दुर्योधन उवाच पितृदेवर्षिसंघेभ्योऽभये दत्ते महात्मना। सत्कृत्य शङ्करं प्राह ब्रह्मा लोकहितं वचः॥
Duryodhana said When fearlessness was given to the whole class of the Pitris, the celestials and the Rishis by that high-souled one (Brahman), he (Brahman), after having adorned Shankara properly uttered these words beneficial to the people of the entire universe.
तवातिसर्गाद् देवेश प्राजापत्यमिदं पदम्। मयाधितिष्ठता दत्तो दानवेभ्यो महान् वरः॥
O lord of all, through your grace I have been established in this high situation, namely the creatorship of all creatures. Holding this, a very great boon was given by me to the Danavas.
तानतिक्रान्तमर्यादान् नान्यः संहर्तुमर्हति। त्वामृते भूतभव्येश त्वं ह्येषां प्रत्यरिर्वधे॥
O Lord of the past and the future, there exists no one, excepting yourself, who is fit to slaughter these who have gone beyond paying proper respects. Indeed, you are only person, who can slay these antagonists.
स त्वंदेव प्रपन्नानां याचतां च दिवौकसाम्। कुरु प्रसादं देवेश दानवाञ्जहि शङ्कर॥
O God, when you are such, do you, therefore, achieve good to the celestials who have fallen into imminent danger and who also solicit your grace. O lord of the celestials. O wielder of the trident, Slaughter these Danavas.
त्वत्प्रसादाजगत् सर्वं सुखमैधत मानद। शरणयस्त्वं हि लोकेश ते वयं शरणं गताः॥
O you, who give honor to all, through your kindness let the entire universes attain bliss. Indeed you are worthy to be taken protection of. O lord of the universe, we all seek your protection.
स्थाणुरुवाच हन्तव्याः शत्रवः सर्वे युष्माकमिति मे मतिः। न त्वेक उत्सहेहन्तुं बलस्था हि सुरद्विषः॥
Sthanu said My opinion is that all your enemies should be slain. Being unassisted, I cannot dare slaughter them; for really the antagonists of the celestials are all very powerful.
ते यूयं संहताः सर्वे मदीयेनार्धतेजसा। जयध्वं युधि ताशत्रून् संहता हि महाबलाः॥
Having been united, together, all of you, therefore, destroy these enemies in the field of battle with one-self of the strength possessed by me. For union is, indeed, an immense strength.
देवा ऊचुः अस्मेत्तेजोबलं यावत् तावद्विगुणमाहवे। तेषामिति हि मन्यामो दृष्टतेजोबला हि ते॥
The celestials said I have observed energy and prowess of them (the Danavas). From this I am of opinion that the amount of energy and strength possessed by them, is twice the energy and prowess possessed by us.
स्थाणुरुवाच वध्यास्ते सर्वतः पापाये युष्मास्वपराधिनः। मम तेजोबलार्धेन सर्वान् निघ्नत शात्रवान्॥
Sthanu said These sinful persons, who have insulted you, all should be slaughtered. Do you kill all these antagonists with one-half of my energy and prowess.
देवा ऊचुः बिभर्तुं भवतोऽर्धं तु न शक्ष्यामो महेश्वर। सर्वेषां नो बलार्धेन त्वमेव जहि शात्रवान्॥
The celestials said O Maheshvara, we are not capable of bearing half of your energy. Do you slaughter the antagonists with one-half of the entire strength, possessed by all of us.
स्थाणुरुवाच यदि शक्तिर्न वः काचिद् बिभर्तु मामकं बलम्। अहमेतान् हनिष्यामि युष्मत्तेजोऽर्धबृंहितः॥
Sthanu said If you have not really got the power of bearing my whole force, then, I, endued with only one half of your united energy, slay them all.
ततस्तेथेति देवेशस्तैरुक्तो राजसत्तम। अर्धमादाय सर्वेषां तेजसाभ्यधिकोऽभवत्॥
Thereupon, O foremost of monarchs, the chief of the celestials was thus addressed by the gods, saying-so be it; and he in this way became superior to all, after having added to his own one-half of the entire energy possessed by them (the celestials) all.
स तु देवो बलेनासीत् सर्वेभ्या बलवत्तरः। महादेव इति ख्यातस्ततः प्रभृति शङ्करः॥
That god had really become much more powerful than all others in strength. Thereupon Shankara came to be celebrated under the title of Mahadeva from that time forward.
ततोऽब्रवीन्महादेवो धनुर्बाणधरो ह्यहम्। हनिष्यामिरथेनाजौ तान् रिपून् वो दिवौकसः॥
At this Mahadeva, who was armed with the bow and arrows, uttered these words; 'O celestials, mounted upon the car, I shall slaughter those enemies of yours in the field of battle.'
ते यूयं मे रथं चैव धनुर्वाणं तथैव च। पश्यध्वं यावदद्यैतान् पातयामि महीतले॥
Do you all now behold my car, the bow and arrow, as also how I cast down today these antagonists upon the surface of the earth.
देवा ऊचुः मूर्तीः सर्वाः समाधान त्रैलक्यस्य ततस्ततः। रथं ते कल्पयिष्यामो देवेश्वर सुवर्चसम्॥
The celestials said O Lord of the celestials, having taken up all forms of the three worlds, we will construct a car for you, that will be endued with immense energy.
तथैव बुद्ध्या विहितं विश्वकर्मकृतं शुभम्। ततो विबुधशार्दूलास्ते च तस्येषु समकल्पयन्॥
Thereupon the foremost of the celestials began to construct that car, which was conceived to be a very gigantic cue and also that was, with great intelligence designed by Vishvakarman himself (the celestial artificer).
विष्णुंन सोमं हुताशं च तस्येधुं समकल्पयन्। शृङ्गमग्निर्बभूवास्य भल्लः सोमो विशामप्ते॥ कुड्मलश्चाभवद् विष्णुस्तस्मिन्निषुवरे तदा।
Then they prepared arrows for him, that were identical with Vishnu, Soma and Hutasha. Agni became the staff of his arrow, and Soma became its head and ruler of earth, then again Vishnu constituted the point of that best of arrows.
रथं वसुन्धरां देवीं विशालपुरमालिनीम्॥ सपर्वतवनद्वीपां चक्रुर्भूतधरां तदा।
Then they made his car to be the same as the goddess earth, that is adorned with garlands of magnificent towns and cities and that is furnished with the mountains, forests and islands and the contained creatures and also that is ornamented with innumerable ups and downs.
मन्दरः पर्वतश्चाक्षो जङ्घा तस्य महानदी॥ दिशश्च प्रदिशश्चैव परिवारो रथस्य तु।
The Mandara mountain was made the axle of that car; and the great river (the Ganges) constituted its Jangha; and the different directions and the subsidiary points constituted its several ornaments.
