The fourth 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.

The war resumes on the fourth day

When the night passed away, the high-souled Bhishma, with wrath engendered, supported by a large force, and stationed at the head of the Bharata army, proceeded against the foe. Drona and Duryodhana and Bahlika, and also Durmarshana and Chitrasena, the mighty Jayadratha, and other royal warriors, supported by large divisions accompanied, surrounding him all sides. Surrounded by those great and mighty car-warriors endued with great prowess and energy, he shone in the midst of those foremost of royal warriors, like the chief of the celestials in the midst of the gods. The magnificent standards on the backs of the elephants stationed in front of those ranks, of diverse colours, viz., red, yellow, black and brown, waving in the air, looked exceedingly beautiful. That army with the royal son of Shantanu and other mighty car-warriors and with elephants and steeds, looked resplendent like a mass of clouds charged with lightning, or like the firmament, in the season of rains, with gathering clouds. Then the fierce army of the Kurus, bent on battle and protected by Shantanu’s son, rushed impetuously towards Arjuna like the fierce current of the ocean-going Ganga.

Pervaded by diverse kinds of forces possessed of great strength, and having in its wings elephants, steeds, infantry, and cars in profusion, that array the high-souled (Arjuna) having the prince of apes on his banner beheld from a distance to resemble a mighty mass of clouds. That high-souled hero, that bull among men, upon his car furnished with tall standard and unto which were yoked white steeds, at the head of his (own) division and surrounded by a mighty force, proceeded against the whole hostile army. All the Kauravas with Dhritarashtra’s, beholding that ape-bannered (warrior) with his excellent standard and handsome car-shaft wrapped (in costly cover), accompanied by that bull of Yadu's race, his charioteer in battle, were filled with dismay. Dhritarashtra’s army beheld that best of arrays, which was protected by that mighty car-warrior of the world, viz., Kiritin, with weapons upraised to have at each of its corners four thousand elephants. Like the array which was formed on the day before by that best of Kurus viz., king Yudhishthira the just, and like of which had never been seen or heard before by human beings, was this one of today (that the Pandavas formed).

Then on the field of battle thousand of drums were loudly beaten, and there arose from all the divisions the loud blare of conches and the notes of trumpets and many leonine shouts. Then (innumerable) bows of loud twang, stretched by heroic warriors with shaft fixed on the bowstrings, and the blare of conches, silenced that uproar of drums and cymbals. The entire welkin filled with that blare of conches was diffused with an earthly dust that made it wonderful to behold. With that dust the sky looked as if a vast canopy were spread overhead. Beholding that canopy the brave warriors all rushed impetuously (to battle). Car-warriors, struck by car-warriors, were overthrown with charioteers, steeds, cars, and standards. Elephants, struck by elephants, fell down, and foot-soldiers struck by foot-soldiers. Rushing horsemen, struck down by rushing horsemen with lances and swords, fell down with frightful countenances. All this seemed exceedingly wonderful.

Excellent shields decked with golden stars and possessed of solar effulgence, broken by (strokes of) battle-axes, lances and swords dropped on the field. Many car-warriors mangled and bruised by the tusks and the strong trunks of elephants, fell down with their charioteers. Many bulls among car-warriors struck by bulls among car-warriors with their shafts, fell down on the ground. Many persons hearing the wails of horsemen and foot-soldiers struck with the tusks and other limbs of elephants or crushed by the impetus of those huge creatures rushing in close ranks, fell down on the field of battle.

Dhrishtadyumna kills Samyamuni’s son

Then when cavalry and foot-soldiers were falling fast, and elephants and steeds and cars were flying away in fear, Bhishma, surrounded by many mighty car-warriors, obtained sight of him who had the prince of apes on his standard. The palmyra-bannered warrior, viz. the son of Shantanu, having five palmyras on his standard, then rushed against the diadem-decked (Arjuna) whose car, in consequence of the fleetness of the excellent steeds attached to it was endued with wonderful energy and which blazed like the very lightning in consequence of the energy of his mighty weapons. And so against that son of Indra who was like unto Indra himself, rushed many (other) warriors headed by Drona and Kripa and Shalya and Vivimshati and Duryodhana and also Somadatta's son.

Then the heroic Abhimanyu, the son of Arjuna, conversant with all weapons and cased in a handsome and golden coat of mail, rushing out of the ranks, quickly proceeded against all those warriors. That son of Krishna of feats incapable of being borne, baffling the mighty weapons of all those warriors of great strength, looked resplendent like the adorable Agni himself, on the sacrificial altar, of blazing flames, invoked with high mantras.

Then Bhishma of mighty energy, creating in that battle a very river whose waters were the blood of foes, and quickly avoiding Subhadra's son, encountered that mighty car-warrior, viz., Partha himself. Then Arjuna decked with diadem and garlands with his Gandiva of wonderful mien and twang loud as the roar of the thunder, shooting showers of arrows, baffled that shower of mighty weapons (shot by Bhishma). That high-souled warrior having the prince of apes on his banner, of feats incapable of being borne, then poured in return upon Bhishma, that best of all wielders of bows a shower of sharp-edged arrows and polished shafts of broad heads. So the Kaurava troops also beheld that shower of mighty weapons shot by him who had the prince of apes on his banner, opposed and dispersed by Bhishma like the maker of day dispelling (the gloom of night). The Kurus and the Srinjayas, and all the people there, beheld that single combat between those two foremost of men, viz., Bhishma and Dhananjaya, proceeding thus steadily and thus distinguished by the terrible twang of the bows of both.

Drona's son, and Bhurishravas, and Chitrasena and the son of Samyamani also, all fought with Subhadra's son. While fighting alone with five tigers among men, people beheld him possessed of exceeding energy, like a young lion fighting with five elephants. No one among them equaled Krishna's son in sureness of aim, in bravery, in prowess, in lightness of hand or in knowledge of weapons. Beholding his son, that chastiser of foes thus struggling and displaying his prowess in battle, Partha set up a leonine roar. Seeing Dhritarashtra’s grandson thus afflicting the Kaurava host, the Kuru warriors surrounded him on all sides. Then that smiter of foes, the son of Subhadra, depending upon his prowess and might, advanced with undepressed heart against the Dhartarashtra host. While battling with the foe in that conflict, his mighty bow endued with the effulgence of the sun, was seen by all to be incessantly stretched for striking.

