Chapter 16: Kṛpa and Droṇa as martial instructors; Droṇa’s arrival in Hastināpura, Arjuna’s emergence as his foremost pupil, Ekalavya’s deprivation, and the Brahmaśiras weapon.
vaiśampāyana uvāca. ॥KUMB: 1-139-21kṣ (821)॥
Vaiśampāyana said: (KUMB: 1-139-21क्ष् (821))
[PV-KDV:01_022_1] (Bharata)
kumārānkrīḍamānāṁstāndr̥ṣṭvā rājātidurmadān । guruṁ śikṣārthamanviṣya gautamaṁ tānnyavēdayat ॥KUMB: 1-139-41 (6268)॥
Seeing those exceedingly high-spirited princes at play, the king sought out Gautama as a teacher for their instruction and entrusted them to him. (KUMB: 1-139-41 (6268))
[PV-KDV:01_022_2] (Bharata)
śarastambē samudbhūtaṁ vēdaśāstrārthapāragam । rājñā nivēditāstasmai tē ca sarvē ca niṣṭhitāḥ.adhijagmuśca kuravō dhanurvēdaṁ kr̥pāttu tē ॥KUMB: 1-139-42 (6269)॥
who had been born in a clump of reeds and had mastered the meaning of the Vedas and śāstras. Entrusted to him by the king, they all became accomplished, and those Kurus learned the science of archery from Kripa. (KUMB: 1-139-42 (6269))
[PV-KDV:01_022_3] (Bharata)
janamējaya uvāca॥
Janamejaya said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_4] (Bharata)
kr̥pasyāpi mahābrahmansambhavaṁ vaktumarhasi । śarastambhātkathaṁ jajñē kathaṁ cāstrāṇyavāptavān ॥BORI: 1-120-1॥
Great Brahmin, you should also tell me of Kripa’s birth: how was he born from a clump of reeds, and how did he acquire his weapons? (BORI: 1-120-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_5] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_6] (Bharata)
maharṣērgautamasyāsīccharadvānnāma nāmataḥ । putraḥ kila mahārāja jātaḥ saha śarairvibhō ॥BORI: 1-120-2॥
O great king, the great sage Gautama had a son named Śaradvān who, O lord, is said to have been born together with arrows. (BORI: 1-120-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_7] (Bharata)
na tasya vēdādhyayanē tathā buddhirajāyata । yathāsya buddhirabhavaddhanurvēdē parantapa ॥BORI: 1-120-3॥
His inclination toward Vedic study was not as strong as his inclination toward the science of archery, O scorcher of foes. (BORI: 1-120-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_8] (Bharata)
adhijagmuryathā vēdāṁstapasā brahmavādinaḥ । tathā sa tapasōpētaḥ sarvāṇyastrāṇyavāpa ha ॥BORI: 1-120-4॥
Just as the expounders of Brahman mastered the Vedas through austerity, so he, endowed with austerity, acquired all the weapons. (BORI: 1-120-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_9] (Bharata)
dhanurvēdaparatvācca tapasā vipulēna ca । bhr̥śaṁ santāpayāmāsa dēvarājaṁ sa gautamaḥ ॥BORI: 1-120-5॥
Through his devotion to the science of archery and his immense austerities, Gautama greatly alarmed the lord of the gods. (BORI: 1-120-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_10] (Bharata)
tatō jālapadīṁ nāma dēvakanyāṁ surēśvaraḥ । prāhiṇōttapasō vighnaṁ kuru tasyēti kaurava ॥BORI: 1-120-6॥
Then, O Kaurava, the lord of the gods sent a celestial maiden named Jālapadī, saying, “Go and disrupt his austerities.” (BORI: 1-120-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_11] (Bharata)
sābhigamyāśramapadaṁ ramaṇīyaṁ śaradvataḥ । dhanurbāṇadharaṁ bālā lōbhayāmāsa gautamam ॥BORI: 1-120-7॥
The young woman approached Śaradvant’s delightful hermitage and tempted the bow-and-arrow-bearing Gautama. (BORI: 1-120-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_12] (Bharata)
tāmēkavasanāṁ dr̥ṣṭvā gautamō’psarasaṁ vanē । lōkē’pratimasaṁsthānāmutphullanayanō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-120-8॥
Seeing in the forest that celestial nymph, clad in a single garment and possessing a figure unrivalled in the world, Gautama’s eyes opened wide. (BORI: 1-120-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_13] (Bharata)
dhanuśca hi śarāścāsya karābhyāṁ prāpatanbhuvi । vēpathuścāsya tāṁ dr̥ṣṭvā śarīrē samajāyata ॥BORI: 1-120-9॥
His bow and arrows fell from his hands to the ground, and at the sight of her his body began to tremble. (BORI: 1-120-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_14] (Bharata)
sa tu jñānagarīyastvāttapasaśca samanvayāt । avatasthē mahāprājñō dhairyēṇa paramēṇa ha ॥BORI: 1-120-10॥
But owing to the greatness of his knowledge and the power of his austerities, that supremely wise man held firm with the utmost fortitude. (BORI: 1-120-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_15] (Bharata)
yastvasya sahasā rājanvikāraḥ samapadyata । tēna susrāva rētō’sya sa ca tannāvabudhyata ॥BORI: 1-120-11॥
But because of the sudden agitation that came over him, O king, his semen flowed, and he did not notice it. (BORI: 1-120-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_16] (Bharata)
sa vihāyāśramaṁ taṁ ca tāṁ caivāpsarasaṁ muniḥ । jagāma rētastattasya śarastambē papāta ha ॥BORI: 1-120-12॥
Leaving behind both the hermitage and that apsaras, the sage departed. His semen fell upon a clump of reeds. (BORI: 1-120-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_17] (Bharata)
śarastambē ca patitaṁ dvidhā tadabhavannr̥pa । tasyātha mithunaṁ jajñē gautamasya śaradvataḥ ॥BORI: 1-120-13॥
When it fell among the reeds, it split in two, O king. From it were then born twins to Śaradvat, the descendant of Gautama. (BORI: 1-120-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_18] (Bharata)
mr̥gayāṁ caratō rājñaḥ śantanōstu yadr̥cchayā । kaścitsēnācarō’raṇyē mithunaṁ tadapaśyata ॥BORI: 1-120-14॥
While King Śantanu was out hunting, one of his soldiers happened to see the twins in the forest. (BORI: 1-120-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_19] (Bharata)
dhanuśca saśaraṁ dr̥ṣṭvā tathā kr̥ṣṇājināni ca । vyavasya brāhmaṇāpatyaṁ dhanurvēdāntagasya tat । sa rājñē darśayāmāsa mithunaṁ saśaraṁ tadā ॥BORI: 1-120-15॥
Seeing a bow with its arrows and black-antelope skins, he concluded that the twins were the children of a Brahmin who had mastered the science of archery. He then showed the king the twins together with the arrows. (BORI: 1-120-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_20] (Bharata)
sa tadādāya mithunaṁ rājātha kr̥payānvitaḥ । ājagāma gr̥hānēva mama putrāviti bruvan ॥BORI: 1-120-16॥
Then the king, moved by compassion, took the twins and went home, saying, “These are my children.” (BORI: 1-120-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_21] (Bharata)
