08.017
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
हस्तिभिस्तु महामात्रास्तव पुत्रेण चोदिताः। धृष्टद्युम्नं जिघांसन्तः क्रुद्धाः पार्षतमभ्ययुः ॥८-१७-१॥
Urged by your son, the great ministers, in anger, approached Dhṛṣṭadyumna with elephants, intending to kill him.
प्राच्याश्च दाक्षिणात्याश्च प्रवीरा गजयोधिनः। अङ्गा वङ्गाश्च पुण्ड्राश्च मागधास्ताम्रलिप्तकाः ॥८-१७-२॥
The eastern and southern heroes, skilled in elephant warfare, include the Angas, Vangas, Pundras, Magadhas, and Tamraliptakas.
मेकलाः कोशला मद्रा दशार्णा निषधास्तथा। गजयुद्धेषु कुशलाः कलिङ्गैः सह भारत ॥८-१७-३॥
The Mekalas, Koshalas, Madras, Dasharnas, and Nishadhas are adept in elephant warfare alongside the Kalingas, O Bharata.
शरतोमरनाराचैर्वृष्टिमन्त इवाम्बुदाः। सिषिचुस्ते ततः सर्वे पाञ्चालाचलमाहवे ॥८-१७-४॥
The warriors, with their arrows, javelins, and iron arrows, showered like clouds, pouring down upon the Panchala mountain in the battle.
तान्संमिमर्दिषुर्नागान्पार्ष्ण्यङ्गुष्ठाङ्कुशैर्भृशम्। पोथितान्पार्षतो बाणैर्नाराचैश्चाभ्यवीवृषत् ॥८-१७-५॥
He fiercely crushed the elephants using his heels, thumbs, and goads. Pārṣata then struck and showered them with arrows and iron arrows.
एकैकं दशभिः षड्भिरष्टाभिरपि भारत। द्विरदानभिविव्याध क्षिप्तैर्गिरिनिभाञ्शरैः ॥ प्रच्छाद्यमानो द्विरदैर्मेघैरिव दिवाकरः ॥८-१७-६॥
O Bharata, each elephant was pierced by ten, six, and eight arrows that were like mountains, thrown at them, and they were covered by elephants like the sun is covered by clouds.
पर्यासुः पाण्डुपाञ्चाला नदन्तो निशितायुधाः। तान्नागानभिवर्षन्तो ज्यातन्त्रीशरनादितैः ॥८-१७-७॥
The Pandavas and Panchalas, equipped with sharp weapons, moved around roaring, and showered arrows upon the elephants, creating a sound with their bowstrings.
नकुलः सहदेवश्च द्रौपदेयाः प्रभद्रकाः। सात्यकिश्च शिखण्डी च चेकितानश्च वीर्यवान् ॥८-१७-८॥
Nakula, Sahadeva, the sons of Draupadi, the Prabhadrakas, Satyaki, Shikhandi, and the valiant Cekitana were present.
ते म्लेच्छैः प्रेषिता नागा नरानश्वान्रथानपि। हस्तैराक्षिप्य ममृदुः पद्भिश्चाप्यतिमन्यवः ॥८-१७-९॥
The elephants, sent by the barbarians, in their great anger, seized and crushed men, horses, and chariots with their trunks and feet.
बिभिदुश्च विषाणाग्रैः समाक्षिप्य च चिक्षिपुः। विषाणलग्नैश्चाप्यन्ये परिपेतुर्विभीषणाः ॥८-१७-१०॥
They pierced with the tips of their horns and threw them after seizing. Others, stuck with horns, ran around in a terrifying manner.
प्रमुखे वर्तमानं तु द्विपं वङ्गस्य सात्यकिः। नाराचेनोग्रवेगेन भित्त्वा मर्मण्यपातयत् ॥८-१७-११॥
Satyaki, standing in front, pierced the elephant of Vanga with a swift iron arrow, causing it to fall in its vital parts.
तस्यावर्जितनागस्य द्विरदादुत्पतिष्यतः। नाराचेनाभिनद्वक्षः सोऽपतद्भुवि सात्यकेः ॥८-१७-१२॥
His elephant, bent and about to leap, was struck in the chest by an iron arrow and fell to the ground near Satyaki.
पुण्ड्रस्यापततो नागं चलन्तमिव पर्वतम्। सहदेवः प्रयत्नात्तैर्नाराचैर्व्यहनत्त्रिभिः ॥८-१७-१३॥
Sahadeva, with great effort, struck the elephant of Puṇḍra, which was falling like a moving mountain, with three arrows.
विपताकं वियन्तारं विवर्मध्वजजीवितम्। तं कृत्वा द्विरदं भूयः सहदेवोऽङ्गमभ्यगात् ॥८-१७-१४॥
Sahadeva, having rendered the elephant devoid of its banner, charioteer, armor, and life, once again approached the region of Anga.
