07.073
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
बाणे तस्मिन्निकृत्ते तु धृष्टद्युम्ने च मोक्षिते। तेन वृष्णिप्रवीरेण युयुधानेन सञ्जय ॥७-७३-१॥
O Sañjaya, when the arrow was severed and Dhṛṣṭadyumna was freed by the Vṛṣṇi hero Yuyudhāna.
अमर्षितो महेष्वासः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः। नरव्याघ्रः शिनेः पौत्रे द्रोणः किमकरोद्युधि ॥७-७३-२॥
In his anger, the great archer and the best among all weapon bearers, Droṇa, who is like a tiger among men, confronted the grandson of Śini in battle. What did he do?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
सम्प्रद्रुतः क्रोधविषो व्यादितास्यशरासनः। तीक्ष्णधारेषुदशनः शितनाराचदंष्ट्रवान् ॥७-७३-३॥
He rushed forward, filled with the poison of anger, his mouth wide open with a bow, his arrows sharp-edged like teeth, and possessing keen iron arrow-like fangs.
संरम्भामर्षताम्राक्षो महाहिरिव निःश्वसन्। नरवीरप्रमुदितैः शोणैरश्वैर्महाजवैः ॥७-७३-४॥
With eyes reddened by anger and impatience, breathing heavily like a great serpent, accompanied by swift red horses, rejoiced by heroic men.
उत्पतद्भिरिवाकाशं क्रमद्भिरिव सर्वतः। रुक्मपुङ्खाञ्शरानस्यन्युयुधानमुपाद्रवत् ॥७-७३-५॥
He attacked Yuyudhana with arrows that seemed to rise to the sky and advance everywhere, their feathers golden.
शरपातमहावर्षं रथघोषबलाहकम्। कार्मुकाकर्षविक्षिप्तं नाराचबहुविद्युतम् ॥७-७३-६॥
A great shower of arrows fell like a rainstorm, accompanied by the thunderous sound of chariots, as bows were drawn and many iron arrows scattered like flashes of lightning.
शक्तिखड्गाशनिधरं क्रोधवेगसमुत्थितम्। द्रोणमेघमनावार्यं हयमारुतचोदितम् ॥७-७३-७॥
The unstoppable force of Drona, like a cloud driven by the wind of horses, arose with the power of a sword and thunderbolt, fueled by the speed of anger.
दृष्ट्वैवाभिपतन्तं तं शूरः परपुरञ्जयः। उवाच सूतं शैनेयः प्रहसन्युद्धदुर्मदः ॥७-७३-८॥
Upon seeing the approaching warrior, the heroic conqueror of enemy cities, smiling and intoxicated by the battle, addressed the charioteer, the son of Śini.
एतं वै ब्राह्मणं क्रूरं स्वकर्मण्यनवस्थितम्। आश्रयं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य राज्ञो दुःखभयावहम् ॥७-७३-९॥
This Brahmin, who is cruel and unsteady in his duties, is indeed a refuge for Dhritarashtra's son, causing sorrow and fear to the king.
शीघ्रं प्रजवितैरश्वैः प्रत्युद्याहि प्रहृष्टवत्। आचार्यं राजपुत्राणां सततं शूरमानिनम् ॥७-७३-१०॥
Quickly, go joyfully to meet the teacher of the princes, who is always regarded as a hero, with swift horses.
ततो रजतसङ्काशा माधवस्य हयोत्तमाः। द्रोणस्याभिमुखाः शीघ्रमगच्छन्वातरंहसः ॥७-७३-११॥
Then the splendid horses of Mādhava, resembling silver, swiftly advanced towards Droṇa, facing him with the speed of the wind.
इषुजालावृतं घोरमन्धकारमनन्तरम्। अनाधृष्यमिवान्येषां शूराणामभवत्तदा ॥७-७३-१२॥
At that time, the heroes found themselves enveloped in a terrifying darkness, covered by a net of arrows, making it seem impenetrable to others.
ततः शीघ्रास्त्रविदुषोर्द्रोणसात्वतयोस्तदा। नान्तरं शरवृष्टीनां दृश्यते नरसिंहयोः ॥७-७३-१३॥
At that time, between Drona and Satyaki, both swift experts in weaponry, there was no gap visible in the showers of arrows, as if they were two lions among men.
