07.126
Pancharatra and Core: Drona responds to Duryodhana's rebuke, explaining the situation and his real helplessness against the Pandavas strength and righteousness.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
O father, when Sindhuraja was slain in battle by Savyasachi, and similarly Bhurishravas, what was going through your mind at that time?
Droṇa, having been addressed by Duryodhana in the Kuru assembly, what did he say further? Tell me that, Sañjaya.
Sanjaya said:
Niṣṭānaka was a great warrior among your armies, O Bhārata. He witnessed the fall of Saindhava and Bhūriśravas.
The mantra of your son was enchanted, and all were disregarded by it, leading to the slaying of hundreds of warrior chiefs.
Drona, upon hearing those words of your son, was deeply distressed. He paused for a moment, and then, greatly afflicted, he spoke:
Duryodhana, why do you speak to me in such a manner, cutting me with your words, always declaring Arjuna to be invincible in battle?
This alone is enough to understand Arjuna's prowess in battle, as it was Shikhandi who killed Bhishma under the protection of Arjuna, the one with the crown.
Upon witnessing the invincible being defeated in battle by gods and men, I immediately realized that this speech does not exist.
We remember the all-heroic one among men in the three worlds. With that hero slain, what remains for us to worship?
In the Kuru assembly, Shakuni challenges those whom indeed father does not consider as mere dice, but as sharp arrows that torment the enemy.
Those arrows, driven by victory, are striking us, father. You fail to recognize those being indicated by Vidura at that time.
Those who were lamenting did not hear the wise and auspicious words of Vidura, the great soul, who was speaking for their welfare.
This great and terrible calamity has arisen due to the insult caused by your words, Duryodhana.
Draupadi, who was unworthy and born in a noble family, was brought to the assembly in front of those watching, despite being a follower of all dharma.
The consequences of his unrighteous actions in Gandhara have come upon you. Otherwise, you would face even greater sin in the afterlife.
And having unfairly won against the Pāṇḍavas in the game of dice, you exiled them to the forest, where they wore deer skin from Raurava.
Who in the world would harm those who, like sons, always practice their duty, other than me, who claims to be a Brahmin?
The anger of the Pandavas, instigated by you and Shakuni, was presented in the Kuru assembly with Dhritarashtra's consent.
You, having been associated with Duḥśāsana and nurtured by Karṇa, repeatedly ignored the charioteer's advice and continued your actions.
How was he, who had defeated all and surrounded Arjuna relying on the Sindhu king, killed in your midst?
O Kaurava, how did Saindhava meet his death while you, Karna, Kripa, Shalya, and Ashwatthama are still alive?
The Sindhu king, whom all the kings revered for his sharp brilliance, how was he killed among you?
The king especially hoped for protection from Arjuna, both in me and in you, Duryodhana.
Then, having not obtained protection from Arjuna, I do not see any means of preserving my life.
I perceive myself as if drowning in the sin associated with Dhrishtadyumna, for not having slain the Panchalas along with Shikhandi.
O Bharata, why do you torment me with words? Having become powerless, I am unable to protect the king of Sindhu.
Seeing the golden flag of the truthful and tireless Bhishma in battle, how do you expect to achieve victory?
In the midst of the great charioteers, where Saindhava was killed and Bhūriśravā was slain, what do you think remains there?
I worship the invincible Kripa, who, if the king lives, is on the path from the elephant of the king of elephants.
I witnessed Bhishma being slain while your younger brother Duhshasana was watching, performing a feat that seemed impossible, as if he were invincible in battle even to the gods with Indra.
O king, I do not think these lands are yours. Today, the armies of the Pandavas and the Sṛñjayas are advancing towards me together, O Bharata.
I will not remove my armor without killing all the Panchalas. I will fight in the battle for your benefit, O Dhritarashtra.
O king, instruct my son Aśvatthāmā in the battle not to spare the Somakas, ensuring they are not left alive.
Follow the instructions given by your father and remain steadfast in kindness, self-control, truth, and honesty.
One should be skilled in the pursuits of duty, wealth, and desire, ensuring that duty and wealth are not harmed, and should repeatedly perform actions with duty as the primary focus.
The eyes and mind should be contented, and wise men should be served as per one's capacity. One should not cause them any displeasure, as they are akin to flames of fire.
"O enemy-slayer, I am entering the armies for the great battle, O king, as I am afflicted by your harshness."
Duryodhana, if you can hold your strength, the eager Kurus and Sṛñjayas will indeed fight even at night.
After speaking thus, Droṇa moved towards the Pāṇḍavas and Sṛñjayas, diminishing the warriors' brilliance as the sun does to the stars.
