07.150
Core and Pancharatra: Description of Ghatotkacha. Witnessing the fierce battle with illusions, the distressed Kaurava army fled away. Only Karna is able to withstand the illusion and agility of Ghatotkacha, and that too with considerable effort. In the process, Ghatotkacha is playing with Karna's mind by saying - "Stand now, son of a charioteer, you shall not leave alive. Today, I will destroy your faith in battle on the battlefield."
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
यत्र वैकर्तनः कर्णो राक्षसश्च घटोत्कचः। निशीथे समसज्जेतां तद्युद्धमभवत्कथम् ॥७-१५०-१॥
The battle between Karna, the son of Vikartana, and the demon Ghatotkacha took place at midnight. How did that battle unfold?
कीदृशं चाभवद्युद्धं तस्य घोरस्य रक्षसः। रथश्च कीदृशस्तस्य मायाः सर्वायुधानि च ॥७-१५०-२॥
What kind of battle did that terrible demon fight? And what were his chariot, magic, and all his weapons like?
किम्प्रमाणा हयास्तस्य रथकेतुर्धनुस्तथा। कीदृशं वर्म चैवास्य कण्ठत्राणं च कीदृशम् ॥ पृष्टस्त्वमेतदाचक्ष्व कुशलो ह्यसि सञ्जय ॥७-१५०-३॥
Sanjaya, you are knowledgeable, so tell me about the measurements of his horses, the chariot-banner, and the bow, as well as the kind of armor and neck-guard he possesses.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
लोहिताक्षो महाकायस्ताम्रास्यो निम्नितोदरः। ऊर्ध्वरोमा हरिश्मश्रुः शङ्कुकर्णो महाहनुः ॥७-१५०-४॥
He is described as having red eyes, a large body, a copper-colored face, a deep belly; his hair stands upright, he has a tawny beard, ears shaped like conches, and a large jaw.
आकर्णाद्दारितास्यश्च तीक्ष्णदंष्ट्रः करालवान्। सुदीर्घताम्रजिह्वोष्ठो लम्बभ्रूः स्थूलनासिकः ॥७-१५०-५॥
He had a terrifying appearance with a mouth torn from ear to ear, sharp fangs, very long coppery tongue and lips, hanging eyebrows, and a thick nose.
नीलाङ्गो लोहितग्रीवो गिरिवर्ष्मा भयङ्करः। महाकायो महाबाहुर्महाशीर्षो महाबलः ॥७-१५०-६॥
He is blue-bodied with a red neck, mountain-sized and fearsome; possessing a great body, arms, head, and immense power.
विकचः परुषस्पर्शो विकटोद्बद्धपिण्डिकः। स्थूलस्फिग्गूढनाभिश्च शिथिलोपचयो महान् ॥७-१५०-७॥
He is blooming, rough to touch, with huge swollen muscles, large buttocks, a hidden navel, and a loose, great growth.
तथैव हस्ताभरणी महामायोऽङ्गदी तथा। उरसा धारयन्निष्कमग्निमालां यथाचलः ॥७-१५०-८॥
In the same manner, the great illusionist adorned with hand ornaments and armlets, bore a golden chain and a fiery garland on his chest, resembling a mountain.
तस्य हेममयं चित्रं बहुरूपाङ्गशोभितम्। तोरणप्रतिमं शुभ्रं किरीटं मूर्ध्न्यशोभत ॥७-१५०-९॥
His crown, made of gold and adorned with various forms, shone brightly like an archway on his head.
कुण्डले बालसूर्याभे मालां हेममयीं शुभाम्। धारयन्विपुलं कांस्यं कवचं च महाप्रभम् ॥७-१५०-१०॥
He wore earrings that shone like the young sun, a golden and auspicious garland, and an ample bronze armor that was very splendid.
किङ्किणीशतनिर्घोषं रक्तध्वजपताकिनम्। ऋक्षचर्मावनद्धाङ्गं नल्वमात्रं महारथम् ॥७-१५०-११॥
The great chariot, resounding with the noise of a hundred bells, adorned with red flags and banners, covered with bear skin, and measuring four units, stood majestically.
सर्वायुधवरोपेतमास्थितो ध्वजमालिनम्। अष्टचक्रसमायुक्तं मेघगम्भीरनिस्वनम् ॥७-१५०-१२॥
The chariot, equipped with all the best weapons and adorned with a flag, was seated and fitted with eight wheels, producing a deep sound like that of a cloud.
