05.154
Pancharatra-Core: Seven commanders and Drishtadyumna as commander-in-chief appointed by Yudhisthira. Balarama visits and departs, unwilling to witness the great destruction about to take place.
Janamejaya spoke:
Bhishma, the great-souled son of the river, the best among warriors, the patriarch of the Bharatas, and the emblem of all earthly kings.
He is as wise as Bṛhaspati, as patient as the earth, as deep as the ocean, and as stable as the Himalayas.
He is as generous as the lord of creatures, as splendid as the sun, and like the great Indra, he destroys his enemies with showers of arrows.
King Yudhishthira, having heard about the consecration for the long night in the terrifying and hair-raising battle sacrifice, was deeply moved.
What did the mighty-armed hero, who is an expert in all dharmas, say? Did Bhimasena, Arjuna, or Krishna respond?
Vaishampayana spoke:
Yudhishthira, known for his wisdom and expertise in handling crises, gathered all his brothers and Vasudeva, the descendant of Sātvata, and addressed them with conciliatory words, being the foremost among speakers.
The armies, prepared and standing firm, advanced. Your battle with the grandfather is destined to happen soon.
Therefore, behold my leaders among the seven armies.
Vasudeva said:
O best of the Bharatas, as it is appropriate for you to speak at this present time, you have spoken this meaningful sentence.
I am pleased, O mighty-armed one, let it be done immediately. Let the seven leaders in your army be appointed indeed.
Vaishampayana spoke:
Then, they brought Drupada, Virata, the best of the Shinis, Dhrishtadyumna, the Panchala prince, Dhrishtaketu, the prince, Shikhandin, the Panchala prince, Sahadeva, and the Magadha prince to the battlefield.
Yudhishthira ceremonially appointed these seven mighty archers, who were heroes rejoicing in battle, as commanders of the army in accordance with the prescribed rituals.
Here, Dhṛṣṭadyumna was appointed as the commander of all armies, as he was born to bring about the end of Droṇa, having been kindled by the fire god.
Among all the great souls, Guḍākeśa, also known as Dhanañjaya, was appointed as the commander of the army.
Janardana, the glorious and wise brother of Sankarshana, is also the leader and charioteer of Arjuna's horses.
Upon witnessing the impending battle and the great danger it posed, Halayudha entered the palace of the Pandava king.
Accompanied by Akrura and others, including Gada, Samba, and Ulmuka, along with the sons of Rukmini and Ahuka, led by Charudeshna.
The mighty-armed hero was protected by the chief warriors of the Vrishnis, who approached fiercely like tigers, just as Indra is protected by the Maruts.
He is dressed in blue silk, resembling the peak of Mount Kailasa, moves with the majestic gait of a playful lion, and is glorious with eyes reddened at the edges due to intoxication.
Upon seeing him, the illustrious Dharmaraja and Keshava rose, followed by Partha, the mighty Vrikodara.
Arjuna and some other kings who were present there approached and worshipped Balarama.
Then the Pāṇḍava king touched him with his hand. However, all those led by Vāsudeva greeted him respectfully.
Halayudha, after saluting the elders Virata and Drupada, sat down with Yudhishthira, the subduer of enemies.
Then, when all the kings were seated around, the son of Rohini, looking at Vasudeva, spoke.
This fierce and terrible destruction of men is destined to happen; I believe it is certain and cannot be averted.
My thought is that I may see you and your friends emerge from this battle unharmed and with intact bodies.
A great conflict involving the earthly warrior class, matured over time, is inevitable, resulting in a mire of flesh and blood.
I have repeatedly addressed Vasudeva in the assembly. O Madhusudana, maintain impartial conduct among your relatives.
The Pandavas, like our king Duryodhana, should also be honored repeatedly with strategy.
Madhusudana, being fully aware and composed, did not convey my message to you after observing Dhananjaya.
The victory of the Pandavas is certain, this is my firm belief. This is also the conviction of Vasudeva, O Bharata.
I cannot bear to see the world without Krishna. Hence, I follow Keshava's desire.
Both of my disciples are valiant and skilled in mace combat. I hold equal affection for both Bhima and King Duryodhana.
Therefore, I will visit the sacred places along the Sarasvati river, as I cannot bear to see the Kauravas perishing.
After speaking thus, the mighty-armed Rama, with the permission of the Pandavas, embarked on a pilgrimage after sending back Madhusudana.
