05.153
Pancharatra-Core: Duryodhana appoints Bhishma to lead Kaurava army, and Karna stays away as per Bhishma's condition.
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
Then, Dhṛtarāṣṭra's son, with folded hands, addressed Bhīṣma, the son of Śāntanu, in the presence of all the kings.
Without its leader, even a very large army scatters in battle, just as an ant-hill would.
Indeed, the intellect of two people is never the same at any time. The valor of leaders always competes with each other.
It is said, O wise one, that all the Brāhmaṇas, holding high the Kuśa grass, approached the powerful Haihayas.
At that time, O grandfather, the Vaishyas and Shudras followed them. On one side stood the three castes, while on the other were the noble Kshatriyas.
In battles, the three classes were repeatedly broken, but the Kshatriyas always emerged victorious, amassing great strength on one side.
Then the best of the twice-born asked the Kshatriyas, and those who knew dharma told them the truth, O grandfather.
We heed the counsel of a wise leader in battle, while you all act independently, guided by your own judgment.
Then the Brahmins appointed a Brahmin as the general, who was skilled in strategies and bravery, and he defeated the Kshatriyas.
Those who appoint a skilled and brave general who stands blamelessly for the welfare, they achieve victory over their enemies in battle.
May you, like Bhṛgu's son, always be my equal and well-wisher, invincible and steadfast in righteousness, become our general.
Just as the sun is supreme among those with rays, the moon among plants, Kubera among the Yakshas, so is Indra among the Maruts.
Just as Meru is the foremost among mountains, Suparna among birds, Kumara among beings, and fire among the Vasus.
Indeed, we are protected by you like the gods are by Indra. We shall certainly become unassailable, even by the gods.
May you lead us like the fire leads the gods. We will follow you as the Saurabheyas follow their bull.
Bhishma spoke:
O mighty-armed one, as you say, O descendant of Bharata, indeed, just as you are mine, so are my Pāṇḍavas.
O king, it is indeed better for me to speak of their virtues. However, the battle must be fought for your purpose, as per the agreement made.
However, I do not see any warrior on earth who is equal to me, except for Arjuna, the son of Kunti, who is like a tiger among men.
The mighty-armed one indeed knows all the divine weapons, but the Pāṇḍava would never dare to fight me openly in battle.
In a moment, I and he would make this world devoid of humans by the power of weapons, along with gods, demons, and ogres.
O king, my sons of Pandu are not to be destroyed. Therefore, I will always slay ten thousand warriors by application.
Thus, O descendant of Kuru, I will destroy them if they do not kill me first in the battle.
O King, I will become your general by another agreement as desired. You should hear that here.
O lord of the earth, either Karna or I am the foremost among the warriors. The son of a charioteer always competes with me excessively in battle.
Karna spoke:
I will not engage in battle while Bhīṣma, the son of Ganga, is alive, O king. However, I will join the fight alongside Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, once Bhīṣma is slain.
Vaishampayana spoke:
Then, the son of Dhritarashtra appointed Bhishma as the general with due ceremony and many gifts. Bhishma, once consecrated, shone brightly.
Then, by the king's command, the men eagerly played drums, conches, and hundreds of kettledrums.
The roars of lions and various sounds of vehicles emerged, and in the clear sky, there was a rain of blood and mud.
The thunderous sounds, earthquakes, and roars of elephants were causing all the warriors to lose heart.
Bodiless voices were heard from the sky and meteors fell. Jackals, sensing fear, howled intensely with loud voices.
When the king appointed Bhishma, the son of Ganga, as the general, numerous terrible forms appeared, O king.
Then, Bhishma was appointed as the general, known for crushing enemies, and after reciting to the best of the twice-born, he was gifted abundantly with ornaments and cows.
He, growing with victorious blessings and surrounded by soldiers, departed. Then, having placed the river in front and together with his brothers, he went to Kurukshetra with a great army.
The Kaurava king, along with Karna, circled Kurukshetra and set up camp in a flat area.
The camp appeared in the delightful region, rich in barley and fuel, resembling Hastinapura.
