subjugating all these brave races, by means of his keen and whetted arrows equipped with kanka feathers, that foremost of car-warriors, Radha's son, had caused all of them to pay tribute to us for the aggrandisement of Duryodhana. Alas, how could that warrior acquainted with celestial weapons, that protector of armies, Karna the son of Vikartana, called also Vrisha, of mighty energy, be slain in battle by his foes, the heroic and mighty sons of Pandu? As Indra is the foremost of gods, Karna was the foremost of men. In the three worlds no third person has been heard of by us to be like them. Amongst steeds, Uccaisravas is the foremost; amongst Yakshas, Vaishravana is the foremost; amongst celestials, Indra is the foremost; amongst smiters, Karna was the foremost. Unvanquished by even the most heroic and the mightiest of monarchs, he had, Duryodhana's aggrandisement, subjugated the whole earth. The ruler of Magadha, having by conciliation and honours obtained Karna for a friend, had challenged all the Kshatriyas of the world, except the Kauravas and the Yadavas, to battle. Hearing that Karna hath been slain by Savyasaci in single combat, I am plunged in an ocean of woe like a wrecked vessel in the vast deep! Indeed, hearing that that foremost of men, that best of car-warriors, hath been slain in single combat, I am sinking in an ocean of grief like a person without a raft in the sea! When, O Sanjaya, I do not die of such grief, I think my heart is impenetrable and made of something harder than the thunderbolt. Hearing of the defeat and humiliation of kinsmen and relatives and allies, who else in the world, O Suta, save my wretched self, would not yield up his life? I desire to have poison or fire or a fall from the summit of a mountain, I am unable, O Sanjaya, to bear this heavy load of grief!'"



Book 8
Chapter 9




1 [s]
      tata karo mahevāsaṇḍavānām anīkinīm
      jaghāna samare śūra śarai sanataparvabhi
  2 tathaiva pāṇḍavā rājas tava putrasya vāhinīm
      karasya pramukhe kruddhā vinijaghnur mahārathā
  3 karo rājan mahābāhur nyavadhīt pāṇḍavī camūm
      nārācair arkaraśmy ābhai karmāra parimārjitai
  4 tatra bhārata karena nārācais tāitā gajā
      nedu seduś ca mamluś ca babhramuś ca diśo daśa
  5 vadhyamāne bale tasmin sūtaputrea māria
      nakulo 'bhyadravat tūra sūtaputra mahārae
  6 bhīmasenas tathā draui kurvāa karma dukaram
      vindānuvindau kaikeyau sātyaki samavārayat
  7 śrutakarmāam āyānta citraseno mahīpati
      prativindhya tathā citraś citraketana kārmuka
  8 duryodhanas tu rājāna dharmaputra yudhiṣṭhiram
      saśaptaka gaān kruddho abhyadhāvad dhanajaya
  9 dhṛṣṭadyumna kpa cātha tasmin vīravarakaye
      śikhaṇḍī ktavarmāa samāsādayad acyutam
  10 śrutakīrtis tathā śalya mādrīputra suta tava
     duśāsana mahārāja sahadeva pratāpavān
 11 kekayau sātyaki yuddhe śaravarea bhāsvatā
     sātyaki kekayau caiva chādayām āsa bhārata
 12 tāv ena bhāratau vīra jaghnatur hdaye bhśam
     viāābhyā yathā nāgau pratināga mahāhave
 13 śarasabhinna varmāau tāv ubhau bhrātarau rae
     sātyaki satyakarmāa rājan vivyadhatu śarai
 14 tau sātyakir mahārāja prahasan sarvatodiśam
     chādayañ śaravarea vārayām āsa bhārata
 15 vāryamāo tatas tau tu śaineya śaravṛṣṭibhi
     śaineyasya ratha tūra chādayām āsatu śarai
 16 tayos tu dhanuī citre chittvā śaurir mahāhave
     atha tau sāyakais tīkṣṇaiś chādayām āsa dusahai
 17 athānye dhanuī mṛṣṭe praghya ca mahāśarān
     sātyaki pūrayantau tau ceratur laghu suṣṭhu ca
 18 tābhyā muktā mahābāā kakabarhia vāsasa
     dyotayanto diśa sarvā sapetu svarabhūaā
 19āndha kāram abhavat tayo rājan mahāhave
     anyonyasya dhanuś caiva cicchidus te mahārathā
 20 tata kruddho mahārāja sātvato yuddhadurmada
     dhanur anyat samādāya sa jya ktvā ca sayuge
     kuraprea sutīkṣṇena anuvinda śiro 'harat
 21 tacchiro nyapatad bhūmau kuṇḍalotpīita mahat
     śambarasya śiro yadvan nihatasya mahārae
     śoayan kekayān sarvāñ jagāmāśu vasudharām
 22 ta dṛṣṭvā nihata śūra bhrātā tasya mahāratha
     sa jyam anyad dhanu ktvā śaineya pratyavārayat
 23 sa śaktyā sātyaki viddhvā svarapukhai śilāśitai
     nanāda balavan nāda tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt
 24 sa sātyaki puna kruddha kekayānā mahāratha
     śarair agniśikhākārair bāhvor urasi cārdayat
 25 sa śarai katasarvāga sātvata sattvakovida
     rarāja samare rājan sa patra iva kiśuka
 26 sātyaki samare viddha kekayena mahātmanā
     kekaya pañcaviśatyā vivyādha prahasann iva
 27 śatacandra cite ghya carmaī subhujau tu tau
     vyarocetā mahārage nistriśavaradhāriau
     yathā devāsure yuddhe jambha śakrau mahābalau
 28 maṇḍalāni tatas tau ca vicarantau mahārae
     anyonyam asibhis tūra samājaghnatur āhave
 29 kekayasya tataś carma dvidhā ciccheda sātvata
     sātyakeś ca tathaivāsau carma ciccheda pārthiva
 30 carma chittvā tu kaikeyas tārāgaaśatair vtam
     cacāra maṇḍalāny eva gatapratyāgatāni ca
 31 ta caranta mahārage nistriśavaradhāriam
     apahastena ciccheda śaineyas tvarayānvita
 32 sa varmā kekayo rājan dvidhā chinno mahāhave
     nipapāta mahevāso vajranunna ivācala
 33 ta nihatya rae śūra śaineyo rathasattama
     yudhāmanyo ratha tūram āruroha paratapa
 34 tato 'nya ratham āsthāya vidhivat kalpita puna
     kekayānā mahat sainya vyadhamat sātyaki śarai
 35 sā vadhyamānā samare kekayasya mahācamū
     tam utsjya ratha śatru pradudrāva diśo daśa




