07.069
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततः प्रविष्टे कौन्तेये सिन्धुराजजिघांसया। द्रोणानीकं विनिर्भिद्य भोजानीकं च दुस्तरम् ॥७-६९-१॥
Then, Arjuna, the son of Kunti, entered with the intention to kill the Sindhu king, piercing through the formidable armies of Drona and Bhoja.
काम्बोजस्य च दायादे हते राजन्सुदक्षिणे। श्रुतायुधे च विक्रान्ते निहते सव्यसाचिना ॥७-६९-२॥
O king, the heir of Kamboja, Sudakshina, has been killed, and the valiant Shrutayudha has been slain by Arjuna.
विप्रद्रुतेष्वनीकेषु विध्वस्तेषु समन्ततः। प्रभग्नं स्वबलं दृष्ट्वा पुत्रस्ते द्रोणमभ्ययात् ॥७-६९-३॥
Upon witnessing his forces scattered and destroyed everywhere, your son went to Drona for counsel.
त्वरन्नेकरथेनैव समेत्य द्रोणमब्रवीत्। गतः स पुरुषव्याघ्रः प्रमथ्येमां महाचमूम् ॥७-६९-४॥
Hastening with a single chariot, he approached Drona and said: "The tiger among men has departed after crushing this great army."
अत्र बुद्ध्या समीक्षस्व किं नु कार्यमनन्तरम्। अर्जुनस्य विघाताय दारुणेऽस्मिञ्जनक्षये ॥७-६९-५॥
Here, wisely consider what should be done next to obstruct Arjuna in this terrible destruction of people.
यथा स पुरुषव्याघ्रो न हन्येत जयद्रथः। तथा विधत्स्व भद्रं ते त्वं हि नः परमा गतिः ॥७-६९-६॥
"As that tiger among men, Jayadratha, should not be killed, please ensure our welfare, for you are indeed our ultimate refuge."
असौ धनञ्जयाग्निर्हि कोपमारुतचोदितः। सेनाकक्षं दहति मे वह्निः कक्षमिवोत्थितः ॥७-६९-७॥
This fire of Arjuna, driven by the wind of anger, is burning my army camp as if it were a forest fire that has arisen.
अतिक्रान्ते हि कौन्तेये भित्त्वा सैन्यं परन्तप। जयद्रथस्य गोप्तारः संशयं परमं गताः ॥७-६९-८॥
After Arjuna, the son of Kunti, pierced through the army, the protectors of Jayadratha were thrown into great doubt, O scorcher of foes.
स्थिरा बुद्धिर्नरेन्द्राणामासीद्ब्रह्मविदां वर। नातिक्रमिष्यति द्रोणं जातु जीवन्धनञ्जयः ॥७-६९-९॥
The kings had a firm intellect, considered the best among the knowers of Brahman. Arjuna, as long as he lives, will never surpass Drona.
सोऽसौ पार्थो व्यतिक्रान्तो मिषतस्ते महाद्युते। सर्वं ह्यद्यातुरं मन्ये नैतदस्ति बलं मम ॥७-६९-१०॥
Arjuna has crossed over while you were watching, O great one. I believe everything is in distress today; this is not my strength.
जानामि त्वां महाभाग पाण्डवानां हिते रतम्। तथा मुह्यामि च ब्रह्मन्कार्यवत्तां विचिन्तयन् ॥७-६९-११॥
I understand that you, O fortunate one, are dedicated to the welfare of the Pandavas. However, I find myself confused, O Brahman, as I contemplate the duties.
यथाशक्ति च ते ब्रह्मन्वर्तये वृत्तिमुत्तमाम्। प्रीणामि च यथाशक्ति तच्च त्वं नावबुध्यसे ॥७-६९-१२॥
O Brahman, I maintain excellent conduct and please to the best of my ability, but you do not understand that.
अस्मान्न त्वं सदा भक्तानिच्छस्यमितविक्रम। पाण्डवान्सततं प्रीणास्यस्माकं विप्रिये रतान् ॥७-६९-१३॥
O mighty one, you do not always wish for us, your devotees; instead, you constantly favor the Pandavas, who are engaged in hostility against us.