तत्र मातङ्गसङ्काशा लोहिताक्षा विभीषणाः। कामवर्णजवा युक्ता बलवन्तोऽवहन्हयाः ॥७-१५०-१३॥
There, terrifying horses, resembling elephants, with red eyes and desirous of speed, were yoked and strong, carrying forward.
राक्षसोऽस्य विरूपाक्षः सूतो दीप्तास्यकुण्डलः। रश्मिभिः सूर्यरश्म्याभैः सञ्जग्राह हयान्रणे ॥ स तेन सहितस्तस्थावरुणेन यथा रविः ॥७-१५०-१४॥
The demon Virupaksha, with his charioteer whose face and earrings shone brightly, seized the horses in battle with rays resembling those of the sun. Together with Varuna, he stood like the sun.
संसक्त इव चाभ्रेण यथाद्रिर्महता महान्। दिवस्पृक्सुमहान्केतुः स्यन्दनेऽस्य समुच्छ्रितः ॥ रक्तोत्तमाङ्गः क्रव्यादो गृध्रः परमभीषणः ॥७-१५०-१५॥
A massive banner, as if attached to a mountain by a great cloud, is raised high on his chariot, reaching the sky. A red-headed vulture, a flesh-eater, appears extremely terrifying.
वासवाशनिनिर्घोषं दृढज्यमभिविक्षिपन्। व्यक्तं किष्कुपरीणाहं द्वादशारत्नि कार्मुकम् ॥७-१५०-१६॥
The bow, with a circumference of twelve cubits, was clearly visible as its firm bowstring was stretched, echoing the sound of Indra's thunderbolt.
रथाक्षमात्रैरिषुभिः सर्वाः प्रच्छादयन्दिशः। तस्यां वीरापहारिण्यां निशायां कर्णमभ्ययात् ॥७-१५०-१७॥
During the night that stole heroes, Karna approached, covering all directions with arrows the size of chariot axles.
तस्य विक्षिपतश्चापं रथे विष्टभ्य तिष्ठतः। अश्रूयत धनुर्घोषो विस्फूर्जितमिवाशनेः ॥७-१५०-१८॥
As he stood firm on the chariot, his bow was thrown, and the sound of the bow was heard, resonating like the crack of a thunderbolt.
तेन वित्रास्यमानानि तव सैन्यानि भारत। समकम्पन्त सर्वाणि सिन्धोरिव महोर्मयः ॥७-१५०-१९॥
Frightened by him, your armies, O Bharata, trembled like the great waves of the ocean.
तमापतन्तं सम्प्रेक्ष्य विरूपाक्षं विभीषणम्। उत्स्मयन्निव राधेयस्त्वरमाणोऽभ्यवारयत् ॥७-१५०-२०॥
Radheya, with a smile on his face, quickly blocked the approaching Virupaksha and Vibhishana.
ततः कर्णोऽभ्ययादेनमस्यन्नस्यन्तमन्तिकात्। मातङ्ग इव मातङ्गं यूथर्षभ इवर्षभम् ॥७-१५०-२१॥
Then Karna approached him, hissing as he came near, like an elephant approaching another elephant, or like a leader of the herd approaching a bull.
स संनिपातस्तुमुलस्तयोरासीद्विशां पते। कर्णराक्षसयो राजन्निन्द्रशम्बरयोरिव ॥७-१५०-२२॥
The tumultuous clash between the two was as fierce as the legendary battles between Karna and Rakshasa, and Indra and Shambara, O king.
तौ प्रगृह्य महावेगे धनुषी भीमनिस्वने। प्राच्छादयेतामन्योन्यं तक्षमाणौ महेषुभिः ॥७-१५०-२३॥
They both swiftly took up their bows, which emitted a terrifying sound, and began to cover each other with a barrage of powerful arrows, attacking fiercely.
ततः पूर्णायतोत्सृष्टैः शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। न्यवारयेतामन्योन्यं कांस्ये निर्भिद्य वर्मणी ॥७-१५०-२४॥
Then, with their fully drawn and released arrows having bent joints, they obstructed each other by piercing through the bronze armor.
तौ नखैरिव शार्दूलौ दन्तैरिव महाद्विपौ। रथशक्तिभिरन्योन्यं विशिखैश्च ततक्षतुः ॥७-१५०-२५॥
They attacked each other fiercely, like tigers with claws and great elephants with tusks, using chariot spikes and arrows.
