06.073
Core and Pancharatra: Bhima enters the Kaurava formation, leaving behind his chariot. Drushtadymna follows and takes Bhima on his chariot. He makes the Kaurava army retreat through the delusion weapon. Then Drona discharges a wisdom weapon to counter it. Abhimanyu and 11 others pierce the Kaurava army formation with a needle pointed formation, instructed by Yudhisthira. By afternoon, Drona is successful in defending the Pandava attack.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
आत्मदोषात्त्वया राजन्प्राप्तं व्यसनमीदृशम्। न हि दुर्योधनस्तानि पश्यते भरतर्षभ ॥ यानि त्वं दृष्टवान्राजन्धर्मसङ्करकारिते ॥६-७३-१॥
O King, it is due to your own faults that you have encountered such a calamity. Duryodhana, however, does not perceive those things, O best of the Bharatas, which you have observed, caused by the confusion of dharma.
तव दोषात्पुरा वृत्तं द्यूतमेतद्विशां पते। तव दोषेण युद्धं च प्रवृत्तं सह पाण्डवैः ॥ त्वमेवाद्य फलं भुङ्क्ष्व कृत्वा किल्बिषमात्मना ॥६-७३-२॥
O lord of men, it was your fault that led to the gambling and the war with the Pandavas. Now, you must face the consequences of your actions and bear the results of your sins.
आत्मना हि कृतं कर्म आत्मनैवोपभुज्यते। इह वा प्रेत्य वा राजंस्त्वया प्राप्तं यथातथम् ॥६-७३-३॥
O King, the actions performed by oneself are indeed experienced by oneself, either in this life or after death, exactly as they are.
तस्माद्राजन्स्थिरो भूत्वा प्राप्येदं व्यसनं महत्। शृणु युद्धं यथावृत्तं शंसतो मम मारिष ॥६-७३-४॥
Therefore, O King, remain steady and, having faced this great calamity, listen to the account of the battle as it unfolded, as narrated by me, O gentle one.
भीमसेनस्तु निशितैर्बाणैर्भित्त्वा महाचमूम्। आससाद ततो वीरः सर्वान्दुर्योधनानुजान् ॥६-७३-५॥
Bhimasena, with his sharp arrows, pierced through the great army and then the hero approached all of Duryodhana's brothers.
दुःशासनं दुर्विषहं दुःसहं दुर्मदं जयम्। जयत्सेनं विकर्णं च चित्रसेनं सुदर्शनम् ॥६-७३-६॥
Duhshasana, who is difficult to endure and unbearable due to his arrogance, along with Jayatsena, Vikarna, Citrasena, and Sudarsana.
चारुचित्रं सुवर्माणं दुष्कर्णं कर्णमेव च। एतानन्यांश्च सुबहून्समीपस्थान्महारथान् ॥६-७३-७॥
The beautifully painted and well-armored Karna, difficult to hear, along with many other nearby great charioteers.
धार्तराष्ट्रान्सुसङ्क्रुद्धान्दृष्ट्वा भीमो महाबलः। भीष्मेण समरे गुप्तां प्रविवेश महाचमूम् ॥६-७३-८॥
Upon seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra enraged, the mighty Bhima, under the protection of Bhishma, entered the vast army on the battlefield.
अथाह्वयन्त तेऽन्योन्यमयं प्राप्तो वृकोदरः। जीवग्राहं निगृह्णीमो वयमेनं नराधिपाः ॥६-७३-९॥
Then the kings challenged each other, declaring that Vrikodara had arrived and that they would capture him alive.
स तैः परिवृतः पार्थो भ्रातृभिः कृतनिश्चयैः। प्रजासंहरणे सूर्यः क्रूरैरिव महाग्रहैः ॥६-७३-१०॥
Arjuna, surrounded by his brothers who were firm in their resolve, was like the sun accompanied by fierce planets, ready to destroy the people.
सम्प्राप्य मध्यं व्यूहस्य न भीः पाण्डवमाविशत्। यथा देवासुरे युद्धे महेन्द्रः प्राप्य दानवान् ॥६-७३-११॥
Upon reaching the center of the formation, the Pandava was unafraid, just as Mahendra was when he confronted the demons in the battle between gods and demons.