Piercing the son of Drona with one shaft, and Shalya with five, he overthrew the standard of Samyamani's son with eight shafts. With another sharp-edged arrow he cut off the mighty dart of golden staff, resembling a snake, that was hurled at him by Somadatta's son. The heir of Arjuna, baffling in the very sight of Shalya, his hundreds of terrible shafts, slew his four steeds. Thereupon Bhurishravas, and Shalya, and Drona's son and Samyamani, and Shala struck with the fear at the strength of arms displayed by Krishna's son could not stay before him. Then, the Trigartas and the Madras, with the Kekayas, numbering five and twenty thousand urged by Duryodhana, all of whom were foremost of men accomplished in the science of arms and who were incapable of defeat by foes in battle, surrounded Kiritin with his son for slaying them both.

Then, that vanquisher of foes, the commander of the Pandava army, the prince of the Panchalas, beheld the cars of the father and the son (thus) surrounded (by the foe). Supported by many thousands of elephants and cars, and by hundred thousands of cavalry and infantry, and stretching his bow in great wrath he advanced against that division of the Madras and the Kekayas leading his troops with him. That division (of the Pandava army), protected by that renowned and firm bowman, and consisting of cars, elephants, and cavalry, looked resplendent as it advanced for the encounter. While proceeding towards Arjuna, that perpetuator of Panchala's race struck Sharadwat’s son on his shoulder-joint with three arrows. Piercing the Madrakas then with ten sharp shafts, he speedily slew the protector of Kritavarman's rear. That chastiser of foes then, with a shaft of broad head, slew Damana, the heir of the high-souled Paurava.

Then the son of Samyamani pierced the Panchala prince incapable of defeat in the battle with ten shafts, and his charioteer also with ten shafts. Then that mighty bowman, (thus) severely pierced, licked with his tongue the corners of his mouth, and cut off his enemy's bow with a broad-headed shaft of excessive sharpness. Soon the prince of Panchala afflicted his foe with five and twenty arrows, and then slew his steeds and then both the protectors of his wings. Then, Samyamani's son, standing on that car whose steeds were slain, looked at the son of the renowned king of the Panchalas. Then taking up a terrible scimitar of the best kind, made of steel, Samyamani's son walking on foot, approached Drupada's son staying on his car. The Pandavas, soldiers and Dhrishtadyumna also of Prishata's race beheld him coming like a wave and resembling a snake fallen from the skies. He whirled his sword and looked like the sun and advanced with the tread of an infuriate elephant. The prince of Panchala then, excited with rage, quickly taking up a mace, smashed the head of Samyamani's son thus advancing towards him, sharp-edged scimitar in grasp and shield in hand, as soon as the latter, having crossed the shooting distance, was near enough to his adversary's car. Then, while falling down deprived of life, his blazing scimitar and shield, loosened from his grasp, fell down with his body on the ground. The high-souled son of the Panchala king, of terrible prowess, having slain his foe with his mace, won great renown. When that prince, that mighty car-warrior and great bowman, was (thus) slain, loud cries of “oh” and “alas” arose among the Kaurava troops.

Then Samyamani, excited with rage upon beholding his own son slain, impetuously rushed towards the prince of Panchala who was incapable of defeat in battle. All the kings of both the Kuru and the Pandava armies beheld those two princes and foremost of car-warriors engaged in battle. Then that slayer of hostile heroes Samyamani, excited with wrath, struck Prishata's son with three shafts like (the conductor of an elephant striking) a mighty elephant with hooks. So Shalya also, that ornament of assemblies, excited with wrath, struck the heroic son of Prishata on his breast. And then commenced (another) battle (there).

Bhima destroys the Magadha elephant division

Dhrishtadyumna, afflicted by Shalya with nine shafts, afflicted in return the ruler of Madras with many shafts made of steel. Then Prishata's son was highly wonderful inasmuch as he speedily checked Shalya that ornament of assemblies. The battle between them lasted for only a short space of time. While angrily engaged in combat, none beheld even a moment's rest taken by any of them. Then, Shalya in that battle cut off Dhrishtadyumna's bow with a broad-headed shaft of sharp edge and excellent temper. He also covered him with a shower of arrows like rain charged clouds pouring their drops on the mountain breast during the season of rains.

While Dhrishtadyumna was being thus afflicted, Abhimanyu, excited with wrath, rushed impetuously towards the car of the ruler of the Madras. Then the wrathful son of Krishna, of immeasurable soul, obtaining the car of the ruler of the Madras (within shooting distance), pierced Artayani with three sharp shafts. Then the warriors of the Kuru army desirous of opposing the son of Arjuna in battle, speedily surrounded the car of the ruler of Madras. Duryodhana, and Vikarna, and Duhshasana, and Vivimshati and Durmarshana, and Dussala, and Chitrasena, and Durmukha, and Satyavrata, and Purumitra, these, protecting the car of the ruler of the Madras, stationed themselves there.

Then Bhimasena, excited with wrath, and Dhrishtadyumna. of Prishata's race, and the five sons of Draupadi, and Abhimanyu, and the twin sons of Madri and Pandu, these ten opposed those ten warriors of the Dhritarashtra army shooting diverse kinds of weapons. They approached and encountered one another in battle desirous of slaying one another. When those ten car-warriors, excited with wrath, engaged with the ten others in that awful battle, the other car-warriors of both the armies and of the foe all stood as spectators. Those mighty car-warriors, shooting diverse kinds of weapons and roaring at one another, smote one another fiercely. With wrath engendered in their breasts, desirous of slaying one another, they uttered fierce shouts, challenging one another. Jealous of one another, those kinsfolk united together, encountered one another wrathfully, shooting mighty weapons.

Duryodhana, excited with rage, pierced Dhrishtadyumna in that battle with four sharp shafts. Durmarshana pierced him with twenty, and Chitrasena with five, and Durmukha with nine, and Dussaha with seven, and Vivimshati with five, and Duhshasana with three shafts. Then, that scorcher of foes, viz., Prishata's son, pierced each of them in return with five and twenty shafts, displaying his lightness of hand. Abhimanyu pierced Satyavrata and Purumitra each with ten shafts. Then the son of Madri, those delighters of their mother, covered their uncle with showers of sharp arrows. All this seemed wonderful. Then, Shalya covered his nephews, those two foremost of car-warriors desirous of counteracting their uncle's feats, with arrows, but the sons of Madri wavered not.

