First day of war

OM! Having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted of male beings, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word 'Jaya' be uttered.

Hearing those words of his (elder) brother, your son Duhshasana advanced with his troops, with Bhishma at their head, and the Pandavas also advanced with cheerful hearts, desiring battle with Bhishma, having Bhimasena at their head. Then leonine, shouts, and clamorous uproars and the noise of Krakachas, the blare of cow-horns, and the sound of drums and cymbals and tabors, arose in both armies. The warriors of the foe rushed against the Kauravas, and they also (rushed) against them with loud shouts. The uproar (caused by this rush) was deafening. The vast hosts of the Pandavas and the Dhartarashtras, in that awfully murderous encounter shook in consequence of that uproar of conches and cymbals, like forests shaken by the wind. The din made by those hosts teeming with kings, elephants, and steeds, rushing against one another in that evil hour, was as loud as that of oceans agitated by the tempest.

When that din, loud and causing the hair to stand on end, arose, the mighty-armed Bhimasena began to roar like a bull. Those roars of Bhimasena rose above the clamour of conches and drums, the grunts of elephants, and the leonine shouts of the combatants. Indeed, the shouts of Bhimasena transcended the noise made by the thousands of chargers neighing in (both) the armies. Hearing those shouts of Bhimasena who was roaring like the clouds, shouts that resembled the report of Shakra's thunder, your warriors were filled with fear. At those roars of the hero, the steeds and elephants all ejected urine and excreta like other animals at the roar of the lion. Roaring like a deep mass of clouds, and assuming an awful form, that hero frightened Dhritarashtra’s sons and fell upon them. Thereupon the brothers, viz., Dhritarashtra’s sons Duryodhana, and Durmukha and Dussaha, and that mighty car-warrior Duhshasana, and Durmarshana, and Vivimshati, and Chitrasena, and the great car-warrior Vikarna and also Purumitra, and Jaya, and Bhoja, and the valorous son of Somadatta, shaking their splendid bows like masses of clouds exhibiting the lightning's flashes, and taking out (of their quivers) long arrows resembling snakes that have just cast off their sloughs, surrounded that mighty bowman rushing (towards them) covering him with flights of arrows like the clouds shrouding the sun. The (five) sons of Draupadi, and the mighty car-warrior Saubhadra, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, rushed against (those) Dhartarashtras, tearing them with whetted shafts like summits of mountains with the impetuous bolts of heaven. In that first encounter characterized by the awful twang of bow-strings and their flapping against the leathern fences (of the warriors) no combatant, either on Dhritarashtra’s side or that of the foe, turned back. Sanjaya beheld the lightness of hand of the disciples of Drona (in particular), who, shooting innumerable arrows, always succeeded in hitting the mark. The twang of sounding bowstrings ceased not for a moment, and the blazing arrows shot through (the air) like meteors (falling) from the firmament. All the other kings stood like (silent) spectators witnessing that interesting and awful encounter of kinsmen. Then those mighty car-warriors, with wrath excited and remembering the injuries sustained at one another's hands, strove in battle, challenging one another. The two armies of the Kurus and the Pandavas, teeming with elephants, steeds and cars, looked exceedingly beautiful on the field of battle like painted figures on a canvas. Then the (other) kings all took up their bows. The Sun himself was shrouded by the dust raised by the combatants. They fell upon one another, at the heads of their (respective) troops, at the command of Dhritarashtra’s son. The loud uproar made by the elephants and the chargers of those kings rushing to the combat, mingled with the leonine shouts of the combatants and the din made by the blare of conches and the sounds of drums. The uproar of that ocean having arrows for its crocodiles, bows for its snakes, swords for its tortoises, and the forward leaps of the warriors for its tempest, resembled the din made by the (actual) ocean when agitated. Kings in thousands, commanded by Yudhishthira, with their (respective) troops fell upon the ranks of Dhritarashtra’s son. The encounter between the combatants of the two hosts was fierce in the extreme. No difference could be perceived between the combatants of Dhritarashtra’s side or that of the foe, while battling, or retreating in broken array or rallying again to the fight. In that terrific and awful battle, your father (Bhishma) shone, transcending that countless host.

On the forenoon of that awful day, the terrible battle that mangled the bodies of (so many) kings commenced. The loud shouts, resembling leonine roars of the Kurus and the Srinjayas, both desirous of victory in battle, made both the welkin and the earth resound therewith. A tumultuous uproar was heard mingled with the flaps of leathern fences and the blare of conches. Many were the leonine roars that rose there of men shouting against one another. The sound of bowstrings stretched by (hands cased in) fences, the heavy tread of infantry, the furious neigh of chargers, the falling of sticks and iron hooks (on the beads of elephants), the clash of weapons, the jingle of bells of elephants rushing against one another, and the clatter of cars resembling the roar of clouds, mingled together, produced a loud uproar making one's hair stand on end. All the Kuru warriors, reckless of their very lives and with cruel intentions, rushed, with standards upraised, against the Pandavas. Shantanu’s son himself, taking up a terrible bow that resembled the rod of Death, rushed on the field of battle, against Dhananjaya. Arjuna also, endued with great energy, taking up the bow Gandiva celebrated overall the world, rushed, on the field of battle, against Ganga's son. Both those tigers among the Kurus became desirous of slaying each other. The mighty son of Ganga however, piercing in battle the son of Pritha could not make him waver. So, the son of Pandu also could not make Bhishma waver in battle.

The duels

The mighty bowman Satyaki rushed against Kritavarman. The battle between these two was fierce in the extreme and made the hair (of onlookers) stand on end. Satyaki afflicted Kritavarman, and Kritavarman afflicted Satyaki, with loud shouts and each weakened the other. Pierced all over with arrows those mighty warriors shone like two blossoming Kinsukas in spring adorned with flowers. The mighty bowman Abhimanyu battled with Brihadbala. Soon, however, in that encounter, the ruler of Kosala cut off the standard and overthrew the charioteer of Subhadra's son. The son of Subhadra then upon the overthrow of his charioteer, was filled with wrath and pierced Brihadbala with nine shafts, and with a couple of sharp arrows that grinder of foes also cut off (Brihadbala's) standard, and with one (more) cut off one of the protectors of his car-wheels and with the other his charioteer. Those chastisers of foes continued to weaken each other with sharp arrows.

