09.015
Pancharatra and Core: The Kaurava army retreats; Duryodhana faces defeat at the hands of Bhima; unable to withstand Yudhisthira, Shalya is taken away by Ashwatthama.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said.
ततः सैन्यास्तव विभो मद्रराजपुरस्कृताः। पुनरभ्यद्रवन्पार्थान्वेगेन महता रणे ॥९-१५-१॥
Then, O lord, your forces, led by the king of Madra, once more charged at the Pandavas with great speed in the battle.
पीडितास्तावकाः सर्वे प्रधावन्तो रणोत्कटाः। क्षणेनैव च पार्थांस्ते बहुत्वात्समलोडयन् ॥९-१५-२॥
All your men, though fierce in battle, were afflicted and started running away. However, in a moment, they overwhelmed the sons of Pritha due to their large numbers.
ते वध्यमानाः कुरुभिः पाण्डवा नावतस्थिरे। निवार्यमाणा भीमेन पश्यतोः कृष्णपार्थयोः ॥९-१५-३॥
The Pandavas, under attack by the Kauravas, could not hold their ground as Bhima restrained them, all while Krishna and Arjuna watched.
ततो धनञ्जयः क्रुद्धः कृपं सह पदानुगैः। अवाकिरच्छरौघेण कृतवर्माणमेव च ॥९-१५-४॥
Then, in his anger, Dhananjaya showered a torrent of arrows upon Kripa and his followers, as well as Kritavarma.
शकुनिं सहदेवस्तु सहसैन्यमवारयत्। नकुलः पार्श्वतः स्थित्वा मद्रराजमवैक्षत ॥९-१५-५॥
Sahadeva, with his army, halted Shakuni. Meanwhile, Nakula stood aside and observed the Madra king.
द्रौपदेया नरेन्द्रांश्च भूयिष्ठं समवारयन्। द्रोणपुत्रं च पाञ्चाल्यः शिखण्डी समवारयत् ॥९-१५-६॥
The sons of Draupadī primarily held back the kings, while the Pāñcāla prince Śikhaṇḍī held back Droṇa's son.
भीमसेनस्तु राजानं गदापाणिरवारयत्। शल्यं तु सह सैन्येन कुन्तीपुत्रो युधिष्ठिरः ॥९-१५-७॥
Bhimasena, wielding his mace, halted the king, while Yudhishthira, Kunti's son, with his army, confronted Shalya.
ततः समभवद्युद्धं संसक्तं तत्र तत्र ह। तावकानां परेषां च सङ्ग्रामेष्वनिवर्तिनाम् ॥९-१५-८॥
Then a fierce battle arose, engaged at various places, between your forces and the enemies, all of whom were determined not to retreat.
तत्र पश्यामहे कर्म शल्यस्यातिमहद्रणे। यदेकः सर्वसैन्यानि पाण्डवानामयुध्यत ॥९-१५-९॥
There we witness the mighty deeds of Śalya in battle, where he single-handedly fought against all the armies of the Pāṇḍavas.
व्यदृश्यत तदा शल्यो युधिष्ठिरसमीपतः। रणे चन्द्रमसोऽभ्याशे शनैश्चर इव ग्रहः ॥९-१५-१०॥
Śalya appeared near Yudhishthira on the battlefield, resembling Saturn close to the moon.
पीडयित्वा तु राजानं शरैराशीविषोपमैः। अभ्यधावत्पुनर्भीमं शरवर्षैरवाकिरत् ॥९-१५-११॥
After tormenting the king with serpent-like arrows, he once again charged at Bhima, enveloping him in a rain of arrows.
तस्य तल्लाघवं दृष्ट्वा तथैव च कृतास्त्रताम्। अपूजयन्ननीकानि परेषां तावकानि च ॥९-१५-१२॥
Seeing his agility and skill in weaponry, both the enemy's and your armies honored him equally.
पीड्यमानास्तु शल्येन पाण्डवा भृशविक्षताः। प्राद्रवन्त रणं हित्वा क्रोशमाने युधिष्ठिरे ॥९-१५-१३॥
The Pāṇḍavas, severely wounded and afflicted by Śalya, fled the battlefield, leaving Yudhiṣṭhira behind, who was crying out.
