10.008
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
तथा प्रयाते शिबिरं द्रोणपुत्रे महारथे। कच्चित्कृपश्च भोजश्च भयार्तौ न न्यवर्तताम् ॥१०-८-१॥
Thus, when Droṇa's son, the great chariot-warrior, had gone to the camp, did Kṛpa and Bhoja, stricken by fear, not turn back?
कच्चिन्न वारितौ क्षुद्रै रक्षिभिर्नोपलक्षितौ। असह्यमिति वा मत्वा न निवृत्तौ महारथौ ॥१०-८-२॥
Did the great warriors turn back, either because they were stopped by petty guards, or because they thought 'this is unbearable'?
कच्चित्प्रमथ्य शिबिरं हत्वा सोमकपाण्डवान्। दुर्योधनस्य पदवीं गतौ परमिकां रणे ॥१०-८-३॥
Have you, after crushing the camp and killing the Somakas and Pāṇḍavas, reached Duryodhana's supreme path in battle?
पाञ्चालैर्वा विनिहतौ कच्चिन्नास्वपतां क्षितौ। कच्चित्ताभ्यां कृतं कर्म तन्ममाचक्ष्व सञ्जय ॥१०-८-४॥
O Sañjaya, tell me whether the sons of Āsvapati have been slain by the Pāñcālas on the battlefield, or whether those two have accomplished their task.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
तस्मिन्प्रयाते शिबिरं द्रोणपुत्रे महात्मनि। कृपश्च कृतवर्मा च शिबिरद्वार्यतिष्ठताम् ॥१०-८-५॥
After Drona's noble son left for the camp, Kṛpa and Kṛtavarmā remained standing at the entrance.
अश्वत्थामा तु तौ दृष्ट्वा यत्नवन्तौ महारथौ। प्रहृष्टः शनकै राजन्निदं वचनमब्रवीत् ॥१०-८-६॥
But Aśvatthāman, seeing those two great and diligent chariot-warriors, delighted, slowly said this speech, O king.
यत्तौ भवन्तौ पर्याप्तौ सर्वक्षत्रस्य नाशने। किं पुनर्योधशेषस्य प्रसुप्तस्य विशेषतः ॥१०-८-७॥
Since you both are enough to destroy all the Kṣatriyas, how much more so the remaining sleeping warriors?
अहं प्रवेक्ष्ये शिबिरं चरिष्यामि च कालवत्। यथा न कश्चिदपि मे जीवन्मुच्येत मानवः ॥१०-८-८॥
I will enter the camp and move about like Death itself, ensuring that not a single living man escapes me.
इत्युक्त्वा प्राविशद्द्रौणिः पार्थानां शिबिरं महत्। अद्वारेणाभ्यवस्कन्द्य विहाय भयमात्मनः ॥१०-८-९॥
Having said this, Droṇa's son entered the great camp of the Pāṇḍavas through a side entrance, casting aside his own fear.
स प्रविश्य महाबाहुरुद्देशज्ञश्च तस्य ह। धृष्टद्युम्नस्य निलयं शनकैरभ्युपागमत् ॥१०-८-१०॥
He, the mighty-armed and knower of the place, slowly entered and approached the abode of Dhṛṣṭadyumna.
ते तु कृत्वा महत्कर्म श्रान्ताश्च बलवद्रणे। प्रसुप्ता वै सुविश्वस्ताः स्वसैन्यपरिवारिताः ॥१०-८-११॥
But after performing a great feat and being exhausted in the fierce battle, they fell asleep, completely at ease, surrounded by their own army.
अथ प्रविश्य तद्वेश्म धृष्टद्युम्नस्य भारत। पाञ्चाल्यं शयने द्रौणिरपश्यत्सुप्तमन्तिकात् ॥१०-८-१२॥
Then, O Bhārata, after entering the mansion of Dhṛṣṭadyumna, the son of Droṇa saw Pāñcālya sleeping on his bed nearby.
क्षौमावदाते महति स्पर्ध्यास्तरणसंवृते। माल्यप्रवरसंयुक्ते धूपैश्चूर्णैश्च वासिते ॥१०-८-१३॥
The place was spread with white linen, covered by a splendid carpet, decorated with the finest garlands, and perfumed with incense and fragrant powders.
तं शयानं महात्मानं विस्रब्धमकुतोभयम्। प्राबोधयत पादेन शयनस्थं महीपते ॥१०-८-१४॥
O king, he awakened that great-souled, confident, and fearless one, who was lying on the bed, with his foot.
स बुद्ध्वा चरणस्पर्शमुत्थाय रणदुर्मदः। अभ्यजानदमेयात्मा द्रोणपुत्रं महारथम् ॥१०-८-१५॥
Having realized, he, proud in battle, rose after touching the feet and approached Droṇa's son, the mighty chariot-warrior of immeasurable spirit.
तमुत्पतन्तं शयनादश्वत्थामा महाबलः। केशेष्वालम्ब्य पाणिभ्यां निष्पिपेष महीतले ॥१०-८-१६॥
The mighty Aśvatthāmā seized him by the hair as he rose from the bed and crushed him to the ground.
स बलात्तेन निष्पिष्टः साध्वसेन च भारत। निद्रया चैव पाञ्चाल्यो नाशकच्चेष्टितुं तदा ॥१०-८-१७॥
O Bhārata, at that time, the son of Pāñcālī, crushed by him with force, fear, and sleep, was unable to move.
तमाक्रम्य तदा राजन्कण्ठे चोरसि चोभयोः। नदन्तं विस्फुरन्तं च पशुमारममारयत् ॥१०-८-१८॥
O king, then, having attacked him on both the neck and chest as he roared and struggled, he killed the animal at once.
तुदन्नखैस्तु स द्रौणिं नातिव्यक्तमुदाहरत्। आचार्यपुत्र शस्त्रेण जहि मा मा चिरं कृथाः ॥ त्वत्कृते सुकृताँल्लोकान्गच्छेयं द्विपदां वर ॥१०-८-१९॥
With his nails digging in, he spoke indistinctly to Drona's son: "O teacher's son, kill me with your weapon, do not delay. For your sake, O best of men, may I attain the virtuous worlds."