Bhimasena struggled in battle with your son Duryodhana, that mighty car-warrior, proud and inflated, who had injured (the sons of Pandu). Both of those foremost (princes) among the Kurus, are tigers among men and mighty car-warriors. They covered each other, on the field of battle, with their arrowy showers. Beholding those high-souled and accomplished warriors conversant with all modes of warfare, all creatures were filled with amazement of Bharata. Duhshasana, rushing against that mighty car-warrior Nakula, pierced him with many sharp arrows capable of penetrating into the very vitals. The son of Madri, then, laughing the while, cut off, with sharp arrows (of his), adversary's standard and bow, and then he struck him with five and twenty small-headed arrows. Dhritarashtra’s son, however, then, who can with difficulty be vanquished, slew in that fierce encounter the steeds of Nakula and cut off his standard.

Durmukha rushing against the mighty Sahadeva battling in that terrific encounter, pierced him with a shower of arrows. The heroic Sahadeva then, in that fearful battle, overthrew Durmukha's charioteer with an arrow of great sharpness. Both of them, irrepressible in fight, approaching each other in combat, and each attacking the other and desirous of warding off the other's attack, began to strike terror into each other with terrible shafts. King Yudhishthira himself encountered the ruler of the Madras. The chief of the Madras then in his very sight cut off in twain Yudhishthira's bow. Thereupon the son of Kunti, throwing aside that broken bow, took up another that was stronger and capable of imparting a greater velocity. The king then, with straight arrows, covered the ruler of the Madras, and in great wrath said, “wait, wait”.

Dhrishtadyumna rushed against Drona. Drona, then, in great wrath, cut off in that encounter the hard bow of the high-souled prince of Panchala that was capable of always taking the lives of foes. At the same time he shot in that conflict a terrible arrow that was like a second rod of Death. The arrow shot penetrated the body of the prince. Taking up then another bow and fourteen arrows, the son of Drupada pierced Drona in that encounter. Enraged with each other, they battled on fiercely.

The impetuous Shankha encountered Somadatta's son who was equally impetuous in battle and addressed him, saying “wait, wait”. That hero then pierced his (adversary's) right arm in that combat. Thereupon the son of Somadatta struck Shankha on the shoulders. The battle that ensued between those two proud heroes soon became as terrible as a combat between the gods and the Danavas. That mighty car-warrior Dhrishtaketu of immeasurable soul, with wrath excited, rushed in battle against Bahlika, the very embodiment of wrath. Bahlika, then, setting up a leonine roar, weakened the wrathful Dhrishtaketu with innumerable arrows. The king of the Chedis, however, exceedingly provoked, quickly pierced Bahlika in that encounter with nine arrows. Like an infuriate elephant against an infuriate elephant, in that combat they roared against each other repeatedly, both exceedingly enraged. They encountered each other with great wrath and looked like the planets Angaraka and Shukra.

Ghatotkacha of cruel deeds encountered the Rakshasa Alambusha of cruel deeds like Shakra (encountering) Bala in battle. Ghatotkacha pierced that infuriate and powerful Rakshasa with ninety keen-edged shafts. Alambusha also in that combat pierced the mighty son of Bhimasena in many places with straight arrows (of his). Mangled with arrows they shone in that encounter like the mighty Shakra and the powerful Bala in the combat (of old) between the celestials and the Asuras. The powerful Shikhandin rushed against Drona's son. Ashwatthaman, however, deeply piercing the angry Shikhandin, stationed (before him) with a keen-edged shaft, caused him to tremble. Shikhandin also, smote Drona's son with a sharp-whetted shaft of excellent temper. They continued in that encounter to strike each other with various kinds of arrows.

Against the heroic Bhagadatta in battle, Virata, the commander of a large division, rushed impetuously and then commenced (their) combat. Virata, exceedingly provoked, poured on Bhagadatta an arrowy shower like the clouds showering rain on the mountain breast. But Bhagadatta, that lord of the earth, speedily enveloped Virata in that encounter (with arrows) like the clouds enveloping the risen sun. Kripa, the son of Sharadwat, rushed against Brihadkshatra, the ruler of the Kaikeyas. Kripa enveloped him with a shower of arrows. Brihadkshatra also shrouded the infuriate son of Gautama with an arrowy downpour. Those warriors, then, having slain each other's steeds and cut off each other's bows, were both deprived of their cars. Exceedingly enraged, they then approached each other for fighting with their swords. The combat which then took place between them was terrible in aspect and unparalleled.

That chastiser of foes, king Drupada, then, in great wrath rushed against Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus, cheerfully waiting (for battle). The ruler of the Sindhus pierced Drupada in that combat with three shafts, and Drupada pierced him in return. The battle that took place between them was terrible and fierce, and productive of satisfaction in the hearts of all the spectators and resembling a conflict between the planets Shukra and Angaraka. Vikarna, Dhritarashtra’s son, with fleet steeds, rushed against the mighty Sutasoma and the combat between them commenced. Vikarna, however, although he pierced Sutasoma with many arrows, failed to make him waver. Neither could Sutasoma make Vikarna waver. That appeared wonderful (to all).

Against Susarman, that mighty car-warrior and tiger among men, viz., Chekitana of great prowess, rushed in exceeding wrath for the sake of the Pandavas. Susarman also in that encounter checked the advance of that mighty car-warrior Chekitana with plentiful shower of arrows. Chekitana also, greatly provoked, showered on Susarman, in that terrible conflict, a shower of arrows like a mighty mass of clouds showering rain on the mountain breast. Shakuni, endued with great prowess, rushed against Prativindhya of great prowess, like a lion against an infuriate elephant. Thereupon the son of Yudhishthira, in exceeding wrath, mangled Subala’s son in that combat, with sharp arrows, like Maghavat (mangling) a Danava. Shakuni also, in that fierce conflict, pierced Prativindhya in return and mangled that warrior of great intelligence with straight arrows. Shrutakarman rushed in battle against that mighty car-warrior Sudakshina of great prowess, the ruler of the Kambojas. Sudakshina, however, piercing that mighty car-warrior, viz., the son of Sahadeva, failed to make him waver (for he stood) like the Mainaka mountain (against the assaults of Indra). Thereupon Shrutakarman, exceedingly provoked, weakened that mighty car-warrior of the Kambojas with innumerable arrows and mangled him in every part of his body.

Iravan, that chastiser of foes, in great wrath and exerting carefully, rushed in battle against the wrathful Shrutayush. The powerful son of Arjuna, that mighty car-warrior, then slaying the steeds of his adversary, set up a loud roar, and thereupon, all the warriors (who saw the feat) praised him greatly. Shrutasena also, exceedingly provoked, slew in that conflict the steeds of Falguni's son with a powerful mace, and the battle between them continued.

