05.193
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
शिखण्डिवाक्यं श्रुत्वाथ स यक्षो भरतर्षभ। प्रोवाच मनसा चिन्त्य दैवेनोपनिपीडितः ॥ भवितव्यं तथा तद्धि मम दुःखाय कौरव ॥५-१९३-१॥
Upon hearing Shikhandi's words, the Yaksha, troubled by fate, thought to himself, "This must indeed happen for my sorrow, O Kaurava."
भद्रे कामं करिष्यामि समयं तु निबोध मे। किञ्चित्कालान्तरं दास्ये पुंलिङ्गं स्वमिदं तव ॥ आगन्तव्यं त्वया काले सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥५-१९३-२॥
O auspicious one, I will fulfill your desire, but be aware of my timing. After some time, I will grant you your own masculine form. You must arrive on time. I assure you, this is the truth.
प्रभुः सङ्कल्पसिद्धोऽस्मि कामरूपी विहङ्गमः। मत्प्रसादात्पुरं चैव त्राहि बन्धूंश्च केवलान् ॥५-१९३-३॥
I am the lord, capable of fulfilling wishes and taking any form I desire, like a bird. By my grace, protect the city and only the relatives.
स्त्रीलिङ्गं धारयिष्यामि त्वदीयं पार्थिवात्मजे। सत्यं मे प्रतिजानीहि करिष्यामि प्रियं तव ॥५-१९३-४॥
I will take on a feminine form, O prince, truly promise me, I will do what pleases you.
शिखण्ड्युवाच॥
Shikhandi spoke:
प्रतिदास्यामि भगवँल्लिङ्गं पुनरिदं तव। किञ्चित्कालान्तरं स्त्रीत्वं धारयस्व निशाचर ॥५-१९३-५॥
I will restore your form, O Lord, but for a little while, bear the form of a woman, O night-wanderer.
प्रतिप्रयाते दाशार्णे पार्थिवे हेमवर्मणि। कन्यैवाहं भविष्यामि पुरुषस्त्वं भविष्यसि ॥५-१९३-६॥
When King Hemavarman of the Daśārṇas returns, I will transform into a maiden, and you will become a man.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
इत्युक्त्वा समयं तत्र चक्राते तावुभौ नृप। अन्योन्यस्यानभिद्रोहे तौ सङ्क्रामयतां ततः ॥५-१९३-७॥
After speaking thus, the two kings made an agreement there to not harm each other and then proceeded to transfer the kingdom.
स्त्रीलिङ्गं धारयामास स्थूणो यक्षो नराधिप। यक्षरूपं च तद्दीप्तं शिखण्डी प्रत्यपद्यत ॥५-१९३-८॥
Sthuna, the Yaksha, took on a female form, O king. Shikhandi then took on that radiant form of the Yaksha.
ततः शिखण्डी पाञ्चाल्यः पुंस्त्वमासाद्य पार्थिव। विवेश नगरं हृष्टः पितरं च समासदत् ॥ यथावृत्तं तु तत्सर्वमाचख्यौ द्रुपदस्य च ॥५-१९३-९॥
Then Shikhandi, the son of Panchala, having become a man, entered the city joyfully and approached his father, and he narrated everything that had happened to Drupada.
द्रुपदस्तस्य तच्छ्रुत्वा हर्षमाहारयत्परम्। सभार्यस्तच्च सस्मार महेश्वरवचस्तदा ॥५-१९३-१०॥
Upon hearing the news, Drupada was filled with immense joy. Accompanied by his wife, he recalled the words of Lord Shiva at that moment.
ततः सम्प्रेषयामास दशार्णाधिपतेर्नृप। पुरुषोऽयं मम सुतः श्रद्धत्तां मे भवानिति ॥५-१९३-११॥
Then the king of Daśārṇa sent a message to the king, saying, "This man is my son; please believe me."
अथ दाशार्णको राजा सहसाभ्यागमत्तदा। पाञ्चालराजं द्रुपदं दुःखामर्षसमन्वितः ॥५-१९३-१२॥
At that time, the king of the Daśārṇas suddenly came to King Drupada of the Pāñcālas, overwhelmed with grief and anger.
ततः काम्पिल्यमासाद्य दशार्णाधिपतिस्तदा। प्रेषयामास सत्कृत्य दूतं ब्रह्मविदां वरम् ॥५-१९३-१३॥
Then, upon reaching Kampilya, the lord of the Daśārṇas sent a highly respected messenger, who was the best among the knowers of Brahman.