सञ्छिन्दन्तौ हि गात्राणि संदधानौ च सायकान्। धक्ष्यमाणौ शरव्रातैर्नोदीक्षितुमशक्नुताम् ॥७-१५०-२६॥
They were cutting the limbs and joining the arrows, but being burned by showers of arrows, they were unable to look up.
तौ तु विक्षतसर्वाङ्गौ रुधिरौघपरिप्लुतौ। व्यभ्राजेतां यथा वारिप्रस्रुतौ गैरिकाचलौ ॥७-१५०-२७॥
Those two, though wounded and covered in blood, stood out like red ochre mountains with water flowing down.
तौ शराग्रविभिन्नाङ्गौ निर्भिन्दन्तौ परस्परम्। नाकम्पयेतामन्योन्यं यतमानौ महाद्युती ॥७-१५०-२८॥
The two warriors, with their limbs pierced by the tips of arrows, continued to pierce each other without trembling, striving against one another with great splendor.
तत्प्रवृत्तं निशायुद्धं चिरं सममिवाभवत्। प्राणयोर्दीव्यतो राजन्कर्णराक्षसयोर्मृधे ॥७-१५०-२९॥
The night battle began and continued for a long time, appearing evenly matched, O king, between Karna and the Rakshasa in the fight.
तस्य संदधतस्तीक्ष्णाञ्शरांश्चासक्तमस्यतः। धनुर्घोषेण वित्रस्ताः स्वे परे च तदाभवन् ॥ घटोत्कचं यदा कर्णो विशेषयति नो नृप ॥७-१५०-३०॥
As he strung and shot sharp arrows, the sound of his bow frightened both his own and the enemies. When Karna targets Ghatotkacha, our king is concerned.
ततः प्रादुष्करोद्दिव्यमस्त्रमस्त्रविदां वरः। कर्णेन विहितं दृष्ट्वा दिव्यमस्त्रं घटोत्कचः ॥ प्रादुश्चक्रे महामायां राक्षसः पाण्डुनन्दनः ॥७-१५०-३१॥
Then the best among the weapon experts manifested a divine weapon. Observing the divine weapon employed by Karna, Ghatotkacha, the son of Pandu and a demon, created a great illusion.
शूलमुद्गरधारिण्या शैलपादपहस्तया। रक्षसां घोररूपाणां महत्या सेनया वृतः ॥७-१५०-३२॥
He was surrounded by a great army of demons with terrible forms, bearing a spear and mace, and with hands like mountain trees.
तमुद्यतमहाचापं दृष्ट्वा ते व्यथिता नृपाः। भूतान्तकमिवायान्तं कालदण्डोग्रधारिणम् ॥७-१५०-३३॥
Upon seeing him with his great bow raised, the kings became distressed, as if they were witnessing the approach of the destroyer of all beings, bearing the fierce rod of time.
घटोत्कचप्रमुक्तेन सिंहनादेन भीषिताः। प्रसुस्रुवुर्गजा मूत्रं विव्यथुश्च नरा भृशम् ॥७-१५०-३४॥
The terrifying roar released by Ghatotkacha frightened the elephants, causing them to urinate, and the men trembled in great fear.
ततोऽश्मवृष्टिरत्युग्रा महत्यासीत्समन्ततः। अर्धरात्रेऽधिकबलैर्विमुक्ता रक्षसां बलैः ॥७-१५०-३५॥
Then, at midnight, a very fierce and great stone rain was released all around by the superior forces of the demons.
आयसानि च चक्राणि भुशुण्ड्यः शक्तितोमराः। पतन्त्यविरलाः शूलाः शतघ्न्यः पट्टिशास्तथा ॥७-१५०-३६॥
Iron discs, missiles, javelins, and spears fall unceasingly, along with pikes, hundred-killers, and swords, creating a relentless barrage.
तदुग्रमतिरौद्रं च दृष्ट्वा युद्धं नराधिपाः। पुत्राश्च तव योधाश्च व्यथिता विप्रदुद्रुवुः ॥७-१५०-३७॥
Upon witnessing the fierce and terrible battle, the kings, along with your sons and warriors, were distressed and fled away.
तत्रैकोऽस्त्रबलश्लाघी कर्णो मानी न विव्यथे। व्यधमच्च शरैर्मायां घटोत्कचविनिर्मिताम् ॥७-१५०-३८॥
There, Karṇa, who was proud and boasted of his weaponry strength, remained undisturbed and dispelled the illusion crafted by Ghaṭotkaca using his arrows.
