Adhyaya 94

Verse 1

अपन बछ। हक २ >> द्विनवतितमो< ध्याय: अर्जुनका द्रोणाचार्य और कृतवर्माके साथ युद्ध करते | है कौरव-सेनामें प्रवेश तथा श्रुतायुधका अपनी गदासे सुदक्षिणका अर्जुनद्वारा वध संजय उवाच संनिरुद्धस्तु तैः पार्थो महाबलपराक्रम: । द्रुतं समनुयातश्न द्रोणेन रथिनां वर:,संजय कहते हैं--रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ एवं महान्‌ बल और पराक्रमसे सम्पन्न अर्जुन जब उन कौरव सैनिकोंद्वारा रोक दिये गये, उस समय द्रोणाचार्यने भी तुरंत ही उनका पीछा किया

Sañjaya said: When Pārtha (Arjuna)—endowed with mighty strength and heroic prowess—was checked by those Kaurava warriors, Droṇa, the foremost among chariot-fighters, swiftly pursued him as well. The verse frames the battlefield not merely as a clash of arms but as a test of resolve: Arjuna’s advance is obstructed, and the teacher-warrior Droṇa responds with immediate, disciplined pursuit, intensifying the moral and strategic pressure of the war.

Verse 2

किरन्निषुगणांस्तीक्ष्णान्‌ स रश्मीनिव भास्कर: । तापयामास तत्‌ सैन्यं देहं व्याधिगणो यथा,जैसे रोगोंका समुदाय शरीरको संतप्त कर देता है, उसी प्रकार अर्जुनने कौरवोंकी उस सेनाको अत्यन्त संताप दिया। जैसे सूर्य अपनी प्रचण्ड किरणोंका प्रसार करते हैं, उसी प्रकार वे तीखे बाणसमूहोंकी वर्षा करने लगे

Sañjaya said: “Pouring forth volleys of sharp arrows, like the Sun sending out its rays, he scorched that army—just as a host of diseases torments and burns the body.” The verse frames Arjuna’s assault as overwhelming and inescapable, emphasizing the harsh, bodily cost of war while keeping the narrative focus on the irresistible force of a righteous warrior’s prowess in battle.

Verse 3

अश्वो विद्धो रथश्छिन्न: सारोह: पातितो गज: । छत्राणि चापविद्धानि रथाश्षक्रैविना कृता:,उन्होंने घोड़ोंको घायल कर दिया, रथके टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर डाले, गजारोहियोंसहित हाथीको मार गिराया, छत्र इधर-उधर बिखेर दिये तथा रथोंको पहियोंसे सूना कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Horses were struck down, chariots were shattered, and elephants—along with their riders—were felled. Umbrellas were knocked away and scattered, and the chariots were left wheel-less, rendered useless on the battlefield. The verse paints the ruthless efficiency of war, where the instruments of royal honor and protection (like the parasol) are reduced to debris, and martial skill is measured by disabling mobility and breaking formations rather than by ceremony.

Verse 4

विद्रुतानि च सैन्यानि शरारतानि समन्ततः । इत्यासीत्‌ तुमुल॑ युद्ध न प्राज्ायत किज्चन,उनके बाणोंसे पीड़ित होकर सारे सैनिक सब ओर भाग चले। वहाँ इस प्रकार भयंकर युद्ध हो रहा था कि किसीको कुछ भी भान नहीं हो रहा था

Sañjaya said: Struck by the arrows, the troops fled in all directions. Such was the tumult of that dreadful battle that nothing could be clearly discerned by anyone—confusion and panic overwhelmed all sense and judgment amid the violence.

Verse 5

तेषां संयच्छतां संख्ये परस्परमजिह्ागै: । अर्जुनो ध्वजिनीं राजन्नभी क्ष्णं समकम्पयत्‌,राजन! उस युद्धस्थलमें कौरव-सैनिक एक-दूसरेको काबूमें रखनेका प्रयत्न करते थे और अर्जुन अपने बाणोंद्वारा उनकी सेनाको बारंबार कम्पित कर रहे थे

Sañjaya said: As those warriors strove in the press of battle to restrain and steady one another, Arjuna, O King, again and again shook the Kaurava host—making their ranks tremble under the relentless force of his arrows. The scene underscores how, amid the moral strain of war, discipline and cohesion become a form of duty, even as superior prowess can repeatedly unsettle an army’s resolve.

Verse 6

सत्यां चिकीर्षमाणस्तु प्रतिज्ञां सत्यसंगर: । अभ्यद्रवद्‌ रथश्रेष्ठ शोणाश्र श्वेतवाहन:,सत्यप्रतिज्ञ श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनने अपनी प्रतिज्ञा सच्ची करनेकी इच्छासे लाल घोड़ोंवाले रथियोंमें श्रेष्ठ द्रोणाचार्यपर धावा किया

Sañjaya said: Intent on making his vow come true, Arjuna—steadfast in truth and firm in battle—charged forward. That foremost of chariot-warriors, riding a chariot drawn by white steeds with reddish hue, rushed straight at Droṇācārya, driven by the ethical resolve to keep his pledged word even amid the violence of war.

Verse 7

त॑ द्रोण: पञ्चविंशत्या मर्मभिद्धिरजिद्मगै: । अन्तेवासिनमाचार्यों महेष्वासं समार्पयत्‌,उस समय आचार्य द्रोणने अपने महाधनुर्धर शिष्य अर्जुनको पचीस मर्मभेदी बाणोंद्वारा घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then Droṇa, the preceptor, struck his own disciple—the great archer Arjuna—with twenty-five vital-piercing arrows, pressing the battle to its harshest edge. In this moment the war’s moral tension sharpens: the teacher, bound to his side’s duty, turns formidable skill against the very student he once trained, showing how dharma in war can force painful conflicts of loyalty.

Verse 8

त॑ तूर्णमिव बीभत्सु: सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वर: । अभ्यधावदिषूनस्यन्निषुवेगविघातकान्‌,तब सम्पूर्ण शस्त्रधारियोंमें श्रेष्ठ अर्जुनने भी तुरंत ही उनके बाणोंके वेगका विनाश करनेवाले भल्‍्लोंका प्रहार करते हुए उनपर आक्रमण किया

Sañjaya said: Then Arjuna—Bībhatsu, the foremost among all wielders of weapons—rushed at him as if in a flash, shooting sharp arrows that shattered the force of the enemy’s shafts. In the harsh ethic of battle, he answers attack with disciplined counter-force, aiming not at rage but at neutralizing the opponent’s momentum.

Verse 9

तस्याशुक्षिप्तान्‌ भल्लान्‌ हि भल्लै: संनतपर्वभि: | प्रत्यविध्यदमेयात्मा ब्रह्मास्त्रं समुदीरयन्‌,अमेय आत्मबलसे सम्पन्न द्रोणाचार्यने अर्जुनके तुरंत चलाये हुए उन भल्‍ल्लोंको झुकी हुई गाँठवाले भल्लोंद्वारा ही काट दिया और ब्रह्मास्त्र प्रकट किया

Sañjaya said: Drona, whose spirit was unfathomable, instantly countered the bhalla-arrows that Arjuna had swiftly discharged—cutting them down with his own bhallas fitted with bent joints—and, escalating the contest, he invoked the Brahmāstra. The scene underscores how, in the heat of righteous war, mastery and restraint contend with the peril of resorting to supreme weapons whose use carries grave moral weight.

Verse 10

तदद्भुतमपश्याम द्रोणस्याचार्यकं॑ युधि । यतमानो युवा नैनं प्रत्यविध्यद्‌ यदर्जुन:,उस युद्धस्थलमें द्रोणाचार्यकी अद्भुत अस्त्रशिक्षा हमने देखी कि नवयुवक अर्जुन प्रयत्नशील होनेपर भी उन्हें अपने बाणोंद्वारा चोट न पहुँचा सके

Sañjaya said: We witnessed something truly astonishing on the battlefield—the masterly prowess of Droṇa as a teacher in war. Though the young Arjuna strove with all his might, he could not strike him with his arrows. The scene reveals the formidable power of disciplined training and mastery, and also the ethical tension of war where even the most righteous and capable warrior may be checked by a revered elder’s skill.

