धृतराष्ट्र उवाच श्वोभूते किमकार्पुस्ते दुःखशोकसमन्विताः। अभिमन्यौ हते तत्र के वायुध्यन्त मामकाः॥
Dhritarashtra said When the day after the one in which Abhimanyu had been slain, came, what did the Pandavas, afflicted with grief and sorrow, do? What warriors of my host fought with them?
जानन्तस्तस्य कर्माणि कुरुः सव्यसाचिनः। कथं तत् किल्बिषं कृत्वा निर्भया ब्रूहि मामकाः॥
Aware, as they were, of the feats achieved by Savyasachin (Arjuna), tell me, how could the Kauravas and and my warriors, having perpetrated that sinful act. (Abhimanyu's slaughter) remain undaunted?
पुत्रशोकाभिसंतप्तं क्रुद्धं मृत्युमिवान्तकम्। आयान्तं पुरुषव्याघ्रं कथं ददृशुराहवे॥
How could they in battle dare look at that foremost of men as he proceeded like the alldestroying Death, burning with fury and distressed with the grief occasioned by the slaughter of his son.
कपिराजध्वजं संख्ये विधुन्वानं महद् धनुः। दृष्टवा पुत्रपरिघुनं किमकुर्वत मामकाः॥
What did my warriors do, beholding that warriors having the king of the monkeys for the emblem on his standard, that hero afflicted with the grief caused by the death of his son and shaking his huge bow in battle?
किं नु संजय संग्रामे वृत्तं दुर्योधनं प्रति। परिदेवो महानद्य श्रुतो मे नाभिनन्दनम्॥
What, O Sanjaya, has befallen, unto Duryodhana in this day's battle? A great grief stares us in the face. I do not hear any longer, sounds of joy (from my camp).
वभूवुर्ये मनोग्राह्याः शब्दाः श्रुतिसुखावहाः। न श्रूयन्तेऽद्य सर्वे ते सैन्धवस्य निवेशने॥
Those inind-captivating sounds, highly pleasing to the sense of hearing that were before heard from the pavilion of the Sindhu king, those sounds are no longer perceived today.
स्तुवतां नाद्य श्रूयन्ते पुत्राणां शिबिरे मम। सूतमागधसंघानां नर्तकानां च सर्वशः॥
In the encampment of my sons, the sounds of numerous minstrels and panegyrists singing eulogies and of dancers, are no longer heard.
शब्देन नादिताभीक्ष्णमभवद् यत्र मे श्रुतिः। दीनानामद्य तं शब्दं न शृणोमि समीरितम्॥
formerly all these sounds used to strike my ears incessantly. Alas, merged as they are in grief, do not any longer here those sounds from their pavilions
निवेशने सत्यधृतेः सोमदत्तस्य संजय। आसीनोऽहं पुरा तात शब्दमश्रौषमुत्तमम्॥
Formerly, O Sanjaya, while sitting in the camp of the truth-loving Somadatta, I used to hear all those charming sounds.
तदद्य पुण्यहीनोऽहमार्तस्वरनिनादितम्। निवेशनं गतोत्साहं पुत्राणां मम लक्षये॥
How poor in religious merit I am today, inasmuch as I perceive the pavilion of my sons today to be resounding with sounds of sorrow and lamentations and to be destitute of all sounds of life and energy.
विविंशतेर्तुर्मुखस्य चित्रसेनविकर्णयोः। अन्येषां च सुतानां मे न तथा श्रूयते ध्वनिः॥
I do not now hear those sounds I used to hear formerly in the camps of Vivinshati, Durmukha, Chitrasena, Vikarna and other sons of mine.
ब्राह्मणाः क्षत्रिया वैश्या यं शिष्याः पर्युपासते। द्रोणपुत्रं महेष्वासं पुत्राणां मे परायणम्॥
That fierce bowman namely the son of Drona, who is the protector of my sons, upon whom Brahmanas, Kshatriyas and Vaishya and a large number of pupils used to wait.
वितण्डालापसंलापैर्दुतवादित्रवादितैः। गीतैश्च विविधैरिष्टै रमते यो दिवानिशम्॥
Who delighted in disputations and conversation and in the stirring music of various instruments and in diverse kinds of songs.
