08.050
Pancharatra and Core: After reconciling, obtaining blessings from Yudhishthira, Arjuna and Krishna move towards the battlefield, greeted by auspicious omens.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
इति स्म कृष्णवचनात्प्रत्युच्चार्य युधिष्ठिरम्। बभूव विमनाः पार्थः किञ्चित्कृत्वेव पातकम् ॥८-५०-१॥
Upon hearing Krishna's words, Arjuna addressed Yudhishthira and became disheartened, feeling as though he had committed a sin.
ततोऽब्रवीद्वासुदेवः प्रहसन्निव पाण्डवम्। कथं नाम भवेदेतद्यदि त्वं पार्थ धर्मजम् ॥ असिना तीक्ष्णधारेण हन्या धर्मे व्यवस्थितम् ॥८-५०-२॥
Then Vasudeva, with a smile, said to Pandava: "How could it be, O son of Pritha, that you, born of Dharma, would kill someone who is situated in righteousness with a sharp-edged sword?"
त्वमित्युक्त्वैव राजानमेवं कश्मलमाविशः। हत्वा तु नृपतिं पार्थ अकरिष्यः किमुत्तरम् ॥ एवं सुदुर्विदो धर्मो मन्दप्रज्ञैर्विशेषतः ॥८-५०-३॥
After addressing the king in this manner, you fall into confusion. O son of Pritha, after killing the king, what answer will you provide? Indeed, duty is extremely hard to comprehend, particularly for those who are not sharp-witted.
स भवान्धर्मभीरुत्वाद्ध्रुवमैष्यन्महत्तमः। नरकं घोररूपं च भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य वै वधात् ॥८-५०-४॥
You, being afraid of unrighteousness, will certainly go to the greatest and most terrible form of hell because of the killing of your eldest brother.
स त्वं धर्मभृतां श्रेष्ठं राजानं धर्मसंहितम्। प्रसादय कुरुश्रेष्ठमेतदत्र मतं मम ॥८-५०-५॥
"O best of the Kurus, please appease the king, the best among the upholders of dharma, who is bound by dharma. This is my opinion here."
प्रसाद्य भक्त्या राजानं प्रीतं चैव युधिष्ठिरम्। प्रयामस्त्वरिता योद्धुं सूतपुत्ररथं प्रति ॥८-५०-६॥
Having pleased the king with devotion, and with Yudhishthira's approval, we hastily move towards Karna's chariot to engage in battle.
हत्वा सुदुर्जयं कर्णं त्वमद्य निशितैः शरैः। विपुलां प्रीतिमाधत्स्व धर्मपुत्रस्य मानद ॥८-५०-७॥
"Today, having slain the formidable Karṇa with your sharp arrows, bring great joy to Yudhishthira, O honor-giver."
एतदत्र महाबाहो प्राप्तकालं मतं मम। एवं कृते कृतं चैव तव कार्यं भविष्यति ॥८-५०-८॥
"O mighty-armed one, this is my opinion at the right time. If you act accordingly, your task will surely be accomplished."
ततोऽर्जुनो महाराज लज्जया वै समन्वितः। धर्मराजस्य चरणौ प्रपेदे शिरसानघ ॥८-५०-९॥
Then Arjuna, filled with shame, approached Dharmaraja's feet with his head bowed, O sinless king.
उवाच भरतश्रेष्ठ प्रसीदेति पुनः पुनः। क्षमस्व राजन्यत्प्रोक्तं धर्मकामेन भीरुणा ॥८-५०-१०॥
He repeatedly said, "O best of the Bharatas, please be gracious." He asked for forgiveness from the king for the words spoken by the timid one, who was motivated by a desire for righteousness.
पादयोः पतितं दृष्ट्वा धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। धनञ्जयममित्रघ्नं रुदन्तं भरतर्षभ ॥८-५०-११॥
Upon seeing Yudhishthira, the righteous king, fallen at the feet, Arjuna, the mighty warrior and protector of the Bharatas, began to weep.
उत्थाप्य भ्रातरं राजा धर्मराजो धनञ्जयम्। समाश्लिष्य च सस्नेहं प्ररुरोद महीपतिः ॥८-५०-१२॥
King Dharmaraja, after lifting his brother Dhananjaya, embraced him with affection and wept.
रुदित्वा तु चिरं कालं भ्रातरौ सुमहाद्युती। कृतशौचौ नरव्याघ्रौ प्रीतिमन्तौ बभूवतुः ॥८-५०-१३॥
After crying for a long time, the two illustrious brothers, having cleansed themselves, became affectionate and were like tigers among men.
