08.051
Pancharatra and Core: On the way to the battlefield on the 17th day afternoon, Krishna recaps the events of the war, then praises Arjuna for his valuable contribution to date that has resulted in decimating the Kaurava forces significantly. He also recounts all the evil done by Karna towards the Pandavas, instigating Arjuna to kill him.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
ततः पुनरमेयात्मा केशवोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत्। कृतसङ्कल्पमायस्तं वधे कर्णस्य सर्वशः ॥८-५१-१॥
Then, Keshava, the immeasurable soul, spoke again to Arjuna, who was exhausted and determined to kill Karna completely.
अद्य सप्तदशाहानि वर्तमानस्य भारत। विनाशस्यातिघोरस्य नरवारणवाजिनाम् ॥८-५१-२॥
Today marks the seventeenth day of the ongoing, very terrible destruction in the Bharata war, involving men, elephants, and horses.
भूत्वा हि विपुला सेना तावकानां परैः सह। अन्योन्यं समरे प्राप्य किञ्चिच्छेषा विशां पते ॥८-५१-३॥
The vast army of yours, having joined with others, engaged in battle with each other, leaving only a few remaining, O lord of men.
भूत्वा हि कौरवाः पार्थ प्रभूतगजवाजिनः। त्वां वै शत्रुं समासाद्य विनष्टा रणमूर्धनि ॥८-५१-४॥
The Kauravas, O son of Pritha, who were once abundant in elephants and horses, were destroyed at the head of the battle upon encountering you as their enemy.
एते च सर्वे पाञ्चालाः सृञ्जयाश्च सहान्वयाः। त्वां समासाद्य दुर्धर्षं पाण्डवाश्च व्यवस्थिताः ॥८-५१-५॥
All these Panchalas and Srinjayas with their followers, having approached you, the invincible one, are positioned along with the Pandavas.
पाञ्चालैः पाण्डवैर्मत्स्यैः कारूषैश्चेदिकेकयैः। त्वया गुप्तैरमित्रघ्न कृतः शत्रुगणक्षयः ॥८-५१-६॥
With the protection of the Panchalas, Pandavas, Matsyas, Karushas, Chedis, and Kekayas, you, O enemy-slayer, have ensured the destruction of the enemy forces.
को हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं कौरवांस्तात सङ्गतान्। अन्यत्र पाण्डवान्युद्धे त्वया गुप्तान्महारथान् ॥८-५१-७॥
Who indeed can conquer the assembled Kauravas in battle, dear one, except for the Pandavas, the great warriors protected by you in the fight?
त्वं हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं ससुरासुरमानुषान्। त्रीँल्लोकान्सममुद्युक्तान्किं पुनः कौरवं बलम् ॥८-५१-८॥
You are indeed capable of conquering in battle against gods, demons, and humans. If the three worlds are equally prepared, what then of the Kaurava army?
भगदत्तं हि राजानं कोऽन्यः शक्तस्त्वया विना। जेतुं पुरुषशार्दूल योऽपि स्याद्वासवोपमः ॥८-५१-९॥
Indeed, O tiger among men, who else but you is capable of conquering King Bhagadatta, even if he might be as powerful as Indra?
तथेमां विपुलां सेनां गुप्तां पार्थ त्वयानघ। न शेकुः पार्थिवाः सर्वे चक्षुर्भिरभिवीक्षितुम् ॥८-५१-१०॥
Thus, O Arjuna, this vast army protected by you, O sinless one, could not be seen by all the kings with their eyes.
तथैव सततं पार्थ रक्षिताभ्यां त्वया रणे। धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिभ्यां भीष्मद्रोणौ निपातितौ ॥८-५१-११॥
In the same manner, O Arjuna, you have always been protected in battle, and it was by Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi that Bhishma and Drona were ultimately defeated.
को हि शक्तो रणे पार्थ पाञ्चालानां महारथौ। भीष्मद्रोणौ युधा जेतुं शक्रतुल्यपराक्रमौ ॥८-५१-१२॥
O son of Pritha, who indeed has the power to defeat Bhishma and Drona in battle, the great charioteers of the Panchalas, who are as valiant as Indra?
को हि शान्तनवं सङ्ख्ये द्रोणं वैकर्तनं कृपम्। द्रौणिं च सौमदत्तिं च कृतवर्माणमेव च ॥ सैन्धवं मद्रराजं च राजानं च सुयोधनम् ॥८-५१-१३॥
Who indeed can stand against the formidable warriors like Bhishma, Droṇa, Karna, Kṛpa, Aśvatthāmā, Bhurisravas, Kṛtavarmā, Jayadratha, the King of Madra, and King Duryodhana in battle?
