06.093
Core and Pancharatra: Advised by Karna, Duryodhana goes to Bhishma's camp and requests him to step down, so that Karna can takepart in the war.
Sanjaya said:
Then King Duryodhana, along with Shakuni, the son of Subala, Duhshasana, your son, and Durjaya, the son of a charioteer, were present.
The great king and his advisors gathered to deliberate on how to defeat the Pandavas and their allies in the upcoming battle.
Then King Duryodhana addressed all his ministers, speaking to Karna, the son of a charioteer, and the mighty Shakuni, son of Subala.
Drona, Bhishma, Kripa, Shalya, and Saumadatti are unable to stop the sons of Pritha in battle. I do not understand the reason for this.
"Being attacked, they are also destroying my strength. I am now weakened in strength and depleted of weapons, Karna, in this battle."
Deceived by the Pandavas and the invincible heroes, even the gods, I find myself in doubt; how can I engage in battle?
The son of a charioteer addressed the king, reassuring him not to worry, as he would fulfill what was dear to him.
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, should quickly withdraw from the great battle. Once the battle has ended and the son of Ganga has laid down his arms, O Bharata.
I swear by truth, O king, that I will kill the sons of Pritha along with all the Somakas while Bhishma watches in battle.
O king, Bhishma always shows compassion towards the Pandavas. However, he is unable to defeat these great warriors in battle.
The proud Bhishma, who is always fond of battle, how will he manage to defeat the Pandavas who are assembled for battle, O father?
"O Bharata, quickly go from here to Bhishma's camp, pay your respects to him in battle, and lay down your weapon."
Then, O king, behold the Pandavas, who have laid down their weapons, slain by me alone in battle, along with their friends and relatives.
Upon being addressed by Karna, your son Duryodhana spoke these words to his brother Duhshasana at that place.
Duhshasana, make sure everything is quickly arranged as the expedition is ready everywhere.
After speaking thus, the lord of men addressed Karna, saying, 'O king, having saluted Bhishma in battle, I am the best among bipeds from here.'
I will soon come to you, O subduer of enemies. Then, O tiger among men, you will engage in the battle.
Then your son, O lord of the people, swiftly descended, accompanied by all his brothers, just as Indra is accompanied by the gods.
Then Duhshasana quickly helped his brother, the valiant king, mount the horse.
The great king, son of Dhritarashtra, adorned with armlets and a crown, shone with ornaments on his hands, resembling the splendor of Indra.
He was adorned with fragrant sandalwood paste, appearing like Bhāṇḍī flowers and shining like gold.
The king, moving with the grace of a lion and enveloped by the clear sky, shone brilliantly like the sun in the autumn season.
As he departed towards Bhishma's camp, the tiger among men was followed by the great archers, the bowmen of the entire world. His brothers, who were also great archers, followed like the gods follow Indra.
O Bharata, some mounted horses, others elephants, and others surrounded on all sides with chariots, being the best among men.
The king's friends, armed and ready, appeared together to protect him, just like Indra's immortals in heaven.
The great chariot warrior of the Kauravas, honored by the Kuru, departed to the abode of the glorious son of Ganga, followed by his brothers from all sides, O king.
At the right moment, he gathered his strength, his arm trained and powerful like an elephant's trunk, ready to vanquish all foes.
He accepted the offerings from all directions and heard the sweet voices of people from various regions.
The greatly renowned lord of all worlds was being praised by charioteers and bards, and was worshipped by all.
They surrounded the great soul with golden lamps and fragrant oil offerings, illuminating him from all sides.
The king, surrounded by those auspicious golden lamps, shone like the moon accompanied by brilliant great planets.
There, the armored and turbaned men, holding canes and whisks, were gently dispersing the crowd from all sides.
The king, after reaching Bhishma's auspicious abode and descending from his horse, approached Bhishma, the lord of men.
After saluting Bhishma, he sat on the supreme golden seat, which was auspicious and splendidly covered, and with folded hands, a choked throat, and tearful eyes, he spoke to Bhishma.
By relying on you, O destroyer of foes, we are confident in our ability to defeat even the gods and demons, including Indra, in battle.
What indeed are the sons of Pandu, the heroes, with their friends, groups, and relatives? Therefore, O son of Ganga, you should show mercy on me, O lord. Conquer the sons of Pandu, the heroes, just as the great Indra conquered the demons.
O mighty-armed one, it was previously declared that I will destroy the Somakas, the Panchalas, along with the Pandavas and the Karushas, thus, O Bharata.
"Let your words be true; defeat the gathered sons of Pritha and the Somakas, the great archers; be a speaker of truth, O Bharata."
O king, whether it is out of compassion, enmity, or my misfortune, my lord, you protect the Pandavas.
Allow Karna, who shines in battle, to engage in the fight. He will defeat the sons of Pritha along with their friends and relatives in the battle.
After saying this, your son, King Duryodhana, remained silent and did not address Bhishma, who was known for his formidable strength.
