Adhyaya 103

Verse 1

ऑपनआक्राता बछ। 2 शततमो< ध्याय: द्रौपदीके पाँचों पुत्रों और अभिमन्युका राक्षस हक इक षके साथ घोर युद्ध एवं अभिमन्युके द्वारा नष्ट होती हुई - सेनाका युद्धभूमिसे पलायन संजय उवाच अभिमन्यू रथोदार: पिशड्रैस्तुरगोत्तमै: । अभिदुद्राव तेजस्वी दुर्योधनबलं महत्‌,संजय कहते हैं--राजन! रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ तेजस्वी अभिमन्यु पिंगल वर्णवाले श्रेष्ठ घोड़ोंसे जुते हुए रथद्वारा दुर्योधनकी विशाल सेनापर टूट पड़ा

Sañjaya said: O King, the radiant Abhimanyu—foremost among chariot-warriors—mounted on a splendid chariot yoked with excellent tawny horses, charged straight at the vast host of Duryodhana. The scene underscores the warrior’s resolve to confront overwhelming force for the sake of his side’s duty, even when the odds are daunting.

Verse 2

विकिरञ्शरवर्षाणि वारिधारा इवाम्बुद: | न शेकुः समरे क्रुद्धं सौभद्रमरिसूदनम्‌,जैसे बादल जलकी धारा बरसाता है, उसी प्रकार वह बाणोंकी वृष्टि कर रहा था। जैसे वाराहरूपधारी भगवान्‌ विष्णुने महासागरमें प्रवेश किया था, उसी प्रकार शत्रुसूदन सुभद्राकुमार समरमें कुपित हो शस्त्रोंके प्रवाहसे युक्त कौरवोंके अक्षय सैन्यसमुद्रमें प्रवेश कर रहा था। कुरुनन्दन! उस समय आपके सैनिक उसे युद्धमें रोक न सके

Sañjaya said: “Scattering showers of arrows like a cloud pouring down streams of rain, the wrathful son of Subhadrā—slayer of foes—advanced in the battle. Your warriors, O descendant of Kuru, were unable to check him in combat.”

Verse 3

(क्रोडरूपं हरिमिव प्रविशन्तं महार्णवम्‌ ।) शस्त्रौधिणं गाहमानं सेनासागरमक्षयम्‌ । निवारयितुमप्याजौ त्वदीया: कुरुनन्दन,जैसे बादल जलकी धारा बरसाता है, उसी प्रकार वह बाणोंकी वृष्टि कर रहा था। जैसे वाराहरूपधारी भगवान्‌ विष्णुने महासागरमें प्रवेश किया था, उसी प्रकार शत्रुसूदन सुभद्राकुमार समरमें कुपित हो शस्त्रोंके प्रवाहसे युक्त कौरवोंके अक्षय सैन्यसमुद्रमें प्रवेश कर रहा था। कुरुनन्दन! उस समय आपके सैनिक उसे युद्धमें रोक न सके

Sañjaya said: Like Hari in the form of the Boar entering the great ocean, the slayer of foes—the son of Subhadrā—angered in battle, plunged into the seemingly inexhaustible ocean of the Kaurava host, driving forward amid a torrent of weapons. O delight of the Kurus, your soldiers could not restrain him on the battlefield.

Verse 4

तेन मुक्ता रणे राजज्शरा: शत्रुनिबर्हणा: । क्षत्रियाननयञ्शूरान्‌ प्रेतताजनिवेशनम्‌,राजन! रणक्षेत्रमें अभिमन्युके छोड़े हुए शत्रुनाशक बाणोंने बहुत-से शूरवीर क्षत्रियोंको यमराजके लोकमें पहुँचा दिया

Sañjaya said: O King, the enemy-destroying arrows released in battle led many valiant Kṣatriya warriors to the abode of the Lord of the departed (Yama)—that is, they were slain and sent to the realm of death. The verse underscores the grim moral weight of war: prowess and duty on the battlefield culminate in irreversible loss of life.

Verse 5

यमदण्डोपमान्‌ घोसग्ज्वलिताशीविषोपमान्‌ | सौभद्र: समरे क्रुद्ध: प्रेषयामाससायकान्‌,सुभद्राकुमार समरांगणमें क़ुद्ध होकर यमदण्डके समान घोर तथा प्रज्वलित मुखवाले विषधर सर्पोके समान भयंकर सायकोंका प्रहार कर रहा था

Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, the son of Subhadrā—his wrath fully aroused—kept launching arrows that were dreadful like Yama’s rod of punishment, and terrifying like venomous serpents with flaming mouths. The verse underscores the moral gravity of war: martial prowess here is portrayed as an instrument of inexorable retribution, where anger and duty converge on the battlefield’s harsh necessity.

Verse 6

सरथान्‌ रथिनस्तूर्ण हयांश्नैव ससादिन: । गजारोहांश्व सगजान्‌ दारयामास फाल्गुनि:,अर्जुनकुमारने रथोंसहित रथियों, सवारोंसहित घोड़ों और हाथियोंसहित गजारोहियोंको तुरंत ही विदीर्ण कर डाला

Sañjaya said: Then Phālguni (Arjuna) swiftly tore through the chariot-warriors along with their chariots, the horses together with their riders, and the elephant-riders together with their elephants—an intense depiction of battlefield prowess where martial skill is exercised without hesitation amid the grim ethics of war.

