08.005
जनमेजय उवाच॥
Janamejaya said:
श्रुत्वा कर्णं हतं युद्धे पुत्रांश्चैवापलायिनः। नरेन्द्रः किञ्चिदाश्वस्तो द्विजश्रेष्ठ किमब्रवीत् ॥८-५-१॥
Upon hearing of Karna's death in battle and the retreat of his sons, the king, slightly comforted, asked, "O esteemed sage, what did he say?"
प्राप्तवान्परमं दुःखं पुत्रव्यसनजं महत्। तस्मिन्यदुक्तवान्काले तन्ममाचक्ष्व पृच्छतः ॥८-५-२॥
He experienced immense sorrow due to the affliction of his son. Tell me what was said at that time, as I am asking.
वैशम्पायन उवाच॥
Vaishampayana said:
श्रुत्वा कर्णस्य निधनमश्रद्धेयमिवाद्भुतम्। भूतसंमोहनं भीमं मेरोः पर्यसनं यथा ॥८-५-३॥
Upon hearing of Karna's death, it seemed both unbelievable and astonishing, akin to the terrifying upheaval of Mount Meru.
चित्तमोहमिवायुक्तं भार्गवस्य महामतेः। पराजयमिवेन्द्रस्य द्विषद्भ्यो भीमकर्मणः ॥८-५-४॥
It is as if the delusion of the mind is unfit for the wise Bhārgava, just as the defeat of Indra is by enemies of terrible deeds.
दिवः प्रपतनं भानोरुर्व्यामिव महाद्युतेः। संशोषणमिवाचिन्त्यं समुद्रस्याक्षयाम्भसः ॥८-५-५॥
The sun falling from the sky to the earth, like the unimaginable drying up of the ocean with inexhaustible waters, is an event of great effulgence.
महीवियद्दिगीशानां सर्वनाशमिवाद्भुतम्। कर्मणोरिव वैफल्यमुभयोः पुण्यपापयोः ॥८-५-६॥
It is as if there is a wonderful total destruction of the earth, sky, and the lords of directions, akin to the fruitlessness of actions whether virtuous or sinful.
सञ्चिन्त्य निपुणं बुद्ध्या धृतराष्ट्रो जनेश्वरः। नेदमस्तीति सञ्चिन्त्य कर्णस्य निधनं प्रति ॥८-५-७॥
Dhritarashtra, the king, after carefully considering with his intellect, concluded that Karna's death was not a reality.
प्राणिनामेतदात्मत्वात्स्यादपीति विनाशनम्। शोकाग्निना दह्यमानो धम्यमान इवाशयः ॥८-५-८॥
The inherent nature of living beings may lead to their destruction. The mind feels as if it is being burned and tormented by the fire of sorrow.
विध्वस्तात्मा श्वसन्दीनो हा हेत्युक्त्वा सुदुःखितः। विललाप महाराज धृतराष्ट्रोऽम्बिकासुतः ॥८-५-९॥
The deeply distressed King Dhritarashtra, son of Ambika, sighed heavily and lamented, saying 'Alas, the cause of my sorrow!'
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra spoke:
सञ्जयाधिरथो वीरः सिंहद्विरदविक्रमः। वृषमप्रतिमस्कन्धो वृषभाक्षगतिस्वनः ॥८-५-१०॥
Sanjaya, the heroic charioteer, strides like a lion and elephant, with unmatched shoulders like a bull, and possesses the eyes, movement, and sound of a bull.
वृषभो वृषभस्येव यो युद्धे न निवर्तते। शत्रोरपि महेन्द्रस्य वज्रसंहननो युवा ॥८-५-११॥
The young warrior, like a bull, never retreats in battle, even against the formidable enemy of Mahendra, possessing a body as strong as a thunderbolt.
यस्य ज्यातलशब्देन शरवृष्टिरवेण च। रथाश्वनरमातङ्गा नावतिष्ठन्ति संयुगे ॥८-५-१२॥
In the battle, where the sound of the bowstring and the roar of the arrows' rain are heard, chariots, horses, men, and elephants cannot stand firm.
यमाश्रित्य महाबाहुं द्विषत्सङ्घघ्नमच्युतम्। दुर्योधनोऽकरोद्वैरं पाण्डुपुत्रैर्महाबलैः ॥८-५-१३॥
Relying on the mighty-armed Krishna, the destroyer of enemy hosts, Duryodhana waged enmity against the powerful sons of Pandu.
