06.112
Pancharatra and Core: Recap of the war till now, by a different author, with Arjuna at the centre.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
अभिमन्युर्महाराज तव पुत्रमयोधयत्। महत्या सेनया युक्तो भीष्महेतोः पराक्रमी ॥६-११२-१॥
O great king, your son Abhimanyu fought valiantly with a great army for the sake of Bhishma.
दुर्योधनो रणे कार्ष्णिं नवभिर्नतपर्वभिः। आजघान रणे क्रुद्धः पुनश्चैनं त्रिभिः शरैः ॥६-११२-२॥
In the battle, an angry Duryodhana struck Kṛṣṇa's follower with nine bent-jointed arrows and then again with three arrows.
तस्य शक्तिं रणे कार्ष्णिर्मृत्योर्घोरामिव स्वसाम्। प्रेषयामास सङ्क्रुद्धो दुर्योधनरथं प्रति ॥६-११२-३॥
Kārṣṇi, in his anger, sent his formidable power in battle towards Duryodhana's chariot, akin to the dreadful sister of death.
तामापतन्तीं सहसा घोररूपां विशां पते। द्विधा चिच्छेद ते पुत्रः क्षुरप्रेण महारथः ॥६-११२-४॥
As she approached suddenly in a terrifying form, your son, the great chariot warrior, swiftly cut her in two with his sharp weapon, O lord of the people.
तां शक्तिं पतितां दृष्ट्वा कार्ष्णिः परमकोपनः। दुर्योधनं त्रिभिर्बाणैर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत् ॥६-११२-५॥
Upon seeing the fallen weapon, Arjuna, filled with intense anger, shot three arrows at Duryodhana, targeting his arms and chest.
पुनश्चैनं शरैर्घोरैराजघान स्तनान्तरे। दशभिर्भरतश्रेष्ठ दुर्योधनममर्षणम् ॥६-११२-६॥
Once more, the fierce Duryodhana, intolerant and unyielding, was struck in the chest with ten arrows by the best of the Bharatas.
तद्युद्धमभवद्घोरं चित्ररूपं च भारत। ईक्षितृप्रीतिजननं सर्वपार्थिवपूजितम् ॥६-११२-७॥
The battle was fierce and diverse in its forms, O Bharata, delighting the spectators and honored by all the kings.
भीष्मस्य निधनार्थाय पार्थस्य विजयाय च। युयुधाते रणे वीरौ सौभद्रकुरुपुङ्गवौ ॥६-११२-८॥
In the battle, for the purpose of Bhishma's demise and Partha's victory, the two valiant warriors, Saubhadra and the foremost of the Kurus, engaged in combat.
सात्यकिं रभसं युद्धे द्रौणिर्ब्राह्मणपुङ्गवः। आजघानोरसि क्रुद्धो नाराचेन परन्तपः ॥६-११२-९॥
In the battle, the eminent Brahmin, Drona's son, angrily struck the fierce Satyaki on the chest with an iron arrow.
शैनेयोऽपि गुरोः पुत्रं सर्वमर्मसु भारत। अताडयदमेयात्मा नवभिः कङ्कपत्रिभिः ॥६-११२-१०॥
The son of Śinī, possessing an immeasurable soul, struck the teacher's son in all his vital parts with nine arrows, O descendant of Bharata.
अश्वत्थामा तु समरे सात्यकिं नवभिः शरैः। त्रिंशता च पुनस्तूर्णं बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत् ॥६-११२-११॥
In the battle, Ashwatthama attacked Satyaki with nine arrows and then swiftly placed thirty more on his arms and chest.
सोऽतिविद्धो महेष्वासो द्रोणपुत्रेण सात्वतः। द्रोणपुत्रं त्रिभिर्बाणैराजघान महायशाः ॥६-११२-१२॥
The greatly renowned great archer Sātvata, though deeply pierced by Droṇa's son, retaliated by striking Droṇa's son with three arrows.
पौरवो धृष्टकेतुं च शरैरासाद्य संयुगे। बहुधा दारयां चक्रे महेष्वासं महारथम् ॥६-११२-१३॥
Paurava approached Dhṛṣṭaketu in battle with arrows and pierced him in many ways, making him a great archer and chariot-warrior.
तथैव पौरवं युद्धे धृष्टकेतुर्महारथः। त्रिंशता निशितैर्बाणैर्विव्याध सुमहाबलः ॥६-११२-१४॥
In the battle, Dhṛṣṭaketu, a great chariot-warrior, attacked the descendant of Puru with thirty sharp arrows, demonstrating his immense strength.
पौरवस्तु धनुश्छित्त्वा धृष्टकेतोर्महारथः। ननाद बलवन्नादं विव्याध दशभिः शरैः ॥६-११२-१५॥
Paurava, after cutting the bow of the great chariot-warrior Dhṛṣṭaketu, roared mightily and struck with ten arrows.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय पौरवं निशितैः शरैः। आजघान महाराज त्रिसप्तत्या शिलीमुखैः ॥६-११२-१६॥
He took another bow belonging to Paurava and struck with seventy-three sharp iron arrows, O great king.
तौ तु तत्र महेष्वासौ महामात्रौ महारथौ। महता शरवर्षेण परस्परमवर्षताम् ॥६-११२-१७॥
The two great archers, ministers, and charioteers, standing there, showered each other with a great rain of arrows.
