06.061
Core and Pancharatra: Dhritarastra lamenting asks what is the secret behind the victory of the Pandavas. Bhishma narrates an episode of the Gods, where Lord Brahma goes to Lord Narayana with praise.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
भयं मे सुमहज्जातं विस्मयश्चैव सञ्जय। श्रुत्वा पाण्डुकुमाराणां कर्म देवैः सुदुष्करम् ॥६-६१-१॥
O Sanjaya, I am filled with fear and amazement upon hearing about the extraordinary deeds of the Pandava princes, which are challenging even for the gods.
पुत्राणां च पराभवं श्रुत्वा सञ्जय सर्वशः। चिन्ता मे महती सूत भविष्यति कथं त्विति ॥६-६१-२॥
Sanjaya, having heard of the complete defeat of my sons, I am greatly worried, O Suta, about how things will turn out.
ध्रुवं विदुरवाक्यानि धक्ष्यन्ति हृदयं मम। यथा हि दृश्यते सर्वं दैवयोगेन सञ्जय ॥६-६१-३॥
Certainly, Vidura's words will deeply affect me, as everything seems to be unfolding according to divine will, O Sanjaya.
यत्र भीष्ममुखाञ्शूरानस्त्रज्ञान्योधसत्तमान्। पाण्डवानामनीकानि योधयन्ति प्रहारिणः ॥६-६१-४॥
In this verse, it is described that the armies of the Pandavas, led by Bhishma, consisting of heroes and expert warriors, engage in battle as formidable strikers.
केनावध्या महात्मानः पाण्डुपुत्रा महाबलाः। केन दत्तवरास्तात किं वा ज्ञानं विदन्ति ते ॥ येन क्षयं न गच्छन्ति दिवि तारागणा इव ॥६-६१-५॥
Who has made the great souls, the mighty sons of Pandu, invincible? Who has granted them boons, or what knowledge do they possess that prevents their destruction, like the stars in heaven?
पुनः पुनर्न मृष्यामि हतं सैन्यं स्म पाण्डवैः। मय्येव दण्डः पतति दैवात्परमदारुणः ॥६-६१-६॥
I cannot bear repeatedly seeing the army slain by the Pandavas. It seems that fate has decreed a severe punishment upon me alone.
यथावध्याः पाण्डुसुता यथा वध्याश्च मे सुताः। एतन्मे सर्वमाचक्ष्व यथातत्त्वेन सञ्जय ॥६-६१-७॥
Sanjaya, tell me truly how the sons of Pandu are to be killed, and likewise, how my sons are to be killed.
न हि पारं प्रपश्यामि दुःखस्यास्य कथञ्चन। समुद्रस्येव महतो भुजाभ्यां प्रतरन्नरः ॥६-६१-८॥
I cannot see any way to end this sorrow, just as a man cannot cross the vast ocean with his arms.
पुत्राणां व्यसनं मन्ये ध्रुवं प्राप्तं सुदारुणम्। घातयिष्यति मे पुत्रान्सर्वान्भीमो न संशयः ॥६-६१-९॥
I believe that a terrible calamity has certainly befallen my sons. Bhima will undoubtedly kill all my sons.
न हि पश्यामि तं वीरं यो मे रक्षेत्सुतान्रणे। ध्रुवं विनाशः समरे पुत्राणां मम सञ्जय ॥६-६१-१०॥
I do not see any hero who can protect my sons in the battle; surely, there is destruction awaiting my sons in the war, O Sanjaya.
तस्मान्मे कारणं सूत युक्तिं चैव विशेषतः। पृच्छतोऽद्य यथातत्त्वं सर्वमाख्यातुमर्हसि ॥६-६१-११॥
Therefore, O Sūta, please explain to me in detail the reason and logic behind this, as I am inquiring today, everything as it truly is.
