Chapter 17: The princes’ martial exhibition; Bhīma and Duryodhana’s prowess, Arjuna’s acclaimed skill, Karṇa’s challenge, and his alliance with Duryodhana.
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_1] (Bharata)
kr̥tāstrāndhārtarāṣṭrāṁśca pāṇḍuputrāṁśca bhārata। dr̥ṣṭvā drōṇō’bravīdrājandhr̥tarāṣṭraṁ janēśvaram ॥BORI: 1-124-1॥
Seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu fully trained in arms, O Bharata, Drona said to King Dhritarashtra, lord of the people— (BORI: 1-124-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_2] (Bharata)
kr̥pasya sōmadattasya bāhlīkasya ca dhīmataḥ। gāṅgēyasya ca sāṁnidhyē vyāsasya vidurasya ca ॥BORI: 1-124-2॥
In the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, the wise Bahlika, the son of Ganga, Vyasa, and Vidura… (BORI: 1-124-2)
[PV-PAN:01_023_3] (Bharata)
rājansamprāptavidyāstē kumarāḥ kurusattama। tē darśayēyuḥ svāṁ śikṣāṁ rājannanumatē tava ॥BORI: 1-124-3॥
O king, best of the Kurus, your princes have completed their training. With your permission, O king, let them display their skill. (BORI: 1-124-3)
[PV-KDV:01_023_4] (Bharata)
tatō’bravīnmahārājaḥ prahr̥ṣṭēnāntarātmanā। bhāradvāja mahatkarma kr̥taṁ tē dvijasattama ॥BORI: 1-124-4॥
Then the great king, delighted at heart, said, “Bhāradvāja, you have accomplished a great deed, best of Brahmins.” (BORI: 1-124-4)
[PV-KDV:01_023_5] (Bharata)
yadā tu manyasē kālaṁ yasmindēśē yathā yathā। tathā tathā vidhānāya svayamājñāpayasva mām ॥BORI: 1-124-5॥
But when you think the time has come, command me yourself as to the place and manner, so that arrangements may be made accordingly. (BORI: 1-124-5)
[PV-KDV:01_023_6] (Bharata)
kṣattaryadgururācāryō bravīti kuru tattathā। na hīdr̥śaṁ priyaṁ manyē bhavitā dharmavatsala ॥BORI: 1-124-7॥
Kshattar, do exactly what the venerable preceptor says. For I do not think anything could be more pleasing than this, O lover of righteousness. (BORI: 1-124-7)
[PV-KDV:01_023_8] (Bharata)
tatō rājānamāmantrya vidurānugatō bahiḥ। bhāradvājō mahāprājñō māpayāmāsa mēdinīm। samāmavr̥kṣāṁ nirgulmāmudakpravaṇasaṁsthitām ॥BORI: 1-124-8॥
Then, after taking leave of the king, the exceedingly wise son of Bharadvaja went outside accompanied by Vidura and had a tract of land measured out—level, treeless, free of undergrowth, and sloping northward. (BORI: 1-124-8)
[PV-KDV:01_023_9] (Bharata)
tasyāṁ bhūmau baliṁ cakrē tithau nakṣatrapūjitē। avaghuṣṭaṁ purē cāpi tadarthaṁ vadatāṁ vara ॥BORI: 1-124-9॥
On that ground he made an offering on a lunar day made auspicious by the constellation. A proclamation was also made in the city for that purpose, O best of speakers. (BORI: 1-124-9)
[PV-PAN:01_023_10] (Bharata)
raṅgabhūmau suvipulaṁ śāstradr̥ṣṭaṁ yathāvidhi। prēkṣāgāraṁ suvihitaṁ cakrustatra ca śilpinaḥ। rājñaḥ sarvāyudhōpētaṁ strīṇāṁ caiva nararṣabha ॥BORI: 1-124-10॥
There in the arena the artisans duly constructed a well-designed, very spacious viewing pavilion for the king and the women, built according to scriptural prescription and equipped with every kind of weapon, O best of men. (BORI: 1-124-10)
[PV-KDV:01_023_11] (Bharata)
atha puṇyāhaghōṣasya puṇyasya tadanantaram । viviśurvividhaṁ gr̥hya śastrōpakaraṇaṁ narāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-20॥
