Chapter 23: The princes’ martial exhibition; Bhīma and Duryodhana’s prowess, Arjuna’s acclaimed skill, Karṇa’s challenge, and his alliance with Duryodhana.
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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kr̥tāstrāndhārtarāṣṭrāṁśca pāṇḍuputrāṁśca bhārata। dr̥ṣṭvā drōṇō’bravīdrājandhr̥tarāṣṭraṁ janēśvaram ॥BORI: 1-124-1॥
Seeing the sons of Dhritarashtra and the sons of Pandu fully trained in arms, O Bharata, Drona said to King Dhritarashtra, lord of the people— (BORI: 1-124-1)
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kr̥pasya sōmadattasya bāhlīkasya ca dhīmataḥ। gāṅgēyasya ca sāṁnidhyē vyāsasya vidurasya ca ॥BORI: 1-124-2॥
In the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, the wise Bahlika, the son of Ganga, Vyasa, and Vidura… (BORI: 1-124-2)
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rājansamprāptavidyāstē kumarāḥ kurusattama। tē darśayēyuḥ svāṁ śikṣāṁ rājannanumatē tava ॥BORI: 1-124-3॥
O king, best of the Kurus, your princes have completed their training. With your permission, O king, let them display their skill. (BORI: 1-124-3)
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tatō’bravīnmahārājaḥ prahr̥ṣṭēnāntarātmanā। bhāradvāja mahatkarma kr̥taṁ tē dvijasattama ॥BORI: 1-124-4॥
Then the great king, delighted at heart, said, “Bhāradvāja, you have accomplished a great deed, best of Brahmins.” (BORI: 1-124-4)
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yadā tu manyasē kālaṁ yasmindēśē yathā yathā। tathā tathā vidhānāya svayamājñāpayasva mām ॥BORI: 1-124-5॥
But when you think the time has come, command me yourself as to the place and manner, so that arrangements may be made accordingly. (BORI: 1-124-5)
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spr̥hayāmyadya nirvēdātpuruṣāṇāṁ sacakṣuṣām। astrahētōḥ parākrāntānyē mē drakṣyanti putrakān ॥BORI: 1-124-6॥
In my despondency today, I envy men blessed with sight, who will see my sons displaying their prowess with weapons. (BORI: 1-124-6)
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kṣattaryadgururācāryō bravīti kuru tattathā। na hīdr̥śaṁ priyaṁ manyē bhavitā dharmavatsala ॥BORI: 1-124-7॥
Kshattar, do exactly what the venerable preceptor says. For I do not think anything could be more pleasing than this, O lover of righteousness. (BORI: 1-124-7)
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tatō rājānamāmantrya vidurānugatō bahiḥ। bhāradvājō mahāprājñō māpayāmāsa mēdinīm। samāmavr̥kṣāṁ nirgulmāmudakpravaṇasaṁsthitām ॥BORI: 1-124-8॥
Then, after taking leave of the king, the exceedingly wise son of Bharadvaja went outside accompanied by Vidura and had a tract of land measured out—level, treeless, free of undergrowth, and sloping northward. (BORI: 1-124-8)
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tasyāṁ bhūmau baliṁ cakrē tithau nakṣatrapūjitē। avaghuṣṭaṁ purē cāpi tadarthaṁ vadatāṁ vara ॥BORI: 1-124-9॥
On that ground he made an offering on a lunar day made auspicious by the constellation. A proclamation was also made in the city for that purpose, O best of speakers. (BORI: 1-124-9)
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raṅgabhūmau suvipulaṁ śāstradr̥ṣṭaṁ yathāvidhi। prēkṣāgāraṁ suvihitaṁ cakrustatra ca śilpinaḥ। rājñaḥ sarvāyudhōpētaṁ strīṇāṁ caiva nararṣabha ॥BORI: 1-124-10॥
There in the arena the artisans duly constructed a well-designed, very spacious viewing pavilion for the king and the women, built according to scriptural prescription and equipped with every kind of weapon, O best of men. (BORI: 1-124-10)
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mañcāṁśca kārayāmāsustatra jānapadā janāḥ । vipulānucchrayōpētāñśibikāśca mahādhanāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-11॥
The people of the realm had broad, elevated platforms built there, while the very wealthy had palanquins made. (BORI: 1-124-11)
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tasmiṁstatō’hani prāptē rājā sasacivastadā । bhīṣmaṁ pramukhataḥ kr̥tvā kr̥paṁ cācāryasattamam ॥BORI: 1-124-12॥
Then, when that day arrived, the king and his ministers, with Bhishma at their head and Kripa, the foremost of teachers... (BORI: 1-124-12)
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muktājālaparikṣiptaṁ vaiḍūryamaṇibhūṣitam । śātakumbhamayaṁ divyaṁ prēkṣāgāramupāgamat ॥BORI: 1-124-13॥
He approached the splendid viewing pavilion, made of gold, draped with nets of pearls, and adorned with vaiḍūrya gems. (BORI: 1-124-13)
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gāndhārī ca mahābhāgā kuntī ca jayatāṁ vara । striyaśca sarvā yā rājñaḥ saprēṣyāḥ saparicchadāḥ । harṣādāruruhurmañcānmēruṁ dēvastriyō yathā ॥BORI: 1-124-14॥
Gandhari and the illustrious Kunti, O best of conquerors, and all the king’s women, together with their maidservants and attendants, joyfully ascended the viewing platforms like the women of the gods ascending Mount Meru. (BORI: 1-124-14)
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brāhmaṇakṣatriyādyaṁ ca cāturvarṇyaṁ purāddrutam । darśanēpsu samabhyāgātkumārāṇāṁ kr̥tāstratām ॥BORI: 1-124-15॥
The four social classes, beginning with Brahmins and Kshatriyas, hurried from the city, eager to see the princes’ mastery of arms. (BORI: 1-124-15)
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pravāditaiśca vāditrairjanakautūhalēna ca । mahārṇava iva kṣubdhaḥ samājaḥ sō’bhavattadā ॥BORI: 1-124-16॥
Then, with musical instruments sounding and the people astir with curiosity, that gathering grew turbulent like the great ocean. (BORI: 1-124-16)
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tataḥ śuklāmbaradharaḥ śuklayajñōpavītavān । śuklakēśaḥ sitaśmaśruḥ śuklamālyānulēpanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-17॥
Then the preceptor, dressed in white, wearing a white sacred thread, with white hair and a white beard, and adorned with white garlands and unguents… (BORI: 1-124-17)
