07.020
Core: Drona undertakes a successful carnage of Pandava army with the intention of capturing Yudhisthira. The great Pandava warriors Satyajit, Vṛka, Shatanika, Dridhashena, Shikhandin, Uttamaujas, Vasudana, Kshatradeva, Kshatravarman, and Sudakshina succumb to death trying to protect Yudhisthira.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो युधिष्ठिरो द्रोणं दृष्ट्वान्तिकमुपागतम्। महता शरवर्षेण प्रत्यगृह्णादभीतवत् ॥७-२०-१॥
Then Yudhishthira, observing Drona coming close, fearlessly countered him with a great volley of arrows.
ततो हलहलाशब्द आसीद्यौधिष्ठिरे बले। जिघृक्षति महासिंहे गजानामिव यूथपम् ॥७-२०-२॥
Then, in Yudhishthira's army, there arose a tumultuous sound, as if the leader of elephants desired to seize a great lion.
दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं ततः शूरः सत्यजित्सत्यविक्रमः। युधिष्ठिरं परिप्रेप्सुमाचार्यं समुपाद्रवत् ॥७-२०-३॥
Upon seeing Droṇa, the valiant Satyajit, known for his true prowess, approached the teacher with the intent to attack Yudhishthira.
तत आचार्यपाञ्चाल्यौ युयुधाते परस्परम्। विक्षोभयन्तौ तत्सैन्यमिन्द्रवैरोचनाविव ॥७-२०-४॥
Then the teacher and the son of Pāñcāla engaged in battle against each other, causing turmoil in the army like the conflict between Indra and the son of Virocana.
ततः सत्यजितं तीक्ष्णैर्दशभिर्मर्मभेदिभिः। अविध्यच्छीघ्रमाचार्यश्छित्त्वास्य सशरं धनुः ॥७-२०-५॥
Then the teacher swiftly shot ten sharp arrows at Satyajit, piercing his vital parts and cutting his bow along with the arrow.
स शीघ्रतरमादाय धनुरन्यत्प्रतापवान्। द्रोणं सोऽभिजघानाशु विंशद्भिः कङ्कपत्रिभिः ॥७-२०-६॥
The powerful warrior quickly took another bow and swiftly struck Droṇa with twenty feathered arrows.
ज्ञात्वा सत्यजिता द्रोणं ग्रस्यमानमिवाहवे। वृकः शरशतैस्तीक्ष्णैः पाञ्चाल्यो द्रोणमर्दयत् ॥७-२०-७॥
Upon realizing that Droṇa was being overwhelmed in battle by Satyajit, Vṛka, the prince of the Pāñcālas, attacked Droṇa with numerous sharp arrows.
सञ्छाद्यमानं समरे द्रोणं दृष्ट्वा महारथम्। चुक्रुशुः पाण्डवा राजन्वस्त्राणि दुधुवुश्च ह ॥७-२०-८॥
Upon seeing Droṇa, the great chariot-warrior, being overwhelmed in the battle, the Pāṇḍavas cried out and shook their garments, O king.
वृकस्तु परमक्रुद्धो द्रोणं षष्ट्या स्तनान्तरे। विव्याध बलवान्राजंस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥७-२०-९॥
The fierce wolf, in his extreme anger, struck Drona in the chest with sixty arrows. O king, it seemed almost miraculous.
द्रोणस्तु शरवर्षेण छाद्यमानो महारथः। वेगं चक्रे महावेगः क्रोधादुद्वृत्य चक्षुषी ॥७-२०-१०॥
Droṇa, although covered by a rain of arrows, advanced with great speed, his eyes rolling in anger.
ततः सत्यजितश्चापं छित्त्वा द्रोणो वृकस्य च। षड्भिः ससूतं सहयं शरैर्द्रोणोऽवधीद्वृकम् ॥७-२०-११॥
Then Drona, after cutting the bows of Satyajit and Vrika, killed Vrika along with his charioteer and horse using six arrows.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय सत्यजिद्वेगवत्तरम्। साश्वं ससूतं विशिखैर्द्रोणं विव्याध सध्वजम् ॥७-२०-१२॥
Then Satyajit, taking another, more powerful bow, pierced Droṇa along with his horse, charioteer, and banner with arrows.
स तन्न ममृषे द्रोणः पाञ्चाल्येनार्दनं मृधे। ततस्तस्य विनाशाय सत्वरं व्यसृजच्छरान् ॥७-२०-१३॥
Droṇa could not tolerate the attack by the son of Pāñcāla in the battle and quickly released arrows for his destruction.