Verse 7

तस्य तत्‌ कुर्वतः कर्म महत्‌ संख्ये महीभूत: । पूजयांचक्रिरे हृष्टा: प्रशशंसुश्व फाल्गुनिम्‌,युद्धमें ऐसा महान्‌ पराक्रम करते हुए अभिमन्यु और उसके कर्मकी सभी राजाओंने प्रसन्न होकर भूरि-भूरि प्रशंसा की

Sañjaya said: As he performed that deed—displaying great prowess in the battle—the kings, delighted at heart, honored him and repeatedly praised Phālguni (Arjuna). The scene underscores how extraordinary valor in a righteous cause wins public acclaim and strengthens morale amid the ethical strain of war.

Verse 8

तान्यनीकानि सौभद्रो द्रावयामास भारत । तूलराशीनिवाकाशे मारुत: सर्वतो दिशम्‌,७. ईूँ ् ३ | 2-48 भारत! जैसे हवा रूईके ढेरको आकाशभमें उड़ा देती है, उसी प्रकार सुभद्राकुमारने सम्पूर्ण सेनाओंको चारों दिशाओंमें भगा दिया

Sañjaya said: O Bhārata, the son of Subhadrā routed those battle-formations, scattering the troops in every direction—just as the wind whirls up heaps of cotton into the sky. The image underscores how, in the fury of war, disciplined ranks can be undone in a moment by superior force and momentum.

Verse 9

तेन विद्राव्यमाणानि तव सैन्यानि भारत । त्रातारं नाध्यगच्छन्त पड़्के मग्ना इव द्विपा:,भरतनन्दन! अभिमन्युके द्वारा खदेड़ी जाती हुई आपकी सेनाएँ कीचड़में फँसे हुए हाथियोंके समान किसीको अपना रक्षक न पा सकी

Sañjaya said: Driven into flight by him, your troops, O Bhārata, could find no protector—like elephants sunk in mire, unable to gain firm ground. The image underscores the moral and strategic collapse of an army that has lost guidance and refuge amid the pressure of battle.

Verse 10

विद्राव्य सर्वसैन्यानि तावकानि नरोत्तम | अभिमन्यु: स्थितो राजन विधूमो 5ग्निरिव ज्वलन्‌,नरश्रेष्ठू आपकी सम्पूर्ण सेनाओंको खदेड़कर अभिमन्यु धूमरहित अग्निकी भाँति प्रकाशित हो रहा था

Sanjaya said: O best of men, after routing all your forces, Abhimanyu stood firm, O King, blazing like a smokeless fire. The image underscores a warrior’s disciplined valor—power that is clear, focused, and unclouded—manifesting as righteous prowess amid the chaos of war.

Verse 11

न चैनं तावका राजन्‌ विषेहुररिघातिनम्‌ | प्रदीप्तं पावक॑ यद्धत्‌ पतड़ा: कालचोदिता:,राजन्‌! आपके सैनिक शत्रुघाती अभिमन्युका वेग नहीं सह सके। जैसे कालप्रेरित फतिंगे प्रजजलित अग्निकी आँच नहीं सह पाते (उसीमें झुलसकर मर जाते हैं), वही दशा आपके सैनिकोंकी थी

Sañjaya said: O King, your warriors could not withstand him—Abhimanyu, the slayer of foes. Just as moths, driven by fate, cannot endure a blazing fire and perish in its heat, so too were your troops overcome before his fierce onslaught.

Verse 12

प्रहरन्‌ सर्वशत्रुभ्य: पाण्डवानां महारथ: । अदृश्यत महेष्वास: सवज्र इव वासव:,सम्पूर्ण शत्रुओंपर प्रहार करता हुआ पाण्डव-महारथी महाधनुर्धर अभिमन्यु वज्रधारी इन्द्रके समान दृष्टिगोचर हो रहा था

Sañjaya said: Striking at all the enemies, the great chariot-warrior of the Pāṇḍavas—the mighty archer—appeared like Vāsava (Indra) himself bearing the thunderbolt. The verse highlights Abhimanyu’s fearless, duty-driven prowess in battle, presenting martial excellence as an expression of kṣatriya-dharma amid the moral gravity of war.

Verse 13

हेमपृष्ठं धनुश्चास्य ददृशे विचरद्‌ दिशः । तोयदेषु यथा राजन्‌ राजमाना शतह्ृददा,राजन्‌! अभिमन्युके धनुषका पृष्ठभाग सुवर्णसे जटित था, वह सम्पूर्ण दिशाओंमें विचरण करता हुआ बादलोंमें चमकनेवाली बिजलीके समान सुशोभित होता था

Sañjaya said: “O King, I beheld his bow, gold-backed and radiant, moving through all directions. It shone like lightning flashing amid rain-clouds—an image of martial splendor that heightens the awe and moral tension of battle, where brilliance and prowess are set against the tragic cost of war.”