ब्रूहि मद्वचनाद्दूत पाञ्चाल्यं तं नृपाधमम्। यद्वै कन्यां स्वकन्यार्थे वृतवानसि दुर्मते ॥ फलं तस्यावलेपस्य द्रक्ष्यस्यद्य न संशयः ॥५-१९३-१४॥
The messenger is instructed to tell the son of Panchala, considered the worst of kings, that his arrogant decision to choose the girl for his own daughter will have consequences, which he will witness today without any doubt.
एवमुक्तस्तु तेनासौ ब्राह्मणो राजसत्तम। दूतः प्रयातो नगरं दाशार्णनृपचोदितः ॥५-१९३-१५॥
Upon being addressed in this manner by him, the Brahmin, O esteemed king, the messenger set out for the city, as instructed by the king of the Daasharna.
तत आसादयामास पुरोधा द्रुपदं पुरे। तस्मै पाञ्चालको राजा गामर्घ्यं च सुसत्कृतम् ॥ प्रापयामास राजेन्द्र सह तेन शिखण्डिना ॥५-१९३-१६॥
Then the priest approached King Drupada in his city. The Panchala king sent him a cow and offerings, well-honored, along with Shikhandi, O king.
तां पूजां नाभ्यनन्दत्स वाक्यं चेदमुवाच ह। यदुक्तं तेन वीरेण राज्ञा काञ्चनवर्मणा ॥५-१९३-१७॥
He did not accept the worship and said: "What was spoken by the hero, King Kanchanavarma."
यत्तेऽहमधमाचार दुहित्रर्थेऽस्मि वञ्चितः। तस्य पापस्य करणात्फलं प्राप्नुहि दुर्मते ॥५-१९३-१८॥
Because of your wicked conduct, I have been deceived for the sake of your daughter. Now, O wicked-minded one, you shall receive the consequences of that sinful act.
देहि युद्धं नरपते ममाद्य रणमूर्धनि। उद्धरिष्यामि ते सद्यः सामात्यसुतबान्धवम् ॥५-१९३-१९॥
O King, grant me battle today at the forefront; I shall immediately defeat your ministers, sons, and relatives.
तदुपालम्भसंयुक्तं श्रावितः किल पार्थिवः। दशार्णपतिदूतेन मन्त्रिमध्ये पुरोधसा ॥५-१९३-२०॥
The king was indeed informed of that reproach by the messenger of the king of Daśārṇa, in the presence of the ministers and the priest.
अब्रवीद्भरतश्रेष्ठ द्रुपदः प्रणयानतः। यदाह मां भवान्ब्रह्मन्सम्बन्धिवचनाद्वचः ॥ तस्योत्तरं प्रतिवचो दूत एव वदिष्यति ॥५-१९३-२१॥
Drupada, with affection, said, "O best of the Bharatas, the message you conveyed to me through the words of relation, its reply will indeed be spoken by the messenger."
ततः सम्प्रेषयामास द्रुपदोऽपि महात्मने। हिरण्यवर्मणे दूतं ब्राह्मणं वेदपारगम् ॥५-१९३-२२॥
Then Drupada sent a Brahmin messenger, who was well-versed in the Vedas, to the noble Hiraṇyavarman.
समागम्य तु राज्ञा स दशार्णपतिना तदा। तद्वाक्यमाददे राजन्यदुक्तं द्रुपदेन ह ॥५-१९३-२३॥
After meeting with the king of Daśārṇa, he accepted the words spoken by Drupada, O king.
आगमः क्रियतां व्यक्तं कुमारो वै सुतो मम। मिथ्यैतदुक्तं केनापि तन्न श्रद्धेयमित्युत ॥५-१९३-२४॥
The arrival should be clearly announced, the prince is indeed my son. This statement was falsely made by someone and should not be believed.
ततः स राजा द्रुपदस्य श्रुत्वा; विमर्शयुक्तो युवतीर्वरिष्ठाः। सम्प्रेषयामास सुचारुरूपाः; शिखण्डिनं स्त्री पुमान्वेति वेत्तुम् ॥५-१९३-२५॥
Then the king, upon hearing about Drupada, thoughtfully sent the most distinguished young women, who were of exquisite beauty, to ascertain whether Śikhaṇḍin was a woman or a man.
ताः प्रेषितास्तत्त्वभावं विदित्वा; प्रीत्या राज्ञे तच्छशंसुर्हि सर्वम्। शिखण्डिनं पुरुषं कौरवेन्द्र; दशार्णराजाय महानुभावम् ॥५-१९३-२६॥
They were sent to understand the truth and affectionately reported everything to the king. Shikhandi, the man of great personality, was related to the Kaurava king and the king of Dasharna.
