08.027
Pancharatra and Core: Karna's self-praise, Shalya's rebuke followed by Karna's counter-rebuke.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
प्रयानेव तदा कर्णो हर्षयन्वाहिनीं तव। एकैकं समरे दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवं पर्यपृच्छत ॥८-२७-१॥
During the march, Karna, while cheering your army, observed each of the Pandavas in battle and inquired about them.
यो ममाद्य महात्मानं दर्शयेच्छ्वेतवाहनम्। तस्मै दद्यामभिप्रेतं वरं यं मनसेच्छति ॥८-२७-२॥
"Whoever shows me today the great soul riding the white horse, I shall grant him the boon he desires in his heart."
स चेत्तदभिमन्येत तस्मै दद्यामहं पुनः। शकटं रत्नसम्पूर्णं यो मे ब्रूयाद्धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-३॥
If he desires that, I would again give him a cart filled with jewels, who would inform me about Arjuna.
स चेत्तदभिमन्येत पुरुषोऽर्जुनदर्शिवान्। अन्यं तस्मै पुनर्दद्यां सौवर्णं हस्तिषड्गवम् ॥८-२७-४॥
If a man, having seen Arjuna, would consider that, I would give him another six golden elephants again.
तथा तस्मै पुनर्दद्यां स्त्रीणां शतमलङ्कृतम्। श्यामानां निष्ककण्ठीनां गीतवाद्यविपश्चिताम् ॥८-२७-५॥
Thus, I would again give him a hundred adorned women who are dark-complexioned, wearing necklaces, and skilled in singing and playing musical instruments.
स चेत्तदभिमन्येत पुरुषोऽर्जुनदर्शिवान्। अन्यं तस्मै वरं दद्यां श्वेतान्पञ्चशतान्हयान् ॥८-२७-६॥
If a man, upon seeing Arjuna, believes that, I would grant him another boon of five hundred white horses.
हेमभाण्डपरिच्छन्नान्सुमृष्टमणिकुण्डलान्। सुदान्तानपि चैवाहं दद्यामष्टशतान्परान् ॥८-२७-७॥
I would indeed give others eight hundred well-controlled ones, adorned with gold vessels and polished jewel earrings.
रथं च शुभ्रं सौवर्णं दद्यां तस्मै स्वलङ्कृतम्। युक्तं परमकाम्बोजैर्यो मे ब्रूयाद्धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-८॥
I would offer a splendid white and golden chariot, beautifully adorned and harnessed with the finest Kamboja horses, to anyone who could inform me about Arjuna.
अन्यं तस्मै वरं दद्यां कुञ्जराणां शतानि षट्। काञ्चनैर्विविधैर्भाण्डैराच्छन्नान्हेममालिनः ॥ उत्पन्नानपरान्तेषु विनीतान्हस्तिशिक्षकैः ॥८-२७-९॥
I would offer him another gift: six hundred elephants adorned with golden garlands, covered with various golden vessels, born in distant lands and trained by skilled elephant trainers.
स चेत्तदभिमन्येत पुरुषोऽर्जुनदर्शिवान्। अन्यं तस्मै वरं दद्यां यमसौ कामयेत्स्वयम् ॥८-२७-१०॥
If a man, having seen Arjuna, were to desire that, I would grant him another boon of his own choosing.
पुत्रदारान्विहारांश्च यदन्यद्वित्तमस्ति मे। तच्च तस्मै पुनर्दद्यां यद्यत्स मनसेच्छति ॥८-२७-११॥
I would give my sons, wives, pleasures, and any other wealth I possess to him again, if he desires it in his mind.
हत्वा च सहितौ कृष्णौ तयोर्वित्तानि सर्वशः। तस्मै दद्यामहं यो मे प्रब्रूयात्केशवार्जुनौ ॥८-२७-१२॥
If someone were to inform me about Keśava and Arjuna, I would kill them both and give all their wealth to that person.
एता वाचः सुबहुशः कर्ण उच्चारयन्युधि। दध्मौ सागरसम्भूतं सुस्वनं शङ्खमुत्तमम् ॥८-२७-१३॥
Karna, repeatedly uttering these words in battle, blew his excellent conch, which was melodious and born of the ocean.
ता वाचः सूतपुत्रस्य तथा युक्ता निशम्य तु। दुर्योधनो महाराज प्रहृष्टः सानुगोऽभवत् ॥८-२७-१४॥
Upon hearing the fitting words of the charioteer's son, King Duryodhana, along with his followers, was filled with joy.
