Uttara Gograhana: The cattle seize - 2
When the king of the Matsyas, anxious of recovering the kine, had set out in pursuit of the Trigartas, Duryodhana with his counsellors invaded the dominions of Virata. Bhishma and Drona, and Karna, and Kripa acquainted with the best of weapons, Ashwatthama, and Subala’s son, and Duhshasana and Vivimshati and Vikarna and Chitrasena endued with great energy, and Durmukha and Dussaha, these and many other great warriors, coming upon the Matsya dominion speedily drove off the cowherds of king Virata and forcibly took away the kine. The Kauravas, surrounding all sides with a multitude of cars, seized sixty thousands of kine. Loud was the yell of woe set up by the cowherds smitten by those warriors in that terrible conflict. The chief of the cowherds, greatly affrighted speedily mounted on a chariot and set out for the city, bewailing in affliction.
Entering the city of the king, he proceeded to the palace, and speedily alighting from the chariot, got in for relating (what had happened). Beholding the proud son of Matsya, named Bhuminjaya, he told him everything about the seizure of the royal kine. He said,
“the Kauravas are taking away sixty thousand kine. Rise, therefore, O enhancer of the kingdom's glory, for brining back your cattle. O prince, if you are desirous of achieving (the kingdom's) good, set out yourself without loss of time. Indeed, the king of the Matsyas left you in the empty city. The king (your father) boasts of you in court, saying,
“My son, equal unto me, is a hero and is the supporter of (the glory of) my race. My son is a warrior skilled in arrows and weapons and is always possessed of great courage.”
Oh, let the words of that lord of men be true! O chief of herd-owners! bring back the kine after vanquishing the Kurus, and consume their troops with the terrific energy of your arrows. Do like a leader of elephants rushing at a herd, pierce the ranks of the foe with straight arrows of golden wings, discharged from your bow. Your bow is even like a Vina. Its two ends represent the ivory pillows; its string, the main chord; its staff, the finger-board; and the arrows shot from it musical notes. Strike in the midst of the foe that Vina of musical sound! Let your steeds, O lord, of silvery hue, be yoked unto your car, and let your standard be hoisted, bearing the emblem of the golden lion. Let your keen-edged arrows endued with wings of gold, shot by your strong arms, obstruct the path of those kings and eclipse the very sun. Vanquishing all the Kurus in battle like unto the wielder of the thunderbolt defeating the Asuras, return you again to the city having achieved great renown. Son of Matsya's king, you are the sole refuge of this kingdom, as that foremost of virtuous warriors, Arjuna is of the sons of Pandu. Even like Arjuna of his brothers, you are, without doubt, the refuge of those dwelling within these dominions. Indeed, we, the subject of this realm, have our protector in you.”
Thus addressed by the cowherd in the presence of the females, in words breathing courage, the prince indulging in self-commendation within the female apartments, spoke these words.
Uttara said,
“Firm as I am in the use of the bow, I would set out this very day in the track of the kine if only some one skilled in the management of horses becomes my charioteer. I do not, however, know the man who may be my charioteer. Look, therefore, without delay, for a charioteer for me that am prepared for starting. My own charioteer was slain in the great battle that was fought from day to day for a whole month or at least for eight and twenty nights. As soon as I get another person conversant with the management of the steeds. I will immediately set out, hoisting high my own standard. Penetrating into the midst of the hostile army abounding with elephants and horses and chariots, I will bring back the kine, having vanquished the Kurus who are feeble in strength and weak in weapons. Like a second wielder of the thunderbolt terrifying the Danavas, I will bring back the kine this very moment, affrighting in battle Duryodhana and Bhishma and Karna and Kripa and Drona with his son, and other mighty bowmen assembled for fight. Finding none (to oppose), the Kurus are taking away the kine. What can I do when I am not there? The assembled Kurus shall witness my prowess today. And they shall say unto one another, “Is it Arjuna himself who is opposing us?””
Having heard these words spoken by the prince, Arjuna, fully acquainted with the import of everything, after a little while cheerfully spoke in private unto his dear wife of faultless beauty, Krishna, the princess of Panchala, Drupada's daughter of slender make, sprung from the (sacrificial) fire and endued with the virtues of truthfulness and honesty and ever attentive to the good of her husbands. And the hero said,
“Do you, O beauteous one, at my request say unto Uttara without delay, 'This Brihannala was formerly the accomplished resolute charioteer of Pandu's son (Arjuna). Tried in many a great battle, even he will be your charioteer.””
Hearing these words uttered by the prince over and over again in the midst of the women, Panchali could not quietly bear those allusions to Bibhatsu. And bashfully stepping out from among the women, the poor princess of Panchala gently spoke unto him these words,
“The handsome youth, looking like a mighty elephant and known by the name of Brihannala, was formerly the charioteer of Arjuna. A disciple of that illustrious warrior, and inferior to none in use of the bow, he was known to me while I was living with the Pandavas. It was by him that the reins were held of Arjuna's excellent steeds when Agni consumed the forest of Khandava. It was with him as charioteer that Partha conquered all creatures at Khandava-prastha. In fact, there is no charioteer equal unto him.”
Uttara said,
“You know, O Sairindhri, this youth. You know, what this one of the neuter sex may or may not be, I cannot, however, myself request Brihannala to hold the reins of my horses.”
Draupadi said,
“O hero, Brihannala will without doubt, obey the words of your younger sister - that damsel of graceful hips. If he consents to be your charioteer, you will, without doubt, return, having vanquished the Kurus and rescued your kine.”
Thus addressed by the Sairindhri, Uttara spoke unto his sister,
“Go yourself, O you of faultless beauty, and bring Brihannala here?'
Despatched by her brother, she hastily repaired to the dancing-hall where that strong-armed son of Pandu was staying in disguise. Thus despatched by her elder brother, the far-famed daughter of king Matsya, adorned with a golden necklace, ever obedient to her brother and possessed of a waist slender as that of the wasp, endued with the splendour of Lakshmi herself, decked with the plumes of the peacock of slender make and graceful limbs, her hips encircled by a zone of pearls, her eye-lashes slightly curved, and her form endued with every grace, hastily repaired to the dancing-hall like a flash of lightning rushing towards a mass of dark clouds. The faultless and auspicious daughter of Virata, of fine teeth and slender-waist, of thighs close unto each other and each like the trunk of an elephant, her person embellished with an excellent garland, sought the son of Pritha like a she-elephant seeking her mate. Like unto a precious gem or the very embodiment of prosperity of Indra, of exceeding beauty and large eyes, that charming and adored and celebrated damsel saluted Arjuna. Saluted by her, Partha asked that maiden of close thighs and golden complexion, saying
“What brings you here, a damsel decked in a necklace of gold? Why are you in such a hurry, O gazelle-eyed maiden? Why is your face, O beauteous lady, so cheerless? Tell me all this without delay!”
Beholding his friend, the princess of large-eyes (in that plight), her friend (Arjuna) cheerfully enquired of her (in these words) the cause of her arrival there and then. Having approached that bull among men, the princess, standing in the midst of her female attendants, the displaying proper modesty, addressed him, saying,
“The kine of this realm, O Brihannala, are being driven away by the Kurus, and it is to conquer them that my brother will set out bow in hand. Not long ago his own charioteer was slain in battle, and there is none equal unto the one slain that can act as my brother's charioteer. Unto him striving to obtain a charioteer, Sairindhri, O Brihannala, has spoken about your skill in the management of steeds. You were formerly the favourite charioteer of Arjuna, and it was with you that that bull among the sons of Pandu had alone subjugated the whole earth. Do you, therefore, O Brihannala, act as the charioteer of my brother. (By this time) our kine have surely been driven away by the Kurus to a great distance. Requested by me if you do not act up to my words, I who am asking this service of you out of affection, will give up my life!”
