Adhyaya 25

Verse 1

ऑपन--माजल बछ। अकाल पज्चविशो< ध्याय: कौरव-पाण्डव-सैनिकोंके द्वन्द-युद्ध संजय उवाच महद्‌ भैरवमासीज्न: संनिवृत्तेषु पाण्डुषु । दृष्टवा द्रोणं छाद्यमानं तैर्भास्करमिवाम्बुदै:,संजय कहते हैं--महाराज! पाण्डव-सैनिकोंके लौटनेपर जैसे बादलोंसे सूर्य ढक जाते हैं, उसी प्रकार उनके बाणोंसे द्रोणाचार्य आच्छादित होने लगे। यह देखकर हमलोगोंने उनके साथ बड़ा भयंकर संग्राम किया

Sanjaya said: O King, when the Pandavas’ forces had turned back (to re-engage), we witnessed a most dreadful situation. Seeing Droṇa being covered over by their arrows—like the sun veiled by clouds—we entered into a fierce and terrifying battle with him.

Verse 2

तैश्वोद्धूतं रजस्तीव्रमवर्चक्रे चमूं तव । ततो हतममंसस्‍्याम द्रोणं दृष्टिपथे हते,उन सैनिकोंद्वारा उड़ायी हुई तीव्र धूलने आपकी सारी सेनाको ढक दिया। फिर तो हमारी दृष्टिका मार्ग अवरुद्ध हो गया और हमने समझ लिया कि द्रोण मारे गये

Sañjaya said: “The fierce dust raised by those warriors spread over and covered your entire army. Then our line of sight was cut off, and we concluded that Droṇa had been slain.”

Verse 3

तांस्तु शूरान्‌ महेष्वासान्‌ क्रूरं कर्म चिकीर्षत: । दृष्टवा दुर्योधनस्तूर्ण स्वसैन्यं समचूचुदत्‌,उन महाथनुर्थधर शूरवीरोंको क्रूर कर्म करनेके लिये उत्सुक देख दुर्योधनने तुरंत ही अपनी सेनाको इस प्रकार आज्ञा दी--

Sañjaya said: Seeing those heroic, great-bowed warriors eager to undertake a ruthless deed, Duryodhana at once issued orders to his own army.

Verse 4

यथाशक्ति यथोत्साहं यथासत्त्वं नराधिपा: । वारयध्वं यथायोगं पाण्डवानामनीकिनीम्‌,“नरेश्वरो! तुम सब लोग अपनी शक्ति, उत्साह और बलके अनुसार यथोचित उपायद्वारा पाण्डवोंकी सेनाको रोको”

Sañjaya said: “O kings, according to each one’s strength, zeal, and valor, restrain the army of the Pāṇḍavas by whatever means is fitting.”

Verse 5

ततो दुर्मर्षणो भीममभ्यगच्छत्‌ सुतस्तव । आराद्‌ दृष्टवा किरन्‌ बाणैर्जिघ्क्षुस्तस्य जीवितम्‌,तब आपके पुत्र दुर्मरषणने भीमसेनको अपने पास ही देखकर उनके प्राण लेनेकी इच्छासे बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए उनपर आक्रमण किया

Sañjaya said: Then your son Durmarṣaṇa advanced toward Bhīma. Seeing him nearby, he showered him with arrows, intent on taking his life.

Verse 6

त॑ं बाणैरवतस्तार क्रुद्धो मृत्युरिवाहवे । तं च भीमो5तुदद्‌ बाणैस्तदा55सीत्‌ तुमुलं महत्‌,उसने क्रोधमें भरी हुई मृत्युके समान युद्धस्थलमें बाणोंद्वारा भीमसेनको ढक दिया। साथ ही भीमसेनने भी अपने बाणोंद्वारा उसे गहरी चोट पहुँचायी। इस प्रकार उन दोनोंमें महाभयंकर युद्ध होने लगा

Sañjaya said: Enraged like Death itself upon the battlefield, he covered Bhīmasena with a shower of arrows. Bhīma, in turn, struck him hard with his own shafts. Thus, between the two, a vast and terrifying combat arose.

Verse 7

त ईश्वरसमादिष्टा: प्राज्ञा: शूरा: प्रहारिण: । राज्यं मृत्युभयं त्यक्त्वा प्रत्यतिष्ठन्‌ परान्‌ युधि,अपने स्वामी राजा दुर्योधनकी आज्ञा पाकर वे प्रहार करनेमें कुशल बुद्धिमान्‌ शूरवीर राज्यको और मृत्युके भयको छोड़कर युद्धस्थलमें शत्रुओंका सामना करने लगे

Obeying their lord’s command, those wise and valiant warriors, skilled in striking, cast aside both thoughts of kingdom and fear of death, and stood to face their foes in battle.

Verse 8

कृतवर्मा शिने: पौत्रं द्रोणं प्रेप्सुं विशाम्पते । पर्यवारयदायान्तं शूरं समरशोभिनम्‌,प्रजानाथ! द्रोणको अपने वशमें करनेकी इच्छासे आगे बढ़ते हुए संग्राममें शोभा पानेवाले शूरवीर सात्यकिको कृतवर्माने रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: O lord of the people, Kṛtavarmā checked the advancing grandson of Śini—Sātyaki—who, seeking to seize Droṇa, was coming forward as a heroic warrior resplendent in battle.

Verse 9

त॑ शैनेय: शख्रातै: क्रुद्ध: क़ुद्धमवारयत्‌ । कृतवर्मा च शैनेयं मत्तो मत्तमिव द्विपम्‌

Sañjaya said: Enraged by the shafts, Śaineya in his fury checked the foe that rushed on. And Kṛtavarmā, himself seized by battle-madness, confronted Śaineya like an intoxicated elephant meeting another intoxicated elephant—anger answering anger, with restraint hard to find as war’s wrath swelled.