Verse 14

शराश्ष निशिता: पीता निश्चरन्ति सम संयुगे | वनात्‌ फुल्लद्रुमाद्‌ राजन्‌ भ्रमराणामिव व्रजा:,युद्धके मैदानमें उसके धनुषसे तीखे और चमचमाते बाण इस प्रकार छूटते थे, मानो विकसित वृक्षावलियोंसे भरे हुए वनप्रान्तसे भ्रमरोंके समूह निकल रहे हों

Sañjaya said: In the thick of that even-matched battle, sharp, gleaming arrows kept streaming forth from his bow. O King, they poured out like swarms of bees issuing from a woodland filled with trees in full bloom—an image that heightens the awe of martial prowess while reminding us that war, though orderly in its own grim rhythm, unleashes forces as unstoppable as nature itself.

Verse 15

तथैव चरतस्तस्य सौभद्रस्य महात्मन: । रथेन काज्चनाड्रेन ददृशुर्नान्तरं जना:,महामना सुभद्राकुमार अभिमन्यु सुवर्णमय रथके द्वारा पूर्ववत्‌ रणभूमिमें विचरता रहा; लोगोंने उसकी गतिमें कोई अन्तर नहीं देखा

Sañjaya said: “Even as before, that great-souled son of Subhadrā continued to range about the battlefield; and the people perceived no slackening or interval at all in his movement, as he rode on his richly golden chariot.”

Verse 16

मोहयित्वा कृपं द्रोणं द्रौणिं च सबूहदूबलम्‌ | सैन्धवं च महेष्वासो व्यचरल्लघु सुष्ठ च,महाधनुर्धर अभिमन्यु कृपाचार्य, द्रोणाचार्य, अश्वत्थामा, बृहदबल और सिन्धुराज जयद्रथ--सबको मोहित करके सुन्दर और शीघ्र गतिसे सब ओर विचरता रहा

Sañjaya said: Having bewildered Kṛpa, Droṇa, Droṇa’s son (Aśvatthāmā), and Bṛhadbala, and also the Sindhu king Jayadratha, the great archer moved about on all sides—swiftly and with striking grace. The verse highlights Abhimanyu’s extraordinary martial skill: he does not merely strike, but confounds seasoned elders and renowned warriors, revealing both the brilliance and the peril of youthful heroism amid a war where dharma is tested by strategy and force.

Verse 17

मण्डलीकृतमेवास्य धनु: पश्याम भारत । सूर्यममण्डलसंकाशं दहतस्तव वाहिनीम्‌,भारत! आपकी सेनाको भस्म करते हुए उस अभिमन्युके धनुषको हम सदा सूर्यमण्डलके सदृश मण्डलाकार हुआ ही देखते थे फिर अत्यन्त उतावलीके साथ रोषावेशमें भरे हुए उस महाबली राक्षसने कुपित हो उन महामनस्वी पाँचों भाइयोंके घोड़ों और सारथियोंको भी मार डाला

Sañjaya said: “O Bhārata, I see his bow as if continually formed into a circle—radiant like the orb of the sun—while it burns through your army.”

Verse 18

त॑ दृष्टवा क्षत्रिया: शूरा: प्रतपन्तं तरस्विनम्‌ । द्विफाल्गुनमिमं लोक॑ मेनिरे तस्य कर्मभि:,सबको संताप देते हुए उस वेगशाली वीरको देखकर समस्त शूरवीर क्षत्रिय उसके कर्मोद्वारा यह मानने लगे कि इस लोकमें दो अर्जुन हो गये हैं

Sañjaya said: Seeing that swift and mighty hero blazing with martial ardor and afflicting the enemy, the valiant kṣatriyas, judging by his deeds, came to think that in this world there were now two Arjunas.

Verse 19

तेनादिता महाराज भारती सा महाचमू: । व्यभ्रमत्‌ तत्र तत्रैव योषिन्मदवशादिव,महाराज! अभिमन्युसे पीड़ित हुई भरतवंशियोंकी वह विशाल सेना मदोन्मत्त युवतीकी भाँति वहीं चक्कर काट रही थी

Sañjaya said: O King, struck and thrown into confusion by him, that vast army of the Bharatas reeled about there and there, circling on the very spot—like a woman intoxicated and overpowered by passion—under the pressure of Abhimanyu’s assault. The image underscores how loss of self-command in war leads to disorder and vulnerability, while disciplined prowess can rout even a great host.

Verse 20

द्रावयित्वा महासैन्यं कम्पयित्वा महारथान्‌ । नन्दयामास सुहृदो मयं जित्वेव वासव:,मयासुरपर विजय पानेवाले इन्द्रकी भाँति अभिमन्युने उस विशाल सेनाको भगाकर, महारथियोंको कँपाकर अपने सुहृदोंको आनन्दित किया

Sañjaya said: Having routed the vast host and made the great chariot-warriors tremble, Abhimanyu gladdened his well-wishers—like Indra (Vāsava) after conquering the demon Maya. The verse highlights how valor in battle, when aligned with one’s duty to protect one’s side, becomes a source of morale and righteous confidence for allies.

