06.019
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
अक्षौहिण्यो दशैकां च व्यूढां दृष्ट्वा युधिष्ठिरः। कथमल्पेन सैन्येन प्रत्यव्यूहत पाण्डवः ॥६-१९-१॥
Upon seeing the eleven armies arrayed, Yudhishthira wondered how the Pandava could counter-array with a smaller force.
यो वेद मानुषं व्यूहं दैवं गान्धर्वमासुरम्। कथं भीष्मं स कौन्तेयः प्रत्यव्यूहत पाण्डवः ॥६-१९-२॥
The Pandava, son of Kunti, who understands the formations of humans, gods, Gandharvas, and demons, countered Bhishma. How did he manage to do so?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
धार्तराष्ट्राण्यनीकानि दृष्ट्वा व्यूढानि पाण्डवः। अभ्यभाषत धर्मात्मा धर्मराजो धनञ्जयम् ॥६-१९-३॥
Upon observing the well-arranged armies of Dhritarashtra's sons, the righteous Yudhishthira, son of Pandu, addressed Arjuna.
महर्षेर्वचनात्तात वेदयन्ति बृहस्पतेः। संहतान्योधयेदल्पान्कामं विस्तारयेद्बहून् ॥६-१९-४॥
O dear, according to the words of the great sage Bṛhaspati, it is conveyed that unity helps in overcoming small challenges and expanding one's desires significantly.
सूचीमुखमनीकं स्यादल्पानां बहुभिः सह। अस्माकं च तथा सैन्यमल्पीयः सुतरां परैः ॥६-१९-५॥
The army, sharp like a needle, may consist of a few among many; similarly, our army is certainly smaller compared to others.
एतद्वचनमाज्ञाय महर्षेर्व्यूह पाण्डव। तच्छ्रुत्वा धर्मराजस्य प्रत्यभाषत फल्गुणः ॥६-१९-६॥
Upon understanding the great sage's words and hearing Yudhishthira, Arjuna responded, O Pandava.
एष व्यूहामि ते राजन्व्यूहं परमदुर्जयम्। अचलं नाम वज्राख्यं विहितं वज्रपाणिना ॥६-१९-७॥
O King, this is the formation named 'Immovable' and known as 'Vajra', which is extremely difficult to conquer and has been established by Vajrapani for you.
यः स वात इवोद्धूतः समरे दुःसहः परैः। स नः पुरो योत्स्यति वै भीमः प्रहरतां वरः ॥६-१९-८॥
Bhima, who is as fierce as a storm and unbearable to enemies in battle, will indeed lead our attack.
तेजांसि रिपुसैन्यानां मृद्नन्पुरुषसत्तमः। अग्रेऽग्रणीर्यास्यति नो युद्धोपायविचक्षणः ॥६-१९-९॥
The best among men, who crushes the splendors of enemy armies, will lead us with expertise in war strategies.
यं दृष्ट्वा पार्थिवाः सर्वे दुर्योधनपुरोगमाः। निवर्तिष्यन्ति सम्भ्रान्ताः सिंहं क्षुद्रमृगा इव ॥६-१९-१०॥
Upon seeing him, all the kings led by Duryodhana will retreat in confusion, like small animals fleeing from a lion.
तं सर्वे संश्रयिष्यामः प्राकारमकुतोभयम्। भीमं प्रहरतां श्रेष्ठं वज्रपाणिमिवामराः ॥६-१९-११॥
All of us will seek refuge in Bhima, the fearless fortress, the best among fighters, just as the immortals do in Vajrapani.
न हि सोऽस्ति पुमाँल्लोके यः सङ्क्रुद्धं वृकोदरम्। द्रष्टुमत्युग्रकर्माणं विषहेत नरर्षभम् ॥६-१९-१२॥
Indeed, there is no man in the world who can face the furious Vrikodara, known for his formidable actions, the bull among men.
भीमसेनो गदां बिभ्रद्वज्रसारमयीं दृढाम्। चरन्वेगेन महता समुद्रमपि शोषयेत् ॥६-१९-१३॥
Bhimasena, wielding a strong mace crafted from diamond essence, could dry up the ocean with his great speed.
केकया धृष्टकेतुश्च चेकितानश्च वीर्यवान्। एत तिष्ठन्ति सामात्याः प्रेक्षकास्ते नरेश्वर ॥६-१९-१४॥
Kekaya, Dhrishtaketu, and Chekitana, the mighty warriors, stand with their ministers as spectators, O king.
धृतराष्ट्रस्य दायादा इति बीभत्सुरब्रवीत्। ब्रुवाणं तु तथा पार्थं सर्वसैन्यानि मारिष ॥ अपूजयंस्तदा वाग्भिरनुकूलाभिराहवे ॥६-१९-१५॥
Bibhatsu spoke about the heirs of Dhritarashtra. However, when he spoke to Partha, all the armies, O great one, honored him with favorable words during the battle.
