03.233
Vaiśampāyana said.
Having heard the words of Yudhiṣṭhira, all the bulls among men, led by Bhīmasena and with delighted faces, rose up together. (03-233-1)
Then all the great chariot-warriors put on their impenetrable armor, adorned with Jāmbūnada gold, O Bhārata. (03-233-2)
The Pāṇḍavas, all armed in their chariots, bearing banners and bows, appeared blazing like fires. (03-233-3)
The tiger-like charioteers quickly mounted those well-equipped chariots, joined with swift horses, and departed from there. (03-233-4)
Then, seeing the sons of Paṇḍu, the great chariot-warriors, proceeding together, a great uproar arose among the armies of the Kauravas. (03-233-5)
The conquerors of Kāśi and the sky-traveling, swift great chariot-warriors all assembled in that forest in an instant, as if they were unafraid. (03-233-6)
Then all the Gandharvas, conquerors of Kāśi, retreated when they saw the four heroic Pāṇḍavas on their chariots in battle. (03-233-7)
But when they saw them, resplendent and arrayed like the guardians of the world in readiness, the dwellers of Gandhamādana marshaled their forces and took their stand. (03-233-8)
But, O Bhārata, having heard the words of the wise Dharmarāja, they then began the battle in an orderly and gentle manner. (03-233-9)
But the soldiers of the king of the gandharvas, being slow-witted, were not then able to bring about good by gentle means. (03-233-10)
Then the irresistible, ambidextrous Arjuna, the scorcher of foes, first conciliated and said this speech to the chariot-riders in battle. (03-233-11)
This act is not befitting the king of the Gandharvas; touching another's wife and association with humans are both despicable. (03-233-12)
Release these mighty sons of Dhritarashtra, and free their wives too, in accordance with the order of Dharmaraja. (03-233-13)
Thus, when addressed by the illustrious Pāṇḍava, the Gandharvas then, smiling, spoke these words to Pārtha. (03-233-14)
Father, we should obey only one person’s word on earth—having understood whose command, we may act, free from anxiety. (03-233-15)
O Bhārata, as instructed by him alone, so do we act; there is for us no other ruler but the lord of the gods. (03-233-16)
Thus, when addressed by the Gandharvas, Kuntī's son Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) again spoke these words in reply to the Gandharvas. (03-233-17)
If you do not release the son of Dhṛtarāṣṭra by peaceful means, O Gandharvas, then I myself will free Suyodhana by force. (03-233-18)
Having spoken thus, then Pārtha, the ambidextrous Dhanañjaya, shot sharp arrows at the chariot-fighters.
In the same manner, those mighty Gandharvas attacked the Pāṇḍavas with a shower of arrows, and the Pāṇḍavas fought against the celestial beings. (03-233-20)
Then, O Bhārata, a very tumultuous battle full of mighty force broke out between the Gandharvas and the Pāṇḍavas. (03-233-21)
