06.016
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
त्वद्युक्तोऽयमनुप्रश्नो महाराज यथार्हसि। न तु दुर्योधने दोषमिममासक्तुमर्हसि ॥६-१६-१॥
O great king, your question is appropriate as you deserve, but you should not blame Duryodhana for this fault.
य आत्मनो दुश्चरितादशुभं प्राप्नुयान्नरः। एनसा तेन नान्यं स उपाशङ्कितुमर्हति ॥६-१६-२॥
A person who suffers due to his own misdeeds should not blame others for the consequences.
महाराज मनुष्येषु निन्द्यं यः सर्वमाचरेत्। स वध्यः सर्वलोकस्य निन्दितानि समाचरन् ॥६-१६-३॥
O king, a man who engages in all blameworthy acts among men deserves to be punished, as he performs acts condemned by all the world.
निकारो निकृतिप्रज्ञैः पाण्डवैस्त्वत्प्रतीक्षया। अनुभूतः सहामात्यैः क्षान्तं च सुचिरं वने ॥६-१६-४॥
The Pandavas, known for their deceit, insulted and waited for you, enduring the experience with their ministers for a long time in the forest.
हयानां च गजानां च शूराणां चामितौजसाम्। प्रत्यक्षं यन्मया दृष्टं दृष्टं योगबलेन च ॥६-१६-५॥
I have directly seen, by the power of yoga, the horses, elephants, and heroes of immeasurable energy.
शृणु तत्पृथिवीपाल मा च शोके मनः कृथाः। दिष्टमेतत्पुरा नूनमेवम्भावि नराधिप ॥६-१६-६॥
"Listen, O king, do not grieve. This was destined to happen."
नमस्कृत्वा पितुस्तेऽहं पाराशर्याय धीमते। यस्य प्रसादाद्दिव्यं मे प्राप्तं ज्ञानमनुत्तमम् ॥६-१६-७॥
Having paid respects to your father, I offer my salutations to the wise Vyasa, by whose grace I have obtained divine and unsurpassed knowledge.
दृष्टिश्चातीन्द्रिया राजन्दूराच्छ्रवणमेव च। परचित्तस्य विज्ञानमतीतानागतस्य च ॥६-१६-८॥
O king, there is sight and hearing beyond the senses, as well as knowledge of others' minds, and of events from the past and future.
व्युत्थितोत्पत्तिविज्ञानमाकाशे च गतिः सदा। शस्त्रैरसङ्गो युद्धेषु वरदानान्महात्मनः ॥६-१६-९॥
The great soul, by his boon, always has knowledge of arising and origin, movement in the sky, and detachment from weapons in battles.
शृणु मे विस्तरेणेदं विचित्रं परमाद्भुतम्। भारतानां महद्युद्धं यथाभूल्लोमहर्षणम् ॥६-१६-१०॥
Listen to my detailed narration of this extraordinary and most astonishing great war of the Bharatas, as it truly happened, which is hair-raising.
तेष्वनीकेषु यत्तेषु व्यूढेषु च विधानतः। दुर्योधनो महाराज दुःशासनमथाब्रवीत् ॥६-१६-११॥
In those well-organized armies, Duryodhana, the great king, addressed Duhshasana.
दुःशासन रथास्तूर्णं युज्यन्तां भीष्मरक्षिणः। अनीकानि च सर्वाणि शीघ्रं त्वमनुचोदय ॥६-१६-१२॥
Duhshasana, quickly have the chariots of Bhishma's protectors yoked and urge all the armies swiftly.
अयं मा समनुप्राप्तो वर्षपूगाभिचिन्तितः। पाण्डवानां ससैन्यानां कुरूणां च समागमः ॥६-१६-१३॥
The long-anticipated meeting between the Pandavas and the Kauravas, along with their armies, has finally occurred after many years of contemplation.
नातः कार्यतमं मन्ये रणे भीष्मस्य रक्षणात्। हन्याद्गुप्तो ह्यसौ पार्थान्सोमकांश्च ससृञ्जयान् ॥६-१६-१४॥
I believe that in battle, there is no duty more important than protecting Bhishma. If he is well-guarded, he could defeat the sons of Pritha, the Somakas, and the Srinjayas.
अब्रवीच्च विशुद्धात्मा नाहं हन्यां शिखण्डिनम्। श्रूयते स्त्री ह्यसौ पूर्वं तस्माद्वर्ज्यो रणे मम ॥६-१६-१५॥
The pure-hearted one said, "I will not kill Shikhandi, as it is known that he was once a woman; hence, he should be avoided by me in battle."
तस्माद्भीष्मो रक्षितव्यो विशेषेणेति मे मतिः। शिखण्डिनो वधे यत्ताः सर्वे तिष्ठन्तु मामकाः ॥६-१६-१६॥
Therefore, it is my opinion that Bhishma should be especially protected. All my men should focus on the task of killing Shikhandi.
