06.041
Core and Pancharatra: Yudhisthira pays respect to the elders standing with the Kauravas and says he seeks an alliance with whomever wants to join the Pandavas. Yuyutsu leaves the Kauravas and joins the Pandava army.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो धनञ्जयं दृष्ट्वा बाणगाण्डीवधारिणम्। पुनरेव महानादं व्यसृजन्त महारथाः ॥६-४१-१॥
Upon seeing Arjuna, who was equipped with his bow and arrows, the great warriors once more let out a mighty roar.
पाण्डवाः सोमकाश्चैव ये चैषामनुयायिनः। दध्मुश्च मुदिताः शङ्खान्वीराः सागरसम्भवान् ॥६-४१-२॥
The Pandavas, along with the Somakas and their followers, joyfully blew their conches, which were as mighty as the ocean.
ततो भेर्यश्च पेश्यश्च क्रकचा गोविषाणिकाः। सहसैवाभ्यहन्यन्त ततः शब्दो महानभूत् ॥६-४१-३॥
Then, suddenly, drums, trumpets, saws, and cow horns were sounded, creating a great noise.
अथ देवाः सगन्धर्वाः पितरश्च जनेश्वर। सिद्धचारणसङ्घाश्च समीयुस्ते दिदृक्षया ॥६-४१-४॥
Then, O lord of people, the gods, Gandharvas, ancestors, and groups of Siddhas and Charanas gathered with the desire to witness the event.
ऋषयश्च महाभागाः पुरस्कृत्य शतक्रतुम्। समीयुस्तत्र सहिता द्रष्टुं तद्वैशसं महत् ॥६-४१-५॥
The greatly fortunate sages, led by Indra, gathered there to witness the great calamity.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो दृष्ट्वा युद्धाय सुसमुद्यते। ते सेने सागरप्रख्ये मुहुः प्रचलिते नृप ॥६-४१-६॥
Then, O king, Yudhishthira saw the armies, vast as the ocean, constantly in motion, well-prepared for battle.
विमुच्य कवचं वीरो निक्षिप्य च वरायुधम्। अवरुह्य रथात्तूर्णं पद्भ्यामेव कृताञ्जलिः ॥६-४१-७॥
The hero, having taken off his armor and set aside his fine weapon, quickly descended from the chariot and stood with folded hands.
पितामहमभिप्रेक्ष्य धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। वाग्यतः प्रययौ येन प्राङ्मुखो रिपुवाहिनीम् ॥६-४१-८॥
Yudhishthira, the righteous king, silently moved towards the enemy forces, facing east, after beholding the grandsire.
तं प्रयान्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य कुन्तीपुत्रो धनञ्जयः। अवतीर्य रथात्तूर्णं भ्रातृभिः सहितोऽन्वयात् ॥६-४१-९॥
Seeing him depart, Kunti's son Arjuna quickly got down from the chariot and followed along with his brothers.
वासुदेवश्च भगवान्पृष्ठतोऽनुजगाम ह। यथामुख्याश्च राजानस्तमन्वाजग्मुरुत्सुकाः ॥६-४१-१०॥
Vasudeva, the Lord, followed behind, and the chief kings eagerly followed him.
अर्जुन उवाच॥
Arjuna said:
किं ते व्यवसितं राजन्यदस्मानपहाय वै। पद्भ्यामेव प्रयातोऽसि प्राङ्मुखो रिपुवाहिनीम् ॥६-४१-११॥
O king, what decision have you made to leave us and proceed on foot towards the enemy army, facing east?
भीमसेन उवाच॥
Bhimasena said:
क्व गमिष्यसि राजेन्द्र निक्षिप्तकवचायुधः। दंशितेष्वरिसैन्येषु भ्रातॄनुत्सृज्य पार्थिव ॥६-४१-१२॥
O King, where do you intend to go after laying down your armor and weapons, leaving your brothers amidst the enemy forces, O prince?
नकुल उवाच॥
Nakul said:
एवङ्गते त्वयि ज्येष्ठे मम भ्रातरि भारत। भीर्मे दुनोति हृदयं ब्रूहि गन्ता भवान्क्व नु ॥६-४१-१३॥
O Bhārata, with you, my eldest brother, gone, I am filled with fear. Please tell me, where will you go?
