07.166
Dhritarashtra spoke:
Upon hearing that his aged brāhmaṇa father was unrighteously slain by Dhṛṣṭadyumna, what did Aśvatthāmā say, O Sañjaya?
The powerful one in whom the human, Varuna-Agni, Brahma weapon, Indra, and Narayana are always established.
O Sañjaya, upon hearing that the virtuous teacher was unfairly killed by Dhṛṣṭadyumna, what did Aśvatthāmā say?
The great soul, having learned the science of archery from Rāma here, imparted divine weapons to his son who was eager to learn from a teacher.
In this world, men desire nothing more virtuous than themselves except for a son.
Teachers indeed possess the secrets of great souls; they may impart those to a son, a disciple, or a devoted follower.
Sanjaya, having mastered the art with all its distinctions, stood as a hero in battle, second only to Drona, the son of Sharadvati.
He is approved by Rama, matches Indra in battle, Kartavirya in prowess, and Brihaspati in wisdom.
He is as firm as a mountain, as brilliant as fire, youthful, as deep as the ocean, and as venomous as a serpent when angry.
He, the charioteer, stands foremost in the world, with a firm bow and having conquered fatigue. He moves swiftly like the wind in battle, resembling death in his anger.
The hero, who oppresses the earth in battle by his throwing and is not distressed in battle, is truly courageous.
Rama, the son of Dasaratha, is proficient in the Vedas, vows, and archery, and is as unshakeable as the great ocean.
Upon hearing that the virtuous teacher was unrighteously slain by Dhrishtadyumna in battle, Ashwatthama questioned what had transpired.
The great soul created the death of Dhṛṣṭadyumna, just as the Pāñcāla prince, son of Yajñasena, became the cause of Droṇa's death.
Upon hearing that his teacher was killed by a cruel and wicked person with little foresight, what did Aśvatthāmā say?
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing that his father was deceitfully killed by a wicked act, Aśvatthāmā, filled with tears and anger, O best among men, was overwhelmed.
His angry form appeared divine, O king, like Yama's, as he sought to conquer beings at the time of death.
Then, repeatedly wiping his tear-filled eyes, he sighed with anger and spoke these words to Duryodhana.
My father was treacherously killed by the mean ones after he laid down his arms; I am aware of the sin committed by the hypocrite. I have heard about the ignoble act of the cruel son of Dharma.
In battles, those who engage must face the certainty of victory or defeat. Both outcomes are possible, O king, and in such situations, killing is often praised.
The killing of a just person who fights in battle does not lead to sorrow; he is regarded as a noble Brahmin.
My father has undoubtedly gone to the world of heroes. The tiger among men should not be mourned, for he has met his end.
But the act of grasping the hair, which was done in the presence of all the armies, cuts into my vital parts.
Due to desire, anger, disrespect, arrogance, or childishness, people repeatedly commit unrighteous acts, and thus face humiliation.
This great unrighteous act has been committed here by Pārṣata, who has disregarded me, surely by the cruel and wicked soul.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the seer, observed the severe consequences of his actions, which were ignoble and supreme, marking him as a liar and a Pāṇḍava.
The one who deceitfully abandoned his weapon against the teacher, today the earth under Dharmaraja's rule will drink his blood.
I will use all means to destroy the Pāñcālas. In battle, I will kill Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the evil-doer.
O Kaurava, by whatever means, gentle or harsh, I have achieved peace here by the destruction of the Pāñcālas.
O tiger among men, humans desire a son for the purpose of obtaining protection from great fear, both in this world and the next.
My father left me in a state where I was without relatives, like a mountain, while my son and disciple are still alive.
"Shame on my divine weapons, arms, and valor, for Drona's son has managed to seize me by the hair."
Thus, O best of the Bharatas, I will act in such a way that even if my father has departed to the other world, I shall fulfill my obligations to him.
A noble person should never speak praise of themselves. However, unable to tolerate my father's killing, I will demonstrate my manliness here today.
Today, let the Pāṇḍavas, along with Janārdana, witness my might as I crush all the armies, resembling the end of an era.
O best of men, neither gods, celestial musicians, demons, nor ogres are capable of defeating me in battle today while I stand on the chariot.
In this world, there is no one other than me who surpasses Arjuna in the knowledge of weapons. I am like the sun among the shining ones, the wielder of divine weapons, who has come to the battlefield.
The sons of Kṛśāśva, employed by me today, will demonstrate their valor in the great battle and crush the Pāṇḍavas.
Today, O king, all directions appear crowded as if with streams, covered by my sharp arrows here.
"I will scatter arrow-nets from all sides with a terrifying sound and strike down the enemies like a great wind fells trees."
Neither Bibhatsu, Janardana, Bhimasena, the twins, nor King Yudhishthira knows about that weapon.
O Kauravya, neither Pārṣata, nor that wicked soul, nor Śikhaṇḍī, nor Sātyaki can cause this entire return in me.
My father, having bowed to Nārāyaṇa according to the rules, once offered a gift in the presence of Brahma.
Then, the Lord himself accepted it and granted the boon. My father chose the supreme weapon, Narayana, thereafter.
Then the divine sage, best among the gods, addressed the king, saying that there will be no man equal to him in battle anywhere.
"O Brahman, this weapon should never be used hastily or in any other way, as it will not retract except in the destruction of enemies."
O lord, it is impossible to determine who would not be killed, as even the invincible can be slain. Therefore, this should not be used.
In battle, killing, fleeing, abandoning weapons, begging from enemies, and seeking refuge are described.
These are the methods to pacify the great weapon, O Parantapa. In every way, one might be afflicted by causing harm to the invincible in battle.
My father, the lord, took it and said to me: "You will shower divine weapon showers many times. With this weapon, you will shine brilliantly in battle."
After speaking thus, the blessed lord ascended to the heavens. This weapon from Nārāyaṇa was acquired by my kinsman.
With his power, I will disperse the Pāṇḍavas, as well as the Pāñcālas, Matsyas, and Kekayas in the battle, just as Indra, the husband of Śacī, scatters the demons.
O Bhārata, may my arrows fall upon the advancing enemies just as I desire.
Standing firm in battle, I shall unleash a desired shower of stones; with iron-beaked birds, I will scatter the great charioteers. Without a doubt, I will hurl various axes.
I, with the great Narayana weapon, will destroy the enemies, humiliating the Pandavas.
The deceitful and highly condemned outcast of Panchala, who hates friends, Brahma, and teachers, will not be spared today.
Upon hearing this, the army led by Drona's son retreated, and then all the noble warriors blew their mighty conches.
Joyful warriors beat drums and kettle-drums by the thousands, causing the earth, oppressed by hoofs and wheels, to resound. The tumultuous sound echoed through the sky, heaven, and earth.
The Pāṇḍavas, upon hearing the sound resembling the roar of clouds, gathered with the foremost charioteers and held a council.
After speaking thus, Drona's son, having purified himself, O Bharata, then invoked the divine weapon of Narayana.