9
"Sanjaya said, 'The world regards thee to be equal to Yayati the son of Nahusha, in beauty, birth, fame, asceticism, and learning! Indeed, in learning, thou art, O king, like a great rishi, highly accomplished and crowned with success! Summon thy fortitude! Do not yield to grief!'
"Dhritarashtra said, 'I think destiny is supreme, and exertion fruitless since even Karna, who was like a shala tree, hath been slain in battle! Having slaughtered Yudhishthira's army and the large throngs of the Pancala car-warriors, having scorched all the points of the compass by means of his arrowy showers, having stupefied the Parthas in battle like the wielder of the thunderbolt stupefying the asuras, alas, how could that mighty car-warrior, slain by the foe, fall down on the earth like a large tree uprooted by the tempest? Indeed, I do not behold the end of my sorrows like a drowning man unable to see the end of the ocean. My anxieties are increasing, I do not desire to live, hearing of Karna's death and Phalguni's victory! Indeed O Sanjaya, I regard the slaughter of Karna to be highly incredible. Without doubt, this hard heart of mine is made of the essence of adamant, for it does not burst into a 1,000 fragments upon hearing of the fall of Karna! Without doubt, the gods ordained, before (my birth), a very long life for me, since sore distressed on hearing of the death of Karna, I do not die! Fie, O Sanjaya, on this life of one that is destitute of friends. Brought today, O Sanjaya, to this wretched plight, miserably shall I have to live, of foolish understanding that I am, pitied by all! Having formerly been the honoured of the whole world, how shall I, O Suta, live, overridden by foes? From pain to greater pain and calamity, have I come, O Sanjaya, in consequence of the fall of Bhishma and Drona and the high-souled Karna! I do not see that anyone (of my army) will escape with life when the Suta's son hath been slain in battle! He was the great raft, O Sanjaya, to my sons! That hero, having shot innumerable arrows, hath been slain in battle! What use have I of life, without that bull among men? Without doubt, the son of Adhiratha, afflicted with arrows, fell down from his car, like a mountain-peak riven by the fall of thunder! Without doubt, bathed in blood, he lieth, adorning the Earth, like an elephant slain by an infuriate prince of elephants! He who was the strength of the Dhartarashtras, he who was an object of fear to the sons of Pandu, alas, he viz., Karna, that pride of all bowman, hath been slain by Arjuna! He was a hero, a mighty bowman, the dispeller of the fears of my sons! Alas, that hero, reft of life, lieth (on the earth), like mountain struck down by Indra! The fulfilment of Duryodhana's wishes is even like locomotion to one that is lame, or the gratification of the poor man's desire, or stray drops of water to one that is thirsty! Planned in one way, our schemes end otherwise. Alas, destiny is all powerful, and time incapable of being transgressed! Was my son Duhshasana, O Suta, slain, while flying away from the field, humbled (to the dust), of cheerless soul, and destitute of all manliness? O son, O Sanjaya, I hope he did no dastardly act on that occasion? Did not that hero meet with his death like the other kshatriyas that have fallen? The foolish Duryodhana did not accept Yudhishthira's constant advice, wholesome as medicine, against the propriety of battle. Possessed of great renown, Partha, when begged for drink by Bhishma then lying on his arrowy bed, pierced the surface of the earth! Beholding the jet of water caused by the son of Pandu, the mighty-armed (Bhishma, addressing Duryodhana), said, "O sire, make peace with the Pandavas! Hostilities ceasing, peace will be thine! Let the war between thyself and thy cousins end with me! Enjoy the earth in brotherliness with the sons of Pandu!" Having disregarded those counsels, my child is certainly repenting now. That has now come to pass which Bhishma of great foresight said. As regards myself, O Sanjaya, I am destitute of counsellors and reft of sons! In consequence of gambling, I am fallen into great misery like a bird shorn of its wings! As children engaged in sport, O Sanjaya, having seized a bird and cut off its wings, merrily release it, but the creature cannot achieve locomotion in consequence of its winglessness; even so have I become, like a bird shorn of its wings! Weak, destitute of every resource, without kinsmen and deprived of relatives and friends, cheerless and overpowered by enemies, to which point of the compass shall I go? He who vanquished all the Kambojas and the Amvashthas with the Kaikeyas, that puissant one, who, having for the accomplishment of his purpose vanquished the Gandharas and the Videhas in battle, subjugated the whole Earth for the sake of Duryodhana's aggrandisement, alas, he hath been vanquished by the heroic and strong Pandavas endued with mighty arms! Upon the slaughter, in battle, of that mighty bowman, Karna, by the diadem-decked (Arjuna), tell me, O Sanjaya, who were these heroes that stayed (on the field)! I hope he was not alone and abandoned (by friends) when slain in battle by the Pandavas? Thou hast, O sire, told me, before this, how our brave warriors have fallen. With his powerful shafts Shikhandi felled in battle that foremost of all wielders of weapons, viz., Bhishma, who did nothing to repel the attack. Similarly, Sanjaya, Drupada's son Dhrishtadyumna, uplifting his scimitar, slew the mighty bowman Drona who, already pierced with many arrows, had laid aside his weapons in battle and devoted himself to Yoga. These two were both slain at a disadvantage and especially by deceit. Even this is what I have heard about the slaughter of Bhishma and Drona! Indeed, Bhishma and Drona, while contending in fight, were incapable of being slain in battle by the wielder of the thunderbolt himself by fair means. This that I tell thee is the truth! As regards Karna, how, indeed, could Death touch him, that hero equal unto Indra himself, while he was engaged in shooting his manifold celestial weapons? He unto whom in exchange for his earrings, Purandara had given that foe slaying, gold-decked, and celestial dart of the splendour of lightning,--he who had, lying (within his quiver) amid sandal-dust, that snake-mouthed celestial arrow decked with gold, equipped with goodly wings, and capable of slaying all foes, he who, disregarding those heroic and mighty car-warriors having Bhishma and Drona at their head, had acquired from Jamadagni's son the terrible brahmastra, that mighty-armed one, who, having seen the warriors with Drona at their head afflicted with arrows and turn away from the field, had cut off with his keen shafts the bow of Subhadra's son, he who, having in a trice deprived the invincible Bhimasena endued with the might of 10,000 elephants and the speed of the wind, of his car, had laughed at him,--he who, having vanquished Sahadeva by means of his straight shafts and made him carless, slew him not from compassion and considerations of virtue,--he who, with Shakra's dart, slew that prince of rakshasas, Ghatotkaca, who from desire of victory, had invoked a 1,000 kinds of illusions,--he whose feats in battle, filling Dhananjaya with fear, had made the latter for such a long period avoid a single combat with him,--alas, how could that hero be slain in battle? How could he be slain by foes unless one of these had happened to him viz., the destruction of his car, the snapping of his bow, and the exhaustion of his weapons? Who could vanquish that tiger among men, like a real tiger, endued with great impetuosity, Karna, while shaking his formidable bow and shooting therefrom his terrible shafts and celestial weapons in battle? Surely, his bow broke, or his car sank in the earth, or his weapons became exhausted, since thou tellest me that he is slain! I do not, indeed, see any other cause for (explaining) his slaughter! That high-souled one who had made the terrible vow "I will not wash my feet till I slay Phalguni," that warrior through whose fear that bull among men, king Yudhishthira the just, had not, in the wilderness, for thirteen years continuously, obtained a wink of sleep,--that high-souled hero of great prowess relying upon whose valour my son had forcibly dragged the wife of the Pandavas to the assembly, and there in the midst of that conclave, in the very sight of the Pandavas and in the presence of the Kurus, had addressed the princess of Pancala as the wife of slaves, that hero of the Suta caste, who in the midst of the assembly had addressed Krishna, saying, "All thy husbands, O Krishna, that are even like sesamum seeds without kernel, are no more, therefore, seek some other husband, O thou of the fairest complexion!" and in wrath had caused her to listen to other expressions equally harsh and rude, how was that hero slain by the foe? He who had said unto Duryodhana even these words, viz., "If Bhishma who boasteth of his prowess in battle or Drona who is invincible in fight, doth not, from partiality, slay the sons of Kunti, O Duryodhana, even I will slay them all, let the fever of thy heart be dispelled!" who also said, "What will (Arjuna's) gandiva and the two inexhaustible quivers do to that shaft of mine, smeared with cool sandal-paste, when it will course through the welkin?" alas, how could that warrior possessed of shoulders broad as those of the bull be slain by Arjuna? He who, disregarding the fierce touch of the arrows shot from gandiva had addressed Krishna, saying, "Thou hast no husbands now" and glared at the Pandavas, he who, O Sanjaya, relying on the might of his own arms, had entertained no fear, for even a moment, of the Parthas with their sons and Janardana,--he, I think, could not possibly meet with death at the hands of the very gods with Vasava at their head rushing against him in fury, what then need I say, O sire, of the Pandavas? The person could not be seen competent to stay before the son of Adhiratha, while the latter, putting on his fences, used to touch the bowstring! It was possible for the Earth to be destitute of the splendour of the Sun, of the Moon, or of fire, but the death of that foremost of men, who never retreated from battle, could not be possible. That foolish child of mine, of wicked understanding, who having got Karna, as also his brother Duhshasana, for his ally, had made up his mind for the rejection of Vasudeva's proposals, surely, that wight, beholding the slaughter of the bull-shouldered Karna and of Duhshasana, is now indulging in lamentations! Seeing Vikartana's son slain in single combat by Savyasaci, and the Pandavas crowned with victory, what indeed, did Duryodhana say? Seeing Durmarshana slain in battle and Vrishasena also, and seeing his host break when slaughtered by mighty car-warriors, beholding also the kings (of his army) turn back their faces, intent on flight, and his car-warriors already fled, I think that son of mine is now indulging in lamentations! Beholding his host dispirited, what, indeed, did the ungovernable, proud, and foolish Duryodhana, with passions not under control, say? Having himself provoked such fierce hostility though dissuaded by all his friends what, indeed, did Duryodhana, who has suffered a great loss in battle of friends and followers, say? Beholding his brother slain in battle by Bhimasena, and upon his blood being drunk, what indeed, did Duryodhana say? My son had, with the ruler of the gandharvas, said, "Karna will slay Arjuna in battle!" When he saw that Karna slain, what indeed, did he say? What, O sire, did Shakuni, the son of Subala, who had formerly been filled with joy after going through the match at dice and cheating the son of Pandu, say when he saw Karna slain? What did that mighty car-warrior among the Satwatas, that great bowman, Kritavarma the son of Hridika, say when he saw Vaikartana slain? Endued with youth, possessed of a handsome form, agreeable to the sight, and celebrated throughout the world, what, O Sanjaya, did Ashvatthama, the intelligent son of Drona, upon whom brahmanas and kshatriyas and vaishyas who are desirous of acquiring the science of arms wait, for protections, say when he saw Karna slain? What did Sharadvata's son Kripa, O sire, of Gotama's race, that foremost of car-warriors, that teacher of the science of arms, say when he saw Karna slain? What did the mighty leader of the Madras warriors, that king of the Madras, the great bowman Shalya of the Sauvira clan, that ornament of assemblies, that foremost of car-warriors (temporarily) engaged in driving the car, say when he saw Karna slain? What also did all the other warriors, difficult of defeat in battle, those lords of earth that came to fight, say, O Sanjaya, when they behold Vaikartana slain? After the fall of the heroic Drona, that tiger among car-warriors that bull among men, who, O Sanjaya, became the heads of the several division in their order? Tell me, O Sanjaya, how that foremost of car-warriors, Shalya the ruler of the Madras, became engaged in driving the car of Vaikartana! Who were they that guarded the right wheel of the Suta's son while the latter was engaged in fight, and who were they that guarded his left wheel, and who were they that stood at the rear of that hero? Who were those heroes that did not desert Karna, and who were those mean fellows that ran away? How was the mighty car-warrior Karna slain amidst your united selves? How also did those mighty car-warriors, the brave Pandavas, advance against him shooting showers of shafts like the clouds pouring torrents of rain? Tell me also, O Sanjaya, how that mighty shaft, celestial and foremost of its species, and equipped with a head like that of a serpent became futile! I do not, O Sanjaya, see the possibility of even a small remnant of my cheerless host being saved when its leaders have been crushed! Hearing of the slaughter of those two heroes, those two mighty bowmen, Bhishma and Drona, who were ever ready to lay down their lives for my sake, what use have I of life? Again and again I am unable to endure that Karna, the might of whose arms equalled that of 10,000 elephants, should be slain by the Pandavas! Tell me, O Sanjaya, all that occurred in the battle between the brave warriors of the Kauravas and their foes, after the death of Drona! Tell me also how the sons of Kunti fought the battle with Karna, and how that slayer of foes received his quietus in the fight!'"