सहदेव उवाच॥
Sahadeva spoke:
अस्मिन्रणसमूहे वै वर्तमाने महाभये। योद्धव्ये क्व नु गन्तासि शत्रूनभिमुखो नृप ॥६-४१-१४॥
O king, in this assembly of battle, where great danger is present and a fight is to be fought, where indeed will you go facing the enemies?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एवमाभाष्यमाणोऽपि भ्रातृभिः कुरुनन्दन। नोवाच वाग्यतः किञ्चिद्गच्छत्येव युधिष्ठिरः ॥६-४१-१५॥
Despite being addressed by his brothers, Yudhishthira, the joy of the Kurus, remained silent and did not say anything, continuing on his way.
तानुवाच महाप्राज्ञो वासुदेवो महामनाः। अभिप्रायोऽस्य विज्ञातो मयेति प्रहसन्निव ॥६-४१-१६॥
The wise and great-minded Vasudeva addressed them, saying with a smile, "I have understood his intention."
एष भीष्मं तथा द्रोणं गौतमं शल्यमेव च। अनुमान्य गुरून्सर्वान्योत्स्यते पार्थिवोऽरिभिः ॥६-४१-१७॥
The prince, after paying respects to all his teachers, will engage in battle against his enemies, including Bhishma, Drona, Gautama, and Shalya.
श्रूयते हि पुराकल्पे गुरूनननुमान्य यः। युध्यते स भवेद्व्यक्तमपध्यातो महत्तरैः ॥६-४१-१८॥
It is said that in ancient times, those who fought without showing respect to their teachers were evidently looked down upon by the elders.
अनुमान्य यथाशास्त्रं यस्तु युध्येन्महत्तरैः। ध्रुवस्तस्य जयो युद्धे भवेदिति मतिर्मम ॥६-४१-१९॥
"My opinion is that if one fights according to the scriptures and with great warriors, victory in battle is assured."
एवं ब्रुवति कृष्णे तु धार्तराष्ट्रचमूं प्रति। हाहाकारो महानासीन्निःशब्दास्त्वपरेऽभवन् ॥६-४१-२०॥
As Krishna spoke to the army of Dhritarashtra, a great uproar ensued, while others fell silent.
दृष्ट्वा युधिष्ठिरं दूराद्धार्तराष्ट्रस्य सैनिकाः। मिथः सङ्कथयां चक्रुर्नेशोऽस्ति कुलपांसनः ॥६-४१-२१॥
Upon seeing Yudhishthira from a distance, the soldiers of Dhritarashtra began to talk among themselves, expressing that there is no one as disgraceful to the family as he is.
व्यक्तं भीत इवाभ्येति राजासौ भीष्ममन्तिकात्। युधिष्ठिरः ससोदर्यः शरणार्थं प्रयाचकः ॥६-४१-२२॥
The king, appearing clearly fearful, approaches Bhishma. Yudhishthira, along with his brothers, seeks refuge.
धनञ्जये कथं नाथे पाण्डवे च वृकोदरे। नकुले सहदेवे च भीतोऽभ्येति च पाण्डवः ॥६-४१-२३॥
How does the Pandava, with Dhananjaya as their leader, approach fearfully when they have the support of Pandava, Vrikodara, Nakula, and Sahadeva?
न नूनं क्षत्रियकुले जातः सम्प्रथिते भुवि। यथास्य हृदयं भीतमल्पसत्त्वस्य संयुगे ॥६-४१-२४॥
Certainly, he who is not born in a renowned Kshatriya family on earth has a fearful heart in battle and is of little courage.
ततस्ते क्षत्रियाः सर्वे प्रशंसन्ति स्म कौरवान्। हृष्टाः सुमनसो भूत्वा चैलानि दुधुवुः पृथक् ॥६-४१-२५॥
Then all the warriors praised the Kauravas. Being joyful and cheerful, they shook their garments separately.
