09.005
Core and Pancharatra: When asked, Ashwatthama suggests Shalya as commander. Duryodhana appoints Shalya to command the Kaurava army.
Sanjaya said.
Then, on the Himalayan plateau, all the great kings and warriors gathered, rejoicing in the prospect of battle.
Shalya, Citrasena, Shakuni, Ashwatthama, Kripa, Kritavarma, and Satyaki, all great warriors, were present.
Suṣena, Ariṣṭasena, Dhṛtasena, Jayatsena, and the other powerful kings spent the night there.
In the battle, after Karna was slain, the heroic sons, frightened by the victorious Kashi princes, found no peace except in the Himalayas.
They collectively addressed the king in the presence of the army, having made efforts in the battle, O king, and properly honored him at that time.
You should appoint a leader for the army and fight the enemies. With his protection, we, as friends, may achieve victory in battle.
Then Duryodhana, standing on his chariot, appeared as the best among charioteers, knowledgeable in all divisions of war, and resembling the destroyer in battle.
The figure possesses its own body with a hidden head, a neck like a conch, speaks sweetly, faces a blooming lotus, has a face like a tiger, and holds the dignity of a mountain.
He resembles Shiva and the bull, with shoulders, eyes, movement, and sounds; his arms are nourished, embraced, and extended, and he has a well-expanded, dense chest.
He is as swift and strong as the wind, the brother of Aruṇa; as brilliant as the sun; and as wise as Uśanas.
The beauty, form, and majesty of the face are like the moon with its three aspects; it resembles clusters of golden stones, compact and well-jointed.
The creator, with great effort, crafted a being with well-formed thighs, waist, calves, beautiful feet, and own fingers and nails, remembering the qualities.
He is endowed with all characteristics, skillful, an ocean of knowledge, a conqueror of the swift enemies, and invincible by enemies by force.
"One who truly understands the ten-limbed, four-footed missile weapon, along with the four Vedas and their complete narration, is wise."
Having worshipped Lord Shiva, the three-eyed deity, with great effort and fierce vows, the great ascetic was born from the one not born of a womb, by Droṇa, who himself was not born of a womb.
The son approached Ashwatthama, who was unmatched in deeds and unequaled in form on earth, a master of all knowledge, an ocean of virtues, and blameless, and said to him.
Placing him at the forefront, we shall conquer the Pandavas in battle together. Today, the teacher's son is our supreme refuge. Therefore, by your command, who should be appointed as my general?
Drona's son said.
Let Śalya, who is endowed with all noble qualities such as family heritage, valor, brilliance, fame, and wealth, be our commander of the army.
The grateful Mahasena, having left his own nephews, approached us with his mighty arms, resembling another Mahasena.
By appointing him as the general, O noble king, we can achieve victory like the invincible Skanda, with the help of the gods.
Upon hearing the words of Droṇa's son, all the kings gathered around Śalya, raising cries of victory. They prepared themselves for battle, filled with great enthusiasm and determination.
Then Duryodhana, standing on the ground, addressed Shalya, who was on the chariot, with folded hands, showing respect and equating him to the great warriors Rama and Bhishma in the battle.
This is the time, O lover of friends, when wise people discern between friends and non-friends.
"You should be our hero and leader at the front of the army. When the battle ensues, the Pāṇḍavas will become dull-minded, and the Pāñcālas along with their ministers will become inactive."
Śalya spoke.
O King, what you think of me, I do it all for your pleasure, indeed, my entire life, kingdom, and wealth are for you.
Duryodhana said.
I, by the commander, choose you, my incomparable uncle. May Skanda, the best among warriors, protect us in battles like the gods do in war.
O King, after being anointed, like the fire among the gods, conquer your enemies in battle, O hero, just as Mahendra (Indra) conquered the demons.