Book 8
Chapter 10





 1 [s]
      śrutakarmā mahārāja citrasena mahīpatim
      ājaghne samare kruddha pañcāśadbhi śilīmukhai
  2 abhisāras tu ta rājā navabhir niśitai śarai
      śrutakarmāam āhatya sūta vivyādha pañcabhi
  3 śrutakarmā tata kruddhaś citrasena camūmukhe
      nārācena sutīkṣṇena marma deśe samardayat
  4 etasminn antare caina śrutakīrtir mahāyaśā
      navatyā jagatī pāla chādayām āsa patribhi
  5 pratilabya tata sajñā citraseno mahāratha
      dhanuś ciccheda bhallena ta ca vivyādha saptabhi
  6 so 'nyat kārmukam ādāya vegaghna rukmabhūaam
      citrarūpatara cakre citrasena śarormibhi
  7 sa śaraiś citrito rājaś citramālyadharo yuvā
      yuveva samaśobhat sa goṣṭhīmadhye svalakta
  8 śrutakarmāam atha vai nārācena stanāntare
      bibheda samare kruddhas tiṣṭha tiṣṭheti cābravīt
  9 śrutakarmāpi samare nārācena samardita
      susrāva rudhira bhūri gaurikāmbha ivācala
  10 tata sa rudhirāktāgo rudhirea ktacchavi
     rarāja samare rājan sa pupa iva kiśuka
 11 śrutakarmā tato rājañ śatrūā samabhidruta
     śatrusavaraa ktvā dvidhā ciccheda kārmukam
 12 athaina chinnadhanvāna nārācānā tribhi śatai
     vivyādha bharataśreṣṭha śrutakarmā mahāyaśā
 13 tato 'parea bhallena bhśakena sa tvara
     jahāra sa śiras trāa śiras tasya mahātmana
 14 tacchiro nyapatad bhūmau sumahac citravarmaa
     yadcchayā yathā candraś cyuta svargān mahītale
 15 rājāna nihata dṛṣṭvā abhisāra ca māria
     abhyadravanta vegena citrasenasya sainikā
 16 tata kruddho mahevāsas tat sainya prādravac charai
     antakāle yathā kruddha sarvabhūtāni pretarā
     drāvayann iubhis tūra śrutakarmā vyarocata
 17 prativindhyas tataś citra bhittvā pañcabhir āśugai
     sārathi tribhir ānarcchad dhvajam ekeuā tata
 18 ta citro navabhir bhallair bāhvor urasi cārdayat
     svarapukhai śilā dhautai kakabarhia vājitai
 19 prativindhyo dhanus tasya chittvā bhārata sāyakai
     pañcabhir niśitair bāair athaina saprajaghnivān
 20 tata śakti mahārāja hemadaṇḍā durāsadām
     prāhiot tava putrāya ghorām agniśikhām iva
 21 tām āpatantī sahasā śaktim ulkām ivāmbarāt
     dvidhā ciccheda samare prativindhyo hasann iva
 22 sā papāta tadā chinnā prativindhya śarai śitai
     yugānte sarvabhūtāni trāsayantī yathāśani
 23 śakti prahatā dṛṣṭvā citro ghya mahāgadām
     prativindhyāya cikepa rukmajālavibhūitām
 24 sā jaghāna hayās tasya sārathi ca mahārae
     ratha pramdya vegena dharaīm anvapadyata
 25 etasminn eva kāle tu rathād āplutya bhārata
     śakti cikepa citrāya svaraghaṇṭām alaktām
 26 tām āpatantī jagrāha citro rājan mahāmanā
     tatas tām eva cikepa prativindhyāya bhārata
 27 samāsādya rae śūra prativindhya mahāprabhā
     nirbhidya dakia bāhu nipapāta mahītale
     patitābhāsayac caiva ta deśam aśanir yathā
 28 prativindhyas tato rājas tomara hemabhūitam
     preayām āsa sakruddhaś citrasya vadhakāmyayā
 29 sa tasya devāvaraa bhittvā hdayam eva ca
     jagāma dharaī tūra mahoraga ivāśayam
 30 sa papāta tadā rājas tomarea samāhata
     prasārya vipulau bāhū pīnau parighasanibhau
 31 citrma saprekya nihata tāvakā raaśobhina
     abhyadravanta vegena prativindhya samantata
 32 sjanto vividhān bāāñ śataghnīś ca sa kikiī
     ta ena chādayām āsu sūryam abhragaā iva
 33 tān apāsya mahābāhu śarajālena sayuge
     vyadrāvayat tava camū vajrahasta ivāsurīm
 34 te vadhyamānā samare tāvakāṇḍavair npa
     viprakīryanta sahasā vātanunnā ghanā iva
 35 vipradrute bale tasmin vadhyamāne samantata
     drauir eko 'bhyayāt tūra bhīmasena mahābalam
 36 tata samāgamo ghoro babhūva sahasā tayo
     yathā devāsure yuddhe vtravāsavayor abhūt




