07.009
Pancharatra and Core: Long questioning by the Dhritarashtra, pre-emptying many details.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaiśampāyana spoke:
एवं पृष्ट्वा सूतपुत्रं हृच्छोकेनार्दितो भृशम्।जये निराशः पुत्राणां धृतराष्ट्रोऽपतत्क्षितौ ॥७-९-१॥
After inquiring from the son of Sūta, deeply afflicted by the grief in his heart and despairing of victory, Dhritarashtra fell to the ground, overwhelmed by the fate of his sons.
तं विसञ्ज्ञं निपतितं सिषिचुः परिचारकाः।जलेनात्यर्थशीतेन वीजन्तः पुण्यगन्धिना ॥७-९-२॥
The attendants, seeing him unconscious and fallen, sprinkled him with extremely cold water and fanned him with a sacred fragrance.
पतितं चैनमाज्ञाय समन्ताद्भरतस्त्रियः।परिवव्रुर्महाराजमस्पृशंश्चैव पाणिभिः ॥७-९-३॥
Realizing that he had fallen, the women of Bharata gathered around the great king but refrained from touching him with their hands.
उत्थाप्य चैनं शनकै राजानं पृथिवीतलात्।आसनं प्रापयामासुर्बाष्पकण्ठ्यो वराङ्गनाः ॥७-९-४॥
The noble ladies, with tears choking their throats, gently lifted the king from the ground and helped him to his seat.
आसनं प्राप्य राजा तु मूर्छयाभिपरिप्लुतः।निश्चेष्टोऽतिष्ठत तदा वीज्यमानः समन्ततः ॥७-९-५॥
The king, upon reaching his seat, was overcome with faintness and stood motionless while being fanned from all sides.
स लब्ध्वा शनकैः सञ्ज्ञां वेपमानो महीपतिः।पुनर्गावल्गणिं सूतं पर्यपृच्छद्यथातथम् ॥७-९-६॥
The king, trembling, slowly regained consciousness and asked the charioteer Gavalganin once more for an accurate account.
यत्तदुद्यन्निवादित्यो ज्योतिषा प्रणुदंस्तमः।आयादजातशत्रुर्वै कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-७॥
Ajatashatru, like the rising sun dispelling darkness, came with light; who indeed could stop him from Drona?
प्रभिन्नमिव मातङ्गं तथा क्रुद्धं तरस्विनम्।आसक्तमनसं दीप्तं प्रतिद्विरदघातिनम् ॥ वाशितासङ्गमे यद्वदजय्यं प्रतियूथपैः ॥७-९-८॥
The mighty warrior, like a broken elephant, was angry and blazing, with his mind attached to the battle, invincible by the opposing leaders in the battle of trumpeting elephants.
अति चान्यान्रणे योधान्वीरः पुरुषसत्तमः।यो ह्येको हि महाबाहुर्निर्दहेद्घोरचक्षुषा कृत्स्नं दुर्योधनबलं धृतिमान्सत्यसङ्गरः ॥७-९-९॥
The hero, best among men, who alone, with his mighty arms and fierce eyes, could destroy the entire army of Duryodhana, is steadfast and true to his word in battle.
चक्षुर्हणं जये सक्तमिष्वासवररक्षितम्।दान्तं बहुमतं लोके के शूराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-१०॥
The heroes, who were highly esteemed in the world, surrounded the eye-destroying one, who was engaged in victory and protected by the best of archers, and was restrained.
के दुष्प्रधर्षं राजानमिष्वासवरमच्युतम्।समासेदुर्नरव्याघ्रं कौन्तेयं तत्र मामकाः ॥७-९-११॥
Who among my people dared to approach the invincible king, the supreme archer, the infallible one, the tiger among men, the son of Kunti, there?
तरसैवाभिपत्याथ यो वै द्रोणमुपाद्रवत्।तं भीमसेनमायान्तं के शूराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-१२॥
With great force, Bhimasena, who indeed attacked Drona, was surrounded by certain heroes as he approached.
यदायाज्जलदप्रख्यो रथः परमवीर्यवान्।पर्जन्य इव बीभत्सुस्तुमुलामशनिं सृजन् ॥७-९-१३॥
When the chariot, resembling a cloud and possessing supreme valor, like the fearsome Parjanya, released a tumultuous thunderbolt.
ववर्ष शरवर्षाणि वर्षाणि मघवानिव।इषुसम्बाधमाकाशं कुर्वन्कपिवरध्वजः ॥ अवस्फूर्जन्दिशः सर्वास्तलनेमिस्वनेन च ॥७-९-१४॥
He showered arrows like Indra pours rain, filling the sky with arrows, with the emblem of the monkey on his banner. The sound of the wheel rims echoed in all directions.