व्यनिन्दन्त ततः सर्वे योधास्तत्र विशां पते। युधिष्ठिरं ससोदर्यं सहितं केशवेन ह ॥६-४१-२६॥
Then, O lord of men, all the warriors there criticized Yudhishthira, who was accompanied by his brothers and Keshava.
ततस्तत्कौरवं सैन्यं धिक्कृत्वा तु युधिष्ठिरम्। निःशब्दमभवत्तूर्णं पुनरेव विशां पते ॥६-४१-२७॥
Then, Yudhishthira, having rebuked the Kaurava army, fell silent once more, O lord of the people.
किं नु वक्ष्यति राजासौ किं भीष्मः प्रतिवक्ष्यति। किं भीमः समरश्लाघी किं नु कृष्णार्जुनाविति ॥६-४१-२८॥
What will the king say? How will Bhishma respond? What will Bhima, known for his battle prowess, and what will Krishna and Arjuna say?
विवक्षितं किमस्येति संशयः सुमहानभूत्। उभयोः सेनयो राजन्युधिष्ठिरकृते तदा ॥६-४१-२९॥
A great doubt arose in both armies, O king, regarding what was intended by Yudhishthira at that time.
स विगाह्य चमूं शत्रोः शरशक्तिसमाकुलाम्। भीष्ममेवाभ्ययात्तूर्णं भ्रातृभिः परिवारितः ॥६-४१-३०॥
He bravely entered the enemy's army, which was filled with arrows and spears, and swiftly went towards Bhishma, accompanied by his brothers.
तमुवाच ततः पादौ कराभ्यां पीड्य पाण्डवः। भीष्मं शान्तनवं राजा युद्धाय समुपस्थितम् ॥६-४१-३१॥
Then, the Pāṇḍava, with reverence, pressed the feet of Bhīṣma, the son of Śāṃtanu, and addressed the king who was ready for battle.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
आमन्त्रये त्वां दुर्धर्ष योत्स्ये तात त्वया सह। अनुजानीहि मां तात आशिषश्च प्रयोजय ॥६-४१-३२॥
I call upon you, O invincible one, to fight alongside me, father. Grant me permission and bestow your blessings, father.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma spoke:
यद्येवं नाभिगच्छेथा युधि मां पृथिवीपते। शपेयं त्वां महाराज पराभावाय भारत ॥६-४१-३३॥
If you do not approach me in battle, O king, I swear to bring about your defeat, O descendant of Bharata.
प्रीतोऽस्मि पुत्र युध्यस्व जयमाप्नुहि पाण्डव। यत्तेऽभिलषितं चान्यत्तदवाप्नुहि संयुगे ॥६-४१-३४॥
I am pleased with you, my son. Fight and achieve victory, O Pāṇḍava. May you attain whatever you desire and more in the battle.
व्रियतां च वरः पार्थ किमस्मत्तोऽभिकाङ्क्षसि। एवं गते महाराज न तवास्ति पराजयः ॥६-४१-३५॥
"Choose a boon, O Arjuna, what do you wish from us? In this situation, O great king, you shall not face defeat."
अर्थस्य पुरुषो दासो दासस्त्वर्थो न कस्यचित्। इति सत्यं महाराज बद्धोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरवैः ॥६-४१-३६॥
A man serves wealth, but wealth serves no one. Thus, O great king, I am bound by the wealth of the Kauravas.
अतस्त्वां क्लीबवद्वाक्यं ब्रवीमि कुरुनन्दन। हृतोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरव्य युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि ॥६-४१-३७॥
Therefore, I speak to you like a eunuch, O descendant of Kuru. I am deprived of wealth, O Kauravya, what else do you seek from this battle?
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
मन्त्रयस्व महाप्राज्ञ हितैषी मम नित्यशः। युध्यस्व कौरवस्यार्थे ममैष सततं वरः ॥६-४१-३८॥
"O wise one, always consult as my well-wisher. Fight for the cause of the Kauravas, as this is my constant boon."