Verse 21

तेन विद्राव्यमाणानि तव सैन्यानि संयुगे । चक्कुरार्तस्वनं घोरं पर्जन्यनिनदोपमम्‌,उसके द्वारा युद्धमें खदेड़े हुए आपके सैनिक मेघोंकी गर्जनाके समान घोर आर्तनाद करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Driven into flight by him in the thick of battle, your troops raised a dreadful cry of distress—like the thunderous roar of rain-bearing clouds—signaling fear, disorder, and the moral pressure that war’s violence brings upon an army when its resolve breaks.

Verse 22

त॑ श्रुत्वा निनदं घोरं तव सैन्यस्थ भारत । मारुतोद्धूतवेगस्य सागरस्येव पर्वणि,भरतवंशी नरेश! पूर्णिमाके दिन वायुके थपेड़ोंसे उद्वेलित हुए समुद्रकी गर्जनाके समान आपकी सेनाका वह भयंकर चीत्कार सुनकर उस समय दुर्योधनने राक्षस ऋष्यशंगपुत्र अलम्बुषसे इस प्रकार कहा--“महाबाहो! यह अर्जुनका पुत्र द्वितीय अर्जुनके समान पराक्रमी है

Sanjaya said: Hearing that dreadful roar arising within your army, O Bharata, it sounded like the thunderous surge of the ocean when its waters are driven into violent motion by the wind at the time of the full-moon tide. In that moment, Duryodhana, stirred by the tumult of battle, addressed Alambusha—the rakshasa, son of Ṛśyaśṛṅga—about the prowess of Arjuna’s son, likening him to a second Arjuna.

Verse 23

दुर्योधनस्तदा राजजन्नार्ष्पशृद्धिमभाषत । एष कार्ष्णिमहाबाहो द्वितीय इव फाल्गुन:,भरतवंशी नरेश! पूर्णिमाके दिन वायुके थपेड़ोंसे उद्वेलित हुए समुद्रकी गर्जनाके समान आपकी सेनाका वह भयंकर चीत्कार सुनकर उस समय दुर्योधनने राक्षस ऋष्यशंगपुत्र अलम्बुषसे इस प्रकार कहा--“महाबाहो! यह अर्जुनका पुत्र द्वितीय अर्जुनके समान पराक्रमी है

Sañjaya said: O King, at that time Duryodhana addressed Alambuṣa, the son of Ṛśyaśṛṅga, saying: “O mighty-armed one, this Kārṣṇi is like a second Phālguna (Arjuna).” In the surrounding battle context, the remark highlights how the Kaurava side recognizes the formidable prowess of Kṛṣṇa’s descendant fighting with Arjuna-like valor, intensifying the ethical tension of war where kin and allies are appraised chiefly by martial capability.

Verse 24

चमूं द्रावयते क्रोधाद्‌ वृत्रो देवचमूमिव । तस्य चान्यन्न पश्यामि संयुगे भेषजं महत्‌

Sañjaya said: “In his wrath he routs the army, just as Vṛtra once scattered the host of the gods. And for him, in the press of battle, I see no other great remedy.”

Verse 25

स गत्वा त्वरितं वीरं॑ जहि सौभद्रमाहवे

Sañjaya said: “Having gone there swiftly, O hero, strike down Saubhadra in the battle.” The line conveys the ruthless urgency of war-counsel, where tactical advantage is pursued even against a renowned and valiant opponent, raising the ethical tension between kṣatriya duty and the excesses of battlefield expediency.

Verse 26

स एवमुक्तो बलवान राक्षसेन्द्र: प्रतापवान्‌,आपके पुत्र दुर्योधनके ऐसा कहनेपर उसकी आज्ञासे बलवान्‌ एवं प्रतापी राक्षसराज अलम्बुष तुरंत ही वर्षाकालके मेघकी भाँति जोर-जोरसे गर्जना करता हुआ समरभूमिमें गया

Sanjaya said: Thus addressed, the mighty and valorous lord of the Rakshasas—Alambusha—on hearing Duryodhana’s words and acting under his command, immediately went to the battlefield, roaring loudly like a monsoon cloud. The passage underscores how power, when yoked to another’s will, can be swiftly turned toward violence in war.

Verse 27

प्रययौ समरे तूर्ण तव पुत्रस्य शासनात्‌ । नर्दमानो महानादं प्रावृषीव बलाहक:,आपके पुत्र दुर्योधनके ऐसा कहनेपर उसकी आज्ञासे बलवान्‌ एवं प्रतापी राक्षसराज अलम्बुष तुरंत ही वर्षाकालके मेघकी भाँति जोर-जोरसे गर्जना करता हुआ समरभूमिमें गया

Sañjaya said: At the command of your son, he hastened at once into the battle. Roaring with a mighty, thunderous cry—like a rain-cloud in the monsoon—Alambuṣa advanced onto the field, embodying the warlike resolve that follows obedience to a leader’s order, regardless of the moral weight of the conflict.

Verse 28

तस्य शब्देन महता पाण्डवानां बल॑ महत्‌ | प्राचलत्‌ सर्वतो राजन वातोद्धूत इवार्णव:,राजन! उसके महान्‌ गर्जनसे वायुसे विक्षुब्ध हुए समुद्रके समान पाण्डवोंकी विशाल सेनामें सब ओर हलचल मच गयी

Sañjaya said: At the force of that tremendous roar, O King, the vast army of the Pāṇḍavas was shaken on every side—like the ocean churned and heaved by a driving wind. The verse underscores how sound and display in war can unsettle even a great host, testing steadiness and discipline amid fear and confusion.