तस्याव्यक्तां तु तां वाचं संश्रुत्य द्रौणिरब्रवीत्। आचार्यघातिनां लोका न सन्ति कुलपांसन ॥ तस्माच्छस्त्रेण निधनं न त्वमर्हसि दुर्मते ॥१०-८-२०॥
But when Aśvatthāma heard his indistinct words, he said: 'Those who slay their teacher have no place in the worlds, O defiler of the family. Therefore, O evil-minded one, you do not deserve an honorable death by weapon.'
एवं ब्रुवाणस्तं वीरं सिंहो मत्तमिव द्विपम्। मर्मस्वभ्यवधीत्क्रुद्धः पादाष्ठीलैः सुदारुणैः ॥१०-८-२१॥
Thus, as he was speaking, the lion, enraged, struck the hero in his vital parts with his very terrible, bone-hard feet, just as an intoxicated elephant would.
तस्य वीरस्य शब्देन मार्यमाणस्य वेश्मनि। अबुध्यन्त महाराज स्त्रियो ये चास्य रक्षिणः ॥१०-८-२२॥
O great king, the sound of that hero being beaten in the house woke up the women and his guards.
ते दृष्ट्वा वर्ष्मवन्तं तमतिमानुषविक्रमम्। भूतमेव व्यवस्यन्तो न स्म प्रव्याहरन्भयात् ॥१०-८-२३॥
Seeing him with his huge form and superhuman strength, they thought he was some supernatural being and, out of fear, did not utter a word.
तं तु तेनाभ्युपायेन गमयित्वा यमक्षयम्। अध्यतिष्ठत्स तेजस्वी रथं प्राप्य सुदर्शनम् ॥१०-८-२४॥
But, having sent him to Yama's abode by that means, the radiant one stood after reaching the beautiful chariot.
स तस्य भवनाद्राजन्निष्क्रम्यानादयन्दिशः। रथेन शिबिरं प्रायाज्जिघांसुर्द्विषतो बली ॥१०-८-२५॥
O king, the mighty one came out of his house, making the directions resound, and went to the camp in his chariot, intent on destroying his enemies.
अपक्रान्ते ततस्तस्मिन्द्रोणपुत्रे महारथे। सह तै रक्षिभिः सर्वैः प्रणेदुर्योषितस्तदा ॥१०-८-२६॥
When Drona's son, the great chariot-warrior, had departed, all the women, along with all the guards, wailed together at that moment.
राजानं निहतं दृष्ट्वा भृशं शोकपरायणाः। व्याक्रोशन्क्षत्रियाः सर्वे धृष्टद्युम्नस्य भारत ॥१०-८-२७॥
O Bhārata, when the king was seen slain, all the warriors of Dhṛṣṭadyumna, overwhelmed with grief, cried out loudly.
तासां तु तेन शब्देन समीपे क्षत्रियर्षभाः। क्षिप्रं च समनह्यन्त किमेतदिति चाब्रुवन् ॥१०-८-२८॥
But hearing that sound, the foremost of the Kṣatriyas nearby quickly yoked their chariots and said, "What is this?"
स्त्रियस्तु राजन्वित्रस्ता भारद्वाजं निरीक्ष्य तम्। अब्रुवन्दीनकण्ठेन क्षिप्रमाद्रवतेति वै ॥१०-८-२९॥
But, O king, the frightened women, seeing Bhāradvāja, said to him in distressed voices, "Quickly, run!"
राक्षसो वा मनुष्यो वा नैनं जानीमहे वयम्। हत्वा पाञ्चालराजं यो रथमारुह्य तिष्ठति ॥१०-८-३०॥
We do not know whether he is a demon or a human. He who stands on the chariot after killing the king of the Pāñcālas.
ततस्ते योधमुख्यास्तं सहसा पर्यवारयन्। स तानापततः सर्वान्रुद्रास्त्रेण व्यपोथयत् ॥१०-८-३१॥
Then the chief warriors suddenly surrounded him, but he struck down all those who rushed at him with the Rudra weapon. "10-8-31"
धृष्टद्युम्नं च हत्वा स तांश्चैवास्य पदानुगान्। अपश्यच्छयने सुप्तमुत्तमौजसमन्तिके ॥१०-८-३२॥
After killing Dhṛṣṭadyumna and his followers, he saw Uttamaujas sleeping on a bed close by.
तमप्याक्रम्य पादेन कण्ठे चोरसि चौजसा। तथैव मारयामास विनर्दन्तमरिंदमम् ॥१०-८-३३॥
He too, having stepped on him with his foot on the neck and chest with force, began to kill him in the same way, while roaring, the subduer of enemies.
युधामन्युस्तु सम्प्राप्तो मत्त्वा तं रक्षसा हतम्। गदामुद्यम्य वेगेन हृदि द्रौणिमताडयत् ॥१०-८-३४॥
But Yudhāmanyu, upon arriving and believing him to have been slain by the demon, swiftly raised his mace and struck Drona's son on the chest.
तमभिद्रुत्य जग्राह क्षितौ चैनमपातयत्। विस्फुरन्तं च पशुवत्तथैवैनममारयत् ॥१०-८-३५॥
He rushed at him, seized him, threw him to the ground, and as he struggled, killed him just like a beast.
तथा स वीरो हत्वा तं ततोऽन्यान्समुपाद्रवत्। संसुप्तानेव राजेन्द्र तत्र तत्र महारथान् ॥ स्फुरतो वेपमानांश्च शमितेव पशून्मखे ॥१०-८-३६॥
Thus, the hero, after slaying him, attacked the others. O king, he subdued the great chariot-warriors, who were sleeping, trembling, and shaking here and there, just as animals are subdued in a sacrifice.
ततो निस्त्रिंशमादाय जघानान्यान्पृथग्जनान्। भागशो विचरन्मार्गानसियुद्धविशारदः ॥१०-८-३७॥
Then, taking up his sword, he moved along the paths, skillfully killing various people, for he was an expert in sword-fighting.
तथैव गुल्मे सम्प्रेक्ष्य शयानान्मध्यगौल्मिकान्। श्रान्तान्न्यस्तायुधान्सर्वान्क्षणेनैव व्यपोथयत् ॥१०-८-३८॥
In the same way, he saw the Gaulmakas lying in the middle of the camp, exhausted and having set aside their weapons, and struck them all down in an instant.