ईषा नक्षत्रवंशश्च युगः कृतयुगोऽभवत्॥ कूबरश्च रथस्यासीद् वासुकिर्भुजगोत्तमः । अपस्करमधिष्ठाने हिमवान् विन्ध्यपर्वतः उदयास्तावधिष्ठाने गिरी चक्रुः सुरोत्तमाः॥
The constellations constituted its shafts; and the Kritayuga constituted its yoke; and Vasuki, (the foremost of all snakes, constituted the Kubara of the car). Then the best of the celestials made the Apaskora and Adhistana of that car to be the same as the Himavat and the Vindhya mountains, and also made the Udaya and Asta mountains to be the wheels of that car.
समुद्रमक्षमसृजन् दानवालयमुत्तमम्। सप्तर्षिमण्डलं चैवरथस्यासीत् परिष्करः॥
The ocean, that was excellent abode of the Danavas, was made to be the other axle of the car; as also the body of the seven Rishis became the protectors of the wheels of that car.
गङ्गा सरस्वती सिन्धुधुरमाकाशमेव च। उपस्करो रथस्यासन्नाप: सर्वाश्च निम्नगाः॥
The Ganga, the Sarasvati and the Sindhu, as well as the firmanent constituted the Dhara of that car; and the water (on the surface of the earth), as also all the other rivers became the Uparkaga of the car (the chains binding its several limbs).
अहोरात्रं कलाश्चैव काष्ठाश्च ऋतवस्तथा। अनुकर्षं ग्रहा दीप्ता वरुथं चापि तारकाः॥
The whole day and night and several other divisions of the time, namely the Kalas and Kushtas, as also the different seasons of the year constituted the Anakarsha of that car, and again the most resplendent planets and stars constituted its Varutha (the wooden fences).
धर्मार्थकामं संयुक्तं त्रिवेणु दारु बन्धुरम्। ओषधीर्वीरुधश्चैव घण्टाः पुष्पफलोपगाः॥
Virtue, profit and desire, united together constituted its Trivena. And there the herbs, containing innumerable flowers and fruits, formed its rows of bells.
सूर्याचन्द्रमसौ कृत्वा चक्रे रथवरोत्तमे। पक्षौ पूर्वापरौ तत्र कृते रात्र्यहनी शुभे॥
The Sun and the Moon, having been made equal, were constituted to be the two other wheels of that foremost and most excellent car. The day and the night were made to be the two auspicious wings on the right and left in that car.
दश नागपतीनीषां धृतराष्ट्रमुखांस्तदा। योक्त्राणि चक्रुर्नागांश्च निश्वसन्तो महोरगान्॥
The ten princes of snakes, headed by one, named Dhritarashtra, that were were all very powerful constituted the shafts of that car.
द्यां युगं युगचर्माणि संवर्तकबलाहकान्। कालपृष्टोऽथ नहुषः कर्कोटकधनंजयौ॥ इतरे चाभवन् नागा हयानां बालबन्धनाः। दिशश्च प्रदिशश्चैव रश्मयो रथवाजिनाम्॥
The sky was made to be its yoke; and the clouds, known by the names of Samvartakas and Balahakas, were made its leathern strings. Then also Kalaprishta, Nahusha, Karkotaka and Dhananjaya, as also several other snakes became the chords for binding the manes of those horses. The cardinal points and the subsidiary directions constituted the reins of those horses yoked to that car.
संध्यां धृतिं च मेधां च स्थिति संनतिमेव च। ग्रहनक्षत्रताराभिश्चर्म चित्रं नभस्तलम्॥
The Dhriti the Medha, the Sthiti and the Sannati and the firinament, covered over with the planets, constellations and stars, were made its variegated leathern covers.
सुराम्बुप्रेतवित्तानां पतील्लोकेश्वरान् हयान्। सिनीवालीमनुमतिं कुहूं राकां च सुव्रताम्॥ योकत्राणिं चक्रुर्वाहानां रोहकांस्तत्र कण्टकान्।
The gods made horses for driving that chariot, the four lokapalas i.e. Indra, Varuna, Yama and Kubera. The adored goddesses of Sinivali, Anumati, Kuhu and Raka, all great resolutes were made the yoke for that chariot and the gods governing these goddesses were made the thorns of the bridle to direct those horses.
धर्मः सत्यं तपोऽर्थश्च विहितास्तत्र रश्मयः॥ अधिष्ठानं मनश्चासीत् परिरथ्या: सरस्वती। नानावर्णाश्च चित्राश्च पताकाः पवनेरिताः॥ विद्युदिन्द्रधनुर्नद्धं रथं दीप्तं व्यदीपयन्।
The chords of that car were constituted by Action, Truth, Devotion and Profit. The mind was the situation upon which the car rested; and speech formed its tacks. The beautiful flags of diverse colours undulated in the air and both the lightening and the Indra's bow (the Rainbow) enlightened that resplendent car.
वषट्कार :प्रतोदोऽभूद्गायत्री शीर्षबन्धना॥
The Vashatkara (the chief Vedic sound) formed the goad; and Gayatri formed the chord attacked to the goad.
यो यज्ञे विहितः पूर्वमीशानस्य महात्मनः। संवत्सरो धनुस्तद् वै सावित्री ज्या महास्वना॥
That entire year, which was formerly fixed in the sacrifice of that high-minded Ishana, now constituted the bow of the car; whereas Savitri formed the high sounding bow-string.
दिव्यं च वर्म विहितं महार्ह रत्नभूषितम्। अभेद्यं विरजस्कं वै कालचक्रबहिष्कृतम्॥
A celestial coat of mail was constructed, that was adorned with the most valuable gems and that was impenetrable and that was most resplendent and also that had arisen from the wheel of time.
ध्वजयष्टिरभून्मेरुः श्रीमान् कनकपर्वतः। पताकाश्चाभवन् मेघास्तडिद्भिः समलकृताः॥ रेजुरध्वर्युमध्यस्था ज्वलन्त इव पार्वकाः।
That handsome mountain of gold, called the Meru, formed the flag staff; and the chords, that were ornamented with the lightning, became the banners of that car. That car, being thus furnished with all its equipments, looked most resplendent like the blazing fire in the midst of the priests attending a sacrifice.
क्लृप्तं तु तं रथं दृष्ट्वा विस्मिता देवताऽभवन्॥ सर्वलोकस्य तेजसिं दृष्ट्वैकस्थानि मारिष। युक्तं निवेदयामासुर्देवास्तस्मै महात्मने।॥
The celestials also, after having looked at that excellently equipt car, became greatly astonished. O sire, the celestials, after having seen that the energies of the entire universe were united together in one place, informed that high-souled one (Brahman) that the car was ready.