10
"Sanjaya said, 'After the fall of the mighty bowman Drona on that day, O Bharata, and after the purpose had been baffled of that mighty car-warriors, viz., the son of Drona, and after the vasty army, O monarch, of the Kauravas had fled away, Partha, having arrayed his own troops, stayed on the field with his brothers. Perceiving him staying on the field, thy son, O bull of Bharata's race, seeing his own army running away, rallied them with great courage. Having caused his divisions to take up their stand, thy son, O Bharata, relying on the might of his arms, fought for a long time with his foes, the Pandavas, who, having gained their end, were filled with joy and had been struggling for hours together. On the approach there of the evening twilight, he caused the troops to be withdrawn. Having caused the withdrawal of their troops, and having entered their own encampment, the Kauravas held with one another a consultation about their own welfare, seated like the celestials on costly couches overlaid with rich coverlets, and on excellent seats and luxurious beds. Then king Duryodhana, addressing those mighty bowmen in agreeable and highly sweet expression, spoke the following words suited to the occasion.
"'Duryodhana said, "Ye foremost of intelligent men, declare all of you, without delay, your opinions! Under these circumstances, ye kings, what is necessary and what is still more necessary?'"
"Sanjaya continued, 'When that prince of men had spoken those words, those lions among men, seated on their thrones, made various gestures expressive of their desire of battle. Observing the indications of those who were all desirous of pouring their lives as libations on the battle-fire, and beholding the monarch's face radiant as morning Sun, the preceptor's son endued with intelligence and accomplished in speech, said these words: "Enthusiasm, opportunity, skill and policy,--these are the means declared by the learned, to be capable of accomplishing all ends. They are, however, dependent on destiny. Those foremost of men we had on our side, equal unto the celestials, mighty car-warriors all, possessed of policy, devoted, accomplished, and loyal, have been slain. For all that we should not despair of victory. If all these means be properly applied, even destiny may be made propitious. All of us, therefore, O Bharata, shall install Karna, that foremost of men, endued besides with every accomplishment, in the command of the army! Making Karna our commander, we shall crush our foes. This Karna is endued with great might; he is a hero, accomplished in weapons, and incapable of defeat in battle. Irresistible as Yama himself, he is quite competent to vanquish our foes in battle!" Hearing these words from the preceptor's son, O king, at that time, built great hopes on Karna. Cherishing the hope in his heart that after the fall of Bhishma and Drona, Karna would vanquish the Pandavas, and comforted (by it), O Bharata, Duryodhana then, filled with joy at having heard those words of Ashvatthama, steadying his mind and relying on the might of his arms, said unto Radha's son, O monarch, these words that were fraught with affection and regard, and that were true, delightful, and beneficial to himself: "O Karna, I know thy prowess, and the great friendship thou bearest to me! For all that, O mighty-armed one, I shall address the certain words that are for my good! Having heard them, O hero, do that which may appear desirable to thee! Thou art endued with great wisdom, and thou art even my supreme refuge! Those two Atirathas that were my Generals, viz., Bhishma and Drona, have been slain. Be thou my General, thou that art mightier than they! Both of those great bowmen were advanced in years. They were, besides, partial to Dhananjaya. Still both those heroes were respected by me, O son of Radha, at thy word! Viewing his relationship of grandsire unto them, the sons of Pandu, O sire, were spared in dreadful battle by Bhishma for ten successive days! Thyself also having laid aside thy weapons, the valiant Bhishma was slain in great battle by Phalguni with Shikhandi before him! After that great bowman had fallen and betaken himself to his bed of arrows, it was at thy word, O tiger among men, that Drona was made our leader! By him also were the sons of Pritha spared, in consequence, as I think, of their relationship unto him of pupils. That old man also has been slain by Dhrishtadyumna more speedily. I do not see, even on reflection, another warrior equal to thee in battle,--thee, that is, whose prowess could not be measured by even those two foremost of warriors that have been slain in the fight! Without doubt, thou alone today art competent to win victory for us! Before, in the middle, and later on, thou hast accordingly acted for our good. Therefore, like a leader, it behoveth thee, in this battle, to bear the burden thyself. Thyself install thy own self in the Generalship. Like the celestial generalissimo, the lord Skanda of unfading prowess, (supporting the celestial army), do thou support this Dhartarashtra host! Like Mahendra slaying the Danavas, destroy thou all the throngs of our foes! Beholding thee staying in battle, the Pandavas, those mighty car-warriors, will, with the Pancalas, fly away from battle, like the Danavas at sight of Vishnu. Do thou, therefore lead this vast force! When thou shalt stand resolved on the field, the Pandavas of wicked hearts, the Pancalas, and the Srinjayas, will all fly away with their friends. As the risen Sun, scorching everything by his energy, destroyeth the thick gloom, even so do thou destroy our foes!'"
"Sanjaya continued, 'Strong became that hope, O king, in the heart of thy son, viz., that where Bhishma and Drona had been slain, Karna would vanquish the Pandavas. Cherishing that hope within his heart, he said unto Karna, "O Suta's son, Partha never wishes to fight, standing before thee!" Karna said, "I have, O son of Gandhari, said before in thy presence, even these words, vanquish all the Pandavas with their sons and Janardana!' I shall become thy General. In this there is no doubt. Tranquilise thyself, O monarch I Consider the Pandavas to be already vanquished!'"
"Sanjaya continued, 'Thus addressed, O monarch, king Duryodhana then stood up with all the monarchs, like He of a hundred sacrifices with the gods, for honouring Karna with the command of the army, like the celestials for honouring Skanda. Then, O monarch, all the kings headed by Duryodhana, desirous of victory, installed Karna in the command, according to the rites enjoined by the ordinance. With golden and earthen jars filled to the brim with water and sanctified with mantras, with tusks of elephants and horns of rhinoceroses and mighty bulls, with other vessels decked with jewels and gems, with also fragrant herbs and plants, and with other articles collected in abundance, Karna, seated at his ease on a seat made of udumvara wood and overlaid with silken cloth, was invested with the command, according to the rites in the scriptures. Brahmanas, kshatriyas, vaishyas, and respectable shudras, praised that high-souled one after he was bathed on that excellent seat. Thus installed in the command, O king, that slayer of foes, the son of Radha, caused, by presents of Niskas and kine and other wealth, many foremost of brahmanas to utter blessings on him. "Vanquish the Parthas with Govinda and all their followers," even these were the words that the eulogists and the brahmanas said (unto him), O bull among men! (And they also said) "Slay the Parthas and the Pancalas, O son of Radha, for our victory, like risen Sun ever destroying Darkness with his fierce rays! The son of Pandu with Keshava are not able to even look at the shafts shot by thee, like owls unable to gaze at the burning rays of the Sun! The Parthas with the Pancalas are incapable of standing before thee armed with weapons, like the danavas before Indra in battle!" Installed in the command, Radha's son of incomparable splendour looked resplendent in beauty and radiance like a second Sun. Having installed the son of Radha (thus) in the command of the army, thy son, urged on by Death, regarded himself as one who had his purpose accomplished. That chastiser of foes, Karna, also, O king, having obtained the command, ordered the troops to be arrayed, at the rise of the Sun. Surrounded by thy sons, O Bharata, Karna looked resplendent like Skanda surrounded by the celestials, in the battle having Saraka for its evil root.'"


Book 8
Chapter 11




1 [s]
      bhīmasena tato drauī rājan vivyādha patriā
      tvarayā parayā yukto darśayann astralāghavam
  2 athaina punar ājaghne navatyā niśitai śarai
      sarvamarmāi saprekya marmajño laghuhastavat
  3 bhīmasena samākīro drauinā niśitai śarai
      rarāja samare rājan raśmivān iva bhāskara
  4 tata śarasahasrea suprayuktena pāṇḍava
      droaputram avacchādya sihanādam amuñcata
  5 śarai śarās tato draui savārya yudhi pāṇḍavam
      lalāe 'bhyahanad rājan nārācena smayann iva
  6 lalāastha tato bāa dhārayām āsa pāṇḍava
      yathā śṛṅga vane dpta khago dhārayate npa
  7 tato draui rae bhīmo yatamāna parākramī
      tribhir vivyādha nārācair lalāe vismayann iva
  8 lalāasthais tato bāair brāhmaa sa vyarocata
      prāvṛṣīva yathā siktas triśṛṅga parvatottama
  9 tata śaraśatair drauir madayām āsa pāṇḍava
      na caina kampayām āsa mātariśveva parvatam
  10 tathaiva pāṇḍava yuddhe draui śaraśatai śitai
     nākampayata sahṛṣṭo vāryogha iva parvatam
 11 tāv anyonya śarair ghoraiś chādayānau mahārathau
     rathacaryā gatau śūrau śuśubhāte raotkaau
 12 ādityāv iva sadīptau lokakayakarāv ubhau
     svaraśmibhir ivānyonya tāpayantau śarottamai
 13 ktapratikte yatna kurvāau ca mahārae
     ktapratikte yatna cakrāte tāv abhītavat
 14 vyāghrāv iva ca sagrāme ceratus tau mahārathau
     śaradaṃṣṭrau durādharau cāpavyāttau bhayānakau
 15 abhūtā tāv adśyau ca śarajālai samantata
     meghajālair iva cchannau gagane candrabhāskarau
 16 prakāśau ca muhūrtena tatraivāstām aridamau
     vimuktau meghajālena śaśisūryau yathā divi
 17 apasavya tataś cakre drauis tatra vkodaram
     kirañ śaraśatair ugrair dhārābhir iva parvatam
 18 na tu tan mamṛṣe bhīma śatror vijayalakaam
     praticakre ca ta rājan pāṇḍavo 'py apasavyata
 19 maṇḍalānā vibhāgeu gatapratyāgateu ca
     babhūva tumula yuddha tayos tatra mahāmdhe
 20 caritvā vividhān mārgān maṇḍala sthānam eva ca
     śarai pūrāyatotsṛṣṭair anyonyam abhijaghnatu
 21 anyonyasya vadhe yatna cakratus tau mahārathau
     īatur viratha caiva kartum anyonyam āhave
 22 tato drauir mahāstrāi prāduścakre mahāratha
     tāny astrair eva samare pratijaghne 'sya pāṇḍava
 23 tato ghora mahārāja astrayuddham avartata
     grahayuddha yathā ghora prajāsaharae abhūt
 24 te bāā samasajjanta kiptās tābhyā tu bhārata
     dyotayanto diśa sarvās tac ca sainya samantata
 25asaghāvta ghoram ākāśa samapadyata
     uklā pātakta yadvat prajānā sakaye npa
 26ābhighātāt sajajñe tatra bhārata pāvaka
     sa visphuligo dīptārci so 'dahad vāhinī dvayam
 27 tatra siddhā mahārāja sapatanto 'bruvan vaca
     ati yuddhāni sarvāi yuddham etat tato 'dhikam
 28 sarvayuddhāni caitasya kalā nārhanti oaśīm
     naitādśa punar yuddha na bhūta na bhaviyati
 29 aho jñānena sayuktāv ubhau cograparākramau
     aho bhīme bala bhīmam etayoś ca ktāstratā
 30 aho vīryasya sāratvam aho sauṣṭhavam etayo
     sthitāv etau hi samare kālāntakayamopamau
 31 rudrau dvāv iva sabhūtau yathā dvāv iva bhāskarau
     yamau vā puruavyāghrau ghorarūpāv imau rae
 32 śrūyante sma tadā vāca siddhānā vai muhur muhu
     sihanādaś ca sajajñe sametānā divaukasām
     adbhuta cāpy acintya ca dṛṣṭvā karma tayor mdhe
 33 tau śūrau samare rājan parasparaktāgasau
     parasparam udaiketā krodhād udvtya cākuī
 34 krodharaktekaau tau tu krodhāt prasphuritādharau
     krodhāt sadaṣṭa daśanau sadaṣṭa daśanac chadau
 35 anyonya chādayantau sma śaravṛṣṭyā mahārathau
     śarāmbudhārau samare śastravidyut prakāśinau
 36 tāv anyonya dhvajau viddhvā sārathī ca mahārathau
     anyonyasya hayān viddhvā bibhidāte parasparam
 37 tata kruddhau mahārāja bāau ghya mahāhave
     ubhau cikipatus tūram anyonyasya vadhaiiau
 38 tau sāyakau mahārāja dyotamānau camūmukhe
     ājaghrāte samāsādya vajravegau durāsadau
 39 tau parasparavegāc ca śarābhyā ca bhśāhatau
     nipetatur mahāvīrau svarathopasthayos tadā
 40 tatas tu sārathir jñātvā droaputram acetanam
     apovāha raād rājan sarvakatrasya paśyata
 41 tathaiva pāṇḍava rājan vihvalanta muhur muhu
     apovāha rathenājau sārathi śatrutāpanam



