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Mahabharata
Go-harana Parva
The return of the spies, The words of Karna and Dushasana. The words of Drona. Bhishma's words. The words of Kripa. The going of Susharma and others to Matsya country. The marching of the army. The encounter between Susharma and Virata. The discomfiture of Susharma in Goharana. The announcement of Virata's victory. The praise of Uttara in Goharana. The proposal of making Brihannala. The going out of Uttara in Goharana. The chastisement of Uttara in Goharana. The praise of Arjuna in Goharana. The description of Arjuna's weapon in Goharana. The attempt of getting down weapons in Goharana. The seeing of weapon by Uttara in Goharana. The description of weapons in Goharana. The recognition of Arjuna in Goharana. The beginnings of Arjuna's fighting in Goharana. The seeing of omens in Goharana. The words of Duryodhana, in Goharana. The words of Karna in Goharana. The words of Kripa in Goharana. The words of Ashvathama in Goharana. The words of Drona in Goharana. The arrangement of troops by Bhishma. The return of the kine in the Goharana. Arjuna's pointing out of Kurus to Uttara in Goharana. The arrival of the deities at the battle field in Goharana. The battle between Arjuna and Kripa. The retreat of Drona. The battle between Arjuna and Ashvathaman. The retreat of Karna in the Goharana. The battle between Arjuna and Dushasana. The carnage caused by Partha. The fight of Arjuna, in the Goharana. The defeat of Bhishma. The retreat of Duryodhana in the Goharana. he return of Uttara to his city in the Goharana. The return of Uttara. The colloquy between Uttara and Virata. Uttara's account of the battle in the Goharana.
Vaishampayana said:
O king, at the destruction of Kichaka and his brothers and thinking of this calamity, people were filled with surprise.
All over the city and provinces, it was widely known that the kings Vallabha and Kichaka were both brave and powerful heroes.
The wicked-minded Kichaka was the oppressor of men and the ravisher of soldier's wives; that vicious, wicked man has been slain by the Gandharvas.
It is in this way, O great king, that people of various countries spoke about the irrepressible Kichaka, the slayer of hostile armies.
In the meantime spies, engaged by Dhritarashtra's son, searching many villages, provinces and cities.
Accomplishing all they had been commanded and seeing all countries, returned to the city, being successful (in one thing ).
Then beholding Dhritarashtra's son, king Duryodhana of the Kuru race, seated in his court, with Drona, Karna, Kripa, the noble Bhishma, his brothers and the great heroes, the Trigarthas, they said to him.
The spies said:
O king of men, we have with great care searched the sons of Pandu in that huge forest.
Solitary, abounding in wild animals, filled with various trees, creepers, entwining creepers and various groves.
But we haven failed to find out the way (stamped) with their footsteps, by which the highly powerful sons of Pritha might have gone.
On mountain summits, in fastness, in various countries, in provinces filled with men, in encampments and cities.
We have made many inquires, O king, but we have not found out the Pandavas; may good betide you. O king; it seems they have perished.
O foremost of car-warriors, we pursued (also) the track of those car-warriors, but O foremost of men, we have not found out their whereabouts and movements.
O king of men, for sometime we pursued their charioteers; and making due enquiries we have got at the truth.
O slayer of enemies, the charioteers reached, Dvaravati without the son of Pritha. O king, there is neither Krishna nor are the Pandavas of great vows.
They have all perished. We bow to you. O foremost of Bharata. We do no know the movements and whereabouts of those high- souled ones.
We know of the inclination of ht Pandavas and some of their deeds. After this, give us instructions, O king, O lord of men.
As to what we should again do in our search after the Pandavas. O heroes, listen to these pleasing words tending to your well-being.
O king, the Trigarthas were repeatedly vanquished by the great prowess of Kichaka, the charioteer of the king of Matsya.
O descendant of Bharata, that vicious- souled one lies slain on earth with his brother by some invisible Gandharvas at night.
Hearing this pleasant news of the defeat of our enemy, do you decide, O Kauravya, as to what you should do hereafter.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon hearing their words, the king Duryodhana thought in his mind and then said to his courtiers.
It is very difficult to ascertain definitely the tide of affairs. Do you all ascertain where the Pandavas have gone.
Of these thirteen years which they have to pass hidden from us all, the greater portion has well-high elapsed and only a little remains.
And if they can truly pass the remaining portion of this year hidden from our view in pursuance of their vow they will then have fulfilled their pledge.
Forsooth, they, worked up with anger, will torment the Kauravas like the elephants in rut or virulent snakes.
Let them, with anger controlled, acquainted with all seasons, living in painful disguise, enter the woods again.
Do you all concert measures speedily for this, so that our kingdom may remain without enemies, rivals and diminution.
Thereupon Karna said: "O descendant of Bharata, let other spies, more, cunning, capable and better fitted for this work, proceed in disguise.
Let them range all over the country, various provinces over-flowing with population, assemblies of learned men and charming retreats of ascetics.
In inner apartments, places of pilgrimage, mines and various other places (they should be searched after) with vigilance and humility.
The Pandavas, living in disguise, should be searched after by a number of expert spies, devoted to this work, themselves disguised and well acquainted with the object of search.
On the banks of the rivers, in sacred shrines, villages, cities, hermitages, charming mountains and caves."
Thereupon his younger brother Dushasana, taking delight in sins, said before his elder brother.
O king, O lord of men, let those spies, in whom we have confidence, receive their remuneration in advance and proceed in search of them.
This and what Karna has said have my full approbation. As directed let all those spies search at all those places.
Let those and others make a due search in various countries. My belief is that their movements and whereabouts are not to be known.
They are living in very great secrecy; or perhaps they have gone to the other side of the ocean. Those respecters of heroes might have been devoured by wild animals in that huge forest.
Or overtaken by some dreadful calamity, they have perished for ever. Therefore, O Kuru chief, removing all anxiety from your heart, acquire what you may, working with your energy, O king.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon the highly energetic and greatly wise Drona said: "Persons like them can never meet with destruction of discomfiture."
Heroic, well educated, intelligent, self- _controlled, pious, grateful, observant of vows, ever following their eldest brother, he pious Yudhishthira like a father, stationed in morality and truthful all these brothers, O king, are obedient to this high-souled brother, graceful and having no enemy and himself (also) obeying his brothers.
Why not Partha conversant with policy should look to the well being of such high- souled brothers obedient to him?
It is for this they are carefully waiting for the opportune hour. Such persons never die; this is what I perceive by my good sense.
Do you immediately without any loss of time and after proper thought what should be done. Also appoint duly the habitation of those sons of Pandu, who are self-controlled in all things. Those heroic, sinless and devout Pandavas are hard to be discovered.
The pure-souled, accomplished, truthful, honest son of Pritha, conversant with policy, and a very collection of effulgence, is capable of consuming by his very look.
Knowing this, do (what you should); we shall again search them through Brahmana spies, Siddhas and others who know them.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon the grand-father, of Bharatas, Shantanu's son, Bhishma, well-read in the Vedas, and informed of the truth of the place and time and endued with a knowledge of his own duties, after the speech of the preceptor Drona, applauded it and said the following words to the descendants of Bharata for their interest.
Bespeaking his attachment to the pious Yudhishthira, words that are rarely given vent to by the dishonest men and always liked by the honest.
Bhishma gave bent to impartial words always liked by the wise: "I have nothing to say on and fully approve of the words, which the Brahmana Drona, acquainted with the truth of all things, has said.
Gifted with all auspicious marks, observant of religious vows, well-read in the Vedas and intent upon the performance of various religious observances, (always) engaged in carrying out the orders of elderly men, of truthful vows, acquainted with the use of time, always satisfying their condition, pure, always performing the duties of the Kshatriya order, always following Keshava, those high-souled and highly powerful heroes.
Carrying the burden of the wise do not seem to wither away. Protected, by their own great energy, the Pandavas ever treading virtue shall not die. This is what I surmise. O descendant of Bharata, I tell you what I think we should do towards the Pandavas.
To search them through mean spies would not be the policy of a (really wise man.) Consulting with others we should decide what we should do towards the Pandavas.
Know that say nothing out of ill will towards you. I shall never give such counsels to him who is dishonest.
Good counsels should be given and never evil. O child, one following the words of the aged and truthful.
And calm, while speaking in the midst of an assembly, should always speak the truth if he wishes to acquire virtue.
I think differently from all these ordinary people here regarding the whereabouts of the pious Yudhishthira in this thirteenth year of his exile.
Wherever the king Yudhishthira lives O my child, the rulers, either of cities or of provinces there never meet with calamity.
The people, of the country where the king Yudhishthira lives, become charitable, liberal, humble and modest.
Where the king Yudhishthira lives the people become sweet-speeches, self-controlled, observant of truth, cheerful, healyour, pure in conduct and expert in works.
The people of the place where Yudhishthira lives are never envious, malicious, vain or proud but they always perform their respective duties.
There the Vedic hymns are chanted all over, sacrifices are performed, the last full libations are offered to clarified butter and the gifts to Brahmanas are always abundant.
There undoubtedly the clouds always pour heavy showers; the earth, filled with crops, shall be freed from fear.
There the paddy is full of grain and the fruits are juicy the garlands are fragrant and the conversation is full of auspicious words.
Where the king Yudhishthira lives the breezes are sweet, the meetings of men are friendly and there exists no cause of fear.
The kine there are plentiful, none of them being weak or lean and milk, curd and butter are all savoury and nutritious.
Where the king Yudhishthira lives the drinks and edibles are sweet and wholesome.
Where the king Yudhishthira lives the objects of taste, touch, smell and hearing are all of excellent quality and the views are all delightful.
In those places, religious duties are observed by twice-born ones endued with all their respective qualities in this thirteenth year.
O my child, in countries where the Pandavas will live, people will all be contented, cheerful, pure and of eternal virtue.
Whole-mindedly devoted to the worship of guests and deities they, with great energy, perform charities and shall be devoted to eternal virtue.
Where the king Yudhishthira lives people, discarding all that is evil, acquire what is good only, they always perform sacrifices and observe pure vows.
Where the king Yudhishthira is, people, renouncing untruth, shall acquire what is good, auspicious and beneficial and thus good mind shall be inclined towards the good.
People there shall daily perform sacrifices and observe holy vows. O child, the pious son of Pritha, in whom exist, truth fortitude, intelligence, excellent forgiveness, highest tranquility, modest, prosperity, fame, great energy, simplicity and love for all creatures, cannot even with care be known by Brahmanas, what to speak of ordinary people.
I have with great care described the secret habitation of that intelligent one; about his excellent mode of life I do not dare speak anything more. Thinking well of this do you without any loss of time what you think proper, foremost of Kurus, if you have any faith in my words.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon Sharadvata's son Kripa said the following words: "What the aged Bhishma has said about the Pandavas is reasonable and suited to the occasion.
Consistent with Dharma and Artha, praise worthy, reasonable, truthful and is worthy of him. Hear my words on this.
It is proper for you to find out the way they have followed and their whereabouts through spies and adopt what may conduce to your well-being.
O my child, one seeking his welfare should not disregard an enemy, even if he be an ordinary man, what to speak of the Pandavas, well-versed in forms of warfare.
When the time for the return of the high-soul Pandavas comes, who are now passing their days in close disguise in woods you should gauge your own strength in your own kingdom and in those of other kings. Forsooth, the time of the return of the Pandavas is near at hand.
When the time of their exile shall be over, the high-minded and the greatly powerful son of Pritha, of incomparable prowess, shall be brimful with energy.
Therefore (replenish) your treasury and (increase) your forces; and take recourse to a sound policy to conclude an advantageous treaty with them, when the proper time of their return comes.
Knowing all this, determine your own strength, O my child, with respect to your allies, weak and powerful.
Determining the efficiency, weakness or indifference of your forces, as well as who amongst them are satisfied and dissatisfied we should enter into fight with our enemies or form a treaty.
Resorting to the expedients of conciliation, disunion, chastisement, bribery, presents and fair conduct attack your-enemies and vanquish the weak by strength and reconcile the allies and soldiers by sweet speeches. When you shall be able to reinforce your army and replenish your treasury success shall be yours.
You shall then be able to fight with the powerful enemies who will come what of Pandavas, weak in soldiers and animals.
Having determined all these expedients according to the practice of your order, you shall, O king of men, acquire lasting happiness in due time."
Vaishampayana said:
Vanquished repeatedly by the Matsya king's charioteer, Kichaka, backed by other Matsya's, the powerful king of Trigartas, Susharma, owning many cars, gave vent to the following words at the opportune moment.
O King of the powerful, being forcibly defeated along with his relatives, he, looking askance at Karna, said to Duryodhana.
My kingdom has been again and again forcibly invaded by the king of Matsya's. Formerly the mighty Kichaka was his general.
Crooked, wrathful, wicked-minded, having his powers known all over the world, that cruel and vicious one has been slain by the Gandharvas.
He being slain, the king Virata, me-thinks, shorn of pride an refuge, will lose energy.
I think, O sinless one, we should go there, if it pleases you as well as all the Kauravas and the high-souled Karna.
I consider, this accident, which has occurred, as favorable to us. Let us all go to his kingdom abounding in corn.
We will all take his various jewels and wealth and divide amongst ourselves his villages and provinces.
Invading his city by force we shall carry away his thousands of excellent kine of various kinds.
O emperor, uniting the Kaurava army with Trigarta, we will today carry away his collections of kine with all.
Arranging our army we shall destroy his manliness; or completely destroying his army we shall bring him under our subjection.
Having brought him under our control by lawful means we shall live happily in our kingdom and undoubtedly your power shall increase.
Hearing those words Karna said to the king Susharman has spoken well; it is a good opportunity and is likely to be beneficial to us.
If you like, O sinless one, we shall speedily issue out by collecting our forces and arranging them in divisions.
Or so arrange the expedition, as is liked by Sharadvata's son Kripa, the preceptor Drona and the wise and the aged grand-father of the Kurus; O king of the earth, consulting with each other we shall speedily start to gainour end.
What business have we with the Pandavas who have been shorn of wealth, army and manliness. They have either gone away for good or repaired to the abode of Yama.
Shorn of anxiety, O king, we will repair to the city of Virata and bring his kine and diverse wealth.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon accepting the words of Karna, the son of Vikartana, the king Duryodhana, himself speedily commanded Dushasana, born immediately after him, and always obeying his behest: “Consulting with our elders, arrange our army without any delay."
We, with all the Kauravas will go to the place, appointed. Let the mighty car-warrior Susharma also go as commanded.
Accompanied by Trigartas and the entire army and conveyances to the kingdom of Matsya concealing his intention.
Following them, we will start the next day, well-prepared, for the prosperous territory of the king of Matsya's.
Let them with (Trigarta) go to the city of Virata and securing speedily his kine, let them take his immense wealth.
Going there in two detachments we will also take his thousand excellent kine endued with all qualities.
O king, those heroes, Trigartas, accompanied by their terribly powerful infantry, proceeded towards the south east wishing to fight with Virata in order to take possession of his kine. Susharma also started on the dark half of the month. Then on the day following the Kauravas, accompanied by their army, began to seize kine by thousands.
Vaishampayana said:
O great king, entering the service of the king Virata and living in that excellent city, the high-souled Pandavas of immeasurable prowess, passed the promised period in disguise, without being detected.
After the death of Kichaka, the powerful king Virata, the slayer of hostile heroes, began to form great expectations of the sons of Kunti.
Thereupon, O descendant of Bharata, after the expiration of the thirteenth year, Susharma by force seized many of his kine.
Then a herdsman came with great speed to the city; coming down from the car and seeing the king of Matsya with ear-rings, consulting with his counsellors, the high-souled Pandavas and surrounded by heroes and warriors, adorned with ear-rings and bracelets,
And approaching the great king Virata, the enhancer of kingdom, seated in the court, he, with humility, said.
'Vanquishing and humiliating us with our relatives in battle, the Trigartas are taking away thousands of your kine.'
O king of kings, "rescue them speedily so that they may not be lost." Hearing his words the king collected his Matsya, army.
Consisting of cars, elephants, horses, infantry and pennons. The kings and princes put on their respective armours.
Brilliant, variegated and worthy of being worn by heroes according to their respective divisions. Virata's beloved brother Shatanika put on an armour made of adamant and adorned with gold. Madiraksha, next born to Shatanika, put on a strong armour plaited with gold and capable of withstanding every weapon. The armour, which the king of Matsya's himself_wore, was invincible, adorned with a hundred suns, a hundred circles, a hundred spots, and a hundred eyes. The armour, that Suryadatta put on, was radiant like the sun, plaited with gold and broad like a hundred fragrant lotuses. The one, that Virata's eldest son Sankasha put on, was invulnerable, made of burnished steel and adorned with a hundred golden eyes. In this way hundreds of god-like and powerful heroes, mighty car- warriors, adorned with weapons, put on their coats of mail .
Then they yoked to their excellent white cars, horses, equipped in mail. Matsya's glorious standard was hoisted on his beautiful car decked with gold and resembling the sun or moon in lustre. Other Kshatriya heroes too hoisted on their own cars golden flags of various forms and contrivances. Then the king of Matsya said to his younger brother Shatanika.
There is no doubt Kanka, Ballava, Tantipala and the greatly energetic Damagranthi will fight.
Give them cars adorned with flags and pennons, and variegated armours, invulnerable, and easy to wear.
Let them put on these on their persons; give them also weapons. That persons thus assuming heroic forms and resembling arms of elephant chiefs,
Cannot fight, I can not lead myself to believe." Hearing those words of the king, who was anxiously hurrying on,
O king, Shatanika, ordered chariots for the sons of Pritha Sahadeva, the king Bhima and Nakula.
Then those charioteers, delightedly having the devotion to the king always before them, speedily got the cars ready as commanded by the king.
Those slayers of foes then put on their persons those strong, easy and variegated armours which the king Virata had ordered for (those heroes) of unwearied actions. Then ascending cars drawn by good horses, those best of men,
The repressors of hostile army, the sons of Pritha, delightedly issued out. Those mighty car-warriors, the four heroic brothers, the Pandavas, of unfailing prowess, living in disguise, endue with celerity of movements and all well-skilled in the art of war, the sons of Pritha, ascending golden cars, those foremost of Kurus, followed Virata. Dreadful and infuriated elephants, sixty years old with beautiful tusks and rent temples and temporal juice trickling down, appearing like clouds pouring rain, driven by trained and skilled heroes, followed the king like so many moving hills. The leading heroes of Matsya who delightedly followed the king had eight thousand cars, a thousand elephants and sixty thousand horses.
O foremost of the Bharatas, that army of Virata, issuing out marking the foot-prints of the kine, looked beautiful.
While marching, that best of armies, belonging to Virata, filled with soldiers armed with strong weapons, abounding in elephants, horses and cars, looked really splendid.
Vaishampayana said:
Issuing out from the city, those heroic repressors, the Matsya's, arranged in battle array, met the Trigartas when the sun had passed the meridian.
The mighty and powerful Trigartas and Matsya's, both worked up with ire and irrepressible in battle, desirous of possessing kine, sent up a loud war-cry.
Terrible and infuriated elephants, mounted by skillful heroes of both sides, were urged on with spikes and hooks.
The combat that took place, O king, when the sun was declining, between the infantry and cavalry, chariots and elephants of both sides, resembling that which took place in the days of yore between the gods and demons, was dreadful, fierce, hair-stirring and calculated to increase the dominion of Yama.
As the combatants rushed on slaying each other there arose a thick cloud of dust in which nothing could be seen.
Covered with dust raised by the soldiers the birds began to drop down on earth and the sun himself disappeared behind the thick cloud of arrows.