हयान्ध्वजं धनुर्मुष्टिमुभौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी। अवाकिरत्ततो द्रोणः शरवर्षैः सहस्रशः ॥७-२०-१४॥
Then Drona covered both the horses, the flag, the bow, and the fist of the charioteer with thousands of arrows.
तथा सञ्छिद्यमानेषु कार्मुकेषु पुनः पुनः। पाञ्चाल्यः परमास्त्रज्ञः शोणाश्वं समयोधयत् ॥७-२०-१५॥
In the midst of the battle, as the bows were repeatedly being cut, the son of Panchala, known for his mastery of weapons, skillfully engaged the red horse in combat.
स सत्यजितमालक्ष्य तथोदीर्णं महाहवे। अर्धचन्द्रेण चिच्छेद शिरस्तस्य महात्मनः ॥७-२०-१६॥
He noticed Satyajit, who was excited in the great battle, and cut off his head with a crescent-shaped weapon.
तस्मिन्हते महामात्रे पाञ्चालानां रथर्षभे। अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैर्द्रोणात्त्रस्तो युधिष्ठिरः ॥७-२०-१७॥
When the great chariot-warrior of the Pāñcālas was killed, Yudhiṣṭhira, in fear, fled swiftly from Droṇa.
पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याश्चेदिकारूषकोसलाः। युधिष्ठिरमुदीक्षन्तो हृष्टा द्रोणमुपाद्रवन् ॥७-२०-१८॥
The Panchalas, Kekayas, Matsyas, along with the Edikas, Karushas, and Kosalas, joyfully advanced towards Drona while looking at Yudhishthira.
ततो युधिष्ठिरप्रेप्सुराचार्यः शत्रुपूगहा। व्यधमत्तान्यनीकानि तूलराशिमिवानिलः ॥७-२०-१९॥
Then, the teacher, eager to reach Yudhishthira, scattered the enemy forces like the wind scatters a heap of cotton.
निर्दहन्तमनीकानि तानि तानि पुनः पुनः। द्रोणं मत्स्यादवरजः शतानीकोऽभ्यवर्तत ॥७-२०-२०॥
Shatanika, the younger brother of Matsya, repeatedly attacked Drona, burning the armies again and again.
सूर्यरश्मिप्रतीकाशैः कर्मारपरिमार्जितैः। षड्भिः ससूतं सहयं द्रोणं विद्ध्वानदद्भृशम् ॥७-२०-२१॥
With rays like the sun, polished by the smith, the chariot with its six horses and charioteer, pierced by Drona, roared loudly.
तस्य नानदतो द्रोणः शिरः कायात्सकुण्डलम्। क्षुरेणापाहरत्तूर्णं ततो मत्स्याः प्रदुद्रुवुः ॥७-२०-२२॥
As he roared, Droṇa swiftly severed the head adorned with earrings from the body using a razor; then the Matsyas fled in panic.
मत्स्याञ्जित्वाजयच्चेदीन्कारूषान्केकयानपि। पाञ्चालान्सृञ्जयान्पाण्डून्भारद्वाजः पुनः पुनः ॥७-२०-२३॥
Bharadvaja, after defeating the Matsyas, emerged victorious over the Cedis, Karushas, and Kekayas, and repeatedly defeated the Panchalas, Srinjayas, and Pandavas.
तं दहन्तमनीकानि क्रुद्धमग्निं यथा वनम्। दृष्ट्वा रुक्मरथं क्रुद्धं समकम्पन्त सृञ्जयाः ॥७-२०-२४॥
The Sṛñjayas trembled when they saw him, burning the armies in his anger, like a fire in the forest, and the angry one in the golden chariot.
उत्तमं ह्यादधानस्य धनुरस्याशुकारिणः। ज्याघोषो निघ्नतोऽमित्रान्दिक्षु सर्वासु शुश्रुवे ॥७-२०-२५॥
The sound of the bowstring from the excellent and swift-acting bow, wielded by the warrior, echoed in all directions, striking fear into the hearts of enemies everywhere.
नागानश्वान्पदातींश्च रथिनो गजसादिनः। रौद्रा हस्तवता मुक्ताः प्रमथ्नन्ति स्म सायकाः ॥७-२०-२६॥
The arrows, fiercely released by the warrior, destroyed elephants, horses, foot-soldiers, charioteers, and elephant-riders.