सहदेवं तु नकुलो वारयित्वाङ्गमार्दयत्। नाराचैर्यमदण्डाभैस्त्रिभिर्नागं शतेन च ॥८-१७-१५॥
Nakula stopped Sahadeva and fiercely attacked the elephant with arrows that resembled the rod of Yama, using three arrows and a hundred more to strike.
दिवाकरकरप्रख्यानङ्गश्चिक्षेप तोमरान्। नकुलाय शतान्यष्टौ त्रिधैकैकं तु सोऽच्छिनत् ॥८-१७-१६॥
The warrior, whose limbs were as renowned as the sun's hand, hurled spears at Nakula. However, Nakula skillfully cut each of the eight hundred spears into three parts.
तथार्धचन्द्रेण शिरस्तस्य चिच्छेद पाण्डवः। स पपात हतो म्लेच्छस्तेनैव सह दन्तिना ॥८-१७-१७॥
The Pandava, using the half-moon weapon, severed the head of his enemy. The barbarian, along with his elephant, fell dead.
आचार्यपुत्रे निहते हस्तिशिक्षाविशारदे। अङ्गाः क्रुद्धा महामात्रा नागैर्नकुलमभ्ययुः ॥८-१७-१८॥
The ministers of Anga, enraged by the killing of the teacher's son who was an expert in elephant training, approached Nakul with their elephants.
चलत्पताकैः प्रमुखैर्हेमकक्ष्यातनुच्छदैः। मिमर्दिशन्तस्त्वरिताः प्रदीप्तैरिव पर्वतैः ॥८-१७-१९॥
They moved swiftly with their flags fluttering, adorned with prominent gold-belted coverings, crushing everything in their path like blazing mountains.
मेकलोत्कलकालिङ्गा निषादास्ताम्रलिप्तकाः। शरतोमरवर्षाणि विमुञ्चन्तो जिघांसवः ॥८-१७-२०॥
The warriors from Mekala, Utkala, Kalinga, Nishada, and Tamraliptaka released a barrage of arrows and spears, intent on destruction.
तैश्छाद्यमानं नकुलं दिवाकरमिवाम्बुदैः। परि पेतुः सुसंरब्धाः पाण्डुपाञ्चालसोमकाः ॥८-१७-२१॥
Nakula was surrounded by the Pandavas, Panchalas, and Somakas, who were very enraged, just as the sun is covered by clouds.
ततस्तदभवद्युद्धं रथिनां हस्तिभिः सह। सृजतां शरवर्षाणि तोमरांश्च सहस्रशः ॥८-१७-२२॥
Then there was a battle between the charioteers and the elephants, with thousands of arrows and spears being released.
नागानां प्रस्फुटुः कुम्भा मर्माणि विविधानि च। दन्ताश्चैवातिविद्धानां नाराचैर्भूषणानि च ॥८-१७-२३॥
The temples of the elephants were bursting, and various vital parts and tusks were pierced by arrows, along with their ornaments.
तेषामष्टौ महानागांश्चतुःषष्ट्या सुतेजनैः। सहदेवो जघानाशु ते पेतुः सह सादिभिः ॥८-१७-२४॥
Sahadeva swiftly defeated eight great serpents accompanied by sixty-four warriors, and they all fell along with their riders.
अञ्जोगतिभिरायम्य प्रयत्नाद्धनुरुत्तमम्। नाराचैरहनन्नागान्नकुलः कुरनन्दन ॥८-१७-२५॥
Nakula, the joy of the Kurus, skillfully stretched his excellent bow and struck the elephants with his arrows.
ततः शैनेयपाञ्चाल्यौ द्रौपदेयाः प्रभद्रकाः। शिखण्डी च महानागान्सिषिचुः शरवृष्टिभिः ॥८-१७-२६॥
Then the sons of Śinī and Pāñcālī, along with the sons of Draupadī, the Prabhadrakas, and Śikhaṇḍī, attacked the great warriors with a barrage of arrows.
ते पाण्डुयोधाम्बुधरैः शत्रुद्विरदपर्वताः। बाणवर्षैर्हताः पेतुर्वज्रवर्षैरिवाचलाः ॥८-१७-२७॥
The enemy elephants, resembling mountains, were struck down by the Pandava warriors, who were like clouds, with their showers of arrows, and they fell as if hit by showers of thunderbolts, just like mountains would.
एवं हत्वा तव गजांस्ते पाण्डुनरकुञ्जराः। द्रुतं सेनामवैक्षन्त भिन्नकूलामिवापगाम् ॥८-१७-२८॥
Thus, after slaying your elephants, the Pandava warriors swiftly observed the army, resembling a river with its banks broken.
