08.031
Pancharatra and Core: The Kaurava army military formation. Shalya praises the strength of the Pandavas as they approach Arjuna and Krishna.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततः परानीकभिदं व्यूहमप्रतिमं परैः। समीक्ष्य कर्णः पार्थानां धृष्टद्युम्नाभिरक्षितम् ॥८-३१-१॥
Then Karna, observing the unparalleled formation that breaks the enemy lines, protected by Dhrishtadyumna, stood among the sons of Pritha.
प्रययौ रथघोषेण सिंहनादरवेण च। वादित्राणां च निनदैः कम्पयन्निव मेदिनीम् ॥८-३१-२॥
He departed with the sound of chariots and the roar of lions, accompanied by the sounds of musical instruments, as if shaking the earth.
वेपमान इव क्रोधाद्युद्धशौण्डः परन्तपः। पतिव्यूह्य महातेजा यथावद्भरतर्षभ ॥८-३१-३॥
The mighty warrior, trembling as if in anger, expertly arranged his troops. O best of the Bharatas, he was full of great energy and ready for battle.
व्यधमत्पाण्डवीं सेनामासुरीं मघवानिव। युधिष्ठिरं चाभिभवन्नसपव्यं चकार ह ॥८-३१-४॥
He scattered the demonic army of the Pāṇḍavas like Indra would. Overpowering Yudhiṣṭhira, he indeed made the situation inauspicious.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
कथं सञ्जय राधेयः प्रत्यव्यूहत पाण्डवान्। धृष्टद्युम्नमुखान्वीरान्भीमसेनाभिरक्षितान् ॥८-३१-५॥
Sanjaya, how did Radheya arrange his forces against the Pandavas, who were led by Dhrishtadyumna and protected by Bhimasena?
के च प्रपक्षौ पक्षौ वा मम सैन्यस्य सञ्जय। प्रविभज्य यथान्यायं कथं वा समवस्थिताः ॥८-३१-६॥
Sanjaya, who are the opposing sides and the sides of my army? How are they positioned after being divided according to the rules?
कथं पाण्डुसुताश्चापि प्रत्यव्यूहन्त मामकान्। कथं चैतन्महायुद्धं प्रावर्तत सुदारुणम् ॥८-३१-७॥
How did the sons of Pandu arrange their forces against mine? And how did this great and terrible war begin?
क्व च बीभत्सुरभवद्यत्कर्णोऽयाद्युधिष्ठिरम्। को ह्यर्जुनस्य सांनिध्ये शक्तोऽभ्येतुं युधिष्ठिरम् ॥८-३१-८॥
"Where was Arjuna when Karna approached Yudhishthira? Who can dare to approach Yudhishthira when Arjuna is present?"
सर्वभूतानि यो ह्येकः खाण्डवे जितवान्पुरा। कस्तमन्यत्र राधेयात्प्रतियुध्येज्जिजीविषुः ॥८-३१-९॥
The one who once conquered all beings in Khāṇḍava is indeed formidable. Who else but Rādheya would dare to fight him, wishing to survive?
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
शृणु व्यूहस्य रचनामर्जुनश्च यथा गतः। परिदाय नृपं तेभ्यः सङ्ग्रामश्चाभवद्यथा ॥८-३१-१०॥
Listen to the arrangement of the formation and how Arjuna proceeded, having entrusted the king to them, and how the battle unfolded.
कृपः शारद्वतो राजन्मागधश्च तरस्विनः। सात्वतः कृतवर्मा च दक्षिणं पक्षमाश्रिताः ॥८-३१-११॥
Kṛpa, the son of Śaradvat, along with the Magadha prince and the energetic Sātvata, Kṛtavarmā, have aligned themselves with the southern faction, O King.
तेषां प्रपक्षे शकुनिरुलूकश्च महारथः। सादिभिर्विमलप्रासैस्तवानीकमरक्षताम् ॥८-३१-१२॥
On their side, the great warriors Shakuni and Uluka, along with their riders and shining spears, stood guard over your army.
गान्धारिभिरसम्भ्रान्तैः पार्वतीयैश्च दुर्जयैः। शलभानामिव व्रातैः पिशाचैरिव दुर्दृशैः ॥८-३१-१३॥
The Gandharas and the invincible Parvatiyas, unperturbed, surrounded like swarms of locusts and demons that are difficult to see.
चतुस्त्रिंशत्सहस्राणि रथानामनिवर्तिनाम्। संशप्तका युद्धशौण्डा वामं पार्श्वमपालयन् ॥८-३१-१४॥
Thirty-four thousand chariots of the sworn warriors, who were experts in warfare and never retreated, protected the left flank.