Vinda and Anuvinda, those two princes of Avanti, approached in battle that mighty car-warrior the heroic Kuntibhoja at the head of his troops accompanied by his son. Wonderful was the prowess that was beheld of those two princes on that occasion, for they fought on very cooly though battling with a large body of troops. Anuvinda hurled a mace at Kuntibhoja, but Kuntibhoja quickly covered him with a shower of arrows. The son of Kuntibhoja pierced Vinda with many arrows, and the latter also pierced him in return. The combat (between them) looked very wonderful.

The Kekaya brothers at the head of their troops, encountered in battle the five Gandhara princes with their troops. Dhritarashtra’s son Virabahu battled with that best of car-warriors Uttara, the son of Virata and pierced him with nine arrows. Uttara also pierced that hero with sharp-edged arrows. the ruler of the Chedis, rushed in battle against Uluka. He pierced Uluka with a shower of arrows, and Uluka also pierced him with sharp arrows furnished with excellent wing. The combat that took place between them was fierce in the extreme, for unable to vanquish each other, they mangled each other terribly.

Thus in that general engagement thousands of single combats took place between men on car, warriors on elephants and horsemen, and foot-soldiers, of their side and Dhritarashtra’s. For a short while only that engagement offered a beautiful sight. Soon, however, it became furious and nothing could be discovered. In the battle (that ensued) elephants rushed against elephants, car-warriors against car-warriors, steed against steed and foot-soldier against foot-soldier. The conflict then became confused and fierce in the extreme, of heroes rushing against each other in the melee. The celestial Rishis, and Siddhas and Charanas, that were present there, beheld that terrific battle to resemble the combat of the gods and the Asuras. Elephants in thousands, and cars also in thousands, and vast bodies of infantry seemed to alter their character. It was seen that cars and elephants and steeds and infantry fought with each other repeatedly on the same places.

There the son recognized not the sire, the sire (recognized not) the son of his loins, the brother (recognized not) the brother, the sister's son (recognized not) the maternal uncle. The maternal uncle (recognized not) the sister's son, the friend not the friend. The Pandavas and the Kurus fought as if they were possessed by demons. Some tigers among men, fell with cars into pieces. The shafts of cars broke clashing against shafts, and the spikes of car-yokes against spikes of car-yokes. Some (warriors) united together encountered others that were united together, all desirous of taking one another's life. Some cars, obstructed by cars, were unable to move. Huge-bodied elephants with rent temples, falling upon huge elephants, angrily tore one another in many places with their tusks. Others, encountering impetuous and huge ones of their species with arched edifices and standards (on their backs) and trained to the fight struck with their tusks, shrieked in great agony. Disciplined by training and urged on by pikes and hooks, elephants not in rut rushed straight against those that were in rut. Some huge elephants, encountering compeers in rut, ran, uttering cries like those of cranes, in all directions. Many huge elephants, well-trained, and with juice trickling down from rent temples and mouth, mangle with swords, lances, and arrows, and pierced in their vital parts, shrieked aloud and falling down expired. Some, uttering frightful cries, ran in all directions. The foot-soldiers that protected the elephants, endued with broad chests, and capable of smiting effectually, with wrath excited, and armed with pikes and bows, and bright battle-axes, and with maces and clubs, and short arrows, and lances, and with shafts, and stout bludgeons mounted with iron spikes and swords, well-grasped of the brightest polish, ran here and there and seemed resolved to take one another's life. The sabres of brave combatants rushing against one another steeped in human blood, seemed to shine brightly. The whiz of swords whirled and made to descend by heroic arms and falling upon the vital parts (of the bodies) of foes, became very loud. The heart-ending wails of combatants in multitudinous hosts, crushed with maces and clubs, and cut off with well-tempered swords, and pierced with the tusks of elephants, and grained by tuskers, calling upon one another, were heard, to resemble the wails of those that are doomed to hell. Horsemen, on chargers of exceeding speed and furnished with outstretched tails resembling (the Plumes of) swans, rushed against one another. Hurled by them, long-bearded darts adorned with pure gold, fleet, and polished, and sharp-pointed, fell like snakes. Some heroic horsemen, on coursers of speed, leaping high, cut off the heads of car-warriors from their cars. (here and there) a car-warrior, getting bodies of cavalry within shooting distance, slew many with straight shafts furnished with heads. Many infuriate elephants adorned with trapping of gold, and looking like newly-risen clouds, throwing down steed, crushed them with their own legs. Some elephants struck on their frontal globes and flanks, and mangled by means of lances, shrieked aloud in great agony. Many huge elephants, in the bewildering of the melee, crushing steeds with their riders, threw them down. Some elephants, overthrowing with the points of their tusks, steeds with their riders, wandered, crushing cars with their standards. Some huge male elephants, from excess of energy and with the temporal juice gushing down in large quantities, slew steeds along with their riders by means of their trunks and legs. Fleet arrows polished and sharp-pointed and resembling snakes fell upon the heads, the temples, the flanks, and the limbs of elephants. Polished javelins of terrible mien, and looking like large meteoric flashes, hurled by heroic arms, felt here and there, piercing through the bodies of men and horses, and cutting through coats of mail. Many taking out their polished sabres from sheaths made of the skins of leopards and tigers, slew the combatants opposed to them in battle. Many warriors, though themselves attacked and had the flanks of their bodies cut open, yet angrily fell upon (their foes) with swords, shields and battle-axes. Some elephants dragging down and overthrowing cars with their steeds by means of their trunks, began to wander in all directions, guided by the cries of those behind them. Here and there some pierced by javelins, and some cut asunder by battle-axes, and some crushed by elephants and others trod down by horses, and some cut by car-wheels, and some by axes, loudly called upon their kinsmen. Some called upon their sons, and some upon their sires, and some upon brother and kinsmen. Some called upon their maternal uncles, and some upon their sister's sons. Some called upon others, on the field of battle. A very large number of combatants lost their weapons, or had their thighs broken. Other with arms torn off or sides pierced or cut open, were seen to wail aloud, from desire of life. Some, endued with little strength, tortured by thirst, and lying on the field of battle on the bare ground, asked for water. Some, weltering in pools of blood and excessively weakened, greatly censured themselves and Dhritarashtra’s sons assembled together for battle.

