07.002
Pancharatra and Core: Karṇa, with a banner adorned with gold, pearls, gems, and diamonds, rode in a chariot yoked with fine horses, and shone like the sun with immeasurable energy.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
हतं भीष्ममाधिरथिर्विदित्वा; भिन्नां नावमिवात्यगाधे कुरूणाम्। सोदर्यवद्व्यसनात्सूतपुत्रः; सन्तारयिष्यंस्तव पुत्रस्य सेनाम् ॥७-२-१॥
Upon learning of Bhishma's death, Karna, feeling like a broken boat in the vast ocean of the Kuru dynasty, akin to a brother in distress, sought to save your son's army.
श्रुत्वा तु कर्णः पुरुषेन्द्रमच्युतं; निपातितं शान्तनवं महारथम्। अथोपायात्तूर्णममित्रकर्शनो; धनुर्धराणां प्रवरस्तदा वृषः ॥७-२-२॥
Upon hearing of the fall of Acyuta, the lord of men, and the great chariot-warrior, son of Śāntanu, Karṇa, the harasser of foes and the best among archers, quickly approached like a bull.
हते तु भीष्मे रथसत्तमे परै; र्निमज्जतीं नावमिवार्णवे कुरून्। पितेव पुत्रांस्त्वरितोऽभ्ययात्ततः; सन्तारयिष्यंस्तव पुत्रस्य सेनाम् ॥७-२-३॥
After Bhishma, the greatest of warriors, was killed by the enemies, the Kuru dynasty was in great peril, like a boat sinking in the ocean. Then, like a father rushing to save his children, he quickly came to rescue your son's army.
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
यस्मिन्धृतिर्बुद्धिपराक्रमौजो; दमः सत्यं वीरगुणाश्च सर्वे। अस्त्राणि दिव्यान्यथ संनतिर्ह्रीः; प्रिया च वागनपायीनि भीष्मे ॥७-२-४॥
In Bhishma reside steadfastness, intelligence, valor, vigor, self-control, truth, all heroic qualities, divine weapons, humility, modesty, beloved and unfailing speech.
ब्रह्मद्विषघ्ने सततं कृतज्ञे; सनातनं चन्द्रमसीव लक्ष्म। स चेत्प्रशान्तः परवीरहन्ता; मन्ये हतानेव हि सर्वयोधान् ॥७-२-५॥
The one who destroys the enemies of Brahman, who is always grateful and eternal, like the mark on the moon. If he remains calm, he is the destroyer of enemy heroes, and I believe all warriors are as if already defeated.
नेह ध्रुवं किञ्चन जातु विद्यते; अस्मिँल्लोके कर्मणोऽनित्ययोगात्। सूर्योदये को हि विमुक्तसंशयो; भावं कुर्वीताद्य महाव्रते हते ॥७-२-६॥
In this world, nothing is ever permanent due to the impermanence of actions. At sunrise, who indeed, free from doubt, would assume a state today in the great vow being slain?
वसुप्रभावे वसुवीर्यसम्भवे; गते वसूनेव वसुन्धराधिपे। वसूनि पुत्रांश्च वसुन्धरां तथा; कुरूंश्च शोचध्वमिमां च वाहिनीम् ॥७-२-७॥
Under the influence of Vasu and born from his strength, the lord of the earth has departed like the Vasus. Mourn for the Vasus, the sons, the earth, the Kurus, and this army.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
महाप्रभावे वरदे निपातिते; लोकश्रेष्ठे शान्तनवे महौजसि। पराजितेषु भरतेषु दुर्मनाः; कर्णो भृशं न्यश्वसदश्रु वर्तयन् ॥७-२-८॥
Karṇa, distressed among the defeated Bharatas, sighed deeply and shed tears for the fallen, great and powerful son of Śantanu, the best among men.
इदं तु राधेयवचो निशम्य ते; सुताश्च राजंस्तव सैनिकाश्च ह। परस्परं चुक्रुशुरार्तिजं भृशं; तदाश्रु नेत्रैर्मुमुचुर्हि शब्दवत् ॥७-२-९॥
Upon hearing Radheya's words, your sons and soldiers, O king, cried out in great distress to each other; then, they shed tears from their eyes audibly.