ततो दुन्दुभिनिर्घोषो मृदङ्गानां च सर्वशः। सिंहनादः सवादित्रः कुञ्जराणां च निस्वनः ॥८-२७-१५॥
Then there was the sound of drums and mridangas everywhere, accompanied by the lion's roar with musical instruments, and the trumpeting of elephants.
प्रादुरासीत्तदा राजंस्त्वत्सैन्ये भरतर्षभ। योधानां सम्प्रहृष्टानां तथा समभवत्स्वनः ॥८-२७-१६॥
Then, O king, a sound arose in your army, O best of the Bharatas, from the delighted warriors.
तथा प्रहृष्टे सैन्ये तु प्लवमानं महारथम्। विकत्थमानं समरे राधेयमरिकर्शनम् ॥ मद्रराजः प्रहस्येदं वचनं प्रत्यभाषत ॥८-२७-१७॥
In the midst of the elated army, the great chariot floated. Radheya, the tormentor of enemies, was boasting in battle when the King of Madra, with a smile, replied with these words.
मा सूतपुत्र मानेन सौवर्णं हस्तिषड्गवम्। प्रयच्छ पुरुषायाद्य द्रक्ष्यसि त्वं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-१८॥
"Do not, O son of a charioteer, give gold and six elephants with pride to the man; today you will see Dhananjaya (Arjuna)."
बाल्यादिव त्वं त्यजसि वसु वैश्रवणो यथा। अयत्नेनैव राधेय द्रष्टास्यद्य धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-१९॥
"From your early years, you have been abandoning wealth just like Kubera does. Today, without any effort, O son of Radha, you shall see Dhananjaya (Arjuna)."
परासृजसि मिथ्या किं किं च त्वं बहु मूढवत्। अपात्रदाने ये दोषास्तान्मोहान्नावबुध्यसे ॥८-२७-२०॥
You act foolishly by giving to the unworthy, failing to recognize the faults due to your delusion.
यत्प्रवेदयसे वित्तं बहुत्वेन खलु त्वया। शक्यं बहुविधैर्यज्ञैर्यष्टुं सूत यजस्व तैः ॥८-२७-२१॥
O Sūta, the wealth you proclaim in abundance can indeed be utilized to perform various sacrifices. Therefore, perform them with that wealth.
यच्च प्रार्थयसे हन्तुं कृष्णौ मोहान्मृषैव तत्। न हि शुश्रुम संमर्दे क्रोष्ट्रा सिंहौ निपातितौ ॥८-२७-२२॥
Your desire to kill the two Krishnas out of delusion is futile. We have never heard of jackals defeating lions in battle.
अप्रार्थितं प्रार्थयसे सुहृदो न हि सन्ति ते। ये त्वां न वारयन्त्याशु प्रपतन्तं हुताशने ॥८-२७-२३॥
You seek friends without asking; indeed, those who do not quickly restrain you from falling into the fire are not truly your friends.
कालकार्यं न जानीषे कालपक्वोऽस्यसंशयम्। बह्वबद्धमकर्णीयं को हि ब्रूयाज्जिजीविषुः ॥८-२७-२४॥
You are unaware of the timely actions that are matured by time and the doubts associated with them. Who, desiring to live, would speak of things that are complex and not meant to be heard?
समुद्रतरणं दोर्भ्यां कण्ठे बद्ध्वा यथा शिलाम्। गिर्यग्राद्वा निपतनं तादृक्तव चिकीर्षितम् ॥८-२७-२५॥
Your intention is as if you wish to cross the ocean with your arms, having tied a stone around your neck, or to fall from the top of a mountain.
सहितः सर्वयोधैस्त्वं व्यूढानीकैः सुरक्षितः। धनञ्जयेन युध्यस्व श्रेयश्चेत्प्राप्तुमिच्छसि ॥८-२७-२६॥
Accompanied by all the warriors and protected by the arranged troops, you should fight alongside Dhananjaya if you wish to achieve greatness.
हितार्थं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य ब्रवीमि त्वा न हिंसया। श्रद्धत्स्वैतन्मया प्रोक्तं यदि तेऽस्ति जिजीविषा ॥८-२७-२७॥
I speak to you for the benefit of Dhritarashtra's son, not with harm. Believe what I have spoken, if you have the desire to live.