समुच्चितास्तव सुतैः कृष्णार्जुनजिघांसवः। तेषां प्रपक्षः काम्बोजाः शकाश्च यवनैः सह ॥८-३१-१५॥
Your sons, who are intent on harming Krishna and Arjuna, have gathered allies including the Kambojas, Shakas, and Yavanas.
निदेशात्सूतपुत्रस्य सरथाः साश्वपत्तयः। आह्वयन्तोऽर्जुनं तस्थुः केशवं च महाबलम् ॥८-३१-१६॥
Following the command of Karna, the son of the charioteer, the forces with chariots, horses, and infantry stood ready, challenging Arjuna and the mighty Keshava.
मध्येसेनामुखं कर्णो व्यवातिष्ठत दंशितः। चित्रवर्माङ्गदः स्रग्वी पालयन्ध्वजिनीमुखम् ॥८-३१-१७॥
In the midst of the army's front, Karṇa, adorned with colorful armor and bracelets and wearing a garland, stood firm, protecting the forefront of the army.
रक्ष्यमाणः सुसंरब्धैः पुत्रैः शस्त्रभृतां वरः। वाहिनीप्रमुखं वीरः सम्प्रकर्षन्नशोभत ॥८-३१-१८॥
The hero, being protected by his very eager sons, who were the best among weapon-bearers, shone brightly as he led at the forefront of the army.
अयोरत्निर्महाबाहुः सूर्यवैश्वानरद्युतिः। महाद्विपस्कन्धगतः पिङ्गलः प्रियदर्शनः ॥ दुःशासनो वृतः सैन्यैः स्थितो व्यूहस्य पृष्ठतः ॥८-३१-१९॥
Duḥśāsana, with his iron-like arms and the brilliance of the sun and fire, mounted on a great elephant, tawny and pleasing to the eye, stood surrounded by his armies at the rear of the formation.
तमन्वयान्महाराज स्वयं दुर्योधनो नृपः। चित्राश्वैश्चित्रसंनाहैः सोदर्यैरभिरक्षितः ॥८-३१-२०॥
O great king, King Duryodhana himself followed him, accompanied by his brothers and equipped with splendid horses and armor.
रक्ष्यमाणो महावीर्यैः सहितैर्मद्रकेकयैः। अशोभत महाराज देवैरिव शतक्रतुः ॥८-३१-२१॥
The great king, protected by the mighty heroes of the Madras and Kekayas, shone like Indra among the gods.
अश्वत्थामा कुरूणां च ये प्रवीरा महारथाः। नित्यमत्ताश्च मातङ्गाः शूरैर्म्लेच्छैरधिष्ठिताः ॥ अन्वयुस्तद्रथानीकं क्षरन्त इव तोयदाः ॥८-३१-२२॥
Ashwatthama, along with the heroes and great charioteers of the Kuru dynasty, who were always intoxicated, and the elephants occupied by heroes and barbarians, followed that chariot army, pouring forth like clouds.
ते ध्वजैर्वैजयन्तीभिर्ज्वलद्भिः परमायुधैः। सादिभिश्चास्थिता रेजुर्द्रुमवन्त इवाचलाः ॥८-३१-२३॥
They stood with Vaijayanti flags and supreme weapons, shining brightly, appearing like trees and mountains.
तेषां पदातिनागानां पादरक्षाः सहस्रशः। पट्टिशासिधराः शूरा बभूवुरनिवर्तिनः ॥८-३१-२४॥
The foot-soldiers and elephants among them, equipped with thousands of foot-guards and armed with swords and spears, stood as valiant warriors who never retreated.
सादिभिः स्यन्दनैर्नागैरधिकं समलङ्कृतैः। स व्यूहराजो विबभौ देवासुरचमूपमः ॥८-३१-२५॥
The king of formations, adorned with horses, chariots, and elephants in great splendor, appeared like the army of gods and demons.
बार्हस्पत्यः सुविहितो नायकेन विपश्चिता। नृत्यतीव महाव्यूहः परेषामादधद्भयम् ॥८-३१-२६॥
The wise leader, like Brihaspati, skillfully arranged the great formation, which appeared to dance and instilled fear in the enemies.
तस्य पक्षप्रपक्षेभ्यो निष्पतन्ति युयुत्सवः। पत्त्यश्वरथमातङ्गाः प्रावृषीव बलाहकाः ॥८-३१-२७॥
From his wings and counter-wings, warriors, infantry, horses, chariots, and elephants emerge, resembling clouds in the rainy season.