मायायां तु प्रहीणायाममर्षात्स घटोत्कचः। विससर्ज शरान्घोरान्सूतपुत्रं त आविशन् ॥७-१५०-३९॥
When the illusion was dispelled, Ghatotkacha, in anger, released terrible arrows that struck Karna.
ततस्ते रुधिराभ्यक्ता भित्त्वा कर्णं महाहवे। विविशुर्धरणीं बाणाः सङ्क्रुद्धा इव पन्नगाः ॥७-१५०-४०॥
Then, in the great battle, the arrows, smeared with blood, pierced the ear and entered the earth like enraged serpents.
सूतपुत्रस्तु सङ्क्रुद्धो लघुहस्तः प्रतापवान्। घटोत्कचमतिक्रम्य बिभेद दशभिः शरैः ॥७-१५०-४१॥
The son of a charioteer, though angry and quick-handed, showed his might by bypassing Ghatotkacha and piercing him with ten arrows.
घटोत्कचो विनिर्भिन्नः सूतपुत्रेण मर्मसु। चक्रं दिव्यं सहस्रारमगृह्णाद्व्यथितो भृशम् ॥७-१५०-४२॥
Ghatotkacha, having been severely wounded in his vital parts by Karna, the son of a charioteer, took up the divine thousand-spoked discus in great distress.
क्षुरान्तं बालसूर्याभं मणिरत्नविभूषितम्। चिक्षेपाधिरथेः क्रुद्धो भैमसेनिर्जिघांसया ॥७-१५०-४३॥
The angry son of Bhimasena hurled the sharp-edged, jewel-adorned weapon, resembling the rising sun, with the intent to kill the great chariot-warrior.
प्रविद्धमतिवेगेन विक्षिप्तं कर्णसायकैः। अभाग्यस्येव सङ्कल्पस्तन्मोघमपतद्भुवि ॥७-१५०-४४॥
The object, thrown with immense speed and scattered by Karna's arrows, fell uselessly to the ground, akin to the futile resolve of an unfortunate person.
घटोत्कचस्तु सङ्क्रुद्धो दृष्ट्वा चक्रं निपातितम्। कर्णं प्राच्छादयद्बाणैः स्वर्भानुरिव भास्करम् ॥७-१५०-४५॥
Ghatotkacha, in his fury, upon seeing the discus fall, enveloped Karna with his arrows, just as Swarbhanu (Rahu) eclipses the sun.
सूतपुत्रस्त्वसम्भ्रान्तो रुद्रोपेन्द्रेन्द्रविक्रमः। घटोत्कचरथं तूर्णं छादयामास पत्रिभिः ॥७-१५०-४६॥
The son of a charioteer, displaying the valor of Rudra and Indra, remained unshaken and swiftly enveloped Ghatotkacha's chariot with a barrage of arrows.
घटोत्कचेन क्रुद्धेन गदा हेमाङ्गदा तदा। क्षिप्ता भ्राम्य शरैः सापि कर्णेनाभ्याहतापतत् ॥७-१५०-४७॥
The golden-limbed mace, thrown by the furious Ghatotkacha, spun through the air but was struck down by Karna's arrows.
ततोऽन्तरिक्षमुत्पत्य कालमेघ इवोन्नदन्। प्रववर्ष महाकायो द्रुमवर्षं नभस्तलात् ॥७-१५०-४८॥
Then, rising into the sky like a roaring dark cloud, the huge-bodied being showered a rain of trees from the sky.
ततो मायाविनं कर्णो भीमसेनसुतं दिवि। मार्गणैरभिविव्याध घनं सूर्य इवांशुभिः ॥७-१५०-४९॥
Then Karna, known for his cunning, attacked the son of Bhimasena in the sky with his arrows, just as the Sun penetrates a cloud with its rays.
तस्य सर्वान्हयान्हत्वा सञ्छिद्य शतधा रथम्। अभ्यवर्षच्छरैः कर्णः पर्जन्य इव वृष्टिमान् ॥७-१५०-५०॥
Karṇa, having destroyed all the horses and shattered the chariot into a hundred fragments, rained arrows like a cloud pouring rain.
न चास्यासीदनिर्भिन्नं गात्रे द्व्यङ्गुलमन्तरम्। सोऽदृश्यत मुहूर्तेन श्वाविच्छललितो यथा ॥७-१५०-५१॥
There was not a single unbroken space of two fingers on his body. In a moment, he vanished, covered like a dog.
न हयान्न रथं तस्य न ध्वजं न घटोत्कचम्। दृष्टवन्तः स्म समरे शरौघैरभिसंवृतम् ॥७-१५०-५२॥
In the battle, they could not see his horses, chariot, flag, or Ghatotkacha, as all were covered by a multitude of arrows.
