08.046
Core and Pancharatra: Yudhishthira, is a sarcastic way, asks Arjuna, "Have you returned having killed Karna? I am still alive, only becuase of Bhima".
Sanjaya said:
The great heroes, upon seeing Keshava and Arjuna together, believed that Adhirathi had been slain in the battle by Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
The son of Kunti, with utmost charm and gentleness, welcomed those two with a smile, honoring them, O destroyer of enemies, and bull among the Bharatas.
Yudhishthira spoke:
"Welcome, O son of Devaki, and welcome to you, O Dhananjaya. The sight of both of you, Acyuta and Arjuna, is indeed dear to me."
How can the uninjured and invincible warriors fight the great chariot-warrior, who is like a venomous snake and an expert in all weapons, in battle?
The foremost among the sons of Dhritarashtra, all their protection and armor were safeguarded by the archers Vrishasena and Sushena.
Permitted by Rama, who is of great valor and invincible in weapons, he is the protector of the sons of Dhritarashtra and leads at the front of the army.
The one who destroys enemy forces and crushes groups of foes, aligned with Duryodhana's interests, is ready for our battle.
Even the gods along with Indra cannot defeat him in a great battle; he is equal to fire and wind in both brilliance and strength.
Like the deep underworld, you have increased the joy of your friends by slaying Karna, who was like death to his enemies, in the great battle. Fortunately, you both have arrived, having conquered the demon like immortals.
Today, by him who is unwearied in battle, and by me, Acyuta and Arjuna, angry like death, seem to desire to slay all creatures.
By him, my banner was cut off, and the charioteer was killed. I am left with my vehicle destroyed while Yuyudhana watches.
Behold the entirety of Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the twins, the hero, Śikhaṇḍin, the sons of Draupadī, and the Pāñcālas.
Karna, having defeated these great heroes and many groups of enemies, also defeated me, O mighty-armed one, while I was striving in the great battle.
Following me in battle, he has spoken many harsh words. Indeed, the best of warriors there, he insulted without a doubt.
O Dhananjaya, it is only due to Bhimasena's influence that I am still alive. What more can be said? I cannot endure that.
For thirteen years, O Dhananjaya, I have been so afraid that I could not sleep at night nor find happiness during the day anywhere.
Arjuna, consumed by hatred, is aware of his impending death, much like an elephant in rut.
O Lord, as I ponder over the time that has come, how can I possibly defeat Karṇa in battle?
O son of Kunti, whether awake or dreaming, I always see only Karna. Everywhere I look, the world appears to be in the form of Karna.
Wherever I go, being afraid of Karna, I see Karna standing right in front of me, O Dhananjaya.
I was released alive by that very hero who did not flee in battles, O son of Pritha, having conquered with horses and chariots.
What is the purpose of my life or kingdom now, having been insulted here by the battle-glorious Karna?
Today, I have achieved in battle from the great charioteer, the son of a charioteer, what was never before achieved from Bhishma, Kripa, and Drona.
I inquire, O son of Kunti, how it happened that Karna, being unskilled, was killed by you. Please tell me the complete truth.
He who was equal in strength to Indra, with prowess like Yama in battle, and equal to Rama in weaponry, how indeed was he destroyed?
He is a great charioteer, renowned and expert in all forms of warfare. Among all archers, he stands as the best, a unique individual.
Radheya, who was always honored by Dhritarashtra and his son for your sake, O lord of the people, how was he killed by you?
Dhritarashtra, O best of men, indeed always considers Karna as your death in battle among all warriors, O Arjuna.
"O tiger among men, tell me how Karṇa was slain by you in battle, O fearless one."
His head was uplifted and taken away by you, O tiger among men, just as a tiger would take away the head of a deer, in the sight of friends.
Karna, the son of a charioteer, who once worshipped the directions and quarters, now desires to give battle with his elephant troop, armed with very sharp arrows.
By you, the son of a charioteer was killed in battle; does the wicked soul lie on the ground? Have you today done what is supremely dear to me by killing the son of a charioteer in battle?
The son of a charioteer, who was arrogant and full of pride, and considered himself a hero in battle, has he been killed by you in combat today?
A golden chariot yoked with excellent elephants, which the sun wishes to give to others for your sake. That wicked one who always competes in battle; dear father, has he been slain by you in battle?
The one who is always intoxicated by the pride of heroism and boasts in the assembly of the Kauravas, who is very dear to Suyodhana; I hope that wicked one has been killed by you today.
"Has the sinner, with broken limbs, been struck down by the arrows released from your bow, and does he lie today, his arm broken, among the birds sent for the sake of blood?"
The one who always boasts in the assembly of kings, pleasing Duryodhana with his pride, saying "I am the slayer of Arjuna," perhaps out of delusion, his chariot is not really destroyed.
I will never wash my feet as long as I stand, O son of Pritha, thus showing little intelligence. This is his vow always, O son of Indra; has Karna been killed by you today?
Karṇa, with his wicked mind, addressed Draupadī in the assembly of Kuru warriors, questioning why she did not leave the Pāṇḍavas, whom he described as weak, fallen, and lacking in strength.
Karna, who knew this for your sake, did not kill Arjuna along with Krishna. Now that he has arrived here, that evil-minded one perhaps lies with his body pierced by arrows.
"Was this meeting of the Sṛñjayas and Kauravas known in battle then? Where I was brought to such a condition, was he killed by you today having met?"
O Savyasachi, have you severed the radiant head with earrings of that very dull-witted one from his body with blazing arrows released from Gandiva in battle?
O hero, the arrow that I offered was meditated upon by you for the killing of Karna. Today, I hope it has been made infallible by you, resulting in Karna's fall.
Suyodhana, filled with pride, ignores us because of Karna's support. Perhaps today, you will break his support with your valor against Suyodhana.
The one who previously insulted us as eunuchs in the assembly before the kings; that evil-minded person, perhaps, having come to the battlefield, was slain by you, the charioteer's son, who was extremely wrathful.
The son of a charioteer, who wickedly laughed and once told the defeated by the son of Subala to bring Draupadi forcibly himself, is perhaps killed by you today.
Is the wicked Adhiratha, who foolishly insulted the grandfather and was considered only half a chariot-warrior, killed by you today, the best weapon-bearer on earth?
"O Phalguna, today I have slain the evil-minded one, driven by the deceitful wind of impatience, this fire residing in my heart is always mine. Calm my heart today."