ततः सेनामुखे कर्णं दृष्ट्वा राजा युधिष्ठिरः। धनञ्जयममित्रघ्नमेकवीरमुवाच ह ॥८-३१-२८॥
Then, seeing Karna at the forefront of the army, King Yudhishthira spoke to Dhananjaya, the unparalleled hero and destroyer of foes.
पश्यार्जुन महाव्यूहं कर्णेन विहितं रणे। युक्तं पक्षैः प्रपक्षैश्च सेनानीकं प्रकाशते ॥८-३१-२९॥
Behold, Arjuna, the grand formation crafted by Karna in the battlefield, adorned with wings and sub-wings, the army stands resplendent.
तदेतद्वै समालोक्य प्रत्यमित्रं महद्बलम्। यथा नाभिभवत्यस्मांस्तथा नीतिर्विधीयताम् ॥८-३१-३०॥
Having observed the great strength of the opposing enemy, a strategy should be devised to ensure that we are not overcome.
एवमुक्तोऽर्जुनो राज्ञा प्राञ्जलिर्नृपमब्रवीत्। यथा भवानाह तथा तत्सर्वं न तदन्यथा ॥८-३१-३१॥
Arjuna, addressed by the king, respectfully replied with folded hands, "It is exactly as you have stated; everything is just as you said, without exception."
यस्त्वस्य विहितो घातस्तं करिष्यामि भारत। प्रधानवध एवास्य विनाशस्तं करोम्यहम् ॥८-३१-३२॥
"O Bharata, I will carry out the destruction that has been ordained for this. Indeed, I am the one who will bring about the chief destruction."
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
तस्मात्त्वमेव राधेयं भीमसेनः सुयोधनम्। वृषसेनं च नकुलः सहदेवोऽपि सौबलम् ॥८-३१-३३॥
Therefore, you, Radheya, should confront Bhimasena and Suyodhana; Nakula and Sahadeva should also confront Saubala.
दुःशासनं शतानीको हार्दिक्यं शिनिपुङ्गवः। धृष्टद्युम्नस्तथा द्रौणिं स्वयं यास्याम्यहं कृपम् ॥८-३१-३४॥
I will personally go to Kripa, along with Duhshasana, Shatanika, Hardikya, the best of the Shinis, Dhrishtadyumna, and Drona's son.
द्रौपदेया धार्तराष्ट्राञ्शिष्टान्सह शिखण्डिना। ते ते च तांस्तानहितानस्माकं घ्नन्तु मामकाः ॥८-३१-३५॥
The sons of Draupadi, together with Shikhandi, should kill the remaining sons of Dhritarashtra, who are our enemies, by my men.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इत्युक्तो धर्मराजेन तथेत्युक्त्वा धनञ्जयः। व्यादिदेश स्वसैन्यानि स्वयं चागाच्चमूमुखम् ॥८-३१-३६॥
Upon being addressed by Dharmaraja, Dhananjaya, after agreeing, commanded his troops and personally advanced to the forefront of the army.
अथ तं रथमायान्तं दृष्ट्वात्यद्भुतदर्शनम्। उवाचाधिरथिं शल्यः पुनस्तं युद्धदुर्मदम् ॥८-३१-३७॥
Then Shalya, upon seeing the chariot approaching, which was a very wonderful sight, spoke again to Adhiratha, who was filled with battle arrogance.
अयं स रथ आयाति श्वेताश्वः कृष्णसारथिः। निघ्नन्नमित्रान्कौन्तेयो यं यं त्वं परिपृच्छसि ॥८-३१-३८॥
This is the chariot that comes with white horses and Krishna as the charioteer, slaying the enemies, O son of Kunti, about whom you inquire.
श्रूयते तुमुलः शब्दो रथनेमिस्वनो महान्। एष रेणुः समुद्भूतो दिवमावृत्य तिष्ठति ॥८-३१-३९॥
A loud sound of the chariot wheels is heard. This great dust has risen and is covering the sky.
चक्रनेमिप्रणुन्ना च कम्पते कर्ण मेदिनी। प्रवात्येष महावायुरभितस्तव वाहिनीम् ॥ क्रव्यादा व्याहरन्त्येते मृगाः कुर्वन्ति भैरवम् ॥८-३१-४०॥
The earth trembles under the force of the wheel's rim, O Karna. A mighty wind surrounds your forces. The beasts are howling, creating an atmosphere of terror.