वीरान्कृतास्त्रान्समरे सर्वानेवानुवर्तिनः। अक्षौहिणीपतीनुग्रान्संरब्धान्युद्धदुर्मदान् ॥८-५१-१४॥
The heroes, armed and ready for battle, were indeed all followers of the fierce army leaders, excited and arrogant in the war.
श्रेण्यश्च बहुलाः क्षीणाः प्रदीर्णाश्वरथद्विपाः। नानाजनपदाश्चोग्राः क्षत्रियाणाममर्षिणाम् ॥८-५१-१५॥
The ranks of warriors, though numerous, are diminished and scattered, with horses, chariots, and elephants. Various fierce regions belong to these intolerant warriors.
गोवासदासमीयानां वसातीनां च भारत। व्रात्यानां वाटधानानां भोजानां चापि मानिनाम् ॥८-५१-१६॥
O Bharata, among the cows, residences, servants, those who measure, dwellers, outcasts, protectors of enclosures, Bhojas, and the proud.
उदीर्णाश्च महासेना ब्रह्मक्षत्रस्य भारत। त्वां समासाद्य निधनं गताः साश्वरथद्विपाः ॥८-५१-१७॥
The great armies of the Brahmins and Kshatriyas, O Bharata, rose and met their destruction upon reaching you, along with their horses, chariots, and elephants.
उग्राश्च क्रूरकर्माणस्तुखारा यवनाः खशाः। दार्वाभिसारा दरदाः शका रमठतङ्गणाः ॥८-५१-१८॥
The fierce and cruel Tukhāras, Yavanas, Khaśas, Dārvābhisāras, Daradas, Śakas, and Ramaṭha-Taṅgaṇas are mentioned here.
अन्ध्रकाश्च पुलिन्दाश्च किराताश्चोग्रविक्रमाः। म्लेच्छाश्च पार्वतीयाश्च सागरानूपवासिनः ॥ संरम्भिणो युद्धशौण्डा बलिनो दृब्धपाणयः ॥८-५१-१९॥
The Andhras, Pulindas, Kiratakas, fierce warriors, foreigners, mountain dwellers, and coastal inhabitants are aggressive, expert in warfare, strong, and armed with weapons.
एते सुयोधनस्यार्थे संरब्धाः कुरुभिः सह। न शक्या युधि निर्जेतुं त्वदन्येन परन्तप ॥८-५१-२०॥
These warriors, who are engaged for the sake of Suyodhana and are together with the Kauravas, cannot be defeated in battle by anyone other than you, O subduer of enemies.
धार्तराष्ट्रमुदग्रं हि व्यूढं दृष्ट्वा महाबलम्। यस्य त्वं न भवेस्त्राता प्रतीयात्को नु मानवः ॥८-५१-२१॥
Seeing the proud and well-arrayed great strength of Dhritarashtra's sons, who would dare to approach if you are not the protector?
तत्सागरमिवोद्धूतं रजसा संवृतं बलम्। विदार्य पाण्डवैः क्रुद्धैस्त्वया गुप्तैर्हतं विभो ॥८-५१-२२॥
The strength, which was like an ocean agitated and covered by dust, was torn apart by the angry Pandavas and was ultimately destroyed by you, O lord.
मागधानामधिपतिर्जयत्सेनो महाबलः। अद्य सप्तैव चाहानि हतः सङ्ख्येऽभिमन्युना ॥८-५१-२३॥
The mighty lord of the Magadhas, Jayatsena, was slain in battle by Abhimanyu today, just seven days after the war began.
ततो दश सहस्राणि गजानां भीमकर्मणाम्। जघान गदया भीमस्तस्य राज्ञः परिच्छदम् ॥ ततोऽन्येऽपि हता नागा रथाश्च शतशो बलात् ॥८-५१-२४॥
Then Bhima, with his mace, killed ten thousand elephants known for their terrible deeds, which were part of that king's army. Subsequently, many other elephants and chariots were also destroyed in large numbers with great force.
तदेवं समरे तात वर्तमाने महाभये। भीमसेनं समासाद्य त्वां च पाण्डव कौरवाः ॥ सवाजिरथनागाश्च मृत्युलोकमितो गताः ॥८-५१-२५॥
In the midst of the great fear of the ongoing battle, O father, having encountered Bhimasena and you, both the Pandavas and Kauravas, along with their horses, chariots, and elephants, have departed from this world to the realm of the dead.
तथा सेनामुखे तत्र निहते पार्थ पाण्डवैः। भीष्मः प्रासृजदुग्राणि शरवर्षाणि मारिष ॥८-५१-२६॥
In that situation, at the forefront of the army, where Arjuna was slain by the Pandavas, Bhishma unleashed fierce showers of arrows, O great one.
