06.048
Pancharatra and Core: Witnessing the extraordinary prowess of Arjuna and Bhishma, all creatures were struck with wonder on the battlefield.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
एवं व्यूढेष्वनीकेषु मामकेष्वितरेषु च। कथं प्रहरतां श्रेष्ठाः सम्प्रहारं प्रचक्रिरे ॥६-४८-१॥
In the arranged armies, both mine and others, how did the best of the fighters commence the battle?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
समं व्यूढेष्वनीकेषु संनद्धा रुचिरध्वजाः। अपारमिव संदृश्य सागरप्रतिमं बलम् ॥६-४८-२॥
The army, arrayed equally in the formations, equipped with beautiful flags, appeared boundless like an ocean.
तेषां मध्ये स्थितो राजा पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव। अब्रवीत्तावकान्सर्वान्युध्यध्वमिति दंशिताः ॥६-४८-३॥
In the midst of them stood your son, King Duryodhana, who angrily said to all your people, "Fight."
ते मनः क्रूरमास्थाय समभित्यक्तजीविताः। पाण्डवानभ्यवर्तन्त सर्व एवोच्छ्रितध्वजाः ॥६-४८-४॥
They, with a cruel resolve and having forsaken their lives, advanced towards the Pandavas, all with their flags raised high.
ततो युद्धं समभवत्तुमुलं लोमहर्षणम्। तावकानां परेषां च व्यतिषक्तरथद्विपम् ॥६-४८-५॥
Then a fierce and terrifying battle ensued, with chariots and elephants of both your side and the enemies intermingled.
मुक्तास्तु रथिभिर्बाणा रुक्मपुङ्खाः सुतेजनाः। संनिपेतुरकुण्ठाग्रा नागेषु च हयेषु च ॥६-४८-६॥
The charioteers released arrows that were golden-feathered and well-sharpened, which fell with sharp points on both the elephants and the horses.
तथा प्रवृत्ते सङ्ग्रामे धनुरुद्यम्य दंशितः। अभिपत्य महाबाहुर्भीष्मो भीमपराक्रमः ॥६-४८-७॥
As the battle began, the mighty-armed Bhishma, known for his terrible prowess, raised his bow and, with determination, attacked.
सौभद्रे भीमसेने च शैनेये च महारथे। केकये च विराटे च धृष्टद्युम्ने च पार्षते ॥६-४८-८॥
To Saubhadra, Bhīmasena, Śaineya, the great chariot-warrior, Kekaya, Virāṭa, Dhṛṣṭadyumna, and the son of Pr̥ṣata.
एतेषु नरवीरेषु चेदिमत्स्येषु चाभितः। ववर्ष शरवर्षाणि वृद्धः कुरुपितामहः ॥६-४८-९॥
The old grandsire of the Kurus showered arrows upon the heroes among the Cedis and Matsyas.
प्राकम्पत महाव्यूहस्तस्मिन्वीरसमागमे। सर्वेषामेव सैन्यानामासीद्व्यतिकरो महान् ॥६-४८-१०॥
In that heroic assembly, the great formation trembled, and there was a significant confusion among all the armies.
सादितध्वजनागाश्च हतप्रवरवाजिनः। विप्रयातरथानीकाः समपद्यन्त पाण्डवाः ॥६-४८-११॥
The Pāṇḍavas found themselves in a situation where their flags and elephants were struck down, their finest horses were killed, and their chariots and troops were scattered.
अर्जुनस्तु नरव्याघ्रो दृष्ट्वा भीष्मं महारथम्। वार्ष्णेयमब्रवीत्क्रुद्धो याहि यत्र पितामहः ॥६-४८-१२॥
Arjuna, known as the tiger among men, upon seeing the great warrior Bhishma, angrily instructed Krishna to proceed towards the grandfather.
एष भीष्मः सुसङ्क्रुद्धो वार्ष्णेय मम वाहिनीम्। नाशयिष्यति सुव्यक्तं दुर्योधनहिते रतः ॥६-४८-१३॥
Bhishma, in his great anger, is determined to destroy my forces for the sake of Duryodhana, O descendant of Vrishni.
एष द्रोणः कृपः शल्यो विकर्णश्च जनार्दन। धार्तराष्ट्राश्च सहिता दुर्योधनपुरोगमाः ॥६-४८-१४॥
Here are Droṇa, Kṛpa, Śalya, Vikarṇa, and Janārdana. The sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra are assembled together, led by Duryodhana.