Verse 10

तब क्रोधमें भरे हुए सात्यकिने कुपित हुए कृतवर्माको अपने बाणसमूहोंद्वारा आगे बढ़नेसे रोका और कृतवर्माने सात्यकिको। ठीक उसी तरह, जैसे एक मतवाला हाथी दूसरे मतवाले गजराजको रोक देता है ।। सैन्धव: क्षत्रवर्माणमायान्तं निशितै: शरै: । उग्रधन्वा महेष्वासं यत्तो द्रोणादवारयत्‌,भयंकर धनुष धारण करनेवाले सिंधुराज जयद्रथने महाधनुर्धर क्षत्रवर्माको अपने तीखे बाणोंद्वारा प्रयत्नपूर्वक द्रोणाचार्यकी ओर आनेसे रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: Then Sātyaki, filled with wrath, checked Kṛtavarmā’s advance with volleys of arrows; and Kṛtavarmā in turn checked Sātyaki—like one intoxicated elephant holding back another mighty, intoxicated elephant. Meanwhile Jayadratha, king of Sindhu, bearing a dreadful bow, strove with sharp shafts to stop the great archer Kṣatravarmā as he pressed forward toward Droṇa.

Verse 11

क्षत्रवर्मा सिन्धुपतेश्छित्त्वा केतनकार्मुके । नाराचैर्दशभि: क्रुद्धः सर्वमर्मस्वताडयत्‌,क्षत्रवर्माने कुपित हो सिंधुराज जयद्रथके ध्वज और धनुष काटकर दस नाराचोंद्वारा उसके सभी मर्मस्थानोंमें चोट पहुँचायी

Sañjaya said: Enraged, Kṣatravarmā cut down the Sindhu king Jayadratha’s banner and bow, and then struck him with ten nārāca arrows, hitting him in all his vital points.

Verse 12

अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय सैन्धव: कृतहस्तवत्‌ । विव्याध क्षत्रवर्माणं रणे सर्वायसै: शरै:,तब सिंधुराजने दूसरा धनुष लेकर सिद्धहस्त पुरुषकी भाँति सम्पूर्णतः लोहेके बने हुए बाणोंद्वारा रणक्षेत्रमें क्षत्रवर्माको घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then the king of Sindhu, taking up another bow and handling it like a master archer, struck Kṣatravarmā on the battlefield with arrows made wholly of iron.

Verse 13

युयुत्सुं पाण्डवार्थाय यतमानं महारथम्‌ | सुबाहुर्भारतं शूरं यत्तो द्रोणादवारयत्‌

Sañjaya said: Subāhu, that valiant Bharata warrior, exerting himself, checked Yuyutsu—the great chariot-fighter who was striving for the Pāṇḍavas’ cause—keeping him back from Droṇa.

Verse 14

पाण्डुनन्दन युधिष्ठिरके हितके लिये प्रयत्न करनेवाले भरतवंशी महारथी शूरवीर युयुत्सुको सुबाहुने प्रयत्नपूर्वक द्रोणाचार्यकी ओर आनेसे रोक दिया ।। सुबाहो: सथनुर्बाणावस्यत: परिघोपमौ । युयुत्सु: शितपीता भ्यां क्षुरा भ्यामच्छिनद्‌भुजी

Sanjaya said: Seeking Yudhishthira’s welfare, the Bharata hero Yuyutsu—an eminent chariot-warrior—carefully checked Subahu as he advanced toward Drona. And as Subahu, whose might was like an iron club, loosed his bow and arrows, Yuyutsu with two razor-edged shafts, white and yellow in hue, severed his two arms.

Verse 15

तब युयुत्सुने प्रहार करते हुए सुबाहुकी परिघके समान मोटी एवं धनुष-बाणोंसे युक्त दोनों भुजाओंको अपने तीखे और पानीदार दो छूरोंद्वारा काट गिराया ।। राजानं पाण्डवश्रेष्ठ॑ धर्मात्मानं युधिष्ठिरम्‌ । वेलेव सागर क्षुब्ध॑ मद्रराट्‌् समवारयत्‌,पाण्डवश्रेष्ठ धर्मात्मा राजा युधिष्ठिरको मद्रराज शल्यने उसी प्रकार रोक दिया, जैसे क्षुब्ध महासागरको तटकी भूमि रोक देती है

Then Yuyutsu, striking as he fought, cut down Subahu’s two arms—thick as iron clubs and still bearing bow and arrows—with two keen, gleaming razor-shafts. At that moment King Shalya of Madra checked the advance of King Yudhishthira—the foremost of the Pandavas, devoted to dharma—just as the shoreline holds back a storm-tossed ocean.

Verse 16

तं धर्मराजो बहुभिम्मर्मभिद्धिरवाकिरत्‌ । मद्रेशस्तं चतुःषष्ट्या शरैरविद्ध्वानदद्‌ भूशम्‌,धर्मराज युधिष्ठिरने शल्यपर बहुत-से मर्मभेदी बाणोंकी वर्षा की। तब मद्रराज भी चौंसठ बाणोंद्वारा युधिष्ठिरको घायल करके जोर-जोरसे गर्जना करने लगे

Sanjaya said: Dharmaraja Yudhishthira showered Shalya, the king of Madra, with many arrows that struck vital points. Shalya, lord of Madra, in turn pierced Yudhishthira with sixty-four arrows and then roared loudly.

Verse 17

तस्य नानदत: केतुमुच्चकर्त च कार्मुकम्‌ । क्षुराभ्यां पाण्डवो ज्येष्ठस्तत उच्चुक्रुशुर्जना:,तब ज्येष्ठ पाण्डव युधिष्ठिरने दो छुरोंद्वारा गर्जना करते हुए राजा शल्यके ध्वज और धनुषको काट डाला। यह देख सब लोग हर्षसे कोलाहल कर उठे

Sanjaya said: As he roared aloud, the eldest Pandava, Yudhishthira, with two razor-edged arrows cut down his banner and also severed his bow. Seeing this, all the warriors and onlookers raised a loud cry of exultation.

Verse 18

तथैव राजा बाह्लीको राजान द्रुपदं शरै: । आद्रवन्तं सहानीक: सहानीकं न्‍्यवारयत्‌,इसी प्रकार अपनी सेनासहित राजा बाह्लीकने सैनिकोंके साथ धावा करते हुए राजा द्रपदको अपने बाणोंद्वारा रोक दिया

Sanjaya said: In the same manner, King Bahlika—advancing with his own division—checked King Drupada, who was charging forward with his troops, by means of his arrows.