Thus addressed by this friend of graceful hips, that oppressor of foes, endued with immeasurable prowess, went into the prince's presence. Like unto a she-elephant running after her young one, the princess possessed of large eyes followed that hero advancing with hasty steps like unto an elephant with rent temples. Beholding him from a distance, the prince himself said,
“With you as his charioteer, Dhananjaya the son of Kunti had gratified Agni at the Khandava forest and subjugated the whole world! The Sairindhri has spoken of you to me. She knows the Pandavas. Do you, therefore, O Brihannala, hold, as you did, the reins of my steeds, desirous as I am of fighting with the Kurus and rescuing my bovine wealth. You were formerly the beloved charioteer of Arjuna and it was with you that that bull among the sons of Pandu had alone subjugated the whole earth!”
Thus addressed, Brihannala replied unto the prince, saying,
“What ability have I to act as a charioteer in the field of battle? If it is song or dance of musical instruments or such other things, I can entertain you therewith, but where is my skill for becoming a charioteer?”
Uttara said,
“O Brihannala, be you a singer or a dancer, hold you (for the present), without loss of time, the reins of my excellent steeds, mounting upon my car!”
Although that oppressor of foes, the son of Pandu, was acquainted with everything, yet in the presence of Uttara, he began to make many mistakes for the sake of fun. When he sought to put the coat of mail on his body by raising it upwards, the large-eyed maidens, beholding it, burst out into a loud laughter. Seeing him quite ignorant of putting on armour, Uttara himself equipped Brihannala with a costly coat of mail. Casing his own person in an excellent armour of solar effulgence, and hoisting his standard bearing the figure of a lion, the prince caused Brihannala to become his charioteer. With Brihannala to hold his reins, the hero set out, taking with him many costly bows and a large number of beautiful arrows. His friend, Uttara and her maidens then said unto Brihannala,
“Do you, O Brihannala, bring for our dolls (when you come back) various kinds of good and fine cloths after vanquishing the Kurus assembled for battle of whom Bhishma and Drona are foremost!”
Thus addressed, Partha the son of Pandu, in a voice deep as the roar of the clouds, smilingly said unto that bevy of fair maidens,
“Yes, if Uttara can vanquish those mighty warriors in battle, I will certainly bring excellent and beautiful cloths.”
Having said these words, the heroic Arjuna urged the steeds towards the Kuru army over which floated innumerable flags. Just, however, as they were starting, elderly dames and maidens, and Brahmanas of rigid vows, beholding Uttara seated on his excellent car with Brihannala as charioteer and under that great banner hoisted on high, walked round the car to bless the hero. The women said,
“Let the victory that Arjuna treading like a bull had achieved of old on the occasion of burning the forest of Khandava, be yours, O Brihannala, when you encounter the Kurus today with prince Uttara.”
Having issued forth from the city, the dauntless son of Virata addressed his charioteer, saying,
“Proceed where the Kurus are. Defeating the assembled Kurus who have come here from desire of victory, and quickly rescuing my kine from them. I will return to the capital.”
At these words of the prince, the son of Pandu urged those excellent steeds. Endued with the speed of the wind and decked with necklaces of gold, those steeds, urged by that lion among men, seemed to fly through the air. They had not proceeded far when those smiters of foes, Dhananjaya and the son of Matsya, sighted the army of the powerful Kurus. Proceeding towards the cemetery, they came upon the Kurus and beheld their army arrayed in order of battle. That large army of theirs looked like the vast sea or a forest of innumerable trees moving through the sky. Then was seen the dust raised by that moving army which reached the sky and obstructed the sight of all creatures. Beholding that mighty host abounding in elephants, horses and chariots, and protected by Karna and Duryodhana and Kripa and Shantanu’s son, and that intelligent and great bowman Drona, with his son (Ashwatthama), the son of Virata, agitated with fear and the bristles on his body standing on their ends, thus spoke unto Partha,
“I dare not fight with the Kurus. See, the bristles on my body have stood on their ends. I am incapable of battling with this countless host of the Kurus, abounding in the heroic warriors, that are extremely fierce and difficult of being vanquished even by the celestials. I do not venture to penetrate into the army of the Bharatas consisting of terrible bowmen and abounding in horses and elephants and cars and foot soldiers and banners. My mind is too much perturbed by the very sight of the foe on the field of battle on which stand Drona and Bhishma, and Kripa, and Karna, and Vivimshati, and Ashwatthama and Vikarna, and Saumadatti, and Bahlika, and the heroic king Duryodhana also, that foremost of car-warriors, and many other splendid bowmen, all skilled in battle. My hairs have stood on their ends, and I am fainting with fear at the very sight of these smiters, the Kurus arrayed in order of battle.”
The low-minded and foolish Uttara, out of folly alone, began to bewail (his fate) in the presence of the high-spirited (Arjuna) disguised (as his charioteer) in these words,
“My father has gone out to meet the Trigartas taking with him his whole army, leaving me in the empty city. There are no troops to assist me. Alone and a mere boy who has not undergone much exercise in arms, I am unable to encounter these innumerable warriors and all skilled in weapons. Do you, therefore, O Brihannala, cease to advance!”
Brihannala said,
“Why do you look so pale through fear and enhance the joy of your foes? As yet, you have done nothing on the field of battle with the enemy. It was you that had ordered me, saying, “Take me towards the Kauravas!” I will, therefore, take you, there where those innumerable flags are. I will certainly take you, O mighty-armed one, into the midst of the hostile Kurus, prepared to fight as they are for the kine like hawks for meat. I would do this, even if I regarded them to have come here for battling for a much higher stake such as the sovereignty of the earth. Having, at the time of setting out, talked before both men and women so highly of your manliness, why would you desist from the fight? If you should return home without recapturing the kine, brave men and even women, when they meet together, will laugh at you (in derision). As regards myself, I cannot return to the city without having rescued the kine, applauded as I have been so highly by the Sairindhri in respect of my skill in driving cars. It is for those praises by the Sairindhri and for those words of yours also (that I have come). Why should I not, therefore, give battle to the Kurus? (As regards yourself), be you still.”
Uttara said,
“Let the Kurus rob the Matsyas off all their wealth. Let men and women, O Brihannala, laugh at me. Let my kine perish, let the city be a desert. Let me stand exposed before my father. Still there is no need of battle.”
Saying this, that much affrighted prince, decked in ear-ring, jumped down from his car, and throwing down his bow and arrows began to flee, sacrificing honour and pride. Brihannala, however, exclaimed,
“This is not the practice of the brave, this flight of a Kshatriya from the field of battle. Even death in battle is better than flight from fear.”
Having said this, Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, coming down from that excellent car ran after that prince thus running away, his own long braid and pure red garments fluttering in the air. Some soldiers, not knowing that it was Arjuna who was thus running with his braid fluttering in the air, burst out into laughter at the sight. And beholding him thus running, the Kurus began to argue,
“Who is this person, thus disguised like fire concealed in ashes? He is partly a man and partly a woman. Although bearing a neuter form, he yet resembles Arjuna. His are the same head and neck, and his the same arms like unto a couple of maces. This one's gait also is like unto his. He can be none else than Dhananjaya. As Indra is among the celestials, so Dhananjaya is among men. Who else in this world than Dhananjaya, would alone come against us? Virata left a single son of his in the empty city. He has come out from childishness and not from true heroism. It is Uttara who must have come out of the city, having, without doubt, made as a charioteer Arjuna, the son of Pritha, now living in disguise. It seems that he is now flying away in panic at sight of our army. Without doubt Dhananjaya runs after him to bring him back.”