The sky shone resplendent as if with (a number of) fire-flies. Changing their bows feathered in gold from one hand to another, the heroes began to smite each other discharging their shafts right and left. The charioteers fought with charioteers, the infantry fought with infantry.
The cavalry with cavalry and elephants with mighty elephants. With sword axes, Prasas, Shaktis, and Tomaras,
They, enraged, O king, struck each other in the encounter. Although these mighty armed heroes struck each other,
None of them succeeded in weakening the other. And severed heads, some with beautiful noses, some with upper lips wounded, some adorned with ear-rings, some cut into twain about the well-arranged hair, were seen rolling in the field covered with dust. And in that battle field were seen the limbs of Kshatriya heroes cut off by shafts and lying like trunks of Sala trees. And spread over with heads adorned with ear-rings and arms smeared with sandal looking like the bodies of snakes the battle- field appeared in beauty. The charioteers approached the charioteers striking each other.
The cavalry (encountered) the cavalry and the infantry the infantry and the dreadful dust was drenched by the over-spreading blood.
There arose a dreadful combat shorn of all considerations. And having their course and vision obstructed by the shower of arrows the vultures began to come down. Although these mighty-armed heroes struck each other in the battle none of them could overpower his antagonist. Shatanika slaying a hundred, and Vishalaksha a four hundred,
These two mighty car-warriors entered into the huge army of Trigartas. And having entered into the great army those two intelligent and powerful.
(Heroes) (began an encounter) hand-to- hand, hair to hair and car to car. And marking they entered into the collection of cars belonging to the Trigartas.
Destroying five hundred cars in that encounter with Suryadatta before and Madiraksha after him,
And slaying eight hundred horses, five mighty car-warriors, that foremost of charioteers began to display many manuveours in that field of battle.
He then came upon Susharma, the king of Trigartas mounted on a golden chariot; there those two high-souled and highly powerful (heroes) struck ( each other )
Roaring like two bulls in a pasture. Thereupon the king of Trigartas, Susharman, irrepressible in battle,
That foremost of men invited the king of Matsya to a single combat on the chariot. Thereupon those two car-warriors, worked up with fury, rushed upon each other in their cars.
They discharged arrows quickly like clouds pouring torrents of rain. Enraged with each other the (two) wrathful (heroes) moved about,
Skilled in weapons, and armed with sharpened arrows, swords, shaktis and maces. Then the king pierced Susharman with ten arrows,
Each of his four horses also .with five arrows. Susharma too, irrepressible in battle and acquainted with the use of fatal weapons, pierced, the king of Matsya with fifty sharpened arrows. Then, O great king, on account of the dust in the field of battle, the soldiers of both Susharma and the king of Matsya could not recognise each other.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, the whole world being enshrouded in dust and natural darkness, the soldiers of both sides, without breaking the battle array, stopped for some time.
Then dispelling the darkness the moon rose, making the night clear and gladdening the Kshatriyas in the battle field.
When every thing came in view, the battle began again; and it became so dreadful that they could not see each other.
Then Susharma, the king of Trigartas, with his younger brother and surrounded by his cars, encountered the king of Matsya.
Then descending from their chariots, those two brothers, the foremost of Kshatriyas, worked up with anger, with mace in hands, rushed towards (the enemy's) cars.
The hostile armies fiercely assailed each other with maces, swords, scimitars, axes, nooses, and with sharpened points.
Having assailed and vanquished with energy the entire army of the king of Matsya's, Susharman, the king of Trigartas, rushed furiously at the highly energetic Virata.
Having slain severally his two horses, his charioteer as also the soldiers who protected him in the rear they took the king of Matsya captive, even alive, deprivation of his car.
Then assailing him fiercely like a lustful person (oppressing) a female, they placed him on the car and speedily went out.
After the powerful Virata, deprived of his car, had been taken captive, the Matsya's, greatly assailed by Trigartas, fled away to different directions in fear.
Beholding them thus terrified Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, said to the mighty-armed Bhimasena, slayer of the enemies.
The king of Matsya has been captivated by Susharman, the king of Trigartas; O you of mighty arms, release him so that he may not be subject to the enemies.
We have lived happily in his house with our desire satisfied O Bhimasena, you should satisfy that debt.
Bhimasena said:
By your command, O king, I shall set him free: behold my great feat of fighting with the enemies.
Stay aside with brothers at a corner depending on the strength of your arms and behold my prowess today.
uprooting this huge tree with a trunk looking like a mace I shall assail the enemies.
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing Bhima look at that tree like an infuriated elephant the heroic and pious king Yudhishthira said to his brother.
“Do not commit such a rash act, O Bhima, let the tree stand there." You should not with a tree perform superhuman deeds.
O descendant of Bharata, people will then recognize you and say “This is Bhima". Take you therefore, some other human weapon,
A bow, or a dart, sword or battle-axe. Taking a weapon that is human, release the king, O Bhima, speedily, so that people may not recognize you. The highly powerful twins will be the protectors of your wheels. Being united together in battle, release the king of Matsya.
Thus accosted the highly powerful Bhimasena, gifted with great speed, took up with great force his best of bows,
And discharged from it a shower of shafts like a cloud surcharged with water. Bhima then fell upon Susharma of dreadful deeds.
Casting his looks on Virata he said to (Susharma) “stay stay.” Susharma thought him to be Yama - the very regent of death.
That foremost of charioteers saw him at his back exclaiming "stay, stay, behold a highly great feat - a mighty encounter is at hand."
Taking up his bow, Susharma with his brothers turned back and within the twinkling of an eye those cars (were destroyed by) Bhimasena.
And hundreds of thousand of chariots, elephants, horses, horsemen and brave and powerful bowmen were over thrown by him before the very presence of Virata.
Their infantry was slain by the high-souled (Bhima with mace in hand): Beholding such a fight Susharma, irrepressible in battle,
Thought within his mind: "Is this the end of my army. I see my brother drowned in the midst of his powerful army."
Stretching his bow to his ear Susharma began to retreat and discharge repeatedly sharpened shafts.
Beholding the Pandavas return to their cars the entire huge army urged on their horses and began to assail the Trigartas with excellent weapons. Virata's son, greatly enraged, began to display highly wonderful feats in battle.
Kunti's son Yudhishthira killed one thousand and Bhima dispatched seven thousand.
Nakula killed with arrows seven hundred and powerful Sahadeva the foremost of men, commanded by Yudhishthira, slew three hundreds of heroes. Slaying that huge army of the Trigartas, mighty car-warrior, Yudhishthira, with uplifted weapon, attacked him sorely with shafts.
Susharma, too greatly enraged, with impetuosity pierced Yudhishthira with nine shafts and his four horses with four. Then O king, the quick - coursing son of Kunti, Vrikodara, nearing Susharma, assailed his horses. Having slain the soldiers that were in the rear with huge shafts, he, in anger, brought down his (Susharmas' ) charioteer from his car. The heroic protector of the wheels celebrated as Madiraksha,
Seeing Trigarta deprived of his car, came there. Then coming down from Susharma's car Virata.
Heroic (as he was) took up his Susharma's mace and rushed upon him, And he, with mace in hand moved about like a young man, although an old man.
Beholding the king of Trigarta taking to his heels, Bhima said: "Desist, O prince, it does not behove you to fly away.
With such powers how could you think of taking away the kine? Why forsaking your followers do you droop in the midst of your enemies?
Being thus addressed by Partha, the powerful Susharma, owner of cars, all on a sudden rushed upon Bhima (saying "stay! stay!!').
Getting down from the car the dreadful Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, rushed towards him with coolness, desirous of taking Susharma's life.
With a view to get hold of the king of Trigarta approaching towards him the energetic Bhimasena rushed upon him like a lion upon a small deer.
Rushing upon Susharma he held him by the hair; and lifting him up in anger he dashed him against the earth.
The mighty-armed (Bhima ) struck him on the head, who was weeping, with his foot and placing his keen on his breast dealt him severe blows.
Assailed by the stroke the king lost consciousness. The mighty car-warrior, the king of Trigartas, deprived of car, being seized,
The entire army, of Trigarta afflicted with fear, were dispersed. Thereupon preventing the kine from being taken away, all the mighty car- warriors, the sons of Pandu,
Discomfitting Susharma and taking all his wealth they, endued with the strength of their own arms, humble and observant of vows,
The destroyers of the affliction of the high- souled Virata, all stationed themselves before him. Then Bhima said:
This perpetrator of impious deeds does not deserve living at my hands. But what can I do, the king is always merciful.
Then holding the king (Susharma) by the neck who was unconscious, bringing him and binding him who could make no exertion, Vrikodara, the son of Pritha,
Placed him on the chariot who was insensible and covered with dust. Then approaching Yudhishthira who was in the midst of the battle field,
Bhima showed to him the king Susharma. The foremost of men then said to Bhima, beautifying the battle field.
Then seeing him the king smilingly said: "Release this wretch." Thus addressed Bhima said to the highly powerful Susharma.
"If you wish to live, O wretch, hear my words. You should say in courts and assemblies that you are our slave.
Under this condition I can grant you your life: such is the custom of the victorious. ” Then his eldest brother addressed to him affectionate words.
"If you regard me, release this wicked wretch. He has already become the slave of the great king Virata. (Then he said to Susharma): "You are free, go and never do such a thing."
Vaishampayana said:
Thus addressed Susharma was filled with shame and bent down his head. And liberated and bowing to the king he went away.
Having released Susharma, the Pandavas, then enemies slain, endowed with the strength of arms, observant of vows, and modest, passed that night happily in the midst of the battle-field. Then Virata honoured, with wealth and respect, those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Kunti, who were gifted with superhuman prowess.
Virata said:
All these my jewels are as much mine as yours; do you all work as you like and as may conduce to your happiness.
O repressors of foes in battle, I shall center upon you women adorned with ornaments, plentiful riches and other things that you may like.
By your prowess today I have been saved from peril. I am now crowned with victory. Do you all become the kings of Matsya's.
Vaishampayana said:
Those Kauravas, headed by Yudhishthira, with folded heads, said each severally to the king of the Matsya who had addressed them thus.
O king, we have been perfectly pleased with what you have said. It is a matter of gratification to us that you have been released from the enemies.
Then the mighty armed, Virata, the king of Matsya's, the foremost of monarchs, again delightedly said to Yudhishthira.
Come, I shall install you and be the king of us, the Matsya's. Whatever you desire in mind, any thing, even though rare on earth,
I shall confer upon you all - jewels, kine, gold, pearls, jems and all; you deserve every thing.
I bow to you, it is for you that once more today I see my kingdom and children.
Through you, afflicted with fear I did not pass into the hands of the enemies."
O king of Matsya, we highly relish the delightful words you have given vent to. Being humane towards all do you live happily ever and anon.
O king, let emissaries speedily go to your city, to communicate this pleasant tidings to your friends and announce your victory.
At his words the king of Matsya's dispatched his emissaries, saying: "Going to my city do you announce my victory.
Let damsels and courtezans, adorned with ornaments, come out of the city with various musical instruments.
Hearing this his command and being thus addressed by the Matsya king, they, placing his command on their heads, delightedly went away.
Going to the city that very night they announced, at the hour of sun-rise, the victory of the king.
Vaishampayana said:
After the king of Matsya's had gone out in pursuit of Trigartas for recovering his kine, Duryodhana, with his courtiers, attacked his kingdom.
Bhishma, Drona, Karna, Kripa, versed in the use of the best of weapons, Ashvathama, Subala's son, Dushasana, O king, Vivinshati, Vikarana, the greatly energetic Chitrasena, Durmukha, Dushasana and many other highly powerful heroes, overtaking Matsya, speedily drove away his cow-herds and got possession of the king by force.
Encircling all sides with a huge array of cars, the Kauravas seized the sixty thousand kine.
A great cry was set up in that dreadful combat by the cow-herds struck by those mighty car-warriors.
Greatly stricken with grief the chief, of the cow-herds, quickly got upon a chariot and started for the city bewailing in affliction.
Entering the city of the king, he went to the palace and getting down from the car proceeded to relate (what took place).
Seeing the haughty son of Matsya Bhuminjaya, he described to him everything about the royal kine being taken away.
The Kauravas are taking away your sixty thousand kine; rise up, O increaser of territories, to bring them back.
If you wish your well-being, speedily go out yourself, O prince. The emperor Matsya left you alone in the city.
The king speaks highly of you in the court: My son, after me, is heroic and the supporter (of the prestige) of the race.
My son is a heroic warrior, and an expert in the use of shafts. Make good these words of the Emperor.
O you the foremost of those who own cattle, having discomfited the Kurus, do you bring back the animals, consume their soldiers with the dreadful prowess of your shafts,
Crush down the enemies' life, with straight shafts feathered in gold discharged off your bow like an elephant chief rushing at a herd.
Your bow is like a Vina, the two ends being like ivory pillows; the string is the main chord, the staff is the finger board and the arrows represent the time. Strike this Vina of a bow in the midst of the enemies.
Let your horses, white as silver, be yoked to the cars and let your flag, having the emblem of a golden lion, he hoisted up, O lord.
Let your sharp arrows, feathered in gold, discharged by your powerful arms, stand in the way of these kings and overshadow the sun.
Defeating all the Kurus in battle like the holder of Vajra the Asuras and acquiring great fame, return to your city.
You are the greatest support of the kingdom, the son of Matsya king, like Arjuna, the foremost of the victors amongst the sons of Pandu.
Even like him you are forsooth the refuge of those who live in this country; we all look upon you as our protector.
Vaishampayana said:
Being thus addressed by him in the midst of females with fearless words in the inner apartment he gave went to the following praiseworthy words.
Uttara said:
An expert in the use of bow as I am, I shall today go out in pursuit of kine, if some body, skilled in the management of horses, becomes my charioteer.
I do not know of a man who may be my charioteer; find out therefore quickly a charioteer who may suit me who am going out.
My charioteer was killed in the great encounter that lasted for a month or at least twenty nights certain.
As soon as I shall get a man experienced in the management of horses I shall immediately start hoisting the huge standard.
Entering into the hostile army filled with elephants, horses and chariots and defeating the Kurus who are weak in power and weapons I shall bring back the animals.
Having struck terror into Duryodhana, the son of Shantanu, (Bhishma) Vikartana's son (Kripa), Karna, Drona with his son and other powerful bowmen assembled there, like the wielder of thunderbolt afflicting the Danavas I shall this very moment bring back the kine.
Finding none the Kurus are taking away the precious kine; what can I do when I am not there?
The assembled Kurus shall see today my prowess: (and they shall say ). “Is it Arjuna's self who is contending us?”
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing the words of the Prince, Arjuna, informed of all, after some time delightedly spoke in private to his beloved and faultless wife Krishna the princess of Panchala, the slender-made daughter of Drupada, born of sacrifice, gifted with the virtues of truthfulness and honesty and ever devoted to the well-being of her husband. "O auspicious lady, speak quickly to Uttara, at my request, that this (Brihannala) was formerly the firm and approved charioteer of Pandu's son (Arjuna); experienced in very many great battles he shall be your charioteer.”
Hearing him speak again and again thus to women Panchali could not bear his reference to Arjuna.
Then stepping out from the midst of the women, the poor (princess ) bashfully and gently gave vent to the following words.
"This greatly beautiful youth resembling a huge elephant and known under the name Brihannala was the charioteer of Partha.
A mighty bowman he was the disciple of the high-souled (Arjuna); O hero, I saw him before while I was living with the Pandavas.
While the fire consumed the forest of Khandava it was he who governed the excellent steeds of Arjuna.
Having him as his charioteer Partha vanquished all creatures at Khandavaprastha; indeed there is no charioteer like him.
Uttara said:
You know this youth, O Sairandhri whether he is of neuter sex or otherwise; O fair lady, I shall not be able myself to request him to govern my horses.
Draupadi said:
O hero, he shall, forsooth, satisfy the words of your younger sister, a maiden of beautiful hips.
If he becomes your charioteer, you will undoubtedly come back with kine having vanquished the Kurus.
Accosted thus by Sairandhri he said to his sister: “O fair (sister), go and bring Brihannala."
Sent by her brother she quickly went to the dancing hall where that mighty-armed son of Pandu was waiting in disguise.
Vaishampayana said:
Dispatched by her elder brother, the illustrious daughter of the king of Matsya's, wearing a golden necklace, ever obedient, having a waist slender like that of a wasp, beautiful like Lakshmi, adorned with the plumes of a peacock, of a slender make, beautiful limbs, wearing a zone of pearls, graceful, having slightly curved eye-lashes, speedily went to the dancing-hall like a flash of lightning towards of clouds.
That blameless, youthful (daughter of Virata) having beautiful teeth, and thighs close like the trunk of an elephant and wearing an excellent garland, she sought for Partha like a she-elephant seeking an elephant.
That beautiful and illustrious daughter having large eyes, like a precious jem, or the prosperity of Indra, delightedly said to Arjuna.
Partha asked the Princess of close thighs and golden hue saying: "Why have you come here, O you wearing a golden garland? Why are you in a hurry, O you having the eyes of a deer? O fair lady, why your face is so cheerless? Tell me all this quickly.
Beholding his friend the princess of expansive eyes in that condition, her friend (Arjuna) O king, smilingly asked her of the cause of coming.
Then approaching that best of men, that princess, bending low with humility addressed to him (the following) words in the midst of her companions.
O Brihannala, the kine of this kingdom are being carried away by the Kurus; my brother is about to start for their discomfiture, with bow in hand.
Very recently the charioteer of his car was slain in battle; there is none equal to him who can act as his (my brother's ) charioteer.
O Brihannala, while he was trying to find out a charioteer, Sairandhri spoke to him about your skill in the management of horses.
Formerly you were the favourite charioteer of Arjuna and with you as his help that foremost of Pandavas conquered the earth; O good_Brihannala, act (therefore) as the charioteer of my brother.
Our kine (by this time) have been taken away to a greater distance by the Kurus. If you do not comply with my words as requested.
I, who have asked you for this, shall give up my life. Being thus accosted by his friend of fair hips, that slayer of foes,
Of incomparable energy went to the prince. The large eyed (princess ) followed him who was proceeding quickly like an elephant in rut as a she-elephant runs after its young one. Seeing him from a distance the prince said.
Having got you as his charioteer, Kunti's son Partha, the conqueror of the god of riches, offered oblation to Khandava fire and completely subjugated the world.
Sairandhri spoke of you to me; she knows the Pandavas; O Brihannala, govern in the same way, my horses,
Who am desirous of fighting with the Kurus and rescuing the precious kine. You were formerly the favourite charioteer of Arjuna.
By your help, that foremost of the Pandavas conquered the world. Brihannala replied to the prince who had said this.
(Saying): “What power have I that I can act as your charioteer in the field of battle. If it were singing, dancing, musical instruments or any other similar thing I could have entertained you. But how can I work as a charioteer?”
Uttara said:
O Brihannala, a singer or a dancer, whatever you may be, quickly ascend my chariot and restrain the best of horses.
Vaishampayana said:
Although knowing everything, that slayer of foes, the son of Pandu, as if to make a fun, committed many mistakes before Uttara.
And while by raisin it upwards he tried to put the coat of mail on his body, the large-eyed maidens, seeing it, began to laugh.
Beholding him bewildered Uttara himself dressed Brihannala with a highly precious coat of mail.
Himself putting on an armour effulgent like the sun and hoisting the lion flag he appointed him (Brihannala, as his charioteer).
With Brihannala as his charioteer and taking many costly bows and beautiful arrows the hero issued out.
His friend Uttara and other maidens then said:- "O Brihannala, bring for our dolls fine, beautiful and soft cloths of various kinds (when you will come back) after defeating the Kurus in battle headed by Bhishma and Drona."