ते तां सेनामवालोक्य पाण्डुपुत्रस्य सैनिकाः। विक्षोभयित्वा च पुनः कर्णमेवाभिदुद्रुवुः ॥८-१७-२९॥
The soldiers, upon seeing the army of the son of Pandu, became agitated and once again charged directly at Karna.
सहदेवं ततः क्रुद्धं दहन्तं तव वाहिनीम्। दुःशासनो महाराज भ्राता भ्रातरमभ्ययात् ॥८-१७-३०॥
Then, O great king, Duḥśāsana approached his brother Sahadeva, who was enraged and destroying your army.
तौ समेतौ महायुद्धे दृष्ट्वा तत्र नराधिपाः। सिंहनादरवांश्चक्रुर्वासांस्यादुधुवुश्च ह ॥८-१७-३१॥
The two of them, having gathered in the great battle, saw the kings there and made roaring sounds like lions, shaking their garments in excitement.
ततो भारत क्रुद्धेन तव पुत्रेण धन्विना। पाण्डुपुत्रस्त्रिभिर्बाणैर्वक्षस्यभिहतो बली ॥८-१७-३२॥
Then, O Bharata, your son, in anger, struck the mighty son of Pandu on the chest with three arrows.
सहदेवस्ततो राजन्नाराचेन तवात्मजम्। विद्ध्वा विव्याध सप्तत्या सारथिं च त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः ॥८-१७-३३॥
Sahadeva then, O king, pierced your son with an arrow and struck the charioteer with seventy arrows and three arrows.
दुःशासनस्तदा राजंश्छित्त्वा चापं महाहवे। सहदेवं त्रिसप्तत्या बाह्वोरुरसि चार्दयत् ॥८-१७-३४॥
Then, O king, Duhshasana, in the great battle, cut the bow and pierced Sahadeva with seventy-three arrows on his arms and chest.
सहदेवस्ततः क्रुद्धः खड्गं गृह्य महाहवे। व्याविध्यत युधां श्रेष्ठः श्रीमांस्तव सुतं प्रति ॥८-१७-३५॥
Then, in the great battle, the angry Sahadeva took up his sword and wielded it against your glorious son, who was the best among warriors.
समार्गणगणं चापं छित्त्वा तस्य महानसिः। निपपात ततो भूमौ च्युतः सर्प इवाम्बरात् ॥८-१७-३६॥
After severing his bow and the cluster of arrows with a mighty sword, he fell to the ground like a snake dropping from the sky.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय सहदेवः प्रतापवान्। दुःशासनाय चिक्षेप बाणमन्तकरं ततः ॥८-१७-३७॥
Then, the valiant Sahadeva, taking another bow, shot a deadly arrow at Duhshasana.
तमापतन्तं विशिखं यमदण्डोपमत्विषम्। खड्गेन शितधारेण द्विधा चिच्छेद कौरवः ॥८-१७-३८॥
The Kaurava, with his sharp-edged sword, cut the descending arrow, which shone like the staff of Yama, into two.
तमापतन्तं सहसा निस्त्रिंशं निशितैः शरैः। पातयामास समरे सहदेवो हसन्निव ॥८-१७-३९॥
Sahadeva, with a smile, swiftly shot sharp arrows in battle, causing the approaching sword to fall.
ततो बाणांश्चतुःषष्टिं तव पुत्रो महारणे। सहदेवरथे तूर्णं पातयामास भारत ॥८-१७-४०॥
Then, O Bharata, your son swiftly shot sixty-four arrows at Sahadeva's chariot during the great battle.
ताञ्शरान्समरे राजन्वेगेनापततो बहून्। एकैकं पञ्चभिर्बाणैः सहदेवो न्यकृन्तत ॥८-१७-४१॥
In the battle, O king, Sahadeva swiftly cut down each of the many approaching arrows with five of his own.
स निवार्य महाबाणांस्तव पुत्रेण प्रेषितान्। अथास्मै सुबहून्बाणान्माद्रीपुत्रः समाचिनोत् ॥८-१७-४२॥
He skillfully deflected the mighty arrows launched by your son and then, in turn, the son of Mādrī collected numerous arrows to retaliate.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज सहदेवः प्रतापवान्। समाधत्त शरं घोरं मृत्युकालान्तकोपमम् ॥ विकृष्य बलवच्चापं तव पुत्राय सोऽसृजत् ॥८-१७-४३॥
Then the mighty and angry King Sahadeva took up a terrible arrow, resembling the wrath of death itself, and drawing his bow with great strength, he released it towards your son.
स तं निर्भिद्य वेगेन भित्त्वा च कवचं महत्। प्राविशद्धरणीं राजन्वल्मीकमिव पन्नगः ॥ ततः स मुमुहे राजंस्तव पुत्रो महारथः ॥८-१७-४४॥
He swiftly pierced and broke through the great armor, entering the earth like a serpent into an anthill, O king. Then your son, the great warrior, fainted, O king.