स कथं रथिनां श्रेष्ठः कर्णः पार्थेन संयुगे। निहतः पुरुषव्याघ्रः प्रसह्यासह्यविक्रमः ॥८-५-१४॥
How was Karna, the best among charioteers and a tiger among men with irresistible valor, forcibly killed by Partha in battle?
यो नामन्यत वै नित्यमच्युतं न धनञ्जयम्। न वृष्णीनपि तानन्यान्स्वबाहुबलमाश्रितः ॥८-५-१५॥
The one who never respected Krishna, Arjuna, or the Vrishnis, and relied solely on his own strength.
शार्ङ्गगाण्डीवधन्वानौ सहितावपराजितौ। अहं दिव्याद्रथादेकः पातयिष्यामि संयुगे ॥८-५-१६॥
The invincible archers with the bows of Vishnu and Arjuna stand together, yet I alone shall bring them down from their divine chariot in battle.
इति यः सततं मन्दमवोचल्लोभमोहितम्। दुर्योधनमपादीनं राज्यकामुकमातुरम् ॥८-५-१७॥
Thus, the one who always spoke slowly, deluded by greed, was Duryodhana, deprived and distressed, desirous of the kingdom.
यश्चाजैषीदतिबलानमित्रानपि दुर्जयान्। गान्धारान्मद्रकान्मत्स्यांस्त्रिगर्तांस्तङ्गणाञ्शकान् ॥८-५-१८॥
He who conquered the formidable and mighty enemies, including the Gandharas, Madras, Matsyas, Trigartas, Tanganas, and Shakas.
पाञ्चालांश्च विदेहांश्च कुणिन्दान्काशिकोसलान्। सुह्मानङ्गांश्च पुण्ड्रांश्च निषादान्वङ्गकीचकान् ॥८-५-१९॥
The verse lists various ancient Indian tribes and regions, including the Panchalas, Videhas, Kunindas, Kashis, Kosalas, Suhmas, Angas, Pundras, Nishadas, Vangas, and Kichakas.
वत्सान्कलिङ्गांस्तरलानश्मकानृषिकांस्तथा। यो जित्वा समरे वीरश्चक्रे बलिभृतः पुरा ॥८-५-२०॥
The hero, who once conquered the Vatsas, Kaliṅgas, Taralas, Aśmakas, and Ṛṣikas in battle, made them pay tribute.
उच्चैःश्रवा वरोऽश्वानां राज्ञां वैश्रवणो वरः। वरो महेन्द्रो देवानां कर्णः प्रहरतां वरः ॥८-५-२१॥
"Uccaiḥśravā is the best among horses, Vaiśravaṇa is the best among kings. Mahendra is the best among gods, and Karna is the best among warriors."
यं लब्ध्वा मागधो राजा सान्त्वमानार्थगौरवैः। अरौत्सीत्पार्थिवं क्षत्रमृते कौरवयादवान् ॥८-५-२२॥
The king of Magadha, after gaining him, managed to subdue all the kshatriyas of the earth with respect and honor, except for the Kauravas and Yadavas.
तं श्रुत्वा निहतं कर्णं द्वैरथे सव्यसाचिना। शोकार्णवे निमग्नोऽहमप्लवः सागरे यथा ॥८-५-२३॥
Upon hearing of Karṇa's death at the hands of Arjuna in a duel, I find myself drowning in sorrow, as if lost at sea without a raft.
ईदृशैर्यद्यहं दुःखैर्न विनश्यामि सञ्जय। वज्राद्दृढतरं मन्ये हृदयं मम दुर्भिदम् ॥८-५-२४॥
O Sanjaya, if I do not succumb to such sorrows, then my heart must be stronger and more unyielding than a thunderbolt.
ज्ञातिसम्बन्धिमित्राणामिमं श्रुत्वा पराजयम्। को मदन्यः पुमाँल्लोके न जह्यात्सूत जीवितम् ॥८-५-२५॥
Upon hearing of the defeat of my relatives, relations, and friends, who else but me, O charioteer, would not give up life in this world?
विषमग्निं प्रपातं वा पर्वताग्रादहं वृणे। न हि शक्ष्यामि दुःखानि सोढुं कष्टानि सञ्जय ॥८-५-२६॥
I would rather choose to face a dangerous fire or fall from a mountain top than endure the unbearable sorrows and hardships, Sanjaya.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
श्रिया कुलेन यशसा तपसा च श्रुतेन च। त्वामद्य सन्तो मन्यन्ते ययातिमिव नाहुषम् ॥८-५-२७॥
Today, the wise regard you as comparable to Yayati, the son of Nahusha, due to your prosperity, family, fame, penance, and learning.