There were brave Kshatriyas, who having injured one another, did not abandon their weapons or set up any wails. On the other hand, lying in those places where they lay, roared with joyful hearts, and biting from wrath with their teeth their own lips, looked at one another with faces rendered fierce in consequence of the contraction of their eyebrows. Others endued with great strength and tenacity in great pain, afflicted by arrows and smarting under their wounds, remained perfectly silent. Other heroic car-warriors, deprived, in the encounter, of their own cars and thrown down and wounded by huge elephants, asked to be taken up on the cars of others. Many looked beautiful in their wounds like blossoming Kinsukas. In all the divisions were heard terrific cries, countless in number. In that awful combat destructive of heroes, the sire slew the son, the son slew the sire, the sister's son slew the maternal uncle, the maternal uncle slew the sister's son, friend slew friend, and relatives slew kinsmen. Even thus the slaughter took place in that encounter of the Kurus with the Pandavas. In that frightful and terrible battle in which no consideration was shown (by anybody for anybody), the divisions of the Pandavas, approaching Bhishma, began to waver.

The mighty-armed Bhishma with his standard which was made of silver and graced with the device of the palmyra with five stars, setting upon his great car, shone like the lunar orb under the peak of Meru. After the great part of the forenoon of that awful day had worn out, in that terrific engagement that was (so) destructive of foremost of men, Durmukha and Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Shalya, and Vivimshati, urged by Dhritarashtra’s son, approached Bhishma and began to protect him. Protected by those five mighty car-warriors, that great car-warrior penetrated the Pandava host. The palmyra standard of Bhishma was seen to glide continually through the Chedis, the Kashis, the Karushas, and the Panchalas. That hero, with broad-headed shafts of great swiftness which were again perfectly straight, cut off the heads (of foes) and their cars with yokes and standards. Bhishma seemed to dance on his car as it coursed along its track. Some elephants, struck (by him) in their vital parts, shrieked in agony.

Abhimanyu fights Bhishma

Then Abhimanyu in great wrath, stationed on his car unto which were yoked excellent steeds of a tawny hue, rushed towards Bhishma's car. With his standard adorned with pure gold and resembling a Karnikara tree, he approached Bhishma and those (five) foremost of car-warriors. Striking with a keen-edged shaft the standard of the palmyra-bannered (warrior), that hero engaged in battle with Bhishma and those other car-warriors that protected him.

Piercing Kritavarman with one arrow, and Shalya with five, he weakened his great-grandsire with nine arrows. With one arrow well shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he cut off (his adversary's) standard adorned with pure gold. With one broad-headed shaft capable of penetrating every cover, which was perfectly straight, he cut off from his body the head of Durmukha's charioteer. With another keen-edged arrow he cut in twain the gold-decked bow of Kripa. Them also, with many sharp-pointed shafts, that mighty car-warrior smote in great wrath, seeming to dance (the while). Beholding his lightness of hand, the very gods were gratified. In consequence of Abhimanyu's sureness of aim, all the car-warriors headed by Bhishma regarded him to be possessed of the capacity of Dhananjaya himself. His bow, emitting a twang like that of Gandiva, while stretched and re-stretched, seemed to revolve like a circle of fire. Bhishma then, that slayer of hostile heroes, rushing on him impetuously, speedily pierced the son of Arjuna in that combat with nine arrows. He also, with three broad-headed shafts, cut off the standard of that warrior of great energy. Of rigid vows, Bhishma also struck his (adversary's) charioteer. Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Shalya also, piercing Arjuna's son, all failed to make him waver, for he stood firm like the Mainaka mountain.

The heroic son of Arjuna, though surrounded by those mighty car-warriors of the Dhartarashtra army, still showered on those five car-warriors arrowy downpours. Baffling their mighty weapons by his arrowy showers, and pouring on Bhishma his shafts, the powerful son of Arjuna set up loud shout. Struggling in the battle thus and afflicting Bhishma with (his) arrows, the strength that was seen of his arms then was very great. But though endued with such prowess Bhishma also shot his arrows at him. But he cut off in that combat the arrows shot from Bhishma's bow. Then that heroic warrior of arrows that were never lost, cut off with nine arrows, in that combat, the standard of Bhishma. At that feat the people there set up a loud shout. Decked with jewels and made of silver, that tall standard bearing the device of the palmyra, cut off by the shafts of Subhadra's son, fell down on the earth.

Beholding that standard failing in consequence of the shafts of Subhadra's son, the proud Bhima set up a loud shout for cheering the son of Subhadra. Then in fierce combat, the mighty Bhishma caused many celestial weapons of great efficacy to appear. The great grandsire of immeasurable soul then covered Subhadra's son with thousands of arrows. At this, ten great bowmen and mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, quickly rushed on their cars for protecting the son of Subhadra. Those were Virata with his son, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, and Bhima, the five Kekaya brothers, and Satyaki also. As they were falling upon him with great impetuosity, Bhishma the son of Shantanu, in that conflict, pierced the prince of Panchala with three arrows, and Satyaki with ten. With one winged arrow, whetted and sharp-edged as a razor, and shot from his bow drawn to its fullest stretch, he cut off the standard of Bhimasena. The standard of Bhimasena, made of gold and bearing the device of a lion, cut off by Bhishma, fell from the car.

Shalya kills Virata’s son Uttara

Bhima then, piercing Shantanu’s son Bhishma in that combat with three arrows, pierced Kripa with one, and Kritavarman with eight. Uttara also, the son of Virata, on a tusker with upraised trunk, rushed against the ruler of the Madras. Shalya, however, succeeded in checking the unparalleled impetuosity of that prince of elephants rushing quickly towards his car. That prince of elephants, in great wrath, placing his leg upon the yoke of (Shalya's) car, killed his four large steeds of excellent speed. The ruler of the Madras then, staying on that car whose steeds had been slain, hurled a dart, all made of iron, and resembling a snake, for slaying Uttara outright. The latter's coat of mail being cut through by that dart, he became totally deprived of his senses and fell down from his elephant's neck, with the hook and the lance loosened from his grasp. Shalya then, taking up his sword and jumping down from his excellent car, and putting forth his prowess, cut off the large trunk of that prince of elephants. His coat of mail pierced all over with a shower of arrows, and his trunk cut off, that elephant uttered a loud shriek and fell down and expired. Achieving such a feat, the ruler of the Madras speedily mounted on the splendid car of Kritavarman.

