06.055
Pancharatra and Core: In the afternoon, under the leadership of Bhishma, the Kaurava army rallies back, and the Pandava army is in disarray. Seeing Arjuna fighting mildly, Krishna picks up a discus. Later, Arjuna fights valiantly, and the Pandavas gain the upper hand. Third day comes to an end.
dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
pratijñāte tu bhīṣmeṇa tasminyuddhe sudāruṇe। krodhito mama putreṇa duḥkhitena viśeṣataḥ ॥6-55-1॥
In the very terrible battle that was promised by Bhishma, my son, who was particularly distressed, became very angry.
bhīṣmaḥ kim akarot tatra pāṇḍaveyeṣu sañjaya। pitāmahe vā pāñcālāḥ tan mamācakṣva sañjaya ॥6-55-2॥
Sanjaya, tell me what Bhishma did there among the Pandavas, or what the Panchalas did to the grandsire.
sañjaya uvāca॥
Sanjaya said:
gatapūrvāhṇabhūyiṣṭhe tasminnahani bhārata। jayaṃ prāpteṣu hṛṣṭeṣu pāṇḍaveṣu mahātmasu ॥6-55-3॥
On that day, as the morning passed, the Pandavas, the great souls, rejoiced in their victory, O Bharata.
sarvadharmaviśeṣajñaḥ pitā devavratas tava। abhyayāj javanair aśvaiḥ pāṇḍavānām anīkinīm ॥ mahatyā senayā guptas tava putraiś ca sarvaśaḥ ॥6-55-4॥
Your father, Devavrata, who knows all dharmas, approached the Pandava army with swift horses, fully protected by your sons and a great army.
prāvartata tato yuddhaṃ tumulaṃ lomaharṣaṇam। asmākaṃ pāṇḍavaiḥ sārdham anayāt tava bhārata ॥6-55-5॥
Then the tumultuous and terrifying battle commenced between our forces and the Pandavas, O Bharata.
dhanuṣāṃ kūjatāṃ tatra talānāṃ cābhihanyatām। mahānsamabhavacchabdo girīṇāmiva dīryatām ॥6-55-6॥
A great sound arose there, like the splitting of mountains, from the twanging of bows and the striking of shields.
tiṣṭha sthito'smi viddhyenaṃ nivartasva sthiro bhava। sthito'smi praharasveti śabdāḥ śrūyanta sarvaśaḥ ॥6-55-7॥
The commands 'Stand firm, I am here, know this, turn back, be steady. I am here, attack!' are heard everywhere.
kāñcaneṣu tanutreṣu kirīṭeṣu dhvajeṣu ca। śilānāmiva śaileṣu patitānāmabhūtsvanaḥ ॥6-55-8॥
The sound echoed through the golden armours, crowns, and flags, resembling the noise of stones tumbling down the mountains.
patitānyuttamāṅgāni bāhavaśca vibhūṣitāḥ। vyaceṣṭanta mahīṃ prāpya śataśo'tha sahasraśaḥ ॥6-55-9॥
The fallen heads and adorned arms lay scattered on the ground, moving slightly as they came to rest, numbering in the hundreds and thousands.
hṛtottamāṅgāḥ kecittu tathaivodyatakārmukāḥ। pragṛhītāyudhāścāpi tasthuḥ puruṣasattamāḥ ॥6-55-10॥
Some warriors, even with their heads cut off, stood with their bows raised and weapons in hand, O best of men.
prāvartata mahāvegā nadī rudhiravāhinī। mātaṅgāṅgaśilāraudrā māṃsaśoṇitakardamā ॥6-55-11॥
A river of great speed began to flow, carrying blood, terrifying with elephant bodies and stones, and muddy with flesh and blood.
varāśvanaranāgānāṃ śarīraprabhavā tadā। paralokārṇavamukhī gṛdhragomāyumodinī ॥6-55-12॥
At that time, the bodies of noble horses, men, and elephants emerged, leading towards the ocean of the afterlife, delighting vultures and jackals.
na dṛṣṭaṃ na śrutaṃ cāpi yuddhametādṛśaṃ nṛpa। yathā tava sutānāṃ ca pāṇḍavānāṃ ca bhārata ॥6-55-13॥
O King, such a war has neither been seen nor heard of, as is happening between your sons and the Pandavas, O Bharata.
nāsīdrathapathastatra yodhairyudhi nipātitaiḥ। gajaiśca patitairnīlairgiriśṛṅgairivāvṛtam ॥6-55-14॥
The path for chariots was obstructed, as it was covered by warriors who had fallen in battle and by elephants that lay like dark mountain peaks.
vikīrṇaiḥ kavacaścitrairdhvajaśchatraiśca māriṣa। śuśubhe tadraṇa-sthānaṃ śaradīva nabhastalam ॥6-55-15॥
The battlefield, adorned with scattered armors, colorful flags, and umbrellas, appeared as splendid as the autumn sky, O dear.
vinirbhinnāḥ śaraiḥ kecidantapīḍāvikarṣiṇaḥ। abhītāḥ samare śatrūn abhyadhāvanta daṃśitāḥ ॥6-55-16॥
Some, pierced by arrows and dragging their pain, fearlessly ran towards the enemies in battle, as if bitten by a frenzy.
tāta bhrātaḥ sakhe bandho vayasy mama mātula। mā māṃ parityajetyanye cukruśuḥ patitā raṇe ॥6-55-17॥
In the battlefield, others cried out to their fathers, brothers, friends, kinsmen, companions, and uncles, pleading not to be abandoned as they fell.
ādhāvābhyehi mā gaccha kiṃ bhīto'si kva yāsyasi। sthito'haṃ samare mā bhairiti cānye vicukruśuḥ ॥6-55-18॥
"Run and come here, do not go! Why are you afraid? Where will you go? I am standing here in the battle, do not fear," others cried out.
tatra bhīṣmaḥ śāntanavo nityaṃ maṇḍalakārmukaḥ। mumoca bāṇāndīptāgrānahīnāśīviṣāniva ॥6-55-19॥
There, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, always wielding his circular bow, released arrows with blazing tips, resembling venomous snakes.