Then the mighty Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, beholding Duryodhana and desirous of ending the strife, took up his mace. Beholding the mighty-armed Bhimasena with upraised mace and looking like the crested Kailasa mount, Dhritarashtra’s sons fled away in terror. Duryodhana, however, excited with wrath, urged the Magadha division consisting of ten thousand elephants of great activity. Accompanied by that elephant division and placing the ruler of Magadha before him, king Duryodhana advanced towards Bhimasena. Beholding that elephant division advancing towards him, Vrikodara, mace in hand, jumped down from his car, uttering a loud roar like that of a lion. Armed with that mighty mace which was endued with great weight and strength of adamant, he rushed towards that elephant division, like the Destroyer himself with wide open mouth.

The mighty-armed Bhimasena endued with great strength, slaying elephants with his mace, wandered over the field, like the slayer of Vritra among the Danava host. With the loud shouts of the roaring Bhima, shouts that made the mind and the heart to tremble with fear, the elephants, crouching close, lost all power of motion. Then the sons of Draupadi, and that mighty car-warrior, the son of Subhadra, and Nakula and Sahadeva, and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, protecting Bhima's rear, rushed behind him, checking all by scattering their arrowy showers like the very clouds pouring rain on the mountain breast. Those Pandava warriors struck off the heads of their foes battling from the backs of elephants, with well-tempered and keen-edged shafts of diverse forms. The heads (of elephant-riders), and arms decked with ornaments, and hands with iron-hooks in grasp, falling fast, resembled a stony shower. The headless trunk of elephant-riders on the necks of the beasts they rode, looked like headless trees on mountain summits. Mighty elephants fell and were falling, slain by Dhrishtadyumna, the high-souled son of Prishata.

Then the ruler of the Magadhas, in that battle, urged his elephant resembling Airavata himself, towards the car of Subhadra's son. Beholding that mighty elephant advancing towards him, that slayer of hostile heroes, the brave son of Subhadra, slew it with a single shaft. When the ruler of the Magadhas was thus deprived of his elephant, that conqueror of hostile cities viz., the nephew of Krishna, then struck off that king's head with a broad-headed shaft with silver wings. Bhimasena, the son of Pandu, having penetrated that elephant division, began to wander over the field, crushing those beasts around him like Indra himself crushing the mountains. Elephants were slain in that battle by Bhimasena, each with only one stroke (of his mace), like hills riven by thunder. Many elephants, huge as hills, were slain there, having their tusks broken or temples, or bones, or backs, or frontal globes. Others, deprived of life, lay there with foaming mouths. Many mighty elephants, with frontal globes completely smashed, vomited large quantities of blood. Some, from fear, laid themselves down on the ground like (so many) hillocks. Smeared with the fat and blood (of elephants) and almost bathed in their marrow, Bhima wandered over the field like the Destroyer himself, club in hand. Vrikodara, whirling that mace of his which was wet with the blood of elephants, became terrible and awful to behold, like the wielder of Pinaka armed with Pinaka. Those huge tuskers, while (thus) crushed by the angry Bhima, suddenly fled away, afflicted, crushing your own ranks. These mighty bowmen and car-warriors, headed by Subhadra's son (all the while) protected that battling hero whirling his gory mace wet with the blood of elephants, like the celestials protecting the wielder of the thunder-bolt. Of terrible soul, Bhimasena then looked like the Destroyer. himself. Indeed, putting forth his strength on all sides, mace in arms, Bhimasena then resembled Shankara himself dancing (at the end of the Yuga), and his fierce, heavy, and sounding mace to resembled the club of Yama and possessed of the sound of Indra's bolt. That gory mace of his, smeared with marrow and hair, resembled (also) the angry Rudra's Pinaka while he is engaged in destroying all creatures. As a herdsman chastises his herd of cattle with a goad, so did Bhima smite that elephant division with that mace of his. While thus slaughtered by Bhima with his mace and with shafts (by those that protected his rear), the elephants ran on all sides, crushing the cars of your own army. Then driving away those elephants from the field like a mighty wind driving away masses of clouds, Bhima stood there like wielder of the trident on a crematorium.

Bhima kills seven sons of Dhritarashtra

When that elephant division was exterminated, your son Duryodhana urged his entire army, commanding the warriors to slay Bhimasena. Then the entire army at the command of Dhritarashtra’s son, rushed towards Bhimasena who was uttering fierce shouts. That vast and unlimited host difficult of being borne by the very gods, incapable of being crossed like the surging sea on the day of full moon or new moon, abounding with cars, elephants, and steeds, resounding with the blare of conches and the beat of drums, numbering untold foot-soldiers and car-warriors, and shrouded by the dust (raised), that very sea of hostile troops incapable of being agitated, thus coming towards him, Bhimasena checked in battle, like the bank resisting the ocean. That feat, which we seen, of Bhimasena the high-souled son of Pandu, was exceedingly wonderful and superhuman. With his mace, he fearlessly checked all those kings angrily rushing towards him, with their steeds and cars, and elephants. Checking that vast force with mace, that foremost of mighty men, Bhima, stood in that fierce melee, immovable as the mountain Meru. In that dreadful, fierce, and terrific encounter his brother and sons and Dhrishtadyumna of Prishata's race, and the sons of Draupadi and Abhimanyu, and the unvanquished Shikhandin, these mighty warriors, did not abandon him from fear.

Taking up his massive and weighty mace made of Saika iron, he rushed towards the warriors of Kaurava army like the Destroyer himself, armed with his club. Pressing crowds of cars and crowds of horsemen down into the earth, Bhima wandered over the field like the fire at the end of the Yuga. Pandu's son of infinite prowess crushing crowds of cars with the impetus of his thighs and slaying your warriors in battle, wandered like the Destroyer himself at the end of the Yuga. He began to grind Kaurava troops with the greatest ease like an elephant crushing a forest of reeds. Dragging car-warriors down from their cars, and warriors fighting from the backs of heroes, and foot soldiers as they stood on the ground, in the army of your son, the mighty-armed Bhimasena slew them all with his mace like the wind crushing trees by its force. That mace of his, slaying elephants and steeds, became smeared with fat, marrow, flesh, and blood, and looked exceedingly terrible. With the bodies of slain men and cavalry lying scattered about, the field of battle wore the appearance of the abode of Yama. The terrible and slaughtering mace of Bhimasena, resembling the fierce bludgeon of Death and endued with the effulgence of Indra's bolt, looked like Pinaka of the angry Rudra while destroying living creatures. Indeed, that mace of the high-souled son of Kunti, who was slaying all around, looked fiercely resplendent like the bludgeon of the Destroyer himself at the time of the universal dissolution.