अन्योन्यस्य धनुश्छित्त्वा हयान्हत्वा च भारत। विरथावसियुद्धाय सङ्गतौ तौ महारथौ ॥६-११२-१८॥
O Bharata, after cutting each other's bows and killing the horses, those two great warriors came together to fight without their chariots.
आर्षभे चर्मणी चित्रे शतचन्द्रपरिष्कृते। तारकाशतचित्रौ च निस्त्रिंशौ सुमहाप्रभौ ॥६-११२-१९॥
In the variegated hide of the bull, adorned with a hundred moons, and swords adorned with a hundred stars, they were very splendid.
प्रगृह्य विमलौ राजंस्तावन्योन्यमभिद्रुतौ। वाशितासङ्गमे यत्तौ सिंहाविव महावने ॥६-११२-२०॥
O king, having seized their weapons, those two pure warriors rushed towards each other in the battlefield, like lions in the great forest.
मण्डलानि विचित्राणि गतप्रत्यागतानि च। चेरतुर्दर्शयन्तौ च प्रार्थयन्तौ परस्परम् ॥६-११२-२१॥
They moved in various circles, coming and going, showing and requesting each other.
पौरवो धृष्टकेतुं तु शङ्खदेशे महासिना। ताडयामास सङ्क्रुद्धस्तिष्ठ तिष्ठेति चाब्रवीत् ॥६-११२-२२॥
Paurava, in a fit of anger, struck Dhṛṣṭaketu with a great sword in the region of Shankha, commanding him to "Stop, stop."
चेदिराजोऽपि समरे पौरवं पुरुषर्षभम्। आजघान शिताग्रेण जत्रुदेशे महासिना ॥६-११२-२३॥
The king of the Cedis, in the battle, struck the noble descendant of Puru, the best among men, with a sharp sword at the collarbone.
तावन्योन्यं महाराज समासाद्य महाहवे। अन्योन्यवेगाभिहतौ निपेततुररिंदमौ ॥६-११२-२४॥
O great king, those two warriors, having confronted each other in the fierce battle, were struck by each other's force and fell down, O subduer of enemies.
ततः स्वरथमारोप्य पौरवं तनयस्तव। जयत्सेनो रथे राजन्नपोवाह रणाजिरात् ॥६-११२-२५॥
Then, your son Jayatsena, having mounted his own chariot, carried Paurava away from the battlefield, O king.
धृष्टकेतुं च समरे माद्रीपुत्रः परन्तपः। अपोवाह रणे राजन्सहदेवः प्रतापवान् ॥६-११२-२६॥
O king, the valiant Sahadeva carried away Dhṛṣṭaketu and the son of Mādrī, the scorcher of foes, in the battle.
चित्रसेनः सुशर्माणं विद्ध्वा नवभिराशुगैः। पुनर्विव्याध तं षष्ट्या पुनश्च नवभिः शरैः ॥६-११२-२७॥
Citrasena struck Suśarman with nine swift arrows, then pierced him again with sixty arrows, and once more with nine arrows.
सुशर्मा तु रणे क्रुद्धस्तव पुत्रं विशां पते। दशभिर्दशभिश्चैव विव्याध निशितैः शरैः ॥६-११२-२८॥
Suśarmā, in his anger during the battle, struck your son, O lord of the people, with twenty sharp arrows.
चित्रसेनश्च तं राजंस्त्रिंशता नतपर्वणाम्। आजघान रणे क्रुद्धः स च तं प्रत्यविध्यत भीष्मस्य समरे राजन्यशो मानं च वर्धयन् ॥६-११२-२९॥
Citrasena, in his anger, struck the king with thirty bent joints in battle, and the king retaliated, enhancing Bhishma's fame and honor in the battle, O king.
सौभद्रो राजपुत्रं तु बृहद्बलमयोधयत्। आर्जुनिं कोसलेन्द्रस्तु विद्ध्वा पञ्चभिरायसैः ॥ पुनर्विव्याध विंशत्या शरैः संनतपर्वभिः ॥६-११२-३०॥
Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, engaged in battle with Brihadbala. The king of Kosala struck Arjuna's son with five iron arrows and then pierced him again with twenty more arrows with bent joints.
बृहद्बलं च सौभद्रो विद्ध्वा नवभिरायसैः। नाकम्पयत सङ्ग्रामे विव्याध च पुनः पुनः ॥६-११२-३१॥
Brihadbala and Saubhadra, struck with nine iron arrows, stood firm in battle and continued to pierce repeatedly.
कौसल्यस्य पुनश्चापि धनुश्चिच्छेद फाल्गुणिः। आजघान शरैश्चैव त्रिंशता कङ्कपत्रिभिः ॥६-११२-३२॥
Arjuna once again cut the bow of Kausalya and struck him with thirty winged arrows.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय राजपुत्रो बृहद्बलः। फाल्गुनिं समरे क्रुद्धो विव्याध बहुभिः शरैः ॥६-११२-३३॥
Prince Brihadbala, seizing another bow, angrily attacked Arjuna in the battle with numerous arrows.
तयोर्युद्धं समभवद्भीष्महेतोः परन्तप। संरब्धयोर्महाराज समरे चित्रयोधिनोः ॥ यथा देवासुरे युद्धे मयवासवयोरभूत् ॥६-११२-३४॥
O great king, a fierce battle took place for the sake of Bhishma between the enraged and skilled warriors, reminiscent of the legendary battle between the gods and demons, Maya and Indra.
