08.026
Pancharatra and Core: Karna, riding in his tiger-bannered chariot drawn by white horses, spoke highly of himself, while Shalya, his charioteer, did everything possible to demotivate him.
दुर्योधन उवाच॥
Duryodhana said:
अयं ते कर्ण सारथ्यं मद्रराजः करिष्यति। कृष्णादभ्यधिको यन्ता देवेन्द्रस्येव मातलिः ॥८-२६-१॥
The king of Madra will serve as Karna's charioteer. He is considered superior to Krishna as a charioteer, just as Mātali is to Indra.
यथा हरिहयैर्युक्तं सङ्गृह्णाति स मातलिः। शल्यस्तव तथाद्यायं संयन्ता रथवाजिनाम् ॥८-२६-२॥
Just as Mātali, the charioteer of Indra, skillfully controls the divine horses, today Śalya will be your charioteer, guiding your chariot with expertise.
योधे त्वयि रथस्थे च मद्रराजे च सारथौ। रथश्रेष्ठो ध्रुवं सङ्ख्ये पार्थो नाभिभविष्यति ॥८-२६-३॥
With you as the warrior on the chariot, and with the king of Madra as the charioteer, Arjuna will certainly not be defeated in the battle.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो दुर्योधनो भूयो मद्रराजं तरस्विनम्। उवाच राजन्सङ्ग्रामे संयच्छन्तं हयोत्तमान् ॥८-२६-४॥
Then Duryodhana once more addressed the mighty king of Madra, who was restraining the finest horses in the battle, O king.
त्वयाभिगुप्तो राधेयो विजेष्यति धनञ्जयम्। इत्युक्तो रथमास्थाय तथेति प्राह भारत ॥८-२६-५॥
Radheya, protected by you, will defeat Dhananjaya. Upon being told this, he ascended the chariot and affirmed, "So be it, O Bharata."
शल्येऽभ्युपगते कर्णः सारथिं सुमनोऽब्रवीत्। स्वं सूत स्यन्दनं मह्यं कल्पयेत्यसकृत्त्वरन् ॥८-२६-६॥
As Shalya approached, Karna, with a cheerful disposition, repeatedly urged his charioteer, saying, "O charioteer, prepare my chariot for me."
ततो जैत्रं रथवरं गन्धर्वनगरोपमम्। विधिवत्कल्पितं भर्त्रे जयेत्युक्त्वा न्यवेदयत् ॥८-२६-७॥
Then he presented the best chariot, which was like the city of Gandharvas and properly arranged, to the lord, saying 'Victory'.
तं रथं रथिनां श्रेष्ठः कर्णोऽभ्यर्च्य यथाविधि। सम्पादितं ब्रह्मविदा पूर्वमेव पुरोधसा ॥८-२६-८॥
Karna, the best among charioteers, after duly worshipping, had his chariot prepared by the priest who was a knower of Brahman, even before.
कृत्वा प्रदक्षिणं यत्नादुपस्थाय च भास्करम्। समीपस्थं मद्रराजं समारोपयदग्रतः ॥८-२६-९॥
After making a circumambulation with effort and approaching the sun, he placed the nearby king of Madra in front.
ततः कर्णस्य दुर्धर्षं स्यन्दनप्रवरं महत्। आरुरोह महातेजाः शल्यः सिंह इवाचलम् ॥८-२६-१०॥
Then the mighty Shalya, like a lion mounting a mountain, ascended Karna's invincible and excellent chariot.
ततः शल्यास्थितं राजन्कर्णः स्वरथमुत्तमम्। अध्यतिष्ठद्यथाम्भोदं विद्युत्वन्तं दिवाकरः ॥८-२६-११॥
Then, O King, Karna, with Śalya as his charioteer, ascended his magnificent chariot, resembling the sun ascending a cloud adorned with lightning.
तावेकरथमारूढावादित्याग्निसमत्विषौ। व्यभ्राजेतां यथा मेघं सूर्याग्नी सहितौ दिवि ॥८-२६-१२॥
They both mounted the same chariot, shining with the brilliance of the sun and fire, appearing like the sun and fire together in the sky.