योधानश्वान्द्विपांश्चैव प्राच्छिनत्स वरासिना। रुधिरोक्षितसर्वाङ्गः कालसृष्ट इवान्तकः ॥१०-८-३९॥
He cut down warriors, horses, and elephants with his excellent sword; his entire body was smeared with blood, looking like the destroyer created by Time.
विस्फुरद्भिश्च तैर्द्रौणिर्निस्त्रिंशस्योद्यमेन च। आक्षेपेण तथैवासेस्त्रिधा रक्तोक्षितोऽभवत् ॥१०-८-४०॥
By the quivering and the raising of the sword by Drona's son, and by the brandishing in the same way, his body became smeared with blood in three places.
तस्य लोहितसिक्तस्य दीप्तखड्गस्य युध्यतः। अमानुष इवाकारो बभौ परमभीषणः ॥१०-८-४१॥
He, fighting with a shining sword soaked in blood, appeared most terrifying, with an appearance like that of a non-human.
ये त्वजाग्रत कौरव्य तेऽपि शब्देन मोहिताः। निरीक्ष्यमाणा अन्योन्यं द्रौणिं दृष्ट्वा प्रविव्यथुः ॥१०-८-४२॥
O Kaurava, those who were not alert were also deluded by the sound; seeing Drauni, they looked at each other and became agitated.
तद्रूपं तस्य ते दृष्ट्वा क्षत्रियाः शत्रुकर्शनाः। राक्षसं मन्यमानास्तं नयनानि न्यमीलयन् ॥१०-८-४३॥
When the warriors, who were tormentors of enemies, saw that form of his, they thought him to be a demon and closed their eyes.
स घोररूपो व्यचरत्कालवच्छिबिरे ततः। अपश्यद्द्रौपदीपुत्रानवशिष्टांश्च सोमकान् ॥१०-८-४४॥
He, in a terrifying form, roamed the camp like Death itself. Then he saw the sons of Draupadī and the surviving Somakas.
तेन शब्देन वित्रस्ता धनुर्हस्ता महारथाः। धृष्टद्युम्नं हतं श्रुत्वा द्रौपदेया विशां पते ॥ अवाकिरञ्शरव्रातैर्भारद्वाजमभीतवत् ॥१०-८-४५॥
O lord of kings, when the great chariot-warriors with bows in hand heard that Dhṛṣṭadyumna was slain by that sound, the sons of Draupadī, undaunted, showered Aśvatthāma (the son of Bhāradvāja) with volleys of arrows.
ततस्तेन निनादेन सम्प्रबुद्धाः प्रभद्रकाः। शिलीमुखैः शिखण्डी च द्रोणपुत्रं समार्दयन् ॥१०-८-४६॥
Then, awakened by that sound, the Prabhadrakas and Śikhaṇḍī attacked the son of Droṇa with arrows.
भारद्वाजस्तु तान्दृष्ट्वा शरवर्षाणि वर्षतः। ननाद बलवन्नादं जिघांसुस्तान्सुदुर्जयान् ॥१०-८-४७॥
But Bharadvaja, seeing them raining showers of arrows, let out a mighty roar, wishing to slay those who were very difficult to conquer.
ततः परमसङ्क्रुद्धः पितुर्वधमनुस्मरन्। अवरुह्य रथोपस्थात्त्वरमाणोऽभिदुद्रुवे ॥१०-८-४८॥
Then, filled with intense rage and recalling his father's death, he quickly got down from the chariot and rushed forward.
सहस्रचन्द्रं विपुलं गृहीत्वा चर्म संयुगे। खड्गं च विपुलं दिव्यं जातरूपपरिष्कृतम् ॥ द्रौपदेयानभिद्रुत्य खड्गेन व्यचरद्बली ॥१०-८-४९॥
He took up a large shield shining like a thousand moons in the battle, and a great divine sword adorned with gold. Rushing at the sons of Draupadi, the mighty warrior moved about wielding his sword.
ततः स नरशार्दूलः प्रतिविन्ध्यं तमाहवे। कुक्षिदेशेऽवधीद्राजन्स हतो न्यपतद्भुवि ॥१०-८-५०॥
Then that tiger among men struck Prativindhya in the abdomen during the battle, O king, and when he was slain, he fell to the ground.
प्रासेन विद्ध्वा द्रौणिं तु सुतसोमः प्रतापवान्। पुनश्चासिं समुद्यम्य द्रोणपुत्रमुपाद्रवत् ॥१०-८-५१॥
Sutasoma, the valiant, struck Drona's son with his sword, and then, raising his sword again, attacked Drona's son once more.
सुतसोमस्य सासिं तु बाहुं छित्त्वा नरर्षभः। पुनरभ्यहनत्पार्श्वे स भिन्नहृदयोऽपतत् ॥१०-८-५२॥
The mighty warrior cut off Sutasoma's arm with his sword and struck him again on the side; with his heart broken, he fell to the ground.
नाकुलिस्तु शतानीको रथचक्रेण वीर्यवान्। दोर्भ्यामुत्क्षिप्य वेगेन वक्षस्येनमताडयत् ॥१०-८-५३॥
But the mighty Śatānīka, son of Nakula, lifted the chariot wheel with both arms and struck him forcefully on the chest.
अताडयच्छतानीकं मुक्तचक्रं द्विजस्तु सः। स विह्वलो ययौ भूमिं ततोऽस्यापाहरच्छिरः ॥१०-८-५४॥
The Brāhmaṇa struck Śatānīka with the released discus. Śatānīka, overwhelmed, fell to the ground; then the Brāhmaṇa cut off his head.
श्रुतकर्मा तु परिघं गृहीत्वा समताडयत्। अभिद्रुत्य ततो द्रौणिं सव्ये स फलके भृशम् ॥१०-८-५५॥
Śrutakarmā, however, seized his iron club and struck. Then, rushing towards Aśvatthāma, he struck violently on the left side of his shield.
स तु तं श्रुतकर्माणमास्ये जघ्ने वरासिना। स हतो न्यपतद्भूमौ विमूढो विकृताननः ॥१०-८-५६॥
But he struck him, who had performed Vedic rites, in the mouth with a superior sword. Slain, he fell to the ground, bewildered and with a distorted face.
