None: Chapter 156

Ashvatthama's fight

संजय उवाच प्रायोपविष्टे तु हते पुत्र सात्यकिना तदा। सोमदत्तो भृशं क्रुद्धः सात्यकिं वाक्यमब्रवीत्॥
Sanjaya said Enraged at the slaughter of his son, while he was sitting with the desire of dying without food, Somadatta said these words to Satyakiक्षत्रधर्म: पुरा दृष्टो यस्तु देवैर्महात्मभिः।

तं त्वं सात्वत संत्यज्य दस्युधर्मे कथं रतः॥
Why, O Satvata, without observing the Kshatriya duties as formerly laid down by the gods, have you taken to the practices of robbers?

पराङ्मुखाय दीनाय न्यस्तशस्त्राय सात्यके। क्षत्रधर्मरतः प्राज्ञः कथं नु प्रहरेद् रणे॥
How can a wise person, practising the Kshatriya duties, strike in battle one who runs away or is helpless or has laid aside his weapons or who begs (for his life)?

द्वावेव किल वृष्णीनां तत्र ख्यातौ महारथौ। प्रद्युम्नश्च महाबाहुस्त्वं चैव युधि सात्वत॥
O Satvata, it is said that among the Vrishnis there are two principal and mighty car-warriors in battle, namely, the highly highly energetic Pradyumna and yourself.

कथं प्रायोपविष्टाय पार्थेन छिन्नबाहवे। नृशंसं पतनीयं च तादृशं कृतवानसि॥
Why then did you practise such a cruelty and commit such an act, that would lead to your downfall, towards one that had sat in prayer and whose arms had been cut-off by Partha?

कर्मणस्तस्य दुर्वृत्त फलं प्राप्नुहि संयुगे। अद्य च्छेत्स्यामि ते मूढ शिरो विक्रम्य पत्रिणा॥
0 wicked one, suffer (now) the consequences of that act of yours in battle. Exerting my strength, O fool, I will today cutoff your head with arrows?

शपे सात्वत पुत्राभ्यामिष्टेन सुकृतेन च। अनतीतामिमां रात्रिं यदि त्वां वीरमानिनम्॥ अरक्ष्यमाणं पार्थन जिष्णुना ससुतानुजम्। न हन्यां नरके घोरे पतेयं वृष्णिपांसन॥
O Satvata, I swear by my two sons, by what is dear to me and by the virtuous deeds, if before this night comes to a close I fail to destroy you, you that so much pride on your heroism, together with your sons and younger brothers, unless you are backed up by fishnu, the son of Pritha, then, O wretch of Vrishnis, may I fall into dreadful hell.

एवमुक्त्वा सुसंक्रुद्धः सोमदत्तो महाबलः दध्मौ शङ्ख च तारेण सिंहनादं ननाद च॥
The highly powerful Somadatta, excited with wrath, having said thus, blew loudly (his) conch and sent forth roars like a lion.

ततः कमलपत्राक्षः सिंहदंष्ट्रो दुरासदः। सात्यकि शसंक्रुद्धः सोमदत्तमथाब्रवीत्॥
Then the greatly powerful Satyaki endued with eyes (beautiful) as lotus petals and possessed of leonine teeth greatly enraged thus addressed Somadatta.

कौरवेय न मे त्रासः कथंचिदपि विद्यते। त्वया सार्धमथान्यैश्च युध्यतो हृदि कश्चन॥
"O descendant of the Kurus, I entertain not the least fear in my heart whether fighting with you or with others.

यदि सर्वेण सैन्येन गुप्तो मां योधयिष्यसि। तथापि न व्यथा काचित् त्वयि स्यान्मम कौरव॥
I shall not experience the slightest pain, even if backed up by all your forces you fight with me, Oscion of the Kuru race.

युद्धसारेण वाक्येन असतां सम्मतेन च। नाहं भीषयितुं शक्यः क्षत्रवृत्ते स्थितस्त्वया॥
Observant of the practices of the Kshatriyas as I am, I can to be terrified with words smelling of battle and insulting to the virtuous.

यदि तेऽस्ति युयुत्साद्य मया सह नराधिप। निर्दयो निशितैर्बाणैः प्रहर प्रहरामि ते॥
If, O lord of men, you are desirous of fighting with me, strike me with sharpened arrows and I also will strike you (in return).

हतो भूरिश्रवा वीरस्तव पुत्रो महारथः। शलश्चैव महाराज भ्रातृव्यसनकर्षितः॥
O king, your son, the mighty car-warrior Bhurisrava has been slain. Then the heroic Shala and Vrisena too have been destroyed.

त्वां चाप्यद्य वधिष्यामि सह पुत्रं सबान्धवम्। तिष्ठेदानीं रणे यत्तः कौरवोऽसि महारथः॥
I will today destroy you also together with your sons and friends, you are a descendant of the Kuru race and are endued with great prowess. Now remain carefully in battle.

यस्मिन् दानं दमः शौचमहिंसा ही तिः क्षमा। अनपायानि सर्वाणि नित्यं राज्ञि युधिष्ठिरे॥
King Yudhishthira is always characterised by charity, self-restraint, purity, absence of cruelty, modesty, intelligence and forgiveness and all (the virtuous) that do not perish.

मृदङ्गकेतोस्तस्य त्वं तेजसा निहतः पुरा। सकर्णसौबलः संख्ये विनाशमुपयास्यसि॥
You, who have been already slain by the energy of that one who standard bears the mark of a drum, will be destroyed in battle together with Shakuni and Soubala.

शपेऽहं कृष्णचरणैरिष्टापूर्तेन चैव ह। यदि त्वां ससतुं पापं न हन्यां युधि रोषितः॥
I swear today by Krishna's feet and all the meritorious acts that I had done before, that I will wrathfully kill you in battle together with your sons, with arrows.

अपयास्यसि चेत्युक्त्वा रणं मुक्तो भविष्यसि। एवमाभाष्य चान्योन्यं क्रोधसंरक्तलोचनौ।॥
If, however, you run away (from the field), you may be freed (from me).' Thus addressing each other, with eyes reddened with rage.

प्रवृत्तौ शरसम्पातं कर्तुं पुरुषसत्तमौ। ततो रथसहस्रेण नागानामयुतेन च।॥
Those two foremost of men began to discharge arrows (at each other, Then with a thousand cars and ten thousand cars and ten thousand horses.

दुर्योधनः सोमदत्तः परिवार्य समन्ततः। शकुनिश्च सुसंक्रुद्धः सर्वशस्त्रभृतां वरः॥
Duryodhana stood surrounding Somadatta. Shakuni, too excited with wrath and armed with all the weapons.

पुत्रपौत्रैः परिवृतो भ्रातृभिश्चन्द्रविक्रमैः। स्यालस्तव महाबाहुर्वज्रसंहननो युवा॥
And surrounded by sons and grandsons and brother powerful as Indra himself (followed Duryodhana's example), Your youthful brother-in-low. O king, endued with a body hard as the thunderbolt.

साग्रं शतसहस्रं तु हयानां तस्य धीमतः। सोमदत्तं महेष्वासं समन्तात् पर्यरक्षत॥
And gifted with wisdom and who had with him one hundred thousand steeds of best breed, completely hemmed in that mighty bowman Somadatta.

रक्ष्यमाणश्च बलिभिश्छादयामास सात्यकिम्। तं छाद्यमानं विशिखैर्दृष्ट्वा संनतपर्वभिः॥
Supported by those heroes, (Somadatta) covered Satyaki with arrows. Seeing him covered with straight arrows,

धृष्टद्युम्नोऽभ्ययात् क्रुद्धः प्रगृह्य महतीं चमूम्। चण्डवाताभिसृष्टानामुदधीनामिव स्वनः॥
Dhristadyumna, followed by a large army, proceeded wrathfully (towards him). Like the roar of waters dashed into fury by a terrible hurricane.