Then, immediately after the sacred proclamation of the auspicious day, the men entered carrying various weapons and military equipment. (BORI: 1-124-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_21] (Bharata)
tatō baddhatanutrāṇā baddhakakṣyā mahābalāḥ । baddhatūṇāḥ sadhanuṣō viviśurbharatarṣabhāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-21॥
Then the mighty bulls of the Bharata line entered, clad in armor, their belts fastened, their quivers bound on, and bows in hand. (BORI: 1-124-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_22] (Bharata)
anujyēṣṭhaṁ ca tē tatra yudhiṣṭhirapurōgamāḥ । cakrurastraṁ mahāvīryāḥ kumārāḥ paramādbhutam ॥BORI: 1-124-22॥
There, in order of seniority and with Yudhishthira leading, the princes of great prowess displayed extraordinary skill with weapons. (BORI: 1-124-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_23] (Bharata)
kēciccharākṣēpabhayācchirāṁsyavananāmirē । manujā dhr̥ṣṭamaparē vīkṣāṁ cakruḥ savismayāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-23॥
Some lowered their heads for fear of the flying arrows, while other men watched boldly in astonishment. (BORI: 1-124-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_24] (Bharata)
tē sma lakṣyāṇi vividhurbāṇairnāmāṅkaśōbhitaiḥ । vividhairlāghavōtsr̥ṣṭairuhyantō vājibhirdrutam ॥BORI: 1-124-24॥
Borne swiftly along by horses, they pierced the targets with various arrows, deftly loosed and adorned with inscriptions of their names. (BORI: 1-124-24)
[PV-KDV:01_023_25] (Bharata)
tatkumārabalaṁ tatra gr̥hītaśarakārmukam । gandharvanagarākāraṁ prēkṣya tē vismitābhavan ॥BORI: 1-124-25॥
Seeing that host of princes there, bows and arrows in hand and resembling a city of the Gandharvas, they were astonished. (BORI: 1-124-25)
[PV-KDV:01_023_26] (Bharata)
sahasā cukruśustatra narāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ । vismayōtphullanayanāḥ sādhu sādhviti bhārata ॥BORI: 1-124-26॥
Then hundreds of thousands of men suddenly cried out, their eyes wide with wonder, “Bravo! Bravo!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-124-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_27] (Bharata)
kr̥tvā dhanuṣi tē mārgānrathacaryāsu cāsakr̥t । gajapr̥ṣṭhē’śvapr̥ṣṭhē ca niyuddhē ca mahābalāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-27॥
After repeatedly demonstrating their techniques with the bow and in chariot maneuvers, on elephant- and horseback, and in close combat, those mighty warriors… (BORI: 1-124-27)
[PV-KDV:01_023_28] (Bharata)
gr̥hītakhaḍgacarmāṇastatō bhūyaḥ prahāriṇaḥ । tsarumārgānyathōddiṣṭāṁścēruḥ sarvāsu bhūmiṣu ॥BORI: 1-124-28॥
Then, taking up swords and shields and striking repeatedly, they practiced the prescribed movements of swordsmanship in every stance. (BORI: 1-124-28)
[PV-KDV:01_023_29] (Bharata)
lāghavaṁ sauṣṭhavaṁ śōbhāṁ sthiratvaṁ dr̥ḍhamuṣṭitām । dadr̥śustatra sarvēṣāṁ prayōgē khaḍgacarmaṇām ॥BORI: 1-124-29॥
There they saw, in the way each of them wielded sword and shield, agility, skill, grace, steadiness, and firmness of grip. (BORI: 1-124-29)
[PV-KDV:01_023_30] (Bharata)
atha tau nityasaṁhr̥ṣṭau suyōdhanavr̥kōdarau । avatīrṇau gadāhastāvēkaśr̥ṅgāvivācalau ॥BORI: 1-124-30॥
Then Suyodhana and Vṛkodara, ever exulting, entered the arena with maces in hand, like two mountains each crowned with a single peak. (BORI: 1-124-30)
[PV-KDV:01_023_31] (Bharata)
