08.012
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
यथा संशप्तकैः सार्धमर्जुनस्याभवद्रणः। अन्येषां च मदीयानां पाण्डवैस्तद्ब्रवीहि मे ॥८-१२-१॥
Tell me about the battle that took place between Arjuna and the Saṃśaptakas, and also between my people and the Pāṇḍavas.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
शृणु राजन्यथावृत्तं सङ्ग्रामं ब्रुवतो मम। वीराणां शत्रुभिः सार्धं देहपाप्मप्रणाशनम् ॥८-१२-२॥
"Listen, O king, to the account of the battle as I narrate it, where the sins of the bodies of heroes were destroyed along with their enemies."
पार्थः संशप्तकगणं प्रविश्यार्णवसंनिभम्। व्यक्षोभयदमित्रघ्नो महावात इवार्णवम् ॥८-१२-३॥
Arjuna entered the ranks of the warriors sworn to die, resembling a vast ocean, and stirred them like a mighty wind stirs the sea.
शिरांस्युन्मथ्य वीराणां शितैर्भल्लैर्धनञ्जयः। पूर्णचन्द्राभवक्त्राणि स्वक्षिभ्रूदशनानि च ॥ सन्तस्तार क्षितिं क्षिप्रं विनालैर्नलिनैरिव ॥८-१२-४॥
Dhananjaya, having severed the heads of the warriors with his sharp arrows, swiftly covered the ground with their faces, eyes, eyebrows, and teeth, resembling stemless lotuses.
सुवृत्तानायतान्पुष्टांश्चन्दनागुरुभूषितान्। सायुधान्सतनुत्राणान्पञ्चास्योरगसंनिभान् ॥ बाहून्क्षुरैरमित्राणां विचकर्तार्जुनो रणे ॥८-१२-५॥
Arjuna, with his well-formed, elongated, and strong arms adorned with sandalwood and aloeswood, armed and resembling five-faced serpents, cut off the arms of his enemies with blades in the battle.
धुर्यान्धुर्यतरान्सूतान्ध्वजांश्चापानि सायकान्। पाणीनरत्नीनसकृद्भल्लैश्चिच्छेद पाण्डवः ॥८-१२-६॥
The Pāṇḍava skillfully and repeatedly cut down the horses, superior horses, charioteers, flags, bows, arrows, hands, and jewels with his arrows.
द्विपान्हयान्रथांश्चैव सारोहानर्जुनो रणे। शरैरनेकसाहस्रै राजन्निन्ये यमक्षयम् ॥८-१२-७॥
In the battle, Arjuna, with his countless arrows, sent elephants, horses, chariots, and their riders to the realm of Yama, O king.
तं प्रवीरं प्रतीयाता नर्दमाना इवर्षभाः। वाशितार्थमभिक्रुद्धा हुङ्कृत्वा चाभिदुद्रुवुः ॥ निघ्नन्तमभिजघ्नुस्ते शरैः शृङ्गैरिवर्षभाः ॥८-१२-८॥
The mighty warriors, like enraged bulls, approached him with a roar, intent on killing. They charged at him, attacking with arrows as if they were bulls using their horns.
तस्य तेषां च तद्युद्धमभवल्लोमहर्षणम्। त्रैलोक्यविजये यादृग्दैत्यानां सह वज्रिणा ॥८-१२-९॥
Their battle was as terrifying as the conquest of the three worlds, fought alongside Indra against the demons.
अस्त्रैरस्त्राणि संवार्य द्विषतां सर्वतोऽर्जुनः। इषुभिर्बहुभिस्तूर्णं विद्ध्वा प्राणान्ररास सः ॥८-१२-१०॥
Arjuna skillfully countered the enemy's weapons from all directions with his own, swiftly piercing them with numerous arrows, and then he roared in triumph.
छिन्नत्रिवेणुचक्राक्षान्हतयोधाश्वसारथीन्। विध्वस्तायुधतूणीरान्समुन्मथितकेतनान् ॥८-१२-११॥
The axles of the three-bamboo wheels were cut, the warriors, horses, and charioteers were killed. The weapons and quivers were destroyed, and the banners were completely shattered.
सञ्छिन्नयोक्त्ररश्मीकान्वित्रिवेणून्विकूबरान्। विध्वस्तबन्धुरयुगान्विशस्तायुधमण्डलान् ॥ रथान्विशकलीकुर्वन्महाभ्राणीव मारुतः ॥८-१२-१२॥
The wind, resembling great clouds, dismantles the chariots with severed yokes and reins, broken axles, shattered bodies, and destroyed beautiful chariots, scattering the circles of slaughtered weapons.