Verse 19

तद्‌ युद्धमभवद्‌ घोरं वृद्धयो: सहसेनयो: । यथा महायूथपयोर्दििपयो: सम्प्रभिन्नयो:

Sañjaya said: Then a dreadful battle arose between those two aged leaders with their armies—like the clash of two great elephant-lords of mighty herds, maddened with fury. When seasoned warriors meet in wrath, their struggle becomes overwhelming to all around, drawing whole forces into the violent momentum of their personal contest.

Verse 20

जैसे मदकी धारा बहानेवाले दो विशाल गजयूथपतियोंमें लड़ाई होती है, उसी प्रकार सेनासहित उन दोनों वृद्ध नरेशोंमें बड़ा भयंकर युद्ध होने लगा ।। विन्दानुविन्दावावन्त्यौ विराट मत्स्यमार्च्छताम्‌ । सहसैन्यौ सहानीकं यथेन्द्राग्नी पुरा बलिम्‌

Sañjaya said: Vindā and Anuvindā of Avanti charged against Virāṭa, king of the Matsyas. With their troops and battle-formations they fell upon him, as Indra and Agni in former times assailed Bali. Thus, amid the armies, a fierce clash arose—war’s overwhelming force, where valor and duty drive kings into perilous combat.

Verse 21

अवन्तीके राजकुमार विन्द और अनुविन्दने अपनी सेनाओंको साथ लेकर विशाल वाहिनीसहित मत्स्यराज विराटपर उसी प्रकार धावा किया, जैसे पूर्वकालमें अग्नि और इन्द्रने राजा बलिपर आक्रमण किया था ।। तदुत्पिज्जलकं युद्धमासीद्‌ देवासुरोपमम्‌ । मत्स्यानां केकयै: सार्धमभीताश्वरथद्विपम्‌,उस समय मत्स्यदेशीय सैनिकोंका केकयदेशीय योद्धाओंके साथ देवासुर-संग्रामके समान अत्यन्त घमासान युद्ध हुआ। उसमें हाथी, घोड़े और रथ सभी निर्भय होकर एक- दूसरेसे लड़ रहे थे

Sañjaya said: The Avanti princes Vinda and Anuvinda, gathering their own forces and a vast host besides, charged at Virāṭa, king of the Matsyas—like Agni and Indra of old assailing King Bali. Then a fierce battle erupted, comparable to the wars of gods and demons: the Matsya warriors and the Kekayas fought in a terrifying mêlée, where horses, chariots, and elephants met one another without fear.

Verse 22

नाकुलिं तु शतानीकं भूतकर्मा सभापति: । अस्यन्तमिषुजालानि यान्तं द्रोणादवारयत्‌

Sañjaya said: Bhūtakarmā, lord of the assembly, checked Śatānīka of the Nakula line as he advanced, showering volleys of arrows, and prevented him from reaching Droṇa. In the press of battle, this showed a commander’s duty: to restrain a dangerous advance and protect one’s chief, even amid the moral weight of kin-slaying and the chaos of war.

Verse 23

नकुलका पुत्र शतानीक बाण-समूहोंकी वर्षा करता हुआ द्रोणाचार्यकी ओर बढ़ रहा था। उस समय भूतकर्मा सभापतिने उसे द्रोणकी ओर आनेसे रोक दिया ।। ततो नकुलदायादस्त्रिभिर्भल्लै: सुसंशितै: । चक्रे विबाहुशिरसं भूतकर्माणमाहवे,तदनन्तर नकुलके पुत्रने तीन तीखे भललोंद्वारा युद्धमें भूतकर्माकी बाहु तथा मस्तक काट डाले

Sañjaya said: Then Nakula’s son, with three keenly whetted broad-headed arrows, struck down Bhūtakarman in the fight, severing his arms and his head. Thus, in the press of war, the attempt to bar the advance toward Droṇācārya ended in a swift and ruthless act of battlefield necessity, where valor and duty to one’s side override ordinary restraints.

Verse 24

सुतसोम॑ तु विक्रान्तमायान्तं तं शरौधिणम्‌ । द्रोणायाभिमुखं वीर॑ विविंशतिरवारयत्‌,पराक्रमी वीर सुतसोम बाण-समूहोंकी बौछार करता हुआ द्रोणाचार्यके सम्मुख आ रहा था। उसे विविंशतिने रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: The valiant Sutasoma advanced, showering volleys of arrows and moving straight toward Droṇa, but the warrior Viviṁśati checked him and held him back.

Verse 25

सुतसोमस्तु संक्रुद्ध: स्वपितृव्यमजिद्दागै: । विविंशतिं शरैर्भित्त्वा नाभ्यवर्तत दंशित:,तब सुतसोमने अत्यन्त कुपित हो अपने चाचा विविंशतिको सीधे जानेवाले बाणोंद्वारा घायल कर दिया और स्वयं एक वीर पुरुषकी भाँति कवच बाँधे सामने खड़ा रहा इति श्रीमहाभारते द्रोणपर्वणि संशप्तकवधपर्वणि द्वन्द्ययुद्धे पज्चविंशो5ध्याय: ।। २५ |। इस प्रकार श्रीमह्माभारत द्रोणपर्वके अन्तर्गत संशप्तकवधपर्वमें द्वद्धयुद्धविषयक पचीसवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

Sañjaya said: Sutasoma, inflamed with anger, struck his paternal uncle Viviṁśati with straight-flying arrows, piercing him again and again; and, armoured and resolute like a true warrior, he did not withdraw from the fight.

Verse 26

अथ भीमरथ: शाल्वमाशुगैरायसै: शितै: । षड्भि: साश्चव॒नियन्तारमनयद्‌ यमसादनम्‌

Sañjaya said: Then Bhīmaratha, with six swift, iron, razor-edged arrows, struck down Śālva together with his charioteer who held the reins, sending them to Yama’s abode.

Verse 27

तदनन्तर भीमरथने छः: तीखे लोहमय शीघ्रगामी बाणोंद्वारा सारथिसहित शाल्वको यमलोक पहुँचा दिया ।। श्रुतकर्माणमायान्तं मयूरसदृशै्हयै: । चैत्रसेनिर्महाराज तव पौत्रं न्‍्यवारयत्‌,महाराज! श्रुतकर्मा मोरके समान रंगवाले घोड़ोंपर आ रहा था। उस आपके पौत्र श्रुतकर्माको चित्रसेनके पुत्रने रोका

Sañjaya said: Thereafter, from his chariot, Bhīmaratha struck Śālvaka with six sharp, iron arrows that flew with great speed, and sent him—together with his charioteer—to the realm of Yama. Meanwhile, O great king, your grandson Śrutakarmā was advancing on horses of peacock-like hue; he was checked and held back by Caitraseni, the son of Citraseṇa.