tau pradakṣiṇasavyāni maṇḍalāni mahābalau । cēraturnirmalagadau samadāviva gōvr̥ṣau ॥BORI: 1-124-32॥
The two mighty warriors, wielding gleaming maces, moved in circles to the right and left like two rutting bulls. (BORI: 1-124-32)
[PV-KDV:01_023_33] (Bharata)
vidurō dhr̥tarāṣṭrāya gāndhāryai pāṇḍavāraṇiḥ । nyavēdayētāṁ tatsarvaṁ kumārāṇāṁ vicēṣṭitam ॥BORI: 1-124-33॥
Vidura and Kuntī, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, reported to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Gāndhārī everything the princes had done. (BORI: 1-124-33)
[PV-PAN:01_023_34] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_48] (Bharata)
kururājē ca raṅgasthē bhīmē ca balināṁ varē । pakṣapātakr̥tasnēhaḥ sa dvidhēvābhavajjanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-1॥
With the Kuru king and Bhima, foremost of the strong, standing in the arena, the people, their affections shaped by partisanship, seemed divided in two. (BORI: 1-125-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_49] (Bharata)
hā vīra kururājēti hā bhīmēti ca nardatām । puruṣāṇāṁ suvipulāḥ praṇādāḥ sahasōtthitāḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-2॥
As the men cried out, “Bravo, hero! Bravo, king of the Kurus!” and “Bravo, Bhima!” a tremendous roar suddenly arose. (BORI: 1-125-2)
[PV-KDV:01_023_50] (Bharata)
tataḥ kṣubdhārṇavanibhaṁ raṅgamālōkya buddhimān । bhāradvājaḥ priyaṁ putramaśvatthāmānamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-125-3॥
Then the wise son of Bharadvāja, seeing the arena like a turbulent ocean, spoke to his beloved son Aśvatthāman: (BORI: 1-125-3)
[PV-KDV:01_023_51] (Bharata)
vārayaitau mahāvīryau kr̥tayōgyāvubhāvapi । mā bhūdraṅgaprakōpō’yaṁ bhīmaduryōdhanōdbhavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-4॥
Restrain those two mighty heroes, both trained to perfection. Let this tumult in the arena, caused by Bhima and Duryodhana, go no further. (BORI: 1-125-4)
[PV-KDV:01_023_52] (Bharata)
tatastāvudyatagadau guruputrēṇa vāritau । yugāntānilasaṅkṣubdhau mahāvēgāvivārṇavau ॥BORI: 1-125-5॥
Then the preceptor’s son restrained the two of them as they stood with maces raised, like two raging oceans lashed by the wind at the end of an age. (BORI: 1-125-5)
[PV-KDV:01_023_53] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_68] (Bharata)
tasminsamuditē raṅgē kathañcitparyavasthitē । darśayāmāsa bībhatsurācāryādastralāghavam ॥BORI: 1-125-18॥
When the assembly in the arena had gathered and somehow settled into place, Bibhatsu displayed the dexterity with weapons that he had learned from his teacher. (BORI: 1-125-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_69] (Bharata)
kṣaṇātprāṁśuḥ kṣaṇāddhrasvaḥ kṣaṇācca rathadhūrgataḥ । kṣaṇēna rathamadhyasthaḥ kṣaṇēnāvāpatanmahīm ॥BORI: 1-125-21॥
One moment he was tall, the next short; one moment he was on the chariot pole, the next in the middle of the chariot, and the next he fell to the ground. (BORI: 1-125-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_72] (Bharata)
sukumāraṁ ca sūkṣmaṁ ca guruṁ cāpi gurupriyaḥ । sauṣṭhavēnābhisaṁyuktaḥ sō’vidhyadvividhaiḥ śaraiḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-22॥
Dear to his teacher and endowed with dexterity, he pierced it with various arrows—lightly, subtly, and forcefully. (BORI: 1-125-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_73] (Bharata)
