07.057
Sanjaya said:
Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, while remembering the mantra and protecting his vow, was bewildered despite his inconceivable prowess.
In a dream, the one with the Garuda banner, who possesses great splendor, approached the one with the monkey banner, who was meditating and afflicted with grief.
Arjuna, known for his righteousness, always rose for Krishna in every situation, driven by devotion and love.
Having risen, he offered a seat to Govinda. However, he did not focus his mind on the seat, as he was feeling disgusted at that time.
Then Kṛṣṇa, the one with great splendor, understanding Arjuna's resolve, addressed these words to the son of Kuntī, who was seated.
O son of Pritha, do not let your mind fall into despair, for time is indeed invincible and governs all beings according to the supreme order.
Why are you sorrowful? Tell me, O best of speakers. The wise do not lament over grief, as it destroys action.
Lamenting causes joy to enemies and torments relatives; thus, a person is diminished, and therefore, you should not lament.
Upon being addressed by Vāsudeva, the undefeated Bībhatsu, wise as he was, responded with these meaningful words.
I have made a solemn vow to kill Jayadratha. Tomorrow, I shall be the slayer of the wicked one who killed my son, O Keśava.
O Acyuta, indeed, the sons of Dhritarashtra should ensure that Saindhava is protected from behind by all the great charioteers to obstruct my vow.
There are eleven divisions of Kṛṣṇa's army, which are very difficult to conquer. How can someone like me live if I fail in my promise?
O hero, my desire for the means of sorrow changes. Quickly the sun moves, and then I say this.
Upon hearing about the place of sorrow from Pārtha, Dvijaketana, Kṛṣṇa touched the water and stood facing east.
The lotus-eyed, greatly powerful one spoke this statement, engaged in the task of killing Saindhava for the benefit of the son of Pandu.
O son of Pritha, the eternal supreme weapon known as Pashupata was used by the god Maheshvara to slay all demons in battle.
If you know this today, you will kill Jayadratha tomorrow. Then, to understand, surrender your mind to Shiva.
Meditate on that divine being with a focused mind, remain silent, O Arjuna. Through his grace, you will achieve that greatness.
After hearing Krishna's words, Dhananjaya touched water, sat on the ground with a focused mind, and mentally approached Lord Shiva.
Then, during the auspicious Brahma muhurta, Arjuna saw himself in the sky with Keshava.
Arjuna, accompanied by Krishna, entered the sky with the speed of the wind, surrounded by lights and attended by celestial beings and singers.
Held by Keshava on his right arm, the Lord observed many forms and went to witness wonderful sights.
In the northern direction, the righteous man saw the white mountain and the lotus pond adorned with lotuses in Kubera's abode.
He gazed upon the revered river Ganga, abundant with water, always adorned with flowering and fruit-bearing trees, and sparkling with crystal stones.
The place was teeming with lions and tigers, bustling with diverse groups of animals, adorned with sacred hermitages, and was a beautiful and charming abode for birds.
The regions around Mount Mandara echoed with the songs of Kinnaras, their peaks made of gold and silver shining brightly, and were beautifully adorned with blossoming Mandara trees.
Having reached the black mountain that resembles a mass of smooth collyrium, the sacred foot of the Himalaya, and the jewel-like mountain, as well as Brahmatunga, other rivers, and regions.
The beautiful peak, the hundred peaks, and indeed the Śaryāti forest, along with the sacred place of Aśvaśira and the place of Atharvaṇa.
The great Mandara mountain, the king and lord of mountains, was indeed crowded with Apsaras and adorned with Kinnaras.
Arjuna, accompanied by Krishna, observes the mountains beautifully adorned with golden minerals and auspicious waterfalls.
He observed the earth, radiant with moonlight, adorned with cities, and the oceans with their marvelous forms and abundant resources.
Astonished, he went beyond with Krishna, seeing the sky and the earth, as if thrown like an arrow at the feet of Vishnu.
Arjuna then saw a mountain blazing like the combined brightness of the planets, constellations, moons, sun, and fire.
Upon reaching the mountain, he saw the great soul, who was always engaged in penance, and bore the bull banner, situated at the mountain's peak.
He appeared like a thousand suns shining with his own brilliance, bearing a trident, with matted hair, fair in complexion, and dressed in bark and deerskin.
The god, possessing thousands of eyes and diverse forms, of great energy, was present with Pārvatī and shining groups of spirits.
The scene was filled with the harmonious blend of songs and musical instruments, accompanied by rhythmic dance. Graceful movements, clapping, loud exclamations, and sacred fragrances enriched the atmosphere.
The infallible one, protector of all beings, is praised by divine hymns sung by sages and those who speak of Brahman, and is the bearer of the bow.
Vasudeva, upon seeing him, bowed down to the ground with his head, alongside Partha, the virtuous one, praising the eternal Brahman.
The eternal, imperishable lord, the creator of the universe, is the supreme source of all, including the mind, space, air, and the essence of all lights.
The supreme nature that creates rain streams and serves as the foundation for the earth, gods, demons, yakshas, and humans.
