Chapter 17: The princes’ martial exhibition; Bhīma and Duryodhana’s prowess, Arjuna’s acclaimed skill, Karṇa’s challenge, and his alliance with Duryodhana.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_1] (Jaya)
कृतास्त्रान्धार्तराष्ट्रांश्च पाण्डुपुत्रांश्च भारत। दृष्ट्वा द्रोणोऽब्रवीद्राजन्धृतराष्ट्रं जनेश्वरम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-१॥
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] (Jaya)
राजन्सम्प्राप्तविद्यास्ते कुमराः कुरुसत्तम। ते दर्शयेयुः स्वां शिक्षां राजन्ननुमते तव ॥BORI: १-१२४-३॥
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] (Jaya)
ततोऽब्रवीन्महाराजः प्रहृष्टेनान्तरात्मना। भारद्वाज महत्कर्म कृतं ते द्विजसत्तम ॥BORI: १-१२४-४॥
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] (Jaya)
यदा तु मन्यसे कालं यस्मिन्देशे यथा यथा। तथा तथा विधानाय स्वयमाज्ञापयस्व माम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-५॥
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] (Jaya)
क्षत्तर्यद्गुरुराचार्यो ब्रवीति कुरु तत्तथा। न हीदृशं प्रियं मन्ये भविता धर्मवत्सल ॥BORI: १-१२४-७॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो राजानमामन्त्र्य विदुरानुगतो बहिः। भारद्वाजो महाप्राज्ञो मापयामास मेदिनीम्। समामवृक्षां निर्गुल्मामुदक्प्रवणसंस्थिताम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-८॥
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] (Jaya)
रङ्गभूमौ सुविपुलं शास्त्रदृष्टं यथाविधि। प्रेक्षागारं सुविहितं चक्रुस्तत्र च शिल्पिनः। राज्ञः सर्वायुधोपेतं स्त्रीणां चैव नरर्षभ ॥BORI: १-१२४-१०॥
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] (Jaya)
अथ पुण्याहघोषस्य पुण्यस्य तदनन्तरम् । विविशुर्विविधं गृह्य शस्त्रोपकरणं नराः ॥BORI: १-१२४-२०॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो बद्धतनुत्राणा बद्धकक्ष्या महाबलाः । बद्धतूणाः सधनुषो विविशुर्भरतर्षभाः ॥BORI: १-१२४-२१॥
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] (Jaya)
अनुज्येष्ठं च ते तत्र युधिष्ठिरपुरोगमाः । चक्रुरस्त्रं महावीर्याः कुमाराः परमाद्भुतम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-२२॥
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] (Jaya)
केचिच्छराक्षेपभयाच्छिरांस्यवननामिरे । मनुजा धृष्टमपरे वीक्षां चक्रुः सविस्मयाः ॥BORI: १-१२४-२३॥
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] (Jaya)
ते स्म लक्ष्याणि विविधुर्बाणैर्नामाङ्कशोभितैः । विविधैर्लाघवोत्सृष्टैरुह्यन्तो वाजिभिर्द्रुतम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-२४॥
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] (Jaya)
तत्कुमारबलं तत्र गृहीतशरकार्मुकम् । गन्धर्वनगराकारं प्रेक्ष्य ते विस्मिताभवन् ॥BORI: १-१२४-२५॥
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] (Jaya)
सहसा चुक्रुशुस्तत्र नराः शतसहस्रशः । विस्मयोत्फुल्लनयनाः साधु साध्विति भारत ॥BORI: १-१२४-२६॥
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] (Jaya)
कृत्वा धनुषि ते मार्गान्रथचर्यासु चासकृत् । गजपृष्ठेऽश्वपृष्ठे च नियुद्धे च महाबलाः ॥BORI: १-१२४-२७॥