मूढं चैनं समालक्ष्य सारथिस्त्वरितो रथम्। अपोवाह भृशं त्रस्तो वध्यमानं शितैः शरैः ॥८-१७-४५॥
Seeing him confused, the charioteer quickly drove the chariot away, greatly afraid as he was being attacked by sharp arrows.
पराजित्य रणे तं तु पाण्डवः पाण्डुपूर्वज। दुर्योधनबलं हृष्टः प्रामथद्वै समन्ततः ॥८-१७-४६॥
After defeating him in battle, the Pandava, the elder son of Pandu, joyfully destroyed Duryodhana's forces from all directions.
पिपीलिकापुटं राजन्यथामृद्नान्नरो रुषा। तथा सा कौरवी सेना मृदिता तेन भारत ॥८-१७-४७॥
O king, just as a man angrily crushes an ant's nest, similarly, the Kaurava army was crushed by him, O Bharata.
नकुलं रभसं युद्धे दारयन्तं वरूथिनीम्। कर्णो वैकर्तनो राजन्वारयामास वै तदा ॥८-१७-४८॥
Nakul, fierce in battle, was tearing through the army. Then, Karna, the son of Vikartana, restrained him, O King.
नकुलश्च तदा कर्णं प्रहसन्निदमब्रवीत्। चिरस्य बत दृष्टोऽहं दैवतैः सौम्यचक्षुषा ॥८-१७-४९॥
Nakul, with a smile, addressed Karna, saying: "It is indeed after a long time that I have been seen by the gods with their gentle gaze."
यस्य मे त्वं रणे पाप चक्षुर्विषयमागतः। त्वं हि मूलमनर्थानां वैरस्य कलहस्य च ॥८-१७-५०॥
You, who have become the sinful object of my sight in battle, are indeed the root of misfortunes, enmity, and conflict.
त्वद्दोषात्कुरवः क्षीणाः समासाद्य परस्परम्। त्वामद्य समरे हत्वा कृतकृत्योऽस्मि विज्वरः ॥८-१७-५१॥
Because of your fault, the Kurus have been weakened by fighting among themselves. Today, by killing you in battle, I have fulfilled my duty and am relieved of all distress.
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच नकुलं सूतनन्दनः। सदृशं राजपुत्रस्य धन्विनश्च विशेषतः ॥८-१७-५२॥
Upon being addressed in this manner, the son of Suta responded to Nakul, in a manner befitting a prince and particularly an archer.
प्रहरस्व रणे बाल पश्यामस्तव पौरुषम्। कर्म कृत्वा रणे शूर ततः कत्थितुमर्हसि ॥८-१७-५३॥
Strike in the battle, young one, and we shall witness your valor. Only after performing deeds in the battle, O hero, do you deserve to boast.
अनुक्त्वा समरे तात शूरा युध्यन्ति शक्तितः। स युध्यस्व मया शक्त्या विनेष्ये दर्पमद्य ते ॥८-१७-५४॥
O dear, without uttering a word, heroes fight with all their might in battle. So, you too fight with all your strength; today, I shall vanquish your pride.
इत्युक्त्वा प्राहरत्तूर्णं पाण्डुपुत्राय सूतजः। विव्याध चैनं समरे त्रिसप्तत्या शिलीमुखैः ॥८-१७-५५॥
Having said this, the son of the charioteer swiftly attacked the son of Pandu and struck him in the battle with seventy-three arrows.
नकुलस्तु ततो विद्धः सूतपुत्रेण भारत। अशीत्याशीविषप्रख्यैः सूतपुत्रमविध्यत ॥८-१७-५६॥
Nakula was struck by the son of a charioteer, O Bharata. In return, he shot back eighty serpent-like arrows at him.
तस्य कर्णो धनुश्छित्त्वा स्वर्णपुङ्खैः शिलाशितैः। त्रिंशता परमेष्वासः शरैः पाण्डवमार्दयत् ॥८-१७-५७॥
Karna, the great archer, cut the bow with his golden-feathered, stone-sharpened arrows and tormented the Pandava with thirty arrows.
ते तस्य कवचं भित्त्वा पपुः शोणितमाहवे। आशीविषा यथा नागा भित्त्वा गां सलिलं पपुः ॥८-१७-५८॥
They pierced his armor and drank his blood in battle, just as serpents pierce the earth and drink water.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय हेमपृष्ठं दुरासदम्। कर्णं विव्याध विंशत्या सारथिं च त्रिभिः शरैः ॥८-१७-५९॥
Then, he took another formidable bow with a gold back and shot twenty arrows at Karna and three at the charioteer.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज नकुलः परवीरहा। क्षुरप्रेण सुतीक्ष्णेन कर्णस्य धनुरच्छिनत् ॥८-१७-६०॥
Then, the great king Nakula, known for defeating enemy warriors, in his anger, severed Karna's bow with a razor-sharp arrow.
