08.055
Core and Pancharatra: Duryodhana's led attack on Bhima is a colossal failure. Initially, general destruction of the Duryodhana's army. Then Shakuni is forced to be rescued by Duryodhana himself. Then all his brothers flee and finally find refuge in Karna.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
श्रुत्वा च रथनिर्घोषं सिंहनादं च संयुगे। अर्जुनः प्राह गोविन्दं शीघ्रं चोदय वाजिनः ॥८-५५-१॥
Upon hearing the thunderous sound of the chariot and the lion's roar in the battlefield, Arjuna urged Govinda, "Drive the horses swiftly."
अर्जुनस्य वचः श्रुत्वा गोविन्दोऽर्जुनमब्रवीत्। एष गच्छामि सुक्षिप्रं यत्र भीमो व्यवस्थितः ॥८-५५-२॥
Upon hearing Arjuna's words, Govinda replied to him, "I will swiftly go to where Bhima is."
आयान्तमश्वैर्हिमशङ्खवर्णैः; सुवर्णमुक्तामणिजालनद्धैः। जम्भं जिघांसुं प्रगृहीतवज्रं; जयाय देवेन्द्रमिवोग्रमन्युम् ॥८-५५-३॥
Indra, fierce in anger, came with snow-white horses adorned with gold, pearls, and jewels, holding his thunderbolt, intending to kill the demon Jambha for victory.
रथाश्वमातङ्गपदातिसङ्घा; बाणस्वनैर्नेमिखुरस्वनैश्च। संनादयन्तो वसुधां दिशश्च; क्रुद्धा नृसिंहा जयमभ्युदीयुः ॥८-५५-४॥
The chariots, horses, elephants, and foot-soldiers, accompanied by the sounds of arrows, wheels, and hooves, resounded through the earth and directions as the angry warriors advanced for victory.
तेषां च पार्थस्य महत्तदासी; द्देहासुपाप्मक्षपणं सुयुद्धम्। त्रैलोक्यहेतोरसुरैर्यथासी; द्देवस्य विष्णोर्जयतां वरस्य ॥८-५५-५॥
For them and for Pārtha, that great battle was a righteous fight, destroying sin in bodies, just as it was for the sake of the three worlds by the demons, for the god Viṣṇu, the best among the victorious.
तैरस्तमुच्चावचमायुधौघ; मेकः प्रचिच्छेद किरीटमाली। क्षुरार्धचन्द्रैर्निशितैश्च बाणैः; शिरांसि तेषां बहुधा च बाहून् ॥८-५५-६॥
By them, a flood of various weapons descended; one wearing a crown cut off their heads and arms in many ways with sharp, half-moon shaped razor arrows.
छत्राणि वालव्यजनानि केतू; नश्वान्रथान्पत्तिगणान्द्विपांश्च। ते पेतुरुर्व्यां बहुधा विरूपा; वातप्रभग्नानि यथा वनानि ॥८-५५-७॥
The umbrellas, fans, banners, horses, chariots, infantry groups, and elephants fell to the ground in various disfigured forms, as if they were forests shattered by the wind.
सुवर्णजालावतता महागजाः; सवैजयन्तीध्वजयोधकल्पिताः। सुवर्णपुङ्खैरिषुभिः समाचिता; श्चकाशिरे प्रज्वलिता यथाचलाः ॥८-५५-८॥
The great elephants, adorned with golden nets and equipped with Vaijayanti flags and warriors, were filled with golden-feathered arrows and shone brightly like blazing mountains.
विदार्य नागांश्च रथांश्च वाजिनः; शरोत्तमैर्वासववज्रसंनिभैः। द्रुतं ययौ कर्णजिघांसया तथा; यथा मरुत्वान्बलभेदने पुरा ॥८-५५-९॥
Piercing through the elephants, chariots, and horses with arrows as powerful as Indra's thunderbolt, he swiftly advanced with the intent to kill Karṇa, just as the wind god once moved to break through the forces.
