05.158
Pancharatra-core: Uluka narrates insulting words to Yudhisthira telling him he is neither capable of winning a war, nor of ruling the kingdom.
Sanjaya spoke:
Upon reaching the army camp, Kaitavya, indeed a follower of the Pandavas, arrived and spoke to Yudhishthira.
You, who understand the words of the messenger as I have spoken, should not be angry after hearing Duryodhana's command.
Yudhishthira spoke:
O owl, do not be afraid. Calmly tell what is the opinion of Dhritarashtra's greedy and short-sighted son.
Sanjaya said:
Then, among the brilliant ones, were the Pāṇḍavas, the great souls, the Sṛñjayas, and the glorious Kṛṣṇa.
In the presence of Drupada and his son, and Virata, amidst all the kings, the speech was indeed spoken.
The great-minded king, son of Dhritarashtra, spoke these words to you while the Kuru heroes were listening. Understand this, O lord of men.
You have been defeated in gambling, and Draupadi was brought to the assembly. It is possible for a man who prides himself on his masculinity to harbor anger.
The Pandavas were exiled for twelve years in the forest and spent one additional year in disguise serving King Virata.
O Pandava, remember the anger, the loss of the kingdom, the exile to the forest, and the suffering of Draupadi, and be a man.
O Pandava, Bhimasena, who was powerless, cursed that if it is possible, let the blood of Duhshasana be drunk.
The preparation of iron weapons is complete, and Kurukshetra is free from mud. The path is level, and the warriors are ready; tomorrow, fight alongside Keshava.
Why do you boast without having faced Bhishma in battle, like a fool trying to climb the Gandhamadana mountain?
O son of Pritha, how can you desire the kingdom here without first conquering Drona, the best of fighters, who is equal to Indra in battle?
Achyuta (Krishna) is the unshakable leader in battle, the bearer of the army, and the teacher of the Vedas, knowing the difference between the Brahma weapon and the bow.
O son of Pritha, your desire to conquer Drona in battle is in vain, as it is unheard of for the mighty mountain Meru to be uprooted by the wind.
The wind might carry away Mount Meru, or the sky might fall to the earth. An era might change if things were as you claim to me.
Who, having obtained the enemy-crushing weapon, would safely return home, whether it be an elephant, horse, or man, desiring life?
How could someone who is contemplated by both or joined with something fierce be released alive in battle while touching the ground with his foot?
Do you, like a frog in a well, not perceive this assembled royal army, invincible and shining like a divine army, protected by kings as the sky is by gods?
The regions were populated by various tribes and peoples: easterners, westerners, southerners, northerners, Kambojas, Shakas, Khasas, Shalvas, Matsyas, the central Kuru people, Mlecchas, Pulindas, Dravidas, Andhras, and Kanchis.
Why do you, foolish and of little intelligence, wish to fight me, standing amidst the elephant army, like the unstoppable speed of the Ganges with various crowds grown in battle?
After addressing King Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, in this manner, Uluka returned to Arjuna and spoke again.
Fight without boasting, Arjuna. Why do you boast so much? Success is achieved through effort, not by boasting.
If merely boasting could lead to success, O Dhananjaya, then everyone would be successful in the world, and the unfortunate would boast a lot.
I am aware that Vasudeva is your ally; I understand that your Gandiva is just a mere show. I recognize that there is no warrior like you; and knowing your kingdom, I claim it.
However, true success is not achieved through alternate duties. It is through the mind alone that the creator indeed brings all beings under control.
For thirteen years, your kingdom was enjoyed while you lamented. Now, I will rule again after having slain you and your relatives.
Where was your Gandiva bow when you were defeated and became a servant? Where was Bhimasena's strength then, O Arjuna?
There was no liberation for you from Gadā, Bhīmasena, Pārtha, and Gāṇḍiva without the blameless Kṛṣṇā at that time.
The lady freed you from the servitude you had fallen into, which was associated with non-human tasks and conditions.
I declared that I was indeed the eunuch, and it was true. The braid was held by Partha in the city of Virata at that time.
O son of Kunti, my prowess was displayed in the duty of a cook, tired in Virata's kitchen by Bhimasena.
Thus, the warriors always imposed punishment on the warrior. In the ranks, divisions, and braids, whoever flees in battle.
I will not return the kingdom out of fear of Vāsudeva or you, O Phalguna. Engage in battle with Keśava.
In my armed battle, neither illusions, magic, trickery, nor terrifying things can carry the counter-roars.
Even if thousands of warriors like Vasudeva or hundreds like Arjuna (Phalguna) come at me with their infallible arrows, they will scatter in all ten directions.
Proceed to the battlefield with Bhishma, break through the mountain with your head. Cross this vast and deep ocean of warriors with your strength.
The greatness of Sharadvata was like a group of twenty fish, and Brihadbala uplifted Saumadatti, the whale.
The multitude of Duhshasana, along with Shala, Shalya, and Matsya; the order of Sushena, Chitrayudha, and Naga. The mountain of Jayadratha, the depth of Purumitra; the water of Durmarshana, and the fall of Shakuni.
When you are overwhelmed by the endless and greatly intensified flood of weapons, losing your senses due to exhaustion, you will find yourself bereft of all kin; then your mind will be filled with sorrow.
O son of Pritha, let your mind withdraw from the impure heavens and the rule of the earth. For ruling a kingdom is as difficult for you as attaining heaven is for one without penance.