Verse 28

तौ पौत्रौ तव दुर्धर्षो परस्परवधैषिणौ । पितृणामर्थसिद्धयर्थ चक्रतुर्युद्धमुत्तमम्‌,आपके दोनों दुर्जय पौत्र एक-दूसरेके वधकी इच्छा रखकर अपने पितृगणोंका मनोरथ सिद्ध करनेके लिये अच्छी तरह युद्ध करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Your two grandsons, both hard to overcome, each intent on the other’s death, engaged in a fierce and excellent combat in order to fulfill the aims of their fathers.

Verse 29

तिष्ठन्तमग्रे तं दृष्टवा प्रतिविन्ध्यं महाहवे । द्रौणिर्मानं पितुः कुर्वन्‌ मार्गणै: समवारयत्‌,उस महासमसमें प्रतिविन्ध्यको द्रोणाचार्यके सामने खड़ा देख पिताका सम्मान करते हुए अश्वत्थामाने बाणोंद्वारा रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: Seeing Prativindhya standing firm in the forefront amid the great battle, Aśvatthāman (Drauṇi), intent on upholding his father’s honor, checked him with a shower of arrows.

Verse 30

त॑ क्रुद्धें प्रतिविव्याथ प्रतिविन्ध्य: शितै: शरै: । सिंहलाड्गूललक्ष्माणं पितुरर्थे व्यवस्थितम्‌,जिसके ध्वजमें सिंहके पूँछका चिह्न था और जो पिताकी इष्ट सिद्धिके लिये खड़ा था, उस क्रोधमें भरे हुए अश्वत्थामाको प्रतिविन्ध्यने अपने पैने बाणोंद्वारा बींध डाला

Then Prativindhya, enraged, pierced Aśvatthāman with keen arrows—him whose banner bore the mark of a lion’s tail and who stood steadfast for his father’s cause.

Verse 31

प्रवपन्निव बीजानि बीजकाले नरर्षभ । द्रौणायनिद्रौपदेयं शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्‌,नरश्रेष्ठ! तब द्रोणपुत्र भी द्रौपदीकुमार प्रतिविन्ध्यपर बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगा, मानो किसान बीज बोनेके समयपर खेतमें बीज डाल रहा हो

Sañjaya said: “O bull among men, just as seeds are scattered at sowing time, so did the son of Droṇa shower Draupadī’s son Prativindhya with a rain of arrows.”

Verse 32

आर्जुनिं श्रुतकीर्ति तु द्रौपदेयं महारथम्‌ । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं दौःशासनिरवारयत्‌

Sañjaya said: Śrutakīrti, Drauṇi’s son—the Draupadeya, a great chariot-warrior—was advancing straight toward Droṇa, when Duḥśāsana’s son intercepted and checked his advance.

Verse 33

तदनन्तर अर्जुनपुत्र द्रौपदीकुमार महारथी श्रुतकीर्तिको द्रोणाचार्यके सामने जाते देख दुःशासनके पुत्रने रोका ।। तस्य कृष्णसम: कार्ष्णिस्त्रिभिर्भल्लै: सुसंशितै: । धनुर्ध्वजं च सूतं च छित्त्वा द्रोणान्तिकं ययौ,तब अर्जुनके समान पराक्रमी अर्जुनकुमार तीन अत्यन्त तीखे भल्लोंद्वारा दुःशासनपुत्रके धनुष, ध्वज और सारथिके टुकड़े-टुकड़े करके द्रोणाचार्यके समीप जा पहुँचा

Then, as Śrutakīrti—the great chariot-warrior, son of Arjuna and grandson of Draupadī—was seen advancing toward Droṇācārya, he was checked by the son of Duḥśāsana. But Kārṣṇi (Śrutakīrti), equal to Kṛṣṇa in prowess, with three razor-sharp broad-headed arrows cut down his opponent’s bow, banner, and charioteer, and pressed on to Droṇa’s very presence.

Verse 34

यस्तु शूरतमो राजन्नुभयो: सेनयोर्मत: । त॑ पटच्चरहन्तारं लक्ष्मण: समवारयत्‌

Sañjaya said: O King, the warrior judged the most valiant in both armies—him did Lakṣmaṇa, the slayer of Patañcara, confront and hold in check. In the crush of battle, renown for prowess becomes a moral stake: the foremost hero is met by an equally resolute challenger, as each side strives to uphold honor and duty amid the violence of war.

Verse 35

राजन! जो दोनों सेनाओंमें सबसे अधिक शूरवीर माना जाता था, डाकू और लुटेरोंको मारनेवाले उस समुद्री प्रान्तोंके अधिपतिको दुर्योधनपुत्र लक्ष्मणने रोका ।। स लक्ष्मणस्येष्वसनं छित्त्वा लक्ष्म च भारत । लक्ष्मणे शरजालानि विसृजन्‌ बह्बशोभत,भारत! तब वह लक्ष्मणके धनुष और ध्वजचिह्लको काटकर उसके ऊपर बाण- समूहोंकी वर्षा करता हुआ बहुत शोभा पाने लगा

Sañjaya said: O King, Laxmana, the son of Duryodhana, checked that lord of the coastal regions—renowned as the foremost hero in both armies and famed for slaying bandits and plunderers. Then, having cut down Laxmana’s bow and his banner-mark, he showered Laxmana with nets of arrows, and in doing so he shone brilliantly on the battlefield.

Verse 36

विकर्णस्तु महाप्राज्ञो याज्ञसेनिं शिखण्डिनम्‌ । पर्यवारयदायान्तं युवानं समरे युवा

Sañjaya said: The highly discerning Vikarṇa, himself a young warrior, moved to check the advance of Śikhaṇḍin—son of Yājñasena—who was coming forward in the battle. In the press of war, youth met youth, as each sought to uphold his side’s duty through valor and resistance.