Virata’s son Shweta is killed

Beholding his brother Uttara slain and seeing Shalya staying with Kritavarman, Virata's son Shweta blazed up in wrath, like fire (blazing up) with clarified butter. That mighty warrior, stretching his large bow that resembled the bow of Shakra himself, rushed with the desire of slaying Shalya the ruler of the Madras. Surrounded on all sides with a mighty division of cars, he advanced towards Shalya's car pouring an arrowy shower. Beholding him rush to the fight with prowess equal to that of an infuriate elephant, seven car-warriors of Dhritarashtra’s side surrounded him on all sides, desirous of protecting the ruler of Madras who seemed to be already within the jaws of Death. Those seven warriors were Brihadbala the ruler of the Kosalas, and Jayatsena of Magadha, and Rukmaratha, who was the valourous son of Shalya, and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Sudakshina the king of the Kambojas, and Jayadratha, the ruler of the Sindhus and the kinsman of Brihadkshatra. The stretched bows of those high-souled warriors, decorated with diverse colours, looked like the lightning's flashes in the clouds. They all poured on Shweta's head ceaseless showers of arrows like the clouds tossed by the wind dropping rain on the mountain breast on the expiry of summer. That mighty bowman and commander of the forces, enraged at this, with seven broad-headed arrows of great impetuosity, struck their bows, and then continued to grind them. Those bows we saw were cut off and thereupon they all took up, within half the time taken up in a wink of the eye, other bows. They then shot at Shweta seven arrows. Once again that mighty-armed warrior of immeasurable soul, with seven fleet shafts, cut off those (other) bows of these bowmen. Those warriors then, whose large bows had been cut off, those mighty car-warriors swelling (with rage), grasping (seven) darts, set up a loud shout. They hurled those seven darts at Shweta's car. Those blazing darts which coursed (through the air) like large meteors, with the sound of thunder, were all cut off, before they could reach him, that warrior conversant with mighty weapons, by means of seven broad-headed arrows. Then taking up an arrow capable of penetrating into every part of the body, he shot it at Rukmaratha. That mighty arrow, surpassing (the force of) the thunder-bolt, penetrated into the latter's body. Then, forcibly struck by that arrow, Rukmaratha sat down on the terrace of his car and fell into a deadly swoon. His charioteer then, without betraying any fear, bore him away, senseless and in a swoon, in the very sight of all.

Then taking up six other (arrows) adorned with gold, the mighty-armed Shweta cut off the standard-tops of his six adversaries. That chastiser of foes then, piercing their steeds and charioteers also, and covering those six warriors themselves with ceaseless shafts, proceeded towards the car of Shalya. Beholding that generalissimo of the (Pandava) forces proceeding quickly towards Shalya's car, a loud uproar of oh and alas arose in your army. Then Dhritarashtra’s mighty son, with Bhishma at the head, and supported by heroic warriors and many troops, proceeded towards Shweta's car. He (thus) rescued the ruler of the Madras who had already entered the jaws of Death.

Then commenced a battle, terrific and making the hair stand on end, between your troops and those of the enemy, in which cars and elephants all got mixed up in confusion. Upon Subhadra's son and Bhimasena, and that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, and upon the ruler of the Kekayas, and Virata, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishatas' race, and upon the Chedi troops, the old Kuru grandsire poured showers of arrows.

Hundreds and thousands of bulls among Kshatriyas, all brave and mighty car-warriors, placing the generalissimo Shweta in the forefront, and displaying their strength unto Dhritarashtra’s royal son and with Shikhandin also at their head, desired to rescue (Shweta). Those mighty car-warriors rushed towards Bhishma's car decked with gold desirous of slaying that foremost of warriors. The battle that ensued then was terrible.

The son of Shantanu made the terraces of many cars empty, (for) that best of car-warriors showering (his) arrows, cut off many heads. Endued with energy equal to that of the Sun himself, he shrouded the very Sun with his arrows. He removed his enemies from around him in that combat like the rising Sun dispelling the darkness around. In that battle, arrows were shot by him in hundreds and thousands that were powerful and possessed of great impetuosity and that took in that conflict the lives of numberless Kshatriyas. In that combat he felled heads, by hundreds, of heroic warriors and elephants cased in thorny mail, like summits of mountains (felled) by heaven's bolt. Cars were seen to mingle with cars. A car might be seen upon another car, and a steed upon another steed. Impetuous chargers bore here and there heroic riders in the prime of youth, slain and hanging (from their saddles) with their bows (still in their grasp). With swords and quivers attached (to their persons) and coats of mail loosened (from their bodies), hundreds of warriors, deprived of life, lay on the ground, sleeping on beds (worthy) of heroes. Rushing against one another, falling down and rising up again and rushing again having risen up, the combatants fought hand to hand. Afflicted by one another, many rolled on the field of battle. Infuriate elephants rushed here and there, and car-warriors by hundreds were slain.

Car-warriors, along with their cars, were crushed on all sides. Some warriors fell upon his car, slain by another with arrows. A mighty car-warrior might be seen to fall down from high, his charioteer (also) having been slain. A thick dust arose, and thereupon unto the warrior struggling in battle, the twang of the (hostile) bow indicated the struggling adversary before. From the pressure also on their bodies, combatants guessed their foes. The warriors fought on with arrows, guided by the sound of bow-strings and (hostile) division. The very hiss of the arrows shot by the combatants at one another could not be heard. So loud was the sound of drums, that it seemed to pierce the ears. In that tumultuous uproar making the hair stand on end, the name of the combatant uttered in the battle, while displaying his prowess, could not be heard. The sire could not recognize the son of his loins. One of the wheels being broken, or the yoke being torn off or one of the steeds being slain, the brave car-warrior was overthrown from his car, along with his charioteer, by means of straight arrows. Thus many heroic warriors, deprived of their cars, were seen to fly away. He who was slain had cut off; he who was not slain, was struck at the very vitals: but unstruck there was none, when Bhishma attacked the foe. In that terrific battle, Shweta caused a great slaughter of the Kurus. He slew many noble princes by hundreds upon hundreds. He cut off, by means of his arrows, the heads of car-warriors by hundreds upon hundreds, and (their) arms decked with Angadas, and (their) bows all around. Car-warriors and car-wheels and others that were on cars, and the cars themselves, and standards both small and costly and large bodies of horses, and crowds of cars, and crowds of men were destroyed by Shweta.