पश्य कर्ण महाघोरं भयदं लोमहर्षणम्। कबन्धं मेघसङ्काशं भानुमावृत्य संस्थितम् ॥८-३१-४१॥
"Look, Karna, at the terrifying and fearsome headless trunk, resembling a cloud, standing there obscuring the sun."
पश्य यूथैर्बहुविधैर्मृगाणां सर्वतोदिशम्। बलिभिर्दृप्तशार्दूलैरादित्योऽभिनिरीक्ष्यते ॥८-३१-४२॥
"Look at the herds of various animals all around; the sun is being watched by the strong and proud tigers."
पश्य कङ्कांश्च गृध्रांश्च समवेतान्सहस्रशः। स्थितानभिमुखान्घोरानन्योन्यमभिभाषतः ॥८-३१-४३॥
"Look at the thousands of vultures and eagles gathered together, standing face to face, fearsome and conversing with one another."
सिताश्चाश्वाः समायुक्तास्तव कर्ण महारथे। प्रदराः प्रज्वलन्त्येते ध्वजश्चैव प्रकम्पते ॥८-३१-४४॥
The white horses are well-yoked to your chariot, O Karna, the great warrior. The banners are blazing, and the flag is trembling.
उदीर्यतो हयान्पश्य महाकायान्महाजवान्। प्लवमानान्दर्शनीयानाकाशे गरुडानिव ॥८-३१-४५॥
Behold the majestic horses, large and swift, soaring gracefully in the sky like Garudas.
ध्रुवमेषु निमित्तेषु भूमिमावृत्य पार्थिवाः। स्वप्स्यन्ति निहताः कर्ण शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥८-३१-४६॥
In these omens, it is certain that the kings, covering the earth, will lie slain, Karna among them, by the hundreds and thousands.
शङ्खानां तुमुलः शब्दः श्रूयते लोमहर्षणः। आनकानां च राधेय मृदङ्गानां च सर्वशः ॥८-३१-४७॥
The tumultuous and hair-raising sound of conches, drums, and mridangas is heard everywhere, O son of Radha.
बाणशब्दान्बहुविधान्नराश्वरथनिस्वनान्। ज्यातलत्रेषुशब्दांश्च शृणु कर्ण महात्मनाम् ॥८-३१-४८॥
O Karna, listen to the diverse sounds of arrows, the clamor of men, horses, and chariots, and the resonances of bowstrings, palms, and clapping, belonging to the great souls.
हेमरूप्यप्रमृष्टानां वाससां शिल्पिनिर्मिताः। नानावर्णा रथे भान्ति श्वसनेन प्रकम्पिताः ॥८-३१-४९॥
The garments made of gold and silver, polished and crafted by artisans, in various colors, shine on the chariot as they flutter in the wind.
सहेमचन्द्रतारार्काः पताकाः किङ्किणीयुताः। पश्य कर्णार्जुनस्यैताः सौदामिन्य इवाम्बुदे ॥८-३१-५०॥
The flags of Karna and Arjuna, adorned with gold, moon, stars, and suns, and with bells, appear like lightning in the cloud.
ध्वजाः कणकणायन्ते वातेनाभिसमीरिताः। सपताका रथाश्चापि पाञ्चालानां महात्मनाम् ॥८-३१-५१॥
The flags fluttered in the wind, and the chariots with banners belonged to the noble Pāñcālas.
नागाश्वरथपत्त्यौघांस्तावकान्समभिघ्नतः। ध्वजाग्रं दृश्यते त्वस्य ज्याशब्दश्चापि श्रूयते ॥८-३१-५२॥
Your multitudes of elephants, horses, chariots, and infantry are being struck. The top of the flag is visible, and the sound of the bowstring is also audible.
अद्य द्रष्टासि तं वीरं श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम्। निघ्नन्तं शात्रवान्सङ्ख्ये यं कर्ण परिपृच्छसि ॥८-३१-५३॥
Today, you will witness that hero with white horses, Krishna as the charioteer, defeating the enemies in battle, about whom you inquire, O Karna.
अद्य तौ पुरुषव्याघ्रौ लोहिताक्षौ परन्तपौ। वासुदेवार्जुनौ कर्ण द्रष्टास्येकरथस्थितौ ॥८-३१-५४॥
Today, Karna will see Vasudeva and Arjuna, those two formidable warriors with red eyes, standing together on the same chariot.
सारथिर्यस्य वार्ष्णेयो गाण्डीवं यस्य कार्मुकम्। तं चेद्धन्तासि राधेय त्वं नो राजा भविष्यसि ॥८-३१-५५॥
If you, O Radheya, manage to kill him whose charioteer is Krishna and whose bow is the Gandiva, then you shall become our king.