अथैनं छिन्नधन्वानं सायकानां शतैस्त्रिभिः। आजघ्ने प्रहसन्वीरः सर्वलोकमहारथम् ॥८-१७-६१॥
Then, smiling, the hero struck the great chariot-warrior of all worlds with hundreds of arrows, even though his bow was broken.
कर्णमभ्यर्दितं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डुपुत्रेण मारिष। विस्मयं परमं जग्मू रथिनः सह दैवतैः ॥८-१७-६२॥
Upon witnessing Karna being overwhelmed by the son of Pandu, dear sir, the charioteers and the gods were struck with great wonder.
अथान्यद्धनुरादाय कर्णो वैकर्तनस्तदा। नकुलं पञ्चभिर्बाणैर्जत्रुदेशे समार्दयत् ॥८-१७-६३॥
Then Karna, the son of Vikartana, took another bow and pierced Nakul in the collar region with five arrows.
उरःस्थैरथ तैर्बाणैर्माद्रीपुत्रो व्यरोचत। स्वरश्मिभिरिवादित्यो भुवने विसृजन्प्रभाम् ॥८-१७-६४॥
The son of Mādrī, with arrows fixed in his chest, shone brilliantly like the sun spreading its rays across the world.
नकुलस्तु ततः कर्णं विद्ध्वा सप्तभिरायसैः। अथास्य धनुषः कोटिं पुनश्चिच्छेद मारिष ॥८-१७-६५॥
Nakula, however, then pierced Karna with seven iron arrows and subsequently cut off the end of his bow once more, O lord.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय समरे वेगवत्तरम्। नकुलस्य ततो बाणैः सर्वतोऽवारयद्दिशः ॥८-१७-६६॥
He picked up another, more powerful bow in the battle and then blocked all directions with Nakula's arrows from every side.
सञ्छाद्यमानः सहसा कर्णचापच्युतैः शरैः। चिच्छेद स शरांस्तूर्णं शरैरेव महारथः ॥८-१७-६७॥
Suddenly enveloped by arrows shot from Karna's bow, the great chariot-warrior swiftly severed those arrows with his own, demonstrating his prowess in battle.
ततो बाणमयं जालं विततं व्योम्न्यदृश्यत। खद्योतानां गणैरेव सम्पतद्भिर्यथा नभः ॥८-१७-६८॥
Then, a net made of arrows appeared spread across the sky, resembling the sky filled with swarms of flying fireflies.
तैर्विमुक्तैः शरशतैश्छादितं गगनं तदा। शलभानां यथा व्रातैस्तद्वदासीत्समाकुलम् ॥८-१७-६९॥
At that time, the sky was densely covered with hundreds of arrows released by them, just as it is filled with swarms of locusts.
ते शरा हेमविकृताः सम्पतन्तो मुहुर्मुहुः। श्रेणीकृता अभासन्त हंसाः श्रेणीगता इव ॥८-१७-७०॥
The golden arrows, repeatedly falling, appeared like swans arranged in a line.
बाणजालावृते व्योम्नि छादिते च दिवाकरे। समसर्पत्ततो भूतं किञ्चिदेव विशां पते ॥८-१७-७१॥
The sky was covered by a net of arrows, obscuring the sun. Then, O lord of men, something indeed moved.
निरुद्धे तत्र मार्गे तु शरसङ्घैः समन्ततः। व्यरोचतां महाभागौ बालसूर्याविवोदितौ ॥८-१७-७२॥
When the path was obstructed by arrows on all sides, the two illustrious warriors shone brilliantly, resembling the rising suns.
कर्णचापच्युतैर्बाणैर्वध्यमानास्तु सोमकाः। अवालीयन्त राजेन्द्र वेदनार्ताः शरार्दिताः ॥८-१७-७३॥
The Somakas, under the assault of arrows shot from Karna's bow, retreated in pain, O king, as they were overwhelmed by the piercing arrows.
नकुलस्य तथा बाणैर्वध्यमाना चमूस्तव। व्यशीर्यत दिशो राजन्वातनुन्ना इवाम्बुदाः ॥८-१७-७४॥
Nakula's army, struck by arrows, scattered in all directions like clouds driven by the wind, O king.
ते सेने वध्यमाने तु ताभ्यां दिव्यैर्महाशरैः। शरपातमपक्रम्य ततः प्रेक्षकवत्स्थिते ॥८-१७-७५॥
The army was being slain by the two warriors with divine great arrows, and having retreated from the shower of arrows, they then stood watching like spectators.
प्रोत्सारिते जने तस्मिन्कर्णपाण्डवयोः शरैः। विव्याधाते महात्मानावन्योन्यं शरवृष्टिभिः ॥८-१७-७६॥
Encouraged by the people, the great warriors Karna and Pandava engaged in a fierce battle, showering arrows upon each other.
