06.078
Core and Pancharatra: Suśarman was defeated by the noble Pāṇḍava; Drona kills Virata's son Shankha; encounter between Shikhandi and Ashwatthama, Satyaki and Alambusa, Dhrishtadyumna and Duryadhana, Bhima and Kritavarma.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
तथा प्रवृत्ते सङ्ग्रामे निवृत्ते च सुशर्मणि। प्रभग्नेषु च वीरेषु पाण्डवेन महात्मना ॥६-७८-१॥
Thus, when the battle commenced and Suśarman was defeated, the heroes were scattered by the noble Pāṇḍava.
क्षुभ्यमाणे बले तूर्णं सागरप्रतिमे तव। प्रत्युद्याते च गाङ्गेये त्वरितं विजयं प्रति ॥६-७८-२॥
As your ocean-like army is agitated and advancing, the son of Ganga quickly moves towards victory.
दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनो राजन्रणे पार्थस्य विक्रमम्। त्वरमाणः समभ्येत्य सर्वांस्तानब्रवीन्नृपान् ॥६-७८-३॥
Upon witnessing Partha's valor in the battlefield, King Duryodhana quickly approached and addressed all the assembled kings.
तेषां च प्रमुखे शूरं सुशर्माणं महाबलम्। मध्ये सर्वस्य सैन्यस्य भृशं संहर्षयन्वचः ॥६-७८-४॥
At the forefront of their group stood the heroic and mighty Suśarman, whose words greatly exhilarated the entire army.
एष भीष्मः शान्तनवो योद्धुकामो धनञ्जयम्। सर्वात्मना कुरुश्रेष्ठस्त्यक्त्वा जीवितमात्मनः ॥६-७८-५॥
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, fully committed and the best among the Kurus, is ready to fight Arjuna, having renounced his own life.
तं प्रयान्तं परानीकं सर्वसैन्येन भारतम्। संयत्ताः समरे सर्वे पालयध्वं पितामहम् ॥६-७८-६॥
As he proceeded towards the enemy forces, all the soldiers, O Bharata, were prepared in battle to protect the grandfather.
बाढमित्येवमुक्त्वा तु तान्यनीकानि सर्वशः। नरेन्द्राणां महाराज समाजग्मुः पितामहम् ॥६-७८-७॥
The great king, having spoken thus, certainly approached the grandfather with all the armies of the kings.
ततः प्रयातः सहसा भीष्मः शान्तनवोऽर्जुनम्। रणे भारतमायान्तमाससाद महाबलम् ॥६-७८-८॥
Then, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, suddenly departed to confront Arjuna, the mighty warrior, as he approached in the battle, O Bharata.
महाश्वेताश्वयुक्तेन भीमवानरकेतुना। महता मेघनादेन रथेनाति विराजत ॥६-७८-९॥
The chariot, yoked with great white horses and bearing a terrible monkey banner, shone brightly with a thunderous sound.
समरे सर्वसैन्यानामुपयातं धनञ्जयम्। अभवत्तुमुलो नादो भयाद्दृष्ट्वा किरीटिनम् ॥६-७८-१०॥
As Dhananjaya entered the battlefield, a tumultuous sound arose from all the armies, struck by fear at the sight of the crowned warrior.
अभीशुहस्तं कृष्णं च दृष्ट्वादित्यमिवापरम्। मध्यंदिनगतं सङ्ख्ये न शेकुः प्रतिवीक्षितुम् ॥६-७८-११॥
Seeing Krishna with a powerful weapon in his hand, appearing like another sun at midday on the battlefield, they were unable to gaze upon him.
तथा शान्तनवं भीष्मं श्वेताश्वं श्वेतकार्मुकम्। न शेकुः पाण्डवा द्रष्टुं श्वेतग्रहमिवोदितम् ॥६-७८-१२॥
The Pāṇḍavas could not behold Bhīṣma, the son of Śantanu, who appeared with white horses and a white bow, resembling a bright white planet that had risen.
स सर्वतः परिवृतस्त्रिगर्तैः सुमहात्मभिः। भ्रातृभिस्तव पुत्रैश्च तथान्यैश्च महारथैः ॥६-७८-१३॥
He was surrounded on all sides by the Trigartas, who were great souls, along with your brothers, sons, and other great charioteers.
भारद्वाजस्तु समरे मत्स्यं विव्याध पत्रिणा। ध्वजं चास्य शरेणाजौ धनुश्चैकेन चिच्छिदे ॥६-७८-१४॥
Bharadvaja, in the battle, skillfully pierced King Matsya with an arrow and also cut off his banner and bow with a single shot.
तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं विराटो वाहिनीपतिः। अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भारसहं दृढम् ॥ शरांश्चाशीविषाकाराञ्ज्वलितान्पन्नगानिव ॥६-७८-१५॥
Virata, the commander of the army, discarded his broken bow and swiftly took another strong bow capable of bearing weight, along with arrows that blazed like serpents.
द्रोणं त्रिभिः प्रविव्याध चतुर्भिश्चास्य वाजिनः। ध्वजमेकेन विव्याध सारथिं चास्य पञ्चभिः ॥ धनुरेकेषुणाविध्यत्तत्राक्रुध्यद्द्विजर्षभः ॥६-७८-१६॥
Drona was hit by three arrows, his horses by four, his flag by one, and his charioteer by five. The best of the twice-born then struck the bow with one arrow and became furious.
तस्य द्रोणोऽवधीदश्वाञ्शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। अष्टाभिर्भरतश्रेष्ठ सूतमेकेन पत्रिणा ॥६-७८-१७॥
Droṇa, with his skillful archery, took down the horses using eight specially crafted arrows and struck the charioteer with a single precise shot, O esteemed Bharata.
स हताश्वादवप्लुत्य स्यन्दनाद्धतसारथिः। आरुरोह रथं तूर्णं शङ्खस्य रथिनां वरः ॥६-७८-१८॥
He swiftly leaped from his chariot with slain horses and a dead charioteer, and mounted the chariot of Shankha, the finest among charioteers.
ततस्तु तौ पितापुत्रौ भारद्वाजं रथे स्थितौ। महता शरवर्षेण वारयामासतुर्बलात् ॥६-७८-१९॥
Then, the father and son duo, standing on their chariot, forcefully repelled Bharadvaja with a powerful barrage of arrows.
भारद्वाजस्ततः क्रुद्धः शरमाशीविषोपमम्। चिक्षेप समरे तूर्णं शङ्खं प्रति जनेश्वर ॥६-७८-२०॥
Bharadvaja, in his anger, swiftly hurled an arrow resembling a serpent at Shankha, the lord of men, during the battle.
स तस्य हृदयं भित्त्वा पीत्वा शोणितमाहवे। जगाम धरणिं बाणो लोहितार्द्रीकृतच्छविः ॥६-७८-२१॥
After piercing his heart and drinking the blood in battle, Bana fell to the ground, his appearance soaked in blood.
स पपात रथात्तूर्णं भारद्वाजशराहतः। धनुस्त्यक्त्वा शरांश्चैव पितुरेव समीपतः ॥६-७८-२२॥
He fell swiftly from the chariot, struck by Bharadvaja's arrow, leaving his bow and arrows behind, and came near his father.
हतं स्वमात्मजं दृष्ट्वा विराटः प्राद्रवद्भयात्। उत्सृज्य समरे द्रोणं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम् ॥६-७८-२३॥
Upon witnessing the death of his son, King Virata, overwhelmed by fear, fled the battlefield, leaving Drona behind, who appeared as death with an open mouth.
भारद्वाजस्ततस्तूर्णं पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्। दारयामास समरे शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥६-७८-२४॥
Bharadvaja swiftly attacked and shattered the vast army of the Pandavas in the battle, causing destruction by the hundreds and thousands.
शिखण्ड्यपि महाराज द्रौणिमासाद्य संयुगे। आजघान भ्रुवोर्मध्ये नाराचैस्त्रिभिराशुगैः ॥६-७८-२५॥
O great king, Shikhandi approached Drona's son in battle and struck him in the middle of his eyebrows with three swift arrows.
स बभौ नरशार्दूलो ललाटे संस्थितैस्त्रिभिः। शिखरैः काञ्चनमयैर्मेरुस्त्रिभिरिवोच्छ्रितैः ॥६-७८-२६॥
He, the distinguished warrior, appeared majestic with three golden peaks on his forehead, resembling the towering peaks of Mount Meru.
अश्वत्थामा ततः क्रुद्धो निमेषार्धाच्छिखण्डिनः। सूतं ध्वजमथो राजंस्तुरगानायुधं तथा ॥ शरैर्बहुभिरुद्दिश्य पातयामास संयुगे ॥६-७८-२७॥
Then Ashwatthama, in a moment of anger, aimed at Shikhandi, the charioteer, the flag, and also the horses and weapons, causing them to fall in battle, O king.
स हताश्वादवप्लुत्य रथाद्वै रथिनां वरः। खड्गमादाय निशितं विमलं च शरावरम् ॥ श्येनवद्व्यचरत्क्रुद्धः शिखण्डी शत्रुतापनः ॥६-७८-२८॥
Shikhandi, the best among charioteers, leapt down from his chariot with its slain horses, armed himself with a sharp and bright sword and quiver, and moved like an angry hawk, tormenting his enemies.