आसीद् राजन् वलौघानामन्योन्यमभिनिघ्नताम्। विव्याध सोमदत्तस्तु सात्वतं नवभिः शरैः॥
There arose, O king, a great tumult among the (two) forces striking each other. Somadatta then pierced Satvata with nine arrows.

सात्यकिर्नवभिश्चैनमवधीत् कुरुपुङ्गवम्। सोऽतिविद्धो बलवता समरे दृढधन्विना॥
Satyaki too pierced that foremost of Kurus with nine shafts. Deeply wounded in battle by that powerful and firm wielder of bow.

रथोपस्थं समासाद्य मुमोह गतचेतनः। तं विमूढं समालक्ष्य सारथिस्त्वरया युतः।॥
(Somadatta) leaned against the terrace of his car and (then) swooned away and was deprived of consciousness. Seeing that he was deprived of consciousness, his charioteer, in great hurry.

अपोवाह रणाद् वीरं सोमदत्तं महारथम्। तं विसंज्ञं समालक्ष्य युयुधानशरार्दितम्॥
Carried away the heroic and mighty carwarrior Somadatta from (the field of) battle. Beholding him deprived of senses and afflicted with the arrows of Yuyudhana.

अभ्यद्रवत् ततो द्रोणो यदुवीरजिघांसया। तमायान्तमभिप्रेक्ष्य युधिष्ठिरपुरोगमाः॥
Drona desirous of slaying the heroic (Yadu rushed (at him). Seeing (i.e. Drona advance), Yudhishthira (putting himself) at the head (of his troops).

परिवQर्महात्मानं परीप्सन्तो यदूत्तमम्। ततः प्रववृते युद्धं द्रोणस्य सह पाण्डवैः॥
With the desire of rescuing the high-souled perpetuator of the Yadu race surrounded him on all sides. Then there commenced a battle between Drona and the Pandavas,

बलेरिव सुरैः पूर्वं त्रैलोक्यजयकाङ्क्षया। ततः सायकजालेन पाण्डवानीकमावृणोत्॥
Like that (which took place) in days of yore between Bali and the celestials (both) desirous of the conquest of the three worlds. Then covering the Pandava army with arrowy showers.

भारद्वाजो महातेजा विव्याध च युधिष्ठिरम्। सात्यकिं दशभिर्बाणैविंशत्या पार्षतं शरैः॥
The highly-energetic son of Bharadvaja pierced Yudhishthira also. (Drona then struck) Satyaki with ten darts and the son of Prishata (i.e. Dhristadyumna) with twenty five darts.

भीमसेनं च नवभिर्नकुलं पञ्चभिस्तथा। सहदेवं तथाष्टाभिः शतेन च शिखण्डिनम्॥
(And he pierced) Bhimasena with nine, Nakula with five, Sahadeva with eight and Shikhandi with one hundred arrows.

द्रौपदेयान् महाबाहुः पञ्चभिः पञ्चभिः शरैः। विराटं मत्स्यमष्टाभिर्दुपदं दशभिः शरैः॥
That mighty armed one (then pierced) each of (the five) sons of Draupadi with five arrows, Virata the king of Matsyas with eight, Drupada with ten darts.

युधामन्यु त्रिभिः षडभिरुत्तमौजसमाहवे। अन्यांश्च सैनिकान् विद्ध्वा युधिष्ठिरमुपाद्रवत्॥
Yudhamanu with three and Uttamanja with six (arrows) in that battle. (Similarly) piercing many other soldiers (he) rushed against Yudhishthira.

ते वध्यमाना द्रोणेन पाण्डुपुत्रस्य सैनिकाः। प्राद्रवन् वै भयाद् राजन् सार्तनादा दिशो दश॥
(Thus) struck by Drona, the troops of the son of Pandu with loud wails fled away in terror in ten directions, O king.

काल्यमानं तु तत् सैन्यं दृष्ट्वा फाल्गुनः। किंचिदागतसंरम्भो गुरुं पार्थोऽभ्ययाद् द्रुतम्॥
Seeing that are army was being slaughtered by Drona, Phalguna Partha, enraged a little, advanced speedily against his preceptor.

दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं तु बीभत्सुमभिधावन्तमाहवे। संन्यवर्तत तत् सैन्यं पुनौधिष्ठिरं बलम्॥
O king, beholding that Drona too was advancing against Vibhatsu in that battle, the soldiers of Yudhishthira rallied again.

ततो युद्धमभूद् भूयो भारद्वाजस्य पाण्डवैः। द्रोणस्तव सुतै राजन् सर्वतः परिवारितः॥
Then again commenced a battle between the sons of Bharadvaja and the Pandavas. Drona, O king, completely surrounded by your sons.

व्यधमत् पाण्डुसैन्यानि तूलराशिमिवानलः। तं ज्वलन्तमिवादित्यं दीप्तानलसमद्युतिम्॥
Began to destroy the troops of the Pandavas, as fire (consumes) a heap of cotton. (He then) looked like the radiant sun and was endued with the resplendence of a blazing fire.

राजन्ननिशमत्यन्तं दृष्ट्वा द्रोणं शरार्चिषम्। मण्डलीकृतधन्वानं तपन्तमिव भास्करम्॥
O king, seeing Drona incessantly discharge fierce arrows like sparks of fire from his bow drawn to a circle and like the scorching sun.

दहन्तमहितान् सैन्ये नैनं कश्चिदवारयत्। यो यो हि प्रमुखे तस्य तस्थौ द्रोणस्य पुरुषः॥
Consume the evenings there was none among the arıny that could withstand him. Those persons who stood before Drona (in order to resist him).

तस्य तस्य शिरश्छित्त्वा ययुोणशराः क्षितिम्। एवं सा पाण्डवी सेना वध्यमाना महात्मना॥
Had their heads cut-off by Drona with arrows which (then) entered into the earth. The army of the Pandavas thus slaughtered by that high-souled one.

प्रदुद्राव पुनर्भीता पश्यतः सव्यसाचिनः। सम्प्रभग्नं बलं दृष्ट्वा द्रोणेन निशि भारत॥
Again ran away in terror (even) in the very sight of Savyasachi. Seeing his lines broken by Drona at (that) night, O Bharata.

गोविन्दमब्रवीज्जिष्णुर्गच्छ द्रोणरथं प्रति। ततो रजतगोक्षीरकुन्देन्दुसदृशप्रभान्॥ चोदयामास दाशार्हो हयान् द्रोणरथं प्रति। भीमसेनोऽपि तं दृष्ट्वा यान्तं द्रोणस्य फाल्गुनम्॥
Jishnu said to Govinda "proceed towards the car of Drona.” Then that Dasarha (chief) drove the horses, looking like silver or milk of cows or like the Kunda flower, towards the car of Drona. Sceing that Phalguna was proceeding towards Drona, Bhimasena too.

स्वसारथिमुवाचेदं द्रोणानीकाय मा वह। सोऽपि तस्य वचः श्रुत्वा विशोकोऽवाहयद्धयान्॥ ४९
Ordered his own charioteer to take him towards Drona's troops. Visaka (the charioteer of Bhima), hearing those words of his (master) guided the steeds.