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma spoke:
राजन्किमत्र साह्यं ते करोमि कुरुनन्दन। कामं योत्स्ये परस्यार्थे ब्रूहि यत्ते विवक्षितम् ॥६-४१-३९॥
O king, what assistance can I offer you here, descendant of Kuru? I am willing to fight for another's cause. Please tell me what you intend.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
कथं जयेयं सङ्ग्रामे भवन्तमपराजितम्। एतन्मे मन्त्रय हितं यदि श्रेयः प्रपश्यसि ॥६-४१-४०॥
How can I defeat you in battle, O unconquered one? Please advise me on this matter if you see it as beneficial.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma spoke:
न तं पश्यामि कौन्तेय यो मां युध्यन्तमाहवे। विजयेत पुमान्कश्चिदपि साक्षाच्छतक्रतुः ॥६-४१-४१॥
O son of Kunti, I do not see anyone who can defeat me in battle, not even Indra himself.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
हन्त पृच्छामि तस्मात्त्वां पितामह नमोऽस्तु ते। जयोपायं ब्रवीहि त्वमात्मनः समरे परैः ॥६-४१-४२॥
"Alas, I ask you therefore, grandfather, salutations to you. Please tell me the means of achieving victory over the enemies in battle."
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
न शत्रुं तात पश्यामि समरे यो जयेत माम्। न तावन्मृत्युकालो मे पुनरागमनं कुरु ॥६-४१-४३॥
O father, I see no enemy in battle who can defeat me. It is not yet my time to die; allow me to return.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो युधिष्ठिरो वाक्यं भीष्मस्य कुरुनन्दन। शिरसा प्रतिजग्राह भूयस्तमभिवाद्य च ॥६-४१-४४॥
Then Yudhishthira, the noble descendant of the Kuru dynasty, respectfully accepted Bhishma's words, bowing his head in reverence after saluting him once more.
प्रायात्पुनर्महाबाहुराचार्यस्य रथं प्रति। पश्यतां सर्वसैन्यानां मध्येन भ्रातृभिः सह ॥६-४१-४५॥
The mighty-armed warrior returned to the teacher's chariot, moving through the center of the armies with his brothers, as everyone watched.
स द्रोणमभिवाद्याथ कृत्वा चैव प्रदक्षिणम्। उवाच वाचा दुर्धर्षमात्मनिःश्रेयसं वचः ॥६-४१-४६॥
He respectfully saluted Droṇa, performed circumambulation, and spoke words that were unassailable, aiming for his own welfare.
आमन्त्रये त्वां भगवन्योत्स्ये विगतकल्मषः। जयेयं च रिपून्सर्वाननुज्ञातस्त्वया द्विज ॥६-४१-४७॥
I seek your permission, O Lord, to fight without sin. With your blessing, O Brahmin, I shall conquer all my enemies.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
यदि मां नाभिगच्छेथा युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः। शपेयं त्वां महाराज पराभावाय सर्वशः ॥६-४१-४८॥
If you, O great king, are not determined to approach me for battle, I swear you will face complete defeat.
तद्युधिष्ठिर तुष्टोऽस्मि पूजितश्च त्वयानघ। अनुजानामि युध्यस्व विजयं समवाप्नुहि ॥६-४१-४९॥
O Yudhishthira, I am pleased and honored by you, O sinless one. Go forth and fight; may you attain victory.
करवाणि च ते कामं ब्रूहि यत्तेऽभिकाङ्क्षितम्। एवं गते महाराज युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि ॥६-४१-५०॥
I am ready to fulfill your wish, tell me what you desire. O great king, now that things have come to this, what do you want other than war?
अर्थस्य पुरुषो दासो दासस्त्वर्थो न कस्यचित्। इति सत्यं महाराज बद्धोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरवैः ॥६-४१-५१॥
A man serves wealth, but wealth serves no one. Thus, O great king, I am bound by wealth to the Kauravas.