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] (Jaya)
गृहीतखड्गचर्माणस्ततो भूयः प्रहारिणः । त्सरुमार्गान्यथोद्दिष्टांश्चेरुः सर्वासु भूमिषु ॥BORI: १-१२४-२८॥
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] (Jaya)
लाघवं सौष्ठवं शोभां स्थिरत्वं दृढमुष्टिताम् । ददृशुस्तत्र सर्वेषां प्रयोगे खड्गचर्मणाम् ॥BORI: १-१२४-२९॥
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] (Jaya)
अथ तौ नित्यसंहृष्टौ सुयोधनवृकोदरौ । अवतीर्णौ गदाहस्तावेकशृङ्गाविवाचलौ ॥BORI: १-१२४-३०॥
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] (Jaya)
तौ प्रदक्षिणसव्यानि मण्डलानि महाबलौ । चेरतुर्निर्मलगदौ समदाविव गोवृषौ ॥BORI: १-१२४-३२॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_48] (Jaya)
कुरुराजे च रङ्गस्थे भीमे च बलिनां वरे । पक्षपातकृतस्नेहः स द्विधेवाभवज्जनः ॥BORI: १-१२५-१॥
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] (Jaya)
हा वीर कुरुराजेति हा भीमेति च नर्दताम् । पुरुषाणां सुविपुलाः प्रणादाः सहसोत्थिताः ॥BORI: १-१२५-२॥
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] (Jaya)
ततः क्षुब्धार्णवनिभं रङ्गमालोक्य बुद्धिमान् । भारद्वाजः प्रियं पुत्रमश्वत्थामानमब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१२५-३॥
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] (Jaya)
वारयैतौ महावीर्यौ कृतयोग्यावुभावपि । मा भूद्रङ्गप्रकोपोऽयं भीमदुर्योधनोद्भवः ॥BORI: १-१२५-४॥
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] (Jaya)
ततस्तावुद्यतगदौ गुरुपुत्रेण वारितौ । युगान्तानिलसङ्क्षुब्धौ महावेगाविवार्णवौ ॥BORI: १-१२५-५॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_68] (Jaya)
तस्मिन्समुदिते रङ्गे कथञ्चित्पर्यवस्थिते । दर्शयामास बीभत्सुराचार्यादस्त्रलाघवम् ॥BORI: १-१२५-१८॥
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] (Jaya)
क्षणात्प्रांशुः क्षणाद्ध्रस्वः क्षणाच्च रथधूर्गतः । क्षणेन रथमध्यस्थः क्षणेनावापतन्महीम् ॥BORI: १-१२५-२१॥
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] (Jaya)
सुकुमारं च सूक्ष्मं च गुरुं चापि गुरुप्रियः । सौष्ठवेनाभिसंयुक्तः सोऽविध्यद्विविधैः शरैः ॥BORI: १-१२५-२२॥
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] (Jaya)
भ्रमतश्च वराहस्य लोहस्य प्रमुखे समम् । पञ्च बाणानसंसक्तान्स मुमोचैकबाणवत् ॥BORI: १-१२५-२३॥
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] (Jaya)
इत्येवमादि सुमहत्खड्गे धनुषि चाभवत् । गदायां शस्त्रकुशलो दर्शनानि व्यदर्शयत् ॥BORI: १-१२५-२५॥
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] (Jaya)
ततः समाप्त-भूयिष्ठे तस्मिन् कर्मणि भारत । मन्दीभूते समाजे च वादित्रस्य च निस्वने ॥BORI: १-१२५-२६॥
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] (Jaya)
द्वारदेशात्समुद्भूतो माहात्म्य बलसूचकः । वज्रनिष्पेषसदृशः शुश्रुवे भुजनिस्वनः ॥BORI: १-१२५-२७॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_85] (Jaya)
दत्तेऽवकाशे पुरुषैर्विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनैः। विवेश रङ्गं विस्तीर्णं कर्णः परपुरञ्जयः ॥BORI: १-१२६-१॥
