The seventh day of war
Contents
OM! Having bowed down to Narayana, and Nara, the most exalted of male beings, and also to the goddess Saraswati, must the word 'Jaya' be uttered.
Conversation between Duryodhana and Bhishma
Then those heroes, who cherished feelings of hostility towards one another, retired to their tents, their persons covered with blood. Having rested for a while agreeably to rule, and praising one another (for the feats of the day), they were again seen clad in mail, desirous of battle. Then Dhritarashtra’s son overwhelmed with anxiety and covered with blood trickling down (from his wounds), asked the grandsire, saying,
“Our troops are fierce and terrible and carry innumerable standards. They are, again, arrayed properly. Yet the brave and mighty car-warriors of the Pandavas, having penetrated (into our array) and afflicted and slaughtered (our troops), escaped unhurt. Confounding us all, they have won great fame in battle. Bhima again, having penetrated into our Makara array which was strong as the thunder-bolt, afflicted me with his terrible shafts each resembling the rod of Death. Beholding him excited with wrath, O king, I was deprived of my senses. Even now I cannot regain my peace of mind. Through your grace, O you that are firm in truth, I desire to obtain victory and slay the sons of Pandu.”
Thus addressed by him, the high-souled son of Ganga, that foremost of all wielders of weapons, endued with great mental energy, understanding that Duryodhana was possessed by grief replied unto him, laughing the while though cheerless, saying,
“Penetrating into (their) army with the utmost exertions and with my whole soul, O prince, I wish to give you victory and joy. For your sake I do not at all dissemble. They that have become the allies of the Pandavas in this battle are fierce and numerous. Mighty car-warriors of great renown, they are exceedingly brave and accomplished in arms. Incapable of being fatigued, they vomit forth their wrath. Cherishing feelings of animosity towards you, and swelling with prowess, they are not capable of being defeated easily. I will, however, O king, contend against those heroes with my whole soul and throwing away my very life. For your sake, in battle, O you of great glory, my life itself shall today be recklessly exposed. For your sake I would consume all the worlds with the celestials and the Daityas, let alone your foes here. I will, O king, fight with those Pandavas, and do all that is agreeable to you.”
Hearing these words, Duryodhana became inspired with great confidence and his heart was filled with delight. Cheerfully Duryodhana ordered all the troops, and all the kings, (in his army) saying, “Advance.” At that command, his army consisting of cars, steeds, foot-soldiers, and elephants, began to advance. That large force, armed with diverse kinds of weapons, was exceedingly cheerful. That army of the Kauravas, consisting of elephants, steeds, and foot-soldiers, on the field of battle, looked exceedingly beautiful. Huge tuskers, stationed in large bodies, and skillfully urged, looked resplendent on the field all around. Many royal combatants accomplished in diverse weapons were seen in the midst of Dhritarashtra’s troops. The dust, red as the morning sun, raised by those cars and foot-soldiers and elephants and steeds in large bodies as they were duly moved over the field, looked beautiful, shrouding the rays of the sun. The many-coloured banners stationed on cars and elephants, waving in the air and moving along the welkin, looked beautiful like flashes of lightning amid the clouds. Loud and fierce was the uproar made by the twang of the bows stretched by the kings, resembling the roar of the ocean while churned in the Krita age by the gods and the great Asuras. That army of Dhritarashtra’s sons, looking so proud, consisting of (combatants of) diverse hues and shapes, shouting so fiercely, and capable of slaying hostile warriors, then looked like those masses of clouds that appear at the end of the Yuga.
Ganga's son, once more addressing Dhritarashtra’s son who was plunged in thought, told him these delightful words,
“Myself and Drona and Shalya and Kritavarman of Satwata's race, and Ashwatthaman and Vikarna and Bhagadatta and Subala’s son and Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, and Bahlika with the Bahlikas, and the mighty king of the Trigartas and the invincible ruler of the Magadhas, Brihadbala the king of the Kosalas, and Chitrasena and Vivimshati and many thousands of car-warriors graced with tall standards, a large number of country-born steeds well-mounted with excellent horse-soldiers and many infuriate elephants of large size with temporal juice issuing from their mouths and cheeks, and many brave foot-soldiers armed with diverse weapons and born in diverse realms, are all prepared to do battle for your sake. These, and many others ready for your sake to lay down their lives, are, as I think, competent to vanquish the very gods in battle. I should, however, always tell you, O king, what is for your good. The Pandavas are incapable of being vanquished by the very gods with Vasava. They have Vasudeva for their ally and are equal to Mahendra himself in prowess. As regards myself, I shall, however, always do your bidding. Either I shall vanquish the Pandavas in battle or they will vanquish me.”
