07.011
Pancharatra and Core: Drona, in his admiration for Duryodhana, grants him a boon, and Duryodhana asks for Yudhisthira's capture.
Sanjaya said:
Behold, I will narrate to you everything as it was witnessed, how Droṇa was struck down by the Pandavas and Srinjayas.
Bharadvaja, the great chariot-warrior, having attained the position of general, addressed your son in the midst of the entire army.
O king, today you have honored me after the descendant of the river, from the bull of the Kauravas, by the general.
O prince, receive the deserved outcome of his actions. Today, I fulfill your desire; choose whom you wish.
Then Duryodhana, after consulting with Karna, Duhshasana, and others, addressed the invincible teacher, the best among the victorious.
If you grant me a boon, bring Yudhishthira alive to me, having captured the best of charioteers, and present him here.
Then, the teacher of the Kurus, upon hearing the words of your son, encouraged the entire army and spoke these words.
The son of Kunti, the king, is fortunate, as you seek his acceptance. O mighty one, today you ask for a boon not for the purpose of killing.
O Duryodhana, why do you, a tiger among men, not wish for his death? Surely, you do not want this action from me.
Indeed, it seems there is no one who hates Dharmaputra; whatever you desire, you protect the living family within yourself.
O best of the Bharatas, do you wish to establish brotherhood by conquering the Pandavas in battle and then returning a share of the kingdom?
The son of Kunti, the king, is fortunate, well-born, and wise. His freedom from enemies is genuine because he is loved by you.
O Bharata, when your son was thus addressed by Drona, the emotion which always manifests in him suddenly emerged.
The action cannot be hidden even by those as wise as Brihaspati. Therefore, your son, O king, joyfully spoke these words.
O teacher, there is no victory for me in the killing of Kunti's son in battle. If Yudhishthira is killed, Arjuna would certainly kill us all.
Even the immortals cannot kill him in battle. Whoever remains of these, he would not leave us.
The sons of Kunti, true to their word, were brought back and once more defeated in gambling. They will return to the forest, following him.
This victory of mine will be evident for a long time. Therefore, I never wish for the death of Dharmaraja.
Understanding his deceitful intention, the wise Drona, who understood the essence of wealth, thoughtfully granted him that boon with a hidden meaning.
Drona said:
If Arjuna, the hero, fails to protect Yudhishthira in battle, then consider the eldest Pandava as having been brought under one's control.
Arjuna is invincible in battle, even against gods and demons led by Indra; hence, dear one, I cannot accept this.
Undoubtedly, he is my disciple, known for his skill in weaponry, youthful, renowned, and dedicated to a singular path.
I have obtained many weapons from Indra and Rudra. O king, I am angry and therefore I do not tolerate this.
He should withdraw from the battle by any means possible. Once Arjuna is removed, Yudhishthira will be defeated by you.
O best of men, if you believe that capturing him is a victory, then by this method, he will surely be captured.
"I will capture the king who is devoted to truth and righteousness and bring him under your control today, O king, without any doubt."
If Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti and a tiger among men, stands before me in battle even for a moment, he will be removed.
In the presence of Phalguna, Arjuna cannot be captured in battle by Yudhishthira, even with the help of Indra and the gods and demons.
Sanjaya said:
Your sons, in their foolishness, believed that Drona, who was promised to be subdued by the king, was captured.
Your son knows that Drona is partial to the Pandavas. Therefore, to ensure the firmness of the vow, the plan was made extensive.
Then Duryodhana also announced the capture of the Pandava in all the army positions, O subduer of enemies.