संस्तूयमानौ तौ वीरौ तदास्तां द्युतिमत्तरौ। ऋत्विक्सदस्यैरिन्द्राग्नी हूयमानाविवाध्वरे ॥८-२६-१३॥
The two heroes, being praised, shone brightly like Indra and Agni being invoked in a sacrifice by the priests and members.
स शल्यसङ्गृहीताश्वे रथे कर्णः स्थितोऽभवत्। धनुर्विस्फारयन्घोरं परिवेषीव भास्करः ॥८-२६-१४॥
Karna stood on the chariot driven by Shalya, stretching his formidable bow, appearing as if surrounded by the sun.
आस्थितः स रथश्रेष्ठं कर्णः शरगभस्तिमान्। प्रबभौ पुरुषव्याघ्रो मन्दरस्थ इवांशुमान् ॥८-२६-१५॥
Karna, standing on the finest chariot, appeared radiant with his arrows like the sun on Mount Mandara, truly a tiger among men.
तं रथस्थं महावीरं यान्तं चामिततेजसम्। दुर्योधनः स्म राधेयमिदं वचनमब्रवीत् ॥८-२६-१६॥
Duryodhana addressed Karna, the great hero standing on the chariot, as he was proceeding with unmatched brilliance, and spoke these words.
अकृतं द्रोणभीष्माभ्यां दुष्करं कर्म संयुगे। कुरुष्वाधिरथे वीर मिषतां सर्वधन्विनाम् ॥८-२६-१७॥
O great charioteer hero, perform the difficult task in battle that Droṇa and Bhīṣma could not accomplish, while all the archers are watching.
मनोगतं मम ह्यासीद्भीष्मद्रोणौ महारथौ। अर्जुनं भीमसेनं च निहन्ताराविति ध्रुवम् ॥८-२६-१८॥
In my mind, I was certain that Bhishma and Drona, the great warriors, would definitely kill Arjuna and Bhimasena.
ताभ्यां यदकृतं वीर वीरकर्म महामृधे। तत्कर्म कुरु राधेय वज्रपाणिरिवापरः ॥८-२६-१९॥
O son of Radha, perform the heroic deed in the great battle that those two did not accomplish, like another Vajrapani.
गृहाण धर्मराजं वा जहि वा त्वं धनञ्जयम्। भीमसेनं च राधेय माद्रीपुत्रौ यमावपि ॥८-२६-२०॥
You may accept Dharmaraja or defeat Dhananjaya, Bhimasena, Radheya, and the sons of Madri, who are also considered as Yama's sons.
जयश्च तेऽस्तु भद्रं च प्रयाहि पुरुषर्षभ। पाण्डुपुत्रस्य सैन्यानि कुरु सर्वाणि भस्मसात् ॥८-२६-२१॥
"May victory and good fortune be yours. Proceed, O best of men, and turn all the armies of the son of Pandu to ashes."
ततस्तूर्यसहस्राणि भेरीणामयुतानि च। वाद्यमानान्यरोचन्त मेघशब्दा यथा दिवि ॥८-२६-२२॥
Then thousands of musical instruments and tens of thousands of drums were played, resounding like the rumbling of clouds in the sky.
प्रतिगृह्य तु तद्वाक्यं रथस्थो रथसत्तमः। अभ्यभाषत राधेयः शल्यं युद्धविशारदम् ॥८-२६-२३॥
Upon accepting those words, Radheya, the finest charioteer, spoke to Shalya, who was skilled in battle.
चोदयाश्वान्महाबाहो यावद्धन्मि धनञ्जयम्। भीमसेनं यमौ चोभौ राजानं च युधिष्ठिरम् ॥८-२६-२४॥
"Drive the horses forward, mighty-armed one, until I have slain Dhananjaya, Bhimasena, the twins, and King Yudhishthira."