Verse 29

बहवश्न महाराज तस्य नादेन भीषिता: । प्रियान्‌ प्राणान्‌ परित्यज्य निपेतुर्धरणीतले

Sañjaya said: “O King, many warriors, terrified by that thunderous roar, abandoned their dearly held lives and fell down upon the earth.”

Verse 30

महाराज! उसके सिंहनादसे भयभीत हो बहुत-से सैनिक अपने प्यारे प्राणोंको त्यागकर पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़े ।। कार्ष्णिश्नापि मुदा युक्त: प्रगृह् सशरं धनुः । नृत्यन्निव रथोपस्थे तद्‌ रक्ष: समुपाद्रवत्‌,अभिमन्यु भी हर्ष और उत्साहमें भरकर हाथमें धनुष-बाण लिये रथकी बैठकमें नृत्य- सा करता हुआ उस राक्षसकी ओर दौड़ा

Sañjaya said: “O King, terrified by that lion-like roar, many soldiers abandoned their dear lives and fell upon the earth. Kārṣṇi too, filled with joy and high spirits, grasped his bow with an arrow fitted; as if dancing upon the chariot-seat, he rushed straight at that rākṣasa.”

Verse 31

ततः स राक्षस: क्रुद्ध: सम्प्राप्यैवार्जुनिं रणे । नातिदूरे स्थितां तस्य द्रावयामास वै चमूम्‌,तत्पश्चात्‌ क्रोधमें भरा हुआ वह राक्षस युद्धमें अभिमन्युके समीप पहुँचकर पास ही खड़ी हुई उसकी सेनाको भगाने लगा

Sañjaya said: Then that rākṣasa, inflamed with anger, having come up to Arjuna’s son in the battle, began to drive away his army that stood not far from him. The scene underscores how wrath on the battlefield turns into immediate aggression, scattering troops and intensifying the moral pressure upon warriors to hold their ground with discipline rather than be ruled by rage.

Verse 32

तां वध्यमानां च तथा पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्‌ । प्रत्युद्ययौ रणे रक्षो देवसेनां यथा बल:,इस प्रकार पीड़ित हुई पाण्डवोंकी विशाल वाहिनीपर उस राक्षसने युद्धमें उसी प्रकार धावा किया, जैसे बल नामक दैत्यने देवसेनापर आक्रमण किया था

Sañjaya said: As the great host of the Pāṇḍavas was being grievously assailed, that Rākṣasa surged forward in battle against it—just as Bala, the Daitya, once charged upon the army of the gods. The comparison underscores the terrifying, almost cosmic scale of the onslaught, where brute force and fury momentarily eclipse restraint, testing the warriors’ steadfastness to duty amid chaos.

Verse 33

विमर्द: सुमहानासीत्‌ तस्य सैन्यस्य मारिष । रक्षसा घोररूपेण वध्यमानस्य संयुगे,आर्य! युद्धस्थलमें भयंकर राक्षसके द्वारा मारी जाती हुई उस सेनाका महान्‌ संहार होने लगा

Sanjaya said: “O venerable one, a very great melee arose in that army. As it was being cut down in the battle by a dreadful, fearsome-looking rākṣasa, a massive slaughter began on the field.”

Verse 34

ततः शरसहसैस्तां पाण्डवानां महाचमूम्‌ । व्यद्रावयद्‌ रणे रक्षो दर्शयन्‌ स्वपराक्रमम्‌,उस समय राक्षसने अपना पराक्रम दिखाते हुए रणक्षेत्रमें सहस्रों बाणोंद्वारा पाण्डवोंकी उस विशाल सेनाको खदेड़ना आरम्भ किया

Sañjaya said: Then, in the thick of battle, the rākṣasa—displaying his own prowess—began to drive that vast army of the Pāṇḍavas into flight with thousands of arrows. The scene underscores how martial power, when unrestrained by dharma, can turn the battlefield into panic and disorder, testing the steadiness and duty of warriors on the righteous side.

Verse 35

सा वध्यमाना च तथा पाण्डवानामनीकिनी । रक्षसा घोररूपेण प्रदुद्राव रणे भयात्‌,उस घोर राक्षसके द्वारा उस प्रकार मारी जाती हुई वह पाण्डवसेना भयके मारे रणभूमिसे भाग चली

Sañjaya said: Thus, as the Pāṇḍavas’ army was being struck down by that dreadful, fearsome-looking rākṣasa, it fled from the battlefield in terror. The verse underscores how fear can overwhelm even a righteous host when confronted by overwhelming and uncanny violence, revealing the moral strain that war imposes on courage and resolve.

