धृतराष्ट्र उवाच पृच्छामि त्वां संजय राजमध्ये किमब्रवीद् वाक्यमदीनसत्त्वः। धनंजयस्तात युधां प्रणेता दुरात्मनां जीवितच्छिन्महात्मा॥
Dhritarashtra said I ask you, O Sanjaya, in the midst of these kings, what words the noble minded Dhananjaya of Pure habits, the leader in battles, the destroyer of the lives of men of vicious habits, said.
सञ्जय उवाच दुर्योधनो वाचमिमां शृणोतु यदब्रवीदर्जुनो योत्स्यमानः। युधिष्ठिरस्यानुमते महात्मा धनंजयः शृण्वतः केशवस्य॥
Sanjaya said Let Duryodhana listen to this speech which was made by Arjuna, who was eager to fight, with the permission of Yudhishthira and in the hearing of Keshava.
अन्वत्रस्तो बाहुवीर्यं विदान उपह्वरे वासुदेवस्य धीरः। अवोचमा योत्स्यमानः किरीटी मध्ये ब्रूया धार्तराष्ट्र कुरूणाम्॥
Without the slightest fear and conscious of the strength of his arms, in the presence of Vasudeva, the wise one spoke to me. Kiritin, eager to fight, said to me. “Tell the son of Dhritarashtra in the midst of the Kurus."
संशृण्वतस्तस्य दुर्भाषिणो वै दुरात्मनः सूतपुत्रस्य सूता यो योद्धमाशंसति मां सदैव मन्दप्रज्ञः कालपक्वोऽतिमूढः॥
And in the hearing of the son of Suta of wicked soul, of disagreeable speech, O Suta, who is ever desirous of a fight with me and who is of stupid intellect and of extreme ignorance and whose time is come.
ये वै राजानः पाण्डवायोधनाय समानीताः शृण्वतां चापि तेषाम्। यथा समग्रं वचनं मृयोक्तं सहामात्यं श्रावयेथा नृपं तत्॥
And also in the hearing of those kings who have been assembled to fight the Pandavas, the entire collection of words used by me; let that king with his ministers hear what I say.
यथा नूनं देवराजस्य देवाः शुश्रूषन्ते वज्रहस्तस्य सर्वे। तथाशृण्वन् पाण्डवा: संजयाश्च किरीटिना वाचमुक्तां समर्थाम्॥
As all the gods hear what is said by the chief of the deities, with the thunderbolt in his hands, so did the Pandavas and the Srinjaya listen to the able speech made by Kiritin.
इत्यब्रवीदर्जुनो योत्स्यमानो गाण्डीवधन्वा लोहितपद्मनेत्रः। न चेद् राज्यं मुञ्चति धार्तराष्ट्रो युधिष्ठिरस्याजमीढस्य राज्ञः॥
Thus spoke Arjuna eager for fight armed with the Gandharva-bow and with his lotus eyes looking red-If the son of Dhritarashtra does not surrender the kingdom of Yudhishthira, the king of Ajmida.
दनिर्विष्टं पापकं धार्तराष्ट्रः। येषां युद्धं भीमसेनार्जुनाभ्यां तथाश्विभ्यां वासुदेवेन चैव॥
Then there are surely some acts done before (by them), the fruits of which have not been obtained by the son of Dhritarashtra of wicked souls for which battle is desired with Bhimasena and Arjuna and the same with the sons of Ashvin and Vamdeva.
शैनेयेन ध्रुवमात्तायुधेन धृष्टद्युम्नेनाथ शिखण्डिना च। युधिष्ठिरेणेन्द्रकल्पेन चैव योऽपध्यानान्निर्दहेद् गां दिवं च॥
And with the son of Shini and with Dhrishtadyumna of sure arms and with Shikhandin and with Yudhishthira who is equal to Indra and who can consume the Earth and the Heaven by the strength of his asceticism.
तैश्चेद् योद्धं मन्यते धार्तराष्ट्रो निर्वृत्तोऽर्थः सकलः पाण्डवानाम्। रुपैहि युद्धं यदि मन्यसे त्वम्॥
If war with them is thought of by the son of Dhritarashtra, then are all the subjects of the Pandavas gained. Therefore do not propose peace for gaining the end of the Pandavas; let there be war if you please.
यां तां वने दुःखशय्यामवात्सीत् प्रव्राजितः पाण्डवो धर्मचारी। आप्नोतु तां दुःखतरामनर्थामन्त्यां शय्यां धार्तराष्ट्रः परासुः॥
The bed of woe which the son of Pandu attached to virtuous habits lay, exiled in woods-let the son of Dhritarashtra when dead in the field obtain a bed of greater endless woe.
ह्रिया ज्ञानेन तपसा दमेन शौर्येणाथो धर्मगुप्त्या धनेन। नध्यातिष्ठद् धार्तराष्ट्रो दुरात्मा॥
The son of Dhritarashtra of wicked soul and of unrighteous conduct could never conquer the son of Kuru and Pandu (at the game of dice) by means of modesty, knowledge, asceticism, self-control, heroism or by strength accompanied with righteousness,
मायोपधः प्रणिपातार्जवाभ्यां तपोदमाभ्यां धर्मगुप्त्या बलेना स्तितिक्षमाणः क्लिश्यमानोऽतिवेलम्॥
Graced with meekness and benevolence, with asceticism and self-control and with might attended with virtue, speaking the truth, (Yudhishthira), a prey to deception, has borne great sufferings.