तथा प्राच्याः प्रतीच्याश्च दाक्षिणात्योत्तरापथाः। सर्वशस्त्रास्त्रकुशलास्ते रक्षन्तु पितामहम् ॥६-१६-१७॥
Thus, the warriors from the eastern, western, southern, and northern regions, all skilled in weapons and missiles, are to protect the grandfather.
अरक्ष्यमाणं हि वृको हन्यात्सिंहं महाबलम्। मा सिंहं जम्बुकेनेव घातयामः शिखण्डिना ॥६-१६-१८॥
An unprotected lion might indeed be killed by a wolf. Let us not allow the mighty lion to be killed by a jackal, as a peacock would.
वामं चक्रं युधामन्युरुत्तमौजाश्च दक्षिणम्। गोप्तारौ फल्गुनस्यैतौ फल्गुनोऽपि शिखण्डिनः ॥६-१६-१९॥
Yudhāmanyu and Uttamaujas were stationed on the left wheel, while the protectors of Arjuna, including Shikhandi, were on the right.
संरक्ष्यमाणः पार्थेन भीष्मेण च विवर्जितः। यथा न हन्याद्गाङ्गेयं दुःशासन तथा कुरु ॥६-१६-२०॥
Arjuna and Bhishma are protecting and avoiding, respectively, so that Dushasana does not kill Bhishma, the son of Ganga. Do accordingly.
ततो रजन्यां व्युष्टायां शब्दः समभवन्महान्। क्रोशतां भूमिपालानां युज्यतां युज्यतामिति ॥६-१६-२१॥
As the night ended and dawn broke, a great clamor arose among the kings, shouting, "Prepare yourselves, prepare yourselves."
शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिर्घोषैः सिंहनादैश्च भारत। हयहेषितशब्दैश्च रथनेमिस्वनैस्तथा ॥६-१६-२२॥
The battlefield resounded with the blaring of conches and beating of drums, the roaring of lions, O Bharata, and the neighing of horses along with the clattering of chariot wheels.
गजानां बृंहतां चैव योधानां चाभिगर्जताम्। क्ष्वेडितास्फोटितोत्क्रुष्टैस्तुमुलं सर्वतोऽभवत् ॥६-१६-२३॥
The tumultuous noise of the mighty elephants and the roaring warriors, accompanied by whistling, clapping, and shouting, resounded everywhere.
उदतिष्ठन्महाराज सर्वं युक्तमशेषतः। सूर्योदये महत्सैन्यं कुरुपाण्डवसेनयोः ॥ तव राजेन्द्र पुत्राणां पाण्डवानां तथैव च ॥६-१६-२४॥
O King, at sunrise, the great armies of the Kurus and Pandavas were fully prepared and arose. Your sons and the Pandavas were also ready.
तत्र नागा रथाश्चैव जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृताः। विभ्राजमाना दृश्यन्ते मेघा इव सविद्युतः ॥६-१६-२५॥
There, the serpents and chariots, adorned with gold, appear shining like clouds accompanied by lightning.
रथानीकान्यदृश्यन्त नगराणीव भूरिशः। अतीव शुशुभे तत्र पिता ते पूर्णचन्द्रवत् ॥६-१६-२६॥
The chariots appeared like numerous cities, and there your father shone exceedingly like the full moon.
धनुर्भिरृष्टिभिः खड्गैर्गदाभिः शक्तितोमरैः। योधाः प्रहरणैः शुभ्रैः स्वेष्वनीकेष्ववस्थिताः ॥६-१६-२७॥
The warriors, equipped with bows, spears, swords, maces, javelins, and lances, stood ready in their respective shining armies.
गजा रथाः पदाताश्च तुरगाश्च विशां पते। व्यतिष्ठन्वागुराकाराः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥६-१६-२८॥
O lord of men, elephants, chariots, foot soldiers, and horses stood in formations like traps, numbering in hundreds and thousands.
ध्वजा बहुविधाकारा व्यदृश्यन्त समुच्छ्रिताः। स्वेषां चैव परेषां च द्युतिमन्तः सहस्रशः ॥६-१६-२९॥
Flags of various kinds were seen raised high, shining in thousands, belonging to both one's own side and the enemy's.
काञ्चना मणिचित्राङ्गा ज्वलन्त इव पावकाः। अर्चिष्मन्तो व्यरोचन्त ध्वजा राज्ञां सहस्रशः ॥६-१६-३०॥
The golden and gem-studded flags, shining like fire, radiantly adorned the kings' armies in thousands.
महेन्द्रकेतवः शुभ्रा महेन्द्रसदनेष्विव। संनद्धास्तेषु ते वीरा ददृशुर्युद्धकाङ्क्षिणः ॥६-१६-३१॥
The bright banners of Indra, as if in the abodes of Indra, were seen by the heroes, eager for battle, fully armed among them.