Beholding him thus routing that large army repeatedly and advancing like Death's self, all the warriors became cheerless. Withersoever the son of Pandu, raising his mace, cast his eyes, in consequence of his look alone, all the troops there seemed to melt away. Beholding Vrikodara of terrible deeds, thus routing the army and unvanquished by even so large a force and devouring the (hostile) division like the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, Bhishma speedily came towards him, on his car of solar effulgence and rattle loud as that of the clouds, (shrouding the welkin) with his arrowy showers like a vapoury canopy charged with rain. Then the mighty-armed Bhimasena, beholding Bhishma thus advancing like the Destroyer himself with wide-open mouth, rushed towards him, excited with wrath.

At that moment, that foremost hero of Shini's race viz., Satyaki of sure aim, fell upon the grandsire, slaying his enemies (along the way) with his firm bow and causing your son's army to tremble. All the combatants who belonged to the Kaurava army were then unable to impede the progress of that hero thus advancing with his steeds of silvery hue and scattering his sharp shafts furnished with handsome wings. At that time the Rakshasa Alambusha (only) succeeded in piercing him with ten shafts. But piercing Alambusha in return with four shafts, the grandson of Shini proceeded on his car. Beholding that hero of Vrishni's race thus advancing and rolling (as it were) through the very midst of his enemies, and checking (as he proceeded) the foremost of Kuru warriors, and repeatedly uttering loud shouts in that battle, the Kaurava warriors then like masses of clouds pouring rain in torrents on the mountain breast, showered their arrowy downpours on him. They were, however, incapable of impeding the progress of that hero who looked like the noon-day sun in his glory. There was none who was not then cheerless, save Somadatta's son and Bhurishravas, the son of Somadatta beholding the car-warriors of his own side driven away, rushed against Satyaki from desire of battle, taking up his bow of fierce impetus.

Then, Bhurishravas, excited with great wrath, pierced Satyaki with nine arrows like the conductor of an elephant piercing an elephant with the iron hook. Satyaki also, of immeasurable soul, in the very sight of all the troops, pierced the Kaurava warrior with nine shafts. Then king Duryodhana, accompanied by his uterine brothers, surrounded Somadatta's son thus striving in battle. Similarly the Pandavas also, of great energy, quickly surrounding Satyaki in that battle took up their positions around him.

Bhimasena, excited with wrath, and with mace upraised encountered all Dhritarashtra’s sons headed by Duryodhana. With many thousands of cars, and excited with wrath and vindictiveness, Dhritarashtra’s son Nandaka pierced Bhimasena of great might with keen-edged and sharp-pointed shafts whetted on stone and winged with the feathers of the kanka bird. Then Duryodhana, in that great battle, excited with wrath, struck Bhimasena in the breast with nine shafts. Then the mighty-armed Bhima of great strength mounted on his own excellent car and addressing (his charioteer) Vishoka, said,

“These heroic and mighty sons of Dhritarashtra, all great car-warriors, are exceedingly angry with me and desirous of slaying me in battle. I will slay all these today in your sight, without doubt. Therefore, O charioteer, guide my steed in battle with care.”

Having said this, Pritha's son pierced Dhritarashtra’s son with sharp-pointed arrows decked with gold. He pierced Nandaka in return with three arrows between his two breasts. Then Duryodhana having pierced the mighty Bhima with six arrows pierced Vishoka in return with three other sharp arrows. Duryodhana, as if smiling the while, with three other sharp arrows cut off at the grasp the resplendent bow of Bhima in that battle. Bhima then, that bull among men, beholding his charioteer Vishoka afflicted, in that conflict, with sharp shafts by Dhritarashtra’s son armed with the bow, and unable to bear it, drew another excellent bow, excited with wrath, for the destruction of Dhritarashtra’s son. Excited with great wrath, he also took up an arrow with horse-shoe head and furnished with excellent wings. With that (arrow) Bhima cut off the excellent bow of the king. Then Dhritarashtra’s son, excited to the highest pitch of fury, leaving that broken bow aside, speedily took up another that was tougher. Aiming a terrible shaft blazing as Death's rod, the Kuru king, excited with rage struck Bhimasena between his two breasts. Deeply pierced therewith, and greatly pained, he sat down on the terrace of his car. While seated on the terrace of his car, he swooned away.

Beholding Bhima thus unmanned, the illustrious and mighty car-warriors of the Pandava army, headed by Abhimanyu could not bear it. Those warriors then, with great steadiness, showered on Dhritarashtra’s sons' head a thick down-pour of fierce shafts. Then the mighty Bhimasena, regaining consciousness, pierced Duryodhana at first with those shafts and then with five. That mighty bowman the son of Pandu then pierced Shalya with five and twenty shafts furnished with golden wings. Pierced therewith, Shalya was borne away from the battle.

Then Dhritarashtra’s fourteen sons, viz., Senapati, Sushena, Jalasandha, Sulochana, Ugra, Bhimaratha, Bhima, Virabahu, Aolupa, Durmukha, Dushpradarsha, Vivitsu, Vikata, and Sama, then encountered Bhimasena in battle. United together they rushed against Bhimasena, and with eyes red in wrath, showering countless arrows, they pierced him deeply. Then the heroic and mighty Bhimasena of strong arms, beholding Dhritarashtra’s sons, licking the corners of his mouth like a wolf in the midst of smaller creatures, fell upon them with the impetuosity of Garuda. The son of Pandu then cut off the head of Senapati with a shaft having a horse-shoe head. With delighted soul and laughing the while, that mighty-armed warrior, piercing Jalasandha with three arrows, dispatched him to Yama's abode. Next, smiting Sushena, he sent him to the presence of Death's self. With a single broad-headed shaft he felled on the ground the head, handsome as the moon, of Ugra, decked with turban and adorned with ear-rings. In that battle, Pandu's son Bhima, with seventy shafts, dispatched Virabahu to the other world with his steeds and standard and charioteer. Smiling the while, Bhimasena quickly dispatched both the brothers Bhima and Bhimaratha also to Yama's abode. Then in that great battle in the very sight of all the troops, with an arrow of horse-shoe head Bhima dispatched Sulochana also to Death's domain. Then the rest of Dhritarashtra’s sons that were there, beholding the prowess of Bhimasena and while thus being struck by that illustrious warrior, all fled from battle from fear of Bhima.