इषूणां संनिपातेन शब्दो धाराभिघातजः। शुश्रुवे शक्रमुक्तानामशनीनामिव स्वनः ॥७-७३-१४॥
The sound of the arrows colliding was heard like the thunderous noise of Indra's thunderbolts.
नाराचैरतिविद्धानां शराणां रूपमाबभौ। आशीविषविदष्टानां सर्पाणामिव भारत ॥७-७३-१५॥
O Bhārata, the arrows pierced by iron arrows appeared like serpents bitten by poisonous snakes.
तयोर्ज्यातलनिर्घोषो व्यश्रूयत सुदारुणः। अजस्रं शैलशृङ्गाणां वज्रेणाहन्यतामिव ॥७-७३-१६॥
The dreadful sound of the bowstrings of those two echoed continuously, as if the peaks of mountains were being shattered by a thunderbolt.
उभयोस्तौ रथौ राजंस्ते चाश्वास्तौ च सारथी। रुक्मपुङ्खैः शरैश्छन्नाश्चित्ररूपा बभुस्तदा ॥७-७३-१७॥
O king, at that time, both of those chariots, along with your horses and charioteers, became variegated as they were covered with golden-feathered arrows.
निर्मलानामजिह्मानां नाराचानां विशां पते। निर्मुक्ताशीविषाभानां सम्पातोऽभूत्सुदारुणः ॥७-७३-१८॥
O lord of the people, the descent of the pure and straight arrows, released like venomous snakes, was extremely dreadful.
उभयोः पतिते छत्रे तथैव पतितौ ध्वजौ। उभौ रुधिरसिक्ताङ्गावुभौ च विजयैषिणौ ॥७-७३-१९॥
Both the umbrellas and flags have fallen, and both warriors, with blood-smeared bodies, desire victory.
स्रवद्भिः शोणितं गात्रैः प्रस्रुताविव वारणौ। अन्योन्यमभिविध्येतां जीवितान्तकरैः शरैः ॥७-७३-२०॥
The elephants, with blood flowing from their bodies, attacked each other with arrows that could end life.
गर्जितोत्क्रुष्टसंनादाः शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिस्वनाः। उपारमन्महाराज व्याजहार न कश्चन ॥७-७३-२१॥
The loud roaring sounds of conches and drums ceased, O great king, and no one spoke.
तूष्णीम्भूतान्यनीकानि योधा युद्धादुपारमन्। ददृशे द्वैरथं ताभ्यां जातकौतूहलो जनः ॥७-७३-२२॥
The armies fell silent as the warriors stopped fighting. The duel between the two was observed, sparking curiosity among the people.
रथिनो हस्तियन्तारो हयारोहाः पदातयः। अवैक्षन्ताचलैर्नेत्रैः परिवार्य रथर्षभौ ॥७-७३-२३॥
The charioteers, elephant drivers, horse riders, and foot soldiers surrounded the best of chariots, gazing intently with steady eyes.
हस्त्यनीकान्यतिष्ठन्त तथानीकानि वाजिनाम्। तथैव रथवाहिन्यः प्रतिव्यूह्य व्यवस्थिताः ॥७-७३-२४॥
The divisions of elephants, horses, and chariots were all strategically positioned in their respective formations.
मुक्ताविद्रुमचित्रैश्च मणिकाञ्चनभूषितैः। ध्वजैराभरणैश्चित्रैः कवचैश्च हिरण्मयैः ॥७-७३-२५॥
The scene was adorned with pearls, coral, and variegated gems set in gold, along with flags, ornaments, and golden armors, creating a splendid display.
वैजयन्तीपताकाभिः परिस्तोमाङ्गकम्बलैः। विमलैर्निशितैः शस्त्रैर्हयानां च प्रकीर्णकैः ॥७-७३-२६॥
The scene was adorned with banners and flags, covering the limbs with blankets, equipped with pure and sharp weapons, and scattered among the horses.