tataḥ saṁvardhayāmāsa saṁskāraiścāpyayōjayata । gautamō’pi tadāpētya dhanurvēdaparō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-120-17॥
Then he raised them and had the prescribed rites performed for them. Gautama too, having then departed, became devoted to the science of archery. (BORI: 1-120-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_22] (Bharata)
kr̥payā yanmayā bālāvimau saṁvardhitāviti । tasmāttayōrnāma cakrē tadēva sa mahīpatiḥ ॥BORI: 1-120-18॥
“Since I have raised these two children out of compassion,” the king gave them names derived from that very word. (BORI: 1-120-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_23] (Bharata)
nihitau gautamastatra tapasā tāvavindata । āgamya cāsmai gōtrādi sarvamākhyātavāṁstadā ॥BORI: 1-120-19॥
Through his ascetic power, Gautama discovered that the two had been left there. He then came and told the king everything, beginning with their lineage. (BORI: 1-120-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_24] (Bharata)
caturvidhaṁ dhanurvēdamastrāṇi vividhāni ca । nikhilēnāsya tatsarvaṁ guhyamākhyātavāṁstadā । sō’cirēṇaiva kālēna paramācāryatāṁ gataḥ ॥BORI: 1-120-20॥
He then taught him in full the fourfold science of archery, the various weapons, and all its secrets. In a very short time, he attained the rank of a supreme teacher. (BORI: 1-120-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_25] (Bharata)
tatō’dhijagmuḥ sarvē tē dhanurvēdaṁ mahārathāḥ । dhr̥tarāṣṭrātmajāścaiva pāṇḍavāśca mahābalāḥ । vr̥ṣṇayaśca nr̥pāścānyē nānādēśasamāgatāḥ ॥BORI: 1-120-21॥
Then all those mighty chariot-warriors mastered the science of archery: the sons of Dhritarashtra, the immensely powerful Pandavas, the Vrishnis, and other princes who had gathered from many lands. (BORI: 1-120-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_26] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_53] (Bharata)
viśēṣārthī tatō bhīṣmaḥ pautrāṇāṁ vinayēpsayā । iṣvastrajñān paryapr̥cchadācāryānvīryasaṁmatān ॥BORI: 1-121-1॥
Then Bhishma, seeking excellence and wishing to have his grandsons trained, made inquiries about teachers skilled in archery and renowned for their prowess. (BORI: 1-121-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_54] (Bharata)
nālpadhīrnāmahābhāgastathānānāstrakōvidaḥ । nādēvasattvō vinayētkurūnastrē mahābalān ॥BORI: 1-121-2॥
No one of limited intelligence, lacking great distinction, unversed in many weapons, or devoid of divine strength could train the mighty Kurus in arms. (BORI: 1-121-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_55] (Bharata)
maharṣistu bharadvājō havirdhānē caranpurā । dadarśāpsarasaṁ sākṣādghr̥tācīmāplutāmr̥ṣiḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-3॥
Long ago, as the great seer Bharadvaja was walking about the sacrificial enclosure, he saw with his own eyes the apsaras Ghritachi, who had just bathed. (BORI: 1-121-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_56] (Bharata)
tasyā vāyuḥ samuddhūtō vasanaṁ vyapakarṣata । tatō’sya rētaścaskanda tadr̥ṣirdrōṇa ādadhē ॥BORI: 1-121-4॥
A gust of wind swept away her garment. Then his semen spilled forth, and the sage placed it in a wooden vessel. (BORI: 1-121-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_57] (Bharata)
tasminsamabhavaddrōṇaḥ kalaśē tasya dhīmataḥ । adhyagīṣṭa sa vēdāṁśca vēdāṅgāni ca sarvaśaḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-5॥
Droṇa was born in that wise sage’s jar. He studied the Vedas and all the Vedāṅgas thoroughly. (BORI: 1-121-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_58] (Bharata)
agnivēśyaṁ mahābhāgaṁ bharadvājaḥ pratāpavān । pratyapādayadāgnēyamastraṁ dharmabhr̥tāṁ varaḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-6॥
The mighty Bharadvaja, foremost of the upholders of righteousness, imparted the fiery weapon to the illustrious Agniveshya. (BORI: 1-121-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_59] (Bharata)
agniṣṭujjātaḥ sa munistatō bharatasattama । bhāradvājaṁ tadāgnēyaṁ mahāstraṁ pratyapādayat ॥BORI: 1-121-7॥
That sage, born from an Agniṣṭut sacrifice, then imparted that great fiery weapon to Bharadvaja’s son, O best of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-121-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_60] (Bharata)
bharadvājasakhā cāsītpr̥ṣatō nāma pārthivaḥ । tasyāpi drupadō nāma tadā samabhavatsutaḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-8॥
Bharadvaja had a friend named Prishata, who was a king. At that time, he too had a son named Drupada. (BORI: 1-121-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_61] (Bharata)
sa nityamāśramaṁ gatvā drōṇēna saha pārṣataḥ । cikrīḍādhyayanaṁ caiva cakāra kṣatriyarṣabhaḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-9॥
That son of Prishata, a bull among Kshatriyas, regularly went to the hermitage, where he played with Drona and also pursued his studies. (BORI: 1-121-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_62] (Bharata)
tatō vyatītē pr̥ṣatē sa rājā drupadō’bhavat । pāñcālēṣu mahābāhuruttarēṣu narēśvaraḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-10॥
Then, after Pṛṣata had passed away, the mighty-armed Drupada became king and ruler of the northern Pañcālas. (BORI: 1-121-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_63] (Bharata)
bharadvājō’pi bhagavānārurōha divaṁ tadā । tataḥ pitr̥niyuktātmā putralōbhānmahāyaśāḥ । śāradvatīṁ tatō drōṇaḥ kr̥pīṁ bhāryāmavindata ॥BORI: 1-121-11॥
The blessed Bharadvaja too then ascended to heaven. Thereafter, at his father’s bidding and from a desire for a son, the illustrious Drona took Kripi, daughter of Sharadvat, as his wife. (BORI: 1-121-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_64] (Bharata)
agnihōtrē ca dharmē ca damē ca satataṁ ratā । alabhadgautamī putramaśvatthāmānamēva ca ॥BORI: 1-121-12॥
Gautamī, ever devoted to the Agnihotra, righteousness, and self-restraint, bore a son, Aśvatthāman. (BORI: 1-121-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_65] (Bharata)
sa jātamātrō vyanadadyathaivōccaiḥśravā hayaḥ । tacchrutvāntarhitaṁ bhūtamantarikṣasthamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-121-13॥
The moment he was born, he cried out just like the horse Uccaihshravas. Hearing this, an unseen being in midair said: (BORI: 1-121-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_66] (Bharata)