ततः शतसहस्राणि रथिनां सर्वशः प्रभो। छादयानं शरैर्घोरैस्तमेकमनुवव्रिरे ॥६-७३-१२॥
Then, O lord, countless charioteers surrounded and attacked him alone with their dreadful arrows.
स तेषां प्रवरान्योधान्हस्त्यश्वरथसादिनः। जघान समरे शूरो धार्तराष्ट्रानचिन्तयन् ॥६-७३-१३॥
The hero, without hesitation, killed the chief warriors and riders of elephants, horses, and chariots belonging to the sons of Dhritarashtra in the battle.
तेषां व्यवसितं ज्ञात्वा भीमसेनो जिघृक्षताम्। समस्तानां वधे राजन्मतिं चक्रे महामनाः ॥६-७३-१४॥
Understanding their resolve, the great-minded Bhimasena decided to kill them all, O king.
ततो रथं समुत्सृज्य गदामादाय पाण्डवः। जघान धार्तराष्ट्राणां तं बलौघमहार्णवम् ॥६-७३-१५॥
Then Pāṇḍava, leaving his chariot and taking up his mace, attacked the vast army of Dhritarashtra's sons, resembling a great ocean.
भीमसेने प्रविष्टे तु धृष्टद्युम्नोऽपि पार्षतः। द्रोणमुत्सृज्य तरसा प्रययौ यत्र सौबलः ॥६-७३-१६॥
When Bhimasena entered, Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, quickly left Drona and went to where the son of Subala was.
विदार्य महतीं सेनां तावकानां नरर्षभः। आससाद रथं शून्यं भीमसेनस्य संयुगे ॥६-७३-१७॥
After breaking through your vast army, the warrior, like a bull among men, reached Bhīmasena's empty chariot on the battlefield.
दृष्ट्वा विशोकं समरे भीमसेनस्य सारथिम्। धृष्टद्युम्नो महाराज दुर्मना गतचेतनः ॥६-७३-१८॥
Upon witnessing that Bhimasena's charioteer was unharmed in the battle, Dhrishtadyumna, O great king, became deeply distressed and fainted.
अपृच्छद्बाष्पसंरुद्धो निस्वनां वाचमीरयन्। मम प्राणैः प्रियतमः क्व भीम इति दुःखितः ॥६-७३-१९॥
He asked, his voice choked with tears, uttering a sound: "Where is my dearest Bhima?" he said sorrowfully.
विशोकस्तमुवाचेदं धृष्टद्युम्नं कृताञ्जलिः। संस्थाप्य मामिह बली पाण्डवेयः प्रतापवान् ॥६-७३-२०॥
Viśoka, free from sorrow, addressed Dhṛṣṭadyumna with folded hands, saying: "The strong and glorious son of Pandu has established me here."
प्रविष्टो धार्तराष्ट्राणामेतद्बलमहार्णवम्। मामुक्त्वा पुरुषव्याघ्र प्रीतियुक्तमिदं वचः ॥६-७३-२१॥
Having entered the vast army of the Kauravas, he addressed me, O best among men, with these affectionate words.
प्रतिपालय मां सूत नियम्याश्वान्मुहूर्तकम्। यावदेतान्निहन्म्याशु य इमे मद्वधोद्यताः ॥६-७३-२२॥
"O charioteer, hold the horses for a moment while I swiftly deal with those who are eager to kill me."
ततो दृष्ट्वा गदाहस्तं प्रधावन्तं महाबलम्। सर्वेषामेव सैन्यानां सङ्घर्षः समजायत ॥६-७३-२३॥
Upon witnessing the mighty warrior with a mace in hand charging forward, a fierce battle erupted among all the troops.
तस्मिंस्तु तुमुले युद्धे वर्तमाने भयानके। भित्त्वा राजन्महाव्यूहं प्रविवेश सखा तव ॥६-७३-२४॥
In the midst of that fierce and terrifying battle, your friend broke through the great formation and entered, O king.