bhramataśca varāhasya lōhasya pramukhē samam । pañca bāṇānasaṁsaktānsa mumōcaikabāṇavat ॥BORI: 1-125-23॥
He shot five separate arrows into the mouth of a revolving iron boar, all at once as though they were a single arrow. (BORI: 1-125-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_74] (Bharata)
ityēvamādi sumahatkhaḍgē dhanuṣi cābhavat । gadāyāṁ śastrakuśalō darśanāni vyadarśayat ॥BORI: 1-125-25॥
He performed such and other magnificent feats with sword and bow; skilled in arms, he also demonstrated various maneuvers with the mace. (BORI: 1-125-25)
[PV-KDV:01_023_76] (Bharata)
tataḥ samāpta-bhūyiṣṭhē tasmin karmaṇi bhārata । mandībhūtē samājē ca vāditrasya ca nisvanē ॥BORI: 1-125-26॥
Then, O Bharata, when that exhibition was nearly over and the assembly and the sound of the musical instruments had grown quiet... (BORI: 1-125-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_77] (Bharata)
dvāradēśātsamudbhūtō māhātmya balasūcakaḥ । vajraniṣpēṣasadr̥śaḥ śuśruvē bhujanisvanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-27॥
From the doorway arose and was heard the sound of arms, proclaiming might and strength, like the crash of a thunderbolt. (BORI: 1-125-27)
[PV-KDV:01_023_78] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_85] (Bharata)
dattē’vakāśē puruṣairvismayōtphullalōcanaiḥ। vivēśa raṅgaṁ vistīrṇaṁ karṇaḥ parapurañjayaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-1॥
As the men, their eyes wide with wonder, made way for him, Karna, the conqueror of enemy cities, entered the vast arena. (BORI: 1-126-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_86] (Bharata)
sa nirīkṣya mahābāhuḥ sarvatō raṅgamaṇḍalam। praṇāmaṁ drōṇakr̥payōrnātyādr̥tamivākarōt ॥BORI: 1-126-6॥
The mighty-armed man surveyed the arena on every side, then offered Drona and Kripa a bow that seemed less than respectful. (BORI: 1-126-6)
[PV-KDV:01_023_91] (Bharata)
sa sāmājajanaḥ sarvō niścalaḥ sthiralōcanaḥ। kō’yamityāgatakṣōbhaḥ kautūhalaparō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-126-7॥
The entire assembled crowd stood motionless, their eyes fixed; stirred by his arrival, they became intensely curious, wondering, “Who is this?” (BORI: 1-126-7)
[PV-KDV:01_023_92] (Bharata)
sō’bravīnmēghadhīrēṇa svarēṇa vadatāṁ varaḥ। bhrātā bhrātaramajñātaṁ sāvitraḥ pākaśāsanim ॥BORI: 1-126-8॥
Then the son of the Sun, finest of speakers, said in a voice deep as a thundercloud to the son of Indra, his brother whom he did not know: (BORI: 1-126-8)
[PV-KDV:01_023_93] (Bharata)
pārtha yattē kr̥taṁ karma viśēṣavadahaṁ tataḥ। kariṣyē paśyatāṁ nr̥ṇāṁ mātmanā vismayaṁ gamaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-9॥
Pārtha, before the eyes of these men I shall perform a feat surpassing what you have done. Do not marvel at yourself. (BORI: 1-126-9)
[PV-KDV:01_023_94] (Bharata)
asamāptē tatastasya vacanē vadatāṁ vara। yantrōtkṣipta iva kṣipramuttasthau sarvatō janaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-10॥
Then, before he had finished speaking, O best of speakers, all the people quickly rose on every side, as though lifted by a machine. (BORI: 1-126-10)
[PV-KDV:01_023_95] (Bharata)
prītiśca puruṣavyāghra duryōdhanamathāspr̥śat । hrīśca krōdhaśca bībhatsuṁ kṣaṇēnānvaviśacca ha ॥BORI: 1-126-11॥