ततः स पुरुषव्याघ्रः सूतसैन्यमरिंदम। प्रविवेश महाबाहुर्मकरः सागरं यथा ॥८-५५-१०॥
Then the mighty-armed hero, known as the tiger among men and subduer of enemies, entered the charioteer's army just as a crocodile enters the ocean.
तं दृष्ट्वा तावका राजन्रथपत्तिसमन्विताः। गजाश्वसादिबहुलाः पाण्डवं समुपाद्रवन् ॥८-५५-११॥
Upon seeing him, your forces, O king, with chariots, infantry, elephants, and horses, launched an attack on the Pandava.
तत्राभिद्रवतां पार्थमारावः सुमहानभूत्। सागरस्येव मत्तस्य यथा स्यात्सलिलस्वनः ॥८-५५-१२॥
There arose a tremendous roar from those charging towards Arjuna, akin to the sound of a turbulent ocean.
ते तु तं पुरुषव्याघ्रं व्याघ्रा इव महारथाः। अभ्यद्रवन्त सङ्ग्रामे त्यक्त्वा प्राणकृतं भयम् ॥८-५५-१३॥
But they, the great warriors, charged at him, the tiger among men, in the battle, casting aside the fear for their lives.
तेषामापततां तत्र शरवर्षाणि मुञ्चताम्। अर्जुनो व्यधमत्सैन्यं महावातो घनानिव ॥८-५५-१४॥
As they attacked, releasing showers of arrows, Arjuna scattered the army like a great wind scatters clouds.
तेऽर्जुनं सहिता भूत्वा रथवंशैः प्रहारिणः। अभियाय महेष्वासा विव्यधुर्निशितैः शरैः ॥८-५५-१५॥
The great archers, having gathered together with their chariots, approached Arjuna and struck him with sharp arrows.
ततोऽर्जुनः सहस्राणि रथवारणवाजिनाम्। प्रेषयामास विशिखैर्यमस्य सदनं प्रति ॥८-५५-१६॥
Then Arjuna dispatched thousands of chariots, elephants, and horses with arrows towards Yama's abode.
ते वध्यमानाः समरे पार्थचापच्युतैः शरैः। तत्र तत्र स्म लीयन्ते भये जाते महारथाः ॥८-५५-१७॥
The great warriors, struck by Arjuna's arrows in battle, scatter in fear, disappearing here and there.
तेषां चतुःशतान्वीरान्यतमानान्महारथान्। अर्जुनो निशितैर्बाणैरनयद्यमसादनम् ॥८-५५-१८॥
Arjuna, with his sharp arrows, sent four hundred of their striving great charioteer heroes to the abode of Yama.
ते वध्यमानाः समरे नानालिङ्गैः शितैः शरैः। अर्जुनं समभित्यज्य दुद्रुवुर्वै दिशो भयात् ॥८-५५-१९॥
"They, attacked in battle by various sharp arrows and signs, abandoned Arjuna and fled in all directions out of fear."
तेषां शब्दो महानासीद्द्रवतां वाहिनीमुखे। महौघस्येव भद्रं ते गिरिमासाद्य दीर्यतः ॥८-५५-२०॥
The sound of their army was immense as it advanced like a great flood, auspiciously reaching the mountain and bursting forth.
तां तु सेनां भृशं विद्ध्वा द्रावयित्वार्जुनः शरैः। प्रायादभिमुखः पार्थः सूतानीकानि मारिष ॥८-५५-२१॥
Arjuna, after severely piercing the army with his arrows, advanced towards the charioteers, O lord.
तस्य शब्दो महानासीत्परानभिमुखस्य वै। गरुडस्येव पततः पन्नगार्थे यथा पुरा ॥८-५५-२२॥
His sound was mighty as he faced the others, just like Garuda flying for the serpent's cause in ancient times.
तं तु शब्दमभिश्रुत्य भीमसेनो महाबलः। बभूव परमप्रीतः पार्थदर्शनलालसः ॥८-५५-२३॥
Upon hearing that sound, the mighty Bhimasena was filled with great joy, longing to see Arjuna.