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] (Jaya)
स निरीक्ष्य महाबाहुः सर्वतो रङ्गमण्डलम्। प्रणामं द्रोणकृपयोर्नात्यादृतमिवाकरोत् ॥BORI: १-१२६-६॥
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] (Jaya)
स सामाजजनः सर्वो निश्चलः स्थिरलोचनः। कोऽयमित्यागतक्षोभः कौतूहलपरोऽभवत् ॥BORI: १-१२६-७॥
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] (Jaya)
सोऽब्रवीन्मेघधीरेण स्वरेण वदतां वरः। भ्राता भ्रातरमज्ञातं सावित्रः पाकशासनिम् ॥BORI: १-१२६-८॥
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] (Jaya)
पार्थ यत्ते कृतं कर्म विशेषवदहं ततः। करिष्ये पश्यतां नृणां मात्मना विस्मयं गमः ॥BORI: १-१२६-९॥
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] (Jaya)
असमाप्ते ततस्तस्य वचने वदतां वर। यन्त्रोत्क्षिप्त इव क्षिप्रमुत्तस्थौ सर्वतो जनः ॥BORI: १-१२६-१०॥
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] (Jaya)
प्रीतिश्च पुरुषव्याघ्र दुर्योधनमथास्पृशत् । ह्रीश्च क्रोधश्च बीभत्सुं क्षणेनान्वविशच्च ह ॥BORI: १-१२६-११॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो द्रोणाभ्यनुज्ञातः कर्णः प्रियरणः सदा । यत्कृतं तत्र पार्थेन तच्चकार महाबलः ॥BORI: १-१२६-१२॥
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] (Jaya)
अथ दुर्योधनस्तत्र भ्रातृभिः सह भारत । कर्णं परिष्वज्य मुदा ततो वचनमब्रवीत् ॥BORI: १-१२६-१३॥
Then Duryodhana, together with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karna there and said, O Bharata: (BORI: 1-126-13)
[PV-KDV:01_023_98] (Jaya)
स्वागतं ते महाबाहो दिष्ट्या प्राप्तोऽसि मानद । अहं च कुरुराज्यं च यथेष्टमुपभुज्यताम् ॥BORI: १-१२६-१४॥
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] (Jaya)
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_100] (Jaya)
कृतं सर्वेण मेऽन्येन सखित्वं च त्वया वृणे । द्वन्द्वयुद्धं च पार्थेन कर्तुमिच्छामि भारत ॥BORI: १-१२६-१५॥
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] (Jaya)
दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_102] (Jaya)
भुङ्क्ष्व भोगान्मया सार्धं बन्धूनां प्रियकृद्भव । दुर्हृदां कुरु सर्वेषां मूर्ध्नि पादमरिंदम ॥BORI: १-१२६-१६॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_104] (Jaya)
ततः क्षिप्तमिवात्मानं मत्वा पार्थोऽभ्यभाषत । कर्णं भ्रातृसमूहस्य मध्येऽचलमिव स्थितम् ॥BORI: १-१२६-१७॥
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] (Jaya)
अनाहूतोपसृप्तानामनाहूतोपजल्पिनाम् । ये लोकास्तान्हतः कर्ण मया त्वं प्रतिपत्स्यसे ॥BORI: १-१२६-१८॥
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] (Jaya)
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_107] (Jaya)
रङ्गोऽयं सर्वसामान्यः किमत्र तव फल्गुन । वीर्यश्रेष्ठाश्च राजन्या बलं धर्मोऽनुवर्तते ॥BORI: १-१२६-१९॥
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] (Jaya)
किं क्षेपैर्दुर्बलाश्वासैः शरैः कथय भारत । गुरोः समक्षं यावत्ते हराम्यद्य शिरः शरैः ॥BORI: १-१२६-२०॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_110] (Jaya)