अद्य पश्यतु मे शल्य बाहुवीर्यं धनञ्जयः। अस्यतः कङ्कपत्राणां सहस्राणि शतानि च ॥८-२६-२५॥
Today, let Dhananjaya witness my prowess in archery, Shalya, as I shoot thousands upon thousands of arrows.
अद्य क्षेप्स्याम्यहं शल्य शरान्परमतेजनान्। पाण्डवानां विनाशाय दुर्योधनजयाय च ॥८-२६-२६॥
"Today, I will launch the most formidable arrows and darts to annihilate the Pandavas and secure victory for Duryodhana."
शल्य उवाच॥
Śalya said:
सूतपुत्र कथं नु त्वं पाण्डवानवमन्यसे। सर्वास्त्रज्ञान्महेष्वासान्सर्वानेव महारथान् ॥८-२६-२७॥
"Son of a charioteer, how can you indeed disrespect the Pandavas, who are all knowledgeable in weapons, great archers, and indeed great warriors?"
अनिवर्तिनो महाभागानजेयान्सत्यविक्रमान्। अपि सञ्जनयेयुर्ये भयं साक्षाच्छतक्रतोः ॥८-२६-२८॥
The non-retreating, greatly fortunate, unconquerable, and truly valiant warriors could even instill fear directly in Indra himself.
यदा श्रोष्यसि निर्घोषं विस्फूर्जितमिवाशनेः। राधेय गाण्डिवस्याजौ तदा नैवं वदिष्यसि ॥८-२६-२९॥
When you hear the thunderous roar of the Gandiva bow in battle, O son of Radha, you will not speak in this manner.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
अनादृत्य तु तद्वाक्यं मद्रराजेन भाषितम्। द्रक्ष्यस्यद्येत्यवोचद्वै शल्यं कर्णो नरेश्वर ॥८-२६-३०॥
Karna, ignoring the words spoken by the king of Madra, confidently told Shalya, "You will witness it today, O king."
दृष्ट्वा कर्णं महेष्वासं युयुत्सुं समवस्थितम्। चुक्रुशुः कुरवः सर्वे हृष्टरूपाः परन्तप ॥८-२६-३१॥
Upon seeing Karna, the great archer, ready and eager to fight, all the Kauravas, filled with joy, shouted, O chastiser of the foes.
ततो दुन्दुभिघोषेण भेरीणां निनदेन च। बाणशब्दैश्च विविधैर्गर्जितैश्च तरस्विनाम् ॥ निर्ययुस्तावका युद्धे मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम् ॥८-२६-३२॥
Then, with the resounding of drums and trumpets, and the various roars and sounds of arrows from the mighty, your men marched to the battlefield, resolved to face death as their return.
प्रयाते तु ततः कर्णे योधेषु मुदितेषु च। चचाल पृथिवी राजन्ररास च सुविस्वरम् ॥८-२६-३३॥
As Karna departed, the warriors rejoiced, and the earth trembled and resounded loudly, O king.
निश्चरन्तो व्यदृश्यन्त सूर्यात्सप्त महाग्रहाः। उल्कापातश्च सञ्जज्ञे दिशां दाहस्तथैव च ॥ तथाशन्यश्च सम्पेतुर्ववुर्वाताश्च दारुणाः ॥८-२६-३४॥
Seven great planets were seen moving from the sun. A meteor fell, causing burning in all directions. Thunderbolts struck, and fierce winds blew.
मृगपक्षिगणाश्चैव बहुशः पृतनां तव। अपसव्यं तदा चक्रुर्वेदयन्तो महद्भयम् ॥८-२६-३५॥
The groups of animals and birds repeatedly circled your army in an anticlockwise direction, signaling a great fear.
प्रस्थितस्य च कर्णस्य निपेतुस्तुरगा भुवि। अस्थिवर्षं च पतितमन्तरिक्षाद्भयानकम् ॥८-२६-३६॥
As Karna set out, his horses collapsed on the ground, and a terrifying rain of bones fell from the sky.