अस्मानेवोपजीवंस्त्वमस्माकं विप्रिये रतः। न ह्यहं त्वां विजानामि मधुदिग्धमिव क्षुरम् ॥७-६९-१४॥
You are thriving at our expense, indulging in what is unpleasant. Indeed, I do not recognize you, like a razor coated with honey.
नादास्यच्चेद्वरं मह्यं भवान्पाण्डवनिग्रहे। नावारयिष्यं गच्छन्तमहं सिन्धुपतिं गृहान् ॥७-६९-१५॥
If you do not grant me the boon to restrain the Pāṇḍavas, I will not stop the Sindhu king from going home.
मया त्वाशंसमानेन त्वत्तस्त्राणमबुद्धिना। आश्वासितः सिन्धुपतिर्मोहाद्दत्तश्च मृत्यवे ॥७-६९-१६॥
The lord of the ocean, hoping for protection from you, was consoled by me, the ignorant one, and was given over to death out of delusion.
यमदंष्ट्रान्तरं प्राप्तो मुच्येतापि हि मानवः। नार्जुनस्य वशं प्राप्तो मुच्येताजौ जयद्रथः ॥७-६९-१७॥
A man may escape even from the clutches of death, but once Jayadratha falls under Arjuna's control in battle, he cannot escape.
स तथा कुरु शोणाश्व यथा रक्ष्येत सैन्धवः। मम चार्तप्रलापानां मा क्रुधः पाहि सैन्धवम् ॥७-६९-१८॥
He said, "O Śoṇāśva, ensure that the horse is protected. Please do not be angry at my distressed words, just protect the horse."
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
नाभ्यसूयामि ते वाचमश्वत्थाम्नासि मे समः। सत्यं तु ते प्रवक्ष्यामि तज्जुषस्व विशां पते ॥७-६९-१९॥
I do not envy your words, as you are equal to me like Aśvatthāmā. However, I will tell you the truth, so accept it, O lord of men.
सारथिः प्रवरः कृष्णः शीघ्राश्चास्य हयोत्तमाः। अल्पं च विवरं कृत्वा तूर्णं याति धनञ्जयः ॥७-६९-२०॥
Krishna, the excellent charioteer, with his swiftest horses, creates a small gap and swiftly moves forward with Arjuna.
किं नु पश्यसि बाणौघान्क्रोशमात्रे किरीटिनः। पश्चाद्रथस्य पतितान्क्षिप्ताञ्शीघ्रं हि गच्छतः ॥७-६९-२१॥
"What do you see? The arrows of the crowned warrior are falling behind the chariot, thrown swiftly as it moves."
न चाहं शीघ्रयानेऽद्य समर्थो वयसान्वितः। सेनामुखे च पार्थानामेतद्बलमुपस्थितम् ॥७-६९-२२॥
I am not capable today, due to my age, to be in a fast vehicle at the front of the army, and this strength of the sons of Pritha is present.
युधिष्ठिरश्च मे ग्राह्यो मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम्। एवं मया प्रतिज्ञातं क्षत्रमध्ये महाभुज ॥७-६९-२३॥
O mighty-armed one, I have promised to capture Yudhishthira in the presence of all archers, in the midst of the warriors.
धनञ्जयेन चोत्सृष्टो वर्तते प्रमुखे मम। तस्माद्व्यूहमुखं हित्वा नाहं यास्यामि फल्गुनम् ॥७-६९-२४॥
Released by Dhananjaya, it stands before me. Hence, I shall not leave the front of the formation to go to Arjuna.
तुल्याभिजनकर्माणं शत्रुमेकं सहायवान्। गत्वा योधय मा भैस्त्वं त्वं ह्यस्य जगतः पतिः ॥७-६९-२५॥
Fight the enemy who is equal in birth and deeds, and has allies. Do not fear, for you are indeed the lord of this world.