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raṅgamadhyaṁ tadācāryaḥ saputraḥ pravivēśa ha । nabhō jaladharairhīnaṁ sāṅgāraka ivāṁśumān ॥BORI: 1-124-18॥
That teacher entered the center of the arena with his son, like the sun accompanied by Mars entering a cloudless sky. (BORI: 1-124-18)
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sa yathāsamayaṁ cakrē baliṁ balavatāṁ varaḥ । brāhmaṇāṁścātra mantrajñānvācayāmāsa maṅgalam ॥BORI: 1-124-19॥
That foremost of mighty men duly performed the offering and had Brahmins learned in sacred formulas pronounce blessings there. (BORI: 1-124-19)
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atha puṇyāhaghōṣasya puṇyasya tadanantaram । viviśurvividhaṁ gr̥hya śastrōpakaraṇaṁ narāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-20॥
Then, immediately after the sacred proclamation of the auspicious day, the men entered carrying various weapons and military equipment. (BORI: 1-124-20)
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tatō baddhatanutrāṇā baddhakakṣyā mahābalāḥ । baddhatūṇāḥ sadhanuṣō viviśurbharatarṣabhāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-21॥
Then the mighty bulls of the Bharata line entered, clad in armor, their belts fastened, their quivers bound on, and bows in hand. (BORI: 1-124-21)
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anujyēṣṭhaṁ ca tē tatra yudhiṣṭhirapurōgamāḥ । cakrurastraṁ mahāvīryāḥ kumārāḥ paramādbhutam ॥BORI: 1-124-22॥
There, in order of seniority and with Yudhishthira leading, the princes of great prowess displayed extraordinary skill with weapons. (BORI: 1-124-22)
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kēciccharākṣēpabhayācchirāṁsyavananāmirē । manujā dhr̥ṣṭamaparē vīkṣāṁ cakruḥ savismayāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-23॥
Some lowered their heads for fear of the flying arrows, while other men watched boldly in astonishment. (BORI: 1-124-23)
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tē sma lakṣyāṇi vividhurbāṇairnāmāṅkaśōbhitaiḥ । vividhairlāghavōtsr̥ṣṭairuhyantō vājibhirdrutam ॥BORI: 1-124-24॥
Borne swiftly along by horses, they pierced the targets with various arrows, deftly loosed and adorned with inscriptions of their names. (BORI: 1-124-24)
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tatkumārabalaṁ tatra gr̥hītaśarakārmukam । gandharvanagarākāraṁ prēkṣya tē vismitābhavan ॥BORI: 1-124-25॥
Seeing that host of princes there, bows and arrows in hand and resembling a city of the Gandharvas, they were astonished. (BORI: 1-124-25)
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sahasā cukruśustatra narāḥ śatasahasraśaḥ । vismayōtphullanayanāḥ sādhu sādhviti bhārata ॥BORI: 1-124-26॥
Then hundreds of thousands of men suddenly cried out, their eyes wide with wonder, “Bravo! Bravo!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-124-26)
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kr̥tvā dhanuṣi tē mārgānrathacaryāsu cāsakr̥t । gajapr̥ṣṭhē’śvapr̥ṣṭhē ca niyuddhē ca mahābalāḥ ॥BORI: 1-124-27॥
After repeatedly demonstrating their techniques with the bow and in chariot maneuvers, on elephant- and horseback, and in close combat, those mighty warriors… (BORI: 1-124-27)
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gr̥hītakhaḍgacarmāṇastatō bhūyaḥ prahāriṇaḥ । tsarumārgānyathōddiṣṭāṁścēruḥ sarvāsu bhūmiṣu ॥BORI: 1-124-28॥
Then, taking up swords and shields and striking repeatedly, they practiced the prescribed movements of swordsmanship in every stance. (BORI: 1-124-28)
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lāghavaṁ sauṣṭhavaṁ śōbhāṁ sthiratvaṁ dr̥ḍhamuṣṭitām । dadr̥śustatra sarvēṣāṁ prayōgē khaḍgacarmaṇām ॥BORI: 1-124-29॥
There they saw, in the way each of them wielded sword and shield, agility, skill, grace, steadiness, and firmness of grip. (BORI: 1-124-29)
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atha tau nityasaṁhr̥ṣṭau suyōdhanavr̥kōdarau । avatīrṇau gadāhastāvēkaśr̥ṅgāvivācalau ॥BORI: 1-124-30॥
Then Suyodhana and Vṛkodara, ever exulting, entered the arena with maces in hand, like two mountains each crowned with a single peak. (BORI: 1-124-30)
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baddhakakṣyau mahābāhū pauruṣē paryavasthitau । br̥ṁhantau vāśitāhētōḥ samadāviva kuñjarau ॥BORI: 1-124-31॥
The mighty-armed pair, girded for battle and steadfast in their valor, roared like two rutting elephants over a female. (BORI: 1-124-31)
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tau pradakṣiṇasavyāni maṇḍalāni mahābalau । cēraturnirmalagadau samadāviva gōvr̥ṣau ॥BORI: 1-124-32॥
The two mighty warriors, wielding gleaming maces, moved in circles to the right and left like two rutting bulls. (BORI: 1-124-32)
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vidurō dhr̥tarāṣṭrāya gāndhāryai pāṇḍavāraṇiḥ । nyavēdayētāṁ tatsarvaṁ kumārāṇāṁ vicēṣṭitam ॥BORI: 1-124-33॥
Vidura and Kuntī, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, reported to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Gāndhārī everything the princes had done. (BORI: 1-124-33)
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sāntaḥpuraḥ sahāmātyō vyāsasyānumatē tadā ॥KUMB: 1-144-13॥
Then, accompanied by the women of his household and his ministers, with Vyasa’s consent… (KUMB: 1-144-13)
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bāhlīkaṁ sōmadattaṁ ca bhūriśravasamēva ca । kurūnanyāṁśca sacivānādāya nagarādbahiḥ ॥KUMB: 1-144-14॥
Taking Bāhlīka, Somadatta, Bhūriśravas, the other Kurus, and his counselors with him beyond the city… (KUMB: 1-144-14)
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raṅgabhūmiṁ samāsādya brāhmaṇaiḥ sahitō nr̥paḥ ॥KUMB: 1-144-15॥
The king, accompanied by the Brahmins, reached the arena… (KUMB: 1-144-15)
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kṣaṇēnaikasthatāṁ tatra darśanēpsurjagāma ha ॥KUMB: 1-144-19; NILA: 01.134.017॥