तेन शब्देन वीरस्तु श्रुतकीर्तिर्महाधनुः। अश्वत्थामानमासाद्य शरवर्षैरवाकिरत् ॥१०-८-५७॥
Hearing that sound, the heroic Śrutakīrti, a mighty archer, approached Aśvatthāman and showered him with arrows.
तस्यापि शरवर्षाणि चर्मणा प्रतिवार्य सः। सकुण्डलं शिरः कायाद्भ्राजमानमपाहरत् ॥१०-८-५८॥
He too, warding off the showers of arrows with his shield, cut off the shining head with earrings from the body.
ततो भीष्मनिहन्ता तं सह सर्वैः प्रभद्रकैः। अहनत्सर्वतो वीरं नानाप्रहरणैर्बली ॥ शिलीमुखेन चाप्येनं भ्रुवोर्मध्ये समार्दयत् ॥१०-८-५९॥
Then the slayer of Bhishma, together with all the Prabhadrakas, attacked the mighty hero from every side with many weapons. He also pierced him in the middle of the eyebrows with a shilīmukha arrow.
स तु क्रोधसमाविष्टो द्रोणपुत्रो महाबलः। शिखण्डिनं समासाद्य द्विधा चिच्छेद सोऽसिना ॥१०-८-६०॥
But the mighty son of Droṇa, overcome with rage, approached Śikhaṇḍin and cut him in two with his sword.
शिखण्डिनं ततो हत्वा क्रोधाविष्टः परन्तपः। प्रभद्रकगणान्सर्वानभिदुद्राव वेगवान् ॥ यच्च शिष्टं विराटस्य बलं तच्च समाद्रवत् ॥१०-८-६१॥
Then, after killing Shikhandin, the furious scorcher of foes swiftly attacked all the Prabhadraka troops. He also charged at the remaining forces of Virata.
द्रुपदस्य च पुत्राणां पौत्राणां सुहृदामपि। चकार कदनं घोरं दृष्ट्वा दृष्ट्वा महाबलः ॥१०-८-६२॥
The mighty warrior, seeing again and again the sons, grandsons, and friends of Drupada, wrought terrible slaughter among them.
अन्यानन्यांश्च पुरुषानभिसृत्याभिसृत्य च। न्यकृन्तदसिना द्रौणिरसिमार्गविशारदः ॥१०-८-६३॥
Drauṇi, the son of Droṇa and an expert swordsman, repeatedly approached various men and cut them down with his sword.
कालीं रक्तास्यनयनां रक्तमाल्यानुलेपनाम्। रक्ताम्बरधरामेकां पाशहस्तां शिखण्डिनीम् ॥१०-८-६४॥
I bow to Kālī, who has a red mouth and eyes, is adorned with red garlands and unguents, wears red garments, is unique, holds a noose in her hand, and is crested.
ददृशुः कालरात्रिं ते स्मयमानामवस्थिताम्। नराश्वकुञ्जरान्पाशैर्बद्ध्वा घोरैः प्रतस्थुषीम् ॥ हरन्तीं विविधान्प्रेतान्पाशबद्धान्विमूर्धजान् ॥१०-८-६५॥
They saw Kālarātrī, the night of destruction, standing and smiling, having bound men, horses, and elephants with terrible nooses, setting out, carrying away various corpses bound by nooses, their hair disheveled.
स्वप्ने सुप्तान्नयन्तीं तां रात्रिष्वन्यासु मारिष। ददृशुर्योधमुख्यास्ते घ्नन्तं द्रौणिं च नित्यदा ॥१०-८-६६॥
O dear, in dreams on various nights, the chief warriors saw her leading the sleeping ones and always saw Aśvatthāman being killed.
यतः प्रवृत्तः सङ्ग्रामः कुरुपाण्डवसेनयोः। ततः प्रभृति तां कृत्यामपश्यन्द्रौणिमेव च ॥१०-८-६७॥
From the moment the battle between the Kuru and Pāṇḍava armies began, from then on, they saw that Kṛtyā and Drauṇi alone.
तांस्तु दैवहतान्पूर्वं पश्चाद्द्रौणिर्न्यपातयत्। त्रासयन्सर्वभूतानि विनदन्भैरवान्रवान् ॥१०-८-६८॥
But Aśvatthāma, after those struck by fate had fallen before, felled them, terrifying all beings as he roared with fearful cries.
तदनुस्मृत्य ते वीरा दर्शनं पौर्वकालिकम्। इदं तदित्यमन्यन्त दैवेनोपनिपीडिताः ॥१०-८-६९॥
Recalling that, the heroes believed the vision was from earlier times; feeling oppressed by fate, they thought, "This is that."
ततस्तेन निनादेन प्रत्यबुध्यन्त धन्विनः। शिबिरे पाण्डवेयानां शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः ॥१०-८-७०॥
Then, awakened by that sound, hundreds and thousands of archers in the camp of the Pandavas rose from their sleep.
सोऽच्छिनत्कस्यचित्पादौ जघनं चैव कस्यचित्। कांश्चिद्बिभेद पार्श्वेषु कालसृष्ट इवान्तकः ॥१०-८-७१॥
He severed the feet of one, the hip of another, and pierced some in the sides, like Death himself sent by Time.
अत्युग्रप्रतिपिष्टैश्च नदद्भिश्च भृशातुरैः। गजाश्वमथितैश्चान्यैर्मही कीर्णाभवत्प्रभो ॥१०-८-७२॥
O lord, the earth was covered with the bodies of those who were very fierce, trampled, roaring in pain, greatly distressed, and others crushed by elephants and horses.
क्रोशतां किमिदं कोऽयं किं शब्दः किं नु किं कृतम्। एवं तेषां तदा द्रौणिरन्तकः समपद्यत ॥१०-८-७३॥
As those people cried out, "What is this? Who is this? What is that sound? What has happened?"—at that moment, among them, Aśvatthāma became their destroyer.
अपेतशस्त्रसंनाहान्संरब्धान्पाण्डुसृञ्जयान्। प्राहिणोन्मृत्युलोकाय द्रौणिः प्रहरतां वरः ॥१०-८-७४॥
The son of Droṇa, the best among warriors, sent the enraged Pāṇḍavas and Sṛñjayas, who were deprived of their weapons and armour, to the world of death.