अतस्त्वां क्लीबवद्ब्रूमो युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि। योत्स्यामि कौरवस्यार्थे तवाशास्यो जयो मया ॥६-४१-५२॥
Therefore, we address you as if you are acting like a coward: What else do you wish for apart from battle? I shall fight for the cause of the Kauravas, and it is hoped that victory will be yours through my efforts.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
जयमाशास्स्व मे ब्रह्मन्मन्त्रयस्व च मद्धितम्। युध्यस्व कौरवस्यार्थे वर एष वृतो मया ॥६-४१-५३॥
O Brahman, wish for my victory, counsel for my benefit, and fight for the sake of Kaurava; this is the boon I have chosen.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona spoke:
ध्रुवस्ते विजयो राजन्यस्य मन्त्री हरिस्तव। अहं च त्वाभिजानामि रणे शत्रून्विजेष्यसि ॥६-४१-५४॥
Your victory is assured, O prince, as your minister is Hari (Vishnu). I am also aware that you will defeat your enemies in battle.
यतो धर्मस्ततः कृष्णो यतः कृष्णस्ततो जयः। युध्यस्व गच्छ कौन्तेय पृच्छ मां किं ब्रवीमि ते ॥६-४१-५५॥
Where there is righteousness, Krishna is present; where Krishna is present, victory follows. Therefore, fight, proceed, O son of Kunti, and ask me what I have to say to you.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
पृच्छामि त्वां द्विजश्रेष्ठ शृणु मे यद्विवक्षितम्। कथं जयेयं सङ्ग्रामे भवन्तमपराजितम् ॥६-४१-५६॥
I ask you, O revered sage, to listen to my intention. How can I defeat you, who are invincible, in battle?
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona spoke:
न तेऽस्ति विजयस्तावद्यावद्युध्याम्यहं रणे। ममाशु निधने राजन्यतस्व सह सोदरैः ॥६-४१-५७॥
You will not achieve victory as long as I am fighting in the battle. O king, make haste to bring about my end along with your brothers.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
हन्त तस्मान्महाबाहो वधोपायं वदात्मनः। आचार्य प्रणिपत्यैष पृच्छामि त्वां नमोऽस्तु ते ॥६-४१-५८॥
Alas, therefore, O mighty-armed one, please tell me the means of destruction yourself. I bow down to the teacher and ask you, may I offer my obeisance to you.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
न शत्रुं तात पश्यामि यो मां हन्याद्रणे स्थितम्। युध्यमानं सुसंरब्धं शरवर्षौघवर्षिणम् ॥६-४१-५९॥
I do not see any enemy, father, who can kill me while I stand in battle, fighting fiercely and showering torrents of arrows.
ऋते प्रायगतं राजन्न्यस्तशस्त्रमचेतनम्। हन्यान्मां युधि योधानां सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥६-४१-६०॥
O king, if I were to be killed in battle without my weapons, unconscious and nearing death, it would be a truth among warriors. I tell you this truthfully.
शस्त्रं चाहं रणे जह्यां श्रुत्वा सुमहदप्रियम्। श्रद्धेयवाक्यात्पुरुषादेतत्सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते ॥६-४१-६१॥
I declare to you that I might abandon my weapon in battle upon hearing very unpleasant words from a trustworthy person; this is the truth I speak to you.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एतच्छ्रुत्वा महाराज भारद्वाजस्य धीमतः। अनुमान्य तमाचार्यं प्रायाच्छारद्वतं प्रति ॥६-४१-६२॥
Upon hearing this, the wise Bharadvaja, after taking leave of the teacher, proceeded towards Sharadvata, O great king.
सोऽभिवाद्य कृपं राजा कृत्वा चापि प्रदक्षिणम्। उवाच दुर्धर्षतमं वाक्यं वाक्यविशारदः ॥६-४१-६३॥
The king, after saluting Kṛpa and performing a circumambulation, spoke eloquently the most formidable words.
अनुमानये त्वां योत्स्यामि गुरो विगतकल्मषः। जयेयं च रिपून्सर्वाननुज्ञातस्त्वयानघ ॥६-४१-६४॥
I believe, O teacher, that I will fight without sin and conquer all enemies, with your permission, O sinless one.
कृप उवाच॥
Kṛpa said:
यदि मां नाभिगच्छेथा युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः। शपेयं त्वां महाराज पराभावाय सर्वशः ॥६-४१-६५॥
If you do not come to me with a firm resolve to fight, I swear, O great king, you will face complete defeat.