The Kauravas, from fear of Shweta, abandoning (Bhishma) that best of car-warriors, left the battle retreating to the rear and, therefore, (now) beheld their lordship. All the Kurus beyond the range of arrows, and abandoning Bhishma the son of Shantanu, in that battle, stood (as spectators though) armed for the combat. Cheerful in the hour of (universal) cheerlessness, that tiger among men Bhishma, alone of Dhritarashtra’s army, in that terrible battle stood immovable like the mountain Meru. Taking the lives (of the foe) like the Sun at close of winter, he stood resplendent with the golden rays (of his car) like the Sun himself with his rays.

That great bowman shot clouds of arrows and struck down the Asuras. While being slaughtered by Bhishma in that dreadful combat, those warriors breaking away from their ranks, they all fled from him, as if from a fire fed by fuel. Encountering the single warrior (Shweta), that slayer of foes, Bhishma, was the only one (amongst us) who was cheerful and whole. Devoted to the welfare of Duryodhana, he began to consume the Pandava (warrior). Reckless of his very life which is difficult of being cast off, and abandoning all fear he slaughtered the Pandava army in that fierce conflict. Beholding the generalissimo (Shweta) smiting the (Dhartarashtra) divisions, your father Bhishma, called also Devavrata, impetuously rushed against him. Thereupon, Shweta covered Bhishma with an extensive net-work of arrows. Bhishma also covered Shweta with a flight of arrows. Roaring like a couple of bulls, they rushed, like two infuriate elephants of gigantic size or two raging tigers, against each other. Baffling each other's weapons by means of their weapons, those bulls among men, viz., Bhishma and Shweta fought with each other, desirous of taking each other's life.

In one single day Bhishma, infuriate with anger, could consume the Pandava army with his arrows, if Shweta did not protect it. Beholding the grandsire then turned off by Shweta, the Pandavas were filled with joy, while Dhritarashtra’s son became cheerless. Duryodhana then, with wrath excited and surrounded by many kings, rushed with his troops against the Pandava host in battle. Then Shweta, abandoning the son of Ganga, slaughtered Dhritarashtra’s son's host with great impetuosity like the wind (uprooting) trees with violence. The son of Virata, senseless with wrath, having routed your army, advanced (once more) to the place where Bhishma was stationed. Those two high-souled and mighty warriors then, both blazing with their arrows, battled with each other like Vritra and Vasava (of old), desirous of slaying each other.

Drawing (his) bow to the fullest stretch, Shweta pierced Bhishma with seven arrows. The valourous (Bhishma) then, putting forth his prowess, quickly checked his foe's valour, like an infuriate elephant checking an infuriate compeer. Shweta then, that delighter of Kshatriyas struck Bhishma, and Bhishma the son of Shantanu also pierced him in return with ten arrows. Though pierced by him (thus), that mighty warrior stood still like a mountain. Shweta again pierced Shantanu’s son with five and twenty straight arrows, at which all wondered. Then smiling and licking with his tongue the corners of his mouth, Shweta in that combat cut off Bhishma's bow into ten fragments with ten arrows. Then aiming a plumed arrow made wholly of iron, (Shweta) crushed the palmyra on the top of the standard of the high-souled (Bhishma). Beholding the standard of Bhishma cut down, Dhritarashtra’s sons thought that Bhishma was slain, having succumbed to Shweta. The Pandavas also filled with delight, blew their conches all around. Beholding the palmyra standard of the high-souled Bhishma laid low, Duryodhana, from wrath, urged his own army to the battle.

They all began very carefully to protect Bhishma who 'was in great distress. Unto them, also unto those that stood (idle) spectators, the king said, “Either Shweta will die (today), or Bhishma the son of Shantanu. I say this truly.” Hearing the words of the king, the mighty car-warriors speedily with four kinds of forces, advanced protecting the son of Ganga. Bahlika and Kritavarman, and Kripa, and Shalya also, and the son of Jarasandha, and Vikarna, and Chitrasena, and Vivimshati, with great speed, when speed was so necessary, surrounding him on all sides, poured on Shweta ceaseless showers of arrows. That mighty warrior then, of immeasurable soul, quickly checked those angry warriors by means of sharp arrows, displaying his own lightness of hand. Checking them all like a lion and a multitude of elephants, Shweta then cut off Bhishma's bow with thick shower of arrows. Then Bhishma the son of Shantanu, taking up another bow in that battle, pierced Shweta with arrows furnished with feathers of Kanka bird. Then the commander (of the Pandava army), with wrath excited, pierced Bhishma in that encounter with a great many shafts in the very sight of all. Beholding Bhishma, that foremost of heroes in all the world, checked in battle by Shweta, the king (Duryodhana) became greatly troubled, and great also became the distress of your whole army.

Beholding the heroic Bhishma checked and mangled by Shweta with his arrows, all thought that Bhishma, having succumbed to Shweta, was slain by him. Then Dhritarashtra’s sire Devavrata, yielding to anger, and beholding his (own) standard overthrown and the (Dhartarashtra) army checked, shot a great many arrows at Shweta. Shweta, however, that foremost of car-warriors, baffling all those arrows of Bhishma, once more cut off, with a broad-headed shaft, Dhritarashtra’s sire's bow. Throwing aside that bow, Ganga's son, senseless with anger, taking up another bow larger and stronger, and aiming seven large broad-headed arrows whetted on stone, slew with four arrows the four steeds of the generalissimo Shweta, cut off his standard with two and with the seventh shaft that warrior of great prowess, exceedingly provoked, cut off his charioteer's head.

Thereupon, that mighty car-warrior, jumping down from his car whose steeds and charioteer had been slain, and yielding to the influence of wrath, became exceedingly troubled. The grandsire, beholding Shweta that foremost of car-warriors, deprived of car, began to smite him on all sides with showers of arrows. Smitten in that combat with arrows shot from Bhishma's bow, Shweta, leaving his bow on his (abandoned) car took up a dart decked with gold and taking up that terrible and fierce dart which resembled the fatal rod of Death and was capable of slaying Death's self. Shweta then, in great wrath, addressed Bhishma the son of Shantanu in that combat, saying, “Wait a little, and behold me, O best of men”. Having said this unto Bhishma in battle, that great bowman of exceeding prowess and immeasurable soul, hurled the dart resembling a snake, displaying his valour for the sake of the Pandavas and desiring to achieve your evil. Then loud cries of “oh!” and “alas!” arose among Dhritarashtra’s sons, upon beholding that terrible dart resembling the rod of Death in splendor.