पृष्ठतः सत्यसंधस्य जिष्णोर्भरतसत्तम। तौ दृष्ट्वा भ्रातरौ यत्तौ द्रोणानीकमभिद्रुतौ॥
Behind Jishnu of unerring aim, O foremost of the Bharatas. Seeing those two brothers resolutely rush towards Drona's division.

पञ्चाला: सृञ्जया मत्स्याश्चेदिकारुषकोसलाः। अन्वगच्छन् महाराज केकयाश्च महारथाः॥
The Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Matsyas, the Chedis, the Kauravas, the Kosalas and those mighty car-warriors, the Keykayas followed suit, O great king.

ततो राजन्नभूद् घोरः संग्रामो लोमहर्षणः। बीभत्सुर्दक्षिणं पार्श्वमुत्तरं च वृकोदरः॥ महद्भ्यां रथवृन्दाभ्यां बल जगृहतुस्तव। तौ दृष्ट्वा पुरुषव्याघ्रौ भीमसेनधनंजयौ॥
Then, O king, ensued a dreadful encounter, making the hair stand erect. Vivastsu, then, attacked the right and Vrikodara the left flank of your army with innumerable cars. Seeing those two foremost of men, viz., Bhimasena and Dhananjaya, (proceed towards Drona's troops).

धृष्टद्युम्नोऽभ्ययाद् राजन् सात्यकिश्च महाबलः। चण्डवाताभिपन्नानामुदधीनामिव स्वनः॥
Dhristadyumna as well as the highly powerful Satyaki rushed (at them) like the roar of waters dashed into fury by a terrible hurricane.

आसीद् राजन् बलौघानां तदान्योन्यमभिघ्नताम्। सौमदत्तिवधात् क्रुद्धो दृष्ट्वा सात्यकिमाहवे॥
There arose a great tumult among the combatants striking each other. Seeing Satyaki in battle and enraged at the slaughter of the son of Somadatta,

द्रौणिरभ्यद्रवद् राजन वधाय कृतनिश्चयः। तमापतन्तं सम्प्रेक्ष्य शैनेयस्य रथं प्रति॥
The son of Drona rushed furiously against Satvatta at the van of battle. (Seeing) him proceed towards the car of the grandson of Sini in battle.

भैमसेनिः सुसंक्रुद्धः प्रत्यमित्रमवारयत्। कार्णायसं महाघोरमृक्षचर्मपरिच्छदम्॥ महान्तं रथमास्थाय त्रिंशन्नल्वान्तरान्तरम्। विक्षिप्तयन्त्रसंनाहं महामेघौघनिःस्वनम्॥
That gigantic Rakshasa, the of Bhimasena, possessed of enormous strength, rushed (at him) inounted on a huge and awfully dreadful car made of black iron covered with bear-skin, measuring thirty Nalvas in height and width, furnished with various machines and emitting thundering roars like those of a mighty (mass of) clouds.

युक्तं गजनिभैहिर्न हयैर्नापि वारणैः। विक्षिप्तपक्षचरणविवृताक्षेण कूजता॥
(And it was) drawn by animals looking like elephants; but they were neither elephants nor horses. With its wings and feet outstretched son and with expanded eyes and emitting (terrible) shrieks.

ध्वजेनोच्छ्रितदण्डेन गृध्रराजेन राजितम्। लोहितापताकं त अन्त्रमालाविभूषितम्॥
A prince of vultures sat on its towering standard. (That car) was adorned with red flags furnished with rows of bones.

अष्टचक्रसमायुक्तमास्थाय विपुलं रथम्। शूलमुद्गरधारिण्या शैलपादपहस्तया।॥ रक्षसां घोररूपाणामक्षौहिण्या समावृतः। तमुद्यतमहाचापं निशम्य व्यथिता नृपाः॥
And with eight wheels. (And he) sat down on this car surrounding by one Akshauhini of terrible-looking Rakshasa armed with maces and clubs and carrying rocks an trees in their hands. The kings were (greatly) pained on seeing him (to advance) with upraised bow.

युगान्तकालसमये दण्डहस्तमिवान्तकम्। ततस्तं गिरिशृङ्गाभ भीमरूपं भयावहम्॥
Look like the very destroyer himself, mace in hand, at the time of universal dissolution. (And he) resembled a mountain peak, was frightful to look at and dreadful.

दंष्ट्राकरलोग्रमुखं शङ्कुकर्णं महाहनुम्। अर्ध्वकेशं विरूपाक्षं दीप्तास्यं निम्नितोदरम्॥
(He) had terrible teeth and a dreadful face, was possessed of arrow-like ears, high cheek bones, shooting hair, un-natural eyes, flaming mouth and a sunken belly.

महाश्वभ्रगलद्वारं किरीटच्छन्नमूर्धजम्। त्रासनं सर्वभूतानां व्यात्ताननमिवान्तकम्॥
His oesophagus was deep as a yawning pit and his head was furnished with a coronet. He was dreadful to all creatures and his jaws were as wide as those of the Destroyer himself.

वीक्ष्य दीप्तमिवायान्तं रिपुविक्षोभकारिणम्। तमुद्यतमहाचापं राक्षसेन्द्र घटोत्कचम्॥
Seeing Gatotkacha, the lord of the Rakshasas endued with splendour and capable of striking terror into foes, advance upraising his great bow.

भयार्दिता प्रचुक्षोभ पुत्रस्य तव वाहिनी। वायुना क्षोभितावर्ता गङ्गेचोर्ध्वतरङ्गिणी॥
Your son's forces struck with panic became as much agitated as when the waves of Ganga (dashed into fury) by a tempest are agitated into whirlpools.

घटोत्कचप्रयुक्तेन सिंहनादेन भीषिताः। प्रसुस्रवुर्गजा मूत्रं विव्यथुश्च नरा भृशम्॥
Struck with panic by the leonine roars sent forth by Ghatotkacha, the elephants began to pass urine and the kings were greatly distressed.

ततोऽश्मवृष्टिरत्यर्थमासीत् तत्र समन्ततः। संध्याकालाधिकबलैः प्रयुक्ता राक्षसैः क्षितौ॥
Hurled by the Rakshasa who became more powerful on night-fall, there began to fall from all sides showers of stones on the ground.

आयसानि च चक्राणि भुशुण्ड्यः प्रासतोमराः। पतन्त्यविरता: शूलाः शतघ्यः पट्टिशास्तथा॥
Showers of iron, wheels, Bhushundis, arrows, spears, Sataghness and axes also began to fall there incessantly.

तदुग्रमतिरौद्रं च दृष्ट्वा युद्धं नराधिपाः। तनयास्तव कर्णश्च व्यथिताः प्राद्रवन् दिशः॥
Seeing that furious and terrible battle the kings, your sons and Karna too, being (greatly) distressed, ran away from the battle field).

तत्रैकोऽस्रबलश्लाघी द्रौणिर्मानी च विव्यथे। व्यधमच शरैर्मायां घटोत्कचविनिर्मिताम्॥
There the haughty son, of Drona only proud of his prowess in weapons, stood without fear (and he) soon did away with the illusion created by Ghatotkacha.

विहतायां तु मायायाममर्षी स घटोत्कचः। विससर्ज शरान् घोरांस्तेऽश्वत्थामानमाविशन्॥ भुजङ्गा इव वेगेन वल्मीकं क्रोधमूर्छिताः। ते शरा रुधिराक्ताङ्गा भित्त्वा शारद्वतीसुतम्॥
Enraged at the illusion being dispelled (by the son of Drona), Ghatotkacha began to discharge fierce arrows. Those (arrows) penetrated into (the body of) Asvatthama. As snakes insensible with rage furiously (enter into) an ant-hill, those arrows penetrating through (the body of) the son of Saradvata became covered with blood.