राजा शूरः कृती दक्षो वैरमुत्पाद्य पाण्डवैः। वीर स्वयं प्रयाह्याशु यत्र यातो धनञ्जयः ॥७-६९-२६॥
The brave and accomplished king, having incited enmity with the Pāṇḍavas, is advised to quickly proceed to where Arjuna has gone.
दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
कथं त्वामप्यतिक्रान्तः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः। धनञ्जयो मया शक्य आचार्य प्रतिबाधितुम् ॥७-६९-२७॥
How could Arjuna, the greatest among all warriors, be surpassed by you, O teacher, and be obstructed by me?
अपि शक्यो रणे जेतुं वज्रहस्तः पुरंदरः। नार्जुनः समरे शक्यो जेतुं परपुरञ्जयः ॥७-६९-२८॥
Even Indra, who wields the thunderbolt, can be defeated in battle, but Arjuna, the conqueror of enemy cities, cannot be defeated in battle.
येन भोजश्च हार्दिक्यो भवांश्च त्रिदशोपमः। अस्त्रप्रतापेन जितौ श्रुतायुश्च निबर्हितः ॥७-६९-२९॥
By your prowess in weapons, you, like a god, conquered Bhoja and Hārdikya, and destroyed Śrutāyu.
सुदक्षिणश्च निहतः स च राजा श्रुतायुधः। श्रुतायुश्चाच्युतायुश्च म्लेच्छाश्च शतशो हताः ॥७-६९-३०॥
Sudakshina, King Shrutayudha, Shrutayu, Acyutayu, and hundreds of barbarians were slain.
तं कथं पाण्डवं युद्धे दहन्तमहितान्बहून्। प्रतियोत्स्यामि दुर्धर्षं तन्मे शंसास्त्रकोविद ॥७-६९-३१॥
How can I confront the invincible Pāṇḍava in battle, who is destroying many enemies? Please tell me, O expert in weapons.
क्षमं चेन्मन्यसे युद्धं मम तेनाद्य शाधि माम्। परवानस्मि भवति प्रेष्यकृद्रक्ष मे यशः ॥७-६९-३२॥
If you believe I am fit for battle, then command me today. I am at your service; please protect my honor.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
सत्यं वदसि कौरव्य दुराधर्षो धनञ्जयः। अहं तु तत्करिष्यामि यथैनं प्रसहिष्यसि ॥७-६९-३३॥
"You are right, O Kauravya, Arjuna is indeed invincible. However, I will take actions to ensure that you can overcome him."
अद्भुतं चाद्य पश्यन्तु लोके सर्वधनुर्धराः। विषक्तं त्वयि कौन्तेयं वासुदेवस्य पश्यतः ॥७-६९-३४॥
Today, let all the archers witness the extraordinary attachment you have, O son of Kunti, as observed by Vasudeva.
एष ते कवचं राजंस्तथा बध्नामि काञ्चनम्। यथा न बाणा नास्त्राणि विषहिष्यन्ति ते रणे ॥७-६९-३५॥
I am tying this golden armor on you, O king, so that no arrows or weapons will be able to harm you in the battle.
यदि त्वां सासुरसुराः सयक्षोरगराक्षसाः। योधयन्ति त्रयो लोकाः सनरा नास्ति ते भयम् ॥७-६९-३६॥
If the demons, gods, yakshas, serpents, and demons of the three worlds, along with men, fight against you, you have nothing to fear.
न कृष्णो न च कौन्तेयो न चान्यः शस्त्रभृद्रणे। शरानर्पयितुं कश्चित्कवचे तव शक्ष्यति ॥७-६९-३७॥
Neither Kṛṣṇa, nor Arjuna, nor any other warrior will be able to strike your armor with arrows in battle.
स त्वं कवचमास्थाय क्रुद्धमद्य रणेऽर्जुनम्। त्वरमाणः स्वयं याहि न चासौ त्वां सहिष्यते ॥७-६९-३८॥
Today, you must put on your armor and quickly go to the angry Arjuna in battle, for he will not be able to withstand you.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एवमुक्त्वा त्वरन्द्रोणः स्पृष्ट्वाम्भो वर्म भास्वरम्। आबबन्धाद्भुततमं जपन्मन्त्रं यथाविधि ॥७-६९-३९॥
After speaking thus, Droṇa hastily touched water and donned his shining armor, chanting a mantra as per the prescribed rule, creating a most wonderful sight.