दुर्योधनोऽपि यच्चक्रे दृष्ट्वा स्वान्विमुखान्रणे। भीष्मद्रोणौ कृपश्चैव सौबलेयो जयद्रथः ॥ द्रौणिर्वापि महेष्वासो विकर्णो वा महाबलः ॥६-६१-१२॥
Duryodhana, upon seeing his own forces turning away in battle, questioned what actions were taken by Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Jayadratha, the son of Subala, the son of Drona, the great archer, Vikarna, or the mighty warriors.
निश्चयो वापि कस्तेषां तदा ह्यासीन्महात्मनाम्। विमुखेषु महाप्राज्ञ मम पुत्रेषु सञ्जय ॥६-६१-१३॥
O wise Sanjaya, what certainty was there among my sons who had turned away at that time, indeed, among those great souls?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
शृणु राजन्नवहितः श्रुत्वा चैवावधारय। नैव मन्त्रकृतं किञ्चिन्नैव मायां तथाविधाम् ॥ न वै विभीषिकां काञ्चिद्राजन्कुर्वन्ति पाण्डवाः ॥६-६१-१४॥
Listen attentively, O king, and understand that there is nothing created by spells or illusions of such kind. The Pandavas do not create any fear, O king.
युध्यन्ति ते यथान्यायं शक्तिमन्तश्च संयुगे। धर्मेण सर्वकार्याणि कीर्तितानीति भारत ॥ आरभन्ते सदा पार्थाः प्रार्थयाना महद्यशः ॥६-६१-१५॥
The powerful ones engage in battle justly, and all actions are praised by righteousness, O Bharata. The sons of Pritha always strive for great fame.
न ते युद्धान्निवर्तन्ते धर्मोपेता महाबलाः। श्रिया परमया युक्ता यतो धर्मस्ततो जयः ॥ तेनावध्या रणे पार्था जययुक्ताश्च पार्थिव ॥६-६१-१६॥
The warriors, endowed with righteousness and great strength, do not retreat from battle. They are adorned with supreme splendor, and where there is righteousness, there is victory. Therefore, the sons of Pritha are invincible in battle and assured of victory, O king.
तव पुत्रा दुरात्मानः पापेष्वभिरताः सदा। निष्ठुरा हीनकर्माणस्तेन हीयन्ति संयुगे ॥६-६१-१७॥
Your sons, being wicked-minded and always engaged in sinful acts, are harsh and perform vile deeds; therefore, they are defeated in battle.
सुबहूनि नृशंसानि पुत्रैस्तव जनेश्वर। निकृतानीह पाण्डूनां नीचैरिव यथा नरैः ॥६-६१-१८॥
O king, many cruel acts have been committed by your sons here against the Pandavas, just as lowly men would do.
सर्वं च तदनादृत्य पुत्राणां तव किल्बिषम्। सापह्नवाः सदैवासन्पाण्डवाः पाण्डुपूर्वज ॥ न चैनान्बहु मन्यन्ते पुत्रास्तव विशां पते ॥६-६१-१९॥
Ignoring all the sins of your sons, the Pāṇḍavas have always been deniers, O elder of the Pāṇḍus. And your sons do not hold them in high regard, O lord of the people.
तस्य पापस्य सततं क्रियमाणस्य कर्मणः। सम्प्राप्तं सुमहद्घोरं फलं किम्पाकसंनिभम् ॥ स तद्भुङ्क्ष्व महाराज सपुत्रः ससुहृज्जनः ॥६-६१-२०॥
The terrible consequences of the sins constantly committed have now come to fruition, resembling a poisonous fruit. O great king, you must now face these consequences along with your sons and friends.
नावबुध्यसि यद्राजन्वार्यमाणः सुहृज्जनैः। विदुरेणाथ भीष्मेण द्रोणेन च महात्मना ॥६-६१-२१॥
O king, despite being advised by your well-wishers like Vidura, Bhishma, and Drona, you fail to comprehend the situation.
तथा मया चाप्यसकृद्वार्यमाणो न गृह्णसि। वाक्यं हितं च पथ्यं च मर्त्यः पथ्यमिवौषधम् ॥ पुत्राणां मतमास्थाय जितान्मन्यसि पाण्डवान् ॥६-६१-२२॥
Despite my repeated attempts to restrain you, you refuse to accept the beneficial and wholesome advice, much like a mortal refusing medicine. You believe the Pandavas are defeated, following your sons' opinion.