स चेदिकाशिपाञ्चालान्करूषान्मत्स्यकेकयान्। शरैः प्रच्छाद्य निधनमनयत्परुषास्त्रवित् ॥८-५१-२७॥
He, skilled in harsh weaponry, enveloped the Cedis, Kashis, Panchalas, Kurus, Matsyas, and Kekayas with his arrows, leading them to their end.
तस्य चापच्युतैर्बाणैः परदेहविदारणैः। पूर्णमाकाशमभवद्रुक्मपुङ्खैरजिह्मगैः ॥८-५१-२८॥
His arrows, released with precision, pierced the enemy's body, filling the sky with golden, feathered shafts that flew straight.
गत्या दशम्या ते गत्वा जघ्नुर्वाजिरथद्विपान्। हित्वा नव गतीर्दुष्टाः स बाणान्व्यायतोऽमुचत् ॥८-५१-२९॥
With the tenth movement, they advanced and destroyed the horses, chariots, and elephants. Abandoning the nine corrupted paths, he released his stretched arrows.
दिनानि दश भीष्मेण निघ्नता तावकं बलम्। शून्याः कृता रथोपस्था हताश्च गजवाजिनः ॥८-५१-३०॥
For ten days, Bhishma decimated your forces, leaving the chariots empty and slaying the elephants and horses.
दर्शयित्वात्मनो रूपं रुद्रोपेन्द्रसमं युधि। पाण्डवानामनीकानि प्रविगाह्य व्यशातयत् ॥८-५१-३१॥
In the battle, having revealed his form, which was equal to that of Rudra and Upendra, he penetrated and destroyed the armies of the Pandavas.
विनिघ्नन्पृथिवीपालांश्चेदिपाञ्चालकेकयान्। व्यदहत्पाण्डवीं सेनां नराश्वगजसङ्कुलाम् ॥८-५१-३२॥
He defeated the rulers of the earth, including the Cedis, Panchalas, and Kekayas, and set ablaze the Pandava army, which was filled with men, horses, and elephants.
मज्जन्तमप्लवे मन्दमुज्जिहीर्षुः सुयोधनम्। तथा चरन्तं समरे तपन्तमिव भास्करम् ॥ न शेकुः सृञ्जया द्रष्टुं तथैवान्ये महीक्षितः ॥८-५१-३३॥
Suyodhana, struggling to rise while sinking without support, moved through the battlefield shining like the sun. The Sṛñjayas and other kings could not even look at him.
विचरन्तं तथा तं तु सङ्ग्रामे जितकाशिनम्। सर्वोद्योगेन सहसा पाण्डवाः समुपाद्रवन् ॥८-५१-३४॥
The Pandavas, with all their efforts, suddenly attacked him who was wandering thus and was victorious in battle.
स तु विद्राव्य समरे पाण्डवान्सृञ्जयानपि। एक एव रणे भीष्म एकवीरत्वमागतः ॥८-५१-३५॥
But Bhishma, having driven away the Pandavas and the Srinjayas in the battle, stood alone as a hero in the battlefield.
तं शिखण्डी समासाद्य त्वया गुप्तो महारथम्। जघान पुरुषव्याघ्रं शरैः संनतपर्वभिः ॥८-५१-३६॥
Śikhaṇḍī, under your protection, approached and killed the great chariot-warrior, the tiger among men, with arrows that had well-bent joints.
स एष पतितः शेते शरतल्पे पितामहः। त्वां प्राप्य पुरुषव्याघ्र गृध्रः प्राप्येव वायसम् ॥८-५१-३७॥
This grandfather lies fallen on the bed of arrows, having reached you, O tiger among men, just as a vulture reaches a crow.
द्रोणः पञ्च दिनान्युग्रो विधम्य रिपुवाहिनीः। कृत्वा व्यूहं महायुद्धे पातयित्वा महारथान् ॥८-५१-३८॥
For five days, the fierce Drona destroyed the enemy forces, creating a strategic formation in the great battle and causing the fall of great warriors.
जयद्रथस्य समरे कृत्वा रक्षां महारथः। अन्तकप्रतिमश्चोग्रां रात्रिं युद्ध्वादहत्प्रजाः ॥८-५१-३९॥
The great warrior, resembling death, provided protection for Jayadratha in the battle and fiercely fought through the night, burning the creatures.
अद्येति द्वे दिने वीरो भारद्वाजः प्रतापवान्। धृष्टद्युम्नं समासाद्य स गतः परमां गतिम् ॥८-५१-४०॥
Today, within two days, the glorious hero Bharadvaja, having approached Dhrishtadyumna, attained the supreme state.