The maidens thus speaking, Partha, the son of Pandu, smilingly replied in words deep as the muttering of clouds.
Brihannala said:
If Uttara can defeat those mighty car- warriors I shall bring many beautiful clothes for you.
Vaishampayana said:
Having said this the heroic Arjuna drove the horses towards the Kuru army over which were flowing many flags.
Beholding the mighty-armed Uttara seated on the excellent car along with Brihannala, the females, the maidens and the Brahmanas of hard vows, went round the car.
"(They said) O Brihannala, may that victory, which Arjuna, walking like a bull obtained in the days of yore at the time of the burning of the forest of Khandava, come to you today when you shall with Uttara meet the Kurus."
Vaishampayana said:
Having come out of the metropolis the brave son of Virata said to his charioteer:- "Go where the Kurus are."
Having vanquished all the Kurus who have come here for victory and quickly rescued the kine I shall come back to the city of Virata.
Thereupon the son of Pandu urged on the beautiful horses. Being urged on by that foremost of men, those horses, endued with the velocity of wind.
Adorned with gold necklaces, seemed to run through the sky. And not going very far, the son of Matsya and Dhananjaya.
Those two repressors of enemies espied the army of the powerful Kurus. And going towards the cremation ground they reached the Kurus.
And they saw their army arranged in battle array. That huge army appeared like an ocean.
Or like a forest full of many trees moving through the sky. Then was seen the dust of the earth raise by the moving army.
Which destroyed the vision of creatures and touched the sky, O best of Kurus. Then beholding that huge army abounding in elephants, horses and chariots.
And protected by Karna, Duryodhana, Bhishma, the highly intelligent and great bowman Drona with his son, Virata's son, worked up with fear and having hairs erect, said to Partha.
Uttara said:
I dare not fight with the Kurus: see the hairs of my body have stood erect. I am unable to fight with the vast Kuru army, consisting of many irrepressible heroes and hard to be vanquished even by the celestials. I dare not enter into the army of the Bharatas consisting of the dreadful bowmen, horses, elephants, chariots infantry and flags. My mind is pained at the view of the enemy in the battle-field.
Where (stand) Drona, Bhishma, Karna, Kripa, Vivinshati, Ashvathama, Vikarana, Somadatta, Balhika.
The heroic king Duryodhana, the foremost of car-warriors and other effulgent, great bowmen, all skilled in warfare.
Beholding these Kurus, expert in fight, arrayed in battle order I am beside myself with fear and my hairs have stood erect.
Vaishampayana said:
The coward and foolish Uttara began to bewail out of foolishness before Savyasachin who was high-spirited and disguised.
He said:
My sire has gone out to fight with Trigartas taking the entire army with him and leaving me alone in the empty city there are no soldiers for me.
Single-handed and a mere stripling as I am I have not toiled much over the use of arms. I am not capable of fighting with all these skilled in arms; desist therefore, O Brihannala.
Brihannala said:
You are pale with fear; why do you increase the delight of your enemies? Even now you have done nothing with your enemies in the field of action.
You yourself told me "Take me to the Kauravas" and I shall take you there where there are many flags.
O you having large arms, I shall take you to the Kurus ready to fight (for kine) like hawks for meat, (even) if they are prepared to fight for the earth.
Vaunting of your manliness while starting before men and women, why do you not desire to fight?
If you, without defeating them and taking back your kine, return home, all men and women, O hero, when they will meet, will laugh at you.
As for me I had been highly spoken of by Sairandhri for my skill as a charioteer. I shall not therefore be able to return to the city without taking the kine correction compelete
For Sairandhri's eulogy, and your words (I have come here); why should I not therefore fight with the Kurus; be quiet.
Uttara said:
Let the Kurus take away the profuse riches of the Matsya's a they like; let men and women laugh a me, O Brihannala.
Let the kine go any where, let my city be desolate, let me fear my father, but I shall not enter into battle.
Vaishampayana said:
Saying this, that one, adorned with ear- rings, got down from the chariot, and leaving behind, in fear, his bow and arrows fled away at the sacrifice of his honour and pride.
Brihannala said:
To fly is not the practice of the brave and the Kshatriyas; death in battle is preferable to flight in fear.
Vaishampayana said:
Saying this Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, coming down from the excellent car, pursued the prince who was thus running away.
His long braid of hair and pure white garments were fluttering in the air. Not knowing that Arjuna was running with his long braid of hair flowing and seeing him some soldiers burst out into laughter. And seeing him thus run quickly the Kurus said.
Who is this man who is concealed like fire in ashes. He is partly a man and partly a woman.
Although assuming a neuter form he appears like Arjuna. His is the same, head, same neck, and are the same arms resembling maces.
His movement is also like his; he cannot be but Dhananjaya. As Indra is amongst the immortals so is Dhananjaya amongst men.
Excepting Dhananjaya who, in this world, alone can come to fight with us? Only one son of Virata has been left in the empty city.
He has come out of childishness and not of heroism. Uttara must have issued out of the city making Arjuna the son of Pritha his charioteer who is living in disguise. It appears to us that he, seeing us, is flying away in fear. And forsooth Dhananjaya is following him to bring him back.
O Bharata, seeing the son of Pandu in disguise all the Kurus thus thought separately but they could not arrive at a conclusion. Dhananjaya however, quickly following the fleeing Uttara, seized him within a hundred steps by the hair. Held by Arjuna the son of Virata began to lament piteously like one forlorn.
Uttara said:
Hear, O youthful Brihannala, turn back the chariot. He, who lives, secures prosperity.
I will give you a hundred coins of pure gold, eight highly brilliant jems Vaidurya set with gold, one car with a golden flag-staff and drawn by excellent horses and ten infuriated elephants. Release me, Brihannala.
Vaishampayana said:
Holding him forcibly who was bewailing in these strains being beside himself that foremost of men brought him near the car.
Partha then said to him who was stricken with fear and deprived of his senses. "O repressor of foes, if you do not like to fight with your enemies, come, govern the horses while I fight with them.
Protected by the strength of my arms do you enter into the dreadful and inaccessible collection of arms guarded by brave and powerful horses. Fear not, O repressor of foes, for you are the foremost of princes and a Kshatriya.
Why are you pulled down in the midst of enemies O foremost of men? I shall fight with the Kurus and release your animals.
Entering into the formidable and impenetrable army. Be you my charioteer, O foremost of men, I shall fight with the Kurus.
Thus speaking to Uttara, the son of Virata, Bibhatsu, never defeated in battle, excited him for the time being, O foremost of Viratas.
Then Partha, the foremost of repressors took upon the car that unwilling and fainting prince, assailed with fear.
Vaishampayana said:
Beholding that foremost of men seated on car in the dress of a person of the neuter sex, going towards the Shami tree, having placed Uttara on the chariot.
All the mighty car-warriors of the Kurus headed by Bhishma and Drona had their minds agitated by the fear of Dhananjaya.
Seeing them dispirited and many wonderful omens, the preceptor Drona, the foremost of wielders of weapon, Bharadvaja's son, said.
Violent and dreadful winds are blowing, showering profuse gravels. The sky is also enshrouded with darkness of ashy colour.
The wonderful clouds are looking dry and divine weapons are as if coming out of their cases.
Frightened by the conflagration on all sides the jackals are yelling hideously, the horses are shedding tears and flags are being shaken although moved by none.
Since many such dreadful omens are being seen, a mighty calamity is at hand.
Protect yourselves and arrange the army, Expect a slaughter and guard well the kine.
This great bowman, this best of heroes, who has come in the guise of a person of the neuter sex is undoubtedly the son of Pritha.
O you born of a river (Bhishma), this man dressed as a woman, is Kiriti (Arjuna) the son of the enemy of mountains (Indra) and having on his banner the emblem of the destroyer of Lanka's garden. Defeating us today he will surely take away the kine.
He is the powerful Partha, Savyasachin, the repressor of enemies-he does no desist even in the encounter with all the celestials.
The hero suffered hardships in the forest and was instructed by Indra. Indignant (as he is) he is equal to Vasava in battle.
O Kauravas, I do not see here any one who can withstand him in battle. It is heard, that on the mountain Himavan, the lord Mahadeva too, disguised as a hunter, was pleased by Partha in battle.
Karna said:
You always make light of us by speaking of Phalguni's accomplishments. He is not even one sixteenth of either myself or Duryodhana.
Duryodhana said:
If he be Partha, O son of Radha, then my work is fulfilled. If found out the Pandavas shall have to live in the forest for twelve yeas again.
If he be any one else in a eunuch's guise I shall soon place him on the ground with sharp arrows.
Vaishampayana said:
O slayer of foes, on Duryodhana saying this, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, ahd Drona's son all spoke highly of his manliness.
Vaishampayana said:
Having approached the Shami tree and found out that the son of Virata was highly delicate and inexperienced in battle Partha said to him.
Commanded by me, O Uttara, bring down some arrows that are on the tree. These your shafts cannot stand my strength.
Heavy as it is when I grind the horses, elephants and the stretch of my arms when I defeat the enemies.
Therefore, O prince, climb this tree full of fruits for in it are tied the bows, shafts, banners and beautiful armours of the heroic sons of Pandu, Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna and the twins.
There is also the mighty bow, Gandiva, of Partha, which alone is equal to hundred thousand of others and is capable of extending kingdom.
Capable of standing the greatest exercise, huge like a palmyra tree, the largest of all weapons, capable of withstanding the enemy, embellished with gold, celestials, smooth broad without a knot, beautiful and straight and capable of bearing a heavy weight.
The other bows, that are there of Yudhishthira, Bhima, Arjuna and twin are equally strong and tough.
Uttara said:
It is heard that a corpse is tie to the tree. How can I, being a prince, touch it with my own hands.
To touch it does not become me who am born in the Kshatriya race, a mighty prince and observant of Mantras and vows.
Why should you, O Brihannala, make my body sullied and unclean by making me touch this corpse?
Brihannala said:
You shall remain clean and unpolluted, O foremost of kings. Fear not, there are only bows on this tree and not a corpse.
O prince, why should I make you do a cursed deed, born as you are of a noble family and a heir to the king of Matsya's.
Thus addressed by Partha, Virata's son, adorned with ear-rings, got down from the car and climbed up the Shami tree unwillingly.
Dhananjaya, the slayer of enemies, waiting on the car, ordered him:- “Quickly bring down those bows from the top of the tree."
Cut off soon the wrappers of all these. Cutting off the covering and the ropes with which they were tied on all sides he brought those valuable bows having spacious rods.
He saw there Gandiva along with four other bows. The celestials effulgence of these bows resplendent like the rays of the sun, when got out, appeared like that of the planet at the time of rising. Beholding their forms like sighing snakes he, in no time, was overwhelmed with fear and the hairs of his body stood on ends. Then touching those huge and mighty lustrous bows Virata's son said to Arjuna.
Uttara said:
To what illustrious hero does this excellent bow belong, having a hundred golden bosses and shining ends ?
Whose is this most excellent bow of good sides and easy hold, on the staff of which shine golden elephants with such a brilliance?
Whose is this excellent bow embellished with three scores of golden insects placed with proper divisions on its back?
Whose is this most excellent bow burning in lustre on which shine three suns of great effulgence?
Whose is this most excellent weapon variegated with gold and jems on which are golden insects set with brilliant stones?
Whose are these thousand winged arrows having golden points and put in golden quivers?
Whose are these huge shafts, thick-winged like vultures, whetted, of yellow hue entirely made of iron, and sharp?
Whose is this sable bow having the emblem of five tigers, with boar-eared arrows numbering ten?
Whose are these long and thick five hundred arrows like the crescent shaped moon, capable of drinking blood?
Whose are these gold feathered arrows whetted on stone, the lower halves of which are embellished with wings of the colour of a parrot's feathers and the upper halves of which are made of well-tempered steel?
Whose is this celestials long sword, capable of having heavy weight, irresistible, dreadful to the enemies, having the mark of a bee on it and with the head of a bee?
Whose is this huge sword of excellent blade, variegated with gold and tinkling bells and put in a variegated sheath of tiger skin?
Whose is this beautiful scimitar of golden hilt, celestials and highly polished and cased in a scab-bard of cow-skin?
Whose is this sword made of gold, manufactured in the country of Nishadas, capable of bearing heavy weight and cased in a sheath of goat skin?
Whose is this sword sable like the cloud and cased in a case of burning gold shining like fire ?
Whose is this huge sable Nishtringha capable of assaulting others? Whose is this iron sword covered with golden points.
Dreadful in touch like a serpent capable of piercing other's bodies and bearing heavy weight, celestials and creating terror in the minds of the enemies?
O Brihannala, asked b me, speak out the real truth; great is my wonder on seeing all these.
Brihannala said:
The one about which you first enquired is the world-wide known Gandiva bow of Arjuna, capable of destroying the enemy's army.
Polished like pure gold, the greatest of all weapons this is the greatest of all weapons this is the great weapon of Arjuna, Gandiva.
It is equal to a hundred thousand bows and capable of extending kingdoms: by this Partha defeated in battle celestials and men.
Adored repeatedly by the celestials, demons and Gandharvas, and variegated with excellent colours, the huge and smooth bow is without any stain or knot.
Brahma held it first for a thousand years and thereafter Prajapati held it for five hundred and three years. Afterwards Shakra did it for five and eighty years. Soma did it for five hundred years and Varuna for a hundred.
And lastly Partha, having white steeds, has held, for sixty five years, this highly powerful, heavenly and most excellent bow.
This beautiful bow has come to Partha from Varuna. Worshipped by god and men it has taken a handsome form.
That bow of beautiful sides and golden handle belongs to Bhima with which, the son of Pritha, the slayer of enemies, conquered the entire eastern region.
the other most excellent and beautiful bow, variegated with insects, belongs to the king Yudhishthira.
The other, in which golden suns of brilliant effulgence shed lustre all around, belongs to Nakula.
The bow, embellished with golden images of insects and set also with jems and stones, belongs to that son of Madri who is called Sahadeva.
The thousand winged shafts, sharp as razors and dreadful like the venom of snakes, belong to Arjuna, O son of Virata.
These swift arrows, of the hero burning in energy in battle when discharged against the enemies, become inexhaustible.
These sharp, long and heavy arrows, resembling the crescent of the moon in shape and capable of destroying the enemies, belong to Bhima.
The quiver, having the five images of tigers full of yellow, gold winged shafts whetted on stone, belongs to Nakula.
This quiver belongs to the intelligent son of Madri with which he had conquered the entire western region.
These arrows, lustrous like the sun, painted all over with various colours and capable of destroying enemies by thousands, belong to Sahadeva.
These great arrows, sharpened, yellow, heavy, long, gold feathered and consisting of three knots, belong to the king (Yudhishthira).
This long sword, with the emblem of a bee on its back and sharp as the sting of a bee, firm and capable of bearing heavy weight in battle, belongs to Arjuna.
This celestials huge sword, cased in tiger skin, capable of bearing heavy weight and dreadful to the enemies, belongs to Bhimasena.
This most excellent sword, of a sharp blade, golden hilt and cased in a painted sheath, belongs to the intelligent Dharmaraja of the Kuru race.
This strong sword, capable of bearing heavy weight intended for various forms of fight and cased in a sheath of goat-skin belongs to Nakula.
This huge, strong and dreadful sword, capable of bearing heavy weight and put in a sheath of cow-skin, belongs to Sahadeva.
Uttara said:
Truly these golden weapons, belonging to the light handed and noble sons of Pritha, are greatly beautiful.
But where are that Arjuna, the son of Pritha, Yudhishthira of the Kuru race, Nakula, Sahadeva and Bhimasena the son of Pandu?
We never hear of all those noble (heroes), capable of destroying all enemies, who lost their kingdom at dice.
Where is Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, known as a jewel of a female who followed them to woods after their defeat at dice.
Arjuna said:
I am Arjuna, the son of Pritha, your father's courtier is Yudhishthira and the clever cook of your father, Ballava, is Bhimasena.
Nakula is in charge of steeds and Sahadeva is in cow-pen and know Sairandhri as Draupadi for whom Kichaka's were slain.
Uttara said:
I shall place confidence in your words if you can mention the ten names of Partha of which I had heard before.
Arjuna said:
I shall tell you my ten names; hear them, O son of Virata, which you heard before.
Hear all with concentrated mind and attention-Arjuna, Phalguni, Vishnu, Kiritin Shvetavahana, Bibhatsu, Vijaya, Krishna, Savyasachi, Dhananjaya.
Uttara said:
Why is your name Vijaya? Why Shvetavahana? Why is your name Kiritin and why Savyasachi?
Tell me all truly why your names are Arjuna, Phalguni, Vishnu, Krishna, Bibhatsu and Dhananjaya.
I have heard o the origin of the names of the hero; if you can tell them all I shall confide in your words.
Arjuna said:
Having conquered all countries, and collected their wealth I lived in the midst of riches and so they call me Dhananjaya.
When I go out to fight with invincible kings I never return without defeating them; hence they call me Vijaya.
When I fight in the battle field the steeds that are yoked to my car are white and golden hued and hence they call me Shvetavahana.
I was born on the Himavat when the constellation Uttara Phalguna was on the ascendant and hence they call me Phalguni.
A diadem, brilliant like the sun, was formerly placed on my head by Indra during my fight with the Danavas and hence they call me Kiritin.
I have never committed a hateful work in the field of battle and hence I am known as Bibhatsu amongst men and celestials.
Both of my hands are capable of drawing Gandiva: hence they know me as Savyasachi amongst men and celestials.
My complexion is rare on earth with four boundaries and I perform pure deeds and hence they call me Arjuna.
I am unapproachable, irrepressible, dreadful and the chastiser of Paka; hence I am known as Vishnu amongst men and celestials.
Krishna, my tenth name, was given to me by my father out of affection for a black boy of great purity.
Vaishampayana said:
Then approaching Partha the son of Virata said "I am Bhuminjaya by name as well as Uttara.
By good luck I have seen you, O Partha, Welcome, O Dhananjaya, O you with red eyes and mighty arms resembling the trunk of elephants.
You should pardon me for what I said out of ignorance. You performed before many wonderful and difficult fears: hence my fears have been removed and I bear a great love for you."
Uttara said:
O hero, mounting this beautiful car with me as the charioteer, which division would you enter into? Commanded by you I shall take you there.
Arjuna said:
I am pleased with you, O best of men, you have no fear. I shall disperse all your enemies in battle, O you conversant with all forms of warfare.
Be at ease, O you mighty armed hero, behold me fighting with your enemies in battle, making a dreadful feat.
The quickly all these quivers to my chariot and take a sword of polished blade embellished with gold.
Vaishampayana said:
Hearing those words of Arjuna, Uttara became active He quickly got down from the tree with Arjuna's weapon.
Arjuna said:
I will fight with the Kurus and bring back your animals. Guarded by me the top of this car shall be like a citadel to you; these my arms shall be like ramparts and gates.
This treble pole and this my quiver will be like defensive works; here are my many flags; the twang of my bow, when I am in anger, will be like the sound of Dundhubi.
Such a city of yours, protected by me, will be on the car driven by me; holding the bow of Gandiva it will be incapable of being vanquished by the hostile army. So, O son of Virata, let your fear be dispelled.
Uttara said:
I do not fear all these-I know your steadiness in battle like that of Keshava or Indra himself.
Thinking of this I am continually bewildered. Foolish as I am I cannot get a definite conclusion.
By what adverse circumstances may such a handsome person, gifted with all auspicious marks, become deprived of men hood?