जज्वलुश्चैव शस्त्राणि ध्वजाश्चैव चकम्पिरे। अश्रूणि च व्यमुञ्चन्त वाहनानि विशां पते ॥८-२६-३७॥
The weapons blazed, and the flags trembled. Even the vehicles seemed to shed tears, O lord of the people.
एते चान्ये च बहव उत्पातास्तत्र मारिष। समुत्पेतुर्विनाशाय कौरवाणां सुदारुणाः ॥८-२६-३८॥
These and many other terrible omens arose there, O lord, foretelling the destruction of the Kauravas.
न च तान्गणयामासुः सर्वे ते दैवमोहिताः। प्रस्थितं सूतपुत्रं च जयेत्यूचुर्नरा भुवि ॥ निर्जितान्पाण्डवांश्चैव मेनिरे तव कौरवाः ॥८-२६-३९॥
The Kauravas, deluded by fate, did not consider the Pāṇḍavas. The people believed that the son of a charioteer, who had set out, would be victorious. Your Kauravas thought the Pāṇḍavas were already defeated.
ततो रथस्थः परवीरहन्ता; भीष्मद्रोणावात्तवीर्यौ निरीक्ष्य। समज्वलद्भारत पावकाभो; वैकर्तनोऽसौ रथकुञ्जरो वृषः ॥८-२६-४०॥
Then, standing on the chariot, the mighty Karna, the slayer of enemy heroes, upon seeing the valorous Bhishma and Drona, blazed like fire, O descendant of Bharata, like a great bull among chariot-warriors.
स शल्यमाभाष्य जगाद वाक्यं; पार्थस्य कर्माप्रतिमं च दृष्ट्वा। मानेन दर्पेण च दह्यमानः; क्रोधेन दीप्यन्निव निःश्वसित्वा ॥८-२६-४१॥
He addressed Śalya and spoke, observing Arjuna's unparalleled deed, burning with pride and arrogance, and blazing with anger, as if sighing.
नाहं महेन्द्रादपि वज्रपाणेः; क्रुद्धाद्बिभेम्यात्तधनू रथस्थः। दृष्ट्वा तु भीष्मप्रमुखाञ्शयाना; न्न त्वेव मां स्थिरता सञ्जहाति ॥८-२६-४२॥
I do not fear even the mighty Indra, wielder of the thunderbolt, when he is angry and standing on his chariot with his bow drawn. However, seeing Bhishma and others lying down, my steadiness does not leave me.
महेन्द्रविष्णुप्रतिमावनिन्दितौ; रथाश्वनागप्रवरप्रमाथिनौ। अवध्यकल्पौ निहतौ यदा परै; स्ततो ममाद्यापि रणेऽस्ति साध्वसम् ॥८-२६-४३॥
The unblemished warriors, resembling Indra and Vishnu, who were excellent destroyers of chariots, horses, and elephants, and seemed invincible, were killed by others; hence, even today, my fear persists in battle.
समीक्ष्य सङ्ख्येऽतिबलान्नराधिपै; र्नराश्वमातङ्गरथाञ्शरैर्हतान्। कथं न सर्वानहितान्रणेऽवधी; न्महास्त्रविद्ब्राह्मणपुङ्गवो गुरुः ॥८-२६-४४॥
Upon observing the mighty kings, men, horses, elephants, and chariots slain by arrows in the battle, how did the teacher, the foremost among Brahmins and an expert in great weapons, fail to slay all the enemies in the battle?
स संस्मरन्द्रोणहवं महाहवे; ब्रवीमि सत्यं कुरवो निबोधत। न वो मदन्यः प्रसहेद्रणेऽर्जुनं; क्रमागतं मृत्युमिवोग्ररूपिणम् ॥८-२६-४५॥
He, recalling the fierce battle with Drona, declares the truth to the Kurus: "Listen, none but I can face Arjuna in battle, like confronting death itself in its most terrifying form."