The fight between Bhagadatta and Ghatotkacha

Then Shantanu’s son, addressing all the mighty car-warriors (of his army) said,

“That fierce bowman, Bhima, excited with wrath in battle, is slaying the mighty sons of Dhritarashtra and other heroic car-warriors united together, whatever their knowledge of weapons, and whatever their bravery. Therefore, seize you all that son of Pandu”.

Thus addressed, all the troops of the Dhritarashtra army, excited with rage, rushed towards Bhimasena endued with great might. Bhagadatta, on his elephant of rent temples, suddenly rushed there where Bhimasena was stationed. There to the combat, he shrouded Bhima with his shafts whetted on stone so as to make him completely invisible, like the clouds covering the sun. Those mighty car-warriors, however, (of the Pandava army), relying on the prowess of their own arms, could not bear that shrouding of Bhima (with the arrowy showers of Bhagadatta). They, therefore, surrounding Bhagadatta on all sides, poured on him their arrowy down-pours. They pierced his elephant also with showers of shafts. Struck by all those mighty car-warriors with showers of fierce shafts of diverse kinds that elephant of the ruler of the Pragjyotishas with blood trickling down his body, became beautiful to behold on the field of battle like a mass of clouds tinged with the rays of the sun. That elephant with temporal juice trickling down urged by Bhagadatta, like the Destroyer, ran with double his former speed, shaking the very earth with his tread. Then all those mighty car-warriors, beholding that terrible mien of the animal, and regarding it irresistible, became cheerless.

Then king Bhagadatta, that tiger among men, excited with rage, struck Bhimasena between his two breasts with a straight shaft. Deeply pierced by the king with that shaft, that great bowman and mighty car-warrior, with limbs deprived of sensation in consequence of a swoon, sat down on his car, holding his flagstaff. Beholding those mighty car-warriors terrified and Bhimasena in a swoon, Bhagadatta of great prowess uttered a loud roar.

Then, that terrible Rakshasa Ghatotkacha, beholding Bhima in that state, became excited with rage and there and then disappeared from the view. Creating a terrible illusion enhancing the fears of the timid, he reappeared in a moment assuming a fierce form. Himself riding on an Airavata created by his powers of illusion, the other Dik-elephants, viz., Anjana, Vamana, and Mahapadma of blazing glory, followed him. Those three mighty elephants, ridden by Rakshasas, were of huge form, with juice profusely trickling down in three lines, and endued with great speed and prowess. Then Ghatotkacha urged his own elephant to battle, desirous of slaying Bhagadatta with his elephant. Those other elephants, excited with fury and each endued with four tusks, urged by Rakshasas of great strength, fell from all sides upon Bhagadatta's elephant and afflicted him with their tusks.

The elephant of Bhagadatta, thus afflicted by those elephants, (already) struck with arrows and feeling great pain, uttered loud cries that resembled the thunder of Indra. Hearing those terrible and loud cries of that roaring elephant, Bhishma, addressing Drona, Suyodhana and all the kings, said,

“The mighty bowman Bhagadatta is battling with the wicked-souled son of Hidimba, and has fallen into great distress. That Rakshasa is of huge form, and the king also is very wrathful. Engaged in battle, they would certainly prove each other's death. Loud shouts were also heard of the rejoicing Pandavas, and the cries of agony of (king Bhagadatta's) terrified elephant. Blessed be you, let us all go there for rescuing the king, for, if left unprotected, in battle, he will soon give up his life. You warriors of great energy, do, as I bid, even now. You sinless ones, make no delay. The combat deepens and becometh fierce, making the hair to stand on end. That commander of a division is high-born, endued with great bravery, and devoted to us. You warriors of unfading glory, it is meet that his rescue should be effected by us.”

Hearing these words of Bhishma, all the kings (of the Kuru army), headed by Bharadwaja's son, desirous of rescuing Bhagadatta, proceeded with great speed to where the ruler of the Pragjyotishas was. Beholding the enemy advancing, the Panchalas with the Pandavas, headed by Yudhishthira, pursued them behind.

End of the fourth day of war

Then that prince of Rakshasas, endued with great prowess, beholding that division (of the enemy) advance, uttered a fierce roar, deep as that of thunder. Hearing that roar of his and beholding those battling elephants, Shantanu’s son Bhishma once again addressed Bharadwaja's son and said,

“I do not like to fight (to-day) with the wicked-souled son of Hidimba. Endued with great might and energy, he is at present well-supported. He is incapable of being vanquished now by the wielder of the thunder-bolt himself. Of sureness of aim, he is a great smiter. As regards ourselves, our animals are tired (today). We have also been greatly mangled by Panchalas and the Pandavas. I do not like fresh encounter with the victorious Pandavas. Let the withdrawal of our army, therefore, be proclaimed today. Tomorrow we will fight with the foe.”

Hearing these words of the grandsire, the Kauravas, afflicted with the fear of Ghatotkacha, and availing of the advent of night as a pretext, gladly did what the grandsire said. After the Kauravas had withdrawn, the Pandavas, crowned with victory uttered leonine roars, mingling them with the blare of conches and the notes of pipes. Thus did the battle take place that day between the Kurus and the Pandavas headed by Ghatotkacha. The Kauravas also, vanquished by the Pandavas and overcome with shame, retired to their own tents when night came. Those mighty car-warriors, the sons of Pandu, their bodies mangled with shafts and themselves filled with (the result of) the battle, proceeded towards their encampment, with Bhimasena and Ghatotkacha at their head. Filled with great joy, they worshipped those heroes. They uttered diverse kinds of shouts which were mingled with the notes of trumpets. Those high-souled warriors shouted making the very earth tremble therewith, and grinding as it were the hearts of Dhritarashtra’s sons. It was thus that those chastisers of foes, when night came, proceeded towards their tents. King Duryodhana, cheerless at the death of his brothers, passed some time in thoughtfulness, overcome with grief and tears. Then making all the arrangements for his camp according to the rules (of military science), he began to pass the hours in meditation, scorched with grief and afflicted with sorrow on account of his (slain) brothers.