Verse 11

क्षरत्रिव महामेघो वारिधारा: सहस्रश: । द्रोणमेघ: पार्थशैलं ववर्ष शरवृष्टिभि:,जैसे महान्‌ मेघ झलकी सहमसौरों धाराएँ बरसाता रहता है, उसी प्रकार द्रोणाचार्यरूपी मेघने अर्जुनरूपी पर्वतपर बाणोंकी वर्षा प्रारम्भ कर दी

Sañjaya said: As a great cloud pours down thousands of streams of rain without pause, so did Droṇa—like a cloud in battle—begin to shower Arjuna, the mountain-like Pārtha, with a relentless downpour of arrows. The image underscores the impersonal force of war: mastery and duty expressed through overwhelming martial skill, even when directed against the noblest of opponents.

Verse 12

अर्जुन: शरवर्ष तद्‌ ब्रह्मास्त्रेणेव मारिष । प्रतिजग्राह तेजस्वी बाणैर्बाणान्‌ निशातयन्‌,पूजनीय नरेश! उस समय अपने बाणोंद्वारा उनके बाणोंको काटते हुए तेजस्वी अर्जुनने भी ब्रह्मास्त्रद्वारा ही आचार्यकी उस बाण-वर्षाको रोका

Sañjaya said: O venerable one, the radiant Arjuna received and checked that shower of arrows as though with the Brahmāstra itself, sharply cutting down arrow after arrow with his own shafts. In the heat of battle, he answers the teacher’s overwhelming assault not with panic or cruelty, but with disciplined mastery—meeting force with measured counter-force, mindful of the grave responsibility that attends the use of divine weapons.

Verse 13

द्रोणस्तु पठ्चविंशत्या श्वेतवाहनमार्दयत्‌ । वासुदेवं च सप्तत्या बाह्वोरुगसि चाशुगै:,तब द्रोणाचार्यने पचीस बाण मारकर श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनको पीड़ित कर दिया। साथ ही श्रीकृष्णकी भुजाओं तथा वक्ष:स्थलमें भी उन्होंने सत्तर बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: Droṇa struck down and sorely harassed Arjuna, the rider of the white steeds, with twenty-five arrows. He also pierced Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa) with seventy swift shafts, wounding his arms and chest—showing the fierce, unsparing intensity of battle even against the charioteer who guides dharma through counsel rather than weapons.

Verse 14

पार्थस्तु प्रहसन्‌ धीमानाचार्य सशरौधिणम्‌ | विसृजन्तं शितान्‌ बाणानवारयत त॑ युधि,परम बुद्धिमान्‌ अर्जुनने हँसते हुए ही युद्धस्थलमें तीखे बाणोंकी बौछार करनेवाले द्रोणाचार्यको उनकी बाण-वर्षासहित रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: Then Pārtha—clear-minded and supremely discerning—smiled as he checked the Teacher, Droṇācārya, who was unleashing a dense shower of razor-sharp arrows. In the midst of battle, Arjuna restrained that very onrush of missiles, meeting force with mastery rather than fear.

Verse 15

अथ तौ वध्यमानौ तु द्रोणेन रथसत्तमौ । आवर्जयेतां दुर्धर्ष युगान्ताग्निमिवोत्थितम्‌,तदनन्तर द्रोणाचार्यके द्वारा घायल किये जाते हुए वे दोनों रथिश्रेष्ठ श्रीकृष्ण और अर्जुन उस समय प्रलयकालकी अग्निके समान उठे हुए उन दुर्धर्ष आचार्यको छोड़कर अन्यत्र चल दिये

Verse 16

वर्जयन्‌ निशितान्‌ बाणान्‌ द्रोणचापविनि:सृतान्‌ । किरीटमाली कौन्तेयो भोजानीकं व्यशातयत्‌,द्रोणाचार्यके धनुषसे छूटे हुए तीखे बाणोंका निवारण करते हुए किरीटधारी कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुनने कृतवर्माकी सेनाका संहार आरम्भ किया

Sañjaya said: As he warded off the sharp arrows released from Droṇa’s bow, the diadem-crowned son of Kuntī—Arjuna—began to cut down the Bhoja host, initiating the destruction of Kṛtavarmā’s forces. The verse highlights disciplined martial restraint: defense against a revered teacher’s assault, coupled with decisive action against the opposing army in the grim demands of war.

Verse 17

सो<न्‍्तरा कृतवर्माणं काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम्‌ । अभ्ययाद्‌ वर्जयन्‌ द्रोणं मैनाकमिव पर्वतम्‌,वे मैनाक पर्वतकी भाँति अविचल भावसे स्थित द्रोणाचार्यको छोड़ते हुए कृतवर्मा तथा काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिणके बीचसे होकर निकले

Sañjaya said: Passing between Kṛtavarmā and Sudakṣiṇa of Kāmboja, he advanced—deliberately avoiding Droṇācārya, who stood firm and unshaken like Mount Maināka. The verse highlights a tactical choice shaped by prudence: rather than courting needless destruction by confronting an immovable master, the warrior seeks a path that preserves purpose amid the chaos of war.

Verse 18

ततो भोजो नरव्याप्रो दुर्धर्ष कुरुसत्तमम्‌ | अविध्यत्‌ तूर्णमव्यग्रो दशभि: कड्कपत्रिभि:,तब पुरुषसिंह कृतवर्माने कुरुकुलके श्रेष्ठ एवं दुर्धर्ष वीर अर्जुनको कंकपत्रयुक्त दस बाणोंद्वारा तुरंत ही घायल कर दिया। उस समय उसके मनमें तनिक भी व्यग्रता नहीं हुई

Sañjaya said: Then Kṛtavarmā of the Bhoja line—lion-like among men, hard to withstand—swiftly struck the foremost of the Kurus (Arjuna) with ten arrows fitted with heron-feathers. Even as he wounded him, his mind showed no agitation, revealing the warrior’s steadiness amid the fierce demands of battle.

Verse 19

तमर्जुन: शतेनाजौ राजन्‌ विव्याध पत्रिणाम्‌ | पुनश्नान्यैस्त्रिभिर्बाणैमोहयजन्निव सात्वतम्‌,राजन! अर्जुनने कृतवर्माको उस युद्धस्थलमें सौ बाणोंद्वारा बींध डाला। फिर उसे मोहित-सा करते हुए उन्होंने तीन बाण और मारे

Sañjaya said: O King, in the midst of battle Arjuna pierced that warrior with a hundred feathered arrows. Then, as though bewildering the Sāttvata (Kṛtavarmā), O King, he struck him again with three more shafts—displaying mastery meant to check the foe without losing command amid the fury of war.

Verse 20

भोजस्तु प्रहसन्‌ पार्थ वासुदेवं॑ च माधवम्‌ । एकैकं पञ्चविंशत्या सायकानां समार्पयत्‌,तब कृतवर्माने भी हँसकर कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुन और मधुवंशी भगवान्‌ वासुदेवमेंसे प्रत्येकको पचीस-पचीस बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: Laughing aloud, Bhoja (Kṛtavarmā) shot at Pārtha (Arjuna) and at Vāsudeva Mādhava (Kṛṣṇa), striking each of them with twenty-five arrows. The moment underscores the hardening of hearts in battle—where mockery and bravado accompany violence, even against the charioteer who embodies restraint and counsel.