Verse 36

प्रमृद्य च रणे सेनां पद्मिनीं वारणो यथा । ततोऊभिदुद्राव रणे द्रौपदेयान्‌ू महाबलान्‌,जैसे हाथी कमलमण्डित सरोवरको मथ डालता है, उसी प्रकार रणभूमिमें पाण्डवसेनाको रौंदकर अलम्बुषने महाबली द्रौपदीपुत्रोंपर धावा किया

Sañjaya said: Having trampled the army in battle—like an elephant churning and crushing a lotus-filled pond—Alambuṣa then charged on the mighty sons of Draupadī in the thick of the fight. The simile underscores the ruthless momentum of war, where strength and fury can overwhelm even disciplined ranks, pressing the listener to reflect on the tragic cost of kṣatriya conflict.

Verse 37

तेतु क्रुद्धा महेष्वासा द्रौपदेया: प्रहारिण: । राक्षसं दुद्रुवु: संख्ये ग्रहा: पडच रविं यथा,द्रौपदीके पाँचों पुत्र महान्‌ धनुर्धर तथा प्रहार करनेमें कुशल थे। उन्होंने संग्रामभूमिमें कुपित हो उस राक्षसपर उसी प्रकार धावा किया, मानो पाँच ग्रह सूर्यदेवपर आक्रमण कर रहे हों

Sañjaya said: Then the five sons of Draupadī—mighty archers and skilled in striking—rushed in fury upon that rākṣasa on the battlefield, just as five planets might surge to assail the Sun. The image underscores their united resolve and disciplined valor: righteous anger, when harnessed to protect and confront wrongdoing in war, becomes a focused force rather than mere rage.

Verse 38

वीर्यवद्धिस्ततस्तैस्तु पीडितो राक्षसोत्तम: । यथा युगक्षये घोरे चन्द्रमा: पञ्चभिरग्रहै:

Sañjaya said: Thus harried and pressed hard by those mighty warriors, the foremost of the Rākṣasas was overwhelmed—like the moon at the dreadful end of an age, when it is seized and afflicted by five grahas. The image underscores how even the powerful, when assailed by many forces at once, can be brought under crushing pressure in the moral chaos of war.

Verse 39

उस समय उन पराक्रमी द्रौपदीपुत्रोंद्वारा वह श्रेष्ठ राक्षस उसी प्रकार पीड़ित होने लगा, जैसे भयानक प्रलयकाल आनेपर चन्द्रमा पाँच ग्रहोंद्वारा पीड़ित होते हैं ।। प्रतिविन्ध्यस्ततो रक्षो बिभेद निशितै: शरै: । सर्वपारशवैस्तूर्णैरकुण्ठाग्रैर्महाबल:,तत्पश्चात्‌ महाबली प्रतिविन्ध्यने पूर्णतः लोहेके बने हुए अप्रतिहत धारवाले शीघ्रगामी तीखे बाणोंद्वारा उस राक्षसको विदीर्ण कर डाला

Sañjaya said: Then that foremost rākṣasa began to be sorely harried by the mighty sons of Draupadī—like the moon oppressed by five planets when the dreadful time of cosmic dissolution draws near. Thereafter the powerful Prativindhya swiftly tore the rākṣasa apart with sharp arrows, striking from every side—iron-hard, unblunted at the tip, and irresistible in their force—showing how, in war, disciplined valor and united effort can overwhelm even a terrifying foe.

Verse 40

स तैभिन्नतनुत्राण: शुशुभे राक्षसोत्तम: । मरीचिभिरिवार्कस्य संस्यूतो जलदो महान्‌,वे बाण उसके कवचको छेदकर शरीरमें धँस गये। उनके द्वारा राक्षसराज अलम्बुषकी वैसी ही शोभा हुई, मानो महान्‌ मेघ सूर्यकी किरणोंसे ओतप्रोत हो रहा हो

Sañjaya said: With his armour pierced through by those arrows, the foremost of the Rākṣasas shone all the more—like a great rain-cloud suffused with the sun’s rays. The verse heightens the battlefield ethic of kṣātra-vīrya: even when wounded and exposed, the warrior’s presence can appear formidable, turning injury into a grim splendour rather than a cause for retreat.

Verse 41

विषक्तै: स शरैश्वापि तपनीयपरिच्छदै: । आर्ष्यशृद्िर्बभौ राजन्‌ दीप्तशुड्र इवाचल:,राजन! शरीरमें धँसे हुए उन सुवर्णभूषित बाणों-द्वारा राक्षत अलम्बुष चमकीले शिखरोंवाले पर्वतकी भाँति सुशोभित हुआ

Sañjaya said: O King, pierced all over by arrows adorned with gold, the rākṣasa Alambuṣa shone forth—like a mountain whose peaks are blazing—his body bristling with shafts. The image underscores the grim splendor of battle: even in violence, the warrior’s endurance and the visible marks of combat become a stark emblem of the war’s inexorable momentum and the cost borne by embodied beings.

Verse 42

ततस्ते भ्रातर: पड्च राक्षसेन्द्रं महाहवे । विव्यधुर्निशितैर्बाणैस्तपनीयवि भूषितै:,तदनन्तर उन पाँचों भाइयोंने उस महासमरमें सुवर्णभूषित तीक्ष्ण बाणोंद्वारा राक्षसराज अलम्बुषको क्षत-विक्षत कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then those five brothers, in that great battle, pierced the lord of the Rākṣasas with sharp arrows adorned with gold, grievously wounding him. The scene underscores the relentless momentum of war: even a formidable foe is met with coordinated force, where martial skill and unity become decisive amid the harsh demands of kṣatriya-duty.