पाञ्चालान्निहनिष्यन्ति रक्षिता दृढधन्वना। सोऽहं भीष्मं गमिष्यामि सैन्यहेतोर्जनार्दन ॥६-४८-१५॥
The Panchalas, protected by the strong bowman, will be destroyed. Therefore, O Janardana, I will go to Bhishma for the sake of the army.
तमब्रवीद्वासुदेवो यत्तो भव धनञ्जय। एष त्वा प्रापये वीर पितामहरथं प्रति ॥६-४८-१६॥
Vasudeva instructed Arjuna to be ready, as the hero would guide him to the chariot of Bhishma, the grandfather.
एवमुक्त्वा ततः शौरी रथं तं लोकविश्रुतम्। प्रापयामास भीष्माय रथं प्रति जनेश्वर ॥६-४८-१७॥
Having said this, Krishna then drove the famous chariot towards Bhishma, O King.
चञ्चद्बहुपताकेन बलाकावर्णवाजिना। समुच्छ्रितमहाभीमनदद्वानरकेतुना ॥ महता मेघनादेन रथेनादित्यवर्चसा ॥६-४८-१८॥
The chariot, adorned with fluttering flags and drawn by crane-colored horses, bore a monkey banner raised high, emitting a fearful sound. It moved with the great sound of clouds and shone with the splendor of the sun.
विनिघ्नन्कौरवानीकं शूरसेनांश्च पाण्डवः। आयाच्छरान्नुदञ्शीघ्रं सुहृच्छोषविनाशनः ॥६-४८-१९॥
The Pandava heroically destroyed the Kaurava army and the Shurasenas, swiftly coming forward and dispelling the arrows, acting as the savior of his distressed friends.
तमापतन्तं वेगेन प्रभिन्नमिव वारणम्। त्रासयानं रणे शूरान्पातयन्तं च सायकैः ॥६-४८-२०॥
He approached with the speed of a broken elephant, instilling fear in the warriors on the battlefield and causing them to fall with his arrows.
सैन्धवप्रमुखैर्गुप्तः प्राच्यसौवीरकेकयैः। सहसा प्रत्युदीयाय भीष्मः शान्तनवोऽर्जुनम् ॥६-४८-२१॥
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, suddenly advanced towards Arjuna, protected by the leaders of the Sindhu, and the eastern Sauvīras and Kekayas.
को हि गाण्डीवधन्वानमन्यः कुरुपितामहात्। द्रोणवैकर्तनाभ्यां वा रथः संयातुमर्हति ॥६-४८-२२॥
Who else but the wielder of the Gandiva bow can face the grandsire of the Kurus, Drona, and Karna in battle?
ततो भीष्मो महाराज कौरवाणां पितामहः। अर्जुनं सप्तसप्तत्या नाराचानां समावृणोत् ॥६-४८-२३॥
Then, O great king, Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kauravas, showered Arjuna with seventy-seven arrows.
द्रोणश्च पञ्चविंशत्या कृपः पञ्चाशता शरैः। दुर्योधनश्चतुःषष्ट्या शल्यश्च नवभिः शरैः ॥६-४८-२४॥
Drona, Kripa, Duryodhana, and Shalya attacked with their respective number of arrows: twenty-five, fifty, sixty-four, and nine.
सैन्धवो नवभिश्चापि शकुनिश्चापि पञ्चभिः। विकर्णो दशभिर्भल्लै राजन्विव्याध पाण्डवम् ॥६-४८-२५॥
Saindhava, along with nine arrows, and Shakuni with five, and Vikarna with ten arrows, attacked the Pandava, O king.
स तैर्विद्धो महेष्वासः समन्तान्निशितैः शरैः। न विव्यथे महाबाहुर्भिद्यमान इवाचलः ॥६-४८-२६॥
The mighty-armed great archer, though pierced by sharp arrows from all directions, stood unshaken like a mountain.
स भीष्मं पञ्चविंशत्या कृपं च नवभिः शरैः। द्रोणं षष्ट्या नरव्याघ्रो विकर्णं च त्रिभिः शरैः ॥६-४८-२७॥
He attacked Bhishma with twenty-five arrows, Kripa with nine, Drona with sixty, and Vikarna with three arrows.
आर्तायनिं त्रिभिर्बाणै राजानं चापि पञ्चभिः। प्रत्यविध्यदमेयात्मा किरीटी भरतर्षभ ॥६-४८-२८॥
The one with a crown, possessing an immeasurable soul, pierced Ārtāyanin with three arrows and the king with five, O bull among the Bharatas.