उद्यतैरायुधैश्चित्रास्तलबद्धाः कलापिनः। ऋषभाक्षा मनुष्येन्द्राश्चमूमुखगता बभुः ॥६-१६-३२॥
The archers, with their varied weapons raised and fastened on their palms, the bull-eyed lords of men, went to the front of the army.
शकुनिः सौबलः शल्यः सैन्धवोऽथ जयद्रथः। विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ काम्बोजश्च सुदक्षिणः ॥६-१६-३३॥
Shakuni, the son of Subala, Shalya, the king of Sindhu, Jayadratha, Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, along with Kamboja and Sudakshina, were present.
श्रुतायुधश्च कालिङ्गो जयत्सेनश्च पार्थिवः। बृहद्बलश्च कौशल्यः कृतवर्मा च सात्वतः ॥६-१६-३४॥
Śrutayudha, Kalinga, Jayatsena, the king Brihadbala, Kaushalya, Kritavarma, and Satyaki were present.
दशैते पुरुषव्याघ्राः शूराः परिघबाहवः। अक्षौहिणीनां पतयो यज्वानो भूरिदक्षिणाः ॥६-१६-३५॥
These ten valiant men, resembling tigers, with arms as strong as iron clubs, are the leaders of the armies, known for their sacrificial rituals and generosity in gifts.
एते चान्ये च बहवो दुर्योधनवशानुगाः। राजानो राजपुत्राश्च नीतिमन्तो महाबलाः ॥६-१६-३६॥
These and many others, who are followers under Duryodhana's control, are kings and princes, wise and mighty.
संनद्धाः समदृश्यन्त स्वेष्वनीकेष्ववस्थिताः। बद्धकृष्णाजिनाः सर्वे ध्वजिनो मुञ्जमालिनः ॥६-१६-३७॥
The warriors, fully armed and appearing equal, were stationed in their respective ranks. They all wore black deer skins, carried banners, and adorned themselves with grass garlands.
सृष्टा दुर्योधनस्यार्थे ब्रह्मलोकाय दीक्षिताः। समृद्धा दश वाहिन्यः परिगृह्य व्यवस्थिताः ॥६-१६-३८॥
Ten prosperous armies, consecrated for the realm of Brahma, were created for Duryodhana's cause and were strategically positioned after surrounding.
एकादशी धार्तराष्ट्री कौरवाणां महाचमूः। अग्रतः सर्वसैन्यानां यत्र शान्तनवोऽग्रणीः ॥६-१६-३९॥
On the eleventh day, the great army of the Kauravas, sons of Dhritarashtra, was positioned at the forefront of all the armies, led by Bhishma, the son of Shantanu.
श्वेतोष्णीषं श्वेतहयं श्वेतवर्माणमच्युतम्। अपश्याम महाराज भीष्मं चन्द्रमिवोदितम् ॥६-१६-४०॥
O great king, we saw Bhishma, adorned in white turban, riding a white horse, and wearing white armor, appearing like the risen moon.
हेमतालध्वजं भीष्मं राजते स्यन्दने स्थितम्। श्वेताभ्र इव तीक्ष्णांशुं ददृशुः कुरुपाण्डवाः ॥६-१६-४१॥
The Kurus and Pandavas beheld Bhishma, standing in his radiant chariot with a golden banner, resembling a bright white cloud.
दृष्ट्वा चमूमुखे भीष्मं समकम्पन्त पाण्डवाः। सृञ्जयाश्च महेष्वासा धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमाः ॥६-१६-४२॥
Upon seeing Bhishma at the forefront of the army, the Pandavas and the Srinjayas, who were great archers led by Dhrishtadyumna, were filled with trepidation.
जृम्भमाणं महासिंहं दृष्ट्वा क्षुद्रमृगा यथा। धृष्टद्युम्नमुखाः सर्वे समुद्विविजिरे मुहुः ॥६-१६-४३॥
Upon seeing the great lion yawning, all the warriors led by Dhrishtadyumna were repeatedly filled with fear, just like small animals would be.
एकादशैताः श्रीजुष्टा वाहिन्यस्तव भारत। पाण्डवानां तथा सप्त महापुरुषपालिताः ॥६-१६-४४॥
O Bharata, these eleven glorious armies of yours and the seven of the Pandavas are protected by great warriors.
उन्मत्तमकरावर्तौ महाग्राहसमाकुलौ। युगान्ते समुपेतौ द्वौ दृश्येते सागराविव ॥६-१६-४५॥
At the end of an age, two oceans appear, filled with mad whirlpools and great alligators, resembling the tumultuous seas.
नैव नस्तादृशो राजन्दृष्टपूर्वो न च श्रुतः। अनीकानां समेतानां समवायस्तथाविधः ॥६-१६-४६॥
O king, we have neither seen nor heard of such a gathering of assembled armies before.