सखड्गस्य महाराज चरतस्तस्य संयुगे। नान्तरं ददृशे द्रौणिस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥६-७८-२९॥
O great king, as the sword moved in the battle, Drona's son saw no gap; it appeared as if it was a wonder.
ततः शरसहस्राणि बहूनि भरतर्षभ। प्रेषयामास समरे द्रौणिः परमकोपनः ॥६-७८-३०॥
In his extreme anger, Drona's son sent forth thousands of arrows in the battle, O best of the Bharatas.
तामापतन्तीं समरे शरवृष्टिं सुदारुणाम्। असिना तीक्ष्णधारेण चिच्छेद बलिनां वरः ॥६-७८-३१॥
The best among the strong warriors cut down the fierce shower of arrows approaching in the battle with his sharp-edged sword.
ततोऽस्य विमलं द्रौणिः शतचन्द्रं मनोरमम्। चर्माच्छिनदसिं चास्य खण्डयामास संयुगे ॥ शितैः सुबहुशो राजंस्तं च विव्याध पत्रिभिः ॥६-७८-३२॥
Then Drona's son, with great skill, cut through the beautiful, pure shield adorned with a hundred moons and shattered his sword in the midst of battle. O king, he repeatedly pierced him with sharp arrows.
शिखण्डी तु ततः खड्गं खण्डितं तेन सायकैः। आविध्य व्यसृजत्तूर्णं ज्वलन्तमिव पन्नगम् ॥६-७८-३३॥
Shikhandi, however, then swung his broken sword with arrows and quickly released it, resembling a blazing serpent.
तमापतन्तं सहसा कालानलसमप्रभम्। चिच्छेद समरे द्रौणिर्दर्शयन्पाणिलाघवम् ॥ शिखण्डिनं च विव्याध शरैर्बहुभिरायसैः ॥६-७८-३४॥
As he approached suddenly with a brilliance akin to the fire of time, Drona's son skillfully cut him down in battle, demonstrating his dexterity. He also pierced Shikhandi with numerous iron arrows.
शिखण्डी तु भृशं राजंस्ताड्यमानः शितैः शरैः। आरुरोह रथं तूर्णं माधवस्य महात्मनः ॥६-७८-३५॥
Shikhandi, though being severely struck by sharp arrows, quickly ascended the chariot of the great-souled Madhava, O king.
सात्यकिस्तु ततः क्रुद्धो राक्षसं क्रूरमाहवे। अलम्बुसं शरैर्घोरैर्विव्याध बलिनं बली ॥६-७८-३६॥
Satyaki, in his anger, fiercely attacked the cruel demon Alambusa in the battle with his formidable arrows, showcasing his strength.
राक्षसेन्द्रस्ततस्तस्य धनुश्चिच्छेद भारत। अर्धचन्द्रेण समरे तं च विव्याध सायकैः ॥ मायां च राक्षसीं कृत्वा शरवर्षैरवाकिरत् ॥६-७८-३७॥
Then the king of demons severed his bow with a crescent-shaped arrow in the battle, O Bharata, and struck him with arrows. He also created a demonic illusion and showered him with arrows.
तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम शैनेयस्य पराक्रमम्। नासम्भ्रमद्यत्समरे वध्यमानः शितैः शरैः ॥६-७८-३८॥
There, we witnessed the extraordinary bravery of Śaineya, who remained unshaken in the battle despite being hit by sharp arrows.
ऐन्द्रमस्त्रं च वार्ष्णेयो योजयामास भारत। विजयाद्यदनुप्राप्तं माधवेन यशस्विना ॥६-७८-३९॥
The Vrishni hero, Krishna, used the weapon of Indra, O Bharata, which was acquired through victory by the illustrious Madhava.
तदस्त्रं भस्मसात्कृत्वा मायां तां राक्षसीं तदा। अलम्बुसं शरैर्घोरैरभ्याकिरत सर्वशः ॥ पर्वतं वारिधाराभिः प्रावृषीव बलाहकः ॥६-७८-४०॥
The weapon was turned to ashes, and then Alambusa, the demoness, was showered with terrible arrows everywhere, just as a cloud showers a mountain with streams of water during the rainy season.
तत्तथा पीडितं तेन माधवेन महात्मना। प्रदुद्राव भयाद्रक्षो हित्वा सात्यकिमाहवे ॥६-७८-४१॥
The great soul Mādhava afflicted the demon, causing it to flee in fear, leaving Sātyaki behind in the battle.
तमजेयं राक्षसेन्द्रं सङ्ख्ये मघवता अपि। शैनेयः प्राणदज्जित्वा योधानां तव पश्यताम् ॥६-७८-४२॥
Satyaki, even in the presence of Indra, risked his life in battle against the invincible king of demons, while your warriors watched.