श्रुते महर्षिप्रतिमः कृतकृत्योऽसि पार्थिव। पर्यवस्थापयात्मानं मा विषादे मनः कृथाः ॥८-५-२८॥
Upon hearing this, O king, you are like a great sage who has fulfilled his duties. Steady yourself and do not let your mind fall into despair.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
दैवमेव परं मन्ये धिक्पौरुषमनर्थकम्। यत्र रामप्रतीकाशः कर्णोऽहन्यत संयुगे ॥८-५-२९॥
I believe that fate is supreme and manliness is useless, as demonstrated by the fact that Karna, who was like Rama, was killed in battle.
हत्वा युधिष्ठिरानीकं पाञ्चालानां रथव्रजान्। प्रताप्य शरवर्षेण दिशः सर्वा महारथः ॥८-५-३०॥
The great chariot warrior, after defeating Yudhishthira's army and the charioteer groups of the Panchalas, unleashed a devastating shower of arrows, scorching all directions.
मोहयित्वा रणे पार्थान्वज्रहस्त इवासुरान्। स कथं निहतः शेते वातरुग्ण इव द्रुमः ॥८-५-३१॥
After bewildering the sons of Pṛthā in battle like Vajrahasta did to demons, how does he now lie slain, like a tree broken by the wind?
शोकस्यान्तं न पश्यामि समुद्रस्येव विप्लुकाः। चिन्ता मे वर्धते तीव्रा मुमूर्षा चापि जायते ॥८-५-३२॥
I cannot see the end of my sorrow, much like the endless waves of the ocean. My anxiety is growing more intense, and I even feel a desire to die.
कर्णस्य निधनं श्रुत्वा विजयं फल्गुनस्य च। अश्रद्धेयमहं मन्ये वधं कर्णस्य सञ्जय ॥८-५-३३॥
Upon hearing of Karna's death and Arjuna's victory, I find it unbelievable, Sanjaya, that Karna has been killed.
वज्रसारमयं नूनं हृदयं सुदृढं मम। यच्छ्रुत्वा पुरुषव्याघ्रं हतं कर्णं न दीर्यते ॥८-५-३४॥
"Indeed, my heart must be very strong and made of diamond essence, for it does not break upon hearing that the great warrior Karṇa, the tiger among men, has been slain."
आयुर्नूनं सुदीर्घं मे विहितं दैवतैः पुरा। यत्र कर्णं हतं श्रुत्वा जीवामीह सुदुःखितः ॥८-५-३५॥
My life was certainly destined to be long by the gods in the past. Now, having heard of Karṇa's death, I live here in great sorrow.
धिग्जीवितमिदं मेऽद्य सुहृद्धीनस्य सञ्जय। अद्य चाहं दशामेतां गतः सञ्जय गर्हिताम् ॥ कृपणं वर्तयिष्यामि शोच्यः सर्वस्य मन्दधीः ॥८-५-३६॥
"Shame on my life today, Sanjaya, as I am deprived of friends. Today, I have reached this deplorable state, Sanjaya. I will live miserably, lamentable and dull-witted for everyone."
अहमेव पुरा भूत्वा सर्वलोकस्य सत्कृतः। परिभूतः कथं सूत पुनः शक्ष्यामि जीवितुम् ॥ दुःखात्सुदुःखं व्यसनं प्राप्तवानस्मि सञ्जय ॥८-५-३७॥
I was once honored by all the worlds, but now I am disrespected. O charioteer, how can I live again? I have fallen from sorrow into great sorrow and calamity, O Sanjaya.
तस्माद्भीष्मवधे चैव द्रोणस्य च महात्मनः। नात्र शेषं प्रपश्यामि सूतपुत्रे हते युधि ॥८-५-३८॥
Therefore, with the fall of Bhishma and the great Drona, I see no hope left here when the son of a charioteer is slain in battle.
स हि पारं महानासीत्पुत्राणां मम सञ्जय। युद्धे विनिहतः शूरो विसृजन्सायकान्बहून् ॥८-५-३९॥
He was truly a great one among my sons, O Sanjaya. In the battle, the brave hero was slain while releasing many arrows.
को हि मे जीवितेनार्थस्तमृते पुरुषर्षभम्। रथादतिरथो नूनमपतत्सायकार्दितः ॥८-५-४०॥
"What purpose does my life serve without him, the bull among men? Surely, the great warrior has fallen from the chariot, struck by arrows."