नानद्यमानः पर्जन्यो मिश्रवातो हिमात्यये। अश्मवर्षमिवावर्षत्परेषां भयमादधत् ॥७-२०-२७॥
The cloud, silent and with mixed winds at the end of winter, rained down like a hailstorm, instilling fear among others.
सर्वा दिशः समचरत्सैन्यं विक्षोभयन्निव। बली शूरो महेष्वासो मित्राणामभयङ्करः ॥७-२०-२८॥
The strong and heroic great archer moved the army in all directions as if disturbing it, being fearless for his friends.
तस्य विद्युदिवाभ्रेषु चापं हेमपरिष्कृतम्। दिक्षु सर्वास्वपश्याम द्रोणस्यामिततेजसः ॥७-२०-२९॥
We saw Drona's bow, adorned with gold, shining like lightning in the clouds, spreading its immeasurable splendor in all directions.
द्रोणस्तु पाण्डवानीके चकार कदनं महत्। यथा दैत्यगणे विष्णुः सुरासुरनमस्कृतः ॥७-२०-३०॥
Drona caused great destruction in the Pandava army, just as Vishnu, revered by both gods and demons, did among the demons.
स शूरः सत्यवाक्प्राज्ञो बलवान्सत्यविक्रमः। महानुभावः कालान्ते रौद्रीं भीरुविभीषणाम् ॥७-२०-३१॥
He is brave, speaks the truth, wise, strong, truly courageous, and a great personality. At the end of time, he becomes fierce, fearful, and terrifying.
कवचोर्मिध्वजावर्तां मर्त्यकूलापहारिणीम्। गजवाजिमहाग्राहामसिमीनां दुरासदाम् ॥७-२०-३२॥
The whirlpool, adorned with armor-like waves and flags, steals the shores of mortals and is difficult to approach for elephants, horses, great crocodiles, swords, and fish.
वीरास्थिशर्करां रौद्रां भेरीमुरजकच्छपाम्। चर्मवर्मप्लवां घोरां केशशैवलशाड्वलाम् ॥७-२०-३३॥
A terrifying scene with gravel made of hero bones, drums and kettle-drums forming a tortoise, a raft made of skin armor, and covered with hair, moss, and grassland.
शरौघिणीं धनुःस्रोतां बाहुपन्नगसङ्कुलाम्। रणभूमिवहां घोरां कुरुसृञ्जयवाहिनीम् ॥ मनुष्यशीर्षपाषाणां शक्तिमीनां गदोडुपाम् ॥७-२०-३४॥
The battlefield was terrifying, with the Kuru and Sṛñjaya armies flowing like a river, filled with warriors whose arms were like serpents, bows streaming arrows, and the ground littered with stones resembling human heads, spears like fish, and maces like moons.
उष्णीषफेनवसनां निष्कीर्णान्त्रसरीसृपाम्। वीरापहारिणीमुग्रां मांसशोणितकर्दमाम् ॥७-२०-३५॥
She is clothed in a turban of foam, scattered with intestines and reptiles, fierce and stealing heroes, muddy with flesh and blood.
हस्तिग्राहां केतुवृक्षां क्षत्रियाणां निमज्जनीम्। क्रूरां शरीरसङ्घाटां सादिनक्रां दुरत्ययाम् ॥ द्रोणः प्रावर्तयत्तत्र नदीमन्तकगामिनीम् ॥७-२०-३६॥
Droṇa unleashed a deadly river there, capturing elephants, with banners like trees, drowning warriors, cruel and filled with bodies, with horse-like crocodiles, difficult to cross, leading to death.
क्रव्यादगणसङ्घुष्टां श्वशृगालगणायुताम्। निषेवितां महारौद्रैः पिशिताशैः समन्ततः ॥७-२०-३७॥
The place was filled with the cries of flesh-eating demons, surrounded by packs of dogs and jackals, and inhabited by terrifying flesh-eaters everywhere.
तं दहन्तमनीकानि रथोदारं कृतान्तवत्। सर्वतोऽभ्यद्रवन्द्रोणं कुन्तीपुत्रपुरोगमाः ॥७-२०-३८॥
As he was burning the armies with his great chariot like death itself, Drona was rushed from all sides by the sons of Kunti, who led the charge.
तांस्तु शूरान्महेष्वासांस्तावकाभ्युद्यतायुधाः। राजानो राजपुत्राश्च समन्तात्पर्यवारयन् ॥७-२०-३९॥
The kings and princes, your great archers with raised weapons, surrounded those heroes from all sides.
