03.254
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then, at that moment, a more terrible sound arose in the forest after Bhīmasena and Arjuna were seen by the wrathful kṣatriyas. (03-254-1)
Jayadratha, the wicked-souled king and foremost among the Kurus, having looked upon their standard-tops, spoke to Yājñasenī (Draupadī), who stood radiant yet exhausted in the chariot. (03-254-2)
These five great chariots are approaching; I think, O Krishna, these are your lords. O Sukeśi, you who know, tell us, each of the Pāṇḍavas seated in the chariot. (03-254-3)
Draupadī said.
What is the use to you of your kinsmen, confused great bow-bearers, having performed a most terrible deed in battle? These heroes, my lords, have assembled; none of you remain here in battle. (03-254-4)
Everything that is to be declared must indeed be told to you by me, one who is about to die, when you have asked; this is righteousness. There is no pain or fear of you for me, as I behold Dharmarāja with his brothers. (03-254-5)
People who have duties always follow him—whose banner's top has two drums, Nanda and Upananda, sounding sweetly and fittingly arranged, who knows the determination of right conduct and purpose. (03-254-6)
This man who is of pure golden complexion, with a prominent nose, slender and broad-eyed— they call him Yudhishthira, the foremost Kuru, the son of Dharma, my lord. (03-254-7)
Even this one, although an enemy, having sought refuge, should receive his life from a righteous and heroic man. This deluded person would quickly be destroyed by others; therefore, you, with joined palms and having laid down your weapons, act for your own welfare. (03-254-8)
Even now, you see the one on the chariot, with mighty arms, tall as a śāla tree, his lips clenched in anger, his brows knit together; this is Vṛkodara by name, my lord. (3-254-9)
The horses are strong, well-trained, and gentle; they draw forth a mighty hero. His deeds are superhuman; on earth, the name "Bhima" has spread as his (reputation). (03-254-10)
His offenders here do not obtain the remainder; nor does he ever forget enmity. Even after determining the end of enmity, he pursues it, and afterwards he does not attain peace at all. (03-254-11)
He who is gentle, generous, resolute, illustrious, self-controlled, a servant of elders, and a hero among men—he, who is both the brother and disciple of Yudhishthira, is named Dhananjaya, and he is my husband. (03-254-12)
He who does not abandon dharma from desire, fear, or greed, nor acts cruelly—he, the son of Kuntī, with brilliance equal to Vaiśvānara, who endures and overwhelms enemies, is described here. (03-254-13)
He who knows the resolution of all righteous duties and goals, who removes fear for the fearful, who is wise; whose supreme form is said to exist on earth, and whom all the Pāṇḍavas protect. (03-254-14)
Nakula, this heroic man, who is more devoted than life itself, is my husband. And Sahadeva, who is a sword-fighter with a light and skillful hand, is great, wise, and without equal. (03-254-15)
O deluded-minded one, today you will witness the deed—whether of Śatakratu (Indra) or among the armies of the Daityas in battle—of the hero who is master of weapons, intelligent, wise, and a delight to King Yudhishthira. (03-254-16)
He who is this one, whose radiance is like that of the moon and sun, the youngest of the Pāṇḍavas and beloved by them, for whose intellect there is no equal among men, who is also an expert speaker among the virtuous and skilled in discernment. (03-254-17)
He—this heroic, ever-patient, intelligent and wise Sahadeva, my husband—might give up his very life, or enter the fire; but he would certainly never say anything that is contrary to dharma. (03-254-18)
He was always thoughtful and steadfast in the kṣatriya’s duty; the hero among men, most dear to Kuntī, even dearer than her own life. (03-254-18)
You will see this army of yours, agitated and with all its warriors slain by the sons of Pandu, falling apart like a gem-filled boat on the back of a makara at the end of the ocean. (03-254-19)
Thus, these sons of Pāṇḍu have been described, whom you, out of delusion, have disregarded and confronted. If you are released by them while still in your unsubdued body, you will indeed experience rebirth as an individual soul. (03-254-20)
Vaiśampāyana said.
Then the five sons of Pṛthā, like five Indras, having left behind those frightened foot-soldiers with folded hands, fiercely surrounded the whole chariot division and made it dark with showers of arrows. (03-254-21)