श्रुत्वैव पार्थमायान्तं भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्। त्यक्त्वा प्राणान्महाराज सेनां तव ममर्द ह ॥८-५५-२४॥
Upon hearing of Arjuna's approach, the mighty Bhimasena, disregarding his own life, fiercely attacked and crushed your army, O great king.
स वायुवेगप्रतिमो वायुवेगसमो जवे। वायुवद्व्यचरद्भीमो वायुपुत्रः प्रतापवान् ॥८-५५-२५॥
Bhima, the mighty son of Vayu, moved with a speed comparable to the wind, matching its swiftness.
तेनार्द्यमाना राजेन्द्र सेना तव विशां पते। व्यभ्राम्यत महाराज भिन्ना नौरिव सागरे ॥८-५५-२६॥
O King, your army was tormented by him and became bewildered, like a ship broken in the ocean, O great king.
तां तु सेनां तदा भीमो दर्शयन्पाणिलाघवम्। शरैरवचकर्तोग्रैः प्रेषयिष्यन्यमक्षयम् ॥८-५५-२७॥
At that time, Bhima demonstrated his skill by fiercely cutting down the army with his arrows, aiming to send them to the eternal abode of Yama.
तत्र भारत भीमस्य बलं दृष्ट्वातिमानुषम्। व्यत्रस्यन्त रणे योधाः कालस्येव युगक्षये ॥८-५५-२८॥
O Bharata, upon witnessing Bhima's extraordinary strength, the warriors in the battle were as frightened as if it were the end of an era.
तथार्दितान्भीमबलान्भीमसेनेन भारत। दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनो राजा इदं वचनमब्रवीत् ॥८-५५-२९॥
Seeing the warriors of Bhima's strength afflicted by Bhimasena, King Duryodhana addressed these words, O Bharata.
सैनिकान्स महेष्वासो योधांश्च भरतर्षभ। समादिशद्रणे सर्वान्हत भीममिति स्म ह ॥ तस्मिन्हते हतं मन्ये सर्वसैन्यमशेषतः ॥८-५५-३०॥
He commanded all the soldiers, great archers, and warriors in the battle, saying, 'Bhima is killed,' O best of the Bharatas. With him being killed, I think the entire army is completely destroyed.
प्रतिगृह्य च तामाज्ञां तव पुत्रस्य पार्थिवाः। भीमं प्रच्छादयामासुः शरवर्षैः समन्ततः ॥८-५५-३१॥
Upon receiving the command from your son, the kings surrounded Bhima and attacked him with a barrage of arrows from every direction.
गजाश्च बहुला राजन्नराश्च जयगृद्धिनः। रथा हयाश्च राजेन्द्र परिवव्रुर्वृकोदरम् ॥८-५५-३२॥
Elephants, numerous men eager for victory, chariots, and horses surrounded Vrikodara, O king.
स तैः परिवृतः शूरैः शूरो राजन्समन्ततः। शुशुभे भरतश्रेष्ठ नक्षत्रैरिव चन्द्रमाः ॥८-५५-३३॥
O best of the Bharatas, he, the hero, surrounded by those heroes, shone all around like the moon among the stars, O king.
स रराज तथा सङ्ख्ये दर्शनीयो नरोत्तमः। निर्विशेषं महाराज यथा हि विजयस्तथा ॥८-५५-३४॥
He appeared splendid in the battlefield, looking handsome and distinguished as the best among men, without any distinction, O great king, just as Vijaya did.
तत्र ते पार्थिवाः सर्वे शरवृष्टीः समासृजन्। क्रोधरक्तेक्षणाः क्रूरा हन्तुकामा वृकोदरम् ॥८-५५-३५॥
There, all the kings, with eyes red from anger and fierce in their intent, released showers of arrows, desiring to kill Vrikodara (Bhima).
स विदार्य महासेनां शरैः संनतपर्वभिः। निश्चक्राम रणाद्भीमो मत्स्यो जालादिवाम्भसि ॥८-५५-३६॥
Bhima, having pierced the great army with his arrows, emerged from the battle like a fish escaping from a net in the water.
हत्वा दश सहस्राणि गजानामनिवर्तिनाम्। नृणां शतसहस्रे द्वे द्वे शते चैव भारत ॥८-५५-३७॥
O Bhārata, having slain ten thousand elephants that do not retreat, and two hundred thousand men.