Hurled from Shweta's arms, (that dart), resembling a snake that had just cast off its slough, fell with great force, like a large meteor from the firmament. Devavrata then without the slightest fear, with eight sharp and winged arrows, cut off into nine fragments, that dart decked with pure gold and which seemed to be covered with flames of fire, as it coursed ablaze through the air. All Dhritarashtra’s troops then set up loud shouts of joy. The son of Virata, however, beholding his dart cut off into fragments, became senseless with anger, and like one whose heart was overcome by (the arrival of) his hour, could not settle what to do. Deprived of his senses by anger, the son of Virata, then, smiling, joyfully took up a mace for Bhishma's slaughter, with eyes red in wrath, and resembling a second Yama armed with mace, he rushed against Bhishma like a swollen torrent against the rocks. Regarding his impetuosity as incapable of cheek, Bhishma endued with great prowess and conversant with the might (of others), suddenly alighted on the ground for warding off that blow. Shweta then, whirling in wrath that heavy mace, hurled it on Bhishma's car like the god Maheshwara.

In consequence of that mace intended for Bhishma's destruction, that car was reduced to ashes, with standard, and charioteer, and steeds and shaft. Beholding Bhishma, that foremost of car-warriors, become a combatant on foot, many car-warriors, viz., Shalya and others, speedily rushed (to his rescue). Mounting then upon another car, and cheerlessly stretching his bow, Bhishma slowly advanced towards Shweta, seeing that foremost of car-warriors. Meanwhile, Bhishma heard a loud voice uttered in the skies, that was celestial and fraught with his own good. (And the voice said),

“O, Bhishma, O you of mighty arms, strive without losing a moment. Even this is the hour fixed by the Creator of the Universe for success over this one”.

Hearing those words uttered by the celestial messenger, Bhishma, filled with joy, set his heart upon Shweta's destruction. Beholding that foremost of car-warriors, Shweta become a combatant on foot, many mighty car-warriors (of the Pandava side) rushed unitedly (to his rescue). (They were) Satyaki, and Bhimasena, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race; and the (five) Kekaya brothers, and Dhrishtaketu and Abhimanyu of great energy. Beholding them rushing (to the rescue), with Drona and Shalya and Kripa that hero of immeasurable soul (Bhishma) checked them all like the mountain resisting the force of the wind. When all the high-souled warriors of the Pandava side were (thus) held in check, Shweta, taking up a sword cut off Bhishma's bow. Casting aside that bow, the grandsire, quickly made up his mind for Shweta's destruction, having heard the words of the celestial messenger. Though baffled (by Shweta), Devavrata then that mighty car-warrior quickly taking up another bow that resembled the bow of Shakra himself in splendour, stringed it in a moment. Then Bhishma beholding that mighty car-warrior Shweta, though the latter was then surrounded by those tigers among men with Bhimasena at their head, the son of Ganga-advanced steadily for the sake of the generalissimo Shweta alone.

Beholding Bhishma advance, Bhimasena of great prowess pierced him with sixty shafts. But that mighty car-warrior, your sire Devavrata, checking both Bhimasena and Abhimanyu and other car-warriors with terrible shafts, struck him with three straight arrows. The grandsire of the Bharatas also struck Satyaki, in that combat, with a hundred arrows, and Dhrishtadyumna with twenty and the Kekaya brothers with five. Checking all those great bowmen with terrible arrows, your sire Devavrata advanced towards Shweta alone. Then taking out an arrow resembling Death's self and capable of bearing a great strain and incapable of being resisted, the powerful Bhishma placed it on his bowstring. That shaft, furnished with wings and duly endued with the force of the Brahma weapon, was seen by the gods and Gandharvas and Pishachas and Uragas, and Rakshasas. That shaft, of splendour like that of a blazing fire, piercing through his coat of mail (passed through his body and) struck into the earth, with a flash like that of heaven's bolt. Like the Sun when speedily retiring to his western chambers taking along with him the rays of light, even thus that shaft passed out of Shweta's body, bearing away with itself his life.

Thus slain in battle by Bhishma, that tiger among men fell down like the loosened crest of a mountain. All the mighty car-warriors of the Kshatriya race belonging to the Pandava side indulged in lamentations. Dhritarashtra’s sons, however, and all the Kurus, were filled with delight. Then, beholding Shweta overthrown, Duhshasana danced in joy over the field in accompaniment with the loud music of conches and drums. When that great bowman was slain by Bhishma, that ornament of battle, the mighty bowmen (of the Pandava side) with Shikhandin at their head, trembled in fear.

Virata’s son Shankha is killed

When, after the forenoon had passed away, the commander Shweta was slain by Bhishma in that fierce conflict, Virata's son Shankha, that grinder of hostile ranks ever delighting in battle, beholding Shalya stationed with Kritavarman (on his car), suddenly blazed up with wrath, like fire with clarified butter. That mighty warrior, stretching his large bow that resembled the bow of Indra himself, rushed with the desire of slaying the ruler of the Madras in battle, himself supported on all sides by a large division of cars. Shankha, causing an arrowy downpour rushed towards the car on which Shalya was. Beholding him advancing like an infuriate elephant, seven mighty car-warriors of your side surrounded him--desirous of rescuing the ruler of the Madras already within the jaws of death. Then the mighty-armed Bhishma, roaring like the very clouds, and taking up a bow full six cubits long, rushed towards Shankha in battle. Beholding that mighty car-warrior and great bowman thus rushing, the Pandava host began to tremble like a boat tossed by a violence of the tempest. Then Arjuna, quickly advancing, placed himself in front of Shankha, thinking that Shankha should, then be protected from Bhishma.

Then the combat commenced between Bhishma and Arjuna. Loud cries of “oh!” and “alas!” arose among the warriors engaged in battle. One force seemed to merge into another force. Thus all were filled with wonder. Then Shalya, mace in hand, alighting from his large car, slew the four steeds of Shankha. Jumping down from his car thus deprived of steeds, and taking a sword, Shankha ran towards Bibhatsu's car and (mounting on it) was once more at his ease. Then there fell from Bhishma's car innumerable arrows by which were covered the entire welkin and the earth. That foremost of smiters, Bhishma, slaughtered with his arrows the Panchala, the Matsya, the Kekaya, and the Prabhadraka host. Soon abandoning in that battle, Pandu's son (Arjuna) capable of drawing the bow with even his left hand, Bhishma rushed towards Drupada, the king of the Panchalas, surrounded by his host. He soon covered his dear relative with innumerable arrows. Like a forest consumed by fire at the end of winter, the troops of Drupada were seen to be consumed. Bhishma stood in that battle like a blazing fire without smoke, or like the Sun himself at midday scorching everything around with his heat. The combatants of the Pandavas were not able to even look at Bhishma. Afflicted with fear, the Pandava host cast its eyes around, and not beholding any protector, looked like a herd of kine afflicted by cold.

