06.116
Pancharatra and Core: The next morning, Arjuna creates a continuous spring to provide water to Bhishma, who advises both sides to cease hostilities.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya spoke.
व्युष्टायां तु महाराज रजन्यां सर्वपार्थिवाः। पाण्डवा धार्तराष्ट्राश्च अभिजग्मुः पितामहम् ॥६-११६-१॥
At dawn, O great king, all the kings, including the Pandavas and the sons of Dhritarashtra, approached the grandsire.
तं वीरशयने वीरं शयानं कुरुसत्तमम्। अभिवाद्योपतस्थुर्वै क्षत्रियाः क्षत्रियर्षभम् ॥६-११६-२॥
The warriors, having saluted, stood near the hero lying on the hero's bed, the best of the Kurus, the bull among Kshatriyas.
कन्याश्चन्दनचूर्णैश्च लाजैर्माल्यैश्च सर्वशः। स्त्रियो बालास्तथा वृद्धाः प्रेक्षकाश्च पृथग्जनाः ॥ समभ्ययुः शान्तनवं भूतानीव तमोनुदम् ॥६-११६-३॥
Girls, women, children, the elderly, spectators, and common people, all carrying sandalwood powder, parched grains, and garlands, approached Śāntanu's son, who was like a disperser of darkness.
तूर्याणि गणिका वारास्तथैव नटनर्तकाः। उपानृत्यञ्जगुश्चैव वृद्धं कुरुपितामहम् ॥६-११६-४॥
Musical instruments played, courtesans and prostitutes gathered, and dancers performed around the old Kuru grandfather, singing to him.
उपारम्य च युद्धेभ्यः संनाहान्विप्रमुच्य च। आयुधानि च निक्षिप्य सहिताः कुरुपाण्डवाः ॥६-११६-५॥
The Kurus and Pandavas, having stopped fighting, removed their armors, and laid down their weapons, stood together.
अन्वासत दुराधर्षं देवव्रतमरिंदमम्। अन्योन्यं प्रीतिमन्तस्ते यथापूर्वं यथावयः ॥६-११६-६॥
They lived harmoniously with the invincible Devavrata, the subduer of enemies, maintaining mutual affection as they did in the past, according to their ages.
सा पार्थिवशताकीर्णा समितिर्भीष्मशोभिता। शुशुभे भारती दीप्ता दिवीवादित्यमण्डलम् ॥६-११६-७॥
The assembly, graced by Bhishma and filled with numerous kings, shone brilliantly like the sun in the sky.
विबभौ च नृपाणां सा पितामहमुपासताम्। देवानामिव देवेशं पितामहमुपासताम् ॥६-११६-८॥
She shone among the kings as they worshipped her like the gods worship the lord of gods, the grandfather.
भीष्मस्तु वेदनां धैर्यान्निगृह्य भरतर्षभ। अभितप्तः शरैश्चैव नातिहृष्टमनाब्रवीत् ॥६-११६-९॥
Bhishma, despite being in pain, courageously restrained himself, O best of the Bharatas, and though afflicted by arrows and not very pleased, he spoke.
शराभितप्तकायोऽहं शरसन्तापमूर्छितः। पानीयमभिकाङ्क्षेऽहं राज्ञस्तान्प्रत्यभाषत ॥६-११६-१०॥
I am scorched by arrows and faint from their heat; I long for water. The king spoke to them.
ततस्ते क्षत्रिया राजन्समाजह्रुः समन्ततः। भक्ष्यानुच्चावचांस्तत्र वारिकुम्भांश्च शीतलान् ॥६-११६-११॥
Then, O king, the warriors gathered from all directions various kinds of food and cool water pots there.
उपनीतं च तद्दृष्ट्वा भीष्मः शान्तनवोऽब्रवीत्। नाद्य तात मया शक्यं भोगान्कांश्चन मानुषान् ॥६-११६-१२॥
Upon seeing what was brought near, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, remarked: "Dear one, today I am unable to partake in any human pleasures."
उपभोक्तुं मनुष्येभ्यः शरशय्यागतो ह्यहम्। प्रतीक्षमाणस्तिष्ठामि निवृत्तिं शशिसूर्ययोः ॥६-११६-१३॥
I have come to rest on the bed of arrows, awaiting the time when the sun and the moon cease to be.
एवमुक्त्वा शान्तनवो दीनवाक्सर्वपार्थिवान्। धनञ्जयं महाबाहुमभ्यभाषत भारत ॥६-११६-१४॥
After speaking in this manner, Bhishma, the son of Śantanu, humbly addressed all the kings and the mighty-armed Arjuna, O descendant of Bharata.