Eager to see, he quickly took his place there. (KUMB: 1-144-19; NILA: 01.134.017)
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suvarṇamaṇiratnāni vastrāṇi vividhāni ca । pradadau dakṣiṇāṁ rājā drōṇāya ca kr̥pāya ca ॥KUMB: 1-144-24॥
The king gave gold, jewels, precious stones, and various garments as gifts to Drona and Kripa. (KUMB: 1-144-24)
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raṅgamadhyē sthitaṁ drōṇamabhivādya nararṣabhāḥ । cakruḥ pūjāṁ yathānyāyaṁ drōṇasya ca kr̥pasya ca ॥KUMB: 1-144-27॥
After saluting Drona, who stood in the middle of the arena, the foremost of men duly honored Drona and Kripa. (KUMB: 1-144-27)
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āśīrbhiśca prayuktābhiḥ sarvē saṁhr̥ṣṭamānasāḥ । abhivādya punaḥ śastrānbalipuṣpaiḥ samarcitān ॥KUMB: 1-144-28॥
All of them, their hearts gladdened by the blessings bestowed upon them, having once again saluted the weapons that had been worshipped with flowers offered in sacrifice… (KUMB: 1-144-28)
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raktacandanasaṁmiśraiḥ svayamarcanti kauravāḥ । raktacandanadigdhāśca raktamālyānudhāriṇaḥ ॥KUMB: 1-144-29॥
The Kauravas themselves worship them with mixtures of red sandalwood. Smeared with red sandalwood and wearing red garlands... (KUMB: 1-144-29)
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sarvē raktapatākāśca sarvē raktāntalōcanāḥ । drōṇēna samanujñātā gr̥hya śastraṁ parantapāḥ ॥KUMB: 1-144-30॥
All bearing red banners, all with red-rimmed eyes, those scorchers of foes, with Drona’s permission, took up their weapons… (KUMB: 1-144-30)
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dhanūṁṣi pūrva saṁgr̥hya taptakāñcanabhūṣitāḥ । sajyāni vividhākārāḥ śaraiḥ sandhāya kauravā ॥KUMB: 1-144-31॥
First taking up their strung bows, the Kauravas, adorned with burnished gold and varied in appearance, fitted arrows to them… (KUMB: 1-144-31)
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jyāghōṣaṁ talaghōṣaṁ ca kr̥tvā bhūtānyamōhayan ॥KUMB: 1-144-32॥
With the twang of their bowstrings and the slap of their palms, they bewildered all beings. (KUMB: 1-144-32)
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kēṣāṁcittatra mālyēṣu śarā nipatitā nr̥pa । kēṣāṁcitpuṣpamukuṭē nipatanti sma sāyakāḥ ॥KUMB: 1-144-34॥
There, O king, arrows fell upon some men’s garlands, while shafts landed upon the floral crowns of others. (KUMB: 1-144-34)
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kēcillakṣyāṇi vividhairbāṇairāhitalakṣaṇaiḥ । bibhidurlāghavōtsr̥ṣṭairgurūṇi ca laghūni ca ॥KUMB: 1-144-35॥
Some pierced targets, both heavy and light, with various marked arrows loosed with skill. (KUMB: 1-144-35)
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vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
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kururājē ca raṅgasthē bhīmē ca balināṁ varē । pakṣapātakr̥tasnēhaḥ sa dvidhēvābhavajjanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-1॥
With the Kuru king and Bhima, foremost of the strong, standing in the arena, the people, their affections shaped by partisanship, seemed divided in two. (BORI: 1-125-1)
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hā vīra kururājēti hā bhīmēti ca nardatām । puruṣāṇāṁ suvipulāḥ praṇādāḥ sahasōtthitāḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-2॥
As the men cried out, “Bravo, hero! Bravo, king of the Kurus!” and “Bravo, Bhima!” a tremendous roar suddenly arose. (BORI: 1-125-2)
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tataḥ kṣubdhārṇavanibhaṁ raṅgamālōkya buddhimān । bhāradvājaḥ priyaṁ putramaśvatthāmānamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-125-3॥
Then the wise son of Bharadvāja, seeing the arena like a turbulent ocean, spoke to his beloved son Aśvatthāman: (BORI: 1-125-3)
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vārayaitau mahāvīryau kr̥tayōgyāvubhāvapi । mā bhūdraṅgaprakōpō’yaṁ bhīmaduryōdhanōdbhavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-4॥
Restrain those two mighty heroes, both trained to perfection. Let this tumult in the arena, caused by Bhima and Duryodhana, go no further. (BORI: 1-125-4)
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tatastāvudyatagadau guruputrēṇa vāritau । yugāntānilasaṅkṣubdhau mahāvēgāvivārṇavau ॥BORI: 1-125-5॥
Then the preceptor’s son restrained the two of them as they stood with maces raised, like two raging oceans lashed by the wind at the end of an age. (BORI: 1-125-5)
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tatō raṅgāṅgaṇagatō drōṇō vacanamabravīt । nivārya vāditragaṇaṁ mahāmēghanibhasvanam ॥BORI: 1-125-6॥
Then Drona entered the arena, silenced the ensemble of instruments whose sound resembled a mighty thundercloud, and spoke these words: (BORI: 1-125-6)
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yō mē putrātpriyataraḥ sarvāstraviduṣāṁ varaḥ । aindririndrānujasamaḥ sa pārthō dr̥śyatāmiti ॥BORI: 1-125-7॥
Behold Partha, who is dearer to me than my own son, foremost among those skilled in every weapon, the son of Indra and the equal of Indra’s younger brother! (BORI: 1-125-7)
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ācāryavacanēnātha kr̥tasvastyayanō yuvā । baddhagōdhāṅgulitrāṇaḥ pūrṇatūṇaḥ sakārmukaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-8॥
Then, at his teacher’s command, the young man, having received the benediction, his iguana-hide finger guard fastened, his quiver full and his bow in hand… (BORI: 1-125-8)
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kāñcanaṁ kavacaṁ bibhratpratyadr̥śyata phalgunaḥ । sārkaḥ sēndrāyudhataḍitsasandhya iva tōyadaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-9॥
Phalguna appeared wearing golden armor, like a cloud at twilight accompanied by the sun, a rainbow, and lightning. (BORI: 1-125-9)