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
स्ववीर्येऽहं पराश्वस्य प्रार्थयाम्यर्जुनं रणे। त्वं तु मित्रमुखः शत्रुर्मां भीषयितुमिच्छसि ॥८-२७-२८॥
I rely on my own strength to challenge Arjuna, the enemy, in battle. However, you, pretending to be a friend, intend to intimidate me.
न मामस्मादभिप्रायात्कश्चिदद्य निवर्तयेत्। अपीन्द्रो वज्रमुद्यम्य किं नु मर्त्यः करिष्यति ॥८-२७-२९॥
No one can deter me from my purpose today. Even if Indra himself raises his thunderbolt, what can a mere mortal do?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इति कर्णस्य वाक्यान्ते शल्यः प्राहोत्तरं वचः। चुकोपयिषुरत्यर्थं कर्णं मद्रेश्वरः पुनः ॥८-२७-३०॥
At the conclusion of Karna's words, Shalya, the king of Madra, spoke again with the intent to provoke Karna greatly.
यदा वै त्वां फल्गुनवेगनुन्ना; ज्याचोदिता हस्तवता विसृष्टाः। अन्वेतारः कङ्कपत्राः शिताग्रा; स्तदा तप्स्यस्यर्जुनस्याभियोगात् ॥८-२७-३१॥
When you are struck by the swift arrows of Arjuna, propelled by his bowstring and released by his hand, with vulture-feathered, sharp-pointed shafts, then you will suffer from Arjuna's assault.
यदा दिव्यं धनुरादाय पार्थः; प्रभासयन्पृतनां सव्यसाची। त्वामर्दयेत निशितैः पृषत्कै; स्तदा पश्चात्तप्स्यसे सूतपुत्र ॥८-२७-३२॥
When Arjuna, known for his ambidexterity, takes up his divine bow and lights up the battlefield, he will strike you with sharp arrows; then, O son of a charioteer, you will regret your actions.
बालश्चन्द्रं मातुरङ्के शयानो; यथा कश्चित्प्रार्थयतेऽपहर्तुम्। तद्वन्मोहाद्यतमानो रथस्थ; स्त्वं प्रार्थयस्यर्जुनमद्य जेतुम् ॥८-२७-३३॥
Just as a child lying in his mother's lap desires to grab the moon, you, in your delusion, are trying to defeat Arjuna today while standing on your chariot.
त्रिशूलमाश्लिष्य सुतीक्ष्णधारं; सर्वाणि गात्राणि निघर्षसि त्वम्। सुतीक्ष्णधारोपमकर्मणा त्वं; युयुत्ससे योऽर्जुनेनाद्य कर्ण ॥८-२७-३४॥
Embracing the trident with its sharp edge, you rub against all limbs; today, you, O Karna, desire to engage in battle with Arjuna.
सिद्धं सिंहं केसरिणं बृहन्तं; बालो मूढः क्षुद्रमृगस्तरस्वी। समाह्वयेत्तद्वदेतत्तवाद्य; समाह्वानं सूतपुत्रार्जुनस्य ॥८-२७-३५॥
A foolish child or a small bold animal may challenge a great maned lion; similarly, today, your challenge to Arjuna, the son of a charioteer, is like that.
मा सूतपुत्राह्वय राजपुत्रं; महावीर्यं केसरिणं यथैव। वने सृगालः पिशितस्य तृप्तो; मा पार्थमासाद्य विनङ्क्ष्यसि त्वम् ॥८-२७-३६॥
Do not, O son of a charioteer, approach the mighty prince, the lion, just as a jackal satisfied with flesh in the forest; you will perish if you encounter Arjuna.
ईषादन्तं महानागं प्रभिन्नकरटामुखम्। शशकाह्वयसे युद्धे कर्ण पार्थं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-३७॥
In the battle, you, with sharp teeth like a great serpent and a broken elephant's face, challenge the hare, Karna, Arjuna, and Dhananjaya.
बिलस्थं कृष्णसर्पं त्वं बाल्यात्काष्ठेन विध्यसि। महाविषं पूर्णकोशं यत्पार्थं योद्धुमिच्छसि ॥८-२७-३८॥
In your childishness, you strike with a stick at the black snake in its hole, unaware that it is highly venomous and full of poison, O son of Pritha, and yet you wish to fight.