भीमसेनो गजानीकं योधयन्बह्वशोभत। यथा शक्रो वज्रपाणिर्दारयन्पर्वतोत्तमान् ॥६-११२-३५॥
Bhimasena shone brilliantly as he fought against the elephant army, just like Indra wielding his thunderbolt to tear apart the great mountains.
ते वध्यमाना भीमेन मातङ्गा गिरिसंनिभाः। निपेतुरुर्व्यां सहिता नादयन्तो वसुन्धराम् ॥६-११२-३६॥
The mountain-like elephants, struck by Bhima, fell to the ground together, causing a resounding noise on the earth.
गिरिमात्रा हि ते नागा भिन्नाञ्जनचयोपमाः। विरेजुर्वसुधां प्राप्य विकीर्णा इव पर्वताः ॥६-११२-३७॥
Those elephants, as large as mountains and resembling broken masses of collyrium, shone as they reached the earth, scattered like mountains.
युधिष्ठिरो महेष्वासो मद्रराजानमाहवे। महत्या सेनया गुप्तं पीडयामास सङ्गतः ॥६-११२-३८॥
Yudhishthira, the great archer, attacked the Madra king in battle, who was protected by a large army, and joined forces.
मद्रेश्वरश्च समरे धर्मपुत्रं महारथम्। पीडयामास संरब्धो भीष्महेतोः पराक्रमी ॥६-११२-३९॥
The valiant Madra king, driven by his allegiance to Bhishma, fiercely attacked the great warrior Dharmaputra on the battlefield.
विराटं सैन्धवो राजा विद्ध्वा संनतपर्वभिः। नवभिः सायकैस्तीक्ष्णैस्त्रिंशता पुनरर्दयत् ॥६-११२-४०॥
The Sindhu king, after initially piercing Virata with bent-joint arrows, struck him again with thirty sharp arrows.
विराटश्च महाराज सैन्धवं वाहिनीमुखे। त्रिंशता निशितैर्बाणैराजघान स्तनान्तरे ॥६-११२-४१॥
Virata, the great king, attacked the Sindhu prince at the forefront of the army with thirty sharp arrows, hitting him in the chest.
चित्रकार्मुकनिस्त्रिंशौ चित्रवर्मायुधध्वजौ। रेजतुश्चित्ररूपौ तौ सङ्ग्रामे मत्स्यसैन्धवौ ॥६-११२-४२॥
In the battle, the bright bows, swords, armors, weapons, and flags of Matsya and Sindhu shone brilliantly.
द्रोणः पाञ्चालपुत्रेण समागम्य महारणे। महासमुदयं चक्रे शरैः संनतपर्वभिः ॥६-११२-४३॥
Drona, upon encountering the son of Panchala in the great battle, created a significant disturbance using arrows with bent joints.
ततो द्रोणो महाराज पार्षतस्य महद्धनुः। छित्त्वा पञ्चाशतेषूणां पार्षतं समविध्यत ॥६-११२-४४॥
Then Droṇa, O great king, severed the great bow of the son of Pṛṣata and struck him with fifty arrows.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय पार्षतः परवीरहा। द्रोणस्य मिषतो युद्धे प्रेषयामास सायकान् ॥६-११२-४५॥
The son of Prishata, a formidable warrior, took up another bow and, in the presence of Drona, launched his arrows during the battle.
ताञ्शराञ्शरसङ्घैस्तु संनिवार्य महारथः। द्रोणो द्रुपदपुत्राय प्राहिणोत्पञ्च सायकान् ॥६-११२-४६॥
Drona, the great chariot-warrior, skillfully repelled those arrows with volleys of his own and then sent five arrows towards the son of Drupada.
तस्य क्रुद्धो महाराज पार्षतः परवीरहा। द्रोणाय चिक्षेप गदां यमदण्डोपमां रणे ॥६-११२-४७॥
The enraged great king, son of Prishata, who was a slayer of enemy heroes, hurled a mace resembling the staff of Yama at Drona during the battle.
तामापतन्तीं सहसा हेमपट्टविभूषिताम्। शरैः पञ्चाशता द्रोणो वारयामास संयुगे ॥६-११२-४८॥
Drona, with fifty arrows, stopped her as she suddenly approached, adorned with a golden cloth, in the battle.
सा छिन्ना बहुधा राजन्द्रोणचापच्युतैः शरैः। चूर्णीकृता विशीर्यन्ती पपात वसुधातले ॥६-११२-४९॥
She was cut into many pieces by the arrows released from Drona's bow, shattered and disintegrating, she fell to the ground, O king.
गदां विनिहतां दृष्ट्वा पार्षतः शत्रुसूदनः। द्रोणाय शक्तिं चिक्षेप सर्वपारशवीं शुभाम् ॥६-११२-५०॥
Upon witnessing the destruction of the mace, the valiant son of Prishata, known as the destroyer of enemies, cast the all-encompassing and auspicious spear towards Drona.
तां द्रोणो नवभिर्बाणैश्चिच्छेद युधि भारत। पार्षतं च महेष्वासं पीडयामास संयुगे ॥६-११२-५१॥
Droṇa, with nine arrows, cut her down in the battle, O Bharata, and afflicted the great archer Pārṣata in the combat.
एवमेतन्महद्युद्धं द्रोणपार्षतयोरभूत्। भीष्मं प्रति महाराज घोररूपं भयानकम् ॥६-११२-५२॥
Thus, O great king, the great battle that occurred between Drona and Drupada's son was directed towards Bhishma, and it was of a terrible and frightening nature.