ततो द्रोणाभ्यनुज्ञातः पार्थः परपुरञ्जयः । भ्रातृभिस्त्वरयाश्लिष्टो रणायोपजगाम तम् ॥BORI: १-१२६-२१॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो दुर्योधनेनापि सभ्रात्रा समरोद्यतः । परिष्वक्तः स्थितः कर्णः प्रगृह्य सशरं धनुः ॥BORI: १-१२६-२२॥
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] (Jaya)
धार्तराष्ट्रा यतः कर्णस्तस्मिन्देशे व्यवस्थिताः । भारद्वाजः कृपो भीष्मो यतः पार्थस्ततोऽभवन् ॥BORI: १-१२६-२६॥
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] (Jaya)
तावुद्यतमहाचापौ कृपः शारद्वतोऽब्रवीत् । द्वन्द्वयुद्धसमाचारे कुशलः सर्वधर्मवित् ॥BORI: १-१२६-३०॥
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] (Jaya)
अयं पृथायास्तनयः कनीयान्पाण्डुनन्दनः । कौरवो भवता सार्धं द्वन्द्वयुद्धं करिष्यति ॥BORI: १-१२६-३१॥
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] (Jaya)
त्वमप्येवं महाबाहो मातरं पितरं कुलम् । कथयस्व नरेन्द्राणां येषां त्वं कुलवर्धनः । ततो विदित्वा पार्थस्त्वां प्रतियोत्स्यति वा न वा ॥BORI: १-१२६-३२॥
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] (Jaya)
एवमुक्तस्य कर्णस्य व्रीडावनतमाननम् । बभौ वर्षाम्बुभिः क्लिन्नं पद्ममागलितं यथा ॥BORI: १-१२६-३३॥
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] (Jaya)
दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_124] (Jaya)
आचार्य त्रिविधा योनी राज्ञां शास्त्रविनिश्चये । तत्कुलीनश्च शूरश्च सेनां यश्च प्रकर्षति ॥BORI: १-१२६-३४॥
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] (Jaya)
यद्ययं फल्गुनो युद्धे नाराज्ञा योद्धुमिच्छति । तस्मादेषोऽङ्गविषये मया राज्येऽभिषिच्यते ॥BORI: १-१२६-३५॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_127] (Jaya)
ततस्तस्मिन्क्षणे कर्णः सलाजकुसुमैर्घटैः । काञ्चनैः काञ्चने पीठे मन्त्रविद्भिर्महारथः । अभिषिक्तोऽङ्गराज्ये स श्रिया युक्तो महाबलः ॥BORI: १-१२६-३६॥
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] (Jaya)
सच्छत्रवालव्यजनो जयशब्दान्तरेण च । उवाच कौरवं राजा राजानं तं वृषस्तदा ॥BORI: १-१२६-३७॥
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] (Jaya)
अस्य राज्यप्रदानस्य सदृशं किं ददानि ते । प्रब्रूहि राजशार्दूल कर्ता ह्यस्मि तथा नृप । अत्यन्तं सख्यमिच्छामीत्याह तं स सुयोधनः ॥BORI: १-१२६-३८॥
“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] (Jaya)
एवमुक्तस्ततः कर्णस्तथेति प्रत्यभाषत । हर्षाच्चोभौ समाश्लिष्य परां मुदमवापतुः ॥BORI: १-१२६-३९॥
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] (Jaya)
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_139] (Jaya)
ततः स्रस्तोत्तरपटः सप्रस्वेदः सवेपथुः । विवेशाधिरथो रङ्गं यष्टिप्राणो ह्वयन्निव ॥BORI: १-१२७-१॥
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] (Jaya)
तमालोक्य धनुस्त्यक्त्वा पितृगौरवयन्त्रितः । कर्णोऽभिषेकार्द्रशिराः शिरसा समवन्दत ॥BORI: १-१२७-२॥
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] (Jaya)
ततः पादाववच्छाद्य पटान्तेन ससम्भ्रमः । पुत्रेति परिपूर्णार्थमब्रवीद्रथसारथिः ॥BORI: १-१२७-३॥