Verse 21

तस्यार्जुनो धनुश्कछित्त्वा विव्याधैनं त्रिसप्तभि: । शरैरग्निशिखाकारे: क्रुद्धाशीविषसंनिभै:,यह देख अर्जुनने उसके धनुषको काटकर क्रोधमें भरे हुए विषधर सर्पके समान भयंकर और आगकी लपटोंके समान तेजस्वी इक्कीस बाणोंद्वारा उसे भी घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Arjuna cut down his bow and then struck him with twenty-one arrows—blazing like tongues of fire and as dreadful as enraged venomous serpents—showing the relentless, skillful force of battle when a warrior’s resolve hardens in wrath.

Verse 22

अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय कृतवर्मा महारथ: । पज्चभि: सायकैस्तूर्ण विव्याधोरसि भारत

Sañjaya said: Then Kṛtavarmā, that great chariot-warrior, took up another bow and swiftly pierced him in the chest with five arrows, O Bhārata. The verse underscores the relentless momentum of battle—when a weapon fails or is set aside, the warrior immediately resumes his duty as he understands it, intensifying the violence without pause.

Verse 23

भारत! तब महारथी कृतवर्माने दूसरा धनुष लेकर तुरंत ही पाँच बाणोंसे अर्जुनकी छातीमें चोट पहुँचायी ।। पुनश्न निशितैर्बाणै: पार्थ विव्याध पठ्चभि: । त॑ पार्थो नवभिर्बाणैराजघान स्तनान्तरे,फिर पाँच तीखे बाण और मारकर अर्जुनको घायल कर दिया। यह देख अर्जुनने कृतवर्माकी छातीमें नौ बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: Again, with five sharp arrows, Kṛtavarman pierced Pārtha (Arjuna). Seeing this, Arjuna struck him in the region of the chest with nine arrows—an immediate counter in the relentless exchange of war, where prowess and restraint are tested amid the demands of duty on the battlefield.

Verse 24

दृष्टवा विषक्त कौन्तेयं कृतवर्मरथं प्रति । चिन्तयामास वार्ष्णेयो न न: कालात्ययो भवेत्‌,कुन्तीकुमार अर्जुनको कृतवर्माके रथसे उलझे हुए देखकर भगवान्‌ श्रीकृष्णने मन-ही- मन सोचा कि हमलोगोंका अधिक समय यहीं न व्यतीत हो जाय

Sañjaya said: Seeing Arjuna, son of Kuntī, locked in close engagement against the chariot of Kṛtavarmā, Kṛṣṇa of the Vṛṣṇi line reflected inwardly, “May we not lose too much time here.” The moment underscores the ethical urgency of right action in war: even valor must be guided by timely judgment and responsibility to the larger duty at hand.

Verse 25

ततः कृष्णो<ब्रवीत्‌ पार्थ कृतवर्मणि मा दयाम्‌ | कुरु सम्बन्धकं हित्वा प्रमथ्यैनं विशातय,तत्पश्चात्‌ श्रीकृष्णने अर्जुनसे कहा--“तुम कृतवर्मापर दया न करो। इस समय सम्बन्धी होनेका विचार छोड़कर इसे मथकर मार डालो”

Then Kṛṣṇa said to Pārtha (Arjuna): “Show no pity toward Kṛtavarman. Casting aside the thought of kinship and connection, crush him and kill him.” The verse frames a harsh wartime ethic: when a foe persists in grievous wrongdoing, personal ties are not to override the demands of justice and battlefield duty.

Verse 26

ततः स कृतवर्माणं मोहयित्वार्जुन: शरै: । अभ्यगाज्जवनैरश्वै:ः काम्बोजानामनीकिनीम्‌,तब अर्जुन अपने बाणोंद्वारा कृतवर्माको मूर्च्छिंत करके अपने वेगशाली घोड़ोंद्वारा काम्बोजोंकी सेनापर आक्रमण करने लगे

Sañjaya said: Then Arjuna, bewildering (and stunning) Kṛtavarmā with his arrows, swiftly advanced with his fast horses and fell upon the Kāmboja host. In the relentless ethics of battlefield duty, Arjuna neutralizes an immediate threat and turns at once to break the next enemy formation, pressing the momentum of war without pause.

Verse 27

अमर्षितस्तु हार्दिक्य: प्रविष्टे श्वेतवाहने । विधुन्वन्‌ सशरं चाप॑ पाञ्चाल्याभ्यां समागत:,श्वेतवाहन अर्जुनके व्यूहमें प्रवेश कर जानेपर कृतवर्माको बड़ा क्रोध हुआ। वह बाणसहित धनुषको हिलाता हुआ पांचालराजकुमार युधामन्यु और उत्तमौजासे भिड़ गया

Sañjaya said: Enraged at heart, Hārdikya (Kṛtavarmā), when Śvetavāhana (Arjuna) had entered the battle-formation, shook his bow already fitted with arrows and closed in to engage the two Pāñcāla warriors. The verse highlights how, amid the pressure of war, anger quickly turns into direct confrontation, testing restraint and righteous conduct on the battlefield.

Verse 28

चक्ररक्षौ तु पाञज्चाल्यावर्जुनस्य पदानुगौ | पर्यवारयदायान्तौ कृतवर्मा रथेषुभि:,वे दोनों पांचाल वीर अर्जुनके चक्ररक्षक होकर उनके पीछे-पीछे जा रहे थे। कृतवर्माने अपने रथ और बाणोंद्वारा वहाँ आते हुए उन दोनों वीरोंको रोक दिया

Sañjaya said: The two Pāñcāla warriors, serving as Arjuna’s wheel-guards and following close behind him, advanced on. Kṛtavarmā, however, checked those two as they came forward, opposing them with his chariot and volleys of arrows—an episode that highlights how, in war, even protective duty and loyal following are met by equally resolute resistance from the other side.

Verse 29

तावविध्यत्‌ ततो भोज: कृतवर्मा शितै: शरै: । त्रिभिरेव युधामन्युं चतुर्भि श्चोत्तमौजसम्‌,भोजवंशी कृतवर्माने अपने तीन तीखे बाणोंद्वारा युधामन्युको और चार बाणोंसे उत्तमौजाको घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then the Bhoja warrior Kṛtavarmā struck them with keen arrows—wounding Yudhāmanyu with three shafts and Uttamaujas with four. The report underscores the relentless precision of battle, where valor is measured in steadfastness amid injury and where the ethical weight of war lies in disciplined action rather than cruelty.

Verse 30

तावप्येनं विविधतुर्दशभिर्दशभि: शरैः । त्रिभिरेव युधामन्युरुत्तमौजास्त्रिभिस्तथा,तब उन दोनोंने भी कृतवर्माको दस-दस बाणोंसे बींध दिया। फिर युधामन्युने तीन और उत्तमौजाने भी तीन बाणोंद्वारा उसे चोट पहुँचायी

Sañjaya said: Those two also struck him in diverse ways with ten arrows each. Then Yudhāmanyu pierced him with three more, and Uttamaujā likewise with three. In the relentless press of battle, their measured volleys show disciplined resolve—warriors acting within their martial duty even as violence escalates through coordinated retaliation.

Verse 31

संचिच्छिदतुरप्यस्य ध्वजं कार्मुकमेव च । अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय हार्दिक्य: क्रोधमूर्च्छित:,साथ ही उन्होंने कृतवर्मेके ध्वज और धनुषको भी काट डाला। यह देख कृतवर्मा क्रोधसे मूर्च्छिंत हो उठा और उसने दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर उन दोनों वीरोंके धनुष काट दिये। तत्पश्चात्‌ वह उनपर बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगा। इसी तरह वे दोनों पांचाल वीर भी दूसरे धनुषोंपर डोरी चढ़ाकर भोजवंशी कृतवर्माको चोट पहुँचाने लगे

Sañjaya said: They cut down even his banner and his bow. Then Hārdikya (Kṛtavarmā), overcome by a surge of wrath, seized another bow—continuing the exchange of weapon-breaking and missile-showers that marks the ruthless momentum of battle, where pride and anger drive warriors to persist despite repeated losses of arms and insignia.