जातरूपमयीभिश्च राजतीभिश्च मूर्धसु। गजानां कुम्भमालाभिर्दन्तवेष्टैश्च भारत ॥७-७३-२७॥
O Bharata, the elephants had garlands of pitchers made of gold and silver on their heads, along with coverings for their tusks.
सबलाकाः सखद्योताः सैरावतशतह्रदाः। अदृश्यन्तोष्णपर्याये मेघानामिव वागुराः ॥७-७३-२८॥
In the hot season, the scene appeared like traps of clouds, filled with cranes, fireflies, and numerous lakes of Airavata.
अपश्यन्नस्मदीयाश्च ते च यौधिष्ठिराः स्थिताः। तद्युद्धं युयुधानस्य द्रोणस्य च महात्मनः ॥७-७३-२९॥
Seeing both our and their followers of Yudhishthira standing, the battle between Yuyudhana and the noble Drona commenced.
विमानाग्रगता देवा ब्रह्मशक्रपुरोगमाः। सिद्धचारणसङ्घाश्च विद्याधरमहोरगाः ॥७-७३-३०॥
The gods, led by Brahma and Indra, were at the forefront in their aircraft, accompanied by assemblies of perfected beings, celestial singers, knowledge bearers, and great serpents.
गतप्रत्यागताक्षेपैश्चित्रैः शस्त्रविघातिभिः। विविधैर्विस्मयं जग्मुस्तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः ॥७-७३-३१॥
The two lion-like warriors were amazed by the various gestures of going and returning and the wonderful obstructions of weapons.
हस्तलाघवमस्त्रेषु दर्शयन्तौ महाबलौ। अन्योन्यं समविध्येतां शरैस्तौ द्रोणसात्यकी ॥७-७३-३२॥
Droṇa and Sātyaki, both great warriors, demonstrated their skill in handling weapons by shooting arrows at each other.
ततो द्रोणस्य दाशार्हः शरांश्चिच्छेद संयुगे। पत्रिभिः सुदृढैराशु धनुश्चैव महाद्युते ॥७-७३-३३॥
Then the descendant of the Daśārhas, with his swift and strong feathered arrows, cut down Drona's arrows and his splendid bow in the battle.
निमेषान्तरमात्रेण भारद्वाजोऽपरं धनुः। सज्यं चकार तच्चाशु चिच्छेदास्य स सात्यकिः ॥७-७३-३४॥
In just a moment, Bhāradvāja prepared another bow, and Sātyaki swiftly cut it down.
ततस्त्वरन्पुनर्द्रोणो धनुर्हस्तो व्यतिष्ठत। सज्यं सज्यं पुनश्चास्य चिच्छेद निशितैः शरैः ॥७-७३-३५॥
Then, in his haste, Droṇa stood with his bow in hand. Repeatedly, he severed his bowstring with sharp arrows.
ततोऽस्य संयुगे द्रोणो दृष्ट्वा कर्मातिमानुषम्। युयुधानस्य राजेन्द्र मनसेदमचिन्तयत् ॥७-७३-३६॥
Upon witnessing the extraordinary feats of Yuyudhāna in battle, Droṇa, deeply contemplative, pondered over the situation, O king.
एतदस्त्रबलं रामे कार्तवीर्ये धनञ्जये। भीष्मे च पुरुषव्याघ्रे यदिदं सात्वतां वरे ॥७-७३-३७॥
This weapon power is present in Rāma, Kārtavīrya, Dhanañjaya, Bhīṣma, and the best among the Sātvatas, the tiger among men.
तं चास्य मनसा द्रोणः पूजयामास विक्रमम्। लाघवं वासवस्येव सम्प्रेक्ष्य द्विजसत्तमः ॥७-७३-३८॥
Drona, observing his agility akin to that of Indra, praised his valor with all his heart, O revered sage.
तुतोषास्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठस्तथा देवाः सवासवाः। न तामालक्षयामासुर्लघुतां शीघ्रकारिणः ॥७-७३-३९॥
The best among the weapon-knowers, along with the gods and Indra, were pleased. They did not notice her lightness due to their quick actions.
देवाश्च युयुधानस्य गन्धर्वाश्च विशां पते। सिद्धचारणसङ्घाश्च विदुर्द्रोणस्य कर्म तत् ॥७-७३-४०॥
The gods, Gandharvas, and assemblies of Siddhas and Charanas, O lord of men, were aware of Drona's actions.