पञ्च चाश्वसहस्राणि रथानां शतमेव च। हत्वा प्रास्यन्दयद्भीमो नदीं शोणितकर्दमाम् ॥८-५५-३८॥
Bhima, having slain thousands of horses and a hundred chariots, caused a river to flow, muddy with blood.
शोणितोदां रथावर्तां हस्तिग्राहसमाकुलाम्। नरमीनामश्वनक्रां केशशैवलशाद्वलाम् ॥८-५५-३९॥
The battlefield was a gruesome sight, with waters turned red with blood, chariots swirling like whirlpools, and filled with elephants and crocodiles. It was a chaotic scene with men, fish, horses, crocodiles, hair, seaweed, and grassy patches scattered all around.
सञ्छिन्नभुजनागेन्द्रां बहुरत्नापहारिणीम्। ऊरुग्राहां मज्जपङ्कां शीर्षोपलसमाकुलाम् ॥८-५५-४०॥
The great serpent with severed arms, who steals many gems, is like a crocodile on the thigh, filled with marrow and mud, and its head is filled with stones.
धनुष्काशां शरावापां गदापरिघकेतनाम्। योधव्रातवतीं सङ्ख्ये वहन्तीं यमसादनम् ॥८-५५-४१॥
The army, adorned with bows, quivers, and banners of maces and bars, carried groups of warriors into the battlefield, leading them to the abode of Yama.
क्षणेन पुरुषव्याघ्रः प्रावर्तयत निम्नगाम्। यथा वैतरणीमुग्रां दुस्तरामकृतात्मभिः ॥८-५५-४२॥
In an instant, the hero initiated the flow of the river, resembling the formidable Vaitarani, which is hard to cross for those who are not self-disciplined.
यतो यतः पाण्डवेयः प्रवृत्तो रथसत्तमः। ततस्ततोऽपातयत योधाञ्शतसहस्रशः ॥८-५५-४३॥
Wherever the son of Pandu, the best among charioteers, went into action, he brought down hundreds and thousands of warriors.
एवं दृष्ट्वा कृतं कर्म भीमसेनेन संयुगे। दुर्योधनो महाराज शकुनिं वाक्यमब्रवीत् ॥८-५५-४४॥
Upon witnessing the deeds performed by Bhimasena in the battle, Duryodhana addressed Shakuni, saying, "O great king, here are my words."
जय मातुल सङ्ग्रामे भीमसेनं महाबलम्। अस्मिञ्जिते जितं मन्ये पाण्डवेयं महाबलम् ॥८-५५-४५॥
"Victory to my uncle in battle, Bhimasena the mighty. In this victory, I believe the son of Pandu has proven his might."
ततः प्रायान्महाराज सौबलेयः प्रतापवान्। रणाय महते युक्तो भ्रातृभिः परिवारितः ॥८-५५-४६॥
Then, O great king, the powerful son of Subala, prepared for the great battle, departed, accompanied by his brothers.
स समासाद्य सङ्ग्रामे भीमं भीमपराक्रमम्। वारयामास तं वीरो वेलेव मकरालयम् ॥ स न्यवर्तत तं भीमो वार्यमाणः शितैः शरैः ॥८-५५-४७॥
He approached Bhima, who was of terrible prowess, in battle and restrained him like the shore restrains the sea, which is the abode of crocodiles. Bhima, being restrained by sharp arrows, turned back.
शकुनिस्तस्य राजेन्द्र वामे पार्श्वे स्तनान्तरे। प्रेषयामास नाराचान्रुक्मपुङ्खाञ्शिलाशितान् ॥८-५५-४८॥
Shakuni, O king, sent stone-sharpened, golden-feathered arrows to the left side, between the breasts.
वर्म भित्त्वा तु सौवर्णं बाणास्तस्य महात्मनः। न्यमज्जन्त महाराज कङ्कबर्हिणवाससः ॥८-५५-४९॥
The arrows pierced through the golden armor of the great soul and sank, O great king, adorned with peacock feathers.