Beholding the disguised son of Pandu, the Kauravas began to indulge in these surmises, but they could not come to any definite conclusion. Meanwhile, Dhananjaya, hastily pursuing the retreating Uttara, seized him by the hair within a hundred steps. Seized by Arjuna, the son of Virata began to lament most woefully like one in great affliction, and said,
“Listen, O good Brihannala, O you of handsome waist. Turn quickly the course of the car. He that lives meets with prosperity. I will give you a hundred coins of pure gold and eight lapis lazuli of great brightness set with gold, and one chariot furnished with a golden flag-staff and drawn by excellent steeds, and also ten elephants of infuriate prowess. Do you, O Brihannala, set me free.”
Thus addressed, that tiger among men laughingly dragged Uttara who was almost deprived of his senses and who was uttering these words of lamentation towards the car. The son of Pritha then addressed the frightened prince who had nearly lost his senses, saying,
“If, O chastiser of foes, you do not venture to fight with enemy, come and hold the reins of the steeds as I fight with the foe. Protected by the might of my arms, penetrate yon formidable and invincible array of cars guarded by heroic and mighty warriors. Fear not, O chastiser of foes, you are a Kshatriya and the foremost of royal princess. Why do you, O tiger among men, succumb in the midst of the foe? I shall surely fight with the Kurus and recover the kine, penetrating into this formidable and inaccessible array of cars. You be my charioteer, O best of men, I will fight with the Kurus.”
Thus speaking unto Uttara, the son of Virata, Bibhatsu, heretofore unconquered in battle, for a while comforted him. Then the son of Pritha, that foremost of smiters, raised on the car that fainting and reluctant prince stricken with fear!
Beholding that bull among men seated on the car in the habit of a person of the third sex, driving toward the Shami tree, having taken (the flying) Uttara up, all the great car-warriors of the Kurus with Bhishma and Drona at their head, became frightened at heart, suspecting the comer to be Dhananjaya. Seeing them so dispirited and marking also the many wonderful portents, that foremost of all wielders of arms, the preceptor Drona, son of Bharadwaja, said,
“Violent and hot are the winds that blow, showering gravels in profusion. The sky also is overcast with a gloom of ashy hue. The clouds present the strange sight of being dry and waterless. Our weapons also of various kinds are coming out of their cases. The jackals are yelling hideously freighted at the conflagrations on all sides. The horses too are shedding tears, and our banners are trembling though moved by none. Such being the inauspicious indications seen, a great danger is at hand. Stay with vigilance, Protect your own selves and array the troops in order of battle. Stand, expecting a terrible slaughter, and guard well the kine. This mighty bowman, this foremost of all wielders of weapons, this hero that has come in the habit of a person of the third sex, is the son of Pritha. There is no doubt of this.”
Then addressing Bhishma, the preceptor continued,
“O offspring of the Ganges, apparelled as a woman, this is Kiriti called after a tree, the son of the enemy of the mountains, and having on his banner the sign of devastator of the gardens of Lanka's lord. Vanquishing us he will surely take away the kine today! This chastiser of foes is the valiant son of Pritha surnamed Savyasachi. He does not desist from conflict even with the gods and demons combined. Put to great hardship in the forest he comes in wrath. Taught by Indra himself, he is like unto Indra in battle. Therefore, you Kauravas, I do not see any hero who can withstand him. It is said that the lord Mahadeva himself, disguised in the attire of a hunter, was gratified by this son of Pritha in battle on the mountains of Himavat.”
Hearing these words, Karna said,
“You always censure us by speaking on the virtues of Falguna, Arjuna, however, is not equal to even a full sixteenth part of myself or Duryodhana!”
And Duryodhana said,
“If this be Partha, O Radheya, then my purpose has already been fulfilled, for then, if traced out, the Pandavas shall have to wander for twelve years again. Or, if this one be any other person in a eunuch's garb, I will soon prostrate him on the earth with keen-edged arrows.”
The son of Dhritarashtra, having said this, Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Drona's son all applauded his manliness!
Having reached that Shami tree, and having ascertained Virata's son to be exceedingly delicate and inexperienced in battle, Partha addressed him, saying,
“Enjoined by me, O Uttara, quickly take down (from this tree) some bows that are there. For these bows of yours are unable to bear my strength, my heavy weight when I shall grind down horses and elephants, and the stretch of my arms when I seek to vanquish the foe. Therefore, O Bhuminjaya, climb up this tree of thick foliage, for in this tree are tied the bows and arrows and banners and excellent coats of mail of the heroic sons of Pandu, viz., Yudhishthira and Bhima and Bibhatsu and the twins. There also is that bow of great energy, the Gandiva of Arjuna, which singly is equal to many thousands of other bows and which is capable of extending the limits of a kingdom. Large like a palmyra tree, able to bear the greatest stress, the largest of all weapons, capable of obstructing the foe, handsome, and smooth, and broad, without a knot, and adorned with gold, it is stiff and beautiful in make and bears the heaviest weight. The other bows also that are there, of Yudhishthira and Bhima and Bibhatsu and the twins, are equally mighty and tough.”
Uttara said,
“It has been heard by us that a corpse is tied in this tree. How can I, therefore, being a prince by birth, touch it with my hands? Born in the Kshatriya order, and the son of a great king, and always observant of mantras and vows, it is not becoming of me to touch it. Why should you, O Brihannala, make me a polluted and unclean bearer of corpses, by compelling me to come in contact with a corpse?”
Brihannala said,
'You shall, O king of kings, remain clean and unpolluted. Do not fear, there are only bows in this tree and not corpses. Heir to the king of the Matsyas, and born in a noble family, why should I, O prince, make you do such a reproachable deed?”
Thus addressed by Partha, Virata's son, decked in ear-rings, alighted from the car, and climbed up that Shami tree reluctantly. Staying on the car, Dhananjaya, that slayer of enemies, said, unto him,
“Speedily bring down those bows from the top of the tree.”
Cutting off their wrappings first and then the ropes with which they were tied, the prince beheld the Gandiva there along with four other bows. As they were united, the splendour of those bows radiant as the sun, began to shine with great effulgence like unto that of the planets about the time of their rising. Beholding the forms of those bows, so like unto sighing snakes, Uttara became afflicted with fear and in a moment the bristles of his body stood on their ends. Touching those large bows of great splendour, Virata's son, thus spoke unto Arjuna.
Uttara said,
“To what warrior of fame does this excellent bow belong, on which are a hundred golden bosses and which has such radiant ends? Whose is this excellent bow of good sides and easy hold, on the staff of which shine golden elephants of such brightness? Whose is this excellent bow, adorned with three scores of Indragopakas of pure gold, placed on the back of the staff at proper intervals? Whose is this excellent bow, furnished with three golden suns of great effulgence, blazing forth with such brilliancy? Whose is this beautiful bow which is variegated with gold and gems, and on which are golden insects set with beautiful stones? Whose are these arrows furnished with wing around, numbering a thousand, having golden heads, and cased in golden quivers? Who owns these large shafts, so thick, furnished with vulturine wings whetted on stone, yellowish in hue, sharp-pointed, well-tempered, and entirely made of iron? Whose is this sable quiver, bearing five images of tigers, which holds shafts intermixed with boar-eared arrows altogether numbering ten? Whose are these seven hundred arrows, long and thick, capable of drinking (the enemy's) blood, and looking like the crescent-shaped moon? Whose are these gold-crested arrows whetted on stones, the lower halves of which are well-furnished with wings of the hue of parrots' feather and the upper halves, of well-tempered steels? Whose is this excellent sword irresistible, and terrible to adversaries, with the mark of a toad on it, and pointed like a toad's head? Cased in variegated sheath of tiger-skin, whose is this large sword of excellent blade and variegated with gold and furnished with tinkling bells? Whose is this handsome scimitar of polished blade and golden hilt? Manufactured in the country of the Nishadas, irresistible, incapable of being broken, whose is this sword of polished blade in a scabbard of cow-skin? Whose is this beautiful and long sword, blue in hue as the sky, mounted with gold, well-tempered, and cased in a sheath of goat-skin? Who owns this heavy, well-tempered, and broad sword, just longer than the breadth of thirty fingers, polished by constant clash with other's weapons and kept in a case of gold, bright as fire? Whose is this beautiful scimitar of sable blade covered with golden bosses, capable of cutting through the bodies of adversaries, whose touch is as fatal as that of a venomous snake which is irresistible and excites the terror of foes? Asked by me, O Brihannala, do you answer me truly. Great is my wonder at the sight of all these excellent objects.”