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tataḥ sarvasya raṅgasya samutpiñjō’bhavanmahān । prāvādyanta ca vādyāni saśaṅkhāni samantataḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-10॥
Then a great commotion arose throughout the arena, and musical instruments, including conches, were sounded on every side. (BORI: 1-125-10)
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ēṣa kuntīsutaḥ śrīmānēṣa pāṇḍavamadhyamaḥ । ēṣa putrō mahēndrasya kurūṇāmēṣa rakṣitā ॥BORI: 1-125-11॥
Here is the illustrious son of Kunti, the middle Pandava. Here is the son of great Indra, the protector of the Kurus. (BORI: 1-125-11)
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ēṣō’straviduṣāṁ śrēṣṭha ēṣa dharmabhr̥tāṁ varaḥ । ēṣa śīlavatāṁ cāpi śīlajñānanidhiḥ paraḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-12॥
He is the foremost of those skilled in weapons; he is the best of those who uphold righteousness. And among men of good character, he is the supreme repository of virtue and wisdom. (BORI: 1-125-12)
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ityēvamatulā vācaḥ śr̥ṇvantyāḥ prēkṣakēritāḥ । kuntyāḥ prasnavasaṁmiśrairasraiḥ klinnamurō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-125-13॥
As Kunti heard these matchless words uttered by the spectators, her breast grew wet with tears mingled with flowing milk. (BORI: 1-125-13)
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tēna śabdēna mahatā pūrṇaśrutirathābravīt । dhr̥tarāṣṭrō naraśrēṣṭhō viduraṁ hr̥ṣṭamānasaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-14॥
Then, his ears filled by that tremendous sound, Dhritarashtra, best of men, joyfully said to Vidura: (BORI: 1-125-14)
[PV-PAX:01_023_62]
kṣattaḥ kṣubdhārṇavanibhaḥ kimēṣa sumahāsvanaḥ । sahasaivōtthitō raṅgē bhindanniva nabhastalam ॥BORI: 1-125-15॥
O Vidura, what is this tremendous roar, like a turbulent ocean, that has suddenly arisen in the arena as though splitting the sky? (BORI: 1-125-15)
[PV-PAX:01_023_63]
vidura uvāca॥
Vidura said:
[PV-PAX:01_023_64]
ēṣa pārthō mahārāja phalgunaḥ pāṇḍunandanaḥ । avatīrṇaḥ sakavacastatraiṣa sumahāsvanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-16॥
This is Pārtha, great king—Phalguna, Pāṇḍu’s son—who has alighted there in his armor, amid this tremendous din. (BORI: 1-125-16)
[PV-PAX:01_023_65]
dhr̥tarāṣṭra uvāca॥
Dhritarashtra said:
[PV-PAX:01_023_66]
dhanyō’smyanugr̥hītō’smi rakṣitō’smi mahāmatē । pr̥thāraṇisamudbhūtaistribhiḥ pāṇḍavavahnibhiḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-17॥
I am blessed, favored, and protected, O greatly wise one, by the three Pāṇḍava fires born from Pṛthā, the fire-stick. (BORI: 1-125-17)
[PV-PAX:01_023_67]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_68]
tasminsamuditē raṅgē kathañcitparyavasthitē । darśayāmāsa bībhatsurācāryādastralāghavam ॥BORI: 1-125-18॥
When the assembly in the arena had gathered and somehow settled into place, Bibhatsu displayed the dexterity with weapons that he had learned from his teacher. (BORI: 1-125-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_69]
āgnēyēnāsr̥jadvahniṁ vāruṇēnāsr̥jatpayaḥ । vāyavyēnāsr̥jadvāyuṁ pārjanyēnāsr̥jadghanān ॥BORI: 1-125-19॥
With the weapon of fire he produced fire; with the weapon of Varuṇa, water; with the weapon of wind, wind; and with the weapon of Parjanya, clouds. (BORI: 1-125-19)
[PV-PAX:01_023_70]
bhaumēna prāviśadbhūmiṁ pārvatēnāsr̥jadgirīn । antardhānēna cāstrēṇa punarantarhitō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-125-20॥
With the terrestrial weapon he entered the earth, and with the mountain weapon he created mountains. Then, with the weapon of concealment, he vanished once more. (BORI: 1-125-20)
[PV-PAX:01_023_71]
kṣaṇātprāṁśuḥ kṣaṇāddhrasvaḥ kṣaṇācca rathadhūrgataḥ । kṣaṇēna rathamadhyasthaḥ kṣaṇēnāvāpatanmahīm ॥BORI: 1-125-21॥
One moment he was tall, the next short; one moment he was on the chariot pole, the next in the middle of the chariot, and the next he fell to the ground. (BORI: 1-125-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_72]
sukumāraṁ ca sūkṣmaṁ ca guruṁ cāpi gurupriyaḥ । sauṣṭhavēnābhisaṁyuktaḥ sō’vidhyadvividhaiḥ śaraiḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-22॥
Dear to his teacher and endowed with dexterity, he pierced it with various arrows—lightly, subtly, and forcefully. (BORI: 1-125-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_73]
bhramataśca varāhasya lōhasya pramukhē samam । pañca bāṇānasaṁsaktānsa mumōcaikabāṇavat ॥BORI: 1-125-23॥
He shot five separate arrows into the mouth of a revolving iron boar, all at once as though they were a single arrow. (BORI: 1-125-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_74]
gavyē viṣāṇakōśē ca calē rajjvavalambitē । nicakhāna mahāvīryaḥ sāyakānēkaviṁśatim ॥BORI: 1-125-24॥
The mighty hero planted twenty-one arrows in a swinging case of bovine horn suspended from a rope. (BORI: 1-125-24)
[PV-PAX:01_023_75]
ityēvamādi sumahatkhaḍgē dhanuṣi cābhavat । gadāyāṁ śastrakuśalō darśanāni vyadarśayat ॥BORI: 1-125-25॥
He performed such and other magnificent feats with sword and bow; skilled in arms, he also demonstrated various maneuvers with the mace. (BORI: 1-125-25)
[PV-KDV:01_023_76]
tataḥ samāpta-bhūyiṣṭhē tasmin karmaṇi bhārata । mandībhūtē samājē ca vāditrasya ca nisvanē ॥BORI: 1-125-26॥
Then, O Bharata, when that exhibition was nearly over and the assembly and the sound of the musical instruments had grown quiet... (BORI: 1-125-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_77]
dvāradēśātsamudbhūtō māhātmya balasūcakaḥ । vajraniṣpēṣasadr̥śaḥ śuśruvē bhujanisvanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-27॥
From the doorway arose and was heard the sound of arms, proclaiming might and strength, like the crash of a thunderbolt. (BORI: 1-125-27)
[PV-KDV:01_023_78]
