06.072
Core and Pancharatra: Dhritarashtra laments the fate of his son's army, despite its being groomed and managed effectively.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
O Sanjaya, the army, possessing many qualities and of various kinds, is supreme and arranged according to the scriptures, making it infallible.
Our state is always nourished, extremely desirable, humble, and free from misfortune, with visible prowess before us.
The description is of someone who is neither too old nor too young, neither too thin nor too fat; they have a body that is mostly light, round, and elongated, embodying health.
He was armed with armor and weapons, possessing many weapons, and was an expert in sword fighting, wrestling, and mace fighting.
In every aspect of battle, including spears, javelins, iron clubs, missiles, and pestles, power is present everywhere.
He is an expert in handling tremors, bows, arrows, missiles, and wonders, and is skilled in fist fights everywhere.
He was directly knowledgeable, having made efforts in exercises, and accomplished in all aspects of weapon handling.
He is an expert in mounting, jumping over obstacles, moving, leaping across, striking well, riding, and departing.
The elephants, horses, chariots, and other vehicles were thoroughly tested many times. After ensuring everything was in accordance with justice, they were provided with the appropriate salary.
One does not attain success merely by participating in assemblies, performing services, having relatives, friendships, or noble possessions.
The prosperous and noble people, along with content and honored relatives, are abundant in favors done, and are both famous and wise.
O dear, it has been protected many times by chief men with victories and important deeds, like the protectors of the world, who are famous everywhere.
Many renowned warriors, approved by the people, have approached us on earth with their armies and followers, driven by desire.
The scene was like a vast ocean, completely filled with rivers on all sides, and surrounded by chariots that looked like wings without having wings, along with elephants.
The scene was filled with various weapons and water, creating a terrifying atmosphere. The vehicles moved with measured waves, and the area was crowded with missiles, swords, maces, spears, arrows, and javelins.
The place was adorned with flags and ornaments, covered with jewel-studded cloth, and was trembling due to the vehicles moving around with the speed of the wind.
The army, vast and roaring like the mighty ocean, was protected by Drona and Bhishma and guarded by Kritavarma.
Kṛpa and Duḥśāsana, along with Jayadratha and others, as well as Bhagadatta, Vikarṇa, Drauṇi, Saubala, and Bāhlika, were present.
The brave, wise, and great souls of the world kept it hidden, and it was destroyed in battle; this was destined from ancient times.
O Sanjaya, neither humans nor the great ancient sages on earth have witnessed such an effort.
Such a mass of strength, endowed with weaponry, is indeed slain in battle; what else can be attributed to fate?
Sanjaya, it seemed to me that everything was contrary, where such a formidable force could not overcome the Pandavas in battle.
Then, for the sake of the Pāṇḍavas, the gods gathered there and fought against my army, which was being slaughtered, O Sañjaya.
Vidura has indeed spoken beneficial and wholesome advice here, O Sanjaya, but my foolish son Duryodhana does not accept it.
I believe that his intellect was once like that of the all-knowing great soul, O dear, as it was seen by someone in the past.
"Then, O Sanjaya, it is destined to be this way in every respect. As it was created by the creator in the past, so it is, and not otherwise."