Then, tiger among men, delight seized Duryodhana, while shame and anger entered Bibhatsu in an instant. (BORI: 1-126-11)
[PV-KDV:01_023_96] (Bharata)
tatō drōṇābhyanujñātaḥ karṇaḥ priyaraṇaḥ sadā । yatkr̥taṁ tatra pārthēna taccakāra mahābalaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-12॥
Then Karna, always delighting in battle, received Drona’s permission and, mighty as he was, performed every feat that Partha had performed there. (BORI: 1-126-12)
[PV-KDV:01_023_97] (Bharata)
atha duryōdhanastatra bhrātr̥bhiḥ saha bhārata । karṇaṁ pariṣvajya mudā tatō vacanamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-126-13॥
Then Duryodhana, together with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karna there and said, O Bharata: (BORI: 1-126-13)
[PV-KDV:01_023_98] (Bharata)
svāgataṁ tē mahābāhō diṣṭyā prāptō’si mānada । ahaṁ ca kururājyaṁ ca yathēṣṭamupabhujyatām ॥BORI: 1-126-14॥
Welcome, mighty-armed one! By good fortune you have come, bestower of honor. Make free use of me and the Kuru kingdom as you please. (BORI: 1-126-14)
[PV-KDV:01_023_99] (Bharata)
karṇa uvāca॥
Karna said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_100] (Bharata)
kr̥taṁ sarvēṇa mē’nyēna sakhitvaṁ ca tvayā vr̥ṇē । dvandvayuddhaṁ ca pārthēna kartumicchāmi bhārata ॥BORI: 1-126-15॥
I have no need of anything else; I choose friendship with you, and I wish to fight a duel with Partha, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-126-15)
[PV-KDV:01_023_101] (Bharata)
duryōdhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_102] (Bharata)
bhuṅkṣva bhōgānmayā sārdhaṁ bandhūnāṁ priyakr̥dbhava । durhr̥dāṁ kuru sarvēṣāṁ mūrdhni pādamariṁdama ॥BORI: 1-126-16॥
Enjoy pleasures with me, and do what is pleasing to your kinsmen. Place your foot upon the heads of all your enemies, O subduer of foes. (BORI: 1-126-16)
[PV-KDV:01_023_103] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_104] (Bharata)
tataḥ kṣiptamivātmānaṁ matvā pārthō’bhyabhāṣata । karṇaṁ bhrātr̥samūhasya madhyē’calamiva sthitam ॥BORI: 1-126-17॥
Then Partha, feeling as though he had been insulted, addressed Karna, who stood like a mountain amid the band of brothers: (BORI: 1-126-17)
[PV-KDV:01_023_105] (Bharata)
anāhūtōpasr̥ptānāmanāhūtōpajalpinām । yē lōkāstānhataḥ karṇa mayā tvaṁ pratipatsyasē ॥BORI: 1-126-18॥
Slain by me, Karna, you will attain the worlds of those who approach uninvited and speak without being addressed. (BORI: 1-126-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_106] (Bharata)
karṇa uvāca॥
Karṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_107] (Bharata)
raṅgō’yaṁ sarvasāmānyaḥ kimatra tava phalguna । vīryaśrēṣṭhāśca rājanyā balaṁ dharmō’nuvartatē ॥BORI: 1-126-19॥
This arena is open to all; what claim have you to it, Phalguna? Kshatriyas are preeminent in valor, and right follows might. (BORI: 1-126-19)
[PV-KDV:01_023_108] (Bharata)
kiṁ kṣēpairdurbalāśvāsaiḥ śaraiḥ kathaya bhārata । gurōḥ samakṣaṁ yāvattē harāmyadya śiraḥ śaraiḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-20॥
What use are taunts, the solace of the weak? Speak with arrows, O Bharata, until today, before your teacher’s eyes, I sever your head with my arrows. (BORI: 1-126-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_109] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_110] (Bharata)