Brihannala said,
“That about which you has first enquired is Arjuna's bow, of world-wide fame, called Gandiva, capable of devastating hostile hosts. Embellished with gold, this Gandiva, the highest and largest of all weapons, belonged to Arjuna. Alone equal unto a hundred thousand weapons, and always capable of extending the confines of kingdoms, it is with this that Partha vanquishes in battle both men and celestials. Worshipped ever by the gods, the Danavas and the Gandharvas and variegated with excellent colours, this large and smooth bow is without a knot or stain anywhere. Shiva held it first for a thousand years. Afterwards Prajapati held it for five hundred and three years. After that Shakra, for five and eighty years. And then Soma held it for five hundred years. And after that Varuna held it for a hundred years. And finally Partha, surnamed Shwetavahana, has held it for five and sixty years. Endued with great energy and of high celestial origin, this is the best of all bows. Adored among gods and men, it has a handsome form. Partha obtained this beautiful bow from Varuna.
This other bow of handsome sides and golden handle is Bhima's with which that son of Pritha, that chastiser of foes, had conquered the whole of the eastern regions. This other excellent bow of beautiful shape, adorned with images of Indragopakas, belongs to king Yudhishthira. This other weapon with golden suns of blazing splendour shedding a dazzling effulgence around, belongs to Nakula. This bow adorned with golden images of insects and set also with gems and stones, belongs to that son of Madri who is called Sahadeva.
These winged arrows, thousand in number, sharp as razors and destructive as the poison of snakes, belong to Arjuna. When shooting them in battle against foes, these swift arrows blaze forth more brilliantly and become inexhaustible. These long and thick shafts resembling the lunar crescent in shape, keen-edged and capable of thinning the enemy's ranks, belong to Bhima. This quiver bearing five images of tigers, full of yellowish shafts whetted on stone and furnished with golden wings belong to Nakula. This is the quiver of the intelligent son of Madri, with which he had conquered in battle the whole of the western regions.
These arrows, all effulgent as, the sun, painted all over with various colours, and capable of destroying enemies by thousands are those of Sahadeva. These short and well-tempered and thick shafts, furnished with long feathers and golden heads, and consisting of three knots, belong to king Yudhishthira. This sword with blade long and carved with the image of a toad and head shaped as a toad's mouth, strong and irresistible belongs to Arjuna. Cased in a sheath of tiger-skin, of long blade, handsome and irresistible, and terrible to adversaries, this sword belongs to Bhimasena. Of excellent blade and cased in a well-painted sheath, and furnished with a golden hilt, this handsome sword belongs to the wise Kaurava Yudhishthira the just. This sword of strong blade, irresistible and intended for various excellent modes of fight and cased in a sheath of goat-skin, belongs to Nakula. This huge scimitar, cased in a sheath of cow-skin, strong and irresistible belongs to Sahadeva.”
Uttara said,
“Indeed, these weapons adorned with gold, belonging to the light-handed and high-souled Partha, look exceedingly beautiful. But where are that Arjuna, the son of Pritha, and Yudhishthira of the Kuru race, and Nakula, and Sahadeva, and Bhimasena, the sons of Pandu? Having lost their kingdom at dice, the high-souled Pandavas, capable of destroying all foes, are no longer heard of. Where also is Draupadi, the princess of Panchala, famed as the gem among women, who followed the sons of Pandu after their defeat at dice to the forest?”
Arjuna said,
“I am Arjuna, called also Partha. Your father's courtier is Yudhishthira and your father's cook Vallava is Bhimasena, the groom of horses is Nakula, and Sahadeva is in the cow-pen. And know that the Sairindhri is Draupadi, for whose sake the Kichakas have been slain.”
Uttara said,
“I would believe all this if you can enumerate the ten names of Partha, previously heard by me!”
Arjuna said,
“I will, O son of Virata, tell you my ten names. Listen and compare them with what you had heard before. Listen to them with close attention and concentrated mind. They are: Arjuna, Falguna, Jishnu, Kiriti, Shwetavahana, Bibhatsu, Vijaya, Krishna, Savyasachi and Dhananjaya.”
Uttara said,
“Tell me truly why are you called Vijaya, and why Shwetavahana. Why are you named Krishna and why Arjuna and Falguna and Jishnu and Kiriti and Bibhatsu, and for what are you Dhananjaya and Savyasachi? I have heard before about the origin of the several names of that hero, and can put faith in your words if you canst tell me all about them.”
Arjuna said,
“They called me Dhananjaya because I lived in the midst of wealth, having subjugated all the countries and taking away their treasures. They called me Vijaya because when I go out to battle with invincible kings, I never return (from the field) without vanquishing them. I am called Shwetavahana because when battling with the foe, white horses decked in golden armour are always yoked unto my car. They call me Falguna because I was born on the breast of the Himavat on a day when the constellation Uttara Falguna was on the ascendant. I am named Kiriti from a diadem, resplendent like the sun, having been placed of old on my head by Indra during my encounter with the powerful Danavas. I am known as Bibhatsu among gods and men, for my never having committed a detestable deed on the battle-field. Since both of my hands are capable of drawing the Gandiva, I am known as Savyasachi among gods and men. They call me Arjuna because my complexion is very rare within the four boundaries of the earth and because also my acts are always stainless. I am known among human beings and celestials by the name of Jishnu, because I am unapproachable and incapable of being kept down, and a tamer of adversaries and son of the slayer of Paka. And Krishna, my tenth appellation, was given to me by my father out of affection towards his black-skinned boy of great purity.”
The son of Virata then, approaching nearer saluted Partha and said,
“My name is Bhuminjaya, and I am also called Uttara. It is by good luck, O Partha, that I behold you. You are welcome, O Dhananjaya. O you with red eyes, and arms that are mighty and each like unto the trunk of an elephant, it befits you to pardon what I said unto you from ignorance. And as wonderful and difficult have been the feats achieved by you before, my fears have been dispelled, and indeed the love I bear to you is great.”
Uttara said,
“O hero, mounting on this large car with myself as driver, which division of the (hostile) army would you penetrate? Commanded by you, I would drive you there?”
Arjuna said,
“I am pleased with you, O tiger among men. You have no cause of fear. I will rout all your foes in battle. And, O you of mighty arms, be at your ease. Accomplishing great and terrible feats in the melee, I will fight with your foes. Tie quickly all those quivers to my car, and take (from among those) a sword of polished blade and adorned with gold.”
Hearing these words of Arjuna, Uttara cast off all inactivity. He speedily alighted from the tree, bringing with him Arjuna's weapons. Then Arjuna addressed him, saying,
“Yes, I will fight with the Kurus and recover your kine. Protected by me, the top of this car will be to you as a citadel. The passages and alleys and other divisions of this car will be the streets and edifices of that fortified city. These my arms will be its ramparts and gateways. This treble pole and my quiver will constitute defensive works inaccessible to the foe. This my banner - single and grand - will it not alone be equal unto those of your city? This my bow-string will constitute the catapults and cannons for vomiting forth missiles on the besieging host. My excited wrath will make that fortress formidable, and the clatter of my car-wheels - will it not resemble the kettle-drums of your capital? Ridden by myself wielding the Gandiva, this car will be incapable of being vanquished by the hostile host, O son of Virata, let your fear be dispelled.”