11
"Dhritarashtra said, 'After having obtained the command of the army, and after he had been addressed by the king himself in those sweet and brotherly words, and after he had ordered the troops to be arrayed at the hour of sunrise, tell me, O Sanjaya, what did Vikartana's son Karna do?'
"Sanjaya said, 'Having learnt Karna's wishes, thy sons, O bull of Bharata's race, ordered the troops to be arrayed with joyful music. While it still wanted a long period for the coming of the dawn, a loud noise of "Array, Array!" O king, suddenly arose among thy troops. And the uproar that arose, became tremendous and touched the very heavens, of foremost of elephants and fenced cars while under process of equipment, of foot-soldiers and steeds, O monarch, while putting on their armour or in course of being harnessed, and of combatants moving with activity and shouting unto one another! Then the Suta's son bearing a gold-backed bow appeared (on the field) in his car possessed of the splendour of the radiant Sun, crowned with many banners, equipped with a white standard, with steeds of the hue of cranes, bearing the device of the elephants' rope, filled with a hundred quivers, furnished with mace and wooden fence, freighted with shataghnis and rows of bells and darts and lances and spears, and supplied with many bows. And the Suta's son appeared on the field, blowing his conch, O king; decorated with a net-work of gold, and shaking his formidable bow adorned with pure gold. Beholding the mighty bowman Karna, that foremost of car-warriors, seated on his car, difficult of approach and resembling the risen Sun that destroys the gloom, none amongst the Kauravas, O tiger among men, recked, O sire, the loss of Bhishma or Drona or other men! Speeding the warriors, O sire, with the blasts of his conch, Karna caused the vast army of the Kauravas to be drawn out. Having arrayed the troops in the makara array, that mighty bowman, that scorcher of foes, viz., Karna, proceeded against the Pandavas from desire of victory. In the tip of the beak of that makara, O king, was stationed Karna himself. In the two eyes were the brave Shakuni and the mighty car-warrior Uluka. In the head was Drona's son and in the neck were all the uterine brothers. In the middle was king Duryodhana supported by a large force. In the left foot, O monarch, was stationed Kritavarma accompanied by the Narayana troops, and those invincible warriors, the gopalas. In the right foot, O king, was Gotama's son of prowess incapable of being baffled, surrounded by those mighty bowmen viz., the Trigartas and by the Southerners. In the left hind-foot was stationed Shalya with a large force raised in the country of Madras. In the right (hind-foot), O monarch, was Sushena of true vows, surrounded by a 1,000 cars and 300 elephants. In the tail were the two royal brothers of mighty energy, viz., Citra and Citrasena surrounded by a large force.
"'When, O great king, that foremost of men, Karna, thus came out, king Yudhishthira the just, casting his eyes on Arjuna, said these words: "Behold, O Partha, how the Dhartarashtra force, O hero, in this battle, protected by heroes and mighty car-warriors, hath been arrayed by Karna! This vast Dhartarashtra force hath lost its bravest warriors. They that remain, O mighty-armed one, are feeble, equal, as I think, to straw! Only one great bowman, viz., the Suta's son, shineth in it! That foremost of car-warriors is incapable of being vanquished by the three worlds with their mobile and immobile creatures, including the gods, Asuras and Gandharvas, and the Kinnaras and great serpents! If thou slayest him today, O mighty-armed one, the victory will be thine, O Phalguna! The thorn also which for twelve years hath been planted in my heart will then be plucked out! Knowing this, O thou of mighty arms, form thou the array that thou wishest!" Hearing those words of his brother, that Pandava of the white steeds disposed his army in counter array after the form of the half moon. On the left side was stationed Bhimasena, and on the right was stationed the great bowman Dhrishtadyumna. In the middle of the array were the king and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu. Nakula and Sahadeva were at the rear of king Yudhishthira the just. The two Pancala princes, Yudhamanyu and Uttamauja, became the protectors of (Arjuna's) car wheels. Protected by the diadem-decked Arjuna himself, they did not quit Arjuna for a moment. The remaining kings, possessed of great courage, clad in mail, stood in the array, each in the position assigned to him, according to the measure of his enthusiasm and resolution, O Bharata. Having thus formed their great array, O Bharata, the Pandavas, and the mighty bowmen of thy army set their hearts on battle. Beholding thy army disposed into battle array by the Suta's son in battle Duryodhana with all his brethren regarded the Pandavas to be already slain. Similarly Yudhishthira, O king, beholding the Pandava army disposed in array, regarded the Dhartarashtras with Karna to be already slain. Then conches, and kettle-drums, and tabours, and large drums, and cymbals, and Dindimas, and Jharjharas, were loudly blown and beaten on all sides! Indeed, those loud-sounding instruments were blown and beaten, O king, among both the armies. Leonine roars also arose, uttered by brave warriors for victory. And there also arose, O king, the noise of neighing steeds and grunting elephants, and the fierce clatter of car-wheels. None, O Bharata, (in the Kaurava army), at that time, felt the loss of Drona, seeing the great bowman Karna clad in mail and stationed at the head of the array. Both armies, O monarch, teeming with joyous men, stood, eager for battle and (ready) to destroy each other without delay. There, the two heroes, viz., Karna and the son of Pandu, excited with wrath at sight of each other, and both firmly resolved, stood or careered, O king, through their respective divisions. The two armies, as they advanced to meet each other, seemed to dance (in joy). From the wings and the side-wings of both, warriors desirous of battle came forth. Then commenced the battle, O monarch, of men, elephants, steeds, and cars, engaged in destroying one another.'"