शिक्षा प्रसादश्च बलं धृतिश्च; द्रोणे महास्त्राणि च संनतिश्च। स चेदगान्मृत्युवशं महात्मा; सर्वानन्यानातुरानद्य मन्ये ॥८-२६-४६॥
Education, grace, strength, and steadfastness were in Drona, along with great weapons and humility. If that great soul has succumbed to death, I believe all others are in distress today.
नेह ध्रुवं किञ्चिदपि प्रचिन्त्यं; विदुर्लोके कर्मणोऽनित्ययोगात्। सूर्योदये को हि विमुक्तसंशयो; गर्वं कुर्वीताद्य गुरौ निपातिते ॥८-२६-४७॥
In this world, nothing is permanent to be considered, as people know due to the impermanent nature of actions. At sunrise, who indeed is free from doubt? One should take pride today when the teacher is defeated.
न नूनमस्त्राणि बलं पराक्रमः; क्रिया सुनीतं परमायुधानि वा। अलं मनुष्यस्य सुखाय वर्तितुं; तथा हि युद्धे निहतः परैर्गुरुः ॥८-२६-४८॥
Weapons, strength, valor, or even well-guided actions and supreme weapons are not enough for a man's happiness in life; for indeed, the teacher was slain in battle by others.
हुताशनादित्यसमानतेजसं; पराक्रमे विष्णुपुरंदरोपमम्। नये बृहस्पत्युशनःसमं सदा; न चैनमस्त्रं तदपात्सुदुःसहम् ॥८-२६-४९॥
He was as bright as fire and the sun, comparable to Indra in valor, always equal to Bṛhaspati and Uśanas in policy, and no weapon could strike him that was very difficult to bear.
सम्प्रक्रुष्टे रुदितस्त्रीकुमारे; पराभूते पौरुषे धार्तराष्ट्रे। मया कृत्यमिति जानामि शल्य; प्रयाहि तस्माद्द्विषतामनीकम् ॥८-२६-५०॥
In the turmoil where women and children are weeping and the manliness of Dhritarashtra's side is defeated, I know my duty, Shalya; therefore, proceed to the enemy's army.
यत्र राजा पाण्डवः सत्यसन्धो; व्यवस्थितो भीमसेनार्जुनौ च। वासुदेवः सृञ्जयाः सात्यकिश्च; यमौ च कस्तौ विषहेन्मदन्यः ॥८-२६-५१॥
Where the truthful King Pāṇḍava stands with Bhīmasena, Arjuna, Vāsudeva, the Sṛñjayas, Sātyaki, and the twins, who can withstand them other than me?
तस्मात्क्षिप्रं मद्रपते प्रयाहि; रणे पाञ्चालान्पाण्डवान्सृञ्जयांश्च। तान्वा हनिष्यामि समेत्य सङ्ख्ये; यास्यामि वा द्रोणमुखाय मन्ये ॥८-२६-५२॥
Therefore, O king of Madra, quickly proceed to the battlefield against the Panchalas, Pandavas, and Srinjayas; I will either defeat them in battle or go to face Drona, I believe.
न त्वेवाहं न गमिष्यामि मध्यं; तेषां शूराणामिति मा शल्य विद्धि। मित्रद्रोहो मर्षणीयो न मेऽयं; त्यक्त्वा प्राणाननुयास्यामि द्रोणम् ॥८-२६-५३॥
I will not go to the middle of those heroes, Śalya. Know that betrayal of friends is intolerable to me; I will abandon my life and follow Droṇa.
प्राज्ञस्य मूढस्य च जीवितान्ते; प्राणप्रमोक्षोऽन्तकवक्त्रगस्य। अतो विद्वन्नभियास्यामि पार्थं; दिष्टं न शक्यं व्यतिवर्तितुं वै ॥८-२६-५४॥
At the end of life, both the wise and the foolish face the release of life in the jaws of death. Therefore, O wise one, I shall approach Arjuna, for destiny cannot indeed be altered.