The supreme Brahman, manifest and the treasure of those who know Brahman, is the creator and destroyer of all that is moving and non-moving, revered by yogis.
At that time, Krishna worshipped the great soul, who embodies the anger of time and possesses the qualities of Indra and the Sun, through his words, mind, intellect, and actions.
The wise, who are seekers of subtle spiritual paths, perceive him, the unborn and the cause of all, and have taken refuge in the shelter of the source of the universe.
Arjuna, recognizing the divine as the source of all existence and the origin of past, present, and future, repeatedly bowed to the deity.
Then, as those two arrived, Śarva (Shiva), smiling as if, said, "Welcome to you both, O best of men. May you rise, relieved of fatigue. And what is it that you desire, O heroes? Let it be expressed quickly."
I will fulfill the purpose for which you both have come. Choose what is best for you; I will grant all of it to you.
Then, Vasudeva and Arjuna, the wise ones, rose with folded hands and praised Shiva after hearing those words.
I offer my salutations to Bhava, Śarva, and Rudra, the bestower of boons, and the eternal lord of all creatures, who is fierce and has matted hair.
Salutations to the great god, the formidable one, the three-eyed one, Śambhu, the lord, the destroyer of Bhaga, and the slayer of Andhaka.
Eternal salutations to the preceptor of the youths, the blue-necked creator, the red-hued, smoky hunter who remains unconquered.
Eternal salutations to the one with a blue crest, the trident-bearer, the divine-eyed, the slayer, the protector, the three-eyed, the hunter, and the one whose essence is wealth.
To the inconceivable Lord, husband of Ambika, praised by all gods, who bears the bull banner, who is tawny, matted-haired, and a celibate.
To the one who is being heated in the water, to the pious and unconquered, and to the soul and creator of the universe, who stands pervading the universe.
Salutations to you, the venerable lord of all beings, always; to the one with Brahma's face, to Śarva, Śaṅkara, and Śiva.
Salutations to the lord of speech and the lord of the people. Salutations to the lord of the universe and the lord of the great.
Salutations to the one with a thousand heads, arms, eyes, and feet, who performs innumerable deeds.
We offer our salutations to the golden-hued one, the one adorned with golden armor, and the compassionate protector of devotees. May our wishes always be granted, O Lord.
Thus, Vasudeva along with Arjuna praised the great god Shiva to obtain weapons.
Then Arjuna, filled with joy, bowed to Lord Shiva and beheld the entire abode of all splendors with eyes wide open.
He observed the nightly offering he had made himself, placed near Tryambaka, as presented by Vasudeva.
After worshipping Shiva and Krishna in his mind, the Pandava expressed his wish to Shankara, saying, "I wish for a divine weapon."
Then, understanding Pārtha's request for a boon, the Lord, smiling, addressed Vāsudeva and Arjuna.
O slayer of enemies, near the divine nectar-like lake, my divine bow and arrow were placed there in ancient times.
By whom all the gods and enemies were slain by me in battle, let Krishna bring the arrows and the best bow.
After speaking thus, the two heroes, along with Śarva and his attendants, proceeded to the divine lake, which was surrounded by hundreds of celestial wonders.
Nara and Nārāyaṇa, the sages, went without any confusion to the holy place indicated by Vṛṣāṅka, which fulfills all purposes.
Then Arjuna and Acyuta went to that lake, which looked like the sun's circle, and saw a dreadful serpent inside the water.
They saw another excellent thousand-headed serpent, fiery and vomiting a great flame.
Then Krishna and Arjuna, after purifying themselves with water and folding their hands in reverence, stood humbly before Lord Shiva, resembling serpents in their posture.
The knowers of the Vedas, praising that immeasurable Brahman related to Rudra, bow with their whole being, having reached the essence of existence.
Then those two, inspired by the greatness of Rudra, transformed into great serpents, a bow and arrow, becoming the destroyer of enemies, embodying that duality.
Then, in delight, the great souls took the splendid bow and arrow and presented them to the great soul.
Then, from the side of Vṛṣāṅka, the celibate student returned. Pingākṣa, strong and blue-red, represents the field of penance.
He took the best bow, stood firmly in place with concentration, and properly drew the excellent bow with an arrow.
The Pandava, with unimaginable prowess, aimed his bowstring and fist at the place, and having heard the mantra spoken by Bhava, he took action.
The mighty lord released the arrow into the lake, and the hero once again prepared his bow in that very lake.
Then, Arjuna, realizing that Lord Shiva was pleased, remembered the boon given in the forest and wished in his mind for the vision of Shankara to be fulfilled for him.
Understanding his wish, Lord Shiva, pleased, granted him a boon and the dreadful Pashupata weapon, fulfilling his vow.
With excitement and invincibility, he believed the task was accomplished. Both of them bowed their heads in reverence to Lord Shiva.
In that moment, permitted by Lord Shiva, Arjuna and Krishna returned to their camp, filled with immense joy, like Indra and Vishnu, eager to slay the demon Jambha.