Verse 32

कृत्वा विधनुषौ वीरौ शरवर्षैरवाकिरत्‌ । तावन्ये धनुषी सज्ये कृत्वा भोजं विजघ्नतु:,साथ ही उन्होंने कृतवर्मेके ध्वज और धनुषको भी काट डाला। यह देख कृतवर्मा क्रोधसे मूर्च्छिंत हो उठा और उसने दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लेकर उन दोनों वीरोंके धनुष काट दिये। तत्पश्चात्‌ वह उनपर बाणोंकी वर्षा करने लगा। इसी तरह वे दोनों पांचाल वीर भी दूसरे धनुषोंपर डोरी चढ़ाकर भोजवंशी कृतवर्माको चोट पहुँचाने लगे

Sañjaya said: Having rendered those two heroes bowless, he showered them with a rain of arrows. Then, stringing other bows, the two struck at Bhoja (Kṛtavarmā) in return. The passage highlights the relentless reciprocity of battlefield violence: when weapons are cut down, combatants immediately rearm, and anger fuels escalation rather than restraint.

Verse 33

तेनान्तरेण बीभत्सुर्विवेशामित्रवाहिनीम्‌ । न लेभाते तु तौ द्वारं वारितौ कृतवर्मणा

Meanwhile, Bībhatsu (Arjuna) forced his way into the enemy host. Yet the two of them could not gain the gateway, for they were held back by Kṛtavarman—an image of how, in war, even rightful resolve meets deliberate resistance and must be tested by discipline and restraint.

Verse 34

अनीकान्यर्दयन्‌ युद्धे त्वरित: श्वेतवाहन:

Sañjaya said: In the thick of battle, the swift warrior with the white steeds pressed hard upon the opposing battle-formations, crushing and driving them back with urgent speed—an image of relentless martial momentum amid the moral weight of fratricidal war.

Verse 35

त॑ दृष्टवा तु तथा यान्तं शूरो राजा श्रुतायुध:

Sañjaya said: Seeing him advancing in that manner, the valiant king Śrutāyudha took note—his resolve hardening as the battle’s momentum pressed forward. The line underscores how, in war, a leader’s perception of an opponent’s movement can immediately shape intent and action, often tightening the grip of duty and vengeance over restraint.

Verse 36

स पार्थ त्रिभिरानर्छत्‌ सप्तत्या च जनार्दनम्‌

Sañjaya said: He struck Pārtha with three (arrows) and Janārdana with seventy—an act that underscores the ruthless arithmetic of battle, where prowess is measured in wounds inflicted rather than in righteousness, even as the presence of Kṛṣṇa beside Arjuna keeps the moral horizon of the war in view.

Verse 37

ततोडअर्जुनो नवत्या तु शराणां नतपर्वणाम्‌

Then Arjuna struck him with ninety arrows whose joints were bent—an intense, disciplined volley that displays the warrior’s trained restraint and precision amid the moral pressure of battle.

Verse 38

स तन्न ममृषे राजन्‌ पाण्डवेयस्य विक्रमम्‌

Sañjaya said: O King, he could not endure that display of valor by the son of the Pāṇḍus. Stung by the enemy’s prowess, his mind turned from restraint to retaliation—an inner shift that fuels the next surge of violence in the war.

Verse 39

तस्यार्जुनो धनुश्छित्त्वा शरावापं निकृत्य च

Sañjaya said: Arjuna, having cut down his bow and also severed the quiver of arrows, decisively stripped him of the means to continue the fight—an act that displays mastery in battle while aiming to neutralize rather than merely kill.

Verse 40

आजयपघानोरसि क्रुद्ध: सप्तभिननतपर्वभि: । तब अर्जुनने उनका धनुष काटकर उनके तरकशके भी टुकड़े-टुकड़े कर दिये। फिर कुपित हो झुकी हुई गाँठवाले सात बाणोंद्वारा उनकी छातीपर प्रहार किया ।। अथान्यद्‌ धनुरादाय स राजा क्रोधमूर्च्छित:

Sanjaya said: Arjuna cut down his bow and shattered his quivers as well. Then, in anger, he struck his opponent’s chest with seven arrows whose joints were split. After that, the king—overwhelmed by wrath—took up another bow, determined to continue the fight. The passage underscores how, in the heat of war, skill and retaliation can quickly be driven by anger, clouding judgment and intensifying violence.

Verse 41

ततोअर्जुन: स्मयन्नेव श्रुतायुधमरिंदम:

Sañjaya said: Then Arjuna, smiling, addressed Śrutāyudha—the subduer of foes—signaling calm confidence amid the violence of battle and a measured resolve rather than blind rage.

Verse 42

शरैरनेकसाहसै: पीडयामास भारत | भारत! यह देख शत्रुदमन अर्जुनने मुसकराते हुए ही श्रुतायुधको कई हजार बाण मारकर पीड़ित कर दिया ।। अश्वांश्वास्यावधीत्‌ तूर्ण सारथथिं च महारथ:

Sanjaya said: O Bharata, with many thousands of arrows he grievously harassed him. Seeing this, Arjuna—subduer of foes—still smiling, struck Śrutāyudha with several thousand shafts and tormented him. Then that great chariot-warrior swiftly slew his horses and the charioteer as well.

Verse 43

हताश्चं रथमुस्तृज्य स तु राजा श्रुतायुध:,अभ्यद्रवद्‌ रणे पार्थ गदामुद्यम्य वीर्यवान्‌ । घोड़ोंके, मारे जानेपर पराक्रमी राजा श्रुतायुध उस रथको छोड़कर हाथमें गदा ले समरांगणमें अर्जुनपर टूट पड़े

Sañjaya said: When his horses had been slain, the mighty king Śrutāyudha abandoned his chariot and, lifting his mace, charged in the midst of battle straight at Arjuna. The scene underscores the grim ethic of kṣatriya warfare: even when deprived of one’s means and advantage, a warrior-king is expected to press on with personal courage, though such resolve also deepens the tragedy of escalating violence.

Verse 44

।। वरुणस्यात्मजो वीर: स तु राजा श्रुतायुध:

Sañjaya said: That heroic king Śrutāyudha—born of Varuṇa—stood forth, marked by divine lineage and royal valor amid the moral strain of war.

Verse 45

तस्य माताब्रवीद्‌ राजन्‌ वरुण पुत्रकारणात्‌

Sañjaya said: O King, his mother spoke—because of Varuṇa, the cause behind the begetting of that son.

Verse 46

वरुण स्त्वब्रवीत्‌ प्रीतो ददाम्यस्मै वरं हितम्‌

Sañjaya said: Pleased, Varuṇa spoke, “I grant him a boon that will be for his welfare.” The line underscores a moral expectation in epic narrative: divine favor is not merely a reward, but is framed as something intended for the recipient’s true good (hita), not simply immediate power or advantage.

Verse 47

नास्ति चाप्यमरत्वं वै मनुष्यस्य कथंचन

Sañjaya said: “For a human being, there is truly no immortality—by any means whatsoever.”

Verse 48

दुर्धर्षस्त्वेष शत्रूणां रणेषु भविता सदा

Sañjaya said: “This one will always prove unassailable to his enemies in the battles.”

Verse 49

इत्युक्त्वा वरुण: प्रादाद्‌ गदां मन्त्रपुरस्कृताम्‌

Sañjaya said: Having spoken thus, Varuṇa bestowed a mace that was sanctified and empowered by sacred mantras—an act that signals divine authorization and the transfer of consecrated strength within the unfolding war narrative.