शृणु भूयो यथातत्त्वं यन्मां त्वं परिपृच्छसि। कारणं भरतश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवानां जयं प्रति ॥ तत्तेऽहं कथयिष्यामि यथाश्रुतमरिंदम ॥६-६१-२३॥
Listen once more to the true account of what you ask me, O best of the Bharatas, concerning the reason for the Pandavas' victory. I shall narrate it to you as I have heard it, O subduer of enemies.
दुर्योधनेन सम्पृष्ट एतमर्थं पितामहः। दृष्ट्वा भ्रातॄन्रणे सर्वान्निर्जितान्सुमहारथान् ॥६-६१-२४॥
Duryodhana asked the grandfather about this matter. Upon seeing all his brothers, the great charioteers, conquered in battle.
शोकसंमूढहृदयो निशाकाले स्म कौरवः। पितामहं महाप्राज्ञं विनयेनोपगम्य ह ॥ यदब्रवीत्सुतस्तेऽसौ तन्मे शृणु जनेश्वर ॥६-६१-२५॥
The Kaurava, with a heart overwhelmed by sorrow, approached the wise grandsire at night with humility. Listen to what your son said, O lord of the people.
दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
त्वं च द्रोणश्च शल्यश्च कृपो द्रौणिस्तथैव च। कृतवर्मा च हार्दिक्यः काम्बोजश्च सुदक्षिणः ॥६-६१-२६॥
You, along with Droṇa, Śalya, Kṛpa, the son of Droṇa, Kṛtavarmā, the son of Hṛdika, Kāmboja, and Sudakṣiṇa, are all present.
भूरिश्रवा विकर्णश्च भगदत्तश्च वीर्यवान्। महारथाः समाख्याताः कुलपुत्रास्तनुत्यजः ॥६-६१-२७॥
Bhūriśravā, Vikarṇa, and Bhagadatta were valiant warriors, renowned as great charioteers, and sons of noble families who sacrificed their lives.
त्रयाणामपि लोकानां पर्याप्ता इति मे मतिः। पाण्डवानां समस्ताश्च न तिष्ठन्ति पराक्रमे ॥६-६१-२८॥
In my view, even the three worlds are sufficient, yet all the Pandavas do not stand firm in valor.
तत्र मे संशयो जातस्तन्ममाचक्ष्व पृच्छतः। यं समाश्रित्य कौन्तेया जयन्त्यस्मान्पदे पदे ॥६-६१-२९॥
I have a doubt about this matter. Please tell me, whom do the sons of Kunti rely upon to defeat us at every step?
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma spoke:
शृणु राजन्वचो मह्यं यत्त्वां वक्ष्यामि कौरव। बहुशश्च ममोक्तोऽसि न च मे तत्त्वया कृतम् ॥६-६१-३०॥
"Listen, O King, to my words that I will speak to you, Kaurava. You have been told many times by me, yet you have not acted upon them."
क्रियतां पाण्डवैः सार्धं शमो भरतसत्तम। एतत्क्षममहं मन्ये पृथिव्यास्तव चाभिभो ॥६-६१-३१॥
O best of the Bharatas, let peace be established with the Pandavas. I believe this is the right course for both the earth and you, O lord.
भुञ्जेमां पृथिवीं राजन्भ्रातृभिः सहितः सुखी। दुर्हृदस्तापयन्सर्वान्नन्दयंश्चापि बान्धवान् ॥६-६१-३२॥
O king, enjoy this earth happily with your brothers, causing distress to your enemies and bringing joy to your relatives.
न च मे क्रोशतस्तात श्रुतवानसि वै पुरा। तदिदं समनुप्राप्तं यत्पाण्डूनवमन्यसे ॥६-६१-३३॥
Father, you have not heard my cries before, and now this situation has arisen where you disrespect the Pāṇḍavas.