Verse 37

परम बुद्धिमान्‌ नवयुवक विकर्णने युवावस्थासे सम्पन्न ट्रपदकुमार शिखण्डीको युद्धमें आगे बढ़नेसे रोका ।। ततस्तमिषुजालेन याज्ञसेनि: समावृणोत्‌ । विधूय तद्‌ बाणजालं बभौ तव सुतो बली,तब शिखण्डीने अपने बाण-समूहसे विकर्णको आच्छादित कर दिया। आपका बलवान्‌ पुत्र उस सायक-जालको छित्न-भिन्न करके बड़ी शोभा पाने लगा

Sañjaya said: Then Yājñaseni (Śikhaṇḍī) enveloped him in a net of arrows. Shaking off and scattering that web of shafts, your mighty son shone forth in battle—showing both martial skill and steadfast resolve amid the chaos of war.

Verse 38

अड्ढदो$भिमुखं वीरमुत्तमौजसमाहवे । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं शरौघेण न्यवारयत्‌,अंगदने वीर उत्तमौजाको अपने और द्रोणाचार्यके सामने आते देख युद्धस्थलमें अपने बाणसमुदायकी वर्षासे रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, the valiant Uttamaujā, seeing the hero Aḍḍhoda advancing toward him and moving straight toward Droṇa, checked his advance by showering him with a dense torrent of arrows. The scene underscores the warrior’s duty to restrain a dangerous onrush in war, even when the opponent is courageous, by measured force and tactical interception.

Verse 39

स सम्प्रहारस्तुमुलस्तयो: पुरुषसिंहयो: । सैनिकानां च सर्वेषां तयोश्ष प्रीतिवर्धन:,उन दोनों पुरुषसिंहोंमें बड़ा भयंकर युद्ध छिड़ गया। वह संग्राम समस्त सैनिकोंकी तथा उन दोनोंकी भी प्रसन्नताको बढ़ा रहा था

Sañjaya said: A fierce and tumultuous clash erupted between those two lion-like heroes. That battle heightened the ardor and exhilaration of all the soldiers—and of the two champions themselves—revealing how, in the heat of war, prowess and the taste for victory can swell even as destruction spreads.

Verse 40

दुर्मुखस्तु महेष्वासो वीरं पुरुजितं बली । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं वत्सदन्तैरवारयत्‌,महाधनुर्धर बलवान्‌ दुर्मुखने द्रोणाचार्यके सामने जाते हुए वीर पुरुजित॒को वत्सदन्तोंके प्रहारद्वारा रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: The mighty archer Durmukha, a powerful warrior, checked the hero Purujit as he advanced straight toward Droṇa, stopping him with blows from his weapon called Vatsadanta. The scene underscores how, in the press of battle, loyalty to one’s commander and the duty to obstruct an onrushing foe become decisive acts—yet they also tighten the tragic web of violence that consumes valor on both sides.

Verse 41

स दुर्मुखं भ्रुवोर्मध्ये नाराचेना भ्यताडयत्‌ । तस्य तद्‌ विबभौ वकक्‍त्रं सनालमिव पड़कजम्‌

Sañjaya said: He struck Durmukha with a nārāca arrow right between the eyebrows. At that blow, Durmukha’s face shone forth—like a lotus with its stalk—an image that heightens the grim irony of beauty appearing in the very moment of violent wounding on the battlefield.

Verse 42

तब पुरुजितने एक नाराचद्वारा दुर्मुखपर उसकी दोनों भौंहोंके मध्यभागमें प्रहार किया। उस समय दुर्मुखका मुख मृणालयुक्त कमलके समान सुशोभित हुआ ।। कर्णस्तु केकयान्‌ भ्रातूनू पजच लोहितकध्वजान्‌ । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यातान्‌ शरवर्षैरवारयत्‌,कर्णने लाल रंगकी ध्वजासे सुशोभित पाँचों भाई केकयराजकुमारोंको द्रोणाचार्यके सम्मुख जाते देख उन्हें बाणोंकी वर्षसे रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: Then Purujit struck Durmukha with a single nārāca arrow right between the two eyebrows. At that moment Durmukha’s face appeared like a lotus adorned with pale stalk-fibres—an image that grimly contrasts beauty with the violence of war. Meanwhile Karṇa, seeing the five Kekaya princes—brothers bearing crimson banners—advancing toward Droṇa, checked their advance by showering them with arrows.

Verse 43

ते चैनं भृशसंतप्ता: शरवर्षरवाकिरन्‌ । स च तांश्छादयामास शरजालै: पुन: पुन:,तब वे अत्यन्त संतप्त हो कर्णपर बाणोंकी झड़ी लगाने लगे और कर्णने भी अपने बाणोंके समूहसे उन्हें बार-बार आच्छादित कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then, tormented exceedingly, they poured upon him a roaring rain of arrows. And he, in turn, again and again covered them over with dense nets of shafts—answering their fury with relentless martial skill amid the moral darkness of war.

Verse 44

नैव कर्णो न ते पञ्च ददृशुर्बाणसंवृता: । साश्व॒सूतध्वजरथा: परस्परशराचिता:,कर्ण तथा वे पाँचों राजकुमार एक-दूसरेके बरसाये हुए बाण-समूहोंसे व्याप्त एवं आच्छादित होकर घोड़े, सारथि, ध्वज तथा रथसहित अदृश्य हो गये थे

Sañjaya said: Neither Karṇa nor those five princes could be seen at all, for they were completely enveloped by showers of arrows. With their horses, charioteers, banners, and chariots, each side was hidden from view, covered over by the arrows hurled back and forth—an image of battle where prowess and fury eclipse even the very sight of the warriors.

Verse 45

पुत्रास्ते दुर्जयश्वैव जयश्न विजयश्व ह । नीलकाश्यजयत्सेनांस्त्रयस्त्रीन्‌ प्रत्यवारयन्‌

Sañjaya said: “Your sons—Durjaya, and also Jaya and Vijaya—together with Nīlakāśya and Jayatsena, these three held back three (opposing warriors).” In the moral atmosphere of the war, the line highlights how familial loyalty and martial duty drive the young fighters to stand firm and check the enemy’s advance, even as the larger conflict continues to consume both sides.