पर्वतस्येव शिखरं वज्रपातविदारितम्। शयीत पृथिवीं नूनं शोभयन्रुधिरोक्षितः ॥ मातङ्ग इव मत्तेन मातङ्गेन निपातितः ॥८-५-४१॥
He lies on the ground like the peak of a mountain split by a thunderbolt, adorned with blood, resembling an elephant struck down by another intoxicated elephant.
यद्बलं धार्तराष्ट्राणां पाण्डवानां यतो भयम्। सोऽर्जुनेन हतः कर्णः प्रतिमानं धनुष्मताम् ॥८-५-४२॥
Karna, who was the strength of the Kauravas and feared by the Pandavas, was slain by Arjuna, the greatest of archers.
स हि वीरो महेष्वासः पुत्राणामभयङ्करः। शेते विनिहतो वीरः शक्रेणेव यथा बलः ॥८-५-४३॥
He, indeed, the hero and great archer who was a fearless protector of his sons, lies slain like Bala was by Indra.
पङ्गोरिवाध्वगमनं दरिद्रस्येव कामितम्। दुर्योधनस्य चाकूतं तृषितस्येव पिप्लुकाः ॥८-५-४४॥
The intentions of Duryodhana are as futile as a lame person's attempt to walk, a poor person's desires, or a thirsty person's hope for water bubbles.
अन्यथा चिन्तितं कार्यमन्यथा तत्तु जायते। अहो नु बलवद्दैवं कालश्च दुरतिक्रमः ॥८-५-४५॥
An action thought to be one way happens in another way. Oh, indeed, fate and time are strong and insurmountable.
पलायमानः कृपणं दीनात्मा दीनपौरुषः। कच्चिन्न निहतः सूत पुत्रो दुःशासनो मम ॥८-५-४६॥
"Fleeing and miserable, with a wretched soul and weak courage, is my Duḥśāsana, the son of the charioteer, not slain?"
कच्चिन्न नीचाचरितं कृतवांस्तात संयुगे। कच्चिन्न निहतः शूरो यथा न क्षत्रिया हताः ॥८-५-४७॥
Dear, I hope you have not committed any base act in battle. I also hope that the hero has not been killed like the other warriors.
युधिष्ठिरस्य वचनं मा युद्धमिति सर्वदा। दुर्योधनो नाभ्यगृह्णान्मूढः पथ्यमिवौषधम् ॥८-५-४८॥
Yudhishthira always advised against war, but foolish Duryodhana never accepted his words, just as one might reject beneficial medicine.
शरतल्पे शयानेन भीष्मेण सुमहात्मना। पानीयं याचितः पार्थः सोऽविध्यन्मेदिनीतलम् ॥८-५-४९॥
Bhishma, the great soul, lay on the bed of arrows. He requested water, and Arjuna pierced the earth to fulfill his request.
जलस्य धारां विहितां दृष्ट्वा तां पाण्डवेन ह। अब्रवीत्स महाबाहुस्तात संशाम्य पाण्डवैः ॥८-५-५०॥
Upon witnessing the stream of water set up by the Pandava, the mighty-armed one addressed, "Dear, remain calm with the Pandavas."
प्रशमाद्धि भवेच्छान्तिर्मदन्तं युद्धमस्तु च। भ्रातृभावेन पृथिवीं भुङ्क्ष्व पाण्डुसुतैः सह ॥८-५-५१॥
Indeed, from calmness comes peace; let the intoxicated war be, and enjoy the earth in brotherhood with the sons of Pandu.
अकुर्वन्वचनं तस्य नूनं शोचति मे सुतः। तदिदं समनुप्राप्तं वचनं दीर्घदर्शिनः ॥८-५-५२॥
"My son surely grieves for not following his words. Now, the prophecy of the far-sighted sage has come true."
अहं तु निहतामात्यो हतपुत्रश्च सञ्जय। द्यूततः कृच्छ्रमापन्नो लूनपक्ष इव द्विजः ॥८-५-५३॥
"But I, Sanjaya, have lost my ministers and sons, and having fallen into great difficulty due to gambling, I am like a bird with clipped wings."
यथा हि शकुनिं गृह्य छित्त्वा पक्षौ च सञ्जय। विसर्जयन्ति संहृष्टाः क्रीडमानाः कुमारकाः ॥८-५-५४॥
O Sañjaya, just as boys, delighted and playing, catch a bird, cut its wings, and then release it.