śarair ekāyanīkurvan diśaḥ sarvā yatavrataḥ। jaghāna pāṇḍava-rathān ādiśyādiśya bhārata ॥6-55-20॥
The warrior, having taken a vow, used his arrows to dominate all directions, systematically destroying the Pandava chariots, O descendant of Bharata.
sa nṛtyanvai rathopasthe darśayanpāṇilāghavam। alātacakravadrājaṃstatra tatra sma dṛśyate ॥6-55-21॥
The king was seen dancing on the chariot seat, displaying his dexterity of hand like a spinning firebrand wheel, moving swiftly here and there.
tamekaṃ samare śūraṃ pāṇḍavāḥ sṛñjayāstathā। anekaśatasāhasraṃ samapaśyanta lāghavāt ॥6-55-22॥
The Pandavas and the Srinjayas quickly noticed that one heroic warrior in the battle among many hundreds and thousands.
māyākṛtātmānamiva bhīṣmaṃ tatra sma menire। pūrvasyāṃ diśi taṃ dṛṣṭvā pratīcyāṃ dadṛśurjanāḥ ॥6-55-23॥
The people perceived Bhishma as if he was an illusion. When they saw him in the east, they also saw him in the west.
udīcyāṃ cainamālokya dakṣiṇasyāṃ punaḥ prabho। evaṃ sa samare vīro gāṅgeyaḥ pratyadṛśyata ॥6-55-24॥
In the northern direction, having seen him again in the southern direction, O lord, thus the hero, son of Ganga, appeared in the battle.
na cainaṃ pāṇḍaveyānāṃ kaścićchaknoti vīkṣitum। viśikhāneva paśyanti bhīṣmacāpathyutānbahūn ॥6-55-25॥
None among the Pandavas can see him; they only see the numerous arrows released from Bhishma's bow.
kurvāṇaṃ samare karma sūdayānaṃ ca vāhinīm। vyākrośanta raṇe tatra vīrā bahuvidhaṃ bahu ॥ amānuṣeṇa rūpeṇa carantaṃ pitaraṃ tava ॥6-55-26॥
In the battle, performing actions and destroying the army, the heroes shouted variously. Your father, in a non-human form, was moving there.
śalabhā iva rājānaḥ patanti vidhicoditāḥ। bhīṣmāgnimabhi saṅkruddhaṃ vināśāya sahasraśaḥ ॥6-55-27॥
Kings, like moths drawn to a flame, are driven by fate to fall in thousands towards the wrathful fire of Bhishma, leading to their destruction.
na hi moghaḥ śaraḥ kaścidāsīdbhīṣmasya saṃyuge। naranāgāśvakāyeṣu bahutvāllaghuvedhinaḥ ॥6-55-28॥
In the battle, none of Bhishma's arrows were wasted; they easily pierced through the bodies of men, elephants, and horses due to their sheer number.
bhinattyekena bāṇena sumuktena patatriṇā। gajakaṅkaṭasaṃnāhaṃ vajreṇevācalottamam ॥6-55-29॥
With a single, well-aimed arrow released by the bird, it pierces the elephant's armor as if it were the best mountain struck by a thunderbolt.
dvau trīnapi gajārohānpiṇḍitānvarmitānapi। nārācena sutīkṣṇena nijaghāna pitā tava ॥6-55-30॥
Your father killed two or even three elephant riders, who were grouped together and armored, using a very sharp iron arrow.
yo yo bhīṣmaṃ naravyāghramabhyeti yudhi kaścana। muhūrtadṛṣṭaḥ sa mayā pātito bhuvi dṛśyate ॥6-55-31॥
Anyone who approaches Bhishma, the tiger among men, in battle, is seen by me to be felled to the ground in an instant.
evaṃ sā dharmarājasya vadhyamānā mahācamūḥ। bhīṣmeṇātulavīryeṇa vyaśīryata sahasradhā ॥6-55-32॥
The great army of Dharmaraja was utterly destroyed by the unmatched valor of Bhishma, breaking into a thousand fragments.
prakīryata mahāsenā śaravarṣābhitāpitā। paśyato vāsudevasya pārthasya ca mahātmanaḥ ॥6-55-33॥
The great army was scattered under a shower of arrows as Vāsudeva and the noble Pārtha looked on.
yatamānāpi te vīrā dravamāṇānmahārathān। nāśaknuvanvārayituṃ bhīṣmabāṇaprapīḍitāḥ ॥6-55-34॥
Despite their efforts, the heroes could not halt the retreat of the great charioteers, who were overwhelmed by Bhishma's arrows.
mahendrasamavīryeṇa vadhyamānā mahācamūḥ। abhajyata mahārāja na ca dvau saha dhāvataḥ ॥6-55-35॥
O great king, the mighty army was shattered by the one whose strength is equal to that of Mahendra, and no two soldiers were seen fleeing together.
āviddhanaranāgāśvaṃ patitadhvajakūbaram। anīkaṃ pāṇḍuputrāṇāṃ hāhābhūtamacetanam ॥6-55-36॥
The army of the Pandavas was in disarray, with men, elephants, and horses struck down, flags and standards fallen, and it became a scene of chaos and unconsciousness.
jaghānātra pitā putraṃ putraśca pitaraṃ tathā। priyaṃ sakhāyaṃ cākrande sakhā daivabalātkṛtaḥ ॥6-55-37॥
In this situation, a father killed his son, and the son, in turn, killed his father. A dear friend lamented to another friend, both being overpowered by fate.
vimucya kavacānanye pāṇḍuputrasya sainikāḥ। prakīrya keśāndhāvantaḥ pratyadṛśyanta bhārata ॥6-55-38॥
The soldiers of the Pandavas, having thrown away their armors and with disheveled hair, were seen fleeing, O Bharata.
tadgokulamivodbhrāntamudbhrāntarathayūthapam। dadṛśe pāṇḍuputrasya sainyamārtasvaraṃ tadā ॥6-55-39॥
At that time, the army of the son of Pandu appeared like a disturbed cowherd village with its chariot leaders in disarray, making a distressed sound.