dīryantē kiṁ nu girayaḥ kiṁ svidbhūmirvidīryatē । kiṁ svidāpūryatē vyōma jalabhāraghanairghanaiḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-28॥
Are the mountains being split apart? Is the earth being rent? Or is the sky being filled with dense, water-laden clouds? (BORI: 1-125-28)
[PV-PAX:01_023_79]
raṅgasyaivaṁ matirabhūtkṣaṇēna vasudhādhipa । dvāraṁ cābhimukhāḥ sarvē babhūvuḥ prēkṣakāstadā ॥BORI: 1-125-29॥
In an instant, O lord of the earth, the whole arena was filled with such thoughts, and all the spectators turned toward the entrance. (BORI: 1-125-29)
[PV-PAX:01_023_80]
pañcabhirbhrātr̥bhiḥ pārthairdrōṇaḥ parivr̥tō babhau । pañcatārēṇa saṁyuktaḥ sāvitrēṇēva candramāḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-30॥
Surrounded by the five Pārtha brothers, Droṇa shone like the moon accompanied by the five-starred constellation Sāvitra. (BORI: 1-125-30)
[PV-PAX:01_023_81]
aśvatthāmnā ca sahitaṁ bhrātr̥ṇāṁ śatamūrjitam । duryōdhanamamitraghnamutthitaṁ paryavārayat ॥BORI: 1-125-31॥
The mighty hundred brothers, together with Ashvatthaman, surrounded Duryodhana, the slayer of foes, who had risen. (BORI: 1-125-31)
[PV-PAX:01_023_82]
sa taistadā bhrātr̥bhirudyatāyudhai; rvr̥tō gadāpāṇiravasthitaiḥ sthitaḥ । babhau yathā dānavasaṅkṣayē purā; puraṁdarō dēvagaṇaiḥ samāvr̥taḥ ॥BORI: 1-125-32॥
At that moment he stood, mace in hand, surrounded by his brothers, who had taken their stand with weapons raised. He shone as Purandara once did, surrounded by hosts of gods at the destruction of the Danavas. (BORI: 1-125-32)
[PV-PAX:01_023_83]
tata utthāya vēgēna aśvatthāmā nyavārayat । gurōrājñā bhīma iti gāndhārē guruśāsanam । alaṁ śikṣākr̥taṁ vēgamalaṁ sāhasamityuta ॥KUMB: 1-145-5॥
Then Ashvatthama sprang up swiftly and stopped them, saying, “Bhima, this is the guru’s command! Son of Gandhari, heed the guru’s injunction! Enough of this speed born of training; enough of this recklessness!” (KUMB: 1-145-5)
[PV-SVO:01_023_84]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_85]
dattē’vakāśē puruṣairvismayōtphullalōcanaiḥ। vivēśa raṅgaṁ vistīrṇaṁ karṇaḥ parapurañjayaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-1॥
As the men, their eyes wide with wonder, made way for him, Karna, the conqueror of enemy cities, entered the vast arena. (BORI: 1-126-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_86]
sahajaṁ kavacaṁ bibhratkuṇḍalōddyōtitānanaḥ। sadhanurbaddhanistriṁśaḥ pādacārīva parvataḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-2॥
Wearing his inborn armor, his face aglow from his earrings, armed with a bow and a sword at his side, like a mountain walking on foot. (BORI: 1-126-2)
[PV-PAX:01_023_87]
kanyāgarbhaḥ pr̥thuyaśāḥ pr̥thāyāḥ pr̥thulōcanaḥ। tīkṣṇāṁśōrbhāskarasyāṁśaḥ karṇō’rigaṇasūdanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-3॥
Karna, born in the maiden Pritha’s womb, broad-eyed and greatly renowned, a portion of the piercing-rayed Sun and destroyer of hosts of foes— (BORI: 1-126-3)
[PV-PAX:01_023_88]
siṁharṣabhagajēndrāṇāṁ tulyavīryaparākramaḥ। dīptikāntidyutiguṇaiḥ sūryēndujvalanōpamaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-4॥
Equal in strength and prowess to lions, bulls, and lordly elephants, and like the sun, moon, and fire in brilliance, splendor, and radiance. (BORI: 1-126-4)
[PV-PAX:01_023_89]
prāṁśuḥ kanakatālābhaḥ siṁhasaṁhananō yuvā। asaṅkhyēyaguṇaḥ śrīmānbhāskarasyātmasambhavaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-5॥
Tall as a golden palm tree, lion-built and youthful, endowed with countless virtues, glorious, and Bhāskara’s own son. (BORI: 1-126-5)
[PV-PAX:01_023_90]
sa nirīkṣya mahābāhuḥ sarvatō raṅgamaṇḍalam। praṇāmaṁ drōṇakr̥payōrnātyādr̥tamivākarōt ॥BORI: 1-126-6॥
The mighty-armed man surveyed the arena on every side, then offered Drona and Kripa a bow that seemed less than respectful. (BORI: 1-126-6)
[PV-KDV:01_023_91]
sa sāmājajanaḥ sarvō niścalaḥ sthiralōcanaḥ। kō’yamityāgatakṣōbhaḥ kautūhalaparō’bhavat ॥BORI: 1-126-7॥
The entire assembled crowd stood motionless, their eyes fixed; stirred by his arrival, they became intensely curious, wondering, “Who is this?” (BORI: 1-126-7)
[PV-KDV:01_023_92]
sō’bravīnmēghadhīrēṇa svarēṇa vadatāṁ varaḥ। bhrātā bhrātaramajñātaṁ sāvitraḥ pākaśāsanim ॥BORI: 1-126-8॥
Then the son of the Sun, finest of speakers, said in a voice deep as a thundercloud to the son of Indra, his brother whom he did not know: (BORI: 1-126-8)
[PV-KDV:01_023_93]
pārtha yattē kr̥taṁ karma viśēṣavadahaṁ tataḥ। kariṣyē paśyatāṁ nr̥ṇāṁ mātmanā vismayaṁ gamaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-9॥
Pārtha, before the eyes of these men I shall perform a feat surpassing what you have done. Do not marvel at yourself. (BORI: 1-126-9)
[PV-KDV:01_023_94]
asamāptē tatastasya vacanē vadatāṁ vara। yantrōtkṣipta iva kṣipramuttasthau sarvatō janaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-10॥
Then, before he had finished speaking, O best of speakers, all the people quickly rose on every side, as though lifted by a machine. (BORI: 1-126-10)
[PV-KDV:01_023_95]
prītiśca puruṣavyāghra duryōdhanamathāspr̥śat । hrīśca krōdhaśca bībhatsuṁ kṣaṇēnānvaviśacca ha ॥BORI: 1-126-11॥
Then, tiger among men, delight seized Duryodhana, while shame and anger entered Bibhatsu in an instant. (BORI: 1-126-11)
[PV-KDV:01_023_96]
tatō drōṇābhyanujñātaḥ karṇaḥ priyaraṇaḥ sadā । yatkr̥taṁ tatra pārthēna taccakāra mahābalaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-12॥
Then Karna, always delighting in battle, received Drona’s permission and, mighty as he was, performed every feat that Partha had performed there. (BORI: 1-126-12)
[PV-KDV:01_023_97]
atha duryōdhanastatra bhrātr̥bhiḥ saha bhārata । karṇaṁ pariṣvajya mudā tatō vacanamabravīt ॥BORI: 1-126-13॥
Then Duryodhana, together with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karna there and said, O Bharata: (BORI: 1-126-13)
[PV-KDV:01_023_98]