अर्जुनः प्राप्य गाङ्गेयं पीडयन्निशितैः शरैः। अभ्यद्रवत संयत्तं वने मत्तमिव द्विपम् ॥६-११२-५३॥
Arjuna, upon reaching Bhishma, the son of Ganga, relentlessly attacked him with sharp arrows, charging like a mad elephant in the forest.
प्रत्युद्ययौ च तं पार्थं भगदत्तः प्रतापवान्। त्रिधा भिन्नेन नागेन मदान्धेन महाबलः ॥६-११२-५४॥
Bhagadatta, renowned for his valor, advanced towards Arjuna, the son of Pritha, with his powerful and intoxicated elephant, attacking in three directions.
तमापतन्तं सहसा महेन्द्रगजसंनिभम्। परं यत्नं समास्थाय बीभत्सुः प्रत्यपद्यत ॥६-११२-५५॥
Bibhatsu (Arjuna) quickly engaged with great effort against the one approaching like the mighty elephant of Indra.
ततो गजगतो राजा भगदत्तः प्रतापवान्। अर्जुनं शरवर्षेण वारयामास संयुगे ॥६-११२-५६॥
Then, King Bhagadatta, known for his might, riding on an elephant, confronted Arjuna with a barrage of arrows during the battle.
अर्जुनस्तु रणे नागमायान्तं रजतोपमम्। विमलैरायसैस्तीक्ष्णैरविध्यत महारणे ॥६-११२-५७॥
Arjuna, however, in the great battle, pierced the approaching elephant that resembled silver with his pure and sharp iron arrows.
शिखण्डिनं च कौन्तेयो याहि याहीत्यचोदयत्। भीष्मं प्रति महाराज जह्येनमिति चाब्रवीत् ॥६-११२-५८॥
The son of Kunti urged Shikhandin to go towards Bhishma, saying, "O great king, conquer him."
प्राग्ज्योतिषस्ततो हित्वा पाण्डवं पाण्डुपूर्वज। प्रययौ त्वरितो राजन्द्रुपदस्य रथं प्रति ॥६-११२-५९॥
The elder brother of Pāṇḍu, after leaving the city of Prāgjyotiṣa, quickly went towards King Drupada's chariot.
ततोऽर्जुनो महाराज भीष्ममभ्यद्रवद्द्रुतम्। शिखण्डिनं पुरस्कृत्य ततो युद्धमवर्तत ॥६-११२-६०॥
Then, O great king, Arjuna swiftly advanced towards Bhishma with Shikhandi leading the way, and thus the battle began.
ततस्ते तावकाः शूराः पाण्डवं रभसं रणे। सर्वेऽभ्यधावन्क्रोशन्तस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥६-११२-६१॥
Then your brave warriors charged fiercely at the Pāṇḍava in battle, all shouting, and it seemed as if it was a marvel.
नानाविधान्यनीकानि पुत्राणां ते जनाधिप। अर्जुनो व्यधमत्काले दिवीवाभ्राणि मारुतः ॥६-११२-६२॥
O ruler of people, Arjuna scattered the various armies of your sons in due time, just as the wind scatters clouds in the sky.
शिखण्डी तु समासाद्य भरतानां पितामहम्। इषुभिस्तूर्णमव्यग्रो बहुभिः स समाचिनोत् ॥६-११२-६३॥
Shikhandi approached the grandsire of the Bharatas and calmly showered him with many arrows in quick succession.
सोमकांश्च रणे भीष्मो जघ्ने पार्थपदानुगान्। न्यवारयत सैन्यं च पाण्डवानां महारथः ॥६-११२-६४॥
In the battle, Bhishma killed the Somakas and the followers of Partha, and the great chariot-warrior held back the Pandavas' army.
रथाग्न्यगारश्चापार्चिरसिशक्तिगदेन्धनः। शरसङ्घमहाज्वालः क्षत्रियान्समरेऽदहत् ॥६-११२-६५॥
The chariot, with its fire-chamber and an unending blaze, along with swords, spears, maces, and arrows like a great flame, consumed the warriors in battle.
यथा हि सुमहानग्निः कक्षे चरति सानिलः। तथा जज्वाल भीष्मोऽपि दिव्यान्यस्त्राण्युदीरयन् ॥६-११२-६६॥
Just as a great fire spreads through the forest with the wind, Bhishma too blazed forth, invoking divine weapons.
सुवर्णपुङ्खैरिषुभिः शितैः संनतपर्वभिः। नादयन्स दिशो भीष्मः प्रदिशश्च महायशाः ॥६-११२-६७॥
Bhishma, the greatly renowned, filled all directions and regions with the sound of his golden-feathered, sharp, and bent-jointed arrows.
पातयन्रथिनो राजन्गजांश्च सह सादिभिः। मुण्डतालवनानीव चकार स रथव्रजान् ॥६-११२-६८॥
O king, he caused the charioteers and elephants along with their riders to fall, making the groups of chariots resemble forests of palm trees.
निर्मनुष्यान्रथान्राजन्गजानश्वांश्च संयुगे। चकार स तदा भीष्मः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः ॥६-११२-६९॥
O king, at that time, Bhishma, the greatest among all warriors, rendered the chariots, elephants, and horses without riders in the battle.
तस्य ज्यातलनिर्घोषं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशनेः। निशम्य सर्वतो राजन्समकम्पन्त सैनिकाः ॥६-११२-७०॥
O king, upon hearing the sound of the bowstring, which was like the thunder of a thunderbolt, the soldiers trembled from all sides.