निदर्शयन्तौ त्वस्त्राणि दिव्यानि रणमूर्धनि। छादयन्तौ च सहसा परस्परवधैषिणौ ॥८-१७-७७॥
They displayed their divine weapons in the battlefield, and suddenly covered each other with the intent to kill.
नकुलेन शरा मुक्ताः कङ्कबर्हिणवाससः। ते तु कर्णमवच्छाद्य व्यतिष्ठन्त यथा परे ॥८-१७-७८॥
Nakula released arrows adorned with peacock feathers. These arrows covered Karna and stood like others.
शरवेश्मप्रविष्टौ तौ ददृशाते न कैश्चन। चन्द्रसूर्यौ यथा राजंश्छाद्यमानौ जलागमे ॥८-१७-७९॥
They entered the house of arrows and saw no one, just as the moon and sun are obscured by clouds, O king.
ततः क्रुद्धो रणे कर्णः कृत्वा घोरतरं वपुः। पाण्डवं छादयामास समन्ताच्छरवृष्टिभिः ॥८-१७-८०॥
Then, in his anger on the battlefield, Karna assumed a more terrifying form and enveloped the Pandava from all directions with a barrage of arrows.
स च्छाद्यमानः समरे सूतपुत्रेण पाण्डवः। न चकार व्यथां राजन्भास्करो जलदैर्यथा ॥८-१७-८१॥
The Pandava, though being covered in battle by the son of a charioteer, did not cause any distress, O king, just as the sun is not affected by clouds.
ततः प्रहस्याधिरथिः शरजालानि मारिष। प्रेषयामास समरे शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥८-१७-८२॥
Then, with a smile, Adhirathi sent forth volleys of arrows, O sir, in the battle by the hundreds and thousands.
एकच्छायमभूत्सर्वं तस्य बाणैर्महात्मनः। अभ्रच्छायेव सञ्जज्ञे सम्पतद्भिः शरोत्तमैः ॥८-१७-८३॥
The great soul's arrows made everything appear as one shadow, as if a cloud shadow had arisen with the falling of the finest arrows.
ततः कर्णो महाराज धनुश्छित्त्वा महात्मनः। सारथिं पातयामास रथनीडाद्धसन्निव ॥८-१७-८४॥
Then, O great king, Karṇa, having severed the bow of the noble one, made the charioteer fall from the chariot seat, seemingly with a laugh.
तथाश्वांश्चतुरश्चास्य चतुर्भिर्निशितैः शरैः। यमस्य सदनं तूर्णं प्रेषयामास भारत ॥८-१७-८५॥
Thus, O Bharata, he swiftly dispatched the four horses to Yama's abode using four sharp arrows.
अथास्य तं रथं तूर्णं तिलशो व्यधमच्छरैः। पताकां चक्ररक्षौ च ध्वजं खड्गं च मारिष ॥ शतचन्द्रं ततश्चर्म सर्वोपकरणानि च ॥८-१७-८६॥
Then he swiftly broke apart the chariot with arrows, along with its flag, wheel guards, banner, sword, O respected one, and the shield adorned with a hundred moons, as well as all its equipment.
हताश्वो विरथश्चैव विवर्मा च विशां पते। अवतीर्य रथात्तूर्णं परिघं गृह्य विष्ठितः ॥८-१७-८७॥
The lord of men, having lost his horses and chariot, and without armor, quickly descended from the chariot, took up a club, and stood firm.
तमुद्यतं महाघोरं परिघं तस्य सूतजः। व्यहनत्सायकै राजञ्शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥८-१७-८८॥
The son of Suta, O king, cut off that very terrible club, which was raised, with hundreds and then thousands of arrows.
व्यास्युधं चैनमालक्ष्य शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। आर्दयद्बहुशः कर्णो न चैनं समपीडयत् ॥८-१७-८९॥
Karṇa aimed his weapon and shot many curved arrows at him, but he could not overpower him.
स वध्यमानः समरे कृतास्त्रेण बलीयसा। प्राद्रवत्सहसा राजन्नकुलो व्याकुलेन्द्रियः ॥८-१७-९०॥
O king, Nakula, being attacked in the battle by a stronger warrior who had prepared his weapons, suddenly fled in confusion, his senses agitated.
तमभिद्रुत्य राधेयः प्रहसन्वै पुनः पुनः। सज्यमस्य धनुः कण्ठे सोऽवासृजत भारत ॥८-१७-९१॥
Radheya, with a smile, repeatedly attacked and released his bow that was strung around his neck, O Bharata.