यदा ज्येष्ठः पाण्डवः संशितात्मा क्रोधं यत्तं वर्षपूगान् सुघोरम्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the eldest son of Pandu, who has brought his soul under control, will direct his wrath nursed during a series of years towards the Kurus, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
कृष्णवर्मेव ज्वलितः समिद्धो यथा दहेत् कक्षमग्निर्निदाघे। एवं दग्धा धार्तराष्ट्रस्य सेना युधिष्ठिरः क्रोधदीप्तोऽन्ववेक्ष्य॥
As blazing fire, raging in all directions, burns up and withers dry grass during summer, so will the army of the son of Dhritarashtra be withered by the mere glance of Yudhishthira fired by wrath.
यदा द्रष्टा भीमसेनं रथस्थं गदाहस्तं क्रोधविषं वमन्तम्। अमर्षणं पाण्डवं भीमवेगं तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the son of Dhritarashtra sees Bhimasena, riding his car with mace in his hand and vomiting the poison of his wrath, that wrathful Pandava of terrible strength, then will he repent for the war.
सेनानगं दंशितं भीमसेनं स्वालक्षणं वीरहणं परेषाम्। मन्तं चमूमन्तकसंनिकाशं तदा स्मर्ता वचनस्यातिमानी॥
When that exceedingly vain one beholds Bhimasena sled in iron, fighting in the front ranks of his army, incapable of being grazed at even by his own men, killing the heroes of other side and sending them to the abode of the God of death, then will these words be remembered by him.
यदा द्रष्टा भीमसेनेन नागान् निपातितान् गिरिकूटप्रकाशान्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the son of Dhritarashtra sees elephants felled to the ground by Bhimasena looking like the summits of mountains with their pierced pot-like heads pouring blood like pots pouring water, then will he repent for the war.
महासिंहो गा व इव प्रविश्य गदापाणिर्धार्तराष्ट्रानुपेत्य। यदा भीमो भीमरूपो निहन्ता तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When like a huge lion falling upon battle, with a mace in hand, Bhimasena like a slayer of terrible appearance approaches the son of Dhritarashtra, then will that son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
महाभये वीतभयः कृतास्रः समागमे शत्रुबलामर्दी। सकृद् रथेनाप्रतिमान रथौघान् पदातिसंघान् गदयाऽभिनिघ्नन्॥
When that one who is without fear even in great dangers and skilled in the use of weapons and the slayer of the enemies armies, riding on his beautiful car works havoc with his mace among the numerous cars and foot-soldiers;
शैक्येन नागांस्तरसा विगृह्णन् यदा छेत्ता धार्तराष्ट्रस्य सैन्यम्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
Fastening quickly the elephants by nooses, when he fells down the army of the son of Dhritarashtra like a sturdy man cutting down a forest with an axe, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
तृणप्रायं ज्वलनेनेव दग्धं ग्रामं यथा धार्तराष्ट्रान् समीक्ष्य। पक्वं सस्यं वैद्युतेनेव दग्धं परासिक्तं विपुलं स्वं बलौघम्॥
When like a village containing several huts of straw burnt up by fire, he sees the army of the son of Dhritarashtra consumed or when he sees his vast hosts of armies scattered like ripe corns struck by lightning.
हतप्रवीरं विमुखं भयात पराङ्मुखं प्रायशोऽधृष्टयोधम्। शस्त्रार्चिषा भीमसेनेन दग्धं तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
With their heroic leaders killed and his soldiers struck with fear flying with their backs towards the field and their vast army dispersed, consumed as it were by the fire of the arms of Bhimasena, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
उपासंगानाचरेद् दक्षिणेन वराङ्गानां नकुलचित्रयोधी। यदा रथाग्यो रथिनः प्रणेता तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When Nakula, the chief among carwarriors, of great skill in the use of weapons skillfully shoots hundreds of arrows and kill the car-warriors of the other side, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent of the war.
रथैः शुभैः सुखोचितो दुःखशय्यां वनेषु दीर्घ कालं नकुलो यामशेत। आशीविषः क्रुद्ध इवोद्वमन् विषं तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
Accustomed to comforts, Nakula for a long time slept on an uncomfortable bed in the woods; and when like an angry snake he will vomit poison, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
त्यक्तात्मानः पार्थिवा योधनाय समादिष्टा धर्मराजेन सूत। सैन्यमभिद्रवन्तो दृष्ट्वा पश्चात् तप्स्यते धार्तराष्ट्रः॥
Desperate of their lives the rulers of the earth, directed to fight by the king of Dharma (virtue), O Suta, riding on white cars will work havoc among the (enemies') army. Seeing that the son of Dhritarashtra will afterwards repent.
शिशून् कृतास्त्रानशिशुप्रकाशान् यदा द्रष्टा कौरवः पञ्च शूरान्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the sons of Kuru see the five heroes, children in years but old in acts, desperate of their lives, working havoc among the sons of Kuru; then will the sons of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा गतोद्वाहमकूजनाक्षं सुवर्णतारं रथमाततायीः। दान्तैर्युक्तं सहदेवोऽधिरूढः शिरांसि राज्ञां क्षेप्स्यते मार्गणौघैः॥
When Sahadeva, mounted on a car with well trained horses, proceeding in the wished for direction, having noiseless wheels and adorned with golden stars, will fell down the heads of kings with innumerable arrows.
