10.012
Pancharatra: Krishna tells Yudhisthira, Ashwatthama is restless and has Brahmashira weapon, and so, Bhima should be protected.
Vaiśampāyana said:
After Durdharsha, the foremost among the Yadus, had departed, the lotus-eyed Krishna spoke to Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti.
O Pāṇḍava, your brother, unable to bear the grief for his son, is going in lamentation to kill Aśvatthāman, O descendant of Bharata.
O bull of the Bharatas, Bhima is dear to you and to all your brothers. Why do you not approach him today when he is afflicted?
Droṇa, the conqueror of enemy cities, explained to his son the weapon called Brahmashira, which could burn even the earth.
The great-souled and most fortunate leader among all archers, the teacher, being pleased, entrusted Dhananjaya (Arjuna).
Then his son Damarshana requested him in this way. Then, appearing not very pleased, he spoke to his son.
It was well known that the son of the great-souled man was restless; the teacher, who knew all dharmas, did not constantly look for the boy.
O dear one, even if you are in the greatest danger, you must never use this weapon in battle, especially against humans.
After saying this, the teacher Droṇa then addressed his son again: 'You will never follow the path of the virtuous, O best of men.'
He, realizing the unpleasant words of his father, the wicked-minded one, lost all hope for happiness and, grieving, collapsed to the ground.
Then, O best of the Kurus, while you were living in the forest, O Bharata, he went to Dvārakā and was greatly honored by the Vṛṣṇis.
Once, while dwelling at the edge of the ocean along the Draravati, he approached me one by one and said, as if smiling.
O Krishna, my father, whose valor was truth, practiced severe austerities and obtained them from Agastya, the teacher of the Bharatas.
O Dasharha, today I possess the weapon called Brahmashira, revered by gods and gandharvas, just as my father did.
O best of the Yadus, after taking that divine weapon from me, please grant me your own weapon as well—the discus that destroys enemies in battle.
O king, he, with joined palms and affection, earnestly begged me for the weapon, O best of the Bharatas.
Gods, demons, gandharvas, humans, birds, and serpents are not even equal to a hundredth part of my strength.
Here are this bow, this spear, this discus, and this mace. Whatever weapon you desire from me, I will give it to you.
Take whatever you are able to raise or use in battle, even without a weapon; whatever you wish to give me.
O mighty-armed one, he chose the discus with a thousand spokes, a good and thunderbolt hub, and iron rim, competing together with me.
I told him, 'Take the discus.' But right after that, he quickly approached and seized the discus with his left hand. Yet, O Acyuta, he could not move it from its place.
Then he tried to grasp it with his right hand as well, but despite all his efforts, he could not succeed in holding it.
Then, O Bhārata, Drona's son, despite all his strength, could not lift or move it; after making every effort and becoming exhausted and deeply dejected, he turned back.
Then, seeing him withdrawn from that purpose and dispirited, I addressed Aśvatthāman very affectionately and spoke to him.
He, who among gods and men has reached the highest standard—Arjuna, the wielder of the Gandiva bow, with white horses and the banner of Hanuman.
He who, having been defeated in the duel, directly pleased Śaṅkara, the blue-throated Lord of lords and husband of Umā.
There is no man on earth dearer to me than him; there is nothing of mine, not even my wives or sons, that I would not give to him.
O Brahman, even by that friend, Arjuna, whose actions are tireless, you now address to me this statement which was never spoken before.
Having practiced intense celibacy for twelve years and having come to the side of the Himalayas, he whom I worshipped with austerities.
My son Pradyumna, also known as Sanatkumara, the brilliant one, was born to Rukmini, who followed the same vows.
O fool, even he did not ask for this great, divine, unparalleled discus of mine, which you have now requested.
Neither Rāma nor Atibala, nor Gada nor Sāmba, has ever spoken or requested this before, as you have now done.
Neither the residents of Dvārakā nor any other great warriors among the Vṛṣṇis and Andhakas have ever before spoken what you have requested.
O father, the son of Bhārata’s teacher, honored by all the Yādavas and the best among chariot-warriors wielding the discus—why do you wish to fight?
When I spoke thus, the son of Droṇa replied to me: "O Krishna, after offering worship to you, I will fight."
Then I gave you the discus, worshipped by gods and demons, as you requested. You said, "May I be invincible," O Lord; truly, I say this to you.
O Keśava, since I have not obtained my difficult wish from you, I will now return, O Govinda; please bid me farewell with auspiciousness.
O chief of the Vṛṣṇis, this well-centered discus, held by you, is unmatched; no one else on earth can attain it.
Having said this, the son of Droṇa yoked the horses and treasures to my chariot; then, taking the boy, he approached various gems and riches.
He is impetuous, wicked, restless, and cruel, and he knows the Brahmashiras weapon; therefore, Bhima (Vrikodara) must be protected.