Verse 50

उवाच चैनं भगवान्‌ पुनरेव जलेश्वर:,गदा देकर भगवान्‌ वरुणने उनसे पुनः कहा--“वत्स! जो युद्ध न कर रहा हो, उसपर इस गदाका प्रहार न करना; अन्यथा यह तुम्हारे ऊपर ही आकर गिरेगी। शक्तिशाली पुत्र! यह गदा प्रतिकूल आचरण करनेवाले प्रयोक्ता पुरुषको भी मार सकती है”

Sañjaya said: Then the blessed Lord of the waters, Varuṇa, once again addressed him. Having bestowed the mace, Varuṇa warned: “My child, do not strike with this mace one who is not fighting; otherwise it will recoil and fall upon you. Mighty son, this mace has the power to slay even the very wielder who acts contrary to right conduct.”

Verse 51

अयुध्यति न मोक्तव्या सा त्वय्येव पतेदिति । हन्यादेषा प्रतीपं हि प्रयोक्तारमपि प्रभो,गदा देकर भगवान्‌ वरुणने उनसे पुनः कहा--“वत्स! जो युद्ध न कर रहा हो, उसपर इस गदाका प्रहार न करना; अन्यथा यह तुम्हारे ऊपर ही आकर गिरेगी। शक्तिशाली पुत्र! यह गदा प्रतिकूल आचरण करनेवाले प्रयोक्ता पुरुषको भी मार सकती है”

Sañjaya said: “This mace should not be hurled at one who is not fighting; otherwise it will fall back upon you yourself. Indeed, O lord, this mace can strike down even its wielder if he acts contrary to what is right.”

Verse 52

न चाकरोत्‌ स ठठद्दाक्यं प्राप्ते काले श्रुतायुध: । स तया वीरघातिन्या जनार्दनमताडयत्‌,परंतु काल आ जानेपर श्रुतायुधने वरुणदेवके उक्त आदेशका पालन नहीं किया। उन्होंने उस वीरघातिनी गदाके द्वारा भगवान्‌ श्रीकृष्णको चोट पहुँचायी

Sañjaya said: But when the decisive moment arrived, Śrutāyudha did not act in accordance with that instruction. Instead, wielding that hero-slaying mace, he struck Janārdana (Kṛṣṇa). The episode underscores how disregarding a divinely given restraint in the heat of war becomes an ethical lapse that invites ruin, even when one possesses formidable power.

Verse 53

प्रतिजग्राह तां कृष्ण: पीनेनांसेन वीर्यवान्‌ | नाकम्पयत शौरिं सा विन्ध्यं गिरिमिवानिल:,पराक्रमी श्रीकृष्णने अपने हृष्ट-पुष्ट कंधेपर उस गदाका आघात सह लिया। परंतु जैसे वायु विन्ध्यपर्वतको नहीं हिला सकती है, उसी प्रकार वह गदा श्रीकृष्णको कम्पित न कर सकी

Sañjaya said: Mighty Kṛṣṇa received that blow upon his broad, well-built shoulder. Yet the mace could not make Śauri tremble—just as the wind cannot shake the Vindhya mountain. The verse underscores steadfast courage and self-mastery amid violence: true strength is shown not merely in striking, but in remaining unshaken and protecting the righteous cause.

Verse 54

प्रत्युद्यान्ती तमेवैषा कृत्येव दुरधिष्ठिता । जघान चास्थितं वीरं श्रुतायुधममर्षणम्‌,जैसे दोषयुक्त आभिचारिक क्रियासे उत्पन्न हुई कृत्या उसका प्रयोग करनेवाले यजमानका ही नाश कर देती है, उसी प्रकार उस गदाने लौटकर वहाँ खड़े हुए अमर्षशील वीर श्रुतायुधको मार डाला

Verse 55

हत्वा श्रुतायुधं वीर॑ धरणीमन्वपद्यत । गदां निवर्तितां दृष्टवा निहतं च श्रुतायुधम्‌

Sañjaya said: Having slain the heroic Śrutāyudha, he fell down upon the earth. Seeing the mace turned back (from its course) and Śrutāyudha lying killed, the scene revealed the grim moral of battle: violence, once unleashed, can recoil upon its wielder, and even a valiant warrior is brought to the ground when the conditions of his weapon and conduct are violated.

Verse 56

स्वेनास्त्रेण हतं दृष्टवा श्रुतायुधमरिंदमम्‌,नरेश्वर! शत्रुदमन श्रुतायुधको अपने ही अस्त्रसे मारा गया देख यह बात ध्यानमें आयी कि श्रुतायुधने युद्ध न करनेवाले श्रीकृष्णपर गदा चलायी है। इसीलिये उस गदाने उन्हींका वध किया है

Sanjaya said: O king, seeing the enemy-subduing Śrutāyudha slain by his own weapon, it became clear why this had happened. He had hurled his mace at Śrī Kṛṣṇa, who was not fighting; therefore that very mace turned back upon him and became the cause of his death. The episode underscores the moral recoil of violence directed at one who stands outside the combat.

Verse 57

अयुध्यमानाय ततः केशवाय नराधिप । क्षिप्ता श्रुतायुधेनाथ तस्मात्‌ तमवधीद्‌ गदा,नरेश्वर! शत्रुदमन श्रुतायुधको अपने ही अस्त्रसे मारा गया देख यह बात ध्यानमें आयी कि श्रुतायुधने युद्ध न करनेवाले श्रीकृष्णपर गदा चलायी है। इसीलिये उस गदाने उन्हींका वध किया है

Sañjaya said: “O king, then Śrutāyudha hurled his mace at Keśava, who was not fighting. Because it was cast against one who had laid aside combat, that very mace turned back upon Śrutāyudha and killed him—thus the consequence of violating the rule of righteous warfare fell upon the transgressor himself.”

Verse 58

यथोक्तं वरुणेनाजी तथा स निधनं गत: । व्यसुश्चाप्पपतद्‌ भूमौ प्रेक्षतां सर्वधन्विनाम्‌,वरुणदेवने जैसा कहा था, युद्धभूमिमें श्रुतायुधकी उसी प्रकार मृत्यु हुई। वे सम्पूर्ण धनुर्धरोंके देखते-देखते प्राणशून्य होकर पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़े

Sañjaya said: Just as Varuṇa had foretold, so did he meet his end on the battlefield. Before the eyes of all the archers, he fell to the earth bereft of life—an ominous confirmation that in war, a divine condition or curse, once set in motion, ripens inexorably into fate.

Verse 59

पतमानस्तु स बभौ पर्णाशाया: प्रिय: सुतः । स भग्न इव वातेन बहुशाखो वनस्पति:,गिरते समय पर्णाशाके प्रिय पुत्र श्रुतायुध आँधीके उखाड़े हुए अनेक शाखाओंवाले वृक्षके समान प्रतीत हो रहे थे

Sañjaya said: As he fell, the beloved son of Parṇāśā appeared like a many-branched tree, snapped and brought down by a violent wind—an image of sudden ruin amid the relentless ethics-shattering force of war.

Verse 60

ततः सर्वाणि सैन्यानि सेनामुख्याश्न सर्वश: । प्राद्रवन्त हतं दृष्टवा श्रुतायुधमरिंदमम्‌,शत्रुसूदन श्रुतायुधको इस प्रकार मारा गया देख सारे सैनिक और सम्पूर्ण सेनापति वहाँसे भाग खड़े हुए

Sañjaya said: Then, seeing Śrutāyudha—the crusher of foes—slain, all the troops and the leading commanders, in every direction, broke and fled. The moment reveals how swiftly morale collapses in war when a renowned champion falls, and how fear can overtake even seasoned leaders amid the ethical and emotional shock of a decisive death.

