06.103
Pancharatra and Core: The Pandavas visit Bhishma that night, and as per his advice, plan to attack him keeping Shikandin in front.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
युध्यतामेव तेषां तु भास्करेऽस्तमुपागते। सन्ध्या समभवद्घोरा नापश्याम ततो रणम् ॥६-१०३-१॥
As the sun set, the twilight became terrifying for those who were fighting, and we could no longer see the battle.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा सन्ध्यां संदृश्य भारत। वध्यमानं बलं चापि भीष्मेणामित्रघातिना ॥६-१०३-२॥
Then King Yudhishthira, observing the evening and noticing the army being decimated by Bhishma, the foe-slayer, addressed his concerns, O Bharata.
मुक्तशस्त्रं परावृत्तं पलायनपरायणम्। भीष्मं च युधि संरब्धमनुयान्तं महारथान् ॥६-१०३-३॥
The warriors, having released their weapons, turned back intent on fleeing, while Bhishma, excited in battle, followed the great charioteers.
सोमकांश्च जितान्दृष्ट्वा निरुत्साहान्महारथान्। चिन्तयित्वा चिरं ध्यात्वा अवहारमरोचयत् ॥६-१०३-४॥
Upon observing the defeated and demoralized Somakas and great warriors, and after contemplating and reflecting for a considerable time, he decided on a retreat.
ततोऽवहारं सैन्यानां चक्रे राजा युधिष्ठिरः। तथैव तव सैन्यानामवहारो ह्यभूत्तदा ॥६-१०३-५॥
Then King Yudhishthira ordered the retreat of the troops. Similarly, your troops also retreated at that time.
ततोऽवहारं सैन्यानां कृत्वा तत्र महारथाः। न्यविशन्त कुरुश्रेष्ठ सङ्ग्रामे क्षतविक्षताः ॥६-१०३-६॥
After withdrawing their forces, the great charioteers, though wounded and injured, settled there, O best of the Kurus, in the battlefield.
भीष्मस्य समरे कर्म चिन्तयानास्तु पाण्डवाः। नालभन्त तदा शान्तिं भृशं भीष्मेण पीडिताः ॥६-१०३-७॥
The Pandavas were deeply troubled by Bhishma's actions in battle and could not find peace at that time due to his severe affliction.
भीष्मोऽपि समरे जित्वा पाण्डवान्सह सृञ्जयैः। पूज्यमानस्तव सुतैर्वन्द्यमानश्च भारत ॥६-१०३-८॥
Bhishma, having defeated the Pandavas and the Srinjayas in battle, was honored and worshipped by your sons, O Bharata.
न्यविशत्कुरुभिः सार्धं हृष्टरूपैः समन्ततः। ततो रात्रिः समभवत्सर्वभूतप्रमोहिनी ॥६-१०३-९॥
The Kauravas, filled with joy, entered together from all sides. Then night fell, casting a spell of delusion over all beings.
तस्मिन्रात्रिमुखे घोरे पाण्डवा वृष्णिभिः सह। सृञ्जयाश्च दुराधर्षा मन्त्राय समुपाविशन् ॥६-१०३-१०॥
At the onset of that dreadful night, the Pāṇḍavas, along with the Vṛṣṇis and the formidable Sṛñjayas, gathered for a strategic meeting.
आत्मनिःश्रेयसं सर्वे प्राप्तकालं महाबलाः। मन्त्रयामासुरव्यग्रा मन्त्रनिश्चयकोविदाः ॥६-१०३-११॥
All the mighty ones, being experts in decision making, attentively consulted at the appropriate time for their self-welfare.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा मन्त्रयित्वा चिरं नृप। वासुदेवं समुद्वीक्ष्य वाक्यमेतदुवाच ह ॥६-१०३-१२॥
Then King Yudhishthira, after consulting for a long time, looked at Vasudeva and spoke these words.
पश्य कृष्ण महात्मानं भीष्मं भीमपराक्रमम्। गजं नलवनानीव विमृद्नन्तं बलं मम ॥६-१०३-१३॥
Behold Kṛṣṇa, the great soul, and Bhīṣma of immense strength, crushing my forces as an elephant crushes a forest of reeds.