Uttara said,
“I am no longer afraid of these. I know your steadiness in battle, which is even like unto that of Keshava or Indra himself. But reflecting on this, I am continually bewildered. Foolish as I am, I am incapable of arriving at certain conclusion. By what distressful circumstances could a person of such handsome limbs and auspicious signs become deprived of manhood! Indeed, you seem to me to be Mahadeva, or Indra, or the chief of the Gandharvas, dwelling in the guise only of one of the third sex.”
Arjuna said,
“I tell you truly that I am only observing this vow for a whole year agreeable to the behest of my elder brother. O you of mighty arms, I am not truly one of the neuter sex, but I have adopted this vow of eunuchism from subservience to another's will and from desire of religious merit. O prince, know me now to have completed my vow.”
Uttara said,
“You have conferred a great favour on me today, for I now find that my suspicion was not altogether unfounded. Indeed, such a person as you, O best of men, cannot be of the neuter sex. I have now an ally in battle. I can now fight with the celestials themselves. My fears have been dispelled. What shall I do? Command me now. Trained in driving cars by a learned preceptor I will, O bull among men, hold the reins of your horses that are capable of breaking the ranks of hostile cars. Know me, O bull among men, to be as competent a charioteer as Daruka of Vasudeva, or Matali of Shakra. The horse that is yoked unto the right-hand pole (of your car) and whose hoofs as they light on the ground are scarcely visible when running, is like unto Sugriva of Krishna. This other handsome horse, the foremost of his race, that is yoked unto the left pole, is, I regard, equal in speed to Meghapushpa. This (third) beautiful horse, clad in golden mail, yoked unto the rear-pole on the left, is, I regard, Shaibya equal in speed to but superior in strength. And this (fourth) horse, yoked to the rear-pole on the right, is regarded as superior to Balahaka in speed and strength. This car is worthy of bearing on the field of battle a bowman like you, and you also are worthy of fighting on this car. This is what I think!”
Then Arjuna, endued with great energy, took off the bracelets from his arms and wore on his hands a pair of beautiful gloves embroidered with gold. He then tied his black and curling locks with a piece of white cloth. Seated on that excellent car with face turned to the east, the mighty-armed hero, purifying his body and concentrating his soul, recalled to his mind all his weapons. All the weapons came, and addressing the royal son of Partha, said,
“We are here, O illustrious one. We are your servants, O son of Indra.”
And bowing unto them, Partha received them unto his hands and replied unto them, saying, “Dwell you all in my memory.” Obtaining all his weapons, the hero looked cheerful. Quickly stringing his bow, the Gandiva, he twanged it. The twang of that bow was as loud as the collision of two mighty bulls. Dreadful was the sound that filled the earth, and violent was the wind that blew on all sides. Thick was the shower of fallen meteors and all sides were enveloped in gloom. The birds began to totter in the skies and large trees began to shake. Loud as the burst of the thunder, the Kurus knew from that sound that it was Arjuna that drew with his hands the string of his best of bows from his car. And Uttara said,
“You, O best of Pandavas, are alone. These mighty car-warriors are many. How will you vanquish in battle all these that are skilled in every kind of weapon? You, O son of Kunti, are without a follower, while the Kauravas have many. It is for this, O you of mighty arms, that I stay beside you, stricken with fear.”
Bursting out into loud laughter, Partha said unto him,
“Be not afraid, O hero, what friendly follower had I while fighting with the mighty Gandharvas on the occasion of the Ghoshayatra? Who was my ally while engaged in the terrific conflict at Khandava against so many celestials and Danavas? Who was my ally when I fought, on behalf of the lord of the celestials against the mighty Nivatakavachas and the Paulomas! And who was my ally, O child, while I encountered in battle innumerable kings at the Swayamvara to the princess of Panchala? Trained in arms by the preceptor Drona, by Shakra, and Vaishravana, and Yama, and Varuna, and Agni, and Kripa, and Krishna of Madhu's race, and by the wielder of the Pinaka (Shiva), why shall I not fight with these? Drive you my car speedily, and let your heart's fever be dispelled.”
Making Uttara his charioteer, and circumambulating the Shami tree, the son of Pandu set out taking all his weapons with him. That mighty car-warrior set out with Uttara as the driver of his car, having taken down that banner with the lion's figure and deposited it at the foot of the Shami tree. He hoisted on that car his own golden banner bearing the figure of an ape with a lion's tail, which was a celestial illusion contrived by Vishwakarma himself. For, as soon, indeed, as he had thought of that gift of Agni, than the latter, knowing his wish, ordered those superhuman creatures (that usually sat there) to take their place in that banner. Furnished with a beautiful flag of handsome make, with quivers attached to it, and adored with gold, that excellent flag-staff of celestial beauty than quickly fell from the firmament on his car. Beholding that banner arrived on his car, the hero circumambulated it (respectively).
Then the ape-bannered Bibhatsu, the son of Kunti, called also Shwetavahana, with fingers cased in leathern fences of the Iguana skin, and taking up his bow and arrows set out in a northernly direction. That grinder of foes, possessed of great strength, then forcibly blew his large conch-shell, of thundering sound, capable of making the bristles of foes to stand on their ends. At the sound of that conch, those steeds endued with swiftness dropped down on the ground on their knees. Uttara also, greatly affrighted, sat down on the car. Thereupon, the son of Kunti took the reins himself and raising the steeds, placed them in their proper positions. Embracing Uttara, he encouraged him also, saying,
“Fear not, O foremost of princes, you are a Kshatriya by birth. Why, O tiger among men, do you become so dispirited in the midst of foes? You must have heard before the blare of many conchs and the note of many trumpets, and the roar also of many elephants in the midst of ranks arrayed for battled. Why are you, therefore, so dispirited and agitated and terrified by the blare of this conch, as if you were an ordinary person?”
Uttara said,
“Heard have I the blare of many a conch and many a trumpet and the roar of many an elephant stationed in the battle-array, but never have I heard before the blare of such a conch. Nor have I ever seen a banner like this. Never before have I heard also the twang of a bow such as this. Truly, sir, with the blare of this conch, the twang of this bow, the superhuman cries of the creatures stationed on this banner, and the battle of this car, my mind is greatly bewildered. My perception of the directions also is confused, and my heart is painfully afflicted. The whole firmament seems to me to have been covered by this banner, and everything seems to be hidden from my view! My ears also have been deafened by the twang of the Gandiva!”
Arjuna said,
“Firmly stand on the car, pressing your feet on it, and tightly catch hold of the bridles, for I will blow the conch again.”
Arjuna then blew his conch again, that conch which filled foes with grief and enhanced the joy of friends. The sound was so loud that it seemed to split hills and mountains, and pierce mountain-caves and the cardinal points. Uttara once again sat down on the car, clinging to it in fear. With the blare of the conch and the rattle of the car-wheels, and the twang of the Gandiva, the earth itself seemed to tremble. Beholding Uttara's fight, Dhananjaya began to comfort him again.
Meanwhile, Drona said,
“From the rattle of the car, and from the manner in which the clouds have enveloped the sky and the earth itself trembles, this warrior can be none else than Savyasachi. Our weapons do not shine, our steeds are dispirited, and our fires, though fed with fuel, do not blare up. All this is ominous. All our animals are setting up a frightful howl, gazing towards the sun. The crows are perching on our banners. All this is ominous. Vultures and kites on our right portend a great danger. That jackal also, running through our ranks, wails dismally. Lo, it has escaped unstruck. All this portends a heavy calamity. The bristles also of you all are on their ends. Surely, this forebodes a great destruction of Kshatriyas in battle. Things endued with light are all pale; beasts and birds look fierce; and there are to be witnessed many terrific portents indicative of the destruction of Kshatriyas. These omens forebode great havoc among ourselves.