अर्थस्य पुरुषो दासो दासस्त्वर्थो न कस्यचित्। इति सत्यं महाराज बद्धोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरवैः ॥६-४१-६६॥
It is true, O great king, that a man becomes a servant to wealth, but wealth serves no one. Therefore, I am bound by wealth to the Kauravas.
तेषामर्थे महाराज योद्धव्यमिति मे मतिः। अतस्त्वां क्लीबवद्ब्रूमि युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि ॥६-४१-६७॥
For the sake of those people, O great king, I believe you must fight. Therefore, I address you as if you were a coward: What else do you wish for besides battle?
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
हन्त पृच्छामि ते तस्मादाचार्य शृणु मे वचः ॥६-४१-६८॥
Alas, therefore, O teacher, listen to my words that I ask of you.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इत्युक्त्वा व्यथितो राजा नोवाच गतचेतनः। तं गौतमः प्रत्युवाच विज्ञायास्य विवक्षितम् ॥ अवध्योऽहं महीपाल युध्यस्व जयमाप्नुहि ॥६-४१-६९॥
After speaking thus, the distressed king fell silent, losing consciousness. Understanding his intention, Gautama replied: "I am invincible, O king. Engage in battle and secure victory."
प्रीतस्त्वभिगमेनाहं जयं तव नराधिप। आशासिष्ये सदोत्थाय सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥६-४१-७०॥
I am pleased with your approach, O king, and I hope for your victory. I always rise and speak this truth to you.
एतच्छ्रुत्वा महाराज गौतमस्य वचस्तदा। अनुमान्य कृपं राजा प्रययौ येन मद्रराट् ॥६-४१-७१॥
Upon hearing these words of Gautama, the great king, after paying respects to Kṛpa, departed towards the king of Madra.
स शल्यमभिवाद्याथ कृत्वा चाभिप्रदक्षिणम्। उवाच राजा दुर्धर्षमात्मनिःश्रेयसं वचः ॥६-४१-७२॥
After saluting Śalya and performing a circumambulation, the king spoke words of invincibility for his own welfare.
अनुमानये त्वां योत्स्यामि गुरो विगतकल्मषः। जयेयं च महाराज अनुज्ञातस्त्वया रिपून् ॥६-४१-७३॥
I understand, O teacher, that I will fight without any sin. O great king, with your permission, I shall conquer the enemies.
शल्य उवाच॥
Śalya spoke:
यदि मां नाभिगच्छेथा युद्धाय कृतनिश्चयः। शपेयं त्वां महाराज पराभावाय वै रणे ॥६-४१-७४॥
If you, O great king, are not determined to approach me for battle, I swear I will indeed defeat you in the battle.
तुष्टोऽस्मि पूजितश्चास्मि यत्काङ्क्षसि तदस्तु ते। अनुजानामि चैव त्वां युध्यस्व जयमाप्नुहि ॥६-४१-७५॥
I am pleased and honored. Whatever you wish for, let it be granted to you. I give you my permission; go forth and fight, and may you achieve victory.
ब्रूहि चैव परं वीर केनार्थः किं ददामि ते। एवं गते महाराज युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि ॥६-४१-७६॥
O great hero, tell me what purpose I should fulfill for you. In this situation, O great king, what else do you wish for besides battle?
अर्थस्य पुरुषो दासो दासस्त्वर्थो न कस्यचित्। इति सत्यं महाराज बद्धोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरवैः ॥६-४१-७७॥
A man serves wealth, but wealth serves no one. Thus, O great king, I am bound by wealth to the Kauravas.
करिष्यामि हि ते कामं भागिनेय यथेप्सितम्। ब्रवीम्यतः क्लीबवत्त्वां युद्धादन्यत्किमिच्छसि ॥६-४१-७८॥
I will fulfill your wish, O nephew, as you desire. Therefore, I ask, what else do you want apart from battle, acting like a eunuch?
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
मन्त्रयस्व महाराज नित्यं मद्धितमुत्तमम्। कामं युध्य परस्यार्थे वरमेतद्वृणोम्यहम् ॥६-४१-७९॥
"O great king, always consult for my utmost benefit. I willingly choose to fight for another's cause; this is the boon I select."