न चैवैनं महात्मानमुत्सहामो निरीक्षितुम्। लेलिह्यमानं सैन्येषु प्रवृद्धमिव पावकम् ॥६-१०३-१४॥
We cannot even look at this great soul, who is blazing among the armies like a growing fire.
यथा घोरो महानागस्तक्षको वै विषोल्बणः। तथा भीष्मो रणे कृष्ण तीक्ष्णशस्त्रः प्रतापवान् ॥६-१०३-१५॥
Just as the fearsome serpent Takshaka is known for his deadly venom, similarly, in battle, Bhishma is formidable, and Krishna wields sharp weapons with great prowess.
गृहीतचापः समरे विमुञ्चंश्च शिताञ्शरान्। शक्यो जेतुं यमः क्रुद्धो वज्रपाणिश्च देवराट् ॥६-१०३-१६॥
Armed with a bow in the battlefield, releasing sharp arrows, one can overcome even Yama, the furious Vajrapani, and the king of gods.
वरुणः पाशभृद्वापि सगदो वा धनेश्वरः। न तु भीष्मः सुसङ्क्रुद्धः शक्यो जेतुं महाहवे ॥६-१०३-१७॥
Neither Varuna, the god of water, nor Kubera, the lord of wealth, even with all their might, can defeat the enraged Bhishma in a great battle.
सोऽहमेवं गते कृष्ण निमग्नः शोकसागरे। आत्मनो बुद्धिदौर्बल्याद्भीष्ममासाद्य संयुगे ॥६-१०३-१८॥
Thus, O Krishna, I am immersed in an ocean of sorrow, having approached Bhishma in battle due to my own weakness of intellect.
वनं यास्यामि दुर्धर्ष श्रेयो मे तत्र वै गतम्। न युद्धं रोचये कृष्ण हन्ति भीष्मो हि नः सदा ॥६-१०३-१९॥
I have decided to go to the forest, O unassailable one, as it is truly better for me there. I do not favor war, O Krishna, because Bhishma is always a threat to us.
यथा प्रज्वलितं वह्निं पतङ्गः समभिद्रवन्। एकतो मृत्युमभ्येति तथाहं भीष्ममीयिवान् ॥६-१०३-२०॥
Just as a moth rushes towards a blazing fire, meeting its death, so too did I advance towards Bhishma, accepting the inevitable fate.
क्षयं नीतोऽस्मि वार्ष्णेय राज्यहेतोः पराक्रमी। भ्रातरश्चैव मे शूराः सायकैर्भृशपीडिताः ॥६-१०३-२१॥
I have been brought to ruin, O descendant of Vṛṣṇi, due to my valiant efforts for the kingdom. My brothers, who are heroes, have also been severely wounded by arrows.
मत्कृते भ्रातृसौहार्दाद्राज्यात्प्रभ्रंशनं गताः। परिक्लिष्टा तथा कृष्णा मत्कृते मधुसूदन ॥६-१०३-२२॥
O Madhusūdana, for my sake, my brothers have lost their kingdom due to their affection for me. Kṛṣṇā is also distressed for my sake.
जीवितं बहु मन्येऽहं जीवितं ह्यद्य दुर्लभम्। जीवितस्याद्य शेषेण चरिष्ये धर्ममुत्तमम् ॥६-१०३-२३॥
I hold life in high regard, for today it is truly rare. With the life that remains today, I shall pursue the highest dharma.
यदि तेऽहमनुग्राह्यो भ्रातृभिः सह केशव। स्वधर्मस्याविरोधेन तदुदाहर केशव ॥६-१०३-२४॥
O Keśava, if I am worthy of favor by the brothers, then speak that which does not oppose one's own duty, O Keśava.
एतच्छ्रुत्वा वचस्तस्य कारुण्याद्बहुविस्तरम्। प्रत्युवाच ततः कृष्णः सान्त्वयानो युधिष्ठिरम् ॥६-१०३-२५॥
Upon hearing these extensive and compassionate words, Krishna then replied to Yudhishthira, offering him consolation.
धर्मपुत्र विषादं त्वं मा कृथाः सत्यसङ्गर। यस्य ते भ्रातरः शूरा दुर्जयाः शत्रुसूदनाः ॥६-१०३-२६॥
O son of Dharma, do not lose heart, O true warrior. Your brothers are valiant and unbeatable, the vanquishers of foes.