स तु कर्णस्य तद्दिव्यमस्त्रमस्त्रेण शातयन्। मायायुद्धेन मायावी सूतपुत्रमयोधयत् ॥७-१५०-५३॥
He countered Karna's divine weapon with his own and engaged in illusory warfare against the son of a charioteer.
सोऽयोधयत्तदा कर्णं मायया लाघवेन च। अलक्ष्यमाणोऽथ दिवि शरजालेषु सम्पतन् ॥७-१५०-५४॥
He fought Karna using illusion and agility, remaining unseen as he moved through the sky amidst a shower of arrows.
भैमसेनिर्महामायो मायया कुरुसत्तम। प्रचकार महामायां मोहयन्निव भारत ॥७-१५०-५५॥
Bheemasena, known for his great magical prowess, conjured a powerful illusion that seemed to bewilder everyone, O esteemed Kuru, O Bharata.
स स्म कृत्वा विरूपाणि वदनान्यशुभाननः। अग्रसत्सूतपुत्रस्य दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि मायया ॥७-१५०-५६॥
He, with an evil face, transformed the faces into ugly ones and devoured the divine weapons of the charioteer's son through illusion.
पुनश्चापि महाकायः सञ्छिन्नः शतधा रणे। गतसत्त्वो निरुत्साहः पतितः खाद्व्यदृश्यत ॥ हतं तं मन्यमानाः स्म प्राणदन्कुरुपुङ्गवाः ॥७-१५०-५७॥
Once more, the mighty warrior was shattered into a hundred fragments in the battle, lifeless and devoid of spirit, he was seen falling from the sky. Believing him to be slain, the Kuru heroes let out a triumphant roar.
अथ देहैर्नवैरन्यैर्दिक्षु सर्वास्वदृश्यत। पुनश्चापि महाकायः शतशीर्षः शतोदरः ॥७-१५०-५८॥
Then, with new and different bodies, he appeared everywhere in all directions. Again, he was immense, with a hundred heads and a hundred bellies.
व्यदृश्यत महाबाहुर्मैनाक इव पर्वतः। अङ्गुष्ठमात्रो भूत्वा च पुनरेव स राक्षसः ॥७-१५०-५९॥
The mighty-armed demon appeared like the mountain Mainaka, and then he became thumb-sized again.
सागरोर्मिरिवोद्धूतस्तिर्यगूर्ध्वमवर्तत ॥७-१५०-५९॥
It moved like an agitated wave of the ocean, swirling in all directions.
वसुधां दारयित्वा च पुनरप्सु न्यमज्जत। अदृश्यत तदा तत्र पुनरुन्मज्जितोऽन्यतः ॥७-१५०-६०॥
After splitting the earth, he submerged into the waters once more. Then, he was seen emerging again from another place.
सोऽवतीर्य पुनस्तस्थौ रथे हेमपरिष्कृते। क्षितिं द्यां च दिशश्चैव माययावृत्य दंशितः ॥७-१५०-६१॥
He descended once more and stood on the gold-adorned chariot, appearing to cover the earth, sky, and directions with illusion.
गत्वा कर्णरथाभ्याशं विचलत्कुण्डलाननः। प्राह वाक्यमसम्भ्रान्तः सूतपुत्रं विशां पते ॥७-१५०-६२॥
Having approached Karna's chariot, with his earrings and face trembling, he spoke calmly to the son of a charioteer, O lord of the people.
तिष्ठेदानीं न मे जीवन्सूतपुत्र गमिष्यसि। युद्धश्रद्धामहं तेऽद्य विनेष्यामि रणाजिरे ॥७-१५०-६३॥
"Stand now, son of a charioteer, you shall not leave alive. Today, I will destroy your faith in battle on the battlefield."
इत्युक्त्वा रोषताम्राक्षं रक्षः क्रूरपराक्रमम्। उत्पपातान्तरिक्षं च जहास च सुविस्वरम् ॥ कर्णमभ्याहनच्चैव गजेन्द्रमिव केसरी ॥७-१५०-६४॥
Thus, having spoken, the demon with eyes red from anger, fierce in valor, leaped into the sky and laughed loudly. He struck the ear like a lion strikes an elephant.