विविशुर्धरणीं शीघ्रा रुक्मपुङ्खाः शिलाशिताः। अश्वत्थामा तु संक्रुद्धो लघुहस्तः प्रतापवान्॥
And then speedily entered into the earth like serpents (entering) an ant-hill. The lighthanded and powerful Ashvatthama too, excited with wrath.

घटोत्कचमभिक्रुद्धं बिभेद दशभिः शरैः। घटोत्कचोऽतिविद्धस्तु द्रोणपुत्रेण मर्मसु॥
Furiously pierced Ghatotkacha with ten arrows. Deeply pierced in the vital parts by the son of Drona, Ghatotkacha.

चक्रं शतसहस्रारमृगह्नाद् व्यथितो भृशम्। क्षुरान्तं बालसूर्याभं मणिवज्रविभूषितम्॥
Became greatly afflicted and then took up a wheel furnished with one hundred thousand spokes. (this wheel) the edge of which was sharp as that of a razor and which was as resplendent as the morning sun and was studded with gems and precious stones.

अश्वत्थाम्न स चिक्षेप भैमसेनिर्जिघांसया। वेगेन महताऽऽगच्छद् विक्षिप्तं द्रौणिना शरैः॥
Was hurled by the son of Bhimasena at Ashvatthama with the desire of slaying (him). cut-off into fragments by the son of Drona with arrows as it coursed with great speed (towards him).

अभाग्यस्येव संकल्पस्तन्मोघमपतद् भुवि। घटोत्कचस्ततस्तूर्णं दृष्ट्वा चक्रं निपातितम्॥
If fell down on the ground like the purposes of an unlucky person. Seeing his wheel cut down, Ghatotkacha speedily.

द्रौणिं प्राच्छादयद् बाणैः स्वर्भानुरिव भास्करम्। घटोत्कचसुतः श्रीमान् भिन्नाञ्जनचयोपमः॥
Covered the son of Drona with shafts as Sarbhanu (i.e. Rahu) swallows the creator of light (i.e. the sun). The resplendent son of Ghatotkacha resembling a mass of antimony.

रुरोध द्रौणिमायान्तं प्रभञ्जनमिवाद्रिराट्। पौत्रेण भीमसेनस्य शरैरञ्जनपर्वणा॥
Arrested the advance of the son of Drona as the king of mountains (checks the career of) the wind. (Struck with arrows) by the heroic Anjanaparva, the grandson of Bhimasena.

बभौ मेघेन धाराभिर्गिरिर्मेरुरिवावृतः। अश्वत्थामा त्वसम्भ्रान्तो रुद्रोपेन्द्रेन्द्रविक्रमः॥
(The son of Drona) looked like the mountain Meru drenched with (copious) showers of rain from the clouds. Ashvatthama also endued with a prowess equal to that of Rudra or Upendra, becoming highly enraged.

ध्वजमेकेन बाणेन चिच्छेदाञ्जनपर्वणः। द्वाभ्यां तु रथयन्तारौ त्रिभिश्चास्य त्रिवेणुकम्॥
Cut off the standard of Anjanaparva with one arrow, his two charioteers with two and his Trivenduka with four (arrows).

धनुरेकेन चिच्छेद चतुर्भिश्चतुरो हयान्। विरथस्योद्यतं हस्ताद्धेमबिन्दुभिरावितम्॥ विशिखेन सुतीक्ष्णेन खङ्गमस्य द्विधाकरोत्। गदा हेमाङ्गदा राजंस्तूर्णं हैडिम्बिसुनूना॥
With one (arrow) he cut-off his bow and with four his four steeds. Deprived of his car, as he (i.e. the son of Ghatotkach) took up a scimitar studded with golden stars, in his hand and flourished it, (Ashvatthama) severed it into two parts of by a keen dart. Then, O king, the grandson of Hidimva speedily (took up) a mace decked with gold;

भ्राम्योत्क्षिप्ता शरैः साऽपि द्रौणिनाभ्याहताऽपतत्। ततोऽन्तरिक्षमुत्प्लुत्य कालमेघ इवोन्नदन्॥ ववर्षाञ्जनीपर्वा स दुमवर्ष नभस्तलात्। ततो मायाधरं द्रौणिर्घटोत्कचसुतं दिवि॥ मार्गणैरभिविव्याध घनं सूर्य इवांशुभिः। सोऽवतीर्य पुरस्तस्थौ रथे हेमविभूषिते॥
And whirling it, (he) hurled (that mace at Ashvatthama). But the son of Drona, striking it (with arrows) filled it (to the ground). Then, leaping up in the air and roaring like black clouds, Anjaniparva began to pour down son showers of trees from the firmament. Then the son of Drona began to pierce that one capable of (creating) illusions by means of shafts in the sky as the sun (pierces) the clouds with his rays. Seated on his car again decked with gold, when that one of great strength.

महीगत इवात्युग्रः श्रीमानञ्जनपर्वतः। तमयस्मयवर्माणं द्रौणिर्भीमात्मजात्मजम्॥ जघानाञ्जनपर्वाणं महेश्वर इवान्धकम्। अथ दृष्ट्वा हतं पुत्रमश्वत्थाम्ना महाबलम्॥
Looking like a high and beautiful mountain of antimony, descended to the earth, the son of Drona slew th the of Bhima's son, Anjanaparva, clad in armour as Maheshvara (killed) the Asura) Andhaka in days of yore. Seeing his son of enormous strength killed Ashvatthama.

द्रौणेः सकाशमभ्येत्य रोषात् प्रज्वलिताङ्गदः। प्राह वाक्यमसम्भ्रान्तो वीरं शारद्वतीसुतम्॥ दहन्तं पाण्डवानीकं वनमग्निमिवोच्छ्रितम्।
(Ghatotkacha), the ornaments of whose arms were falling down from rage, came up to the son of Drona who consuming the Pandava army like a raging forest-fire and fearlessly

घटोत्कच उवाच तिष्ठ तिष्ठ न मे जीवन् द्रोणपुत्र गमिष्यसि॥ त्वामद्य निहनिष्यामि क्रौञ्चमग्निसुतो यथा।
Ghatotkacha said O son of Drona, 'wait, wait.' You will not escape alive from me. I will today destroy you as the son of Angi (i.e. Kartikeya) rived the (mountain) Krouncha.

अश्वत्थामोवाच गच्छ वत्स सहान्यैस्त्वं युध्यस्वामरविक्रम॥ न हि पुत्रेण हैडिम्बे पिता न्याय्यः प्रबाधितुम्।
Ashvatthama said O son equal in prowess to a celestial, go and fight with others. O son of Hidimva, it is not proper for the father to fight with the son.

कामं खलु न रोषो मे हैडिम्बे विद्यते त्वयि॥ किं तु रोषान्वितो जन्तुर्हन्यादात्मानमप्युता
O son of Hidimva, I am in no way angry with you in my mind. But when a creature is excited with rage, it may (then) kill its own self.

संजय उवाच श्रुत्वैतत् क्रोधताम्राक्षः पुत्रशोकसमन्वितः॥ अश्वत्थामानमायस्तो भैमसेनिरभाषत।
Sanjaya said Hearing those words, the son of Bhimasena who was filled with grief for the loss of son and whose eyes became copper-coloured in rage, addressed Ashvatthama thusकिमहं कातरो द्रौणे पृथग्जन इवाहवे॥

यन्मा भीषयसे वाग्भिरसदेतद् वचस्तव।
“What! Am I like a common individual, unable to fight, O son of Drona, that you are terrifying me with words? These words of yeurs are (highly) improper.