एवमुक्त्वा महाबाहुस्तथा चक्रे धनञ्जयः। व्यूह्य तानि बलान्याशु प्रययौ फल्गुनस्तदा ॥६-१९-१६॥
After speaking thus, the mighty-armed Arjuna arranged his forces and quickly departed.
सम्प्रयातान्कुरून्दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवानां महाचमूः। गङ्गेव पूर्णा स्तिमिता स्यन्दमाना व्यदृश्यत ॥६-१९-१७॥
Upon seeing the departing Kurus, the great army of the Pandavas appeared as calm and full as the flowing Ganga.
भीमसेनोऽग्रणीस्तेषां धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः। नकुलः सहदेवश्च धृष्टकेतुश्च वीर्यवान् ॥६-१९-१८॥
Bhimasena was the leader among them, along with Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata. Nakula, Sahadeva, and the valiant Dhrishtaketu were also present.
समुद्योज्य ततः पश्चाद्राजाप्यक्षौहिणीवृतः। भ्रातृभिः सह पुत्रैश्च सोऽभ्यरक्षत पृष्ठतः ॥६-१९-१९॥
After mobilizing his forces, the king, accompanied by his brothers and sons, protected the rear of the army.
चक्ररक्षौ तु भीमस्य माद्रीपुत्रौ महाद्युती। द्रौपदेयाः ससौभद्राः पृष्ठगोपास्तरस्विनः ॥६-१९-२०॥
The sons of Madri, who were the protectors of Bhima's chariot wheels, were greatly resplendent. Along with the sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu, they guarded the rear with swiftness and valor.
धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पाञ्चाल्यस्तेषां गोप्ता महारथः। सहितः पृतनाशूरै रथमुख्यैः प्रभद्रकैः ॥६-१९-२१॥
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Pāñcāla, was their protector and a great chariot-warrior, accompanied by battle heroes, chief charioteers, and the Prabhadrakas.
शिखण्डी तु ततः पश्चादर्जुनेनाभिरक्षितः। यत्तो भीष्मविनाशाय प्रययौ भरतर्षभ ॥६-१९-२२॥
Shikhandi, protected by Arjuna, then proceeded with the intention of destroying Bhishma, O best of the Bharatas.
पृष्ठगोपोऽर्जुनस्यापि युयुधानो महारथः। चक्ररक्षौ तु पाञ्चाल्यौ युधामन्यूत्तमौजसौ ॥६-१९-२३॥
Yuyudhana, a great warrior, guarded Arjuna's rear, while the sons of Panchala, Yudhamanyu and Uttamaujas, protected the wheels.
राजा तु मध्यमानीके कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः। बृहद्भिः कुञ्जरैर्मत्तैश्चलद्भिरचलैरिव ॥६-१९-२४॥
King Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, stood in the center of the army, surrounded by great and intoxicated elephants that moved like unshakable mountains.
अक्षौहिण्या च पाञ्चाल्यो यज्ञसेनो महामनाः। विराटमन्वयात्पश्चात्पाण्डवार्थे पराक्रमी ॥६-१९-२५॥
Yajnasena, the great-minded son of Drupada, along with his army, followed the valiant Virata for the sake of the Pandavas.
तेषामादित्यचन्द्राभाः कनकोत्तमभूषणाः। नानाचिह्नधरा राजन्रथेष्वासन्महाध्वजाः ॥६-१९-२६॥
Their radiance was akin to the sun and moon, adorned with the finest golden ornaments. Bearing various insignias, O king, they were seated on chariots with towering banners.
समुत्सर्प्य ततः पश्चाद्धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः। भ्रातृभिः सह पुत्रैश्च सोऽभ्यरक्षद्युधिष्ठिरम् ॥६-१९-२७॥
Then, after advancing, the great charioteer Dhṛṣṭadyumna, along with his brothers and sons, protected Yudhiṣṭhira.
त्वदीयानां परेषां च रथेषु विविधान्ध्वजान्। अभिभूयार्जुनस्यैको ध्वजस्तस्थौ महाकपिः ॥६-१९-२८॥
The great monkey emblem on Arjuna's chariot stood out, overpowering the various flags on the chariots of both your side and the enemies'.
पादातास्त्वग्रतोऽगच्छन्नसिशक्त्यृष्टिपाणयः। अनेकशतसाहस्रा भीमसेनस्य रक्षिणः ॥६-१९-२९॥
The foot soldiers marched ahead, armed with swords, spears, and javelins, numbering in their hundreds and thousands, as protectors of Bhimasena.