चापविद्युत्प्रभो घोरो रथगुल्मबलाहकः।रथनेमिघोषस्तनितः शरशब्दातिबन्धुरः ॥७-९-१५॥
The bow shines with the brilliance of lightning, terrifying like a cloud of chariot troops. The sound of the chariot wheels is like thunder, beautifully resonating with the sound of arrows.
रोषनिर्जितजीमूतो मनोऽभिप्रायशीघ्रगः।मर्मातिगो बाणधारस्तुमुलः शोणितोदकः ॥७-९-१६॥
The cloud, conquered by anger, moves swiftly with intent, penetrating vital parts, and the stream of arrows is tumultuous with blood and water.
सम्प्लावयन्महीं सर्वां मानवैरास्तरंस्तदा।गदानिष्टनितो रौद्रो दुर्योधनकृतोद्यमः ॥७-९-१७॥
Duryodhana's fierce effort was like flooding the entire earth, spreading everywhere by humans, and roaring with a mace.
युद्धेऽभ्यषिञ्चद्विजयो गार्ध्रपत्रैः शिलाशितैः।गाण्डीवं धारयन्धीमान्कीदृशं वो मनस्तदा ॥७-९-१८॥
In the battle, Vijaya, holding the Gandiva bow adorned with eagle feathers sharpened on stone, stood wise and resolute. What was going through your mind at that moment?
कच्चिद्गाण्डीवशब्देन न प्रणश्यत वै बलम्।यद्वः स भैरवं कुर्वन्नर्जुनो भृशमभ्यगात् ॥७-९-१९॥
Arjuna, making a terrifying sound with his Gandiva bow, approached with great strength, ensuring that the strength did not perish.
कच्चिन्नापानुदद्द्रोणादिषुभिर्वो धनञ्जयः।वातो मेघानिवाविध्यन्प्रवाञ्शरवनानिलः ॥ को हि गाण्डीवधन्वानं नरः सोढुं रणेऽर्हति ॥७-९-२०॥
Did Dhananjaya not scatter your enemies with his arrows, like the wind scatters clouds? Who can withstand the bowman with the Gandiva in battle?
यत्सेनाः समकम्पन्त यद्वीरानस्पृशद्भयम्।के तत्र नाजहुर्द्रोणं के क्षुद्राः प्राद्रवन्भयात् ॥७-९-२१॥
The armies trembled with fear that even touched the heroes. Who among them did not abandon Drona? Who were the cowards that fled in fear?
के वा तत्र तनूस्त्यक्त्वा प्रतीपं मृत्युमाव्रजन्।अमानुषाणां जेतारं युद्धेष्वपि धनञ्जयम् ॥७-९-२२॥
Who there, having abandoned their bodies, faced death in opposition, and approached Dhananjaya, the conqueror of non-humans, even in battles?
न च वेगं सिताश्वस्य विशक्ष्यन्तीह मामकाः।गाण्डीवस्य च निर्घोषं प्रावृड्जलदनिस्वनम् ॥७-९-२३॥
My men cannot withstand the speed of Arjuna's chariot, nor the thunderous sound of his Gandiva bow, reminiscent of the roaring monsoon clouds.
विष्वक्सेनो यस्य यन्ता योद्धा चैव धनञ्जयः।अशक्यः स रथो जेतुं मन्ये देवासुरैरपि ॥७-९-२४॥
I believe that the chariot, with Viṣvaksena as its charioteer and Dhanañjaya as its warrior, is invincible even to the gods and demons.
सुकुमारो युवा शूरो दर्शनीयश्च पाण्डवः।मेधावी निपुणो धीमान्युधि सत्यपराक्रमः ॥७-९-२५॥
The tender, young, and brave Pāṇḍava is handsome, wise, skillful, intelligent in battle, and truly valiant.
आरावं विपुलं कुर्वन्व्यथयन्सर्वकौरवान्।यदायान्नकुलो धीमान्के शूराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-२६॥
As Nakula, the wise one, approached with a loud sound that distressed all the Kauravas, who were the heroes that surrounded him?
आशीविष इव क्रुद्धः सहदेवो यदाभ्ययात्।शत्रूणां कदनं कुर्वञ्जेतासौ दुर्जयो युधि ॥७-९-२७॥
Sahadeva, like an enraged serpent, approached the battlefield, causing the destruction of his enemies. He is invincible and will conquer in battle.