ततस्तच्छस्त्रवित्रस्ता उत्पतन्तो भयातुराः। निद्रान्धा नष्टसञ्ज्ञाश्च तत्र तत्र निलिल्यिरे ॥१०-८-७५॥
Then, terrified by those weapons, they jumped up in fear, blinded by sleep and having lost their senses, and hid themselves here and there.
ऊरुस्तम्भगृहीताश्च कश्मलाभिहतौजसः। विनदन्तो भृशं त्रस्ताः संन्यपेषन्परस्परम् ॥१०-८-७६॥
Their thighs paralyzed and their strength sapped by faintness, they cried out in terror and pressed against one another.
ततो रथं पुनर्द्रौणिरास्थितो भीमनिस्वनम्। धनुष्पाणिः शरैरन्यान्प्रेषयद्वै यमक्षयम् ॥१०-८-७७॥
Then Aśvatthāman, son of Droṇa, once again mounted his fearsome-sounding chariot, and, bow in hand, sent others to their death with his arrows.
पुनरुत्पततः कांश्चिद्दूरादपि नरोत्तमान्। शूरान्सम्पततश्चान्यान्कालरात्र्यै न्यवेदयत् ॥१०-८-७८॥
Again, he delivered some of the best men, even those at a distance who were rising, and other rushing heroes, into the hands of the goddess of death (Kālarātri).
तथैव स्यन्दनाग्रेण प्रमथन्स विधावति। शरवर्षैश्च विविधैरवर्षच्छात्रवांस्ततः ॥१०-८-७९॥
In the same manner, he rushed forward with the front of his chariot, crushing as he went; then he showered various kinds of arrows upon the warriors.
पुनश्च सुविचित्रेण शतचन्द्रेण चर्मणा। तेन चाकाशवर्णेन तदाचरत सोऽसिना ॥१०-८-८०॥
Again, he performed that act with a very variegated hide adorned with a hundred moons and with a sky-colored one, using a sword.
तथा स शिबिरं तेषां द्रौणिराहवदुर्मदः। व्यक्षोभयत राजेन्द्र महाह्रदमिव द्विपः ॥१०-८-८१॥
Thus, O king, the son of Droṇa, proud in battle, stirred up their camp like an elephant stirs a great lake.
उत्पेतुस्तेन शब्देन योधा राजन्विचेतसः। निद्रार्ताश्च भयार्ताश्च व्यधावन्त ततस्ततः ॥१०-८-८२॥
O king, startled by that sound, the confused warriors, some drowsy and some terrified, sprang up and scattered in all directions.
विस्वरं चुक्रुशुश्चान्ये बह्वबद्धं तथावदन्। न च स्म प्रतिपद्यन्ते शस्त्राणि वसनानि च ॥१०-८-८३॥
Others cried out in discordant voices, and many spoke irrelevant things; they did not accept the weapons and clothes.
विमुक्तकेशाश्चाप्यन्ये नाभ्यजानन्परस्परम्। उत्पतन्तः परे भीताः केचित्तत्र तथाभ्रमन् ॥ पुरीषमसृजन्केचित्केचिन्मूत्रं प्रसुस्रुवुः ॥१०-८-८४॥
With their hair disheveled, some did not recognize each other. Some, terrified, jumped about, while others wandered there in confusion. Some discharged excrement, and some let urine flow.
बन्धनानि च राजेन्द्र सञ्छिद्य तुरगा द्विपाः। समं पर्यपतंश्चान्ये कुर्वन्तो महदाकुलम् ॥१०-८-८५॥
O King, after breaking their bonds, the horses and elephants ran about together, while others created great confusion.
तत्र केचिन्नरा भीता व्यलीयन्त महीतले। तथैव तान्निपतितानपिंषन्गजवाजिनः ॥१०-८-८६॥
There, some men, terrified, vanished into the ground. Likewise, those who had fallen were trampled by elephants and horses.
तस्मिंस्तथा वर्तमाने रक्षांसि पुरुषर्षभ। तृप्तानि व्यनदन्नुच्चैर्मुदा भरतसत्तम ॥१०-८-८७॥
O best of the Bharatas, in that situation, the demons, being satisfied, cried out loudly with joy, O best of men.
स शब्दः प्रेरितो राजन्भूतसङ्घैर्मुदा युतैः। अपूरयद्दिशः सर्वा दिवं चापि महास्वनः ॥१०-८-८८॥
O king, that great sound, joyfully raised by the assembled beings, filled all directions and even the sky.
तेषामार्तस्वरं श्रुत्वा वित्रस्ता गजवाजिनः। मुक्ताः पर्यपतन्राजन्मृद्नन्तः शिबिरे जनम् ॥१०-८-८९॥
Hearing their cries of distress, O king, the terrified elephants and horses broke loose and ran about the camp, trampling people as they went.
तैस्तत्र परिधावद्भिश्चरणोदीरितं रजः। अकरोच्छिबिरे तेषां रजन्यां द्विगुणं तमः ॥१०-८-९०॥
There, the dust raised by the feet of those running around made the darkness in their camp at night twice as dense.
तस्मिंस्तमसि सञ्जाते प्रमूढाः सर्वतो जनाः। नाजानन्पितरः पुत्रान्भ्रातॄन्भ्रातर एव च ॥१०-८-९१॥
When that darkness arose, people everywhere were bewildered; they did not recognize their fathers, sons, or even their own brothers.
गजा गजानतिक्रम्य निर्मनुष्या हया हयान्। अताडयंस्तथाभञ्जंस्तथामृद्नंश्च भारत ॥१०-८-९२॥
O Bhārata, the elephants, after passing over other elephants, and the riderless horses, struck, broke, and crushed others in this way.
ते भग्नाः प्रपतन्तश्च निघ्नन्तश्च परस्परम्। न्यपातयन्त च परान्पातयित्वा तथापिषन् ॥१०-८-९३॥
Though broken, they fell and struck each other, and even after having brought down their enemies, they continued to fall quietly.
विचेतसः सनिद्राश्च तमसा चावृता नराः। जघ्नुः स्वानेव तत्राथ कालेनाभिप्रचोदिताः ॥१०-८-९४॥
The men, rendered unconscious and sleepy, shrouded in darkness, were driven by fate to kill their own people there.