रथाक्षमात्रैरिषुभिरभ्यवर्षद्घटोत्कचः। रथिनामृषभं कर्णं धाराभिरिव तोयदः ॥ शरवृष्टिं च तां कर्णो दूरप्राप्तामशातयत् ॥७-१५०-६५॥
Ghatotkacha attacked Karna, the foremost among charioteers, with massive arrows, resembling a cloud pouring rain. Karna, however, managed to disperse the incoming shower of arrows.
दृष्ट्वा च विहतां मायां कर्णेन भरतर्षभ। घटोत्कचस्ततो मायां ससर्जान्तर्हितः पुनः ॥७-१५०-६६॥
Upon witnessing his illusion being destroyed by Karna, Ghatotkacha, the mighty warrior, conjured another illusion while vanishing from sight, O best of the Bharatas.
सोऽभवद्गिरिरित्युच्चः शिखरैस्तरुसङ्कटैः। शूलप्रासासिमुसलजलप्रस्रवणो महान् ॥७-१५०-६७॥
He transformed into a great mountain, towering with peaks and densely packed with trees, spears, javelins, swords, clubs, and flowing streams of water.
तमञ्जनचयप्रख्यं कर्णो दृष्ट्वा महीधरम्। प्रपातैरायुधान्युग्राण्युद्वहन्तं न चुक्षुभे ॥७-१५०-६८॥
Karṇa was not disturbed upon seeing the mountain, which appeared like a mass of collyrium and was bearing fierce weapons with its precipices.
स्मयन्निव ततः कर्णो दिव्यमस्त्रमुदीरयत्। ततः सोऽस्त्रेण शैलेन्द्रो विक्षिप्तो वै व्यनश्यत ॥७-१५०-६९॥
Karna, smiling as if in confidence, then discharged a divine weapon. Consequently, the lord of mountains was shattered and destroyed by the weapon.
ततः स तोयदो भूत्वा नीलः सेन्द्रायुधो दिवि। अश्मवृष्टिभिरत्युग्रः सूतपुत्रमवाकिरत् ॥७-१५०-७०॥
Then he transformed into a dark cloud with Indra's bow in the sky and fiercely showered stones upon the son of Suta.
अथ सन्धाय वायव्यमस्त्रमस्त्रविदां वरः। व्यधमत्कालमेघं तं कर्णो वैकर्तनो वृषा ॥७-१५०-७१॥
Then Karna, the son of Vikartana, the best among those skilled in weaponry, fixed the wind weapon and dispersed the dark clouds.
स मार्गणगणैः कर्णो दिशः प्रच्छाद्य सर्वशः। जघानास्त्रं महाराज घटोत्कचसमीरितम् ॥७-१५०-७२॥
Karṇa, with his volleys of arrows, enveloped all directions and struck down the weapon launched by Ghaṭotkaca, O great king.
ततः प्रहस्य समरे भैमसेनिर्महाबलः। प्रादुश्चक्रे महामायां कर्णं प्रति महारथम् ॥७-१५०-७३॥
Then, with a smile on his face during the battle, the mighty son of Bhimasena conjured a great illusion aimed at Karna, the great charioteer.
स दृष्ट्वा पुनरायान्तं रथेन रथिनां वरम्। घटोत्कचमसम्भ्रान्तं राक्षसैर्बहुभिर्वृतम् ॥७-१५०-७४॥
Upon seeing Ghatotkacha, the best among charioteers, returning unperturbed and surrounded by many demons, he was reassured.
सिंहशार्दूलसदृशैर्मत्तद्विरदविक्रमैः। गजस्थैश्च रथस्थैश्च वाजिपृष्ठगतैस्तथा ॥७-१५०-७५॥
They were like lions and tigers, possessing the prowess of intoxicated elephants, and were mounted on elephants, chariots, and horses.
नानाशस्त्रधरैर्घोरैर्नानाकवचभूषणैः। वृतं घटोत्कचं क्रूरैर्मरुद्भिरिव वासवम् ॥ दृष्ट्वा कर्णो महेष्वासो योधयामास राक्षसम् ॥७-१५०-७६॥
Ghatotkacha, surrounded by fierce warriors with various weapons and armors, resembled Indra with the Maruts. Upon seeing this, the great archer Karna engaged in battle with the demon.
घटोत्कचस्ततः कर्णं विद्ध्वा पञ्चभिराशुगैः। ननाद भैरवं नादं भीषयन्सर्वपार्थिवान् ॥७-१५०-७७॥
Ghatotkacha, after piercing Karna with five swift arrows, let out a terrifying roar that frightened all the kings.