रणे तस्मिन्सुमहति विजयाय सुतस्य ते। विसिस्मापयिषुर्लोकं विद्यया ब्रह्मवित्तमः ॥७-६९-४०॥
In that great battle for the victory of your son, the greatest knower of Brahman intended to astonish the world with his knowledge.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
करोतु स्वस्ति ते ब्रह्मा स्वस्ति चापि द्विजातयः। सरीसृपाश्च ये श्रेष्ठास्तेभ्यस्ते स्वस्ति भारत ॥७-६९-४१॥
May Brahma and the twice-born bless you with well-being. May the best of reptiles also bless you, O Bharata.
ययातिर्नहुषश्चैव धुन्धुमारो भगीरथः। तुभ्यं राजर्षयः सर्वे स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु सर्वशः ॥७-६९-४२॥
Yayati, Nahuṣa, Dhundhumara, and Bhagiratha, may all the royal sages bestow complete well-being upon you.
स्वस्ति तेऽस्त्वेकपादेभ्यो बहुपादेभ्य एव च। स्वस्त्यस्त्वपादकेभ्यश्च नित्यं तव महारणे ॥७-६९-४३॥
May there be well-being to you, to those with one foot, many feet, and without feet, always in your great battle.
स्वाहा स्वधा शची चैव स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु ते सदा। लक्ष्मीररुन्धती चैव कुरुतां स्वस्ति तेऽनघ ॥७-६९-४४॥
May oblations, offerings to ancestors, Shachi, Lakshmi, and Arundhati always bring you welfare, O sinless one.
असितो देवलश्चैव विश्वामित्रस्तथाङ्गिराः। वसिष्ठः कश्यपश्चैव स्वस्ति कुर्वन्तु ते नृप ॥७-६९-४५॥
May Asita, Devala, Viśvāmitra, Aṅgirā, Vasiṣṭha, and Kaśyapa bless you with well-being, O king.
धाता विधाता लोकेशो दिशश्च सदिगीश्वराः। स्वस्ति तेऽद्य प्रयच्छन्तु कार्त्तिकेयश्च षण्मुखः ॥७-६९-४६॥
May the creator, ordainer, and lord of the worlds, along with all the lords of directions, bless you with welfare today, including Kartikeya and Shanmukha.
विवस्वान्भगवान्स्वस्ति करोतु तव सर्वशः। दिग्गजाश्चैव चत्वारः क्षितिः खं गगनं ग्रहाः ॥७-६९-४७॥
May the blessed Sun god grant you welfare in every way, along with the four directional elephants, the earth, sky, heavens, and planets.
अधस्ताद्धरणीं योऽसौ सदा धारयते नृप। स शेषः पन्नगश्रेष्ठः स्वस्ति तुभ्यं प्रयच्छतु ॥७-६९-४८॥
Below the earth, Śeṣa, the best of serpents, always supports it, O king. May he grant you welfare.
गान्धारे युधि विक्रम्य निर्जिताः सुरसत्तमाः। पुरा वृत्रेण दैत्येन भिन्नदेहाः सहस्रशः ॥७-६९-४९॥
In the region of Gandhara, the best of the gods were once defeated in battle by the demon Vritra, leaving thousands with shattered bodies.
हृततेजोबलाः सर्वे तदा सेन्द्रा दिवौकसः। ब्रह्माणं शरणं जग्मुर्वृत्राद्भीता महासुरात् ॥७-६९-५०॥
Deprived of their brilliance and strength, all the gods, along with Indra, sought refuge in Brahma, fearing the great demon Vritra.
