09.056
Core and Pancharatra: War commences and both Bhima and Yudhisthira appear equally posed.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said.
ततो दुर्योधनो दृष्ट्वा भीमसेनं तथागतम्। प्रत्युद्ययावदीनात्मा वेगेन महता नदन् ॥९-५६-१॥
Then Duryodhana, upon seeing Bhimasena arrive in such a manner, advanced with great speed, undaunted and roaring.
समापेततुरानद्य शृङ्गिणौ वृषभाविव। महानिर्घातघोषश्च सम्प्रहारस्तयोरभूत् ॥९-५६-२॥
The two horned ones approached each other with a roar, like mighty bulls. Their clash was accompanied by a sound like great thunder.
अभवच्च तयोर्युद्धं तुमुलं रोमहर्षणम्। जिगीषतोर्युधान्योन्यमिन्द्रप्रह्रादयोरिव ॥९-५६-३॥
A fierce and hair-raising battle ensued between the two warriors, each desiring victory, reminiscent of the legendary battles between Indra and Prahlada.
रुधिरोक्षितसर्वाङ्गौ गदाहस्तौ मनस्विनौ। ददृशाते महात्मानौ पुष्पिताविव किंशुकौ ॥९-५६-४॥
The two spirited warriors, with their bodies smeared in blood and maces in hand, appeared like blooming Butea monosperma trees, symbolizing their readiness and valor.
तथा तस्मिन्महायुद्धे वर्तमाने सुदारुणे। खद्योतसङ्घैरिव खं दर्शनीयं व्यरोचत ॥९-५६-५॥
In that ongoing fierce battle, the sky appeared spectacularly illuminated as if by swarms of fireflies.
तथा तस्मिन्वर्तमाने सङ्कुले तुमुले भृशम्। उभावपि परिश्रान्तौ युध्यमानावरिंदमौ ॥९-५६-६॥
In the midst of the ongoing chaos and confusion, both the exhausted warriors, known for subduing their enemies, continued to fight intensely.
तौ मुहूर्तं समाश्वस्य पुनरेव परन्तपौ। अभ्यहारयतां तत्र सम्प्रगृह्य गदे शुभे ॥९-५६-७॥
After resting for a moment, the two mighty warriors, known as the scorchers of foes, once again took up their auspicious maces and brought them there.
तौ तु दृष्ट्वा महावीर्यौ समाश्वस्तौ नरर्षभौ। बलिनौ वारणौ यद्वद्वाशितार्थे मदोत्कटौ ॥९-५६-८॥
Upon seeing the great heroes, they were reassured, like strong elephants in musth, intoxicated with power.
अपारवीर्यौ सम्प्रेक्ष्य प्रगृहीतगदावुभौ। विस्मयं परमं जग्मुर्देवगन्धर्वदानवाः ॥९-५६-९॥
Upon witnessing the two of immeasurable strength wielding maces, the gods, gandharvas, and demons were greatly amazed.
प्रगृहीतगदौ दृष्ट्वा दुर्योधनवृकोदरौ। संशयः सर्वभूतानां विजये समपद्यत ॥९-५६-१०॥
When Duryodhana and Vrikodara were seen holding their maces, everyone began to doubt the outcome of the battle.
समागम्य ततो भूयो भ्रातरौ बलिनां वरौ। अन्योन्यस्यान्तरप्रेप्सू प्रचक्रातेऽन्तरं प्रति ॥९-५६-११॥
Having met again, the two brothers, the best among the strong, engaged in trying to penetrate each other's defenses.
यमदण्डोपमां गुर्वीमिन्द्राशनिमिवोद्यताम्। ददृशुः प्रेक्षका राजन्रौद्रीं विशसनीं गदाम् ॥९-५६-१२॥
O king, the spectators beheld the terrifying and destructive mace, heavy and poised as if it were the thunderbolt of Indra, raised like the staff of Yama.
आविध्यतो गदां तस्य भीमसेनस्य संयुगे। शब्दः सुतुमुलो घोरो मुहूर्तं समपद्यत ॥९-५६-१३॥
As Bhimasena wielded his mace in battle, a very loud and terrible sound arose for a moment.