प्रवर्तमाने तु पुनर्महाहवे; विगाह्यमानासु चमूषु पार्थिवैः। अथाब्रवीद्धर्षकरं वचस्तदा; रथर्षभान्सर्वमहारथर्षभः ॥७-२-१०॥
As the great battle resumed, with the armies being breached by the kings, the supreme charioteer addressed the best of charioteers with words of encouragement and joy.
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
जगत्यनित्ये सततं प्रधावति; प्रचिन्तयन्नस्थिरमद्य लक्षये। भवत्सु तिष्ठत्स्विह पातितो रणे; गिरिप्रकाशः कुरुपुङ्गवः कथम् ॥७-२-११॥
In this ever-changing world, everything is in constant motion. Reflecting on the instability of life, today I realize. Among those who stand here, Giri Prakasha, the hero of the Kurus, has fallen in battle; how did this happen?
निपातिते शान्तनवे महारथे; दिवाकरे भूतलमास्थिते यथा। न पार्थिवाः सोढुमलं धनञ्जयं; गिरिप्रवोढारमिवानिलं द्रुमाः ॥७-२-१२॥
When Bhishma, the son of Śāntanu and a great warrior, was brought down, it was as if the sun had set on the earth. The kings were unable to withstand Arjuna, just as trees cannot withstand a powerful wind carrying mountains.
हतप्रधानं त्विदमार्तरूपं; परैर्हतोत्साहमनाथमद्य वै। मया कुरूणां परिपाल्यमाहवे; बलं यथा तेन महात्मना तथा ॥७-२-१३॥
With its leaders slain, this army appears distressed, deprived of enthusiasm and helpless. Today, it is up to me to protect the force of the Kurus in battle, just as the great soul once did.
समाहितं चात्मनि भारमीदृशं; जगत्तथानित्यमिदं च लक्षये। निपातितं चाहवशौण्डमाहवे; कथं नु कुर्यामहमाहवे भयम् ॥७-२-१४॥
Concentrated within myself, I perceive such a burden and see this world as impermanent. The warrior has been felled in battle; how then shall I fear in battle?
अहं तु तान्कुरुवृषभानजिह्मगैः; प्रवेरयन्यमसदनं रणे चरन्। यशः परं जगति विभाव्य वर्तिता; परैर्हतो युधि शयिताथ वा पुनः ॥७-२-१५॥
I will drive those mighty Kurus with straight arrows to the abode of Yama as I move in battle. My supreme fame will manifest and remain in the world; if slain by others in battle, I shall either lie or rise again.
युधिष्ठिरो धृतिमतिधर्मतत्त्ववा; न्वृकोदरो गजशततुल्यविक्रमः। तथार्जुनस्त्रिदशवरात्मजो यतो; न तद्बलं सुजयमथामरैरपि ॥७-२-१६॥
Yudhishthira, known for his steadfastness and understanding of dharma, and Vrikodara, with the strength of a hundred elephants. Similarly, Arjuna, the son of the greatest of the gods, possesses strength that even the immortals find hard to overcome.
यमौ रणे यत्र यमोपमौ बले; ससात्यकिर्यत्र च देवकीसुतः। न तद्बलं कापुरुषोऽभ्युपेयिवा; न्निवर्तते मृत्युमुखादिवासकृत् ॥७-२-१७॥
In the battlefield where the two warriors, comparable to Yama in strength, stand alongside Satyaki and the son of Devaki, no coward dares to approach, for once they do, they do not return, as if they have entered the jaws of death.
तपोऽभ्युदीर्णं तपसैव गम्यते; बलं बलेनापि तथा मनस्विभिः। मनश्च मे शत्रुनिवारणे ध्रुवं; स्वरक्षणे चाचलवद्व्यवस्थितम् ॥७-२-१८॥
Exalted austerity is achieved through austerity alone; strength is similarly achieved through strength, by the resolute. My mind is steadfast like a mountain in repelling enemies and in self-protection.