prajyamānaṃ tatsainyaṃ dṛṣṭvā devakinandanaḥ। uvāca pārthaṃ bībhatsuṃ nigṛhya rathamuttamam ॥6-55-40॥
Seeing the army being scattered, Krishna, the son of Devaki, addressed Arjuna, the fearless one, while holding the reins of the excellent chariot.
ayaṁ sa kālaḥ samprāptaḥ pārtha yaḥ kāṅkṣitastvayā। praharāsmai naravyāghra na cenmohādvimuhyase ॥6-55-41॥
The awaited moment has come, O Arjuna, which you have longed for. Strike now, O great warrior, unless you are bewildered by delusion.
yattvayā kathitaṃ vīra purā rājñāṃ samāgame। bhīṣmadroṇamukhānsarvāndhārtarāṣṭrasya sainikān ॥6-55-42॥
O hero, what you had spoken earlier in the assembly of kings about all the warriors of Dhritarashtra's sons, led by Bhishma and Drona.
sānubandhān haniṣyāmi ye māṃ yotsyanti saṃyuge। iti tat kuru kaunteya satyaṃ vākyam ariṃdama ॥6-55-43॥
I will destroy all those who dare to fight against me in battle, along with their followers. Therefore, O son of Kunti, fulfill this true promise, O conqueror of enemies.
bībhatsō paśya sainyaṁ svaṁ bhajyamānaṁ samantataḥ। dravataśca mahīpālānsarvānyaudhiṣṭhire bale ॥6-55-44॥
O Bibhatsu, observe how your own forces are being shattered on all sides, and how all the kings are fleeing within Yudhishthira's army.
dṛṣṭvā hi samare bhīṣmaṃ vyāttānanamivāntakam। bhayārtāḥ sampraṇaśyanti siṃhaṃ kṣudramṛgā iva ॥6-55-45॥
Seeing Bhishma in the battle with his mouth wide open like death itself, the fearful ones flee like small animals from a lion.
evamuktaḥ pratyuvāca vāsudevaṃ dhanañjayaḥ। codayāśvānyato bhīṣmo vigāhyaitadbalārṇavam ॥6-55-46॥
Upon being spoken to in this manner, Dhananjaya replied to Vasudeva, "Drive the horses to where Bhishma has entered this ocean of strength."
tato'śvān rajataprakhyāṃś codayāmāsa mādhavaḥ। yato bhīṣmaratho rājanduṣprekṣyo raśmimān iva ॥6-55-47॥
Then Madhava urged the silver-like horses towards the place where Bhishma's chariot was, which was difficult to behold, O King, as it shone like the sun.
tatastatpunarāvṛttaṃ yudhiṣṭhirabalaṃ mahat। dṛṣṭvā pārthaṃ mahābāhuṃ bhīṣmāyodyantamāhave ॥6-55-48॥
Then, seeing the great army of Yudhishthira return once more, and Arjuna, the mighty-armed, readying himself for battle against Bhishma.
tato bhīṣmaḥ kuruśreṣṭhaḥ siṃhavadvinadanmuḥuḥ। dhanañjayarathaṃ tūrṇaṃ śaravarṣairavākirat ॥6-55-49॥
Then Bhishma, the esteemed elder of the Kuru dynasty, let out a roar akin to a lion's and quickly enveloped Arjuna's chariot with a barrage of arrows.
kṣaṇena sa rathastasya sahayaḥ sahasārathiḥ। śaravarṣeṇa mahatā sañchanno na prakāśate ॥6-55-50॥
In an instant, his chariot, along with the horses and charioteer, was completely obscured by a heavy barrage of arrows, making it invisible.
vāsudevastvasambhrānto dhairyamāsthāya sattvavān। codayāmāsa tānaśvānvitunnānbhīṣmasāyakaiḥ ॥6-55-51॥
Vasudeva, maintaining his composure and courage, urged the horses forward despite them being pierced by Bhishma's arrows.
tataḥ pārtho dhanur gṛhya divyaṃ jaladanisvanam। pātayāmāsa bhīṣmasya dhanuśchittvā tribhiḥ śaraiḥ ॥6-55-52॥
Then Arjuna, with his divine bow that roared like thunder, struck down Bhishma's bow by cutting it with three arrows.
sa chinnadhanvā kauravyaḥ punaranyanmahaddhanuḥ। nimeṣāntaramātreṇa sajyaṃ cakre pitā tava ॥6-55-53॥
Your father, the descendant of Kuru, even with his bow broken, quickly strung another great bow in just a moment.
vicakarṣa tato dorbhyāṃ dhanurjaladanisvanam। athāsya tadapi kruddhaściccheda dhanurarjunaḥ ॥6-55-54॥
Then he drew the bow with his arms, making a sound like thunder. Arjuna, in his anger, then cut off that bow.
tasya tatpūjayāmāsa lāghavaṃ śantanoḥ sutaḥ। sādhu pārtha mahābāho sādhu bho pāṇḍunandana ॥6-55-55॥
The son of Śantanu honored that lightness. Well done, Arjuna, mighty-armed, well done, O son of Pandu.
tvayy evaitad yukta-rūpaṃ mahat-karma dhanañjaya। prīto'smi sudṛḍhaṃ putra kuru yuddhaṃ mayā saha ॥6-55-56॥
O Dhananjaya, this great action is indeed appropriate in you. I am pleased, my son, engage firmly in battle with me.
iti pārthaṃ praśasyātha pragṛhyānyanmahaddhanuḥ। mumoca samare vīraḥ śarānpārtharathaṃ prati ॥6-55-57॥
After praising Arjuna, the hero took up another great bow and released arrows towards Arjuna's chariot in the battle.
adarśayadvāsudevo hayayāne paraṃ balam। moghānkurvañśarāṃstasya maṇḍalānyacarallaghu ॥6-55-58॥
Vasudeva demonstrated his supreme power on the chariot, rendering the opponent's arrows ineffective, and swiftly maneuvered in circles.
tathāpi bhīṣmaḥ sudṛḍhaṃ vāsudevadhanañjayau। vivyādha niśitairbāṇaiḥ sarvagātreṣu māriṣa ॥6-55-59॥
Despite the circumstances, Bhishma resolutely attacked Vasudeva and Arjuna with his sharp arrows, striking them all over their bodies, dear sir.