अथोपेत्य महाबाहुरभिवाद्य पितामहम्। अतिष्ठत्प्राञ्जलिः प्रह्वः किं करोमीति चाब्रवीत् ॥६-११६-१५॥
Then, the mighty-armed warrior approached the grandsire, saluted him, stood humbly with folded hands, and asked, "What should I do?"
तं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवं राजन्नभिवाद्याग्रतः स्थितम्। अभ्यभाषत धर्मात्मा भीष्मः प्रीतो धनञ्जयम् ॥६-११६-१६॥
Upon seeing the Pāṇḍava standing respectfully before him, the virtuous Bhīṣma, pleased, spoke to Dhanañjaya.
दह्यतेऽदः शरीरं मे संस्यूतोऽस्मि महेषुभिः। मर्माणि परिदूयन्ते वदनं मम शुष्यति ॥६-११६-१७॥
My body is burning and pierced by great arrows. My vital organs are in pain, and my face is drying up.
ह्लादनार्थं शरीरस्य प्रयच्छापो ममार्जुन। त्वं हि शक्तो महेष्वास दातुमम्भो यथाविधि ॥६-११६-१८॥
Arjuna, for the pleasure of my body, please provide water. You are indeed capable, O great archer, to offer water in the proper manner.
अर्जुनस्तु तथेत्युक्त्वा रथमारुह्य वीर्यवान्। अधिज्यं बलवत्कृत्वा गाण्डीवं व्याक्षिपद्धनुः ॥६-११६-१९॥
Arjuna, the valiant, ascended the chariot and, having said thus, strongly strung the Gandiva bow and stretched it.
तस्य ज्यातलनिर्घोषं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशनेः। वित्रेसुः सर्वभूतानि श्रुत्वा सर्वे च पार्थिवाः ॥६-११६-२०॥
The sound of his bowstring was as loud as the thunder of a thunderbolt, causing all beings and kings to be terrified upon hearing it.
ततः प्रदक्षिणं कृत्वा रथेन रथिनां वरः। शयानं भरतश्रेष्ठं सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम् ॥६-११६-२१॥
Then, the best among charioteers, after circumambulating by chariot, lay down, being the best among the Bharatas and all weapon-bearers.
सन्धाय च शरं दीप्तमभिमन्त्र्य महायशाः। पर्जन्यास्त्रेण संयोज्य सर्वलोकस्य पश्यतः ॥ अविध्यत्पृथिवीं पार्थः पार्श्वे भीष्मस्य दक्षिणे ॥६-११६-२२॥
The greatly renowned Arjuna, after fixing and chanting over the blazing arrow and uniting it with the Parjanya weapon, pierced the earth while all the worlds watched, standing beside Bhishma on the right.
उत्पपात ततो धारा विमला वारिणः शिवा। शीतस्यामृतकल्पस्य दिव्यगन्धरसस्य च ॥६-११६-२३॥
A pure and auspicious stream of water emerged, cool and nectar-like, with a divine fragrance and taste.
अतर्पयत्ततः पार्थः शीतया वारिधारया। भीष्मं कुरूणामृषभं दिव्यकर्मपराक्रमः ॥६-११६-२४॥
Then Arjuna, heroic in divine deeds, drenched Bhishma, the esteemed leader of the Kurus, with a refreshing stream of water.
कर्मणा तेन पार्थस्य शक्रष्येव विकुर्वतः। विस्मयं परमं जग्मुस्ततस्ते वसुधाधिपाः ॥६-११६-२५॥
By the actions of Pārtha, which were as remarkable as those of Śakra, the lords of the earth were greatly amazed.
तत्कर्म प्रेक्ष्य बीभत्सोरतिमानुषमद्भुतम्। सम्प्रावेपन्त कुरवो गावः शीतार्दिता इव ॥६-११६-२६॥
Upon witnessing that terrifying and extraordinary superhuman act, the Kurus shivered as if they were cows suffering from the cold.
विस्मयाच्चोत्तरीयाणि व्याविध्यन्सर्वतो नृपाः। शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिर्घोषैस्तुमुलं सर्वतोऽभवत् ॥६-११६-२७॥
In astonishment, the kings waved their upper garments in all directions; the sound of conches and drums created a tumultuous atmosphere everywhere.
तृप्तः शान्तनवश्चापि राजन्बीभत्सुमब्रवीत्। सर्वपार्थिववीराणां संनिधौ पूजयन्निव ॥६-११६-२८॥
The son of Śantanu, being satisfied, addressed Bībhatsu, O king, in the presence of all the kings and heroes, as if he were honoring him.