अमोघा ह्यपतन्बाणाः पितुस्ते मनुजेश्वर। नासज्जन्त शरीरेषु भीष्मचापच्युताः शराः ॥६-११२-७१॥
O lord of men, the arrows released from Bhishma's bow, though unfailing, did not stick in the bodies.
निर्मनुष्यान्रथान्राजन्सुयुक्ताञ्जवनैर्हयैः। वातायमानान्पश्याम ह्रियमाणान्विशां पते ॥६-११२-७२॥
O king, we observe chariots without drivers, well-harnessed to swift horses, flying and being carried away, O lord of the people.
चेदिकाशिकरूषाणां सहस्राणि चतुर्दश। महारथाः समाख्याताः कुलपुत्रास्तनुत्यजः ॥६-११२-७३॥
Fourteen thousand renowned great charioteers from the noble families of the Cedis, Kashis, and Karushas have sacrificed their lives.
अपरावर्तिनः शूराः सुवर्णविकृतध्वजाः। सङ्ग्रामे भीष्ममासाद्य सवाजिरथकुञ्जराः ॥ जग्मुस्ते परलोकाय व्यादितास्यमिवान्तकम् ॥६-११२-७४॥
The fearless warriors, adorned with golden banners, confronted Bhishma in battle with their horses, chariots, and elephants, and met their end, as if swallowed by death itself.
न तत्रासीन्महाराज सोमकानां महारथः। यः सम्प्राप्य रणे भीष्मं जीविते स्म मनो दधे ॥६-११२-७५॥
O great king, there was no great warrior among the Somakas who, upon reaching Bhishma in battle, focused his mind on survival.
तांश्च सर्वान्रणे योधान्प्रेतराजपुरं प्रति। नीतानमन्यन्त जना दृष्ट्वा भीष्मस्य विक्रमम् ॥६-११२-७६॥
Observing Bhishma's valor, people believed that all the warriors were being led to the abode of Yama, the god of death, in the battlefield.
न कश्चिदेनं समरे प्रत्युद्याति महारथः। ऋते पाण्डुसुतं वीरं श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम् ॥ शिखण्डिनं च समरे पाञ्चाल्यममितौजसम् ॥६-११२-७७॥
No great warrior dares to confront him in battle, except for the heroic son of Pandu, who rides with white horses and has Krishna as his charioteer, along with Shikhandi, the valiant Panchala prince of immense energy.
शिखण्डी तु रणे भीष्ममासाद्य भरतर्षभ। दशभिर्दशभिर्बाणैराजघान महाहवे ॥६-११२-७८॥
Shikhandi, however, approached Bhishma in battle and struck him with twenty arrows, O best of the Bharatas, during the great battle.
शिखण्डिनं तु गाङ्गेयः क्रोधदीप्तेन चक्षुषा। अवैक्षत कटाक्षेण निर्दहन्निव भारत ॥६-११२-७९॥
Bhishma, the son of Ganga, cast a sidelong glance at Shikhandin, his eyes blazing with anger, as if he were burning him, O Bharata.
स्त्रीत्वं तत्संस्मरन्राजन्सर्वलोकस्य पश्यतः। न जघान रणे भीष्मः स च तं नावबुद्धवान् ॥६-११२-८०॥
O king, remembering that he was a woman while the whole world watched, Bhishma did not kill him in battle, nor did he recognize him.
अर्जुनस्तु महाराज शिखण्डिनमभाषत। अभित्वरस्व त्वरितो जहि चैनं पितामहम् ॥६-११२-८१॥
Arjuna, addressing Shikhandi, urged him to swiftly defeat the Grandsire.
किं ते विवक्षया वीर जहि भीष्मं महारथम्। न ह्यन्यमनुपश्यामि कञ्चिद्यौधिष्ठिरे बले ॥६-११२-८२॥
"What is your intention, O hero, in slaying Bhishma, the great chariot-warrior? Indeed, I see no one else among the sons of Yudhishthira who matches his strength."
यः शक्तः समरे भीष्मं योधयेत पितामहम्। ऋते त्वां पुरुषव्याघ्र सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥६-११२-८३॥
O tiger among men, truly, I tell you that no one except you is capable of challenging Bhishma in battle.
एवमुक्तस्तु पार्थेन शिखण्डी भरतर्षभ। शरैर्नानाविधैस्तूर्णं पितामहमुपाद्रवत् ॥६-११२-८४॥
Upon being addressed in this manner by Arjuna, Śikhaṇḍī, the best among the Bharatas, swiftly attacked the grandsire Bhīṣma with a variety of arrows.
अचिन्तयित्वा तान्बाणान्पिता देवव्रतस्तव। अर्जुनं समरे क्रुद्धं वारयामास सायकैः ॥६-११२-८५॥
Without considering those arrows, your father Devavrata restrained the angry Arjuna in the battle with his arrows.
तथैव च चमूं सर्वां पाण्डवानां महारथः। अप्रैषीत्समरे तीक्ष्णैः परलोकाय मारिष ॥६-११२-८६॥
In the same manner, the great warrior of the Pandavas sent the entire army to the other world with sharp weapons in battle, O venerable one.
तथैव पाण्डवा राजन्सैन्येन महता वृताः। भीष्मं प्रच्छादयामासुर्मेघा इव दिवाकरम् ॥६-११२-८७॥
In the same manner, O king, the Pandavas, with their vast army, enveloped Bhishma just as clouds envelop the sun.