छिन्नपक्षतया तस्य गमनं नोपपद्यते। तथाहमपि सम्प्राप्तो लूनपक्ष इव द्विजः ॥८-५-५५॥
His movement is impossible due to broken wings. Similarly, I have also arrived like a bird with clipped wings.
क्षीणः सर्वार्थहीनश्च निर्बन्धुर्ज्ञातिवर्जितः। कां दिशं प्रतिपत्स्यामि दीनः शत्रुवशं गतः ॥८-५-५६॥
"Depleted of all resources and without any relatives or acquaintances, I am left wretched and under the control of my enemies. Which direction should I take now?"
दुर्योधनस्य वृद्ध्यर्थं पृथिवीं योऽजयत्प्रभुः। स जितः पाण्डवैः शूरैः समर्थैर्वीर्यशालिभिः ॥८-५-५७॥
The lord who conquered the earth for Duryodhana's prosperity was ultimately defeated by the heroic and capable Pandavas.
तस्मिन्हते महेष्वासे कर्णे युधि किरीटिना। के वीराः पर्यवर्तन्त तन्ममाचक्ष्व सञ्जय ॥८-५-५८॥
Sanjaya, tell me which heroes returned in the battle when the great archer Karna was slain by Arjuna.
कच्चिन्नैकः परित्यक्तः पाण्डवैर्निहतो रणे। उक्तं त्वया पुरा वीर यथा वीरा निपातिताः ॥८-५-५९॥
Did the Pandavas not abandon anyone who was then killed in battle? You had said before, hero, that the heroes were defeated.
भीष्ममप्रतियुध्यन्तं शिखण्डी सायकोत्तमैः। पातयामास समरे सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरम् ॥८-५-६०॥
Shikhandi, using his excellent arrows, brought down Bhishma in the battle, who was the best among all the warriors, while Bhishma was not counter-attacking.
तथा द्रौपदिना द्रोणो न्यस्तसर्वायुधो युधि। युक्तयोगो महेष्वासः शरैर्बहुभिराचितः ॥ निहतः खड्गमुद्यम्य धृष्टद्युम्नेन सञ्जय ॥८-५-६१॥
Thus, Drona, having laid down all his weapons in the battle and engaged in meditation, was covered by many arrows and ultimately killed by Dhrishtadyumna who raised his sword, O Sanjaya.
अन्तरेण हतावेतौ छलेन च विशेषतः। अश्रौषमहमेतद्वै भीष्मद्रोणौ निपातितौ ॥८-५-६२॥
I heard that Bhishma and Drona were especially killed by deceit, without these two being felled.
भीष्मद्रोणौ हि समरे न हन्याद्वज्रभृत्स्वयम्। न्यायेन युध्यमानौ हि तद्वै सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते ॥८-५-६३॥
I tell you the truth: Even the wielder of the thunderbolt himself could not kill Bhishma and Drona in battle when they were fighting justly.
कर्णं त्वस्यन्तमस्त्राणि दिव्यानि च बहूनि च। कथमिन्द्रोपमं वीरं मृत्युर्युद्धे समस्पृशत् ॥८-५-६४॥
Karna, who was releasing many divine weapons, was touched by death in battle, despite being a hero like Indra.
यस्य विद्युत्प्रभां शक्तिं दिव्यां कनकभूषणाम्। प्रायच्छद्द्विषतां हन्त्रीं कुण्डलाभ्यां पुरंदरः ॥८-५-६५॥
Indra, the destroyer of cities, bestowed upon him the divine power, radiant like lightning, adorned with golden earrings, to vanquish his foes.
यस्य सर्पमुखो दिव्यः शरः कनकभूषणः। अशेत निहतः पत्री चन्दनेष्वरिसूदनः ॥८-५-६६॥
The divine arrow with a serpent face, adorned with gold, lay defeated in the sandalwood, belonging to the enemy-slayer.
भीष्मद्रोणमुखान्वीरान्योऽवमन्य महारथान्। जामदग्न्यान्महाघोरं ब्राह्ममस्त्रमशिक्षत ॥८-५-६७॥
He ignored the great warriors, the heroes led by Bhishma and Drona, and learned the fearsome Brahma weapon from the lineage of Jamadagni.
