08.050
Pancharatra and Core: After reconciling, obtaining blessings from Yudhishthira, Arjuna and Krishna move towards the battlefield, greeted by auspicious omens.
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing Krishna's words, Arjuna addressed Yudhishthira and became disheartened, feeling as though he had committed a sin.
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?"
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.
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.
"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."
Having pleased the king with devotion, and with Yudhishthira's approval, we hastily move towards Karna's chariot to engage in battle.
"Today, having slain the formidable Karṇa with your sharp arrows, bring great joy to Yudhishthira, O honor-giver."
"O mighty-armed one, this is my opinion at the right time. If you act accordingly, your task will surely be accomplished."
Then Arjuna, filled with shame, approached Dharmaraja's feet with his head bowed, O sinless king.
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.
Upon seeing Yudhishthira, the righteous king, fallen at the feet, Arjuna, the mighty warrior and protector of the Bharatas, began to weep.
King Dharmaraja, after lifting his brother Dhananjaya, embraced him with affection and wept.
After crying for a long time, the two illustrious brothers, having cleansed themselves, became affectionate and were like tigers among men.
Then, with great affection, he embraced Pāṇḍava, kissed his head, and with a smile, said 'Victory'.
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.
Having witnessed Arjuna's actions in the battle, I am filled with sorrow and despair, and life no longer holds any value for me.
"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?"
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."
"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."
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.
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."
Thus, my constant desire, O great chariot-warrior, is to know how you could slay Karna in battle; this is my belief.
Once more, the wise Madhava addressed Dharmanandana, urging him to console Bibhatsu and to give permission for the slaying of the wicked Karna today.
"Having heard of your affliction by Karna's arrow, I have come here to know the news, O beloved son of Pandava."
"By good fortune, O king, you are healthy and have not been captured. Console Arjuna and secure victory, O sinless one."
Yudhishthira said:
"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."
I allow you, Arjuna, to slay Karṇa. Do not harbor anger, dear Partha, for my words have been severe.
Sanjaya said:
Then Dhananjaya (Arjuna), with respect and humility, bowed down and touched the feet of his elder brother, showing reverence and honor.
The king, after lifting and embracing the afflicted one, smelled his head and spoke to him again.
O Dhananjaya, mighty-armed Arjuna, I am deeply honored by your firm support. May you attain eternal greatness and victory once more.
Arjuna said:
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.
The one who afflicted you with arrows by firmly drawing the bow, today Karṇa will face the terrible consequences of his actions.
"Today, O king, I promise you that I will return after killing Karṇa, and we shall celebrate the victory."
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.
Sanjaya said:
Arjuna, having pleased Dharmaraja and filled with inner joy, spoke to Govinda, ready to kill Karna.
"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."
The horses that have turned back and the trained horse riders should come quickly with all the chariot equipment.
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.
Then, as ordered by Krishna, Daruka, the charioteer, prepared the formidable chariot that was like a tiger and a tormentor of enemies.
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.
King Yudhishthira, the wise Dharmaraja, bestowed his supreme blessings appropriately towards the event of Karna's death.
As the great archer departed, the beings, O Bharata, believed that Karna had been slain by the noble Pandava.
O king, all directions became pure everywhere. Sparrows, lotuses, and cranes, O lord of people, indeed performed circumambulation then to the son of Pandu.
Many auspicious and benevolent birds, O king, with joyful forms, urged Arjuna in the battle and cried out.
"O lord of men, herons, vultures, bats, and crows go ahead of him, fearsome in their quest for food."
Auspicious omens praised Arjuna, foretelling the destruction of enemy armies and the fall of Karna.
As Partha departed, he began to sweat profusely and was filled with great worry, pondering, 'How will this turn out?'
Then Madhusudana, seeing Partha distressed and overcome with anxiety, spoke to the wielder of the Gandiva bow.
O wielder of the Gandiva bow, in battle, there is no human conqueror here other than you who has defeated them with the bow.
Many heroes, equal in valor to Indra, have been seen. Having encountered you in battle, they have reached the supreme state.
Who indeed can stand against Droṇa, Bhīṣma, Bhagadatta, O great one, Vindānuvinda, the Avanti brothers, Kāmboja, and Sudakshina?
Having heard of long life, great heroism, and imperishable life, one who approaches may become safe, but not like you, who is forgiving.
Indeed, Arjuna, your divine weapons, swiftness, strength, penetration, aim, and skill are unmatched. You possess clarity in battles, profound knowledge, and humility.
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.
I do not see or hear of any archers or warriors, arrogant in battle, who are equal to you, even among the gods.
Brahma created all creatures and the magnificent Gandiva bow with which you fight, O Arjuna; therefore, no one is your equal.
"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."
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Even the gods, well-prepared and bearing flesh and blood, find it impossible to conquer in battle against all those who wish to fight.
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.
Suyodhana, the wicked, considers himself a hero today, thinking that he will conquer the root of all sins, Sauti, O Dhananjaya.