शल्य उवाच॥
Śalya spoke:
ब्रूहि किमत्र साह्यं ते करोमि नृपसत्तम। कामं योत्स्ये परस्यार्थे वृतोऽस्म्यर्थेन कौरवैः ॥६-४१-८०॥
"O best of kings, tell me what assistance I should provide here. I am willingly committed to fight for the sake of others, having been engaged by the Kauravas through wealth."
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
स एव मे वरः सत्य उद्योगे यस्त्वया कृतः। सूतपुत्रस्य सङ्ग्रामे कार्यस्तेजोवधस्त्वया ॥६-४१-८१॥
"He alone is my true boon in the effort you have undertaken. In the battle against the charioteer's son, it is your duty to vanquish his valor."
शल्य उवाच॥
Shalya spoke:
सम्पत्स्यत्येष ते कामः कुन्तीपुत्र यथेप्सितः। गच्छ युध्यस्व विस्रब्धं प्रतिजाने जयं तव ॥६-४१-८२॥
Your wish, O son of Kunti, will come true as you desired. Go and fight with confidence; I assure you of your victory.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
अनुमान्याथ कौन्तेयो मातुलं मद्रकेश्वरम्। निर्जगाम महासैन्याद्भ्रातृभिः परिवारितः ॥६-४१-८३॥
After paying respects to his uncle, the king of Madra, the son of Kunti left the great army, accompanied by his brothers.
वासुदेवस्तु राधेयमाहवेऽभिजगाम वै। तत एनमुवाचेदं पाण्डवार्थे गदाग्रजः ॥६-४१-८४॥
Vasudeva approached Radheya in the battle and spoke to him for the sake of the Pandavas, as the elder brother of Gada.
श्रुतं मे कर्ण भीष्मस्य द्वेषात्किल न योत्स्यसि। अस्मान्वरय राधेय यावद्भीष्मो न हन्यते ॥६-४१-८५॥
Karna, I have heard that due to your enmity with Bhishma, you will not fight. Choose our side, Radheya, until Bhishma is slain.
हते तु भीष्मे राधेय पुनरेष्यसि संयुगे। धार्तराष्ट्रस्य साहाय्यं यदि पश्यसि चेत्समम् ॥६-४१-८६॥
O son of Radha, when Bhishma is slain, you will return to the battlefield to assist Dhritarashtra's son, if you perceive it as fair.
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna spoke:
न विप्रियं करिष्यामि धार्तराष्ट्रस्य केशव। त्यक्तप्राणं हि मां विद्धि दुर्योधनहितैषिणम् ॥६-४१-८७॥
O Keshava, I will not do anything that displeases Dhritarashtra's son. Know that I am one who has given up life, truly a well-wisher of Duryodhana.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
तच्छ्रुत्वा वचनं कृष्णः संन्यवर्तत भारत। युधिष्ठिरपुरोगैश्च पाण्डवैः सह सङ्गतः ॥६-४१-८८॥
Upon hearing those words, Krishna turned back and joined Yudhishthira and the Pandavas, O Bharata.
अथ सैन्यस्य मध्ये तु प्राक्रोशत्पाण्डवाग्रजः। योऽस्मान्वृणोति तदहं वरये साह्यकारणात् ॥६-४१-८९॥
Then, amidst the army, the elder Pandava shouted, 'I choose the one who chooses us for the sake of alliance.'
अथ तान्समभिप्रेक्ष्य युयुत्सुरिदमब्रवीत्। प्रीतात्मा धर्मराजानं कुन्तीपुत्रं युधिष्ठिरम् ॥६-४१-९०॥
Then, Yuyutsu, desiring to fight, looked over them and said to Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti and Dharmaraja, who was pleased in mind.
अहं योत्स्यामि मिषतः संयुगे धार्तराष्ट्रजान्। युष्मदर्थे महाराज यदि मां वृणुषेऽनघ ॥६-४१-९१॥
I am ready to fight the sons of Dhritarashtra in battle for your sake, O great king, if you choose me, O sinless one.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
एह्येहि सर्वे योत्स्यामस्तव भ्रातॄनपण्डितान्। युयुत्सो वासुदेवश्च वयं च ब्रूम सर्वशः ॥६-४१-९२॥
"Come, come, let us all engage in battle with your foolish brothers. Vasudeva and we are ready to fight and declare this completely."