svāgataṁ tē mahābāhō diṣṭyā prāptō’si mānada । ahaṁ ca kururājyaṁ ca yathēṣṭamupabhujyatām ॥BORI: 1-126-14॥
Welcome, mighty-armed one! By good fortune you have come, bestower of honor. Make free use of me and the Kuru kingdom as you please. (BORI: 1-126-14)
[PV-KDV:01_023_99]
karṇa uvāca॥
Karna said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_100]
kr̥taṁ sarvēṇa mē’nyēna sakhitvaṁ ca tvayā vr̥ṇē । dvandvayuddhaṁ ca pārthēna kartumicchāmi bhārata ॥BORI: 1-126-15॥
I have no need of anything else; I choose friendship with you, and I wish to fight a duel with Partha, O Bharata. (BORI: 1-126-15)
[PV-KDV:01_023_101]
duryōdhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_102]
bhuṅkṣva bhōgānmayā sārdhaṁ bandhūnāṁ priyakr̥dbhava । durhr̥dāṁ kuru sarvēṣāṁ mūrdhni pādamariṁdama ॥BORI: 1-126-16॥
Enjoy pleasures with me, and do what is pleasing to your kinsmen. Place your foot upon the heads of all your enemies, O subduer of foes. (BORI: 1-126-16)
[PV-KDV:01_023_103]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_104]
tataḥ kṣiptamivātmānaṁ matvā pārthō’bhyabhāṣata । karṇaṁ bhrātr̥samūhasya madhyē’calamiva sthitam ॥BORI: 1-126-17॥
Then Partha, feeling as though he had been insulted, addressed Karna, who stood like a mountain amid the band of brothers: (BORI: 1-126-17)
[PV-KDV:01_023_105]
anāhūtōpasr̥ptānāmanāhūtōpajalpinām । yē lōkāstānhataḥ karṇa mayā tvaṁ pratipatsyasē ॥BORI: 1-126-18॥
Slain by me, Karna, you will attain the worlds of those who approach uninvited and speak without being addressed. (BORI: 1-126-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_106]
karṇa uvāca॥
Karṇa said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_107]
raṅgō’yaṁ sarvasāmānyaḥ kimatra tava phalguna । vīryaśrēṣṭhāśca rājanyā balaṁ dharmō’nuvartatē ॥BORI: 1-126-19॥
This arena is open to all; what claim have you to it, Phalguna? Kshatriyas are preeminent in valor, and right follows might. (BORI: 1-126-19)
[PV-KDV:01_023_108]
kiṁ kṣēpairdurbalāśvāsaiḥ śaraiḥ kathaya bhārata । gurōḥ samakṣaṁ yāvattē harāmyadya śiraḥ śaraiḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-20॥
What use are taunts, the solace of the weak? Speak with arrows, O Bharata, until today, before your teacher’s eyes, I sever your head with my arrows. (BORI: 1-126-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_109]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_110]
tatō drōṇābhyanujñātaḥ pārthaḥ parapurañjayaḥ । bhrātr̥bhistvarayāśliṣṭō raṇāyōpajagāma tam ॥BORI: 1-126-21॥
Then, with Drona’s permission, Partha, the conqueror of enemy cities, was quickly embraced by his brothers and advanced toward him for battle. (BORI: 1-126-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_111]
tatō duryōdhanēnāpi sabhrātrā samarōdyataḥ । pariṣvaktaḥ sthitaḥ karṇaḥ pragr̥hya saśaraṁ dhanuḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-22॥
Then Karna, ready for battle, was likewise embraced by Duryodhana and his brothers and stood holding his bow and arrow. (BORI: 1-126-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_112]
tataḥ savidyutstanitaiḥ sēndrāyudhapurōjavaiḥ । āvr̥taṁ gaganaṁ mēghairbalākāpaṅktihāsibhiḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-23॥
Then the sky was covered with clouds accompanied by lightning and thunder, preceded by rainbows, and smiling with rows of cranes. (BORI: 1-126-23)
[PV-PAX:01_023_113]
tataḥ snēhāddharihayaṁ dr̥ṣṭvā raṅgāvalōkinam । bhāskarō’pyanayannāśaṁ samīpōpagatānghanān ॥BORI: 1-126-24॥
Seeing Indra watching the arena out of affection, the Sun too dispersed the clouds that had drawn near. (BORI: 1-126-24)
[PV-PAX:01_023_114]
mēghacchāyōpagūḍhastu tatō’dr̥śyata pāṇḍavaḥ । sūryātapaparikṣiptaḥ karṇō’pi samadr̥śyata ॥BORI: 1-126-25॥
Then the Pandava was seen enveloped in the clouds’ shade, while Karna appeared surrounded by sunlight. (BORI: 1-126-25)
[PV-PAX:01_023_115]
dhārtarāṣṭrā yataḥ karṇastasmindēśē vyavasthitāḥ । bhāradvājaḥ kr̥pō bhīṣmō yataḥ pārthastatō’bhavan ॥BORI: 1-126-26॥
The sons of Dhritarashtra stood where Karna was, while Bharadvaja, Kripa, and Bhishma took their place where Partha was. (BORI: 1-126-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_116]
dvidhā raṅgaḥ samabhavatstrīṇāṁ dvaidhamajāyata । kuntibhōjasutā mōhaṁ vijñātārthā jagāma ha ॥BORI: 1-126-27॥
The arena was divided in two, and the women likewise split into two factions. Kuntibhoja’s daughter, knowing the truth, fainted. (BORI: 1-126-27)
[PV-PAX:01_023_117]
tāṁ tathā mōhasampannāṁ viduraḥ sarvadharmavit । kuntīmāśvāsayāmāsa prōkṣyādbhiścandanōkṣitaiḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-28॥
Vidura, who knew every duty, comforted Kunti, who had thus fainted, by sprinkling her with water scented with sandalwood. (BORI: 1-126-28)
[PV-PAX:01_023_118]
tataḥ pratyāgataprāṇā tāvubhāvapi daṁśitau । putrau dr̥ṣṭvā susantaptā nānvapadyata kiñcana ॥BORI: 1-126-29॥
Then, regaining consciousness and seeing both her sons armed for battle, she was deeply distressed and did not know what to do. (BORI: 1-126-29)
[PV-PAX:01_023_119]
tāvudyatamahācāpau kr̥paḥ śāradvatō’bravīt । dvandvayuddhasamācārē kuśalaḥ sarvadharmavit ॥BORI: 1-126-30॥
Kripa, son of Sharadvata, skilled in the rules of single combat and versed in every duty, addressed the two warriors as they raised their great bows: (BORI: 1-126-30)
[PV-KDV:01_023_120]
ayaṁ pr̥thāyāstanayaḥ kanīyānpāṇḍunandanaḥ । kauravō bhavatā sārdhaṁ dvandvayuddhaṁ kariṣyati ॥BORI: 1-126-31॥
This is Pritha’s younger son, a delight of Pandu’s line. As a Kaurava, he will engage in single combat with you. (BORI: 1-126-31)
[PV-KDV:01_023_121]
tvamapyēvaṁ mahābāhō mātaraṁ pitaraṁ kulam । kathayasva narēndrāṇāṁ yēṣāṁ tvaṁ kulavardhanaḥ । tatō viditvā pārthastvāṁ pratiyōtsyati vā na vā ॥BORI: 1-126-32॥
You too, mighty-armed one, likewise tell the kings who your mother and father are and what your lineage is—the lineage you perpetuate. Then, having learned this, Partha will either fight you or not. (BORI: 1-126-32)