एवं चैषां बुध्यमानः प्रभावं; गत्वैवाहं ताञ्जयाम्यद्य सूत। मित्रद्रोहो मर्षणीयो न मेऽयं; भग्ने सैन्ये यः सहायः स मित्रम् ॥७-२-१९॥
Thus, realizing their power, I will go and conquer them today, O charioteer. Betraying friends is intolerable to me; a true friend is one who stands by you when the army is defeated.
कर्तास्म्येतत्सत्पुरुषार्यकर्म; त्यक्त्वा प्राणाननुयास्यामि भीष्मम्। सर्वान्सङ्ख्ये शत्रुसङ्घान्हनिष्ये; हतस्तैर्वा वीरलोकं गमिष्ये ॥७-२-२०॥
I am committed to this noble and honorable action; having given up my life, I will follow Bhishma. I will either slay all the enemy groups in battle or, if slain by them, I will ascend to the world of heroes.
सम्प्राक्रुष्टे रुदितस्त्रीकुमारे; पराभूते पौरुषे धार्तराष्ट्रे। मया कृत्यमिति जानामि सूत; तस्माच्छत्रून्धार्तराष्ट्रस्य जेष्ये ॥७-२-२१॥
In the time of distress, when the women and children are weeping and the manliness of Dhritarashtra's sons is defeated, I understand my duty, O charioteer; hence, I will defeat the enemies of Dhritarashtra.
कुरून्रक्षन्पाण्डुपुत्राञ्जिघांसं; स्त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्घोररूपे रणेऽस्मिन्। सर्वान्सङ्ख्ये शत्रुसङ्घान्निहत्य; दास्याम्यहं धार्तराष्ट्राय राज्यम् ॥७-२-२२॥
In the midst of this terrible battle, having abandoned their lives, while protecting the Kurus and desiring to kill the sons of Pandu, I will annihilate all enemy groups and give the kingdom to Dhritarashtra's son.
निबध्यतां मे कवचं विचित्रं; हैमं शुभ्रं मणिरत्नावभासि। शिरस्त्राणं चार्कसमानभासं; धनुः शरांश्चापि विषाहिकल्पान् ॥७-२-२३॥
Let my wonderful golden armor, bright and gem-studded, be tied, along with the helmet shining like the sun, and the bow and arrows resembling serpents.
उपासङ्गान्षोडश योजयन्तु; धनूंषि दिव्यानि तथाहरन्तु। असींश्च शक्तीश्च गदाश्च गुर्वीः; शङ्खं च जाम्बूनदचित्रभासम् ॥७-२-२४॥
Let them attach sixteen auxiliary weapons; let them bring divine bows, swords, spears, heavy maces, and a conch brightly shining with gold.
एतां रौक्मीं नागकक्ष्यां च जैत्रीं; जैत्रं च मे ध्वजमिन्दीवराभम्। श्लक्ष्णैर्वस्त्रैर्विप्रमृज्यानयस्व; चित्रां मालां चात्र बद्ध्वा सजालाम् ॥७-२-२५॥
Bring this golden elephant's housing and the victorious one, along with my flag that resembles a blue lotus. Clean it with smooth cloths and bring the variegated garland here, tying it with a net.
अश्वानग्र्यान्पाण्डुराभ्रप्रकाशा; न्पुष्टान्स्नातान्मन्त्रपूताभिरद्भिः। तप्तैर्भाण्डैः काञ्चनैरभ्युपेता; ञ्शीघ्राञ्शीघ्रं सूतपुत्रानयस्व ॥७-२-२६॥
O son of the charioteer, quickly bring the excellent horses that shine like white clouds, nourished and bathed with mantra-purified waters, and equipped with heated golden vessels.
रथं चाग्र्यं हेमजालावनद्धं; रत्नैश्चित्रं चन्द्रसूर्यप्रकाशैः। द्रव्यैर्युक्तं सम्प्रहारोपपन्नै; र्वाहैर्युक्तं तूर्णमावर्तयस्व ॥७-२-२७॥
Turn your excellent chariot, adorned with gold and jewels, shining like the moon and sun, equipped for battle and fitted with swift horses.