यदि चैव परान्युद्धे सूतपुत्रमुखान्रथान्। नावारयिष्यः सङ्ग्रामे न स्म द्रोणो व्यनङ्क्ष्यत ॥८-५१-४१॥
If you had not stopped the chariots led by Karna in the battle, Drona would not have died in the war.
भवता तु बलं सर्वं धार्तराष्ट्रस्य वारितम्। ततो द्रोणो हतो युद्धे पार्षतेन धनञ्जय ॥८-५१-४२॥
"By your actions, the entire might of Dhritarashtra's sons was held back. Following this, Drona was slain in battle by Drupada's son, O Arjuna."
क इवान्यो रणे कुर्यात्त्वदन्यः क्षत्रियो युधि। यादृशं ते कृतं पार्थ जयद्रथवधं प्रति ॥८-५१-४३॥
Who else but you, O son of Pritha, could achieve such a feat in battle as the slaying of Jayadratha?
निवार्य सेनां महतीं हत्वा शूरांश्च पार्थिवान्। निहतः सैन्धवो राजा त्वयास्त्रबलतेजसा ॥८-५१-४४॥
The Saindhava king was defeated by you after you repelled the great army and killed the heroic kings with the power and brilliance of your weapon.
आश्चर्यं सिन्धुराजस्य वधं जानन्ति पार्थिवाः। अनाश्चर्यं हि तत्त्वत्तस्त्वं हि पार्थ महारथः ॥८-५१-४५॥
The kings consider the killing of the king of Sindhu to be astonishing. However, it is not surprising coming from you, O Arjuna, as you are a mighty warrior.
त्वां हि प्राप्य रणे क्षत्रमेकाहादिति भारत। तप्यमानमसंयुक्तं न भवेदिति मे मतिः ॥८-५१-४६॥
O Bharata, indeed, having found you in battle, the warrior declared for a day that suffering should not be isolated, thus is my belief.
सेयं पार्थ चमूर्घोरा धार्तराष्ट्रस्य संयुगे। हता ससर्ववीरा हि भीष्मद्रोणौ यदा हतौ ॥८-५१-४७॥
O son of Pritha, this terrible army of Dhritarashtra's son was indeed destroyed with all its heroes when Bhishma and Drona were killed.
शीर्णप्रवरयोधाद्य हतवाजिनरद्विपा। हीना सूर्येन्दुनक्षत्रैर्द्यौरिवाभाति भारती ॥८-५१-४८॥
India, having lost its great warriors, horses, men, and elephants, looks desolate like a sky without the sun, moon, and stars.
विध्वस्ता हि रणे पार्थ सेनेयं भीमविक्रमात्। आसुरीव पुरा सेना शक्रस्येव पराक्रमैः ॥८-५१-४९॥
O son of Pritha, this army has been destroyed in battle by Bhima's prowess, just as the demonic army was once vanquished by Indra's might.
तेषां हतावशिष्टास्तु पञ्च सन्ति महारथाः। अश्वत्थामा कृतवर्मा कर्णो मद्राधिपः कृपः ॥८-५१-५०॥
Among them, five great warriors are still alive: Ashwatthama, Kritavarma, Karna, the king of Madra, and Kripa.
तांस्त्वमद्य नरव्याघ्र हत्वा पञ्च महारथान्। हतामित्रः प्रयच्छोर्वीं राज्ञः सद्वीपपत्तनाम् ॥८-५१-५१॥
Today, O tiger among men, having slain the five great warriors, offer the earth with its islands and towns to the king, who is the destroyer of foes.
साकाशजलपातालां सपर्वतमहावनाम्। प्राप्नोत्वमितवीर्यश्रीरद्य पार्थो वसुन्धराम् ॥८-५१-५२॥
Today, may Arjuna, endowed with immeasurable strength and glory, conquer the earth, encompassing the sky, water, netherworld, mountains, and vast forests.
एतां पुरा विष्णुरिव हत्वा दैतेयदानवान्। प्रयच्छ मेदिनीं राज्ञे शक्रायेव यथा हरिः ॥८-५१-५३॥
Give this land to the king, just as Viṣṇu, having defeated the Daityas and Dānavas in the past, gave it to Śakra, like Hari did.
अद्य मोदन्तु पाञ्चाला निहतेष्वरिषु त्वया। विष्णुना निहतेष्वेव दानवेयेषु देवताः ॥८-५१-५४॥
Today, may the Panchalas rejoice in the enemies slain by you; indeed, the gods rejoice in the Danavas slain by Vishnu.