अर्जुनो भीमसेनश्च वाय्वग्निसमतेजसौ। माद्रीपुत्रौ च विक्रान्तौ त्रिदशानामिवेश्वरौ ॥६-१०३-२७॥
Arjuna and Bhimasena, with brilliance comparable to the wind and fire, stood valiant like the lords among the gods, as the sons of Madri.
मां वा नियुङ्क्ष्व सौहार्दाद्योत्स्ये भीष्मेण पाण्डव। त्वत्प्रयुक्तो ह्यहं राजन्किं न कुर्यां महाहवे ॥६-१०३-२८॥
"O Pandava, either appoint me out of friendship, and I shall fight with Bhishma. For, O King, being engaged by you, what would I not do in this great battle?"
हनिष्यामि रणे भीष्ममाहूय पुरुषर्षभम्। पश्यतां धार्तराष्ट्राणां यदि नेच्छति फल्गुनः ॥६-१०३-२९॥
I will call upon the best among men and slay Bhishma in battle, in front of the sons of Dhritarashtra, if Arjuna does not wish to do so.
यदि भीष्मे हते राजञ्जयं पश्यसि पाण्डव। हन्तास्म्येकरथेनाद्य कुरुवृद्धं पितामहम् ॥६-१०३-३०॥
If Bhishma is defeated, O king, and you foresee victory, O Pandava, I shall slay the elder of the Kurus, the grandfather, with a single chariot today.
पश्य मे विक्रमं राजन्महेन्द्रस्येव संयुगे। विमुञ्चन्तं महास्त्राणि पातयिष्यामि तं रथात् ॥६-१०३-३१॥
"Behold my prowess, O king, akin to that of Mahendra in battle; as I release mighty weapons, I shall bring him down from his chariot."
यः शत्रुः पाण्डुपुत्राणां मच्छत्रुः स न संशयः। मदर्था भवदर्था ये ये मदीयास्तवैव ते ॥६-१०३-३२॥
The enemy of the Pandavas is certainly my enemy. Those who support me support you; what is mine is yours.
तव भ्राता मम सखा सम्बन्धी शिष्य एव च। मांसान्युत्कृत्य वै दद्यामर्जुनार्थे महीपते ॥६-१०३-३३॥
Your brother is my friend, relative, and disciple. I would indeed cut the flesh and give it for Arjuna's sake, O king.
एष चापि नरव्याघ्रो मत्कृते जीवितं त्यजेत्। एष नः समयस्तात तारयेम परस्परम् ॥ स मां नियुङ्क्ष्व राजेन्द्र यावद्द्वीपो भवाम्यहम् ॥६-१०३-३४॥
This noble warrior is willing to sacrifice his life for my sake. We have a pact, dear friend, to support each other. Command me, O king, as long as I am able to stand firm.
प्रतिज्ञातमुपप्लव्ये यत्तत्पार्थेन पूर्वतः। घातयिष्यामि गाङ्गेयमित्युलूकस्य संनिधौ ॥६-१०३-३५॥
Pārtha had previously promised at Upaplavya, in the presence of Uluka, that he would kill Gāṅgeya.
परिरक्ष्यं च मम तद्वचः पार्थस्य धीमतः। अनुज्ञातं तु पार्थेन मया कार्यं न संशयः ॥६-१०३-३६॥
The wise Pārtha's word is to be protected, and what is permitted by Pārtha is to be done by me without any doubt.
अथ वा फल्गुनस्यैष भारः परिमितो रणे। निहनिष्यति सङ्ग्रामे भीष्मं परपुरञ्जयम् ॥६-१०३-३७॥
Then, or perhaps, this burden of Arjuna, though limited in battle, will be enough to slay Bhishma, the conqueror of enemy cities, in the war.
अशक्यमपि कुर्याद्धि रणे पार्थः समुद्यतः। त्रिदशान्वा समुद्युक्तान्सहितान्दैत्यदानवैः ॥ निहन्यादर्जुनः सङ्ख्ये किमु भीष्मं नराधिप ॥६-१०३-३८॥
Arjuna, when prepared for battle, can achieve even the impossible; he could defeat the gods along with demons and giants, let alone Bhishma, O king.