त्यक्त्वा द्वाराणि च द्वाःस्थास्तथा गुल्मांश्च गौल्मिकाः। प्राद्रवन्त यथाशक्ति कांदिशीका विचेतसः ॥१०-८-९५॥
The gatekeepers, guards, and Gaulmikas abandoned their posts and fled as best as they could, while the Kandishikas, confused, also ran away.
विप्रनष्टाश्च तेऽन्योन्यं नाजानन्त तदा विभो। क्रोशन्तस्तात पुत्रेति दैवोपहतचेतसः ॥१०-८-९६॥
O lord, separated from each other, they did not recognize one another at that time. Crying out, "O father! O son!" their minds were overcome by fate.
पलायतां दिशस्तेषां स्वानप्युत्सृज्य बान्धवान्। गोत्रनामभिरन्योन्यमाक्रन्दन्त ततो जनाः ॥१०-८-९७॥
The people, abandoning even their own relatives, fled in all directions, calling out to each other by their family names.
हाहाकारं च कुर्वाणाः पृथिव्यां शेरते परे। तान्बुद्ध्वा रणमत्तोऽसौ द्रोणपुत्रो व्यपोथयत् ॥१०-८-९८॥
The others, making cries of distress, lay on the earth. Seeing them, Droṇa's son, maddened by battle, struck them down.
तत्रापरे वध्यमाना मुहुर्मुहुरचेतसः। शिबिरान्निष्पतन्ति स्म क्षत्रिया भयपीडिताः ॥१०-८-९९॥
There, other warriors, repeatedly unconscious and being slain, were coming out of the camp, afflicted by fear.
तांस्तु निष्पततस्त्रस्ताञ्शिबिराञ्जीवितैषिणः। कृतवर्मा कृपश्चैव द्वारदेशे निजघ्नतुः ॥१०-८-१००॥
But as they were fleeing terrified from the camps, seeking to save their lives, Kritavarma and Kripa killed them at the gate.
विशस्त्रयन्त्रकवचान्मुक्तकेशान्कृताञ्जलीन्। वेपमानान्क्षितौ भीतान्नैव कांश्चिदमुञ्चताम् ॥१०-८-१०१॥
They did not release any of those who, with weapons, restraints, and armor, with loosened hair and joined palms, were trembling in fear on the ground.
नामुच्यत तयोः कश्चिन्निष्क्रान्तः शिबिराद्बहिः। कृपस्य च महाराज हार्दिक्यस्य च दुर्मतेः ॥१०-८-१०२॥
O great king, none of those two, Kṛpa and Hārdikya, the evil-minded, went out from the camp.
भूयश्चैव चिकीर्षन्तौ द्रोणपुत्रस्य तौ प्रियम्। त्रिषु देशेषु ददतुः शिबिरस्य हुताशनम् ॥१०-८-१०३॥
Again, wishing to please Drona's son, the two of them set fire to the camp in three places.
ततः प्रकाशे शिबिरे खड्गेन पितृनन्दनः। अश्वत्थामा महाराज व्यचरत्कृतहस्तवत् ॥१०-८-१०४॥
Then, O King, at dawn in the camp, Aśvatthāmā, the son of his father, moved about with a sword like one whose purpose was accomplished.
कांश्चिदापततो वीरानपरांश्च प्रधावतः। व्ययोजयत खड्गेन प्राणैर्द्विजवरो नरान् ॥१०-८-१०५॥
The noble Brahmin struck down some heroes who attacked and others who fled, taking their lives with his sword.
कांश्चिद्योधान्स खड्गेन मध्ये सञ्छिद्य वीर्यवान्। अपातयद्द्रोणसुतः संरब्धस्तिलकाण्डवत् ॥१०-८-१०६॥
Enraged, the valiant son of Droṇa cut down some warriors in the midst with his sword, causing them to fall like sesame stalks.
विनदद्भिर्भृशायस्तैर्नराश्वद्विरदोत्तमैः। पतितैरभवत्कीर्णा मेदिनी भरतर्षभ ॥१०-८-१०७॥
O best of the Bharatas, the earth was strewn with the fallen, roaring, and severely wounded foremost men, horses, and elephants.
मानुषाणां सहस्रेषु हतेषु पतितेषु च। उदतिष्ठन्कबन्धानि बहून्युत्थाय चापतन् ॥१०-८-१०८॥
Among thousands of men, among the slain and the fallen, many headless bodies rose up and, after rising, fell down again.
सायुधान्साङ्गदान्बाहून्निचकर्त शिरांसि च। हस्तिहस्तोपमानूरून्हस्तान्पादांश्च भारत ॥१०-८-१०९॥
O Bhārata, he cut off the arms adorned with weapons and ornaments, the heads, the thighs resembling the trunks of elephants, as well as the hands and feet.
पृष्ठच्छिन्नाञ्शिरश्छिन्नान्पार्श्वच्छिन्नांस्तथापरान्। समासाद्याकरोद्द्रौणिः कांश्चिच्चापि पराङ्मुखान् ॥१०-८-११०॥
Drauṇi (Aśvatthāma), having approached, struck down some with their backs, heads, or sides cut, and others as well, including some who were turned away.
मध्यकायान्नरानन्यांश्चिच्छेदान्यांश्च कर्णतः। अंसदेशे निहत्यान्यान्काये प्रावेशयच्छिरः ॥१०-८-१११॥
He split some men in half at the waist, others he cut from the ear, and after striking some in the shoulder, he inserted their heads into their bodies.
एवं विचरतस्तस्य निघ्नतः सुबहून्नरान्। तमसा रजनी घोरा बभौ दारुणदर्शना ॥१०-८-११२॥
Thus, as he wandered about killing many men, the dreadful night, terrifying in appearance, set in, shrouded in darkness.
किञ्चित्प्राणैश्च पुरुषैर्हतैश्चान्यैः सहस्रशः। बहुना च गजाश्वेन भूरभूद्भीमदर्शना ॥१०-८-११३॥
The earth, covered with the bodies of men, slain by the thousands, along with many elephants and horses, became a terrible sight.
यक्षरक्षःसमाकीर्णे रथाश्वद्विपदारुणे। क्रुद्धेन द्रोणपुत्रेण सञ्छिन्नाः प्रापतन्भुवि ॥१०-८-११४॥
In the field crowded with yakṣas and rākṣasas, and reddened by chariots, horses, and elephants, those who were cut down by the furious son of Droṇa fell to the ground.