महाभये सम्प्रवृत्ते रथस्थं विवर्तमानं समरे कृतास्त्रम्। सर्वा दिशः सम्पतन्तं समीक्ष्य तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
Seeing that warrior skilled in the use of weapons, mounted on a car, present in the battlefield on working havoc and filling soldiers in all directions, the son of Dhritarashtra will repent for the war.
ह्रीनिषेवो निपुणः सत्यवादी महाबलः सर्वधर्मोपपन्नः। गान्धारिमार्छस्तुमुले क्षिप्रकारी क्षेप्ता जनान् सहदेवस्तरस्वी॥
When Sahadeva who is modest, skillful in battle truthful, of great strength and graced with all virtues, active, capable of speedily doing things, meets the son of Gandhara in terrible and fells down his men.
यदा द्रष्टा द्रौपदेयान् महेषून् शूरान् कृतास्त्रान् रथयुद्धकोविदान्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees the son of Draupadi, the mighty heroes, skillful in the use of weapons and having a knowledge of fighting on cars, darting at the enemies like serpents of quick poison, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदाभिमन्युः परवीरघाती शरैः परान् मेघ इवाभिवर्षन्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्।॥
When Abhimanyu the slayer of heroes on the other side, shoots arrows on the enemies as the clouds pour water-when he, skilled in the weapons like Krishna, overpowers the enemies, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा द्रष्टा बालमबालवीर्य द्विषच्चामूं मृत्युमिवोत्पतन्तम्। सौभद्रमिन्द्रप्रतिमं कृतास्त्रं तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees the son of Subhadra, who though a child is not a child in heroism is like Indra is skillful in the use of weapons falling on the men of the enemies like death itself; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
प्रभद्रकाः शीघ्रतरा युवानो विशारदाः सिंहसमानवीर्याः। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the young Prabhadrakas having great activity, skilled in battle and having the might equal to that of lions, fell down the sons of Dhritarashtra along with their armies; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
वृद्धौ विराटदुपदौ महारथौ पृथक् चमूभ्यामभिवर्तमानौ। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees those veterans in war, Virata and Drupada, mighty car-warriors, each present in his own post separately attack the sons of Dhritarashtra with their armies; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war,
यदा कृतास्त्रो दुपदः प्रचिन्वन् शिरांसि यूनां समरे रथस्थः। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When Drupada, skilled in the use of weapons, from the car down the heads of young warriors in battle; and when, wrathful, he shoots arrows from his bow; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा विराटः परवीरघाती रणान्तरे शत्रुचमूं प्रवेष्टा। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When Virata, the slayer of heroes in the other side, penetrates into the ranks of the enemy and works havoc among them with the aid of the Matsyas of cool courage. then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
ज्येष्ठं मात्स्यमनृशंसार्यरूपं विराटपुत्रं रथिनं पुरस्तात्। यदा द्रष्टा दंशितं पाण्डवार्थे तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees the eldest son of Virata, the king of the Matsyas of cool courage, clad in iron, in his chariot in the front ranks of his army on the side of the Pandavas, then will the son of Dhritarashira repent for the war.
रणे हते कौरवाणां प्रवीरे शिखण्डिना सत्तमे शान्तनूजे। न जातु नः शत्रवो धारयेयुरसंशयं सत्यमेतद् ब्रवीमि।।
The virtuous son of Shantanu; that hero among the sons of Kuru, being killed in battle by Shikhandin; then our enemies will undoubtedly perish. I speak this truly.
यदा शिखण्डी रथिनः प्रचिन्वन् भीष्मं रथेनाभियाता वरूथी। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When cutting down the car-warriors, Shikhandin, on a car well protected goes forth to meet Bhishma leveling to the dust the host of cars by his celestial horses, then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा द्रष्टा संजयानामनीके धृष्टद्युम्नं प्रमुखे रोचमानम्। अस्त्रं यस्मै गुह्यमुवाच धीमान् द्रोणस्तदा तप्स्यति धार्तराष्ट्रः॥
When he sees, seated in the front ranks of the Srinjayas, effulgent in his splendour, Dhrishtadyumna, whom the wise Drona initiated in to the mysteries of the use of wcapons; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent.
यदा स सेनापतिरप्रमेयः परामृद्नन्निषुभिर्धार्तराष्ट्रान्। द्रोणं रणे शत्रुसहोऽभियाता तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When that leader of armies, of immeasurable strength, working havoc among the armies of the sons of Dhritarashtra by his arrows, goes forth to encounter Drona and the enemy in battle; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
ह्रीमान् मनीषी बलवान् मनस्वी स लक्ष्मीवान् सोमकानां प्रबर्हः। न जातु तं शत्रवोऽन्ये सहेरन् येषां स स्यादग्रणीर्वृष्णिसिंहः॥
No foe can withstand them who have for their leader of the lion of the Vrishni race, that chief of the Somaka tribe, who is modest, wise, powerful, independent, blessed with prosperity.
