Chapter 17: The princes’ martial exhibition; Bhīma and Duryodhana’s prowess, Arjuna’s acclaimed skill, Karṇa’s challenge, and his alliance with Duryodhana.
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_1] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_48] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_68] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_85] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Then Duryodhana, together with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karna there and said, O Bharata: (BORI: 1-126-13)
[PV-KDV:01_023_98] (Jaya)
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)
Karna said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_100] (Jaya)
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)
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_102] (Jaya)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_104] (Jaya)
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)
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)
Karṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_107] (Jaya)
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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_110] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_124] (Jaya)
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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_127] (Jaya)
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)
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)
“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)
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)
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_139] (Jaya)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)
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)