आविध्यन्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य धार्तराष्ट्रोऽथ पाण्डवम्। गदामलघुवेगां तां विस्मितः सम्बभूव ह ॥९-५६-१४॥
Upon witnessing the swinging Pandava, Dhritarashtra's son was indeed astonished by the mace, which was not of light speed.
चरंश्च विविधान्मार्गान्मण्डलानि च भारत। अशोभत तदा वीरो भूय एव वृकोदरः ॥९-५६-१५॥
Vrikodara, the hero, moved through various paths and circles, shining brightly once more, O Bharata.
तौ परस्परमासाद्य यत्तावन्योन्यरक्षणे। मार्जाराविव भक्षार्थे ततक्षाते मुहुर्मुहुः ॥९-५६-१६॥
They both approached each other and engaged in mutual protection, like cats fighting repeatedly for food.
अचरद्भीमसेनस्तु मार्गान्बहुविधांस्तथा। मण्डलानि विचित्राणि स्थानानि विविधानि च ॥९-५६-१७॥
Bhimasena wandered through various paths, circles, and different places.
गोमूत्रिकाणि चित्राणि गतप्रत्यागतानि च। परिमोक्षं प्रहाराणां वर्जनं परिधावनम् ॥९-५६-१८॥
The varied things, resembling cow urine, have gone and returned, and there is a release from attacks, avoidance, and running around.
अभिद्रवणमाक्षेपमवस्थानं सविग्रहम्। परावर्तनसंवर्तमवप्लुतमथाप्लुतम् ॥ उपन्यस्तमपन्यस्तं गदायुद्धविशारदौ ॥९-५६-१९॥
The two experts in mace fighting engaged in various maneuvers: charging, throwing, standing firm with conflict, turning back, whirling, leaping down and then up, placing and removing their weapons.
एवं तौ विचरन्तौ तु न्यघ्नतां वै परस्परम्। वञ्चयन्तौ पुनश्चैव चेरतुः कुरुसत्तमौ ॥९-५६-२०॥
Thus, the two best of the Kurus wandered around, striking and deceiving each other repeatedly.
विक्रीडन्तौ सुबलिनौ मण्डलानि प्रचेरतुः। गदाहस्तौ ततस्तौ तु मण्डलावस्थितौ बली ॥९-५६-२१॥
The strong warriors, while playing, moved around in circles. Then, with maces in hand, they stood firmly in the circle, showcasing their strength.
दक्षिणं मण्डलं राजन्धार्तराष्ट्रोऽभ्यवर्तत। सव्यं तु मण्डलं तत्र भीमसेनोऽभ्यवर्तत ॥९-५६-२२॥
O king, Dhritarashtra's son advanced to the southern region, while Bhimasena advanced to the left region there.
तथा तु चरतस्तस्य भीमस्य रणमूर्धनि। दुर्योधनो महाराज पार्श्वदेशेऽभ्यताडयत् ॥९-५६-२३॥
As Bhima was maneuvering in the battlefield, King Duryodhana attacked him from the side.
आहतस्तु तदा भीमस्तव पुत्रेण भारत। आविध्यत गदां गुर्वीं प्रहारं तमचिन्तयन् ॥९-५६-२४॥
Then Bhima, struck by your son, O Bharata, swung his heavy mace, contemplating the blow.
इन्द्राशनिसमां घोरां यमदण्डमिवोद्यताम्। ददृशुस्ते महाराज भीमसेनस्य तां गदाम् ॥९-५६-२५॥
O great king, they beheld Bhimasena's mace, which was as dreadful as Indra's thunderbolt and poised like the staff of Yama.
आविध्यन्तं गदां दृष्ट्वा भीमसेनं तवात्मजः। समुद्यम्य गदां घोरां प्रत्यविध्यदरिंदमः ॥९-५६-२६॥
Seeing Bhimasena wielding the mace, your son raised his terrible mace and struck the subduer of foes.
गदामारुतवेगेन तव पुत्रस्य भारत। शब्द आसीत्सुतुमुलस्तेजश्च समजायत ॥९-५६-२७॥
O Bharata, with the speed of the wind, the sound of your son's mace was very loud, and splendor arose.