आर्यव्रतममोघेषुं ह्रीमन्तमपराजितम्।द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के शूराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-२८॥
The noble warrior, with unfailing arrows and modesty, unconquered, was advancing towards Drona. Who were the heroes that surrounded him?
यः स सौवीरराजस्य प्रमथ्य महतीं चमूम्।आदत्त महिषीं भोज्यां काम्यां सर्वाङ्गशोभनाम् ॥७-९-२९॥
He, who defeated the great army of the king of Sauvira, took the beautiful and desirable queen as his own.
सत्यं धृतिश्च शौर्यं च ब्रह्मचर्यं च केवलम्।सर्वाणि युयुधानेऽस्मिन्नित्यानि पुरुषर्षभे ॥७-९-३०॥
Truth, steadfastness, valor, and celibacy are eternally present in Yuyudhana, O best of men.
बलिनं सत्यकर्माणमदीनमपराजितम्।वासुदेवसमं युद्धे वासुदेवादनन्तरम् ॥७-९-३१॥
He is strong, truthful in his actions, humble, and undefeated, comparable to Vāsudeva in battle, and second only to Vāsudeva.
युक्तं धनञ्जयप्रेष्ये शूरमाचार्यकर्मणि।पार्थेन सममस्त्रेषु कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-३२॥
Engaged as a servant by Arjuna, heroic in the teacher's task, who could stop him from Drona, being equal in weapons with Arjuna?
वृष्णीनां प्रवरं वीरं शूरं सर्वधनुष्मताम्।रामेण सममस्त्रेषु यशसा विक्रमेण च ॥७-९-३३॥
The best among the Vṛṣṇis, heroic and valiant, was equal to Rāma in archery, weaponry, fame, and prowess.
सत्यं धृतिर्दमः शौर्यं ब्रह्मचर्यमनुत्तमम्।सात्वते तानि सर्वाणि त्रैलोक्यमिव केशवे ॥७-९-३४॥
Truth, steadfastness, self-control, valor, and unsurpassed celibacy are all present in Sātvata, just as they are in the three worlds within Keśava.
तमेवङ्गुणसम्पन्नं दुर्वारमपि दैवतैः।समासाद्य महेष्वासं के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-३५॥
The heroes, having approached the great archer who was endowed with such qualities and was irresistible even by the gods, surrounded him.
पाञ्चालेषूत्तमं शूरमुत्तमाभिजनप्रियम्।नित्यमुत्तमकर्माणमुत्तमौजसमाहवे ॥७-९-३६॥
Among the Panchalas, he was the best hero, beloved for his noble lineage, always engaged in the best deeds, and possessing great strength in battle.
युक्तं धनञ्जयहिते ममानर्थाय चोत्तमम्।यमवैश्रवणादित्यमहेन्द्रवरुणोपमम् ॥७-९-३७॥
It is suitable for Arjuna's welfare and my purpose, being excellent and comparable to the great deities Yama, Kubera, the Sun, Indra, and Varuna.
महारथसमाख्यातं द्रोणायोद्यन्तमाहवे।त्यजन्तं तुमुले प्राणान्के शूराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-३८॥
The renowned great chariot-warrior Drona, rising in the tumultuous battle, was surrounded by heroes as he was abandoning his life.
एकोऽपसृत्य चेदिभ्यः पाण्डवान्यः समाश्रितः।धृष्टकेतुं तमायान्तं द्रोणात्कः समवारयत् ॥७-९-३९॥
Who, having retreated from the Cedis and taken refuge with the Pandavas, restrained Dhrishtaketu as he was coming from Drona?
योऽवधीत्केतुमाञ्शूरो राजपुत्रं सुदर्शनम्।अपरान्तगिरिद्वारे कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-४०॥
Who was the hero that killed Ketuman, the prince Sudarsana, at the entrance of the western mountain, and who stopped him from Drona?
स्त्रीपूर्वो यो नरव्याघ्रो यः स वेद गुणागुणान्।शिखण्डिनं याज्ञसेनिमम्लानमनसं युधि ॥७-९-४१॥
Śikhaṇḍin, who was once a woman and is now a formidable warrior, knows both virtues and vices, and stands with an unwavering mind in battle.
देवव्रतस्य समरे हेतुं मृत्योर्महात्मनः।द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-४२॥
In the battle, which heroes surrounded the great soul heading towards Drona for the cause of Devavrata's death?
यस्मिन्नभ्यधिका वीरे गुणाः सर्वे धनञ्जयात्।यस्मिन्नस्त्राणि सत्यं च ब्रह्मचर्यं च नित्यदा ॥७-९-४३॥
In whom all qualities surpassing those of Dhananjaya in heroism, and in whom weapons, truth, and celibacy are ever-present.