यदि वा द्विपदां श्रेष्ठ द्रोणं मानयतो गुरुम्। अश्वत्थाम्नि कृपा तेऽस्ति कृपे चाचार्यगौरवात् ॥८-५१-५५॥
If you, the best among bipeds, honor Droṇa, your teacher, then your compassion lies with Aśvatthāman and Kṛpa, out of respect for the teacher.
अत्यन्तोपचितान्वा त्वं मानयन्भ्रातृबान्धवान्। कृतवर्माणमासाद्य न नेष्यसि यमक्षयम् ॥८-५१-५६॥
Or, by honoring your brothers and relatives who have gathered in great numbers, and having approached Kritavarma, you will not lead them to the eternal abode of Yama.
भ्रातरं मातुरासाद्य शल्यं मद्रजनाधिपम्। यदि त्वमरविन्दाक्ष दयावान्न जिघांससि ॥८-५१-५७॥
Approach your maternal uncle Śalya, the king of the Madras. If you are compassionate, O lotus-eyed one, do not wish to kill.
इमं पापमतिं क्षुद्रमत्यन्तं पाण्डवान्प्रति। कर्णमद्य नरश्रेष्ठ जह्याशु निशितैः शरैः ॥८-५१-५८॥
O best of men, quickly destroy this evil-minded and utterly mean Karna today with sharp arrows aimed towards the Pandavas.
एतत्ते सुकृतं कर्म नात्र किञ्चिन्न युज्यते। वयमप्यत्र जानीमो नात्र दोषोऽस्ति कश्चन ॥८-५१-५९॥
"This good deed of yours is not connected with anything here. We also know that there is no fault here."
दहने यत्सपुत्राया निशि मातुस्तवानघ। द्यूतार्थे यच्च युष्मासु प्रावर्तत सुयोधनः ॥ तत्र सर्वत्र दुष्टात्मा कर्णो मूलमिहार्जुन ॥८-५१-६०॥
O sinless one, during the burning of the mother with her sons at night, and what was initiated among you for the sake of gambling by Suyodhana, everywhere there, the evil-minded Karna is the root cause here, Arjuna.
कर्णाद्धि मन्यते त्राणं नित्यमेव सुयोधनः। ततो मामपि संरब्धो निग्रहीतुं प्रचक्रमे ॥८-५१-६१॥
Suyodhana always believes that Karna will protect him. Then, in anger, he also attempted to subdue me.
स्थिरा बुद्धिर्नरेन्द्रस्य धार्तराष्ट्रस्य मानद। कर्णः पार्थान्रणे सर्वान्विजेष्यति न संशयः ॥८-५१-६२॥
O giver of honor, the firm resolve of King Dhritarashtra is that Karna will undoubtedly conquer all the sons of Pritha in battle.
कर्णमाश्रित्य कौन्तेय धार्तराष्ट्रेण विग्रहः। रोचितो भवता सार्धं जानतापि बलं तव ॥८-५१-६३॥
O son of Kunti, relying on Karna, the son of Dhritarashtra initiated the conflict with you, even though he knew your strength.
कर्णो हि भाषते नित्यमहं पार्थान्समागतान्। वासुदेवं सराजानं विजेष्यामि महारणे ॥८-५१-६४॥
Karna always boasts, "I will defeat the gathered sons of Pritha, along with Vasudeva and the kings, in the great battle."
प्रोत्साहयन्दुरात्मानं धार्तराष्ट्रं सुदुर्मतिः। समितौ गर्जते कर्णस्तमद्य जहि भारत ॥८-५१-६५॥
Encouraging the wicked son of Dhritarashtra, the evil-minded Karna roars in the assembly; today, O Bharata, slay him.
यच्च युष्मासु पापं वै धार्तराष्ट्रः प्रयुक्तवान्। तत्र सर्वत्र दुष्टात्मा कर्णः पापमतिर्मुखम् ॥८-५१-६६॥
Dhritarashtra's son committed sins against you, and everywhere, Karna, with his wicked soul and evil mind, was the chief instigator.
यच्च तद्धार्तराष्ट्राणां क्रूरैः षड्भिर्महारथैः। अपश्यं निहतं वीरं सौभद्रमृषभेक्षणम् ॥८-५१-६७॥
I saw the heroic Abhimanyu, bull-eyed, slain by the six cruel great charioteers of the sons of Dhritarashtra.
द्रोणद्रौणिकृपान्वीरान्कम्पयन्तो महारथान्। निर्मनुष्यांश्च मातङ्गान्विरथांश्च महारथान् ॥८-५१-६८॥
The warriors, including Drona, his son, and Kripa, were shaken, and the elephants were left without riders, while the great charioteers were rendered chariotless.