स चरन्विविधान्मार्गान्मण्डलानि च भागशः। समशोभत तेजस्वी भूयो भीमात्सुयोधनः ॥९-५६-२८॥
Suyodhana, moving through various paths and circles in parts, shone more brilliantly than Bhima.
आविद्धा सर्ववेगेन भीमेन महती गदा। सधूमं सार्चिषं चाग्निं मुमोचोग्रा महास्वना ॥९-५६-२९॥
The great mace, struck with full force by Bhima, emitted fierce fire with smoke and flames, producing a tremendous sound.
आधूतां भीमसेनेन गदां दृष्ट्वा सुयोधनः। अद्रिसारमयीं गुर्वीमाविध्यन्बह्वशोभत ॥९-५६-३०॥
Suyodhana, upon seeing the mace shaken by Bhimasena, wielded his own heavy mace made of mountain essence and appeared magnificent.
गदामारुतवेगं हि दृष्ट्वा तस्य महात्मनः। भयं विवेश पाण्डून्वै सर्वानेव ससोमकान् ॥९-५६-३१॥
Upon witnessing the swift force of the great soul's mace, fear gripped all the Pandavas and the Somakas.
तौ दर्शयन्तौ समरे युद्धक्रीडां समन्ततः। गदाभ्यां सहसान्योन्यमाजघ्नतुररिंदमौ ॥९-५६-३२॥
The two warriors, displaying their martial skills in the battle, suddenly struck each other with their maces, showcasing their prowess as subduers of enemies.
तौ परस्परमासाद्य दंष्ट्राभ्यां द्विरदौ यथा। अशोभेतां महाराज शोणितेन परिप्लुतौ ॥९-५६-३३॥
The two of them, like elephants with tusks, approached each other and appeared, O great king, covered in blood.
एवं तदभवद्युद्धं घोररूपमसंवृतम्। परिवृत्तेऽहनि क्रूरं वृत्रवासवयोरिव ॥९-५६-३४॥
Thus, the battle became fierce and unrestrained, resembling the legendary conflict between Vritra and Indra as the day turned.
दृष्ट्वा व्यवस्थितं भीमं तव पुत्रो महाबलः। चरंश्चित्रतरान्मार्गान्कौन्तेयमभिदुद्रुवे ॥९-५६-३५॥
Upon seeing Bhima ready, your mighty son took various paths and rushed towards Kunti's son.
तस्य भीमो महावेगां जाम्बूनदपरिष्कृताम्। अभिक्रुद्धस्य क्रुद्धस्तु ताडयामास तां गदाम् ॥९-५६-३६॥
Bhima, in his fury, swiftly struck the gold-adorned mace of the enraged opponent.
सविस्फुलिङ्गो निर्ह्रादस्तयोस्तत्राभिघातजः। प्रादुरासीन्महाराज सृष्टयोर्वज्रयोरिव ॥९-५६-३७॥
O great king, there appeared a roar with sparks, born from the impact of those two, resembling the clash of thunderbolts.
वेगवत्या तया तत्र भीमसेनप्रमुक्तया। निपतन्त्या महाराज पृथिवी समकम्पत ॥९-५६-३८॥
O great king, the earth trembled as the swift one, released by Bhimasena, fell there.
तां नामृष्यत कौरव्यो गदां प्रतिहतां रणे। मत्तो द्विप इव क्रुद्धः प्रतिकुञ्जरदर्शनात् ॥९-५६-३९॥
The Kaurava could not bear the sight of his mace being deflected in battle, much like an enraged elephant when confronted by another.
स सव्यं मण्डलं राजन्नुद्भ्राम्य कृतनिश्चयः। आजघ्ने मूर्ध्नि कौन्तेयं गदया भीमवेगया ॥९-५६-४०॥
He decisively whirled his left circle, O king, and struck the son of Kunti on the head with a mace of immense force.
तया त्वभिहतो भीमः पुत्रेण तव पाण्डवः। नाकम्पत महाराज तदद्भुतमिवाभवत् ॥९-५६-४१॥
Bhima, struck by your son, was not shaken, O great king; it seemed as if it was something wonderful.
आश्चर्यं चापि तद्राजन्सर्वसैन्यान्यपूजयन्। यद्गदाभिहतो भीमो नाकम्पत पदात्पदम् ॥९-५६-४२॥
O king, all the armies were amazed and honored Bhima, who, even when struck by the mace, did not move an inch from his place.