तत आश्लिष्य स प्रेम्णा मूर्ध्नि चाघ्राय पाण्डवम्। प्रीत्या परमया युक्तः प्रस्मयंश्चाब्रवीज्जयम् ॥८-५०-१४॥
Then, with great affection, he embraced Pāṇḍava, kissed his head, and with a smile, said 'Victory'.
कर्णेन मे महाबाहो सर्वसैन्यस्य पश्यतः। कवचं च ध्वजश्चैव धनुः शक्तिर्हया गदा ॥ शरैः कृत्ता महेष्वास यतमानस्य संयुगे ॥८-५०-१५॥
O mighty-armed one, while the entire army was watching, Karna cut my armor, flag, bow, spear, horses, and mace with arrows in the battle, O great archer, as I was striving.
सोऽहं ज्ञात्वा रणे तस्य कर्म दृष्ट्वा च फल्गुन। व्यवसीदामि दुःखेन न च मे जीवितं प्रियम् ॥८-५०-१६॥
Having witnessed Arjuna's actions in the battle, I am filled with sorrow and despair, and life no longer holds any value for me.
तमद्य यदि वै वीर न हनिष्यसि सूतजम्। प्राणानेव परित्यक्ष्ये जीवितार्थो हि को मम ॥८-५०-१७॥
"Today, if you do not kill the son of a charioteer, O hero, I will abandon my life, for what is the purpose of my life indeed?"
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच विजयो भरतर्षभ। सत्येन ते शपे राजन्प्रसादेन तवैव च ॥ भीमेन च नरश्रेष्ठ यमाभ्यां च महीपते ॥८-५०-१८॥
Upon being addressed thus, Vijaya responded, "O esteemed descendant of Bharata, I pledge to you truthfully, by your favor, and by Bhima, the foremost of men, as well as by the two Yamas, O sovereign of the land."
यथाद्य समरे कर्णं हनिष्यामि हतोऽथ वा। महीतले पतिष्यामि सत्येनायुधमालभे ॥८-५०-१९॥
"Today, I vow to either slay Karṇa in battle or fall on the ground if I am slain. By truth, I take up my weapon."
एवमाभाष्य राजानमब्रवीन्माधवं वचः। अद्य कर्णं रणे कृष्ण सूदयिष्ये न संशयः ॥ तदनुध्याहि भद्रं ते वधं तस्य दुरात्मनः ॥८-५०-२०॥
Having spoken thus to the king, he addressed Mādhava: "Today, O Kṛṣṇa, I will surely kill Karṇa in battle, without a doubt." Reflect on this, as it is beneficial for you, the destruction of that wicked soul.
एवमुक्तोऽब्रवीत्पार्थं केशवो राजसत्तम। शक्तोऽस्मि भरतश्रेष्ठ यत्नं कर्तुं यथाबलम् ॥८-५०-२१॥
Having been addressed in this way, Krishna said to Arjuna, "O best of kings, I am indeed capable, O best of the Bharatas, of making an effort to the best of my ability."
एवं चापि हि मे कामो नित्यमेव महारथ। कथं भवान्रणे कर्णं निहन्यादिति मे मतिः ॥८-५०-२२॥
Thus, my constant desire, O great chariot-warrior, is to know how you could slay Karna in battle; this is my belief.
भूयश्चोवाच मतिमान्माधवो धर्मनन्दनम्। युधिष्ठिरेमं बीभत्सुं त्वं सान्त्वयितुमर्हसि ॥ अनुज्ञातुं च कर्णस्य वधायाद्य दुरात्मनः ॥८-५०-२३॥
Once more, the wise Madhava addressed Dharmanandana, urging him to console Bibhatsu and to give permission for the slaying of the wicked Karna today.
श्रुत्वा ह्ययमहं चैव त्वां कर्णशरपीडितम्। प्रवृत्तिं ज्ञातुमायाताविह पाण्डवनन्दन ॥८-५०-२४॥
"Having heard of your affliction by Karna's arrow, I have come here to know the news, O beloved son of Pandava."
दिष्ट्यासि राजन्निरुजो दिष्ट्या न ग्रहणं गतः। परिसान्त्वय बीभत्सुं जयमाशाधि चानघ ॥८-५०-२५॥
"By good fortune, O king, you are healthy and have not been captured. Console Arjuna and secure victory, O sinless one."