tatō drōṇābhyanujñātaḥ pārthaḥ parapurañjayaḥ । bhrātr̥bhistvarayāśliṣṭō raṇāyōpajagāma tam ॥BORI: 1-126-21॥
Then, with Drona’s permission, Partha, the conqueror of enemy cities, was quickly embraced by his brothers and advanced toward him for battle. (BORI: 1-126-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_111] (Bharata)
tatō duryōdhanēnāpi sabhrātrā samarōdyataḥ । pariṣvaktaḥ sthitaḥ karṇaḥ pragr̥hya saśaraṁ dhanuḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-22॥
Then Karna, ready for battle, was likewise embraced by Duryodhana and his brothers and stood holding his bow and arrow. (BORI: 1-126-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_112] (Bharata)
dhārtarāṣṭrā yataḥ karṇastasmindēśē vyavasthitāḥ । bhāradvājaḥ kr̥pō bhīṣmō yataḥ pārthastatō’bhavan ॥BORI: 1-126-26॥
The sons of Dhritarashtra stood where Karna was, while Bharadvaja, Kripa, and Bhishma took their place where Partha was. (BORI: 1-126-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_116] (Bharata)
tāvudyatamahācāpau kr̥paḥ śāradvatō’bravīt । dvandvayuddhasamācārē kuśalaḥ sarvadharmavit ॥BORI: 1-126-30॥
Kripa, son of Sharadvata, skilled in the rules of single combat and versed in every duty, addressed the two warriors as they raised their great bows: (BORI: 1-126-30)
[PV-KDV:01_023_120] (Bharata)
ayaṁ pr̥thāyāstanayaḥ kanīyānpāṇḍunandanaḥ । kauravō bhavatā sārdhaṁ dvandvayuddhaṁ kariṣyati ॥BORI: 1-126-31॥
This is Pritha’s younger son, a delight of Pandu’s line. As a Kaurava, he will engage in single combat with you. (BORI: 1-126-31)
[PV-KDV:01_023_121] (Bharata)
tvamapyēvaṁ mahābāhō mātaraṁ pitaraṁ kulam । kathayasva narēndrāṇāṁ yēṣāṁ tvaṁ kulavardhanaḥ । tatō viditvā pārthastvāṁ pratiyōtsyati vā na vā ॥BORI: 1-126-32॥
You too, mighty-armed one, likewise tell the kings who your mother and father are and what your lineage is—the lineage you perpetuate. Then, having learned this, Partha will either fight you or not. (BORI: 1-126-32)
[PV-KDV:01_023_122] (Bharata)
ēvamuktasya karṇasya vrīḍāvanatamānanam । babhau varṣāmbubhiḥ klinnaṁ padmamāgalitaṁ yathā ॥BORI: 1-126-33॥
At these words, Karṇa lowered his face in shame and looked like a lotus drenched by rainwater, drooping on its stalk. (BORI: 1-126-33)
[PV-KDV:01_023_123] (Bharata)
duryōdhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_124] (Bharata)
ācārya trividhā yōnī rājñāṁ śāstraviniścayē । tatkulīnaśca śūraśca sēnāṁ yaśca prakarṣati ॥BORI: 1-126-34॥
Teacher, according to the settled doctrine of the scriptures, there are three grounds for kingship: royal birth, heroism, and command of an army. (BORI: 1-126-34)
[PV-KDV:01_023_125] (Bharata)
yadyayaṁ phalgunō yuddhē nārājñā yōddhumicchati । tasmādēṣō’ṅgaviṣayē mayā rājyē’bhiṣicyatē ॥BORI: 1-126-35॥
If this Phalguna is unwilling to fight a man who is not a king, then I hereby consecrate this man as king of the land of Aṅga. (BORI: 1-126-35)
[PV-KDV:01_023_126] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_127] (Bharata)
tatastasminkṣaṇē karṇaḥ salājakusumairghaṭaiḥ । kāñcanaiḥ kāñcanē pīṭhē mantravidbhirmahārathaḥ । abhiṣiktō’ṅgarājyē sa śriyā yuktō mahābalaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-36॥
Then, at that very moment, the immensely powerful Karna, a mighty chariot-warrior, was seated on a golden throne and consecrated to the kingship of Anga by men versed in ritual formulas, with golden jars, parched grain, and flowers, and was endowed with splendor. (BORI: 1-126-36)
