08.003
Vaishampayana said:
Upon hearing this, King Dhritarashtra, the son of Ambika, overwhelmed with grief and thinking that Suyodhana was killed, fell to the ground unconscious, like a stricken elephant.
When the best of kings fell to the ground in distress, there arose a great cry from the women, O best of the Bharatas.
The sound reverberated throughout the entire earth, and the women of Bharata were engulfed in a profound and terrible ocean of grief.
Gandhari, upon approaching the king, fell unconscious to the ground, and all the women of the inner chambers followed suit, O best of the Bharatas.
Then Sanjaya consoled the distressed ones, who were bewildered and shedding tears profusely from their eyes, O King.
The women, though reassured, were trembling repeatedly, like banana trees swaying in the wind from all sides.
Vidura, recognizing the wisdom and authority of the king, consoled him by sprinkling water, a gesture of comfort and respect, upon the Kaurava.
Having slowly regained his senses and seeing the women, the king stood silently, appearing as if mad, O lord of the people.
After meditating for a long time and repeatedly sighing, he criticized his own sons and held the Pandavas in high regard.
He censured his own intelligence and that of Śakuni, the son of Subala, and after contemplating for a long time, he trembled repeatedly.
The king, having once more steadied his mind and filled with patience, questioned his charioteer, Gāvalgaṇi, who is Sañjaya.
Sanjaya, the words you spoke were heard by me. Has Duryodhana, the charioteer, not gone to the abode of Yama? Please tell me the truth about this repeated story, Sanjaya.
Upon hearing this, the charioteer informed King Janamejaya that Karna, along with his sons and the great warriors, had been slain by the brothers, who were great archers, the sons of the charioteer, and those who had sacrificed their lives.
Duhshasana was killed by the illustrious Pandava, and in his wrath, Bhimasena drank his blood during the battle.