वारणा दशसाहस्राः प्रभिन्नकरटामुखाः। शूरा हेममयैर्जालैर्दीप्यमाना इवाचलाः ॥६-१९-३०॥
There were ten thousand elephants with broken tusks, appearing like heroes with golden nets, shining as if they were mountains.
क्षरन्त इव जीमूता मदार्द्राः पद्मगन्धिनः। राजानमन्वयुः पश्चाच्चलन्त इव पर्वताः ॥६-१९-३१॥
The clouds, wet with honey and fragrant like lotuses, seemed to pour as they followed the king, moving behind him like mountains.
भीमसेनो गदां भीमां प्रकर्षन्परिघोपमाम्। प्रचकर्ष महत्सैन्यं दुराधर्षो महामनाः ॥६-१९-३२॥
Bhimasena, with his formidable mace resembling a club, led the mighty and invincible army with great determination.
तमर्कमिव दुष्प्रेक्ष्यं तपन्तं रश्मिमालिनम्। न शेकुः सर्वतो योधाः प्रतिवीक्षितुमन्तिके ॥६-१९-३३॥
The warriors from all sides were unable to look directly at that sun-like figure, shining and adorned with rays, as it was difficult to gaze upon.
वज्रो नामैष तु व्यूहो दुर्भिदः सर्वतोमुखः। चापविद्युद्ध्वजो घोरो गुप्तो गाण्डीवधन्वना ॥६-१९-३४॥
The formation known as Vajra is formidable and all-encompassing, with a fierce lightning banner, safeguarded by the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
यं प्रतिव्यूह्य तिष्ठन्ति पाण्डवास्तव वाहिनीम्। अजेयो मानुषे लोके पाण्डवैरभिरक्षितः ॥६-१९-३५॥
The Pandavas, having arrayed themselves, stand against your army, which is unconquerable in the human world and protected by them.
सन्ध्यां तिष्ठत्सु सैन्येषु सूर्यस्योदयनं प्रति। प्रावात्सपृषतो वायुरनभ्रे स्तनयित्नुमान् ॥६-१९-३६॥
As the evening set in and the armies stood ready facing the rising sun, a wind blew, carrying drops of moisture, and thundered in the cloudless sky.
विष्वग्वाताश्च वान्त्युग्रा नीचैः शर्करकर्षिणः। रजश्चोद्धूयमानं तु तमसाच्छादयज्जगत् ॥६-१९-३७॥
Fierce winds blew in all directions, dragging pebbles and raising dust, which covered the world in darkness.
पपात महती चोल्का प्राङ्मुखी भरतर्षभ। उद्यन्तं सूर्यमाहत्य व्यशीर्यत महास्वना ॥६-१९-३८॥
A great meteor fell from the sky towards the east, O best of the Bharatas, striking the rising sun and shattering with a loud noise.
अथ सज्जीयमानेषु सैन्येषु भरतर्षभ। निष्प्रभोऽभ्युदियात्सूर्यः सघोषो भूश्चचाल ह ॥ व्यशीर्यत सनादा च तदा भरतसत्तम ॥६-१९-३९॥
Then, O best of the Bharatas, as the armies were being prepared, the sun rose dimly, and the earth trembled with a loud sound. At that time, everything scattered with noise, O best of the Bharatas.
निर्घाता बहवो राजन्दिक्षु सर्वासु चाभवन्। प्रादुरासीद्रजस्तीव्रं न प्राज्ञायत किञ्चन ॥६-१९-४०॥
O king, many thunderstorms occurred in all directions and everywhere. Intense dust appeared, and nothing was visible.
ध्वजानां धूयमानानां सहसा मातरिश्वना। किङ्किणीजालनद्धानां काञ्चनस्रग्वतां रवैः ॥६-१९-४१॥
The flags, suddenly shaken by the wind, jingled with the sounds of bells tied in a network, adorned with golden garlands.
महतां सपताकानामादित्यसमतेजसाम्। सर्वं झणझणीभूतमासीत्तालवनेष्विव ॥६-१९-४२॥
The great ones with banners, shining like the sun, created a noise that filled the air, much like the rustling in palm groves.
एवं ते पुरुषव्याघ्राः पाण्डवा युद्धनन्दिनः। व्यवस्थिताः प्रतिव्यूह्य तव पुत्रस्य वाहिनीम् ॥६-१९-४३॥
Thus, the Pandavas, who are like tigers among men and delight in battle, have strategically arrayed themselves against your son's army.
स्रंसन्त इव मज्जानो योधानां भरतर्षभ। दृष्ट्वाग्रतो भीमसेनं गदापाणिमवस्थितम् ॥६-१९-४४॥
O best of the Bharatas, upon seeing Bhimasena standing in front with his mace in hand, the warriors appeared to be sinking as if they were falling.