भीमात् खलु समुत्पन्नः कुरूणां विपुले कुले॥ पाण्डवानामहं पुत्रः समरेष्वनिवर्तिनाम्।
I am born of Bhima in the great race of the Kurus and am the son of the Pandavas who never run away from battle.

रक्षसामधिराजोऽहं दशग्रीवसमो बले॥ तिष्ठ तिष्ठ न मे जीवन् द्रोणपुत्र गमिष्यसि।
I am the Emperor of the Rakshasas and equal to the ten-necked (Ravana) in prowess. O son of Drona, wait, wait, you will never escape alive from me.

युद्धश्रद्धामहं तेऽद्य विनेष्यामि रणाजिरे॥ इत्युक्तवा क्रोधताम्राक्षो राक्षसः सुमहाबलः।
I will, today, put an end to your desire for fight on the field of battie.” Saying thus, that highly powerful Rakshasas, with eyes (red) as copper in wrath.

द्रौणिमभ्यद्रवत् क्रुद्धो गजेन्द्रमिव केसरी॥ रथाक्षमात्रैरिषुभिरभ्यवर्षद् घटोत्कचः।
Rushed furiously against the son of Drona as a lion (rushes against) the king of elephants. (Then) Ghatotkacha began to discharge showers of arrows of the measure of the Aksha of a car.

रथिनामृषभं द्रौणिं धाराभिरिव तोयदः॥ शरवृष्टिं शरैौणिरप्राप्तां तां व्यशातयत्।
At that foremost of car-warriors, the son of Drona, as a cloud (sends down) showers of rain. (But) the son of Drona allayed that down pour of arrows by means of his (own) shafts, before they could reach him.

ततोऽन्तरिक्षे बाणानां संग्रामोऽन्य इवाभवत्॥ अथास्त्रसम्मर्दकृतैर्विस्फुलिङ्गगैस्तदा बभौ।
It, then, seemed, that another fight was raging in the firmament between the arrows. In consequence of the sparks emitted forth by the clash of weapons, it seemed.

विभावरीमुखे व्योम खद्योतैरिव चित्रितम्॥ निशाम्य निहतां मायां द्रौणिना रणमानिना।
That the firmament was studded with glowworms during the night. Beholding his illusion destroyed by the son of Drona, proud (of his prowess) in battle.

घटोत्कचस्ततो मायां ससर्जान्तर्हितः पुनः॥ सोऽभवद् गिरिरत्युचः शिखरैस्तरुसंकटैः।
Ghatotkacha then disappeared from view again and created (another) illusion (by virtue of this new illusion); he assumed the shape of a towering mountain abounding with peaks and trees.

शूलप्रासासिमुसलजलप्रस्रवणो महान्॥ तमञ्जनगिरिप्रख्यं द्रौणिदृष्ट्वा महीधरम्।
And having a great fountain of water from which spears, lances, swords and heavy clubs, flowed incessantly. The son of Drona, beholding that mountain looking like a mass of antimony.

प्रपतद्धिश्च बहुभिः शस्रसंधैर्न विव्यथे॥ ततो हसन्निव द्रौणिर्वज्रमस्रमुदैरयत्।
From which innumerable weapons were being rained down, was not at all afflicted. The son of Drona, then, as if with a smile, invoked into existence the weapon of Bajra.

स तेनास्रेण शैलेन्द्रः क्षिप्तः क्षिप्रं व्यनश्यत॥ ततः स तोयदो भूत्वा नीलः सेन्द्रायुधो दिवि।
By means of that weapon he soon destroyed that prince of mountains. Then he (i.e., Ghatotkacha) wearing the shape of a blue cloud adorned with rain-bow in the firmament.

अश्मवृष्टिभिरत्युग्रो द्रौणिमाच्छादयद् रणे॥ अथ संधाय वायव्यमस्रमसविदां वरः।
Covered the son of Drona with furious showers of stones in battle. Thereupon, aiming ihe Vayavya weapon, that foremost of those skilled in weapons (viz.,)

व्यथमद् द्रोणतनयो नीलमेघं समुत्थितम्॥ स मार्गणगणैौणिर्दिशः प्रच्छाद्य सर्वशः।
The son Drona destroyed that rising blue cloud covering all points completely with numerous arrows, the son of Drona.

शतं रथसहस्राणां जघान द्विपदां वरः॥ स दृष्ट्वा पुनरायान्तं रथेनायातकार्मुकम्। घटोत्कचमसम्भ्रान्तं राक्षसैर्बहुभिर्वृतम्॥ सिंहशार्दूलसदृशैर्मत्तद्विरदविक्रमैः
That foremost of two-legged creatures. destroyed one hundred thousand cars. He (then) saw Ghatotkach come again fearlessly on a car bending his bow and surrounded by a host of Rakshasas, resembling (in shape) lions and tigers, endued with the prowess of infuriated elephants.

गजस्थैश्च रथस्थैश्च वाजिपृष्ठगतैरपि॥ विकृतास्यशिरोग्रीवैर्हिडिम्बानुचरैः सह।
Riding on elephants, cars and horses and possessed of unnatural, faces head and necks. Those followers of the son of Hidimva.

पौलस्त्यैर्यातुधानैश्च तामसैश्चेन्द्रविक्रमैः॥ नानाशस्त्रधरैवीरैर्नानाकवचभूषणैः
Belonged to Pulasta and Yatudhana clans and like them, were (all) equal to Indra in prowess. (These Rakshasa) heroes wielded several (sorts of) armours.

महाबलैर्भीमरवैः संरम्भोवृत्तलोचनैः॥ उपस्थितैस्ततो युद्धे राक्षसैयुद्धदुर्मदैः।
Were dreadful to look at, excited with wrath and their eyes were rolling in ire. Accompanied by those Rakshasas difficult of being vanquished. (Ghatotkacha) appeared on the field of battle.

विषण्णमभिसम्प्रेक्ष्य पुत्रं ते द्रौणिरब्रवीत्॥ तिष्ठ दुर्योधनाद्य त्वं न कार्य; सम्भ्रमस्त्वया।
Seeing that your son grew (greatly) dispirited (at the sight of these Rakshasas; the son of Drona thus addressed him. "O Duryodhana, wait. You need not entertain any fear (of the Rakshasas).

सहैभिर्धातृभिर्वीरैः पार्थिवैश्चेन्द्रविक्रमैः॥ निहनिष्याम्यमित्रांस्ते न तवास्ति पराजयः। सत्यं ते प्रतिजानामि पर्याश्वासय वाहिनीम्॥
(Remain here) with your heroic brothers and with the kings equal in prowess to Indra himself. I will destroy your enemies. You will not meet with reverse; I tell you (this) truly. Now cheer up (your) army.

दुर्योधन उवाच न त्वेतदद्भुतं मन्ये यत् ते महदिदं मनः। अस्मासु च परा भक्तिस्तव गौतमिनन्दन॥
Duryodhana said I do not deem it (i.e., what you say) wonderful because you have a large mind and (because), O son of Goutama's daughter, you are devotedly attached to us.

संजय उवाच अश्वत्थामानमुक्त्वैवं ततः सौबलमब्रवीत्। वृतं रथसहस्रेण हयानां रणशोभिनाम्॥
Sanjaya said Thus addressing Ashvatthama, he then said to the son of Subala-"(Arjuna) is surrounded by one hundred thousand cars, adorning the (field of) battle.