सिंहं केसरिणं क्रुद्धमतिक्रम्याभिनर्दसि। सृगाल इव मूढत्वान्नृसिंहं कर्ण पाण्डवम् ॥८-२७-३९॥
Like a foolish jackal overstepping its bounds, you roar at the mighty Karna, the Pandava, who is as fierce as a lion with a mane.
सुपर्णं पतगश्रेष्ठं वैनतेयं तरस्विनम्। लट्वेवाह्वयसे पाते कर्ण पार्थं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-४०॥
You summon mighty Garuda, the best of birds and son of Vinata, as if calling upon Karna, son of Pritha, and Dhananjaya in battle.
सर्वाम्भोनिलयं भीममूर्मिमन्तं झषायुतम्। चन्द्रोदये विवर्तन्तमप्लवः सन्तितीर्षसि ॥८-२७-४१॥
At moonrise, you wish to cross the vast, terrifying ocean filled with waves and fish, without a boat, as it turns.
ऋषभं दुन्दुभिग्रीवं तीक्ष्णशृङ्गं प्रहारिणम्। वत्स आह्वयसे युद्धे कर्ण पार्थं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-४२॥
In the battle, dear Karna, you summon Dhananjaya, the son of Pritha, who is like a bull with a neck like a drum, sharp-horned and a fierce striker.
महाघोषं महामेघं दर्दुरः प्रतिनर्दसि। कामतोयप्रदं लोके नरपर्जन्यमर्जुनम् ॥८-२७-४३॥
O Arjuna, you croak like a frog with a great sound, resembling a great cloud, bringing desired rain to the world.
यथा च स्वगृहस्थः श्वा व्याघ्रं वनगतं भषेत्। तथा त्वं भषसे कर्ण नरव्याघ्रं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-४४॥
Just as a house dog barks at a tiger that has gone to the forest, you, O Karna, speak to Dhananjaya, the tiger among men, in the same way.
सृगालोऽपि वने कर्ण शशैः परिवृतो वसन्। मन्यते सिंहमात्मानं यावत्सिंहं न पश्यति ॥८-२७-४५॥
A jackal, living in the forest surrounded by hares, considers himself a lion until he actually sees a lion.
तथा त्वमपि राधेय सिंहमात्मानमिच्छसि। अपश्यञ्शत्रुदमनं नरव्याघ्रं धनञ्जयम् ॥८-२७-४६॥
Thus, O son of Radha, you wish to see yourself as a lion, like Dhananjaya, the subduer of enemies and the tiger among men.
व्याघ्रं त्वं मन्यसेऽऽत्मानं यावत्कृष्णौ न पश्यसि। समास्थितावेकरथे सूर्याचन्द्रमसाविव ॥८-२७-४७॥
You consider yourself powerful like a tiger until you see Krishna and Arjuna together on the same chariot, resembling the sun and the moon.
यावद्गाण्डीवनिर्घोषं न शृणोषि महाहवे। तावदेव त्वया कर्ण शक्यं वक्तुं यथेच्छसि ॥८-२७-४८॥
As long as you do not hear the sound of the Gandiva bow in the great battle, you may speak as you wish, O Karna, but once you hear it, your words will be in vain.
रथशब्दधनुःशब्दैर्नादयन्तं दिशो दश। नर्दन्तमिव शार्दूलं दृष्ट्वा क्रोष्टा भविष्यसि ॥८-२७-४९॥
With the sounds of chariots and bows echoing in all ten directions, and roaring like a tiger, upon seeing this, you will turn into a jackal.
नित्यमेव सृगालस्त्वं नित्यं सिंहो धनञ्जयः। वीरप्रद्वेषणान्मूढ नित्यं क्रोष्टेव लक्ष्यसे ॥८-२७-५०॥
You are always like a jackal, while Dhananjaya is always like a lion. O fool, due to your enmity with heroes, you always appear like a jackal.
यथाखुः स्याद्बिडालश्च श्वा व्याघ्रश्च बलाबले। यथा सृगालः सिंहश्च यथा च शशकुञ्जरौ ॥८-२७-५१॥
Just as a rat can be like a cat, dog, or tiger in terms of strength and weakness, similarly, a jackal can be like a lion, and a hare like an elephant.
यथानृतं च सत्यं च यथा चापि विषामृते। तथा त्वमपि पार्थश्च प्रख्यातावात्मकर्मभिः ॥८-२७-५२॥
Just as falsehood and truth coexist, and poison and nectar have their own significance, you and Arjuna are renowned for your actions.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
अधिक्षिप्तस्तु राधेयः शल्येनामिततेजसा। शल्यमाह सुसङ्क्रुद्धो वाक्षल्यमवधारयन् ॥८-२७-५३॥
Radheya, rebuked by the immensely powerful Shalya, spoke angrily to Shalya, expressing his words.