न्यहनत्तावकांश्चापि सात्यकिः सत्यविक्रमः। निशितैर्बहुभिर्बाणैस्तेऽद्रवन्त भयार्दिताः ॥६-७८-४३॥
Satyaki, known for his true valor, killed your men with numerous sharp arrows, causing them to flee in fear.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु द्रुपदस्यात्मजो बली। धृष्टद्युम्नो महाराज तव पुत्रं जनेश्वरम् ॥ छादयामास समरे शरैः संनतपर्वभिः ॥६-७८-४४॥
At that moment, the mighty Dhṛṣṭadyumna, son of Drupada, enveloped your son, the ruler of men, with a shower of arrows in the battlefield, O great king.
सञ्छाद्यमानो विशिखैर्धृष्टद्युम्नेन भारत। विव्यथे न च राजेन्द्र तव पुत्रो जनेश्वरः ॥६-७८-४५॥
Despite being covered with arrows by Dhrishtadyumna, your son, O king, remained unshaken, O lord of the people.
धृष्टद्युम्नं च समरे तूर्णं विव्याध सायकैः। षष्ट्या च त्रिंशता चैव तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥६-७८-४६॥
Dhṛṣṭadyumna was swiftly struck in battle by arrows, totaling ninety, which seemed almost miraculous.
तस्य सेनापतिः क्रुद्धो धनुश्चिच्छेद मारिष। हयांश्च चतुरः शीघ्रं निजघान महारथः ॥ शरैश्चैनं सुनिशितैः क्षिप्रं विव्याध सप्तभिः ॥६-७८-४७॥
His general, in anger, cut the bow, O dear. The great warrior swiftly killed the four horses and quickly pierced him with seven sharp arrows.
स हताश्वान्महाबाहुरवप्लुत्य रथाद्बली। पदातिरसिमुद्यम्य प्राद्रवत्पार्षतं प्रति ॥६-७८-४८॥
The mighty warrior, having leapt from his chariot with its slain horses, advanced on foot, sword in hand, towards Pārṣata.
शकुनिस्तं समभ्येत्य राजगृद्धी महाबलः। राजानं सर्वलोकस्य रथमारोपयत्स्वकम् ॥६-७८-४९॥
Shakuni, the powerful advisor, approached and helped the king, ruler of all lands, onto his chariot.
ततो नृपं पराजित्य पार्षतः परवीरहा। न्यहनत्तावकं सैन्यं वज्रपाणिरिवासुरम् ॥६-७८-५०॥
Then, the son of Prishata, having defeated the king, destroyed your army like Indra, the wielder of the thunderbolt, destroyed the demons.
कृतवर्मा रणे भीमं शरैरार्छन्महारथम्। प्रच्छादयामास च तं महामेघो रविं यथा ॥६-७८-५१॥
In the battle, Kritavarma attacked the mighty Bhima with arrows, enveloping him like a great cloud envelops the sun.
ततः प्रहस्य समरे भीमसेनः परन्तपः। प्रेषयामास सङ्क्रुद्धः सायकान्कृतवर्मणे ॥६-७८-५२॥
Then Bhimasena, smiling in the midst of battle, angrily sent arrows towards Kritavarma, demonstrating his prowess as a formidable warrior.
तैरर्द्यमानोऽतिरथः सात्वतः शस्त्रकोविदः। नाकम्पत महाराज भीमं चार्छच्छितैः शरैः ॥६-७८-५३॥
Despite being tormented by them, the great chariot-warrior Sātvata, who was an expert in weapons, did not tremble, O great king, even when he and Bhīma were pierced by arrows.
तस्याश्वांश्चतुरो हत्वा भीमसेनो महाबलः। सारथिं पातयामास ध्वजं च सुपरिष्कृतम् ॥६-७८-५४॥
The mighty Bhimasena, having slain his four horses, brought down the charioteer and the beautifully adorned banner.
शरैर्बहुविधैश्चैनमाचिनोत्परवीरहा। शकलीकृतसर्वाङ्गः श्वाविद्वत्समदृश्यत ॥६-७८-५५॥
The mighty warrior, slayer of enemy heroes, enveloped him with a barrage of diverse arrows. His body, shattered in every limb, lay there resembling a lifeless dog.
हताश्वात्तु रथात्तूर्णं वृषकस्य रथं ययौ। स्यालस्य ते महाराज तव पुत्रस्य पश्यतः ॥६-७८-५६॥
After the horses were destroyed, he quickly moved from his chariot to Vṛṣaka's chariot while your son, the brother-in-law, was watching, O great king.
भीमसेनोऽपि सङ्क्रुद्धस्तव सैन्यमुपाद्रवत्। निजघान च सङ्क्रुद्धो दण्डपाणिरिवान्तकः ॥६-७८-५७॥
Bhimasena, in his fury, attacked your army and slaughtered them like Yama, the god of death, wielding a club.