एवं तस्मिन् महाराज कल्पिते रथसत्तमे। देवैर्मनुजशार्दूल द्विषतामभिमर्दने॥ स्वान्यायुधानि मुख्यानि न्यदधाच्छङ्करो रथे। ध्वजयष्टिं वियत् कृत्वा स्थापयामास गोवृषम्॥
O great monarch, O foremost of persons, when that best of cars was thus prepared by all the celestials with a view to crush down their antagonists (the Danavas). Shankara then placed his celestial weapons upon the car; and also having made the entire firmament to be his flag-staff, he placed his bull (the symbol of the Deity) upon it.
ब्रह्मदण्डः कालदण्डो रूद्रदण्डस्तथा ज्वरः। परिस्कन्दा रथस्यासन् सर्वतोदिशमुद्यताः॥
Then the rod of Brahman, the rod of Death and the rod of Rudra, as also Fever formed the guards on the sides of that car, that were pointed towards all directions of the horizon.
अथर्वाङ्गिरसावास्तां चक्ररक्षौ महात्मनः। ऋग्वेदः सामवेदश्च पुराणं च पुरःसराः॥
The protectors of the car-wheels of that high-souled personage were the Athurvan and Angiras; and Rigveda, Samaveda and Purana stood at the front of that car.
इतिहासयजुर्वेदो पृष्ठरक्षौ बभूवतुः। दिव्या वाचश्च विद्याश्च परिपार्श्वचराः स्थिताः॥
All histories and the Yajurveda became the guards of the back of the car; and all divine speeches and the and the different branches of knowledge placed themselves on all sides of the car.
स्तोत्रादयश्च राजेन्द्र वषट् कारस्तथैव त। ओंकारच मुखे राजन्नतिशोभकरोऽभवत्॥
O king, the hymns and others, as also the principal Vedic sounds, namely, Vashatkara, stood round the car. And O monarch, the syllable Om, having placed at the front of it, became greatly hand-some.
विचित्रमृतुभिः षड्भिः कृत्वा संवत्सरं धनुः। छायामेवामनश्चक्रे धनुर्ध्यामक्षयां रणे॥
Then having made the year, looking exceedingly beautiful with the six seasons, to be his bow, he prepared the string with his own shadow, that was indestructible in the field of battle.
कालो हि भगवान् रुद्रस्तस्य संवत्सरो धनुः। तस्माद् रौद्री कालरात्रिा कृताः धनुषोऽजरा॥
Indeed, that illustrious Rudra is the same as Death himself. The year was his bow; and accordingly the death-night, which was but the shade of Rudra himself, was constituted to be the indestructible string at that bow.
इषुश्चाप्यभवद् विष्णुर्व्वलनः सोम एव च। अग्नीषोमौ जगत् कृत्स्नं वैष्णवं चोच्यते जगत्॥
Vishnu, Agni (the god of fire) and Soma formed the shaft of that bow. The entire was universe of nothing but Agni and Soma. The universe is also to consist of Vishnu.
विष्णुश्चात्मा भगवतो भवस्यामिततेजसः। तस्माद् धनुासंस्पर्श न विषेहुर्हरस्य ते॥
The soul of that illustrious and highly energetic Bhava is identical with Vishnu. They (the Asuras), therefore, could not bear the tough of the bow-string of Hara (Bhava).
तस्मिशरे तिग्ममन्यु मुमोचासह्यमीश्वरः। भृग्वङ्गिोमन्युभवं क्रोधाग्निमतिदुःसहम्॥
Then the fiercely wrathful Lord cast his fire of anger upon that arrow, which anger was most irresistible and also which had sprung from the very wrath of both Bhrigu and Angiras and which, which, again, most intolerable.
स नीललोहितो धूम्रः कृत्तिवासाभयंकरः। आदित्ययुतसंकाशस्तेजोज्वालावृतो ज्वलन्॥
That dreadful God, dressed in skins, who was blue, red and of smoke color and who also resembled ten thousand suns in splendour and who again was shrouded over with the flames of energy and blazed forth most brightly.
दुश्चयावच्यावनो जेता हन्ता ब्रह्मद्विषां हरः। नित्यं त्राता च हन्ता त धर्माधर्माश्रितान् नरान्॥
Then that subduer of those, who can with difficulty be subdued, that victor that slayer of the antagonists of Brahman, that universal protector, that slayer of persons, with whom rest both righteousness and unrighteousness that One named Hara.
प्रामाथिभिर्भीमबलैर्भीमरूपैर्मनोजवैः। विभाति भगवान् स्थाणुस्तैरेवत्मगुणैर्वृतः॥
Then having been surrounded by innumerable beings, who were all very powerful to crush the enemies and who were possessed of fierce prowess and dreadful appearances and who, again, were fleet as the mind and who, at last, were endued with the different (fourteen) physical faculties, illustrious Sthanu blazed forth with great splendour.
तस्याङ्गानि समाश्रित्यं विश्वमिदं जगत्। जङ्गमाजङ्गमं राजशुशुभेऽद्भुतदर्शनम्॥
Then having taken refuge under the different phases of his body, this entire universe, both mobile and immobile, standing beside him, blazed forth and presented a very extraordinary appearance, O monarch,
दृष्ट्वा तु तं रथं युक्तं कवची स शरासनी। बाणमादाय तं दिव्यं सोमविष्णवग्निसम्भवम्॥
Seeing that car furnished with all its equipment's, he, coated himself with the armour and armed with the bow, took up that celestial arrow sprung from the deities, Soma, Vishnu and Agni.
तस्य राजस्तदा देवाः कल्पयाञ्चक्रिरे प्रभो। पुण्यगन्धवहं राजश्वसनं देवसत्तमम्॥
Thereupon, O monarch, O king, all the celestials ordered Wind, that foremost of the gods, to carry to that highly powerful Deity his pure and fragrant breeze,
तमास्थाय महादेवस्त्रासयन् दैवतान्यपि। आरुरोह तदा यत्तः कम्पयन्निव मेदिनीम्॥
Then having taken hold of the car, Mahadeva mounted upon it, thus terrifying even the very celestials, and therefrom he caused the whole earth to tremble with dread.
तमारुरुधू देवेशं तुष्टुवः परमर्षयः। गन्धर्वा दैवसङ्घाश्च तथैवाप्सरसां गणाः॥
The great Rishis, the Gandharvas, the whole body of the celestials, as well as the different tribes of the Apsaras praised that Lord of the gods, when he was desirous to ascend the car.
