07.157
Dhritarashtra spoke:
When the power became ineffective in killing the one hero, why did he, leaving everyone else, not unleash it upon Arjuna?
In that event, if he were slain, all the Pāṇḍavas and Sṛñjayas would indeed be destroyed. Why did they not secure victory in the battle with the slaying of just one hero?
Arjuna, known for his great vow of not turning back when called, must be personally invited by Karna, the son of a charioteer.
Then, Sanjaya, tell me why Vrisha did not kill Arjuna, who was brought to the chariot duel by Indra's gift.
"Certainly, my son is devoid of intelligence and without any help. His plans are thwarted by enemies. How can he possibly conquer the enemies?"
The supreme power and refuge of victory that he possessed was destroyed by Vāsudeva in Ghaṭotkaca.
Just as a fruit held by a mongoose is snatched away by someone stronger, similarly, the unfailing power becomes ineffective in Ghatotkacha.
"Just as the gain of the outcaste occurs when the boar and the dog are absent from fighting, O wise one, I believe that similarly, in the battle, the gain is indeed of Karṇa and Haiḍimba."
If Ghatotkacha kills Karna, it would be a significant advantage for the Pandavas. However, if Vaikartana (Karna) kills him, the objective would still be achieved due to the loss of power.
Thus, the wise Vasudeva, considering the situation wisely, engaged Ghatotkacha in battle with Karna, the son of a charioteer, acting as Narasimha to ensure the welfare and favor of the Pandavas.
Sanjaya said:
Upon realizing this intention, O king, Krishna, the slayer of Madhu, then arranged for Karna to engage in a duel with the lord of the Rakshasas.
O King, Janardana, with great heroism and intellect, obstructed the unfailing Ghatotkacha due to your ill-advised actions.
"O carrier of the Kuru lineage, our tasks would only be accomplished if Krishna does not protect Arjuna from Karna, the great chariot-warrior."
In the battle, Dhritarashtra's forces, with their horses, banners, and chariots, would fall to the ground without Janardana, as Arjuna, the lord and master of the yogas, was absent.
Arjuna, protected by Krishna, uses various strategies to defeat his enemies in battle.
Especially, your infallible Krishna protected the Pandava. The weapon hurled would indeed kill the son of Kunti like a thunderbolt strikes a tree.
Dhritarashtra said:
My son, who is both an opponent and a bad counselor, considers himself wise, and has surpassed the means of destruction aimed at victory.
"How did you, O Gavalgaṇa, also let this pass without understanding its meaning, O wise one?"
Sanjaya said:
This always indeed becomes the support of Duryodhana, Shakuni, myself, and Duhshasana at night.
Tomorrow, after leaving all the armies, defeat Karna and Dhananjaya. Then, we shall enjoy the Pandavas and Panchalas as if they were our servants.
Then, if Arjuna (Pārtha) is slain, Vārṣṇeya should place another among the Pāṇḍavas in battle; therefore, Kṛṣṇa should be killed.
Krishna is indeed the root of the Pandavas, with Arjuna as the trunk that has risen. The other sons of Pritha are like branches, and the Panchalas are known as the leaves.
The Pandavas, who rely on Krishna, are empowered by him and have him as their lord. Krishna is their ultimate refuge, akin to how the moon is among the stars.
Therefore, O son of Sūta, leave aside the leaves, branches, and trunk, and cut off Kṛṣṇa, who is the root of the Pāṇḍavas, at all times and in all places.
If Karna were to kill Krishna, the joy of the Yadavas, then, O king, the entire earth would undoubtedly be under your control.
If indeed he, the noble soul and delight of the Yadu and Pandava clans, were to be slain and lay upon the earth, then surely, O king, your entire realm, with its mountains, seas, and forests, would fall under your dominion.
But even though her intelligence was thus awakened in the lord of the thirty gods, the immeasurable Hṛṣīkeśa, she became confused at the time of battle.
Keshava always protects Arjuna, the son of Kunti. He did not want to position him in front of the charioteer during the battle.
Acyuta presented other magnificent chariots to him. O lord, how could I render that infallible power ineffective?
Then, the mighty-armed Satyaki, known for his true prowess, asked Krishna, the tiger among charioteers, about Karna, the great chariot-warrior.
This belief in Karna's power and immeasurable valor, why was it not unleashed by the son of a charioteer upon Arjuna, but instead withheld?
Vasudeva said:
Duhshasana, Karna, Shakuni, and Saindhava were constantly consulting, led by Duryodhana.
Karna, Karna, you are a great archer with immeasurable valor in battle. This power is unique to you and should not be released by anyone else, O best among the victorious.
Without Arjuna, the great charioteer and son of Kunti, he is indeed the most glorious among them, akin to Indra among the gods.
In that event, when all are slain, the Pāṇḍavas along with the Sṛñjayas will become spiritless, like gods who have lost their fire.
Thus, Karna promised, O bull among the Shinis. However, in Karna's heart, there is always the intent to kill Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
I am the one who deludes Radheya, the greatest among warriors, because he did not release his weapon at Arjuna, who is also known as Shvetavahana.
Having realized the impending death of Arjuna, who is eager to fight, I find neither sleep nor joy in my mind, O best among warriors.
O Ghaṭotkaca, seeing you defeated, O best of the Śinis, I perceive today that Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) has been freed from the jaws of death.
Neither my father nor my mother, nor you brothers, nor even lives are as worthy of protection as the abhorrent in battle.
I do not desire anything else, even if it is as rare as the kingdom of the three worlds, O descendant of Sātvata, without Arjuna, Dhanañjaya.
Therefore, today I experienced immense joy from Yuyudhāna, as if seeing Pārtha Dhanañjaya return from the dead.
Therefore, I sent a demon to Karna in the battle, as no one else could overpower Karna during the night in the battlefield.
Sanjaya said:
Thus, Devaki's son, always engaged in Arjuna's welfare and delighted in him, spoke to Sātyaki.