तं सात्यकिर्विराटश्च धृष्टद्युम्नश्च पार्षतः। द्रौपदेयाभिमन्युश्च परिवव्रुर्धनञ्जयम् ॥६-४८-२९॥
Satyaki, Virata, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, the sons of Draupadi, and Abhimanyu surrounded Arjuna (Dhananjaya).
ततो द्रोणं महेष्वासं गाङ्गेयस्य प्रिये रतम्। अभ्यवर्षत पाञ्चाल्यः संयुक्तः सह सोमकैः ॥६-४८-३०॥
Then the Pāñcāla prince, along with the Somakas, attacked Droṇa, the great archer, who was beloved by the son of Gaṅgā.
भीष्मस्तु रथिनां श्रेष्ठस्तूर्णं विव्याध पाण्डवम्। अशीत्या निशितैर्बाणैस्ततोऽक्रोशन्त तावकाः ॥६-४८-३१॥
Bhishma, the greatest among charioteers, swiftly struck the Pandava with eighty sharp arrows, causing your people to cry out in alarm.
तेषां तु निनदं श्रुत्वा प्रहृष्टानां प्रहृष्टवत्। प्रविवेश ततो मध्यं रथसिंहः प्रतापवान् ॥६-४८-३२॥
Upon hearing the sound of their delight, the glorious lion among charioteers entered the center, exuding joy like the delighted ones.
तेषां तु रथसिंहानां मध्यं प्राप्य धनञ्जयः। चिक्रीड धनुषा राजँल्लक्ष्यं कृत्वा महारथान् ॥६-४८-३३॥
Arjuna, having reached the midst of the lion-like warriors, skillfully played with his bow, making the great charioteers his target, O king.
ततो दुर्योधनो राजा भीष्ममाह जनेश्वरः। पीड्यमानं स्वकं सैन्यं दृष्ट्वा पार्थेन संयुगे ॥६-४८-३४॥
Then King Duryodhana, observing his army being overwhelmed by Arjuna in the battle, spoke to Bhishma, the lord of the people.
एष पाण्डुसुतस्तात कृष्णेन सहितो बली। यततां सर्वसैन्यानां मूलं नः परिकृन्तति ॥ त्वयि जीवति गाङ्गेये द्रोणे च रथिनां वरे ॥६-४८-३५॥
This strong son of Pandu, dear, accompanied by Krishna, is cutting off the root of all our armies' efforts. As long as you live, O son of Ganga, and Drona, the best among charioteers, our efforts are in vain.
त्वत्कृते ह्येष कर्णोऽपि न्यस्तशस्त्रो महारथः। न युध्यति रणे पार्थं हितकामः सदा मम ॥६-४८-३६॥
For your sake, this great warrior Karṇa, who has laid down his weapons, refrains from fighting Arjuna in battle, as he always desires my welfare.
स तथा कुरु गाङ्गेय यथा हन्येत फल्गुनः। एवमुक्तस्ततो राजन्पिता देवव्रतस्तव ॥ धिक्क्षत्रधर्ममित्युक्त्वा ययौ पार्थरथं प्रति ॥६-४८-३७॥
He, therefore, O son of Ganga, act in such a way that Arjuna may be slain. Thus addressed, then, O king, your father Devavrata, having exclaimed "Shame on the warrior's duty", proceeded towards Arjuna's chariot.
उभौ श्वेतहयौ राजन्संसक्तौ दृश्य पार्थिवाः। सिंहनादान्भृशं चक्रुः शङ्खशब्दांश्च भारत ॥६-४८-३८॥
O King, both the princes with white horses, engaged in making themselves visible, produced loud lion-like roars and intensely blew their conches, O Bharata.
द्रौणिर्दुर्योधनश्चैव विकर्णश्च तवात्मजः। परिवार्य रणे भीष्मं स्थिता युद्धाय मारिष ॥६-४८-३९॥
Drona's son, Duryodhana, Vikarna, and your son surrounded Bhishma on the battlefield, ready to fight, O great one.
तथैव पाण्डवाः सर्वे परिवार्य धनञ्जयम्। स्थिता युद्धाय महते ततो युद्धमवर्तत ॥६-४८-४०॥
Similarly, all the Pandavas, having surrounded Arjuna, stood ready for the great battle, and then the battle began.
गाङ्गेयस्तु रणे पार्थमानर्छन्नवभिः शरैः। तमर्जुनः प्रत्यविध्यद्दशभिर्मर्मवेधिभिः ॥६-४८-४१॥
In the battle, Bhishma, the son of Ganga, attacked Arjuna with nine arrows. In return, Arjuna struck Bhishma with ten arrows, aiming at his vital points.