ब्रह्मर्षिभिः स्तूयमानो वन्द्यमानश्च वन्दिभिः। तथैवाप्सरसां वृन्दैर्नृत्यद्भिर्नृत्यकोविदैः॥
Then the Lord was highly praised by the Brahmanical sages; and he was worshipped by the eulogists; as also he was pleased with the dance of numerous Apsaras, who were all very well-acquainted with the art of dancing.
स शोभमानो वरदः खड्गी बाणी शरासनी। हसन्निवाब्रवीद् देवान् सारथिः को भविष्यति॥
Thereupon that beautiful boon-giver, who was excellently armed with the sword, arrow and bow, smilingly addressed the celestials saying-"Who will become my charioteer"'?
तमब्रुवन् देवगणां यं भवान् संनियोक्ष्यते। स भविष्यति देवेशं सारथिस्ते न संशयः॥
The celestials replied him, saying-"O Lord of the gods, he will be your charioteer, whomever you will be pleased to appoint. There is no doubt about it."
तानब्रवीत् पुनर्देवो मत्तः श्रेष्ठतरो हि यः। तं सारथिं कुरुवं मे स्वयं संचिन्त्य मा चिरम्॥
Then the God, again, replied them (the celestials), saying, “Having meditated upon the matter yourselves, without the least hesitation, do you appoint him as my charioteer, who will prove himself superior to myself.”
एतच्छ्रुत्वा ततो देवा वाक्यमुक्तं महात्मना। गत्वा पितामाहं देवाः प्रसाद्येदं वचोऽब्रुवन्॥
Thereupon the celestials, after having listened to these speeches uttered by that highsouled god and also having repaired to the grandsire propitiated him and said to him these words.
यथा त्वत्कथितं देव त्रिदशारिविनिग्रह। तथा च कृतमस्माभिः प्रसन्नो नो वृषध्वजः॥
O God, what instruction, imparted by you as regards the destruction of the antagonists of the celestials, was thoroughly acted up to by all of us. That Deity having the bovine hull for his symbol, was gratified with us.
रथश्च विहितोऽस्माभिर्विचित्रायुधसंवृतः। सारथिं च न जानीमः कः स्यात् तस्मिन् रथोत्तमे।।६६
Also a car had been constructed by us, that was furnished with the most beautiful and diverse kinds of weapons. But we do not know who will make the best charioteer in this foremost of cars.
तस्माद् विधीयतां कश्चित् सारथिदेवसत्तम। सफलां तान गिरं देवकर्तुमर्हसि नो विभो॥
In consequence thereof, do you appoint some such best of the celestials as the charioteer. O illustrious one, it is necessary for you to make good of that word said to us.
एवमस्मासु हि पुरा भगवन्नुक्तवानसि। हितकार्तस्मि भवतामिति तत् कर्तृमर्हसि॥
O illustrious one, you have said to us before to this effect that you would do us some good. Now it is necessary for you to fulfill that promise.
स देव युक्तो रथसत्तमो नो दुराधरो द्रावणः शात्रवाणाम्। पिनाकपाणिर्विहितोऽत्र योद्धा विभीषयन् दानवानुद्यतोऽसौ॥
That most invincible and foremost of cars was constructed by us with the best parts of all the celestials in such a way that it was capable of routing our enemies; and that Deity, having Pinaka in his hand, was made the warrior to fight upon it. This One, having terrified the Danavas, is now ready for battle.
तथैव वेदाश्चतुरो हयाग्र्या धरा सशैला च रथो महात्मनः। नक्षत्रवंशानुगतो वरूथी हरो योद्धा सारथि भिलक्ष्यः॥
So also, the four Vedas have become the four horses, the best of their species, of that high-souled Deity; and the Earih, among with the numerous mountains, had become his car. The equipments of that car were the constellations. The warrior (who will fight from that car) is Hara. But who will be the charioteer, is still unfound.
तत्र सारथिरेष्टव्यः सवैरेतैर्विशेषवान्। तत्प्रतिष्ठो रथो देव हया योद्धा तथैव च॥
For that car's charioteer is to be sought, who will prove himself a specialist amongst all these (celestials). O Lord, this car is constructed to such an importance, as also Hara is the warrior who will fight from it.
कवचानि सशस्त्राणि कार्मुकं च पितामह। त्वामृतेसारथिं तत्र नान्यं पश्यामहे वयम्॥ त्वं हि सर्वगुणैर्युक्तो दैवतेभ्योऽधिकः प्रभो।
O Grandsire, armours, along with the weapons and the bow, have already been obtained. Save yourself, there exists no other charioteer, whom we can find out. O illustrious one, you are, indeed, attended with all accomplishments; and you are superior to all the celestials.
स रथं तूर्णमारुध संयच्छ परमान् हयान्॥ जयाय त्रिदेवशानां वधाय त्रिदशद्विषाम्।
Having immediately mounted upon that car, do you guide the horses of the best species with the object of bringing about the victory of the celestials and the destruction of their antagonists.
इति ते शिरसा गत्वा त्रिलोकेशं पितामहम्॥ देवाः प्रसादयामासुःसारथ्यायेति नः श्रुतम्।
It has been heard by us that after bowing down with their heads to the Grandsire, who is the lord of the three worlds, all the celestials began to appease him in order to appoint him as the charioteer (of that car).
पितामह उवाच नात्रं किंचिन्मृषा वाक्यं यदुक्तं त्रिदिवौकसः॥ संयच्छामि हयानेषयुध्यतो वै कपर्दिनः।
The grandsire said O dwellers of heaven, there is nothing like untruth in this speech uttered by you. While, indeed, Kapardin will engage in battle, I will surely hold the reins of his horses.
ततः स भगवान् देवो लोकस्रष्टा पितामहः॥ सारथ्ये कल्पितो देवैरीशानस्य महात्मनः।
Thereupon that illustrious person-age, that God, the creator of all creatures, the Grandsire was appointed to the charioteership of highsouled Ishana by the celestials.
तस्मिन्नोरोहति क्षिप्रं स्यन्दने लोकपूजिते॥ शिरोभिरागमन् भूमि ते हया वातरंहसः।
Thus while he was immediately ascending that car, which was revered by all persons, those horses, that were as fleet as the wind, bowed down upon the ground with their heads.
आरुह्य भगवान देवो दीप्यमानः स्वतेजसा।।७८ अभीषून हि प्रतोदं च संजग्राह पितामहः।
Having mounted upon that car, the illustrious Grandsire, that God who blazed forth with the splendour of his own, then indeed took up the reins of the horses, as well as the goad.
तत उत्थाप्य भगवास्तान् हयाननिलोपमान्॥ बभाषे च तदा स्थाणुमारोहेति सुरोत्तमः।
Thereupon that illustrious God, after having hitted those horses, that resembled the wind in swiftness, they addressed the foremost of the celestials Sthanu saying “Do you ascend.”