युधिष्ठिर उवाच॥
Yudhishthira said:
एह्येहि पार्थ बीभत्सो मां परिष्वज पाण्डव। वक्तव्यमुक्तोऽस्म्यहितं त्वया क्षान्तं च तन्मया ॥८-५०-२६॥
"Come, come, O son of Pritha, fearless one, embrace me, O Pandava. I have been told unpleasant things by you, and I have forgiven them."
अहं त्वामनुजानामि जहि कर्णं धनञ्जय। मन्युं च मा कृथाः पार्थ यन्मयोक्तोऽसि दारुणम् ॥८-५०-२७॥
I allow you, Arjuna, to slay Karṇa. Do not harbor anger, dear Partha, for my words have been severe.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततो धनञ्जयो राजञ्शिरसा प्रणतस्तदा। पादौ जग्राह पाणिभ्यां भ्रातुर्ज्येष्ठस्य मारिष ॥८-५०-२८॥
Then Dhananjaya (Arjuna), with respect and humility, bowed down and touched the feet of his elder brother, showing reverence and honor.
समुत्थाप्य ततो राजा परिष्वज्य च पीडितम्। मूर्ध्न्युपाघ्राय चैवैनमिदं पुनरुवाच ह ॥८-५०-२९॥
The king, after lifting and embracing the afflicted one, smelled his head and spoke to him again.
धनञ्जय महाबाहो मानितोऽस्मि दृढं त्वया। माहात्म्यं विजयं चैव भूयः प्राप्नुहि शाश्वतम् ॥८-५०-३०॥
O Dhananjaya, mighty-armed Arjuna, I am deeply honored by your firm support. May you attain eternal greatness and victory once more.
अर्जुन उवाच॥
Arjuna said:
अद्य तं पापकर्माणं सानुबन्धं रणे शरैः। नयाम्यन्तं समासाद्य राधेयं बलगर्वितम् ॥८-५०-३१॥
Today, I will confront Radheya, who is proud of his strength, and bring an end to him and his followers in battle with my arrows.
येन त्वं पीडितो बाणैर्दृढमायम्य कार्मुकम्। तस्याद्य कर्मणः कर्णः फलं प्राप्स्यति दारुणम् ॥८-५०-३२॥
The one who afflicted you with arrows by firmly drawing the bow, today Karṇa will face the terrible consequences of his actions.
अद्य त्वामहमेष्यामि कर्णं हत्वा महीपते। सभाजयितुमाक्रन्दादिति सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते ॥८-५०-३३॥
"Today, O king, I promise you that I will return after killing Karṇa, and we shall celebrate the victory."
नाहत्वा विनिवर्तेऽहं कर्णमद्य रणाजिरात्। इति सत्येन ते पादौ स्पृशामि जगतीपते ॥८-५०-३४॥
I swear by truth, O lord of the world, that I shall not return from the battlefield today without killing Karṇa. Thus, I touch your feet.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
प्रसाद्य धर्मराजानं प्रहृष्टेनान्तरात्मना। पार्थः प्रोवाच गोविन्दं सूतपुत्रवधोद्यतः ॥८-५०-३५॥
Arjuna, having pleased Dharmaraja and filled with inner joy, spoke to Govinda, ready to kill Karna.
कल्प्यतां च रथो भूयो युज्यन्तां च हयोत्तमाः। आयुधानि च सर्वाणि सज्ज्यन्तां वै महारथे ॥८-५०-३६॥
"Let the chariot be prepared again, and let the best horses be yoked. Indeed, let all the weapons be made ready for the great chariot."
उपावृत्ताश्च तुरगाः शिक्षिताश्चाश्वसादिनः। रथोपकरणैः सर्वैरुपायान्तु त्वरान्विताः ॥८-५०-३७॥
The horses that have turned back and the trained horse riders should come quickly with all the chariot equipment.
एवमुक्ते महाराज फल्गुनेन महात्मना। उवाच दारुकं कृष्णः कुरु सर्वं यथाब्रवीत् ॥ अर्जुनो भरतश्रेष्ठः श्रेष्ठः सर्वधनुष्मताम् ॥८-५०-३८॥
Upon hearing the words of the great soul Phalguna, O great king, Krishna instructed Daruka to act according to the instructions given by Arjuna, the foremost of the Bharatas and the finest among all archers.