Having said these words, the grandsire gave him an excellent herb of great efficacy for healing his wounds. Therewith Dhritarashtra’s son was cured of his wounds.
Vyuha formations
Then at dawn when the sky was clear, the valiant Bhishma, that foremost of men well-versed in all kinds of array, himself disposed his troops in that array called Mandala bristling with weapons. It abounded with foremost of warriors and with tuskers and foot-soldiers. It was surrounded on all sides with many thousands of cars, and with large bodies of horsemen armed with swords and lances. Near unto every elephant were placed seven cars, and near unto every car were placed seven horsemen. Behind every horseman were placed seven bowmen, and behind every bowman were seven combatants with shields. Thus, Dhritarashtra’s army, arrayed by mighty car-warriors, stood for fierce battle, protected by Bhishma. Ten thousand horses, and as many elephants, and ten thousand cars, and Dhritarashtra’s sons, all equipped in mail, viz., the heroic Chitrasena and others, protected the grandsire. It was seen that Bhishma was protected by those brave warriors, and those princes themselves of great strength, accoutred in mail, were (in their turn) protected by him. Duryodhana accoutred in mail sat upon his car on the field, and possessed of every grace, looked resplendent like Shakra himself in heaven. Then, loud were the shouts uttered by Dhritarashtra’s sons and deafening the clatter of cars and the uproar of musical instruments. That mighty and impenetrable array of those slayer of foes, viz., the Dhartarashtras (in the form called) Mandala, (thus) arrayed by Bhishma, began to proceed, facing the west. Incapable of being defeated by enemies, it looked beautiful in every point.
Beholding then the array called Mandala that was exceedingly fierce, king Yudhishthira himself disposed his troops in the array called Vajra. When the divisions were thus arrayed, car-warriors and horsemen, stationed in their proper places, uttered leonine shouts. Accompanied by their respective forces, the brave warriors of both armies, well versed in smiting, and longing for battle, proceeded, desirous of breaking each other's array.
The war resumes
Bharadwaja's son proceeded against the king of the Matsyas, and his son (Ashwatthaman) against Shikhandin. King Duryodhana himself rushed against the son of Prishata. Nakula and Sahadeva went forth against the king of the Madras. Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti proceeded against Iravan. Many kings together battled with Dhananjaya. Bhimasena, exerting himself well, opposed the son of Hridika in battle. Possessed of great prowess, (Abhimanyu) the son of Arjuna, fought in battle against the sons Chitrasena and Vikarna, and Durmarshana. Hidimba’s son, that prince of the Rakshasas, rushed against that mighty bowman, the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, like one infuriate elephant against another. The Rakshasa Alambusha, excited with wrath, rushed in battle against the invincible Satyaki in the midst of his followers. Bhurishravas, exerting himself greatly, fought against Dhrishtaketu. Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, proceeded against king Shrutayush. Chekitana in that battle fought against Kripa. Others (among the Kuru warriors), exerting themselves powerfully, proceeded against that mighty car-warrior Bhima.
Arjuna attacks Trigartas
Thousands of (other) kings surrounded Dhananjaya, with darts, lances, arrows, maces, and spiked clubs in their hands. Then Arjuna, excited with great wrath, addressing him of Vrishni's race, said,
“Behold, O Madhava, the Dhartarashtra troops in battle, arrayed by the high-souled son of Ganga, acquainted with every kind of array. Behold, O Madhava, those brave warriors, countless in number, and desirous of battle (with me). Behold, O Keshava, the ruler of the Trigartas with his brothers. This very day I shall slay them all, O Janardana, before your eyes, them, that is, O foremost of the Yadus, who, longing for battle (with me), are on the field.”
Having said these words, the son of Kunti, rubbing his bowstring, showered his arrows on that multitude of kings. Those great bowmen also, poured on him thick showers of arrows, like clouds that fill a lake with torrents of rain in the rainy season. Loud shouts were heard in Dhritarashtra’s army when in that great battle the two Krishnas were seen covered with thick showers of arrows. The gods, the celestial Rishis, and the Gandharvas with the Uragas, beholding the two Krishnas in that state, were filled with great wonder. Then Arjuna, excited with wrath, invoked the Aindra weapon. Then the prowess of Vijaya seemed to be highly wonderful insomuch that those showers of weapons shot by his foes were checked by his myriads of arrows. There among those thousands of kings and steeds and elephants, was none that was not wounded. Others, the son of Pritha pierced, each with two or three arrows. While being thus struck by Partha, they sought the protection of Bhishma, the son of Shantanu. But Bhishma then became the rescuer of those warriors who were like men sinking in the fathomless deep. In consequence of those warriors thus flying away and mixing with your troops, Dhritarashtra’s broken ranks were agitated like the vast deep with a tempest.
