07.139
Core and Pancharatra: Duryodhana re-arranges his army to protect Drona, while Drona makes an advance towards Pandavas.
Sanjaya said:
In the world, which was both illuminated and shrouded in dust and darkness, the heroes gathered, intent on mutual destruction.
The warriors gathered on the battlefield, O king, armed with weapons, javelins, and swords, and glared at each other, each having wronged the other.
O Bharata, the earth was illuminated all around by thousands of shining lamps, resembling the sky adorned with planets.
The battlefield was illuminated by hundreds of blazing firebrands, making it seem as though the earth was burning in the absence of its inhabitants.
All the directions were brightly lit by the lamps everywhere, resembling trees surrounded by fireflies on a rainy evening.
Then the heroes were arrayed among heroes, each separately. Elephants gathered with elephants, and horses with steeds.
The chariots, truly the finest, arrived filled with joy at the onset of the dreadful night, as commanded by your son.
Then Arjuna, O great king, engaged with speed, smashed the army of the Kauravas, destroying all the princes.
Dhritarashtra spoke:
When my son's army was entered in that excited state, what was going through the mind of the invincible and intolerant one at that time?
What did the armies think when the enemy tormentor entered? And what did Duryodhana consider to be the appropriate action at that time?
Who were the warriors that advanced against this hero, the foe-tamer, in battle? Who protected the right flank and who stood on the left of Drona?
Who were the heroes standing behind him as he fought, and who went ahead to slay the enemies in battle?
The powerful and undefeated great archer entered the land of the Panchalas, moving like a dancing tiger among men on the chariot paths.
Droṇa, in his wrath, destroyed the chariots of the Pāñcālas with his arrows, resembling an angry comet. How did he then meet his end?
You describe others as calm and undefeated, even when they are slain, dejected, and scattered. You also praise my charioteers who have been rendered without chariots in battles.
Sanjaya said:
Understanding Drona's opinion and eager to fight that night, King Duryodhana addressed his obedient brothers.
Vikarna, Citrasena, and the mighty-armed Kaurava, along with the invincible and long-armed ones, and their followers.
All the valiant warriors, being attentive, protect Drona from behind. Kritavarma guards the right flank, while Shalya takes charge of the left.
Your son urged all the remaining great charioteer heroes of the Trigartas forward.
The teacher is indeed well-prepared, and the Pāṇḍavas are very attentive. Protect him as he strikes the enemies in battle, being well-prepared.
Drona, being strong, swift, and valiant in battle, could easily conquer even the gods, let alone the sons of Pritha and the Somakas.
All of you, being united and very attentive great warriors, protect Droṇa from the great warrior Dhṛṣṭadyumna of the Pāñcāla clan.
In the armies of the Pandavas, I see no warrior who can defeat Drona in battle, except for Dhrishtadyumna, O kings.
I believe wholeheartedly in the protection of Bharadvaja. With his protection, he would be able to defeat the Somakas, the Srinjayas, and their kings.
Then, among the Sṛñjayas, when all have been slain at the front of the army, Aśvatthāmā will undoubtedly destroy Dhṛṣṭadyumna in battle.
Thus, Karna, the great warrior, will defeat Arjuna in battle. I, too, with determination, will overcome Bhimasena in the fight.
"This victory of mine will be evident for a long time. Therefore, O great warriors, protect Droṇa alone in the battle."
After speaking thus, your son Duryodhana, the best among the Bharatas, commanded the army amidst the dreadful darkness.
Then, O bull among the Bharatas, a terrible battle commenced at night between both armies, each desiring victory.
Arjuna and the Kauravas' army, along with the Kauravas, engaged in fierce battle, tormenting each other with a variety of weapons.
Drona's son, Ashwatthama, and Bharadvaja's son, Drona, showered arrows with bent joints upon the king of the Panchalas and the Srinjayas during the battle.
O sir, a dreadful tumult arose from the armies of the Pandavas, Panchalas, and Kauravas as they clashed with one another.
Neither we nor our ancestors have ever seen such a terrifying battle as that night.