Slaughtered or retreating in despondence being crushed the while, loud cries, O Bharata, of oh and alas arose among the troops of the Pandavas. Then Bhishma the son of Shantanu, with bow always drawn to a circle, shot therefrom blazing arrows that resembled virulent poison. Creating continuous lines of arrows in all directions, that hero of rigid vows slew Pandava car-warriors, naming each beforehand. Then when the troops of the Pandavas were routed and crushed all over the field, the sun set and nothing could be seen. Then beholding Bhishma proudly standing in battle, Dhananjaya, and he of Vrishni's race, slowly withdrew the troops (for their nightly rest).

Then, the withdrawal took place of both theirs and Dhritarashtra’s, while Dhritarashtra’s and theirs were frequently setting up loud roars. The mighty car-warriors of the Parthas entered (their quarters) cheerlessly, thinking, of that awful slaughter in single combat (of their commander).

When the troops were withdrawn on the first day, and when Duryodhana was filled with delight upon (beholding) Bhishma excited with wrath in battle, king Yudhishthira the just, speedily repaired unto Janardana, accompanied by all his brothers and all the kings (on his side). Filled with great grief thinking of his defeat, and beholding Bhishma's prowess, he addressed that scion of Vrishni's race, saying,

“Behold, O Krishna, that mighty bowman Bhishma of terrible prowess. He consumes with his arrow my troops like fire (consuming) dry grass. How shall we even look at that high-souled (warrior) who is licking up my troops like fire fed with clarified butter? Beholding; that tiger among men, that mighty warrior armed with the bow, my troops fly away, afflicted with arrows. Enraged Yama himself, or He armed with the thunder, or even Varuna noose in hand, or Kubera armed with mace, may be vanquished in battle but the mighty car-warrior Bhishma, of great energy is incapable of being vanquished. Such being the case, I am sinking in the fathomless ocean represented by Bhishma, without a boat (to rescue me).

In consequence, O Keshava, of the weakness of my understanding, having obtained Bhishma (for a foe in battle), I shall, O Govinda, retire into woods. To live there is preferable to devoting these lords of earth to Death in the form of Bhishma. Conversant with mighty weapons, Bhishma, O Krishna, will annihilate my army. As insects rush into the blazing fire for their own destruction, the combatants of my army are even so. In putting forth prowess for the sake of kingdom, O you of Vrishni's race, I am being led to destruction. My heroic brothers also are pained and afflicted with arrows for my sake, having been deprived of both sovereignty and happiness in consequence of their love for their eldest brother. We regard life very highly, for, under these circumstances, life is too precious (to be sacrificed). During the remainder of my days I will practice the severest of ascetic austerities. I will not, O Keshava, cause these friends of mine to be slain.

The mighty Bhishma incessantly stays, with his celestial weapon, many thousands of my car-warriors who are foremost of smiters. Tell me, O Madhava, without delay, what should be done that might do me good. As regards Arjuna, I see that he is an indifferent spectator in this battle. Endued with great might, this Bhima alone, remembering Kshatriya duties, fights putting forth the prowess of his arms and to the utmost of his power. With his hero-slaying mace, this high-souled (warrior), to the full measure of his powers, achieve the most difficult feats upon foot-soldiers and steeds and cars and elephants. This hero, however, is incapable, O sire, of destroying in fair fight the hostile host in even a century. This your friend (Arjuna) alone (amongst) is conversant with (mighty) weapons. He, however, beholding us consumed by Bhishma and the high-souled Drona, looks indifferently on us. The celestial weapons of Bhishma and the high-souled Drona, incessantly applied, are consuming all the Kshatriyas. O Krishna, such is his prowess, that Bhishma, with wrath excited, aided by the kings (on his side), will, without doubt annihilate us. O Lord of Yoga, look for that great bowman, that mighty car-warrior, who will give Bhishma his quietus like rain-charged clouds quenching a forest conflagration. (Then) through your grace, O Govinda, the son of Pandu, their foes being slain, will, after recovery of their kingdom, be happy with their kinsmen.”

Having said this, the high-souled son of Pritha, with heart afflicted by grief and mind turned within, remained silent for a long while in a reflected mood. Beholding the son of Pandu stricken with grief and deprived of his senses by sorrow, Govinda then gladdening all the Pandavas said,

“Do not grieve, O chief of the Bharatas. It befits you not to grieve, when your brothers are all heroes and renowned bowmen in the world. I also am employed in doing you good, as also that mighty car-warrior Satyaki and Virata and Drupada, both reverend in years, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's line. So also, O best of kings, all these monarchs with their (respective) troops are expectant of your favour and devoted to you, O king. This mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race placed in command of your army is always desirous of your welfare and engaged in doing that which is agreeable to you, as also this Shikhandin, O you of mighty arms, who is certainly the slayer of Bhishma.”

Hearing these words, the king (Yudhishthira), said, unto that mighty car-warrior Dhrishtadyumna, in that very assembly and in the hearing of Vasudeva, these words,

“O Dhrishtadyumna, mark these words that I say unto you, O you of Prishata's line. The words uttered by me should not be transgressed. Approved by Vasudeva, you have been the commander of our forces. As Kartikeya, in days of old, was ever the commander of the celestial host, so also are you, O bull among men, the commander of the Pandava host. Putting forth your prowess, O tiger among men, slay the Kauravas. I will follow you, and Bhima, and Krishna also, O sire, and the sons of Madri united together, and the sons of Draupadi accoutred in mail, and all the other foremost of kings, O bull among men.”

Then gladdening (the listeners) Dhrishtadyumna said,

“Ordained of old by Shambhu himself, I am, O son of Pritha, the slayer of Drona. I shall now fight in battle against Bhishma, and Drona and Kripa and Shalya and Jayadratha and all the proud monarchs (on the Kuru side).”

When that foremost of princes, that slayer of foes, the son of Prishata, said this defiantly, the Pandava warriors, endued with great energy and incapable of being defeated in battle, all set up a loud shout. Then Pritha's son Yudhishthira said unto the commander of his army, the son of Prishata, (these words),

“An array known by the name of Krauncharuma, that is destructive of all foes, and that was spoken of by Brihaspati unto Indra in days of old when the gods and the Asuras fought, that array destructive of hostile divisions, do you form. Unseen before, the kings behold it, along with the Kurus.”