षष्ट्या रथसहस्रैश्च प्रयाहि त्वं धनंजयम्। कर्णश्च वृषसेनश्च कृपो नीलस्तथैव च॥
Do you mark against Dhananjaya with one thousand cars, Karna, Vrisasena, Kripa as well as Nila. as

उदीच्याः कृतवर्मा च पुरुमित्रः सुतापनः। दुःशासनो निकुम्भश्च कुण्डभेदी पराक्रमः॥
And the warriors of the North, Kritavarma, the sons of Purumitra, Dusasana, Nikumva, Kundavedi, Purukrama.

पुरंजयो दृढरथः पताकी हेमकम्पनः। शल्यारुणीन्द्रसेनाश्च संजयो विजयो जयः॥
And Puranjaya, Dridaratha, Pataki, Hemapusyaka, Shalya, Aruni, Indrasena, Sanjaya, Vijaya, Jaya.

कमलाक्षः परक्राथी जयवर्मा सुदर्शनः। एते त्वामनुयास्यन्ति पत्तीनामयुतानि षट्॥
And Kamalaksha, Parakrathi, Jayadharma, Sudarsana-(all) these will follow you together with sixty thousand infantry.

जहि भीमं यमौ चोभौ धर्मराजं च मातुल। असुरानिव देवेन्द्रो जयाशा मे त्वयि स्थिता॥
Destroy, O uncle, Bhima, the twins (i.e., Nakula and Sahadeva) as well the Dharmaraj, as the Asuras. My hope of success lies in you.

दारितान् द्रौणिनां बाणैर्भृशं विक्षतविग्रहान्। जहि मातुल कौन्तेयानसुरानिव पावकिः॥
(They) are already deeply wounded, their bodies are mangled with shafts by the son of Drona. O uncle, (now) destroy the sons of Kunti, as the son of Agni (i.e., Kartikeya) slew the Asuras.

एवमुक्तौ ययौ शीघ्रं पुत्रेण तव सौबलः। पिप्रीषुस्ते सुतान् राजन् दिधक्षुश्चैव पाण्डवान्॥
Thus spoken to by your son, the son of Subala, desirous of doing your son good, marched quickly, O king, for the purpose of destroying the Pandavas.

अथ प्रववृते युद्धं द्रौणिराक्षसयोर्मधे। विभावर्यां सुतुमलं शक्रप्रह्लादयोरिव॥
Then commenced on that night a dreadful encounter between the son of Drona and the Rakshasas (Ghatotkacha) like that (which had taken place in days of yore) between Shakra and Prahrada.

ततो घटोत्कचो बाणैर्दशभिर्गौतमीसुतम्। जघानोरसि संक्रुद्धो विषाग्निप्रतिमैदृद्वैः॥
Then Ghatatkacha, excited with, anger struck the son of the daughter of Goutama on the chest with ten strong arrows (fierce) like the venom or the fire.

स तैरभ्याहतो गाढं शरैर्भीमसुतेरितैः। चचाल रथमध्यस्थो वातोद्धत इव दुमः॥
Deeply wounded by those arrows sent by the son of Bhima, he (i.e., Ashvatthama), like a tree shaken by the tempest trembled on the terrace of his car.

भूयश्चाञ्जलिकेनाथ मार्गणेन महाप्रभम्। द्रौणिहस्तस्थितं चापं चिच्छेदाशु घटोत्कचः॥
Again by means of a broad-headed shaft, Ghatotkacha soon cut-off that highly lustrous bow wielded by the son of Drona.

ततोऽन्यद् द्रौणिरादाय धनुर्भारसहं महत्। ववर्ष विशिखांस्तीक्ष्णान् वारिधारा इवाम्बुदः।।१३१
Then taking up another strong bow capable of sustaining a great strain, the son of Drona poured showers of keen arrows as the clouds (pour down) showers of rain.

ततः शारद्वतीपुत्रः प्रेषयामास भारत। सुवर्णपुलाञ्छत्रुघ्नान् खचरान् खचरं प्रति॥
Then, O Bharata, the son of Saradvati sent gold winged and sky-ranging destructive of foes against that ranger of the sky.

तद् बाणैरर्दितं यूथं रक्षसां पीनवक्षसाम्। सिंहैरिव बभौ मत्तं गजानामाकुलं कुलम्॥
That great host of the broad-chested Rakshasas, sore oppressed with his arrows, looked like a herd of furious elephants attacked) by a lion.

विधम्य राक्षसान् बाणैः साश्वसूतरथद्विपान्। ददाह भगवान् वह्निर्भूतानीव युगक्षये॥
Like the god Agni consuming the creatures at the end of a Yoga, he began to consume with his arrows the Rakshasas together with (their) horses, charioteers, cars and elephants. arrows

स दग्ध्वाक्षौहिणी बाणैर्नैर्ऋतीं रुरुचे नृप। पुरेव त्रिपुरं दग्ध्वा दिवि देवो महेश्वरः॥
Consuming one Akshauhini of Rakshasa troops with his shafts, he shone like the divine Maheshvara in heaven when the latter had burnt down (the chief of) Tripura in days of yore.

युगान्ते सर्वभूतानि दग्ध्वेव वसुरुल्वणः। रराज जयतां श्रेष्ठो द्रोणपुत्रस्तवाहितान्॥
Having consumed the hostile forces, the son of Drona, the forernost of victors, shone like the resplendent Agni burning all the creatures at the end of a Yuga.

ततो घटोत्कचः क्रुद्धो रक्षसां भीमकर्मणाम्। द्रौणिं हतेति महती चोदयामास तां चमूम्॥
Then Ghatotkacha, greatly enraged ordered that vast army of Rakshasas capable of achieving terrible feats, to slay the son of Drona.

घटोत्कचस्य तामाज्ञां प्रतिगृह्याथ राक्षसाः। दंष्ट्रोज्ज्वला महावक्त्रा घोररूपा भयानकाः॥
In obedience to that order of Ghatotkacha, the Rakshasas, possessed of blazing teeth, large faces and terrible features, capable of causing dread.

ध्यात्तानना घोरजिह्वाः क्रोधतानेक्षणा भृशम्। सिंहनादेन महता नादयन्तो वसुन्धराम्॥
Having gaping mouths, long tongues and eyes burning in ire, causing the earth to tremble with great leonine roars.

हन्तुमभ्यद्रवन् द्रौणिं नानाप्रहरणायुधाः। शक्तीः शतघ्नीः परिघानशनीः शूलपट्टिशान्॥ खङ्गान् गदा भिन्दिपालान् मुसलानि परश्वघान्। प्रासानसींस्तोमरांश्च कणपान् कम्पनाञ्छितान्॥ स्थूलान् भुशुण्ड्यश्मगदाःस्थूणान् कार्णायसांस्तथा। मुद्रांश्च महाघोरान् समरे शत्रुदारणान्॥
And wielding several (sorts of) weapons rushed to slay the son of Drona. These Rakshasas, of gigantic strength and with eyes reddened with wrath, began to shower upon the head of the son of Drona hundreds and thousands of awfully terrible darts, Sataghness, spiked maces, Asanis, lances, axes, scimitars, maces, Bhindipalas, heavy clubs, battle axes, spears, swords, lances, Kunapas, polished Kampanas, sthulas, Bhushundees, stones. vessels of treacle, sthunas made of black iron and clubs (all) destructive of foes.

द्रौणिमूर्धन्यसंत्रस्ता राक्षसा भीमविक्रमाः। चिक्षिपुः क्रोधताम्राक्षाः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः॥ तच्छस्रवर्षं सुमहद् द्रोणपुत्रस्य मूर्धनि। पतमानं समीक्ष्याथ योधास्ते व्यथिताभवन्॥
Seeing that dreadful shower of weapons was falling upon the head of the son of Drona your warriors were greatly distressed (at heart).