यश्च द्रोणमुखान्दृष्ट्वा विमुखानर्दिताञ्शरैः। सौभद्रस्य महाबाहुर्व्यधमत्कार्मुकं शरैः ॥८-५-६८॥
The mighty-armed son of Subhadra, upon seeing Drona and his companions disheartened and afflicted by arrows, pierced their bows with his own arrows.
यश्च नागायुतप्राणं वातरंहसमच्युतम्। विरथं भ्रातरं कृत्वा भीमसेनमुपाहसत् ॥८-५-६९॥
He who mocked his brother Bhimasena, who possessed the strength of ten thousand elephants and was swift as the wind, after making him chariotless.
सहदेवं च निर्जित्य शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। कृपया विरथं कृत्वा नाहनद्धर्मवित्तया ॥८-५-७०॥
After defeating Sahadeva with arrows that had bent joints, and out of compassion, he made him chariotless but did not kill him, adhering to the knowledge of dharma.
यश्च मायासहस्राणि ध्वंसयित्वा रणोत्कटम्। घटोत्कचं राक्षसेन्द्रं शक्रशक्त्याभिजघ्निवान् ॥८-५-७१॥
He who destroyed thousands of illusions and struck down the fierce demon king Ghatotkacha with Indra's weapon.
एतानि दिवसान्यस्य युद्धे भीतो धनञ्जयः। नागमद्द्वैरथं वीरः स कथं निहतो रणे ॥८-५-७२॥
In these days, Arjuna, who was fearful in battle, did not go to the duel. How then was that hero slain in battle?
रथसङ्गो न चेत्तस्य धनुर्वा न व्यशीर्यत। न चेदस्त्राणि निर्णेशुः स कथं निहतः परैः ॥८-५-७३॥
If he had no attachment to his chariot, and his bow and weapons were intact, how could he have been slain by others?
को हि शक्तो रणे कर्णं विधुन्वानं महद्धनुः। विमुञ्चन्तं शरान्घोरान्दिव्यान्यस्त्राणि चाहवे ॥ जेतुं पुरुषशार्दूलं शार्दूलमिव वेगितम् ॥८-५-७४॥
Who indeed can defeat Karna in battle, as he wields a mighty bow and releases terrible arrows and divine weapons, like a swift tiger among men?
ध्रुवं तस्य धनुश्छिन्नं रथो वापि गतो महीम्। अस्त्राणि वा प्रनष्टानि यथा शंससि मे हतम् ॥ न ह्यन्यदनुपश्यामि कारणं तस्य नाशने ॥८-५-७५॥
"Certainly, his bow is broken, or the chariot has fallen to the ground, or the weapons are destroyed, as you have told me, he is killed. Indeed, I see no other reason for his destruction."
न हन्यामर्जुनं यावत्तावत्पादौ न धावये। इति यस्य महाघोरं व्रतमासीन्महात्मनः ॥८-५-७६॥
The great soul had a very terrible vow: "I would not kill Arjuna until I would not run on feet."
यस्य भीतो वने नित्यं धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। त्रयोदश समा निद्रां न लेभे पुरुषर्षभः ॥८-५-७७॥
Afraid in the forest, Dharmaraja Yudhishthira, the bull among men, did not sleep for thirteen years.
यस्य वीर्यवतो वीर्यं समाश्रित्य महात्मनः। मम पुत्रः सभां भार्यां पाण्डूनां नीतवान्बलात् ॥८-५-७८॥
Relying on the strength of the great soul, my son forcibly took the wife of the Pandavas to the assembly.
तत्र चापि सभामध्ये पाण्डवानां च पश्यताम्। दासभार्येति पाञ्चालीमब्रवीत्कुरुसंसदि ॥८-५-७९॥
In the Kuru assembly, while the Pandavas were watching, Draupadi was referred to as a "slave wife."
यश्च गाण्डीवमुक्तानां स्पर्शमुग्रमचिन्तयन्। अपतिर्ह्यसि कृष्णेति ब्रुवन्पार्थानवैक्षत ॥८-५-८०॥
The one who contemplated the fierce impact of the arrows released from the Gandiva bow, remarked to Krishna, "You are without a master," and gazed upon the sons of Pritha.
यस्य नासीद्भयं पार्थैः सपुत्रैः सजनार्दनैः। स्वबाहुबलमाश्रित्य मुहूर्तमपि सञ्जय ॥८-५-८१॥
O Sanjaya, there was no fear in him from the sons of Pritha, along with their sons and Janardana, as he relied on his own arm strength, even for a moment.