गुणान्गुणवतः शल्य गुणवान्वेत्ति नागुणः। त्वं तु नित्यं गुणैर्हीनः किं ज्ञास्यस्यगुणो गुणान् ॥८-२७-५४॥
O Śalya, the virtuous understand the virtues of others, but the non-virtuous do not. You, being always devoid of virtues, how can you comprehend the virtues of others?
अर्जुनस्य महास्त्राणि क्रोधं वीर्यं धनुः शरान्। अहं शल्याभिजानामि न त्वं जानासि तत्तथा ॥८-२७-५५॥
I am well aware of Arjuna's great weapons, his anger, valor, bow, and arrows; you do not know them as I do.
एवमेवात्मनो वीर्यमहं वीर्यं च पाण्डवे। जानन्नेवाह्वये युद्धे शल्य नाग्निं पतङ्गवत् ॥८-२७-५६॥
Thus, knowing my own strength and that of the Pandava, I challenge Shalya in battle, not recklessly like a moth drawn to a flame.
अस्ति चायमिषुः शल्य सुपुङ्खो रक्तभोजनः। एकतूणीशयः पत्री सुधौतः समलङ्कृतः ॥८-२७-५७॥
There is an arrow with an iron head, well-feathered and red in color, fitting perfectly in one quiver, winged, thoroughly cleaned, and beautifully adorned.
शेते चन्दनपूर्णेन पूजितो बहुलाः समाः। आहेयो विषवानुग्रो नराश्वद्विपसङ्घहा ॥८-२७-५८॥
He has been lying there, worshipped with sandalwood for many years, an irresistible and fierce entity, capable of destroying groups of men, horses, and elephants.
एकवीरो महारौद्रस्तनुत्रास्थिविदारणः। निर्भिन्द्यां येन रुष्टोऽहमपि मेरुं महागिरिम् ॥८-२७-५९॥
I am the one hero, very fierce and capable of splitting body and bone, who, when angry, can even pierce Meru, the great mountain.
तमहं जातु नास्येयमन्यस्मिन्फल्गुनादृते। कृष्णाद्वा देवकीपुत्रात्सत्यं चात्र शृणुष्व मे ॥८-२७-६०॥
I never speak of this to anyone other than Arjuna or Krishna, the son of Devaki. Hear my truth here.
तेनाहमिषुणा शल्य वासुदेवधनञ्जयौ। योत्स्ये परमसङ्क्रुद्धस्तत्कर्म सदृशं मम ॥८-२७-६१॥
With his arrow, I will fight against Vāsudeva and Dhanañjaya, O Śalya, in a manner that befits my extreme anger.
सर्वेषां वासुदेवानां कृष्णे लक्ष्मीः प्रतिष्ठिता। सर्वेषां पाण्डुपुत्राणां जयः पार्थे प्रतिष्ठितः ॥ उभयं तत्समासाद्य कोऽतिवर्तितुमर्हति ॥८-२७-६२॥
Lakshmi resides in Kṛṣṇa among all the Vāsudevas, and victory resides in Arjuna among all the sons of Pandu. Who can surpass them having attained both?
तावेतौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ समेतौ स्यन्दने स्थितौ। मामेकमभिसंयातौ सुजातं शल्य पश्य मे ॥८-२७-६३॥
Those two warriors, like tigers among men, are standing together in the chariot and approaching me alone. Behold my noble-born Shalya.
पितृष्वसामातुलजौ भ्रातरावपराजितौ। मणी सूत्र इव प्रोतौ द्रष्टासि निहतौ मया ॥८-२७-६४॥
You will see the sons of your father's sister and maternal uncle, the unconquered brothers, like gems strung on a thread, killed by me.
अर्जुने गाण्डिवं कृष्णे चक्रं तार्क्ष्यकपिध्वजौ। भीरूणां त्रासजननौ शल्य हर्षकरौ मम ॥८-२७-६५॥
In Arjuna, the Gandiva bow and in Krishna, the discus, with Garuda and monkey banners, they instill fear in the timid and bring joy to my side, Shalya.