Vishvopakhyana

Beholding his brothers, all mighty car-warriors, vanquished in battle, Dhritarashtra’s son Duryodhana, with heart confounded with grief, repairing with humility during the night to the grandsire possessed of great wisdom, asked him this question.

Duryodhana said,

“Drona and you, and Shalya, and Kripa, and Drona's son, and Kritavarman the son of Hridika, and Sudakshina the ruler of the Kambojas, and Bhurishravas, and Vikarna, and Bhagadatta of exceeding prowess, are all regarded as mighty car-warriors. All of these, again, are high-born, and prepared to throw away their lives in battle. It is my opinion that these are a match for even the three worlds (united together). Even all the warriors of the Pandava army (united together) cannot bear your prowess. A doubt has arisen in my mind. Explain it to me who enquires of you. Who it is, relying on whom the Pandavas are vanquishing us repeatedly.”

Bhishma said,

“Listen, O king, to the words that I will speak unto you, O you of Kuru's race. Frequently were you addressed by me to the same effect but you did not do what I said. Let peace be made with the Pandavas, O best of the Bharatas. I regard this to be beneficial both to the world and you, O lord. Enjoy this earth, O king, with your brothers and be happy, gratifying all your well-wishers and delighting your kinsfolk. Although I cried myself hoarse before this, you did not yet listen to me, O sire. You had always disregarded the sons of Pandu. The effect of all that has now overtaken you. Listen also, O king, from me as I speak of it, O Lord, to the reason why the Pandavas, whose achievements tire them not, are unslayable. There is not, was not, will not be, the being in all the worlds who would or will be able to vanquish the sons of Pandu who are all protected by the wielder of Saranga. Listen truly, O you that are conversant with morality, to that ancient history which was recited to me by sages of souls under control.

In days of yore, all the celestials and the Rishis, united together, waited reverentially on the Grandsire upon the mountains of Gandhamadana. The Lord of all creatures, seated at his case in their midst, beheld an excellent car stationed in the firmament, blazing with effulgence. Having ascertained (everything about it) by meditation, joining his hands with restrained heart, Brahman, with delighted soul, made his salutations to the highest Divine Being. The Rishis and the celestials, beholding in the firmament (the form thus) displayed, all stood up with joined hands, their eyes fixed on that wonder of wonders. Worshipping him duly, Brahma, the foremost of all conversant with Brahman, the Creator of the universe, acquainted with the highest morality, uttered these high words:

“You are the Glory of the Universe for your form. You are the Lord of the Universe. O you whose protection extends through the whole Universe, O you that has the Universe for your work, O you that has your soul under control, You are the Supreme Master of the Universe. You are Vasudeva. Therefore, I seek refuge in You that are the soul of Yoga and the highest Divinity. Victory to You that are the Supreme God of the Universe. Victory to You that are ever employed in the good of the worlds. Victory to You that are the Lord of Yoga. You that are all-powerful. Victory to You that are prior, and subsequent to Yoga. Having the lotus springing from your navel, and having large expansive eyes, victory to You that are Lord of Lords of the Universe. O Lord of the Past, the Present, and the Future, victory to You that are the embodiment of gentleness. You that are the sun of suns. O you that are the receptacle of untold attributes, victory to You that are the refuge of all things. You are Narayana, you are incapable of being understood, victory to You that are the wielder of the bow called Saranga. Victory to You that are endued with every attribute, O you that has the Universe for your form, O you that are ever hale. O Lord of the Universe, O you of mighty arms, victory to You that are always ready for benefitting the worlds. O great Snake, O huge Boar, O first Cause, O you of tawny locks, victory to You that are Almighty. O you of yellow robes, O Lord of the cardinal and the subsidiary points of the compass, O you that has the Universe for your abode, O you that are Infinite, O you that has no decay, O you that are the Manifest, O you that are the Unmanifest, O you that are the immeasurable Space, O you that has all your senses under control, O you that always achieves what is good, O you that are immeasurable, O you that alone know your own nature, victory to You that are deep, O you that are the giver of all wishes, O you that are without end, O you that are known as Brahma, O you that are Eternal, O you that are the Creator of all creatures, O you that are ever successful, O you whose acts always display wisdom, O you that are conversant with morality, O you that gives victory, O you of mysterious Self, O you that are the Soul of all Yoga, O you that are the Cause of everything that has sprung into existence, O you that are the knowledge of the selves of all beings, O Lord of the worlds, victory to you that are the Creator of all beings. O you that has yourself for your origin, O you that are highly blessed, O you that are the Destroyer of everything, O you that are the inspirer of all mental thoughts, victory to You that are dear to all conversant with Brahma. O you that are busy in creation and destruction, O controller of all wishes, O Supreme Lord, O you that are the Cause of Amrita, O you that are All-existent, O you that are the first that appears at the end of the Yuga, O you that are the giver of victory, O Divine Lord of the Lord of all creatures, O you that has the lotus springing from your navel, O you of mighty strength, O you that are sprung from Thyself, O you that are the great elements in their primeval state, O you that are the soul of all (religious) rites, victory to You that gives all.