ततः शरसहस्रेण सुप्रयुक्तेन पाण्डवः। अर्जुनः समरश्लाघी भीष्मस्यावारयद्दिशः ॥६-४८-४२॥
Then Arjuna, the son of Pandu, renowned for his battle prowess, skillfully blocked all directions of Bhishma with thousands of arrows.
शरजालं ततस्तत्तु शरजालेन कौरव। वारयामास पार्थस्य भीष्मः शान्तनवस्तथा ॥६-४८-४३॥
Then Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, restrained the Kaurava with a net of arrows, thus protecting Partha.
उभौ परमसंहृष्टावुभौ युद्धाभिनन्दिनौ। निर्विशेषमयुध्येतां कृतप्रतिकृतैषिणौ ॥६-४८-४४॥
Both warriors, filled with immense joy and enthusiasm for battle, engaged in combat without discrimination, each eager to counter the other's moves.
भीष्मचापविमुक्तानि शरजालानि सङ्घशः। शीर्यमाणान्यदृश्यन्त भिन्नान्यर्जुनसायकैः ॥६-४८-४५॥
The swarms of arrows released from Bhishma's bow were seen being shattered and broken by Arjuna's arrows in groups.
तथैवार्जुनमुक्तानि शरजालानि भागशः। गाङ्गेयशरनुन्नानि न्यपतन्त महीतले ॥६-४८-४६॥
The volleys of arrows released by Arjuna, in parts, were pierced by Bhishma's arrows and fell to the ground.
अर्जुनः पञ्चविंशत्या भीष्ममार्च्छच्छितैः शरैः। भीष्मोऽपि समरे पार्थं विव्याध त्रिंशता शरैः ॥६-४८-४७॥
Arjuna attacked Bhishma with twenty-five arrows, and in return, Bhishma struck Arjuna with thirty arrows during the battle.
अन्योन्यस्य हयान्विद्ध्वा ध्वजौ च सुमहाबलौ। रथेषां रथचक्रे च चिक्रीडतुररिंदमौ ॥६-४८-४८॥
The two mighty warriors, subduers of enemies, engaged in a fierce battle, skillfully maneuvering their chariots and striking at each other's horses and flags.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज भीष्मः प्रहरतां वरः। वासुदेवं त्रिभिर्बाणैराजघान स्तनान्तरे ॥६-४८-४९॥
Then, the enraged great king Bhishma, the best among warriors, struck Vasudeva in the chest with three arrows.
भीष्मचापच्युतैर्बाणैर्निर्विद्धो मधुसूदनः। विरराज रणे राजन्सपुष्प इव किंशुकः ॥६-४८-५०॥
O king, Madhusudana, pierced by the arrows released by Bhishma, shone in the battlefield like a Kimshuka tree in full bloom.
ततोऽर्जुनो भृशं क्रुद्धो निर्विद्धं प्रेक्ष्य माधवम्। गाङ्गेयसारथिं सङ्ख्ये निर्बिभेद त्रिभिः शरैः ॥६-४८-५१॥
Then Arjuna, seeing Madhava pierced and becoming intensely angry, pierced Bhishma's charioteer in the battle with three arrows.
यतमानौ तु तौ वीरावन्योन्यस्य वधं प्रति। नाशक्नुतां तदान्योन्यमभिसन्धातुमाहवे ॥६-४८-५२॥
The two heroes, though striving for each other's death, were unable to attack one another in the battle at that time.
मण्डलानि विचित्राणि गतप्रत्यागतानि च। अदर्शयेतां बहुधा सूतसामर्थ्यलाघवात् ॥६-४८-५३॥
The charioteer skillfully demonstrated various circles, showing them in many ways as they went and returned, showcasing his agility and expertise.
अन्तरं च प्रहारेषु तर्कयन्तौ महारथौ। राजन्नन्तरमार्गस्थौ स्थितावास्तां मुहुर्मुहुः ॥६-४८-५४॥
The great charioteers, repeatedly assessing the gaps in the attacks, stood firm in those gaps, O king, time and again.
उभौ सिंहरवोन्मिश्रं शङ्खशब्दं प्रचक्रतुः। तथैव चापनिर्घोषं चक्रतुस्तौ महारथौ ॥६-४८-५५॥
Both the warriors, like great charioteers, created a sound that was a mix of lion's roar and conch, and similarly, they made the sound of the bow's twang.
तयोः शङ्खप्रणादेन रथनेमिस्वनेन च। दारिता सहसा भूमिश्चकम्प च ननाद च ॥६-४८-५६॥
The earth shook and echoed with the sudden sound of their conches and chariot wheels.
