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Sanjaya said:
On that day, when the great archer Droṇa was killed, and the plans of Droṇa's son, the great chariot-warrior, were rendered futile, O descendant of Bharata.
As the Kaurava army was in retreat, O great king, Arjuna organized his forces and stood firm with his brothers.
Seeing him standing there, your son, O best of the Bharatas, realized the situation and courageously restrained his fleeing army.
O Bharata, having positioned his own army and relying on the strength of his arms, he engaged in a prolonged battle with the Pandavas.
Then, at the evening time, he gathered those who had achieved their goals and were joyful, and engaged them in exercises for a long time, leading to their withdrawal.
After withdrawing their forces and entering their camp, the Kauravas devised a strategy for their own advantage.
The gods were seated on luxurious couches with splendid coverings and excellent seats, as if they were on comfortable beds.
Then King Duryodhana, with his very charming diplomacy, addressed the great archers and spoke to them at the right moment.
O best of the wise, please express your thoughts without delay. In this situation, what actions should the kings take to ensure effectiveness?
When the king spoke thus, the heroes, eager for battle, engaged in various activities while seated on their thrones.
Upon hearing the gestures of those desiring to sacrifice their lives in battle, and observing the face of the king, which shone like the rising sun, the wise son of the teacher, skilled in speech, began to speak.
"Passion, union, skill, and policy are considered means of success. All methods, as stated by the wise, are ultimately dependent on fate."
The heroes of our world, who were like gods and great charioteers, wise, skilled, capable, and devoted, have been slain.
We should not despair in our pursuit of victory. Here, through good policies and all possible means, even fate aligns with us.
We, having appointed Karna, who is endowed with all excellent qualities of men, as the general, will crush the enemies.
Then Duryodhana was pleased after hearing the pleasant and truthful words, which were auspicious and beneficial to himself, and were endowed with affectionate culture.
King Duryodhana, having composed his mind and relying on his own strength, addressed Radheya with these words.
Karna, I am aware of your valor and the profound friendship you have for me. Nevertheless, O mighty-armed warrior, I shall convey words that are for your benefit.
"Having heard, act as you desire, O hero, in a manner that pleases you. You are always the wisest and indeed my ultimate refuge."
Bhishma and Drona, my generals, who were like descended charioteers, have been killed. You should be the general, more resourceful than those two.
O son of Radha, those two great archers have grown dependent on Dhananjaya. They are respected heroes by me, as per your words.
Observing the role of Bhishma as the grandfather, the sons of Pandu were safeguarded by him for ten days during the great battle, O dear one.
In the great battle, Bhishma, the revered grandfather, is slain when Arjuna places Shikhandi in front, having laid down his weapons.
When that great-souled one was slain and lay on the bed of arrows, then, O tiger among men, Droṇa indeed was at the forefront, as you had said:
The sons of Pṛthā were protected by him in the battle because he was their disciple. However, the elder was swiftly killed by Dhṛṣṭadyumna.
Reflecting on the two slain chiefs, O one of immeasurable prowess, I see no other warrior equal to you in battle.
"You are indeed the one capable of ensuring our victory, without a doubt. It is known to you what happened before, during, and after."
You, like a leader in battle, should bear the burden. Anoint yourself as a general by your own effort.
Just as Skanda is the eternal commander and lord of the gods, may you also uphold my army of the Kauravas. Vanquish all the enemies like Indra does with the demons.
Recognizing you as a formidable warrior in the battlefield, the Pandavas and the Panchalas will retreat, much like the demons do when they behold Vishnu. Hence, you, the valiant one, must lead the grand army.
When the situation arises that your Pandavas, absorbed in thought, will align with their ministers, the Panchalas, and the Srinjayas.
Just as the sun rises and dispels the intense darkness with its brilliance, may our enemies be removed in the same way.
Karna said:
I have already declared this before, O Gandhari, in your presence: I shall defeat the Pandavas, O King, along with their sons and allies.
"I will be your commander, there is no doubt about it. Remain steadfast, O great king, and know that the Pandavas have been defeated."
Sanjaya said:
Thus addressed, the greatly radiant King Duryodhana rose with the kings, akin to Indra with the gods, to honor Karna as the commander, like the immortals did with Skanda.
Then, O king, the kings led by Duryodhana, eager for victory, quickly anointed him according to the prescribed rites, using sacred and consecrated golden pots.
The scene is adorned with vessels filled with water, horns, leopards, swords, and great bulls. There are gems and pearls, along with other fragrant scents and medicinal herbs, creating an atmosphere of opulence and sanctity.
Seated on a fig tree seat covered with linen, following the method prescribed by the scriptures, with well-prepared materials.
The bards and Brahmins proclaimed, "Victory to the sons of Pritha, along with Govinda and their followers, in the great battle!" addressing him as the best of the Bharatas.
"O son of Radha, conquer the sons of Pritha and the Panchalas for our victory, just as the ever-rising sun dispels darkness with its fierce rays."
"O Keshava, your released arrows are not enough, just like the ungrateful cannot bear the sight of the blazing sun rays."
The sons of Pṛthā and the Pāñcālas cannot stand before you in battle, just as the demons could not stand before Mahendra with weapons drawn.
Radheya, anointed and possessing immeasurable radiance, surpassed others in form, appearing like another sun.
Your son, having been anointed as the general by Karna, then considered himself successful, driven by the force of time.
Karna, having been appointed as the general, instructed preparations to be made for the battle at sunrise, O king, subduer of enemies.
Karna, surrounded by your sons, shone there, O Bharata, just as Skanda did in the battle against Tārakāsura.