The goddess Earth represents your two feet, the cardinal and the subsidiary directions your arms, and the heavens your head. I am your form, the celestials constitute your limbs, and the Sun, the moon are your two eyes. Ascetic austerities and Truth born of morality and (religious) rites, constitute your strength. Fire is your energy, the wind is your breath, and the waters have sprung from your sweat. The twins Ashwins constitute your ears, and the goddess Saraswati is your tongue. The Vedas are your Knowledge, and upon you rests this Universe. O Lord of Yoga and Yogins, we do not know your extent, your measure, your energy, your prowess, your might, your origin. O God, O Vishnu, filled with devotion in you, and depending upon you with vows and observances, we ever worship You as the highest Lord, the God of gods. The Rishis, the gods, Gandharvas, the Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Pannagas, the Pishachas, human beings, beasts, birds, reptiles,--all these were created by me on Earth through Your grace. O you having the lotus springing from your navel, O you of large expansive eyes, O Krishna, O Dispeller of all woe, You are the Refuge of all creatures, and You are their Guide. You has the Universe for your mouth. Through your grace, O Lord of the gods, the gods are ever happy. Through your grace the Earth has always been freed from terrors. Therefore, O you of large eyes, take birth in the race of Yadu. For the sake of establishing righteousness, for slaying the sons of Diti, and for upholding the Universe, do what I have said, O Lord. O Vasudeva, that which is your supreme mystery, that, O Lord has been sung by me through Your grace.

Having created the divine Sankarshana out of your own Self by Yourself, you did then, O Krishna, create Yourself as Pradyumna born of yourself. From Pradyumna you did then create Aniruddha who is known as the eternal Vishnu. And it was Aniruddha who created me as Brahma, the upholder of the Universe. Created out of Vasudeva's essence I have, therefore, been created by you. Dividing Yourself into portions, take birth, O Lord, among human beings. And slaughtering the Asuras there for happiness of all the worlds, and establishing righteousness, and winning renown, You will again truly attain to Yoga.

The regenerate Rishis on Earth and the gods, O you of infinite prowess, devoted to you, sing of your wonderous Self under those names that belong to you. O you of excellent arms, all classes of creatures rest on you, having taken refuge in You, you giver of boons. The regenerate ones sing You as the world's bridge, having no beginning, middle and end, and as possessed of unlimited Yoga.””

Bhishma continued,

“Then that illustrious Deity, the Lord of the worlds, replied unto Brahma in a soft deep voice, saying,

“Through Yoga, O sire, all that is wished by you is known to me. It will be even as you wish”

And saying this, he disappeared then and there. Then the gods, Rishis, and Gandharvas, filled with great wonder and curiosity all asked the Grandsire, saying,

“Who is that one, O Lord, that was worshipped by your illustrious self with such humility and praised in such high words? We desire to hear.”

Thus addressed, the illustrious Grandsire replied unto all the Gods, the regenerate Rishis, and the Gandharvas, in sweet words saying,

“He who is called TAT, He who is Supreme, He who is existent at present and who will be for all time, He who is the highest Self, He who is the Soul of beings, and who is the great Lord, I was talking even with His ever-cheerful self, you bulls among gods. The Lord of the Universe was solicited by me, for the good of the Universe, to take his birth among mankind in the family of Vasudeva. I said unto him,

“For the slaughter of the Asuras take your birth in the world of men!”

Those Daityas and Rakshasas, of fierce form and great strength, that were slain in battle, have been born among men. Indeed, the illustrious and mighty Lord, taking birth in the human womb, will live on the Earth, accompanied by Nara. Those ancient and best of Rishis, viz., Nara and Narayana, are incapable of defeat in battle by even all the celestials united together. Of immeasurable effulgence, those Rishis viz., Nara and Narayana, when born together in the world of men, will not be known (as such) by fools. He, from whose Self, I, Brahman, the Lord of the whole Universe, have sprung that Vasudeva, that Supreme God of all the worlds, is worthy of your adoration. Endued with great energy, and bearing the conch, the discus, and the mace, he should never be disregarded as a man, you best of deities. He is the Supreme Mystery, the Supreme refuge, the Supreme Brahma, and the Supreme glory. He is without decay, Unmanifest, and Eternal. He it is who has been sung as Purusha, though none can comprehend him. The divine Artificer has sung of him as the Supreme Energy, the Supreme Felicity, and the Supreme Truth. Therefore, the Lord Vasudeva of immeasurable prowess should never be disregarded as a man by all the Asuras and the gods with Indra at their head. That person of foolish understanding is called a wretch, who, from disregard, speaks of Hrishikesha as only a man. People speak of him as one labouring under darkness who disregards Vasudeva, that Yogin of illustrious soul, for his entering into a human form. People speak of him as one labouring under darkness who knows not that Divine personage, that Soul of the mobile and the immobile creation, that one bearing the auspicious wheel (on his breast), that one of dazzling effulgence, that one from whose navel has sprung the (primeval) lotus. He who disregards that wearer of the diadem and the Kaustubha gem, that dispeller of fears of his friends, that high-souled one, sinks in thick darkness. Having known all these truths duly, that Lord of the worlds, viz., Vasudeva, should be adored by every one, you best of gods.””

Bhishma continued,

“Having said these words unto those gods and Rishis in days of yore, the illustrious Grandsire, dismissing them all, repaired to his own abode. The gods and the Gandharvas, and the Munis and the Apsaras also, having listened to those words spoken by Brahman, were filled with delight and repaired to heaven. This was heard by me, O sire, from Rishis of cultured soul talking in their assembly, of Vasudeva, that ancient one. O you that are well-versed in scriptures, I heard this from Rama, the son of Jamadagni, and Markandeya of great wisdom, and Vyasa and Narada also. Having learnt all this and heard of the illustrious Vasudeva as the Eternal Lord, the Supreme God of all the worlds, and the great Master, from whom has sprung Brahman himself, the Father of the Universe, why should not that Vasudeva be adored and worshipped by men?

Forbidden were you before, O sire, by sages of cultured souls, (who said unto you) “Never go to war with that Vasudeva armed with bow as also with the Pandavas”. This, from folly, you could not apprehend. I regard you therefore, as a wicked Rakshasa. You are, besides, enveloped in darkness. It is for this that you hate Govinda and Dhananjaya the son of Pandu, for who else among men would hate the divine Nara and Narayana? It is for this, O king, that I say unto you that this one is Eternal and Unfading, pervading the whole Universe, Unchanging, the Ruler, Creator and Upholder of all, and the truly Existent. He it is who upholds the three worlds. He is the Supreme Lord of all mobile and immobile creatures, and He is the great Master, He is warrior, He is Victory, He is Victor, and He is the Lord of all nature. O king, He is full of goodness and divested of all the qualities of Darkness and Passion. There, where Krishna is, there righteousness is; and there is victory where righteousness is. It is by the Yoga of his Supreme Excellence, and the Yoga of his Self, that the sons of Pandu, O king, are supported. Victory, therefore, will surely be theirs. He it is that always imparts to the Pandavas and understanding endued with righteousness, and strength in battle; and He it is that always protects them from danger. He is the Eternal God, pervading all beings, and ever blessed. He, of whom you had asked me, is known by the name of Vasudeva. He it is whom Brahmanas and Kshatriyas and Vaishyas and Shudras, having distinctive features of their own, humbly serve and worship with restrained hearts and performing their own duties. He it is who, towards the close of the Dwapara Yuga and the beginning of the Kali Yuga, is sung of with Sankarshana, by believers with devotion. It is that Vasudeva that creates, Yuga after Yuga, the worlds of the gods and the mortals, all cities girt by the sea, and the region of human habitation.”