स समन्तात्परिवृतो भारतो भरतर्षभ। निर्ददाह रणे शूरान्वनं वह्निरिव ज्वलन् ॥६-११२-८८॥
O best of the Bharatas, he was surrounded on all sides and burned the heroes in battle like a forest fire.
तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम तव पुत्रस्य पौरुषम्। अयोधयत यत्पार्थं जुगोप च यतव्रतम् ॥६-११२-८९॥
There, we witnessed the extraordinary valor of your son. He engaged in battle with Arjuna and upheld his vow.
कर्मणा तेन समरे तव पुत्रस्य धन्विनः। दुःशासनस्य तुतुषुः सर्वे लोका महात्मनः ॥६-११२-९०॥
By the actions in battle of your son, the archer Duḥśāsana, all the worlds were pleased with the great soul.
यदेकः समरे पार्थान्सानुगान्समयोधयत्। न चैनं पाण्डवा युद्धे वायरामासुरुल्बणम् ॥६-११२-९१॥
When a single warrior fought against the sons of Pritha and their followers in battle, the Pandavas could not overpower him in that fierce encounter.
दुःशासनेन समरे रथिनो विरथीकृताः। सादिनश्च महाराज दन्तिनश्च महाबलाः ॥६-११२-९२॥
In the battle, Duḥśāsana rendered the charioteers chariotless. O great king, the horsemen and the mighty elephant riders were also defeated.
विनिर्भिन्नाः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैर्निपेतुर्धरणीतले। शरातुरास्तथैवान्ये दन्तिनो विद्रुता दिशः ॥६-११२-९३॥
Pierced by sharp arrows, they fell to the ground. Other elephants, afflicted by the arrows, fled in all directions.
यथाग्निरिन्धनं प्राप्य ज्वलेद्दीप्तार्चिरुल्बणः। तथा जज्वाल पुत्रस्ते पाण्डवान्वै विनिर्दहन् ॥६-११२-९४॥
Just as fire consumes fuel with its intense blazing flames, your son fiercely attacked and overwhelmed the Pāṇḍavas.
तं भारतमहामात्रं पाण्डवानां महारथः। जेतुं नोत्सहते कश्चिन्नाप्युद्यातुं कथञ्चन ॥ ऋते महेन्द्रतनयं श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम् ॥६-११२-९५॥
No one can conquer or challenge the great minister of the Bharatas, the great chariot warrior of the Pandavas, except for the son of Mahendra, who has white horses and Krishna as his charioteer.
स हि तं समरे राजन्विजित्य विजयोऽर्जुनः। भीष्ममेवाभिदुद्राव सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यतः ॥६-११२-९६॥
O King, having defeated his opponent in battle, Arjuna, known as Vijaya, charged directly at Bhishma, as the entire army watched.
विजितस्तव पुत्रोऽपि भीष्मबाहुव्यपाश्रयः। पुनः पुनः समाश्वस्य प्रायुध्यत रणोत्कटः ॥ अर्जुनं च रणे राजन्योधयन्स व्यराजत ॥६-११२-९७॥
Your son, relying on Bhishma's strength, repeatedly regained his composure and fought fiercely. O king, he shone while battling Arjuna.
शिखण्डी तु रणे राजन्विव्याधैव पितामहम्। शरैरशनिसंस्पर्शैस्तथा सर्पविषोपमैः ॥६-११२-९८॥
In the battle, Shikhandi fiercely attacked the grandfather with arrows that struck like thunderbolts and were as deadly as serpent's poison, O king.
न च तेऽस्य रुजं चक्रुः पितुस्तव जनेश्वर। स्मयमानश्च गाङ्गेयस्तान्बाणाञ्जगृहे तदा ॥६-११२-९९॥
The arrows did not harm your father, O king. Smiling, Bhishma accepted them at that time.
उष्णार्तो हि नरो यद्वज्जलधाराः प्रतीच्छति। तथा जग्राह गाङ्गेयः शरधाराः शिखण्डिनः ॥६-११२-१००॥
The son of Ganga, Bhishma, received a barrage of arrows from Shikhandi, just as a man suffering from heat welcomes streams of water.
तं क्षत्रिया महाराज ददृशुर्घोरमाहवे। भीष्मं दहन्तं सैन्यानि पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम् ॥६-११२-१०१॥
O great king, the warriors saw Bhishma, terrible in battle, as he burned the armies of the noble Pandavas.
ततोऽब्रवीत्तव सुतः सर्वसैन्यानि मारिष। अभिद्रवत सङ्ग्रामे फल्गुनं सर्वतो रथैः ॥६-११२-१०२॥
Then your son instructed all the armies, "O venerable one, attack Arjuna in the battle from all directions with chariots."
भीष्मो वः समरे सर्वान्पलयिष्यति धर्मवित्। ते भयं सुमहत्त्वक्त्वा पाण्डवान्प्रतियुध्यत ॥६-११२-१०३॥
Bhishma, who understands dharma, will protect you all in the battle. They, having cast aside their great fear, are fighting against the Pandavas.
एष तालेन दीप्तेन भीष्मस्तिष्ठति पालयन्। सर्वेषां धार्तराष्ट्राणां रणे शर्म च वर्म च ॥६-११२-१०४॥
Bhishma, with his resounding presence and brilliance, stands firm, safeguarding all the sons of Dhritarashtra in the battle, providing them both shelter and armor.