śuśubhāte naravyāghrau tau bhīṣmaśaravikṣatau। govṛṣāviva nardantau viṣāṇollikhitāṅkitau ॥6-55-60॥
The two warriors, resembling tigers among men, wounded by Bhishma's arrows, appeared majestic like two roaring bulls marked by their horns.
punaś cāpi susaṅkruddhaḥ śaraiḥ saṁnataparvabhiḥ। kṛṣṇayor yudhi saṁrabdho bhīṣmo vyāvāraya diśaḥ ॥6-55-61॥
Once again, in great anger, Bhishma, with his arrows having bent joints, fiercely engaged in battle, blocked the paths of the two Krishnas.
vārṣṇeyaṃ ca śaraistīkṣṇaiḥ kampayāmāsa roṣitaḥ। muhurabhyutsmayanbhīṣmaḥ prahasya svanavattadā ॥6-55-62॥
The son of Vṛṣṇi, in his anger, shook with sharp arrows. Bhishma, repeatedly smiling, laughed aloud at that time.
tataḥ kṛṣṇastu samare dṛṣṭvā bhīṣmaparākramam। samprekṣya ca mahābāhuḥ pārthasya mṛduyuddhatām ॥6-55-63॥
Then Krishna, witnessing Bhishma's valor in the battle and noticing Arjuna's gentle approach to fighting, reacted accordingly.
bhīṣmaṃ ca śaravarṣāṇi sṛjantamaniśaṃ yudhi। pratapantamivādityaṃ madhyamāsādya senayoḥ ॥6-55-64॥
Bhishma, standing in the midst of the armies, was continuously releasing showers of arrows in battle, shining brilliantly like the sun.
varān varān vinighnantaṃ pāṇḍuputrasya sainikān। yugāntam iva kurvāṇaṃ bhīṣmaṃ yaudhiṣṭhire bale ॥6-55-65॥
Bhishma, in the battle of Yudhishthira's army, was slaying the best warriors of the Pandavas, as if bringing about the end of an era.
amṛṣyamāṇo bhagavān keśavaḥ paravīrahā। acintayad ameyātmā nāsti yaudhiṣṭhiraṃ balam ॥6-55-66॥
Keshava, the blessed one and destroyer of enemy heroes, found it unendurable and thought that Yudhishthira had no strength.
ekāhnā hi raṇe bhīṣmo nāśayeddevadānavān। kimu pāṇḍusutānyuddhe sabalānsapadānugān ॥6-55-67॥
In just one day, Bhishma could annihilate the gods and demons in battle; so what chance do the sons of Pandu have in battle with their forces and followers?
dravate ca mahatsainyaṃ pāṇḍavasya mahātmanaḥ। ete ca kauravāstūrṇaṃ prabhagnāndṛśya somakān ॥ ādravanti raṇe hṛṣṭā harṣayantaḥ pitāmaham ॥6-55-68॥
The great army of the noble Pandava advances. The Kauravas, witnessing the disarrayed Somakas, swiftly charge into the battle, filled with joy, encouraging their grandfather.
so'haṁ bhīṣmaṁ nihanmyadya pāṇḍavārthāya daṁśitaḥ। bhārametaṁ vineṣyāmi pāṇḍavānāṁ mahātmanām ॥6-55-69॥
I am determined to slay Bhishma today for the sake of the Pandavas. I will relieve the Pandavas, the great souls, of this burden.
arjuno'pi śaraistīkṣṇairvadhyamāno hi saṃyuge। kartavyaṃ nābhijānāti raṇe bhīṣmasya gauravāt ॥6-55-70॥
Arjuna, despite being struck by sharp arrows in the battle, does not realize his duty due to his respect for Bhishma.
tathā cintayatastasya bhūya eva pitāmahaḥ। preṣayāmāsa saṅkruddhaḥ śarānpārtharathaṃ prati ॥6-55-71॥
While he was contemplating, his grandfather, in anger, sent arrows towards Arjuna's chariot.
teṣāṃ bahutvāddhi bhṛśaṃ śarāṇāṃ; diśo'tha sarvāḥ pihitā babhūvuḥ। na cāntarikṣaṃ na diśo na bhūmi; rna bhāskaro'dṛśyata raśmimālī ॥ vavuśca vātāstumulāḥ sadhūmā; diśaśca sarvāḥ kṣubhitā babhūvuḥ ॥6-55-72॥
The multitude of arrows obscured all directions, making the sky, earth, and even the sun invisible. The winds blew fiercely, filled with smoke, causing turmoil in every direction.
droṇo vikarṇo'tha jayadrathaśca; bhūriśravāḥ kṛtavarmā kṛpaśca। śrutāyurambaṣṭhapatiśca rājā; vindānuvindau ca sudakṣiṇaśca ॥6-55-73॥
Drona, Vikarna, Jayadratha, Bhurishrava, Kritavarma, Kripa, Shrutayu, the king of the Ambashthas, Vind, Anuvind, and Sudakshina were present.
prācyāśca sauvīragaṇāśca sarve; vasātayaḥ kṣudrakamālavāśca। kirīṭinaṃ tvaramāṇābhisasru; rnideśagāḥ śāntanavasya rājñaḥ ॥6-55-74॥
The easterners, the Sauvira tribes, the Vasatis, and the Kshudrakas and Malavas all hastened to the crowned one, obeying the command of King Santanu's son.
taṁ vājipādātarathaughajālai; ranekasāhasraśatairdadarśa। kirīṭinaṁ samparivāryamāṇaṁ; śinernaptā vāraṇayūthapaiśca ॥6-55-75॥
He saw the crowned one, surrounded by the grandson of Śini and elephant troops, with nets of horse-hoofed chariots and many thousands and hundreds.