Bhishma encounters Arjuna
When the battle was thus raging and after Susharman had ceased fighting, and the (other) heroic warriors (of the Kuru army) had been routed by the high-souled son of Pandu; after, indeed, Dhritarashtra’s army, resembling the very ocean, had become quickly agitated and the son of Ganga had speedily proceeded against the car of Vijaya, king Duryodhana, beholding the prowess of Partha in battle, quickly proceeded towards those kings, and addressing them as also the heroic and mighty Susharman stationed in their forefront, said in their midst these words, gladdening them all,
“This Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, this foremost one among the Kurus, reckless of his very life, is desirous of fighting with his whole soul against Dhananjaya. Exerting your best, you all, united together, and accompanied by your troops, protect in battle the grandsire, of Bharata's race, who is proceeding against the hostile army.”
Saying, “Yes,” all those divisions, belonging to those kings proceeded following the grandsire. Then the mighty Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, (thus rushing to battle), speedily came upon Arjuna of Bharata's race who also had been coming towards him, on his exceedingly resplendent and large car unto which were yoked white steeds and upon which was set up his standard bearing the fierce ape, and whose rattle resembled the deep roll of the clouds. Dhritarashtra’s entire army, beholding the diadem-decked Dhananjaya, thus coming to battle, uttered, from fear, many loud exclamations. Beholding Krishna, reins in hand, and looking like the mid-day sun in splendour, Dhritarashtra’s troops could not gaze at him. So also the Pandavas were incapable of looking at Shantanu’s son Bhishma of white steeds and white bow and resembling the planet Shukra risen in the firmament. The latter was surrounded on all sides by the high-souled warriors of the Trigartas headed by their king with his brothers and sons, and by many other mighty car-warriors.
Drona kills Virata’s son Shankha
Meanwhile, Bharadwaja's son pierced with his winged arrows the king of the Matsyas in battle. In that combat he cut off the latter's standard with one shaft, and his bow also with another. Then Virata, the commander of a large division, leaving aside that bow thus cut off, quickly took up another that was strong and capable of bearing a great strain. He also took up a number of blazing arrows that resembled snakes of virulent poison. And he pierced Drona in return with three (of these) and his (four) steeds with four. Then he pierced Drona's standard with one arrow, and his charioteer with five. He also pierced Drona's bow with one arrow, and (at all this) that bull among Brahmanas became highly angry. Then Drona slew Virata's steeds with eight straight shafts, and then his charioteer with one shaft.
His charioteer having been slain, Virata jumped down from his car whose steeds also had been killed. Then that foremost of car-warriors speedily mounted upon the car of (his son) Shankha. Then sire and son, staying on the same car, began with great might to resist the son of Bharadwaja with a thick shower of arrows. Then the mighty son of Bharadwaja, excited with wrath, quickly shot at Shankha in that encounter, an arrow resembling a snake of virulent poison. That arrow, piercing through Shankha's breast and drinking his blood, fell upon the earth, wet and smeared with gore. Struck with that arrow of Bharadwaja's son, Shankha speedily fell down from his car, his bow and arrows loosened from his grasp in the very presence of his sire. Beholding his son slain, Virata fled from fear, avoiding Drona in battle, who resembled Death's self with gasping mouth. The son of Bharadwaja then, without losing a moment, checked the mighty host of the Pandavas resisting combatants by hundreds and thousands.
Ashwatthama fights Shikhandin
Shikhandin also, getting at Drona's son in that battle, struck the latter between his brows with three swiftly coursing shafts. That tiger among men, viz., Ashwatthaman, pierced with those shafts looked beautiful like the mountain Meru with its three tall golden crests. Then, Ashwatthaman excited with rage, and within half the time taken up by a wink of the eye, overthrew in that battle Shikhandin's charioteer and standard and steeds and weapons, covering them with myriads of shafts. Then that foremost of car-warriors, viz., Shikhandin, that scorcher of foes, jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, and taking up a sharp and polished scimitar and a shield, excited with rage, moved on the field with great activity like a hawk. While moving with great activity on the field sword in hand, the son of Drona failed to find an opportunity (for striking him). All this seemed highly wonderful. Then, the highly wrathful son of Drona sent after Shikhandin in that battle many thousands of shafts. But Shikhandin, that foremost of mighty men, with his sharp sword cut that fierce shower of arrows coming towards him. Then the son of Drona cut into pieces that resplendent and beautiful shield decked with a hundred moons and then that sword also of Shikhandin. He pierced the latter's person also with a large number of winged arrows. Then Shikhandin, whirling the fragment (in his hand) of that sword of his which had been cut off by Ashwatthaman with his arrows and which resembled a blazing snake, quickly hurled it at him. The son of Drona however, displaying in that battle the lightness of his arms, cut off that (broken blade) coming impetuously towards him and resembling in splendour the fire that blazes forth at the end of the Yuga. He pierced Shikhandin himself with innumerable arrows made of iron. Then Shikhandin, exceedingly afflicted with those whetted arrows, speedily mounted on the car of (Satyaki) that high-souled scion of Madhu's race.