देवा ऊचुः॥
The gods spoke:
प्रमर्दितानां वृत्रेण देवानां देवसत्तम। गतिर्भव सुरश्रेष्ठ त्राहि नो महतो भयात् ॥७-६९-५१॥
O supreme deity, please become the refuge for the gods oppressed by Vritra and protect us, the celestials, from this immense fear.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
अथ पार्श्वे स्थितं विष्णुं शक्रादींश्च सुरोत्तमान्। प्राह तथ्यमिदं वाक्यं विषण्णान्सुरसत्तमान् ॥७-६९-५२॥
Then, standing beside Vishnu, Indra, and the other supreme gods, he addressed the distressed deities with these truthful words.
रक्ष्या मे सततं देवाः सहेन्द्राः सद्विजातयः। त्वष्टुः सुदुर्धरं तेजो येन वृत्रो विनिर्मितः ॥७-६९-५३॥
My gods, along with Indra and the noble twice-born, are always to be protected; it is the formidable energy of Tvashta by which Vritra was created.
त्वष्ट्रा पुरा तपस्तप्त्वा वर्षायुतशतं तदा। वृत्रो विनिर्मितो देवाः प्राप्यानुज्ञां महेश्वरात् ॥७-६९-५४॥
Long ago, Tvaṣṭṛ performed penance for a hundred thousand years, and then Vṛtra was created after the gods received permission from Maheśvara.
स तस्यैव प्रसादाद्वै हन्यादेव रिपुर्बली। नागत्वा शङ्करस्थानं भगवान्दृश्यते हरः ॥७-६९-५५॥
By the grace of Shankara, he would certainly defeat the strong enemy. However, without coming to the abode of Shankara, Lord Hara is perceived.
दृष्ट्वा हनिष्यथ रिपुं क्षिप्रं गच्छत मन्दरम्। यत्रास्ते तपसां योनिर्दक्षयज्ञविनाशनः ॥ पिनाकी सर्वभूतेशो भगनेत्रनिपातनः ॥७-६९-५६॥
Upon seeing, you will swiftly defeat the enemy; proceed to Mandara, where the source of penances resides, the destroyer of Daksha's sacrifice, Pinaki, the lord of all beings, and the one who destroyed Bhaga's eye.
ते गत्वा सहिता देवा ब्रह्मणा सह मन्दरम्। अपश्यंस्तेजसां राशिं सूर्यकोटिसमप्रभम् ॥७-६९-५७॥
They went together with the gods and Brahma to the Mandara mountain and saw a heap of lights shining as brightly as a million suns.
सोऽब्रवीत्स्वागतं देवा ब्रूत किं करवाण्यहम्। अमोघं दर्शनं मह्यं कामप्राप्तिरतोऽस्तु वः ॥७-६९-५८॥
He said, "Welcome, gods, tell me what I should do. The sight is infallible to me, so may your wishes be fulfilled."
एवमुक्तास्तु ते सर्वे प्रत्यूचुस्तं दिवौकसः। तेजो हृतं नो वृत्रेण गतिर्भव दिवौकसाम् ॥७-६९-५९॥
Upon being addressed in this way, all the gods replied to him: "Our brilliance has been taken by Vritra; please become the refuge for the gods."
मूर्तीरीक्षष्व नो देव प्रहारैर्जर्जरीकृताः। शरणं त्वां प्रपन्नाः स्म गतिर्भव महेश्वर ॥७-६९-६०॥
O great lord, see our forms battered by attacks. We have taken refuge in you; please be our shelter.
महेश्वर उवाच॥
Lord Shiva spoke:
विदितं मे यथा देवाः कृत्येयं सुमहाबला। त्वष्टुस्तेजोभवा घोरा दुर्निवार्याकृतात्मभिः ॥७-६९-६१॥
I am aware, O gods, that this formidable task, born from Tvaṣṭṛ's energy, is extremely powerful and cannot be resisted by those who are unrestrained.
अवश्यं तु मया कार्यं साह्यं सर्वदिवौकसाम्। ममेदं गात्रजं शक्र कवचं गृह्य भास्वरम् ॥७-६९-६२॥
Certainly, I must render help to all the gods. O Indra, take this shining armor born from my body.