Verse 46

राजन्‌! आपके तीन पुत्र दुर्जय, जय और विजयने नील, काश्य तथा जयत्सेन--इन तीनोंको रोक दिया ।। तद्‌ युद्धमभवद्‌ घोरमीक्षितृप्रीतिवर्धनम्‌ । सिंहव्याप्रतरक्षूणां यथर्क्षमहिषर्ष भै:,उन सबमें भयंकर युद्ध छिड़ गया, जो सिंह, व्याप्र और तेंदुओं (जर्खों)-का रीछों, भैसों तथा साँड़ोंके साथ होनेवाले युद्धके समान दर्शकोंके हर्षको बढ़ानेवाला था

Sanjaya said: “O King, your three sons—Durjaya, Jaya, and Vijaya—checked Nīla, Kāśya, and Jayatsena, holding them back. Then a dreadful battle broke out, one that heightened the spectators’ excitement—like the clash of lions, tigers, and leopards with bears, buffaloes, and bulls.”

Verse 47

क्षेमधूर्तिबृहन्तौ तु भ्रातरौ सात्वतं युधि । द्रोणायाभिमुखं यान्तं शरैस्तीक्ष्णैस्ततक्षतु:,क्षेमधूर्ति और बृहन्त--ये दोनों भाई युद्धमें द्रोणाचार्यके सामने जाते हुए सात्यकिको अपने पैने बाणोंद्वारा घायल करने लगे

Sañjaya said: In the battle, the two brothers Kṣemadhūrti and Bṛhant struck Sātyaki with sharp arrows as he advanced facing Droṇa. The scene underscores how, amid the press of war, even a warrior moving with a clear objective—confronting a revered teacher—must endure sudden assaults from lesser-known fighters, revealing the relentless, morally complex momentum of combat.

Verse 48

तयोस्तस्य च तद्‌ युद्धमत्यद्भुतमिवाभवत्‌ । सिंहस्य द्विपमुख्याभ्यां प्रभिन्नाभ्यां यथा वने

Sañjaya said: The battle between those two and that warrior appeared utterly wondrous—like a lion’s encounter in the forest with two foremost elephants, both in full musth. The simile underscores the awe and peril of heroic combat, where prowess is measured not only by force but by steadfastness amid overwhelming opposition.

Verse 49

जैसे वनमें दो मदस्रावी गजराजोंके साथ एक सिंहका युद्ध हो रहा हो, उसी प्रकार उन दोनों भाइयों तथा सात्यकिका युद्ध अत्यन्त अद्भुत-सा हो रहा था ।। राजानं तु तथम्बष्ठमेकं युद्धाभिनन्दिनम्‌ । चेदिराज: शरानस्यन्‌ क्रुद्धो द्रोणादवारयत्‌,युद्धका अभिनन्दन करनेवाले राजा अम्बष्ठको क्रोधमें भरे हुए चेदिराजने बाणोंकी वर्षा करते हुए द्रोणाचार्यके पास आनेसे रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: As though, in a forest, a single lion were locked in combat with two rut-maddened lordly elephants, so too the battle between those two brothers and Sātyaki became astonishing to behold. Meanwhile, the king of Cedi, enraged, showered arrows and checked King Ambastha—who delighted in battle—preventing him from reaching Droṇa.

Verse 50

ततोअसम्बष्ठोडस्थिभेदिन्या निरभिद्यच्छलाकया । स त्यक्त्वा सशरं चापं रथाद्‌ भूमिमुपागमत्‌,तब अम्बष्ठने हड्डियोंको छेद देनेवाली शलाकाद्वारा चेदिराजको विदीर्ण कर दिया। वे बाणसहित धनुषको त्यागकर रथसे पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़े

Sañjaya said: Then, with a bone-splitting iron dart (śalākā), he pierced the king of Cedi. Struck down, the Cedi ruler let go of his bow along with the arrow and fell from his chariot to the earth.

Verse 51

वार्थक्षेमिं तु वा्ष्णेयं कृप: शारद्वत: शरै: । अक्षुद्र: क्षुद्रकैदोणात्‌ क्रुद्धसबज-्पजमवारयत्‌,शरद्वानके पुत्र श्रेष्ठ कृपाचार्यने क्रोधमें भरे हुए वृष्णिवंशी वार्थक्षेमिको अपने बाणोंद्वारा द्रोणाचार्यके पास आनेसे रोका

Sañjaya said: Then Kṛpa Śāradvata—undaunted and resolute—checked Vārthakṣemi of the Vṛṣṇi line with a shower of arrows. In wrath amid the clash of arms, he prevented him from reaching Droṇa.

Verse 52

युध्यन्तौ कृपवार्ष्णेयौ येडपश्यंश्रित्रयोधिनौ । ते युद्धासक्तमनसो नानयां बुबुधिरे क्रियाम्‌,कृपाचार्य और वृष्णिवंशी वीर वार्थक्षेमि विचित्र रीतिसे युद्ध करनेवाले थे। जिन लोगोंने उन दोनोंको युद्ध करते देखा, उनका मन उसीमें आसक्त हो गया। उन्हें दूसरी किसी क्रियाका भान नहीं रहा

Sañjaya said: Those who watched Kṛpa and the Vārṣṇeya warrior locked in combat—both skilled fighters with weapons—found their minds seized by the spectacle of battle. Absorbed in the clash, they became unaware of any other action or duty around them.

Verse 53

सौमदत्तिस्तु राजानं मणिमन्तमतन्द्रितम्‌ । पर्यवारयदायान्तं यशो द्रोणस्य वर्धयन्‌,सोमदत्तकुमार भूरिश्रवाने द्रोणाचार्यका यश बढ़ाते हुए उनपर आक्रमण करनेवाले आलस्यरहित राजा मणिमान्‌को रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: The son of Somadatta—ever alert—checked King Maṇimān as he advanced to attack, thereby enhancing Droṇa’s renown. In the fierce ethics of battle, this act shows vigilant protection of one’s commander and the disciplined duty of a warrior to obstruct an onrushing foe.