इदं च ब्रूया मा वृणीष्वेति लोके युद्धेऽद्वितीयं सचिवं रथस्थम्। शिनेर्नप्तारं प्रवृणीम सात्यकि महाबलं वीतभयं कृतास्त्रम्॥
Tell this also (to Duryodhana); Do not desire (the kingdom), we have chosen Satyaki, the guard of Shini for our leader; he is unequaled in battle in this world, a car-warrior of dauntless and powerful might and skilled in the use of weapons,
महोरस्को दीर्घबाहुः प्रमाथी युद्धेऽद्वितीयः परमास्त्रवेदी। शिनेर्नप्ता तालमात्रायुधोऽयं महारथो वीतभयः कृतास्त्रः॥
Of broad chest and long arms, the slayer of enemies unequaled in battle and acquainted with the best of weapons, the grandson of Shini well versed in the use of weapons, a mighty car-warrior who knows no fear has a bow measuring four cubits.
यदा शिनीनामधिपो मयोक्तः शरैः परान् मेघ इव प्रवर्षन्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the ruler of the Shinis, the slayer of foes directed by me, will shower volleys of arrows on the enemy, as the clouds do (the rain) and completely cover them then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा धृतिं कुरुते योत्स्यमानः स दीर्घबाहुर्दृढधन्वा महात्मा। सिंहस्येव गन्धमाघ्राय गावः संचेष्टन्ते शत्रवोऽस्माद् रणाग्रे॥
When that one with long arms and of firm grasp on the bow makes up his mind for fight; then will the foes before the battle act like cattle who have got scent of a lion.
स दीर्घबाहुर्दृढधन्वा महात्मा भिन्द्याद् गिरीन् संहरेत् सर्वलोकान्। अस्त्रे कृती निपुणः क्षिप्रहस्तो दिवि स्थितः सूर्य इवाभिमाति॥
He, of long arms of firm grasp on the bow and of a large fond, can pierce the mountain and destroy the whole world. Acquainted with the use of weapons, skillful and of an agile, hand, he shores like the sun in the sky.
चित्रः सूक्ष्मः सुकृतो यादवस्य अस्त्रे योगो वृष्णिसिंहस्य भूयान्। यथाविधं योगमाहुः प्रशस्तं सर्वैर्गुणैः सात्यकिस्तैरुपेतः॥
The lion of the Vrishni race, that descendant of Yadu of superior training, has many delicate and wonderful weapons. Satyaki has competent knowledge of the use of excellent arms; and he is endued with all the good qualities that are said to be good.
र्यदा युक्तं स्यन्दनं माघवस्या स्तदा तप्स्यत्यकृतात्मा स मन्दः॥
When he sees the golden car of Satyaki, the descendant of Madhu with four white horses; then that foolish son of Dhritarashtra with a soul addicted to vices repent for the war.
यदा रथं हेममणिप्रकाशं श्वेताश्वयुक्तं वानरकेतुमुचम्। द्रष्टा ममाप्यास्थितं केशवेन तदा तप्स्यत्यकृतात्मा स मन्दः॥
When also he sees my terrible car, guided by Keshava, shining with gold and precious stones, with white horses and with a banner having the figure of a monkey; then will that vicious-souled fool repent.
यदा मौास्तलनिष्पेषमुग्रं महाशब्दं वज्रनिष्पेषतुल्यम्। विधूयमानस्य महारणे मया स गाण्डिवस्य श्रोष्यति मन्दबुद्धिः॥ स्तप्ता युद्धे दुर्मतिर्दुःसहायः। दृष्ट्रा सैन्यं बाणवर्षान्धकारे प्रभज्यन्तं गोकुलवद् रणाचे॥
When that fool hears the fierce twanging sound produced by the contact of the leather covering fingers with the string of the bow, resembling the roaring of thunder and the great battle field covered with smoke by my Gandiva bow; then will the foolish son of Dhritarashtra of weak intellect repent on seeing himself helpless, his soldiers destroyed in the darkness produced by the raining of arrows like herds of cows, before the actual fighting commences.
बलाहकादुच्चरतः सुभीमान् विद्युत्स्फुलिङ्गानिव घोररूपान्। सहस्रघ्नान् द्विषतां सङ्गरेषु अस्थिच्छिदो मर्मभिदः सुपुङ्खान्॥ यदा द्रष्टा ज्यामुखाद् बाणसंघान् गाण्डीवमुक्तानापतत: शिताग्रान्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees the terrible host of arrows, with sharp edges having beautiful feathers and able to penetrate into the vitals shot from the string of the Gandiva bow, like terrible flashes of lightning proceeding from clouds, killing thousands of the host of enemies and devouring innumerable horses and elephants clad in mail; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा मन्दः परबाणान् विमुक्तान् ममे षुभिर्जियमाणान् प्रतीपम्। स्तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the fool sees the arrows shot from the bows of our enemies being struck by my arrows twined back or cut off being pierced obliquely by my shafts; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा विपाठा मद्भुजविप्रमुक्ता द्विजाः फलानीव महीरुहाग्रात्। प्रचेतार उत्तमाङ्गानि यूनां तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When the arrows shot by me cut off the five figures of young men on the other side as birds pluck off fruits from the top of trees then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
यदा द्रष्टा पततः स्यन्दनेभ्यो महागजेभ्योऽश्वगतान् सुयोधनान्। शरैर्हतान् पातितांश्चैव रङ्गे तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees excellent warriors falling dead from their chariots and huge elephants struck by my arrows in the field then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
असम्प्राप्तानस्त्रपथं परस्य तदा द्रष्टा नश्यतो धार्तराष्ट्रान्। अकुर्वतः कर्म युद्धे समन्तात् तदा युद्धं धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees the (other) sons of Dhritarashtra before even reaching within the range of the enemies' weapons fall down dead without even doing anything in the field; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
पदातिसंघान् रथसंघान् समन्ताद् ह्यात्ताननः काल इवाततेषुः। प्रणोत्स्यामि ज्वलितैर्बाणवषैः शत्रूस्तदा तप्स्यति मन्दबुद्धिः॥
When I shall fell down by pouring down burning arrows the enemies and their hosts of infantry and car-warriors in all directions like death with his mouth open, then will that man of weak intellect repent for the war.