विशोकस्य वचः श्रुत्वा धृष्टद्युम्नोऽपि पार्षतः। प्रत्युवाच ततः सूतं रणमध्ये महाबलः ॥६-७३-२५॥
Upon hearing Vishoka's words, the mighty Dhrishtadyumna, son of Prishata, responded to the charioteer amidst the battle.
न हि मे विद्यते सूत जीवितेऽद्य प्रयोजनम्। भीमसेनं रणे हित्वा स्नेहमुत्सृज्य पाण्डवैः ॥६-७३-२६॥
O charioteer, I find no purpose in living today after leaving Bhimasena in battle and abandoning the affection of the Pandavas.
यदि यामि विना भीमं किं मां क्षत्रं वदिष्यति। एकायनगते भीमे मयि चावस्थिते युधि ॥६-७३-२७॥
If I proceed without Bhima, what will the warriors think of me? With Bhima having departed to the afterlife and me standing in the battle, how will I be perceived?
अस्वस्ति तस्य कुर्वन्ति देवाः साग्निपुरोगमाः। यः सहायान्परित्यज्य स्वस्तिमानाव्रजेद्गृहान् ॥६-७३-२८॥
The gods, led by Agni, bring misfortune to the one who returns home prosperous after abandoning his companions.
मम भीमः सखा चैव सम्बन्धी च महाबलः। भक्तोऽस्मान्भक्तिमांश्चाहं तमप्यरिनिषूदनम् ॥६-७३-२९॥
Bhima, my friend and mighty relative, is devoted to us, and I am also devoted to him, the destroyer of enemies.
सोऽहं तत्र गमिष्यामि यत्र यातो वृकोदरः। निघ्नन्तं मामरीन्पश्य दानवानिव वासवम् ॥६-७३-३०॥
I will go there where Bhima has gone; watch me slay the enemies like Indra slays the demons.
एवमुक्त्वा ततो वीरो ययौ मध्येन भारतीम्। भीमसेनस्य मार्गेषु गदाप्रमथितैर्गजैः ॥६-७३-३१॥
After speaking thus, the hero proceeded through the heart of India, along the paths where Bhimasena's mace had crushed the elephants.
स ददर्श ततो भीमं दहन्तं रिपुवाहिनीम्। वातं वृक्षानिव बलात्प्रभञ्जन्तं रणे नृपान् ॥६-७३-३२॥
He then saw Bhima fiercely attacking the enemy forces, like a storm uprooting trees, overpowering the kings in battle.
ते हन्यमानाः समरे रथिनः सादिनस्तथा। पादाता दन्तिनश्चैव चक्रुरार्तस्वरं महत् ॥६-७३-३३॥
As they were being slain in battle, the charioteers, horsemen, foot soldiers, and elephants cried out in great distress.
हाहाकारश्च सञ्जज्ञे तव सैन्यस्य मारिष। वध्यतो भीमसेनेन कृतिना चित्रयोधिना ॥६-७३-३४॥
An uproar arose in your army, O lord, as Bhimasena, the skillful and distinguished warrior, was slaying it.
ततः कृतास्त्रास्ते सर्वे परिवार्य वृकोदरम्। अभीताः समवर्तन्त शस्त्रवृष्ट्या समन्ततः ॥६-७३-३५॥
Then, all the warriors, skilled in weaponry, surrounded Bhima (Vrikodara) and fearlessly attacked with a barrage of weapons from every direction.
अभिद्रुतं शस्त्रभृतां वरिष्ठं; समन्ततः पाण्डवं लोकवीरैः। सैन्येन घोरेण सुसङ्गतेन; दृष्ट्वा बली पार्षतो भीमसेनम् ॥६-७३-३६॥
Bhimasena, the strong son of Prishata, saw the terrible and well-arranged army, and was attacked by the best of weapon-bearers and heroes from all around.
अथोपगच्छच्छरविक्षताङ्गं; पदातिनं क्रोधविषं वमन्तम्। आश्वासयन्पार्षतो भीमसेनं; गदाहस्तं कालमिवान्तकाले ॥६-७३-३७॥
Then, Bhimasena, with his body wounded by arrows and filled with rage, approached on foot, consoling the son of Prishata, holding his mace like the embodiment of time at the end of days.
