08.057
Pancharatra and Core: Praise of Karna's valour by Arjuna, and vice versa, recounting the past events. Then Karna makes a strategy to attack Arjuna comprehensively with all major Kaurava warriors.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
अर्जुनस्तु महाराज कृत्वा सैन्यं पृथग्विधम्। सूतपुत्रं सुसंरब्धं दृष्ट्वा चैव महारणे ॥८-५७-१॥
Arjuna, O great king, arranged his army in various formations and saw Karna, the son of a charioteer, very angry in the great battle.
शोणितोदां महीं कृत्वा मांसमज्जास्थिवाहिनीम्। वासुदेवमिदं वाक्यमब्रवीत्पुरुषर्षभ ॥८-५७-२॥
O best of men, having turned the earth into a river of blood, flesh, marrow, and bones, this speech was addressed to Vasudeva.
एष केतू रणे कृष्ण सूतपुत्रस्य दृश्यते। भीमसेनादयश्चैते योधयन्ति महारथान् ॥ एते द्रवन्ति पाञ्चालाः कर्णात्त्रस्ता जनार्दन ॥८-५७-३॥
The banner of the son of a charioteer is visible in the battle, O Krishna. Bhimasena and others are engaging the great warriors. The Panchalas are retreating in fear of Karna, O Janardana.
एष दुर्योधनो राजा श्वेतच्छत्रेण भास्वता। कर्णेन भग्नान्पाञ्चालान्द्रावयन्बहु शोभते ॥८-५७-४॥
King Duryodhana, under the shining white umbrella, is prominently driving away the defeated Panchalas with Karna's help.
कृपश्च कृतवर्मा च द्रौणिश्चैव महाबलः। एते रक्षन्ति राजानं सूतपुत्रेण रक्षिताः ॥ अवध्यमानास्तेऽस्माभिर्घातयिष्यन्ति सोमकान् ॥८-५७-५॥
Kṛpa, Kṛtavarmā, and the mighty son of Droṇa are protecting the king, who is safeguarded by the charioteer's son. They are invincible to us and will annihilate the Somakas.
एष शल्यो रथोपस्थे रश्मिसञ्चारकोविदः। सूतपुत्ररथं कृष्ण वाहयन्बहु शोभते ॥८-५७-६॥
Śalya, known for his expertise in handling the reins, is impressively driving the chariot of the charioteer's son, Kṛṣṇa, and stands out magnificently on the chariot seat.
तत्र मे बुद्धिरुत्पन्ना वाहयात्र महारथम्। नाहत्वा समरे कर्णं निवर्तिष्ये कथञ्चन ॥८-५७-७॥
My resolve is firm to drive the great chariot there. I will not return without slaying Karṇa in battle, no matter what.
राधेयोऽप्यन्यथा पार्थान्सृञ्जयांश्च महारथान्। निःशेषान्समरे कुर्यात्पश्यतोर्नौ जनार्दन ॥८-५७-८॥
Karna, if given a chance, would annihilate the Pandavas, the Srinjayas, and the great warriors in battle while we stand by, O Janardana.
ततः प्रायाद्रथेनाशु केशवस्तव वाहिनीम्। कर्णं प्रति महेष्वासं द्वैरथे सव्यसाचिना ॥८-५७-९॥
Then Keśava swiftly drove the chariot towards your army, heading towards Karna, the great archer, for a duel with Savyasācin.
प्रयातश्च महाबाहुः पाण्डवानुज्ञया हरिः। आश्वासयन्रथेनैव पाण्डुसैन्यानि सर्वशः ॥८-५७-१०॥
Hari, the mighty-armed, departed with the Pandavas' permission, offering comfort to all the Pandava armies as he left by chariot.
रथघोषः स सङ्ग्रामे पाण्डवेयस्य सम्बभौ। वासवाशनितुल्यस्य महौघस्येव मारिष ॥८-५७-११॥
In the battle, the sound of the Pandava's chariot echoed like the thunder of Indra, resembling a mighty flood, O great one.