द्रोणपुत्रस्तु विक्रान्तस्तद् वर्ष घोरमुच्छ्रितम्। शरैर्विध्वंसयामास वज्रकल्पैः शिलाशितैः॥
(But) Drona's son dauntlessly baffled that dreadful and impending shower of weapons by means of his own shafts, hard as the thunderbolt and sharpened on stones.

ततोऽन्यैर्विशिखैस्तूर्णं स्वर्णपुखैर्महामनाः। निजघ्ने राक्षसान् द्रौणिर्दिव्यास्त्रप्रतिमन्त्रितैः॥
Then that high-minded son, of Drona, quickly destroyed the Rakshasas with other gold winged shafts inspired with the mantras of celestial weapons.

तद्बाणैरर्दितं यूथं राक्षसां पीनवक्षसाम्। सिंहैरिव बभौ मत्तं गजानामाकुलं कुलम्॥
The broad chested Rakshasa army, crushed by his arrows, looked like a herd of furious elephants oppressed by lions.

ते राक्षसाः सुसंक्रुद्धा द्रोणपुत्रेण ताडिताः। क्रुद्धाः स्म प्राद्रवन् द्रौणिं जिघांसन्तो महाबलाः॥१४८
Sore oppressed by the son of Drona those Rakshasas, endued with enormous strength, became mad with rage and angrily rushed against Drona's son in order to slay him.

तत्राद्भुतमिमं द्रौणिर्दर्शयामास विक्रमम्। अशक्यं कर्तुमन्येन सर्वभूतेषु भारत॥
There, 0 Bharata, the son of Drona displayed such wonderful exploits as are incapable of being achieved by any other being among all the creatures.

यदेको राक्षसी सेनां क्षणाद् द्रौणिर्महास्रवित्। ददाह ज्वलितैर्बाणै राक्षसेन्द्रस्य पश्यतः॥
In as much as single-handed the son of Drona, versed in great weapons, by means of blazing darts, burnt that Rakshasa ariny in a moment in the very presence of the Rakshasa king.

स हत्वा राक्षसानीकं रराज द्रौणिराहवे। युगान्ते सर्वभूतानि संवर्तक इवानलः॥
The son of Drona, while (thus burning that Rakshasa host in battle shone like the Samvartaka fire (consuming) all the creatures at the end of a Yuga.

तं दहन्तमनीकानि शरैराशीविषोपमैः। तेषु राजसहस्रेषु पाण्डवेयेषु भारत॥
While engaged in consuming the forces with arrows (fierce) as poisonous snakes, among those thousands of kings on the side of the Pandavas, OBharata.

नैनं निरीक्षितुं कश्चिदशक्नोद् द्रौणिमाहवे। ऋते घटोत्कचाद् वीराद् राक्षसेन्द्रान्महाबलात्॥
None else could look at the son of Drona in that encounter except Ghatotkacha, the heroic and highly powerful king of the Rakshasas.

स पुनर्भरतश्रेष्ठ क्रोधादुद्भान्तलोचनः। तलं तलेन संहत्य संदश्य दशनच्छदम्॥
O best of the Bharatas, again he (i.e., Ghatotkacha), with eyes rolling in rage, striking his palms and biting his lip.

स्वं सूतमब्रवीत् क्रुद्धो द्रोणपुत्राय मां वह। स ययौ घोररुपेण सुपताकेन भास्वता॥ द्वैरथं द्रोणपुत्रेण पुनरष्यरिसूदनः। स विनद्य महानादं सिंहवद् भीमविक्रमः॥ चिक्षेपाविध्य संग्रामे द्रोणपुत्राय राक्षसः। अष्टघण्टां महाघोरामशनि देवनिर्मिताम्॥
Said angrily to his charioteer “Bear me towards the son of Drona.” Ascending that terrible looking (car) furnished with triumphal banners, that destroyer foes again marched against the son of Drona in order to engage in a single combat with him. Sending forth a thundering roar like that of a lion, that terriblypowerful Rakshasa, whirling a highly dreadful Asani of celestial make and furnished with eight bells, hurled it in that encounter at the son of Drona.

तामवप्लुत्य जग्राह द्रौणिय॑स्य रथे धनुः। चिक्षेप चैनां तस्यैव स्यन्दनात् सोऽवपुप्लवे॥
Placing his bow on the car and jumping down, the son of Drona seized it and hurled it back at him (i.e. the Rakshasa, (Seeing that Asani proceed towards him) he leaped down from his car.

साश्वसूतध्वजं यानं भस्म कृत्वा महाप्रभा। विवेश वसुधां भित्त्वा साशनिर्भृशदारुणा॥
That dreadful Asani of great luster having consumed to ashes the car together with the steeds, the driver and the standard, rived the earth and (then) penetrated into it.

द्रौणेस्तत् कर्म दृष्ट्वा तु सर्वभूतान्यपूजयन्। यदवप्लत्य जग्राह घोरां शङ्करनिर्मिताम्॥
Seeing the son of Drona achieve that (wonderful) feat all the creatures adored (him) inasmuch as leaping down from his car he seized that (Asani) made by Sankara.

धृष्टद्युम्नरथं गत्वा भैमसेनिस्ततो मृप। धनुर्घोरं समादाय महदिन्द्रायुधोपमम्।
Then, O king, riding on the car of Dhritarashtra and taking up a dreadful bow like the formidable bow of Indra (himself), the son of Bhimasena.

मुमोच निशितान् बाणान् पुनौणेर्महोरसि॥ मुमोचाशीविषोपमान्।
Began again to discharge sharpened arrows at the high-soulcd of Drona. Dhristadyumna also, nothing daunted, discharged (arrows) fierce as poisonous snakes.

सुवर्णपुङ्खान् विशिखान् द्रोणपुत्रस्य वक्षसि॥ ततो मुमाच नाराचान् द्रौणिस्तांश्च सहस्रशः।
Furnished with gold wings and excellent at the chest of the son of Drona. Thereupon

धृष्टद्युम्नस्त्वसम्भ्रान्तो
Drona's son hurled at them thousands of Narachas.

तावप्यग्निशिखप्रख्यैर्जघ्नतुस्तस्य मार्गणान्॥ अतितीव्र महद् युद्धं तयोः पुरुषपिहयोः।
(But) those two (i.e., Dhristadyumna and the Rakshasa) cut-off with their own shafts, having the touch of fire, the arrows discharged by Drona's son). (Then an awfully terrible battle took place between those two best of men.

योधानां प्रीतिजननं द्रौणेश्च भरतर्षभ॥ ततो रथसहस्रेण द्विरदानां शतैत्रिभिः।
And the son of Drona caused a great delight to the warriors, O best of the Bharatas. Then followed by one thousand cars, three hundred elephants.

षड्भिर्वाजिसहस्रश्च भीमस्तं देशमागमत्॥ ततो भीमात्मजं रक्षो धृष्टद्युम्नं च सानुगम्। अयोधयत धर्मात्मा द्रौणिरक्लिष्टविक्रमः॥ तत्राद्भुततमं द्रौणिर्दर्शयामास विक्रमम्।
And six thousand steeds Bhimasena made his appearance at that spot (where the battle was raging). But the virtuous-souled son of Drona, possessed of excellent prowess, continued to fight with the heroic son of Bhimasena and Dhristadyumna together with his younger brothers; there the son of Drona achieved the most marvellous exploit.