tatastu dṛṣṭvārjunavāsudevau; padātināgāśvarathaiḥ samantāt। abhidrutau śastrabhṛtāṃ variṣṭhau; śinipravīro'bhisasāra tūrṇam ॥6-55-76॥
Upon seeing Arjuna and Vasudeva, the hero of the Shini clan swiftly moved towards the foremost warriors, surrounded by infantry, elephants, horses, and chariots.
sa tānyanīkāni mahādhanuṣmā; ñśiniprāvīraḥ sahasābhipatya। cakāra sāhāyyamathārjunasya; viṣṇuryathā vṛtraniṣūdanasya ॥6-55-77॥
He, the great archer and hero of the Śini clan, suddenly attacked those armies and aided Arjuna, just as Viṣṇu aided the slayer of Vṛtra.
viśīrṇanāgāśvarathadhvajaughaṃ; bhīṣmeṇa vitrāsitasarvayodham। yudhiṣṭhirānīkamabhidravantaṃ; provāca saṃdṛśya śinipravīraḥ ॥6-55-78॥
Observing the chaos caused by Bhishma, with elephants, horses, chariots, and flags scattered and all warriors frightened, the hero from the Shini lineage addressed Yudhishthira's advancing army.
kva kṣatriyā yāsyatha naiṣa dharmaḥ; satāṃ purastātkathitaḥ purāṇaiḥ। mā svāṃ pratijñāṃ jahata pravīrāḥ; svaṃ vīradharmaṃ paripālayadhvam ॥6-55-79॥
"Where will you go, O warriors? This is not the duty as spoken by the virtuous in ancient times. Do not abandon your promise, O heroes; uphold your own heroic duty."
tānvāsavānantarajo niśamya; narendramukhyāndravatḥ samantāt। pārthasya dṛṣṭvā mṛduyuddhatāṃ ca; bhīṣmaṃ ca saṅkhye samudīryamāṇam ॥6-55-80॥
Upon hearing this, the son of Ananta, Indra, observed the chief kings fleeing from all directions, and noticed Partha's gentle approach to battle, as well as Bhishma being extolled in the battlefield.
amṛṣyamāṇaḥ sa tato mahātmā; yaśasvinaṃ sarvadaśārhabhartā। uvāca śaineyamabhipraśaṃsa; ndṛṣṭvā kurūnāpatataḥ samantāt ॥6-55-81॥
Unable to endure, the great soul, the glorious lord of all Daśārhas, praised Śaineya upon seeing the Kurus attacking from all directions.
ye yānti yāntveva śinipravīra; ye'pi sthitāḥ sātvata te'pi yāntu। bhīṣmaṃ rathātpaśya nipātyamānaṃ; droṇaṃ ca saṅkhye sagaṇaṃ mayādya ॥6-55-82॥
Let those who are departing continue on their way, O hero of the Shini dynasty; and those who remain, O descendant of Sātvata, let them also proceed. Behold Bhishma being struck down from his chariot, and Drona with his followers in the battle today by my hand.
nāsau rathaḥ sātvata kauravāṇāṃ; kruddhasya mucyeta raṇe'dya kaścit। tasmādahaṃ gṛhya rathāṅgamugraṃ; prāṇaṃ hariṣyāmi mahāvratasya ॥6-55-83॥
No chariot of the Sātvatas or the Kauravas will escape today from the wrathful one in battle. Therefore, I will seize the fierce wheel of the chariot and take the life of the one with great vows.
nihatya bhīṣmaṃ sagaṇaṃ tathājau; droṇaṃ ca śaineya rathapravīram। prītiṃ kariṣyāmi dhanañjayasya; rājñaśca bhīmasya tathāśvinośca ॥6-55-84॥
After slaying Bhishma and his followers in battle, along with Drona and the valiant charioteer, the son of Shini, I shall fulfill the desires of Arjuna, the king, Bhima, and the Ashvins.
nihatya sarvāndhṛtarāṣṭraputrāṁ; statpakṣiṇo ye ca narendramukhyāḥ। rājyena rājānamajātaśatruṁ; sampādayiṣyāmyahamadya hṛṣṭaḥ ॥6-55-85॥
Today, joyful, I will establish King Ajatashatru with the kingdom after having slain all of Dhritarashtra's sons and their allies, who are the chief among kings.
tataḥ sunābhaṃ vasudevaputraḥ; sūryaprabhaṃ vajrasamaprabhāvam। kṣurāntamudyamya bhujena cakraṃ; rathādavaplutya visṛjya vāhān ॥6-55-86॥
Then, the son of Vasudeva, possessing a beautiful navel and radiance like the sun and brilliance like a thunderbolt, raised his razor-edged discus with his arm, jumped down from the chariot, and released the horses.
saṅkampayangāṁ caraṇairmahātmā; vegena kṛṣṇaḥ prasasāra bhīṣmam। madāndhamājau samudīrṇadarpaḥ; siṁho jighāṁsanniva vāraṇendram ॥6-55-87॥
Krishna, the great soul, shook the earth with his feet as he rushed towards Bhishma with great speed, intoxicated and full of pride in battle, like a lion eager to kill the lord of elephants.
so'bhyadravadbhīṣmamanīkamadhye; kruddho mahendrāvarajaḥ pramāthī। vyālambipītāntapaṭaścakāśe; ghano yathā khe'cirabhāpinaddhaḥ ॥6-55-88॥
He, the angry younger brother of Indra and destroyer, attacked in the midst of Bhishma's army. He appeared like a cloud in the sky, recently enveloped in light, with a hanging yellow-edged cloth.
sudarśanaṃ cāsya rarāja śaure; staccakrapadmaṃ subhujorunālam। yathādipadmaṃ taruṇārkavarṇaṃ; rarāja nārāyaṇanābhijātam ॥6-55-89॥
The beautiful discus of Krishna shone brilliantly; it was like a lotus with its beautiful arms and thighs as stalks, resembling the original lotus, sun-colored, and born from the navel of Nārāyaṇa.
tatkṛṣṇakopodayasūryabuddhaṃ; kṣurāntatīkṣṇāgrasujātapatram। tasyaiva dehorusaraḥprarūḍhaṃ; rarāja nārāyaṇabāhunālam ॥6-55-90॥
The anger of Krishna, rising like the sun, was as enlightening as a sharp, well-crafted leaf. His body, vast like a great lake, shone brilliantly like the stem of Narayana's arm.