aśvasyēvāsya yatsthāma nadataḥ pradiśō gatam । aśvatthāmaiva bālō’yaṁ tasmānnāmnā bhaviṣyati ॥BORI: 1-121-14॥
Because this crying child’s voice has carried through the quarters like a horse’s, this boy shall therefore be named Ashvatthaman. (BORI: 1-121-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_67] (Bharata)
sutēna tēna suprītō bhāradvājastatō’bhavat । tatraiva ca vasandhīmāndhanurvēdaparō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-121-15॥
Bharadvaja was then greatly delighted with that son. Living there, the wise man devoted himself to the science of archery. (BORI: 1-121-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_68] (Bharata)
sa śuśrāva mahātmānaṁ jāmadagnyaṁ parantapam । brāhmaṇēbhyastadā rājanditsantaṁ vasu sarvaśaḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-16॥
He heard, O king, that the great-souled son of Jamadagni, the scorcher of foes, then wished to give all his wealth to the Brahmins. (BORI: 1-121-16)
[PV-PAN:01_022_69] (Bharata)
vanaṁ tu prasthitaṁ rāmaṁ bhāradvājastadābravīt । āgataṁ vittakāmaṁ māṁ viddhi drōṇaṁ dvijarṣabham ॥BORI: 1-121-17॥
Then Bharadvaja’s son said to Rama, who was setting out for the forest, “Know that I am Drona, foremost of Brahmins, and that I have come seeking wealth.” (BORI: 1-121-17)
[PV-PAN:01_022_70] (Bharata)
rāma uvāca॥
Rama said:
[PV-PAN:01_022_71] (Bharata)
hiraṇyaṁ mama yaccānyadvasu kiñcana vidyatē । brāhmaṇēbhyō mayā dattaṁ sarvamēva tapōdhana ॥BORI: 1-121-18॥
All the gold and whatever other wealth I possess I have given to the Brahmins—every last bit of it, O ascetic. (BORI: 1-121-18)
[PV-PAN:01_022_72] (Bharata)
tathaivēyaṁ dharā dēvī sāgarāntā sapattanā । kaśyapāya mayā dattā kr̥tsnā nagaramālinī ॥BORI: 1-121-19॥
Likewise, I have given to Kashyapa this entire divine earth, extending to the ocean, with its towns and garland of cities. (BORI: 1-121-19)
[PV-PAN:01_022_73] (Bharata)
śarīramātramēvādya mayēdamavaśēṣitam । astrāṇi ca mahārhāṇi śastrāṇi vividhāni ca । vr̥ṇīṣva kiṁ prayacchāmi tubhyaṁ drōṇa vadāśu tat ॥BORI: 1-121-20॥
Today I have kept for myself only my body, along with costly celestial weapons and various other weapons. Choose what I should give you, Drona, and tell me at once. (BORI: 1-121-20)
[PV-PAN:01_022_74] (Bharata)
drōṇa uvāca॥
Drona said:
[PV-PAN:01_022_75] (Bharata)
astrāṇi mē samagrāṇi sasaṁhārāṇi bhārgava । saprayōgarahasyāni dātumarhasyaśēṣataḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-21॥
Bhargava, you should give me all the weapons in their entirety, together with the means of withdrawing them and the secrets of their use, without exception. (BORI: 1-121-21)
[PV-PAN:01_022_76] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-PAN:01_022_77] (Bharata)
tathētyuktvā tatastasmai prādādastrāṇi bhārgavaḥ । sarahasyavrataṁ caiva dhanurvēdamaśēṣataḥ ॥BORI: 1-121-22॥
Saying, “So be it,” Bhargava then gave him the weapons, together with their secrets and observances, and the entire science of archery. (BORI: 1-121-22)
[PV-PAN:01_022_78] (Bharata)
pratigr̥hya tu tatsarvaṁ kr̥tāstrō dvijasattamaḥ । priyaṁ sakhāyaṁ suprītō jagāma drupadaṁ prati ॥BORI: 1-121-23॥
Having received all this and mastered the weapons, the best of the twice-born was greatly pleased and went to his dear friend Drupada. (BORI: 1-121-23)
[PV-PAN:01_022_79] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_107] (Bharata)
tatō drupadamāsādya bhāradvājaḥ pratāpavān । abravītpārṣataṁ rājansakhāyaṁ viddhi māmiti ॥BORI: 1-122-1॥
Then, O king, the mighty son of Bharadvāja approached Drupada and said to the son of Pṛṣata, “Know me as your friend.” (BORI: 1-122-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_108] (Bharata)
drupada uvāca॥
Drupada said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_109] (Bharata)
akr̥tēyaṁ tava prajñā brahmannātisamañjasī । yanmāṁ bravīṣi prasabhaṁ sakhā tē’hamiti dvija ॥BORI: 1-122-2॥
Your judgment is immature, Brahmin, and hardly reasonable, since you audaciously tell me, “I am your friend,” O twice-born man. (BORI: 1-122-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_110] (Bharata)
na hi rājñāmudīrṇānāmēvaṁ bhūtairnaraiḥ kvacit । sakhyaṁ bhavati mandātmañśriyā hīnairdhanacyutaiḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-3॥
For nowhere do exalted kings form friendships with men such as you, you fool—men bereft of prosperity and stripped of wealth. (BORI: 1-122-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_111] (Bharata)
sauhr̥dānyapi jīryantē kālēna parijīryatām । sauhr̥daṁ mē tvayā hyāsītpūrvaṁ sāmarthyabandhanam ॥BORI: 1-122-4॥
Even friendships decay in time when those involved decline. For my friendship with you in the past was founded on equal standing. (BORI: 1-122-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_112] (Bharata)
na sakhyamajaraṁ lōkē jātu dr̥śyēta karhicit । kāmō vainaṁ viharati krōdhaścainaṁ pravr̥ścati ॥BORI: 1-122-5॥
No friendship in this world is ever seen to remain ageless forever; desire disrupts it, and anger severs it. (BORI: 1-122-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_113] (Bharata)
maivaṁ jīrṇamupāsiṣṭhāḥ sakhyaṁ navamupākuru । āsītsakhyaṁ dvijaśrēṣṭha tvayā mē’rthanibandhanam ॥BORI: 1-122-6॥
Do not cling to that old friendship; establish a new one. O best of Brahmins, my friendship with you was based on a particular purpose. (BORI: 1-122-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_114] (Bharata)
na daridrō vasumatō nāvidvānviduṣaḥ sakhā । śūrasya na sakhā klībaḥ sakhipūrvaṁ kimiṣyatē ॥BORI: 1-122-7॥
A poor man is no friend to a rich man, nor an unlearned man to a learned one; a coward is no friend to a hero. What use is a former friendship? (BORI: 1-122-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_115] (Bharata)
yayōrēva samaṁ vittaṁ yayōrēva samaṁ kulam । tayōḥ sakhyaṁ vivāhaśca na tu puṣṭavipuṣṭayōḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-8॥
Friendship and marriage are possible only between two people of equal wealth and equal family standing, not between the prosperous and the impoverished. (BORI: 1-122-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_116] (Bharata)
nāśrōtriyaḥ śrōtriyasya nārathī rathinaḥ sakhā । nārājñā saṅgataṁ rājñaḥ sakhipūrvaṁ kimiṣyatē ॥BORI: 1-122-9॥