त्वं तु दुष्प्रकृतिर्मूढो महायुद्धेष्वकोविदः। भयावतीर्णः सन्त्रासादबद्धं बहु भाषसे ॥८-२७-६६॥
You are of ill nature and foolish, unskilled in great battles. Overcome by fear and panic, you speak excessively without reason.
संस्तौषि त्वं तु केनापि हेतुना तौ कुदेशज। तौ हत्वा समरे हन्ता त्वामद्धा सहबान्धवम् ॥८-२७-६७॥
You praise them, but for some reason, those two born in a bad place, having killed in battle, will indeed kill you along with your relatives.
पापदेशज दुर्बुद्धे क्षुद्र क्षत्रियपांसन। सुहृद्भूत्वा रिपुः किं मां कृष्णाभ्यां भीषयन्नसि ॥८-२७-६८॥
You, born in a sinful land and wicked-minded, a mean disgrace to the Kshatriyas, having once been a friend, why are you now, as an enemy, trying to frighten me with Krishna?
तौ वा ममाद्य हन्तारौ हन्तास्मि समरे स्थितौ। नाहं बिभेमि कृष्णाभ्यां विजानन्नात्मनो बलम् ॥८-२७-६९॥
"Today, either they will be my killers, or I will kill them standing in battle. I do not fear the two Krishnas, as I am aware of my own strength."
वासुदेवसहस्रं वा फल्गुनानां शतानि च। अहमेको हनिष्यामि जोषमास्स्व कुदेशज ॥८-२७-७०॥
"I alone will slay thousands of Vasudevas or hundreds of Phalgunas. Stay quietly, you who are born in a bad place."
स्त्रियो बालाश्च वृद्धाश्च प्रायः क्रीडागता जनाः। या गाथाः सम्प्रगायन्ति कुर्वन्तोऽध्ययनं यथा ॥ ता गाथाः शृणु मे शल्य मद्रकेषु दुरात्मसु ॥८-२७-७१॥
Women, children, and the elderly, often found in play, sing songs together as if they are studying. Listen to those songs of mine, Shalya, among the wicked people of the Madras.
ब्राह्मणैः कथिताः पूर्वं यथावद्राजसंनिधौ। श्रुत्वा चैकमना मूढ क्षम वा ब्रूहि वोत्तरम् ॥८-२७-७२॥
The Brahmins had previously told this properly in the presence of the king. Having heard it, O confused one, with a focused mind, are you capable of giving an answer or not?
मित्रध्रुङ्मद्रको नित्यं यो नो द्वेष्टि स मद्रकः। मद्रके सङ्गतं नास्ति क्षुद्रवाक्ये नराधमे ॥८-२७-७३॥
A person from Madra who always harms friends and hates us is indeed from Madra. In Madra, there is no association with trivial words among the lowest of men.
दुरात्मा मद्रको नित्यं नित्यं चानृतिकोऽनृजुः। यावदन्तं हि दौरात्म्यं मद्रकेष्विति नः श्रुतम् ॥८-२७-७४॥
The Madraka, known for his wickedness, is perpetually deceitful and crooked. It is said that as long as wickedness exists among the Madrakas, this is what we have heard.
पिता माता च पुत्रश्च श्वश्रूश्वशुरमातुलाः। जामाता दुहिता भ्राता नप्ता ते ते च बान्धवाः ॥८-२७-७५॥
"Father, mother, son, in-laws, uncles, son-in-law, daughter, brother, grandson, and all these are relatives."
वयस्याभ्यागताश्चान्ये दासीदासं च सङ्गतम्। पुम्भिर्विमिश्रा नार्यश्च ज्ञाताज्ञाताः स्वयेच्छया ॥८-२७-७६॥
Friends and others arrived, and maidservants and servants gathered. Men and women, both known and unknown, mingled freely by their own will.
येषां गृहेषु शिष्टानां सक्तुमन्थाशिनां सदा। पीत्वा सीधुं सगोमांसं नर्दन्ति च हसन्ति च ॥८-२७-७७॥
In the houses of those cultured ones, who always eat barley gruel, having drunk liquor with beef, they roar and laugh.
यानि चैवाप्यबद्धानि प्रवर्तन्ते च कामतः। कामप्रलापिनोऽन्योन्यं तेषु धर्मः कथं भवेत् ॥८-२७-७८॥
How can righteousness exist among those who are unrestrained and engage with each other out of desire, speaking only of their desires?