यश्च हेतुरवध्यत्वे तेषामक्लिष्टकर्मणाम्। तं शृणुष्व महाराज मम कीर्तयतः प्रभो ॥६-६१-३४॥
O great king, listen to the reason behind the invincibility of those who perform actions effortlessly, as I narrate it to you, O lord.
नास्ति लोकेषु तद्भूतं भविता नो भविष्यति। यो जयेत्पाण्डवान्सङ्ख्ये पालिताञ्शार्ङ्गधन्वना ॥६-६१-३५॥
In all the worlds, nothing has existed, nor will exist, that can defeat the Pandavas in battle, as they are protected by Krishna, the wielder of the Sharnga bow.
यत्तु मे कथितं तात मुनिभिर्भावितात्मभिः। पुराणगीतं धर्मज्ञ तच्छृणुष्व यथातथम् ॥६-६१-३६॥
Dear one, listen to the ancient song told to me by the sages with purified souls, exactly as it is, O knower of dharma.
पुरा किल सुराः सर्वे ऋषयश्च समागताः। पितामहमुपासेदुः पर्वते गन्धमादने ॥६-६१-३७॥
Once upon a time, all the gods and sages gathered and paid homage to the grandfather on Mount Gandhamadana.
मध्ये तेषां समासीनः प्रजापतिरपश्यत। विमानं जाज्वलद्भासा स्थितं प्रवरमम्बरे ॥६-६१-३८॥
Prajapati, seated among them, saw a magnificent chariot shining brightly, standing prominently in the sky.
ध्यानेनावेद्य तं ब्रह्मा कृत्वा च नियतोऽञ्जलिम्। नमश्चकार हृष्टात्मा परमं परमेश्वरम् ॥६-६१-३९॥
Through meditation, Brahma realized the Supreme Lord and, with controlled reverence and a delighted mind, bowed to Him.
ऋषयस्त्वथ देवाश्च दृष्ट्वा ब्रह्माणमुत्थितम्। स्थिताः प्राञ्जलयः सर्वे पश्यन्तो महदद्भुतम् ॥६-६१-४०॥
The sages and gods, upon witnessing Brahma rise, stood with folded hands, all gazing at the great wonder.
यथावच्च तमभ्यर्च्य ब्रह्मा ब्रह्मविदां वरः। जगाद जगतः स्रष्टा परं परमधर्मवित् ॥६-६१-४१॥
After properly worshipping him, Brahma, the foremost among the knowers of Brahman and the creator of the universe, spoke as the supreme authority on duty.
विश्वावसुर्विश्वमूर्तिर्विश्वेशो; विष्वक्सेनो विश्वकर्मा वशी च। विश्वेश्वरो वासुदेवोऽसि तस्मा; द्योगात्मानं दैवतं त्वामुपैमि ॥६-६१-४२॥
You are the universal wealth, the universal form, the lord of the universe; all-conquering, the creator of the universe, and the controller. Therefore, I approach you, the spiritual essence and divine Vasudeva.
जय विश्व महादेव जय लोकहिते रत। जय योगीश्वर विभो जय योगपरावर ॥६-६१-४३॥
Hail to the great universal god, who is engaged in the welfare of the world. Hail to the lord of yogis, the master of all aspects of yoga.
पद्मगर्भ विशालाक्ष जय लोकेश्वरेश्वर। भूतभव्यभवन्नाथ जय सौम्यात्मजात्मज ॥६-६१-४४॥
Victory to the lotus-wombed, large-eyed lord of the lords of the world, and to the lord of past, present, and future, the son of the gentle one.
असङ्ख्येयगुणाजेय जय सर्वपरायण। नारायण सुदुष्पार जय शार्ङ्गधनुर्धर ॥६-६१-४५॥
Victory to the invincible Narayana, who possesses innumerable qualities and is the refuge of all. He is difficult to cross and holds the Sharnga bow.
सर्वगुह्यगुणोपेत विश्वमूर्ते निरामय। विश्वेश्वर महाबाहो जय लोकार्थतत्पर ॥६-६१-४६॥
O Lord of the universe, endowed with all secret virtues and free from afflictions, O mighty-armed one, may you be victorious and dedicated to the welfare of the world.
