09.064
Sanjaya said:
Upon hearing from the spies that Duryodhana had been killed, the remaining great charioteers of the Kauravas, O king, then...
Ashwatthama, Kripa, and Kritavarma, the Satyaki, pierced by sharp arrows, maces, lances, and spears, hurried with swift horses to the battlefield.
There he saw the great soul, the son of Dhritarashtra, fallen and shattered by the force of the wind, like a great tree in the forest.
He was writhing on the ground, smeared with blood, like a great elephant felled by a hunter in the forest.
The wheel, turning many times and flooded with streams of blood, fell by chance and became visible in the sun.
The scene was like an ocean dried up by a great wind, and like the full moon in the sky, its circle covered with mist.
The long-armed one, covered in dust and possessing the strength of an elephant, was surrounded by terrifying ghostly beings and flesh-eaters on all sides, just as servants desire wealth from the best of kings.
With a furrowed brow and eyes rolling in anger, that wrathful tiger among men fell like a tiger.
Upon seeing the king fallen on the ground, all the great archers, including Kripa and others in their chariots, were overcome with confusion.
After descending from their chariots, they rushed to the king's presence. Upon seeing Duryodhana, they all sat down on the ground.
Then Aśvatthāmā, overwhelmed with emotion, addressed the noble Bharata, acknowledging him as the supreme lord of all worlds.
Indeed, there seems to be nothing unbearable for humans, as you, a tiger among men, are lying covered in dust.
Once you were a king who ruled the earth, but now, O king, how do you find yourself standing alone in this deserted forest today?
I cannot see Duhshasana, nor Karna, the great chariot-warrior, nor any of those friends. What is happening, O best of the Bharatas?
Indeed, it is sorrowful to somehow know the path of fate. And here you lie, covered in dust, among the people.
This mighty warrior, who leads the crowned ones, consumes grass and dust; behold the change brought by time.
"Where is that spotless umbrella and fan of yours, O king? And where has your great army gone, O best of kings?"
The path of actions is indeed hard to understand due to various reasons; it is said that you, having become the teacher of the world, have reached this state.
Among all mortals, prosperity is seen as impermanent; your misfortune, having been observed, greatly rivals that of Indra.
Hearing those words, especially from the distressed, the prince said, "This is the right time for your speech."
The king, wiping his eyes with his hands and shedding tears of sorrow, then turned his attention to Kripa and all the warriors.
It is said that such is the mortal nature ordained by the creator. The destruction of all beings is inevitable as it is caused by the passage of time.
"This person has come to me directly, indeed, who, after ruling the earth, I have reached this conclusion."
"By good fortune, I did not retreat in battle during anyone's distress. By good fortune, I was killed by the wicked, especially through deceit."
"I have always acted with enthusiasm and fortunately with the desire to fight. Fortunately, I am killed in battle, with my relatives and friends slain."
"By good fortune, I see you all freed from this destruction of people, endowed with welfare and auspiciousness, which is most pleasing and excellent to me."
Do not mourn the end of my friendship. If you hold the Vedas as your authority, then know that the worlds I have conquered are eternal.
Reflecting on the immense power and energy of Krishna, I remain steadfast in my duty as a warrior, not swayed from my path.
He has been reached by me, and I am not to be lamented in any way. What you have done is appropriate and suitable as if it were for oneself. Efforts are always made for victory, but fate is difficult to overcome.
Having spoken thus, with eyes filled with tears, he became silent, O King, greatly overwhelmed by pain.
Upon seeing the king overwhelmed with tears and sorrow, Ashwatthama, the son of Drona, was inflamed with rage, akin to a fire set to destroy the world.
But he, overwhelmed with anger, clasped his hands tightly and, with a voice choked with tears, spoke to the king as follows.
"My father was killed by the mean and cruel act, but it is not that act that torments me as much as your actions today, O king."
"O lord, listen to these words of mine spoken truthfully: through sacrifices, charitable acts, giving, righteousness, and good deeds."
Today, I shall lead all the Panchalas to the abode of the dead under the watchful eyes of Vasudeva. O great king, you should grant me permission.
Upon hearing the words of Droṇa's son, which were pleasing to the mind, Kaurava addressed Kṛpa, saying: "Teacher, please bring a pot filled with water quickly."
The best among the Brahmins, understanding the king's command, took a full pot and approached the king.
He said, "O great king, if you wish to please me, let your son, the son of Droṇa, be anointed as the general by my order. May there be welfare for you."
"By the king's command, a Brahmin must fight, especially by adhering to the warrior's duty; thus, those who understand the law indeed know this."
Upon hearing the king's words, Kṛpa, son of Śaradvat, appointed Aśvatthāmā as the commander on the king's command.
The anointed great king embraced the best of kings and departed, his lion's roar echoing through all directions.
Duryodhana, O king, drenched in a flood of blood, entered that dreadful night, instilling fear in all beings.
Having quickly retreated from the battlefield, O king, they were overwhelmed with grief, their minds troubled by thoughts and meditation.