[PV-KDV:01_023_122]
ēvamuktasya karṇasya vrīḍāvanatamānanam । babhau varṣāmbubhiḥ klinnaṁ padmamāgalitaṁ yathā ॥BORI: 1-126-33॥
At these words, Karṇa lowered his face in shame and looked like a lotus drenched by rainwater, drooping on its stalk. (BORI: 1-126-33)
[PV-KDV:01_023_123]
duryōdhana uvāca॥
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_124]
ācārya trividhā yōnī rājñāṁ śāstraviniścayē । tatkulīnaśca śūraśca sēnāṁ yaśca prakarṣati ॥BORI: 1-126-34॥
Teacher, according to the settled doctrine of the scriptures, there are three grounds for kingship: royal birth, heroism, and command of an army. (BORI: 1-126-34)
[PV-KDV:01_023_125]
yadyayaṁ phalgunō yuddhē nārājñā yōddhumicchati । tasmādēṣō’ṅgaviṣayē mayā rājyē’bhiṣicyatē ॥BORI: 1-126-35॥
If this Phalguna is unwilling to fight a man who is not a king, then I hereby consecrate this man as king of the land of Aṅga. (BORI: 1-126-35)
[PV-KDV:01_023_126]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_127]
tatastasminkṣaṇē karṇaḥ salājakusumairghaṭaiḥ । kāñcanaiḥ kāñcanē pīṭhē mantravidbhirmahārathaḥ । abhiṣiktō’ṅgarājyē sa śriyā yuktō mahābalaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-36॥
Then, at that very moment, the immensely powerful Karna, a mighty chariot-warrior, was seated on a golden throne and consecrated to the kingship of Anga by men versed in ritual formulas, with golden jars, parched grain, and flowers, and was endowed with splendor. (BORI: 1-126-36)
[PV-KDV:01_023_128]
sacchatravālavyajanō jayaśabdāntarēṇa ca । uvāca kauravaṁ rājā rājānaṁ taṁ vr̥ṣastadā ॥BORI: 1-126-37॥
With a parasol and yak-tail fan, and amid cries of “Victory!”, King Vrisha then said to the Kaurava king: (BORI: 1-126-37)
[PV-KDV:01_023_129]
asya rājyapradānasya sadr̥śaṁ kiṁ dadāni tē । prabrūhi rājaśārdūla kartā hyasmi tathā nr̥pa । atyantaṁ sakhyamicchāmītyāha taṁ sa suyōdhanaḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-38॥
“What can I give you in return that would equal this gift of a kingdom? Tell me, tiger among kings, and I shall do it, O king.” Suyodhana replied, “I desire your lasting friendship.” (BORI: 1-126-38)
[PV-KDV:01_023_130]
ēvamuktastataḥ karṇastathēti pratyabhāṣata । harṣāccōbhau samāśliṣya parāṁ mudamavāpatuḥ ॥BORI: 1-126-39॥
Thus addressed, Karna replied, “So be it.” Then the two embraced each other joyfully and were filled with supreme delight. (BORI: 1-126-39)
[PV-KDV:01_023_131]
ētasminnēva kālē tu tasmiñjanasamāgamē ॥KUMB: 1-146-1॥
But at that very time, amid that gathering of people… (KUMB: 1-146-1)
[PV-SVO:01_023_132]
ēvamuktastu karṇēna rājanduryōdhanastadā । karṇaṁ dīrghāñcitabhujaṁ pariṣvajyēdamabravīt ॥KUMB: 1-146-16॥
O king, thus addressed by Karna, Duryodhana then embraced Karna, whose long arms were gracefully curved, and said: (KUMB: 1-146-16)
[PV-SVO:01_023_133]
vr̥thākulasamācārairna yudhyantē nr̥pātmajāḥ ॥KUMB: 1-146-34; NILA: 01.136.033॥
Princes do not fight men of ignoble lineage and conduct. (KUMB: 1-146-34; NILA: 01.136.033)
[PV-SVO:01_023_134]
adbhyō’gnirbrahmataḥ kṣatramaśmanō lōhamutthitam । tēṣāṁ sarvatragaṁ tējaḥ svāsu yōniṣu śāmyati ॥KUMB: 1-146-37॥
Fire arose from water, royal power from Brahman, and iron from stone; their far-reaching power subsides in their respective sources. (KUMB: 1-146-37)
[PV-SVO:01_023_135]
tatō rājānamāmantrya gāṅgēyaṁ ca pitāmaham । abhiṣēkasya saṁbhārānsamānīya dvijātibhiḥ ॥KUMB: 1-146-39॥
Then, having addressed the king and Gāṅgeya, the grandsire, and having the requisites for the consecration gathered by Brahmins… (KUMB: 1-146-39)
[PV-SVO:01_023_136]
gōsahasrāyutaṁ dattvā yuktānāṁ puṇyakarmaṇām । arhō’yamaṅgarājyasya iti vācya dvijātibhiḥ ॥KUMB: 1-146-40॥
After giving ten million cows to those engaged in sacred rites and having the Brahmins proclaim, “He is worthy of the kingship of Anga,” … (KUMB: 1-146-40)
[PV-SVO:01_023_137]
sa maulihārakēyūraḥ sahastābharaṇāṅgadaḥ । rājaliṅgaistathā’nyaiśca bhūṣitō bhūṣaṇaiḥ śubhaiḥ ॥KUMB: 1-146-42; KUMB: 1-146-43॥
Wearing a diadem, necklace, upper-arm ornaments, jewelry on his hands, and bracelets, he was also adorned with the insignia of royalty and other splendid ornaments. (KUMB: 1-146-42; KUMB: 1-146-43)
[PV-SVO:01_023_138]
vaiśampāyana uvāca॥
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_139]
tataḥ srastōttarapaṭaḥ saprasvēdaḥ savēpathuḥ । vivēśādhirathō raṅgaṁ yaṣṭiprāṇō hvayanniva ॥BORI: 1-127-1॥
Then Adhiratha entered the arena, his upper garment slipping, sweating and trembling, with his staff as his only support and seemingly calling out. (BORI: 1-127-1)
[PV-KDV:01_023_140]
tamālōkya dhanustyaktvā pitr̥gauravayantritaḥ । karṇō’bhiṣēkārdraśirāḥ śirasā samavandata ॥BORI: 1-127-2॥
Seeing him, Karna, his head still wet from the consecration, laid aside his bow and, constrained by reverence for his father, bowed his head before him. (BORI: 1-127-2)
[PV-KDV:01_023_141]
tataḥ pādāvavacchādya paṭāntēna sasambhramaḥ । putrēti paripūrṇārthamabravīdrathasārathiḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-3॥
Then the charioteer hastily covered his feet with the hem of his garment and uttered the deeply meaningful word, “Son!” (BORI: 1-127-3)
[PV-KDV:01_023_142]
pariṣvajya ca tasyātha mūrdhānaṁ snēhaviklavaḥ । aṅgarājyābhiṣēkārdramaśrubhiḥ siṣicē punaḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-4॥
Then, overcome with affection, he embraced his head and once more sprinkled with tears that head still wet from his consecration as king of Anga. (BORI: 1-127-4)
[PV-KDV:01_023_143]
taṁ dr̥ṣṭvā sūtaputrō’yamiti niścitya pāṇḍavaḥ । bhīmasēnastadā vākyamabravītprahasanniva ॥BORI: 1-127-5॥
Seeing him and concluding, “This man is a charioteer’s son,” the Pandava Bhimasena then spoke, as if laughing: (BORI: 1-127-5)
[PV-KDV:01_023_144]
na tvamarhasi pārthēna sūtaputra raṇē vadham । kulasya sadr̥śastūrṇaṁ pratōdō gr̥hyatāṁ tvayā ॥BORI: 1-127-6॥