One unversed in the Vedas is no friend of a Vedic scholar, nor is a man without a chariot the friend of a chariot-warrior. A king has no association with one who is not a king; what can be sought on the basis of former friendship? (BORI: 1-122-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_117] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_118] (Bharata)
drupadēnaivamuktastu bhāradvājaḥ pratāpavān । muhūrtaṁ cintayāmāsa manyunābhipariplutaḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-10॥
Thus addressed by Drupada, the valiant son of Bharadvāja reflected for a moment, overwhelmed with anger. (BORI: 1-122-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_119] (Bharata)
sa viniścitya manasā pāñcālaṁ prati buddhimān । jagāma kurumukhyānāṁ nagaraṁ nāgasāhvayam ॥BORI: 1-122-11॥
Having made up his mind about the king of Panchala, the wise man went to Nagasahvaya, the city of the foremost Kurus. (BORI: 1-122-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_120] (Bharata)
sa nāgapuramāgamya gautamasya nivēśanē । bhāradvājō’vasattatra pracchannaṁ dvijasattamaḥ ॥KUMB: 1-141-15॥
Having reached the city of the Nagas, the eminent Brahmin, Bharadvaja’s son, stayed there incognito in Gautama’s residence. (KUMB: 1-141-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_121] (Bharata)
tatō’sya tanujaḥ pārthānkr̥pasyānantaraṁ prabhuḥ । astrāṇi śikṣayāmāsa nābudhyanta ca taṁ janāḥ ॥KUMB: 1-141-16॥
Then his son, a master, taught the Pārthas the use of weapons after Kripa, but the people did not recognize him. (KUMB: 1-141-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_122] (Bharata)
ēvaṁ sa tatra gūḍhātmā kaṁcitkālamuvāsa ha ॥KUMB: 1-141-17A॥
Thus he lived there in disguise for some time. (KUMB: 1-141-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_123] (Bharata)
kumārāstvatha niṣkramya samētā gajasāhvayāt । krīḍantō vīṭayā tatra vīrāḥ paryacaranmudā ॥BORI: 1-122-12॥
Then the princes came out of Gajasahvaya together and roamed about there joyfully, the young heroes playing with a ball. (BORI: 1-122-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_124] (Bharata)
papāta kūpē sā vīṭā tēṣāṁ vai krīḍatāṁ tadā । na ca tē pratyapadyanta karma vīṭōpalabdhayē ॥BORI: 1-122-13॥
As they were playing, the ball fell into a well, and they could find no way to retrieve it. (BORI: 1-122-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_125] (Bharata)
atha drōṇaḥ kumārāṁstāndr̥ṣṭvā kr̥tyavatastadā । prahasya mandaṁ paiśalyādabhyabhāṣata vīryavān ॥BORI: 1-122-14॥
Then the valiant Drona, seeing the princes intent on the task, smiled gently and, confident in his skill, addressed them. (BORI: 1-122-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_126] (Bharata)
ahō nu dhigbalaṁ kṣātraṁ dhigētāṁ vaḥ kr̥tāstratām । bharatasyānvayē jātā yē vīṭāṁ nādhigacchata ॥BORI: 1-122-15॥
Ah, shame on your warrior strength, and shame on your skill in arms—you who were born in Bharata’s lineage cannot retrieve the ball! (BORI: 1-122-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_127] (Bharata)
ēṣa muṣṭiriṣīkāṇāṁ mayāstrēṇābhimantritaḥ । asya vīryaṁ nirīkṣadhvaṁ yadanyasya na vidyatē ॥BORI: 1-122-16॥
This handful of reeds has been consecrated by me with a weapon-spell. Behold its power, which no other possesses. (BORI: 1-122-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_128] (Bharata)
vētsyāmīṣīkayā vīṭāṁ tāmiṣīkāmathānyayā । tāmanyayā samāyōgō vīṭāyā grahaṇē mama ॥BORI: 1-122-17॥
I shall pierce the ball with one reed, then that reed with another, and that one with yet another; by linking them in this way, I shall retrieve the ball. (BORI: 1-122-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_129] (Bharata)
tadapaśyankumārāstē vismayōtphullalōcanāḥ । avēṣkya cōddhr̥tāṁ vīṭāṁ vīṭāvēddhāramabruvan ॥BORI: 1-122-18॥
The princes watched this, their eyes wide with amazement. Seeing the ball drawn out, they said to the man who had pierced it: (BORI: 1-122-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_130] (Bharata)
abhivādayāmahē brahmannaitadanyēṣu vidyatē । kō’si kaṁ tvābhijānīmō vayaṁ kiṁ karavāmahē ॥BORI: 1-122-19॥
We salute you, Brahmin. No one else possesses such skill. Who are you? By what name may we know you? What can we do for you? (BORI: 1-122-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_131] (Bharata)
drōṇa uvāca॥
Droṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_132] (Bharata)
ācakṣadhvaṁ ca bhīṣmāya rūpēṇa ca guṇaiśca mām । sa ēva sumahābuddhiḥ sāmprataṁ pratipatsyatē ॥BORI: 1-122-20॥
Tell Bhishma of my appearance and qualities. Being exceedingly wise, he will understand at once. (BORI: 1-122-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_133] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_134] (Bharata)
tathētyuktvā tu tē sarvē bhīṣmamūcuḥ pitāmaham । brāhmaṇasya vacastathyaṁ tacca karmaviśēṣavat ॥BORI: 1-122-21॥
After replying, “So be it,” they all said to their grandfather Bhishma, “The Brahmin’s words are true, and that feat was extraordinary.” (BORI: 1-122-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_135] (Bharata)
bhīṣmaḥ śrutvā kumārāṇāṁ drōṇaṁ taṁ pratyajānata । yuktarūpaḥ sa hi gururityēvamanucintya ca ॥BORI: 1-122-22॥
Hearing the princes’ account, Bhishma recognized the man as Drona and reflected, “He is indeed a fitting teacher.” (BORI: 1-122-22)
[PV-KDV:01_022_136] (Bharata)
athainamānīya tadā svayamēva susatkr̥tam । paripapraccha nipuṇaṁ bhīṣmaḥ śastrabhr̥tāṁ varaḥ । hētumāgamanē tasya drōṇaḥ sarvaṁ nyavēdayat ॥BORI: 1-122-23॥
Then Bhishma, foremost of weapon-bearers, had the accomplished Drona brought before him, personally received him with great honor, and asked him the reason for his coming. Drona told him everything. (BORI: 1-122-23)
[PV-KDV:01_022_137] (Bharata)
drupadēnaivamuktō’haṁ manyunābhipariplutaḥ । abhyāgacchaṁ kurūnbhīṣma śiṣyairarthī guṇānvitaiḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-38॥
After Drupada had spoken to me in this way, I was overcome with anger and came to the Kurus, O Bhishma, seeking accomplished pupils. (BORI: 1-122-38)
[PV-KDV:01_022_152] (Bharata)
pratijagrāha taṁ bhīṣmō guruṁ pāṇḍusutaiḥ saha । pautrānādāya tānsarvānvasūni vividhāni ca ॥BORI: 1-122-39॥