ततो द्रोणः सत्यसन्धः प्रभिन्न इव कुञ्जरः। अभ्यतीत्य रथानीकं दृढसेनमपातयत् ॥७-२०-४०॥
Then Drona, known for his truthfulness, charged like a broken elephant through the chariot army and felled Dridhashena.
ततो राजानमासाद्य प्रहरन्तमभीतवत्। अविध्यन्नवभिः क्षेमं स हतः प्रापतद्रथात् ॥७-२०-४१॥
Then, fearlessly approaching the king and striking him, he was pierced with arrows and fell slain from the chariot.
स मध्यं प्राप्य सैन्यानां सर्वाः प्रविचरन्दिशः। त्राता ह्यभवदन्येषां न त्रातव्यः कथञ्चन ॥७-२०-४२॥
He reached the center of the armies and wandered in all directions. Indeed, he became the protector of others, and there was no need for him to be protected in any way.
शिखण्डिनं द्वादशभिर्विंशत्या चोत्तमौजसम्। वसुदानं च भल्लेन प्रेषयद्यमसादनम् ॥७-२०-४३॥
He sent Shikhandin with twelve arrows, Uttamaujas with twenty, and Vasudana with an arrow to the realm of Yama.
अशीत्या क्षत्रवर्माणं षड्विंशत्या सुदक्षिणम्। क्षत्रदेवं तु भल्लेन रथनीडादपाहरत् ॥७-२०-४४॥
Kshatradeva, with an arrow, took away Kshatravarman with eighty (arrows) and Sudakshina with twenty-six (arrows) from the chariot.
युधामन्युं चतुःषष्ट्या त्रिंशता चैव सात्यकिम्। विद्ध्वा रुक्मरथस्तूर्णं युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत् ॥७-२०-४५॥
Rukmaratha swiftly attacked Yudhishthira after piercing Yudhāmanyu with sixty-four arrows and Sātyaki with thirty arrows.
ततो युधिष्ठिरः क्षिप्रं कितवो राजसत्तमः। अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः पाञ्चाल्यो द्रोणमभ्ययात् ॥७-२०-४६॥
Then Yudhishthira, known as the best of kings and a skilled gambler, swiftly departed with his fast horses, and the son of Panchali advanced towards Drona.
तं द्रोणः सधनुष्कं तु साश्वयन्तारमक्षिणोत्। स हतः प्रापतद्भूमौ रथाज्ज्योतिरिवाम्बरात् ॥७-२०-४७॥
Droṇa, with his bow, killed him and his charioteer. Slain, he fell from the chariot to the ground, like a light falling from the sky.
तस्मिन्हते राजपुत्रे पाञ्चालानां यशस्करे। हत द्रोणं हत द्रोणमित्यासीत्तुमुलं महत् ॥७-२०-४८॥
When the prince of the Pāñcālas, who was renowned, was slain, there was a great uproar with cries of "Droṇa is killed, Droṇa is killed."
तांस्तथा भृशसङ्क्रुद्धान्पाञ्चालान्मत्स्यकेकयान्। सृञ्जयान्पाण्डवांश्चैव द्रोणो व्यक्षोभयद्बली ॥७-२०-४९॥
The powerful Drona stirred up the fiercely angry Panchalas, Matsyas, Kekayas, Srinjayas, and Pandavas.
सात्यकिं चेकितानं च धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ। वार्धक्षेमिं चित्रसेनं सेनाबिन्दुं सुवर्चसम् ॥७-२०-५०॥
Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, Vardhakshēmi, Citrasena, Senabindu, and Suvarcasam were present.
एतांश्चान्यांश्च सुबहून्नानाजनपदेश्वरान्। सर्वान्द्रोणोऽजयद्युद्धे कुरुभिः परिवारितः ॥७-२०-५१॥
Droṇa, with the support of the Kurus, defeated numerous kings from various regions in the battle.
तावकास्तु महाराज जयं लब्ध्वा महाहवे। पाण्डवेयान्रणे जघ्नुर्द्रवमाणान्समन्ततः ॥७-२०-५२॥
Your forces, O great king, after achieving victory in the great battle, pursued and killed the fleeing Pandavas from all directions.
ते दानवा इवेन्द्रेण वध्यमाना महात्मना। पाञ्चालाः केकया मत्स्याः समकम्पन्त भारत ॥७-२०-५३॥
The Panchalas, Kekayas, and Matsyas trembled like demons being slain by the great Indra, O Bharata.