मातॄरन्ये पितॄनन्ये भ्रातॄनन्ये विचुक्रुशुः। केचिदूचुर्न तत्क्रुद्धैर्धार्तराष्ट्रैः कृतं रणे ॥१०-८-११५॥
Some cried out for their mothers, others for their fathers, and others for their brothers. Some said, "This was not done in battle by the enraged sons of Dhritarashtra."
यत्कृतं नः प्रसुप्तानां रक्षोभिः क्रूरकर्मभिः। असांनिध्याद्धि पार्थानामिदं नः कदनं कृतम् ॥१०-८-११६॥
This slaughter was inflicted upon us by the cruel demons while we were asleep, and it happened because the sons of Pṛthā were not present.
न देवासुरगन्धर्वैर्न यक्षैर्न च राक्षसैः। शक्यो विजेतुं कौन्तेयो गोप्ता यस्य जनार्दनः ॥१०-८-११७॥
The son of Kunti, protected by Janardana (Krishna), cannot be conquered by gods, asuras, gandharvas, yakṣas, or rākṣasas.
ब्रह्मण्यः सत्यवाग्दान्तः सर्वभूतानुकम्पकः। न च सुप्तं प्रमत्तं वा न्यस्तशस्त्रं कृताञ्जलिम् ॥ धावन्तं मुक्तकेशं वा हन्ति पार्थो धनञ्जयः ॥१०-८-११८॥
Arjuna, known as Dhanañjaya and Pārtha, is devoted to Brahman, speaks the truth, is self-controlled, and compassionate to all beings; he does not kill anyone who is asleep, careless, has laid down their weapons, has joined their palms in supplication, is running away, or has loosened hair.
तदिदं नः कृतं घोरं रक्षोभिः क्रूरकर्मभिः। इति लालप्यमानाः स्म शेरते बहवो जनाः ॥१०-८-११९॥
Many people, lamenting, lay down saying, "This terrible deed has been done to us by the cruel demons."
स्तनतां च मनुष्याणामपरेषां च कूजताम्। ततो मुहूर्तात्प्राशाम्यत्स शब्दस्तुमुलो महान् ॥१०-८-१२०॥
The tumultuous and great sound of groaning men and cooing others subsided after a moment.
शोणितव्यतिषिक्तायां वसुधायां च भूमिप। तद्रजस्तुमुलं घोरं क्षणेनान्तरधीयत ॥१०-८-१२१॥
O king, on the earth that was sprinkled with blood, the dense and terrible dust vanished in an instant.
संवेष्टमानानुद्विग्नान्निरुत्साहान्सहस्रशः। न्यपातयन्नरान्क्रुद्धः पशून्पशुपतिर्यथा ॥१०-८-१२२॥
In his anger, he struck down thousands of men who were writhing, distressed, and dispirited, just as the lord of beasts would strike down animals.
अन्योन्यं सम्परिष्वज्य शयानान्द्रवतोऽपरान्। संलीनान्युध्यमानांश्च सर्वान्द्रौणिरपोथयत् ॥१०-८-१२३॥
Aśvatthāma struck down everyone—those lying together, those fleeing, those hiding, and those still fighting—without exception.
दह्यमाना हुताशेन वध्यमानाश्च तेन ते। परस्परं तदा योधा अनयन्यमसादनम् ॥१०-८-१२४॥
Burned by fire and slain by him, at that time the warriors did not approach each other at all.
तस्या रजन्यास्त्वर्धेन पाण्डवानां महद्बलम्। गमयामास राजेन्द्र द्रौणिर्यमनिवेशनम् ॥१०-८-१२५॥
O king, during half of that night, Aśvatthāman (the son of Droṇa) sent the great army of the Pāṇḍavas to the abode of Yama (i.e., killed them all).
निशाचराणां सत्त्वानां स रात्रिर्हर्षवर्धिनी। आसीन्नरगजाश्वानां रौद्री क्षयकरी भृशम् ॥१०-८-१२६॥
That night brought great joy to the night-wanderers, but was dreadful and destructive for men, elephants, and horses.
तत्रादृश्यन्त रक्षांसि पिशाचाश्च पृथग्विधाः। खादन्तो नरमांसानि पिबन्तः शोणितानि च ॥१०-८-१२७॥
There, various kinds of demons and flesh-eating spirits were seen, eating human flesh and drinking blood.
करालाः पिङ्गला रौद्राः शैलदन्ता रजस्वलाः। जटिला दीर्घसक्थाश्च पञ्चपादा महोदराः ॥१०-८-१२८॥
They were terrible-faced, tawny, fierce, with mountain-like teeth, menstruating, matted-haired, long-thighed, five-footed, and big-bellied.
पश्चादङ्गुलयो रूक्षा विरूपा भैरवस्वनाः। घटजानवोऽतिह्रस्वाश्च नीलकण्ठा विभीषणाः ॥१०-८-१२९॥
After that, their fingers were rough and deformed, their voices terrifying; they had pot-shaped jaws, were very short, blue-throated, and frightful in appearance.
सपुत्रदाराः सुक्रूरा दुर्दर्शनसुनिर्घृणाः। विविधानि च रूपाणि तत्रादृश्यन्त रक्षसाम् ॥१०-८-१३०॥
There, the demons, along with their sons and wives, appeared in various forms—very cruel, dreadful to look at, and utterly merciless.
पीत्वा च शोणितं हृष्टाः प्रानृत्यन्गणशोऽपरे। इदं वरमिदं मेध्यमिदं स्वाद्विति चाब्रुवन् ॥१०-८-१३१॥
After drinking the blood, delighted, others danced in groups and said, "This is excellent, this is pure, this is sweet."
मेदोमज्जास्थिरक्तानां वसानां च भृशासिताः। परमांसानि खादन्तः क्रव्यादा मांसजीविनः ॥१०-८-१३२॥
Flesh-eaters, who live on meat, eat the fat, marrow, bones, blood, and grease, and excessively consume the flesh of others.
वसां चाप्यपरे पीत्वा पर्यधावन्विकुक्षिलाः। नानावक्त्रास्तथा रौद्राः क्रव्यादाः पिशिताशिनः ॥१०-८-१३३॥
And others, after drinking fat, ran about with swollen bellies; they were terrible, with many mouths, flesh-eaters and devourers of meat.