वृणोमि त्वां महाबाहो युध्यस्व मम कारणात्। त्वयि पिण्डश्च तन्तुश्च धृतराष्ट्रस्य दृश्यते ॥६-४१-९३॥
I choose you, O mighty-armed one, to fight for my cause. In you, both the body and the thread of Dhritarashtra are perceived.
भजस्वास्मान्राजपुत्र भजमानान्महाद्युते। न भविष्यति दुर्बुद्धिर्धार्तराष्ट्रोऽत्यमर्षणः ॥६-४१-९४॥
O prince, worship us who are worshipping you, O great effulgence. Dhritarashtra's son, who is evil-minded, will not be very intolerant.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो युयुत्सुः कौरव्यः परित्यज्य सुतांस्तव। जगाम पाण्डुपुत्राणां सेनां विश्राव्य दुन्दुभिम् ॥६-४१-९५॥
Then Yuyutsu, a Kaurava, left your sons and joined the Pandavas' army, announcing his arrival by sounding the drum.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा सम्प्रहृष्टः सहानुजैः। जग्राह कवचं भूयो दीप्तिमत्कनकोज्ज्वलम् ॥६-४१-९६॥
Then King Yudhishthira, filled with joy, along with his brothers, took up the radiant, golden armor once more.
प्रत्यपद्यन्त ते सर्वे रथान्स्वान्पुरुषर्षभाः। ततो व्यूहं यथापूर्वं प्रत्यव्यूहन्त ते पुनः ॥६-४१-९७॥
The warriors, known as the bulls among men, reclaimed their chariots and reformed their battle formation as it was earlier.
अवादयन्दुन्दुभींश्च शतशश्चैव पुष्करान्। सिंहनादांश्च विविधान्विनेदुः पुरुषर्षभाः ॥६-४१-९८॥
The warriors, like mighty bulls, sounded drums and hundreds of kettledrums, and also roared like lions in various ways.
रथस्थान्पुरुषव्याघ्रान्पाण्डवान्प्रेक्ष्य पार्थिवाः। धृष्टद्युम्नादयः सर्वे पुनर्जहृषिरे मुदा ॥६-४१-९९॥
Upon seeing the Pāṇḍavas, who were like tigers among men, standing on their chariots, the kings, including Dhṛṣṭadyumna and others, all felt a renewed sense of joy.
गौरवं पाण्डुपुत्राणां मान्यान्मानयतां च तान्। दृष्ट्वा महीक्षितस्तत्र पूजयां चक्रिरे भृशम् ॥६-४१-१००॥
The kings present there, upon seeing the respect given to the honorable sons of Pandu, offered them great worship.
सौहृदं च कृपां चैव प्राप्तकालं महात्मनाम्। दयां च ज्ञातिषु परां कथयां चक्रिरे नृपाः ॥६-४१-१०१॥
The kings made a timely narration of supreme friendship, compassion, and mercy among the great souls and their relatives.
साधु साध्विति सर्वत्र निश्चेरुः स्तुतिसंहिताः। वाचः पुण्याः कीर्तिमतां मनोहृदयहर्षिणीः ॥६-४१-१०२॥
The words "Well done, well done" echoed everywhere, filled with praise and auspiciousness, bringing joy to the hearts and minds of the renowned.
म्लेच्छाश्चार्याश्च ये तत्र ददृशुः शुश्रुवुस्तदा। वृत्तं तत्पाण्डुपुत्राणां रुरुदुस्ते सगद्गदाः ॥६-४१-१०३॥
The foreigners and noble ones present there saw and heard what happened to the sons of Pandu, and they cried with choked voices.
ततो जघ्नुर्महाभेरीः शतशश्चैव पुष्करान्। शङ्खांश्च गोक्षीरनिभान्दध्मुर्हृष्टा मनस्विनः ॥६-४१-१०४॥
Then, the spirited ones joyfully struck the great drums by the hundreds and blew conches that resembled milk.