[PV-KDV:01_023_128] (Bharata)
sacchatravālavyajanō jayaśabdāntarēṇa ca । uvāca kauravaṁ rājā rājānaṁ taṁ vr̥ṣastadā ॥BORI: 1-126-37॥
With a parasol and yak-tail fan, and amid cries of “Victory!”, King Vrisha then said to the Kaurava king: (BORI: 1-126-37)
[PV-KDV:01_023_129] (Bharata)
asya rājyapradānasya sadr̥śaṁ kiṁ dadāni tē । prabrūhi rājaśārdūla kartā hyasmi tathā nr̥pa । atyantaṁ sakhyamicchāmītyāha taṁ sa suyōdhanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-38॥
“What can I give you in return that would equal this gift of a kingdom? Tell me, tiger among kings, and I shall do it, O king.” Suyodhana replied, “I desire your lasting friendship.” (BORI: 1-126-38)
[PV-KDV:01_023_130] (Bharata)
ēvamuktastataḥ karṇastathēti pratyabhāṣata । harṣāccōbhau samāśliṣya parāṁ mudamavāpatuḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-39॥
Thus addressed, Karna replied, “So be it.” Then the two embraced each other joyfully and were filled with supreme delight. (BORI: 1-126-39)
[PV-KDV:01_023_131] (Bharata)
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_139] (Bharata)
tataḥ srastōttarapaṭaḥ saprasvēdaḥ savēpathuḥ । vivēśādhirathō raṅgaṁ yaṣṭiprāṇō hvayanniva ॥BORI: 1-127-1॥
Then Adhiratha entered the arena, his upper garment slipping, sweating and trembling, with his staff as his only support and seemingly calling out. (BORI: 1-127-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_140] (Bharata)
tamālōkya dhanustyaktvā pitr̥gauravayantritaḥ । karṇō’bhiṣēkārdraśirāḥ śirasā samavandata ॥BORI: 1-127-2॥
Seeing him, Karna, his head still wet from the consecration, laid aside his bow and, constrained by reverence for his father, bowed his head before him. (BORI: 1-127-2)
[PV-KDV:01_023_141] (Bharata)
tataḥ pādāvavacchādya paṭāntēna sasambhramaḥ । putrēti paripūrṇārthamabravīdrathasārathiḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-3॥
Then the charioteer hastily covered his feet with the hem of his garment and uttered the deeply meaningful word, “Son!” (BORI: 1-127-3)
[PV-KDV:01_023_142] (Bharata)
pariṣvajya ca tasyātha mūrdhānaṁ snēhaviklavaḥ । aṅgarājyābhiṣēkārdramaśrubhiḥ siṣicē punaḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-4॥
Then, overcome with affection, he embraced his head and once more sprinkled with tears that head still wet from his consecration as king of Anga. (BORI: 1-127-4)
[PV-KDV:01_023_143] (Bharata)
taṁ dr̥ṣṭvā sūtaputrō’yamiti niścitya pāṇḍavaḥ । bhīmasēnastadā vākyamabravītprahasanniva ॥BORI: 1-127-5॥
Seeing him and concluding, “This man is a charioteer’s son,” the Pandava Bhimasena then spoke, as if laughing: (BORI: 1-127-5)
[PV-KDV:01_023_144] (Bharata)
na tvamarhasi pārthēna sūtaputra raṇē vadham । kulasya sadr̥śastūrṇaṁ pratōdō gr̥hyatāṁ tvayā ॥BORI: 1-127-6॥
Charioteer’s son, you are not worthy of being slain by Partha in battle. Quickly take up the whip befitting your lineage. (BORI: 1-127-6)
[PV-KDV:01_023_145] (Bharata)
ēvamuktastataḥ karṇaḥ kiñcitprasphuritādharaḥ । gaganasthaṁ viniḥśvasya divākaramudaikṣata ॥BORI: 1-127-8॥
Thus addressed, Karna’s lips quivered slightly. He sighed and looked up at the sun in the sky. (BORI: 1-127-8)
[PV-KDV:01_023_147] (Bharata)