उपास्यमानो बहुभिः कुरुपाण्डवसात्वतैः। सूत तस्य गृहे शब्दो नाद्य द्रौणेर्यथा पुरा॥
Who was worshipped by many persons among the Kurus, the Pandavas and the Satvatas-you son of Suta, even in the carp of that son of Drona no sound could be heard as before.
द्रोणपुत्रं महेष्वासं गायना नर्तकाश्च ये। अत्यर्थमुपतिष्ठन्ति तेषां न श्रूयते ध्वनिः॥
Numerous songsters and dancers used to dance attendance upon that mighty bowman viz., the son of Drona! Now their sounds could no longer be heard in their camp.
विन्दानुविन्दयोः सायं शिबिरे योमहाध्वनिः॥
The loud sound that used to be sent up from the pavilion of Vinda and Anuvinda every evening, alas, that sound could no longer be heard there. In the camp of the Kekayas also.
श्रूयते सोऽद्य न तथा केकयानां च वेश्मसु। नित्यं प्रमुदितानां च तालगीतस्वनो महान्॥
Could no longer be heard the sound that used to be made by the songs and slappings of palms of soldiers engaged in dance and merrymaking.
नूत्यतां श्रूयते तात गणानां सोऽद्य न स्वनः। सप्त तन्तून् वितन्वाना याजका यमुपासते॥
Those Yajaka Brahmanas accomplished in conducting Saptatantu sacrifices, who used to wait upon the son of Somadatta versed in the Vedas, the sound made by those Brahmanas could no longer be heard.
सौमदत्तिं श्रुतनिधि तेषां न श्रूयते ध्वनिः। ज्याघोषो ब्रह्मघोषश्च तोमरासिरथध्वनिः॥
The twang of bows, the sound of Vedic recitations, the whistle of shafts, the whiz of swords and the rattle of cars, these sounds were the be heard incessantly in the pavilion of Drona. But I do not hear them now.
द्रोणस्यासीदविरतो गृहे तं न शृणोम्यहम्। नानादेशसमुत्थानां गीतानां योऽभवत् स्वनः॥
The melody of songs that used to be sang in the various parts of the field and that used to be mingled with the sound of musical instruments, alas, that sound could not be heard this day.
वादिननादितानां च सोऽद्य न श्रूयते महान्। यदा प्रभृत्युप्लव्याच्छानितमिच्छञ्जनार्दनः॥
When Janardana of unfading glory out of the compassion he cherished for every creature, came here with a desire for concluding peace.
आगतः सर्वभूतानामनुकम्पार्थमच्युतः। ततोऽहमब्रुवं सूत मन्दं दुर्योधनं तदा॥
Then, O Suta, I said unto the wicked Duryodhana-"With the son of Vasudeva as the mediator, O son, do you conclude peace with the Pandavas.
वासुदेवेन तीर्थेन पुत्र संशाम्य पाण्डवैः। कालप्राप्तमहं मन्ये मा त्वं दुर्योधनातिगाः॥
Me seems the time for concluding peace has arrived. O Duryodhana, do not violate my command. If you now disregard the son of Vasudeva who now entreats you for peace.
शमं चेद् याचमानं त्वं प्रत्याख्यास्यसि केशवम्। हिमार्थमभिजल्पन्तं न तवास्ति रणे जयः॥
And advises you for your welfare, victory will never fall in your lot in battle." Duryodhana however neglected him of the Dasharha race, that foremost of all bowmen.
प्रत्याचष्ट स दाशार्हमृषभं सर्वधन्विनाम्। अनुनेयानि जल्पन्तमनयान्नान्वपद्यत॥ ततो दुःशासनस्यैव कर्णस्य च मतं द्वयोः। अन्ववर्तत मां हित्वा कृष्टः कालेन दुर्मतिः॥
Who then addressed him for his welfare and thus he brought danger on his own head. Then that son of mine, whose intellect was perverted and who was being drawn into the jaws of death, accepted the counsel of Dushasana and Karna and rejected that which I offered him.
न ह्यहं द्यूतमिच्छामि विदुरो न प्रशंसति। सैन्धवो नेच्छति द्यूतं भीष्मो न द्यूतमिच्छति॥
I was not in favour of the game at dice, nor was Vidura so. Neither also did the ruler of the Sindhus approve of the game at dice, nor did Bhishma approve of it.