ततः स शुशुभे राजन्कण्ठासक्तमहाधनुः। परिवेषमनुप्राप्तो यथा स्याद्व्योम्नि चन्द्रमाः ॥ यथैव च सितो मेघः शक्रचापेन शोभितः ॥८-१७-९२॥
Then he shone brightly, O king, with a great bow around his neck, as he arrived at the scene, like the moon in the sky; just like a white cloud adorned with a rainbow.
तमब्रवीत्तदा कर्णो व्यर्थं व्याहृतवानसि। वदेदानीं पुनर्हृष्टो वध्यं मां त्वं पुनः पुनः ॥८-१७-९३॥
Then Karna said, "You have spoken in vain. Now, speak joyfully again, for you will kill me repeatedly."
मा योत्सीर्गुरुभिः सार्धं बलवद्भिश्च पाण्डव। सदृशैस्तात युध्यस्व व्रीडां मा कुरु पाण्डव ॥ गृहं वा गच्छ माद्रेय यत्र वा कृष्णफल्गुनौ ॥८-१७-९४॥
O Pandava, do not engage in battle with your elders and the mighty. Fight with those who are your equals, dear son, and do not feel ashamed. Return home, son of Madri, or go to where Krishna and Arjuna are.
एवमुक्त्वा महाराज व्यसर्जयत तं ततः। वधप्राप्तं तु तं राजन्नावधीत्सूतनन्दनः ॥ स्मृत्वा कुन्त्या वचो राजंस्तत एनं व्यसर्जयत् ॥८-१७-९५॥
Having spoken thus, O great king, he dismissed him. However, the son of Suta did not kill him, even though he deserved death, remembering the words of Kunti, O king, he dismissed him again.
विसृष्टः पाण्डवो राजन्सूतपुत्रेण धन्विना। व्रीडन्निव जगामाथ युधिष्ठिररथं प्रति ॥८-१७-९६॥
O king, the son of Pandu, released by the son of a charioteer and archer, went towards Yudhishthira's chariot as if ashamed.
आरुरोह रथं चापि सूतपुत्रप्रतापितः। निःश्वसन्दुःखसन्तप्तः कुम्भे क्षिप्त इवोरगः ॥८-१७-९७॥
He ascended the chariot, empowered by the prowess of the charioteer's son, sighing and afflicted by sorrow, like a serpent thrown into a pot.
तं विसृज्य रणे कर्णः पाञ्चालांस्त्वरितो ययौ। रथेनातिपताकेन चन्द्रवर्णहयेन च ॥८-१७-९८॥
After releasing him in the battle, Karna swiftly proceeded towards the Panchalas in his chariot, which was adorned with a grand flag and drawn by moon-colored horses.
तत्राक्रन्दो महानासीत्पाण्डवानां विशां पते। दृष्ट्वा सेनापतिं यान्तं पाञ्चालानां रथव्रजान् ॥८-१७-९९॥
There was a great lamentation among the Pandavas, O lord of the people, when they saw the general of the Panchalas proceeding with the groups of chariots.
तत्राकरोन्महाराज कदनं सूतनन्दनः। मध्यं गते दिनकरे चक्रवत्प्रचरन्प्रभुः ॥८-१७-१००॥
In that place, the great king, son of Sūta, wrought havoc. As the sun reached its zenith, the lord moved in a circular path.
भग्नचक्रै रथैः केचिच्छिन्नध्वजपताकिभिः। ससूतैर्हतसूतैश्च भग्नाक्षैश्चैव मारिष ॥ ह्रियमाणानपश्याम पाञ्चालानां रथव्रजान् ॥८-१७-१०१॥
O lord, we observed the Pāñcālas' chariots, some with broken wheels and torn flags, being carried away, along with their charioteers, both living and slain, and their broken axles.
तत्र तत्र च सम्भ्रान्ता विचेरुर्मत्तकुञ्जराः। दवाग्निना परीताङ्गा यथैव स्युर्महावने ॥८-१७-१०२॥
In various places, the confused and intoxicated elephants wandered with scorched limbs due to the forest fire, as would indeed happen in a great forest.
भिन्नकुम्भा विरुधिराश्छिन्नहस्ताश्च वारणाः। भिन्नगात्रवराश्चैव च्छिन्नवालाश्च मारिष ॥ छिन्नाभ्राणीव सम्पेतुर्वध्यमाना महात्मना ॥८-१७-१०३॥
The elephants, with their pots broken, blood-stained, and trunks severed, with limbs and tails cut, O gentle one, fell like torn clouds as they were being slain by the great soul.
अपरे त्रासिता नागा नाराचशततोमरैः। तमेवाभिमुखा यान्ति शलभा इव पावकम् ॥८-१७-१०४॥
Frightened by hundreds of iron arrows and spears, the other elephants move towards him just like moths are drawn to a flame.
अपरे निष्टनन्तः स्म व्यदृश्यन्त महाद्विपाः। क्षरन्तः शोणितं गात्रैर्नगा इव जलप्लवम् ॥८-१७-१०५॥
Others, roaring loudly, appeared like great elephants, shedding blood from their bodies, resembling mountains submerged in a flood.