विस्मापयन्प्रेक्षणीयं द्विषातां भयवर्धनम्। महारथसहस्रस्य समं कर्मार्जुनोऽकरोत् ॥८-१२-१३॥
Arjuna performed a remarkable feat that was both awe-inspiring and terrifying to his enemies, equivalent to the might of a thousand great chariots.
सिद्धदेवर्षिसङ्घाश्च चारणाश्चैव तुष्टुवुः। देवदुन्दुभयो नेदुः पुष्पवर्षाणि चापतन् ॥ केशवार्जुनयोर्मूर्ध्नि प्राह वाक्चाशरीरिणी ॥८-१२-१४॥
The assemblies of perfected beings, divine sages, and celestial singers praised them. Divine drums resounded, and flowers showered down upon the heads of Keshava and Arjuna. A bodiless voice spoke.
चन्द्रार्कानिलवह्नीनां कान्तिदीप्तिबलद्युतीः। यौ सदा बिभ्रतुर्वीरौ ताविमौ केशवार्जुनौ ॥८-१२-१५॥
The two heroes, Keshava and Arjuna, always bear the brilliance, splendor, strength, and radiance of the moon, sun, wind, and fire.
ब्रह्मेशानाविवाजय्यौ वीरावेकरथे स्थितौ। सर्वभूतवरौ वीरौ नरनारायणावुभौ ॥८-१२-१६॥
Brahma and Shiva, the inseparable heroes, stood together in one chariot, being the best among all beings, as the heroes Nara and Narayana.
इत्येतन्महदाश्चर्यं दृष्ट्वा श्रुत्वा च भारत। अश्वत्थामा सुसंयत्तः कृष्णावभ्यद्रवद्रणे ॥८-१२-१७॥
Upon witnessing and hearing of this great wonder, Aśvatthāmā, fully prepared, charged at the two Krishnas in the battlefield, O Bhārata.
अथ पाण्डवमस्यन्तं यमकालान्तकाञ्शरान्। सेषुणा पाणिनाहूय हसन्द्रौणिरथाब्रवीत् ॥८-१२-१८॥
Then, with a smile, Drauṇi called out to Pāṇḍava, who was launching arrows as deadly as Yama, Kāla, and Antaka, using his hand with an arrow, and spoke.
यदि मां मन्यसे वीर प्राप्तमर्हमिवातिथिम्। ततः सर्वात्मनाद्य त्वं युद्धातिथ्यं प्रयच्छ मे ॥८-१२-१९॥
If you regard me as a worthy guest, O hero, then today, with all your heart, grant me the honor of battle.
एवमाचार्यपुत्रेण समाहूतो युयुत्सया। बहु मेनेऽर्जुनोऽऽत्मानमिदं चाह जनार्दनम् ॥८-१२-२०॥
Thus, called by the teacher's son with the desire to fight, Arjuna thought highly of himself and spoke to Janardana.
संशप्तकाश्च मे वध्या द्रौणिराह्वयते च माम्। यदत्रानन्तरं प्राप्तं प्रशाधि त्वं महाभुज ॥८-१२-२१॥
The warriors sworn to fight to the death and my enemies are to be slain; Drona's son challenges me. You, O mighty-armed one, must command what is to be done next.
एवमुक्तोऽवहत्पार्थं कृष्णो द्रोणात्मजान्तिकम्। जैत्रेण विधिनाहूतं वायुरिन्द्रमिवाध्वरे ॥८-१२-२२॥
Upon being instructed, Krishna transported Arjuna to the vicinity of Drona's son, as the wind summons Indra during the ritual.
तमामन्त्र्यैकमनसा केशवो द्रौणिमब्रवीत्। अश्वत्थामन्स्थिरो भूत्वा प्रहराशु सहस्व च ॥८-१२-२३॥
Keshava, with a focused mind, addressed Drona's son, saying, "Ashwatthaman, remain steady, attack swiftly, and endure the challenges."
निर्वेष्टुं भर्तृपिण्डं हि कालोऽयमुपजीविनाम्। सूक्ष्मो विवादो विप्राणां स्थूलौ क्षात्रौ जयाजयौ ॥८-१२-२४॥
"This is indeed the time for dependents to distribute the master's share. The learned engage in subtle disputes, while warriors face the tangible outcomes of victory and defeat."