न तयोरन्तरं कश्चिद्ददृशे भरतर्षभ। बलिनौ समरे शूरावन्योन्यसदृशावुभौ ॥६-४८-५७॥
O best of the Bharatas, no one could discern any difference between the two mighty heroes in battle, as they were both equally matched.
चिह्नमात्रेण भीष्मं तु प्रजज्ञुस्तत्र कौरवाः। तथा पाण्डुसुताः पार्थं चिह्नमात्रेण जज्ञिरे ॥६-४८-५८॥
The Kauravas recognized Bhishma by mere signs, and similarly, the sons of Pandu recognized Arjuna.
तयोर्नृवरयो राजन्दृश्य तादृक्पराक्रमम्। विस्मयं सर्वभूतानि जग्मुर्भारत संयुगे ॥६-४८-५९॥
O King, witnessing the extraordinary prowess of those two great warriors, all creatures were struck with wonder in the battlefield, O descendant of Bharata.
न तयोर्विवरं कश्चिद्रणे पश्यति भारत। धर्मे स्थितस्य हि यथा न कश्चिद्वृजिनं क्वचित् ॥६-४८-६०॥
O Bharata, in battle, no one perceives any weakness in them, just as no one finds any fault in a person who is steadfast in righteousness.
उभौ हि शरजालेन तावदृश्यौ बभूवतुः। प्रकाशौ च पुनस्तूर्णं बभूवतुरुभौ रणे ॥६-४८-६१॥
Both warriors were momentarily hidden by the shower of arrows, but soon they reappeared clearly on the battlefield.
तत्र देवाः सगन्धर्वाश्चारणाश्च सहर्षिभिः। अन्योन्यं प्रत्यभाषन्त तयोर्दृष्ट्वा पराक्रमम् ॥६-४८-६२॥
There, the gods, Gandharvas, Charanas, and sages spoke among themselves, witnessing the valor of the two.
न शक्यौ युधि संरब्धौ जेतुमेतौ महारथौ। सदेवासुरगन्धर्वैर्लोकैरपि कथञ्चन ॥६-४८-६३॥
In battle, these two great warriors, who are excited, cannot be conquered by anyone, not even by gods, demons, Gandharvas, or any beings in the worlds.
आश्चर्यभूतं लोकेषु युद्धमेतन्महाद्भुतम्। नैतादृशानि युद्धानि भविष्यन्ति कथञ्चन ॥६-४८-६४॥
This battle is a marvel in the worlds, and such a battle will never happen again.
नापि शक्यो रणे जेतुं भीष्मः पार्थेन धीमता। सधनुश्च रथस्थश्च प्रवपन्सायकान्रणे ॥६-४८-६५॥
Even the wise Partha cannot conquer Bhishma in battle, as he stands on his chariot with his bow, showering arrows.
तथैव पाण्डवं युद्धे देवैरपि दुरासदम्। न विजेतुं रणे भीष्म उत्सहेत धनुर्धरम् ॥६-४८-६६॥
Similarly, even the gods find it hard to defeat Pāṇḍava in battle. Bhīṣma, the great archer, would not be able to overcome him in combat.
इति स्म वाचः श्रूयन्ते प्रोच्चरन्त्यस्ततस्ततः। गाङ्गेयार्जुनयोः सङ्ख्ये स्तवयुक्ता विशां पते ॥६-४८-६७॥
Thus, indeed, words filled with praise for Ganga's son and Arjuna are heard loudly from all directions in the battlefield, O lord of men.
त्वदीयास्तु ततो योधाः पाण्डवेयाश्च भारत। अन्योन्यं समरे जघ्नुस्तयोस्तत्र पराक्रमे ॥६-४८-६८॥
In the battle, your warriors and the Pandavas fought valiantly against each other, O Bharata.
शितधारैस्तथा खड्गैर्विमलैश्च परश्वधैः। शरैरन्यैश्च बहुभिः शस्त्रैर्नानाविधैर्युधि ॥ उभयोः सेनयोर्वीरा न्यकृन्तन्त परस्परम् ॥६-४८-६९॥
The warriors from both sides, armed with sharp-edged swords, pure axes, arrows, and various other weapons, engaged in battle, cutting each other down.
वर्तमाने तथा घोरे तस्मिन्युद्धे सुदारुणे। द्रोणपाञ्चाल्ययो राजन्महानासीत्समागमः ॥६-४८-७०॥
In the ongoing fierce and terrible battle, O king, there was a significant encounter between Drona and the Panchala.