Methinks you are a Mahadeva, or Indra, or the king of the Gandharvas living in the guise of a eunuch.
Arjuna said:
To tell you the truth I am observing this vow for one year in satisfaction of the command of my elder brother.
O mighty-armed hero, I am not in reality a eunuch; (but I observe this vow) for acquiring religious merit and the satisfaction of another's will. Know, O prince, that I have completed my vow.
Uttara said:
you have done me a great favour today for I now see that my suspicion was not altogether unfounded. Persons like you, O foremost of men, cannot be eunuchs.
I have now got one to help me in battle; I can fight with the immortals. My fears have been dispelled. Tell me what I shall do.
I have been trained in horsemanship by a good teacher, O foremost of men; I shall govern your horses that are capable of breaking the ranks of enemy's cars.
Know me, O best of men, as clever a charioteer as Daruka of Vasudeva or Matali of Shakra.
The horse, that is yoked to the right pole (of your car) and whose hoofs, as they are placed on the ground are hardly visible when running, is like Sugriva of Krishna.
The other beautiful steed, the best of its race, that is yoked to the left pole, is, I think, equal in speed to Meghapushpa.
The beautiful horse, clad in golden mail, that draws the car by the rear pole, is equal to Shaivya in speed but superior in strength.
This fourth, yoked to the rear pole on the right, is considered superior to Balahaka in both speed and strength.
This car is capable of carrying a bowman like you in battle and you are also worthy of fighting on this car. This is my conviction.
Vaishampayana said:
Then taking off from his arms the bracelets, the powerful ( Arjuna) put on his hands a pair of beautiful gloves embroidered with gold.
He then tied his black and curling locks with a piece of white cloth. Then seated on that excellent car with his face turned towards the east the mighty-arrned hero, purifying his body and controlling his mind, thought of all his weapons. Then all the weapons said to the prince, the son of Pritha.
“We are here, O illustrious one, we are your servants, O son of Pandu." Then saluting and taking them with his hands he said "Do you all live in my memory." Then taking all those weapons he became of delighted countenance.
Quickly stringing his bow Gandiva he twanged it. Then from the twang of the bow was produced a great sound like that of a mountain clashed by another mighty one. Dreadful was the sound that filled the earth and impetuous was the wind that blew on all sides.
Big fire-brands fell down, quarters were not clear, birds began to move about in the skies and the trees began to tremble.
From that sound great as it was like that of thunder, the Kurus came to know that Arjuna drew, with his hands, the string of the best of his bows from the car.
Uttara said:
You are alone, O best of Pandavas, and those powerful car-warriors are many. How will you vanquish in battle those who have mastered all art of fighting?
You have none to help you, O son of Kunti, but Kurus have many to help them. Therefore, O mighty-armed hero, I wait before you afraid.
Then smiling Partha said to him- "What friendly follower I had, O hero, while fighting with the powerful Gandharvas on the occasion of Ghoshayatra? Who was my friend while fighting at a terrible battle at Khandava with so many celestials and Danavas? Who was my friend, when I fought for the celestials with the powerful Nivatakavachas and the Paulamas? And who was my friend when I fought with the numberless kings at the Svayamvara of the princess of Panchala? Learning the art of fighting from the preceptor Drona, Shakra, Vaishravana, Yama, Varuna, Agni, Kripa, Krishna of Madhu's race and the holder of trident why shall I not fight with these? Drive this car speedily and let the fears of your heart be removed."
Vaishampayana said:
Making Uttara his charioteer and going round the Shami tree the son of Pandu taking all his weapons set out.
Having taken down the banner with the lion's figure and placed it at the foot of the Shami tree the mighty car-warrior set out with Uttara as his charioteer.
He hoisted on his chariot the golden flag having the emblem of a monkey which was a celestials illusion created by Vishvakarman.
As soon as he thought of the favour of Agni in his mind the deity, knowing his desire, ordered the creatures (to sit) on the flag.
A celestials and charming flag-staff adorned with gold, furnished with a handsome banner and quivers attached to it, immediately fell on the car from the sky.
Seeing the banner reach his car the hero went round it reverentially. Then getting on his car, Bibhatsu, the son of Kunti, having white steeds and the emblem of a monkey on his banner, having his fingers protected by the gloves of Inguana skin, and taking up his bow and arrows, started in a northerly direction.
Then that highly powerful repressor of foes, energetically blew his large conch-shell of thundering sound, capable of making the hairs of the body of his enemies stand erect.
At that sound the quick-coursing horses dropped down their knees on earth. Uttara too, stricken with fear, sat down on the car.
Then raising the horses up with reins and keeping them in their proper places and embracing Uttara, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, consoled him.
Arjuna said:
O foremost of princes, O slayer of foes, be not afraid; you are a Kshatriya; why do you look sorry, O foremost of men, in the midst of enemies?
You have heard enough of the sound of my conch shells as well as that of trumpets and the roar of many elephants in the midst of soldiers arranged for battle.
Why are you therefore, so dispirited agitated and terrified by the sound of the conch like an ordinary man.
Uttara said:
I have heard the sound of many a conch and many a trumpet and the roar of many an elephant in the battle field but never have I heard the sound of such a conch. Never have I seen before a flag like this.
Never have I heard before the twang of such a bow. With the blowing of this conch, the twang of this bow, the superhuman cries of creatures placed on the banner, and with the rattle of this chariot my mind has been greatly agitated.
All the quarters have been agitated and my mind has been pained; all the quarters have been covered with flags and thus do not come to my view. With the twang of the Gandiva my ears have been defended.
Arjuna said:
Stand you firmly on this chariot, pressing your feet on it. Get hold lightly of the reins for I will blow the conch again.
Vaishampayana said:
Arjuna blew the conch again which caused grief in the enemies and increased the delight of the friends.
(It seemed to rend) the caves of the mountains, hills and the quarters. Uttara too, clinging to it, sat on the car.
The earth shook with the sound of the conch, rattle of the car and the twang of the Gandiva. And Dhananjaya again consoled him.
Drona said:
From the rattle of the car, from the way in which the clouds have appeared, and in which the earth shakes he is none other than Savyasachin.
Our arms do not shine, our horses are dispirited and our fires, although fuel is added to them, do not blaze up.
All the animals, looking towards the sun, are yelling dreadfully and the crows are perching on our banners. This is not auspicious.
The vultures and kites are in the right path and presage a great danger. And the jackal too crying runs about in the midst of the army.
An they go out openly. It presages a great calamity. The hairs of your bodies are seen to stand on their ends.
Forsooth this presages a great destruction of the Kshatriyas in battle; the shining objects do not come in view and the birds and beasts appear frightful.
Many portents are seen presaging the destruction of the Kshatriyas. And this particularly portends a great havoc amongst ourselves.
Your army is assailed by these burning meteors and the animals, O king, seem to be shorn of cheerfulness and are as if weeping.
Vulture and kites are moving all around your army. You will repent when you will see your soldiers assailed by Partha's shafts.
Our army is already defeated for, none wishes to fight. All the soldiers appear pale and dispirited. Placing the kine before, we should all stand here arranged in battle array, and ready to strike.
Vaishampayana said:
Then the king Duryodhana said in the battle field to Bhishma, Drona, the foremost of warriors and as also to the mighty car-warrior Kripa.
Both myself and Karna had said this to the preceptor. I mention it again for I am not satisfied with speaking (once).
This was the condition that if defeated at dice the Pandavas will live in woods and countries for twelve years unknown to us.
The thirteenth year is still going on and not yet complete. Bibhatsu, who is living in disguise, has come to us.
Now if Bibhatsu comes before the term of exile is over, the Pandavas shall have to pass another twelve years in the forest.
Whether by covetousness they have forgotten it or whether it is a mistake on our part, it is proper that Bhishma should calculate the shortness or excess (of the fixed period).
Doubt always exists in one of the alternatives of an object; an object, thought of in one way, becomes another (in the end). Even persons, conversant with morality, are confounded in their own acts; (we have come) to fight with the Matsya's stationed in the north.
If however Bibhatsu has come what fault is ours? We have here to fight with the Matsya's on behalf of the Trigartas.
Various were the oppressions of the Matsya's described to us-and we promised them help, assailed with fear as they were. And the arrangement with them was that they should first, on the afternoon of the seventh lunar day, seize the great collection of the precious kine of the Matsya's.
And at sun-rise of the eighth lunar day we should seize these kine when the king of Matsya's would be pursuing those seized first.
It may be that they are bringing the kine, or being defeated are coming to us for negotiating peace with the Matsya's.
Or it may be that having driven them off, the king of Matsya's, leading his people and his army of fierce warriors, income to make upon us night attacks. Perhaps some one powerful amongst them or even the king of Matsya's himself is coming to defeat us. Be he the king of Matsya's or Bibhatsu, we must all fight with him. This is our condition. Why are all these leading car-warriors Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Vikarana and Drona's son now sitting panic-stricken on their cars?
There is no other help but fighting now. Make up your minds, therefore. Even, for seizing these precious kine, we have got to fight with the Divine holder of thunder-bolt or with Yama. Who is there that will be able to go to Hastinapur? Pierced by my shafts, when running away from the battle field through the woods, who amongst the infantry shall be able to escape with his life, while that of the cavalry is so doubtful? Keeping, the preceptor behind, do you make all arrangements.
He knows their views and strikes terror into our minds. I perceive his affection for Arjuna is very great.
Seeing him only come he sings the praised of Bibhatsu. Make such arrangements that our army may not break up. Every thing has been confused for Drona's having heard of his horses' neighs.
Make such arrangement that these soldiers, coming to a distant country in the summer, and in the midst of this huge forest, may not be routed and vanquished by the enemy.
The Pandavas are always the favourites of the preceptor. He betrays by his words that he is for others.
Hearing only the neighs of horses who would ever praise a man? Whether walking or standing the horses neigh.
The winds always blow and Indra always showers rain and the roar of the clouds may be heard many times.
What has Partha to do with these and why should he be praised? It is so either for the desire of doing good to him or for hatred and anger towards us.
Preceptors are wise, virtuous and very kind to all creatures but they should not be consulted in hours of danger.
It is in beautiful places, assemblies and gardens where beautiful speeches are to be made that the learned men seem to be in their proper places.
The learned shine in the concourse of men, where they perform many wonderful things and there where sacrificial vessels and their uses are necessary.
In the knowledge of learning the weak points of others, in studying the characters of men, in the science of horses, elephants and cars, in treating the diseases of asses, camels, goats, sheep and kine, in making plans of buildings and gates, in pointing out the defects of food and drink the learned are truly in their elements.
Leaving behind the learned who speak highly of the heroism of the enemy, do you so arrange that the enemy may be killed.
Keeping the kine secure arrange the army in battle array. Keep guards in proper places so that we may fight with the enemy.
Karna said:
I see all of you looking as if terrified and panic-stricken, not resolute and reluctant to fight.
If he be the king of Matsya's or Bibhatsu that has come I shall resist him as the banks resist the waving sea.
These straight and shooting shafts, like gliding snakes that are discharged from my bow, never miss their aim.
Discharged by my light hand these shafts, having highly sharpened points and feathered in gold, shall cover Partha like locusts covering a tree.
Struck firm by these winged shafts the bow string will cause these loves to produce a sound that will be heard to resemble that of a couple of kettle-drums.
Bibhatsu was engaged in religious meditation for the last thirteen years and so he will strike me mildly in the conflict.
Like a Brahmana, gifted with good qualities the son of Kunti has become the proper person to receive quietly thousands of arrow shot by me.
This powerful bowman is known all over the three worlds and I am by no means inferior to Arjuna, that best of men.
Golden arrows having the wings of vultures being discharged on all sides let the sky today appear as filled with fire flies.
Killing Arjuna in battle I shall satisfy, to day, the debt which it is hard to repay, I made formerly to Duryodhana.
Who is there even amongst the celestials and Asura who is capable of withstanding the straight arrows discharged from my bow? Let my shooting arrows, winged and depressed at the middle, present the view of the fire flies passing through the sky.
Like a person assailing an elephant with fire-brands I shall grind Partha, hard as Indra's thunderbolt and equally energetic like Mahendra.
From my car I shall get hold of the unresisting Partha, a heroic car-warrior and the foremost of the holders of weapon like Garuda catching snakes.
Irrepressible like fire, excited by the fuel of swords, darts and arrows, that burning Pandava fire that consumes all enemies, I shall put out myself who am like a hue cloud continually pouring showers of arrows-the number of cars forming its thunder, and the speed of my horses being the wind going before.
Shot from my bow the arrows, resembling venomous snakes, will pierce Partha like serpents going through ant hills.
Struck by gold-feathered, strong, straight and powerful arrows, behold the son of Kunti adorned like a hill covered with Karnikara flowers.
Having obtained from that foremost of ascetic, the son of Jamadagni, my weapons, I would, depending upon their strength, fight even with the celestials.
Struck with javelin, the monkey placed on his banner, shall fall down on the earth, uttering dreadful cries.
The sky will be filled with the cries of the animals placed on the enemy's flag-staff and assailed by me they will fly away in all directions.
I shall eradicate today the dart from Duryodhana's heart existing for a long time by dislodging Bibhatsu from his car.
The Kauravas will see today Partha with his car broken, steeds killed, the bravery gone and himself sighing like a serpent.
Let the Kauravas at their own will go away with the precious kine; if they wish let them remain on the chariot and behold the encounter.
Kripa said:
O son of Radha, your crooked mind is always for the war. You do not understand the time and nature of things as well as their consequences.
There are many contrivances mentioned in the scriptures. Of them persons acquainted with the past history have mentioned battle as the most sinful.
It is only when undertaken in (proper) time and place that a battle produces success. This is not a favourable time and you will get no good fruit. Prowess, when manifested in proper hour and place, leads to well-being.
It is by favourable signs that the advisability of an action is determined upon. Learned men never act depending upon the words of a car maker. Taking all this into consideration it is not proper for us to enter into an encounter with Partha.
Alone did he save the Kurus (from the Gandharvas) and alone did he gratify fire. And alone did he for five years lead the life of a Brahmacharin.
Taking Subhadra on his car alone did he challenge Krishna to a duel. And alone did he fight with Rudra who came before him in the disguise of a hunter.
It was in this forest that he rescued Draupadi when she was being carried away (by Jayadratha). It is alone he that for five years studied the science of arms under Indra.
Defeating alone all the enemies he has spread the glory of the Kurus. Alone did that chastiser of foes defeat in battle Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas and in a moment his invincible army also. He defeated alone in battle the dreadful Nivatakavachas and Kalakhanjas who were both incapable of being slain even by the celestials. What however, O Karna, have you accomplished single-handed like any one of the sons of Pandu each of whom had vanquished many kings? Even Indra is unable to face Partha in battle.
He who wishes to fight with Arjuna should take some medicine. You desire to take out the fangs of an angry, venomous snake by stretching out your right hand and extending your fore-finger. Or going alone in the forest you wish to ride an infuriated elephant and go to a town without a hook in hand. Or rubbed over with clarified butter and clad in silken raiment you wish to go through a burning fire blazing with fat, tallow and clarified butter.
Who, binding himself hand and foot and tying a huge stone to his neck, would wish to swim across the ocean with his bare arms? What manliness is there? O Karna, a fool is he, who, without strength and skill in arms, desires to fight with Partha who is so powerful and skilled in weapons? Oppressed by us and freed from thirteen years' exile, will he not destroy us like a lion liberated from the noose? Having unknowingly come to a place where Partha lay hidden like fire we have been exposed to a great danger. Although dreadful in battle we should fight against him.
Let our army, clad in coats of mail, stand here in battle array ready to strike. Let Drona, Duryodhana, Bhishma, yourself, Drona's son and ourselves all fight with Partha. Do not, O Karna, act rashly. If we six are united and set forth our energy we may fight with or stand before Partha, fierce like the wielder of thunderbolt. With our soldiers in battle array, we, great bowmen as we are, will fight carefully with Arjuna as the Danavas fought with Vasava.
Ashvathama said:
The kine have not yet been acquired. Nor have they gone over the boundary. Nor have they gone to Hastinapur. Why do you, O Karna, boast?
Even having won many a battle, amassed a vast fortune, vanquished their enemies, armies, truly heroic men do not utter a single word of their prowess.
Fire burns silently and silently does the sun shine. And the earth does bear creatures mobile and immobile without a single word.
The actions of the four orders have been ordained by the Self Sprung (Brahma) so that they may acquire wealth without committing a sinful act.
Having studied the Vedas, the Brahmanas should perform sacrifices and officiate as priests. Resorting to their vows the Kshatriyas should perform sacrifices and never officiate as priests.
Having amassed wealth the Vaishyas should perform the Vedic rites there with. A Shudra should always attend to and serve the other three orders, having recourse to flattery as the means of livelihood and behaving (cringlingly ) like the cane.
Duly following the scriptures they obtained this entire earth and those great men always act respectfully to their elders even if the latter prove adverse to them.
What Kshatriya on this earth expresses joy for having acquired a kingdom by gambling like this wicked and shameless son of Dhritarashtra ?
Having acquired riches in this way by deceit and fraud like a seller of meat what wise man would boast of it?
In what single combat did you ever defeat Dhananjaya, Nakula or Sahadeva although you have robbed them of their riches?
Has Yudhishthira, or Bhima the foremost of the strong, been defeated by you? In what battle was Indraprastha conquered by you?
By what battle did you win Krishna, that, O you of wicked deeds, you did drag her to the assembly when she was in her course and had one cloth on?
You have cut the great root of the Sala tree. Actuated by greed when you made them work as slaves what did Vidura say?
Men and others, even insects and ants show forgiveness as much as lies in their power.
The Pandava can never forgive your distressing Draupadi. Dhananjaya is born for the destruction of Dhritarashtra's sons.
Appearing as a learned man you are making speeches, but will not Bibhatsu, the slayer of enemies, exterminate us all ?
Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, never from fear, withdraws himself from fighting even if it be with the Gandharvas, Asuras or Rakshasas.
On whom he will fall enraged in battle he will over-throw him like a tree by the velocity of Garuda.
Who will not praise Partha, who is superior to yourself in prowess, equal to the king of the gods in bowmanship and equal to Vasudeva himself in battle?
What man is equal to Arjuna who counteracts the celestials weapons with celestials and human weapons with human?
Persons conversant with virtue say that a disciple is not different from a son. It is for this reason Arjuna is favourite with Drona.
Do you fight with the Pandavas in the same way by which you defeated them at dice, by which you conquered Indraprastha and dragged Krishna to the assembly hall.
Let your uncle the deceitful gambler Shakuni, the prince of Gandhara, fully versed in the duties of the Kshatriyas, fight now.
The Gandiva (bow) does not cast dice such as, the Krita or Dwapara but it discharges burning and sharpened arrows.
The dreadful arrows, shot from Gandiva of great might and winged like vultures, can rend even the mountains.
The regent of Dead, the god of air and the horse-faced god of fire, leave some thing behind but Dhananjaya, worked up with anger, never does so.
As backed by your uncle you played at dice in the assembly hall so do you now fight well-protected by Subala's son?
Let any one else, if he likes, fight, I shall not fight with Dhananjaya. We shall fight with the king of Matsya's if he comes following the track of kine.
Bhishma said:
Drona's son observes well. Kripa observes well. Only for the observance of Kshatriya duties Karna wishes to fight.
No wise man can find fault with the preceptor. In my view we must fight considering time and place.
Why should not a wise man be bewildered who has five adversaries effulgent as the sun, who are experts in smiting and have just come out from adversity?
Even persons, conversant with morality, are bewildered in their own interests. It is for this I tell you, O king, whether my words be acceptable to you or not.