मद्रकेषु विलुप्तेषु प्रख्याताशुभकर्मसु। नापि वैरं न सौहार्दं मद्रकेषु समाचरेत् ॥८-२७-७९॥
Among the Madras, who are known for their destructive and inauspicious deeds, one should neither harbor enmity nor friendship.
मद्रके सङ्गतं नास्ति मद्रको हि सचापलः। मद्रकेषु च दुःस्पर्शं शौचं गान्धारकेषु च ॥८-२७-८०॥
In the region of Madra, there is no unity, as the people of Madra are indeed fickle. Among the Madras, impurity is found, while purity is found among the Gandharas.
राजयाजकयाज्येन नष्टं दत्तं हविर्भवेत्। शूद्रसंस्कारको विप्रो यथा याति पराभवम्। तथा ब्रह्मद्विषो नित्यं गच्छन्तीह पराभवम् ॥८-२७-८२॥
The offering given in the sacrifice performed by the king is destroyed. Just as a Brahmin who performs rites for a Shudra meets ruin, so do the enemies of Brahmins always meet ruin here.
मद्रके सङ्गतं नास्ति हतं वृश्चिकतो विषम्। आथर्वणेन मन्त्रेण सर्वा शान्तिः कृता भवेत् ॥८-२७-८३॥
In the region of Madra, there is no association with the poison from the scorpion as it is destroyed. All peace is achieved through the Atharvan mantra.
इति वृश्चिकदष्टस्य नानाविषहतस्य च। कुर्वन्ति भेषजं प्राज्ञाः सत्यं तच्चापि दृश्यते ॥ एवं विद्वञ्जोषमास्स्व शृणु चात्रोत्तरं वचः ॥८-२७-८४॥
Thus, the wise make remedies for those bitten by scorpions and afflicted by various poisons, and this truth is evident. Therefore, O learned one, sit calmly and listen to the answer here.
वासांस्युत्सृज्य नृत्यन्ति स्त्रियो या मद्यमोहिताः। मिथुनेऽसंयताश्चापि यथाकामचराश्च ताः ॥ तासां पुत्रः कथं धर्मं मद्रको वक्तुमर्हति ॥८-२७-८५॥
The women, intoxicated by wine, discard their garments and dance unrestrainedly, engaging in sexual union as they please. How can their son, Madraka, be fit to speak of dharma?
यास्तिष्ठन्त्यः प्रमेहन्ति यथैवोष्ट्रीदशेरके। तासां विभ्रष्टलज्जानां निर्लज्जानां ततस्ततः ॥ त्वं पुत्रस्तादृशीनां हि धर्मं वक्तुमिहेच्छसि ॥८-२७-८६॥
You, son, wish to speak of duty here, like those who stand and urinate like camels in the market, who are shameless and without shame everywhere.
सुवीरकं याच्यमाना मद्रका कषति स्फिजौ। अदातुकामा वचनमिदं वदति दारुणम् ॥८-२७-८७॥
The Madraka woman, when asked for the heroic one, scratches her buttocks and, unwilling to give, speaks harshly.
मा मा सुवीरकं कश्चिद्याचतां दयितो मम। पुत्रं दद्यां प्रतिपदं न तु दद्यां सुवीरकम् ॥८-२७-८८॥
"Do not let anyone ask for Suvīraka, my beloved. I would give my son at every step, but not Suvīraka."
नार्यो बृहत्यो निर्ह्रीका मद्रकाः कम्बलावृताः। घस्मरा नष्टशौचाश्च प्राय इत्यनुशुश्रुम ॥८-२७-८९॥
We have heard that the women of Madras are generally tall, shameless, covered with blankets, voracious, and have lost their purity.
एवमादि मयान्यैर्वा शक्यं वक्तुं भवेद्बहु। आ केशाग्रान्नखाग्राच्च वक्तव्येषु कुवर्त्मसु ॥८-२७-९०॥
Thus, starting from this, it is possible for me or others to speak at length about various matters, from the tip of the hair to the tip of the nails, even in unfavorable situations.
मद्रकाः सिन्धुसौवीरा धर्मं विद्युः कथं त्विह। पापदेशोद्भवा म्लेच्छा धर्माणामविचक्षणाः ॥८-२७-९१॥
The Madras, Sindhus, and Sauvīras, being from sinful lands, are ignorant of dharma. How could they possibly understand it here?