Verse 61

तत: काम्बोजराजस्य पुत्र: शूर: सुदक्षिण: । अभ्ययाज्जवनैरश्वै: फाल्गुनं शत्रुसूदनम्‌,तत्पश्चात्‌ काम्बोजराजका शूरवीर पुत्र सुदक्षिण वेगशाली अअभ्रोंद्वारा शत्रुसूदन अर्जुनका सामना करनेके लिये आया

Sañjaya said: Then Sudakṣiṇa, the valiant son of the king of Kāmboja, advanced against Phālguna (Arjuna), the slayer of foes, charging forward with swift Javana horses. The scene underscores the relentless escalation of battle, where renowned warriors seek out the foremost champions, driven by loyalty to their side and the harsh demands of kṣatriya warfare.

Verse 62

तस्य पार्थ: शरान्‌ सप्त प्रेषयामास भारत । ते त॑ शूरं विनिर्भिद्य प्राविशनू धरणीतलम्‌,भारत! अर्जुनने उसके ऊपर सात बाण चलाये। वे बाण उस शूरवीरके शरीरको विदीर्ण करके धरतीमें समा गये

Sañjaya said: Then Pārtha (Arjuna) shot seven arrows at him, O Bhārata. Those shafts, piercing straight through that valiant warrior’s body, sank into the earth—an image of relentless martial resolve and the grim inevitability of battle’s consequences.

Verse 63

सो5तिविद्ध: शरैस्ती&णैगाण्डीवप्रेषितैर्मुथे । अर्जुन प्रतिविव्याध दशभि: कड्कपत्रिभि:,गाण्डीव धनुषद्वारा छोड़े हुए तीखे बाणोंसे अत्यन्त घायल होनेपर सुदक्षिणने उस रणक्षेत्रमें कंककी पाँखवाले दस बाणोंद्वारा अर्जुनको क्षत-विक्षत कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Though struck hard in battle by Arjuna’s sharp arrows shot from the Gāṇḍīva, Sudakṣiṇa retaliated on that field and pierced Arjuna with ten shafts feathered with heron-plumes. The verse underscores the grim reciprocity of war: injury answered by injury, valor entangled with escalating violence.

Verse 64

वासुदेवं त्रिभिविद्ध्वा पुन: पार्थ च पञ्चभि: । तस्य पार्थो धनुश्छित्त्वा केतुं चिच्छेद मारिष,वसुदेवनन्दन श्रीकृष्णको तीन बाणोंसे घायल करके उसने अर्जुनपर पुनः पाँच बाणोंका प्रहार किया। आर्य! तब अर्जुनने उसका धनुष काटकर उसकी ध्वजाके टुकड़े- टुकड़े कर दिये

Verse 65

भल्लाभ्यां भृशतीक्ष्णाभ्यां तं च विव्याध पाण्डव: । स तु पार्थ त्रिभिविंद्ध्वा सिंहनादमथानदत्‌,इसके बाद पाण्डुकुमार अर्जुनने दो अत्यन्त तीखे भल्‍्लोंसे सुदक्षिणको बींध डाला। फिर सुदक्षिण भी तीन बाणोंसे पार्थको घायल करके सिंहके समान दहाड़ने लगा

Sañjaya said: With two exceedingly sharp bhalla-arrows, the Pāṇḍava (Arjuna) pierced him. But that warrior, having in turn struck Pārtha with three arrows, roared a lion-like cry—an assertion of valor amid the relentless exchange of blows in the dharmic yet tragic field of war.

Verse 66

सर्वपारशवीं चैव शक्ति शूर: सुदक्षिण: । सघपण्टां प्राहिणोद्‌ घोरां क्रुद्धो गाण्डीवधन्चने,शूरवीर सुदक्षिणने कुपित होकर पूर्णतः लोहेकी बनी हुई घण्टायुक्त भयंकर शक्ति गाण्डीवधारी अर्जुनपर चलायी

Sañjaya said: Enraged, the valiant Sudakṣiṇa hurled at Arjuna, the bearer of the Gāṇḍīva bow, a dreadful iron spear-weapon, fully forged of metal and fitted with a bell. The scene underscores how wrath in battle drives warriors to unleash terrifying, specialized weapons, intensifying the moral weight of violence even amid kṣatriya duty.

Verse 67

सा ज्वलन्ती महोल्केव तमासाद्य महारथम्‌ | सविस्फुलिज्ञा निर्भिद्य निपषात महीतले,वह बड़ी भारी उल्काके समान प्रज्वलित होती और चिनगारियाँ बिखेरती हुई महारथी अर्जुनके पास जा उनके शरीरको विदीर्ण करके पृथ्वीपर गिर पड़ी

Sañjaya said: Blazing like a great meteor, it reached the mighty chariot-warrior Arjuna; scattering sparks, it pierced him and then fell upon the earth. The image underscores the war’s ruthless momentum—deadly force unleashed with irresistible speed, where even the foremost heroes are struck, and the battlefield’s violence eclipses all other values.

Verse 68

शक्‍्त्या त्वभिहतो गाढढं मूर्च्डयाभिपरिप्लुत: । समाश्वास्य महातेजा: सृक्किणी परिलेलिहन्‌,उस शक्तिके द्वारा गहरी चोट खाकर महातेजस्वी अर्जुन मूर्च्छित हो गये, फिर धीरे-धीरे सचेत हो अपने मुखके दोनों कोनोंको जीभसे चाटते हुए अचिन्त्य पराक्रमी पार्थने कंकके पाँखवाले चौदह नाराचोंद्वारा घोड़े, ध्वज, धनुष और सारथिसहित सुदक्षिणको घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Struck hard by the spear-weapon and overwhelmed by swooning, the mighty Arjuna regained his composure; licking the corners of his mouth, he then wounded Sudakṣiṇa—together with his horses, banner, bow, and charioteer—by means of fourteen iron-pointed arrows feathered with heron-plumes. The passage underscores the warrior’s resilience: even after being stunned, he restrains panic, recovers self-mastery, and answers force with measured martial skill within the brutal code of battle.

Verse 69

त॑ चतुर्दशभि: पार्थों नाराचै: कड्कपत्रिभि: | साश्चवध्वजधनु:सूतं विव्याधाचिन्त्यविक्रम:,उस शक्तिके द्वारा गहरी चोट खाकर महातेजस्वी अर्जुन मूर्च्छित हो गये, फिर धीरे-धीरे सचेत हो अपने मुखके दोनों कोनोंको जीभसे चाटते हुए अचिन्त्य पराक्रमी पार्थने कंकके पाँखवाले चौदह नाराचोंद्वारा घोड़े, ध्वज, धनुष और सारथिसहित सुदक्षिणको घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: Then the son of Pṛthā—Arjuna of inconceivable prowess—pierced him with fourteen nārāca arrows feathered with heron-plumes, wounding him together with his horses, banner, bow, and charioteer. The verse underscores the relentless escalation of battle: even after being struck down and regaining composure, Arjuna answers injury with precise, comprehensive retaliation aimed at disabling the opponent’s entire war-apparatus rather than merely trading blows.

Verse 70

रथं चान्ये: सुबहुभिश्चक्रे विशकलं शरै: । सुदक्षिणं तं काम्बोजं मोघसंकल्पविक्रमम्‌

Sañjaya said: Others, with many arrows, shattered his chariot and its wheels into fragments. That Kāmboja warrior Sudakṣiṇa—whose resolve and valor were never in vain—was thus pressed hard amid the clash of arms, as the battle’s ruthless momentum spared neither rank nor reputation.

Verse 71

स भिजन्नवर्मा स्रस्ताड़ प्रभ्रष्टमुकुटाज्द:

Sañjaya said: He was seen with his armour shattered, his limbs slack and weakened, and his crown fallen—an image of a warrior brought low by the violence of battle, reminding that in war even the proud and well-equipped are subject to sudden reversal and the stripping away of outward splendour.

