08.023
Pancharatra and Core: Hearing Karna's proposal, Shalya is reddened with anger as he considered himself to be superior to Karna. But Shalya succumbs to flattery, Duryodhana telling his skills are superior to those of Krishna, and yields.
Sanjaya said:
Your son, O great king, approached the king of Madra with humility and affectionately spoke these words.
O greatly fortunate one with a truthful vow, who increases the sins of enemies, O lord of Madra, heroic in battle and fearsome to the enemy army.
You have heard Karna, the best of speakers, as this one chooses you among the lion-like kings.
Therefore, O Arjuna, for the purpose of destruction and my benefit, you, O kind-hearted and best of charioteers, should take up the role of a charioteer.
In this world, there is no one like you who can protect the weak. May you guard Karna from all directions as Brahma guards Shankara.
Krishna, the minister of Arjuna, is the best among archers. Similarly, you must protect Karna in all respects.
Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, yourself, Bhoja, and the powerful Shakuni, son of Subala, son of Drona, and I are indeed our strength. A division of these was made into nine parts, O commander of the army.
"There is no contribution here from Bhishma and Drona, the great souls. My enemies have been defeated, surpassing the contributions of those two."
Indeed, those two great warriors, known as tigers among men, were deceitfully killed. After accomplishing a challenging task, they ascended to heaven, O sinless one.
Thus, other valiant warriors were slain by enemies in battle. Many of our own have ascended to heaven on the battlefield, having given up their lives, striving with all their might, and making great efforts.
Karna, the mighty-armed, is indeed engaged in tasks that are dear and beneficial to us. You, O tiger among men, are the great chariot-warrior of all worlds. My hope of victory in him is immense, O ruler of the Madras.
In the battle, Krishna, the best of archers, united with Partha, who is protected and is the prince. Whatever actions are performed, they are indeed visible.
Arjuna, who had not previously killed enemies in battle in this manner, is now seen driving them away day by day, O king of Madra.
O great radiant one, destroy the remaining part of Karna and yours simultaneously with Karna in battle.
Just as darkness disappears with the arrival of the sun and dawn, O honorable one, may the sons of Kunti, along with the Panchalas and Srinjayas, also meet their end.
Karna is the foremost among charioteers, and you are the foremost among drivers. There is no assembly in the world that equals you both.
In every situation, just as Krishna, the descendant of Vrishni, protects Arjuna, the Pandava, so should you protect Karna, the son of Vikartana, in the battle.
With you as his charioteer, he will indeed become invincible, even in battle against the gods with Indra, O king. So, what need is there to doubt my words regarding the Pandavas?
Upon hearing Duryodhana's words, Shalya, filled with rage, furrowed his brows into a three-peaked frown and repeatedly shook his hands.
Śalya, with his eyes reddened by anger and turning his mighty arms, spoke with pride derived from his family, wealth, learning, and strength.
You disrespect me, O Gandhari, and certainly you suspect me. You confidently say to me, 'Let the charioteering be done.'
You think Karna is superior to us and praise him, but I do not consider Radheya to be my equal in battle.
"Let it be commanded that my portion is superior, O lord of the earth. After defeating him in battle, I shall return as I came."
"Then, O descendant of Kuru, even if I have to fight alone, you shall witness today my prowess as I burn the enemies in battle."
O descendant of Kuru, a man like us should not act with desires placed in the heart. Do not doubt excessively, you.
In battle, I should never be insulted in any way. Behold my two arms, which are as strong as a thunderbolt.
Behold my magnificent bow and arrows that resemble serpents. Observe my chariot, equipped with excellent horses that move as swiftly as the wind. Also, take a look at the mace from Gandhara, beautifully adorned with gold bands.
"O king, in my anger, I could split the earth, scatter the mountains, and dry up the oceans with my own energy."
O king, knowing me to be capable of subduing enemies, why do you engage me in the role of a charioteer to someone inferior to a great charioteer?
O King, you should not engage in this burden here. Indeed, I cannot become better by serving the sinful.
He who approaches a superior with affection and keeps him under control bears the increasing sin of the inferior.
According to the scripture, Brahmins were created by Brahma from his mouth, Kshatriyas from his chest, Vaishyas from his thighs, and Shudras from his feet.
O Bharata, it is said that from the union of the four classes, the Kshatriyas are recognized as the protectors, collectors, and givers.
Brāhmaṇas, through their pure sacrifices, teaching, and acceptance of gifts, are placed on earth by Brahmā to bless the world.
Agriculture, animal husbandry, and charity are duties assigned to the Brahmins, Kshatriyas, and Vaishyas in all respects, while the Shudras are designated as servants.
Charioteers and attendants are designated for the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, not for the Vaishyas and Shudras. Listen to my words there, O sinless one.
I am the one anointed on the head, born into the family of royal sages, renowned as a great chariot-warrior, and worthy of service and praise by bards.
Having become such a formidable warrior, I am eager to take on the role of charioteer in the battle against the charioteer's son.
Having been dishonored, I will not fight at all. Today, after taking leave of you, I shall return to Gandhara the way I came.
After speaking in this manner, the illustrious Shalya, like a tiger among men, rose and quickly left the assembly of kings, filled with anger.
Out of affection and respect, your son restrained him and spoke sweet and conciliatory words that fulfilled all purposes.
Śalya, as you have stated, this is indeed true without any doubt. However, please understand my specific intention, O lord of the people.
I have no doubt that Karna is not superior to you in any way. Indeed, the king of Madra would not commit any falsehood.
The ancient sages, considered the best among men, indeed uphold the truth. Therefore, you are referred to as Ārtāyani; this is my belief.
Because you have become a thorn to your enemies on earth, O giver of honor, you are therefore called 'Śalya', O lord of the earth.
"O knower of dharma, please do exactly what you have promised before, for my sake, whatever you are known for."
Radheya and I, despite being powerful, do not choose you as the charioteer of the finest horses in the battle.
The world believes that just as Karna is superior to Dhananjaya in qualities, you are also superior to Vasudeva.
"Karna is indeed superior to Arjuna in terms of weaponry, O best of men. Similarly, you are superior to Krishna in terms of chariot skills and strength."
Vasudeva, with his great mind, understands the heart of a horse, and you, O King of Madra, understand it twice as well, without any doubt.
Śalya spoke:
O Kaurava, I am affectionate towards you for what you have said to me in the midst of the army in Gandhara, distinguishing yourself from Devaki's son.
"You, O hero, undertake the charioteering of the glorious Radheya, who is fighting with the foremost of the Pandavas, as you deem fit."
Indeed, my hero, there is a moment when I would speak words of faith towards Karna in his presence.
Sanjaya said:
Thus, O King, your son, accompanied by Karna, addressed the son of the King of Madra, O esteemed Bharata.