महता रथघोषेण पाण्डवः सत्यविक्रमः। अभ्ययादप्रमेयात्मा विजयस्तव वाहिनीम् ॥८-५७-१२॥
Arjuna, the son of Pandu, renowned for his true prowess and immeasurable soul, approached your army with the great sound of chariots.
तमायान्तं समीक्ष्यैव श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम्। मद्रराजोऽब्रवीत्कर्णं केतुं दृष्ट्वा महात्मनः ॥८-५७-१३॥
The king of Madra, upon seeing him approach with white horses and Krishna as the charioteer, spoke to Karna after noticing the banner of the great soul.
अयं स रथ आयाति श्वेताश्वः कृष्णसारथिः। निघ्नन्नमित्रान्समरे यं कर्ण परिपृच्छसि ॥८-५७-१४॥
This is the chariot that comes with white horses and Krishna as the charioteer, slaying enemies in battle, about whom you inquire, Karna.
एष तिष्ठति कौन्तेयः संस्पृशन्गाण्डिवं धनुः। तं हनिष्यसि चेदद्य तन्नः श्रेयो भविष्यति ॥८-५७-१५॥
The son of Kunti is standing there, holding the Gandiva bow. If you kill him today, it will be beneficial for us.
एषा विदीर्यते सेना धार्तराष्ट्री समन्ततः। अर्जुनस्य भयात्तूर्णं निघ्नतः शात्रवान्बहून् ॥८-५७-१६॥
The army of Dhritarashtra's sons is being scattered in all directions due to the fear of Arjuna, who is swiftly slaying many enemies.
वर्जयन्सर्वसैन्यानि त्वरते हि धनञ्जयः। त्वदर्थमिति मन्येऽहं यथास्योदीर्यते वपुः ॥८-५७-१७॥
Arjuna, avoiding all the armies, hastens indeed. I believe his form is manifested for your sake, as it is revealed.
न ह्यवस्थाप्यते पार्थो युयुत्सुः केनचित्सह। त्वामृते क्रोधदीप्तो हि पीड्यमाने वृकोदरे ॥८-५७-१८॥
Arjuna cannot be restrained by anyone when he is eager to fight, except by you. Indeed, his anger is inflamed when Bhima is being oppressed.
विरथं धर्मराजं च दृष्ट्वा सुदृढविक्षतम्। शिखण्डिनं सात्यकिं च धृष्टद्युम्नं च पार्षतम् ॥८-५७-१९॥
Seeing Dharmaraja without his chariot and severely wounded, Shikhandin, Satyaki, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, were observed.
द्रौपदेयान्युधामन्युमुत्तमौजसमेव च। नकुलं सहदेवं च भ्रातरौ द्वौ समीक्ष्य च ॥८-५७-२०॥
The sons of Draupadi, along with Udhāmanyu and Uttamaujas, and also Nakula and Sahadeva, the two brothers, observed.
सहसैकरथः पार्थस्त्वामभ्येति परन्तप। क्रोधरक्तेक्षणः क्रुद्धो जिघांसुः सर्वधन्विनाम् ॥८-५७-२१॥
Suddenly, Arjuna, the son of Pritha, approaches you on a single chariot, O scorcher of foes, with eyes red with anger, enraged, and intent on killing all archers.
त्वरितोऽभिपतत्यस्मांस्त्यक्त्वा सैन्यान्यसंशयम्। त्वं कर्ण प्रतियाह्येनं नास्त्यन्यो हि धनुर्धरः ॥८-५७-२२॥
Quickly, he approaches us, leaving the armies behind, undoubtedly. You, Karna, must counter him, for there is indeed no other archer like you.
न तं पश्यामि लोकेऽस्मिंस्त्वत्तोऽप्यन्यं धनुर्धरम्। अर्जुनं समरे क्रुद्धं यो वेलामिव धारयेत् ॥८-५७-२३॥
I do not see anyone else in this world, apart from you, who can withstand the wrath of Arjuna in battle, as one would hold back a flood.