Verse 72

गिरे: शिखरज: श्रीमान्‌ सुशाख: सुप्रतिछ्तित:

Sañjaya said: “He was like a splendid tree born upon a mountain peak—rich in majesty, spreading with many strong branches, and firmly rooted.” The image underscores steadfastness and stature amid the turmoil of war, suggesting a warrior’s established power and unshaken presence even when the battlefield is in upheaval.

Verse 73

निर्भग्न इव वातेन कर्णिकारो हिमात्यये । शेते सम निहतो भूमौ काम्बोजास्तरणोचित:

Sañjaya said: Like a karṇikāra tree snapped by the wind at the end of winter, he lay slain, stretched evenly upon the ground—one who was fit to be laid upon a Kāmboja blanket. The image underscores how, in war, even the eminent and well-adorned are reduced to the same earth, and how worldly honor and comfort cannot shield one from the moral and mortal consequences of battle.

Verse 74

जैसे सर्दी बीतनेके बाद पर्वतके शिखरपर उत्पन्न हुआ सुन्दर शाखाओंसे युक्त, सुप्रतिष्ठित एवं शोभासम्पन्न कनेरका वृक्ष वायुके वेगसे टूटकर गिर जाता है, उसी प्रकार काम्बोजदेशके मुलायम बिछौनोंपर शयन करनेके योग्य सुदक्षिण वहाँ मारा जाकर पृथ्वीपर सो रहा था ।। महाहाभरणोपेत: सानुमानिव पर्वत: । सुदर्शनीयस्ताम्राक्ष: कर्णिना स सुदक्षिण:

Sañjaya said: Adorned with splendid ornaments and towering like a mountain with its ridges, the handsome, copper-eyed Sudakṣiṇa was struck down by Karṇa. Fit for soft couches in the land of Kamboja, he now lay upon the earth—his fall likened to a well-rooted, beautiful oleander tree on a mountain peak that, after winter has passed, is snapped and cast down by a violent wind. The verse underscores the grim reversal wrought by war: royal comfort and dignity are rendered meaningless when dharma is eclipsed by the force of weapons and fate.

Verse 75

पुत्र: काम्बोजराजस्य पार्थेन विनिपातित: । बहुमूल्य आभूषणोंसे विभूषित एवं शिखरयुक्त पर्वतके समान सुदर्शनीय अरुण नेत्रोंवाले काम्बोज-राजकुमार सुदक्षिणको अर्जुनने एक ही बाणसे मार गिराया था ।। ७४ $ई || धारयन्नग्निसंकाशां शिरसा काज्चनीं स्रजम्‌

Sañjaya said: The son of the king of Kāmboja was struck down by Pārtha (Arjuna). Adorned with costly ornaments and splendid to behold—like a mountain crowned with a peak—Sudakṣiṇa, the Kāmboja prince with reddish eyes, was felled by Arjuna with a single arrow, even as he bore upon his head a golden garland shining like fire.

Verse 76

ततः सर्वाणि सैन्यानि व्यद्रवन्त सुतस्य ते । हतं श्रुतायुधं दृष्टवा काम्बोजं च सुदक्षिणम्‌,तदनन्तर श्रुतायुध तथा काम्बोजराजकुमार सुदक्षिणको मारा गया देख आपके पुत्रकी सारी सेनाएँ वहाँसे भागने लगीं

Sañjaya said: Then, seeing Śrutāyudha slain, and also the Kāmboja prince Sudakṣiṇa killed, all the armies belonging to your son broke ranks and fled. The sight of fallen champions shattered their resolve, and fear overpowered discipline on the battlefield.

Verse 92

इति श्रीमहा भारते द्रोणपर्वणि जयद्रथवधपर्वणि श्रुतायुधसुदक्षिणव थे द्विनवतितमो<ध्याय:

Thus, in the revered Mahābhārata, within the Droṇa Parva, in the section concerning the slaying of Jayadratha, ends the ninety-second chapter, dealing with the deaths of Śrutāyudha and Sudakṣiṇa. The closing formula signals a transition in the war narrative, marking the moral weight of battlefield outcomes and the inexorable unfolding of fate and duty amid escalating violence.

Verse 336

धार्तराष्ट्रेष्चनीकेषु यतमानौ नरर्षभौ । इसी बीचमें अवसर पाकर अर्जुन शत्रुओंकी सेनामें घुस गये। परंतु कृतवर्माद्वारा रोक दिये जानेके कारण वे दोनों नरश्रेष्ठ युधामन्यु और उत्तमौजा प्रयत्न करनेपर भी आपके पुत्रोंकी सेनामें प्रवेश करनेका द्वार न पा सके

Sanjaya said: While those two bull-like heroes strove amid the Kaurava divisions, Arjuna, finding an opening, penetrated the enemy host. But because Kṛtavarmā checked them, the two foremost warriors—Yudhāmanyu and Uttamaujas—though exerting themselves, could not find an entryway into your sons’ army.

Verse 346

नावधीत्‌ कृतवर्माणं प्राप्तमप्यरिष्‌दन: । शत घोड़ोंवाले शत्रुसूदन अर्जुन उस युद्धस्थलमें बड़ी उतावलीके साथ शत्रु-सेनाओंको पीड़ा दे रहे थे। परंतु उन्होंने (सम्बन्धका विचार करके) कृतवर्माको सामने पाकर भी मारा नहीं

Sañjaya said: Though Kṛtavarmā stood before him, Ariṣūdana (Arjuna) did not strike him down. On that battlefield, the foe-slaying Arjuna—mounted on a chariot drawn by a hundred horses—was fiercely harassing the enemy forces with great urgency; yet, mindful of personal ties and obligations, he refrained from killing Kṛtavarmā even when the opportunity arose.

Verse 356

अभ्यद्रवत्‌ सुसंक्रुद्धों विधुन्चानो महद्‌ धनु: । अर्जुनको इस प्रकार आगे बढ़ते देख शूरवीर राजा श्रुतायुध अत्यन्त कुपित हो उठे और अपना विशाल धनुष हिलाते हुए उनपर टूट पड़े

Sanjaya said: Seeing Arjuna advance in this manner, the valiant king rut
01yudha, inflamed with wrath, rushed forward against him, shaking his great bow. The scene underscores how anger on the battlefield drives warriors into sudden, forceful engagement, tightening the spiral of violence and retaliation.

Verse 363

क्षुरप्रेण सुतीक्ष्णेन पार्थकेतुमताडयत्‌ । उन्होंने अर्जुनको तीन और श्रीकृष्णको सत्तर बाण मारे। फिर अत्यन्त तीखे क्षुरप्रसे अर्जुनकी ध्वजापर प्रहार किया

Sañjaya said: With a razor-edged, exceedingly sharp arrow, he struck the banner of Arjuna. The narration emphasizes the precision and ferocity of the combat—attacks are directed not only at the warrior’s body but also at his emblem, aiming to shake morale and proclaim dominance amid the chaos of righteous war.

Verse 373

आजपघान भशं क्रुद्धस्तोत्रैरिव महाद्विपम्‌ । तब अर्जुनने अत्यन्त कुपित होकर अंकुशोंसे महान्‌ गजराजको पीड़ित करनेकी भाँति झुकी हुई गाँठवाले नब्बे बाणोंसे राजा श्रुतायुधको चोट पहुँचायी

Sanjaya said: Then Arjuna, inflamed with intense anger, struck King Śrutāyudha with ninety arrows whose joints were bent, as though he were goading and tormenting a mighty lord of elephants with sharp hooks. The image underscores the ferocity of the battlefield, where wrath turns skill into relentless pressure and a warrior’s power becomes an instrument of crushing restraint.