सर्वा दिशः सम्पतता रथेन रजोध्वस्तं गाण्डिवेन प्रकृत्तम्। यदा द्रष्टा स्वबलं सम्प्रमूढं तदा पश्चात् तप्स्यति मन्दबुद्धिः॥
When he sees his own army covered by the dust of my chariot going in all sides cut down by my Gandiva and rendered senseiess; then will that man of weak intellect repent.
कान्दिग्भूतं छिन्नगात्रं विसंज्ञं दुर्योधनो द्रक्ष्यति सर्वसैन्यम्। हताश्ववीराग्रयनरेन्द्रनागं पिपासितं श्रान्तपत्रं भयार्तम्॥ आर्तस्वरं हन्यमानं हतं च विकीर्णकेशास्थिकपालसंघम्। प्रजापतेः कर्म यथार्थनिष्ठितं तदा दृष्ट्वा तप्स्यति मन्दबुद्धिः॥
When Duryodhana sees all his soldiers overpowered and runring away all sides with their bodies cut open, senseless and his horses, commanders rulers killed, his army thirsty, struck with fear, crying piteously for help, dead and dying, with their animals rendered faint and hair, bones and heads strewn about as if they were really the work of the Lord of creatures; then will that man of weak intellect repent.
यदा रथे गाण्डिवं वासुदेवं दिव्यं शङ्ख पाञ्चजन्यं हयांश्च। तूणावक्षय्यौ देवदत्तं च मां च द्रष्ट्वा युद्धे धार्तराष्ट्रोऽन्वतप्स्यत्॥
When he sees in the chariot, the Gandiva bow, Vasudeva, the heavenly conch Panchajanya, my horses, the two arrow-holders which are never emptied, Devadatta and myself; then will the son of Dhritarashtra repent for the war.
उद्वर्तयन् दस्युसङ्घान् समेतान् प्रवर्तयन् युगमन्यद् युगान्ते। स्तदा तप्ता धृतराष्ट्रः सपुत्रः॥
When I shall burn the sons of Kuru like the god of fire burning at the time of bringing in this world a Yoga, at the end of another a large number of wicked souls, then will Dhritarashtra with his sons repent for the war.
सभ्राता वै सहसैन्यः सभृत्यो भ्रष्टैश्वर्व्यः क्रोधवशोऽल्पचेताः। दर्पस्यान्ते निहतो वेपमानः पश्चान्मन्दस्तप्स्यति धार्तराष्ट्रः॥
The son of Dhritarashtra, wrathful and of wicked heart, having lost his property along with his brothers, his soldiers and his dependents, at the end of the period of pride, trembling will afterwards repent.
पूर्वाह्ने मां कृतजप्यं कदाचिद् विप्रः प्रोवाचोदकान्ते मनोज्ञम्। कर्तव्यं ते दुष्करं कर्म पार्थ योद्धव्यं ते शत्रुभिः सव्यसाचिन्॥
One day before this when I had finished my prayers a certain Brahmana said to me, after my getting up from the water, these pleasing words-A difficult task will have to be performed by you, O son of Pritha, O Savyasachin, you will have to fight with your enemies.
इन्द्रो वा ते हरिमान् वज्रहस्तः पुरस्ताद् यातु समरेऽरीन् विनिघ्नन्। सुग्रीवयुक्तेन रथेन वा ते पश्चात् कृष्णो रक्षतु वासुदेवः॥
Either Indra on his steed, thunderbolt in his hand will go before you in battle, killing your enemies or mounted on a chariot with Sugriva (name of horse) and other steeds Krishna, the son of Vasudeva will protect you from behind.
दस्मिन् युद्धे वासुदेवं सहायम्। स मे लब्धो दस्युवधाय कृष्णो मन्ये चैतद् विहितं दैवतैर्मे॥
In this war, have I preferred the help of Vasudeva to Indra with the thunderbolt in his hand. That Krishna has come over to my side for the purpose of slaying these wicked men. This I consider has been ordained by the gods.
अयुद्ध्यमानो मनसाऽपि यस्य जयं कृष्णः पुरुषस्याभिनन्देत्। एवं सर्वान् स व्यतीयादमित्रान् सेन्द्रान् देवान् मानुषे नास्ति चिन्ता॥
That man whose victory is merely desired by Krishna, even if the latter does not fight, is sure to triumph over all enemies though they be the gods themselves with Indra. If they are men, there is no anxiety.