आज्ञप्तस्त्वथ कृष्णेन दारुको राजसत्तम। योजयामास स रथं वैयाघ्रं शत्रुतापनम् ॥८-५०-३९॥
Then, as ordered by Krishna, Daruka, the charioteer, prepared the formidable chariot that was like a tiger and a tormentor of enemies.
युक्तं तु रथमास्थाय दारुकेण महात्मना। आपृच्छ्य धर्मराजानं ब्राह्मणान्स्वस्ति वाच्य च ॥ समङ्गलस्वस्त्ययनमारुरोह रथोत्तमम् ॥८-५०-४०॥
Having been equipped, the great soul mounted the chariot driven by Dāruka. After taking leave of Dharmaraja and the Brahmanas, and saying farewell, he ascended the best chariot with auspicious blessings.
तस्य राजा महाप्राज्ञो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः। आशिषोऽयुङ्क्त परमा युक्ताः कर्णवधं प्रति ॥८-५०-४१॥
King Yudhishthira, the wise Dharmaraja, bestowed his supreme blessings appropriately towards the event of Karna's death.
तं प्रयान्तं महेष्वासं दृष्ट्वा भूतानि भारत। निहतं मेनिरे कर्णं पाण्डवेन महात्मना ॥८-५०-४२॥
As the great archer departed, the beings, O Bharata, believed that Karna had been slain by the noble Pandava.
बभूवुर्विमलाः सर्वा दिशो राजन्समन्ततः। चाषाश्च शतपत्राश्च क्रौञ्चाश्चैव जनेश्वर ॥ प्रदक्षिणमकुर्वन्त तदा वै पाण्डुनन्दनम् ॥८-५०-४३॥
O king, all directions became pure everywhere. Sparrows, lotuses, and cranes, O lord of people, indeed performed circumambulation then to the son of Pandu.
बहवः पक्षिणो राजन्पुंनामानः शुभाः शिवाः। त्वरयन्तोऽर्जुनं युद्धे हृष्टरूपा ववाशिरे ॥८-५०-४४॥
Many auspicious and benevolent birds, O king, with joyful forms, urged Arjuna in the battle and cried out.
कङ्का गृध्रा वडाश्चैव वायसाश्च विशां पते। अग्रतस्तस्य गच्छन्ति भक्ष्यहेतोर्भयानकाः ॥८-५०-४५॥
"O lord of men, herons, vultures, bats, and crows go ahead of him, fearsome in their quest for food."
निमित्तानि च धन्यानि पार्थस्य प्रशशंसिरे। विनाशमरिसैन्यानां कर्णस्य च वधं तथा ॥८-५०-४६॥
Auspicious omens praised Arjuna, foretelling the destruction of enemy armies and the fall of Karna.
प्रयातस्याथ पार्थस्य महान्स्वेदो व्यजायत। चिन्ता च विपुला जज्ञे कथं न्वेतद्भविष्यति ॥८-५०-४७॥
As Partha departed, he began to sweat profusely and was filled with great worry, pondering, 'How will this turn out?'
ततो गाण्डीवधन्वानमब्रवीन्मधुसूदनः। दृष्ट्वा पार्थं तदायस्तं चिन्तापरिगतं तदा ॥८-५०-४८॥
Then Madhusudana, seeing Partha distressed and overcome with anxiety, spoke to the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
गाण्डीवधन्वन्सङ्ग्रामे ये त्वया धनुषा जिताः। न तेषां मानुषो जेता त्वदन्य इह विद्यते ॥८-५०-४९॥
O wielder of the Gandiva bow, in battle, there is no human conqueror here other than you who has defeated them with the bow.
दृष्टा हि बहवः शूराः शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमाः। त्वां प्राप्य समरे वीरं ये गताः परमां गतिम् ॥८-५०-५०॥
Many heroes, equal in valor to Indra, have been seen. Having encountered you in battle, they have reached the supreme state.
को हि द्रोणं च भीष्मं च भगदत्तं च मारिष। विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम् ॥८-५०-५१॥
Who indeed can stand against Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Bhagadatta, O great one, Vindānuvinda, the Avanti brothers, Kāmboja, and Sudakshina?
श्रुतायुषं महावीर्यमच्युतायुषमेव च। प्रत्युद्गम्य भवेत्क्षेमी यो न स्यात्त्वमिव क्षमी ॥८-५०-५२॥
Having heard of long life, great heroism, and imperishable life, one who approaches may become safe, but not like you, who is forgiving.