यां न सङ्क्षमसे मोहाद्दिव्यां पार्थस्य सत्क्रियाम्। तामाप्तुमिच्छन्युध्यस्व स्थिरो भूत्वाद्य पाण्डवम् ॥८-१२-२५॥
O Pandava, today, being steady, fight to obtain that divine honor of Partha which you are unable to achieve due to delusion.
इत्युक्तो वासुदेवेन तथेत्युक्त्वा द्विजोत्तमः। विव्याध केशवं षष्ट्या नाराचैरर्जुनं त्रिभिः ॥८-१२-२६॥
Upon being addressed by Vāsudeva, the best of the twice-born responded accordingly and attacked Keśava with sixty iron arrows and Arjuna with three.
तस्यार्जुनः सुसङ्क्रुद्धस्त्रिभिर्भल्लैः शरासनम्। चिच्छेदाथान्यदादत्त द्रौणिर्घोरतरं धनुः ॥८-१२-२७॥
Arjuna, in great anger, cut the bow with three arrows. Then, Drona's son took up another, more formidable bow.
सज्यं कृत्वा निमेषात्तद्विव्याधार्जुनकेशवौ। त्रिभिः शरैर्वासुदेवं सहस्रेण च पाण्डवम् ॥८-१२-२८॥
In an instant, having prepared his bowstring, he shot three arrows at Arjuna and Keshava, and a thousand at Vasudeva and Pandava.
ततः शरसहस्राणि प्रयुतान्यर्बुदानि च। ससृजे द्रौणिरायस्तः संस्तभ्य च रणेऽर्जुनम् ॥८-१२-२९॥
Then, Aśvatthāmā, with great effort, released countless arrows to hold Arjuna at bay in the battle.
इषुधेर्धनुषो ज्याया अङ्गुलीभ्यश्च मारिष। बाह्वोः कराभ्यामुरसो वदनघ्राणनेत्रतः ॥८-१२-३०॥
O dear, from the quiver, bow, string, fingers, arms, hands, chest, face, nose, and eyes.
कर्णाभ्यां शिरसोऽङ्गेभ्यो लोमवर्त्मभ्य एव च। रथध्वजेभ्यश्च शरा निष्पेतुर्ब्रह्मवादिनः ॥८-१२-३१॥
Arrows emerged from the ears, head, limbs, hair-follicles, and even from the chariot-banners, O Brahmanas.
शरजालेन महता विद्ध्वा केशवपाण्डवौ। ननाद मुदितो द्रौणिर्महामेघौघनिस्वनः ॥८-१२-३२॥
Drauni, filled with joy, roared thunderously after piercing Keshava and Pandava with a massive volley of arrows, resembling the sound of a mighty storm cloud.
तस्य नानदतः श्रुत्वा पाण्डवोऽच्युतमब्रवीत्। पश्य माधव दौरात्म्यं द्रोणपुत्रस्य मां प्रति ॥८-१२-३३॥
Upon hearing his roar, the Pandava said to Krishna, "Look, O Madhava, at the malice of Drona's son towards me."
वधप्राप्तौ मन्यते नौ प्रवेश्य शरवेश्मनि। एषोऽस्य हन्मि सङ्कल्पं शिक्षया च बलेन च ॥८-१२-३४॥
In the face of a death sentence, he believes we have entered the realm of arrows. I will break his resolve through both instruction and strength.
अश्वत्थाम्नः शरानस्तांश्छित्त्वैकैकं त्रिधा त्रिधा। व्यधमद्भरतश्रेष्ठो नीहारमिव मारुतः ॥८-१२-३५॥
O best of the Bharatas, you cut each of Ashwatthama's arrows into three and dispersed them as the wind disperses the mist.
ततः संशप्तकान्भूयः साश्वसूतरथद्विपान्। ध्वजपत्तिगणानुग्रैर्बाणैर्विव्याध पाण्डवः ॥८-१२-३६॥
Then the Pāṇḍava once more attacked the Saṃśaptakas, along with their horses, charioteers, elephants, flags, infantry, and troops, using fierce arrows.
ये ये ददृशिरे तत्र यद्यद्रूपं यथा यथा। ते ते तत्तच्छरैर्व्याप्तं मेनिरेऽऽत्मानमेव च ॥८-१२-३७॥
Those who saw whatever forms were there, perceived themselves as being pervaded by those very arrows.
ते गाण्डीवप्रणुदिता नानारूपाः पतत्रिणः। क्रोशे साग्रे स्थितान्घ्नन्ति द्विपांश्च पुरुषान्रणे ॥८-१२-३८॥
The birds, transformed into various forms and struck by the Gandiva bow, attack and kill the elephants and men who are positioned at the forefront within a cry's distance in the battle.