विपरीतो महावीर्यो गतसत्त्वोऽल्पजीवितः। भीष्मः शान्तनवो नूनं कर्तव्यं नावबुध्यते ॥६-१०३-३९॥
Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, though a great hero, is now reversed in his strength and short-lived, certainly does not understand his duty.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira spoke:
एवमेतन्महाबाहो यथा वदसि माधव। सर्वे ह्येते न पर्याप्तास्तव वेगनिवारणे ॥६-१०३-४०॥
O mighty-armed Mādhava, as you have said, all these are indeed insufficient to withstand your force.
नियतं समवाप्स्यामि सर्वमेव यथेप्सितम्। यस्य मे पुरुषव्याघ्र भवान्नाथो महाबलः ॥६-१०३-४१॥
Certainly, I will achieve everything I desire, as you, O mighty tiger among men, are my protector.
सेन्द्रानपि रणे देवाञ्जयेयं जयतां वर। त्वया नाथेन गोविन्द किमु भीष्मं महाहवे ॥६-१०३-४२॥
O Govinda, with you as my protector, I can conquer even the gods along with Indra in battle. What then of Bhishma in this great war?
न तु त्वामनृतं कर्तुमुत्सहे स्वार्थगौरवात्। अयुध्यमानः साहाय्यं यथोक्तं कुरु माधव ॥६-१०३-४३॥
However, I cannot bring myself to speak falsehood for the sake of my own honor. O Mādhava, please assist as promised without engaging in battle.
समयस्तु कृतः कश्चिद्भीष्मेण मम माधव। मन्त्रयिष्ये तवार्थाय न तु योत्स्ये कथञ्चन ॥ दुर्योधनार्थे योत्स्यामि सत्यमेतदिति प्रभो ॥६-१०३-४४॥
O Madhava, Bhishma made an agreement that I will advise you but not engage in battle in any way. However, for Duryodhana's cause, I will indeed fight; this is the truth, O lord.
स हि राज्यस्य मे दाता मन्त्रस्यैव च माधव। तस्माद्देवव्रतं भूयो वधोपायार्थमात्मनः ॥ भवता सहिताः सर्वे पृच्छामो मधुसूदन ॥६-१०३-४५॥
He is indeed the one who grants me the kingdom and counsel, O Mādhava. Therefore, O Madhusudana, we all seek your guidance once more on how to bring about the end of Devavrata.
तद्वयं सहिता गत्वा भीष्ममाशु नरोत्तमम्। रुचिते तव वार्ष्णेय मन्त्रं पृच्छाम कौरवम् ॥६-१०३-४६॥
Then we shall go together to Bhishma, the best of men, and quickly seek your pleasing counsel, O descendant of Vrishni, regarding the Kaurava.
स वक्ष्यति हितं वाक्यं तथ्यं चैव जनार्दन। यथा स वक्ष्यते कृष्ण तथा कर्तास्मि संयुगे ॥६-१०३-४७॥
He will speak beneficial and truthful words, O Janardana. As he speaks, O Krishna, so shall I act in battle.
स नो जयस्य दाता च मन्त्रस्य च धृतव्रतः। बालाः पित्रा विहीनाश्च तेन संवर्धिता वयम् ॥६-१०३-४८॥
He, who is steadfast in his vows, has been both the giver of victory and wise counsel to us. We, as children who were deprived of our father, have been nurtured by him.
तं चेत्पितामहं वृद्धं हन्तुमिच्छामि माधव। पितुः पितरमिष्टं वै धिगस्तु क्षत्रजीविकाम् ॥६-१०३-४९॥
Madhava, if I desire to kill that aged grandfather, who is the beloved father of my father, then indeed, shame on the life of a warrior.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततोऽब्रवीन्महाराज वार्ष्णेयः कुरुनन्दनम्। रोचते मे महाबाहो सततं तव भाषितम् ॥६-१०३-५०॥
Then the descendant of Vṛṣṇi addressed the descendant of Kuru, saying, "O great king, your words are always pleasing to me, O mighty-armed one."
देवव्रतः कृती भीष्मः प्रेक्षितेनापि निर्दहेत्। गम्यतां स वधोपायं प्रष्टुं सागरगासुतः ॥ वक्तुमर्हति सत्यं स त्वया पृष्टो विशेषतः ॥६-१०३-५१॥
Devavrata, known as the wise Bhishma, possesses the power to destroy with just a glance. Approach him to inquire about the means to defeat him, as he, the son of the river, is the one who can truthfully reveal this, especially when questioned by you.