ततः कृत्वा तु राजा स आगमं प्रीतिमानथ। सम्बन्धिना समागम्य हृष्टो वासमुवास ह ॥५-१९३-२७॥
Then, after the king had made the arrangements, he was pleased with the arrival. Having met with his relatives, he joyfully stayed at the residence.
शिखण्डिने च मुदितः प्रादाद्वित्तं जनेश्वरः। हस्तिनोऽश्वांश्च गाश्चैव दास्यो बहुशतास्तथा ॥ पूजितश्च प्रतिययौ निवर्त्य तनयां किल ॥५-१९३-२८॥
The king, in a joyful mood, bestowed wealth upon Shikhandi, including elephants, horses, cows, and numerous servants. After being honored, he returned, having sent back his daughter.
विनीतकिल्बिषे प्रीते हेमवर्मणि पार्थिवे। प्रतियाते तु दाशार्णे हृष्टरूपा शिखण्डिनी ॥५-१९३-२९॥
King Hemavarman, having been freed from sin, was pleased. However, upon returning to Dasharna, Shikhandini was joyful.
कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य कुबेरो नरवाहनः। लोकानुयात्रां कुर्वाणः स्थूणस्यागान्निवेशनम् ॥५-१९३-३०॥
At a certain time, Kubera, the god of wealth who is known to ride men, was conducting a grand procession through the worlds and arrived at the abode of Sthūṇa.
स तद्गृहस्योपरि वर्तमान; आलोकयामास धनाधिगोप्ता। स्थूणस्य यक्षस्य निशाम्य वेश्म; स्वलङ्कृतं माल्यगुणैर्विचित्रम् ॥५-१९३-३१॥
He, who was present above that house, looked at the protector of wealth. Upon seeing the house of the Yaksha of the pillar, which was beautifully adorned with various garlands, he was impressed.
लाजैश्च गन्धैश्च तथा वितानै; रभ्यर्चितं धूपनधूपितं च। ध्वजैः पताकाभिरलङ्कृतं च; भक्ष्यान्नपेयामिषदत्तहोमम् ॥५-१९३-३२॥
The place was adorned with parched grains, perfumes, and canopies, well-worshipped and filled with incense smoke, decorated with flags and banners, and offerings of food, drinks, and meat were made as part of the sacrificial ceremony.
तत्स्थानं तस्य दृष्ट्वा तु सर्वतः समलङ्कृतम्। अथाब्रवीद्यक्षपतिस्तान्यक्षाननुगांस्तदा ॥५-१९३-३३॥
Upon observing his beautifully adorned place, the lord of the Yakshas then addressed his Yakshas and followers.
स्वलङ्कृतमिदं वेश्म स्थूणस्यामितविक्रमाः। नोपसर्पति मां चापि कस्मादद्य सुमन्दधीः ॥५-१९३-३४॥
Why does this well-decorated house of the pillar of immeasurable valor not approach me today, and why is he acting so slow-witted?
यस्माज्जानन्सुमन्दात्मा मामसौ नोपसर्पति। तस्मात्तस्मै महादण्डो धार्यः स्यादिति मे मतिः ॥५-१९३-३५॥
Since he is very dull-minded and does not approach me despite knowing, I believe he should be severely punished.
यक्षा ऊचुः॥
The Yakshas spoke:
द्रुपदस्य सुता राजन्राज्ञो जाता शिखण्डिनी। तस्यै निमित्ते कस्मिंश्चित्प्रादात्पुरुषलक्षणम् ॥५-१९३-३६॥
O King, the daughter of Drupada was born as Śikhaṇḍinī. For her purpose, someone endowed her with male characteristics.
अग्रहील्लक्षणं स्त्रीणां स्त्रीभूतस्तिष्ठते गृहे। नोपसर्पति तेनासौ सव्रीडः स्त्रीस्वरूपवान् ॥५-१९३-३७॥
He adopted the characteristics of women and, having taken on a woman's form, stays in the house. He does not approach others, being bashful and embodying a woman's form.
एतस्मात्कारणाद्राजन्स्थूणो न त्वाद्य पश्यति। श्रुत्वा कुरु यथान्यायं विमानमिह तिष्ठताम् ॥५-१९३-३८॥
O king, because of this reason, the pillar does not see you today. After hearing this, act justly and let the chariot remain here.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
आनीयतां स्थूण इति ततो यक्षाधिपोऽब्रवीत्। कर्तास्मि निग्रहं तस्येत्युवाच स पुनः पुनः ॥५-१९३-३९॥
The lord of the Yakshas said, "Bring the pillar." He repeatedly stated, "I will restrain him."