Verse 54

स सैमदत्तेस्त्वरितश्रित्रेष्वसनकेतने । पुनः पताकां सूतं च छत्र॑ं चापातयद्‌ रथात्‌,तब उन्होंने तुरंत ही शूरिश्रवाके विचित्र धनुष, ध्वजा-पताका, सारथि और छत्रको रथसे काट गिराया

Sañjaya said: Swiftly he struck down from Saimadatti’s chariot—whose bow was variegated and whose banner bore a distinctive emblem—the flag, the charioteer, and the royal parasol, casting them from the car.

Verse 55

अथाप्लुत्य रथात्‌ तूर्ण यूपकेतुरमित्रहा । साश्व॒सूतध्वजरथं तं चकर्त वरासिना,यह देख यूपके चिह्नसे सुशोभित ध्वजवाले शत्रुसूदन भूरिश्रवाने तुरंत ही रथसे कूदकर लंबी तलवारसे घोड़े, सारथि, ध्वज एवं रथसहित राजा मणिमान्‌को काट डाला

Sañjaya said: Then, leaping down swiftly from his chariot, the enemy-slayer Yūpaketu cut down that warrior together with his horses, charioteer, banner, and chariot, using a splendid sword.

Verse 56

रथं च स्वं समास्थाय धनुरादाय चापरम्‌ | स्वयं यच्छन्‌ हयान्‌ राजन्‌ व्यधमत्‌ पाण्डवीं चमूम्‌,राजन! तत्पश्चात्‌ भूरिश्रवा अपने रथपर बैठकर स्वयं ही घोड़ोंकों काबूमें रखता हुआ दूसरा धनुष हाथमें ले पाण्डव-सेनाका संहार करने लगा

Sañjaya said: Mounting his own chariot and taking up another bow, Bhūriśravā—personally restraining the horses, O King—began to strike down the Pāṇḍava host.

Verse 57

पाण्ड्यमिन्द्रमिवायान्तमसुरान्‌ प्रति दुर्जयम्‌ । समर्थ: सायकौचैन वृषसेनो न्‍्यवारयत्‌,जैसे इन्द्र असुरोंपर आक्रमण करते हैं, उसी प्रकार द्रोणाचार्यपर धावा करनेवाले दुर्जय वीर पाण्ड्यको शक्तिशाली वीर वृषसेनने अपने सायकसमूहसे रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: As Indra advances against the Asuras, so did the unconquerable Pāṇḍya rush forward; but the capable Vṛṣasena checked him with a dense volley of arrows.

Verse 58

गदापरिघनिस्त्रिंशपट्टिशायोघनोपलै: । कडड्रैर्भुशुण्डीभि: प्रासैस्तोमरसायकै:,तत्पश्चात्‌ गदा, परिघ, खड़्ग, पट्टिश, लोहेके घन, पत्थर, कडंगर, भुशुण्डि, प्रास, तोमर, सायक, मुसल, मुदगर, चक्र, भिन्दिपाल, फरसा, धूल, हवा, अग्नि, जल, भस्म, मिट्टीके ढेले, तिनके तथा वृक्षोंसे कौरव-सेनाको पीड़ा देता, शत्रुओंका अंग-भंग करता, तोड़ता-फोड़ता, मारता-भगाता, फेंकता एवं सारी सेनाको भयभीत करता हुआ घटोत्कच वहाँ ट्रोणाचार्यको पकड़नेके लिये आया

Sañjaya said: “With maces and iron bars, with swords and battle-axes, with heavy iron hammers and stones, and with clubs, bhuśuṇḍī-missiles, spears, tomara-javelins, and arrows—hurling and striking with these—Ghaṭotkaca tormented the Kaurava host. He shattered the limbs of his foes, broke their formations, slew and routed them, and cast terror through the entire army, as he advanced there with the aim of seizing Droṇācārya.”

Verse 59

मुसलैर्मुद्गरैश्वक्रैर्भिन्दिपालपर श्वथै: । पांसुवाताग्निसलिलैर्भस्मलोष्ठतृणद्रुमै:,तत्पश्चात्‌ गदा, परिघ, खड़्ग, पट्टिश, लोहेके घन, पत्थर, कडंगर, भुशुण्डि, प्रास, तोमर, सायक, मुसल, मुदगर, चक्र, भिन्दिपाल, फरसा, धूल, हवा, अग्नि, जल, भस्म, मिट्टीके ढेले, तिनके तथा वृक्षोंसे कौरव-सेनाको पीड़ा देता, शत्रुओंका अंग-भंग करता, तोड़ता-फोड़ता, मारता-भगाता, फेंकता एवं सारी सेनाको भयभीत करता हुआ घटोत्कच वहाँ ट्रोणाचार्यको पकड़नेके लिये आया

Sañjaya said: With clubs and mallets, with discus-weapons, with bhindipālas and battle-axes; with dust, wind, fire, and water; and with ashes, clods of earth, blades of grass, and even trees—Ghaṭotkaca tormented the Kaurava host. Shattering the limbs of his foes and throwing the army into panic, he advanced there with the intent to seize Droṇācārya.

Verse 60

आतुदन्‌ प्ररुजन्‌ भज्जन्‌ निध्नन्‌ विद्रावयन्‌ क्षिपन्‌ | सेनां विभीषयन्नायाद्‌ द्रौणप्रेप्सुर्घटोत्कच:,तत्पश्चात्‌ गदा, परिघ, खड़्ग, पट्टिश, लोहेके घन, पत्थर, कडंगर, भुशुण्डि, प्रास, तोमर, सायक, मुसल, मुदगर, चक्र, भिन्दिपाल, फरसा, धूल, हवा, अग्नि, जल, भस्म, मिट्टीके ढेले, तिनके तथा वृक्षोंसे कौरव-सेनाको पीड़ा देता, शत्रुओंका अंग-भंग करता, तोड़ता-फोड़ता, मारता-भगाता, फेंकता एवं सारी सेनाको भयभीत करता हुआ घटोत्कच वहाँ ट्रोणाचार्यको पकड़नेके लिये आया

Sañjaya said: Ghaṭotkaca advanced, intent on seizing Droṇa’s son. Striking, crushing, shattering, killing, routing, and hurling men about, he spread terror through the army. In the ethical atmosphere of the war, his onrush embodies the escalation of violence—fear as a weapon and force as a means to break the enemy’s will—while remaining bound to the battlefield’s grim code of defeating the opposing host.

