14.083
The defeat of Magadha.
Vaiśampāyana said.
But he, the horse, after circling this earth bounded by the ocean, returned and came facing the city called Nāgāhvaya, led by the king. (14-83-1)
The brilliant wearer of the diadem, having turned back and following, then by chance arrived at the city of Rājagṛha at that time. (14-83-2)
The king, son of Jarāsandha's son, who stood firmly in his kṣatriya duty, challenged him to battle as soon as he approached. (14-83-3)
Then Meghasandhi, the charioteer and archer armed with arrows and shield, came out from the city and attacked Dhananjaya, who was on foot. (14-83-4)
Having approached Dhananjaya, O great king, Meghasandhi of great energy spoke these words not out of skill, but due to childishness. (14-83-5)
O Bhārata, why is this horse being driven as if in the midst of women? I will carry off this horse; strive for its release. (14-83-6)
If, being unreconciled in battle, you come with my fathers, I shall offer you hospitality; strike, or I will strike. (14-83-7)
Having been thus addressed, the Pāṇḍava replied to him with a smile: "It is my established vow that I shall restrain anyone who creates obstacles." (14-83-8)
O king, your elder brother certainly knows it also. Strike as much as you are able; there is no anger in me. (14-83-9)
Thus addressed, the king of Magadha attacked the Pāṇḍava first, scattering thousands of arrows like showers, as if he had a thousand eyes. (14-83-10)
Then, O best of the Bharatas, the hero who wields the Gandiva easily rendered those arrows fired from the Gandiva fruitless.
He, having rendered his (enemy's) host of arrows ineffective, the monkey-bannered warrior released burning arrows like serpents with blazing mouths. (14-83-12)
On the flag, banner poles, chariot mechanism, horses, and other parts of the chariot, but not on the body, nor on the charioteer. (14-83-13)
While being protected by Arjuna in Phalguna's body, the King of Magadha, considering his own strength, then sent out scouts. (14-83-14)
Then the hero bearing the Gāṇḍīva bow, struck by the king of Magadha, shone like a great palāśa tree blossoming in spring. (14-83-15)
He, while resisting, was striking the Māgadha king, the bull among the Pāṇḍavas. Because of that, O Kauravya, he stood in the presence of the hero renowned in the world. (14-83-16)
But Savyasachi, greatly enraged, drew his powerful bow, made the horses lifeless, and struck off the charioteer's head. (14-83-17)
He indeed cut off his great decorated bow with a razor-headed arrow, and caused his quiver, flag, and banner to fall. (14-83-18)
The king, distressed, bereft of horses and bow, with his charioteer slain, seized his mace and rushed swiftly at the son of Kunti. (14-83-19)
As his mace adorned with gold was quickly falling from him, he cut it in many pieces with many vulture-swift arrows. (14-83-20)
That mace, shattered into pieces and with its jeweled fastenings broken, fell from him like a bracelet slipping off, breaking into a thousand shards. (14-83-21)
The wise Arjuna, foremost in battle, did not wish to strike him, who was deprived of his chariot and bow, and set apart by the mace. (14-83-22)
Then the leader of the monkeys spoke this speech, with a soothing preface, to him who was disheartened but established in the warrior's duty. (14-83-23)
Enough kṣatriya duty has been demonstrated; let him go, O son. The action in this battle is too much for your boy, O king. (14-83-24)
Yudhiṣṭhira's command is that kings should not be killed. Therefore, O king, even though you have offended me in battle, you live. (14-83-25)
Having thought thus, and realizing himself to have been commanded in this way, the Magadhan indeed, having understood (it) as true, respectfully greeted him with joined palms. (14-83-26)
Having consoled him, Arjuna again said this: "You should certainly come to us at the king's great horse sacrifice in the month of Caitra." (14-83-27)
Thus spoken to, he replied 'So be it,' and the son of Sahadeva worshipped that horse and Phalguna, the best of warriors, according to rule. (14-83-28)
Then, as he wished, that Kesari again set out. Thereafter, along the seashore, he went to the lands of the Vangas, Pundras, and Keralas. (14-83-29)
O king, Dhananjaya (Arjuna), wielding the Gāṇḍīva bow, conquered many barbarian armies in various places. (14-83-30)