महोरग वराहाद्य हरिकेश विभो जय। हरिवास विशामीश विश्वावासामिताव्यय ॥६-६१-४७॥
Victory to the omnipresent lord of Hari, who is the great serpent, boar, and beginning. He is the abode of Hari, lord of the people, dwelling in the universe, immeasurable and imperishable.
व्यक्ताव्यक्तामितस्थान नियतेन्द्रिय सेन्द्रिय। असङ्ख्येयात्मभावज्ञ जय गम्भीर कामद ॥६-६१-४८॥
The one who knows the nature of the innumerable selves, who is victorious, profound, and fulfills desires, resides in both the manifest and unmanifest, in an immeasurable place with controlled senses.
अनन्त विदितप्रज्ञ नित्यं भूतविभावन। कृतकार्य कृतप्रज्ञ धर्मज्ञ विजयाजय ॥६-६१-४९॥
The one who is endless, possessing known wisdom, eternal, manifesting all beings, having accomplished tasks and wisdom, knower of dharma, and who experiences both victory and defeat.
गुह्यात्मन्सर्वभूतात्मन्स्फुटसम्भूतसम्भव। भूतार्थतत्त्व लोकेश जय भूतविभावन ॥६-६१-५०॥
O secret self, soul of all beings, you who are the clearly manifest origin and essence of the meaning of all beings, lord of the world, victory to you, the manifestation of all beings.
आत्मयोने महाभाग कल्पसङ्क्षेपतत्पर। उद्भावन मनोद्भाव जय ब्रह्मजनप्रिय ॥६-६१-५१॥
O self-born and greatly fortunate one, who is eager for the summary of creation and manifestation, may victory be yours, dear to the progeny of Brahma.
निसर्गसर्गाभिरत कामेश परमेश्वर। अमृतोद्भव सद्भाव युगाग्ने विजयप्रद ॥६-६१-५२॥
O supreme lord Kāmeśa, engaged in the creation of nature, you are born of nectar and possess a good disposition. You are the fire of the era and the giver of victory.
प्रजापतिपते देव पद्मनाभ महाबल। आत्मभूत महाभूत कर्मात्मञ्जय कर्मद ॥६-६१-५३॥
O lord of all beings, divine one with a lotus in the navel, possessing immense strength, self-existent and great being, victorious through actions, and bestower of deeds.
पादौ तव धरा देवी दिशो बाहुर्दिवं शिरः। मूर्तिस्तेऽहं सुराः कायश्चन्द्रादित्यौ च चक्षुषी ॥६-६१-५४॥
The earth is your feet, O goddess, the directions are your arms, and heaven is your head. I am your form, the gods are your body, and the moon and sun are your eyes.
बलं तपश्च सत्यं च धर्मः कामात्मजः प्रभो। तेजोऽग्निः पवनः श्वास आपस्ते स्वेदसम्भवाः ॥६-६१-५५॥
O lord, son of desire, strength, austerity, truth, and righteousness are your attributes. Your brilliance, fire, wind, breath, and water are born of your sweat.
अश्विनौ श्रवणौ नित्यं देवी जिह्वा सरस्वती। वेदाः संस्कारनिष्ठा हि त्वयीदं जगदाश्रितम् ॥६-६१-५६॥
The two Ashvins are always the ears, and the goddess Sarasvati is the tongue. The Vedas are indeed established in rituals, and this world depends on you.
न सङ्ख्यां न परीमाणं न तेजो न पराक्रमम्। न बलं योगयोगीश जानीमस्ते न सम्भवम् ॥६-६१-५७॥
O lord of yoga, we are unaware of your number, measure, splendor, valor, strength, or origin.
त्वद्भक्तिनिरता देव नियमैस्त्वा समाहिताः। अर्चयामः सदा विष्णो परमेशं महेश्वरम् ॥६-६१-५८॥
O Lord, devoted to your worship and disciplined, we remain focused. We always worship you, O Vishnu, the supreme and great lord.