न चास्य रक्षां पश्यामि पृष्ठतो न च पार्श्वतः। एक एवाभियाति त्वां पश्य साफल्यमात्मनः ॥८-५७-२४॥
I do not see any protection for him from behind or beside. Only one person approaches you; see the success of his self.
त्वं हि कृष्णौ रणे शक्तः संसाधयितुमाहवे। तवैष भारो राधेय प्रत्युद्याहि धनञ्जयम् ॥८-५७-२५॥
You, O Kṛṣṇa, are indeed capable in battle to accomplish the task in combat. This is your responsibility, O son of Radha, confront Arjuna.
त्वं कृतो ह्येव भीष्मेण द्रोणद्रौणिकृपैरपि। सव्यसाचिप्रतिरथस्तं निवर्तय पाण्डवम् ॥८-५७-२६॥
You have been acknowledged as an equal to Arjuna by Bhishma, Drona, Drona's son, and Kripa. Now, turn back that Pandava.
लेलिहानं यथा सर्पं गर्जन्तमृषभं यथा। लयस्थितं यथा व्याघ्रं जहि कर्ण धनञ्जयम् ॥८-५७-२७॥
"O Dhananjaya, conquer Karna who is like a snake licking its prey, like a bull roaring, and like a tiger hidden in ambush."
एते द्रवन्ति समरे धार्तराष्ट्रा महारथाः। अर्जुनस्य भयात्तूर्णं निरपेक्षा जनाधिपाः ॥८-५७-२८॥
The great warriors, sons of Dhritarashtra, flee the battlefield in haste, driven by fear of Arjuna, showing indifference as kings.
द्रवतामथ तेषां तु युधि नान्योऽस्ति मानवः। भयहा यो भवेद्वीर त्वामृते सूतनन्दन ॥८-५७-२९॥
In the battlefield, among those who are fleeing, there is no other man who can remove fear, O hero, except you, O son of Suta.
एते त्वां कुरवः सर्वे द्वीपमासाद्य संयुगे। विष्ठिताः पुरुषव्याघ्र त्वत्तः शरणकाङ्क्षिणः ॥८-५७-३०॥
These Kurus, having reached the island, stand ready in battle, O tiger among men, seeking your protection.
वैदेहाम्बष्ठकाम्बोजास्तथा नग्नजितस्त्वया। गान्धाराश्च यया धृत्या जिताः सङ्ख्ये सुदुर्जयाः ॥८-५७-३१॥
The people of Videha, Ambashthas, Kambojas, and Nagnajit were conquered by you. Even the Gandharas, known for being very difficult to conquer, were defeated by your firmness in battle.
तां धृतिं कुरु राधेय ततः प्रत्येहि पाण्डवम्। वासुदेवं च वार्ष्णेयं प्रीयमाणं किरीटिना ॥८-५७-३२॥
"Gather your courage, Radheya, and then return to the Pandavas. Vasudeva and Varshneya are pleased with Kiritin."
कर्ण उवाच॥
Karna said:
प्रकृतिस्थो हि मे शल्य इदानीं संमतस्तथा। प्रतिभासि महाबाहो विभीश्चैव धनञ्जयात् ॥८-५७-३३॥
Śalya, who is in his natural state, is now approved by me. O mighty-armed one, you appear fearless indeed, even more so than Dhananjaya.
पश्य बाह्वोर्बलं मेऽद्य शिक्षितस्य च पश्य मे। एकोऽद्य निहनिष्यामि पाण्डवानां महाचमूम् ॥८-५७-३४॥
"Behold the strength of my arms today, and witness my might. Today, I alone shall annihilate the great army of the Pandavas."
कृष्णौ च पुरुषव्याघ्रौ तच्च सत्यं ब्रवीमि ते। नाहत्वा युधि तौ वीरावपयास्ये कथञ्चन ॥८-५७-३५॥
I assure you, Krishna and Arjuna, who are like tigers among men, that I will not retreat without defeating those two heroes in battle.