tamāttacakraṃ praṇadantamuccaiḥ; kruddhaṃ mahendrāvarajaṃ samīkṣya। sarvāṇi bhūtāni bhṛśaṃ vineduḥ; kṣayaṃ kurūṇāmiti cintayitvā ॥6-55-91॥
Observing the angry younger brother of Indra, who was holding the discus and roaring loudly, all creatures lamented intensely, contemplating the impending destruction of the Kuru dynasty.
sa vāsudevaḥ pragṛhītacakraḥ; saṁvartayiṣyanniva jīvalokam। abhyutpatam̐llokagururbabhāse; bhūtāni dhakṣyanniva kālavahniḥ ॥6-55-92॥
Vasudeva, with his discus in hand, seemed poised to annihilate the world of living beings. As the world's teacher rose, he shone brilliantly, appearing ready to consume all beings like the fire of time.
tam āpatantaṃ pragṛhītacakraṃ; samīkṣya devaṃ dvipadāṃ variṣṭham। asambhramāt kārmukabāṇapāṇi; rathe sthitaḥ śāntanavo'bhyuvāca ॥6-55-93॥
Seeing the god approaching with the discus in hand, the son of Śāntanu, standing confidently on his chariot with bow and arrow, addressed him without any confusion.
ehyehi deveśa jagannivāsa; namo'stu te śārṅgarathāṅgapāṇe। prasahya māṃ pātaya lokanātha; rathottamādbhūtaśaraṇya saṅkhye ॥6-55-94॥
"Come, come, O Lord of the gods, who is the abode of the universe; salutations to you, O wielder of the bow and chariot. O Lord of the world, forcibly make me fall from the excellent chariot, O shelter of beings, in battle."
tvayā hatasyeha mamādya kṛṣṇa; śreyaḥ parasminniha caiva loke। sambhāvito'smyandhakavṛṣṇinātha; lokaistribhirvīra tavābhiyānāt ॥6-55-95॥
O Krishna, by your actions today, I have gained glory in this world and the next. O Lord of the Andhakas and Vṛṣṇis, I am honored by the three worlds due to your heroic expedition.
rathādavaplutya tatastvarāvān; pārtho'pyanudrutya yadupravīram। jagrāha pīnottamalambabāhuṃ; bāhvorhariṃ vyāyatapīnabāhuḥ ॥6-55-96॥
Arjuna quickly jumped down from the chariot and pursued the hero of the Yadus, Krishna. With his strong and extended arms, he seized Krishna's strong and excellent arm.
nigṛhyamāṇaśca tadādidevo; bhṛśaṃ saroṣaḥ kila nāma yogī। ādāya vegena jagāma viṣṇu; rjiṣṇuṃ mahāvāta ivaikavṛkṣam ॥6-55-97॥
The primeval god, though restrained, was intensely angry. The ascetic known as Vishnu swiftly went to Rjishnu like a great wind approaching a solitary tree.
pārthastu viṣṭabhya balena pādau; bhīṣmāntikaṃ tūrṇamabhidravantam। balānnijagrāha kirīṭamālī; pade'tha rājandaśame kathañcit ॥6-55-98॥
Arjuna, with great strength, quickly approached Bhishma. The crowned warrior seized the opportunity by force, somehow managing to do so on the tenth step, O King.
avasthitaṁ ca praṇipatya kṛṣṇaṁ; prīto'rjunaḥ kāñcanacitramālī। uvāca kopaṁ pratisaṁharet; gatirbhavānkeśava pāṇḍavānām ॥6-55-99॥
Arjuna, adorned with a golden, variegated garland, stood and bowed to Krishna. Pleased, he said, "Withdraw your anger, for you are the refuge of the Pandavas, O Keshava."
na hāsyate karma yathāpratijñaṁ; putraiḥ śape keśava sodaraiśca। antaṁ kariṣyāmi yathā kurūṇāṁ; tvayāhamindrānuja samprayuktaḥ ॥6-55-100॥
I swear by my sons and brothers, O Keśava, that the action will not be ridiculed as promised. I will bring an end to the Kurus, as I am engaged by you, O brother of Indra.
tataḥ pratijñāṃ samayaṃ ca tasmai; janārdanaḥ prītamanā niśamya। sthitaḥ priye kauravasattamasya; rathaṃ sacakraḥ punarāruroha ॥6-55-101॥
Then, having heard the promise and the appointed time, Krishna, pleased at heart, stood by the dear Kaurava prince and ascended the chariot with its wheels once more.
sa tān abhīṣūn punar ādadānaḥ; pragṛhya śaṅkhaṃ dviṣatāṃ nihantā। vinādayām āsa tato diśaś ca; sa pāñcajanyasya raveṇa śauriḥ ॥6-55-102॥
Krishna, the destroyer of enemies, took up the fearless ones again and, holding the conch, made the directions resound with the sound of Pāñcajanya.
vyāviddhaniṣkāṅgadakuṇḍalaṃ taṃ; rajovikīrṇāñcitapakṣmanetram। viśuddhadaṃṣṭraṃ pragṛhītaśaṅkhaṃ; vicukruśuḥ prekṣya kurupravīrāḥ ॥6-55-103॥
Seeing him with scattered earrings and armlets, eyes covered with dust, and pure teeth while holding a conch, the Kuru heroes cried out in alarm.
mṛdaṅgabherīpaṭahapraṇādā; nemisvanā dundubhinisvanāśca। sasiṃhanādāśca babhūvurugrāḥ; sarveṣvanīkeṣu tataḥ kurūṇām ॥6-55-104॥
The fierce sounds of drums, kettledrums, and other instruments, along with the roars of lions, echoed throughout all the Kuru armies.
gāṇḍīvaghoṣaḥ stanayitnukalpo; jagāma pārthasya nabho diśaśca। jagmuśca bāṇā vimalāḥ prasannāḥ; sarvā diśaḥ pāṇḍavacāpamuktāḥ ॥6-55-105॥
The thunderous sound of Arjuna's Gandiva bow echoed through the sky and all directions, as the pure and clear arrows shot forth, reaching every direction from the Pandava's bow.