O king, your ranks seem to be confounded by these blazing meteors, and your animals look dispirited and seem to be weeping. Vultures and kites are wheeling all around your troops. You shall have to repent upon beholding your army afflicted by Partha's arrows. Indeed, our ranks seem to have been already vanquished, for none is eager to go to fight. All our warriors are of pale face, and almost deprived of their senses. Sending the kine ahead we should stand here, ready to strike, with all our warriors arrayed in order of battle."
King Duryodhana then, on the field of battle said unto Bhishma, and unto Drona, that tiger among warriors, and unto Kripa, that mighty car-warrior, these words,
“Both myself and Karna had said this unto the preceptors. I refer to the subject again, for I am not satisfied with having said it once. This was the pledge of the sons of Pandu that if defeated (at dice) they would reside to our knowledge in countries and woods for twelve years, and one more year unknown to us. That thirteenth year, instead of being over, is yet running. Bibhatsu, therefore, who is still to live undiscovered, has appeared before us. If Bibhatsu has come before the term of exile is at end, the Pandavas shall have to pass another twelve years in the woods. Whether it is due to forgetfulness (on their part) induced by desire of dominion, or whether it is a mistake of ours, it befits Bhishma to calculate the shortness or excess (of the promised period). When an object of desire may or may not be attained, a doubt necessarily attaches to one of the alternatives, and what is decided in one way often ends differently. Even moralists are puzzled in judging of their own acts.
As regards ourselves, we have come here to fight with the Matsyas and to seize their kine stationed towards the north. If, meanwhile, it is Arjuna that has come, what fault can attach to us? We have come here to fight against the Matsyas on behalf of the Trigartas; and as numerous were the acts represented unto us of the oppressions committed by the Matsyas. it was for this that we promised aid to the Trigartas who were overcome with fear. It was agreed between us that they should first seize, on the afternoon of the seventh lunar day, the enormous wealth of kine that the Matsyas have, and that we should, at sunrise of the eighth day of the moon, seize these kine when the king of the Matsyas would be pursuing those first seized. It may be that the Trigartas are now bringing away the kine, or being defeated, are coming towards us for negotiating with the king of the Matsyas. Or, it may be, that having driven the Trigartas off, the king of the Matsyas, at the head of this people and his whole army of fierce warriors, appears on the scene and advances to make night-attacks upon us. It may be that some one leader among them, endued with mighty energy, is advancing for vanquishing us, or, it may be that the king himself of the Matsyas has come. But be it the king of the Matsyas or Bibhatsu, we must all fight him. This has been our pledge.
Why are all these of foremost car-warriors, Bhishma and Drona and Kripa and Vikarna and Drona's son, now sitting on their cars, panic-stricken? At present there is nothing better than fighting. Therefore, make up your minds. If, for the cattle we have seized, an encounter takes place with the divine wielder himself of the thunderbolt or even with Yama, who is there that will be liable to reach Hastinapura? Pierced by the shafts (of the foe), how will the foot-soldiers, in flying through the deep forest with their backs on the field, escape with life, when escape for the cavalry is doubtful?”
Hearing these words of Duryodhana, Karna said,
“Disregarding the preceptor, make all arrangements. He knows well the intentions of the Pandavas and strikes terror in our hearts. I see that his affection for Arjuna is very great. Seeing him only coming, he chants his praises. Make such arrangements that our troops may not break. Everything is in confusion for Drona's having only heard the neigh of (Arjuna's) steeds. Make such arrangements that these troops, come to a distant land in this hot season and in the midst of this mighty forest, may not fall into confusion and be subjugated by the foe. The Pandavas are always the special favourites of the preceptor. The selfish Pandavas have stationed Drona amongst us. Indeed, he betrays himself by his speech. Who would ever extol a person upon hearing the neigh only of his steeds? Horses always neigh, whether walking or standing, the winds blow at all times; and Indra also always showers rain. The roar of the clouds may frequently be heard. What has Partha got to do with these, and why is he to be praised for these? All this (on Drona's part), therefore, is due only to either the desire of doing good to Arjuna or to his wrath and hatred towards us. Preceptors are wise, and sinless, and very kind to all creatures. They, however, should never be consulted at times of peril. It is in luxurious palaces, and assemblies and pleasure-gardens, that learned men, capable of making speeches, seem to be in their place. Performing many wonderful things, in the assembly, it is there that learned men find their place, or even there where sacrificial utensils and their proper placing and washing are needed. In a knowledge of the lapses of others, in studying the characters of men, in the science of horses and elephants and cars, in treating the diseases of asses and camels and goats and sheep and kine, in planning buildings and gateways, and in pointing out the defects of food and drink, the learned are truly in their own sphere. Disregarding learned men that extol the heroism of the foe, make such arrangements that the foe may be destroyed. Placing the kine securely, array the troops in order of battle. Place guards in proper places so that we may fight the foe.”
Karna continued,
“I behold all these blessed ones, looking as if alarmed and panic-struck and unresolved and unwilling to fight. If he who has come is the king of the Matsyas or Bibhatsu, I will resist him as the banks resist the swelling sea. Shot from my bow these straight and flying arrows, like gliding snakes, are all sure of aim. Discharged by my light hands, these keen-edged arrows furnished with golden wings shall cover Partha all over, like locusts shrouding a tree. Strongly pressed by these winged arrows, the bow-string will cause these my leathern fences to produce sounds that will be heard to resemble those of a couple of kettle-drums. Having been engaged in ascetic austerities for the (last) eight and five years, Bibhatsu will strike me but mildly in this conflict, and the son of Kunti having become a Brahmana endued with good qualities, has thus become a fit person to quietly receive shafts by thousands shot by me. This mighty bowman is indeed, celebrated over the three worlds. I, too, am, by no means, inferior to Arjuna, that foremost of human beings. With golden arrows furnished with vulturine wings shot on all sides, let the firmament seem today to swarm with fire-flies. Slaying Arjuna in battle, I will discharge today that debt, difficult of repayments, but promised of old by me unto Dhritarashtra's son. What man is there, even amongst all the gods and the Asuras, that will endure to stand in the teeth of the straight arrows shot from my bow? Let my flying arrows, winged and depressed at the middle, present the spectacle of the coursing of the fire-flies through the welkin. Hard though he be as Indra's thunderbolt and possessed of the energy of the chief of the celestials, I will surely grind Partha, as one afflicts an elephant by means of burning brands. A heroic and mighty car-warrior as he is, and the foremost of all wielders of weapons I shall seize the unresisting Partha, like Garuda seizing a snake. Irresistible like fire, and fed by the fuel of swords, darts, and arrows, the blazing Pandava-fire that consumes foes, will be extinguished by myself who am like unto a mighty cloud incessantly dropping an arrowy shower, the multitude of cars (I will lead) constituting its thunder, and the speed of my horses, the wind in advance. Discharged from my bow, my arrows like venomous snakes will pierce Partha's body, like serpent penetrating through an ant-hill. Pierced with well-tempered and straight shafts endued with golden wings and great energy, behold today the son of Kunti decked like a hill covered with Karnikara flowers. Having obtained weapons from that best of ascetics, the son of Jamadagni, I would, relying on their energy, fight with even the celestials. Struck with my javelin, the ape stationed on his banner-top shall fall down today on the ground, uttering terrible cries. The firmament will today be filled with the cries of the (super-human) creatures stationed in the flagstaff of the foe, and afflicted by me, they will fly away in all directions. I shall today pluck up by the roots the long-existing dart in Duryodhan's heart by throwing Arjuna down from his car. The Kauravas will today behold Partha with his car broken, his horses killed, his valour gone, and himself sighing like a snake. Let the Kauravas, following their own will go away taking this wealth of kine, or, if they wish, let them stay on their cars and witness my combat.”