तस्य नाहं वधं मन्ये देवैरपि सवासवैः। प्रतीपमुपधावद्भिः किं पुनस्तात पाण्डवैः ॥८-५-८२॥
I believe that even the gods, including Indra, cannot kill him, so how can the Pandavas, dear father?
न हि ज्यां स्पृशमानस्य तलत्रे चापि गृह्णतः। पुमानाधिरथेः कश्चित्प्रमुखे स्थातुमर्हति ॥८-५-८३॥
Indeed, no one can stand in front of a great charioteer while touching the bowstring and holding it on the palm.
अपि स्यान्मेदिनी हीना सोमसूर्यप्रभांशुभिः। न वधः पुरुषेन्द्रस्य समरेष्वपलायिनः ॥८-५-८४॥
"Even if the earth loses the light of the moon and sun, the lord of men will not be killed in battles if he does not flee."
यदि मन्दः सहायेन भ्रात्रा दुःशासनेन च। वासुदेवस्य दुर्बुद्धिः प्रत्याख्यानमरोचयत् ॥८-५-८५॥
If the foolish one, along with his brother Duhshasana, approved the rejection of Vasudeva's evil counsel.
स नूनमृषभस्कन्धं दृष्ट्वा कर्णं निपातितम्। दुःशासनं च निहतं मन्ये शोचति पुत्रकः ॥८-५-८६॥
The son certainly grieves, I think, having seen the mighty Karṇa and Duḥśāsana slain.
हतं वैकर्तनं श्रुत्वा द्वैरथे सव्यसाचिना। जयतः पाण्डवान्दृष्ट्वा किं स्विद्दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत् ॥८-५-८७॥
Upon hearing of Karna's death at the hands of Arjuna in their duel, and witnessing the victorious Pandavas, Duryodhana pondered what to say.
दुर्मर्षणं हतं श्रुत्वा वृषसेनं च संयुगे। प्रभग्नं च बलं दृष्ट्वा वध्यमानं महारथैः ॥८-५-८८॥
Upon hearing of the deaths of Durmarshana and Vrishasena in battle, and witnessing the army being broken and slaughtered by the great charioteers, the morale was shattered.
पराङ्मुखांस्तथा राज्ञः पलायनपरायणान्। विद्रुतान्रथिनो दृष्ट्वा मन्ये शोचति पुत्रकः ॥८-५-८९॥
The son, observing the charioteers who have turned away and are intent on fleeing, seems to be grieving.
अनेयश्चाभिमानेन बालबुद्धिरमर्षणः। हतोत्साहं बलं दृष्ट्वा किं स्विद्दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत् ॥८-५-९०॥
Uncontrolled by pride and child-minded, impatient, having seen the discouraged strength, what indeed did Duryodhana say?
भ्रातरं निहतं दृष्ट्वा भीमसेनेन संयुगे। रुधिरं पीयमानेन किं स्विद्दुर्योधनोऽब्रवीत् ॥८-५-९१॥
Upon witnessing his brother slain by Bhimasena in the battle, as the blood was being drunk, what indeed did Duryodhana say?
सह गान्धारराजेन सभायां यदभाषत। कर्णोऽर्जुनं रणे हन्ता हते तस्मिन्किमब्रवीत् ॥८-५-९२॥
In the assembly with the king of Gandhara, what was spoken? After Karna, the killer of Arjuna in battle, was killed, what was then said?
द्यूतं कृत्वा पुरा हृष्टो वञ्चयित्वा च पाण्डवान्। शकुनिः सौबलस्तात हते कर्णे किमब्रवीत् ॥८-५-९३॥
Shakuni, the son of Subala, was once elated after gambling and deceiving the Pandavas. O dear, what did he say when Karna was killed?
कृतवर्मा महेष्वासः सात्वतानां महारथः। कर्णं विनिहतं दृष्ट्वा हार्दिक्यः किमभाषत ॥८-५-९४॥
Kritavarma, a distinguished warrior among the Satvatas, witnessed the fall of Karna. What words did Hardikya utter upon seeing this?
ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्या यस्य शिक्षामुपासते। धनुर्वेदं चिकीर्षन्तो द्रोणपुत्रस्य धीमतः ॥८-५-९५॥
Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas seek the teachings of archery from the wise son of Drona, eager to learn and master the skill.
युवा रूपेण सम्पन्नो दर्शनीयो महायशाः। अश्वत्थामा हते कर्णे किमभाषत सञ्जय ॥८-५-९६॥
The young and handsome Ashwatthama, greatly renowned, spoke to Sanjaya after Karna was killed. What did he say?