Duryodhana said,

“In all the worlds Vasudeva is spoken of as the Supreme Being. I desire, O Grandsire, to know his origin and glory.”

Bhishma said,

“Vasudeva is the Supreme Being. He is the God of all Gods. None superior to him of eyes like lotus-petals is to be seen, O bull of Bharata's race. Markandeya speaks of Govinda as the Most Wonderful and the Most high, as the All-being, as the All-soul, as the Highest soul, and as the Supreme male Being. Water, Air, and Fire, these three were created by Him. That Divine Master and Lord of all the worlds created this Earth. That Supreme Being of illustrious soul laid himself down on the waters. And that Divine Being made up of all kinds of energy slept thereon in Yoga. From his mouth He created Fire, and from his breath, the Wind. Of unfading glory, He created from his mouth Speech and the Vedas. It was thus that he created first the Worlds and also the gods along with the diverse classes of Rishis. He created decay and death also of all creatures, as well as birth and growth. He is Righteousness and of righteous soul. He is the giver of boons and the giver of all (our) wishes. He is the Actor and Action, and He is himself the Divine Master. He first made the Past, the Present, and the Future; He is the Creator of the Universe. He is of illustrious soul; He is the Master possessed of unfading glory. He created Sankarshana, the First-born of all creatures. He created the divine Shesha who is known as Ananta and who upholds all creatures and the Earth with her mountains. Of Supreme Energy, He it is whom the regenerate ones know by Yoga meditation. Sprung from the secretions of his ear, the great Asura known by the name of Madhu, fierce and of fierce deeds and entertaining a fierce intent and about to destroy Brahman, was slain by that Supreme Being. O sire, in consequence of Madhu's slaughter, the gods, the Danavas, and human beings, and Rishis, call Janardana the slayer of Madhu. He is the great Boar. He is the great Lion, and He is the Three-stepped Lord. He is the Mother and the Father of all living creatures. There never was, nor will be, any superior to Him of eyes like lotus-petals. From His mouth He created the Brahmanas: and from His two arms the Kshatriyas, and from His thighs, O king, He created the Vaishyas, and from His feet He created the Shudras. One waiting dutifully on Him, observant of vows with ascetic austerities on days of the full-moon and the new-moon, is sure to obtain the Divine Keshava, that refuge of all embodied creatures that essence of Brahma and of Yoga. Keshava is the higher Energy, the Grandsire of all the worlds. Him, O king, the sages call Hrishikesha (the lord of the senses). Him also should all know as the Preceptor, the Father, and the Master. Inexhaustible regions (of blessedness) are won by him with whom Krishna is gratified. He also who, in a place of fear, seeks the protection of Keshava, and he who frequently reads this description, becomes happy and endued with every prosperity. Those men who attain to Krishna are never beguiled, Janardana always saves those that are sunk in great terrors. Knowing this truly, O Bharata, Yudhishthira, with his whole soul, O king, has sought the shelter of the highly blessed Keshava, the Lord of Yoga, and the Lord of the Earth.”

Bhishma continued,

“Hear from me, O king, this hymn that was uttered by Brahman himself. This hymn was in days of old communicated by regenerate Rishis and the gods (to men) on Earth.

“Narada described you as the Master and the Lord of the god of gods and all the Sadhyas and the celestials, and as one acquainted with the nature of the Creator of the worlds. Markandeya spoke of you as the Past, the Present, and the Future, and the sacrifice of sacrifices, and the austerity of austerities. The illustrious Bhrigu said of you that you are the God of the gods, that yours is the ancient form of Vishnu. Dwaipayana said of you that you are Vasudeva of the Vasus, the establisher of Shakra, and the God of gods and all creatures. In days of old on the occasion of procreating creatures, the sages spoke of you as Daksha, the Father of creation. Angiras said that you are the creator of all beings. Devala said of you that the unmanifest all is your body, and the manifest is in your mind, and that the gods are all the result of your breath. With your heads is pervaded the heavens, and your two arms support the Earth. In your stomach are three worlds and you are the Eternal Being. Even thus do men exalted by asceticism know you. You are the Sat of Sat, with Rishis gratified with sight of Self. With royal sages of liberal minds, never retreating from battle and having morality for their highest end, you, O slayer of Madhu, are, the sole refuse. Even thus is that illustrious and Supreme Being, viz., Hari, adored and worshipped by Sanatkumar and other ascetics endued with Yoga. The truth about Keshava, O sire, is now narrated to you, both in brief and detail. Turn your heart in love to Keshava.””

Hearing this sacred story, Dhritarashtra’s son began to regard highly both Keshava and these mighty car-warriors, viz., the sons of Pandu. Then, Bhishma the son of Shantanu once more addressed Dhritarashtra’s son, saying,

“You have now heard truly, O king, about the glory of the high-souled Keshava and of Nara about which you had asked me. You have also heard about the object for which both Nara and Narayana have taken their births among men. You have also been told the reason why those heroes are invincible and have never been vanquished in battle, and why also, O king, the sons of Pandu are incapable of being slain in battle, by anybody. Krishna bears great love for the illustrious sons of Pandu. It is for this, O king of kings, that I say, “Let peace be made with the Pandavas.” Restraining your passions enjoy you the Earth with your mighty brothers (around you). By disregarding the divine Nara and Narayana, you shall certainly be destroyed.”

Having said these words, Bhishma became silent and dismissing the king, entered his tent. The king also came back to his (own) tent, having worshipped the illustrious grandsire. Then, he laid himself down on his white bed for passing the night in sleep.