न्महोदधिं सलिलस्याप्रमेयम्। तेजस्विनं कृष्णमत्यन्तशूरं युद्धेन यो वासुदेवं जिगीषेत्॥
That man is desirous of crossing the ocean of vast expanse and unfathomable waters, with his two arms, who is desirous of vanquishing in fight the exceedingly heroic Krishna, the son of Vasudeva, of great prowess.
गिरिं य इच्छेत् तु तलेन भेत्तुं शिलोच्चयं श्वेतमतिप्रमाणम्। न चापि किंचित् स गिरेस्तु कुर्यात्॥
He, who desires to pierce by the palm of his hand the high white mountain of huge dimensions, has his hand with his nails only wasted away; and absolutely no harm is done to the mountain.
अग्नि समिद्धं शमयेद् भुजाभ्यां चन्द्रं च सूर्यं च निवारयेत। हरेद् देवानाममृतं प्रसह्य युद्धेन यो वासुदेवं जिगीषेत्॥
He who aspires to vanquish the son of Vasudeva after encountering him in battle, would rob the gods of nectar by force and with his two hands would put out a blazing fire and stop the Sun and the Moon in their course.
नुत्साद्य राज्ञः समरे प्रसह्या उवाह भार्या यशसा ज्वलन्ती यस्यां जज्ञे रौक्मिणेयो महात्मा॥
That Krishna, who alone in his chariot having encountered in battle vanquished the army of the king of the Bhojas, married Rukmini of great fame and effulgence; in her was born the high-souled Pradyumna.
अयं गान्धारांस्तरसा सम्प्रमथ्य जित्वा पुत्रान् नग्नजित: समग्रान्। बद्धं मुमोच विनदन्तं प्रसह्य सुदर्शनं वै देवतानां ललामम्॥
This favorite of the gods, who had speedily vanquished the Gandharvas and conquered all the sons of Nagnajita by sheer force, liberated the imprisoned Sudarshana of great power.
अय कपाटेन जघान पाण्ड्यं तथा कलिङ्गान् दन्तकूरे ममर्द। अनेन दग्धा वर्षपूगान् विनाथा वाराणसी नगरी सम्बभूव॥
He by striking his breast slew the king of Pandya and vanquished the Kalingas in battle; burnt by the city of Varanasi for series of years remained without a lord.
अयं स्म युद्धे मन्यतेऽन्यैरजेयं तमेकलव्यं नाम निषादराजम्। वेगेनैव शैलमभिहत्य जम्भः शेते स कृष्णेन हतः परासुः॥
He was challenged by the king of Nishadas, named Ekalavya, who was incapable of being vanquished by others; but he being struck with force by Krishna lay dead smashed on the hillock like Jambha.
तथोडग्रसेनस्य सुतं सुदुष्टं वृष्ण्यन्धकानां मध्यगतं समास्थम्। अपातयद् बलदेवद्वितीयो हत्वा ददौ चोग्रसेनाय राज्यम्॥
Then did he, having Baladeva as his coadjutor, fell down the extremely wicked son of Baladeva who was seated in court amidst the Vrishnis and Andhakas and then bestowed the kingdom on Ugrasena.
अयं सौभं योधयामास स्वस्थं विभीषणं मायया शाल्वराजम्। सौभद्वारि प्रत्यगृह्णाच्छतघ्नीं दो• क एनं विषहेत मर्त्यः॥
He fought with the terrible king Shalva, the lord of Saubha, without being beside himself (through fear) in consequence of his power of producing effect; and near the gate of Saubha caught hold of Shataghni with his hand; what being on this earth can withstand him in fight?
प्राग्जोतिषं नाम बभूव दुर्गं पुरं घोरमसुराणामसह्यम्। महाबलो नरकस्तत्र भौमो जहारादित्या मणिकुण्डले शुभे॥
There was fastness of the Asuras, terrible and impenetrable, named Pragjyotisha. There Naraka, son of the Earth of great strength stole the beautiful earrings of Aditi bedecked with gems and kept them.
न तं देवाः सह शक्रेण शेकुः समागता युधि मृत्योरभीताः। दृष्ट्वा च तं विक्रम केशवस्य बलं तथैवास्त्रमवारणीयम्॥
The very gods with Indra who gathered together fearless of death for fight could not fight with him; and seeing the prowess and strength and the irresistible weapons of Krishna.
जानन्तोऽस्य प्रकृति केशवस्य न्ययोजयन् दस्युवधाय कृष्णम्। मैश्वर्यवान् सिद्धिषु वासुदेवः॥
And knowing his nature, they employed Krishna far slaying that wicked being. And Vasudeva undertook (endued with all kinds of prosperity), the accomplishment of that difficult task.
निर्मोचने षट् सहस्राणि हत्वा संच्छिद्य पाशान् सहसा क्षुरान्तान्। मुरं हत्वा विनिहत्यौघरक्षौ निर्मोचनं चापि जगाम वीरः॥
Having slain six thousand near the city of Nirmochana and having broken sharp-edged arrows suddenly coming on him, having killed Mura and also having killed crowds of Rakshasas, that hero went into the city of Nirmochana.