वध्यमानेष्वनीकेषु मद्रराजेन पाण्डवः। अमर्षवशमापन्नो धर्मराजो युधिष्ठिरः ॥ ततः पौरुषमास्थाय मद्रराजमपीडयत् ॥९-१५-१४॥
As the armies were being slain by the king of Madra, Yudhishthira, the son of Pandu and the king of righteousness, overcome by anger, then assumed manliness and tormented the king of Madra.
जयो वास्तु वधो वेति कृतबुद्धिर्महारथः। समाहूयाब्रवीत्सर्वान्भ्रातॄन्कृष्णं च माधवम् ॥९-१५-१५॥
The great warrior, resolved on either victory or defeat, summoned all his brothers along with Krishna and Madhava, and spoke to them.
भीष्मो द्रोणश्च कर्णश्च ये चान्ये पृथिवीक्षितः। कौरवार्थे पराक्रान्ताः सङ्ग्रामे निधनं गताः ॥९-१५-१६॥
Bhishma, Drona, Karna, and other kings fought valiantly and met their end in battle for the cause of the Kauravas.
यथाभागं यथोत्साहं भवन्तः कृतपौरुषाः। भागोऽवशिष्ट एकोऽयं मम शल्यो महारथः ॥९-१५-१७॥
According to the division and enthusiasm, you all have made efforts. The only part remaining is my great charioteer, Śalya.
सोऽहमद्य युधा जेतुमाशंसे मद्रकेश्वरम्। तत्र यन्मानसं मह्यं तत्सर्वं निगदामि वः ॥९-१५-१८॥
Today, I hope to defeat the king of Madra in battle. I declare to you everything that is on my mind there.
चक्ररक्षाविमौ शूरौ मम माद्रवतीसुतौ। अजेयौ वासवेनापि समरे वीरसंमतौ ॥९-१५-१९॥
These two valiant sons of Madravati, who are the protectors of the wheel, are considered invincible even by Indra in battle and are highly regarded by heroes.
साध्विमौ मातुलं युद्धे क्षत्रधर्मपुरस्कृतौ। मदर्थं प्रतियुध्येतां मानार्हौ सत्यसङ्गरौ ॥९-१५-२०॥
These two honorable warriors should confront their maternal uncle in battle, upholding the warrior's duty for my sake, and remain true to their word.
मां वा शल्यो रणे हन्ता तं वाहं भद्रमस्तु वः। इति सत्यामिमां वाणीं लोकवीरा निबोधत ॥९-१५-२१॥
Śalya may kill me in battle or I may kill him. May good be with you. Thus, understand this true speech, O heroes of the world.
योत्स्येऽहं मातुलेनाद्य क्षत्रधर्मेण पार्थिवाः। स्वयं समभिसन्धाय विजयायेतराय वा ॥९-१५-२२॥
Today, I will engage in battle with my uncle, adhering to the duty of a warrior, O kings, having resolved myself for either victory or defeat.
तस्य मेऽभ्यधिकं शस्त्रं सर्वोपकरणानि च। संयुञ्जन्तु रणे क्षिप्रं शास्त्रवद्रथयोजकाः ॥९-१५-२३॥
The charioteers should quickly equip his excessive weapon and all equipment in battle according to the scriptures.
शैनेयो दक्षिणं चक्रं धृष्टद्युम्नस्तथोत्तरम्। पृष्ठगोपो भवत्वद्य मम पार्थो धनञ्जयः ॥९-१५-२४॥
Śaineya will take the right wheel, Dhṛṣṭadyumna the left, and today my Pārtha, Dhanañjaya, will guard the rear.
पुरःसरो ममाद्यास्तु भीमः शस्त्रभृतां वरः। एवमभ्यधिकः शल्याद्भविष्यामि महामृधे ॥९-१५-२५॥
"Let Bhima, the foremost among the wielders of weapons, lead me today. In this way, I shall surpass Shalya in the great battle."
एवमुक्तास्तथा चक्रुः सर्वे राज्ञः प्रियैषिणः। ततः प्रहर्षः सैन्यानां पुनरासीत्तदा नृप ॥९-१५-२६॥
Upon hearing these words, all the kings, who were well-wishers, acted accordingly. Then, O king, the soldiers were filled with joy once more.