Kripa said,
“O Radheya, your crooked heart always inclines to war. You know not the true nature of things; nor do you take into account their after-consequences. There are various kinds of expedients inferable from the scriptures. Of these, a battle has been regarded by those acquainted with the past, as the most sinful. It is only when time and place are favourable that military operations can lead to success. In the present instance, however, the time being unfavourable, no good results will be derived. A display of prowess in proper time and place becomes beneficial. It is by the favourableness or otherwise (of time and place) that the opportuneness of an act is determined. Learned men can never act according to the ideas of a car-maker. Considering all this, an encounter with Partha is not advisable for us.
Alone he saved the Kurus (from the Gandharvas), and alone he satiated Agni. Alone he led the life of a Brahmachari for five years (on the breast of Himavat). Taking up Subhadra on his car, alone he challenged Krishna to single combat. Alone he fought with Rudra who stood before him as a forester. It was in this very forest that Partha rescued Krishna while she was being taken away (by Jayadratha). It is he alone that has, for five years, studied the science of weapons under Indra. Alone, vanquishing all foes, he has spread the fame of the Kurus. Alone that chastiser of foes vanquished in battle Chitrasena, the king of the Gandharvas and in a moment his invincible troops also. Alone he overthrew in battle the fierce Nivatakavachas and the Kalakhanjas, that were both incapable of being slain by the gods themselves.
What, however, O Karna, has been achieved by you single-handed like any of the sons of Pandu, each of whom had alone subjugated many lords of earth? Even Indra himself is unfit to encounter Partha in battle. He, therefore, who desires to fight with Arjuna should take a sedative. As to yourself, you desire to take out the fangs of an angry snake of virulent poison by stretching forth your right hand and extending your forefinger. Or, wandering alone in the forest you desire to ride an infuriate elephant and go to a boar without a hook in hand. Or, rubbed over with clarified butter and dressed in silken robes, you desire to pass through the midst of a blazing fire fed with fat and tallow and clarified butter.
Who is there that would, binding his own hands and feet and tying a huge stone unto his neck, cross the ocean swimming with his bare arms? What manliness is there in such an act? O Karna, he is a fool that would, without skill in weapons and without strength, desire to fight with Partha who is so mighty and skilled in weapons? Dishonestly deceived by us and liberated from thirteen years' exile, will not the illustrious hero annihilate us? Having ignorantly come to a place where Partha lay concealed like fire hidden in a well, we have, indeed, exposed to a great danger. But irresistible though he be in battle, we should fight against him. Let, therefore, our troops, clad in mail, stand here arrayed in ranks and ready to strike. Let Drona and Duryodhana and Bhishma and yourself and Drona's son and ourselves, all fight with the son of Pritha. Do not, O Karna, act so rashly as to fight alone. If we six car-warriors be united, we can then be a match for and fight with that son of Pritha who is resolved to fight and who is as fierce as the wielder of the thunderbolt. Aided by our troops arrayed in ranks, ourselves great bowmen standing carefully will fight with Arjuna even as the Danavas encounter Vasava in battle.”
Ashwatthama said,
“The kine, O Karna, have not yet been won, nor have they yet crossed the boundary (of their owner's dominions), nor have they yet reached Hastinapura. Why do you, therefore, boast of yourself? Having won numerous battles, and acquired enormous wealth, and vanquished hostile hosts, men of true heroism speak not a word of their prowess. Fire burns mutely and mutely does the sun shine. Mutely also does the Earth bear creatures, both mobile and immobile. The Self-existent has sanctioned such offices for the four orders that, having recourse to them, each may acquire wealth without being censurable. A Brahmana, having studied the Vedas, should perform sacrifices himself, and officiate at the sacrifices of others. A Kshatriya, depending upon the bow, should perform sacrifices himself but should never officiate at the sacrifices of others. Of Vaishya, having earned wealth, should cause the rites enjoined in the Vedas to be performed for himself. A Sudra should always wait upon and serve the other three orders. As regards those that live by practising the profession of flowers and vendors of meat, they may earn wealth by expedients fraught with deceit and fraud. Always acting according to the dictates of the scriptures, the exalted sons of Pandu acquired the sovereignty of the whole earth, and they always act respectfully towards their superiors, even if the latter prove hostile to them.
What Kshatriya is there that expressed delight at having obtained a kingdom by means of dice, like this wicked and shameless son of Dhritarashtra? Having acquired wealth in this way by deceit and fraud like a vendor of meat, who that is wise, boast of it? In what single combat did you vanquish Dhananjaya, or Nakula, or Sahadeva, although you have robbed them of their wealth? In what battle did you defeat Yudhishthira, or Bhima that foremost of strong men? In what battle was Indraprastha conquered by you? What you have done, however, O you of wicked deeds, is to drag that princess to court while she was ill and had but one raiment on? You have cut the mighty root, delicate as the sandal, of the Pandava tree. Actuated by desire of wealth, when you made the Pandavas act as slaves, remember what Vidura said!
We see that men and others, even insects and ants, show forgiveness according to their power of endurance. The son of Pandu, however, is incapable of forgiving the sufferings of Draupadi. Surely, Dhananjaya comes here for the destruction of the sons of Dhritarashtra. It is true, affecting great wisdom, you are for making speeches but will not Bibhatsu, that slayer of foes, exterminate us all! If it be gods, or Gandharvas or Asuras, or Rakshasas, will Dhananjaya, the son of Kunti, desist to fight from panic? Inflamed with wrath upon whomsoever he will fall, he will overthrow him like a tree under the weight of Garuda! Superior to you in prowess, in bowman ship equal unto the lord himself of the celestials, and in battle equal unto Vasudeva himself, who is there that would not praise Partha? Counteracting celestial weapons with celestial, and human weapons with human, what man is a match for Arjuna? Those acquainted with the scriptures declare that a disciple is no way inferior to a son, and it is for this that the son of Pandu is a favourite of Drona. Employ the means now which you had adopted in the match at dice, the same means, viz., by which you had subjugated Indraprastha, and the same means by which you had dragged Krishna to the assembly! This your wise uncle, fully conversant with the duties of the Kshatriya order, this deceitful gambler Shakuni, the prince of Gandhara, let him fight now! The Gandiva, however, does not cast dice such as the Krita or the Dwapara, but it shoots upon foes blazing and keen-edged shafts by myriads. The fierce arrows shot from the Gandiva, endued with great energy and furnished with vulturine wings pierce even mountains. The destroyer of all, named Yama, and Vayu, and the horse-faced Agni, leave some remnant behind, but Dhananjaya inflamed with wrath never does so. As you had, aided by your uncle, played a dice in the assembly so do fight in this battle protected by Subala’s son. Let the preceptor, if he chooses fight; I shall not, however, fight with Dhananjaya. We are to fight with the king of the Matsyas, if indeed, he comes in the track of the kine.”
Bhishma said,
“Drona's son observes well, and Kripa, too observes rightly. As for Karna, it is only out of regard for the duties of the Kshatriya order that he desires to fight. No man of wisdom can blame the preceptor. I, however, am of opinion that fight we must, considering both the time and the place. Why should not that man be bewildered who has five adversaries effulgent as five suns, who are heroic combatants and who have just emerged from adversity? Even those conversant with morality are bewildered in respect of their own interests. It is for this, O king, that I tell you this, whether my words be acceptable to you or not. What Karna said unto you was only for raising our (drooping) courage.
As regards yourself, O preceptor's son, forgive everything. The business at hand is very grave. When the son of Kunti has come, this is not the time for quarrel. Everything should now be forgiven by yourself and the preceptor Kripa. Like light in the sun, the mastery of all weapons does reside in you. As beauty is never separated from Chandramas, so are the Vedas and the Brahma weapon both established in you. It is often seen that the four Vedas dwell in one object and Kshatriya attributes in another. We have never heard of these two dwelling together in any other person than the preceptor of the Bharata race and his son. This is what I think. In the Vedantas, in the Puranas, and in old histories, who save Jamadagni, O king, would be Drona's superior? A combination of the Brahma weapon with the Vedas, this is never to be seen anywhere else. O preceptor's son, do forgive. This is not the time for disunion. Let all of us, uniting, fight with Indra's son who has come. Of all the calamities that may befall an army that have been enumerated by men of wisdom, the worst is disunion among the leaders.”