वासुदेवसमं वीर्ये धनञ्जयसमं बले।तेजसादित्यसदृशं बृहस्पतिसमं मतौ ॥७-९-४४॥
He is as valiant as Vāsudeva, as strong as Dhanañjaya, as brilliant as Āditya, and as wise as Bṛhaspati.
अभिमन्युं महात्मानं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्।द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-४५॥
Abhimanyu, the valiant son of Arjuna, charged towards Drona with the ferocity of death itself. Who were the brave warriors that encircled him?
तरुणस्त्वरुणप्रख्यः सौभद्रः परवीरहा।यदाभ्याद्रवत द्रोणं तदासीद्वो मनः कथम् ॥७-९-४६॥
When the young son of Subhadra, who was like the sun and a destroyer of enemy heroes, attacked Drona, how did you feel?
द्रौपदेया नरव्याघ्राः समुद्रमिव सिन्धवः।यद्द्रोणमाद्रवन्सङ्ख्ये के वीरास्तानवारयन् ॥७-९-४७॥
The sons of Draupadi, fierce as tigers, charged at Drona like rivers rushing to the ocean in battle. Which heroes were able to stop them?
ये ते द्वादश वर्षाणि क्रीडामुत्सृज्य बालकाः।अस्त्रार्थमवसन्भीष्मे बिभ्रतो व्रतमुत्तमम् ॥७-९-४८॥
The boys left their games for twelve years to stay with Bhishma, dedicating themselves to learning the art of weaponry while observing a strict vow.
क्षत्रञ्जयः क्षत्रदेवः क्षत्रधर्मा च मानिनः।धृष्टद्युम्नात्मजा वीराः के तान्द्रोणादवारयन् ॥७-९-४९॥
The proud sons of Dhrishtadyumna, who were victorious in battle and upheld the duty of warriors, stood as heroes warding off the forces from Drona.
शताद्विशिष्टं यं युद्धे समपश्यन्त वृष्णयः।चेकितानं महेष्वासं कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-५०॥
The Vṛṣṇis saw Cekitāna, the great archer, as superior to a hundred in battle. Who could stop him from Droṇa?
वार्धक्षेमिः कलिङ्गानां यः कन्यामाहरद्युधि।अनाधृष्टिरदीनात्मा कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-५१॥
Vardhakṣemiḥ of the Kaliṅgas brought the daughter during the battle; Anādṛṣṭiḥ, undaunted, restrained him from Droṇa.
भ्रातरः पञ्च कैकेया धार्मिकाः सत्यविक्रमाः।इन्द्रगोपकवर्णाश्च रक्तवर्मायुधध्वजाः ॥७-९-५२॥
The five brothers of Kaikeyi are righteous and truly valiant, having the color of Indragopa insects, and are equipped with red armor, weapons, and banners.
मातृष्वसुः सुता वीराः पाण्डवानां जयार्थिनः।तान्द्रोणं हन्तुमायातान्के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-५३॥
The sons of the maternal aunt, who were heroes desiring the victory of the Pandavas, came to kill Drona and were surrounded by other heroes.
यं योधयन्तो राजानो नाजयन्वारणावते।षण्मासानभिसंरब्धा जिघांसन्तो युधां पतिम् ॥७-९-५४॥
The kings, despite fighting for six months at Varanavata, could not conquer the lord of battles whom they eagerly wished to kill.
धनुष्मतां वरं शूरं सत्यसन्धं महाबलम्।द्रोणात्कस्तं नरव्याघ्रं युयुत्सुं प्रत्यवारयत् ॥७-९-५५॥
Who could restrain that tiger among men, the best of bowmen, heroic, truthful, and mighty, who was eager to fight, from Drona?
यः पुत्रं काशिराजस्य वाराणस्यां महारथम्।समरे स्त्रीषु गृध्यन्तं भल्लेनापहरद्रथात् ॥७-९-५६॥
The one who, with an arrow, took away the son of the king of Kāśī, a great chariot-warrior in Vārāṇasī, who was lusting after women in battle.
धृष्टद्युम्नं महेष्वासं पार्थानां मन्त्रधारिणम्।युक्तं दुर्योधनानर्थे सृष्टं द्रोणवधाय च ॥७-९-५७॥
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, a great archer and counselor for the sons of Pṛthā, was engaged in the cause against Duryodhana and was created for the purpose of killing Droṇa.
निर्दहन्तं रणे योधान्दारयन्तं च सर्वशः।द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-५८॥
Which heroes surrounded him as he advanced towards Drona, burning and tearing apart the warriors completely in battle?