चित्राणि चापानि च वेगवन्ति; ज्याश्चोत्तमाः संहननोपपन्नाः। तूणांश्च पूर्णान्महतः शराणा; मासज्य गात्रावरणानि चैव ॥७-२-२८॥
The bright and swift bows with excellent strings are well-constructed; the quivers are full of great arrows, and the body coverings are also attached.
प्रायात्रिकं चानयताशु सर्वं; कन्याः पूर्णं वीरकांस्यं च हैमम्। आनीय मालामवबध्य चाङ्गे; प्रवादयन्त्वाशु जयाय भेरीः ॥७-२-२९॥
Quickly bring everything needed for the journey; maidens, full of heroic bronze and golden items. After bringing and tying the garland on the limb, let them sound the drums quickly for victory.
प्रयाहि सूताशु यतः किरीटी; वृकोदरो धर्मसुतो यमौ च। तान्वा हनिष्यामि समेत्य सङ्ख्ये; भीष्माय वैष्यामि हतो द्विषद्भिः ॥७-२-३०॥
Go swiftly, charioteer, to where Arjuna, Bhima, Yudhishthira, and the twins are. I will either slay them in battle or go to Bhishma, having been slain by the enemies.
यस्मिन्राजा सत्यधृतिर्युधिष्ठिरः; समास्थितो भीमसेनार्जुनौ च। वासुदेवः सात्यकिः सृञ्जयाश्च; मन्ये बलं तदजय्यं महीपैः ॥७-२-३१॥
I believe that the strength of the group consisting of King Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, Vasudeva, Satyaki, and the Srinjayas is invincible by any kings.
तं चेन्मृत्युः सर्वहरोऽभिरक्षे; त्सदाप्रमत्तः समरे किरीटिनम्। तथापि हन्तास्मि समेत्य सङ्ख्ये; यास्यामि वा भीष्मपथा यमाय ॥७-२-३२॥
If death, the all-destroyer, always vigilant, protects the crowned one in battle, still I will either kill him in combat or follow Bhishma's path to Yama.
न त्वेवाहं न गमिष्यामि तेषां; मध्ये शूराणां तत्तथाहं ब्रवीमि। मित्रद्रुहो दुर्बलभक्तयो ये; पापात्मानो न ममैते सहायाः ॥७-२-३३॥
"I will certainly not go among them; among the heroes, I declare this. Those who betray friends, are weak in devotion, and are wicked souls, they are not my companions."
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
स सिद्धिमन्तं रथमुत्तमं दृढं; सकूबरं हेमपरिष्कृतं शुभम्। पताकिनं वातजवैर्हयोत्तमै; र्युक्तं समास्थाय ययौ जयाय ॥७-२-३४॥
He mounted the excellent and firm chariot, adorned with gold and flags, yoked with the best horses that moved with the speed of the wind, and went forth to achieve victory.
सम्पूज्यमानः कुरुभिर्महात्मा; रथर्षभः पाण्डुरवाजियाता। ययौ तदायोधनमुग्रधन्वा; यत्रावसानं भरतर्षभस्य ॥७-२-३५॥
The great soul, honored by the Kurus, rode a white horse to the battlefield, where the fierce bowman met his end, marking the conclusion of the bull among the Bharatas.
वरूथिना महता सध्वजेन; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिवज्रशालिना। सदश्वयुक्तेन रथेन कर्णो; मेघस्वनेनार्क इवामितौजाः ॥७-२-३६॥
Karṇa, with a great army and a banner, adorned with gold, pearls, gems, and diamonds, rode in a chariot yoked with fine horses, resounding like clouds, and shone like the sun with immeasurable energy.
हुताशनाभः स हुताशनप्रभे; शुभः शुभे वै स्वरथे धनुर्धरः। स्थितो रराजाधिरथिर्महारथः; स्वयं विमाने सुरराडिव स्थितः ॥७-२-३७॥
He, with the brilliance of fire, stood in his own chariot, holding his bow. The supreme and great charioteer shone like the king of gods, standing in his chariot.