Ashwatthama said,
“O bull among men, these your just observations, need not be uttered in our presence; the preceptor, however, filled with wrath, had spoken of Arjuna's virtues. The virtues of even an enemy should be admitted, while the faults of one's preceptor may be pointed out; therefore one should, to the best of his power, declare the merits of a son or a disciple.”
Duryodhana said,
“Let the preceptor grant his forgiveness and let peace be restored. If the preceptor be at one with us, whatever should be done (in view of the present emergency) would seem to have been already done.”
Then, Duryodhana assisted by Karna and Kripa, and the high-souled Bhishma pacified Drona.
Drona said,
“Appeased I have already been at the words first spoken by Bhishma, the son of Shantanu. Let such arrangements be made that Partha may not be able to approach Duryodhana in battle. Let such arrangements be made that king Duryodhana may not be captured by the foe, in consequence either of his rashness or want of judgment. Arjuna has not, to be sure, revealed himself before the expiry of the term of exile. Nor will he pardon this act (of ours) today, having only recovered the kine. Let such arrangements, therefore, be made that he may not succeed in attacking Dhritarashtra's son and defeating our troops. Like myself (who am doubtful of the completion of period of exile) Duryodhana also had said so before. Bearing it in mind, it befits the son of Ganga to say what is true.”
Bhishma said,
“The wheel of time revolves with its divisions, viz., with Kalas and Kasthas and Muhurtas and days and fortnights and months and constellations and planets and seasons and years. In consequence of their fractional excesses and the deviations of also of the heavenly bodies, there is an increase of two months in every five years. It seems to me that calculating this wise, there would be an excess of five months and twelve nights in thirteen years. Everything, therefore, that the sons of Pandu had promised, has been exactly fulfilled by them. Knowing this to be certain, Bibhatsu has made his appearance. All of them are high-souled and fully conversant with the meanings of the scriptures. How would they deviate from virtue that have Yudhishthira for their guide? The sons of Kunti do not yield to temptation. They have achieved a difficult feat. If they had coveted the possession of their kingdom by unfair means, then those descendants of the Kuru race would have sought to display their prowess at the time of the match at dice. Bound in bonds of virtue, they did not deviate from the duties of the Kshatriya order. He that will regard them to have behaved falsely will surely meet with defeat. The sons of Pritha would prefer death to falsehood. When the time, however, comes, those bulls among men, the Pandava's, endued with energy like that of Shakra, would not give up what is theirs even if it is defended by the wielder himself of the thunderbolt.
We shall have to oppose in battle the foremost of all wielders of weapons. Therefore, let such advantageous arrangements as have the sanction of the good and the honest be now made without loss of time so that our possessions may not be appropriated by the foe. O king of kings, O Kaurava, I have never seen a battle in which one of the parties could say, we are sure to win. When a battle occurs, there must be victory or defeat, prosperity or adversity. Without doubt, a party to a battle must have either of the two. Therefore, O king of kings, whether a battle be now proper or not consistent with virtue or not, make your arrangements soon, for Dhananjaya is at hand.”
Duryodhana said,
“I will not, O grandsire, give back the Pandavas their kingdom. Let every preparation, therefore, for battle be made without delay.”
Bhishma said,
“Listen to what I regard as proper, if it pleases you. I should always say what is for your good, O Kaurava. Proceed towards the capital, without loss of time, taking with you a fourth part of the army. Let another fourth march, escorting the kine. With half the troops we will fight the Pandava. Myself and Drona, and Karna and Ashwatthama and Kripa will resolutely withstand Bibhatsu, or the king of the Matsyas, or Indra himself, if he approaches. Indeed, we will withstand any of these like the bank withstanding the surging sea.”
These words spoken by the high-souled Bhishma were acceptable to them, and the king of the Kauravas acted accordingly without delay. Having sent away the king and then the kine, Bhishma began to array the soldiers in order of battle. Addressing the preceptor, he said,
“O preceptor, you stand in the centre, and let Ashwatthama stand on the left, and let the wise Kripa, son of Sharadvata, defend the right wing, and let Karna of the Suta caste, clad in mail, stand in the van. I will stand in the rear of the whole army, protecting it from that point.”
After the Kauravas had taken their stand in this order, Arjuna, filling the air with the rattle and din of his car, advanced quickly towards them. The Kurus beheld his banner-top and heard the rattle and din of his car as also the twang of the Gandiva stretched repeatedly by him. Noting all this, and seeing that great car-warrior, the wielder of the Gandiva, come, Drona spoke thus,
“That is the banner-top of Partha which shines at a distance, and this is the noise of his car, and that is the ape that roars frightfully. Indeed, the ape strikes terror in the troops. There stationed on that excellent car, the foremost of car-warriors draws that best of bows, the Gandiva, whose twang is as loud as the thunder. Behold, these two shafts coming together fall at my feet, and two others pass off barely touching my ears. Completing the period of exile and having achieved many wonderful feats, Partha salutes me and whispers in my ears. Endued with wisdom and beloved of his relatives, this Dhananjaya, the son of Pandu, is, indeed, beheld by us after a long time, blazing with beauty and grace. Possessed of car and arrows, furnished with handsome fences and quiver and conch and banner and coat of mail, decked with diadem and scimitar and bow, the son of Pritha shines like the blazing (Homa) fire surrounded with sacrificial ladles and fed with sacrificial butter.”
Beholding the Kurus ready for battle, Arjuna addressing Matsya's son in words suitable to the occasion, said,
“O charioteer, restrain the steeds at such a point whence my arrows may reach the enemy. Meanwhile, let me see, where, in the midst of this army, is that vile wretch of the Kuru race. Disregarding all these, and singling out that vainest of princes I will fall upon his head, for upon the defeat of that wretch, the others will regard themselves as defeated. There stands Drona, and thereafter him his son. There are those great bowmen, Bhishma and Kripa and Karna. I do not see, however, the king there. I suspect that, anxious to save his life, he retreated by the southern road, taking away with him the kine. Leaving this array of car-warriors, proceed to the spot where Suyodhana is. There I will fight, O son of Virata, for there the battle will not be fruitless, Defeating him I will come back, taking away the kine.”
Thus addressed, the son of Virata restrained the steeds with an effort and turned them by a pull at the bridle from the spot where those bulls of the Kuru race were, and urged them on towards the place where Duryodhana was. As Arjuna went away leaving that thick array of cars, Kripa, guessing his intention, addressed his own comrades, saying,
“This Bibhatsu desires not to take up his stand at a spot remote from the king. Let us quickly fall upon the flanks of the advancing hero. When inflamed with wrath, none else, unassisted, can encounter him in battle save the deity of a thousand eyes, or Krishna the son of Devaki. Of what use to us would the kine be or this vast wealth also, if Duryodhana were to sink, like a boat, in the ocean of Partha?”
Meanwhile, Bibhatsu, having proceeded towards that division of the army, announced himself speedily by name, and covered the troops with his arrows thick as locusts. Covered with those countless shafts shot by Partha, the hostile warriors could not see anything, the earth itself and the sky becoming overwhelmed therewith. The soldiers who had been ready for the fight were so confounded that none could even flee from the field. Beholding the light-handedness of Partha, they all applauded it mentally. Arjuna then blew his conch which always made the bristles of the foe stand erect. Twanging his best of bows, he urged the creatures on his flagstaff to roar more frightfully. At the blare of his conch and the rattle of his car-wheels, and the twang of the Gandiva, and the roar of the superhuman creatures stationed on his flagstaff, the earth itself began to tremble. Shaking their upraised tails and lowing together, the kine turned back, proceeding along the southern road.