भल्लैश्छिन्नाः कराः पेतुः करिणां मदकर्षिणाम्। छिन्ना यथा परशुभिः प्रवृद्धाः शरदि द्रुमाः ॥८-१२-३९॥
The intoxicated elephants had their trunks severed by arrows, falling like trees that are cut down by axes in the autumn season.
पश्चात्तु शैलवत्पेतुस्ते गजाः सह सादिभिः। वज्रिवज्रप्रमथिता यथैवाद्रिचयास्तथा ॥८-१२-४०॥
Afterwards, the elephants with their riders fell like rocks, smashed by Indra's thunderbolt, just as mountain peaks would fall.
गन्धर्वनगराकारान्विधिवत्कल्पितान्रथान्। विनीतजवनान्युक्तानास्थितान्युद्धदुर्मदान् ॥८-१२-४१॥
The chariots, resembling the city of celestial beings, were properly constructed and equipped with trained and swift horses, occupied by warriors who were arrogant and ready for battle.
शरैर्विशकलीकुर्वन्नमित्रानभ्यवीवृषत्। अलङ्कृतानश्वसादीन्पत्तींश्चाहन्धनञ्जयः ॥८-१२-४२॥
Dhananjaya, with his arrows, shattered and attacked the enemies. He struck the adorned horses, other animals, and foot soldiers.
धनञ्जययुगान्तार्कः संशप्तकमहार्णवम्। व्यशोषयत दुःशोषं तीव्रैः शरगभस्तिभिः ॥८-१२-४३॥
Arjuna, resembling the sun at the end of an era, dried up the formidable ocean of the Trigartas with his intense arrows, which was otherwise difficult to dry.
पुनर्द्रौणिमहाशैलं नाराचैः सूर्यसंनिभैः। निर्बिभेद महावेगैस्त्वरन्वज्रीव पर्वतम् ॥८-१२-४४॥
Once more, Drona's son, akin to a towering mountain, was struck by iron arrows that shone like the sun, with immense speed, as if Indra's thunderbolt was rushing towards a mountain.
तमाचार्यसुतः क्रुद्धः साश्वयन्तारमाशुगैः। युयुत्सुर्नाशकद्योद्धुं पार्थस्तानन्तराच्छिनत् ॥८-१२-४५॥
The son of the teacher, filled with anger and accompanied by his swift charioteer, wanted to fight but was unable to engage Arjuna in battle; instead, he cut them off from within.
ततः परमसङ्क्रुद्धः काण्डकोशानवासृजत्। अश्वत्थामाभिरूपाय गृहानतिथये यथा ॥८-१२-४६॥
Then, in extreme anger, he released the missiles for Ashwatthama, as if they were houses for a guest.
अथ संशप्तकांस्त्यक्त्वा पाण्डवो द्रौणिमभ्ययात्। अपाङ्क्तेयमिव त्यक्त्वा दाता पाङ्क्तेयमर्थिनम् ॥८-१२-४७॥
Then, leaving the Trigartas behind, the Pandava went towards Drona's son, just as a benefactor leaves the unworthy and approaches the worthy seeker.
ततः समभवद्युद्धं शुक्राङ्गिरसवर्चसोः। नक्षत्रमभितो व्योम्नि शुक्राङ्गिरसयोरिव ॥८-१२-४८॥
Then a battle arose between the brilliance of Shukra and Angiras, resembling stars surrounding the sky, like Shukra and Angiras.
सन्तापयन्तावन्योन्यं दीप्तैः शरगभस्तिभिः। लोकत्रासकरावास्तां विमार्गस्थौ ग्रहाविव ॥८-१२-४९॥
They were like planets gone astray, causing fear to the world, heating each other with their blazing arrow rays.
ततोऽविध्यद्भ्रुवोर्मध्ये नाराचेनार्जुनो भृशम्। स तेन विबभौ द्रौणिरूर्ध्वरश्मिर्यथा रविः ॥८-१२-५०॥
Then Arjuna, with great force, pierced the space between the eyebrows with an arrow. As a result, Drona's son shone brilliantly, resembling the sun with its upward rays.
अथ कृष्णौ शरशतैरश्वत्थाम्नार्दितौ भृशम्। सरश्मिजालनिकरौ युगान्तार्काविवासतुः ॥८-१२-५१॥
Then Krishna and Arjuna, severely struck by Ashwatthama's hundreds of arrows, stood firm, resembling the sun at the end of the age with their radiant rays.