पाञ्चालानां सोमकानां मत्स्यानां च विशेषतः। प्रतिज्ञां तां च सङ्ग्रामे धर्मराजस्य पूरयन् ॥९-१५-२७॥
He fulfilled the vow made by the Pāñcālas, Somakas, and Matsyas, especially in the battle led by Dharmaraja.
ततः शङ्खांश्च भेरीश्च शतशश्चैव पुष्करान्। अवादयन्त पाञ्चालाः सिंहनादांश्च नेदिरे ॥९-१५-२८॥
Then the Panchalas blew their conch shells, beat their drums and kettledrums by the hundreds, and the sound of lion roars echoed all around.
तेऽभ्यधावन्त संरब्धा मद्रराजं तरस्विनः। महता हर्षजेनाथ नादेन कुरुपुङ्गवाः ॥९-१५-२९॥
The Kuru warriors, filled with excitement and swiftness, charged towards the Madra king with a great sound of joy.
ह्रादेन गजघण्टानां शङ्खानां निनदेन च। तूर्यशब्देन महता नादयन्तश्च मेदिनीम् ॥९-१५-३०॥
The earth was resonating with the loud sounds of elephant bells, conches, and musical instruments, creating a thunderous roar.
तान्प्रत्यगृह्णात्पुत्रस्ते मद्रराजश्च वीर्यवान्। महामेघानिव बहूञ्शैलावस्तोदयावुभौ ॥९-१५-३१॥
Your son, the valiant king of Madra, welcomed them as if they were many great clouds rising over the mountains.
शल्यस्तु समरश्लाघी धर्मराजमरिंदमम्। ववर्ष शरवर्षेण वर्षेण मघवानिव ॥९-१५-३२॥
Śalya, proud of his prowess in battle, attacked Dharmaraja, the subduer of enemies, with a torrent of arrows, just as Indra would shower rain.
तथैव कुरुराजोऽपि प्रगृह्य रुचिरं धनुः। द्रोणोपदेशान्विविधान्दर्शयानो महामनाः ॥९-१५-३३॥
In the same way, the king of the Kurus, with great intent, took up the beautiful bow and demonstrated the various teachings of Drona.
ववर्ष शरवर्षाणि चित्रं लघु च सुष्ठु च। न चास्य विवरं कश्चिद्ददर्श चरतो रणे ॥९-१५-३४॥
He skillfully rained a wonderful and light shower of arrows, and no one could see any opening as he moved in the battle.
तावुभौ विविधैर्बाणैस्ततक्षाते परस्परम्। शार्दूलावामिषप्रेप्सू पराक्रान्ताविवाहवे ॥९-१५-३५॥
Those two warriors, like fierce tigers eager for flesh, valiantly pierced each other with various arrows in battle.
भीमस्तु तव पुत्रेण रणशौण्डेन सङ्गतः। पाञ्चाल्यः सात्यकिश्चैव माद्रीपुत्रौ च पाण्डवौ ॥ शकुनिप्रमुखान्वीरान्प्रत्यगृह्णन्समन्ततः ॥९-१५-३६॥
Bhima, along with your son, the warrior, joined forces. Panchali, Satyaki, and the sons of Madri, the Pandavas, confronted the heroes led by Shakuni from all directions.
तदासीत्तुमुलं युद्धं पुनरेव जयैषिणाम्। तावकानां परेषां च राजन्दुर्मन्त्रिते तव ॥९-१५-३७॥
The fierce battle resumed once more between your forces and the enemies, O king, due to your poor counsel.
दुर्योधनस्तु भीमस्य शरेणानतपर्वणा। चिच्छेदादिश्य सङ्ग्रामे ध्वजं हेमविभूषितम् ॥९-१५-३८॥
Duryodhana, however, aimed and cut down the flag adorned with gold in the battle using an arrow with a bent tip.
सकिङ्किणीकजालेन महता चारुदर्शनः। पपात रुचिरः सिंहो भीमसेनस्य नानदन् ॥९-१५-३९॥
The splendid lion adorned with a great net of small bells, beautiful to behold, fell with a roar, belonging to Bhimasena.
पुनश्चास्य धनुश्चित्रं गजराजकरोपमम्। क्षुरेण शितधारेण प्रचकर्त नराधिपः ॥९-१५-४०॥
Once more, his bow, as magnificent as the trunk of the king of elephants, was severed by the king using a razor-sharp blade.