तव ह्यस्त्राणि दिव्यानि लाघवं बलमेव च। वेधः पातश्च लक्षश्च योगश्चैव तवार्जुन ॥ असंमोहश्च युद्धेषु विज्ञानस्य च संनतिः ॥८-५०-५३॥
Indeed, Arjuna, your divine weapons, swiftness, strength, penetration, aim, and skill are unmatched. You possess clarity in battles, profound knowledge, and humility.
भवान्देवासुरान्सर्वान्हन्यात्सहचराचरान्। पृथिव्यां हि रणे पार्थ न योद्धा त्वत्समः पुमान् ॥८-५०-५४॥
You have the power to defeat all gods and demons, along with every being on earth, both moving and stationary. Truly, O Arjuna, no warrior matches your prowess in battle.
धनुर्ग्रहा हि ये केचित्क्षत्रिया युद्धदुर्मदाः। आ देवात्त्वत्समं तेषां न पश्यामि शृणोमि वा ॥८-५०-५५॥
I do not see or hear of any archers or warriors, arrogant in battle, who are equal to you, even among the gods.
ब्रह्मणा च प्रजाः सृष्टा गाण्डीवं च महाद्भुतम्। येन त्वं युध्यसे पार्थ तस्मान्नास्ति त्वया समः ॥८-५०-५६॥
Brahma created all creatures and the magnificent Gandiva bow with which you fight, O Arjuna; therefore, no one is your equal.
अवश्यं तु मया वाच्यं यत्पथ्यं तव पाण्डव। मावमंस्था महाबाहो कर्णमाहवशोभिनम् ॥८-५०-५७॥
"Certainly, I must speak what is beneficial to you, O son of Pandu. Do not underestimate Karna, O mighty-armed one, who shines in battle."
कर्णो हि बलवान्धृष्टः कृतास्त्रश्च महारथः। कृती च चित्रयोधी च देशे काले च कोविदः ॥८-५०-५८॥
Karna is indeed strong and bold, skilled in weaponry, a great charioteer, accomplished and versatile in battle, and wise in understanding the right place and time.
तेजसा वह्निसदृशो वायुवेगसमो जवे। अन्तकप्रतिमः क्रोधे सिंहसंहननो बली ॥८-५०-५९॥
He is as brilliant as fire, as swift as the wind, as fierce as Yama in anger, and as strong and well-built as a lion.
अयोरत्निर्महाबाहुर्व्यूढोरस्कः सुदुर्जयः। अतिमानी च शूरश्च प्रवीरः प्रियदर्शनः ॥८-५०-६०॥
He is like iron, with mighty arms and a broad chest, difficult to defeat, very proud and heroic, very brave, and pleasing to look at.
सर्वैर्योधगुणैर्युक्तो मित्राणामभयङ्करः। सततं पाण्डवद्वेषी धार्तराष्ट्रहिते रतः ॥८-५०-६१॥
He was endowed with all the qualities of a warrior, instilling fearlessness in his friends, perpetually hostile towards the Pandavas, and dedicated to the welfare of the Dhartarashtras.
सर्वैरवध्यो राधेयो देवैरपि सवासवैः। ऋते त्वामिति मे बुद्धिस्त्वमद्य जहि सूतजम् ॥८-५०-६२॥
Radheya is considered invincible by everyone, including the gods with Vasava, except by you. Therefore, my belief is that you should kill the son of Suta today.
देवैरपि हि संयत्तैर्बिभ्रद्भिर्मांसशोणितम्। अशक्यः समरे जेतुं सर्वैरपि युयुत्सुभिः ॥८-५०-६३॥
Even the gods, well-prepared and bearing flesh and blood, find it impossible to conquer in battle against all those who wish to fight.
दुरात्मानं पापमतिं नृशंसं; दुष्टप्रज्ञं पाण्डवेयेषु नित्यम्। हीनस्वार्थं पाण्डवेयैर्विरोधे; हत्वा कर्णं धिष्ठितार्थो भवाद्य ॥८-५०-६४॥
Today, having killed Karna, the wicked and evil-minded one who was always cruel and malicious among the Pandavas, selfishly opposing them, is established in purpose from you.
वीरं मन्यत आत्मानं येन पापः सुयोधनः। तमद्य मूलं पापानां जय सौतिं धनञ्जय ॥८-५०-६५॥
Suyodhana, the wicked, considers himself a hero today, thinking that he will conquer the root of all sins, Sauti, O Dhananjaya.
