05.195
Vaishampayana spoke:
Upon hearing this, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, gathered all his brothers nearby and addressed them, saying these words, O esteemed descendant of Bharata.
The spies within Dhritarashtra's armies, who are loyal to me, have provided information about the events of the past night.
Duryodhana asked Bhishma, 'O lord, when will the Pandavas' army be destroyed?'
In a month, Dhritarashtra's evil-minded son was told this by him, and by that time, Drona also understood.
We have heard that Gautama mentioned double the time. However, Drona's son, the great wielder of weapons, promised to accomplish it in ten nights.
Thus, Karna, known for his mastery of divine weapons, assured in the Kuru assembly that he would destroy the army within five days.
Therefore, Arjuna, I wish to hear your words on how long it will take to destroy the enemies in battle.
Thus addressed by the prince, Dhanañjaya looked at Vāsudeva and replied with these words.
O great king, there is no doubt that all these great souls, who are skilled in weapons and are wonderful warriors, would certainly destroy your army.
Let your mental anguish go; I truly say, with Vasudeva as my ally, I would slay them with a single chariot.
My belief is that in a moment, with the gods, all three worlds, both movable and immovable, past, present, and future, can be perceived.
The terrible weapon that Lord Shiva bestowed upon me during the duel indeed resides within me.
O tiger among men, when the lord of creatures destroys all beings at the end of the age, that power resides in me.
Neither Bhishma, the son of Ganga, nor Drona, nor Kripa knows this, O king. How then can Karna, the son of a charioteer, know it?
However, it is not appropriate to use divine weapons to kill ordinary people in battle. We shall overcome our enemies through straightforwardness and fair combat.
Thus, these valiant warriors are your allies, O king. They are all skilled in divine weaponry and eager for battle.
The Pāṇḍavas, having completed the Vedic rituals and being undefeated, could defeat even the army of the gods in battle.
Shikhandi, Yuyudhana, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, Bhimasena, and the twins Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas were present.
Virata and Drupada are both equal to Bhishma and Drona in battle. You yourself are also capable of destroying the three worlds.
O Kaurava, I know that the man you see, who is equal in splendor to Indra, will not quickly become manifest due to anger.