निःशल्यमेनं च चकार तूर्ण; मारोपयच्चात्मरथं महात्मा। भृशं परिष्वज्य च भीमसेन; माश्वासयामास च शत्रुमध्ये ॥६-७३-३८॥
The noble one swiftly extracted the arrow from him and lifted him onto his chariot. Embracing Bhimasena warmly, he offered comfort amidst the enemies.
भ्रातॄनथोपेत्य तवापि पुत्र; स्तस्मिन्विमर्दे महति प्रवृत्ते। अयं दुरात्मा द्रुपदस्य पुत्रः; समागतो भीमसेनेन सार्धम् ॥ तं यात सर्वे सहिता निहन्तुं; मा वो रिपुः प्रार्थयतामनीकम् ॥६-७३-३९॥
Then, after approaching your brothers, your son, in that great conflict that had commenced, this wicked son of Drupada arrived with Bhimasena. Go all together to kill him, lest your enemy seeks the army.
श्रुत्वा तु वाक्यं तममृष्यमाणा; ज्येष्ठाज्ञया चोदिता धार्तराष्ट्राः। वधाय निष्पेतुरुदायुधास्ते; युगक्षये केतवो यद्वदुग्राः ॥६-७३-४०॥
Upon hearing those words, and unable to tolerate them, the sons of Dhritarashtra, urged by their elder's command, emerged with weapons raised, ready to kill, resembling fierce comets at the end of an era.
प्रगृह्य चित्राणि धनूंषि वीरा; ज्यानेमिघोषैः प्रविकम्पयन्तः। शरैरवर्षन्द्रुपदस्य पुत्रं; यथाम्बुदा भूधरं वारिजालैः ॥ निहत्य तांश्चापि शरैः सुतीक्ष्णै; र्न विव्यथे समरे चित्रयोधी ॥६-७३-४१॥
The heroes, having taken their wonderful bows, shook the battlefield with the twang of their bowstrings and showered arrows upon Drupada's son, just as clouds shower torrents of water upon a mountain. Even after killing them with sharp arrows, the valiant warrior remained unperturbed in battle.
समभ्युदीर्णांश्च तवात्मजांस्तथा; निशाम्य वीरानभितः स्थितान्रणे। जिघांसुरुग्रं द्रुपदात्मजो युवा; प्रमोहनास्त्रं युयुजे महारथः ॥ क्रुद्धो भृशं तव पुत्रेषु राज; न्दैत्येषु यद्वत्समरे महेन्द्रः ॥६-७३-४२॥
Observing your sons and the heroes standing around in battle, the young son of Drupada, fiercely desiring to kill, employed the bewildering weapon, much like the great Indra among demons in battle, O king.
ततो व्यमुह्यन्त रणे नृवीराः; प्रमोहनास्त्राहतबुद्धिसत्त्वाः। प्रदुद्रुवुः कुरवश्चैव सर्वे; सवाजिनागाः सरथाः समन्तात् ॥ परीतकालानिव नष्टसञ्ज्ञा; न्मोहोपेतांस्तव पुत्रान्निशम्य ॥६-७३-४३॥
Then, in the battle, the warriors were bewildered as their intellect and strength were struck by the bewildering weapon. All the Kurus, along with their horses, elephants, and chariots, fled from all directions, as if it were the end of time, losing consciousness upon hearing your sons overcome by delusion.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः। द्रुपदं त्रिभिरासाद्य शरैर्विव्याध दारुणैः ॥६-७३-४४॥
At that moment, Droṇa, the greatest among warriors, attacked Drupada with three fierce arrows.
सोऽतिविद्धस्तदा राजन्रणे द्रोणेन पार्थिवः। अपायाद्द्रुपदो राजन्पूर्ववैरमनुस्मरन् ॥६-७३-४५॥
Deeply pierced by Drona in battle, the prince Drupada retreated, remembering the old enmity, O king.
जित्वा तु द्रुपदं द्रोणः शङ्खं दध्मौ प्रतापवान्। तस्य शङ्खस्वनं श्रुत्वा वित्रेसुः सर्वसोमकाः ॥६-७३-४६॥
After defeating Drupada, the mighty Drona blew his conch, causing all the Somakas to tremble in fear upon hearing its sound.
