07.039
Pancharatra and Core: Abhimanyu defeats Dhushasana and makes him retreat. Karna engages with Abhimanyu.
Sanjaya said:
Abhimanyu, though wounded by arrows, stood bravely facing his enemy, Duhshasana, and with a smile, he addressed him.
By good fortune, I see the proud enemy who has arrived in battle; he is cruel, has abandoned righteousness, and is given to shouting.
In the assembly, while King Dhritarashtra was listening, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira was angered by your harsh words, and Bhima, intoxicated by victory, spoke much unrestrained.
The verse speaks about the consequences of negative actions such as stealing others' wealth, harboring anger, unrest, greed, destruction of knowledge, betrayal, and excessive violence.
The taking away of my kingdom from the ancestors by the fierce bowmen has indeed reached you due to the anger of the great souls.
"Immediately, O evil-minded one, face the dire consequences of your unrighteous actions. Today, I am struck down by your arrows in full view of the entire army."
Today, I will satisfy the anger of Kṛṣṇā and my father in battle.
Today, O Kaurava, I will settle my debt to Bhima in battle. Indeed, you will not escape alive if you do not leave the battlefield.
Having spoken thus, the mighty-armed warrior prepared the arrow destined to end Duhshasana, a weapon with the brilliance of time, fire, and wind, capable of destroying enemy heroes.
He swiftly reached his chest and pierced him at the collarbone, then offered him again with twenty-five.
He was deeply wounded and distressed, so he sat down on the chariot seat. Duḥśāsana, O great king, was overtaken by a great faintness.
The charioteer quickly took the unconscious Duḥśāsana away from the battlefield, as he was severely wounded by Saubhadra's arrows.
The Pandavas, the sons of Draupadi, along with Virata, upon seeing him, were joined by the Panchalas and Kekayas in roaring like lions.
The soldiers of the Pandavas joyfully played all kinds of musical instruments everywhere there.
They watched with smiles as Saubhadra's actions unfolded, witnessing the defeat of the arrogant and extreme enemy.
The sons of Draupadi, who were great charioteers, carried images of Dharma, the wind god, Indra, and the Ashvins on the tops of their flags.
Satyaki, Chekitana, Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi, the Kekayas, Dhrishtaketu, and the Matsyas, Panchalas, and Srinjayas were present.
The Pandavas, joyfully led by Yudhishthira, moved together towards Drona's army with the intent to conquer.
Then a great battle ensued between your forces and the enemies, with the brave warriors on your side eager for victory, who never retreat.
Duryodhana, the great king, addressed Karna, saying: "Look, Duhshasana, the valiant warrior, has fallen under Abhimanyu's sway."
The Pandavas, seeing Abhimanyu shining like the sun and slaying his enemies in battle, rush to his aid.
Then, in a fit of anger, Karna showered sharp arrows on the unassailable Abhimanyu, acting as a well-wisher for your son.
The hero disdainfully pierced the followers with sharp, excellent arrows in the battlefield of Saubhadra.
Abhimanyu swiftly pierced Karna with seventy-three arrows, O king, as he desired to reach Drona, the great-minded one.
At that time, no one could stop him from Drona in the battle, as he attacked the best of chariots like a god with a thunderbolt in hand against the demons.
Then, Karṇa, eager for victory and proud among all warriors, attacked Abhimanyu repeatedly, showcasing his superior weaponry.
He, the most skilled among weapon experts and the glorious disciple of Rama, tormented the invincible Abhimanyu in battle.
Despite being tormented by Karna's showers of arrows, Abhimanyu, resembling a god in battle, did not lose heart.
Then Arjuna's son, using sharp arrows, cut the bows of the heroes and tormented Karna. He also cut down his flag and bow, causing them to fall to the ground.
Then, seeing Karṇa in difficulty, Abhimanyu quickly approached after Karṇa, firmly raising his bow.
Then the sons of Pritha and their followers shouted in joy. The people played musical instruments and praised Saubhadra as well.