ततोऽर्जुनः सर्वतोधारमस्त्र; मवासृजद्वासुदेवाभिगुप्तः। द्रौणायनिं चाभ्यहनत्पृषत्कै; र्वज्राग्निवैवस्वतदण्डकल्पैः ॥८-१२-५२॥
Then Arjuna, under the protection of Vasudeva, unleashed a barrage of weapons from all directions, striking Drona's son with arrows that were as powerful as thunderbolts, fire, and the rod of Vaivasvata.
स केशवं चार्जुनं चातितेजा; विव्याध मर्मस्वतिरौद्रकर्मा। बाणैः सुमुक्तैरतितीव्रवेगै; र्यैराहतो मृत्युरपि व्यथेत ॥८-१२-५३॥
The very powerful warrior pierced Keshava and Arjuna in their vital parts with arrows that were released with such intense speed and precision that even death itself would tremble.
द्रौणेरिषूनर्जुनः संनिवार्य; व्यायच्छतस्तद्द्विगुणैः सुपुङ्खैः। तं साश्वसूतध्वजमेकवीर; मावृत्य संशप्तकसैन्यमार्छत् ॥८-१२-५४॥
Arjuna skillfully repelled Drona's arrows and responded with twice as many well-feathered arrows. The lone hero, with his horse, charioteer, and banner, surrounded and attacked the Saṃśaptaka army.
धनूंषि बाणानिषुधीर्धनुर्ज्याः; पाणीन्भुजान्पाणिगतं च शस्त्रम्। छत्राणि केतूंस्तुरगानथैषां; वस्त्राणि माल्यान्यथ भूषणानि ॥८-१२-५५॥
The bows, arrows, quivers, and bowstrings; the hands, arms, and weapons held in hand. The umbrellas, banners, horses, and their garments, garlands, and ornaments are described.
चर्माणि वर्माणि मनोरथांश्च; प्रियाणि सर्वाणि शिरांसि चैव। चिच्छेद पार्थो द्विषतां प्रमुक्तै; र्बाणैः स्थितानामपराङ्मुखानाम् ॥८-१२-५६॥
Arjuna, with his released arrows, cut off the skins, armors, desires, and all the dear heads of the enemies who were standing turned away.
सुकल्पिताः स्यन्दनवाजिनागाः; समास्थिताः कृतयत्नैर्नृवीरैः। पार्थेरितैर्बाणगणैर्निरस्ता; स्तैरेव सार्धं नृवरैर्निपेतुः ॥८-१२-५७॥
The well-arranged chariots, horses, and elephants, positioned by the heroes with great effort, were driven away by the groups of arrows dispatched by Arjuna; they fell down together with the best of men.
पद्मार्कपूर्णेन्दुसमाननानि; किरीटमालामुकुटोत्कटानि। भल्लार्धचन्द्रक्षुरहिंसितानि; प्रपेतुरुर्व्यां नृशिरांस्यजस्रम् ॥८-१२-५८॥
The faces, resembling lotus, sun, and full moon, adorned with prominent crowns, garlands, and diadems, were injured by arrows and half-moon shaped razors, causing the heads of men to continuously fall on the earth.
अथ द्विपैर्देवपतिद्विपाभै; र्देवारिदर्पोल्बणमन्युदर्पैः। कलिङ्गवङ्गाङ्गनिषादवीरा; जिघांसवः पाण्डवमभ्यधावन् ॥८-१२-५९॥
Then, the heroes from Kalinga, Vanga, Anga, and Nishada, mounted on elephants resembling those of the lord of gods, driven by intense pride and anger, charged at the Pandava with the intent to kill.
तेषां द्विपानां विचकर्त पार्थो; वर्माणि मर्माणि करान्नियन्तॄन्। ध्वजाः पताकाश्च ततः प्रपेतु; र्वज्राहतानीव गिरेः शिरांसि ॥८-१२-६०॥
Arjuna, with his skill, dismantled the elephants' defenses, cutting through their armors, vital points, and the hands of their drivers. Consequently, the flags and banners toppled as if the peaks of a mountain were struck by a thunderbolt.
तेषु प्ररुग्णेषु गुरोस्तनूजं; बाणैः किरीटी नवसूर्यवर्णैः। प्रच्छादयामास महाभ्रजालै; र्वायुः समुद्युक्तमिवांशुमन्तम् ॥८-१२-६१॥
In the midst of the wounded, Arjuna, the son of the teacher, covered the sky with arrows like a new sun, as if the wind was engaged with a great mass of clouds, obscuring the sun.