ततस्तमिषुमादाय विष्णुमोमग्निसम्भवम्॥ आरुरोह तदा स्थाणुर्धनुषा कम्पयन् परान्।
After this, Sthanu, after having taken up that shaft, which was born of Vishnu, Soma and Agni and then also having caused by his bow the numerous enemies to tremble, mounted upon
तमारूढं तु देवेशं तुष्टुवुः परमर्षयः॥ गन्धर्वा देवसंघाश्च तथैवाप्सरसां गणाः।
The great Rishis, that Gandharvas, the whole of the celestials, as also large numbers of the Apsaras, uttered prayers to that Lord of the gods, who had already mounted upon that that car. car.
स शोभमानो वरदः खगी बाणी शरासनी॥ प्रदीपयन् रथे तस्थौ त्रील्लोकान् स्वेन तेजसा।
That handsome personage, that giver of boons, that holder of the sword, arrow and bow rested upon that car and looked most resplendent with his own energy shedding lustre upon the three worlds.
ततो भूयोऽब्रवीद् देवो देवानिन्द्रपुरोगमान्॥ न हन्यादिति कर्तव्यो न शोको वः कथञ्चन। हतानित्येव जानीत बाणेनानेन तासुरान्॥
Thereupon the God once more addressed all the celestials, headed by Indra himself, saying-"Grief should never be felt by you considering that I shall not slaughter the Asuras. Now do you understand that the Asuras have already been slaughtered by this arrow."
ते देवाः सत्यमित्याहुर्निहता इति चाब्रुवन्। न च तद वचनं मिथ्या यदाऽह भगवान् प्रभुः॥ इति संचिन्त्य वै देवाः परां तुष्टिमवाप्नुवन्।
Thereupon those gods considered it to be true; and uttered those words-"That they (Asuras) have been all slaughtered.” Then, indeed, those celestials, considering that the speech what the illustrious Lord had uttered could not be untrue, attained to the highest gratification.
ततः प्रयातो देवेशः सर्वैर्देवगणैर्वृतः॥८६॥ रथेन महता राजन्नुपमा नास्ति यस्य ह।
Thereupon, O monarch, that lord of the celestials, riding upon that mighty car, which had no equal, proceeded on, having been encompassed by the whole lot of, the celestials.
स्वैश्च पारिषदैर्देवः पूज्यमानो महायशाः॥ नृत्यद्भिरपरैश्चेवः मांसभक्षैर्दुरासदैः। धावमानैः समन्ताच तर्जमानैः परस्परम्॥
Then that highly famous God was worshipped by all his companions, as well as by others, who were dancing in his front and who lived on meat and who were invincible in battle and who also were running on all sides of that God and who again shouted with joy at one another.
ऋषयश्च महाभागास्तपोयुक्ता महागुणाः। आशंसुवै जना देवा महादेवस्य सर्वशः॥
Thus the great Rishis, who were highly fortunate and who were endued with ascetic merit and best qualities, as well as all the celestials, blessed in every way Mahadeva with Success.
एवं प्रयाते देवेश लोकानामभयंकरे। तुष्टमासीजगत् सर्वे देवताश्च नरोत्तम॥
O foremost of persons, when that boongiving Lord, who destroys the terrors of all creatures of the entire universe, was thus proceeding onwards; the whole universe, as also all the celestials became highly satisfied.
ऋषयस्तत्र देवेशं स्तुवन्तो बहुभिः स्तवैः। तेजश्चास्मै वर्धयन्तो राजन्नासन् पुनः पुनः॥
There the great Rishi began to praise that Lord of the celestials with numerous kinds of hymns; as also they were repeatedly increasing His energy and stood up there, O monarch.
गन्धर्वाणां सहस्राणि प्रयुतान्यर्बुदानि च। वादयन्ति प्रयाणेऽस्य वाद्यानि विविधानि च॥
While the Lord was proceeding; millions and millions of the Gandharvas began to play innumerable kinds of musical instruments.
ततोऽधिरूढे वरदे प्रयाते चासुरान् प्रति। साधु साध्विति विश्वेशः स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत॥
Thereupon when the boon-giving Lord, after mounting upon the car, was advancing towards the Asuras, the Lord of the universe smilingly addressed him saying-"Most excellent! Most excellent!"
याहि देव यतो दैत्याश्चोदयाश्वानतन्द्रितः। पश्य बाह्वोर्बलं मेऽद्य निघ्नतः शात्रवान् रणे॥
O Lord, do you advance to the spot where the Daityas are waiting. Being highly enlivened, do you urge the heroes. Do you observe the strength of my arms today, while slaughter the antagonists in the field of battle.
ततोऽश्वांश्चोदयामास मनोमारुतरंहसः। येन तत् त्रिपुरं राजन् दैत्यदानवरक्षितम्॥
Thereupon, O monarch, the Lord urged those horses, that were possessed of the fleetness of wind or mind, towards that triple city, which was excellently protected by both the Daityas and the Danavas.
पिबद्भिरिव चाकाशं तैर्हयैर्लोकपूजितैः। जगाम् भगवान् क्षिप्रं जयाय त्रिदिवौकसाम्॥
Accompanied by those horses, that were highly revered by all the three worlds and also that seemed to drink the skies by their speed, the Lord, endued with great lustre, started immediately with a view to secure victory for the denizens of heaven.
प्रयाते रथमास्थाय त्रिपुराभिमुखे भवे। ननाद सुमहानादं वृषभः पूरयन् दिशः॥
When Bhaga, riding upon that car, proceeded towards that triple city, his bull (symbol of Bhava) uttered a very excellent and loud roar, filling thereby the different directions with the noise.
वृषभस्यास्य निनदं श्रुत्वा भयकरं महत्। विनाशमगर्मस्तत्र तारकाः सुरशत्रवः॥
Having heard that dreadful and loud roar of his (Lord's) bull, there the descendants of Taraka, who were all the enemies of the celestials, attained to their destruction (died).
अपरेऽवस्थितास्तत्र युद्धायाभिमुखास्तदा। ततः स्थाणुर्महाराज शूलधृक् क्रोधमूर्छितः॥
Then others also took their stations there in his front with the object of battle. Upon this Sthanu, O mighty monarch, that wielder of the trident, became senseless with rage.
वस्तानि सर्वभूतानि त्रैलोक्यं भूः प्रकम्पते। निमित्तानि च घोराणि तत्र संदधत: शरम्॥
All the creatures were filled with terror; and the three worlds began to tremble. And while he was aiming that shaft, numerous dreadful omens appeared there.
तस्मिन् सोमाग्निविष्णूनां क्षोभेण ब्रह्मरुद्रयोः। स रथो धनुषः क्षोभादतीव ह्यवसीदति॥
On account of the pressure of Soma Agni and Vishnu in that shaft and that caused by both Brahman and Rudra, as also of great weight of that formidable bow, that car began to sink.
