08.029
Pancharatra-Ext: Karna remembers Parashurama's curse and also a curse by a Brahmin given to him for lying, and wrorries about the same.
Sanjaya said:
The charioteer of the king of Madra, upon hearing these unpleasant words, was displeased and said to Shalya, "I am aware of this, as Arjuna and Vasudeva are acting accordingly."
O Shura, as you drive Arjuna's chariot, I recognize today the strength and great weapons of the Pandava. However, Shalya, I am aware of your hidden intentions.
Those two, who are invincible and the best among weapon-bearers, I will fight the fearless Krishnas. However, Rama torments me excessively; today, the curse from the best of Brahmins afflicts me.
I indeed stayed in the guise of a Brahmin; in the past, I desired to create a divine weapon for Rama. There too, an obstacle was placed by the king of gods, for the benefit of Arjuna alone, like a thorn.
By distinction, having reached my thigh, I entered the ugly body of the insect. Out of fear of the teacher, I did not move, and the sage understood and saw that.
I asked the great sage and said, "I am a charioteer." He then cursed me, saying, "Charioteer, the weapon you have obtained will not serve you when you need it in battle."
Elsewhere, because your time of death is not certain in the Brahman, Brahman. Therefore, today, dear Bhima, in this fierce battle, the weapon is extremely sufficient.
The swift and immeasurable lord of waters, as if about to submerge the beings of the people, makes the ocean a great serpent; yet, the shore indeed restrains him, the immeasurable.
"Today, I will engage in battle with the son of Kunti, releasing groups of unfailing arrows that pierce vital parts, as the best of bowmen in the world, a destroyer of heroes with feathered arrows."
Thus, with immense strength and a formidable weapon akin to the ocean, fierce and hard to overcome, I will withstand Arjuna with a multitude of arrows, submerging the kings like the shore withstands the ocean.
Today, I believe there is no one equal to the man holding the bow in battle. Behold my very fierce battle today, by him who conquers gods and demons in battle.
The arrogant Pāṇḍava, eager for battle, will approach with supernatural weapons. In the battle, having countered his weapon with my own, I shall bring down Pārtha with my finest arrows.
I will cover Arjuna with my arrows like a massive cloud that blocks out the sun, shining with extinguished rays and blazing with fame, dispersing darkness.
I will become like a cloud with showers of arrows to extinguish the brilliant fire that is burning this world, and in the same way, I will extinguish Arjuna in battle.
I will face the fierce and powerful tormentor, the wind-god, in battle like the steadfast Himalaya; Arjuna, though angry and unforgiving.
I will endure in battle with Dhananjaya, who is skilled in chariot paths, unattached, a leader always heroic in battles, and the best of all archers in the world.
Today, in this battle, there is no one among men holding a bow who is equal to him. He is the one who can bear the entire earth, and thus, I am fighting with him.
Arjuna, who conquered all beings including the gods in the Khandava forest, is the one who protects life. Who else but me would dare to fight against him?
I would gladly speak of the valor of the Pandava in the assembly of the Kshatriyas. But why, you foolish and confused-minded person, did you speak to me of Arjuna's valor?
The one who is unpleasant, harsh, and cruel, who is mean and abusive, and impatient with the forgiving, I would kill hundreds of such people. However, I forgive you with patience because of the influence of time.
You spoke unpleasant words for the sake of the Pandavas, insulting me like a fool and an evil-doer. In my straightforwardness, you, who follow a crooked path, are defeated; a betrayer of friends, indeed a friend for only seven steps.
This time is filled with death and is very cruel; Duryodhana has approached the battle. Desiring success in his purpose, I will approach him where there is no certainty.
The friend who brings joy, delight, or affection; who offers protection, honor, or enjoyment, speaks of that which is preceded by wisdom. All of this is found in my Duryodhana.
The enemy, whether of the word, the ruler, the one who lies down, hears, or swells, is also in creation. From the prefix, in many ways, it presses, and generally, everything is in you and that is to me.
Therefore, for the sake of Duryodhana, and for your unpleasant purpose, for fame, for self, and also for the Lord, I will fight with effort against Pandava and Vasudeva; witness my action today.
"Behold today my excellent weapons; both divine and human. I shall acquire them with great strength, like an intoxicated mad elephant."
I will use the invincible Brahma weapon, controlled by my mind, to ensure Arjuna's unmatched victory. However, even with that, I will not be free in battle unless my discus falls into a challenging situation today.
Whether it be from Vaivasvata, the one wielding a staff, Varuṇa, the noose-holder, the one with a mace, the lord of wealth, the one with a thunderbolt, or Vāsava, all are powerful entities.
O Shalya, understand that we do not fear any aggressor. Know that I am fearless.
Therefore, I have no fear from Arjuna or Krishna. Today, a battle with them will indeed take place in the conflict.
The Brahmin said to me, "In the abyss, your wheel is falling." In the battle, there is fear for the one fighting who has attained the solitary path.
Therefore, I am greatly afraid of the Brahmin's words. These Soma kings are truly the masters of both joy and sorrow.
The careless calf was killed by Śalya with an arrow while it was wandering in the wilderness, and this act was related to the Brahmin, who was a treasure of penance.
He gave seven hundred elephants and hundreds of female and male servants to the chief of the twice-born, but did not grant my favor.
Fourteen thousand white calves belonging to the Krishnas were brought, and from that, grace was obtained from the best of the twice-born.
I offer all my prosperous house and whatever wealth I have, along with all desires, to him respectfully, if he does not desire it.
Then he earnestly addressed me, who was pleading for forgiveness, "O Sūta, what I have declared is indeed true and not otherwise."
A false statement can harm the people and lead to sin. Therefore, to protect righteousness, I am unable to speak untruths.
"Do not obstruct the path to Brahman; you have performed the atonement. My words are true in this world; let no one doubt them. Achieve your goal."
"Thus, I have spoken this to you hurriedly and with friendship. I know you are criticizing, so be silent and listen to the reply."