स्वप्स्ये वा निहतस्ताभ्यामसत्यो हि रणे जयः। कृतार्थो वा भविष्यामि हत्वा तावथ वा हतः ॥८-५७-३६॥
"I will either sleep or be killed by them, as victory in battle is uncertain. Alternatively, I will achieve success by killing them, or I will be killed."
नैतादृशो जातु बभूव लोके; रथोत्तमो यावदनुश्रुतं नः। तमीदृशं प्रतियोत्स्यामि पार्थं; महाहवे पश्य च पौरुषं मे ॥८-५७-३७॥
"Such a chariot has never existed in the world as long as we have heard. I will oppose such an Arjuna in the great battle; see my valor."
रथे चरत्येष रथप्रवीरः; शीघ्रैर्हयैः कौरवराजपुत्रः। स वाद्य मां नेष्यति कृच्छ्रमेत; त्कर्णस्यान्तादेतदन्ताः स्थ सर्वे ॥८-५७-३८॥
The chariot hero, son of the Kuru king, rides swiftly with horses. Today, he will take me with difficulty from the end of Karna; all these ends are here.
अस्वेदिनौ राजपुत्रस्य हस्ता; ववेपिनौ जातकिणौ बृहन्तौ। दृढायुधः कृतिमान्क्षिप्रहस्तो; न पाण्डवेयेन समोऽस्ति योधः ॥८-५७-३९॥
The prince's hands, though large and trembling with hair standing on end, do not sweat. He is a skillful and quick-handed warrior with a firm weapon, unmatched by any warrior, including the son of Pandu.
गृह्णात्यनेकानपि कङ्कपत्रा; नेकं यथा तान्क्षितिपान्प्रमथ्य। ते क्रोशमात्रं निपतन्त्यमोघाः; कस्तेन योधोऽस्ति समः पृथिव्याम् ॥८-५७-४०॥
He wields numerous arrows, effortlessly defeating those kings. They fall within a cry's distance, never failing. Who on earth is a warrior equal to him?
अतोषयत्पाण्डवेयो हुताशं; कृष्णद्वितीयोऽतिरथस्तरस्वी। लेभे चक्रं यत्र कृष्णो महात्मा; धनुर्गाण्डीवं पाण्डवः सव्यसाची ॥८-५७-४१॥
The son of Pandu, with Krishna by his side, satisfied the fire. The great and swift charioteer obtained the discus where the noble Krishna was present, and the ambidextrous Pandava acquired the Gandiva bow.
श्वेताश्वयुक्तं च सुघोषमग्र्यं; रथं महाबाहुरदीनसत्त्वः। महेषुधी चाक्षयौ दिव्यरूपौ; शस्त्राणि दिव्यानि च हव्यवाहात् ॥८-५७-४२॥
The mighty-armed hero, with an undaunted spirit, rode the excellent Sughosha chariot yoked with white horses. He possessed great arrows and inexhaustible divine weapons from the fire god.
तथेन्द्रलोके निजघान दैत्या; नसङ्ख्येयान्कालकेयांश्च सर्वान्। लेभे शङ्खं देवदत्तं स्म तत्र; को नाम तेनाभ्यधिकः पृथिव्याम् ॥८-५७-४३॥
In the realm of Indra, he slew innumerable demons, including all the Kālakeya demons, and acquired the conch named Devadatta. Who on earth is known to be superior to him?
महादेवं तोषयामास चैव; साक्षात्सुयुद्धेन महानुभावः। लेभे ततः पाशुपतं सुघोरं; त्रैलोक्यसंहारकरं महास्त्रम् ॥८-५७-४४॥
The great soul, having directly pleased Lord Shiva through a noble battle, obtained the fearsome Pashupata weapon, which has the power to destroy the three worlds.