ततो गुरुतरां दीप्तां गदां हेमपरिष्कृताम्। दुर्योधनाय व्यसृजद्भीमो भीमपराक्रमः ॥९-५६-४३॥
Then Bhima, known for his terrible prowess, hurled a heavier, shining, gold-adorned mace at Duryodhana.
तं प्रहारमसम्भ्रान्तो लाघवेन महाबलः। मोघं दुर्योधनश्चक्रे तत्राभूद्विस्मयो महान् ॥९-५६-४४॥
The mighty warrior, with great agility and calmness, rendered Duryodhana's attack futile, causing great astonishment there.
सा तु मोघा गदा राजन्पतन्ती भीमचोदिता। चालयामास पृथिवीं महानिर्घातनिस्वना ॥९-५६-४५॥
The mace thrown by Bhima, though it fell in vain, caused the earth to tremble with its mighty thunderous noise, O king.
आस्थाय कौशिकान्मार्गानुत्पतन्स पुनः पुनः। गदानिपातं प्रज्ञाय भीमसेनमवञ्चयत् ॥९-५६-४६॥
He repeatedly leapt along Kausika's paths, and understanding the fall of the mace, he tricked Bhimasena.
वञ्चयित्वा तथा भीमं गदया कुरुसत्तमः। ताडयामास सङ्क्रुद्धो वक्षोदेशे महाबलः ॥९-५६-४७॥
The mighty warrior, in great anger, deceived Bhima and struck him on the chest with a mace, being the best among the Kurus.
गदयाभिहतो भीमो मुह्यमानो महारणे। नाभ्यमन्यत कर्तव्यं पुत्रेणाभ्याहतस्तव ॥९-५६-४८॥
Bhima, struck by the mace in the great battle, was fainting and did not see it as his duty, having been struck by your son.
तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तमाने राजन्सोमकपाण्डवाः। भृशोपहतसङ्कल्पा नहृष्टमनसोऽभवन् ॥९-५६-४९॥
In that situation, O king, the Somakas and the Pandavas were greatly disturbed in their resolve and did not feel cheerful.
स तु तेन प्रहारेण मातङ्ग इव रोषितः। हस्तिवद्धस्तिसङ्काशमभिदुद्राव ते सुतम् ॥९-५६-५०॥
But he, enraged like an elephant by that blow, charged at your son who resembled an elephant.
ततस्तु रभसो भीमो गदया तनयं तव। अभिदुद्राव वेगेन सिंहो वनगजं यथा ॥९-५६-५१॥
Then, the fierce Bhima, wielding his mace, charged at your son with the speed and ferocity of a lion attacking an elephant.
उपसृत्य तु राजानं गदामोक्षविशारदः। आविध्यत गदां राजन्समुद्दिश्य सुतं तव ॥९-५६-५२॥
The expert in mace fighting approached the king and swung his mace, aiming at your son, O king.
अताडयद्भीमसेनः पार्श्वे दुर्योधनं तदा। स विह्वलः प्रहारेण जानुभ्यामगमन्महीम् ॥९-५६-५३॥
Bhimasena struck Duryodhana on his side, and then Duryodhana, being stunned by the blow, fell to the ground on his knees.
तस्मिंस्तु भरतश्रेष्ठे जानुभ्यामवनीं गते। उदतिष्ठत्ततो नादः सृञ्जयानां जगत्पते ॥९-५६-५४॥
When the best of the Bharatas fell to the ground on his knees, a sound arose from the Sṛñjayas, O lord of the world.
तेषां तु निनदं श्रुत्वा सृञ्जयानां नरर्षभः। अमर्षाद्भरतश्रेष्ठ पुत्रस्ते समकुप्यत ॥९-५६-५५॥
Upon hearing the sound of the Sṛñjayas, your son, the bull among men, became very angry, O best of the Bharatas.
उत्थाय तु महाबाहुः क्रुद्धो नाग इव श्वसन्। दिधक्षन्निव नेत्राभ्यां भीमसेनमवैक्षत ॥९-५६-५६॥
The mighty-armed warrior, having risen in anger and breathing like a serpent, gazed at Bhimasena with eyes that seemed to burn.