तत्रैव तेनास्य बभूव युद्धं महाबलेनातिबलस्य विष्णोः। तेनेवोन्मथितः कर्णिकारः॥
There did take place a battle between him (Naraka) possessed of great strength and this Vishnu also endued with great strength. And he lay killed by Krishna like a Karnikara tree uprooted by a gale.
आहृत्य कृष्णो मणिकुण्डले ते हत्वा च भौमं नरकं मुरं च। श्रिया वृतो यशसा प्रत्याजगामाप्रतिमप्रभावः॥ चैव विद्वान्
Having killed Naraka, the son of the earth and Mura and taking back that pair of earrings bedecked with gems, the learned one endued with prosperity and fame and of unparalled proves came back.
अस्मै ववाण्यददंस्तत्र देवा दृष्ट्वा भीमं कर्म कृतं रणे तत्। दाकाशे चाप्सु च ते क्रमः स्यात्॥
To him the gods seeing the terrible tasks done in that battle granted boons there, saying-“When you are fighting, you will not have fatigue and there shall be no impediment in your way either in the sky or below the waters.
नित्येव कृष्णश्च ततः कृतार्थः। एवंरूपे वासुदेवेऽप्रमेये महाबले गुणसम्पत् सदैव॥
Nor shall arms stick on your body. Krishna, too, at this considered himself gratificd. Such are ever the virtues of the son of Vasudeva of immeasurable fame and the great strength.
माशंसते धार्तराष्ट्रो विजेतुम्। सदा ह्येनं तर्कयते दुरात्मा तच्चाप्ययं सहतेऽस्मान् समीक्ष्य॥
The son of Dhritarashtra aspires to vanquish this Vishnu, who cannot be withstood in fight and who is of endless strength; and that one of wicked soul is ever trying to imprison him. This Krishna however endures even this for our sake.
पर्यागतं मम कृष्णस्य चैव यो मन्यते कलहं सम्प्रसह्य। शक्यं हर्तुं पाण्डवानां ममत्वं तद् वेदिता संयुगं तत्र गत्वा॥
He, however, who desires to get our Krishna on his side after creating disunion between us will know how far he can take away the affection of Krishna for us, aiter going to the field of battle.
चैव। नमस्कृत्वा शान्तनवाय राज्ञे द्रोणायाथो सहपुत्राय शारद्वतायाप्रतिद्वन्द्विने च योत्स्याम्यहं राज्यमभीप्समानः॥
Having paid due respects to the son of Shantanu and also the king Drona with his son and also to the son of Sharadvata and being desirous of getting back the kingdom, shall I oppose them in battle.
धर्मेणाप्तं निधनं तस्य मन्ये यो योत्स्यते पाण्डवैः पापबुद्धिः। मिथ्या ग्लहे निर्जिता वै नृशंसैः संवत्सरान् वै द्वादश राजपुत्राः॥
That man of wicked intelligence fights with the Pandavas. I shall regard this death as being justly got. Conquered by deceit at the game of dice by those inhuman ones, we ourselves, the sons of a king, for twelve long years.
वास: कृच्छ्रो विहितश्चाप्यरण्ये दीर्घ कालं चैकमज्ञातवर्षम्। ते हि कस्माज्जीवतां पाण्डवानां नन्दिष्यन्ते धार्तराष्ट्राः पदस्थाः॥
Had to reside in the forest encountering all sorts of troubles and difficulties and one year in disguise. During the life time of these Pandavas how shall the sons of Dhritarashtra rejoice possessed of a royal status.
वैर्महेन्द्रप्रमुखैः सहायैः। स्ततो ध्रुवं नास्ति कृतं च साधु॥
If they conquer us engaged in fight being aided by the gods, headed by the great Indra, then will the practice of vice be better than that of virtue and there will surely be no use of behaving honestly.
न चेदिमं पुरुषं कर्मबद्धं न चेदस्मान् मन्यतेऽसौविशिष्टान्। आशंसेऽहं वासुदेवद्वितीयो दुर्योधनं सानुबन्धं निहन्तुम्॥
If the effects of a man's actions redound on him; and if we be superior to him, as I think we are, I hope that with the son of Vasudeva as my coadjutor, I shall kill Duryodhana with all his assistants.
न चेदिदं कर्म नरेन्द्र वध्यं न चेद् भवेत् सुकृतं निष्फलं वा। इदं च तच्चाभिसमीक्ष्य नूनं पराजयो धार्तराष्ट्रस्य साधुः॥
This act, O chief of me, (sending us into exile and themselves possessing our kingdom) cannot but be wicked; and all our good deeds cannot be totally devoid of good fruits. Having considered this as well as that (I think that) the defeat of the son of Dhritarashtra is certain.
प्रत्यक्षं वः कुरवो यद् ब्रवीमि युध्यमाना धार्तराष्ट्रा न सन्ति। न युद्धे वै शेष इहास्ति कश्चित्॥
You will yourselves be witnesses, O son of Kuru, to (the events) I prophesy; the sons of Dhritarashtra will cease to exist, if they fight. If they do not fight, then they may live; but in a fight with us, none of them will be alive.
हत्वा त्वहं धार्तराष्ट्रान् सकर्णान् राज्यं कुरूणामवजेता समग्रम्। यद् वः कार्यं तत् कुरुध्वं यथास्वमिष्ठान् दारानात्मभोगान् भजध्वम्॥
Having killed the sons of Dhritarashtra along with Karna, I shall take the whole of the kingdom from the sons of Kúru. (In the mean time) do whatever work you may have and enjoy yourselves and your wives and everything sweet.
