07.032
Pancharatra and Core: The thirteenth day of the war begins; Drona is rebuked by Duryodhana for the previous day's defeat; promising a better outcome, Drona makes a formidable military formation.
Sanjaya said:
Previously, when we were defeated by Arjuna of immeasurable energy, and Drona's intentions were futile, Yudhishthira was protected.
All your soldiers, their armors shattered, were defeated in battle. Covered in dust and greatly agitated, they looked around in all ten directions.
After withdrawing with Bharadvaja's consent, they were severely mocked in battle by others who had successfully achieved their objectives, leaving them distressed.
As the beings praised the immeasurable qualities of Arjuna and the friendship with Keshava, they fell silent, as if cursed, in deep meditation towards Arjuna.
At dawn, Duryodhana, troubled by the increasing strength of his enemies, addressed Droṇa with a mix of affection and pride, speaking skillfully in the presence of all creatures.
"Certainly, we are in a position of being condemned, O knower of Brahman, because you have not taken Yudhishthira, who is near today."
Your enemy, once spotted in battle, would not escape, even if protected by the Pandavas and their warriors.
After granting a boon and being pleased, you have changed your stance. Noble ones never disappoint a devotee in any manner.
Then, displeased, Bharadvaja said to the king: "You should not misunderstand what is happening, dear."
The worlds, even with the support of gods, demons, gandharvas, yakṣas, serpents, and rākṣasas, cannot conquer in battle when protected by Arjuna (Kiriti).
In the presence of Govinda, the creator of the universe, and Arjuna, the formidable warrior, who could possibly have strength surpassing that of Lord Tryambaka elsewhere?
"I assure you truthfully today, this will never be otherwise. Today, I shall bring down the greatest hero among them, the mighty chariot-warrior."
I will create a formation that even the gods cannot penetrate. O king, find a way to remove Arjuna.
In battle, there is nothing unknown or impossible for him. He possesses powerful knowledge from all directions.
Upon hearing Drona's words, the Saṃśaptaka warriors once more challenged Arjuna, surrounding him from all sides in the southern direction of the battlefield.
Then there was a battle between Arjuna and others, the likes of which had never been heard or seen anywhere.
Then, O king, the formation arranged by Drona shone brilliantly, like the blazing sun at midday, difficult to look at.
O Bharata, Abhimanyu, following the instructions of his eldest father, skillfully penetrated the formidable military formation in battle in various ways.
He performed a challenging task by killing thousands of heroes and, while engaged among six heroes, fell under the control of Duhshasana.
The Pāṇḍavas, though extremely delighted, were afflicted by grief and made a retreat after Abhimanyu was slain, O king.
Dhritarashtra said:
Hearing that Sanjaya, the son of the lion among men, who had just reached his youth, was killed in battle, my mind is deeply troubled.
This harsh duty of warriors is ordained by the lawmakers, where heroes aspiring for the kingdom strike down even the young with weapons.
The boy, who was extremely happy and wandering without fear, was killed by many armed men. Please tell me, O Gāvalgaṇa, how this happened?
O Sanjaya, tell me about the playful act in battle by Saubhadra, who, with immeasurable energy, desired to conquer the chariot army.
Sanjaya said:
O King, you inquire about the fall of Abhimanyu. I shall narrate it to you in full detail. Listen carefully, O King, to the tale of the prince's play as he sought to conquer the army.
In the forest, your people were struck with fear as if surrounded by a forest fire, amidst abundant bushes, grass, and trees, similar to the plight of forest dwellers.