ते वयं तत्र गच्छामः प्रष्टुं कुरुपितामहम्। प्रणम्य शिरसा चैनं मन्त्रं पृच्छाम माधव ॥ स नो दास्यति यं मन्त्रं तेन योत्स्यामहे परान् ॥६-१०३-५२॥
We will go there to ask the Kuru grandfather. After bowing our heads to him, we will ask for his counsel, Madhava. He will give us the counsel with which we will fight the enemies.
एवं संमन्त्र्य वै वीराः पाण्डवाः पाण्डुपूर्वज। जग्मुस्ते सहिताः सर्वे वासुदेवश्च वीर्यवान् ॥ विमुक्तशस्त्रकवचा भीष्मस्य सदनं प्रति ॥६-१०३-५३॥
After consulting among themselves, the heroic Pandavas, along with the mighty Vasudeva, proceeded unarmed towards Bhishma's abode.
प्रविश्य च तदा भीष्मं शिरोभिः प्रतिपेदिरे। पूजयन्तो महाराज पाण्डवा भरतर्षभ ॥ प्रणम्य शिरसा चैनं भीष्मं शरणमन्वयुः ॥६-१०३-५४॥
The Pandavas, having entered, approached Bhishma with bowed heads, honoring him. They sought refuge in Bhishma, O great king, O bull of Bharata.
तानुवाच महाबाहुर्भीष्मः कुरुपितामहः। स्वागतं तव वार्ष्णेय स्वागतं ते धनञ्जय ॥ स्वागतं धर्मपुत्राय भीमाय यमयोस्तथा ॥६-१०३-५५॥
The mighty-armed Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus, addressed them, extending his welcome to Krishna, Arjuna, Yudhishthira, Bhima, and the twins, Nakula and Sahadeva.
किं कार्यं वः करोम्यद्य युष्मत्प्रीतिविवर्धनम्। सर्वात्मना च कर्तास्मि यद्यपि स्यात्सुदुष्करम् ॥६-१०३-५६॥
What can I do for you today to increase your happiness? I will do it wholeheartedly, even if it is extremely difficult.
तथा ब्रुवाणं गाङ्गेयं प्रीतियुक्तं पुनः पुनः। उवाच वाक्यं दीनात्मा धर्मपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः ॥६-१०३-५७॥
Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, repeatedly spoke with affection to Bhishma, the son of Ganga, expressing his distressed feelings.
कथं जयेम धर्मज्ञ कथं राज्यं लभेमहि। प्रजानां सङ्क्षयो न स्यात्कथं तन्मे वदाभिभो ॥६-१०३-५८॥
O knower of dharma, how can we achieve victory and secure the kingdom without causing harm to the people? Please tell me, O lord.
भवान्हि नो वधोपायं ब्रवीतु स्वयमात्मनः। भवन्तं समरे राजन्विषहेम कथं वयम् ॥६-१०३-५९॥
You should tell us the way to kill you yourself. O king, how can we possibly withstand you in battle?
न हि ते सूक्ष्ममप्यस्ति रन्ध्रं कुरुपितामह। मण्डलेनैव धनुषा सदा दृश्योऽसि संयुगे ॥६-१०३-६०॥
O grandsire of the Kurus, there is not even the slightest gap in your defense. You are perpetually visible in battle, encircled by the bow.
नाददानं संदधानं विकर्षन्तं धनुर्न च। पश्यामस्त्वा महाबाहो रथे सूर्यमिव स्थितम् ॥६-१०३-६१॥
O mighty-armed one, we see you standing in the chariot like the sun, without making a sound, fixing, or drawing the bow.
नराश्वरथनागानां हन्तारं परवीरहन्। क इवोत्सहते हन्तुं त्वां पुमान्भरतर्षभ ॥६-१०३-६२॥
Who can dare to kill you, the slayer of men, horses, chariots, and elephants, and the destroyer of enemy heroes, O bull of the Bharatas?
वर्षता शरवर्षाणि महान्ति पुरुषोत्तम। क्षयं नीता हि पृतना भवता महती मम ॥६-१०३-६३॥
O best of men, your relentless shower of arrows has led my mighty army to its destruction.