Bhishma accepted him as preceptor, together with the sons of Pandu. Then, taking all those grandsons and various kinds of wealth… (BORI: 1-122-39)
[PV-KDV:01_022_153] (Bharata)
śiṣyāḥ iti dadau rājandrōṇāya vidhipūrvakam । sa ca śiṣyān mahēṣvāsaḥ pratijagrāha kauravān ॥BORI: 1-122-40॥
“These are your pupils,” he said, O king, and duly entrusted them to Droṇa. That mighty archer then accepted the Kauravas as his pupils. (BORI: 1-122-40)
[PV-KDV:01_022_154] (Bharata)
pratigr̥hya ca tānsarvāndrōṇō vacanamabravīt । rahasyēkaḥ pratītātmā kr̥tōpasadanāṁstadā ॥BORI: 1-122-41॥
Having accepted them all, Drona, confident in himself, then spoke privately to them after they had respectfully approached him: (BORI: 1-122-41)
[PV-KDV:01_022_155] (Bharata)
kāryaṁ mē kāṅkṣitaṁ kiñciddhr̥di samparivartatē । kr̥tāstraistatpradēyaṁ mē tadr̥taṁ vadatānaghāḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-42॥
There is a certain task I desire that weighs on my heart. Once you have mastered the weapons, you must perform it for me. Give me your solemn word on this, blameless ones. (BORI: 1-122-42)
[PV-KDV:01_022_156] (Bharata)
tacchrutvā kauravēyāstē tūṣṇīmāsanviśāṁ patē । arjunastu tataḥ sarvaṁ pratijajñē parantapaḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-43॥
Hearing this, the Kauravas sat in silence, O lord of men; but then Arjuna, the scorcher of foes, promised to do all that was asked. (BORI: 1-122-43)
[PV-KDV:01_022_157] (Bharata)
tatō’rjunaṁ mūrdhni tadā samāghrāya punaḥ punaḥ । prītipūrvaṁ pariṣvajya prarurōda mudā tadā ॥BORI: 1-122-44॥
Then Drona repeatedly smelled the crown of Arjuna’s head, embraced him affectionately, and wept for joy. (BORI: 1-122-44)
[PV-KDV:01_022_158] (Bharata)
tatō drōṇaḥ pāṇḍuputrānastrāṇi vividhāni ca । grāhayāmāsa divyāni mānuṣāṇi ca vīryavān ॥BORI: 1-122-45॥
Then the valiant Drona taught the sons of Pandu various divine and human weapons. (BORI: 1-122-45)
[PV-KDV:01_022_159] (Bharata)
rājaputrāstathaivānyē samētya bharatarṣabha । abhijagmustatō drōṇamastrārthē dvijasattamam । vr̥ṣṇayaścāndhakāścaiva nānādēśyāśca pārthivāḥ ॥BORI: 1-122-46॥
O bull of Bharata, other princes likewise assembled and then approached Drona, the foremost of Brahmins, to learn weaponry—the Vrishnis, the Andhakas, and rulers from many lands. (BORI: 1-122-46)
[PV-PAN:01_022_160] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_205] (Bharata)
arjunastu paraṁ yatnamātasthē gurupūjanē । astrē ca paramaṁ yōgaṁ priyō drōṇasya cābhavat ॥BORI: 1-123-1॥
Arjuna, however, devoted himself with the utmost diligence to honoring his teacher and applied himself fully to the art of weaponry; he thus became dear to Drona. (BORI: 1-123-1)
[PV-KDV:01_022_206] (Bharata)
drōṇēna tu tadāhūya rahasyuktō’nnasādhakaḥ । andhakārē’rjunāyānnaṁ na dēyaṁ tē kathañcana ॥BORI: 1-123-2॥
Then Drona summoned the cook and told him privately, “You must never give Arjuna food in the dark.” (BORI: 1-123-2)
[PV-KDV:01_022_207] (Bharata)
tataḥ kadācidbhuñjānē pravavau vāyurarjunē । tēna tatra pradīpaḥ sa dīpyamānō nivāpitaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-3॥
Then once, while Arjuna was eating, the wind blew, extinguishing the lamp that was burning there. (BORI: 1-123-3)
[PV-KDV:01_022_208] (Bharata)
bhuṅkta ēvārjunō bhaktaṁ na cāsyāsyādvyamuhyata । hastastējasvinō nityamannagrahaṇakāraṇāt । tadabhyāsakr̥taṁ matvā rātrāvabhyasta pāṇḍavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-4॥
Arjuna continued eating his meal, and the vigorous warrior’s hand did not stray from his mouth, through long habit of taking food. Realizing that this was the result of practice, the Pandava began practicing at night. (BORI: 1-123-4)
[PV-KDV:01_022_209] (Bharata)
tasya jyātalanirghōṣaṁ drōṇaḥ śuśrāva bhārata । upētya cainamutthāya pariṣvajyēdamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-123-5॥
Drona heard the twang of his bowstring, O Bharata. Rising and going to him, he embraced him and said: (BORI: 1-123-5)
[PV-KDV:01_022_210] (Bharata)
prayatiṣyē tathā kartuṁ yathā nānyō dhanurdharaḥ । tvatsamō bhavitā lōkē satyamētadbravīmi tē ॥BORI: 1-123-6॥
I shall strive to ensure that no other archer in the world will equal you. I tell you this truly. (BORI: 1-123-6)
[PV-KDV:01_022_211] (Bharata)
tatō drōṇō’rjunaṁ bhūyō rathēṣu ca gajēṣu ca । aśvēṣu bhūmāvapi ca raṇaśikṣāmaśikṣayat ॥BORI: 1-123-7॥
Then Drona gave Arjuna further training in combat on chariots, on elephants, on horseback, and on foot. (BORI: 1-123-7)
[PV-KDV:01_022_212] (Bharata)
gadāyuddhē’sicaryāyāṁ tōmaraprāsaśaktiṣu । drōṇaḥ saṅkīrṇayuddhēṣu śikṣayāmāsa pāṇḍavam ॥BORI: 1-123-8॥
Drona trained the Pandava in fighting with the mace, swordsmanship, the use of javelins, spears, and lances, and mixed combat. (BORI: 1-123-8)
[PV-KDV:01_022_213] (Bharata)
tasya tatkauśalaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā dhanurvēdajighr̥kṣavaḥ । rājānō rājaputrāśca samājagmuḥ sahasraśaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-9॥
Seeing his skill, kings and princes who wished to learn archery came in their thousands. (BORI: 1-123-9)
[PV-KDV:01_022_214] (Bharata)
tatō niṣādarājasya hiraṇyadhanuṣaḥ sutaḥ । ēkalavyō mahārāja drōṇamabhyājagāma ha ॥BORI: 1-123-10॥
Then Ekalavya, the son of the Nishada king Hiranyadhanus, came to Drona, O great king. (BORI: 1-123-10)
[PV-KDV:01_022_215] (Bharata)
na sa taṁ pratijagrāha naiṣādiriti cintayan । śiṣyaṁ dhanuṣi dharmajñastēṣāmēvānvavēkṣayā ॥BORI: 1-123-11॥
Knowing dharma, he did not accept him as a student of archery, thinking, “He is a Niṣāda’s son,” out of consideration for them alone. (BORI: 1-123-11)
[PV-KDV:01_022_216] (Bharata)
sa tu drōṇasya śirasā pādau gr̥hya parantapaḥ । araṇyamanusamprāptaḥ kr̥tvā drōṇaṁ mahīmayam ॥BORI: 1-123-12॥
But that scorcher of foes bowed his head at Drona’s feet, went into the forest, and made an earthen image of Drona. (BORI: 1-123-12)
[PV-KDV:01_022_217] (Bharata)
tasminnācāryavr̥ttiṁ ca paramāmāsthitastadā । iṣvastrē yōgamātasthē paraṁ niyamamāsthitaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-13॥
He then showed it the utmost devotion due to a teacher and devoted himself to the practice of archery, observing the strictest discipline. (BORI: 1-123-13)
[PV-KDV:01_022_218] (Bharata)