ततो नारायणस्तस्माच्छरभागाद् विनिःसृतः। वृषरूपं समास्थाय उनहार महारथम्॥
Thereupon Narayana came out of the pointed head of that arrow; and then having taken-up the form of a bull lifted up that huge car.
सीदमाने रथे चैव नर्दमानेषु शत्रुषु। स सम्भ्रमात तु भगवान् नादं चक्रे महाबलः॥
While, indeed, that car was going down and the enemies were uttering loud roars, then the illustrious lord, who was possessed of immense prowess, made a very tremendous roar out of rage.
वृषभस्य स्थितो मूर्ध्नि हयपृष्ठे त मानद। तदा स भगवान् रुद्रो निरैक्षद् दानवं पुरम्॥
O giver of honors, while that illustrious lord Rudra was thus standing at the head of his bull and ou the back of his horses, then he beheld the city belonging to the Danavas.
वृषभस्यास्थितो रुद्रो हयस्य च नरोत्तम। स्तनांस्तदाऽशातयत खुरांश्चैव द्विधाकरोत्॥
O foremost of men, while Rudra was thus standing upon his bull and horses, then he severed the tenis of his horses, then he severed the tents of his horses and separated into two parts the hoofs of his bull.
ततः प्रभूति भद्रं ते गवां द्वैधीकृताः खुराः। हयानां च स्तना राजंस्तदाप्रभृति नाभवन्॥ पीडितानां बलवता रुद्रेणाद्भुतकर्मणा।
May you be blessed; from that time forward the hoofs of all animals belonging to the bevine species came to be cloven (into two parts). O monarch, froin that time also the teats of horses, that were highly oppressed by that most powered Rudra. performing miraculous deeds, ceased to appear.
अथाधित्यं धनुः कृत्वा शर्वः संधाय तं शरम्॥ युक्त्वा पाशुपतास्त्रेण त्रिपुरं समचिन्तयत्।
Then having filled his bow with the string and also having aimed that arrow and again having united his Pasupata weapon with that shaft, Hare reflected for a while that triple city.
तस्मिन् स्थिते महाराज रुद्रे विधृतकार्मुके॥ पुराणि तानि कालेन जग्मुरेवैकतां तदा।
O most powerful monarch, while Rudra was thus standing, grasping his bow, then by that time, those three cities became united together.
एकीभावं गते चैव त्रिपुरत्वमुपागते॥ बभूव तुमुलो हर्षो देवतानां महात्मनाम्।
Thus then the three cities had come to be of similar character after having lost their individual features, there had taken place loud shouts of joy amongst the high-souled celestials.
ततो देवगणाः सर्वे सिद्धाश्च परमर्षयः॥ जयेति वाचो मुमुचुः संस्तुवन्तो महेश्वरम्।
Thereupon all the celestials, the Siddhas and the high-class Rishis uttered the word, success whilst thus praying Maheshvara.
ततोऽग्रतः प्रादुरभूत् त्रिपुर निघ्नतोऽसुरान्॥ अनिर्देशयोग्रवपुषो देवस्यासह्यतेजसः।
Thereafter that triple city appeared just at the front of that slayer of the Asuras, that deity of dreadful and indescribable form, that god who was indescribable from, that god who was endued with energy that he bore with great difficulty.
स तद् विकृष्य भगवान् दिव्यं लोकेश्वरो धनुः॥ ११२ त्रैलोक्यसारं तमिषु मुमोच त्रिपुरं प्रति।
Then that illustrious lord of the three worlds, after having stretched that celestial bow, shot that arrow, which was made of the essence of the three worlds, at the triple city.
उत्सृष्टे वै महाभाग तस्मिन्निषुवरे तदा॥ महानार्तस्वरो ह्यसीत् पुराणां पततां भुवि। तान् सोऽसुरगणान् दग्ध्वा प्राक्षिपत् पश्चिमार्णवे।। ११४
O highly fortunate one, when that best of arrows was shot at the triple city, there had arisen loud wails of grief's as those three cities were trembling down upon the earth. Then having burnt those Asuras, he cast them down in the western ocean.
एवं तु त्रिपुरं दग्धं दानवाश्चाप्यशेषतः माहेश्वरेण क्रुद्धेन त्रैलोक्यस्य हितैषिणा॥
Thus three cities were burnt and the Danavas were all destroyed by wrathful Maheshvara, who had wrought it having the desire for benefiting the three worlds.
स चात्मक्रोधजोवह्निर्हाहेत्युक्त्वा निवारितः। मा कार्भस्म साल्लोकानितित्र्यक्षोऽब्रवीच तम्।।११६
That fire, springing from his own wrath, was sooni quenched by the god, saying stop, stop. Then three-eyed deity addressed the fire, saying-O, do you reduce to ashes three worlds.
ततः प्रकृतिमापन्ना देवा लोकास्त्वथर्षयः। तुष्टुर्वाग्भिग्र्याभिः स्थाणुमप्रतिमौजसम्॥
Thereupon all the celestials, the entire universe and the great Rishis, who had now attained to their natural conditions, began to greatly Sthanu, who is endued with unequalled prowess, with the most excellent speeches.
तेऽनुज्ञाता भगवता जग्मुः सर्वे यथागतम्। कृतकामाः प्रयत्नेन प्रजापतिमुखाः सुरा॥
When their desires well all fulfilled by such great efforts; and the celestials, headed by the creature, having been permitted by that illustrious lord, went to their respective abodes, they came from.
एवं स भगवान देवो लोकस्त्रष्टा महेश्वरः। देवासुरगणाध्यक्षो लोकानां विदधे शिवम्॥
Thus the illustrious god, that creator of the universe, that superior lord of the gods and the Assuras Maheshvara achieved good for all the worlds.
यथैव भगवान ब्रह्मा लोकधाता पितामहः। सारथ्यमकरोत्तत्र रुद्रस्य परमोऽव्ययः॥ तथा भवानपि क्षिप्रं रुद्रस्येव पितामहः। संयच्छतु हयानस्य राधेयस्य महात्मन॥
Even as the illustrious Brahman, the creator of the universe, the Grandsire, that supreme being, that celestial one, acted as the charioteer of Rudra, So do you hold immediately the reins of the horses, belonging to that high-souled son of Radha, like the Grandsire holding the reins of horses belonging to Rudra.
त्वं हि कृष्णाय कर्णाच विशिष्टो राजशार्दूल नास्ति तत्र विचारणा॥
Chiefly you are, indeed, superior to Krishna and to Karna, as well as to Phalguna, O foremost of monarch, there is no doubt about this.