Satyaki fights Alambusha
Then Satyaki, excited with rage, pierced in that battle, with his terrible shafts the cruel Rakshasa Alambusha on all sides. That prince of Rakshasas then cut off in that combat Satyaki's bow with a crescent-shaped arrow and pierced Satyaki also with many shafts. Creating by his Rakshasa powers an illusion, he covered Satyaki with showers of arrows. But wonderful was the prowess of the grandson of Shini, inasmuch as struck with those whetted shafts he betrayed no fear. On the other hand, that son of Vrishni's race applied (with Mantras) the Aindra weapon, which that illustrious hero of Madhu's race had obtained from Vijaya. That weapon, consuming into ashes that Demoniac illusion, covered Alambusha all over with terrible shafts, like a mass of clouds covering the mountain-breast with torrents of rain in the rainy season. Thereupon the Rakshasa, thus afflicted by that hero of Madhu's race, fled away in fear, avoiding Satyaki in battle. Then the grandson of Shini, having vanquished that prince of Rakshasas who was incapable of being vanquished by Maghavat himself, uttered a loud roar in the very sight of all Dhritarashtra’s troops. Satyaki, of prowess incapable of being baffled, then began to slay Dhritarashtra’s troops with innumerable shafts whereupon the latter fled away in fear.
Dhrishtadyumna fights Duryodhana
Meanwhile, Dhrishtadyumna, the mighty son of Drupada, covered Dhritarashtra’s royal son in battle with innumerable straight shafts. While, however, Dhrishtadyumna was thus shrouding him with his shafts, Dhritarashtra’s royal son was neither agitated nor struck with fear. On the other hand, he speedily pierced Dhrishtadyumna in that battle (first) with sixty and (then) with thirty shafts. All these seemed highly wonderful. Then the commander of the Pandava army, excited with wrath cut off his bow. That mighty car-warrior then slew in that combat the four steeds of Dhritarashtra’s son, and also pierced him with seven shafts of the keenest points. Thereupon (Dhritarashtra’s son), that mighty-armed warrior endued with great strength, jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, ran on foot, with an upraised sabre, towards the son of Prishata. Then the mighty Shakuni, devoted to the king, quickly coming to that spot, caused Dhritarashtra’s royal son to mount on his own car in the very sight of all. Then that slayer of foes, the son of Prishata, having vanquished the king, began to slaughter Dhritarashtra’s troops like the wielder of the thunder-bolt slaughtering the Asuras.
Kritavarma fights Bhima
Kritavarman, in that battle, covered with his arrows that mighty car-warrior Bhima. Indeed, he overwhelmed the latter entirely, like a mighty mass of clouds shrouding the sun. Then that chastiser of foes viz., Bhimasena, excited with wrath, and laughing the while, sped some shafts at Kritavarman. Struck therewith, that Atiratha of the Satwata race, excelling all in might, trembled not, but (instead) pierced Bhima (in return) with many sharp arrows. Then the mighty Bhimasena, slaying the four steeds of Kritavarman, felled the latter's charioteer, and then his beautiful standard. That slayer of hostile heroes (viz., Bhima) then pierced Kritavarman himself with many shafts of diverse kinds. Kritavarman, pierced all over, seemed to be excessively mangled in every limb. Then from that car whose steeds had been slain, Kritavarman quickly went to the car of Vrishaka, in the very sight, of both Shalya and Dhritarashtra’s son. Bhimasena. excited with rage, began to afflict Dhritarashtra’s troops. Goaded to fury, he began to slay them, like the destroyer himself armed with his club.
