08.048
Core and Pancharatra: Arjuna gets further scolding from Yudhishthira for retreating from the battle without facing Karna.
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing of Karna's noble prowess early in the morning, the enraged Arjuna, son of Pritha and of immense energy, spoke these words to Dhananjaya, as Yudhishthira was afflicted by Karna's arrows.
If you say in the forest of Dvaita that Karna is not able to fight, O king, then we will approach all events at the appropriate times, O Partha.
O hero, having promised me to kill him and having acquired the strength, why did he bring us into the midst of enemies and throw us down on the ground after lifting us up?
We had placed our hopes in you, Arjuna, wishing for much auspiciousness. But all of that has become fruitless for us, O prince, like the Nicula tree that blooms excessively but bears no fruit for those who desire it.
"You have shown me how the pursuit of a kingdom is like a hook covered with bait or an ox covered with a trap, leading only to useless destruction."
The speech was delivered to Pṛthā from the sky, declaring that in her, despite being slow-witted, a son would be born in seven days who would possess the prowess of Indra and conquer all heroes and enemies.
This conqueror in Khāṇḍava, among the assembly of gods, and all beings, including Uttamaujas. This conqueror of Madra, Kaliṅga, and Kekaya does not kill the Kurus in the midst of kings.
There will be no archer superior to this; indeed, no one has ever been a conqueror. A noble person, desiring to control all beings, should be self-controlled and one who has completed all knowledge.
Possessing the luster of the moon, the speed of the wind, the steadiness of the Meru mountain, the patience of the earth, the brilliance of the sun, the wealth of Kubera, the heroism of Indra, and the strength of Vishnu.
Your son of Kunti, equal in greatness, is born of Aditi like Vishnu, the destroyer of enemies. He is known for his immeasurable energy, ensuring victory for his own and the destruction of his foes, and is the progenitor of the family.
In the sky, on the peak of Shatashringa, a voice spoke to the listening ascetics: "Such a thing was not yours today; indeed, the gods are certainly speaking falsehood."
Thus, after hearing the words of the best sages, I do not accept Suyodhana's respect; nor do I recognize you, who are distressed by fear, as belonging to Adhiratha.
You, mounted on the auspicious vehicle crafted by Tvaṣṭṛ, with unblinking eyes and a monkey banner, wielding the golden adorned, kindled sword and the tall Gandiva bow, how could you, being carried by Keshava, retreat from Karna in fear, O Partha?
Having handed over the bow to Keshava, you would become his charioteer in the battle, O wicked one. Then Keshava would slay the fierce Karna, just as the lord of the winds slew Vritra with a raised thunderbolt.
In the fifth month, you would have faced difficulties; or Pṛthā's embryo might not have existed. Your effort, prince, would not have been to retreat from the battle, wicked one.