सोऽभ्यगच्छत यक्षेन्द्रमाहूतः पृथिवीपते। स्त्रीस्वरूपो महाराज तस्थौ व्रीडासमन्वितः ॥५-१९३-४०॥
Summoned by the lord of Yakshas, he approached, O lord of the earth. Disguised as a woman, he stood there, O great king, filled with shame.
तं शशाप सुसङ्क्रुद्धो धनदः कुरुनन्दन। एवमेव भवत्वस्य स्त्रीत्वं पापस्य गुह्यकाः ॥५-१९३-४१॥
Kubera, in his great anger, cursed him, saying, "O descendant of Kuru, let the sinful Guhyakas become women in this manner."
ततोऽब्रवीद्यक्षपतिर्महात्मा; यस्माददास्त्ववमन्येह यक्षान्। शिखण्डिने लक्षणं पापबुद्धे; स्त्रीलक्षणं चाग्रहीः पापकर्मन् ॥५-१९३-४२॥
Then the great soul, the lord of the Yakshas, said: "Because you have shown disrespect to the Yakshas here, you evil-minded one, you have accepted the female characteristic for Shikhandi, you evil-doer."
अप्रवृत्तं सुदुर्बुद्धे यस्मादेतत्कृतं त्वया। तस्मादद्य प्रभृत्येव त्वं स्त्री स पुरुषस्तथा ॥५-१९३-४३॥
O wicked-minded one, because you have done this, from today onwards, you shall be a woman and he shall be a man.
ततः प्रसादयामासुर्यक्षा वैश्रवणं किल। स्थूणस्यार्थे कुरुष्वान्तं शापस्येति पुनः पुनः ॥५-१९३-४४॥
Then the Yakshas indeed appeased Vaishravana, repeatedly requesting him to end the curse for the sake of Sthuna.
ततो महात्मा यक्षेन्द्रः प्रत्युवाचानुगामिनः। सर्वान्यक्षगणांस्तात शापस्यान्तचिकीर्षया ॥५-१९३-४५॥
Then the great soul, the lord of the Yakshas, addressed all his followers, the groups of Yakshas, with the intention to end the curse, dear.
हते शिखण्डिनि रणे स्वरूपं प्रतिपत्स्यते। स्थूणो यक्षो निरुद्वेगो भवत्विति महामनाः ॥५-१९३-४६॥
When Śikhaṇḍin is slain in battle, he will return to his true form. Let Sthūṇa, the Yakṣa, remain fearless, said the wise one.
इत्युक्त्वा भगवान्देवो यक्षराक्षसपूजितः। प्रययौ सह तैः सर्वैर्निमेषान्तरचारिभिः ॥५-१९३-४७॥
After speaking thus, the blessed god, honored by yakṣas and rākṣasas, departed with all those who can move within a moment.
स्थूणस्तु शापं सम्प्राप्य तत्रैव न्यवसत्तदा। समये चागमत्तं वै शिखण्डी स क्षपाचरम् ॥५-१९३-४८॥
Sthuna, after receiving the curse, stayed there. At that time, Shikhandi approached him, who was a night-wanderer.
सोऽभिगम्याब्रवीद्वाक्यं प्राप्तोऽस्मि भगवन्निति। तमब्रवीत्ततः स्थूणः प्रीतोऽस्मीति पुनः पुनः ॥५-१९३-४९॥
He approached and said, "I have arrived, O Lord." Then Sthuna replied to him, "I am pleased," repeatedly.
आर्जवेनागतं दृष्ट्वा राजपुत्रं शिखण्डिनम्। सर्वमेव यथावृत्तमाचचक्षे शिखण्डिने ॥५-१९३-५०॥
Upon seeing the prince Shikhandin arrive with honesty, everything was explained to him exactly as it happened.
यक्ष उवाच॥
The Yaksha said:
शप्तो वैश्रवणेनास्मि त्वत्कृते पार्थिवात्मज। गच्छेदानीं यथाकामं चर लोकान्यथासुखम् ॥५-१९३-५१॥
I have been cursed by Vaiśravaṇa because of you, O prince. Now go wherever you desire and roam the worlds freely and comfortably.
