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.
Sanjaya said:
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.
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.
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.
Karna said:
In Bhishma reside steadfastness, intelligence, valor, vigor, self-control, truth, all heroic qualities, divine weapons, humility, modesty, beloved and unfailing speech.
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.
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?
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.
Sanjaya said:
Karṇa, distressed among the defeated Bharatas, sighed deeply and shed tears for the fallen, great and powerful son of Śantanu, the best among men.
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.
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.
Karna said:
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?
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.
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.
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?
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Let them attach sixteen auxiliary weapons; let them bring divine bows, swords, spears, heavy maces, and a conch brightly shining with gold.
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.
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.
Turn your excellent chariot, adorned with gold and jewels, shining like the moon and sun, equipped for battle and fitted with swift horses.
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.
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.
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.
I believe that the strength of the group consisting of King Yudhishthira, Bhimasena, Arjuna, Vasudeva, Satyaki, and the Srinjayas is invincible by any kings.
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.
"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."
Sanjaya said:
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.
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.
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.
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.