नैतच्चित्रं महाबाहो त्वयि कौरवनन्दन। कथितो नारदेनासि पूर्वर्षिरमितद्युतिः ॥६-११६-२९॥
It is not surprising, O mighty-armed one, that you, the joy of the Kauravas, are described by Narada as an ancient sage of immeasurable splendor.
वासुदेवसहायस्त्वं महत्कर्म करिष्यसि। यन्नोत्सहति देवेन्द्रः सह देवैरपि ध्रुवम् ॥६-११६-३०॥
With the help of Vasudeva, you will accomplish a great task that even Indra, along with the other gods, cannot undertake.
विदुस्त्वां निधनं पार्थ सर्वक्षत्रस्य तद्विदः। धनुर्धराणामेकस्त्वं पृथिव्यां प्रवरो नृषु ॥६-११६-३१॥
O son of Pritha, those who know recognize you as the end of all warriors; you are the foremost among archers and the best among men on earth.
मनुष्या जगति श्रेष्ठाः पक्षिणां गरुडो वरः। सरसां सागरः श्रेष्ठो गौर्वरिष्ठा चतुष्पदाम् ॥६-११६-३२॥
In the world, humans are considered the best; among birds, Garuda holds the highest place; the ocean is deemed the greatest among bodies of water; and the cow is regarded as the most superior among four-legged animals.
आदित्यस्तेजसां श्रेष्ठो गिरीणां हिमवान्वरः। जातीनां ब्राह्मणः श्रेष्ठः श्रेष्ठस्त्वमसि धन्विनाम् ॥६-११६-३३॥
The sun is the foremost among the radiant, the Himalayas are the most excellent among the mountains, the Brahmin is the highest among the castes, and you are the best among the archers.
न वै श्रुतं धार्तराष्ट्रेण वाक्यं; सम्बोध्यमानं विदुरेण चैव। द्रोणेन रामेण जनार्दनेन; मुहुर्मुहुः सञ्जयेनापि चोक्तम् ॥६-११६-३४॥
Dhritarashtra's son did not heed the words, despite being repeatedly advised by Vidura, Drona, Rama, Janardana, and Sanjaya.
परीतबुद्धिर्हि विसञ्ज्ञकल्पो; दुर्योधनो नाभ्यनन्दद्वचो मे। स शेष्यते वै निहतश्चिराय; शास्त्रातिगो भीमबलाभिभूतः ॥६-११६-३५॥
Duryodhana, with his mind confused and almost unconscious, did not welcome my words. He will lie slain for a long time, having transgressed the scriptures and being overcome by Bhima's strength.
ततः श्रुत्वा तद्वचः कौरवेन्द्रो; दुर्योधनो दीनमना बभूव। तमब्रवीच्छान्तनवोऽभिवीक्ष्य; निबोध राजन्भव वीतमन्युः ॥६-११६-३६॥
Upon hearing those words, Duryodhana, the lord of the Kauravas, became dejected. Observing him, Bhishma, the son of Śantanu, advised, "Understand, O king, and let go of your anger."
दृष्टं दुर्योधनेदं ते यथा पार्थेन धीमता। जलस्य धारा जनिता शीतस्यामृतगन्धिनः ॥ एतस्य कर्ता लोकेऽस्मिन्नान्यः कश्चन विद्यते ॥६-११६-३७॥
This has been seen by Duryodhana as it was by the wise Partha, a stream of water produced, cool and nectar-scented. In this world, there is no other doer of this.
आग्नेयं वारुणं सौम्यं वायव्यमथ वैष्णवम्। ऐन्द्रं पाशुपतं ब्राह्मं पारमेष्ठ्यं प्रजापतेः ॥ धातुस्त्वष्टुश्च सवितुर्दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि सर्वशः ॥६-११६-३८॥
The divine weapons of Agni, Varuna, Soma, Vayu, Vishnu, Indra, Pashupati, Brahma, Parameshthi, Prajapati, Dhata, Tvashta, and Savita are all mentioned.
सर्वस्मिन्मानुषे लोके वेत्त्येको हि धनञ्जयः। कृष्णो वा देवकीपुत्रो नान्यो वै वेद कश्चन ॥ न शक्याः पाण्डवास्तात युद्धे जेतुं कथञ्चन ॥६-११६-३९॥
In the entire human world, only Dhananjaya or Krishna, the son of Devaki, truly knows; no one else does. O dear, the Pandavas cannot be defeated in battle in any way.