सोऽतिविद्धो रणे भीमः शरं हेमविभूषितम्। प्रेषयामास सहसा सौबलं प्रति भारत ॥८-५५-५०॥
Bhima, deeply wounded in the battle, suddenly shot a gold-adorned arrow at Saubala, O Bharata.
तमायान्तं शरं घोरं शकुनिः शत्रुतापनः। चिच्छेद शतधा राजन्कृतहस्तो महाबलः ॥८-५५-५१॥
Shakuni, known for tormenting his enemies, skillfully cut the terrible arrow approaching him into a hundred pieces, O king.
तस्मिन्निपतिते भूमौ भीमः क्रुद्धो विशां पते। धनुश्चिच्छेद भल्लेन सौबलस्य हसन्निव ॥८-५५-५२॥
When he fell on the ground, Bhima, in anger, cut the bow of Saubala with an arrow, as if he was smiling, O lord of men.
तदपास्य धनुश्छिन्नं सौबलेयः प्रतापवान्। अन्यदादत्त वेगेन धनुर्भल्लांश्च षोडश ॥८-५५-५३॥
The valiant son of Subala, having discarded the broken bow, swiftly took another bow and sixteen arrows.
तैस्तस्य तु महाराज भल्लैः संनतपर्वभिः। चतुर्भिः सारथिं ह्यार्च्छद्भीमं पञ्चभिरेव च ॥८-५५-५४॥
O great king, they pierced his charioteer with four arrows having bent joints, and Bhima with five arrows.
ध्वजमेकेन चिच्छेद छत्रं द्वाभ्यां विशां पते। चतुर्भिश्चतुरो वाहान्विव्याध सुबलात्मजः ॥८-५५-५५॥
The son of Subala cut down the flag with one arrow and the umbrella with two, O lord of men. He pierced four horses with four arrows.
ततः क्रुद्धो महाराज भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्। शक्तिं चिक्षेप समरे रुक्मदण्डामयस्मयीम् ॥८-५५-५६॥
Then the mighty King Bhimasena, filled with anger, hurled his spear with a golden shaft during the battle.
सा भीमभुजनिर्मुक्ता नागजिह्वेव चञ्चला। निपपात रथे तूर्णं सौबलस्य महात्मनः ॥८-५५-५७॥
She, having been released from Bhima's embrace, fell swiftly onto the chariot of the noble Saubala, as restless as a serpent's tongue.
ततस्तामेव सङ्गृह्य शक्तिं कनकभूषणाम्। भीमसेनाय चिक्षेप क्रुद्धरूपो विशां पते ॥८-५५-५८॥
Then, in a fit of anger, he grabbed the golden-adorned spear and threw it at Bhimasena, O lord of men.
सा निर्भिद्य भुजं सव्यं पाण्डवस्य महात्मनः। पपात च ततो भूमौ यथा विद्युन्नभश्च्युता ॥८-५५-५९॥
She pierced the left arm of the noble Pandava and then fell to the ground like a bolt of lightning from the sky.
अथोत्क्रुष्टं महाराज धार्तराष्ट्रैः समन्ततः। न तु तं ममृषे भीमः सिंहनादं तरस्विनाम् ॥८-५५-६०॥
Then, O great king, the sons of Dhritarashtra shouted all around, but Bhima could not tolerate the mighty lion's roar.
स सङ्गृह्य धनुः सज्यं त्वरमाणो महारथः। मुहूर्तादिव राजेन्द्र छादयामास सायकैः ॥ सौबलस्य बलं सङ्ख्ये त्यक्त्वात्मानं महाबलः ॥८-५५-६१॥
The great chariot-warrior, in his haste, took up his bow, strung it, and in a moment, O king, covered the army of Saubala with arrows in battle, abandoning himself in the process, showing his might.
तस्याश्वांश्चतुरो हत्वा सूतं चैव विशां पते। ध्वजं चिच्छेद भल्लेन त्वरमाणः पराक्रमी ॥८-५५-६२॥
The valiant warrior, in his haste, killed the four horses and the charioteer, and then cut down the banner with an arrow, O lord of men.