व्यश्वारोहांश्च तुरगान्पत्तीन्व्यायुधजीवितान्। कुर्वन्तमृषभस्कन्धं कुरुवृष्णियशस्करम् ॥८-५१-६९॥
He made the horse-riders, horses, infantry, and weapon-wielding men appear strong and glorious, enhancing the fame of the Kuru and Vrishni clans.
विधमन्तमनीकानि व्यथयन्तं महारथान्। मनुष्यवाजिमातङ्गान्प्रहिण्वन्तं यमक्षयम् ॥८-५१-७०॥
He was destroying the armies, causing distress to the great charioteers, and sending men, horses, and elephants to the realm of Yama.
शरैः सौभद्रमायस्तं दहन्तमिव वाहिनीम्। तन्मे दहति गात्राणि सखे सत्येन ते शपे ॥८-५१-७१॥
Saubhadra, exhausted and burning the army with arrows as if in a blaze, that indeed burns my limbs, my friend. I swear by your truth.
यत्तत्रापि च दुष्टात्मा कर्णोऽभ्यद्रुह्यत प्रभो। अशक्नुवंश्चाभिमन्योः कर्णः स्थातुं रणेऽग्रतः ॥८-५१-७२॥
O lord, even there the wicked Karna attacked, unable to face Abhimanyu in battle.
सौभद्रशरनिर्भिन्नो विसञ्ज्ञः शोणितोक्षितः। निःश्वसन्क्रोधसंदीप्तो विमुखः सायकार्दितः ॥८-५१-७३॥
He was pierced by Saubhadra's arrow, left unconscious and smeared with blood. Breathing heavily and inflamed with anger, he turned away, afflicted by the arrows.
अपयानकृतोत्साहो निराशश्चापि जीविते। तस्थौ सुविह्वलः सङ्ख्ये प्रहारजनितश्रमः ॥८-५१-७४॥
He attempted to retreat and felt hopeless about his life. He stood there in the battlefield, overwhelmed and exhausted by the continuous blows.
अथ द्रोणस्य समरे तत्कालसदृशं तदा। श्रुत्वा कर्णो वचः क्रूरं ततश्चिच्छेद कार्मुकम् ॥८-५१-७५॥
Then, during the battle led by Drona, Karna, upon hearing the harsh words that were fitting for the moment, proceeded to cut off the bow.
ततश्छिन्नायुधं तेन रणे पञ्च महारथाः। स चैव निकृतिप्रज्ञः प्रावधीच्छरवृष्टिभिः ॥८-५१-७६॥
Then, the cunning warrior, even with a broken weapon, killed five great warriors in battle with a shower of arrows.
यच्च कर्णोऽब्रवीत्कृष्णां सभायां परुषं वचः। प्रमुखे पाण्डवेयानां कुरूणां च नृशंसवत् ॥८-५१-७७॥
Karna spoke harshly to Krishna in the assembly, in front of both the Pandavas and the Kauravas, with cruelty.
विनष्टाः पाण्डवाः कृष्णे शाश्वतं नरकं गताः। पतिमन्यं पृथुश्रोणि वृणीष्व मितभाषिणि ॥८-५१-७८॥
The Pandavas have perished and are said to have gone to eternal hell with Krishna. O wide-hipped and soft-spoken lady, choose another husband.
लेखाभ्रु धृतराष्ट्रस्य दासी भूत्वा निवेशनम्। प्रविशारालपक्ष्माक्षि न सन्ति पतयस्तव ॥८-५१-७९॥
With eyebrows like a line, you have become a maid of Dhritarashtra. Enter the house, O one with curved eyelashes and eyes, for your husbands are not present.
इत्युक्तवानधर्मज्ञस्तदा परमदुर्मतिः। पापः पापं वचः कर्णः शृण्वतस्तव भारत ॥८-५१-८०॥
Thus, the unrighteous and extremely wicked Karna spoke sinful words while listening to you, O Bharata.
तस्य पापस्य तद्वाक्यं सुवर्णविकृताः शराः। शमयन्तु शिलाधौतास्त्वयास्ता जीवितच्छिदः ॥८-५१-८१॥
May those golden arrows, purified by stone and crafted by you, that sever life, bring peace to his sin and words.
यानि चान्यानि दुष्टात्मा पापानि कृतवांस्त्वयि। तान्यद्य जीवितं चास्य शमयन्तु शरास्तव ॥८-५१-८२॥
The wicked soul has committed various sins by you, and today, may your arrows destroy those sins and his life.