उरश्छदैर्विमुक्ताश्च वालबन्धैश्च वाजिनः। राजतैश्च तथा कांस्यैः सौवर्णैश्चैव भूषणैः ॥८-१७-१०६॥
The horses were adorned with silver, bronze, and gold ornaments, having been freed from their breastplates and tail bands.
हीना आस्तरणैश्चैव खलीनैश्च विवर्जिताः। चामरैश्च कुथाभिश्च तूणीरैः पतितैरपि ॥८-१७-१०७॥
They were devoid of coverings and bridles, bereft of fly-whisks, blankets, and quivers, even fallen.
निहतैः सादिभिश्चैव शूरैराहवशोभिभिः। अपश्याम रणे तत्र भ्राम्यमाणान्हयोत्तमान् ॥८-१७-१०८॥
We saw in the battle there excellent horses wandering, adorned by heroes and killed with riders.
प्रासैः खड्गैश्च संस्यूतानृष्टिभिश्च नराधिप। हययोधानपश्याम कञ्चुकोष्णीषधारिणः ॥८-१७-१०९॥
"O king, we see horse warriors adorned with spears, swords, and shields, wearing armor and turbans."
रथान्हेमपरिष्कारान्सुयुक्ताञ्जवनैर्हयैः। भ्रममाणानपश्याम हतेषु रथिषु द्रुतम् ॥८-१७-११०॥
We observed the chariots, beautifully adorned with gold and well-equipped with swift horses, moving swiftly among the fallen charioteers.
भग्नाक्षकूबरान्कांश्चिच्छिन्नचक्रांश्च मारिष। विपताकाध्वजांश्चान्याञ्छिन्नेषायुगबन्धुरान् ॥८-१७-१११॥
O dear, there were some with broken axles and yokes, and others with cut wheels. Some were without flags and standards, and others had cut poles and yoke-fellows.
विहीनान्रथिनस्तत्र धावमानान्समन्ततः। सूर्यपुत्रशरैस्त्रस्तानपश्याम विशां पते ॥८-१७-११२॥
O lord of the people, we saw the charioteers, deprived and running all around, terrified by the arrows of the son of the Sun.
विशस्त्रांश्च तथैवान्यान्सशस्त्रांश्च बहून्हतान्। तावकाञ्जालसञ्छन्नानुरोघण्टाविभूषितान् ॥८-१७-११३॥
Many of your people, both those without weapons and those with weapons, were killed. They were covered with nets and adorned with breast bells.
नानावर्णविचित्राभिः पताकाभिरलङ्कृतान्। पदातीनन्वपश्याम धावमानान्समन्ततः ॥८-१७-११४॥
We observed foot soldiers adorned with various colorful and wonderful flags, running all around.
शिरांसि बाहूनूरूंश्च छिन्नानन्यांस्तथा युधि। कर्णचापच्युतैर्बाणैरपश्याम विनाकृतान् ॥८-१७-११५॥
We saw heads, arms, and thighs cut off, and others separated in battle by arrows from Karna's bow.
महान्व्यतिकरो रौद्रो योधानामन्वदृश्यत। कर्णसायकनुन्नानां हतानां निशितैः शरैः ॥८-१७-११६॥
A great and fierce battle among the warriors was witnessed, where the slain were pierced by Karna's sharp arrows.
ते वध्यमानाः समरे सूतपुत्रेण सृञ्जयाः। तमेवाभिमुखा यान्ति पतङ्गा इव पावकम् ॥८-१७-११७॥
The Sṛñjayas, being slaughtered in battle by the son of a charioteer, rush towards him like moths drawn to a flame.
तं दहन्तमनीकानि तत्र तत्र महारथम्। क्षत्रिया वर्जयामासुर्युगान्ताग्निमिवोल्बणम् ॥८-१७-११८॥
The warriors avoided the great chariot-warrior who was destroying armies everywhere, like the fierce fire at the end of an era.
हतशेषास्तु ये वीराः पाञ्चालानां महारथाः। तान्प्रभग्नान्द्रुतान्कर्णः पृष्ठतो विकिरञ्शरैः ॥ अभ्यधावत तेजस्वी विशीर्णकवचध्वजान् ॥८-१७-११९॥
The remaining great charioteers of the Pāñcālas, who were heroes, were scattered and swift. Karṇa, the radiant one, rushed at them from behind, showering arrows, with their armor and banners broken.
तापयामास तान्बाणैः सूतपुत्रो महारथः। मध्यंदिनमनुप्राप्तो भूतानीव तमोनुदः ॥८-१७-१२०॥
The great warrior, the son of a charioteer, attacked them with arrows at midday, dispelling darkness like a bright light.
