07.073
Dhritarashtra spoke:
O Sañjaya, when the arrow was severed and Dhṛṣṭadyumna was freed by the Vṛṣṇi hero Yuyudhāna.
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?
Sanjaya said:
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.
With eyes reddened by anger and impatience, breathing heavily like a great serpent, accompanied by swift red horses, rejoiced by heroic men.
He attacked Yuyudhana with arrows that seemed to rise to the sky and advance everywhere, their feathers golden.
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.
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.
Upon seeing the approaching warrior, the heroic conqueror of enemy cities, smiling and intoxicated by the battle, addressed the charioteer, the son of Śini.
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.
Quickly, go joyfully to meet the teacher of the princes, who is always regarded as a hero, with swift horses.
Then the splendid horses of Mādhava, resembling silver, swiftly advanced towards Droṇa, facing him with the speed of the wind.
At that time, the heroes found themselves enveloped in a terrifying darkness, covered by a net of arrows, making it seem impenetrable to others.
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.
The sound of the arrows colliding was heard like the thunderous noise of Indra's thunderbolts.
O Bhārata, the arrows pierced by iron arrows appeared like serpents bitten by poisonous snakes.
The dreadful sound of the bowstrings of those two echoed continuously, as if the peaks of mountains were being shattered by a thunderbolt.
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.
O lord of the people, the descent of the pure and straight arrows, released like venomous snakes, was extremely dreadful.
Both the umbrellas and flags have fallen, and both warriors, with blood-smeared bodies, desire victory.
The elephants, with blood flowing from their bodies, attacked each other with arrows that could end life.
The loud roaring sounds of conches and drums ceased, O great king, and no one spoke.
The armies fell silent as the warriors stopped fighting. The duel between the two was observed, sparking curiosity among the people.
The charioteers, elephant drivers, horse riders, and foot soldiers surrounded the best of chariots, gazing intently with steady eyes.
The divisions of elephants, horses, and chariots were all strategically positioned in their respective formations.
The scene was adorned with pearls, coral, and variegated gems set in gold, along with flags, ornaments, and golden armors, creating a splendid display.
The scene was adorned with banners and flags, covering the limbs with blankets, equipped with pure and sharp weapons, and scattered among the horses.
O Bharata, the elephants had garlands of pitchers made of gold and silver on their heads, along with coverings for their tusks.
In the hot season, the scene appeared like traps of clouds, filled with cranes, fireflies, and numerous lakes of Airavata.
Seeing both our and their followers of Yudhishthira standing, the battle between Yuyudhana and the noble Drona commenced.
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.
The two lion-like warriors were amazed by the various gestures of going and returning and the wonderful obstructions of weapons.
Droṇa and Sātyaki, both great warriors, demonstrated their skill in handling weapons by shooting arrows at each other.
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.
In just a moment, Bhāradvāja prepared another bow, and Sātyaki swiftly cut it down.
Then, in his haste, Droṇa stood with his bow in hand. Repeatedly, he severed his bowstring with sharp arrows.
Upon witnessing the extraordinary feats of Yuyudhāna in battle, Droṇa, deeply contemplative, pondered over the situation, O king.
This weapon power is present in Rāma, Kārtavīrya, Dhanañjaya, Bhīṣma, and the best among the Sātvatas, the tiger among men.
Drona, observing his agility akin to that of Indra, praised his valor with all his heart, O revered sage.
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.
The gods, Gandharvas, and assemblies of Siddhas and Charanas, O lord of men, were aware of Drona's actions.
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.
Satyaki countered his weapons with weaponry tricks and killed with sharp arrows; it seemed wonderful.
Upon witnessing his superhuman feats in battle, unmatched by others, your men, who are knowledgeable in yoga, revered him, fully engaged in their practice.
Whatever weapon Drona used, Satyaki used the same. The teacher, calm and composed, also fought against him, the tormentor of enemies.
Then the great king, in his anger and expertise in archery, raised a divine weapon to kill Yuyudhana.
Upon observing the fiery and dreadful weapon that destroys enemies, the great archer released the divine weapon of Varuna.
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.
Your arrows, concentrated with the power of Varuna and Agni, were not injured, and then the sun turned away.
Then King Yudhishthira, along with Bhimasena, Nakula, and Sahadeva, the Pandavas, protected Satyaki.
Dhrishtadyumna, along with Virata, the Kekayas, the Matsyas, and the army of Shalwa, swiftly approached Drona.
The princes, numbering in thousands, placed Duhshasana at the forefront and approached Drona, who was surrounded by enemies.
Then, O King, a fierce battle ensued between your archers and theirs, shrouding the world in dust and a dense net of arrows.
Everything was in chaos; nothing was discernible. The army, scattered by the dust, moved without any order.