parayā śraddhayā yuktō yōgēna paramēṇa ca । vimōkṣādānasandhānē laghutvaṁ paramāpa saḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-14॥
Endowed with the highest devotion and discipline, he attained supreme quickness in taking up, fitting, and releasing arrows. (BORI: 1-123-14)
[PV-KDV:01_022_219] (Bharata)
atha drōṇābhyanujñātāḥ kadācitkurupāṇḍavāḥ । rathairviniryayuḥ sarvē mr̥gayāmarimardanāḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-15॥
One day, with Drona’s permission, all the Kauravas and Pandavas, subduers of their foes, set out in chariots to hunt. (BORI: 1-123-15)
[PV-KDV:01_022_220] (Bharata)
tatrōpakaraṇaṁ gr̥hya naraḥ kaścidyadr̥cchayā । rājannanujagāmaikaḥ śvānamādāya pāṇḍavān ॥BORI: 1-123-16॥
There, O king, a certain man happened to follow the Pandavas alone, carrying the equipment and taking a dog with him. (BORI: 1-123-16)
[PV-KDV:01_022_221] (Bharata)
tēṣāṁ vicaratāṁ tatra tattatkarma cikīrṣatām । śvā caransa vanē mūḍhō naiṣādiṁ prati jagmivān ॥BORI: 1-123-17॥
While they roamed there, intent on their various tasks, the foolish dog wandered through the forest and went toward the Niṣāda. (BORI: 1-123-17)
[PV-KDV:01_022_222] (Bharata)
sa kr̥ṣṇaṁ maladigdhāṅgaṁ kr̥ṣṇājinadharaṁ vanē । naiṣādiṁ śvā samālakṣya bhaṣaṁstasthau tadantikē ॥BORI: 1-123-18॥
In the forest, the dog spotted the dark-skinned Nishada, his body smeared with dirt and clad in a black deerskin, and stood near him barking. (BORI: 1-123-18)
[PV-KDV:01_022_223] (Bharata)
tadā tasyātha bhaṣataḥ śunaḥ sapta śarānmukhē । lāghavaṁ darśayannastrē mumōca yugapadyathā ॥BORI: 1-123-19॥
Then, while the dog was barking, he loosed seven arrows into its mouth all at once, displaying his skill with the weapon. (BORI: 1-123-19)
[PV-KDV:01_022_224] (Bharata)
sa tu śvā śarapūrṇāsyaḥ pāṇḍavānājagāma ha । taṁ dr̥ṣṭvā pāṇḍavā vīrā vismayaṁ paramaṁ yayuḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-20॥
The dog, its mouth filled with arrows, came to the Pandavas. Seeing it, the valiant Pandavas were utterly amazed. (BORI: 1-123-20)
[PV-KDV:01_022_225] (Bharata)
lāghavaṁ śabdavēdhitvaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā tatparamaṁ tadā । prēkṣya taṁ vrīḍitāścāsanpraśaśaṁsuśca sarvaśaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-21॥
When they saw that extraordinary dexterity and skill in hitting a target by sound, and looked at the dog, they were ashamed and full of praise. (BORI: 1-123-21)
[PV-KDV:01_022_226] (Bharata)
taṁ tatō’nvēṣamāṇāstē vanē vananivāsinam । dadr̥śuḥ pāṇḍavā rājannasyantamaniśaṁ śarān ॥BORI: 1-123-22॥
Then, as they searched the forest for that forest-dweller, the Pandavas saw him, O king, ceaselessly shooting arrows. (BORI: 1-123-22)
[PV-KDV:01_022_227] (Bharata)
na cainamabhyajānaṁstē tadā vikr̥tadarśanam । athainaṁ paripapracchuḥ kō bhavānkasya vētyuta ॥BORI: 1-123-23॥
They did not recognize him then, for his appearance had changed. So they asked him, “Who are you, and whose son are you?” (BORI: 1-123-23)
[PV-KDV:01_022_228] (Bharata)
ēkalavya uvāca॥
Ekalavya said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_229] (Bharata)
niṣādādhipatērvīrā hiraṇyadhanuṣaḥ sutam । drōṇaśiṣyaṁ ca māṁ vitta dhanurvēdakr̥taśramam ॥BORI: 1-123-24॥
Heroes, know me as the son of Hiranyadhanus, lord of the Nishadas, a pupil of Drona who has devoted himself to the art of archery. (BORI: 1-123-24)
[PV-KDV:01_022_230] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_231] (Bharata)
tē tamājñāya tattvēna punarāgamya pāṇḍavāḥ । yathāvr̥ttaṁ ca tē sarvaṁ drōṇāyācakhyuradbhutam ॥BORI: 1-123-25॥
Having learned the truth about him, the Pandavas returned and told Drona everything that had happened, astonishing as it was. (BORI: 1-123-25)
[PV-KDV:01_022_232] (Bharata)
kauntēyastvarjunō rājannēkalavyamanusmaran । rahō drōṇaṁ samāgamya praṇayādidamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-123-26॥
But Arjuna, son of Kunti, remembering Ekalavya, O king, met Drona in private and, out of affection, said this: (BORI: 1-123-26)
[PV-KDV:01_022_233] (Bharata)
nanvahaṁ parirabhyaikaḥ prītipūrvamidaṁ vacaḥ । bhavatōktō na mē śiṣyastvadviśiṣṭō bhaviṣyati ॥BORI: 1-123-27॥
Did you not embrace me alone and affectionately tell me, “No pupil of mine will ever surpass you”? (BORI: 1-123-27)
[PV-KDV:01_022_234] (Bharata)
atha kasmānmadviśiṣṭō lōkādapi ca vīryavān । astyanyō bhavataḥ śiṣyō niṣādādhipatēḥ sutaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-28॥
Then why is there another pupil of yours—the son of the Nishada king—who is superior to me and mightier even than the whole world? (BORI: 1-123-28)
[PV-KDV:01_022_235] (Bharata)
muhūrtamiva taṁ drōṇaścintayitvā viniścayam । savyasācinamādāya naiṣādiṁ prati jagmivān ॥BORI: 1-123-29॥
After pondering this for a moment and making up his mind, Drona took Savyasacin with him and went to the Nishada prince. (BORI: 1-123-29)
[PV-KDV:01_022_236] (Bharata)
dadarśa maladigdhāṅgaṁ jaṭilaṁ cīravāsasam । ēkalavyaṁ dhanuṣpāṇimasyantamaniśaṁ śarān ॥BORI: 1-123-30॥
He saw Ekalavya, his body smeared with dirt, his hair matted, and clad in bark garments, bow in hand and ceaselessly shooting arrows. (BORI: 1-123-30)
[PV-KDV:01_022_237] (Bharata)
ēkalavyastu taṁ dr̥ṣṭvā drōṇamāyāntamantikāt । abhigamyōpasaṅgr̥hya jagāma śirasā mahīm ॥BORI: 1-123-31॥
But when Ekalavya saw Drona drawing near, he went up to him, clasped his feet, and bowed his head to the ground. (BORI: 1-123-31)
[PV-KDV:01_022_238] (Bharata)
pūjayitvā tatō drōṇaṁ vidhivatsa niṣādajaḥ । nivēdya śiṣyamātmānaṁ tasthau prāñjaliragrataḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-32॥
Then the Nishada youth duly honored Drona, declared himself his pupil, and stood before him with hands joined. (BORI: 1-123-32)
[PV-KDV:01_022_239] (Bharata)
tatō drōṇō’bravīdrājannēkalavyamidaṁ vacaḥ । yadi śiṣyō’si mē tūrṇaṁ vētanaṁ sampradīyatām ॥BORI: 1-123-33॥
Then Drona said these words to Ekalavya, O king: “If you are my pupil, pay me my fee at once.” (BORI: 1-123-33)
[PV-KDV:01_022_240] (Bharata)
ēkalavyastu tacchrutvā prīyamāṇō’bravīdidam । kiṁ prayacchāmi bhagavannājñāpayatu māṁ guruḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-34॥
Hearing this, Ekalavya was delighted and said, “What shall I give you, venerable sir? Let my teacher command me.” (BORI: 1-123-34)
[PV-KDV:01_022_241] (Bharata)