गाण्डीवप्रहितान्घोरानद्य गात्रैः स्पृशञ्शरान्। कर्णः स्मरतु दुष्टात्मा वचनं द्रोणभीष्मयोः ॥८-५१-८३॥
Today, as the terrible arrows shot by Gandiva touch the bodies, let wicked Karna remember the words of Drona and Bhishma.
सुवर्णपुङ्खा नाराचाः शत्रुघ्ना वैद्युतप्रभाः। त्वयास्तास्तस्य मर्माणि भित्त्वा पास्यन्ति शोणितम् ॥८-५१-८४॥
The golden-feathered arrows, which are deadly to enemies and shine like lightning, will pierce his vital parts and cause his blood to spill.
उग्रास्त्वद्भुजनिर्मुक्ता मर्म भित्त्वा शिताः शराः। अद्य कर्णं महावेगाः प्रेषयन्तु यमक्षयम् ॥८-५१-८५॥
Today, may the fierce and swift arrows released from your arm pierce Karṇa's vital parts and send him to Yama's abode.
अद्य हाहाकृता दीना विषण्णास्त्वच्छरार्दिताः। प्रपतन्तं रथात्कर्णं पश्यन्तु वसुधाधिपाः ॥८-५१-८६॥
Today, the kings of the earth, lamenting and miserable, dejected and afflicted by your arrows, may witness Karna falling from his chariot.
अद्य स्वशोणिते मग्नं शयानं पतितं भुवि। अपविद्धायुधं कर्णं पश्यन्तु सुहृदो निजाः ॥८-५१-८७॥
"Today, let Karna's own friends witness him lying on the ground, fallen and submerged in his own blood, with his weapons cast aside."
हस्तिकक्ष्यो महानस्य भल्लेनोन्मथितस्त्वया। प्रकम्पमानः पततु भूमावाधिरथेर्ध्वजः ॥८-५१-८८॥
The great banner of the elephant-stable, which was uprooted by your arrow, is shaking and let it fall on the ground of the great chariot-warrior.
त्वया शरशतैश्छिन्नं रथं हेमविभूषितम्। हतयोधं समुत्सृज्य भीतः शल्यः पलायताम् ॥८-५१-८९॥
The chariot adorned with gold was shattered by you with hundreds of arrows, and in fear, Śalya abandoned the slain warriors and fled.
ततः सुयोधनो दृष्ट्वा हतमाधिरथिं त्वया। निराशो जीविते त्वद्य राज्ये चैव धनञ्जय ॥८-५१-९०॥
Then Suyodhana, upon seeing that you have slain the great warrior Adhirathi, has lost hope in life and in the kingdom today, O Dhananjaya.
एते द्रवन्ति पाञ्चाला वध्यमानाः शितैः शरैः। कर्णेन भरतश्रेष्ठ पाण्डवानुज्जिहीर्षवः ॥८-५१-९१॥
The Panchalas are fleeing as they are being struck down by Karna's sharp arrows, O best of the Bharatas, in their desire to defeat the Pandavas.
पाञ्चालान्द्रौपदेयांश्च धृष्टद्युम्नशिखण्डिनौ। धृष्टद्युम्नतनूजांश्च शतानीकं च नाकुलिम् ॥८-५१-९२॥
The Panchalas, the sons of Draupadi, along with Dhrishtadyumna and Shikhandi, and also the sons of Dhrishtadyumna, Shatanika, and Nakula, were present.
नकुलं सहदेवं च दुर्मुखं जनमेजयम्। सुवर्माणं सात्यकिं च विद्धि कर्णवशं गतान् ॥८-५१-९३॥
Nakul, Sahadev, Durmukh, Janamejaya, Suvarman, and Satyaki have all fallen under Karna's influence.
अभ्याहतानां कर्णेन पाञ्चालानां महारणे। श्रूयते निनदो घोरस्त्वद्बन्धूनां परन्तप ॥८-५१-९४॥
O Parantapa, the terrible sound of your relatives, who have been struck by Karna in the great battle of the Panchalas, is heard.
न त्वेव भीताः पाञ्चालाः कथञ्चित्स्युः पराङ्मुखाः। न हि मृत्युं महेष्वासा गणयन्ति महारथाः ॥८-५१-९५॥
The Panchalas, being great archers and charioteers, are not afraid or deterred by death in any way.
य एकः पाण्डवीं सेनां शरौघैः समवेष्टयत्। तं समासाद्य पाञ्चाला भीष्मं नासन्पराङ्मुखाः ॥८-५१-९६॥
The one who single-handedly surrounded the Pandava army with a barrage of arrows, upon approaching him, the Panchalas did not retreat from Bhishma.