स च्छिन्नधन्वा तेजस्वी रथशक्त्या सुतं तव। बिभेदोरसि विक्रम्य स रथोपस्थ आविशत् ॥९-१५-४१॥
He, with his bow broken and full of brilliance, pierced your son in the chest with the spear of the chariot, and then, having advanced, he entered the seat of the chariot.
तस्मिन्मोहमनुप्राप्ते पुनरेव वृकोदरः। यन्तुरेव शिरः कायात्क्षुरप्रेणाहरत्तदा ॥९-१५-४२॥
In his delusion, Vrikodara (Bhima) once again swiftly took Yantu's head from his body with a razor.
हतसूता हयास्तस्य रथमादाय भारत। व्यद्रवन्त दिशो राजन्हाहाकारस्तदाभवत् ॥९-१५-४३॥
With the charioteer slain, the horses took the chariot and fled in all directions, O Bharata, causing a great uproar at that time, O king.
तमभ्यधावत्त्राणार्थं द्रोणपुत्रो महारथः। कृपश्च कृतवर्मा च पुत्रं तेऽभिपरीप्सवः ॥९-१५-४४॥
Drona's son, the great warrior, along with Kripa and Kritavarma, rushed to protect your son.
तस्मिन्विलुलिते सैन्ये त्रस्तास्तस्य पदानुगाः। गाण्डीवधन्वा विस्फार्य धनुस्तानहनच्छरैः ॥९-१५-४५॥
In the disrupted army, Arjuna's frightened followers were struck by him as he stretched his bow and shot arrows.
युधिष्ठिरस्तु मद्रेशमभ्यधावदमर्षितः। स्वयं सञ्चोदयन्नश्वान्दन्तवर्णान्मनोजवान् ॥९-१५-४६॥
Yudhishthira, filled with anger, charged at the king of Madra, personally driving his horses that were as white as teeth and as swift as the mind.
तत्राद्भुतमपश्याम कुन्तीपुत्रे युधिष्ठिरे। पुरा भूत्वा मृदुर्दान्तो यत्तदा दारुणोऽभवत् ॥९-१५-४७॥
There we witnessed a remarkable transformation in Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti. Once gentle and self-controlled, he turned harsh.
विवृताक्षश्च कौन्तेयो वेपमानश्च मन्युना। चिच्छेद योधान्निशितैः शरैः शतसहस्रशः ॥९-१५-४८॥
The son of Kunti, with eyes wide open and trembling in anger, cut down the warriors with his sharp arrows by the hundreds of thousands.
यां यां प्रत्युद्ययौ सेनां तां तां ज्येष्ठः स पाण्डवः। शरैरपातयद्राजन्गिरीन्वज्रैरिवोत्तमैः ॥९-१५-४९॥
The eldest of the Pāṇḍavas, upon encountering any army, would bring it down with his arrows, just as excellent mountains are struck down by thunderbolts, O king.
साश्वसूतध्वजरथान्रथिनः पातयन्बहून्। आक्रीडदेको बलवान्पवनस्तोयदानिव ॥९-१५-५०॥
He, strong and alone, caused many charioteers with their horses, flags, and chariots to fall, playing like the wind does with clouds.
साश्वारोहांश्च तुरगान्पत्तींश्चैव सहस्रशः। व्यपोथयत सङ्ग्रामे क्रुद्धो रुद्रः पशूनिव ॥९-१५-५१॥
In the battle, the furious Rudra crushed thousands of horsemen, horses, and foot soldiers as if they were mere beasts.
शून्यमायोधनं कृत्वा शरवर्षैः समन्ततः। अभ्यद्रवत मद्रेशं तिष्ठ शल्येति चाब्रवीत् ॥९-१५-५२॥
After clearing the battlefield with a barrage of arrows, he charged at the king of Madra, shouting, "Halt, Śalya!"
तस्य तच्चरितं दृष्ट्वा सङ्ग्रामे भीमकर्मणः। वित्रेसुस्तावकाः सर्वे शल्यस्त्वेनं समभ्ययात् ॥९-१५-५३॥
Upon witnessing his formidable actions in the battle, all your warriors were struck with fear, yet Śalya advanced towards him.
ततस्तौ तु सुसंरब्धौ प्रध्माप्य सलिलोद्भवौ। समाहूय तदान्योन्यं भर्त्सयन्तौ समीयतुः ॥९-१५-५४॥
Then those two, very agitated and born of water, blew their conches, called each other, and came together threateningly.