यथा युधि जयेयं त्वां यथा राज्यं भवेन्मम। भवेत्सैन्यस्य वा शान्तिस्तन्मे ब्रूहि पितामह ॥६-१०३-६४॥
Grandfather, tell me how I may conquer you in battle, how the kingdom may become mine, or how there may be peace for the army.
ततोऽब्रवीच्छान्तनवः पाण्डवान्पाण्डुपूर्वज। न कथञ्चन कौन्तेय मयि जीवति संयुगे ॥६-१०३-६५॥
Then Bhishma, the son of Śantanu, addressed the Pāṇḍavas, saying that as long as he is alive in the battle, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, will not be able to defeat him.
युष्मासु दृश्यते वृद्धिः सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि वः ॥६-१०३-६५॥
I truly tell you that growth is evident among you.
निर्जिते मयि युद्धे तु ध्रुवं जेष्यथ कौरवान्। क्षिप्रं मयि प्रहरत यदीच्छथ रणे जयम् ॥६-१०३-६६॥
If I am defeated in this battle, you will surely defeat the Kauravas. Quickly attack me if you wish to achieve victory in the battle.
अनुजानामि वः पार्थाः प्रहरध्वं यथासुखम् ॥६-१०३-६६॥
I allow you, sons of Pritha, to engage in battle as you wish.
एवं हि सुकृतं मन्ये भवतां विदितो ह्यहम्। हते मयि हतं सर्वं तस्मादेवं विधीयताम् ॥६-१०३-६७॥
I believe that your good deeds are indeed recognized. If I am killed, everything will be destroyed; therefore, let it be done in this manner.
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
ब्रूहि तस्मादुपायं नो यथा युद्धे जयेमहि। भवन्तं समरे क्रुद्धं दण्डपाणिमिवान्तकम् ॥६-१०३-६८॥
Tell us the strategy by which we can win the battle, as you stand in the battlefield, fierce like Yama wielding a staff.
शक्यो वज्रधरो जेतुं वरुणोऽथ यमस्तथा। न भवान्समरे शक्यः सेन्द्रैरपि सुरासुरैः ॥६-१०३-६९॥
Even the wielder of the thunderbolt, Varuna, and Yama can be conquered, but you cannot be defeated in battle, not even by gods and demons along with Indra.
भीष्म उवाच॥
Bhishma said:
सत्यमेतन्महाबाहो यथा वदसि पाण्डव। नाहं शक्यो रणे जेतुं सेन्द्रैरपि सुरासुरैः ॥६-१०३-७०॥
Indeed, O mighty-armed Pandava, what you say is true. I cannot be defeated in battle even by the gods and demons together with Indra.
आत्तशस्त्रो रणे यत्तो गृहीतवरकार्मुकः। न्यस्तशस्त्रं तु मां राजन्हन्युर्युधि महारथाः ॥६-१०३-७१॥
Armed and ready with the best bow in battle, but if I lay down my weapons, O king, the great warriors would kill me in the fight.
निक्षिप्तशस्त्रे पतिते विमुक्तकवचध्वजे। द्रवमाणे च भीते च तवास्मीति च वादिनि ॥६-१०३-७२॥
When the weapons were laid down, and the armor and banner were discarded, while fleeing in fear, someone declared, 'I am yours.'
स्त्रियां स्त्रीनामधेये च विकले चैकपुत्रके। अप्रसूते च दुष्प्रेक्ष्ये न युद्धं रोचते मम ॥६-१०३-७३॥
I do not find pleasure in war with women, those named after women, the deficient, those with only one son, the barren, or those unpleasant to look at.
इमं च शृणु मे पार्थ सङ्कल्पं पूर्वचिन्तितम्। अमङ्गल्यध्वजं दृष्ट्वा न युध्येयं कथञ्चन ॥६-१०३-७४॥
Listen to my decision, O Arjuna, which I have thought about before: Upon seeing the inauspicious banner, I shall not engage in battle under any circumstances.
य एष द्रौपदो राजंस्तव सैन्ये महारथः। शिखण्डी समराकाङ्क्षी शूरश्च समितिञ्जयः ॥६-१०३-७५॥
This is Draupada, O king, a great chariot-warrior in your army. He is Shikhandi, eager for battle, heroic and victorious in combat.