na hi kiñcidadēyaṁ mē guravē brahmavittama । tamabravīttvayāṅguṣṭhō dakṣiṇō dīyatāṁ mama ॥BORI: 1-123-35॥
“There is nothing I would not give my teacher, O best of those who know Brahman.” Drona said to him, “Then give me your right thumb.” (BORI: 1-123-35)
[PV-KDV:01_022_242] (Bharata)
ēkalavyastu tacchrutvā vacō drōṇasya dāruṇam । pratijñāmātmanō rakṣansatyē ca nirataḥ sadā ॥BORI: 1-123-36॥
But Ekalavya, hearing those cruel words of Drona, kept his own promise and remained, as ever, devoted to truth… (BORI: 1-123-36)
[PV-KDV:01_022_243] (Bharata)
tathaiva hr̥ṣṭavadanastathaivādīnamānasaḥ । chittvāvicārya taṁ prādāddrōṇāyāṅguṣṭhamātmanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-37॥
Still smiling and wholly undismayed, he cut off his own thumb without hesitation and gave it to Drona. (BORI: 1-123-37)
[PV-KDV:01_022_244] (Bharata)
tataḥ paraṁ tu naiṣādiraṅgulībhirvyakarṣata । na tathā sa tu śīghrō’bhūdyathā pūrvaṁ narādhipa ॥BORI: 1-123-38॥
Thereafter the Nishada prince drew the bowstring with his fingers, but he was not as swift as before, O king. (BORI: 1-123-38)
[PV-KDV:01_022_245] (Bharata)
drōṇasya tu tadā śiṣyau gadāyōgyāṁ viśēṣataḥ । duryōdhanaśca bhīmaśca kurūṇāmabhyagacchatām ॥BORI: 1-123-40॥
At that time, among the Kurus, Duryodhana and Bhima, both pupils of Drona, became especially proficient in the use of the mace. (BORI: 1-123-40)
[PV-KDV:01_022_247] (Bharata)
aśvatthāmā rahasyēṣu sarvēṣvabhyadhikō’bhavat । tathāti puruṣānanyāntsārukau yamajāvubhau । yudhiṣṭhirō rathaśrēṣṭhaḥ sarvatra tu dhanañjayaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-41॥
Ashvatthaman excelled in all the secret teachings. Likewise, the two twins surpassed other men in swordsmanship. Yudhishthira was the foremost chariot-warrior, but Dhananjaya excelled in every respect. (BORI: 1-123-41)
[PV-KDV:01_022_248] (Bharata)
prāṇādhikaṁ bhīmasēnaṁ kr̥tavidyaṁ dhanañjayam । dhārtarāṣṭrā durātmānō nāmr̥ṣyanta narādhipa ॥BORI: 1-123-44॥
O king, the wicked sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra could not abide Bhīmasena, who was dearer than life, or Dhanañjaya, who had mastered his training. (BORI: 1-123-44)
[PV-KDV:01_022_251] (Bharata)
tāṁstu sarvānsamānīya sarvavidyāsu niṣṭhitān । drōṇaḥ praharaṇajñānē jijñāsuḥ puruṣarṣabha ॥BORI: 1-123-45॥
But Drona, having assembled them all once they had mastered every branch of learning, wished to test their knowledge of weapons, O bull among men… (BORI: 1-123-45)
[PV-KDV:01_022_252] (Bharata)
kr̥trimaṁ bhāsamārōpya vr̥kṣāgrē śilpibhiḥ kr̥tam । avijñātaṁ kumārāṇāṁ lakṣyabhūtamupādiśat ॥BORI: 1-123-46॥
He had an artificial bird made by craftsmen placed at the top of a tree and, without the princes knowing, designated it as the target. (BORI: 1-123-46)
[PV-KDV:01_022_253] (Bharata)
drōṇa uvāca॥
Drona said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_254] (Bharata)
śīghraṁ bhavantaḥ sarvē vai dhanūṁṣyādāya satvarāḥ । bhāsamētaṁ samuddiśya tiṣṭhantāṁ saṁhitēṣavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-47॥
Quickly, all of you, take up your bows and stand ready with arrows nocked, aiming at this bird of prey. (BORI: 1-123-47)
[PV-KDV:01_022_255] (Bharata)
madvākyasamakālaṁ ca śirō’sya vinipātyatām । ēkaikaśō niyōkṣyāmi tathā kuruta putrakāḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-48॥
At the very moment I give the word, strike off its head. I shall command each of you in turn; do as I say, my sons. (BORI: 1-123-48)
[PV-KDV:01_022_256] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_022_257] (Bharata)
tatō yudhiṣṭhiraṁ pūrvamuvācāṅgirasāṁ varaḥ । sandhatsva bāṇaṁ durdharṣa madvākyāntē vimuñca ca ॥BORI: 1-123-49॥
Then the foremost of the Angirases first said to Yudhishthira, “Nock an arrow, O invincible one, and release it when I have finished speaking.” (BORI: 1-123-49)
[PV-KDV:01_022_258] (Bharata)
tatō yudhiṣṭhiraḥ pūrvaṁ dhanurgr̥hya mahāravam । tasthau bhāsaṁ samuddiśya guruvākyapracōditaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-50॥
Then Yudhishthira was the first to take up the loudly twanging bow and stand aiming at the bird, spurred on by his teacher’s command. (BORI: 1-123-50)
[PV-KDV:01_022_259] (Bharata)
tatō vitatadhanvānaṁ drōṇastaṁ kurunandanam । sa muhūrtāduvācēdaṁ vacanaṁ bharatarṣabha ॥BORI: 1-123-51॥
Then, after a moment, Drona spoke these words to that scion of Kuru, whose bow was drawn, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-123-51)
[PV-KDV:01_022_260] (Bharata)
paśyasyēnaṁ drumāgrasthaṁ bhāsaṁ naravarātmaja । paśyāmītyēvamācāryaṁ pratyuvāca yudhiṣṭhiraḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-52॥
“Do you see this vulture perched at the top of the tree, son of the noble king?” “I see it,” Yudhishthira replied to his teacher. (BORI: 1-123-52)
[PV-KDV:01_022_261] (Bharata)
sa muhūrtādiva punardrōṇastaṁ pratyabhāṣata । atha vr̥kṣamimaṁ māṁ vā bhrātr̥nvāpi prapaśyasi ॥BORI: 1-123-53॥
A moment later, Drona addressed him again: “Now do you see this tree, or me, or your brothers as well?” (BORI: 1-123-53)
[PV-KDV:01_022_262] (Bharata)
tamuvāca sa kauntēyaḥ paśyāmyēnaṁ vanaspatim । bhavantaṁ ca tathā bhrātr̥nbhāsaṁ cēti punaḥ punaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-54॥
The son of Kunti repeatedly answered him, “I see that tree, you, my brothers, and the bird as well.” (BORI: 1-123-54)
[PV-KDV:01_022_263] (Bharata)
tamuvācāpasarpēti drōṇō’prītamanā iva । naitacchakyaṁ tvayā vēddhuṁ lakṣyamityēva kutsayan ॥BORI: 1-123-55॥
Drona, seemingly displeased, said to him, “Step aside. You cannot hit this target,” thus disparaging him. (BORI: 1-123-55)
[PV-KDV:01_022_264] (Bharata)
tatō duryōdhanādīṁstāndhārtarāṣṭrānmahāyaśāḥ । tēnaiva kramayōgēna jijñāsuḥ paryapr̥cchata ॥BORI: 1-123-56॥
Then the illustrious teacher, wishing to test them, questioned the sons of Dhritarashtra, beginning with Duryodhana, one after another in the same way. (BORI: 1-123-56)
[PV-KDV:01_022_265] (Bharata)
anyāṁśca śiṣyānbhīmādīnrājñaścaivānyadēśajān । tathā ca sarvē sarvaṁ tatpaśyāma iti kutsitāḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-57॥
…the other pupils, beginning with Bhima, as well as kings from other lands. They all likewise said, “We see all of that,” and were rebuked. (BORI: 1-123-57)
[PV-KDV:01_022_266] (Bharata)