आचार्यत्वं धनुर्वेदे गतः परमतत्त्ववित्। कृपः शारद्वतस्तात हते कर्णे किमब्रवीत् ॥८-५-९७॥
Kṛpa, the son of Śaradvat, who had become a teacher in the science of archery and was a knower of the supreme truth, spoke to the dear one after Karna was slain. What did he say?
मद्रराजो महेष्वासः शल्यः समितिशोभनः। दिष्टं तेन हि तत्सर्वं यथा कर्णो निपातितः ॥८-५-९८॥
The king of Madra, Shalya, who was a great archer and splendid in battle, was indeed destined to witness all this as Karna was slain.
ये च केचन राजानः पृथिव्यां योद्धुमागताः। वैकर्तनं हतं दृष्ट्वा किमभाषन्त सञ्जय ॥८-५-९९॥
Sanjaya, what did the kings who came to fight on earth say after seeing Karna slain?
कर्णे तु निहते वीरे रथव्याघ्रे नरर्षभे। किं वो मुखमनीकानामासीत्सञ्जय भागशः ॥८-५-१००॥
Sanjaya, with the mighty Karna, the hero and tiger among charioteers, slain, what was the condition of your front ranks, in parts?
मद्रराजः कथं शल्यो नियुक्तो रथिनां वरः। वैकर्तनस्य सारथ्ये तन्ममाचक्ष्व सञ्जय ॥८-५-१०१॥
O Sanjaya, tell me how King Śalya of Madra was appointed as the charioteer for the great Karna, the best among charioteers.
केऽरक्षन्दक्षिणं चक्रं सूतपुत्रस्य संयुगे। वामं चक्रं ररक्षुर्वा के वा वीरस्य पृष्ठतः ॥८-५-१०२॥
Who guarded the right wheel of the charioteer's son during the battle? Or who was there to guard the left wheel, or stood behind the hero?
के कर्णं वाजहुः शूराः के क्षुद्राः प्राद्रवन्भयात्। कथं च वः समेतानां हतः कर्णो महारथः ॥८-५-१०३॥
Who among the heroes fought against Karna, and who among the cowards fled in fear? How was the great warrior Karna killed among your assembled forces?
पाण्डवाश्च कथं शूराः प्रत्युदीयुर्महारथम्। सृजन्तं शरवर्षाणि वारिधारा इवाम्बुदम् ॥८-५-१०४॥
The Pandavas, known for their bravery, confronted the great chariot, which was unleashing a barrage of arrows akin to streams of water pouring from a cloud.
स च सर्पमुखो दिव्यो महेषुप्रवरस्तदा। व्यर्थः कथं समभवत्तन्ममाचक्ष्व सञ्जय ॥८-५-१०५॥
Sanjaya, tell me how he, the divine serpent-faced great arrow-expert, became useless at that time.
मामकस्यास्य सैन्यस्य हृतोत्सेधस्य सञ्जय। अवशेषं न पश्यामि ककुदे मृदिते सति ॥८-५-१०६॥
O Sanjaya, I see no remains of my army, which has been deprived of its pride, as it is crushed on the battlefield.
तौ हि वीरौ महेष्वासौ मदर्थे कुरुसत्तमौ। भीष्मद्रोणौ हतौ श्रुत्वा को न्वर्थो जीवितेन मे ॥८-५-१०७॥
"Those two heroes, Bhishma and Drona, the greatest archers and the best of the Kurus, have been slain for my sake. What purpose does life hold for me now?"
न मृष्यामि च राधेयं हतमाहवशोभिनम्। यस्य बाह्वोर्बलं तुल्यं कुञ्जराणां शतं शतम् ॥८-५-१०८॥
I cannot bear the thought of Radheya, the illustrious warrior, being killed, for his strength in arms is comparable to that of a hundred hundred elephants.
द्रोणे हते च यद्वृत्तं कौरवाणां परैः सह। सङ्ग्रामे नरवीराणां तन्ममाचक्ष्व सञ्जय ॥८-५-१०९॥
Sanjaya, tell me what happened to the Kauravas and their enemies in the battle when Drona was slain.
यथा च कर्णः कौन्तेयैः सह युद्धमयोजयत्। यथा च द्विषतां हन्ता रणे शान्तस्तदुच्यताम् ॥८-५-११०॥
"As Karna fought alongside the sons of Kunti, and as the slayer of enemies found peace in battle, let it be told."