यथाभवच्च स्त्री पूर्वं पश्चात्पुंस्त्वमुपागतः। जानन्ति च भवन्तोऽपि सर्वमेतद्यथातथम् ॥६-१०३-७६॥
As it happened, she was a woman before and later attained manhood. You also know all this truly.
अर्जुनः समरे शूरः पुरस्कृत्य शिखण्डिनम्। मामेव विशिखैस्तूर्णमभिद्रवतु दंशितः ॥६-१०३-७७॥
Arjuna, known for his heroism in battle, should place Shikhandi in front and swiftly attack me with arrows, being urged on.
अमङ्गल्यध्वजे तस्मिन्स्त्रीपूर्वे च विशेषतः। न प्रहर्तुमभीप्सामि गृहीतेषुं कथञ्चन ॥६-१०३-७८॥
I do not desire to attack the inauspicious banner, especially one led by women, with a drawn arrow in any manner.
तदन्तरं समासाद्य पाण्डवो मां धनञ्जयः। शरैर्घातयतु क्षिप्रं समन्ताद्भरतर्षभ ॥६-१०३-७९॥
Then, as the Pandava Dhananjaya approached me, let him swiftly strike with arrows from every direction, O best of the Bharatas.
न तं पश्यामि लोकेषु यो मां हन्यात्समुद्यतम्। ऋते कृष्णान्महाभागात्पाण्डवाद्वा धनञ्जयात् ॥६-१०३-८०॥
I see no one in the world who can defeat me when I am ready, except for the great Krishna or Arjuna, the son of Pandu.
एष तस्मात्पुरोधाय कञ्चिदन्यं ममाग्रतः। मां पातयतु बीभत्सुरेवं ते विजयो भवेत् ॥६-१०३-८१॥
Therefore, let Bibhatsu place someone else in front of me and cause me to fall; in this way, your victory will be assured.
एतत्कुरुष्व कौन्तेय यथोक्तं वचनं मम। ततो जेष्यसि सङ्ग्रामे धार्तराष्ट्रान्समागतान् ॥६-१०३-८२॥
"O son of Kunti, follow my instructions as stated. Then you will defeat the assembled sons of Dhritarashtra in battle."
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
तेऽनुज्ञातास्ततः पार्था जग्मुः स्वशिबिरं प्रति। अभिवाद्य महात्मानं भीष्मं कुरुपितामहम् ॥६-१०३-८३॥
After receiving permission, the sons of Pritha returned to their camp, paying respects to the noble Bhishma, the grandsire of the Kurus.
तथोक्तवति गाङ्गेये परलोकाय दीक्षिते। अर्जुनो दुःखसन्तप्तः सव्रीडमिदमब्रवीत् ॥६-१०३-८४॥
After Bhishma, the son of Ganga, had spoken and was consecrated for his journey to the other world, Arjuna, overwhelmed with grief and shame, spoke these words.
गुरुणा कुलवृद्धेन कृतप्रज्ञेन धीमता। पितामहेन सङ्ग्रामे कथं योत्स्यामि माधव ॥६-१०३-८५॥
O Mādhava, how can I fight against my teacher, the elder of my family, the wise and intelligent grandfather, in this battle?
क्रीडता हि मया बाल्ये वासुदेव महामनाः। पांसुरूषितगात्रेण महात्मा परुषीकृतः ॥६-१०३-८६॥
In my childhood, while playing, I made Vasudeva, the great-minded soul, rough with dust-covered limbs.
यस्याहमधिरुह्याङ्कं बालः किल गदाग्रज। तातेत्यवोचं पितरं पितुः पाण्डोर्महात्मनः ॥६-१०३-८७॥
As a child, I sat on the lap of the great soul Pandu's father and addressed him as 'father', O elder brother of Gada.
नाहं तातस्तव पितुस्तातोऽस्मि तव भारत। इति मामब्रवीद्बाल्ये यः स वध्यः कथं मया ॥६-१०३-८८॥
In my childhood, someone told me, 'I am not your father, nor your grandfather, O Bharata.' How can I kill him?