भूयश्चाञ्जलिकेनाथ समार्गणगणं महत्। कर्णहस्तस्थितं चापं चिच्छेदाशु घटोत्कचः ॥७-१५०-७८॥
Then, with a gesture of reverence, Ghatotkacha swiftly severed the great array of arrows and the bow that was held in Karna's hand.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय दृढं भारसहं महत्। व्यकर्षत बलात्कर्ण इन्द्रायुधमिवोच्छ्रितम् ॥७-१५०-७९॥
Then Karṇa, taking another strong and heavy bow, drew it with force, resembling the raised bow of Indra.
ततः कर्णो महाराज प्रेषयामास सायकान्। सुवर्णपुङ्खाञ्शत्रुघ्नान्खचरान्राक्षसान्प्रति ॥७-१५०-८०॥
Then Karṇa, the great warrior, sent forth his arrows with golden tips, designed to slay enemies, flying towards the demons.
तद्बाणैरर्दितं यूथं रक्षसां पीनवक्षसाम्। सिंहेनेवार्दितं वन्यं गजानामाकुलं कुलम् ॥७-१५०-८१॥
The troop of broad-chested demons was struck by arrows, resembling a wild herd of elephants being attacked by a lion.
विधम्य राक्षसान्बाणैः साश्वसूतगजान्विभुः। ददाह भगवान्वह्निर्भूतानीव युगक्षये ॥७-१५०-८२॥
The lord, having annihilated the demons with his arrows, along with their horses, charioteers, and elephants, burned them as the fire consumes all beings at the end of an era.
स हत्वा राक्षसीं सेनां शुशुभे सूतनन्दनः। पुरेव त्रिपुरं दग्ध्वा दिवि देवो महेश्वरः ॥७-१५०-८३॥
After defeating the demoness army, the son of Suta shone brilliantly, reminiscent of how Lord Maheshvara once shone in heaven after burning Tripura.
तेषु राजसहस्रेषु पाण्डवेयेषु मारिष। नैनं निरीक्षितुमपि कश्चिच्छक्नोति पार्थिव ॥७-१५०-८४॥
O venerable one, among the thousands of kings and the sons of Pandu, no one is able to even look at him, O prince.
ऋते घटोत्कचाद्राजन्राक्षसेन्द्रान्महाबलात्। भीमवीर्यबलोपेतात्क्रुद्धाद्वैवस्वतादिव ॥७-१५०-८५॥
Except for Ghatotkacha, O king, the demon lords of great strength, endowed with Bhima's strength and valor, were as angry as Yama.
तस्य क्रुद्धस्य नेत्राभ्यां पावकः समजायत। महोल्काभ्यां यथा राजन्सार्चिषः स्नेहबिन्दवः ॥७-१५०-८६॥
From his angry eyes, fire emerged, resembling great meteors, O king, with flames and drops of oil.
तलं तलेन संहत्य संदश्य दशनच्छदम्। रथमास्थाय च पुनर्मायया निर्मितं पुनः ॥७-१५०-८७॥
Striking the surface with the surface, biting with teeth, and mounting the chariot again created by illusion.
युक्तं गजनिभैर्वाहैः पिशाचवदनैः खरैः। स सूतमब्रवीत्क्रुद्धः सूतपुत्राय मा वह ॥७-१५०-८८॥
He, equipped with vehicles resembling elephants and having demon-like faces, angrily instructed the charioteer not to carry the son of the charioteer.
स ययौ घोररूपेण रथेन रथिनां वरः। द्वैरथं सूतपुत्रेण पुनरेव विशां पते ॥७-१५०-८९॥
He, the best of charioteers, went with a terrible form by chariot to engage in a duel with the son of a charioteer, once again, O lord of men.
स चिक्षेप पुनः क्रुद्धः सूतपुत्राय राक्षसः। अष्टचक्रां महाघोरामशनिं रुद्रनिर्मिताम् ॥७-१५०-९०॥
The enraged demon once again hurled the eight-wheeled, extremely terrifying thunderbolt, crafted by Rudra, at the charioteer's son.
तामवप्लुत्य जग्राह कर्णो न्यस्य रथे धनुः। चिक्षेप चैनां तस्यैव स्यन्दनात्सोऽवपुप्लुवे ॥७-१५०-९१॥
Karṇa, after jumping, seized her and placed the bow on the chariot. He then threw it and jumped down from his own chariot.
साश्वसूतध्वजं यानं भस्म कृत्वा महाप्रभा। विवेश वसुधां भित्त्वा सुरास्तत्र विसिस्मियुः ॥७-१५०-९२॥
The one with great radiance turned the chariot with its horses, charioteer, and flag into ashes and entered the earth by piercing it, leaving the gods there astonished.