अमानुषाणि कर्माणि यस्यैतानि महात्मनः। तेन सत्त्ववता सङ्ख्ये शूरेणाहवशोभिना ॥ कृतिना समरे राजन्सन्धिस्ते तात युज्यताम् ॥६-११६-४०॥
The great soul, whose deeds are superhuman, by him, the virtuous hero shining in battle, skillful in war, O king, let peace be made, dear.
यावत्कृष्णो महाबाहुः स्वाधीनः कुरुसंसदि। तावत्पार्थेन शूरेण सन्धिस्ते तात युज्यताम् ॥६-११६-४१॥
As long as mighty-armed Kṛṣṇa is in control in the Kuru assembly, dear father, Pārtha, the hero, should make peace with you.
यावच्चमूं न ते शेषां शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। नाशयत्यर्जुनस्तावत्सन्धिस्ते तात युज्यताम् ॥६-११६-४२॥
Dear father, as long as Arjuna has not destroyed your remaining forces with his curved arrows, you should make peace.
यावत्तिष्ठन्ति समरे हतशेषाः सहोदराः। नृपाश्च बहवो राजंस्तावत्सन्धिः प्रयुज्यताम् ॥६-११६-४३॥
O king, as long as the surviving brothers and many kings remain in the battle, let peace be established.
न निर्दहति ते यावत्क्रोधदीप्तेक्षणश्चमूम्। युधिष्ठिरो हि तावद्वै सन्धिस्ते तात युज्यताम् ॥६-११६-४४॥
O dear, as long as your eyes inflamed with anger do not destroy the army, let peace be established with Yudhishthira.
नकुलः सहदेवश्च भीमसेनश्च पाण्डवः। यावच्चमूं महाराज नाशयन्ति न सर्वशः ॥ तावत्ते पाण्डवैः सार्धं सौभ्रात्रं तात रोचताम् ॥६-११६-४५॥
Nakul, Sahadev, and Bhimasena, the Pandavas, are engaged in battle. As long as they do not completely destroy the army, O great king, may your alliance with the Pandavas remain strong and pleasing, dear father.
युद्धं मदन्तमेवास्तु तात संशाम्य पाण्डवैः। एतत्ते रोचतां वाक्यं यदुक्तोऽसि मयानघ ॥ एतत्क्षेममहं मन्ये तव चैव कुलस्य च ॥६-११६-४६॥
"Let the war be my end, dear father; make peace with the Pandavas. May these words I have spoken please you, O sinless one. I believe this is for your welfare and that of the family."
त्यक्त्वा मन्युमुपशाम्यस्व पार्थैः; पर्याप्तमेतद्यत्कृतं फल्गुनेन। भीष्मस्यान्तादस्तु वः सौहृदं वा; सम्प्रश्लेषः साधु राजन्प्रसीद ॥६-११६-४७॥
Abandon your anger and calm yourself, for what has been done by Arjuna is sufficient. Let there be friendship or reconciliation after Bhishma's end; O king, please be gracious.
राज्यस्यार्धं दीयतां पाण्डवाना; मिन्द्रप्रस्थं धर्मराजोऽनुशास्तु। मा मित्रध्रुक्पार्थिवानां जघन्यः; पापां कीर्तिं प्राप्स्यसे कौरवेन्द्र ॥६-११६-४८॥
Half of the kingdom should be given to the Pandavas, and Yudhishthira should rule Indraprastha. Do not become the lowest among kings, betraying your friends, as you will gain a sinful reputation, O King of the Kauravas.
ममावसानाच्छान्तिरस्तु प्रजानां; सङ्गच्छन्तां पार्थिवाः प्रीतिमन्तः। पिता पुत्रं मातुलं भागिनेयो; भ्राता चैव भ्रातरं प्रैतु राजन् ॥६-११६-४९॥
At the end of my life, let there be peace among the people; let the affectionate kings unite. Let fathers be with their sons, maternal uncles with their nephews, and brothers with their brothers, O king.
न चेदेवं प्राप्तकालं वचो मे; मोहाविष्टः प्रतिपत्स्यस्यबुद्ध्या। भीष्मस्यान्तादेतदन्ताः स्थ सर्वे; सत्यामेतां भारतीमीरयामि ॥६-११६-५०॥
If you fail to act wisely and timely as per my words, being deluded, you all will meet your end here as Bhishma did; truly, I declare this.
एतद्वाक्यं सौहृदादापगेयो; मध्ये राज्ञां भारतं श्रावयित्वा। तूष्णीमासीच्छल्यसन्तप्तमर्मा; यत्वात्मानं वेदनां संनिगृह्य ॥६-११६-५१॥
This statement was sung out of friendship, making the Bharata heard among the kings. Silently, he endured, his vital parts burning with pain, having controlled himself and restrained the pain.