Book 8
Chapter 12





1 [dh]
      yathā saśaptakai sārdham arjunasyābhavad raa
      anyeā ca madīyānāṇḍavais tad bravīhi me
  2 [s]
      śṛṇu rājan yathāvtta sagrāma bruvato mama
      vīrāā śatrubhi sārdha dehapāpma praāśanam
  3 pārtha saśaptaka gaa praviśyārava sanibham
      vyakobhayad amitraghno mahāvāta ivāravam
  4 śirāsy unmathya vīrāā śitair bhallair dhanajaya
      pūracandrābhavaktrāi svakibhrū daśanāni ca
      satastāra kiti kipra vinālair nalinair iva
  5 suvttān āyatān puṣṭāś candanāgurubhūitān
      sāyudhān sa tanutrāān pañcāsyoraga sanibhān
      bāhūn kurair amitrāā vicakartārjuno rae
  6 dhuryān dhuryatarān sūtān dhvajāś cāpāni sāyakān
      pāīn aratnān asakd bhallaiś ciccheda pāṇḍava
  7 dvipān hayān rathāś caiva sārohān arjuno rae
      śarair anekasāhasrai rājan ninye yamakayam
  8 ta pravīra pratīyātā nardamānā ivarabhā
      vāśitārtham abhikruddhā huktvā cābhidudruvu
      nighnantam abhijaghnus te śarai śṛṅgair ivarabhā
  9 tasya teā ca tad yuddham abhaval lomaharaam
      trailokyavijaye yādg daityānā saha vajriā
  10 astrair astrāi savārya dviatā sarvato 'rjuna
     iubhir bahubhis tūra viddhvā prāān rarāsa sa
 11 chinnatriveucakrākān hatayodhāśvasārathīn
     vidhvastāyudha tūīrān samunmathita ketanān
 12 sachinnayoktra raśmīkān vi triveūn vi kūbarān
     vidhvastabandhur ayugān viśastāyudha maṇḍalān
     rathān viśakalīkurvan mahābhrāīva māruta
 13 vismāpayan prekaīya dviātā bhayavardhanam
     mahārathasahasrasya sama karmārjuno 'karot
 14 siddhadevarisaghāś ca cāraāś caiva tuṣṭuvu
     devadundubhayo nedu pupavarāi cāpatan
     keśavārjunayor mūrdhni prāha vāk cāśarīriī
 15 candrārkānila vahnīnā kānti dīptibaladyutī
     yau sadā bibhratur vīrau tāv imau keśavārjunau
 16 brahmeśānāv ivājayyau vīrāv ekarathe sthitau
     sarvabhūtavarau vīrau naranārāyaāv ubhau
 17 ity etan mahad āścarya dṛṣṭvā śrutvā ca bhārata
     aśvatthāmā susayatta kṛṣṇāv abhyadravad rae
 18 atha pāṇḍavam asyanta yama kālāntakāñ śarān
     seuā pāināhūya hasan drauir athābravīt
 19 yadi mā manyase vīra prāptam arham ivātithim
     tata sarvātmanādya tva yuddhātithya prayaccha me
 20 evam ācārya putrea samāhūto yuyutsayā
     bahu mene 'rjuno ''tmānam ida cāha janārdanam
 21 saśaptakāś ca me vadhyā drauir āhvayate ca mām
     yad atrānantara prāpta praśādhi tva mahābhuja
 22 evam ukto 'vahat pārtha kṛṣṇo droātmajāntikam
     jaitrea vidhināhūta vāyur indram ivādhvare
 23 tam āmantryaika manasā keśavo drauim abravīt
     aśvatthāman sthiro bhūtvā praharāśu sahasva ca
 24 nirveṣṭu bhartpiṇḍa hi kālo 'yam upajīvinām
     sūkmo vivādo viprāā sthūlau kātrau jayājayau
 25 na sakamase mohād divyā pārthasya satkriyām
     tām āptum icchan yudhyasva sthiro bhūtvādya pāṇḍavam
 26 ity ukto vāsudevena tathety uktvā dvijottama
     vivyādha keśava aṣṭyā nārācair arjuna tribhi
 27 tasyārjuna susakruddhas tribhir bhallai śarāsanam
     cicchedāthānyad ādatta drauir ghoratara dhanu
 28 sa jya ktvā nimeāt tad vivyādhārjuna keśavau
     tribhi śarair vāsudeva sahasrea ca pāṇḍavam
 29 tata śarasahasrāi prayutāny arbudāni ca
     sasje drauir āyasta sastabhya ca rae 'rjunam
 30 iudher dhanuo jyāyā agulībhyaś ca māria
     bāhvo karābhyām uraso vadanaghrāanetrata
 31 karābhyā śiraso 'gebhyo loma vartmabhya eva ca
     rathadhvajebhyaś ca śarā nipetur brahmavādina
 32 śarajālena mahatā viddhvā keśava pāṇḍavau
     nanāda mudito drauir mahāmeghaughanisvana
 33 tasya nānadata śrutvā pāṇḍavo 'cyutam abravīt
     paśya mādhava daurātmya droaputrasya mā prati
 34 vadhaprāptau manyate nau praveśya śaraveśmani
     eo 'sya hanmi sakalpa śikayā ca balena ca
 35 aśvatthāmna śarān astāś chittvaikaika tridhā tridhā
     vyadhamad bharataśreṣṭho nīhāram iva māruta
 36 tata saśaptakān bhūya sāśvasūta rathadvipān
     dhvajapattigaān ugrair bāair vivyādha pāṇḍava
 37 ye ye dadśire tatra yad yad rūpa yathā yathā
     te te tat tac charair vyāpta menire ''tmānam eva ca
 38 te gāṇḍīvaprauditā nānārūpā patatria
     krośe sāgre sthitān ghnanti dvipāś ca puruān rae
 39 bhallaiś chinnā karā petu kariā madakariām
     chinnā yathā paraśubhi pravddhā śaradi drumā
 40 paścāt tu śailavat petus te gajā saha sādibhi
     vajrivajrapramathitā yathaivādricayās tathā
 41 gandharvanagarākārān vidhivat kalpitān rathān
     vinītajavanāny uktān āsthitān yuddhadurmadān
 42 śarair viśakalīkurvann amitrān abhyavīvṛṣat
     alaktān aśvasādīn patiś cāhandhanajaya
 43 dhanajaya yugāntārka saśaptaka mahāravam
     vyaśoayata duśoa tīvrai śaragabhastibhi
 44 punar drauimahāśaila nārācai sūryasanibhai
     nirbibheda mahāvegais tvaran vajrīva parvatam
 45 tam ācārya suta kruddha sāśvayantāram āśugai
     yuyutsur nāśakad yoddhu pārthas tān antarācchinat
 46 tata paramasakruddhaṇḍakośān avāsjat
     aśvatthāmābhirūpāya ghān atithaye yathā
 47 atha saśaptakās tyaktvā pāṇḍavo drauim abhyayāt
     apākteyam iva tyaktvā dātā pākteyam arthinam
 48 tata samabhavad yuddha śukrāgirasa varcaso
     nakatram abhito vyomni śukrāgirasayor iva
 49 satāpayantāv anyonya dīptai śaragabhastibhi
     lokatrāsa karāv āstā vimārgasthau grahāv iva
 50 tato 'vidhyad bhruvor madhye nārācenārjuno bhśam
     sa tena vibabhau drauir ūrdhvaraśmir yathā ravi
 51 atha kṛṣṇau śaraśatair aśvatthāmnārditau bhśam
     saraśmi jālanikarau yugāntārkāv ivāsatu
 52 tato 'rjuna sarvato dhāram astram; avāsjad vāsudevābhigupta
     drauāyani cābhyahanat pṛṣatkair; vajrāgnivaivasvatadaṇḍakalpai
 53 sa keśava cārjuna cātitejā; vivyādha marmasv atiraudra karmā
     bāai sumuktair atitīvra vegair; yair āhato mtyur api vyatheta
 54 drauer iūn arjuna sanivārya; vyāyacchatas tad dviguai supukhai
     ta sāśvasūta dhvajam ekavīram; āvtya saśaptaka sainyam ārchat
 55 dhanūṃṣi bāān iudhīr dhanurjyā; pāīn bhujān pāigata ca śastram
     chatrāi ketūs turagān athaiā; vastrāi mālyāny atha bhūaāni
 56 carmāi varmāi manorathāś ca; priyāi sarvāi śirāsi caiva
     ciccheda pārtho dviatā pramuktair; bāai sthitānām aparāmukhānām
 57 sukalpitā syandanavājināgā; samāsthitā ktayatnair nvīrai
     pārtheritair bāagaair nirastās; tair eva sārdha nvarair nipetu
 58 padmārka pūrendusamānanāni; kirīamālā mukuotkaāni
     bhallārdha candra kura hisitāni; prapetur urvyā nśirāsy ajasram
 59 atha vipair devapatidvipābhair; devāri darpolbaa manyudarpai
     kaliga vaganiādavīrā; jighāsavaṇḍavam abhyadhāvan
 60 teā dvipānā vicakarta pārtho; varmāi marmāi karān niyantn
     dhvajā patākāś ca tata prapetur; vajrāhatānīva gire śirāsi
 61 teu prarugeu guros tanūja; bāai kirīī nava sūryavarai
     pracchādayām āsa mahābhrajālair; vāyu samudyuktam ivāśumantam
 62 tato 'rjuneūn iubhir nirasya; draui śarair arjuna vāsudevau
     pracchādayitva divi candrasūryau; nanāda so 'mbhoda ivātapānte
 63 tam arjunas tāś ca punas tvadīyān; abhyarditas tair aviktta śastrai
     bāāndha kāra sahasaiva ktvā; vivyādha sarvān iubhi supukhai
 64 nāpy ādadat sadadhan naiva muñcan; bāān rae 'dśyata savyasācī
     hatāś ca nāgās turagān padātīn; sasyūta dehān dadśū rathāś ca
 65 sadhāya nārācavarān daśāśu; drauis tvarann ekam ivotsasarja
     teā ca pañcārjunam abhyavidhyan; pañcācyuta nirbibhidu sumuktā
 66 tair āhatau sarvamanuyamukhyāv; ask karantau dhanadendra kalpau
     samāptavidyena yathābhibhūtau; hatau svid etau kim u menire 'nye
 67 athārjuna prāha daśārha nātha; pramādyase ki jahi yodham etam
     kuryād dhi doa samupekito 'sau; kaṣṭo bhaved vyādhir ivākriyāvān
 68 tatheti coktvācyutam apramādī; draui prayatnād iubhis tataka
     chittvāśvaraśmīs turagān avidhyat; te ta raād ūhur atīva dūram
 69 āvtya neyea punas tu yuddha; pārthena sārdha matimān vimśya
     jānañ jaya niyata vṛṣṇivīre; dhanajaye cāgirasā variṣṭha
 70 pratīpa kāye tu raād aśvatthāmni hte hayai
     mantrauadhikriyā dānair vyādhau dehād ivāhte
 71 saśaptakān abhimukhau prayātau keśavārjunau
     vātoddhūta patākena syandanenaughanādinā