कर्णं तु सर्वभूतानि पूजयामासुरञ्जसा। यदवप्लुत्य जग्राह देवसृष्टां महाशनिम् ॥७-१५०-९३॥
Karna was easily worshipped by all beings, and he, having leaped, took the great weapon crafted by the gods.
एवं कृत्वा रणे कर्ण आरुरोह रथं पुनः। ततो मुमोच नाराचान्सूतपुत्रः परन्तपः ॥७-१५०-९४॥
After completing his actions, Karṇa once more mounted his chariot in the battlefield. Then, the son of a charioteer, known for tormenting his enemies, unleashed his arrows.
अशक्यं कर्तुमन्येन सर्वभूतेषु मानद। यदकार्षीत्तदा कर्णः सङ्ग्रामे भीमदर्शने ॥७-१५०-९५॥
O giver of honor, what Karna accomplished in the battle witnessed by Bhima was impossible for anyone else among all beings.
स हन्यमानो नाराचैर्धाराभिरिव पर्वतः। गन्धर्वनगराकारः पुनरन्तरधीयत ॥७-१५०-९६॥
He, resembling a mountain being struck by torrents of arrows, vanished again like a mystical city of the Gandharvas.
एवं स वै महामायो मायया लाघवेन च। अस्त्राणि तानि दिव्यानि जघान रिपुसूदनः ॥७-१५०-९७॥
Thus, the great illusionist, with his skill and speed, destroyed the divine weapons, proving himself to be the destroyer of enemies.
निहन्यमानेष्वस्त्रेषु मायया तेन रक्षसा। असम्भ्रान्तस्ततः कर्णस्तद्रक्षः प्रत्ययुध्यत ॥७-१५०-९८॥
As the weapons were being destroyed by the demon's illusion, Karna remained unperturbed and fought back against the demon.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज भैमसेनिर्महाबलः। चकार बहुधात्मानं भीषयाणो नराधिपान् ॥७-१५०-९९॥
Then the mighty son of Bhimasena, in his anger, transformed himself into many forms to intimidate the kings.
ततो दिग्भ्यः समापेतुः सिंहव्याघ्रतरक्षवः। अग्निजिह्वाश्च भुजगा विहगाश्चाप्ययोमुखाः ॥७-१५०-१००॥
Then, from all directions, lions, tigers, and bears arrived, along with fire-tongued serpents and birds, all with iron faces.
स कीर्यमाणो निशितैः कर्णचापच्युतैः शरैः। नगराद्रिवनप्रख्यस्तत्रैवान्तरधीयत ॥७-१५०-१०१॥
He was overwhelmed by the sharp arrows released from Karna's bow and vanished on the spot, resembling a city, mountain, and forest.
राक्षसाश्च पिशाचाश्च यातुधानाः शलावृकाः। ते कर्णं भक्षयिष्यन्तः सर्वतः समुपाद्रवन् ॥ अथैनं वाग्भिरुग्राभिस्त्रासयां चक्रिरे तदा ॥७-१५०-१०२॥
The demons, goblins, fiends, and wolves attacked from all sides, intending to devour the ear. Then, they frightened him with fierce words.
उद्यतैर्बहुभिर्घोरैरायुधैः शोणितोक्षितैः। तेषामनेकैरेकैकं कर्णो विव्याध चाशुगैः ॥७-१५०-१०३॥
Karna, with his many terrible weapons raised and smeared with blood, pierced each of them with his swift arrows.
प्रतिहत्य तु तां मायां दिव्येनास्त्रेण राक्षसीम्। आजघान हयानस्य शरैः संनतपर्वभिः ॥७-१५०-१०४॥
He countered the demonic illusion with a divine weapon and struck the chariot with his arrows.
ते भग्ना विकृताङ्गाश्च छिन्नपृष्ठाश्च सायकैः। वसुधामन्वपद्यन्त पश्यतस्तस्य रक्षसः ॥७-१५०-१०५॥
In the sight of that demon, they fell to the ground, broken, with deformed limbs and severed backs by arrows.
स भग्नमायो हैडिम्बः कर्णं वैकर्तनं ततः। एष ते विदधे मृत्युमित्युक्त्वान्तरधीयत ॥७-१५०-१०६॥
Hidimba, with his illusions shattered, then caused the death of Karna, known as Vaikartana. After saying this, he vanished.