युद्धे ह्ययं रुद्रकल्पस्त्वं च ब्रह्मसमो नये। तस्माच्छक्तोभवाञ्जेतुं मच्छयूँ स्तानिवासुरान्॥
In the field of battle, this one does really resemble Rudra; and in policy you resemble Brahman. In consequence of this you two, united together, are capable of vanquishing our enemies, who are like those Assuras.
फाल्गुनाश्च विशेषता यथा शल्याद्य कर्णोऽयं श्वेताश्वं कृष्णसारथिम्। प्रमथ्य हन्यात् कौन्तेयं तथा शीघ्रं विधीयताम्॥
O Shalya, even this should immediately be performed, by following which this Karna today, having crushed the son of Kunti, who possesses white horses and has Krishna for his charioteer, should slaughter him.
त्वयि मद्रेश राज्याशा जीविताशा तथैव च। विजयश्च तथैवाद्य कर्णसाचिव्यकारितः॥
O king of Madra country! I am dependent with an ambition to yicld of the state and hope for survival. The victory in anvil as a result of your participation to war as charioteer to Karna also depends on your skilled execution.
त्वयि कर्णश्च राज्यं च वयं चैव प्रतिष्ठिताः। विजयश्चैव संग्रामे संयच्छाद्य हयोत्तमान्॥
The fate of Karna, our kingdom and we ourselves, a well as our victory in the field, rest entirely upon you. Do you, therefore, hold the reins of the foremost of the horses belonging to this warrior.
इमं चाप्यपरं भूय इतिहासं निबोध मे। पितुर्मम सकाशे यद् ब्राह्मणः प्राह धर्मवित्॥
Do you listen to another story, which I will once more relate to you. This (story) a virtuous regenerate person told in the presence of my father.
श्रुत्वा चैतद् वचश्चित्रं हेतुकार्यार्थसंहितम्। कुरु शल्य विनिश्चित्य माभूदत्र विचारणा॥
O Shalya, having listened to that beautiful story, which is full of causes and consequences of actions and also having settled all, do this immediately. There should be made no doubt about this.
भार्गवाणां कुले जातो जमदग्निर्महायशाः। तस्य रामेति विख्यातः पुत्रस्तेजोगुणान्वितः॥
There was one, named Jamadagni, born in the race of Bhrigu and practising severe asceticism. He had a son, celebrated by the name of Rama and who also was endued with energy and excellent qualities.
स तीव्र तप आस्थाय प्रसादयितवान् भवम्। अस्त्रहेतोः प्रसन्नात्मा नियतः संयतेन्द्रियः॥
severe Having practised the most asceticism, that cheerful souled personage, who always observed strict vows and who also had his soul under control, began to gratify Bhava in order to obtain weapon.
तस्य तुष्टो महादेवो भक्त्या च प्रशमेन च। हृद्गतं चास्य विज्ञाय दर्शयामास शङ्करः॥
Mahadeva became highly gratified with him for his devotional performances and coolness of mind and Shankara, becoming conscious of the object in his mind showed himself to him.
महेश्वर उवाच राम तुष्टोऽस्मि भद्रं ते विदितं मे तवेप्सितम्। कुरुष्व पूतमात्मानं सर्वमेतदवाप्स्यसि॥
Mahadeva said O Rama, are you happy? I am exceedingly satisfied with you; and what you desire is known to me. Do you make your soul sanctified. You will obtain all your desire.
दास्यामि ते तदास्त्राणि यदा पूतो भविष्यसि। अपात्रमसमर्थं च दहन्त्यस्त्राणि भार्गव॥
I will give you all these weapons, when you will become pure. For, O son of Bhrigu, these weapons burn that person, who is incompetent and incapable.
इत्युक्तो जामदग्न्यस्तु देवदेवेन शूलिना। प्रत्युवाच महात्मानं शिरसावनतः प्रभुम्॥
The son of Jamadagni, having been thus addressed by the lord of the celestials, that wielder of the trident; reaped to that lord, who was endued with a lofty soul, after bowing down his head to him.
यदा जानाति देवेशः पात्रं मामस्त्रधारणे। तदा शुश्रूषवेऽस्त्राणि भवान् मे दातुमर्हति॥
When I worshipped you always, then you the lord of the celestials, know it very well that I am competent to wield those weapons. So it is necessary for you to give me these weapons.
दुर्योधन उवाच ततः स तपसा चैव दमेन नियमेन च। पूजोपहारबलिभिर्होममन्त्रपुरस्कृतैः॥ आराधयितवान् शर्वं बहून् वर्षगणांस्तदा।
Duryodhana said Thereupon he, by means of severe penances, by subduing his souls and by the observance of vows, as also by means of performing worship, offerings and sacrifices, followed by the performance of Homa; attended with the utterance of the Mantras, began to worship Bhava through many long years.
प्रसन्नश्च महादेवो भार्गवस्य महात्मनः॥ अब्रवीत् तस्य बहुशो गुणान् देव्याः समीपतः। भक्तिमानेष सततं मयि रामो दृढव्रतः॥
Then Mahadeva, who became highly gratified with that lofty minded descendant of Bhrigu's race, enumerated the innumerable virtues of him just in the presence of his divine wife. This Rama is always very devotional towards me and is of firm vows.
एवं तस्य गुणान् प्रीतो बहुशोऽकथयत् प्रभुः। देवतानां पितॄणां च समक्षमरिसूदन॥
The lord, therefore, being thus satisfied with him, enumerated his several virtues in the presence of all the celestials and the Pitris, O slayer of enemies.
एतस्मिन्नेव काले दैत्या ह्यासन् महाबलाः। तैस्तदा दर्पमोहाद्यैरबाध्यन्त दिवौकसः॥
During this time, all the Daityas had really become very powerful. By them who we darkened with pride and senselessness, all the dwellers of heaven were greatly oppressed.
ततः सम्भूय विबूधास्तान् हन्तुं कृतनिश्चयाः। चक्रुः शत्रुवधे यत्नं न शेकुर्जेतुमेव तान्॥
Thereupon all the celestials, having united together, were determined upon to slaughter them; and also made attempts to bring about the destruction of these antagonists. But they, however, were incapable of vanquishing them.
अभिगम्य ततो देवा महेश्वरमुमापतिम्। प्रासादयंस्तदा भक्त्या जहि शत्रुगणानिति॥
All gods then got vicinity to Maheshvara, the husband of Uma, obtained his grace with ter salute in keen devotion and submitted O sovereign god! Slaughter please, our enemies.
प्रतिज्ञाय ततो देवो देवतानां रिपुक्षयम्। रामं भार्गवमाहूय सोऽभ्यभाषत् शङ्करः॥
Thereupon that god Shankara, after having promised all the celestials the destruction of their enemies and also having called Rama, that descendent of Bhrigu's race before him, addressed him in the following language.