अप्येवं नो ब्राह्मणाः सन्ति वृद्धा बहुश्रुताः शीलवन्तः कुलीनाः। सांवत्सरा ज्योतिषि चाभियुक्ता नक्षत्रयोगेषु च निश्चयज्ञाः॥
Even among ourselves there are Brahmanas, old, well versed in the knowledge of the holy books, of good conduct of noble birth, acquainted with the events of the year and certain of their interpretation of the motion of the planets,
उच्चावचं दैवयुक्तं रहस्यं दिव्यः प्रश्ना मृगचक्रा मुहूर्ताः। क्षयं महान्तं कुरुसुंजयानां निवेदयन्ते पाण्डवानां जयं च॥
Capable of explaining the mysteries of the gods and of answering questions regarding coming events, understanding the signs of the zodiac, prophesying the great overthrow of the Kurus and the Srinjayas and the triumph of the Pandavas.
यथा हि नो मन्यतेऽजातशत्रुः संसिद्धार्थो द्विषतां निग्रहाय। जनार्दनश्चाप्यपरोक्षविद्यो न संशयं पश्यति वृष्णिसिंहः॥
Owing to this he who has created no enemies considers his objects attained by reason of the overthrow of his enemies. Janardana, too, the lion among the race of the Vrishnis, who has a knowledge of what is to came in the future, undoubtedly sees all this.
अहं तथैवं खलु भाविरूपं पश्यामि बुद्ध्या स्वयमप्रमत्तः। दृष्टिश्च मे न व्यथते पुराणी संयुध्यमाना धार्तराष्ट्रा न सन्ति॥
I, too, who have not lost my senses see all these events of the future by my foresight. My power of vision into the future) acquired a long time ago does not pain me. I see clearly that the sons of Dhritarashtra fighting shall cease to exist.
रनाहता कम्पति मे धनुर्ला। बाणाश्च मे तूणमुखाद् विसृत्य मुहुर्मुहुर्गन्तुमुशन्ति चैव॥
Without any touch, my Gandiva bow yawns. Though my bow remains untouched, yet the string shakes. My arrows, too, coming near the mouth of my arrow holder try to fly away every moment.
खङ्गः कोशान्निःसरति प्रसन्नो हित्वेव जीर्णीमुरगस्त्वचं स्वाम्। ध्वजे वाचो रौद्ररूपा भवन्ति कदा रथो योक्ष्यते ते किरीटिन्॥
The polished sword comes out of the scabbard, as a snake does out of its own worn out skin, and near my banners are heard terrific words like these-'O Kiritin, when will your chariot be yoked?'
गोमायुसंघाश्च नदन्ति रात्रौ रक्षांस्यथो निष्पतन्त्यन्तरिक्षात्। मृगाः शृगाला: शितिकण्ठाश्च काका गृध्रा बकाश्चैव तरक्षवश्च॥
At night crowds of jackals make their rejoicing; and from the sky do Rakshasas come down as also the deer and jackals, peacocks and crows and vultures and cranes and wolves.
सुवर्णपत्राश्च पतन्ति पश्चाद् दृष्ट्वा रथं श्वेतहयप्रयुक्तम्। अहं ह्येकः पार्थिवान् सर्वयोधान् शरान् वर्षन् मृत्युलोकं नयेयम्॥
Also birds, having golden feathers, come down and having seen my chariot with white steeds follow it. I alone unaided can send to the regions of death all the rulers and warriors by showing my arrows.
समाददानः पृथगस्त्रमार्गान् यथाग्निरिद्धो गहन् निदाघे। स्थूणाकर्णं पाशुपतं महास्त्रं ब्राह्मं चास्त्रं यच्च शक्रोऽप्यदान्मे॥
I shall fling the great weapons, called Sthuna, Karna, Pashupata and Brahma all of which Shakra gave me, in different directions; as fire in the hot season burns up a forest.
वधे धृतो वेगवतः प्रमुञ्चन् नाहं प्रजाः किंचिदिहावशिष्ये। शान्ति लप्स्ये परमो ह्येष भाव: स्थिरो मम ब्रूहि गावल्गणे तान्॥
Bringing all my powers and by the aid of my work of destruction, shall I fling these weapons and leave no trace of those that come to the field; and then shall I obtain rest. Such a state of rest is excellent. This is my determination. Tell them this, O son of Gavalgani.
ये वै जय्याः समरे देवानपीन्द्रप्रमुखान् समेतान्। सूत लब्वा तैर्मन्यते कलहं सम्प्रसह्य स धार्तराष्ट्रः पश्यत मोहमस्य॥
Those who are victors in battle even with the entire body of gods headed by Indra, O Suta-the son of Dhritarashtra thinks that in a battle with them, he will be the victor. Look at his folly.
वृद्धो भीष्मः शान्तनवः कृपश्च द्रोणः सपुत्रो विदुरश्च धीमान्। एते सर्वे यद् वदन्ते तदस्तु आयुष्मन्तः कुरवः सन्तु सर्वे॥
The aged Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, Kripa, Drona with his son and the wise Vidura, what all these say, let that be. May all the sons of Kuru attain to old age.