Verse 61

तं तु नानाप्रहरणैर्नानायुद्धविशेषणै: । राक्षसं राक्षस: क्रुद्ध: समाजघ्ने हुलम्बुष:

Sañjaya said: Enraged, the rākṣasa Hulambuṣa struck down that rākṣasa with a variety of weapons and diverse modes of combat. The scene underscores the war’s brutal reciprocity—wrath answering wrath—where prowess and rage, rather than restraint, drive the encounter.

Verse 62

उस समय उस राक्षसको क्रोधमें भरे हुए अलम्बुष नामक राक्षसने ही अनेकानेक युद्धोंमें उपयोगी नाना प्रकारके अस्त्र-शस्त्रोंद्वारा गहरी चोट पहुँचायी ।। तयोस्तदभवद्‌ युद्ध रक्षोग्रामणिमुख्ययो: । तादृग्‌ यादृक्‌ पुरावृत्तं शम्बरामरराजयो:,उन दोनों श्रेष्ठ राक्षसयूथपतियोंमें वैसा ही युद्ध हुआ, जैसा कि पूर्वकालमें शम्बरासुर तथा देवराज इन्द्रमें हुआ था

Sañjaya said: At that time, the rākṣasa named Alambuṣa, filled with wrath, dealt that rākṣasa deep blows with many kinds of weapons fit for war. Between those two foremost leaders of the rākṣasa hosts, a battle arose like the famed combat of old between Śambara the asura and Indra, the king of the gods—fierce, evenly matched, and driven by wrath and prowess amid the moral darkness of war.

Verse 63

(भारद्वाजस्तु सेनानयं धृष्टद्युम्नं महारथम्‌ । तमेव राजन्नायान्तमतिक्रम्य परान्‌ रिपून्‌ ।। महता शरजालेन किरन्तं शत्रुवाहिनीम्‌ । अवारयन्महाराज सामात्यं सपदानुगम्‌ ।। महाराज! भरद्वाजनन्दन द्रोणाचार्यने देखा कि पाण्डव-सेनापति महारथी धूृष्टद्युम्न दूसरे शत्रुओंको लाँधकर अपने मन्त्रियों तथा सेवकोंसहित मेरी ही ओर आ रहा है और शत्रुसेनापर बाणोंका भारी जाल-सा बिखेर रहा है, तब उन्होंने स्वयं आगे बढ़कर उसे रोका। अथान्ये पार्थिवा राजन्‌ बहुत्वान्नातिकीर्तिता: । समसज्जन्त सर्वे ते यथायोगं यथाबलम्‌ ।। राजन! इसी प्रकार अन्य सब राजा भी अपने बल और साधनोंके अनुसार शत्रुओंके साथ भिड़ गये। उनकी संख्या बहुत होनेके कारण सबके नामोंका उल्लेख नहीं किया गया है। हयैहयांस्तथा जग्मु: कुञ्जरैरेव कुञ्जरा: । पदातय: पदातीभी रथैरेव महारथा: ।। अकुर्वन्नार्यकर्माणि तत्रैव पुरुषर्षभा: । कुलवीर्यानुरूपाणि संसृष्टा श्न॒ परस्परम्‌ ।।) घोड़ोंसे घोड़े, हाथियोंसे हाथी, पैदलोंसे पैदल तथा बड़े-बड़े रथोंसे महान्‌ रथ जूझ रहे थे। उस युद्धमें पुरुष-शिरोमणि वीर अपने कुल और पराक्रमके अनुरूप एक-दूसरेसे भिड़कर आर्यजनोचित कर्म कर रहे थे। एवं द्वन्द्शशतान्यासन्‌ रथवारणवाजिनाम्‌ । पदातीनां च भद्रं ते तव तेषां च संकुले,महाराज! आपका कल्याण हो। इस प्रकार आपके और पाण्डवोंके उस भयंकर संग्राममें रथ, हाथी, घोड़ों और पैदल सैनिकोंके सैकड़ों द्वद्दध आपसमें युद्ध कर रहे थे

Sañjaya said: O King, Bhāradvāja’s son (Droṇa) saw the great chariot-warrior Dhṛṣṭadyumna—having overleapt other foes—coming straight toward him with ministers and attendants, showering the enemy host with a vast net of arrows. Then Droṇa himself advanced and checked him. Likewise, O King, many other rulers—too numerous to name—engaged their opponents, each according to his means and strength. Horses met horses, elephants met elephants, foot-soldiers met foot-soldiers, and great chariot-fighters met great chariot-fighters. There, the best of men, locked together, performed deeds deemed fitting for the noble—acts in keeping with their lineage and valor. Thus, in that dense and dreadful clash between your forces and the Pāṇḍavas’, hundreds of paired combats arose among chariots, elephants, horses, and infantry; may it be well with you.

Verse 64

नैतादृशो दृष्टपूर्व: संग्रामो नैव च श्रुतः । द्रोणस्याभावभावे तु प्रसक्तानां यथाभवत्‌,द्रोणाचार्यके वध और संरक्षणमें लगे हुए पाण्डव तथा कौरव-सैनिकोंमें जैसा संग्राम हुआ था, ऐसा पहले कभी न तो देखा गया है और न सुना ही गया है

Sañjaya said: Such a battle has never been seen before, nor even heard of. For when Droṇa’s very presence—or his absence—became the decisive factor, the fighting of those fully engaged (in slaying him or protecting him) unfolded in a manner unprecedented, as the Pāṇḍava and Kaurava warriors strove around Droṇācārya’s death and defense.

Verse 65

इदं घोरमिदं चित्रमिदं रौद्रमिति प्रभो । तत्र युद्धान्यदृश्यन्त प्रततानि बहूनि च,प्रभो! वहाँ भिन्न-भिन्न दलोंमें बहुत-से विस्तृत युद्ध दृष्टिगोचर हो रहे थे, जिन्हें देखकर दर्शक कहते थे “यह घोर युद्ध हो रहा है, यह विचित्र संग्राम दिखायी देता है और यह अत्यन्त भयंकर मारकाट हो रही है!

Sañjaya said: “O lord, there were seen there many battles spread out on every side. Onlookers, struck by what they witnessed, kept exclaiming: ‘This is dreadful; this is astonishing; this is fierce and blood-soaked!’”