तथा ज्वलन्तमस्त्राग्निं गुरुं सर्वधनुष्मताम्। निर्दहन्तं समारोहन्दुर्धर्षं द्रोणमोजसा ॥८-५१-९७॥
Thus, the blazing weapon-fire, the teacher of all archers, was burning and rising invincibly with energy, embodied by Drona.
ते नित्यमुदिता जेतुं युद्धे शत्रूनरिंदमाः। न जात्वाधिरथेर्भीताः पाञ्चालाः स्युः पराङ्मुखाः ॥८-५१-९८॥
The warriors, always eager and joyful to conquer in battle, are known as subduers of foes. They would never be afraid of Adhiratha, nor would the Panchalas ever turn their backs.
तेषामापततां शूरः पाञ्चालानां तरस्विनाम्। आदत्तेऽसूञ्शरैः कर्णः पतङ्गानामिवानलः ॥८-५१-९९॥
Karṇa, the valiant warrior among the attacking energetic Pāñcālas, takes lives with his arrows as fire consumes moths.
तांस्तथाभिमुखान्वीरान्मित्रार्थे त्यक्तजीवितान्। क्षयं नयति राधेयः पाञ्चालाञ्शतशो रणे ॥८-५१-१००॥
Radheya, facing the heroes who have sacrificed their lives for their friends, leads them to destruction by the hundreds of Panchalas in the battle.
अस्त्रं हि रामात्कर्णेन भार्गवादृषिसत्तमात्। यदुपात्तं पुरा घोरं तस्य रूपमुदीर्यते ॥८-५१-१०१॥
The terrible form of the weapon, which was obtained by Karṇa from Rāma, the best among the Bhārgava sages, is described.
तापनं सर्वसैन्यानां घोररूपं सुदारुणम्। समावृत्य महासेनां ज्वलति स्वेन तेजसा ॥८-५१-१०२॥
The burning, in a terrible and fierce form, envelops the great army with its own brilliance.
एते चरन्ति सङ्ग्रामे कर्णचापच्युताः शराः। भ्रमराणामिव व्रातास्तापयन्तः स्म तावकान् ॥८-५१-१०३॥
The arrows released from Karna's bow move through the battlefield like swarms of bees, causing distress to your soldiers.
एते चरन्ति पाञ्चाला दिक्षु सर्वासु भारत। कर्णास्त्रं समरे प्राप्य दुर्निवारमनात्मभिः ॥८-५१-१०४॥
The Panchalas are moving in all directions, O Bharata, having acquired Karna's formidable weapon in battle, which cannot be resisted by those without soul.
एष भीमो दृढक्रोधो वृतः पार्थ समन्ततः। सृञ्जयैर्योधयन्कर्णं पीड्यते स्म शितैः शरैः ॥८-५१-१०५॥
Bhima, filled with intense anger, is surrounded by the Srinjayas and is being severely attacked by Karna's sharp arrows, O son of Pritha.
पाण्डवान्सृञ्जयांश्चैव पाञ्चालांश्चैव भारत। हन्यादुपेक्षितः कर्णो रोगो देहमिवाततः ॥८-५१-१०६॥
O Bharata, if neglected, Karna would destroy the Pandavas, the Srinjayas, and the Panchalas, just as a disease spreads throughout the body.
नान्यं त्वत्तोऽभिपश्यामि योधं यौधिष्ठिरे बले। यः समासाद्य राधेयं स्वस्तिमानाव्रजेद्गृहम् ॥८-५१-१०७॥
I see no other warrior among the sons of Yudhishthira as strong as you, who could safely return home after confronting Radheya (Karna).
तमद्य निशितैर्बाणैर्निहत्य भरतर्षभ। यथाप्रतिज्ञं पार्थ त्वं कृत्वा कीर्तिमवाप्नुहि ॥८-५१-१०८॥
"Today, O Arjuna, fulfill your promise by slaying the enemy with sharp arrows and achieve everlasting fame, O best of the Bharatas."
त्वं हि शक्तो रणे जेतुं सकर्णानपि कौरवान्। नान्यो युधि युधां श्रेष्ठ सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते ॥८-५१-१०९॥
"You are indeed capable of defeating even the Kauravas along with Karna in battle. There is no other warrior superior in battle. This is the truth I tell you."
एतत्कृत्वा महत्कर्म हत्वा कर्णं महारथम्। कृतार्थः सफलः पार्थ सुखी भव नरोत्तम ॥८-५१-११०॥
"Having achieved this great feat by slaying Karna, the mighty charioteer, you have fulfilled your purpose, O Arjuna, and should now find happiness, O best among men."