taṃ kauravāṇām adhipo balena; bhīṣmeṇa bhūriśravasā ca sārdham। abhyudyayāv udyatabāṇapāṇiḥ; kakṣaṃ didhakṣann iva dhūmaketuḥ ॥6-55-106॥
The leader of the Kauravas, accompanied by his forces, Bhishma, and Bhurishravas, moved forward with his bow and arrow ready, as if he were a comet about to set the forest ablaze.
athārjunāya prajahāra bhallā; nbhūriśravāḥ sapta suvarṇapuṅkhān। duryodhanastomaramugravegaṃ; śalyo gadāṃ śāntanavaśca śaktim ॥6-55-107॥
Then Bhūriśravāḥ shot seven golden-feathered arrows at Arjuna; Duryodhana threw a spear with great speed; Śalya wielded a mace; and Śāntanava held a spear.
sa saptabhiḥ sapta śarapravekā; nsaṁvārya bhūriśravasā visṛṣṭān। śitena duryodhanabāhumuktaṁ; kṣureṇa tattomaramunmamātha ॥6-55-108॥
He blocked the seven arrows released by Bhurishravas and then cut off the spear released by Duryodhana's arm with a sharp razor.
tataḥ śubhām āpatatīṃ sa śaktiṃ; vidyutprabhāṃ śāṃtanavena muktām। gadāṃ ca madrādhipabāhumuktāṃ; dvābhyāṃ śarābhyāṃ nicakarta vīraḥ ॥6-55-109॥
Then the hero skillfully intercepted and cut off the approaching auspicious spear, which shone like lightning and was released by Śāṃtanu's son, along with the mace hurled by the Madra king, using two arrows.
tato bhujābhyāṃ balavadvikṛṣya; citraṃ dhanurgāṇḍivamaprameyam। māhendramastraṃ vidhivatsughoram; prāduścakārādbhutamantarikṣe ॥6-55-110॥
Then, with great strength, he drew the magnificent and immeasurable Gandiva bow with both arms and properly manifested the very fierce weapon of Indra in the sky, creating a wondrous sight.
tenottamāstreṇa tato mahātmā; sarvāṇyanīkāni mahādhanuṣmān। śaraughajālairvimalāgnivarṇai; rnivārayāmāsa kirīṭamālī ॥6-55-111॥
Then the great soul, adorned with a crown, used his excellent weapon to hold back all the armies with a barrage of pure, fire-colored arrows.
śilīmukhāḥ pārthadhanuḥpramuktā; rathāndhvajāgrāṇi dhanūṃṣi bāhūn। nikṛtya dehān viviśuḥ pareṣāṃ; narendranāgendraturaṅgamāṇām ॥6-55-112॥
The arrows shot by Arjuna severed the banners, bows, and arms of the enemy chariots, penetrating the bodies of enemy kings, elephants, and horses.
tato diśaścānudiśaśca pārthaḥ; śaraiḥ sudhārairniśitairvitatya। gāṇḍīvaśabdena manāṁsi teṣāṁ; kirīṭamālī vyathayāṁ cakāra ॥6-55-113॥
Arjuna, adorned with a diadem, then spread his sharp and keen arrows in all directions, causing agitation in their minds with the resounding noise of his Gandiva bow.
tasmiṁstathā ghoratame pravṛtte; śaṅkhasvanā dundubhinisvanāśca। antarhitā gāṇḍivanisvanena; bhabhūvurugrāśca raṇapraṇādāḥ ॥6-55-114॥
In that dire situation, as the battle commenced, the sounds of conches and drums were drowned out by the sound of Gandiva, and the battle cries became fierce.
gāṇḍīvaśabdaṃ tamatho viditvā; virāṭarājapramukhā nṛvīrāḥ। pāñcālarājo drupadaśca vīra; staṃ deśamājagmuradīnasattvāḥ ॥6-55-115॥
Upon hearing the sound of the Gandiva bow, the brave warriors, led by King Virata, including the King of Panchala, Drupada, and other heroes, arrived at the place with unwavering courage.
sarvāṇi sainyāni tu tāvakāni; yato yato gāṇḍivajaḥ praṇādaḥ। tatastataḥ saṁnatimeva jagmu; rna taṁ pratīpo'bhisasāra kaścit ॥6-55-116॥
All the armies, except yours, moved with humility wherever they heard the sound of Arjuna's bow. No one dared to confront him.
tasmin sughore nṛpasamprahāre; hatāḥ pravīrāḥ sarathāḥ sasūtāḥ। gajāś ca nārācanipātataptā; mahāpatākāḥ śubharukmakakṣyāḥ ॥6-55-117॥
In that dreadful battle of kings, the valiant warriors were slain along with their chariots and charioteers; the elephants, struck down by iron arrows, bore great banners and adorned with beautiful golden girdles.
parītasattvāḥ sahasā nipetuḥ; kirīṭinā bhinnatanutrakāyāḥ। dṛḍhāhatāḥ patribhirugravegaiḥ; pārthena bhallairniśitaiḥ śitāgraiḥ ॥6-55-118॥
The surrounded warriors suddenly fell, their bodies shattered by the crowned one. They were struck firmly by Arjuna's arrows, which flew with fierce speed and had sharp, pointed tips.
nikṛttayantrā nihatendrakīlā; dhvajā mahānto dhvajinīmukheṣu। padātisaṅghāśca rathāśca saṅkhye; hayāśca nāgāśca dhanañjayena ॥6-55-119॥
The battlefield was filled with broken machines and destroyed posts of Indra, with great flags at the forefront of the army. Infantry groups, chariots, horses, and elephants were all led by Dhananjaya (Arjuna) in the battle.
bāṇāhatāstūrṇamapetasattvā; viṣṭabhya gātrāṇi nipetururvyām। aindreṇa tenāstravareṇa rāja; nmahāhave bhinnatanutradehāḥ ॥6-55-120॥
Struck by arrows and quickly losing their strength, they supported themselves briefly before falling to the ground. O king, in the great battle, the bodies were shattered by Indra's excellent weapon.
