05.164
Pancharatra-core: Bhishma continues his description of the Kaurava army.
Bhishma said:
Shakuni, your uncle, will undoubtedly engage in battle with the Pandavas, as he is the sole king on the chariot.
The armies of this are invincible and face no opposition in battle. They are mostly equipped with various weapons and are as swift as the wind.
The son of Droṇa, Ashwatthama, was a great archer, known for his exceptional skills among all archers. In battle, he was a remarkable warrior, steadfast in his use of weapons, and considered a great chariot-warrior.
O great king, just as the arrows released from the Gandiva bow go swiftly to their target, so too...
This hero, the best among charioteers, is beyond my ability to count. If he wishes, this greatly renowned one could even burn the three worlds.
The noble-minded one, whose anger and energy were accumulated through penance by the hermit, was favored by Droṇa with divine weapons.
O best of the Bharatas, his one great fault is that my chariot is not considered that of a great charioteer, O best of kings.
Life is extremely dear to a Brahmin who always desires longevity. Indeed, there is no one like him in both armies.
Even with a single chariot, he might destroy the army of the gods; a powerful person might even shatter mountains with just a clap of his hand.
He, possessing innumerable qualities, a hero and a fierce striker, will move like the unstoppable force of time, wielding a staff and being unbearable in his might.
In his wrath, like the fire at the end of an age, with the neck of a lion and great wisdom, he will bring peace to the aftermath of the Bharata war.
Your father, though aged, is exceptionally powerful and stands out among the young. In battle, he performs great deeds, and I have no doubt about it.
The weapon, driven by the wind's speed and arising like fuel in the midst of the army, is set to burn the armies of the Pandava, ensuring victory.
The son of Bharadvaja, a distinguished leader among the charioteers, is committed to performing intense actions for your benefit.
The revered teacher and elder of all the crowned heads should proceed to the end of the Sṛñjayas, but Dhanañjaya remains dear to him.
This great archer would never kill Arjuna, the son of Pritha, who acts effortlessly, remembering the brilliant teacher who is conquered by virtues.
This hero always praises the qualities of Partha; Bharadvaja sees him as more than a son.
The glorious one, with a single chariot, might indeed slay gods, gandharvas, and demons, even if they are united in battle with divine weapons.
O king, the descendant of Puru, a tiger among kings, is regarded by me as a great chariot-warrior, a hero who destroys enemy heroes.
With his own army, he will destroy the enemy forces of the Panchalas, just as Krishna would burn a forest.
Satyavrata, the best of charioteers and a great warrior prince, will move through your enemy's army like time itself, O king.
O King, the warriors with diverse armor and weapons will engage in battle, defeating your enemies.
Vṛṣasena, the son of Karṇa and a great warrior, who is the foremost among charioteers, will destroy the forces of your enemies, being the best among the strong.
Jalasandha, the greatly powerful king and the best of your charioteers, will sacrifice his life in battle, O Magadha, slayer of enemy heroes.
This mighty-armed warrior, skilled in riding elephants, will fight in the battle, either with a chariot or by destroying the enemy forces.
This chariot, O great king, which I consider as my champion among men, will lay down lives along with the army for your cause in the great battle.
This valiant and skilled warrior will fight fearlessly in battle alongside your enemies, O king.
Bahlika, a great chariot-warrior, who never retreats in battle, is considered by me, O king, to be a hero in war, comparable to Yama.
O king, once he enters the battle, he will not return without defeating his enemies, as he is always determined in battle.
The commander, O great king, your truthful and mighty chariot-warrior, performs extraordinary feats in battles and is known for destroying enemy chariots.
Upon witnessing this battle, he feels no distress whatsoever. With a smile, he advances towards the enemies positioned on the chariot path.
This valiant warrior, best among men, acts nobly in battle for a great cause.
Alayudha, the mighty and cruel king of demons, will destroy the enemies, O king, as he recalls the old enmity.
This charioteer, the best among all in the demon armies, known for his deception and firm enmity, will maneuver through the battlefield.
Bhagadatta, the mighty lord of Prāgjyotiṣa, was a hero and the best among those who wield the elephant goad, and he was also skilled in chariot warfare.
By this, a battle took place long ago involving the wielder of the Gandiva bow, lasting many days, O king, between both parties eager for victory.
Then, in Gandhara, the friend honored Pākaśāsana (Indra) and made an agreement with him, the noble Pandava.
This warrior, skilled in riding elephants and mounted on Airavata, will fight in the battle like Indra, the king of the gods.