Charioteer’s son, you are not worthy of being slain by Partha in battle. Quickly take up the whip befitting your lineage. (BORI: 1-127-6)
[PV-KDV:01_023_145]
aṅgarājyaṁ ca nārhastvamupabhōktuṁ narādhama । śvā hutāśasamīpasthaṁ purōḍāśamivādhvarē ॥BORI: 1-127-7॥
Nor are you worthy to enjoy the kingdom of Aṅga, vilest of men—any more than a dog beside the sacrificial fire is worthy to eat the sacrificial cake at a rite. (BORI: 1-127-7)
[PV-PAX:01_023_146]
ēvamuktastataḥ karṇaḥ kiñcitprasphuritādharaḥ । gaganasthaṁ viniḥśvasya divākaramudaikṣata ॥BORI: 1-127-8॥
Thus addressed, Karna’s lips quivered slightly. He sighed and looked up at the sun in the sky. (BORI: 1-127-8)
[PV-KDV:01_023_147]
tatō duryōdhanaḥ kōpādutpapāta mahābalaḥ । bhrātr̥padmavanāttasmānmadōtkaṭa iva dvipaḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-9॥
Then mighty Duryodhana sprang up in anger from among the lotus-like throng of his brothers, like an elephant in rut. (BORI: 1-127-9)
[PV-KDV:01_023_148]
sō’bravīdbhīmakarmāṇaṁ bhīmasēnamavasthitam । vr̥kōdara na yuktaṁ tē vacanaṁ vaktumīdr̥śam ॥BORI: 1-127-10॥
He said to Bhimasena, the doer of formidable deeds, who stood there, “Vrikodara, it is not fitting for you to speak such words.” (BORI: 1-127-10)
[PV-KDV:01_023_149]
kṣatriyāṇāṁ balaṁ jyēṣṭhaṁ yōddhavyaṁ kṣatrabandhunā । śūrāṇāṁ ca nadīnāṁ ca prabhavā durvidāḥ kila ॥BORI: 1-127-11॥
For Kshatriyas, strength is paramount, and a scion of the warrior class must fight. The origins of heroes and rivers, it is said, are difficult to know. (BORI: 1-127-11)
[PV-KDV:01_023_150]
salilādutthitō vahniryēna vyāptaṁ carācaram । dadhīcasyāsthitō vajraṁ kr̥taṁ dānavasūdanam ॥BORI: 1-127-12॥
Fire, by which all that moves and does not move is pervaded, arose from water; the demon-slaying thunderbolt was made from Dadhīca’s bone. (BORI: 1-127-12)
[PV-PAX:01_023_151]
āgnēyaḥ kr̥ttikāputrō raudrō gāṅgēya ityapi । śrūyatē bhagavāndēvaḥ sarvaguhyamayō guhaḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-13॥
The blessed god Guha, embodiment of every mystery, is also said to be the son of Agni, the son of the Kṛttikās, the son of Rudra, and the son of Gaṅgā. (BORI: 1-127-13)
[PV-PAX:01_023_152]
kṣatriyābhyaśca yē jātā brāhmaṇāstē ca viśrutāḥ । ācāryaḥ kalaśājjātaḥ śarastambādguruḥ kr̥paḥ । bhavatāṁ ca yathā janma tadapyāgamitaṁ nr̥paiḥ ॥BORI: 1-127-14॥
The Brahmins who were born of Kshatriyas are also renowned: the preceptor was born from a jar, and the teacher Kripa from a clump of reeds. Kings have also learned how you yourselves were born. (BORI: 1-127-14)
[PV-PAX:01_023_153]
sakuṇḍalaṁ sakavacaṁ divyalakṣaṇalakṣitam । kathamādityasaṅkāśaṁ mr̥gī vyāghraṁ janiṣyati ॥BORI: 1-127-15॥
How could a doe give birth to a tiger, born with earrings and armor, marked by divine signs, and radiant as the sun? (BORI: 1-127-15)
[PV-KDV:01_023_154]
pr̥thivīrājyamarhō’yaṁ nāṅgarājyaṁ narēśvaraḥ । anēna bāhuvīryēṇa mayā cājñānuvartinā ॥BORI: 1-127-16॥
This ruler is worthy of sovereignty over the earth, not merely of the kingdom of Aṅga, through the strength of his arms and with me obedient to his commands. (BORI: 1-127-16)
[PV-PAX:01_023_155]
yasya vā manujasyēdaṁ na kṣāntaṁ madvicēṣṭitam । rathamāruhya padbhyāṁ vā vināmayatu kārmukam ॥BORI: 1-127-17॥
Any man who cannot tolerate this act of mine may mount a chariot or stand on foot and draw his bow. (BORI: 1-127-17)
[PV-KDV:01_023_156]
tataḥ sarvasya raṅgasya hāhākārō mahānabhūt । sādhuvādānusambaddhaḥ sūryaścāstamupāgamat ॥BORI: 1-127-18॥
Then a great uproar arose throughout the arena, mingled with cries of approval, and the sun set. (BORI: 1-127-18)
[PV-KDV:01_023_157]
tatō duryōdhanaḥ karṇamālambyātha karē nr̥pa । dīpikāgnikr̥tālōkastasmādraṅgādviniryayau ॥BORI: 1-127-19॥
Then, O king, Duryodhana took Karna by the hand and left that arena by the light of blazing torches. (BORI: 1-127-19)
[PV-KDV:01_023_158]
pāṇḍavāśca sahadrōṇāḥ sakr̥pāśca viśāṁ patē । bhīṣmēṇa sahitāḥ sarvē yayuḥ svaṁ svaṁ nivēśanam ॥BORI: 1-127-20॥
The Pandavas, together with Drona and Kripa, and all the others accompanied by Bhishma, went to their respective residences, lord of the people. (BORI: 1-127-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_159]
arjunēti janaḥ kaścitkaścitkarṇēti bhārata । kaścidduryōdhanētyēvaṁ bruvantaḥ prasthitāstadā ॥BORI: 1-127-21॥
Then the people departed, some saying, “Arjuna!” others, “Karna!” and still others, “Duryodhana!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-127-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_160]
kuntyāśca pratyabhijñāya divyalakṣaṇasūcitam । putramaṅgēśvaraṁ snēhācchannā prītiravardhata ॥BORI: 1-127-22॥
Kunti recognized the lord of Anga as her son, revealed by his divine marks, and her concealed affection for him grew out of love. (BORI: 1-127-22)
[PV-PAX:01_023_161]
duryōdhanasyāpi tadā karṇamāsādya pārthiva । bhayamarjunasāñjātaṁ kṣipramantaradhīyata ॥BORI: 1-127-23॥
And then, O king, when Duryodhana gained Karna, his fear arising from Arjuna quickly vanished. (BORI: 1-127-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_162]
sa cāpi vīraḥ kr̥taśastraniśramaḥ; parēṇa sāmnābhyavadatsuyōdhanam । yudhiṣṭhirasyāpyabhavattadā mati; rna karṇatulyō’sti dhanurdharaḥ kṣitau ॥BORI: 1-127-24॥
That hero too, well practiced in arms, addressed Suyodhana in the most conciliatory terms. Then even Yudhishthira came to think, “There is no archer on earth equal to Karna.” (BORI: 1-127-24)
[PV-KDV:01_023_163]
viśvāmitraprabhr̥tayaḥ prāptā brahmatvamavyayam ॥KUMB: 1-147-14; NILA: 01.137.014॥
Viśvāmitra and others attained imperishable Brahminhood. (KUMB: 1-147-14; NILA: 01.137.014)
[PV-SVO:01_023_164]
gautamasyānvavāyē ca śarastambācca gautamaḥ ॥KUMB: 1-147-15; NILA: 01.137.015॥
and Gautama, of Gautama’s lineage, from a clump of reeds… (KUMB: 1-147-15; NILA: 01.137.015)
[PV-SVO:01_023_165]