ततः स भरतश्रेष्ठो गदापाणिरभिद्रवत्। प्रमथिष्यन्निव शिरो भीमसेनस्य संयुगे ॥९-५६-५७॥
Then, the noble Bharata, wielding his mace, charged forward as if to crush Bhimasena's head in the battle.
स महात्मा महात्मानं भीमं भीमपराक्रमः। अताडयच्छङ्खदेशे स चचालाचलोपमः ॥९-५६-५८॥
The mighty warrior, known for his formidable strength, struck Bhima on the temple, causing him to shake like a mountain.
स भूयः शुशुभे पार्थस्ताडितो गदया रणे। उद्भिन्नरुधिरो राजन्प्रभिन्न इव कुञ्जरः ॥९-५६-५९॥
Arjuna, though struck by a mace in battle and bleeding, shone again like a broken elephant, O king.
ततो गदां वीरहणीमयस्मयीं; प्रगृह्य वज्राशनितुल्यनिस्वनाम्। अताडयच्छत्रुममित्रकर्शनो; बलेन विक्रम्य धनञ्जयाग्रजः ॥९-५६-६०॥
Then, the elder brother of Dhananjaya, known for tormenting foes, took up the hero-slaying iron mace, and with a sound like thunder, he advanced and struck the enemy with great strength.
स भीमसेनाभिहतस्तवात्मजः; पपात सङ्कम्पितदेहबन्धनः। सुपुष्पितो मारुतवेगताडितो; महावने साल इवावघूर्णितः ॥९-५६-६१॥
Your son, struck down by Bhimasena, fell with his body trembling, like a fully blossomed Sal tree whirled by the force of the wind in the great forest.
ततः प्रणेदुर्जहृषुश्च पाण्डवाः; समीक्ष्य पुत्रं पतितं क्षितौ तव। ततः सुतस्ते प्रतिलभ्य चेतनां; समुत्पपात द्विरदो यथा ह्रदात् ॥९-५६-६२॥
Then the Pāṇḍavas sounded their conches and rejoiced, seeing your son fallen on the ground. Then your son, regaining consciousness, rose like an elephant emerging from a lake.
स पार्थिवो नित्यममर्षितस्तदा; महारथः शिक्षितवत्परिभ्रमन्। अताडयत्पाण्डवमग्रतः स्थितं; स विह्वलाङ्गो जगतीमुपास्पृशत् ॥९-५६-६३॥
The king, always impatient, was then a great warrior, trained and roaming. He struck the Pāṇḍava who was standing in front, and with trembling limbs, he touched the ground.
स सिंहनादान्विननाद कौरवो; निपात्य भूमौ युधि भीममोजसा। बिभेद चैवाशनितुल्यतेजसा; गदानिपातेन शरीररक्षणम् ॥९-५६-६४॥
The Kaurava roared like a lion, having knocked Bhima to the ground in battle with great strength, and pierced his body protection with a mace strike that shone like a thunderbolt.
ततोऽन्तरिक्षे निनदो महानभू; द्दिवौकसामप्सरसां च नेदुषाम्। पपात चोच्चैरमरप्रवेरितं; विचित्रपुष्पोत्करवर्षमुत्तमम् ॥९-५६-६५॥
Then a great sound arose in the sky from the celestials and apsaras who were singing. An excellent shower of variegated flowers, sent by the best of the gods, fell from above.
ततः परानाविशदुत्तमं भयं; समीक्ष्य भूमौ पतितं नरोत्तमम्। अहीयमानं च बलेन कौरवं; निशम्य भेदं च दृढस्य वर्मणः ॥९-५६-६६॥
Then, observing the best of men fallen on the ground and hearing the breaking of the strong armor, supreme fear entered the enemies, and the Kaurava was being overpowered by force.
ततो मुहूर्तादुपलभ्य चेतनां; प्रमृज्य वक्त्रं रुधिरार्द्रमात्मनः। धृतिं समालम्ब्य विवृत्तलोचनो; बलेन संस्तभ्य वृकोदरः स्थितः ॥९-५६-६७॥
Then, after a moment, Bhima regained consciousness, wiped his blood-stained face, gathered his courage, and with his eyes rolling, steadied himself with strength and stood firm.