पृथक्पृथग्लोकपालाः समेता; ददुर्ह्यस्त्राण्यप्रमेयाणि यस्य। यैस्ताञ्जघानाशु रणे नृसिंहा; न्स कालखञ्जानसुरान्समेतान् ॥८-५७-४५॥
The guardians of the world, each individually, came together and provided him with immeasurable weapons. With these, the heroes swiftly defeated the assembled demons in battle.
तथा विराटस्य पुरे समेता; न्सर्वानस्मानेकरथेन जित्वा। जहार तद्गोधनमाजिमध्ये; वस्त्राणि चादत्त महारथेभ्यः ॥८-५७-४६॥
In the city of Virata, after gathering, he conquered all of us with a single chariot, took away the cattle during the battle, and distributed garments to the great charioteers.
तमीदृशं वीर्यगुणोपपन्नं; कृष्णद्वितीयं वरये रणाय। अनन्तवीर्येण च केशवेन; नारायणेनाप्रतिमेन गुप्तम् ॥८-५७-४७॥
I choose him, who is endowed with heroic qualities and is like a second Krishna, for the battle; protected by the endless valor of Keshava and the incomparable Narayana.
वर्षायुतैर्यस्य गुणा न शक्या; वक्तुं समेतैरपि सर्वलोकैः। महात्मनः शङ्खचक्रासिपाणे; र्विष्णोर्जिष्णोर्वसुदेवात्मजस्य ॥
The qualities of the great soul, Vishnu, who holds the conch, discus, and sword, and is the son of Vasudeva, cannot be described even by all the worlds together.
उभौ हि शूरौ कृतिनौ दृढास्त्रौ; महारथौ संहननोपपन्नौ। एतादृशौ फल्गुनवासुदेवौ; कोऽन्यः प्रतीयान्मदृते नु शल्य ॥८-५७-४९॥
Both Arjuna and Krishna are great heroes, skilled and firm in their weaponry, and are great charioteers endowed with strength. Who else, except me, Shalya, can face such warriors?
एतावहं युधि वा पातयिष्ये; मां वा कृष्णौ निहनिष्यतोऽद्य। इति ब्रुवञ्शल्यममित्रहन्ता; कर्णो रणे मेघ इवोन्ननाद ॥८-५७-५०॥
Karna, the slayer of foes, declared to Shalya that he would either bring down his enemies in battle or be slain by Krishna and Arjuna today. With this declaration, he roared like a cloud in the battlefield.
अभ्येत्य पुत्रेण तवाभिनन्दितः; समेत्य चोवाच कुरुप्रवीरान्। कृपं च भोजं च महाभुजावुभौ; तथैव गान्धारनृपं सहानुजम् ॥ गुरोः सुतं चावरजं तथात्मनः; पदातिनोऽथ द्विपसादिनोऽन्यान् ॥८-५७-५१॥
Having approached and been greeted by your son, he assembled and addressed the heroes of the Kuru dynasty: Kṛpa and Bhoja, both mighty-armed, as well as the king of Gandhara with his younger brother, the son of the teacher and his younger brother, and also himself, the infantry, then the elephant riders and others.
निरुन्धताभिद्रवताच्युतार्जुनौ; श्रमेण संयोजयताशु सर्वतः। यथा भवद्भिर्भृशविक्षतावुभौ; सुखेन हन्यामहमद्य भूमिपाः ॥८-५७-५२॥
"Block and attack Acyuta and Arjuna with effort from all sides quickly, so that both of them, being severely wounded by you, can be easily killed by me today, O kings."
तथेति चोक्त्वा त्वरिताः स्म तेऽर्जुनं; जिघांसवो वीरतमाः समभ्ययुः। नदीनदान्भूरिजलो महार्णवो; यथा तथा तान्समरेऽर्जुनोऽग्रसत् ॥८-५७-५३॥
Having spoken thus, the bravest warriors quickly approached Arjuna with the intent to kill. Just as a great ocean swallows rivers and streams, so did Arjuna consume them in battle.