ततोऽर्जुनेषूनिषुभिर्निरस्य; द्रौणिः शरैरर्जुनवासुदेवौ। प्रच्छादयित्व दिवि चन्द्रसूर्यौ; ननाद सोऽम्भोद इवातपान्ते ॥८-१२-६२॥
Then, Drona's son repelled Arjuna's arrows with his own and covered Arjuna and Vasudeva with arrows. He roared in the sky like a cloud at the end of the summer heat.
तमर्जुनस्तांश्च पुनस्त्वदीया; नभ्यर्दितस्तैरविकृत्तशस्त्रैः। बाणान्धकारं सहसैव कृत्वा; विव्याध सर्वानिषुभिः सुपुङ्खैः ॥८-१२-६३॥
Arjuna, undeterred by your men whose weapons remained unbroken, swiftly cast a veil of darkness with his arrows and struck all with precision-guided shafts.
नाप्याददत्संदधन्नैव मुञ्च; न्बाणान्रणेऽदृश्यत सव्यसाची। हतांश्च नागांस्तुरगान्पदाती; न्संस्यूतदेहान्ददृशू रथांश्च ॥८-१२-६४॥
Arjuna, known as Savyasachi, was not seen taking, fixing, or releasing arrows in the battle. Instead, the battlefield was filled with the sight of slain elephants, horses, foot soldiers, and chariots, with bodies pierced.
सन्धाय नाराचवरान्दशाशु; द्रौणिस्त्वरन्नेकमिवोत्ससर्ज। तेषां च पञ्चार्जुनमभ्यविध्य; न्पञ्चाच्युतं निर्बिभिदुः सुमुक्ताः ॥८-१२-६५॥
Drona's son, having swiftly fixed ten of the finest arrows, released them as if they were one. Out of these, five struck Arjuna and five pierced Acyuta (Krishna) with precision.
तैराहतौ सर्वमनुष्यमुख्या; वसृक्क्षरन्तौ धनदेन्द्रकल्पौ। समाप्तविद्येन यथाभिभूतौ; हतौ स्विदेतौ किमु मेनिरेऽन्ये ॥८-१२-६६॥
Struck by them, the chief among all humans, bleeding like Kubera and Indra, were overcome by complete knowledge and killed; what then did others think of these two?
अथार्जुनं प्राह दशार्हनाथः; प्रमाद्यसे किं जहि योधमेतम्। कुर्याद्धि दोषं समुपेक्षितोऽसौ; कष्टो भवेद्व्याधिरिवाक्रियावान् ॥८-१२-६७॥
Then the lord of the Dasharhas said to Arjuna, "Why are you negligent? Slay this warrior. If he is overlooked, he may indeed cause harm, like a disease that becomes difficult to treat."
तथेति चोक्त्वाच्युतमप्रमादी; द्रौणिं प्रयत्नादिषुभिस्ततक्ष। छित्त्वाश्वरश्मींस्तुरगानविध्य; त्ते तं रणादूहुरतीव दूरम् ॥८-१२-६८॥
After addressing Krishna, the unfailing one, he skillfully struck Drona's son with arrows. Cutting the reins of the horses, they swiftly carried him far away from the battlefield.
आवृत्य नेयेष पुनस्तु युद्धं; पार्थेन सार्धं मतिमान्विमृश्य। जानञ्जयं नियतं वृष्णिवीरे; धनञ्जये चाङ्गिरसां वरिष्ठः ॥८-१२-६९॥
Having surrounded, he desired to lead again to battle; together with Arjuna, the wise one, having considered. Knowing victory was certain among the Vrishni heroes, in Dhananjaya and the foremost of the Angiras.
प्रतीपकाये तु रणादश्वत्थाम्नि हृते हयैः। मन्त्रौषधिक्रियादानैर्व्याधौ देहादिवाहृते ॥८-१२-७०॥
Ashvatthaman was taken away from the battle by the horses to the opposing side. Through mantras and medicinal actions, he was brought back as if recovering from a disease, like a body being restored.
संशप्तकानभिमुखौ प्रयातौ केशवार्जुनौ। वातोद्धूतपताकेन स्यन्दनेनौघनादिना ॥८-१२-७१॥
Keshava and Arjuna advanced towards the Samsaptakas, confronting them with their chariot, which had flags fluttering in the wind and made a roaring sound.