दिष्टमेतत्पुरा मन्ये न शक्यमतिवर्तितुम्। गमनं तव चेतो हि पौलस्त्यस्य च दर्शनम् ॥५-१९३-५२॥
I believe this was destined long ago and cannot be changed. Your intention is truly to go and meet Paulastya.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
एवमुक्तः शिखण्डी तु स्थूणयक्षेण भारत। प्रत्याजगाम नगरं हर्षेण महतान्वितः ॥५-१९३-५३॥
After being addressed by Sthunayaksha, Shikhandi, filled with great joy, returned to the city, O Bharata.
पूजयामास विविधैर्गन्धमाल्यैर्महाधनैः। द्विजातीन्देवताश्चापि चैत्यानथ चतुष्पथान् ॥५-१९३-५४॥
He worshipped the twice-born, deities, sanctuaries, and crossroads with various fragrances, garlands, and great wealth.
द्रुपदः सह पुत्रेण सिद्धार्थेन शिखण्डिना। मुदं च परमां लेभे पाञ्चाल्यः सह बान्धवैः ॥५-१९३-५५॥
Drupada, accompanied by his son Siddhartha and Shikhandi, experienced immense joy together with the Panchala and his relatives.
शिष्यार्थं प्रददौ चापि द्रोणाय कुरुपुङ्गव। शिखण्डिनं महाराज पुत्रं स्त्रीपूर्विणं तथा ॥५-१९३-५६॥
O best of the Kurus, for the sake of the disciple, you also entrusted Śikhaṇḍin, who was once a woman, to Droṇa, O great king.
प्रतिपेदे चतुष्पादं धनुर्वेदं नृपात्मजः। शिखण्डी सह युष्माभिर्धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः ॥५-१९३-५७॥
The prince mastered the comprehensive knowledge of archery. Shikhandi, together with all of you, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, were involved.
मम त्वेतच्चरास्तात यथावत्प्रत्यवेदयन्। जडान्धबधिराकारा ये युक्ता द्रुपदे मया ॥५-१९३-५८॥
My spies, O dear, have accurately reported about those who were engaged in Drupada's court, appearing as if they were dull, blind, and deaf.
एवमेष महाराज स्त्रीपुमान्द्रुपदात्मजः। सम्भूतः कौरवश्रेष्ठ शिखण्डी रथसत्तमः ॥५-१९३-५९॥
Thus, O great king, Shikhandi, the son of Drupada, who embodies both male and female, was born as the foremost of chariot-warriors, O best of the Kauravas.
ज्येष्ठा काशिपतेः कन्या अम्बा नामेति विश्रुता। द्रुपदस्य कुले जाता शिखण्डी भरतर्षभ ॥५-१९३-६०॥
Ambā, the eldest daughter of the king of Kāśi, was renowned and reborn in the family of Drupada as Śikhaṇḍī, O best of the Bharatas.
नाहमेनं धनुष्पाणिं युयुत्सुं समुपस्थितम्। मुहूर्तमपि पश्येयं प्रहरेयं न चाप्युत ॥५-१९३-६१॥
I would not even look at or strike this person who stands ready with a bow, eager to fight, not even for a moment.
व्रतमेतन्मम सदा पृथिव्यामपि विश्रुतम्। स्त्रियां स्त्रीपूर्वके चापि स्त्रीनाम्नि स्त्रीस्वरूपिणि ॥५-१९३-६२॥
This vow of mine is always renowned on earth, among women, in those preceded by women, and also in those named or having the form of a woman.
न मुञ्चेयमहं बाणानिति कौरवनन्दन। न हन्यामहमेतेन कारणेन शिखण्डिनम् ॥५-१९३-६३॥
I will not release my arrows, O joy of the Kauravas, nor will I kill Shikhandin for this reason.
एतत्तत्त्वमहं वेद जन्म तात शिखण्डिनः। ततो नैनं हनिष्यामि समरेष्वाततायिनम् ॥५-१९३-६४॥
I am aware of the truth about Shikhandi's birth, father. Therefore, I will not kill him in battle, even though he is an aggressor.
यदि भीष्मः स्त्रियं हन्याद्धन्यादात्मानमप्युत। नैनं तस्माद्धनिष्यामि दृष्ट्वापि समरे स्थितम् ॥५-१९३-६५॥
If Bhishma were to kill a woman, he would also kill himself. Therefore, even seeing him standing in battle, I will not kill him.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एतच्छ्रुत्वा तु कौरव्यो राजा दुर्योधनस्तदा। मुहूर्तमिव स ध्यात्वा भीष्मे युक्तममन्यत ॥५-१९३-६६॥
Upon hearing this, King Duryodhana of the Kauravas paused for a moment and thought it was appropriate to rely on Bhishma.