उत्सङ्ग इव संवृद्धं द्रुपदस्यास्त्रवित्तमम्।शैखण्डिनं क्षत्रदेवं के तं द्रोणादवारयन् ॥७-९-५९॥
Shikhandi, the greatest among Drupada's archers, was like a grown lap, a warrior god who protected him from Drona.
य इमां पृथिवीं कृत्स्नां चर्मवत्समवेष्टयत्।महता रथवंशेन मुख्यारिघ्नो महारथः ॥७-९-६०॥
The great charioteer, who enveloped the entire earth like a hide with his mighty chariot lineage, is the chief slayer of enemies.
दशाश्वमेधानाजह्रे स्वन्नपानाप्तदक्षिणान्।निरर्गलान्सर्वमेधान्पुत्रवत्पालयन्प्रजाः ॥७-९-६१॥
He conducted ten Ashvamedha sacrifices, ensuring they were complete with good food, drink, and gifts, and he protected his subjects like a father would his children.
पिबन्त्यो दक्षिणां यस्य गङ्गास्रोतः समापिबन्।तावतीर्गा ददौ वीर उशीनरसुतोऽध्वरे ॥७-९-६२॥
The hero, son of Ushinara, who drank the southern stream of the Ganga, generously gave numerous cows during the sacrifice.
न पूर्वे नापरे चक्रुरिदं केचन मानवाः।इति सञ्चुक्रुशुर्देवाः कृते कर्मणि दुष्करे ॥७-९-६३॥
The gods exclaimed that no humans, neither in the past nor in the future, have accomplished this difficult task.
पश्यामस्त्रिषु लोकेषु न तं संस्थास्नुचारिषु।जातं वापि जनिष्यं वा द्वितीयं वापि सम्प्रति ॥७-९-६४॥
In the three worlds, we do not see anything among the stationary and moving that is born, will be born, or even a second one now.
अन्यमौशीनराच्छैब्याद्धुरो वोढारमित्युत।गतिं यस्य न यास्यन्ति मानुषा लोकवासिनः ॥७-९-६५॥
Indeed, thus the bearer of the burden from the Mūśīnaras and Śaibyas, to whom the path will not go, is beyond the reach of humans, the inhabitants of the world.
तस्य नप्तारमायान्तं शैब्यं कः समवारयत्।द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम् ॥७-९-६६॥
Who could stop Shaibya's grandson as he approached Drona, appearing like death with his mouth wide open?
विराटस्य रथानीकं मत्स्यस्यामित्रघातिनः।प्रेप्सन्तं समरे द्रोणं के वीराः पर्यवारयन् ॥७-९-६७॥
The heroes surrounded Drona in battle, desiring to protect the chariot army of Virata, the enemy-slayer of Matsya.
सद्यो वृकोदराज्जातो महाबलपराक्रमः।मायावी राक्षसो घोरो यस्मान्मम महद्भयम् ॥७-९-६८॥
Immediately, a terrible demon illusionist of great strength and valour was born from Vrikodara, from whom I have great fear.
पार्थानां जयकामं तं पुत्राणां मम कण्टकम्।घटोत्कचं महाबाहुं कस्तं द्रोणादवारयत् ॥७-९-६९॥
Desiring victory for the sons of Pṛthā, Ghaṭotkaca, the mighty-armed, was a thorn to my sons. Who restrained him from Droṇa?
एते चान्ये च बहवो येषामर्थाय सञ्जय।त्यक्तारः संयुगे प्राणान्किं तेषामजितं युधि ॥७-९-७०॥
O Sanjaya, why are these and many others, who have abandoned their lives in battle for a purpose, still unconquered in battle?
येषां च पुरुषव्याघ्रः शार्ङ्गधन्वा व्यपाश्रयः।हितार्थी चापि पार्थानां कथं तेषां पराजयः ॥७-९-७१॥
How can those, whose refuge is the tiger among men, the wielder of the Śārṅga bow, and who is also the well-wisher of the sons of Pṛthā, ever face defeat?
लोकानां गुरुरत्यन्तं लोकनाथः सनातनः।नारायणो रणे नाथो दिव्यो दिव्यात्मवान्प्रभुः ॥७-९-७२॥
Narayana, the eternal lord and teacher of the worlds, is the divine protector in battle, possessing a divine soul.
यस्य दिव्यानि कर्माणि प्रवदन्ति मनीषिणः।तान्यहं कीर्तयिष्यामि भक्त्या स्थैर्यार्थमात्मनः ॥७-९-७३॥
I will praise with devotion the divine deeds of the one whose actions are spoken of by the sages, for the sake of my own steadiness.