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] (Jaya)
परिष्वज्य च तस्याथ मूर्धानं स्नेहविक्लवः । अङ्गराज्याभिषेकार्द्रमश्रुभिः सिषिचे पुनः ॥BORI: १-१२७-४॥
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] (Jaya)
तं दृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रोऽयमिति निश्चित्य पाण्डवः । भीमसेनस्तदा वाक्यमब्रवीत्प्रहसन्निव ॥BORI: १-१२७-५॥
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] (Jaya)
न त्वमर्हसि पार्थेन सूतपुत्र रणे वधम् । कुलस्य सदृशस्तूर्णं प्रतोदो गृह्यतां त्वया ॥BORI: १-१२७-६॥
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] (Jaya)
एवमुक्तस्ततः कर्णः किञ्चित्प्रस्फुरिताधरः । गगनस्थं विनिःश्वस्य दिवाकरमुदैक्षत ॥BORI: १-१२७-८॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो दुर्योधनः कोपादुत्पपात महाबलः । भ्रातृपद्मवनात्तस्मान्मदोत्कट इव द्विपः ॥BORI: १-१२७-९॥
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] (Jaya)
सोऽब्रवीद्भीमकर्माणं भीमसेनमवस्थितम् । वृकोदर न युक्तं ते वचनं वक्तुमीदृशम् ॥BORI: १-१२७-१०॥
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] (Jaya)
क्षत्रियाणां बलं ज्येष्ठं योद्धव्यं क्षत्रबन्धुना । शूराणां च नदीनां च प्रभवा दुर्विदाः किल ॥BORI: १-१२७-११॥
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] (Jaya)
सकुण्डलं सकवचं दिव्यलक्षणलक्षितम् । कथमादित्यसङ्काशं मृगी व्याघ्रं जनिष्यति ॥BORI: १-१२७-१५॥
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] (Jaya)
यस्य वा मनुजस्येदं न क्षान्तं मद्विचेष्टितम् । रथमारुह्य पद्भ्यां वा विनामयतु कार्मुकम् ॥BORI: १-१२७-१७॥
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] (Jaya)
ततः सर्वस्य रङ्गस्य हाहाकारो महानभूत् । साधुवादानुसम्बद्धः सूर्यश्चास्तमुपागमत् ॥BORI: १-१२७-१८॥
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] (Jaya)
ततो दुर्योधनः कर्णमालम्ब्याथ करे नृप । दीपिकाग्निकृतालोकस्तस्माद्रङ्गाद्विनिर्ययौ ॥BORI: १-१२७-१९॥
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] (Jaya)
पाण्डवाश्च सहद्रोणाः सकृपाश्च विशां पते । भीष्मेण सहिताः सर्वे ययुः स्वं स्वं निवेशनम् ॥BORI: १-१२७-२०॥
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] (Jaya)
अर्जुनेति जनः कश्चित्कश्चित्कर्णेति भारत । कश्चिद्दुर्योधनेत्येवं ब्रुवन्तः प्रस्थितास्तदा ॥BORI: १-१२७-२१॥
Then the people departed, some saying, “Arjuna!” others, “Karna!” and still others, “Duryodhana!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-127-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_160] (Jaya)
दुर्योधनस्यापि तदा कर्णमासाद्य पार्थिव । भयमर्जुनसाञ्जातं क्षिप्रमन्तरधीयत ॥BORI: १-१२७-२३॥
And then, O king, when Duryodhana gained Karna, his fear arising from Arjuna quickly vanished. (BORI: 1-127-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_162] (Jaya)
स चापि वीरः कृतशस्त्रनिश्रमः; परेण साम्नाभ्यवदत्सुयोधनम् । युधिष्ठिरस्याप्यभवत्तदा मति; र्न कर्णतुल्योऽस्ति धनुर्धरः क्षितौ ॥BORI: १-१२७-२४॥
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] (Jaya)