रिपून् भार्गव देवानां जहि सर्वान् समागतान्। लोकानां हितकामार्थं मत्प्रीत्यर्थं तथैव च ॥
O descendant of Bhrigu race, do you slaughter all the antagonists of the celestials, who have assembled here, out of desire for benefiting all the worlds, as also for the satisfaction of myself.
एवमुक्तः प्रत्युवाच त्र्यम्बकं वरदं प्रभुम्।
Being thus addressed, he (Bhargava) replied to that boon-giving and three-eyed Lord.
राम उवाच का शक्तिर्मम देवेश अकृतास्त्रस्य संयुगे॥ निहन्तुं दानवान् सर्वान् कृतास्त्रान युद्धदुर्मदान्।
Rama said O Lord of the celestials, what might have I got, who am quite unfit for the management of all weapons, that I may slaughter all the Danavas, who are very well-acquainted with the use of weapons, as also who are most invincible in the field of battle.
महेश्वर उवाच गच्छ त्वं मदनुज्ञातो निहनिष्यसि शात्रवान्॥ विजित्य च रिपून् सर्वान्गुणान् प्राप्यसि पुष्कलान्।
Maheshvara said Being commanded by me, do you start at once. You will slaughter these enemies. Having thus subdued all these enemies, you will surely gain innumerable excellent virtues.
एतच्छुत्वा तु वचनं प्रतिगृह्य च सर्वशः॥ रामः कृतस्वस्त्ययनः प्रययौ दानवान् प्रति। अब्रवीद् देवशāस्तान् महादर्पबलान्वितान्॥
Hearing these words and also accepting them in all ways, Rama performed all the propitiatory ceremonies; as also he advanced against the Danavas. Then he addressed those enemies of the celestials, who were possessed of insensibility, pride and enormous strength,
मम युद्धं प्रयच्छध्वं दैत्या युद्धमदोत्कटाः। प्रेषिता देवदेवेन वो विजेतुं महासुराः॥
Most invincible in battle as you are, O Daityas, do you give me battle. I had been sent by the lord of the celestials to subdue the mighty Asuras.
इत्युक्ता भार्गवेणाथ दैत्या युद्धं प्रचक्रमुः। स तान् निहत्य समरे दैत्यान् भार्गवनन्दनः॥ वज्राशनिसमस्पर्शः प्रहारैरेव भार्गवः। स दानवैः क्षततनुर्जामदग्न्यो द्विजोत्तमः॥
Having been thus addressed by that descendent of Bhrigu's race, all the Daityas began to fight with him (Bhargava). Then that descendant of Bhrigu's race, that delighter of the race of Bhrigu, after having slaughtered those Daityas in the field of battle by means of strokes, that were like the touches of the thunder belonging to Indra.
संस्पृष्टः स्थाणुना सद्यो निर्वण: समजायत। प्रीतश्च भगवान देवः कर्मणा तेन तस्य वै॥
Was greatly wounded in the body by the Danavas. But thereafter that son of Jamadagni, that foremost of regenerate persons, being immediately touched by Sthanu, became wholly freed from these wounds.
वरान् प्रादाद् बहुविधान् भार्गवाय महात्मने। उक्तश्च देवदेवन प्रीतियुक्तेन शूलिना॥
Thereupon the illustrious lord, being gratified by that deed of his, gave to that highsouled descendant of Bhrigu's race various kinds of boons.
निपातात्तव शस्त्राणां शरीरे याभवद् रुजा। तया ते मानुषं कर्म व्यपोढं भृगुनन्दन॥ गृहाणास्त्राणि दिव्यानि मत्सकाशाद् यथेप्सितम्।
The wounds, caused upon your body by the falling of innumerable weapons testify to the u superhuman act performed by you. O delighter of Bhrigu's race, do you, therefore, accept these numerous celestial weapons from me, according to your desire.
दुर्योधन उवाच ततोऽस्त्राणि समस्तानि वरांश्च मनसेप्सितान्॥ लख्वा बहुविधान् रामः प्रणम्य शिरसा भवम्। अनुज्ञां प्राप्य देवेशाजगाम स महातपाः॥
Duryodhana said Thereupon, having obtained all the diverse kinds of weapons and boons desired in his heart, Rama performed the ceremony of bowing down his head to Shiva. Thus having received the command from the lord of the celestials, that great devotee went away.
एवमेतत् पुरावृत्तं तदा कथितवानृषिः। भार्गवोऽपि ददौ धनुर्वेदं महात्मने। १५७॥ कर्णाय पुरुषव्याघ्र सुप्रीतेनान्तरात्मना।
This is the old story, which then; the Rishi narrated (to my father). O foremost of persons, the son of Bhrigu handed over all that knowledge of archery to the high-souled Karna, being gratified in his inner heart.
वृजिनं हि भवेत् किचिंद् यदि कर्णस्य पार्थिव॥ १५८ नास्मै शस्त्राणि दिव्यानि प्रादास्यद् भृगुनन्दनः।
O ruler, of earth, if Karna had the slightest fault, in that case the descendant of Bhrigu's race would not have given him these celestial weapons.
नापि सूतकुले जातं कर्ण पन्ये कथंचन॥ देवपुत्रमहं मन्ये क्षत्रियाणां कुलोद्भवम्। विसृष्टमवबोधार्थं कुलस्येति मतिर्मम॥
I do not think that Karna was ever born in the family of a charioteer. Rather I think that he is the son of a god, or he is come of the race of the Kshatriyas. My opinion is that he was abandoned (in his infancy), lest his race be ascertained.
सर्वथा न ह्ययं शल्य कर्णः सूतकुलोद्भवः। सकुण्डलं सकवचं दीर्घबाहुं महारथम्॥ कथमादित्यसदृशं मृगी व्याघ्र जनिष्यति।
O Shalya, this one, namely Karna, is, indeed, by no means born of the family of a charioteer. This mighty car-warrior resembling the very Sun, is furnished with the (natural) ear-rings, armour and long arms; could is be possible that the she deer had given birth to a tiger.
यथा ह्यस्य भुजौ पीनौ नागराजकरोपमौ॥ वक्षः पश्य विशालं च सर्वशत्रुनिबर्हणम्। न त्वेष प्राकृतः कश्चित् कर्णो वैकर्तनो वृषः। महात्मा ह्येष राजेन्द्र रामशिष्यः प्रतापवान्॥
O monarch, Indeed, his two arms are very massive; and they are like the trunk of the prince of elephants. Do you behold his broad chest, which is powerful enough to resist all sorts of enemies. This Karna, the son of Vikartana, can never be an ordinary individual. O lord of kings, this high-souled disciple of Rama is really a very powerful warrior.