tatō dhanañjayaṁ drōṇaḥ smayamānō’bhyabhāṣata । tvayēdānīṁ prahartavyamētallakṣyaṁ niśamyatām ॥BORI: 1-123-58॥
Then Drona addressed Dhananjaya with a smile: “Now you must strike this target. Listen.”} filthy? Wait etallakṣyaṃ niśamyatām perhaps (BORI: 1-123-58)
[PV-KDV:01_022_267] (Bharata)
madvākyasamakālaṁ tē mōktavyō’tra bhavēccharaḥ । vitatya kārmukaṁ putra tiṣṭha tāvanmuhūrtakam ॥BORI: 1-123-59॥
Your arrow must be released at this target the very moment I give the word. Son, draw your bow and stand ready for a moment. (BORI: 1-123-59)
[PV-KDV:01_022_268] (Bharata)
ēvamuktaḥ savyasācī maṇḍalīkr̥takārmukaḥ । tasthau lakṣyaṁ samuddiśya guruvākyapracōditaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-60॥
Thus addressed, Savyasachi drew his bow into a full curve and stood aiming at the target, impelled by his teacher’s command. (BORI: 1-123-60)
[PV-KDV:01_022_269] (Bharata)
muhūrtādiva taṁ drōṇastathaiva samabhāṣata । paśyasyēnaṁ sthitaṁ bhāsaṁ drumaṁ māmapi vētyuta ॥BORI: 1-123-61॥
After a moment, Drona addressed him again: “Do you see this bird perched there, the tree, and me as well?” (BORI: 1-123-61)
[PV-KDV:01_022_270] (Bharata)
paśyāmyēnaṁ bhāsamiti drōṇaṁ pārthō’bhyabhāṣata । na tu vr̥kṣaṁ bhavantaṁ vā paśyāmīti ca bhārata ॥BORI: 1-123-62॥
“I see the bird,” Pārtha replied to Droṇa, “but I see neither the tree nor you, sir, O Bhārata.” (BORI: 1-123-62)
[PV-KDV:01_022_271] (Bharata)
tataḥ prītamanā drōṇō muhūrtādiva taṁ punaḥ । pratyabhāṣata durdharṣaḥ pāṇḍavānāṁ ratharṣabham ॥BORI: 1-123-63॥
Then Drona, pleased at heart, after a moment addressed him again—the formidable master speaking to that foremost chariot-warrior among the Pandavas: (BORI: 1-123-63)
[PV-KDV:01_022_272] (Bharata)
bhāsaṁ paśyasi yadyēnaṁ tathā brūhi punarvacaḥ । śiraḥ paśyāmi bhāsasya na gātramiti sō’bravīt ॥BORI: 1-123-64॥
“If you see that bird, tell me again in the same way.” He replied, “I see the bird’s head, but not its body.” (BORI: 1-123-64)
[PV-KDV:01_022_273] (Bharata)
arjunēnaivamuktastu drōṇō hr̥ṣṭatanūruhaḥ । muñcasvētyabravītpārthaṁ sa mumōcāvicārayan ॥BORI: 1-123-65॥
Thus addressed by Arjuna, Drona’s hair stood on end with delight. He said to Partha, “Release it!” and Arjuna loosed the arrow without hesitation. (BORI: 1-123-65)
[PV-KDV:01_022_274] (Bharata)
tatastasya nagasthasya kṣurēṇa niśitēna ha । śira utkr̥tya tarasā pātayāmāsa pāṇḍavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-66॥
Then, with a sharp, razor-headed arrow, the Pandava swiftly severed the head of the man in the tree and sent it falling. (BORI: 1-123-66)
[PV-KDV:01_022_275] (Bharata)
tasminkarmaṇi saṁsiddhē paryaśvajata phalgunam । mēnē ca drupadaṁ saṅkhyē sānubandhaṁ parājitam ॥BORI: 1-123-67॥
When that deed had been accomplished, he embraced Phalguna and regarded Drupada and his followers as defeated in battle. (BORI: 1-123-67)
[PV-KDV:01_022_276] (Bharata)
kasyacittvatha kālasya saśiṣyō’ṅgirasāṁ varaḥ । jagāma gaṅgāmabhitō majjituṁ bharatarṣabha ॥BORI: 1-123-68॥
Then, after some time, the foremost of the descendants of Aṅgiras went with his pupils to the Ganges to bathe, O bull of the Bharatas. (BORI: 1-123-68)
[PV-KDV:01_022_277] (Bharata)
avagāḍhamathō drōṇaṁ salilē salilēcaraḥ । grāhō jagrāha balavāñjaṅghāntē kālacōditaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-69॥
Then, when Drona had entered the water, a powerful aquatic crocodile, driven by fate, seized him by the lower leg. (BORI: 1-123-69)
[PV-KDV:01_022_278] (Bharata)
sa samarthō’pi mōkṣāya śiṣyānsarvānacōdayat । grāhaṁ hatvā mōkṣayadhvaṁ māmiti tvarayanniva ॥BORI: 1-123-70॥
Though capable of freeing himself, he urged all his pupils on, as if in great haste: “Kill the crocodile and set me free!” (BORI: 1-123-70)
[PV-KDV:01_022_279] (Bharata)
tadvākyasamakālaṁ tu bībhatsurniśitaiḥ śaraiḥ । āvāpaiḥ pañcabhirgrāhaṁ magnamambhasyatāḍayat । itarē tu visaṁmūḍhāstatra tatra prapēdirē ॥BORI: 1-123-71॥
The very moment those words were spoken, Bibhatsu struck the crocodile submerged in the water with five sharp arrows, while the others, utterly bewildered, scattered in all directions. (BORI: 1-123-71)
[PV-KDV:01_022_280] (Bharata)
taṁ ca dr̥ṣṭvā kriyōpētaṁ drōṇō’manyata pāṇḍavam । viśiṣṭaṁ sarvaśiṣyēbhyaḥ prītimāṁścābhavattadā ॥BORI: 1-123-72॥
Seeing the Pandava so quick to act, Drona judged him superior to all his other pupils and was delighted with him. (BORI: 1-123-72)
[PV-KDV:01_022_281] (Bharata)
sa pārtha-bāṇaiḥ bahudhā khaṇḍaśaḥ parikalpitaḥ । grāhaḥ pañcatvamāpēdē jaṅghāṁ tyaktvā mahātmanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-73॥
Cut into many pieces by Pārtha’s arrows, the crocodile released the great-souled man’s leg and died. (BORI: 1-123-73)
[PV-KDV:01_022_282] (Bharata)
athābravīnmahātmānaṁ bhāradvājō mahāratham । gr̥hāṇēdaṁ mahābāhō viśiṣṭamatidurdharam । astraṁ brahmaśirō nāma saprayōganivartanam ॥BORI: 1-123-74॥
Then Bharadvaja said to the great-souled mighty warrior, “Receive this exceptional and nearly irresistible weapon, mighty-armed one. It is called the Brahmashiras, and comes with the means of deploying and withdrawing it.” (BORI: 1-123-74)
[PV-KDV:01_022_283] (Bharata)
na ca tē mānuṣēṣvētatprayōktavyaṁ kathañcana । jagadvinirdahēdētadalpatējasi pātitam ॥BORI: 1-123-75॥
You must never use it against human beings; if unleashed upon one of little power, it would burn up the world. (BORI: 1-123-75)
[PV-KDV:01_022_284] (Bharata)
asāmānyamidaṁ tāta lōkēṣvastraṁ nigadyatē । taddhārayēthāḥ prayataḥ śr̥ṇu cēdaṁ vacō mama ॥BORI: 1-123-76॥
My son, this weapon is said to be unparalleled in all the worlds. Keep it with due discipline, and listen to these words of mine. (BORI: 1-123-76)
[PV-KDV:01_022_285] (Bharata)
bādhētāmānuṣaḥ śatruryadā tvāṁ vīra kaścana । tadvadhāya prayuñjīthāstadāstramidamāhavē ॥BORI: 1-123-77॥
When some superhuman foe assails you, hero, then use this weapon in battle to slay him. (BORI: 1-123-77)
[PV-KDV:01_022_286] (Bharata)
tathēti tatpratiśrutya bībhatsuḥ sa kr̥tāñjaliḥ । jagrāha paramāstraṁ tadāha cainaṁ punarguruḥ । bhavitā tvatsamō nānyaḥ pumām̐llōkē dhanurdharaḥ ॥BORI: 1-123-78॥
Bibhatsu assented, saying, “So be it,” and, with palms joined, received that supreme weapon. Then his teacher said to him again, “No other man in the world will be an archer equal to you.” (BORI: 1-123-78)
[PV-KDV:01_022_287] (Bharata)