एष संशप्तकाहूतस्तानेवाभिमुखो गतः। करोति कदनं चैषां सङ्ग्रामे द्विषतां बली ॥ इति ब्रुवाणं मद्रेशं कर्णः प्राहातिमन्युमान् ॥८-३१-५६॥
Karṇa, with great anger, said to the king of Madra that this one, called by the Saṃśaptakas, has gone facing them and is slaughtering the strong enemies in battle.
पश्य संशप्तकैः क्रुद्धैः सर्वतः समभिद्रुतः। एष सूर्य इवाम्भोदैश्छन्नः पार्थो न दृश्यते ॥ एतदन्तोऽर्जुनः शल्य निमग्नः शोकसागरे ॥८-३१-५७॥
Behold, Arjuna is being attacked from all directions by the enraged Trigartas. Like the sun obscured by clouds, he is not visible. At this moment, Arjuna and Shalya are submerged in a sea of grief.
शल्य उवाच॥
Śalya said:
वरुणं कोऽम्भसा हन्यादिन्धनेन च पावकम्। को वानिलं निगृह्णीयात्पिबेद्वा को महार्णवम् ॥८-३१-५८॥
Who can overcome Varuna with water, or extinguish fire with fuel? Who can control the wind or drink the vast ocean?
ईदृग्रूपमहं मन्ये पार्थस्य युधि निग्रहम्। न हि शक्योऽर्जुनो जेतुं सेन्द्रैः सर्वैः सुरासुरैः ॥८-३१-५९॥
I believe that such a form represents Partha's control in battle. Arjuna cannot be defeated by all the gods and demons, even with Indra.
अथैवं परितोषस्ते वाचोक्त्वा सुमना भव। न स शक्यो युधा जेतुमन्यं कुरु मनोरथम् ॥८-३१-६०॥
"Then, having expressed your words, be cheerful. It is not possible to conquer him by fighting; pursue another desire."
बाहुभ्यामुद्धरेद्भूमिं दहेत्क्रुद्ध इमाः प्रजाः। पातयेत्त्रिदिवाद्देवान्योऽर्जुनं समरे जयेत् ॥८-३१-६१॥
With his mighty arms, he could lift the earth, burn all creatures in his anger, bring down the gods from heaven, and conquer Arjuna in battle.
पश्य कुन्तीसुतं वीरं भीममक्लिष्टकारिणम्। प्रभासन्तं महाबाहुं स्थितं मेरुमिवाचलम् ॥८-३१-६२॥
Behold Bhima, the son of Kunti, a hero who acts effortlessly, shining with might, standing firm like the great mountain Meru.
अमर्षी नित्यसंरब्धश्चिरं वैरमनुस्मरन्। एष भीमो जयप्रेप्सुर्युधि तिष्ठति वीर्यवान् ॥८-३१-६३॥
Bhima, who is impatient and always enraged, stands powerfully in battle, desiring victory, while remembering long-standing enmity.
एष धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। तिष्ठत्यसुकरः सङ्ख्ये परैः परपुरञ्जयः ॥८-३१-६४॥
Yudhishthira, the noble king and upholder of dharma, stands firm in battle, a formidable force against his enemies, known for conquering enemy cities.
एतौ च पुरुषव्याघ्रावश्विनाविव सोदरौ। नकुलः सहदेवश्च तिष्ठतो युधि दुर्जयौ ॥८-३१-६५॥
Nakula and Sahadeva, like the twin gods Aśvins, are brothers and stand invincible in battle.
दृश्यन्त एते कार्ष्णेयाः पञ्च पञ्चाचला इव। व्यवस्थिता योत्स्यमानाः सर्वेऽर्जुनसमा युधि ॥८-३१-६६॥
These five sons of Kṛṣṇa appear like five immovable mountains, all set and ready to engage in battle, each one comparable to Arjuna.
एते द्रुपदपुत्राश्च धृष्टद्युम्नपुरोगमाः। हीनाः सत्यजिता वीरास्तिष्ठन्ति परमौजसः ॥८-३१-६७॥
These sons of Drupada, led by Dhrishtadyumna, stand with great energy, though deprived, along with Satyajit, the heroes.
इति संवदतोरेव तयोः पुरुषसिंहयोः। ते सेने समसज्जेतां गङ्गायमुनवद्भृशम् ॥८-३१-६८॥
As the two lion-like men conversed, their armies were intensely arrayed, resembling the confluence of the Ganges and Yamuna.