एष मुख्यतमो धर्मः क्षत्रियस्येति नः श्रुतम्। यदाजौ निहतः शेते सद्भिः समभिपूजितः ॥८-२७-९२॥
We have heard that the most important duty of a warrior is to be slain in battle and lie honored by the virtuous.
आयुधानां सम्पराये यन्मुच्येयमहं ततः। न मे स प्रथमः कल्पो निधने स्वर्गमिच्छतः ॥८-२७-९३॥
When I am released from the battle of weapons, then that is not my first choice in death, as I desire heaven.
सोऽहं प्रियः सखा चास्मि धार्तराष्ट्रस्य धीमतः। तदर्थे हि मम प्राणा यच्च मे विद्यते वसु ॥८-२७-९४॥
I am a dear friend of the wise Dhritarashtra. For that purpose, indeed, my life and whatever wealth I have.
व्यक्तं त्वमप्युपहितः पाण्डवैः पापदेशज। यथा ह्यमित्रवत्सर्वं त्वमस्मासु प्रवर्तसे ॥८-२७-९५॥
You are clearly entrusted by the Pandavas, born in a sinful land. You act among us as if you were an enemy.
कामं न खलु शक्योऽहं त्वद्विधानां शतैरपि। सङ्ग्रामाद्विमुखः कर्तुं धर्मज्ञ इव नास्तिकैः ॥८-२७-९६॥
Indeed, it is not possible for me, even with hundreds like you, to turn someone away from battle, just as a knower of dharma cannot be turned by atheists.
सारङ्ग इव घर्मार्तः कामं विलप शुष्य च। नाहं भीषयितुं शक्यः क्षत्रवृत्ते व्यवस्थितः ॥८-२७-९७॥
"Like a deer tormented by the sun, you may lament and wither as you wish. I am not one to be frightened, as I stand firm in the duty of a warrior."
तनुत्यजां नृसिंहानामाहवेष्वनिवर्तिनाम्। या गतिर्गुरुणा प्राङ्मे प्रोक्ता रामेण तां स्मर ॥८-२७-९८॥
Remember the path described by Rama, the teacher, which is for those lion-hearted warriors who never retreat in battle and have sacrificed their lives.
स्वेषां त्राणार्थमुद्युक्तं वधाय द्विषतामपि। विद्धि मामास्थितं वृत्तं पौरूरवसमुत्तमम् ॥८-२७-९९॥
Understand that I am committed to protecting my own, even if it means the destruction of enemies, and I am upholding the noble conduct of the Puru lineage.
न तद्भूतं प्रपश्यामि त्रिषु लोकेषु मद्रक। यो मामस्मादभिप्रायाद्वारयेदिति मे मतिः ॥८-२७-१००॥
O Madra, I perceive no being in the three worlds who can deter me from this resolve; such is my conviction.
एवं विद्वञ्जोषमास्स्व त्रासात्किं बहु भाषसे। मा त्वा हत्वा प्रदास्यामि क्रव्याद्भ्यो मद्रकाधम ॥८-२७-१०१॥
Thus, wise one, sit silently. Why do you speak so much out of fear? I will not hand you over to the flesh-eaters after killing you, O lowest of the Madrakas.
मित्रप्रतीक्षया शल्य धार्तराष्ट्रस्य चोभयोः। अपवादतितिक्षाभिस्त्रिभिरेतैर्हि जीवसि ॥८-२७-१०२॥
You live by waiting for a friend, enduring the thorn of Dhritarashtra's son, and by forbearance against slander. Indeed, these three sustain you.
पुनश्चेदीदृशं वाक्यं मद्रराज वदिष्यसि। शिरस्ते पातयिष्यामि गदया वज्रकल्पया ॥८-२७-१०३॥
"O King of Madra, if you dare to utter such words again, I will strike your head down with my mace, as powerful as a thunderbolt."
श्रोतारस्त्विदमद्येह द्रष्टारो वा कुदेशज। कर्णं वा जघ्नतुः कृष्णौ कर्णो वापि जघान तौ ॥८-२७-१०४॥
Today, here, listeners or viewers, whether born in a bad place, wonder if Karṇa killed the two Krishnas or if Karṇa himself was killed by them.
एवमुक्त्वा तु राधेयः पुनरेव विशां पते। अब्रवीन्मद्रराजानं याहि याहीत्यसम्भ्रमम् ॥८-२७-१०५॥
After speaking thus, Radheya once more addressed the king of Madra, saying, "Proceed, proceed," calmly and without hurry.