कामं वध्यतु मे सैन्यं नाहं योत्स्ये महात्मना। जयो वास्तु वधो वा मे कथं वा कृष्ण मन्यसे ॥६-१०३-८९॥
I am willing to let my army be destroyed; I will not fight against the great soul. Whether it results in victory or defeat for me, what is your opinion, O Krishna?
श्रीकृष्ण उवाच॥
Shri Krishna said:
प्रतिज्ञाय वधं जिष्णो पुरा भीष्मस्य संयुगे। क्षत्रधर्मे स्थितः पार्थ कथं नैनं हनिष्यसि ॥६-१०३-९०॥
O Arjuna, having once vowed to kill Bhishma in battle, as a warrior, how can you now refrain from killing him?
पातयैनं रथात्पार्थ वज्राहतमिव द्रुमम्। नाहत्वा युधि गाङ्गेयं विजयस्ते भविष्यति ॥६-१०३-९१॥
"O son of Pritha, make him fall from the chariot like a tree struck by a thunderbolt. Your victory will not be assured without killing the son of Ganga in battle."
दिष्टमेतत्पुरा देवैर्भविष्यत्यवशस्य ते। हन्ता भीष्मस्य पूर्वेन्द्र इति तन्न तदन्यथा ॥६-१०३-९२॥
This was predestined by the gods in ancient times; it will inevitably happen to you, who are powerless. The one who will slay Bhishma is the former Indra; thus, it cannot be otherwise.
न हि भीष्मं दुराधर्षं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्। त्वदन्यः शक्नुयाद्धन्तुमपि वज्रधरः स्वयम् ॥६-१०३-९३॥
Indeed, no one other than you could kill the invincible Bhishma, who is like death with an open mouth, not even Indra himself.
जहि भीष्मं महाबाहो शृणु चेदं वचो मम। यथोवाच पुरा शक्रं महाबुद्धिर्बृहस्पतिः ॥६-१०३-९४॥
O mighty-armed one, conquer Bhishma and listen to my words, just as the wise Brihaspati once advised Indra.
ज्यायांसमपि चेच्छक्र गुणैरपि समन्वितम्। आततायिनमामन्त्र्य हन्याद्घातकमागतम् ॥६-१०३-९५॥
Even if someone is superior and endowed with qualities like Indra, one should address and kill the aggressor who has come as a killer.
शाश्वतोऽयं स्थितो धर्मः क्षत्रियाणां धनञ्जय। योद्धव्यं रक्षितव्यं च यष्टव्यं चानसूयुभिः ॥६-१०३-९६॥
O Dhanañjaya, the eternal duty of the warriors is to fight, protect, and worship without envy.
अर्जुन उवाच॥
Arjuna said:
शिखण्डी निधनं कृष्ण भीष्मस्य भविता ध्रुवम्। दृष्ट्वैव हि सदा भीष्मः पाञ्चाल्यं विनिवर्तते ॥६-१०३-९७॥
Shikhandi's presence will lead to Bhishma's downfall, as Bhishma cannot fight against Panchali and thus will turn away, ensuring his defeat.
ते वयं प्रमुखे तस्य स्थापयित्वा शिखण्डिनम्। गाङ्गेयं पातयिष्याम उपायेनेति मे मतिः ॥६-१०३-९८॥
We will place Shikhandi in front of him and, by strategy, bring down Bhishma, the son of Ganga; this is my plan.
अहमन्यान्महेष्वासान्वारयिष्यामि सायकैः। शिखण्ड्यपि युधां श्रेष्ठो भीष्ममेवाभियास्यतु ॥६-१०३-९९॥
I will take on the other great archers with my arrows, while Śikhaṇḍi, the best among warriors, should focus solely on Bhīṣma.
श्रुतं ते कुरुमुख्यस्य नाहं हन्यां शिखण्डिनम्। कन्या ह्येषा पुरा जाता पुरुषः समपद्यत ॥६-१०३-१००॥
I have heard, O chief of the Kurus, that I would not kill Shikhandi, for she was born a woman and later became a man.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इत्येवं निश्चयं कृत्वा पाण्डवाः सहमाधवाः। शयनानि यथास्वानि भेजिरे पुरुषर्षभाः ॥६-१०३-१०१॥
In this way, after making their decision, the Pandavas, accompanied by Madhava, retired to their respective beds, being the foremost among men.