बधानानेन मन्त्रेण मानसेन सुरेश्वर ॥७-६९-६२॥
O lord of gods, bind with this mantra mentally.
द्रोण उवाच॥
Drona said:
इत्युक्त्वा वरदः प्रादाद्वर्म तन्मन्त्रमेव च। स तेन वर्मणा गुप्तः प्रायाद्वृत्रचमूं प्रति ॥७-६९-६३॥
After speaking thus, the boon-giver granted the armor and the mantra itself. With that protection, he proceeded towards Vritra's army.
नानाविधैश्च शस्त्रौघैः पात्यमानैर्महारणे। न सन्धिः शक्यते भेत्तुं वर्मबन्धस्य तस्य तु ॥७-६९-६४॥
In the great battle, despite the various kinds of weapons being hurled, the fastening of that armor cannot be broken.
ततो जघान समरे वृत्रं देवपतिः स्वयम्। तं च मत्रमयं बन्धं वर्म चाङ्गिरसे ददौ ॥७-६९-६५॥
Then the lord of the gods himself slew Vritra in battle and gave the spell-bound armor to Angiras.
अङ्गिराः प्राह पुत्रस्य मन्त्रज्ञस्य बृहस्पतेः। बृहस्पतिरथोवाच अग्निवेश्याय धीमते ॥७-६९-६६॥
Angiras spoke to the son of the wise Brihaspati. Then Brihaspati addressed the wise Agniveshya.
अग्निवेश्यो मम प्रादात्तेन बध्नामि वर्म ते। तवाद्य देहरक्षार्थं मन्त्रेण नृपसत्तम ॥७-६९-६७॥
Agnivesha has given me this armor, and with it, I bind your protection today with a mantra, O noble king.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
एवमुक्त्वा ततो द्रोणस्तव पुत्रं महाद्युतिः। पुनरेव वचः प्राह शनैराचार्यपुङ्गवः ॥७-६९-६८॥
Having spoken thus, Droṇa, the greatly radiant teacher, slowly spoke again to your son.
ब्रह्मसूत्रेण बध्नामि कवचं तव पार्थिव। हिरण्यगर्भेण यथा बद्धं विष्णोः पुरा रणे ॥७-६९-६९॥
"With the thread of Brahman, I bind your armor, O prince, just as Hiranyagarbha once bound it to Vishnu in the ancient battle."
यथा च ब्रह्मणा बद्धं सङ्ग्रामे तारकामये। शक्रस्य कवचं दिव्यं तथा बध्नाम्यहं तव ॥७-६९-७०॥
Just as Brahma bound the divine armor of Indra in the battle against Tāraka, so do I bind your armor now.
बद्ध्वा तु कवचं तस्य मन्त्रेण विधिपूर्वकम्। प्रेषयामास राजानं युद्धाय महते द्विजः ॥७-६९-७१॥
The sage, after ritually binding the armor with a mantra, sent the king to the great battle.
स संनद्धो महाबाहुराचार्येण महात्मना। रथानां च सहस्रेण त्रिगर्तानां प्रहारिणाम् ॥७-६९-७२॥
He, the mighty-armed, was equipped by the noble teacher with a thousand chariots of the Trigartas, the attackers.
तथा दन्तिसहस्रेण मत्तानां वीर्यशालिनाम्। अश्वानामयुतेनैव तथान्यैश्च महारथैः ॥७-६९-७३॥
Thus, there were thousands of intoxicated and mighty elephants, ten thousand horses, and many other great chariots.
वृतः प्रायान्महाबाहुरर्जुनस्य रथं प्रति। नानावादित्रघोषेण यथा वैरोचनिस्तथा ॥७-६९-७४॥
The mighty-armed hero, surrounded by various musical sounds, proceeded towards Arjuna's chariot, much like the destroyer of enemies.
ततः शब्दो महानासीत्सैन्यानां तव भारत। अगाधं प्रस्थितं दृष्ट्वा समुद्रमिव कौरवम् ॥७-६९-७५॥
Then, O Bharata, a great sound arose from your armies as they saw the Kauravas, vast and unfathomable, set out like an ocean.