न संदधानो न तथा शरोत्तमा; न्प्रमुञ्चमानो रिपुभिः प्रदृश्यते। धनञ्जयस्तस्य शरैश्च दारिता; हताश्च पेतुर्नरवाजिकुञ्जराः ॥८-५७-५४॥
Arjuna, neither aiming nor releasing his best arrows, was not seen by the enemies. His arrows pierced and killed, causing men, horses, and elephants to fall.
शरार्चिषं गाण्डिवचारुमण्डलं; युगान्तसूर्यप्रतिमानतेजसम्। न कौरवाः शेकुरुदीक्षितुं जयं; यथा रविं व्याधितचक्षुषो जनाः ॥८-५७-५५॥
The Kauravas could not gaze upon the victory, which was as radiant as the sun at the end of the age, with its arrows like flames and the beautiful circle of the Gandiva bow, just as people with diseased eyes cannot look at the sun.
तमभ्यधावद्विसृजञ्शरान्कृप; स्तथैव भोजस्तव चात्मजः स्वयम्। जिघांसुभिस्तान्कुशलैः शरोत्तमा; न्महाहवे सञ्जवितान्प्रयत्नतः ॥ शरैः प्रचिच्छेद च पाण्डवस्त्वर; न्पराभिनद्वक्षसि च त्रिभिस्त्रिभिः ॥८-५७-५६॥
Kṛpa, along with Bhoja and your son, charged towards him, releasing arrows with the intent to kill. They used skillful and excellent arrows swiftly and with great effort in the battle. Meanwhile, Pāṇḍava quickly cut off their attack with his arrows and pierced their chests with three arrows each.
स गाण्डिवाभ्यायतपूर्णमण्डल; स्तपन्रिपूनर्जुनभास्करो बभौ। शरोग्ररश्मिः शुचिशुक्रमध्यगो; यथैव सूर्यः परिवेषगस्तथा ॥८-५७-५७॥
Arjuna, wielding the Gandiva bow, shone brilliantly like the sun, scorching his enemies. His arrows, fierce and bright, radiated purity, much like the sun surrounded by its rays.
अथाग्र्यबाणैर्दशभिर्धनञ्जयं; पराभिनद्द्रोणसुतोऽच्युतं त्रिभिः। चतुर्भिरश्वांश्चतुरः कपिं तथा; शरैः स नाराचवरैरवाकिरत् ॥८-५७-५८॥
Then, the son of Drona, using ten excellent arrows, pierced Dhananjaya, and with three arrows, he struck Acyuta. He also hit the four horses and the monkey with four arrows, showering them with excellent iron arrows.
तथा तु तत्तत्स्फुरदात्तकार्मुकं; त्रिभिः शरैर्यन्तृशिरः क्षुरेण। हयांश्चतुर्भिश्चतुरस्त्रिभिर्ध्वजं; धनञ्जयो द्रौणिरथान्न्यपातयत् ॥८-५७-५९॥
Thus, Dhananjaya skillfully used his shining bow to shoot three arrows, cutting off the charioteer's head with a razor-sharp arrow, bringing down the horses with four arrows, and the banner with three, thereby felling Drauni's chariots.
स रोषपूर्णोऽशनिवज्रहाटकै; रलङ्कृतं तक्षकभोगवर्चसम्। सुबन्धनं कार्मुकमन्यदाददे; यथा महाहिप्रवरं गिरेस्तथा ॥८-५७-६०॥
In his fury, he seized another sturdy bow, which was as formidable as the great serpent chief of the mountain, and was adorned with the brilliance of Takshaka's hood and the strength of a thunderbolt.
स्वमायुधं चोपविकीर्य भूतले; धनुश्च कृत्वा सगुणं गुणाधिकः। समानयानावजितौ नरोत्तमौ; शरोत्तमैर्द्रौणिरविध्यदन्तिकात् ॥८-५७-६१॥
Drona's son, scattering his own weapon on the ground and stringing his bow, which was excellent in qualities, pierced the best of men, who were equally matched and conquered, with excellent arrows from a distance.