हताश्वं रथमुत्सृज्य त्वरमाणो नरोत्तमः। तस्थौ विस्फारयंश्चापं क्रोधरक्तेक्षणः श्वसन् ॥ शरैश्च बहुधा राजन्भीममार्च्छत्समन्ततः ॥८-५५-६३॥
The best of men, having lost his horses, abandoned his chariot and stood there hastily, stretching his bow with eyes red in anger, breathing heavily. O king, he attacked Bhima with numerous arrows from all directions.
प्रतिहत्य तु वेगेन भीमसेनः प्रतापवान्। धनुश्चिच्छेद सङ्क्रुद्धो विव्याध च शितैः शरैः ॥८-५५-६४॥
But having struck with speed, the powerful Bhimasena, in his rage, cut off the bow and pierced with sharp arrows.
सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता शत्रुणा शत्रुकर्शनः। निपपात ततो भूमौ किञ्चित्प्राणो नराधिप ॥८-५५-६५॥
The king, who was a destroyer of foes, was severely pierced by the mighty enemy and then fell to the ground, barely alive.
ततस्तं विह्वलं ज्ञात्वा पुत्रस्तव विशां पते। अपोवाह रथेनाजौ भीमसेनस्य पश्यतः ॥८-५५-६६॥
Then, realizing his distress, your son, O lord, took him away in a chariot during the battle as Bhimasena watched.
रथस्थे तु नरव्याघ्रे धार्तराष्ट्राः पराङ्मुखाः। प्रदुद्रुवुर्दिशो भीता भीमाज्जाते महाभये ॥८-५५-६७॥
When Bhima, the tiger among men, was seated on the chariot, the sons of Dhritarashtra, overwhelmed by great fear, turned away and fled in all directions.
सौबले निर्जिते राजन्भीमसेनेन धन्विना। भयेन महता भग्नः पुत्रो दुर्योधनस्तव ॥ अपायाज्जवनैरश्वैः सापेक्षो मातुलं प्रति ॥८-५५-६८॥
O king, when the Saubala was defeated by Bhimasena, your son Duryodhana, overwhelmed by great fear, fled swiftly on horses towards his uncle seeking refuge.
पराङ्मुखं तु राजानं दृष्ट्वा सैन्यानि भारत। विप्रजग्मुः समुत्सृज्य द्वैरथानि समन्ततः ॥८-५५-६९॥
Upon seeing the king turn away, the armies, O Bharata, dispersed, leaving their duels behind everywhere.
तान्दृष्ट्वातिरथान्सर्वान्धार्तराष्ट्रान्पराङ्मुखान्। जवेनाभ्यपतद्भीमः किरञ्शरशतान्बहून् ॥८-५५-७०॥
Upon seeing all the great charioteers, the sons of Dhritarashtra, turning away, Bhima swiftly charged forward, scattering numerous arrows.
ते वध्यमाना भीमेन धार्तराष्ट्राः पराङ्मुखाः। कर्णमासाद्य समरे स्थिता राजन्समन्ततः ॥ स हि तेषां महावीर्यो द्वीपोऽभूत्सुमहाबलः ॥८-५५-७१॥
The sons of Dhritarashtra, being defeated by Bhima, turned away and gathered around Karna in the battle, O king. Karna, with his great heroism and immense strength, became their refuge.
भिन्ननौका यथा राजन्द्वीपमासाद्य निर्वृताः। भवन्ति पुरुषव्याघ्र नाविकाः कालपर्यये ॥८-५५-७२॥
"O king, just as broken boats find contentment upon reaching an island, so do the sailors, who are like tigers among men, find peace in due course of time."
तथा कर्णं समासाद्य तावका भरतर्षभ। समाश्वस्ताः स्थिता राजन्सम्प्रहृष्टाः परस्परम् ॥ समाजग्मुश्च युद्धाय मृत्युं कृत्वा निवर्तनम् ॥८-५५-७३॥
Thus, having approached Karna, your men, O best of the Bharatas, stood reassured and delighted with each other. They gathered for battle, having resolved to face death as the outcome.