12
"Sanjaya said, 'Then those two vast armies, teeming with rejoicing men and steeds and elephants, resembling in splendour the celestial and the Asura hosts, meeting together, began to strike each other. Men, cars, steeds, elephants, and foot-soldiers of fierce prowess, made sturdy strokes destructive of bodies and sin. Lion-like men strewed the Earth with the heads of lion-like men, each resembling the full moon or the sun in splendour and the lotus in fragrance. Combatants cut off the heads of combatants, with crescent-shaped and broad-headed shafts and razor-faced arrows and axes, and battle-axes. The arms of men of long and massive arms, cut off by men of long and massive arms, falling upon the Earth, shone, decked with weapons and bracelets. With those writhing arms adorned with red fingers and palms, the Earth looked resplendent as if strewn with fierce five-headed snakes slain by Garuda. From elephants and cars and steeds, brave warriors fell down, struck by foes, like the denizens of heaven from their celestial cars on the exhaustion of their merits. Other brave warriors fell down by hundreds, crushed in that battle by brave combatants with heavy maces spiked clubs and short bludgeons. Cars also, in that tumultuous fight, were crushed by cars, and infuriate elephants by infuriate compeers, and horsemen by horsemen. Men destroyed by cars, and cars by elephants, and horsemen by foot-soldiers, and foot-soldiers by horsemen, dropped down on the field, as also cars and steeds and foot-soldiers destroyed by elephants and cars and steeds and elephants by foot-soldiers, and cars and foot-soldiers and elephants by steeds and men and elephants by cars. Great was the carnage made of car-warriors and steeds and elephants and men by men and steeds and elephants and car-warriors, using their hands and feet and weapons and cars. When that host was being thus struck and slain by heroic warriors the Parthas, headed by Vrikodara, advanced against us. They consisted of Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi and the five sons of Draupadi and the Prabhadrakas, and Satyaki and Chekitana with the Dravida forces, and the Pandyas, the Cholas, and the Keralas, surrounded by a mighty array, all possessed of broad chests, long arms, tall statures, and large eyes. Decked with ornaments, possessed of red teeth, endued with the prowess of infuriate elephants, attired in robes of diverse colours, smeared with powdered scents, armed with swords and nooses, capable of restraining mighty elephants, companions in death, and never deserting one another, equipped with quivers, bearing bows adorned with long locks, and agreeable in speech were the combatants of the infantry files led by Satyaki, belonging to the Andhra tribe, endued with fierce forms and great energy. Other brave warriors such as the Cedis, the Pancalas, the Kaikayas, the Karushas, the Kosalas, the Kanchis, and the Maghadhas, also rushed forward. Their cars and steeds and elephants, all of the foremost kind, and their fierce foot-soldiers, gladdened by the notes of diverse instruments, seemed to dance and laugh. In the midst of that vast force, came Vrikodara, riding on the neck of an elephant, and surrounded by many foremost of elephant-soldiers, advancing against thy army. That fierce and foremost of elephants, duly equipped, looked resplendent, like the stone-built mansion on the top of the Udaya mountain, crowned with the risen Sun. Its armour of iron, the foremost of its kind, studded with costly gems, was as resplendent as the autumnal firmament bespangled with stars. With a lance in his outstretched arm, his head decked with a beautiful diadem, and possessed of the splendour of the meridian Sun at autumn, Bhima began to burn his foes. Beholding that elephant from a distance, Kshemadhurti, himself on an elephant, challenging, rushed cheerfully towards Bhima who was more cheerful still. An encounter then took place between those two elephants of fierce forms resembling two huge hills topped with trees, each, fighting with the other as it liked. Those two heroes, then, whose elephants thus encountered each other, forcibly struck each other with lances endued with the splendour of solar rays, and uttered loud roars. Separating, they then careered in circles with their elephants, and each taking up a bow began to strike the other. Gladdening the people around with their loud roars and the slaps on their armpits and the whizz of this arrows, they continued to utter leonine shouts. Endued with great strength, both of them, accomplished in weapons, fought, using their elephants with upturned trunks and decked with banners floating on the wind. Then each cutting off the other's bow, they roared at each other, and rained on each other showers of darts and lances like two masses of clouds in the rainy season pouring torrents of rain. Then Kshemadhurti pierced Bhimasena in the centre of the chest with a lance endued with great impetuosity, and then with six others, and uttered a loud shout. With those lances sticking to his body, Bhimasena, whose form then blazed with wrath, looked resplendent like the cloud-covered Sun with his rays issuing through the interstices of that canopy. Then Bhima carefully hurled at his antagonist a lance bright as the rays of the Sun, coursing perfectly straight, and made entirely of iron. The ruler of the Kulutas then, drawing his bow, cut off that lance with ten shafts and then pierced the son of Pandu with sixty shafts. Then Bhima the son of Pandu, taking up a bow whose twang resembled the roar of the clouds, uttered a loud shout and deeply afflicted with his shafts the elephants of his antagonist. Thus afflicted in that battle by Bhimasena with his arrows, that elephant, though sought to be restrained, stayed not on the field like a wind-blown cloud. The fierce prince of elephants owned by Bhima then pursued his (flying) compeer, like a wind-blown mass of clouds pursuing another mass driven by the tempest. Restraining his own elephant valiant Kshemadhurti pierced with his shafts the pursuing elephant of Bhimasena. Then with a well-shot razor-headed arrow that was perfectly straight, Kshemadhurti cut off his antagonist's bow and then afflicted that hostile elephant. Filled with wrath, Kshemadhurti then, in that battle, pierced Bhima and struck his elephant with many long shafts in every vital part. That huge elephant of Bhima then fell down, O Bharata! Bhima, however, who had jumped down from his elephant and stood on the Earth before the fall of the beast, then crushed the elephant of his antagonist with his mace. And Vrikodara then struck Kshemadhurti also, who, jumped down from his crushed elephant, was advancing against him with uplifted weapon. Kshemadhurti, thus struck, fell down lifeless, with the sword in his arm, by the side of his elephant, like a lion struck down by thunder beside a thunder-riven hill. Beholding the celebrated king of the Kulutas slain, thy troops, O bull of Bharata's race exceedingly distressed, fled away.'"



