Chapter 23: The princes’ martial exhibition; Bhīma and Duryodhana’s prowess, Arjuna’s acclaimed skill, Karṇa’s challenge, and his alliance with Duryodhana.
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_2]
In the presence of Kripa, Somadatta, the wise Bahlika, the son of Ganga, Vyasa, and Vidura… (BORI: 1-124-2)
[PV-PAN:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_4]
Then the great king, delighted at heart, said, “Bhāradvāja, you have accomplished a great deed, best of Brahmins.” (BORI: 1-124-4)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-PAN:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_11]
The people of the realm had broad, elevated platforms built there, while the very wealthy had palanquins made. (BORI: 1-124-11)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_13]
He approached the splendid viewing pavilion, made of gold, draped with nets of pearls, and adorned with vaiḍūrya gems. (BORI: 1-124-13)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_16]
Then, with musical instruments sounding and the people astir with curiosity, that gathering grew turbulent like the great ocean. (BORI: 1-124-16)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_19]
That foremost of mighty men duly performed the offering and had Brahmins learned in sacred formulas pronounce blessings there. (BORI: 1-124-19)
[PV-PAX:01_023_20]
Then, immediately after the sacred proclamation of the auspicious day, the men entered carrying various weapons and military equipment. (BORI: 1-124-20)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_22]
There, in order of seniority and with Yudhishthira leading, the princes of great prowess displayed extraordinary skill with weapons. (BORI: 1-124-22)
[PV-KDV:01_023_23]
Some lowered their heads for fear of the flying arrows, while other men watched boldly in astonishment. (BORI: 1-124-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_26]
Then hundreds of thousands of men suddenly cried out, their eyes wide with wonder, “Bravo! Bravo!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-124-26)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_28]
Then, taking up swords and shields and striking repeatedly, they practiced the prescribed movements of swordsmanship in every stance. (BORI: 1-124-28)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_32]
The two mighty warriors, wielding gleaming maces, moved in circles to the right and left like two rutting bulls. (BORI: 1-124-32)
[PV-KDV:01_023_33]
Vidura and Kuntī, the mother of the Pāṇḍavas, reported to Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Gāndhārī everything the princes had done. (BORI: 1-124-33)
[PV-PAN:01_023_34]
Then, accompanied by the women of his household and his ministers, with Vyasa’s consent… (KUMB: 1-144-13)
[PV-SVO:01_023_35]
Taking Bāhlīka, Somadatta, Bhūriśravas, the other Kurus, and his counselors with him beyond the city… (KUMB: 1-144-14)
[PV-SVO:01_023_36]
The king, accompanied by the Brahmins, reached the arena… (KUMB: 1-144-15)
[PV-SVO:01_023_37]
Eager to see, he quickly took his place there. (KUMB: 1-144-19; NILA: 01.134.017)
[PV-SVO:01_023_38]
The king gave gold, jewels, precious stones, and various garments as gifts to Drona and Kripa. (KUMB: 1-144-24)
[PV-SVO:01_023_39]
After saluting Drona, who stood in the middle of the arena, the foremost of men duly honored Drona and Kripa. (KUMB: 1-144-27)
[PV-SVO:01_023_40]
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)
[PV-SVO:01_023_41]
The Kauravas themselves worship them with mixtures of red sandalwood. Smeared with red sandalwood and wearing red garlands... (KUMB: 1-144-29)
[PV-SVO:01_023_42]
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)
[PV-SVO:01_023_43]
First taking up their strung bows, the Kauravas, adorned with burnished gold and varied in appearance, fitted arrows to them… (KUMB: 1-144-31)
[PV-SVO:01_023_44]
With the twang of their bowstrings and the slap of their palms, they bewildered all beings. (KUMB: 1-144-32)
[PV-SVO:01_023_45]
There, O king, arrows fell upon some men’s garlands, while shafts landed upon the floral crowns of others. (KUMB: 1-144-34)
[PV-SVO:01_023_46]
Some pierced targets, both heavy and light, with various marked arrows loosed with skill. (KUMB: 1-144-35)
[PV-SVO:01_023_47]
Vaiśampāyana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_48]
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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_49]
As the men cried out, “Bravo, hero! Bravo, king of the Kurus!” and “Bravo, Bhima!” a tremendous roar suddenly arose. (BORI: 1-125-2)
[PV-KDV:01_023_50]
Then the wise son of Bharadvāja, seeing the arena like a turbulent ocean, spoke to his beloved son Aśvatthāman: (BORI: 1-125-3)
[PV-KDV:01_023_51]
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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_52]
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)
[PV-KDV:01_023_53]
Then Drona entered the arena, silenced the ensemble of instruments whose sound resembled a mighty thundercloud, and spoke these words: (BORI: 1-125-6)
[PV-PAX:01_023_54]
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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_55]
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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_56]
Phalguna appeared wearing golden armor, like a cloud at twilight accompanied by the sun, a rainbow, and lightning. (BORI: 1-125-9)
[PV-PAX:01_023_57]
Then a great commotion arose throughout the arena, and musical instruments, including conches, were sounded on every side. (BORI: 1-125-10)
[PV-PAX:01_023_58]
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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_59]
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)
[PV-PAX:01_023_60]
As Kunti heard these matchless words uttered by the spectators, her breast grew wet with tears mingled with flowing milk. (BORI: 1-125-13)
[PV-PAX:01_023_61]
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]
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 said:
[PV-PAX:01_023_64]
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]
Dhritarashtra said:
[PV-PAX:01_023_66]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_68]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_85]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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, 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]
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]
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]
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]
Then Duryodhana, together with his brothers, joyfully embraced Karna there and said, O Bharata: (BORI: 1-126-13)
[PV-KDV:01_023_98]
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]
Karna said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_100]
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]
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_102]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_104]
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]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_107]
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]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_110]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Duryodhana said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_124]
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]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_127]
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]
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]
“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]
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]
But at that very time, amid that gathering of people… (KUMB: 1-146-1)
[PV-SVO:01_023_132]
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]
Princes do not fight men of ignoble lineage and conduct. (KUMB: 1-146-34; NILA: 01.136.033)
[PV-SVO:01_023_134]
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]
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]
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]
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 said:
[PV-KDV:01_023_139]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
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]
Then the people departed, some saying, “Arjuna!” others, “Karna!” and still others, “Duryodhana!” O Bharata. (BORI: 1-127-21)
[PV-KDV:01_023_160]
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]
And then, O king, when Duryodhana gained Karna, his fear arising from Arjuna quickly vanished. (BORI: 1-127-23)
[PV-KDV:01_023_162]
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]
Viśvāmitra and others attained imperishable Brahminhood. (KUMB: 1-147-14; NILA: 01.137.014)
[PV-SVO:01_023_164]
and Gautama, of Gautama’s lineage, from a clump of reeds… (KUMB: 1-147-15; NILA: 01.137.015)
[PV-SVO:01_023_165]