अशक्यं कर्तुमन्येन सर्वभूतेषु भारत॥ निमेषान्तरमात्रेण साश्वसूतरथद्विपाम्। अक्षौहिणी राक्षसानां शितैर्बाणैरशातयत्॥ मिषतो भीमसेनस्य हैडिम्बेः पार्षतस्य च।
Incapable of being performed by any one among all the creatures. O Bharata, within the twinkling of an eyes, he destroyed by means of arrows one Akshauhini of the Rakshasa army together with horses, drivers, cars and elephants, in the very sight of Bhimasena, the son of Hidimva, the son of Prishatha.

यमयोधर्मपुत्रस्य विजयस्याच्युतस्य च॥ प्रगाढमञ्जोगतिभिर्नाराचैरभिताडिताः।
The twins, the son of Dharma, Vijaya and Achyuta. Pierced deeply with the strightcoursing shafts.

निपेतुर्द्विरदा भूमौ सशृङ्गा इव पर्वताः॥ निकृत्तैर्हस्तिहस्तैश्च विचलद्भिरितस्ततः।
The tuskers fell down on earth like mountains devoid of (their) peaks with the trunks of elephants chopped off (by arrows) that were still moving about here and there.

रराज वसुधा कीर्णा विसर्पद्भिरिवोरगैः॥ क्षिप्तैः काञ्चनदण्डैश्च नृपच्छत्रैः क्षितिर्बभौ।
The earth being strewn it looked as beautiful as if strewn around with moving snakes; with golden staves cut (to pieces) and royal umbrellas (lying scattered all over the field of battle) the earth looked like.

द्यौरिवोदितचन्द्रार्का ग्रहाकीर्णा युगक्षये॥ प्रवृद्धध्वजमण्डूकां भेरीविस्तीर्णकच्छपाम्।
The firmament studded with (many) suns, moons and planets at the end of a Yuga. Tell standards constituted the frogs, drums the large tortoises.

छत्रहंसावलीजुष्टां फेनचामरमालिनीम्॥ कङ्कगृध्रमहाग्राहां नैकायुधझषाकुलाम्।
Huge elephants the stones, elephants and horses the sharks, cars the unstable and great banks, flags the beautiful trees.

विस्तीर्णगजपाषाणां हताश्वमकराकुलाम्॥ रक्षक्षिप्तमहावप्रां पताकारुचिरदुमाम्।
Arrows the fishes, lances, darts and swords the frightful snakes, marrow and flesh the deep mire, headless bodies, the ratters;

शरमीनां महारौद्रां प्रासशक्त्यष्टिडुण्डुभाम्॥ मजामांसमहापां कबन्धावर्जितोडुपाम्। केशशैवलकल्माषां भीरूणां कश्मलावहाम्॥ नागेन्द्रहययोधानां शरीरव्ययसम्भवाम्।
Profusion of hair (of men and animals) the moss, lamentations of warriors the roar and blood flowing from the wounds formed the waves of that impetuous river of blood formed numerous by the blood shedding from the bodies of huge elephants, horses and combatants and inspiring the coward with terror-which the son of Drona caused to flow there.

शोणितीयमहाघोरां द्रौणिः प्रावर्तयन्नदीम्॥ योधार्तरवनि?षां क्षतजोर्मिसमाकुलाम्। श्वापदातिमहाघोरां यमराष्ट्रमहोदधिम्॥ निहत्य राक्षसान् बाणैौणिहँडिम्बिमार्दयत्।
(It looked) frightful with the (dead) bodies of foot soldiers and (it flowed towards) that great ocean, that is, the abode of Yama. Having destroyed the Rakshasa the son of Hidimva with shafts.

पुनरप्यतिसंक्रुद्धः सवृकोदरपार्षतान्॥ स नाराच गणैः पार्थान् द्रौणिर्विद्ध्वा महाबलः।
Waxing worth again, Drona's son having pierced with numerous shafts those great carwarriors, the of Pritha including Vrikodara and the son of Prishata.

जघान सुरथं नाम द्रुपदस्य सुतं विभुः॥ पुनः शत्रुजयं नाम द्रुपदस्यात्मजं रणे। बलानीकं जयानीकं जयाश्वं चाभिजनिवान्॥
Killed, O Lord, one of the sons of Drupada, Suratha by name. Then in that encounter he killed the younger brother of Suratha, Satrunjaya by name and also Balmika, Jayanika and Jaya. Then again, roaring like a lion, the son of Drona, by means of sharpened sons arrows.

श्रुताह्वयं च राजानं द्रौणिनिन्ये यमक्षयम्। त्रिभिश्चान्यैः शरैस्तीक्ष्णैः सुपुजैर्हेममालिनम्॥ जधान स पृषघ्रं च चन्द्रसेनं च मारिष। कुन्तिभोजसुतांश्चासौ दशभिर्दश जनिवान्॥ अश्वत्थामा सुसंक्रुद्धः संधायोग्रमजिह्मगम्। मुमोचाकर्णपूर्णेन धनुषा शरमुत्तमम्॥ यमदण्डोपमं घोरमुद्दिश्याशु घटोत्कचम्।
Slew Prishadhru and the proud Chandrasena. (Then) with ten (darts) he destroyed ten sons of Kuntibhoja with another three red-eyed arrow graced with beautiful wings he dispatched O king of kings, to the abode of Yama, Shtrutayush. (He then) sent the powerful Satrunjaya to the abode of Shakra. Ashvatthama, then, greatly enraged, fixed a terrible and uncrooked (arrows) (on his bowstring). (And) drawing the string up to his very ear, he soon discharged from his bow that excellent and formidable (arrow) looking like Yamadanda at Ghatotkacha.

स भित्त्वा हृदयं तस्य राक्षसस्य महाशरः॥ विवेश वसुधां शीघ्रं सुपुङ्खः पृथिवीपते।
O Lord of earth, that great arrow furnished with beautiful wings, riving the heart of that Rakshasa, penetrated into the earth.

तं हतं पतितं ज्ञात्वा धृष्टद्युम्नो महारथः॥ द्रौणेः सकाशाद् राजेन्द्र व्यपनिन्ये रथोत्तमम्।
Seeing him fallen down and taking him for dead, the great car-warrior Dhristadyumna. placed him upon another car and bore him away from the presence of the son of Drona, O king kings.

ततः पराङ्मुखनृपं सैन्यं यौधिष्ठिरं नृप॥ पराजित्य रणे वीरो द्रोणपुत्रो ननाद ह। पूजितः सर्वभूतेषु तव पुत्रैश्च भारत॥
Thus the car-warriors of Yudhishthira were driven back O king. Vanquishing his enemies, the heroic son of Drona uttered thundering shouts and he was adored by all men and by your sons, O lord.

हतपतितैः क्षणदाचरैः समन्तात्। निधनमुपगतैर्मही कृताभूद् गिरिशिखरैरिव दुर्गमातिरौद्र॥
Scattered all over with the fallen bodies of the dead night-rangers struck down and mangled by hundreds of shafts, the earth looked dreadful and became impassable as if strewn with mountain-peaks.

तं सिद्धगन्धर्वपिशाचसंघा नागाः सुपर्णाः पितरो वयांसि। मपूजयन्नप्सरसः सुराश्च॥
Then the Siddhas, the Gandharvas, the Pishachas, the Nagas, the birds, the Pitris, ravens, the Rakshas, the ghosts, the Apsaras and the celestials all joined in adoring the son of Drona. Then the Siddhas, the Gandharvas, the Pishachas, the Nagas, the birds, the Pitris, ravens, the Rakshas, the ghosts, the Apsaras and the celestials all joined in adoring the son of Drona.