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.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
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.
Sanjaya, having heard of the complete defeat of my sons, I am greatly worried, O Suta, about how things will turn out.
Certainly, Vidura's words will deeply affect me, as everything seems to be unfolding according to divine will, O Sanjaya.
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.
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?
I cannot bear repeatedly seeing the army slain by the Pandavas. It seems that fate has decreed a severe punishment upon me alone.
Sanjaya, tell me truly how the sons of Pandu are to be killed, and likewise, how my sons are to be killed.
I cannot see any way to end this sorrow, just as a man cannot cross the vast ocean with his arms.
I believe that a terrible calamity has certainly befallen my sons. Bhima will undoubtedly kill all my sons.
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.
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.
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.
O wise Sanjaya, what certainty was there among my sons who had turned away at that time, indeed, among those great souls?
Sanjaya said:
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.
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.
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.
Your sons, being wicked-minded and always engaged in sinful acts, are harsh and perform vile deeds; therefore, they are defeated in battle.
O king, many cruel acts have been committed by your sons here against the Pandavas, just as lowly men would do.
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.
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.
O king, despite being advised by your well-wishers like Vidura, Bhishma, and Drona, you fail to comprehend the situation.
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.
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.
Duryodhana asked the grandfather about this matter. Upon seeing all his brothers, the great charioteers, conquered in battle.
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.
Duryodhana said:
You, along with Droṇa, Śalya, Kṛpa, the son of Droṇa, Kṛtavarmā, the son of Hṛdika, Kāmboja, and Sudakṣiṇa, are all present.
Bhūriśravā, Vikarṇa, and Bhagadatta were valiant warriors, renowned as great charioteers, and sons of noble families who sacrificed their lives.
In my view, even the three worlds are sufficient, yet all the Pandavas do not stand firm in valor.
I have a doubt about this matter. Please tell me, whom do the sons of Kunti rely upon to defeat us at every step?
Bhishma spoke:
"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."
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.
O king, enjoy this earth happily with your brothers, causing distress to your enemies and bringing joy to your relatives.
Father, you have not heard my cries before, and now this situation has arisen where you disrespect the Pāṇḍavas.
O great king, listen to the reason behind the invincibility of those who perform actions effortlessly, as I narrate it to you, O lord.
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.
Dear one, listen to the ancient song told to me by the sages with purified souls, exactly as it is, O knower of dharma.
Once upon a time, all the gods and sages gathered and paid homage to the grandfather on Mount Gandhamadana.
Prajapati, seated among them, saw a magnificent chariot shining brightly, standing prominently in the sky.
Through meditation, Brahma realized the Supreme Lord and, with controlled reverence and a delighted mind, bowed to Him.
The sages and gods, upon witnessing Brahma rise, stood with folded hands, all gazing at the great wonder.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
O lord of yoga, we are unaware of your number, measure, splendor, valor, strength, or origin.
O Lord, devoted to your worship and disciplined, we remain focused. We always worship you, O Vishnu, the supreme and great lord.
Sages, divine musicians, yakṣas, rākṣasas, serpents, goblins, humans, and indeed all creatures including beasts, birds, and reptiles were present.
Thus, O Padmanabha, large-eyed Krishna, destroyer of bad dreams, what has been created by me on earth is by your grace.
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.
O god, your grace has always made the earth fearless. Therefore, O large-eyed one, continue to enhance the Yadu dynasty.
O Lord, please inform me of your intentions to establish righteousness, destroy the demons, and sustain the world.
O Vāsudeva, this supreme secret, filled with your grace, has been sung by me to you exactly as it is.
Kṛṣṇa, you created the god Saṅkarṣaṇa by yourself, and then you also created Pradyumna, who is self-born.
From Pradyumna came Aniruddha, whom you know as the eternal Viṣṇu. Aniruddha then created me, Brahmā, the upholder of the world.
I am created by you and am a part of Vāsudeva. Now, divide yourself and take a human form, O mighty one.
There, by slaying the demons for the happiness of all worlds, and establishing righteousness, you will gain fame and truly attain union.
In the world, the sages and gods of immeasurable valor indeed sing of you, the supreme soul, by various names, O devotee.
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.