tatō duryōdhanaḥ kōpādutpapāta mahābalaḥ । bhrātr̥padmavanāttasmānmadōtkaṭa iva dvipaḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-9॥
Then mighty Duryodhana sprang up in anger from among the lotus-like throng of his brothers, like an elephant in rut. (BORI: 1-127-9)
[PV-KDV:01_023_148] (Bharata)
sō’bravīdbhīmakarmāṇaṁ bhīmasēnamavasthitam । vr̥kōdara na yuktaṁ tē vacanaṁ vaktumīdr̥śam ॥BORI: 1-127-10॥
He said to Bhimasena, the doer of formidable deeds, who stood there, “Vrikodara, it is not fitting for you to speak such words.” (BORI: 1-127-10)
[PV-KDV:01_023_149] (Bharata)
kṣatriyāṇāṁ balaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ yōddhavyaṁ kṣatrabandhunā । śūrāṇāṁ ca nadīnāṁ ca prabhavā durvidāḥ kila ॥BORI: 1-127-11॥
For Kshatriyas, strength is paramount, and a scion of the warrior class must fight. The origins of heroes and rivers, it is said, are difficult to know. (BORI: 1-127-11)
[PV-KDV:01_023_150] (Bharata)
sakuṇḍalaṁ sakavacaṁ divyalakṣaṇalakṣitam । kathamādityasaṅkāśaṁ mr̥gī vyāghraṁ janiṣyati ॥BORI: 1-127-15॥
How could a doe give birth to a tiger, born with earrings and armor, marked by divine signs, and radiant as the sun? (BORI: 1-127-15)
[PV-KDV:01_023_154] (Bharata)
yasya vā manujasyēdaṁ na kṣāntaṁ madvicēṣṭitam । rathamāruhya padbhyāṁ vā vināmayatu kārmukam ॥BORI: 1-127-17॥
Any man who cannot tolerate this act of mine may mount a chariot or stand on foot and draw his bow. (BORI: 1-127-17)
[PV-KDV:01_023_156] (Bharata)
tataḥ sarvasya raṅgasya hāhākārō mahānabhūt । sādhuvādānusambaddhaḥ sūryaścāstamupāgamat ॥BORI: 1-127-18॥
Then a great uproar arose throughout the arena, mingled with cries of approval, and the sun set. (BORI: 1-127-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_157] (Bharata)
tatō duryōdhanaḥ karṇamālambyātha karē nr̥pa । dīpikāgnikr̥tālōkastasmādraṅgādviniryayau ॥BORI: 1-127-19॥
Then, O king, Duryodhana took Karna by the hand and left that arena by the light of blazing torches. (BORI: 1-127-19)
[PV-KDV:01_023_158] (Bharata)
pāṇḍavāśca sahadrōṇāḥ sakr̥pāśca viśāṁ patē । bhīṣmēṇa sahitāḥ sarvē yayuḥ svaṁ svaṁ nivēśanam ॥BORI: 1-127-20॥
The Pandavas, together with Drona and Kripa, and all the others accompanied by Bhishma, went to their respective residences, lord of the people. (BORI: 1-127-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_159] (Bharata)
arjunēti janaḥ kaścitkaścitkarṇēti bhārata । kaścidduryōdhanētyēvaṁ bruvantaḥ prasthitāstadā ॥BORI: 1-127-21॥
Then the people departed, some saying, “Arjuna!” others, “Karna!” and still others, “Duryodhana!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-127-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_160] (Bharata)
duryōdhanasyāpi tadā karṇamāsādya pārthiva । bhayamarjunasāñjātaṁ kṣipramantaradhīyata ॥BORI: 1-127-23॥
And then, O king, when Duryodhana gained Karna, his fear arising from Arjuna quickly vanished. (BORI: 1-127-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_162] (Bharata)
sa cāpi vīraḥ kr̥taśastraniśramaḥ; parēṇa sāmnābhyavadatsuyōdhanam । yudhiṣṭhirasyāpyabhavattadā mati; rna karṇatulyō’sti dhanurdharaḥ kṣitau ॥BORI: 1-127-24॥
That hero too, well practiced in arms, addressed Suyodhana in the most conciliatory terms. Then even Yudhishthira came to think, “There is no archer on earth equal to Karna.” (BORI: 1-127-24)
[PV-KDV:01_023_163] (Bharata)