कृपश्च भोजश्च तथात्मजश्च ते; तमोनुदं वारिधरा इवापतन्। कृपस्य पार्थः सशरं शरासनं; हयान्ध्वजं सारथिमेव पत्रिभिः ॥८-५७-६२॥
Kṛpa, Bhoja, and their son descended like clouds that dispel darkness. Arjuna, with his bow and arrows, targeted Kṛpa's horses, flag, and charioteer with his arrows.
शरैः प्रचिच्छेद तवात्मजस्य; ध्वजं धनुश्च प्रचकर्त नर्दतः। जघान चाश्वान्कृतवर्मणः शुभा; न्ध्वजं च चिच्छेद ततः प्रतापवान् ॥८-५७-६३॥
With his arrows, he severed the flag of your son and broke the bow of the one who was roaring. He also killed the splendid horses of Kṛtavarman and then, the mighty warrior cut down the flag.
सवाजिसूतेष्वसनान्सकेतना; ञ्जघान नागाश्वरथांस्त्वरंश्च सः। ततः प्रकीर्णं सुमहद्बलं तव; प्रदारितं सेतुरिवाम्भसा यथा ॥ ततोऽर्जुनस्याशु रथेन केशव; श्चकार शत्रूनपसव्यमातुरान् ॥८-५७-६४॥
With horses, charioteers, arrows, and banners, he swiftly struck elephants, horses, and chariots. Then your great army was scattered and torn apart like a bridge by water. Then Keshava, quickly maneuvering Arjuna's chariot, caused the distressed enemies to turn to the left.
ततः प्रयान्तं त्वरितं धनञ्जयं; शतक्रतुं वृत्रनिजघ्नुषं यथा। समन्वधावन्पुनरुच्छ्रितैर्ध्वजै; रथैः सुयुक्तैरपरे युयुत्सवः ॥८-५७-६५॥
Then, swift Dhananjaya departed, like Indra who slew Vritra. Again, others, eager for battle, followed with raised flags and well-yoked chariots.
अथाभिसृत्य प्रतिवार्य तानरी; न्धनञ्जयस्याभि रथं महारथाः। शिखण्डिशैनेययमाः शितैः शरै; र्विदारयन्तो व्यनदन्सुभैरवम् ॥८-५७-६६॥
Then, the great warriors, having approached and obstructed the enemies, moved towards Dhananjaya's chariot. Shikhandi, the son of Sini, and Yama's forces, tore apart the enemies with sharp arrows, roaring terribly.
ततोऽभिजघ्नुः कुपिताः परस्परं; शरैस्तदाञ्जोगतिभिः सुतेजनैः। कुरुप्रवीराः सह सृञ्जयैर्यथा; सुराः पुरा देववरैरयोधयन् ॥८-५७-६७॥
Then, in their anger, the Kuru heroes, alongside the Sṛñjayas, attacked each other with swift and well-crafted arrows, just as the gods once battled with the supreme deities in ancient times.
जयेप्सवः स्वर्गमनाय चोत्सुकाः; पतन्ति नागाश्वरथाः परन्तप। जगर्जुरुच्चैर्बलवच्च विव्यधुः; शरैः सुमुक्तैरितरेतरं पृथक् ॥८-५७-६८॥
Desiring victory and eager to ascend to heaven, the elephants, horses, and chariots fall, O Parantapa. They roared loudly and powerfully, and pierced each other with well-aimed arrows.
शरान्धकारे तु महात्मभिः कृते; महामृधे योधवरैः परस्परम्। बभुर्दशाशा न दिवं च पार्थिव; प्रभा च सूर्यस्य तमोवृताभवत् ॥८-५७-६९॥
In the great battle, the best of warriors engaged with each other, creating darkness with their arrows. The ten directions, the sky, and the earthly light, including the sun's light, were all enveloped in darkness.