कल्याणवृत्तः सततं हि राज; न्वैचित्रवीर्यस्य सुतो ममासीत्। तस्यार्थसिद्ध्यर्थमहं त्यजामि; प्रियान्भोगान्दुस्त्यजं जीवितं च ॥८-२६-५५॥
"O king, my son was always of good conduct, indeed the son of Vicitravīrya. For his purpose, I am abandoning dear pleasures, which are difficult to abandon, and even life."
वैयाघ्रचर्माणमकूजनाक्षं; हैमत्रिकोशं रजतत्रिवेणुम्। रथप्रबर्हं तुरगप्रबर्है; र्युक्तं प्रादान्मह्यमिदं हि रामः ॥८-२६-५६॥
Rama indeed gave me this: a tiger-skin with unblemished eyes, a golden quiver, a silver three-flute, and a chariot with a canopy yoked with excellent horses.
धनूंषि चित्राणि निरीक्ष्य शल्य; ध्वजं गदां सायकांश्चोग्ररूपान्। असिं च दीप्तं परमायुधं च; शङ्खं च शुभ्रं स्वनवन्तमुग्रम् ॥८-२६-५७॥
Having observed the magnificent bows and arrows, the banner, mace, and the terrifying forms of weapons, including the shining sword and supreme weapon, as well as the white, resounding, fierce conch, a sense of awe was instilled.
पताकिनं वज्रनिपातनिस्वनं; सिताश्वयुक्तं शुभतूणशोभितम्। इमं समास्थाय रथं रथर्षभं; रणे हनिष्याम्यहमर्जुनं बलात् ॥८-२६-५८॥
I will ascend this chariot, adorned with flags and sounding like thunder, drawn by white horses and shining with beautiful quivers, and in the battle, I shall forcefully slay Arjuna.
तं चेन्मृत्युः सर्वहरोऽभिरक्षते; सदाप्रमत्तः समरे पाण्डुपुत्रम्। तं वा हनिष्यामि समेत्य युद्धे; यास्यामि वा भीष्ममुखो यमाय ॥८-२६-५९॥
If Death, the all-consuming force, protects the ever-vigilant son of Pandu in battle, then I shall either slay him in battle or face my own end at the hands of Bhishma.
यमवरुणकुबेरवासवा वा; यदि युगपत्सगणा महाहवे। जुगुपिषव इहैत्य पाण्डवं; किमु बहुना सह तैर्जयामि तम् ॥८-२६-६०॥
Even if Yama, Varuna, Kubera, and Indra come together with their armies to protect the Pandava in the great battle, I will still defeat him along with many others.
इति रणरभसस्य कत्थत; स्तदुपनिशम्य वचः स मद्रराट्। अवहसदवमन्य वीर्यवा; न्प्रतिषिषिधे च जगाद चोत्तरम् ॥८-२६-६१॥
Upon hearing the boastful words of the battle-eager warrior, the king of Madra, with a mocking and dismissive attitude, opposed him and responded.
विरम विरम कर्ण कत्थना; दतिरभसोऽस्यति चाप्ययुक्तवाक्। क्व च हि नरवरो धनञ्जयः; क्व पुनरिह त्वमुपारमाबुध ॥८-२६-६२॥
"Stop, stop, Karna, from boasting; your impetuous nature leads you to speak improper words. Where is the great Dhananjaya, and where are you? Cease, foolish one."
यदुसदनमुपेन्द्रपालितं; त्रिदिवमिवामरराजरक्षितम्। प्रसभमिह विलोक्य को हरे; त्पुरुषवरावरजामृतेऽर्जुनात् ॥८-२६-६३॥
The abode of the Yadus, guarded by Upendra, is like heaven protected by the king of the gods. Seeing this forcibly here, who would dare to take away anything except Arjuna, the best of men and younger brother?
त्रिभुवनसृजमीश्वरेश्वरं; क इह पुमान्भवमाह्वयेद्युधि। मृगवधकलहे ऋतेऽर्जुना; त्सुरपतिवीर्यसमप्रभावतः ॥८-२६-६४॥
Who in this world would dare to challenge Lord Shiva, the creator of the three worlds and the supreme lord, in battle, except for Arjuna, who is equal in valor and influence to the lord of the gods, especially in the context of the deer-slaying conflict?