त्रिदशापि समुद्युक्ता नालं भीष्मं समासितुम्। किमु पार्था महात्मानं मर्त्यभूतास्तथाबलाः ॥ तस्माद्द्रवत हे योधाः फल्गुनं प्राप्य संयुगे ॥६-११२-१०५॥
Even the thirty gods assembled cannot defeat Bhishma. How then can the sons of Pritha, who are mortal and strong, defeat the great soul? Therefore, O warriors, retreat when you encounter Arjuna in battle.
अहमद्य रणे यत्तो योधयिष्यामि फल्गुनम्। सहितः सर्वतो यत्तैर्भवद्भिर्वसुधाधिपाः ॥६-११२-१०६॥
Today, I am ready to fight Arjuna in battle, along with all of you, the kings of the earth, who are prepared from all sides.
तच्छ्रुत्वा तु वचो राजंस्तव पुत्रस्य धन्विनः। अर्जुनं प्रति संयत्ता बलवन्तो महारथाः ॥६-११२-१०७॥
Upon hearing the words of your son, the archer, O king, the mighty warriors prepared themselves to face Arjuna.
ते विदेहाः कलिङ्गाश्च दाशेरकगणैः सह। अभिपेतुर्निषादाश्च सौवीराश्च महारणे ॥६-११२-१०८॥
The Videhas, Kalingas, along with the tribes of Dasharaka, launched an attack, and the Nishadas and Sauviras joined in the great battle.
बाह्लिका दरदाश्चैव प्राच्योदीच्याश्च मालवाः। अभीषाहाः शूरसेनाः शिबयोऽथ वसातयः ॥६-११२-१०९॥
The Bahlika, Darada, eastern and northern Malava, Abhishaha, Shurasena, Shibi, and Vasati people are mentioned.
शाल्वाश्रयास्त्रिगर्ताश्च अम्बष्ठाः केकयैः सह। अभिपेतू रणे पार्थं पतङ्गा इव पावकम् ॥६-११२-११०॥
The followers of Śālva, the Trigartas, and the Ambasthas, along with the Kekayas, charged at Arjuna in the battle, resembling moths rushing towards a flame.
स तान्सर्वान्सहानीकान्महाराज महारथान्। दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि सञ्चिन्त्य प्रसन्धाय धनञ्जयः ॥६-११२-१११॥
Arjuna, O great king, considered the divine weapons and fixed them on all the great charioteers and troops.
स तैरस्त्रैर्महावेगैर्ददाहाशु महाबलः। शरप्रतापैर्बीभत्सुः पतङ्गानिव पावकः ॥६-११२-११२॥
The mighty warrior swiftly incinerated his enemies with his powerful and fast-moving weapons, terrifying them with his skill in archery, like a fire consuming moths.
तस्य बाणसहस्राणि सृजतो दृढधन्विनः। दीप्यमानमिवाकाशे गाण्डीवं समदृश्यत ॥६-११२-११३॥
The strong archer released thousands of arrows, and they appeared like the shining Gandiva bow in the sky.
ते शरार्ता महाराज विप्रकीर्णरथध्वजाः। नाब्यवर्तन्त राजानः सहिता वानरध्वजम् ॥६-११२-११४॥
O great king, those kings, afflicted by arrows and with their chariots and banners scattered, did not return together with the army bearing the monkey banner.
सध्वजा रथिनः पेतुर्हयारोहा हयैः सह। गजाः सह गजारोहैः किरीटिशरताडिताः ॥६-११२-११५॥
The charioteers with banners fell along with the horse riders and their horses, and the elephants along with their riders, all struck down by Arjuna's arrows.
ततोऽर्जुनभुजोत्सृष्टैरावृतासीद्वसुन्धरा। विद्रवद्भिश्च बहुधा बलै राज्ञां समन्ततः ॥६-११२-११६॥
Then the earth was enveloped by the arms released by Arjuna and the fleeing forces of the kings from all directions.
अथ पार्थो महाबाहुर्द्रावयित्वा वरूथिनीम्। दुःशासनाय समरे प्रेषयामास सायकान् ॥६-११२-११७॥
Then the mighty-armed Arjuna, son of Pritha, after routing the enemy forces, sent arrows towards Duhshasana in the battlefield.
ते तु भित्त्वा तव सुतं दुःशासनमयोमुखाः। धरणीं विविशुः सर्वे वल्मीकमिव पन्नगाः ॥ हयांश्चास्य ततो जघ्ने सारथिं च न्यपातयत् ॥६-११२-११८॥
They pierced your son Duhshasana with iron faces and entered the earth like serpents into an anthill. Then he killed his horses and charioteer.
विविंशतिं च विंशत्या विरथं कृतवान्प्रभो। आजघान भृशं चैव पञ्चभिर्नतपर्वभिः ॥६-११२-११९॥
O lord, you made twenty-two chariots without riders using twenty arrows, and struck severely with five bent-jointed arrows.
कृपं शल्यं विकर्णं च विद्ध्वा बहुभिरायसैः। चकार विरथांश्चैव कौन्तेयः श्वेतवाहनः ॥६-११२-१२०॥
The son of Kunti, Arjuna, who has white horses, pierced Kripa, Shalya, and Vikarna with many iron arrows, rendering them chariotless.
एवं ते विरथाः पञ्च कृपः शल्यश्च मारिष। दुःशासनो विकर्णश्च तथैव च विविंशतिः ॥ सम्प्राद्रवन्त समरे निर्जिताः सव्यसाचिना ॥६-११२-१२१॥
Thus, O sir, Kṛpa, Śalya, Duḥśāsana, Vikarṇa, and Viviṃśati, all five of them, having lost their chariots, fled from the battlefield, defeated by Arjuna.