Verse 43

स निर्भिन्न: शरैघेरिर्भुजगै: कोपितैरिव । अलम्बुषो भृशं राजन्‌ नागेन्द्र इव चुक़रुधे,राजन! क्रोधमें भरे हुए सर्पोके समान उन घोर सायकोंद्वारा अत्यन्त घायल हुआ अलम्बुष अंकुशविद्ध गजराजकी भाँति कुपित हो उठा

Sañjaya said: “O King, Alambuṣa—pierced and grievously wounded by those terrible arrows, like one attacked by enraged serpents—flared up in wrath, like a lordly elephant goaded by the hook. Thus, in the heat of battle, injury kindled fury, driving him to retaliate rather than withdraw.”

Verse 44

सो&तिविद्धो महाराज मुहूर्तमथ मारिष । प्रविवेश तमो दीर्घ पीडितस्तैर्महारथै:,महाराज! उन महारथियोंके बाणोंसे अत्यन्त आहत और पीड़ित हो अलम्बुष दो घड़ीतक भारी मोह (मूर्च्छा)-में डूबा रहा

Sañjaya said: O King, when Alambuṣa was struck again and again by the arrows of those great chariot-warriors and grievously tormented, he sank for a while into deep darkness—overcome by stupor and loss of consciousness. The scene underscores how, in war, even renowned fighters are reduced by pain and shock, and how the body’s limits interrupt pride and prowess.

Verse 45

प्रतिलभ्य तत: संज्ञां क्रोधेन द्विगुणीकृत: । चिच्छेद सायकांस्तेषां ध्वजांश्वैव धनूंषि च,तदनन्तर होशमें आकर वह दूने क्रोधसे जल उठा। फिर उसने उनके सायकों, ध्वजों और धनुषोंके टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर डाले

Sañjaya said: Regaining consciousness, he flared up with anger doubled. Then, in a swift display of martial mastery, he cut to pieces their arrows, their standards, and their bows—an act that signals how wrath, once rekindled, can turn skill into sheer destructive force on the battlefield.

Verse 46

एकैकं पञ्चभिर्बाणैराजघान स्मयतन्निव | अलनम्बुषो रथोपस्थे नृत्यन्निव महारथ:,इसके बाद रथकी बैठकमें नृत्य-सा करते हुए महारथी अलम्बुषने मुसकराते हुए उनमेंसे एक-एकको पाँच-पाँच बाणोंद्वारा घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Smiling as though in sport, the great chariot-warrior Alambusha struck them—each one—with five arrows. Then, standing on the chariot-platform, he moved as if dancing, displaying the confident, showy prowess that often marks the frenzy and pride of battle.

Verse 47

त्वरमाण: सुसंरब्धो हयांस्तेषां महात्मनाम्‌ । जघान राक्षस: क्रुद्ध: सारथींश्व महाबल:

Sañjaya said: Rushing forward in fierce agitation, the enraged Rākṣasa—mighty in strength—struck down the horses of those noble warriors, and their charioteers as well. The episode underscores how, in the frenzy of battle, violence can turn strategic and indiscriminate, targeting not only combatants but also the supports of war—mounts and drivers—thereby intensifying chaos and suffering.

Verse 48

बिभेद च सुसंरब्ध: पुनश्नैनान्‌ सुसंशितै: । शरैरबहुविधाकारै: शतशो5थ सहस्रश:,इसके बाद पुनः कुपित हो भाँति-भाँतिके सैकड़ों और हजारों तीखे बाणोंद्वारा उन सबको गहरी चोट पहुँचायी

Sanjaya said: Enraged and pressing the attack again, he pierced them once more with keen, well-honed arrows of many kindshundreds, indeed thousandsinflicting deep wounds. The scene underscores how wrath, once unleashed in war, multiplies violence and suffering, even as each side pursues victory as its chosen duty.

Verse 49

विरथांश्व महेष्वासान्‌ कृत्वा तत्र स राक्षस: । अभिदुद्राव वेगेन हन्तुकामो निशाचर:,उन महाथनुर्धर वीरोंको रथहीन करके युद्धमें उन्हें मार डालनेकी इच्छासे निशाचर अलम्बुषने बड़े वेगसे उनपर धावा किया

Sañjaya said: Having there deprived the great bowmen of their chariots and horses, that rākṣasa—Alambuṣa, the night-roamer—rushed upon them with great speed, intent on killing them in the battle. The verse underscores the ruthless, adharma-leaning tactic of disabling warriors’ means of combat in order to slaughter them.

Verse 50

तानर्दितान्‌ रणे तेन राक्षसेन दुरात्मना | दृष्टवार्जुनसुत: संख्ये राक्षसं समुपाद्रवत्‌,उन पाँचों भाइयोंको रणक्षेत्रमें दुरात्मा राक्षसके द्वारा अत्यन्त पीड़ित देख अर्जुनकुमार अभिमन्युने पुन: उसके ऊपर आक्रमण किया

Sañjaya said: Seeing those brothers grievously harassed in the battlefield by that wicked Rākṣasa, Arjuna’s son (Abhimanyu) in the thick of combat again rushed forward and assailed the Rākṣasa—moved by the warrior’s duty to protect his own and to check cruelty amid war.