असुरसुरमहोरगान्नरा; न्गरुडपिशाचसयक्षराक्षसान्। इषुभिरजयदग्निगौरवा; त्स्वभिलषितं च हविर्ददौ जयः ॥८-२६-६५॥
The victory, with great respect, offered the desired oblation to Agni after conquering demons, gods, great serpents, humans, Garuda, goblins, Yakshas, and Rakshasas with arrows.
स्मरसि ननु यदा परैर्हृतः; स च धृतराष्ट्रसुतो विमोक्षितः। दिनकरज नरोत्तमैर्यदा; मरुषु बहून्विनिहत्य तानरीन् ॥८-२६-६६॥
Do you not recall when others took him away, and the son of Dhritarashtra was freed? It was when the son of the sun, with the best warriors, slew many enemies in the deserts.
प्रथममपि पलायिते त्वयि; प्रियकलहा धृतराष्ट्रसूनवः। स्मरसि ननु यदा प्रमोचिताः; खचरगणानवजित्य पाण्डवैः ॥८-२६-६७॥
Do you not remember the time when you first fled, and the quarrelsome sons of Dhritarashtra were released like flocks of birds, having been conquered by the Pandavas?
समुदितबलवाहनाः पुनः; पुरुषवरेण जिताः स्थ गोग्रहे। सगुरुगुरुसुताः सभीष्मकाः; किमु न जितः स तदा त्वयार्जुनः ॥८-२६-६८॥
The forces with renewed strength were once again defeated by the best among men in the cow pen. Along with the teacher, the teacher's sons, and Bhīṣmaka, why was he not defeated by you then, Arjuna?
इदमपरमुपस्थितं पुन; स्तव निधनाय सुयुद्धमद्य वै। यदि न रिपुभयात्पलायसे; समरगतोऽद्य हतोऽसि सूतज ॥८-२६-६९॥
"This is another opportunity that has arrived again for your destruction through a good fight today indeed. If you do not flee from the fear of the enemy, having gone to battle today, you are killed, O son of Suta."
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इति बहुपरुषं प्रभाषति; प्रमनसि मद्रपतौ रिपुस्तवम्। भृशमतिरुषितः परं वृषः; कुरुपृतनापतिराह मद्रपम् ॥८-२६-७०॥
Thus, the lord of the Kuru army, exceedingly angry, spoke many harsh words to the king of Madra, praising your enemy.
भवतु भवतु किं विकत्थसे; ननु मम तस्य च युद्धमुद्यतम्। यदि स जयति मां महाहवे; तत इदमस्तु सुकत्थितं तव ॥८-२६-७१॥
"Let it be, let it be, why do you boast? Indeed, my battle with him is ready. If he conquers me in the great battle, then let this be your well-boasted."
एवमस्त्विति मद्रेश उक्त्वा नोत्तरमुक्तवान्। याहि मद्रेश चाप्येनं कर्णः प्राह युयुत्सया ॥८-२६-७२॥
Having agreed, the king of Madra was told by Karna to proceed, as he was eager for battle.
स रथः प्रययौ शत्रूञ्श्वेताश्वः शल्यसारथिः। निघ्नन्नमित्रान्समरे तमो घ्नन्सविता यथा ॥८-२६-७३॥
The chariot, driven by Śalya with white horses, advanced against the enemies, destroying them in battle like the sun dispels darkness.
ततः प्रायात्प्रीतिमान्वै रथेन; वैयाघ्रेण श्वेतयुजाथ कर्णः। स चालोक्य ध्वजिनीं पाण्डवानां; धनञ्जयं त्वरया पर्यपृच्छत् ॥८-२६-७४॥
Then, Karna, pleased and riding in his tiger-bannered chariot drawn by white horses, saw the Pandava army and quickly asked about Arjuna.