शल्यस्तु शरवर्षेण युधिष्ठिरमवाकिरत्। मद्रराजं च कौन्तेयः शरवर्षैरवाकिरत् ॥९-१५-५५॥
Shalya attacked Yudhishthira with a barrage of arrows, while the son of Kunti, Arjuna, retaliated by showering arrows upon the king of Madra.
व्यदृश्येतां तदा राजन्कङ्कपत्रिभिराहवे। उद्भिन्नरुधिरौ शूरौ मद्रराजयुधिष्ठिरौ ॥९-१५-५६॥
Then, O king, the brave Madra king and Yudhishthira were seen bleeding from the arrows in the battle.
पुष्पिताविव रेजाते वने शल्मलिकिंशुका। दीप्यमानौ महात्मानौ प्राणयोर्युद्धदुर्मदौ ॥९-१५-५७॥
The two great souls, glowing with arrogance in battle, stood like blooming silk-cotton and flame of the forest trees in the forest.
दृष्ट्वा सर्वाणि सैन्यानि नाध्यवस्यंस्तयोर्जयम्। हत्वा मद्राधिपं पार्थो भोक्ष्यतेऽद्य वसुन्धराम् ॥९-१५-५८॥
Upon seeing all the armies, he could not determine the victory between the two sides. Today, after slaying the king of Madra, Arjuna will enjoy the earth.
शल्यो वा पाण्डवं हत्वा दद्याद्दुर्योधनाय गाम्। इतीव निश्चयो नाभूद्योधानां तत्र भारत ॥९-१५-५९॥
There was no consensus among the warriors, O Bhārata, whether Śalya would kill the Pāṇḍava and give a cow to Duryodhana.
प्रदक्षिणमभूत्सर्वं धर्मराजस्य युध्यतः। ततः शरशतं शल्यो मुमोचाशु युधिष्ठिरे। धनुश्चास्य शिताग्रेण बाणेन निरकृन्तत ॥९-१५-६१॥
As Dharmaraja was engaged in battle, everything seemed to revolve around him. Then Shalya quickly shot a hundred arrows at Yudhishthira, cutting off his bow with a sharp-pointed arrow.
सोऽन्यत्कार्मुकमादाय शल्यं शरशतैस्त्रिभिः। अविध्यत्कार्मुकं चास्य क्षुरेण निरकृन्तत ॥९-१५-६२॥
He took another bow and pierced the arrow with three hundred arrows, then cut off his bow with a razor.
अथास्य निजघानाश्वांश्चतुरो नतपर्वभिः। द्वाभ्यामथ शिताग्राभ्यामुभौ च पार्ष्णिसारथी ॥९-१५-६३॥
Then he killed his four horses with bent joints, and then with two sharp points, he also killed both the charioteer at the back.
ततोऽस्य दीप्यमानेन पीतेन निशितेन च। प्रमुखे वर्तमानस्य भल्लेनापाहरद्ध्वजम् ॥ ततः प्रभग्नं तत्सैन्यं दौर्योधनमरिंदम ॥९-१५-६४॥
Then, with a bright, yellow, and sharp arrow, he struck down the flag at the forefront. Consequently, O subduer of enemies, Duryodhana's army was shattered.
ततो मद्राधिपं द्रौणिरभ्यधावत्तथाकृतम्। आरोप्य चैनं स्वरथं त्वरमाणः प्रदुद्रुवे ॥९-१५-६५॥
Then, Drona's son approached the king of Madras, arranged things accordingly, and hurriedly drove away after mounting him on his chariot.
मुहूर्तमिव तौ गत्वा नर्दमाने युधिष्ठिरे। स्थित्वा ततो मद्रपतिरन्यं स्यन्दनमास्थितः ॥९-१५-६६॥
For a moment, they went to the roaring Yudhishthira, and after standing there, the king of Madra ascended another chariot.
विधिवत्कल्पितं शुभ्रं महाम्बुदनिनादिनम्। सज्जयन्त्रोपकरणं द्विषतां रोमहर्षणम् ॥९-१५-६७॥
The structure was meticulously constructed, gleaming white, and resonated like a mighty cloud. It was equipped with machinery and instruments, instilling fear in the enemies.