अयुतानि च तत्रासन्प्रयुतान्यर्बुदानि च। रक्षसां घोररूपाणां महतां क्रूरकर्मणाम् ॥१०-८-१३४॥
There were tens of thousands, hundreds of thousands, and millions of rākṣasas there—great beings of terrible appearance and cruel deeds.
मुदितानां वितृप्तानां तस्मिन्महति वैशसे। समेतानि बहून्यासन्भूतानि च जनाधिप ॥१०-८-१३५॥
O king, in that great massacre, many beings who were joyful and satisfied had gathered together.
प्रत्यूषकाले शिबिरात्प्रतिगन्तुमियेष सः। नृशोणितावसिक्तस्य द्रौणेरासीदसित्सरुः ॥ पाणिना सह संश्लिष्ट एकीभूत इव प्रभो ॥१०-८-१३६॥
At dawn, he wished to return from the camp. The sword of Drona's son, drenched in human blood, seemed as if it had become one with his hand, O lord.
स निःशेषानरीन्कृत्वा विरराज जनक्षये। युगान्ते सर्वभूतानि भस्म कृत्वेव पावकः ॥१०-८-१३७॥
He destroyed all his enemies and stood out amidst the destruction of people, just as fire shines after reducing all beings to ashes at the end of an age.
यथाप्रतिज्ञं तत्कर्म कृत्वा द्रौणायनिः प्रभो। दुर्गमां पदवीं कृत्वा पितुरासीद्गतज्वरः ॥१०-८-१३८॥
O lord, the son of Droṇa, having fulfilled his vow and accomplished that deed, took the difficult path of his father and became free from anxiety.
यथैव संसुप्तजने शिबिरे प्राविशन्निशि। तथैव हत्वा निःशब्दे निश्चक्राम नरर्षभः ॥१०-८-१३९॥
Just as he had entered the camp at night while everyone was asleep, so too, after killing (his target), the great man departed silently.
निष्क्रम्य शिबिरात्तस्मात्ताभ्यां सङ्गम्य वीर्यवान्। आचख्यौ कर्म तत्सर्वं हृष्टः संहर्षयन्विभो ॥१०-८-१४०॥
The mighty one came out from the camp, met those two, and joyfully reported all that had happened, delighting them, O lord.
तावप्याचख्यतुस्तस्मै प्रियं प्रियकरौ तदा। पाञ्चालान्सृञ्जयांश्चैव विनिकृत्तान्सहस्रशः ॥ प्रीत्या चोच्चैरुदक्रोशंस्तथैवास्फोटयंस्तलान् ॥१०-८-१४१॥
At that time, the two of them told him the pleasing news that the Pāñcālas and Sṛñjayas had been slain by the thousands. Out of joy, they shouted loudly and clapped their hands.
एवंविधा हि सा रात्रिः सोमकानां जनक्षये। प्रसुप्तानां प्रमत्तानामासीत्सुभृशदारुणा ॥१०-८-१४२॥
That night, during the destruction of the Somakas, was extremely terrible for those who were sleeping and careless.
असंशयं हि कालस्य पर्यायो दुरतिक्रमः। तादृशा निहता यत्र कृत्वास्माकं जनक्षयम् ॥१०-८-१४३॥
Undoubtedly, the course of time is inescapable; it is where such ones were slain, having brought about the destruction of our people.
धृतराष्ट्र उवाच॥
Dhritarashtra said:
प्रागेव सुमहत्कर्म द्रौणिरेतन्महारथः। नाकरोदीदृशं कस्मान्मत्पुत्रविजये धृतः ॥१०-८-१४४॥
Earlier, this mighty chariot-warrior, the son of Droṇa, did not perform such a great feat; why was he so determined for my son's victory?
अथ कस्माद्धते क्षत्रे कर्मेदं कृतवानसौ। द्रोणपुत्रो महेष्वासस्तन्मे शंसितुमर्हसि ॥१०-८-१४५॥
Now, please tell me for what reason the son of Droṇa, the great archer, performed this action in your kṣatriya lineage.
सञ्जय उवाच॥
Sanjaya said:
तेषां नूनं भयान्नासौ कृतवान्कुरुनन्दन। असांनिध्याद्धि पार्थानां केशवस्य च धीमतः ॥१०-८-१४६॥
O joy of the Kurus, certainly he did not do this out of fear of them; rather, it was because the sons of Pṛthā and the wise Keśava were absent.
सात्यकेश्चापि कर्मेदं द्रोणपुत्रेण साधितम्। न हि तेषां समक्षं तान्हन्यादपि मरुत्पतिः ॥१०-८-१४७॥
The son of Droṇa accomplished this deed against Satyaki as well. Indeed, even Indra himself could not have slain them in their presence.
एतदीदृशकं वृत्तं राजन्सुप्तजने विभो। ततो जनक्षयं कृत्वा पाण्डवानां महात्ययम् ॥ दिष्ट्या दिष्ट्येति चान्योन्यं समेत्योचुर्महारथाः ॥१०-८-१४८॥
O king, such a thing happened while everyone was asleep, O lord. Then, after causing the destruction of people, a great disaster befell the Pāṇḍavas. The great warriors, meeting each other, said, 'By fortune, by fortune.'
पर्यष्वजत्ततो द्रौणिस्ताभ्यां च प्रतिनन्दितः। इदं हर्षाच्च सुमहदाददे वाक्यमुत्तमम् ॥१०-८-१४९॥
Then Aśvatthāman, Drona's son, embraced them, and after being warmly greeted, he joyfully spoke these excellent words.
पाञ्चाला निहताः सर्वे द्रौपदेयाश्च सर्वशः। सोमका मत्स्यशेषाश्च सर्वे विनिहता मया ॥१०-८-१५०॥
All the Pāñcālas and the sons of Draupadī have been completely slain; the Somakas and all the remaining Matsyas have also been destroyed by me.
इदानीं कृतकृत्याः स्म याम तत्रैव माचिरम्। यदि जीवति नो राजा तस्मै शंसामहे प्रियम् ॥१०-८-१५१॥
Now that we have fulfilled our duty, let us go there at once and not delay. If our king is alive, let us convey the good news to him.