What Karna said to you was for inciting our energy. The preceptor's son should forgive us for a very important business is present.
When the son of Kunti has come it is not the time for dissension. Yourself and the preceptor and Kripa should forgive everything.
The mastery of weapons is in you as the rays are in the sun. As Lakshmi is never separated from the moon, so the Vedas and the Brahma weapons are always established in you. It is seen that the four Vedas exist in one place and all the attributes of a Kshatriya exist in another place.
We have never heard of these two living together in any man than in the preceptor of the Bharata's race and his son. This is my conviction.
In Vedantas, in Puranas and in Itihasas, who, O king except Jamadagni, is superior to Drona ?
The (mastery) of Brahma weapons and (the knowledge of) the Vedas combined are not seen in any other person than that best of men, the preceptor of Bharatas. The preceptor's son should forgive us. This is not the time for disunion. Let us all united fight with the son of the chastiser of Paka (Arjuna) who has come here.
Of all the dangers to an army described by the intelligent the worst is the disunion amongst the leaders.
Ashvatthama said:
O foremost of men, the words that you have spoken to us are all just. The preceptor, filled with anger, has dilated upon his (Arjuna's) accomplishments.
The accomplishments even of the enemies should be mentioned and the defect of a preceptor should be pointed out. Therefore, one should, to the best of his power, describe the merit of his son or disciple.
Duryodhana said:
May the preceptor forgive us and establish peace. If the preceptor is not alienated everything would be done.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon, O Bharata, along with Karna, Bhishma and the high-souled Kripa, Duryodhana made Drona to forgive them.
Drona said:
I have already been pleased by the words, which Bhishma, the son of Shantanu at first gave vent to. Such a procedure should now be resorted to that the son of Pritha may not approach Duryodhana in the encounter and the latter may not pass into the hands of the enemies,
Either through bravery or through foolishness. Let such a procedure be adopted. Arjuna shall not bring himself into our view before the expiration of the period of exile.
By (merely) recovering the kine he will not forgive us. let therefore such a procedure be adopted that he can, by no means, vanquish the sons of Dhritarashtra and defeat our army. Similarly did Duryodhana speak before. Remembering all this, O Bhishma, tell us what you think proper.
Bhishma said:
The wheel of time revolves with various divisions such as Kalas, Kashthas, Muhurtas, days, fortnights months, stars, planets, seasons and years.
On account of the excess of time and the constellations going on their courses there is an increase of two months in every five years.
I think, calculating in this way, there will be an addition of five months and twelve nights within thirteen years.
They all have duly acted up to what they promised. Knowing all for certain Arjuna has come here.
All of them are noble and well acquainted with virtue and worldly profit. They have Yudhishthira as their king. How can they injure virtue?
The sons of Kunti are not avaricious and they have performed a work which it is greatly difficult to do. They do not wish to acquire kingdom by unfair means.
(If so) the descendants of Kuru would have liked to show their prowess at that time; virtuous as they are, they did not deviate from the duties of the Kshatriyas.
Whoever will regard them as dishonest will meet with discomfiture today. The sons of Pritha will rather invite death but will never speak an untruth.
Those great men, the Pandavas, powerful like him (Indra), will never part with a thing that comes to them in due time even if it is protected by the holder of thunder (Indra).
We shall have to content against, in battle, the foremost of all heroes; let such arrangements be made speedily, which are good and approved by the honest so that our properties may not pass into the hands of the enemies. O Kaurava, O emperor, I have never seen a battle in which one party is sure to come off victorious. (Besides) Arjuna has come. When a battle begins there is victory and defeat, prosperity and adversity. Therefore one must have either of the two. I have observed it without doubt.
Whether it is right or not you should, O king, make arrangements speedily for the battle for Arjuna has come.
Duryodhana said:
I shall not, O grandfather, give back their kingdom to Pandavas. Therefore without delay, make arrangements for the battle.
Bhishma said:
Hear what I think about this, if you like. I should always speak what is good, O descendant of Kuru.
Quickly proceed towards the city with one- fourth of the army. Let the other fourth part go away with the kine.
With half the army we shall fight with Arjuna. Myself, Drona, Karna, the son of Drona, as well as Sharadvata's son, Shall firmly fight with Arjuna or the king of Matsya if he has come back or even with the performer of hundred sacrifices. I shall face them like the bank (obstructing the motion of the) ocean.
Vaishampayana said:
These words of the great Bhishma found favour with them and the king of Kauravas immediately carried them out.
Having sent away the king and thereafter the precious kine Bhishma addressed himself for arranging his troops in battle array.
Bhishma said:
Stand you, O preceptor, in the middle; let Ashvathama defend the left wing and the intelligent son of Sharadvata Kripa protect the right wing.
Let Karna, the son of charioteer, clad in a coat of mail, stand in the front. And I shall command the entire army in the rear.
Vaishampayana said:
After the mighty car-warriors of the Kurus had arrayed themselves in battle, sending out the rattle of their chariots, he quickly proceeded towards them.
They saw the top of his banner, heard the rattle of his car and the twang of his Gandiva bow, stretched greatly by him.
Observing all this and that the great car- warrior, the holder of the Gandiva bow has come, Drona said:
The top of the banner which shines at a distance belongs to Arjuna; this is the rattle of his chariot and this is the monkey which is roaring.
The monkey strikes great terror into the hearts of all the soldiers. And sitting on that best of cars, the foremost of car-warriors.
Draws his best of bows Gandiva, that emits the sound of thunder. Those two arrows coming together touch my feet.
Passing by others they touch my cars. Having completed the term of his exile in the forest and performed superhuman deeds,
Partha salutes me and speaks to my cars. After a long time we have seen the wise son of Pandu, Dhananjaya, ever a favourite to his friends and greatly shining in prosperity.
Possessed of chariot and shafts, beautiful gloves and quivers, conch, flag, armour; and adorned with a crest, scimitar and bow Partha shines like fire fed with clarified butter and sacrificial ladles.
"O charioteer, stop your horses at a place from which my arrows may reach the soldiers so long I do not single out from among them the wretch of the Kuru race (Duryodhana).
Disregarding all these I shall find that vain wretch out and strike him down and then all these will be defeated."
There stands Drona and thereafter his son and then those great bowmen Bhishma, Kripa and Karna.
I do not see the king, I am afraid, anxious to save his life he is going by the southern road. Leaving the car-warriors here go where Suyodhana is. I shall fight there, O son of Virata, for it will not be without result. Vanquishing him I will come back with the kine.
Thus addressed the son of Virata, carefully governing the horses and holding the reins, took the horses where the leading Kurus and the king Suyodhana were. As Arjuna, having white steeds, left that place,
Kripa, understanding his object, said: "Bibhatsu does not like to stand at a distance from the king."
We shall attach his sides who is advancing quickly. None can alone fight with him in battle when worked up with anger
Except the thousand-eyed Deity, Krishna, the son of Devaki, the preceptor his son, and the mighty car-warrior, the son of Bharadvaja.
What shall we do with these kine or the vast wealth if Duryodhana were to sink like a bark in the Partha water.
(In the mean time) going there and announcing himself as Bibhatsu by name he speedily covered the soldiers with shafts like a swarm of locusts.
Assailed by the mass of shafts discharged by Partha the warriors couldn't see anything, the sky and the earth being covered therewith.
They who came to fight were confounded that they even could not prepare themselves to fly away and began quickly to adore Partha in their minds.
He then blew the conch which made the hairs of the enemies stand erect; then twanging his most excellent bow he made the creatures on his flag staff (to cry aloud).
The earth shook with the sound of his conch, the rattle of his chariot and the twang of his Gandiva bow,
As well as with the cries of all the super- human creatures placed on the flag staff. Then raising up their tails and running to and fro the king came back by the southern road.
Vaishampayana said:
Having quickly routed the enemy's host and recovered the kine, that foremost of bow- men, with a view to fight again, proceeded towards Duryodhana.
Seeing the kine run towards the city of Matsya's and considering Kiritin successful, the heroic Kurus all on a sudden withstood him who was proceeding towards Duryodhana.
Beholding their army and various well arranged divisions as well as numberless flags, that destroyer of enemies, addressing the son of Virata, the king of Matsya's, said,
Soon take these white horses by this way, governed by golden reins. Do you quickly and carefully take me to the row of the leading Kuru heroes.
The wicked-souled son of the charioteer (Karna) wishes to fight with me as an elephant does with another (elephant). Do you take me to him, O prince, who has grown insolent for the protection afforded to him by Duryodhana.
Then breaking through the array of car- warriors with big horses fleet as the wind the son of Virata took Arjuna to the middle of the battle field.
Seeing this, those powerful car-warriors, Chitrasena, Sangramajit, Shatrusaha and Jaya with a view to help Karna, rushed towards the advancing Arjuna.
Thereupon worked up with anger that foremost of men began to consume, with blazing shafts, discharged from his bow, the cars of the leading Kurus like fire consuming the forest.
When the battle grew dreadful, Vikarana, a leading Kuru hero, getting upon his own chariot, moved towards that mighty car-warrior, Partha, the younger brother of Bhima with a dreadful downpour of shafts.
Then cutting off his bow with a strong string and having its tops covered with gold he sundered his Flag-staff. Then with his Flag- staff broken down he quickly took to heels.
Unable to check his anger, Shatruntapa, with a downpour of shafts, began to afflict Partha the obstructor of the enemies and the author of superhuman deeds.
Then wounded by that king a mighty car-warrior and drowned as it were in the Kuru army he wounded Shatruntapa with five arrows and then killed his charioteer with ten.
Then wounded by that foremost of Bharatas with a greatly piercing shaft the king leaving his armour fell down dead on the ground like a rock from the mountain summit clapped by the wind.
Assailed by the foremost of men, a greater hero, those heroic leaders of the Kurus began to tremble in battle like a huge forest shaken by the wind at the time of the universal dissolution.
Vanquished in battle and slain by Partha, the son of Indra, those heroes, givers of wealth and endued with the prowess of Vasava and well-dressed, slept on the ground, deprived of their lives,
Like huge Himalaya elephants dressed with armours made of black steel decked with gold. Thus slaying his enemies in battle that heroic man, the holder of Gandiva bow,
Began to move about in the field in all direction like fire consuming a forest at the end of summer. As the wind blows in the spring scattering the withered leaves and clouds.
So the mighty car-warrior Kiritin ranged in the battle field in his chariot dispersing his enemies. Then killing the horses of the brother of Vikartana's son, that one of undeteriorating energy. Ever victorious in battle and decked with a brilliant diadem, with one shaft, speedily cut off his head.
His brother being slain, the son of Suta, Vikartana's son, gathering his energy. Rushed towards that foremost of men like an elephant chief, with the two tusks out or like a tiger. And Vikartana's son quickly wounded Arjuna with twelve arrows.
All the horses on their bodies, and the son of Virata on the hand. Furiously hastening towards Vikartana's son who was quickly proceeding towards him, Kiritin attacked him with great force like Garuda of variegated plumage falling upon snakes.
Both of them were best of bowmen, were greatly powerful and capable of killing all enemies. Understanding that an encounter was soon to take place between Karna and Partha, the Kurus, wishing to witness it, stood at a distance.
Seeing the iniquitous Karna, Arjuna, excited with anger, in great pleasure, quickly made him, his horses and his charioteer invisible by a thick downpour of arrows.
The warriors of the Bharatas, headed by Bhishma, with their horses, elephants and chariots rendered invisible and pierced and having their cars broken by Kiritin with shafts, began to bewail.
Then baffling with his own arrows those shot by the hands of Arjuna the hero, the high- souled Karna, all on a sudden came into view with his bow and arrow like fire with scintillations.
Then there arose the sound of the clapping of hands and that of conchs, trumpets and bugles while the Kurus spoke highly of Vikartana's son who filled the welkin with the sound of his bow-string striking against his gloves.
Then seeing Kiritin fill the sky with the twang of his Gandiva bow, the upraised tail of the monkey that was on his Flag-staff and the dreadful creatures yelling hideously from the Flag-staff, Karna sent up a shout.
Then assailing with his arrows Vikartana's son, together with his horses, car and charioteer, Arjuna showered a downpour of shafts on him, casting his looks on Bhishma, Drona and Kripa Vikartana's son too covered Partha with a downpour of shafts like a cloud.
And he too, decked with a diadem, covered Karna with sharp arrows. Creating clouds of sharp arrows in a battle rendered furious by huge weapons and shafts.
The two, stationed on cars, appeared to men like the sun and the moon covered by clouds. Then the light-handed and intelligent Karna wounded the horses of Partha with shafts,
Assailed his driver with three arrows and struck down his Flag-staff with three. Thus struck like a sleeping lion awaking, that repressor of enemies in battle,
The holder of Gandiva, the heroic Vishnu, assailed Karna with straight shafts, And assailed with a downpour of arrows and weapons the high-souled performer of superhuman deeds displayed (mighty feats).
He covered Karna's car with shafts like the sun covering the regions with its rays. Like a lion attacked by an elephant he, taking out sharpened arrows from the quiver.
And drawing the bow to his ear wounded the charioteer's son on every part of his body. Then that repressor of enemies pierced Karna's arms, thighs, head, forehead and other parts of his body with sharpened arrows fleet as the thunderbolt, shot from his Gandiva bow.
Thus wounded by the arrows shot by Partha, the son of Pandu, Vikartana's son left the battle-field and took to his heels like an elephant defeated by another.
Vaishampayana said:
After the son of Radha had fled away from the battle-field all other heroes, headed by Duryodhana attacked Arjuna with their respective detachments.
Like the bank (obstructing the surging) deep he withstood the various well-arranged divisions of the army falling upon him with arrows.
Then smiling, the foremost of car-warriors Bibhatsu, the son of Kunti, having white, steeds, advanced (towards them) displaying celestials weapons.
Partha soon filled the ten quarters with arrows shot from his Gandiva bow as the sun covers the earth with its rays.
Of the chariots, horses, elephants and coats of mail there was not space measuring even two fingers that was nor pierced with shafts.
On account of his cleverly handling the celestials weapons, the training of his horses, the skill of Uttara and the coursing of his weapons.
And seeing him endued with energy prowess and quick motion people began to adore Vishnu like fire burning at the time of the universal dissolution.
None amongst the enemies could look at Arjuna shining like the burning fire. Assailed by the shafts of Arjuna the various divisions of the army appeared.
Like the newly risen clouds on a mountain, filled with the rays of the sun or like the groves of the Ashoka trees covered with full blown flowers.
Thus assailed by Partha's shafts the army appeared, O Bharata, like a garland from which the withered but golden flowers drop down.
The wind carried away to the sky the umbrellas and the flags. Terrified at the destruction of their own species and having their reins cut off by Partha's arrows the horses, taking with them, portions of cars, fled away in different directions. Struck on their ears, ribs, tusks, the lower lips and other vital parts the elephants began to drop down in the battle-field. Filled in no time with the dead elephants of the Kurus the earth looked like the sky filled with black clouds. As the blazing fire burns up all mobile and immobile, at the time of the universal dissolution, so did Partha, O king, consume the enemies in battle.
Then with the power of all his weapons, the twang of his bow and superhuman cries of the creatures stationed on his Flag-staff.
And the dreadful yell of the monkey, Bibhatsu struck terror into the hearts of Duryodhana's soldiers. A highly powerful repressor of enemies as he was, he had already crushed to the ground the strength of the hostile heroes.
He all on a sudden from behind attacked the army with a net of sharpened arrows like birds ordered (by fowlers).
Arjuna covered the entire sky with blood-drinking arrows. As the fierce rays of the sun are within a small vessel. O king, those numberless shafts of his were in the sky. They could see once his car only when brought near.
And no sooner they saw him he felled them from the chariot with their horses. As his arrows were not impeded by the bodies of his enemies.
So the car of Bibhatsu was not obstructed by the army of the enemy. He, with great force, began to agitate the army of the enemy.
Like the thousand headed serpent Vasuki sporting in the great ocean. As Kiriti continually shot his arrows such was the twang of his bow, going above every sound that the like of if was never heard by creatures. The elephants, that were there with their bodies thickly covered with arrows, looked like black clouds filled with the rays of the sun. Moving in all directions and shooting arrows right and left Arjuna's bow was always seen in the battle like a circle.
The arrows of the holder of the Gandiva bow never fell upon anything except the aim as the eye does not fall upon anything except what is beautiful. As the passage for a thousand of elephants is made of itself when they simultaneously pass through a forest so the track of the chariot of Kiritin was made out. Greatly assailed by Partha the enemies thought, "Desirous of securing victory to Partha forsooth, Indra, in the company of all the immortals, is destroying us."
They also took Vijaya, who was making a dreadful havoc all round, to be Death himself, who in the guise of Arjuna, was putting an end to all creatures around. And wounded by Partha the bodies of the Kuru soldiers were distressed like those slain by Partha by his superhuman deed. He sundered the heads of the enemies like the tops of Oshadhis.
The Kurus lost all their energy in fear of Arjuna. Uprooted by Arjuna wind, the trees of the Arjuna's enemies reddened the earth with purple secretions. And with the dust saturated with blood and raised up by the wind the rays of the sun were greatly reddened. The sky with the sun being reddened soon appeared like the evening.
Even the sun ceases to pour its rays when he sets but the son of Pandu did not cease to discharge his arrows. In the battle that hero of incomprehensible energy assailed with celestials weapons all the heroic and leading bow men. He discharged seventy arrows, sharp as razors at Drona, Twelve at Dushasana and three at Kirpa, the son of Sharadvata.
That slayer of hostile heroes pierced with six shafts Bhishma, the son of Shantanu and the king Duryodhana with hundred and Karna in the car with a bearded shaft.
When that great bowman Karna expert in the use of all weapons, was thus pierced and his steeds, chariot and charioteer were destroyed, his army were routed.
Beholding the army thus routed and with a view to decipher Partha intention the son of Virata addressed Partha in the battle-field saying:
O Partha, stationed on this beautiful car with myself as charioteer, towards what division of the army shall I go?
Arjuna said:
O Uttara, the hero, whom you see before, clad in a coat of tiger-skin, on a car with blue flag drawn by red horses, is Kripa - and there is the van of his army. Do you take me there. I shall show that great bowman my light handedness in the use of weapons.
That hero, on whose flag is the emblem of a beautiful golden water pot, is the preceptor Drona- the foremost of the wielders of all weapons.
He is ever worshipful to me as well as to other heroes. Do you cheerfully go round him the foremost of the Kuru warriors.
I shall salute him there for such is the ever abiding duty. If Drona at first strikes my body.
I shall strike him then and he will not be angry for it. Near him at whose flag the mark of a bow is seen.
Is the preceptor's son, the mighty car- warrior Ashvathama, who is always worthy of my respect as well as other heroes.
When you meet his car stop again and again. That warrior on the car clad in a golden coat of mail.
Who stands there surrounded by the third portion of the army, the flower (of the entire army) on whose flag is the emblem of an elephant on the ground of gold,
Is the son of Dhritarashtra, the graceful king Duryodhana. O hero, take before him this car that is capable of destroying other cars of the enemies.
The king is irrepressible in battle and capable of grinding ( enemies); in lightness of hand he is regarded as the foremost amongst the disciples of Drona.
I shall in battle show him my superior light handedness in the discharge of arrows. That warrior, on whose flag is the emblem of a strong rope for binding elephants, is Karna, the son of Vikartana, already known to you. When you come near the car of the wicked-souled son of Radha
Be you very careful for he always challenges me to fight. That hero, whose flag is blue and on which is the emblem of five stars and who, powerful as he is, waits on his car with a huge bow in his hands with gloves and on whose car is placed a Flag-staff variegated with the sun and stars.