ऋषयो देवगन्धर्वा यक्षराक्षसपन्नगाः। पिशाचा मानुषाश्चैव मृगपक्षिसरीसृपाः ॥६-६१-५९॥
Sages, divine musicians, yakṣas, rākṣasas, serpents, goblins, humans, and indeed all creatures including beasts, birds, and reptiles were present.
एवमादि मया सृष्टं पृथिव्यां त्वत्प्रसादजम्। पद्मनाभ विशालाक्ष कृष्ण दुःस्वप्ननाशन ॥६-६१-६०॥
Thus, O Padmanabha, large-eyed Krishna, destroyer of bad dreams, what has been created by me on earth is by your grace.
त्वं गतिः सर्वभूतानां त्वं नेता त्वं जगन्मुखम्। त्वत्प्रसादेन देवेश सुखिनो विबुधाः सदा ॥६-६१-६१॥
You are the ultimate refuge and leader of all beings, the very face of the universe. By your grace, O Lord of the gods, the wise remain perpetually happy.
पृथिवी निर्भया देव त्वत्प्रसादात्सदाभवत्। तस्माद्भव विशालाक्ष यदुवंशविवर्धनः ॥६-६१-६२॥
O god, your grace has always made the earth fearless. Therefore, O large-eyed one, continue to enhance the Yadu dynasty.
धर्मसंस्थापनार्थाय दैतेयानां वधाय च। जगतो धारणार्थाय विज्ञाप्यं कुरु मे प्रभो ॥६-६१-६३॥
O Lord, please inform me of your intentions to establish righteousness, destroy the demons, and sustain the world.
यदेतत्परमं गुह्यं त्वत्प्रसादमयं विभो। वासुदेव तदेतत्ते मयोद्गीतं यथातथम् ॥६-६१-६४॥
O Vāsudeva, this supreme secret, filled with your grace, has been sung by me to you exactly as it is.
सृष्ट्वा सङ्कर्षणं देवं स्वयमात्मानमात्मना। कृष्ण त्वमात्मनास्राक्षीः प्रद्युम्नं चात्मसम्भवम् ॥६-६१-६५॥
Kṛṣṇa, you created the god Saṅkarṣaṇa by yourself, and then you also created Pradyumna, who is self-born.
प्रद्युम्नाच्चानिरुद्धं त्वं यं विदुर्विष्णुमव्ययम्। अनिरुद्धोऽसृजन्मां वै ब्रह्माणं लोकधारिणम् ॥६-६१-६६॥
From Pradyumna came Aniruddha, whom you know as the eternal Viṣṇu. Aniruddha then created me, Brahmā, the upholder of the world.
वासुदेवमयः सोऽहं त्वयैवास्मि विनिर्मितः। विभज्य भागशोऽऽत्मानं व्रज मानुषतां विभो ॥६-६१-६७॥
I am created by you and am a part of Vāsudeva. Now, divide yourself and take a human form, O mighty one.
तत्रासुरवधं कृत्वा सर्वलोकसुखाय वै। धर्मं स्थाप्य यशः प्राप्य योगं प्राप्स्यसि तत्त्वतः ॥६-६१-६८॥
There, by slaying the demons for the happiness of all worlds, and establishing righteousness, you will gain fame and truly attain union.
त्वां हि ब्रह्मर्षयो लोके देवाश्चामितविक्रम। तैस्तैश्च नामभिर्भक्ता गायन्ति परमात्मकम् ॥६-६१-६९॥
In the world, the sages and gods of immeasurable valor indeed sing of you, the supreme soul, by various names, O devotee.
स्थिताश्च सर्वे त्वयि भूतसङ्घाः; कृत्वाश्रयं त्वां वरदं सुबाहो। अनादिमध्यान्तमपारयोगं; लोकस्य सेतुं प्रवदन्ति विप्राः ॥६-६१-७०॥
All beings are established in you, O strong-armed one, taking refuge in you, the giver of boons. The sages proclaim you as the eternal bridge of the world, without beginning, middle, or end, and of boundless union.