tataḥ śaraughairniśitaiḥ kirīṭinā; nṛdehaśastrakṣatalohitodā। nadī sughorā naradehaphenā; pravartitā tatra raṇājire vai ॥6-55-121॥
Then Arjuna, with his sharp arrows, created a terrifying river of blood from the wounded bodies and weapons, foaming with human bodies, which flowed fiercely on the battlefield.
vegena sātīva pṛthupravāhā; prasusrutā bhairavārāvarūpā। paretanāgāśvaśarīrarodhā; narāntramajjābhṛtamāṃsapaṅkā ॥6-55-122॥
The swift and extremely wide streams, with a terrifying and dreadful appearance, were flowing, obstructed by the bodies of dead serpents and horses, filled with human intestines, marrow, and flesh mud.
prabhūtarakṣogaṇabhūtasevitā; śiraḥkapālākulakeśaśādvalā। śarīrasaṅghātasahasravāhinī; viśīrṇanānākavacormisaṅkulā ॥6-55-123॥
The entity is served by numerous hosts of demons and spirits, adorned with skulls and green hair. It carries thousands of bodies, surrounded by torn waves of various armors.
narāśvanāgāsthinikṛttaśarkarā; vināśapātālavati bhayāvahā। tāṃ kaṅkamālāvṛtagṛdhrakahvaiḥ; kravyādasaṅghaiśca tarakṣubhiśca ॥6-55-124॥
The ground was strewn with the bones of men, horses, and elephants, creating a terrifying scene reminiscent of the underworld. It was a place haunted by vultures, eagles, and packs of carnivorous beasts and jackals.
upetakūlāṃ dadṛśuḥ samantāt krūrāṃ mahāvaitaraṇīprakāśām। pravartitāmarjunabāṇasaṅghair medovasāsṛkpravahāṃ subhīmām ॥6-55-125॥
They saw the banks all around, fierce and terrifying, resembling the great river Vaitarani, set in motion by the multitude of Arjuna's arrows, flowing with fat, flesh, and blood, and appearing very dreadful.
te cedipāñcālakarūṣamatsyāḥ; pārthāśca sarve sahitāḥ praṇeduḥ। vitrāsya senāṃ dhvajinīpatīnāṃ; siṃho mṛgāṇāmiva yūthasaṅghān ॥ vinedatustāvatiharṣayuktau; gāṇḍīvadhanvā ca janārdanaśca ॥6-55-126॥
The Cedis, Panchalas, Karushas, Matsyas, and the sons of Pritha all roared together, terrifying the army leaders like a lion terrifies herds of animals. Then, filled with great joy, Arjuna and Krishna roared.
tato raviṁ saṁhṛtaraśmijālaṁ; dṛṣṭvā bhṛśaṁ śastraparikṣatāṅgāḥ। tadāindramastraṁ vitataṁ sughora; masahyamudvīkṣya yugāntakalpam ॥6-55-127॥
Then, observing the sun whose rays were withdrawn and the limbs severely wounded by weapons, the very fierce and unbearable weapon of Indra was spread, resembling the end of an era.
athāpayānaṃ kuravaḥ sabhīṣmāḥ; sadroṇaduryodhanabāhlikāśca। cakrurniśāṃ sandhigatāṃ samīkṣya; vibhāvasorlohitārājiyuktām ॥6-55-128॥
Then the Kuru warriors, along with Bhishma, Drona, Duryodhana, and Bahlika, decided to retreat as they observed the night approaching, with the sun's red rays filling the sky.
avāpya kīrtiṃ ca yaśaśca loke; vijitya śatrūṃśca dhanañjayo'pi। yayau narendraiḥ saha sodaraiśca; samāptakarmā śibiraṃ niśāyām ॥ tataḥ prajajñe tumulaḥ kurūṇāṃ; niśāmukhe ghorataraḥ praṇādaḥ ॥6-55-129॥
After achieving fame and glory in the world and defeating his enemies, Arjuna, along with the kings and his brothers, returned to the camp at night after completing his task. Then, at the onset of night, a tumultuous and dreadful sound arose from the Kurus.
raṇe rathānāmayutaṃ nihatya; hatā gajāḥ saptaśatārjunena। prācyāśca sauvīragaṇāśca sarve; nipātitāḥ kṣudrakamālavāśca ॥ mahatkṛtaṃ karma dhanañjayena; kartuṃ yathā nārhati kaścidanyaḥ ॥6-55-130॥
In the battle, Arjuna slew ten thousand chariots and seven hundred elephants. All the easterners and the tribes of Sauvira, along with the Kshudraka and Malava, were defeated. This great feat was accomplished by Dhananjaya, something no one else could achieve.
śrutāyurambaṣṭhapatiśca rājā; tathaiva durmarṣaṇacitrasenau। droṇaḥ kṛpaḥ saindhavabāhlikau ca; bhūriśravāḥ śalyaśalau ca rājan ॥ svabāhuvīryeṇa jitāḥ sabhīṣmāḥ; kirīṭinā lokamahārathena ॥6-55-131॥
Śrutāyuḥ, Ambaṣṭhapati, and the king, along with Durmarṣaṇa and Citrasena, as well as Droṇa, Kṛpa, Saindhava, Bāhlika, Bhūriśravāḥ, Śalya, and Śala, were all defeated by Arjuna, the great charioteer of the world, through his own prowess, even with Bhīṣma on their side.
iti bruvantaḥ śibirāṇi jagmuḥ; sarve gaṇā bhārata ye tvadīyāḥ। ulkāsahasraiśca susampradīptai; rvibhrājamānaiśca tathā pradīpaiḥ ॥ kirīṭivitrāsitasarvayodhā; cakre niveśaṃ dhvajinī kurūṇām ॥6-55-132॥
Thus, speaking in this manner, all your troops, O Bharata, proceeded to their camps. The camps were illuminated with thousands of well-lit and shining torches and lamps. All the warriors, frightened by Arjuna, set up the camp for the Kaurava army.