And over whose head is an umbrella of pure white and who stands at the head of a great collection of cars with diverse flags and pennons
Like the sun before the collection of clouds and whose golden coat of mail looks like the sun or moon
And who with golden crest pains me greatly, is Shantanu's son Bhishma, our grandfather.
Always treated with regal prosperity he is a follower of Duryodhana. You should approach him last for he will never injure me.
While fighting with him you should carefully restrain your horses. Thus addressed by him the son of Virata carefully drove Savyasachi’s car, O king, to where Kripa stood in anticipation of the battle.
Vaishampayana said:
The infantry of those dreadful Kuru bowmen looked like the clouds in the rains moving about before the gentle wind.
And near them stood the enemy's cavalry managed by warriors. There were also terrible looking elephants bedecked with beautiful armours governed by clever heroes and urged by Tomaras and goads. There came on a beautiful car Shakra accompanied by the celestials, Vishvas and Maruts, O king. Filled with the celestial, Yakshas, Gandharvas, and Nagas the sky looked resplendent as it does when freed from cloud sand crested with stars. The celestial came there in their respective scars to witness the efficacy of their weapons in a human battle as well as the dreadful and great fight between Kripa and Arjuna.
The celestial car of the king of the celestials coursing at will, crested with pearls and jewels and the roof of which was upheld by hundreds and thousands of golden pillars and the one which was made of pearls and jewels, shone in the clear sky.
There were the thirty three deities headed by Vasava and with Gandharvas, Rakshasas, Nagas, Pitris and the great Rishis.
There shone on the car of the king of the celestials the king Vasumanas, Balakshas, Supratardana, Ashtaka, Shibi, Yayati, Nahusha, Gaya, Manu, Puru, Raghu, Bhanu, Krishashva, Sagara and Nala.
There appeared also in a beautiful array the chariots of Agni, Isha, Soma, Varuna, Prajapati, Dhatri, Vidhatri, Kubera, Yama, Alambusha, Ugrasena and others and of the Gandharva Tumvuru.
All the deities, the Siddhas and the great Rishis came there to witness the fight between Arjuna and the Kurus.
The holy fragrance of the celestials garlands spread all over like the odour of the blossoming trees in the beginning of the spring.
The umbrellas, clothes, flags, fans, and the jewels of the deities shone there when they came.
The dust of the earth was removed and every where was permeated by the lustre. And carrying the divine odour the wind gratified the warriors.
The sky appeared as if ablaze and beautiful, being decked with already arrived and coming cars lighted with various gems and of diverse make, led by the leading celestials. Encircled by the deities, and wearing garland of lotuses and lillies, the mighty holder of thunder appeared exceedingly beautiful on his car. And although he looked continually at his son he was not satiated therewith.
Vaishampayana said:
Seeing the Kuru army arranged in order of battle, the son of Pandu, Partha, addressing Virata's son said :
Do you go where Kripa, the son of Sharadvata is, by the southern side of the car the flag of which has an emblem of a golden altar.
Hearing the words of Arjuna, Virata's son, without loss of time, urged his silver white steeds decked in golden armour.
Making them one by one proceed by swifter course, he urged those horses resembling the moon as if they were angry.
Well-verse in the management of horses, Uttara, having neared the Kuru army, turned back his horses, fleet as the wind.
A skillful charioteer as he was the Matsya Prince, sometimes wheeling about, sometimes proceeding in circles and again turning to the left, bewildered the Kurus.
Going round, the powerful and fearless son of Virata, approached Kripa's car and stood before him.
Then Arjuna with force blew that great conch Devadatta emitting a great sound and announced his name.
Blown on the battle-field by the powerful Vishnu the sound of that conch appeared like that of the clapping of a mountain.
Seeing that the conch was not broken into a hundred pieces when blown by Arjuna, the Kuru warriors spoke highly of it.
Having reached the very sky that sound came back and was heard again like that of thunderbolt when hurled by Indra against a mountain.
Unable to bear that sound and desirous of fighting that heroic, powerful and undaunted car-warrior, Sharadvata's son Kripa of great strength and prowess, enraged with Arjuna, took up the conch born in a great ocean and blew it with great force.
Covering the three worlds with the sound thereof and taking up the huge bow he twanged it.
While those two highly powerful car- warriors, resembling the sun, fought with each other they appeared like two autumnal clouds.
Then Sharadvata's son speedily wounded Partha, the slayer of hostile heroes with ten swift coursing sharpened arrows capable of piercing into the very vitals.
And drawing his huge bow Gandiva well- known in the world Partha too discharged many Narachas capable of piercing into the very vitals.
Then with sharpened arrows Kripa sundered into hundreds and thousands of pieces those blood-drinking shafts before they could reach (him).
Thereupon displaying various movements in anger, the great car-warrior Partha covered all sides with a downpour of arrows.
Covering the entire sky with his arrows, that powerful warrior of exceeding energy, the son of Pritha assailed Kripa with hundreds of shafts.
Afflicted with those sharpened shafts resembling flame of fire and worked up with anger, Kripa, assailing soon the high-souled Partha of incomparable energy with ten thousand shafts, sent out a war cry in battle. Then the heroic Arjuna taking up his bow speedily bored through the four horses of his enemy with four dreadful straight and gold winged arrows shot from the Gandiva. Then pierced by sharpened arrows resembling flames of fire those horses all on a sudden sprang up and Kripa fell off from his place. Then seeing Gautama dislodged the son of Kunti.
The slayer of hostile heroes, did not wound him for keeping his prestige. Again regaining his position Gautama speedily pierced Savyasachin with ten sharpened and Kanka feathered arrows. Then with one sharpened arrow Partha cut off his bow and gloves. Then he cut off Kripa's coat of mail with sharp arrows capable of piercing to the very vitals but he did not wound him. Then divested of the coat of mail his body appeared.
Like a serpent casting off its coating at the proper time. On his bow being cut off by Partha, taking up another.
Gautama made it ready. And it appeared wonderful. The son of Kunti cut that off too with arrows having depressed knots.
In this way that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Pandu, cut off other bows as soon as they were taken up, one after the other, by the son of Sharadvata.
Having all his bows thus sundered that highly powerful hero took up a javelin from his car resembling a lightning and hurled it at the son of Pandu.
While that golden javelin came coursing through the sky, burning like a huge fire-brand Arjuna cut it off with ten arrows.
As soon as that fell on the ground sundered into a hundred pieces by the intelligent Partha, Kripa took up another ready bow.
And immediately struck Partha with ten sharp arrows. Then the highly energetic Partha, worked up with rage, discharged thirteen sharp and fiery arrows; with one he cut off the yoke, with four the four horses and with the sixth he cut off the head of the charioteer with three, the great car-warrior, pierced in battle, the three bamboo poles, and with two his two wheels.
With the twelfth arrow he cut off his most excellent standard, and with the thirteenth resembling the thunder-bolt, Phalguni the equal of Indra, as if smiling, struck Kripa on the breast. Then with his bow cut off, dislodged from his car, his horses and charioteer slain, leaping down and taking up a mace, he soon hurled it at Arjuna. That shining and greatly polished mace hurled by him, came back baffled by Arjuna's shafts. Then to rescue the revengeful son of Sharadvata, all the soldiers covered Partha in battle on all sides with a downpour of shafts. Then turning the horses to the left and making the circle called Yamaka, Virata's son withstood all those warriors. Then taking Kripa with them, who had been dislodged from his car, all those leading warriors led him away from Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti.
Vaishampayana said:
After Kripa had been taken away, the irrepressible Drona, having red horses, taking up his bow to which an arrow had already been set, rushed towards Arjuna of white horses.
Seeing near him the preceptor moving on in hi golden chariot, Arjuna the foremost of victors, addressed Uttara saying
May you fare well, O charioteer; take m before Drona's army, on whose high standard appears the emblem of a golden altar and around which flags are streaming, whose car is drawn by red, big, highly beautiful, trained, pleasant-looking and quiet horses of the colour of coral and having copper-coloured faces.
Of large arms, great energy, endued with beauty and strength, the powerful son of Bharadvaja is known in all the worlds for his prowess.
In intelligence he is like Shukra, and in the knowledge of moral laws like Brihaspati. He is equally well-read in the four Vedas, and follows the Brahmacharya mode of life.
All the celestials weapons with the means of their withdrawal, and the entire science of archery always reside in him.
Forgiveness, self-control, truthfulness, disinclination to injury and straight forwardness- these and various other accomplishments always live in that twice-born one.
I wish to fight with that great one in battle. Therefore, O Uttara, take me soon to the preceptor.
Thus accosted by Arjuna, Virata's son urged the horses adorned with gold towards the car of Bharadvaja's son.
Drona rushed with great force towards Partha, the son of Pandu, the foremost of car-warriors, who was advancing like a mad elephant rushing at another such.
Drona then blew his conch, the sound of which resembled that of a hundred trumpets. And the whole army was agitated thereat like the ocean.
Beholding his excellent red horses mixing with those (of Arjuna) white as swans and fleet as the mind in the encounter, all people were filled with surprise.
Beholding those car-warriors, in the field of battle, the preceptor and disciple, Drona and Partha, both endued with prowess, irrepressible, learned, high-minded and greatly powerful, engaged with each other, the huge army of the Bharatas continually trembled (in fear).
Reaching Drona's car by his own, the mighty car-warrior and highly energetic Partha was filled with joy, and smiled.
Saluting him, the mighty-armed won of Kunti, the slayer of hostile heroes, said in sweet and becoming words.
Having spent out the term of our exile in the woods, we wish to take revenge. O you irrepressible in battle, it does not behove you to be always angry.
O gentle one, I will not strike you unless you strike me first. This is my determination. Do what you like.
Thus addressed, Drona discharged at him more than twenty shafts. But the light-handed Partha severed them all before they could fall down on him.
Displaying his weapons the energetic Drona soon covered Partha's chariot on all sides with thousands of arrows.
As if to work up Partha with anger, that one of incomparable energy covered his horses of silvery hue with sharpened and Kanka- feathered arrows.
When the encounter thus took place between Drona and Arjuna, they equally discharged in battle fiery arrows.
Both of them were equally illustrious and equal to the wind in speed, equally conversant with celestials weapons and gifted with great energy.
When they spread a net-work of arrows, they bewildered the kings. And all the warriors, that were present there, were filled with wonder.
(They all) admired Drona who quickly shot arrows, exclaiming “Well done! well done! Who else can fight with Drona in battle except Phalguni (Arjuna)?
Surely the duty of a Kshatriya is very hard, since he fights with his preceptor." Thus did the people, stationed in the battle field, say.
Worked up with anger those two long-armed heroes, confronting each other, and each capable of vanquishing the other, covered each other with arrows.
Then inflated with anger, the son of Bharadvaja, drawing his huge bow plated with gold and hard to be severed, struck Phalguni.
Then shooting at Arjuna's car a goodly number of sharp arrows, bright as the sun, he covered the rays of the sun.
That mighty car-warrior of large arms wounded Partha with sharpened arrows, as the clouds discharge showers on a mountain.
Taking up the best of bows, the celestials Gandiva, capable of destroying enemies and carrying a heavy weight, the son of Pandu delightedly.
Shot a number of variegated golden arrows; and that energetic ( hero) baffled the downpour of shafts made by Bharadvaja's son.
And speedily discharged arrows from the bow that appeared as wonderful. Moving about in his car, Dhananjaya the son of Pritha, worthy of being looked at.
Displayed his weapons simultaneously in all the quarters. He converted the sky, with his arrows, into one (expansive) shade.
Drona was not visible (like the sun) enshrouded mist. Thereupon covered on all sides with excellent arrows, he appeared.
Like a burning mountain. Beholding his own chariot enveloped in the battle by the shafts of Partha.
He, drawing his excellent bow making a sound like that of clouds, took up a huge weapon like a wheel of fire.
Then Drona, ornament of an assembly, discharged sharpened arrows. Then arose a sound like that of bamboo's when set on fire.
That one of immeasurable energy enveloped all the quarters and the lustre of the sun with gold-winged arrows discharged from a variegated bow.
Those arrows, with depressed knots and golden wings, when they passed through the sky, looked like so many birds.
The arrows shot from Drona's bow touching one another by the wings appeared like one long-extending row of arrows in the sky.
Those heroes, then shooting their golden arrows, enveloped, as it were the welkin with a downpour of fire-brands.
Decked with the feathers of Kanka birds, these arrows looked like a number of cranes wandering in the autumnal sky.
Then there ensued a highly terrific encounter between the high-souled Drona and Arjuna like that between Vritra and Vasava.
They wounded each other with arrows shot from bows drawn to the highest stretch like two elephants assailing each other with their tusks.
Those two angry heroes, ornamenting the battle-field, fighting according to the practice, showed many celestials weapons in due order.
Arjuna, the foremost of victors, warded off, with sharp arrows, the sharpened arrows shot by the foremost of preceptors.
Showing many weapons to the spectators, that one of dreadful prowess speedily enveloped the sky with many arrows.
(Beholding) Arjuna, the foremost of men, of fierce energy, discharging celestials weapons in that great battle and killing (soldiers) the foremost of preceptors and warriors Drona, played with Arjuna with arrows of depressed knots. And warding off his weapons with his, Bharadvaja's son fought with Arjuna. Then there ensued an encounter between those two foremost of me, worked up with anger and striking each other, like that between the celestials and demons. Arjuna repeatedly warded off with his own, the weapons Aindra, Vayavya and Agneya discharged by Drona. Shooting sharp arrows, those two great heroes converted the sky, with a shade. Coming down on the bodies of the enemy's heroes, the shafts, discharged by Arjuna, made a sound like that of thunderbolt striking against a mountain. Then, o king, the elephants, cars and horses, covered with blood, looked like Kinsuka trees crested with flowers. And in that encounter between Drona and Partha, the field being filled with arms adorned with variegated bangles, mighty car-warriors' golden coats of mail, banners struck down, and warriors slain and assailed by Partha's shafts, the army were terrified. And moving their bows capable of bearing stain, they covered each other with shafts. O foremost of Bharatas, thee took place a great encounter between Drona and Arjuna like that between Vali and Vasava. Then with arrows of depressed knots shot from the bows fully drawn, they struck each other even at the risk of their lives. There was heard a voice in the sky speaking highly of Drona.
Drona has performed a difficult feat for he fights with Arjuna, of great energy, firm-handed, irrepressible and an afflicter of foes.
The conqueror of the celestials and Daityas and of all mighty car-warriors. Beholding in battle Partha's certain aim, training, lightness of hand and the range (of his arrows), Drona was stricken greatly with wonder. Then taking up with his hands the celestials bow Gandiva, the energetic Partha, O foremost of Bharatas, drew it. Beholding the downpour of his shafts coming down like a swarm of locusts, they, all filled with wonder, exclaimed "Well done! well done!" Even the very air could not penetrate into the space intervening between his arrows.
The on-lookers could not mark any cessation between Partha's taking up arrows and shooting them.
In that dreadful battle of quickly discharged weapons Partha, speedily and more speedily, shot arrows.
Then simultaneously hundreds and thousands of arrows with depressed knots came down upon the car of Drona.
O foremost of Bharatas, beholding Drona entirely enveloped with shafts shot by the holder of the Gandiva bow, the army set a mighty lamentation.
Even Indra spoke highly of the light- handedness Arjuna in the discharge of arrows, as also the Gandharvas and Apsaras who came there.
Then encircled by a vast array of cars, the mighty car-warrior, the son of the preceptor obstructed Partha.
Though greatly enraged with him, Ashvathama praised in his mind that deed of the high-souled Arjuna.
Then possessed by wrath, he encountered Partha in battle and discharged at him a downpour of arrows like clouds discharging their watery contents.
Then turning his horses towards Drona's son, Partha offered Drona an opportunity to retreat.
Securing an opportunity, he too, with his coat of mail and banner shattered, and wounded with great arrows, quickly went away on his swiftly-coursing horses.
Vaishampayana said:
Then, Drona's son, O king, encountered Arjuna in battle. Partha then faced him, moving like the wind.
With a downpour of shafts like the rain- charged clouds. There ensued a mighty encounter like that between the gods and demons.
The sun then did not pour its rays and the wind did not blow. And they covered each other with a net-work of arrows, like Vritra and Vasava.
The sky was enveloped with shafts and there was a shade all around. When the two combatants fought with each other, there was a mighty cracking sound.
Like that of bamboo's when on fire. O conqueror of enemies' cities, greatly assailed by Arjuna, his horses.
Were so bewildered, that they could not make out which way to go. Then finding out the weak point of Partha, who was roving about, the highly powerful son of Drona cut off his bow-string with a sharp arrow. Beholding his superhuman deed, the deities spoke highly of him.
Exclaiming "Well-done Well-done" Drona, Bhishma, Karna, and the mighty car-warrior Kripa too, applauded his deed.
Then drawing his that best of bows, the son of Drona again wounded Partha, the foremost of car-warriors, on the breast with Kanka-feathered shafts.
Then, laughing, the mighty-armed Partha set a strong and fresh string to his Gandiva.
Then drawing his bow to the shape of a crescent, Partha proceeded as an infuriated leader of an elephant herd when met by another.
Then there took place a great hair-stirring encounter between those two heroes peerless on earth.
The Kurus, all filled with wonder, saw those two highly powerful heroes like two elephant chiefs.
With burning arrows of the shape of serpents, those two foremost of men struck each other.
And because the high-souled son of Pandu, Partha, has a pair of inexhaustible celestials quivers, he remained in battle unmoved like a mountain.
Ashvathama's arrows however, being speedily discharged, were all exhausted and for this Arjuna beat him down.
Then drawing to its full his huge bow, Karna twanged it, and thee arose exclamations of Alas!"
Then Partha looked forward to where from came the twang of the bow and saw the son of Radha, at which his anger was excited.
Desirous of slaying Karna and possessed by anger, that foremost of Kurus looked towards him with expanded eyes.
Then Partha going away from the son of Drona, his men, O king, shot thousands of arrows at him (Partha).
Leaving behind the son of Drona, the mighty-armed Dhananjaya, the conqueror of enemies, rushed towards Karna.
Approaching him and desiring a duel, the son of Kunti, having his eyes reddened with anger, said.
Arjuna said:
O Karna, this is the time for you to make good the boastful words you gave vent to in the midst of assembly, 'there is none equal to me in fight.'
Fighting with me today in the encounter, O Karna, you will know your strength and will never disregard others.
Disregarding piety, you had given vent to many harsh words. But I consider what you wish to do today as difficult.
Fighting with me today in the midst of the Kurus, do you make good the insulting words that you used towards me before.
Do you reap now the fruit of your suffering the Panchala princess to-be distressed by the wicked-souled one in the court.
Being bound by the noose of piety, I desisted, before, from taking revenge. Do you now see the result of my restrained anger in battle.
O wicked one, we have undergone many miseries in the forest for twelve years. Do you now reap the fruit of our vengeance today
Do you fight with me, O Karna, in the battle. Let the Kurus and your soldiers witness it.
Karna said:
Do you carry out your words into action, O Partha. That your words exceed your deeds is known in the world.
What you deed suffer formerly was in consequence of your inability. We can admit today by seeing your prowess, O Partha.
If you had suffered the miseries by having been bound by the noose or morality, you are equally bound so even now though you consider yourself free.
If you had passed your exile in the same way as you said, and being distressed (for practising austerities) why do you conversant with Dharma and Artha as you are, wish to fight with me?
If Shakra himself, O Partha, fight on your behalf, still, there will be no obstruction to my displaying my prowess.
Your wish O son of Kunti, is about to be fulfilled. You will fight with me today and see my prowess.