ततोऽन्यद्धनुरादाय द्रोणः क्षत्रियमर्दनः। अस्त्रैरस्त्रविदां श्रेष्ठो योधयामास भारत ॥७-७३-४१॥
Then Droṇa, the great warrior and subduer of warriors, took up another bow and engaged in battle, demonstrating his unmatched skill in weaponry, O descendant of Bharata.
तस्यास्त्राण्यस्त्रमायाभिः प्रतिहन्य स सात्यकिः। जघान निशितैर्बाणैस्तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥७-७३-४२॥
Satyaki countered his weapons with weaponry tricks and killed with sharp arrows; it seemed wonderful.
तस्यातिमानुषं कर्म दृष्ट्वान्यैरसमं रणे। युक्तं योगेन योगज्ञास्तावकाः समपूजयन् ॥७-७३-४३॥
Upon witnessing his superhuman feats in battle, unmatched by others, your men, who are knowledgeable in yoga, revered him, fully engaged in their practice.
यदस्त्रमस्यति द्रोणस्तदेवास्यति सात्यकिः। तमाचार्योऽप्यसम्भ्रान्तोऽयोधयच्छत्रुतापनः ॥७-७३-४४॥
Whatever weapon Drona used, Satyaki used the same. The teacher, calm and composed, also fought against him, the tormentor of enemies.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज धनुर्वेदस्य पारगः। वधाय युयुधानस्य दिव्यमस्त्रमुदैरयत् ॥७-७३-४५॥
Then the great king, in his anger and expertise in archery, raised a divine weapon to kill Yuyudhana.
तदाग्नेयं महाघोरं रिपुघ्नमुपलक्ष्य सः। अस्त्रं दिव्यं महेष्वासो वारुणं समुदैरयत् ॥७-७३-४६॥
Upon observing the fiery and dreadful weapon that destroys enemies, the great archer released the divine weapon of Varuna.
हाहाकारो महानासीद्दृष्ट्वा दिव्यास्त्रधारिणौ। न विचेरुस्तदाकाशे भूतान्याकाशगान्यपि ॥७-७३-४७॥
There was a great uproar when the bearers of divine weapons were seen. Even the celestial beings in the sky did not move at that time.
अस्त्रे ते वारुणाग्नेये ताभ्यां बाणसमाहिते। न तावदभिषज्येते व्यावर्तदथ भास्करः ॥७-७३-४८॥
Your arrows, concentrated with the power of Varuna and Agni, were not injured, and then the sun turned away.
ततो युधिष्ठिरो राजा भीमसेनश्च पाण्डवः। नकुलः सहदेवश्च पर्यरक्षन्त सात्यकिम् ॥७-७३-४९॥
Then King Yudhishthira, along with Bhimasena, Nakula, and Sahadeva, the Pandavas, protected Satyaki.
धृष्टद्युम्नमुखैः सार्धं विराटश्च सकेकयः। मत्स्याः शाल्वेयसेनाश्च द्रोणमाजग्मुरञ्जसा ॥७-७३-५०॥
Dhrishtadyumna, along with Virata, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, and the army of Shalwa, swiftly approached Drona.
दुःशासनं पुरस्कृत्य राजपुत्राः सहस्रशः। द्रोणमभ्युपपद्यन्त सपत्नैः परिवारितम् ॥७-७३-५१॥
The princes, numbering in thousands, placed Duhshasana at the forefront and approached Drona, who was surrounded by enemies.
ततो युद्धमभूद्राजंस्तव तेषां च धन्विनाम्। रजसा संवृते लोके शरजालसमावृते ॥७-७३-५२॥
Then, O King, a fierce battle ensued between your archers and theirs, shrouding the world in dust and a dense net of arrows.
सर्वमाविग्नमभवन्न प्राज्ञायत किञ्चन। सैन्येन रजसा ध्वस्ते निर्मर्यादमवर्तत ॥७-७३-५३॥
Everything was in chaos; nothing was discernible. The army, scattered by the dust, moved without any order.