शल्यो भूरिश्रवाश्चैव पुरुमित्रो जयस्तथा। अश्वत्थामा कृपो द्रोणो द्यूतं नेच्छन्ति संजय!॥
O Sanjaya, so also, Shalya Bhurishravas, Purumitra. Jaya, Ashvatthaman, Kripa and Drona, none of these approved of that game.
एतेषां मतमादाय यदि वर्तेत पुत्रकः। सज्ञातिमित्रः ससुच्चिरं जीवेदनामयः॥
If my unfortunate son had conducted himself according to the counsel of these persons. He with his friends and relatives would then have passed his days in peace and happiness.
श्लक्ष्णा मधुरसम्भाषा ज्ञातिबन्धुप्रियंवदाः। कुलीनाः सम्मताः प्राज्ञाः सुखं प्राप्स्यन्ति पाण्डवाः॥
Of sweet and charming speech, always speaking what is agreeable to their relatives. Of noble extraction, esteemed by all, gifted with knowledge, the sons of Pandu are sure to reap happiness.
धर्मापेक्षी नरो नित्यं सर्वत्र लभते सुखम्। प्रेत्यभावे च कल्याणं प्रसादं प्रतिपद्यते॥
The man who depends of righteousness, is sure to reap happiness always and everywhere. After death, he obtains bliss and grace (of god).
अर्हास्ते पृथिवीं भोक्तुं समर्थाः साधनेऽपि च। तेषामपि समुद्रान्ता पितृपैतामही मही॥
Relying on their own prowess for the achievement of their purposes, the Pandavas deserve to enjoy one half of the Earth itself. The sea-girt earth is as much an inheritance to them as it is to the Kurus.
नियुज्यमानाः स्थास्यन्ति पाण्डवा धर्मवर्मनि। सन्ति मे ज्ञातयस्तात येषां श्रोष्यन्ति पाण्डवाः॥
Obtaining sovereignty they will ever remain in the path of virtue. I have kinsmen, O son, to whose words the Pandavas will ever pay attention.
शल्यस्य सोमदत्तस्य भीष्मस्य च महात्मनः। द्रोणस्याथ विकर्णस्य बाह्रीकस्य कृपस्य च॥ अन्येषां चैव वृद्धानां भरतानां महात्मनाम्। त्वदर्थं ब्रुवतां तात करिष्यन्ति वचो हि ते॥
O sire, As for instance, Shalya, Somadatta, the high-souled Bhishma, Drona, Vikarna, Balhika, Kripa and numerous other high-souled and venerable in years) members of the Bharata dynasty. If these persons speak for you, the Pandavas will act up to their beneficial words. Who among these do you think would speak otherwise?
कं वा त्वं मन्यसे तेषां यस्तान् ब्रूयादतोऽन्यथा। कृष्णो न धर्म संजह्यात् सर्वे ते हि तदन्वयाः॥
Krishna will never abandon righteousness; the Pandavas are ever submissive to him.
पयापि चोक्तास्ते वीरा वचनं धर्मसंहितम्। नान्यथा प्रकरिष्यन्ति धर्मात्मानो हि पाण्डवाः॥
Those heroes will not also disregard the righteous words that I shall speak to them for the Pandavas are all of righteous soul.
इत्यहं विलपन् सूत बहुशः पुत्रमुक्तवान्। न च मे श्रुतवान् मूढो मन्ये कालस्य पर्ययम्॥
Thus plaintively lamenting, I said these and many other words to my son, O Suta. But that fool did not listen to me, Me seems all this is owing to the evil influence of time.
वृकोदरार्जुनौ यत्र वृष्णिवीरश्च सात्यकिः। उत्तमौजाश्च पाञ्चाल्यो युधामन्युश्च दुर्जयः॥ धृष्टद्युम्नश्च दुर्धर्षः शिखण्डी चापराजितः। अश्मकाः केकयाश्चैव क्षत्रधर्मा च सौमकिः॥ चैद्यश्च चेकितानश्च पुत्रः काश्यस्य चाभिभूः। द्रौपदेया विराटश्च दुपदश्च महारथः॥ यमो च पुरुषव्याघ्रौ मन्त्री च मधुसूदनः। क एताजातु युध्येत लोकेऽस्मिन् वै जिजीविषुः॥४२
There where remain Vrikodara and Arjuna and the Vrishni hero Satyaki and Uttamaujas of thie Panchala race and the indomitable Yudhamanyu and the invincible Dhristadyumna and the ever-victorious Sikhandin and the Ashmakas, Kekayas and Kshatradharinan of the Somaka clan, the ruler of the Chedis and Chekitana and Abhibhu the son of the Kasi king, the sons of Draupadi and Virata and the mighty car-warrior Drupada and those foremost of men the twins Nakula and Sahadeva and the slayer of Madhu as the counsellor. What man in this world desirous of living would venture to fight with these?
दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वाणान् प्रसहेद् वा परान् मम। अन्योदुर्योधनात् कर्णाच्छकुनेश्चापि सौबलात्॥ दुःशासनचतुर्थानां नान्यं पश्यामि पञ्चमम्।
Who else again will face my enemies when they will display their celestial weapons. Save and except Duryodhana, Karna, Shakuni the son of Subala and Dushasana as their fourth; I do not indeed see a fifth man.
येषामभीषुहस्तः स्याद् विष्वक्सेनो रथे स्थितः॥ संनद्धश्चार्जुनो योद्धा तेषां नास्ति पराजयः।
They who have Vishvaksena (Vishnu), clad in armour and reins in hand, on their chariot, they who have Arjuna for their warrior, they can never suffer defeat.
तेषामथ विलापानां नायं दुर्योधनः स्मरेत्॥ हतौ हि पुरुषव्याघ्रौ भीष्मद्रोणौ त्वमात्य वै।
Does Duryodhana now remember all those lamentations of mine? You say that Bhishma and Drona, those two foremost of men, have been killed.
तेषां विदुरवाक्यानां मुक्तानां दीर्घदर्शनात्॥ दृष्ट्वेमां फलनिर्वृत्तिं मन्ये शोचन्ति पुत्रकाः। सेनां दृष्ट्वाभिभूतां मे शैनेयेनार्जुनेन च॥
I think my foolish sons are now overwhelmed with grief, seeing now the words of the far-sighted Vidura to be true and fruitful. I think my foolish sons are now indulging in lamentations seeing the army sorely distressed by Arjuna and the grand son of Sini.
शून्यान् दृष्ट्वा रथोपस्थान् मन्ये शोचन्ति पुत्रकाः। हिमात्यये यथा कक्षं शुष्कं दातेरितो महान्॥ अग्निहेत् तथा सेनां मामिकां स धनंजयः। आचक्ष्व मम तत् सर्वे कुशलो ह्यसि संजयः॥
And seeing also the terraces of their cars empty. Surely Dhananjaya is consuming my stoops like fire assisted by the wind, burning down a heap of straw dried by the heat of the sun that rises at the expiration of the winter season. O Sanjaya, expert as you are in storytelling, relate to me everything that happened.
यदुपायात सायाह्ने कृत्वा पार्थस्य किल्बषम्। अभिमन्यौ हते तात कथमासीन्मनो हि वः॥
After that wrong had been inflicted on Arjuna in the evening. What was the state of your mind, O son, when Abhimanyu was slain?
न जातु तस्य कर्माणि युधि गाण्डीवधन्वनः। अपकृत्यमहत् तात सोढुं शक्ष्यन्ति मामकाः॥
Surely the feats of valour of the wielder of the Gandiva bow. My warriors were unable to bear, guilty, as they were, of injuring Arjuna (by slaying his son).
किन्नु दुर्योधनः कृत्यं कर्णः कृत्यं किमब्रवीत्। दुःशासनः सौबलश्च तेषामेवं गतेष्वपि॥
What measures Duryodhana or Karna direct to be adopted? What also Dushasana or the son of Subala thought fit to do, when they were involved in this predicament.
सर्वेषां समवेतानां पुत्राणां मम संजय। यद् वृत्तं तात संग्रामे मन्दस्यापनयैर्भृशम्॥ लोभानुगस्य दुर्बुद्धेः क्रोधेन विकृतात्मनः। राज्यकामस्य मूढस्य रागोपहतचेतसः। दुर्नीतं वा सुनीतं वा तन्ममाचक्ष्व संजय॥
O sire, everything that befell my assembled sons was, O Sanjaya, certainly owing to the misdeeds of my wicked son Duryodhana, who follows in the path of covetousness, whose understanding has been perverted by wrath, whose soul is vitiated, who longs to have sovereignty who is stupid and whose reason is clouded by anger. O Sanjaya, tell me whether the measure adopted by him was agreeable to policy or against it?