Verse 386

अथैनं सप्तसप्तत्या नाराचानां समार्पयत्‌ । राजन्‌! उस समय राजा श्रुतायुध पाण्डुकुमार अर्जुनके उस पराक्रमको न सह सके। अतः उन्होंने अर्जुनको सतहत्तर बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: Then he assailed him with seventy-seven nārāca arrows. O King, at that moment King Śrutāyudha could not endure the prowess of Arjuna, the son of Pāṇḍu; therefore he struck Arjuna with seventy-seven shafts. The verse highlights how, in the heat of war, wounded pride and inability to bear another’s excellence quickly turn into retaliatory violence.

Verse 406

वासविं नवभिर्बाणैर्बाह्वोरुरसि चार्पयत्‌ । फिर तो राजा श्रुतायुधने क्रोधसे अचेत होकर दूसरा धनुष हाथमें लिया और इन्द्रकुमार अर्जुनकी भुजाओं तथा वक्ष:स्थलमें नौ बाण मारे

Sañjaya said: With nine arrows he struck Arjuna—Indra’s son—planting them into his arms and chest. The scene underscores how, in the heat of battle, anger drives warriors to intensify violence, testing restraint and discernment even among the great.

Verse 423

विव्याध चैनं सप्तत्या नाराचानां महाबल: । साथ ही उन महारथी एवं महाबली वीरने उनके घोड़ों और सारथिको भी शीघ्रतापूर्वक मार डाला और सत्तर नाराचोंसे श्रुतायुधको भी घायल कर दिया

Sañjaya said: The mighty warrior pierced him with seventy nārāca arrows. In the same fierce exchange, that great chariot-fighter swiftly slew his horses and charioteer as well, and with seventy nārācas wounded Śrutāyudha—showing how, in the ruthless logic of battle, disabling a warrior’s mobility and support could be as decisive as striking the warrior himself.

Verse 443

पर्णाशा जननी यस्य शीततोया महानदी । वीर राजा श्रुतायुध वरुणके पुत्र थे। शीतसलिला महानदी पर्णाशा उनकी माता थी

Sañjaya said: “That heroic king Śrutāyudha was the son of Varuṇaka; his mother was the great river Parṇāśā, whose waters run cool.”

Verse 453

अवध्यो<यं भवेल्लोके शत्रूणां तनयो मम । राजन्‌! उनकी माता पर्णाशा अपने पुत्रके लिये वरुणसे बोली--'प्रभो! मेरा यह पुत्र संसारमें शत्रुओंके लिये अवध्य हो'

Sañjaya said: “O King, may this son of mine be invulnerable in the world to his enemies.” His mother Parṇāśā, seeking a boon for her child, addressed Varuṇa: “Lord, let my son be unkillable in this world by foes.” The verse highlights a parent’s protective prayer and the moral tension of seeking extraordinary immunity amid a war where many are fated to fall.

Verse 466

दिव्यमस्त्रं सुतस्तेडयं येनावध्यो भविष्यति । तब वरुणने प्रसन्न होकर कहा--“मैं इसके लिये हितकारक वरके रूपमें यह दिव्य अस्त्र प्रदान करता हूँ, जिसके द्वारा तुम्हारा यह पुत्र अवध्य होगा

Sañjaya said: “A divine weapon is (here), by which this son of yours will become invulnerable. Then Varuṇa, being pleased, declared: ‘For his welfare, as a boon, I grant this divine weapon, by which your son will be beyond being slain.’” The passage underscores how divine favor, when granted as a boon, can alter the moral and tactical balance of war—raising questions about the rightful use of extraordinary power and the consequences of making a warrior ‘unassailable.’

Verse 473

सर्वेणावश्यमर्तव्यं जातेन सरितां वरे । 'सरिताओंमें श्रेष्ठ पर्णाशे! मनुष्य किसी प्रकार भी अमर नहीं हो सकता। जिन लोगोंने यहाँ जन्म लिया है, उनकी मृत्यु अवश्यम्भावी है

Sañjaya said: “O best of rivers, one who is born must inevitably die; in this world no human being can become immortal by any means. For all who have taken birth here, death is certain.”

Verse 483

अस्त्रस्यास्य प्रभावाद्‌ वै व्येतु ते मानसो ज्वरः । “तुम्हारा यह पुत्र इस अस्त्रके प्रभावसे रणक्षेत्रमें शत्रुओंके लिये सदा ही दुर्धर्ष होगा। अतः तुम्हारी मानसिक चिन्ता निवृत्त हो जानी चाहिये”

Sañjaya said: “By the power of this weapon, may the fever of anxiety in your mind subside. Your son, strengthened by this missile’s potency, will be ever hard to assail on the battlefield for his enemies; therefore your inner worry should be laid to rest.”

Verse 496

यामासाद्य दुराधर्ष: सर्वलोके श्रुतायुध: । ऐसा कहकर वरुणदेवने श्रुतायुधको मन्त्रोपदेशपूर्वक वह गदा प्रदान की, जिसे पाकर वे सम्पूर्ण जगत्‌में दुर्जय वीर माने जाते थे

Sañjaya said: Having obtained it, Śrutāyudha became irresistible—indeed, throughout the whole world he was famed as unconquerable. The narrative underscores how a divinely bestowed weapon, given with sacred instruction, can elevate a warrior’s power and reputation, while also implying the ethical weight that accompanies such gifts.

Verse 553

हाहाकारो महांस्तत्र सैन्यानां समजायत । वीर श्रुतायुधका वध करके वह गदा धरतीपर जा गिरी। लौटी हुई उस गदाको और उसके द्वारा मारे गये वीर श्रुतायुधको देखकर वहाँ आपकी सेनाओंमें महान्‌ हाहाकार मच गया

Sañjaya said: There arose a great outcry there among the armies. After the hero Śrutāyudha had been slain, the very mace he held fell from his hand to the earth. Seeing that mace return and seeing the valiant Śrutāyudha struck down by it, a mighty wail of shock and dread spread through your forces—an ominous sign of how violence, once unleashed, can recoil upon its wielder.

Verse 703

बिभेद हृदि बाणेन पृथुधारेण पाण्डव: । फिर दूसरे बहुत-से बाणोंद्वारा उसके रथको टूक-टूक कर दिया और काम्बोजराज सुदक्षिणके संकल्प एवं पराक्रमको व्यर्थ करके पाण्डुपुत्र अर्जुनने मोटी धारवाले बाणसे उसकी छाती छेद डाली

Sanjaya said: The Pandava (Arjuna) pierced him in the chest with a broad-edged arrow. Having shattered his chariot into pieces with many other shafts, Arjuna rendered futile the resolve and valor of Sudakṣiṇa, the king of Kamboja—showing how, in the ruthless logic of war, personal determination meets its limit before superior skill and force.

Verse 713

पपाताभिमुख: शूरो यन्त्रमुक्त इव ध्वज: । इससे उसका कवच फट गया, सारे अंग शिथिल हो गये, मुकुट और बाजूबंद गिर गये तथा शूरवीर सुदक्षिण मशीनसे फेंके गये ध्वजके समान मुँहके बल गिर पड़ा

Sañjaya said: The heroic warrior fell headlong, like a banner released from its mechanism. In the brutal logic of battle, his armor split, his limbs went slack, and his crown and armlets dropped away—an image that underscores how swiftly martial pride and protection can be undone when fate and force converge.

Verse 753

अशोभत महाबाहुर्व्यसुर्भूमी निपातित: । अपने मस्तकपर अग्निके समान दमकते हुए सुवर्णमय हारको धारण किये महाबाहु सुदक्षिण यद्यपि प्राणशून्य करके पृथ्वीपर गिराया गया था, तथापि उस अवस्थामें भी उसकी बड़ी शोभा हो रही थी

Sañjaya said: Though the mighty-armed Sudakṣiṇa had been struck down lifeless upon the earth, he still appeared splendid. Wearing upon his head a golden garland blazing like fire, even in death his form retained a striking radiance—an image of warriorly dignity amid the ruin of battle.