07.056
Sanjaya said:
Then, the lotus-eyed Lord entered Arjuna's house, performed the purification by touching water, and spread an auspicious bed on the ground with sacred grass that resembled cat's eye gems.
Then, he decorated the bed with garlands, parched grains, perfumes, and auspicious items, and surrounded it with excellent weapons.
Then, the humble attendants, after performing the purification by water, showed Arjuna the daily rituals and conducted the nightly offering to Lord Shiva, the three-eyed deity.
Then, with a joyful heart, Arjuna adorned Krishna with scents and garlands and offered him the nightly tribute.
With a smile, Govinda said to Arjuna: "Rest well, O son of Pritha; I am going for your welfare."
After positioning the gatekeepers, protectors, and armed men, the illustrious one, accompanied by Dāruka, entered his camp. He lay on the white bed, contemplating his many responsibilities.
In the camp of the Pandavas, no one slept that night. Everyone was awake, O lord of the people.
Overcome with grief for his son, the great soul vowed that the king of Sindhu would be swiftly killed by the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
The mighty-armed son of Vāsava, known for destroying enemy heroes, was pondered upon by them on how he would fulfill his promise.
The great-souled Pandava, overwhelmed by the grief of his son, made a significant vow.
The valiant brothers and numerous forces were all reported to him by the son of Dhritarashtra.
After slaying the Sindhu king in battle, Dhananjaya (Arjuna) should return. Arjuna must fulfill his vow by defeating the host of enemies.
Without slaying the king of Sindhu, Dhumaketu will indeed proceed. Arjuna, known as Dhananjaya, is not one to commit such falsehood.
"How will Yudhishthira become king if Arjuna is dead? Indeed, all victory is vested in him by the Pandava."
If we have done any good deeds, given or offered anything, may Arjuna, by the result of all that, conquer his enemies.
O lord, while they were speaking thus and desiring victory, the night passed away with great difficulty, O king.
In the middle of that night, Janardana, having awakened and remembering Partha's promise, spoke to Daruka.
Distressed and having lost his relatives, Arjuna promised, "O Dāruka, I will kill Jayadratha by tomorrow."
Upon hearing this, Duryodhana will consult with his ministers to devise a plan to ensure that Arjuna does not kill Jayadratha in the battle.
All those armies will indeed protect Jayadratha. Drona, along with his son, is skilled in all forms of weaponry.
Even a hero like the thousand-eyed Indra, who crushes demons and giants, would not be able to kill him in battle as he is protected by Drona.
I will do it tomorrow just like Arjuna, the son of Kunti, will kill Jayadratha before the sun sets.
No one is dearer to me than Arjuna, the son of Kunti, not even wives, friends, relatives, or kinsmen.
I will destroy the enemy forces, including their horses, chariots, and elephants, for the sake of Arjuna, along with Karna and Suyodhana.
Tomorrow, the three worlds shall witness my valor in the great battle for Arjuna's cause, led by the valiant Dāruka.
O Dāruka, tomorrow, thousands of kings and hundreds of princes, along with their horses, elephants, and chariots, will flee from the battlefield.
Tomorrow, you will witness the army of kings being crushed by the wheel and destroyed by me in my anger during the battle for the Pandavas' cause.
Tomorrow, all beings including gods, Gandharvas, Pisachas, serpents, and Rakshasas will recognize me as their friend, O Arjuna.
The one who despises him, despises me; the one who follows him, follows me. Therefore, let it be resolved with wisdom that half of my body is Arjuna.
In this dark night, as you have prepared the best chariot according to the scriptures and taken your vows, you are bound by them.
The charioteer placed the mace, Kaumodaki, divine power, discus, bow, arrows, and all implements on the chariot.
Having arranged a place on the chariot seat for my flag, which belongs to the heroic Garuda, adorned with chariots in battle.
The umbrella, adorned with meshes of gold resembling the brilliance of the sun and fire, and the divine horses crafted by Vishvakarma, were also beautifully decorated.
O Dāruka, prepare yourself with the best horses and stand armored with the cloud-like army and Sugriva.
The sound of Pāñcajanya was filled by the bull. Upon hearing the terrifying sound, it swiftly approached me.
"In a single day, I shall dispel the anger and all the sorrows of my brother and cousin, O Dāruka."
I will do everything possible to ensure that Arjuna kills Jayadratha in the battle while the sons of Dhritarashtra watch.
I hope, O charioteer, that wherever he makes an effort to kill, his victory will be certain.
Dāruka said:
Victory is assured for him; how can there be defeat for one whose charioteer is you, O tiger among men?
"Thus, I will act according to your instructions. This auspicious night is indeed for the triumph of victory."