अथ शुश्राव तेजस्वी द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः। प्रमोहनास्त्रेण रणे मोहितानात्मजांस्तव ॥६-७३-४७॥
Then the illustrious Droṇa, the foremost among warriors, heard that your sons had been confounded in battle by a bewildering weapon.
ततो द्रोणो राजगृद्धी त्वरितोऽभिययौ रणात्। तत्रापश्यन्महेष्वासो भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान् ॥ धृष्टद्युम्नं च भीमं च विचरन्तौ महारणे ॥६-७३-४८॥
Then, Droṇa, driven by his desire for the kingdom, quickly left the battlefield. There, the illustrious son of Bharadvaja, saw the mighty archer Dhrishtadyumna and Bhima moving through the intense battle.
मोहाविष्टांश्च ते पुत्रानपश्यत्स महारथः। ततः प्रज्ञास्त्रमादाय मोहनास्त्रं व्यशातयत् ॥६-७३-४९॥
The great warrior, seeing your sons deluded, took up the wisdom weapon and then discharged the delusion weapon.
अथ प्रत्यागतप्राणास्तव पुत्रा महारथाः। पुनर्युद्धाय समरे प्रययुर्भीमपार्षतौ ॥६-७३-५०॥
Then, your sons, the great warriors, having regained their strength, returned to the battlefield to fight once more against Bhima and Parshata.
ततो युधिष्ठिरः प्राह समाहूय स्वसैनिकान्। गच्छन्तु पदवीं शक्त्या भीमपार्षतयोर्युधि ॥६-७३-५१॥
Then Yudhishthira, having called his soldiers, instructed them to proceed with strength in the battle alongside Bhima and Parshata.
सौभद्रप्रमुखा वीरा रथा द्वादश दंशिताः। प्रवृत्तिमधिगच्छन्तु न हि शुध्यति मे मनः ॥६-७३-५२॥
Led by Saubhadra, twelve valiant chariots, ready for battle, may proceed, for my mind is truly unsettled.
त एवं समनुज्ञाताः शूरा विक्रान्तयोधिनः। बाढमित्येवमुक्त्वा तु सर्वे पुरुषमानिनः ॥ मध्यंदिनगते सूर्ये प्रययुः सर्व एव हि ॥६-७३-५३॥
Thus, having been permitted, the brave and valiant warriors, after saying "Certainly, in this way," all the proud men departed when the sun had passed midday.
केकया द्रौपदेयाश्च धृष्टकेतुश्च वीर्यवान्। अभिमन्युं पुरस्कृत्य महत्या सेनया वृताः ॥६-७३-५४॥
The Kekayas, the sons of Draupadi, and the mighty Dhrishtaketu, led by Abhimanyu, were surrounded by a great army.
ते कृत्वा समरे व्यूहं सूचीमुखमरिंदमाः। बिभिदुर्धार्तराष्ट्राणां तद्रथानीकमाहवे ॥६-७३-५५॥
The subduers of enemies formed a needle-pointed formation in the battle and pierced through the chariot force of the sons of Dhritarashtra.
तान्प्रयातान्महेष्वासानभिमन्युपुरोगमान्। भीमसेनभयाविष्टा धृष्टद्युम्नविमोहिता ॥६-७३-५६॥
The great archers, led by Abhimanyu, departed, overcome by fear of Bhimasena, leaving Dhrishtadyumna bewildered.
न सन्धारयितुं शक्ता तव सेना जनाधिप। मदमूर्छान्वितात्मानं प्रमदेवाध्वनि स्थिता ॥६-७३-५७॥
O King, your army is unable to maintain its position, as it stands on the road, intoxicated and unconscious, like a woman.
तेऽभियाता महेष्वासाः सुवर्णविकृतध्वजाः। परीप्सन्तोऽभ्यधावन्त धृष्टद्युम्नवृकोदरौ ॥६-७३-५८॥
The great archers with golden banners, eager to conquer, advanced towards Dhṛṣṭadyumna and Vṛkodara.