पूर्वाह्णे तु तथा राजन्पराजित्य महारथान्। प्रजज्वाल रणे पार्थो विधूम इव पावकः ॥६-११२-१२२॥
In the forenoon, O king, Arjuna, having defeated the great chariot-warriors, blazed in battle like a smokeless fire.
तथैव शरवर्षेण भास्करो रश्मिवानिव। अन्यानपि महाराज पातयामास पार्थिवान् ॥६-११२-१२३॥
In the same manner, O great king, he struck down other kings with a shower of arrows, just as the sun shines with its rays.
पराङ्मुखीकृत्य तदा शरवर्षैर्महारथान्। प्रावर्तयत सङ्ग्रामे शोणितोदां महानदीम् ॥ मध्येन कुरुसैन्यानां पाण्डवानां च भारत ॥६-११२-१२४॥
Then, having turned the great charioteers away with showers of arrows, a great river filled with blood was set in motion in the battle through the middle of the Kuru and Pandava armies, O Bharata.
गजाश्च रथसङ्घाश्च बहुधा रथिभिर्हताः। रथाश्च निहता नागैर्नागा हयपदातिभिः ॥६-११२-१२५॥
Elephants and chariots were attacked in various ways by the charioteers. Chariots were destroyed by elephants, and elephants were taken down by horsemen and foot soldiers.
अन्तरा छिध्यमानानि शरीराणि शिरांसि च। निपेतुर्दिक्षु सर्वासु गजाश्वरथयोधिनाम् ॥६-११२-१२६॥
The bodies and heads of elephants, horses, chariots, and warriors were cut and fell in all directions.
छन्नमायोधनं रेजे कुण्डलाङ्गदधारिभिः। पतितैः पात्यमानैश्च राजपुत्रैर्महारथैः ॥६-११२-१२७॥
The battlefield, covered with illusionary weapons, gleamed with warriors adorned with earrings and armlets, as princes and great charioteers fell and were struck down.
रथनेमिनिकृत्ताश्च गजैश्चैवावपोथिताः। पादाताश्चाप्यदृश्यन्त साश्वाः सहयसादिनः ॥६-११२-१२८॥
The wheels of the chariots were severed and crushed by the elephants. The foot soldiers, along with their horses and riders, were visible amidst the chaos.
गजाश्वरथसङ्घाश्च परिपेतुः समन्ततः। विशीर्णाश्च रथा भूमौ भग्नचक्रयुगध्वजाः ॥६-११२-१२९॥
Elephants, horses, and chariots moved chaotically in all directions. The chariots lay scattered on the ground, their wheels, axles, and banners broken.
तद्गजाश्वरथौघानां रुधिरेण समुक्षितम्। छन्नमायोधनं रेजे रक्ताभ्रमिव शारदम् ॥६-११२-१३०॥
The battlefield, covered in the blood of elephants, horses, and chariots, appeared as radiant as a red cloud in autumn.
श्वानः काकाश्च गृध्राश्च वृका गोमायुभिः सह। प्रणेदुर्भक्ष्यमासाद्य विकृताश्च मृगद्विजाः ॥६-११२-१३१॥
Dogs, crows, vultures, and wolves along with jackals howled together upon finding food, and the beasts and birds appeared distorted.
ववुर्बहुविधाश्चैव दिक्षु सर्वासु मारुताः। दृश्यमानेषु रक्षःसु भूतेषु विनदत्सु च ॥६-११२-१३२॥
The winds blew in various directions, creating a tumultuous atmosphere among the visible demons and beings, who were howling.
काञ्चनानि च दामानि पताकाश्च महाधनाः। धूमायमाना दृश्यन्ते सहसा मारुतेरिताः ॥६-११२-१३३॥
Golden garlands, flags, and great treasures are suddenly seen smoking, carried away by the wind.
श्वेतच्छत्रसहस्राणि सध्वजाश्च महारथाः। विनिकीर्णाः स्म दृश्यन्ते शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥ सपताकाश्च मातङ्गा दिशो जग्मुः शरातुराः ॥६-११२-१३४॥
Thousands of white umbrellas and great chariots with flags were seen scattered in hundreds and thousands. Elephants with banners moved in all directions, distressed by arrows.
क्षत्रियाश्च मनुष्येन्द्र गदाशक्तिधनुर्धराः। समन्ततो व्यदृश्यन्त पतिता धरणीतले ॥६-११२-१३५॥
O lord of men, warriors wielding maces, spears, and bows were seen fallen all around on the ground.
ततो भीष्मो महाराज दिव्यमस्त्रमुदीरयन्। अभ्यधावत कौन्तेयं मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम् ॥६-११२-१३६॥
Then Bhishma, the great king, invoked a divine weapon and charged towards Arjuna, the son of Kunti, in full view of all the archers.
तं शिखण्डी रणे यत्तमभ्यधावत दंशितः। सञ्जहार ततो भीष्मस्तदस्त्रं पावकोपमम् ॥६-११२-१३७॥
Śikhaṇḍī, filled with anger, charged at him with determination in the battle. Then Bhīṣma withdrew his weapon, which was like fire.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले तु कौन्तेयः श्वेतवाहनः। निजघ्ने तावकं सैन्यं मोहयित्वा पितामहम् ॥६-११२-१३८॥
At that very moment, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, confused Bhishma and destroyed your army.
