09.061
Sanjaya said:
Then all the kings departed to their abode, joyfully blowing their conches, their strong arms ready for action.
As the Pandavas proceeded to our camp, they were followed by the great archer Yuyutsu and Satyaki.
Dhṛṣṭadyumna, Śikhaṇḍī, and the sons of Draupadī, along with all the other great archers, returned to their tents.
Then the sons of Pṛthā entered Duryodhana's camp, which was devoid of its former glory and leadership, resembling a deserted stage.
The city was like a festival-less place, akin to a lake without elephants, predominantly filled with women and children, and ruled by elderly ministers.
There, led by Duryodhana, these people surrounded you with folded hands, O King, wearing saffron and dirty clothes.
The Pandavas, having reached the camp of the Kuru king, descended from their chariots, O great king, as the best among charioteers.
Then Keshava, who always stands for the dear welfare of others, exceedingly addressed Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, O best of the Bharatas.
"Lower the Gandiva bow and the inexhaustible great arrows, then I shall lower mine afterwards, O best of the Bharatas."
"O sinless one, you should descend yourself, as this is better for you." Thus did the hero, Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu.
Then, after releasing the reins of the horses, the wise Krishna, wielder of the Gandiva bow, descended from the chariot.
Then, as the great Lord of all beings descended, the divine banner with the monkey emblem of Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, vanished.
He, the great warrior, was scorched by the divine weapons of Droṇa and Karṇa. Then, blazing with fire, he quickly flared up, O king.
The chariot of Arjuna, equipped with its yoke, reins, and horses, was reduced to ashes and fell to the ground.
Upon witnessing him turned to ashes, the sons of Pandu were amazed, and Arjuna spoke these words, "O lord, O king."
With folded hands and affection, having bowed down and saluted, Arjuna asked Govinda, 'O Lord, why is this chariot burned by fire?'
"What is this great wonder that has happened, O Yadunandana? If you think it is worth listening to, O mighty-armed one, then please tell me."
Vasudeva said:
O Parantapa, this Arjuna, who was previously burned by various weapons, is not destroyed in battle because of my presence.
"Now, however, this has been shattered and burnt by the energy of the Brahmastra. I have released it, O son of Kunti, today as you have accomplished the task."
Sanjaya said:
The Lord Keshava, slightly smiling, embraced King Yudhishthira and spoke to him, as he is the destroyer of enemies.
"O son of Kunti, it is by good fortune that you are victorious and your enemies are defeated. By the same fortune, Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, and Bhimasena, the Pandava, have also triumphed."
"You, O king, and the sons of Mādrī, the Pāṇḍavas, are well and have been freed from the destruction of heroes in this battle where enemies were slain. Quickly, O Bhārata, attend to the tasks for the future."
"Having arrived at Upaplavya with Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, you brought the ceremonial offering as you had mentioned before."
Krishna and Dhananjaya, who are like your brother and friend, should be protected in all dangers, O mighty-armed lord. I agreed to your words and said so.
He, the ambidextrous archer, protected and victorious, O lord of men, along with your brothers, O king, heroic and truly valiant, was freed from the destruction of heroes in this thrilling battle.
Upon hearing these words from Krishna, King Yudhishthira, filled with joy and excitement, responded to Janardana.
O crusher of enemies, the Brahmastra weapon released by Drona and Karna, who other than you can withstand it directly, even if it is the wielder of the thunderbolt, Purandara (Indra)?
By your grace, many were victorious in battle. Arjuna, who went to the great war, did not turn away.
In the same way, O mighty-armed one, I have explained through various means the continuation of actions and the auspicious flow of energy.
In Upaplavya, my great sage Kṛṣṇa Dvaipāyana said: "Where there is righteousness, there is Kṛṣṇa; and where Kṛṣṇa is, there is victory."
After hearing these words, the heroes entered your camp, O Bharata, and acquired the accumulated treasures and wealth.
There were silver, gold, gems, pearls, chief ornaments, blankets, deer skins, and innumerable male and female servants along with royal paraphernalia.
The great archers, having acquired your inexhaustible wealth, O best of the Bharatas, shouted in triumph, O king, as they were the conquerors of their enemies.
The heroes, including all the Pandavas and Satyaki, after resting and unyoking their vehicles, stood together for a moment.
Then the illustrious Vasudeva addressed the king, suggesting that for good fortune, they should reside outside the camp.
After speaking thus, all the Pandavas, along with Satyaki and Vasudeva, went outside for auspicious purposes.
The Pāṇḍavas, having defeated their enemies, reached the sacred river Amoghavatī and stayed there for the night, O king.
Then they sent the Yadava to Nagasahvaya. The mighty Vasudeva swiftly proceeded, mounting Daruka on the chariot, by whom the son of Ambika, the king, was transported.
They instructed the vehicle of Sugriva's army, which was about to depart, to console the illustrious Gandhari, whose sons had been slain.
He, the best of the Satvatas, addressed by the Pandavas, quickly departed to the city to meet Gandhari, who was grieving the loss of her sons.