तौ च दृष्ट्वा महेष्वासानभिमन्युपुरोगमान्। बभूवतुर्मुदा युक्तौ निघ्नन्तौ तव वाहिनीम् ॥६-७३-५९॥
Upon seeing the great archers led by Abhimanyu, they joyfully engaged in the battle, attacking your forces.
दृष्ट्वा च सहसायान्तं पाञ्चाल्यो गुरुमात्मनः। नाशंसत वधं वीरः पुत्राणां तव पार्षतः ॥६-७३-६०॥
Upon seeing his teacher suddenly approaching, the son of Drupada, the hero, did not wish for the death of your sons, O son of Prishata.
ततो रथं समारोप्य केकयस्य वृकोदरम्। अभ्यधावत्सुसङ्क्रुद्धो द्रोणमिष्वस्त्रपारगम् ॥६-७३-६१॥
Then, Vrikodara, filled with intense anger, mounted the chariot of Kekaya and charged towards Drona, who was an expert in the science of archery.
तस्याभिपततस्तूर्णं भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्। क्रुद्धश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन धनुः शत्रुनिषूदनः ॥६-७३-६२॥
The mighty Bharadvaja, in his anger, swiftly severed the bow of his enemy with an arrow as he attacked, proving himself a true destroyer of foes.
अन्यांश्च शतशो बाणान्प्रेषयामास पार्षते। दुर्योधनहितार्थाय भर्तृपिण्डमनुस्मरन् ॥६-७३-६३॥
He sent hundreds of arrows towards the son of Pritha, keeping in mind the welfare of Duryodhana and the sustenance of his master.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय पार्षतः परवीरहा। द्रोणं विव्याध सप्तत्या रुक्मपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः ॥६-७३-६४॥
Then, the son of Prishata, known for his prowess in battle, took up another bow and skillfully pierced Drona with seventy arrows, each adorned with golden feathers and sharpened like stone.
तस्य द्रोणः पुनश्चापं चिच्छेदामित्रकर्शनः। हयांश्च चतुरस्तूर्णं चतुर्भिः सायकोत्तमैः ॥६-७३-६५॥
Droṇa, the tormentor of foes, once again severed his bow and swiftly struck the four horses with four excellent arrows.
वैवस्वतक्षयं घोरं प्रेषयामास वीर्यवान्। सारथिं चास्य भल्लेन प्रेषयामास मृत्यवे ॥६-७३-६६॥
The powerful warrior sent a terrible destruction towards Vaivasvata. Additionally, he dispatched his charioteer to death with an arrow.
हताश्वात्स रथात्तूर्णमवप्लुत्य महारथः। आरुरोह महाबाहुरभिमन्योर्महारथम् ॥६-७३-६७॥
The great warrior, having quickly jumped down from the destroyed chariot, ascended the mighty-armed Abhimanyu's great chariot.
ततः सरथनागाश्वा समकम्पत वाहिनी। पश्यतो भीमसेनस्य पार्षतस्य च पश्यतः ॥६-७३-६८॥
Then the army, consisting of chariots, elephants, and horses, trembled as Bhīmasena and the son of Prishata looked on.
तत्प्रभग्नं बलं दृष्ट्वा द्रोणेनामिततेजसा। नाशक्नुवन्वारयितुं समस्तास्ते महारथाः ॥६-७३-६९॥
Upon witnessing their forces shattered by the mighty Drona, all those great warriors found themselves unable to hold their ground.
वध्यमानं तु तत्सैन्यं द्रोणेन निशितैः शरैः। व्यभ्रमत्तत्र तत्रैव क्षोभ्यमाण इवार्णवः ॥६-७३-७०॥
The army, struck by Droṇa's sharp arrows, was in disarray, much like a turbulent ocean.
तथा दृष्ट्वा च तत्सैन्यं जहृषे च बलं तव। दृष्ट्वाचार्यं च सङ्क्रुद्धं दहन्तं रिपुवाहिनीम् ॥ चुक्रुशुः सर्वतो योधाः साधु साध्विति भारत ॥६-७३-७१॥
Upon witnessing the formidable army and your strength, the warriors were filled with joy. Seeing the teacher, enraged and destroying the enemy forces, they shouted from all directions, "Well done, well done," O Bharata.