Arjuna said:
Up to now you had always fled from the battle while fighting with me. For this, you are still alive; but your younger brother has been slain, O son of Radha.
Having seen his younger brother slain, what other man except you, would retreat from the battle-field, and then boast as you do in the midst of good men?
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus spoken to Karna, the unconquerable Bibhatsu, encountered him, discharging arrows capable of piercing the coats of mail.
The mighty car-warrior Karna delightedly received wit with a heavy downpour of arrows like a shower of clouds.
That dreadful network of arrows covered, on all sides, piercing severally, the horses, arms and gloves (of the hero).
Unable to bear the attack of Karna, Arjuna cut off the string of his quiver with a keen- edged and straight arrow.
Then taking out other arrow from his quiver, Karna struck Arjuna with them on his hand, and the latter lost hold of his bow.
Then the large-armed Arjuna cut off Karnas bow into pieces. He then struck (Arjuna) with a Shakti, but Partha cut it off with his arrows.
Then the heroes who followed Karna all attacked Arjuna who killed them with arrow shot from his Gandiva bow.
Then Bibhatsu killed his horses with sharpened arrows shot from his bow drawn to the ears, and they all fell down slain on earth.
Then taking up another strong, sharp, and powerful arrow, the powerful son of Kunti struck Karna with it on his breast.
Boring through his coat of mail, that arrow penetrated into his body and he was deprived of the power of perception and consciousness.
Experiencing a great pain and leaving the battle-field, he fled towards the north. Then Arjuna and the mighty car-warrior Uttara began to scoff him.
Vaishampayana said:
Thereupon having vanquished Vaikartanas son (Karna), Arjuna said to Virata's son (Uttara). "Take me to that army where is seen the emblem of golden palmyra."
There our grand-father, Bhishma the son of Shantanu looking like an immortal, wait on his car, desirous of an encounter with me.
Then beholding the huge army consisting of cars, elephants and horses, and being wounded greatly with arrows Uttara said to Partha.
"O hero, I am incapable of restraining here your excellent horses. My vital breaths are being exhausted and my mind is bewildered."
The ten quarter appear as if melting away on account of the effulgence of the celestials weapon used by you as well as by the Kurus.
I am beside myself with the smell of flesh, blood and fat. Beholding your feat, my mind has been divided in twain.
I had never seen before in battle such an assemblage of heroes. By the great sound of the clashing of maces, the blare of conchs
By the war-cries of the heroes, the roars of elephants, by the twang of the Gandiva resembling the sound of lightning.
I have been so stupified, O hero, that I have been deprived of the power hearing and recollecting. Beholding you making, a circle in battle while drawing your Gandiva bow my vision is growing dilated, O hero, and my heart is rending asunder.
Beholding your dreadful figure in battle resembling that of the holder of Pinaka when worked up with anger and as well as the terrible arrows discharged by you, I am filled with fear.
I am at a loss to find out when you take up your fine arrows, set them on your bowstring and shoot them. Deprived of my consciousness, I do not see you, although before my eyes.
My vitality is sinking and the earth seems moving before me. I have no power to hold the reins of these horses.
Arjuna said:
Do not fear; cheer yourself up. You too, foremost of men, performed many wonderful deeds in the battle-field.
May you fare well. You are a prince born, in the well-known race of Matsya, for vanquishing your enemies. You should not therefore be dispirited.
Stationed on my car, call up your great energy, O prince. Restrain my horses in battle, O slayer of enemies.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus addressed the son of Virata, the foremost of men Arjuna the best of car- warriors again said to Uttara.
Take me again before Bhishma's army. I shall cut off his bowstring in battle.
You will see today the divine weapons, aglow with beauty, shot by me, flashing like lightning in the midst of clouds in the sky.
The Kurus shall see my Gandiva with back made of gold. The enemies assembled together shall discuss by saying "By which hand of his, right or left, does he discharge arrows.” I shall make a terrible river to flow today towards the other world, with blood for its water, the cars for the eddies and the elephants for the sharks. shall, with arrows of depressed knots, cut off the Kuru forest having hands feet, heads, backs and arms for the branches of the trees. And vanquishing alone the Kuru army with a bow in hand, there will be a hundred roads to me as to fire in the forest. Struck by me, you will see, the army whirling only like a wheel.
I shall show you today my most accomplished training in archery and the use of weapons. Stand firmly on my car, whether the ground be even or uneven. I can pierce with my winged arrows even the Sumeru mountain that rises up to the sky.
Formerly at Indra's command I killed hundreds and thousands of Paulomas and Kalakhajs in battle. I have obtained the firmness of grasp from Indra and successful aim from Brahma.
I have learnt from Prajapati the diverse kinds of fierce warfare. On the other side of the ocean, I defeated sixty thousand car-warriors all dreadful archers living in Hiranyapura. Behold me, today striking down the vast number of Kurus like a high wind scattering a heap of cotton. By the power of my arrows I shall set fire to the Kuru forest having standards for the trees, the infantry for the shrubs and the car-warriors for the beasts of prey. Like the holder of thunder routing the demons alone shall I today with my straight arrows strike down from the nests of their cars the Kurus fighting to the best of their power in battle.
I have obtained from Rudra, the Rudra, from Varuna the Varuna from Agni, the Agneya, from Vayu, the Vayavya, and from Indra the thunderbolt and other weapons.
I shall forsooth eradicate the dreadful Dhritarashtra forest although protected by many powerful heroes. Therefore remove your fear, O son of Virata.”
Thus consoled by Savyasachin the son of Virata entered into that dreadful array of cars protected by Bhishma.
The patient Bhishma (the son of river) withstood the mighty armed Arjuna advancing with a view to vanquish the Kurus in battle.
Then approaching him and drawing out a sharp arrow, Vishnu cut off with it the root of his banner. Struck down it fell on the ground.
At this the four powerful heroes Dushasana, Vikarana, Dussaha and Vivinshati, skilled in the use of weapons, gifted with great energy and adorned with beautiful garlands and ornaments, approaching, withstood dreadful bowman Bibhatsu.
Having pierced Virata's son Uttara with a dart, the heroic Dushasana struck Arjuna on the breast with a second one.
Confronting him, Vishnu with a greatly sharpened arrow with the wings of a vulture, cut off his bow made of burnished gold.
He then wounded him on his breast with five arrows. Assailed by the arrows of Partha, he left the battle-field.
Then with sharp and straight arrows having the wings of vultures, Dhritarashtra's son Vikarana sounded Arjuna, the slayer of hostile heroes.
Immediately also the son of Kunti wounded him on his forehead with straight arrows. Thus wounded, he fell down from his chariot.
With a view to rescue his brother in battle, Dussaha, accompanied by Vivinshati, approached Partha and covered him with sharp arrows.
Not the least excited Dhananjaya simultaneously struck both of them with a pair of sharp arrows and destroyed the horses of the both.
Having their horses slain and persons wounded, both the sons of Dhritarashtra were taken away by their followers who came there with other chariots.
Bibhatsu, never defeated in battle-the highly powerful son of Kunti, adorned with a diadem and having sure aim, covered all the quarters with his arrows.
Vaishampayana said:
O descendant of Bharata, then united together all the mighty car-warriors of the Kuru army began to strike Arjuna collectively.
That one of incomparable energy covered, on all sides, all those mighty car-warriors with a net-work of arrows as the mountains are covered with dews.
The huge elephants roaring, the horses neighing and the bugles and conchs being sounded, there arose a great tumult.
Piercing the bodies of elephants and horses as also the iron coats of mail, the arrows of Partha dropped down in thousands.
Shooting speedily his arrows, the son of Pandu looked in battle like the blazing mid-day sun of the autumn.
Possessed by fear, the car-warriors began to leap down from their cars, the horse-men from horse-back, and the infantry to fly away.
There arose a great sound when the arrows of the high-souled Arjuna pierced the copper, silver and iron made coats of mail.
The field was soon filled with the corpses of the warriors mounted on elephants and horses, killed by sharpened arrows.
The earth was covered with dead bodies of men fallen down from the chariots where they were. Dhananjaya as if danced in the battle- field with bow in his hand.
Hearing the twang of Gandiva like the rumble of thunder and being possessed by fear, all the soldiers fled away from the battle-field.
There were seen, fallen in the battle-field, heads having earrings and helmets and golden necklaces.
The earth was covered with human bodies mangled by shafts, arms with bows and hands with ornaments.
O best of the Bharata race, on account of the heads cut off by sharpened arrows, falling continually on the ground, it appeared that a shower of stones fell from the sky.
Displaying his own fierce prowess, Partha of dreadful prowess ranged in the battle-field pouring his celestials weapons.
The dreadful son of Pandu discharging his fire of anger at the sons of Dhritarashtra and beholding his dreadful prowess burning down the army.
They all became terrified in the presence of the son of Dhritarashtra. Having struck terror into the army and routed the mighty car- warriors.
Arjuna, the foremost of victors, ranged in the battle-field. He made a river of mighty currents having blood for the water to flow,
Like that created by Time at the end of Yuga having bones for the moss and the dreadful hair of the dead, slain by the arrows, for the straws;
Having coats of mail and turbans floating on the surface, the elephants standing for islands. The marrow, fat and blood constituted the greatly terrific currents.
It was dreadful and highly terrific, resounding wit the yells of ferocious beasts. It was filled with sharpened weapons forming its crocodiles, and was frequented by cannibals.
Strings of pearls formed its ripples and diverse other ornaments the bubbles. The arrows were the eddies, the elephants were the crocodiles, and it was incapable of being got over.
The mighty car-warriors were the islands and it was filled with the sound of bugles and conchs. Thus Partha made a river of blood which it was so hard to cross.
People could not make out when Partha took up arrows, when he drew the Gandiva bow and discharged them.
Vaishampayana said:
Then Duryodhana, Karna, Dushasana, Vivinshati, the mighty car-warrior Kripa, Drona, with his son, holding out their strong and powerful bows, rushed with anger towards Dhananjaya with a view to kill him.
O great king, then on his car effulgent like the rays of the sun, the standard of which was struck down, Arjuna, having the emblem of a monkey on his car, encountered them.
Then covering Dhananjaya with highly powerful weapons, Kripa, Karna, Drona, the foremost of car-warriors, showered a downpour of shafts, like clouds, on him, and struck him.
Waiting at a distance they speedily covered him in battle with numberless arrows crowned with feathers.
He being thus covered with celestials weapons, not even a space measuring two fingers was seen on him.
Then smiling, the mighty car-warrior Bibhatsu set the Aindra weapon, effulgent like the sun, on his Gandiva bow.
Like the sun covering (the earth) with rays, the powerful son of Kunti, decked with a diadem, remained in the battle-field covering all with arrows.
As lightning in the clouds, as fire in the rock, so the Gandiva shone like the rain-bow.
Gandiva bow had covered all the ten directions in number, by shooting volley of arrows as the lightening glows in sky while raining and it illumines all directions including the earth from all sides. O Barata! all soldiers including elephant riders and car riders were loosing their conscious.
They all were stunned (inert and dumb) with no conscious at all. All · soldiers discouraged to carry on fight and showed their back to the battle-field.
O the best in Bharata dynasty, O Janamejaya! thus the war-craft/strategy of the whole army shattered. The soldiers began departing under sheer despair wherever they found the way to escape and defend their life.
Vaishampayana said:
The warriors being thus slain, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, the grandfather of Bharatas, rushed at Dhananjaya,
Taking up the best of bows made of burnished gold, and sharp arrows capable of piercing to the very vitals.
And on account of a white umbrella being held over his head, that foremost of men shone like a hill at sun-rise.
Blowing his conch and cheering up the son of Dhritarashtra, the son of Ganga encountered Bibhatsu.
Seeing him approach, that slayer of hostile heroes, the son of Kunti received him gladly like a hill receiving a cloud.
Then the greatly energetic Bhishma discharged eight quick arrows, sighing like serpents, at Partha's flag.
Reaching the flag-staff of the son of Pandu, those winged arrows struck the blowing monkey and other creatures stationed on the flag-staff.
Then with a huge and sharp dart, the son of Pandu quickly cut off Bhishma's umbrella and it fell down on the ground.
The son of Kunti, with arrows, struck his flag-staff, his two horses and her driver that protected his flanks.
Unable to bear this, Bhishma though he knew Arjuna's prowess covered Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu with celestials weapons.
Then discharging a celestials weapon at Bhishma, Pandava, of incomparable energy, received him like a hill receiving a huge mass of cloud.
There was a mighty and hair-stirring encounter between Partha and Bhishma like that between Bali and Vasava.
The Kuru warriors, with their soldiers witnessed that encounter between Bhishma and Partha attacking each other with darts. Partha shooting arrows with both the hands, the Gandiva bow looked like a continuous circle of fire. The son of Kunti enveloped Bhishma with hundreds of sharp arrows like a cloud covering the mountain with rain. Bhishma with his own arrows counteracted that shower of arrows like banks resisting the surging deep, and covered Arjuna with shafts. Those shafts, sundered into a thousand pieces, fell on Arjuna's car. Then arose a downpour of gold-winged shafts going through the sky like a swarm of locusts. He then pierced Bhishma with a hundred sharpened shafts.
All Kauravas at that moment thanked Bhishma by saying - "Hurrah! Bhishma has showed this rare valour as to wage battle against Arjuna.
Arjuna is mighty, young, efficient and quick in shooting arrows. Hence, who otherwise than Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, Srikrishna, the son of Devaki or Drona, the son of Bharadvaja, mighty and great preceptor (Acharya), can face Partha in battle.
Both the mighty warriors, crown to the Bharata's dynasty were detouring or splitting the weapons shot by each other as if it was a play not war for them and the spectators were dazed to see it.
Both of the great warriors were thus engaged in battle-field by shooting the weapons Prajapatya, Aiendra, Agneya, Raudra, Kaubera, Varuna, Yama and Vayavya.
All spectators to that battle could not resist them saying frequently - "O great warrior Partha! we thank you. O great warrior Bhishma! We thank you (viz. we appreciate your war-craft and expertise).
The great use of specific divine arms and weapons as it is being seen in the battle of Bhishma and Partha, impossible to see anywhere and amid other warriors.
Vaishampayana said:
O Janamejaya! a battle with divine arms between Bhishma and Arjuna both experts kept on incessant for a certain time. A battle with arrows then started.
The victorious Arjuna then marched closer to Bhishma and cut in pieces the gold studded bow of him by shooting an arrow having sword like blade.
The great warrior Bhishma with his huge arms picked-up just at an eye-wink another bow, tied it with string and shot a volley of arrows at Arjuna in sheer anger.
Arjuna, the great valorous also shot several acute arrows at Bhishma and Bhishma in reaction also shot numerous arrows at Arjuna.
O king! both of the warriors were expert in divine arms and weapons and therefore, shooting at each other acute arrows. No difference anyway was seen them at that time viz. both were equally valorous.
Arjuna, the son of Kunti holding a crown on head and Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, both were Atirathi warrior. They had covered the directions, ten in number with the arrows shot at each other.
Oking Janamejaya! it was really a phenomenon to see of this world that at one time Arjuna, the son of Pandu was seen overlapping Bhishma while Bhishma overlapping Arjuna on the other moment.
O king! the chivalrous soldiers protecting the chariot of Bhishma were fell down dead both side of that chariot as Arjuna had killed them.
The arrows bearing wings then started moving forward at their release from the bow named Gandiva of Arjuna rode on the white chariot. They started coming from all sides as if intended to make this entire universe free from enemies.
The white arrows with golden wings appears as a row of swans in the sky when they flew from the side where Arjuna's chariot was existed.
Arjuna was shooting divine arms capable to pierce the heart in an excellent manner and Indra etc. all gods were watching his war-craft from the sky where they had come and stood to see this phenomenal battle.
The chivalrous Gandharva Chitrasena was impressed highly with Arjuna and he said Indra, the king of gods in appreciation of his excellent and phenomenal war-craft.
Osovereign king! see that arrows forwarding swiftly and compact with each other on release from Arjuna's bow. This strategy of Arjuna is really excellent and splendid as he is expert in using divine arms.
As this arm is not with other people, they cannot use this divine arm for battle. An excellent conglomeration of the powerful arms has been made only in this battle here.
Nobody could measure the difference of time between the acts of picking up arrows from holster, putting on bow, shooting and giving tension to the bow.
The soldiers on part of Kauravas have lost courage even to see straight way at valorous son of Pandu as nobody can gaze at the sun glowing in sky with acute rays in the noon. Similarly, nobody can dare to look straight at Bhishma, the son of Ganga.
Both warriors are famous for their excellent deeds through the world. Both are aggressively valorous. Both are equally chivalours and tough to defeat in the battle.
O Bharata! Indra, the king of gods revealed honour for this excellent battle between Arjuna and Bhishma with showing flowers on them when so reported by Chitrasena.
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu suddenly penetrated the left collateral of Arjuna's body who had wounded the Kauravas' army in course of the fierce battle so fought.
The smiling Bibhatsu with sharp shafts furnished with vulture feathers cut off the bow of Bhishma resembling the sun in effulgence.
Then with ten shafts Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, wounded him, brave as he was, on the breast.
Thus assailed, the powerful son of Ganga stood leaning for a long time on the pole of the car.
Beholding him senseless, his charioteer remembering his instructions took away the mighty car-warrior.
Vaishampayana said:
After Bhishma had fled away from the battle-field, the illustrious Duryodhana, hoisting up his flag, approached Arjuna with bow in hand, and sending up a loud roar.
Then with a dart shot from the bow drawn to the ear, he wounded, on the forehead, Dhananjaya of fierce energy, and a terrible bowman ranging in the midst of the enemies.
And wounded with a sharp golden arrow on his forehead, that illustrious hero shone like a hill with a single peak.
Severed by his arrow warm life-blood gushed out of the wound. And piercing his forehead, that golden shaft appeared beautiful.
Duryodhana of fierce energy, attacked Partha, and Partha attacked him. Thus two foremost of men, born in the family of Ajamidha, struck each other in the battle.
Then supported by four cars, Vikarna rushed on an infuriated elephant, huge as a mountain, against Jishnu, the son of Kunti.
Seeing him come quickly, Dhananjaya struck that elephant-chief on the head, between the temples, with a fierce iron shaft, discharged from the bow drawn to the ear.
Like thunderbolt, hurled by Indra, smiting a hill, the arrow, with vulture wings, shot by Partha, penetrated up to the very feathers into the huge elephant.
Struck by the arrow that elephant-chief, greatly pained began to tremble; and being exhausted, it fell down on the earth like a mountain summit clapped by a thunderbolt.
All on a sudden, getting down in great fear from the car, Vikarana ran full eight hundred paces and got on the car of Vivinshati.
Having killed with that thunderbolt shaft, that elephant, huge as a hill, and resembling a mass of clouds the son of Pritha struck Duryodhana on the breast, with another arrow of the same kind.
The elephant and the king having thus been both wounded and Vikarana having fled away with the followers, other warriors, smitten with the shafts discharged from the Gandiva, fled from the field in panic.
Having seen the elephant slain by Partha, and all other heroes running away, Duryodhana, the foremost of Kurus, turning his chariot, immediately fled where Partha was not.
While Duryodhana was thus taking to his heels, in great terror, pierced by that arrow, and throwing up blood, Kiritin, still eager for battle and capable of withstanding every enemy, censured him.
Arjuna said:
Renouncing your great fame and glory, why do you take to your heels? Why are not your trumpet blown in the same way as when you started from your kingdom.
I am the obedient servant of Yudhishthira. I am the third son of Pritha, standing here for battle. Turning back, show me your face. Remember the conduct of kings, O son of Dhritarashtra.