Verse 51

तयो: समभवद्‌ युद्ध वृत्रवासवयोरिव । ददृशुस्तावका: सर्वे पाण्डवाश्न महारथा:,फिर उन दोनोंमें वृत्रासुर और इन्द्रके समान भयंकर युद्ध होने लगा। आपके और पाण्डवपक्षके सभी महारथी उस युद्धको देखने लगे

Sañjaya said: Between those two, a battle arose as dreadful as that between Vṛtra and Vāsava (Indra). All the great chariot-warriors on your side, and the Pāṇḍavas as well, stood watching that combat.

Verse 52

तौ समेतौ महायुद्धे क्रोधदीप्तौ परस्परम्‌ । महाबलौ महाराज क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनौ

Sañjaya said: O great king, the two met in that mighty battle, each blazing with anger against the other—both of immense strength, their eyes reddened by wrath. The verse underscores how unchecked krodha (anger) intensifies conflict and clouds discernment even among the powerful.

Verse 53

परस्परमवेक्षेतां कालानलसमौ युधि । तयो: समागमो घोरो बभूव कटुकोदय:

Sañjaya said: In the midst of battle, the two kept looking at one another, like Death and the all-consuming fire. Their meeting was dreadful, and it rose like a bitter, ominous turning-point—foretelling harsh consequences born of war’s fury.

Verse 54

यथा देवासुरे युद्धे शक्रशम्बरयो: पुरा

Sañjaya said: “Just as in ancient times, in the war between the gods and the asuras, there was the famed battle between Śakra and Śambara…”

Verse 99

इस प्रकार श्रीमह्याभारत भीष्मपर्वके अन्तर्गत भीष्मवधपर्वमें परस्पर व्यूढ-रचनाके पश्चात्‌ उत्पातदर्शनविषयक निन्‍यानबेवाँ अध्याय पूरा हुआ

Sañjaya said: Thus, in the Śrī Mahābhārata, within the Bhīṣma Parva—specifically in the section concerning the slaying of Bhīṣma—after the opposing armies had arranged themselves in counter-formations, the ninety-ninth chapter, dealing with the sighting of ominous portents, is concluded.

Verse 100

महाराज! उस महायुद्धमें क्रोधसे उद्दीप्त हो आँखें लाल-लाल करके एक-दूसरेसे भिड़े हुए वे दोनों महाबली वीर युद्धमें काल और अग्निके समान परस्पर देखने लगे। उनका वह घोर संग्राम अत्यन्त कटु परिणामको प्रकट करनेवाला था। पूर्वकालमें देवासुर-संग्रामके अवसरपर इन्द्र और शम्बरासुरमें जैसा भयंकर युद्ध हुआ था, वैसा ही उनमें भी हुआ ।। ५२ -५४ || इति श्रीमहाभारते भीष्मपर्वणि भीष्मवधपर्वणि अलम्बुषाभिमन्युसमागमे शततमो<ध्याय:

Sanjaya said: O King, in that great battle, those two mighty heroes—eyes reddened and blazing with anger—closed with one another and looked upon each other like Death and Fire embodied. Their dreadful combat foretold a bitter outcome. It was as terrifying as the ancient clash between Indra and the asura Śambara during the war of gods and demons.

Verse 246

ऋते त्वां राक्षसश्रेष्ठ सर्वविद्यासु पारगम्‌ । जैसे वृत्रासुर देवताओंकी सेनाको मार भगाता था, उसी प्रकार वह भी क्रोधपूर्वक मेरी सेनाको खदेड़ रहा है। मैं युद्धस्थलमें सम्पूर्ण विद्याओंके पारंगत तथा राक्षसोंमें सर्वश्रेष्ठ तुम-जैसे वीरको छोड़कर दूसरे किसीको ऐसा नहीं देखता, जो उस रोगकी सबसे उत्तम दवा हो सके

Sanjaya said: “Except for you—best of the Rākṣasas, accomplished in every branch of knowledge—I see no one else. Just as Vṛtrāsura once drove the armies of the gods into rout, so this warrior too, in wrath, is driving my forces back. On this battlefield, leaving aside a hero like you—supremely eminent among the Rākṣasas and fully trained in all arts—I do not perceive anyone who could serve as the finest remedy for this ‘disease’ that has seized the army.”

Verse 256

वयं पार्थ हनिष्यामो भीष्मद्रोणपुरोगमा: । “अतः तुम तुरंत जाकर युद्धके मैदानमें वीर सुभद्राकुमारका वध करो और हमलोग भीष्म तथा द्रोणाचार्यको आगे करके अर्जुनको मार डालेंगे!

Sanjaya said: “O Partha, with Bhishma and Drona leading our forces, we shall slay you.” The line conveys the Kaurava side’s hardened resolve to pursue victory through the might of revered elders, highlighting the moral tension of war where strategic ambition overrides reverence and kinship.