Book 8
Chapter 13






1 [s]
      athottarea pāṇḍūnā senāyā dhvanir utthita
      rathanāgāśvapattīnā daṇḍadhārea vadhyatām
  2 nivartayitvā tu ratha keśavo 'rjunam abravīt
      vāhayann eva turagān garuānilarahasa
  3 māgadho 'thāpy atikrānto dviradena pramāthinā
      bhagadattād anavara śikayā ca balena ca
  4 ena hatvā nihantāsi puna saśaptakān iti
      vākyānte prāpayat pārtha daṇḍadhārāntika prati
  5 sa māgadhānā pravaro 'kuśa graho; grahev asahyo vikaco yathā graha
      sapatnasenā pramamātha dāruo; mahī samagrā vikaco yathā graha
  6 sukalpita dānava nāgasanibha; mahābhrasahrādam amitramardanam
      rathāśvamātagagaān sahasraśa; samāsthito hanti śarair dvipān api
  7 rathān adhiṣṭhāya sa vājisārathīn; rathāś ca padbhis tvarito vyapothayat
      dvipāś ca padbhyā caraai karea ca; dvipāsthito hanti sa kālacakravat
  8 narāś ca kārṣṇāyasa varma bhūaān; nipātya sāśvān api pattibhi saha
      vyapothayad danti varea śumiā; sa śabdavat sthūlanaān yathātathā
  9 athārjuno jyātalanemi nisvane; mdagabherībahu śakhanādite
      narāśvamātagasahasranāditai; rathottamenābhyapatad dvipottamam
  10 tato 'rjuna dvādaśabhi śarottamair; janārdana oaśabhi samārdayat
     sa daṇḍadhāras turagās tribhis tribhis; tato nanāda prajahāsa cāsakt
 11 tato 'sya pārtha sa gueu kārmuka; cakarta bhallair dhvajam apy alaktam
     punar niyantn saha pādagoptbhis; tatas tu cukrodha girivrajeśvara
 12 tato 'rjuna bhinnakaena dantinā; ghanāghanena anilatulyarahasā
     atīva cukobhayiur janārdana; dhanajaya cābhijaghāna tomarai
 13 athāsya bāhū dvipahastasanibhau; śiraś ca pūrendunibhānana tribhi
     kurai praciccheda sahaiva pāṇḍavas; tato dvipaaśatai samārdayat
 14 sa pārtha bāais tapanīyabhūaai; samārucat kāñcanavarma bhd dvipa
     tathā cakāśe niśi parvato yathā; davāgninā prajvalitauadhi druma
 15 sa vedanārto 'mbudanisvano nadaś; calan bhraman praskhalito ''turo dravan
     papāta ruga saniyantkas tathā; yathā girir vajranipāta cūrita
 16 himāvadātena suvaramālinā; himādrikūapratimena dantinā
     hate rae bhrātari daṇḍa āvrajaj; jighāsur indrāvaraja dhanajayam
 17 sa tomarair arkakaraprabhais tribhir; janārdana pañcabhir eva cārjunam
     samarpayitvā vinanāda cārdaryas; tato 'sya bāhū vicakarta pāṇḍava
 18 kura prakttau subhśa sa tomarau; cyutāgadau candanarūitau bhujau
     gajāt patantau yugapad virejatur; yathādriśṛṅgāt patitau mahoragau
 19 athārdhacandrea hta kirīinā; papāta daṇḍasya śira kiti dvipāt
     tac choitābha nipatad vireje; divākaro 'stād iva paścimā diśam
 20 atha dvipa śvetanagāgra sanibha; divākarāśu pratimai śarottamai
     bibheda pārta sa papāta nānadan; himādrikūa kuliśāhato yathā
 21 tato 'pare tatp pratimā jagottamā; jigīava sayati savyasācinam
     tathā ktās tena yathaiva tau dvipau; tata prabhagna sumahad ripor balam
 22 gajā rathāśvā puruāś ca saghaśa; parasparaghnā paripetur āhave
     parasparapraskhalitā samāhatā; bhśa ca tat tat kulabhāio hatā
 23 athārjuna sve parivārya sainikā; puradara devagaā ivābruvan
     abhaima yasmān maraād iva prajā; sa vīra diṣṭyā nihatas tvayā ripu
 24 na cet paritrāsya imāñ janān bhayād; dviadbhir eva balibhi prapīitān
     tathābhaviyad dviatā pramodana; yathā hatev ev iha no 'riu tvayā
 25 itīva bhūyaś ca suhdbhir īritā; niśamya vāca sumanās tato 'rjuna
     yathānurūpa pratipūjya ta jana; jagāma saśaptaka saghahā puna




13
"Sanjaya said, 'Then the mighty and heroic bowman Karna began to smite the Pandava army in that battle, with his straight shafts. Similarly, those great car-warriors, viz., the Pandavas, O king, filled with wrath, began to smite the army of thy son in the very sight of Karna. Karna also, O king, in that battle slew the Pandava army with his cloth-yard shafts bright as the rays of the Sun and polished by the hands of the smith. There, O Bharata, the elephants, struck by Karna with his shafts, uttered loud cries, lost strength, became faint, and wandered on all sides. While the army was being thus destroyed by the Suta's son, Nakula rushed with speed against that mighty car-warrior. And Bhimasena rushed against Drona's son who was engaged in the accomplishment of the most difficult feats. Satyaki checked the Kaikaya princes Vinda and Anuvinda. King Citrasena rushed against the advancing Srutakarman; and Prativindhya against Citra owning a beautiful standard and a beautiful bow. Duryodhana rushed against king Yudhishthira the son of Dharma; while Dhananjaya rushed against the angry throngs of the samsaptakas. In that slaughter of great heroes, Dhrishtadyumna proceeded against Kripa. The invincible Shikhandi closed with Kritavarma. Srutakirti encountered Shalya, and Madri's son, the valiant Sahadeva, O king, encountered thy son Duhshasana. The two Kaikaya princes, in that battle, shrouded Satyaki with a shower of blazing arrows, and the latter also, O Bharata, shrouded the two Kaikaya brothers. Those two heroic brothers deeply struck Satyaki in the chest like two elephants striking with their tusks a hostile compeer in the forest. Indeed, O king, those two brothers, in that battle, their own vitals pierced with shafts, pierced Satyaki of true deeds with their shafts. Satyaki, however, O great king, covering all the points of the compass with a shower of arrows and smiling the while, checked the two brothers, O Bharata. Checked by those showers of arrows shot by the grandson of Sini, the two brothers speedily shrouded the car of Sini's grandson with their shafts. Cutting off their beautiful bows, Saurin of great fame checked them both with his keen arrows in that battle. Taking up two other beautiful bows, and a number of powerful shafts, the two began to cover Satyaki and career with great activity and skill. Shot by the two brothers, those mighty shafts equipped with the feathers of the Kanka and the peacock and decked with gold, began to fall, illumining all the points of the compass. In that dreadful battle between them, O king, the arrows they shot caused a darkness there. Those mighty car-warriors then cut off each other's bows. Then the invincible Satwata, O king, filled with rage, took up another bow in that battle, and stringing it, cut off Anuvinda's head with a keen razor-headed shaft. Decked with earrings, that large head, O king, fell like the head of Samvara slain in the great battle (of old). And it reached the Earth in no time, filling all the Kaikayas with grief. Beholding that brave warrior slain, his brother, the mighty car-warrior Vinda, stringing another bow began to resist the grandson of Sini from every side. Piercing with sixty arrows equipped with wings of gold and whetted on stone, he uttered a loud shout and said, "Wait, Wait!" Then that mighty car-warrior of the Kaikayas speedily struck Satyaki with many thousands of shafts in his arms and chest. All his limbs wounded with arrows, Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled, looked resplendent in that battle, O king, like a flowering Kinsuka. Pierced by the high-souled Kaikaya in that encounter, Satyaki, with the greatest ease, pierced the Kaikaya (in return) with five and twenty arrows. Then those two foremost of car-warriors, having each cut off the other's handsome bow in that encounter, and having each quickly slain the other's driver and steeds approached each other on foot for a fight with swords. Both endued with massive arms, they looked resplendent on that extensive arena, each having taken up a shield decked with a hundred moons, and each armed with an excellent sword, like Jambha and Sakra, both endued with great might, in the battle between the gods and the Asuras (of old). Both of them, in that great battle, then began to career in circles. And then they speedily encountered each other in battle, each approaching the other near. And each of them made great efforts for the destruction of the other. Then Satwata cut in twain the shield of Kaikeya. The latter also, O king, cut in twain the shield of Satyaki. Having cut off his antagonist's shield covered with centuries of stars, Kaikeya began to career in circles, advancing and receding (at times). Then the grandson of Sini, endued with great activity, cut off by a sidestroke the prince of the Kaikeyas thus careering in that great arena armed with excellent sword. Cased in armour that great bowman, viz., the Kaikeya prince, O king, thus cut off in twain in that great battle, fell down like a hill riven with thunder. Having slain him in battle that foremost of car-warriors that scorcher of foes, viz., the brave grandson of Sini quickly got upon the car of Yudhamanyu. Afterwards riding upon another car duly equipped (with everything), Satyaki began to slay with his shafts the large force of the Kaikeyas. The vast army of the Kaikeyas, thus slaughtered in battle, leaving that foe of theirs fled away on all sides.'"





(My humble salutations to the lotus feet of Sreeman Brahmasri K M Ganguliji for the collection )

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