The name Duryodhana, given to you, is thus made meaningless. Where is your persistence in battle-time. Your run away leaving the battle-field.
O Duryodhana! As no guard is seen either in front or back of you. Hence, O chivalrous man! Immediately depart from the battle-field and save your life before you die in the hands of Arjuna.
Vaishampayana said:
"O Janamejaya! Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra again returned like an intoxicant elephant injured by goad when great Arjuna challenged him so far the bathe as his harsh words acted like a goad on him.
As the son of Kunti had humiliated him with harsh words, he, the chivalours warrior (Atirathi) could not endure and returned immediately with his chariot to like revenge like a snake crushed under feet.
Having seen Duryodhana so returned for battle, Karna too anyhow energised his injured body, covered the left collateral of Duryodhana to defend him and marched forward so as to face Arjuna. The chivalrous Karna was duly held of a garland made of gold.
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu with a golden sheet of cloth covering his body came immediately there as he had turned chariot speedily. He was capable to defeat the enemy. He began defending Duryodhana from the attack made by Arjuna at the west or backside with his bow ready to shoot acute arrows.
Drona, Kripacharya, Vivimshati and Dushasana too turned towards Arjuna immediately. All of them had come hurriedly and began defending Duryodhana from Arjuna's attack at front side or east. Their bows were duly stretched to release arrows.
As the sun heats up severely the cluster of clouds, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti began attacking fiercely that Kauravas army return then like a unsurprising flood.
Those warriors holding divine arms and weapons, covered Arjuna from four sides and began shooting arrow at him like the cloud start raining from all sides after a stumble at the mountain.
Arjuna, the holder of Gandiva and capable to face the attacks of enemy, splitted all their arms in pieces by using his own arms and immediately got another arm Sammohana, an specific arm impossible to destroy by other.
That great chivalrous had then covered all directions and sub-directions with a volley of arrows having attractive wings and acute edge. The continuous sound made by his Gandiva bow with arrow shots, frightened the Kauravas' warriors.
The son of Kunti, the killer of enemy had then caught with both hands his conch (Mahashankha) known for its disastrous sound covering a distant area under its echo and started blowing. The echo of that conch gripped all directions, sub-directions, sky and the earth also.
The sound was so loud that it fainted all warriors fighting for Kauravas and they stunned in unconscious state so deep as the arms/weapons in their hands were dropped down when the conch was blown by Arjuna.
Just when those warriors were fainted, the facts told by Uttara came to Arjuna's mind and he instructed Uttara, the son of Matsya king to slip carefully out from that place before they could regain conscious. He further said that Uttara should take-off white clothes from the body of preceptor Drona and Kripacharya, the yellow garment from Karnas body and blue garments from the body of Ashvatthama and king Duryodhana.
(Arjuna again instructed) I understand, Bhishma, our grand-father knows the method to take Sammohana off and he would still in conscious. As the method to walk through vicinity of warriors not lost of conscious envisages, you should leave (cross) his horses at the left.
The son of Virata immediately left the rein of his horses and jumped down from chariot. He collected the clothes of those warriors and again rod on his chariot.
The son of Virata then drove those four attractive horses duly decorated with gold trimmings and yoked with his chariot. Those white horses passed through the middle part of battle-field with Arjuna on chariot crossed soon the circle of army of chariot riders with flags fixed on them.
Bhishma shot an arrow at Arjuna and injured him when he saw him leaving that place so hideously. Arjuna on his part killed his horses and injured him by shooting ten arrows.
Arjuna with his mighty bow left Bhishma on battle-field, shot hard his charioteer with acute arrows and thus, came out safely from the circle of chariots. He graced like sun god shining after the clouds shattered.
The warriors fighting for Kauravas got conscious soon and saw Arjuna standing lonely outside the circle of chariots. He seemed valorous like Indra, the king of gods. Having seen him alone, Duryodhana, the son of Dhritarashtra enquired immediately.
"O Grandfather! How had he escaped from your hands? Churn him so badly as he could not escape." Bhishma, the son of Shantanu toughed and replied Duryodhana - "O king! Where had your wit gone when you fell down unconscious here and your bow and arrows left aside? Tell me that where was your valour at that time?
Arjuna cannot behave cruelly as his mind never entangles in coming vice. He cannot abandon his religion even if enticed for ruling on trio-worlds. This is the reason, he did not killed us at that unconscious state. O one of pioneer warriors in Kuru race, go back to Kuru state immediately. Let Arjuna return to his destination with cows. Keep in mind your own interest and don't become cause for defeat of your own purpose. All of us should do whatever may ensure our welfare.
Vaishampayana said:
O Janamejaya! King Duryodhana gave up an idea to continue fight any more following the advice of grand-father in his interest. He kept mum in the matter sobbing deep with in heart for the humiliation suffered.
All other warriors affirmed the advice of Bhishma as they guessed of eruption of fire more and more in the form of Arjuna. Finally, they arrived at a conclusion to go back at their state with duly defending Duryodhana.
Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti filled with joy within heart when he saw Kaurava's army moving from there. He kept mum for more than half an hour without saying anything in request and submission.
He then saluted with his head bowed on the feet of grand-father Bhishma and preceptor Drona and talked on certain matters for a while. He then saluted through application of arrows varied ways to Ashvatthama, Kripacharya and other respected Kauravas (Banahika, Somadatta etc.) and cut the excellent gem-studded crown off from Duryodhana's head through an arrow.
He similarly, bid farewell with other respected warriors, spreaded echo on stretch to his bow through out the world and threatened the enemies when he blew his conch Devadatta.
Thus Arjuna attained special grace with ecstacy of victory on all enemies. The flag trimmed with garland of gold duly erected on his chariot seemed as if humiliating his all enemies. Arjuna with a crown on head; exhilarated observing return of Kauravas from there. He said Uttara, the son of Matsya's king - "O Prince! Turn your horses back now. Your cows are won and enemies have departed. Hence, move now towards city with pleasure.
The gods enjoyed with ecstacy the fight between Arjuna and Kaurava and returned to their respective palaces with Arjuna's valour on their lips.
Vaishampayana said:
Having defeated the Kurus, that one (Arjuna), having the eyes of a bull, brought back the immense wealth of Virata.
While the sons of Dhritarashtra, after being defeated, were going away, a large number of Kuru soldiers, coming out of the deep forest, appeared slowly before Partha, their hearts filled with fear. They stood before him with joined hands and disheveled hair.
Exhausted with hunger and thrust, come in a foreign country, beside themselves with fear, and bewildered, they bowed down to the son of Pritha and said "We are your slaves." (At which Arjuna said ):
"Welcome! May you are well. Go away. You have nothing to fear. I assure you, I will not kill them who are stricken with fear."
Hearing these words of assurance, the warriors blessed him by praising his illustrious deeds and wishing him a long life.
The Kauravas could not withstand Arjuna, when, after dispersing the enemies, he proceeded towards Virata's city, like an elephant with rent temples.
Having dispersed the Kuru army, like a violent wind scattering the clouds, that destroyer of foes, Partha, respectfully said to the Matsya Prince.
"It is known to you alone that the sons of Pritha are living with your father. Do not applaud them after going to the city, for then, the king of Matsya's will die in fear.
Rather entering the city, do you announce this as your own work before your father, saying "The army of the Kurus has been defeated by me, and the kine have been rescued by me from the enemies."
Uttara said:
"I have not the power to accomplish the deed you have done. I shall not, however, O Savyasachin, disclose you before my father till you do not ask me to do it."
Having defeated the enemy and rescued the kine from the Kurus, Vishnu, again came back to the cremation ground; and coming to the Shami tree, he stood there, with his body wounded with arrows.
Then that huge monkey, resembling the fire, got up into the sky with other creatures. In the same way the illusion died away, and he twisted his banner, having the emblem of a lion again on his car.
Then, having kept, as before, the arrows and quivers of those great Pandu princes and also the other weapon (Gandiva) which makes the battle dreadful, the Matsya Prince, having Kiritin for his charioteer, gladly started for his city.
Having performed a highly wonderful deed and slain the foe, Partha, too, finding his hair into a band, as before, took the reins from Uttara's hands. That high-souled one (Partha), again assuming the form of Brihannala, gladly entered the city as the charioteer.
Then, all the Kurus, routed and defeated started for Hastinapur with a dejected mind.
Phalguni, on his way back, addressed Uttara, saying "O Prince, O mighty-armed hero, the kine have been escorted in advance by the cow-herds. Having refreshed the horses with drink and bath, we shall enter the city in the afternoon. Let the cow-herd, sent by you, go in advance to the city with the good news and announce your victory."
Thereupon, at the words of Phalguni, Uttara speedily dispatched messengers to announce the king's victory with the messages "The enemies have been defeated and the kine rescued.”
Having recovered speedily his wealth, Virata, the master of the army entered delightedly the city with the four Pandavas.
Having defeated the Trigartas in battle and rescued the kine, the king shone there, in the midst of the Partha's.
All the heroes, with the sons of Pritha, worshipped the heroic (Virata) the increaser of friend's joy, who was seated on his throne.
All his subjects, along with the Brahmanas and the soldiers, came and adored him. Welcoming them, the king of Matsya sent away the Brahmanas and the subjects.
Then the king of Matsya's, Virata, the commander of armies, enquired of Uttara and said "Where has he gone?"
Then all the females and girls of the inner apartments said "The kine were taken away by the Kurus. Out of excessive bravery, the conqueror of the earth alone, with Brihannala as his help, went out to vanquish them - the six powerful car-warriors Bhishma son of Shantanu, Kripa, Karna, Duryodhana, Drona and Drona's son, who all have come."
Hearing that his brave son had gone out with only one car and Brihannala as his charioteer, the king Virata was filled with sorrow and said to his leading ministers:
"Hearing of the discomfiture of the Trigartas, all the Kurus and other kings will not surely wait there.
Let those of my warriors, who have not been wounded by Trigartas, go out with a highly powerful army to rescue Uttara."
Saying this, the king Virata soon dispatched for his son, horses, elephants, cars, and a large number of infantry, decked with various dresses and ornaments.
Virata, the king of Matsya's and commander of armies, ordered out speedily an army consisting of four divisions.
He said: "Learn without delay, if the prince is still alive or not. Methinks, he, who has got an useless person for his charioteer, is not yet alive.
Then the king Yudhishthira smilingly said to the king Virata, who was greatly stricken with sorrow. If Brihannala has been his charioteer, the enemies will not be able to take away the kine.
Well guarded by that charioteer, your son will be able to defeat all the kings allied with the Kurus, as well as all the celestials, Asuras and Yakshas.
In the meantime, the swiftly coursing emissaries, dispatched by Uttara, reached the city and announced the victory.
The messenger then described to the king everything the excellent victory, the defeat of the Kurus, and the expected arrival of Uttara.
He said: “All the kine have been rescued, the Kurus have been vanquished, and Uttara, the slayer of enemies, fares well with his charioteer.”
Yudhishthira said:
"By good luck it is, that the kine have been rescued and the Kurus have fled away. I do not consider it strange, that your son defeated the Kurus. Victory is secure to him who has got Brihannala as his charioteer."
Hearing of the victory of his son of immeasurable energy, the king Virata was greatly delighted, and the hairs of his body stood up.
Then having covered the messengers with presents, he said to the ministers "Let my highway be decorated with flags."
"Let all the gods be adored with presents of flowers. Let the princes, leading warriors, harlots adorned with ornaments."
And all the musicians go out to receive my son. Let the man who rings the bell, riding an infuriated elephant.
Announce my victory at the meeting of the four roads. Let Uttara, too, encircled by many princesses, dressed and adorned in a charming style, go out to receive my son.
Hearing the words of the king, all the citizens, with auspicious things in their hands, with cymbals, trumpets and conchs, and gorgeously attired handsome ladies, reciters of hymns, and many other musicians, went out to welcome the highly powerful son of Virata. प्रस्थाप्य सेनां कन्याश्च गणिकाश्च स्वलङ्कृताः । मत्स्यराजो महाप्राज्ञः प्रहृष्ट इदमब्रवीत् ॥ २९॥
Having ordered out soldiers, maidens and well-adorned harlots, the wise king delightedly said these words.
“Bring the dice, O Sairandhri, and let us play, O Kanka." To him then speaking, Yudhishthira said-
We have heard that one, in an ecstasy of joy, should not gamble. I do not wish to play with you today who are filled with joy. I always wish to do you good. If you (still wish), begin.
Virata said:
Females, kine, gold and other riches whatever I have, nothing you will be able to keep today even if I do not gamble.
Kanka said:
“O king, O giver of honours, what have you to do with gambling which is attended with so many evils. There are many evils in gambling, and so you should avoid it.
You might have heard, if not seen, that the king Yudhishthira lost his vast and prosperous kingdom, his god-like brothers, and everything at a game of dice. I, therefore, do not like this game. If you, however, like, O king, I shall begin.”
While the play was going on, the Matsya king said to Yudhishthira "Even so very fearful Kauravas have been defeated in battle by my son." Whereto Yudhishthira replied "Why should he not conquer who has got Brihannala as his charioteer?"
At this, being enraged, the king of Matsya's said to the son of Pandu: "O wretch of a Brahman, you speak highly of an eunuch as compared with my son.
Have you not an idea of what is proper and what is not proper ? Forsooth, you insult me. Why should he not defeat all the heroes headed by Bhishma and Drona?
For the sake of friendship, O Brahmana, I forgive you for this offence. You must not speak so again, if you wish to live.”
Yudhishthira said:
There, where Drona, Bhishma Drona's son, Vikartanas son, Kripa, the king Duryodhana, and other kings and car-warriors are, and where Indra himself is surrounded by Maruts, who else, save Brihannala, can fight with them, all collectively.
None has been and none will be his equal in strength of arms. It is he only who takes delight on seeing a mighty encounter. Why should he not come off victorious, being aided by him who defeated all the celestials, the Asuras and the human beings, assembled together?
Virata said:
“Although prevented by me repeatedly, you do not control your speech. If there is none to govern, who will practise virtues?”
Vaishampayana said:
Saying this, the king, worked up with anger, struck Yudhishthira on the face with a dice, and remonstrated with him in anger.
Having been struck with great force, blood began to glow from his nose. But Partha held it in his hands so that it mighty not fall on the ground.
The pious Yudhishthira then looked at Draupadi who was standing by his side. Understanding his intention, that faultless one, ever obedient to her husband, brought a golden vessel filled with water, and held the blood that flowed from his nose.
in the meantime, Uttara, covered with various perfumes and garlands, slowly entered the city with delight.
He was welcomed by the citizens, females and villagers. Arrived at the gate, he sent news to his father. The waiter, approaching the king Virata said: "Your son waits at the gate with Brihannala as his help."
The king of Matsya then said with delight to the porter. "Bring them here - I am anxious to see them." Then Yudhishthira whispered to the porter. “Let Uttara alone come, and not Brihannala.
That mighty-armed hero has taken this vow that whoever shall wound my body or shed my blood except in battle, shall never live. Greatly angered, he will never see me bleeding but will kill Virata with his counsellors, horses and soldiers.”
Vaishampayana said:
Then the eldest son of the king, Bhuminjaya, entered there. Having saluted the feet of his father, he approached Kanka. He saw him there, bathed in blood, sitting on the ground, at one end of the court, attended upon by Sairandhri.
Uttara, then, in a hurry, asked his father "Who has struck him, O king ? Who has committed this iniquity ?”
Virata said :
"This wily Brahmana has been struck by me. He deserves even more than this. When I was speaking highly of you, heroic as you are, he praised a eunuch."
Uttara said:
"You have committed a great sin. Please him soon so that the deadly venom of Brahmana's curse may not consume you to the very roots.
Hearing the words of his son Virata, enhancer of the state begged pardon with the son of Kunti, radiant like fire within ashes.
Seeking forgiveness him, the son of Pandu said the king that I have taken the vow of pardon, so I have no anger in my mind.
Forsooth, If the blood comes out from my nose, and falls on the ground, O king, you with your kingdom would have been destroyed.
O king! Do not censure anybody and killing of others is a sinful act, but sometimes mighty king as you is bound to take this cruel step.
Vaishampayana said:
When the bleeding had stopped, Brihannala entered the room and having saluted Virata and Kanka, stood silent.
Having pacified Yudhishthira, the king began to praise Uttara in the hearing of Arjuna.
"O descendant of Kaikeya, in you I have truly got a son. Like you I never had nor shall have a son."
O son! How did you fight with that Karna who on his one target releases arrows for thousand targets unfailingly. And how did you meet in battle with who is unequal to any person in this world.
O son! How did you fight with that twice- born Drona, who is preceptor of the Vishni heroes and sons of Kurus, preceptor of all the Kshatriyas and the foremost among the armed soldiers.
How is the battle was that of Ashvatthama with you, the son of your preceptor who was the best among the warriors and armed heroes.
As a Vaishya becomes much distressed on destruction of his wealth, the warriors seeing Kripa become flaccid. How did you fight with them.
O son, how was that your encounter with prince Duryodhana, who had broken the hills by his great arrows.
O son! The Kuru sons had been kidnapped the kine wealth, you regain it. I feel great pleasure, wind also delighted me.
Forsooth, O foremost of men, having routed the enemy of having great streinght but afraid, you have snatched away from them by precious kine like a tiger his prey.
Uttara said:
The kine have not been rescued by me nor have the enemy been defeated by me. All that has been done by the son of a celestials.
Seeing me running away in fear, a youth of celestials birth, capable of wielding thunderbolt, stopped me, and got on my chariot.
By him the kine have been rescued and the Kauravas defeated. This is the work of that hero and not mine.
It was he who repulse with arrows the six warriors namely Kripa, Drona, Ashvathama, Karna, Bhishma and Vikarana.
That highly powerful one said to the prince, Duryodhana, terrified and broken like a leader of elephant-herds.
O Kuru prince, I do not see that by any means you are safe even at Hastinapur. Protect your life by displaying your energy.
You will not be free by escaping. Therefore make up your mind, O king, for fight. By conquering you will enjoy the earth, and by being slain you will attain to heaven.
Thus addressed, the king Duryodhana, the foremost of men, sighing on his car like a snake, turned, surrounded by his ministers, and discharging thunder-like arrows.
Beholding it, my hairs stood erect and the thighs to tremble. But he struck with his arrows that army of lions.
Having assailed those mighty car-warriors the Kurus. O king, the youth, powerful as a lion, laughed and stripped them off their robes.
Those six great Kuru car-warriors were defeated by that hero alone, as animals, ranging in the forest, are killed by a single angry tiger.”
Virata said:
Dear son! Tell me where that illustrious and chivalrous angel who has won my cows once taken in possession by Kauravas in battle? I want to see and honour that angel for his valour who have defended you including all cows.
Uttara replied:
"Dear father! That mighty angel had vanished there but I am sure enough that he will again appear here either tomorrow or the day after tomorrow.
Vaishampayana says - O Janamejaya! In spite of told impliedly, the king Virata could not recognise Arjuna, the son of Pandu living those hideously as an eunuch.
Arjuna, in disguise of Brihannala then gave all garments took-off from the bodies of great commanders (rathis) to Uttara, daughter of Virata in compliance with the king's order.
Uttara was exhilarated while receiving those various new and precious garments. O Janamejaya! Arjuna, the son of Kunti consulted the prince Uttara regarding revealing actual identity of Yudhishthira and decided duly all other affairs which were to be executed. O king! He then in a systematic manner, executed all affairs. Pandava, the greatest jewel to Bharata dynasty, exhilarated when all that arrangement was made in company of Uttara.
End of Go-harana
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