05.048
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
In the assembly of all the gathered kings, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, addressed Duryodhana with these words, O Bharata.
Bṛhaspati and Uśanā attended upon Brahmā, along with the Maruts with Indra and the Vasus with the Aśvins.
The Adityas, the Sadhyas, the seven sages in heaven, Viśvāvasu the Gandharva, and the auspicious groups of Apsaras are all present.
After offering their salutations, they approached the revered elder and grandfather of the worlds. The celestials then surrounded and sat around the lord of the universe.
Nara and Nārāyaṇa, the ancient sages, received the mind and splendor of the gods, surpassing them.
Bṛhaspati inquired of the Brahmin sage, "Do they not come to you? Please tell us, O grandfather."
Brahma spoke:
These two mighty ascetics illuminate both the earth and the sky, shining brightly and radiantly, and their presence is all-pervading.
Nara and Narayana, these two sages, are established across worlds, empowered by their own penance, and possess immense strength and courage.
These two steadfast beings, through their actions, brought joy to the worlds and were revered by gods and celestial beings for the destruction of the demons.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Upon hearing the news, Indra, accompanied by all the groups of gods led by Brihaspati, went to the place where the two were performing their penance.
At that time, when a dreadful fear arose among the gods and demons, the great souls Nara and Narayana requested a boon from the inhabitants of heaven.
Those two addressed, "Choose," at that time, O best of the Bharatas. Then Indra said to those two, "Let assistance be rendered to us."
Then those two said to Indra, "We will do what you wish." With their help, Indra defeated the demons and giants.
The warrior, who is a terror to his enemies, defeated the foes of Indra in battle, along with the Paulomas and Kalakhanjas, in their thousands and hundreds.
Arjuna, while standing on the chaotic chariot, severed the head of Jambha with an arrow as he was consuming the sacrifice during the battle.
He crossed to the other side of the ocean and ascended Hiranyapura, after defeating sixty thousand Nivatakavachas in battle.
This mighty-armed Arjuna, the conqueror of enemy cities, having conquered the gods with Indra, satisfied Agni. Similarly, Narayana here killed many others indeed.
Behold these two mighty warriors, Vasudeva and Arjuna, who have come together as great charioteers.
Nara and Narayana are revered as ancient gods, known to be invincible in the human world, even by gods and demons along with Indra.
This Narayana is Krishna, and Arjuna is remembered as a man. Narayana and man are indeed one essence divided into two.
These two, by their actions, attain the eternal and imperishable worlds. In those worlds, they are reborn at the time of war, repeatedly.
Therefore, Nārada said that action must indeed be performed. The knower of the Vedas explained all this to the Vṛṣṇi circle.
When you see Keshava holding the conch, discus, and mace, and Arjuna, the mighty archer, wielding his weapons.
The eternal great souls, Krishna and Arjuna, stood together on one chariot. Duryodhana, at that time, dear one, you should remember my words.
If this situation had not arisen among the Kurus, dear, your judgment would have been clouded by both wealth and duty.
If you do not heed the advice, you will hear of many deaths. Indeed, all the Kurus are acting according to your opinion.
O bull among the Bharatas, you approve only one of the three truths, which is the opinion of the cursed Karna by Rama.
This refers to the ill-born, the charioteer's son, Shakuni, the son of Subala, and also to the mean and sinful brother Duhshasana.
Karna said:
O venerable one, what you have said to me, O grandfather, is not appropriate. I am firmly established in the duty of a warrior and do not deviate from my own duty.
What other misconduct do I have that you blame me for? Indeed, the sons of Dhritarashtra do not know of any sin of mine at any time.
Indeed, I am devoted to fulfilling all the duties of King Dhritarashtra and Duryodhana, as he is truly engaged in the kingdom.
Vaishampayana spoke:
Upon hearing Karna's words, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, once again spoke to King Dhritarashtra.
When he always boasts, "I am the slayer of the Pandavas," he is not even a fraction of the greatness of the Pandavas.
Among these two, who is this visitor of your wicked sons? Understand that this is the act of the charioteer's son, who has an evil mind.
Relying on this person, your foolish son Suyodhana showed disrespect towards those heroic sons of gods, who are subduers of enemies.
What is more, that very difficult task was accomplished by him in the past, just as it was done individually by all the Pandavas.
Upon witnessing his beloved brother killed in the city of Virata by Dhananjaya, what actions did he take at that time?
Dhananjaya indeed approached all the Kurus together; having crushed and cut off the cows, what happened then when he was absent?
In the festive procession, your son is being taken away by the Gandharvas. Where was the charioteer's son then, who is now being praised?
Indeed, even there, the Gandharvas were defeated by Arjuna, Bhima, and the great soul, along with the two Yamas.
These are many false words of his, O best of Bharatas. May welfare always be yours, from the boaster who neglects duty and wealth.
Upon hearing Bhishma's words, the wise Bharadvaja addressed Dhritarashtra, showing him respect among the assembled kings.
O King, you should follow what Bhishma, the best of the Bharatas, has advised. Do not heed the words of those who are driven by desire for wealth.
I believe that the meeting with the Pandavas after the battle was favorable, as the statement made by Arjuna was conveyed by Sanjaya.
I am aware of everything, and Pāṇḍava will accomplish it. Truly, there is no archer like him in all the three worlds.
Ignoring the meaningful advice of Drona and Bhishma, the king then asked Sanjaya about the Pandavas.
At that very moment, all the Kurus lost hope in life because the king failed to properly address Bhishma and Drona.