Iravan fights Vinda and Anuvinda
On the forenoon of that day, great was the carnage that ensued, resembling what occurred in the battle between the gods and the Asuras (of old). The two princes of Avanti, those great bowmen endued with exceeding might, those excellent warriors fierce in battle, beholding Iravan, advanced against him. The battle that took place between them was fierce, making the hair stand on end. Then Iravan, excited with rage, quickly pierced those two brothers of celestial forms with many sharp and straight shafts. Those two, however, conversant with all modes of warfare, pierced him in return in that battle. Struggling their best to slaughter the foe, and desirous of counteracting each other's feats, no distinction could be observed between them as they fought. Iravan then, with four shafts, despatched the four steeds of Anuvinda to the abode of Yama. With a couple of sharp, broad-headed shafts, he cut off the bow and standard also of Anuvinda. This feat seemed highly wonderful.
Then Anuvinda, leaving his own car, mounted on the car of Vinda. Taking up an excellent and strong bow capable of bearing a great strain, Anuvinda, as also his brother Vinda, those foremost of car-warriors hailing from Avanti, both stationed on the same car, quickly shot many shafts at the high-souled Iravan. Shot by them, those shafts of great impetuosity decked with gold, while coursing through the air, covered the welkin. Then Iravan, excited with rage, showered on those mighty car-warriors, those two brothers (of Avanti) his arrowy down-pours, and felled their charioteer. When the charioteer, deprived of life, fell down on the ground, the horses, no longer restrained, ran away with car. Having vanquished those two warriors, that daughter's son of the king of the Nagas, displaying his prowess, then began to consume with great activity Dhritarashtra’s ranks. Then that mighty Dhartarashtra host, while thus slaughtered in battle, began to reel in many directions like a person who has drunk poison.
Ghatotkacha fights Bhagadatta
That prince of Rakshasa, the mighty son of Hidimba, on his car of solar effulgence furnished with a standard, rushed against Bhagadatta. The ruler of the Pragjyotishas was stationed on his prince of elephants like the wielder of the thunder-bolt in days of old in the battle occasioned by the ravishment of Taraka. The gods, the Gandharvas, and the Rishis had all come there. They could not, however, notice any distinction between Hidimba’s son and Bhagadatta. As the chief of the celestials, excited with wrath, had inspired the Danavas with fear, so did Bhagadatta frightened the Pandava warriors. The warriors of the Pandava army, frightened by him on all sides, failed to find among their ranks any protector. The son of Bhimasena was there, on his car. The other mighty car-warriors fled away with cheerless hearts. When, however, the troops of the Pandavas rallied, in the battle that then ensued an awful uproar arose among Dhritarashtra’s troops. Then Ghatotkacha, in that dreadful battle, covered Bhagadatta with his arrows like the clouds pouring rain on the breast of Meru. Baffling all those arrows shot from the Rakshasa's bow, the king quickly struck the son of Bhimasena in all his vital limbs. That prince of the Rakshasa, however, though struck with innumerable straight shafts, wavered not at all (but stood still) like a mountain pierced (with shafts). Then the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, excited with wrath, hurled in that combat fourteen lances, all of which, however, were cut off by the Rakshasa. Cutting off by means of his sharp shafts those lances, the mighty-armed Rakshasa pierced Bhagadatta with seventy shafts, each resembling the thunder-bolt in force. Then the ruler of the Pragjyotishas, laughing the while, despatched in that combat the four steeds of the Rakshasa to Death's domain. The prince of the Rakshasas, however, of great valour, staying on that car whose steeds had been slain, hurled with great force a dart at the elephant of the ruler of the Pragjyotishas. King Bhagadatta then cut off that swift dart furnished with a staff of gold and coursing impetuously towards him into three fragments, and thereupon it fell down on the ground. Beholding his dart cut off, the son of Hidimba fled from fear like Namuchi, that foremost of the Daityas, in days of old, from battle with Indra. Having vanquished in battle that hero of great valour and renowned prowess, who cannot be vanquished in battle by Yama himself or Varuna, king Bhagadatta with his elephant began to crush down the troops of the Pandavas like a wild elephant, crushing as he treads the lotus-stalks (in a lake).
Shalya fights the Pandava twins
The ruler of the Madras engaged in battle with his sister's sons, the twins. He overwhelmed those sons of Pandu with clouds of arrows. Then Sahadeva, beholding his maternal uncle, engaged in battle (with him), covered him with arrows like the clouds covering the maker of day. Covered with those clouds of arrows, the ruler of the Madras wore a delighted expression, and the twins also felt great delight for the sake of their mother. Then Shalya, that mighty car-warrior, smiting effectively in that battle, despatched with four excellent shafts, the four steeds of Nakula to the abode of Yama. Nakula then, that mighty car-warrior, quickly jumping down from that car whose steeds had been slain, mounted upon the vehicle of his renowned brother.
Stationed then on the same car, those two heroes, both fierce in battle, and both excited with rage, began to shroud the car of the ruler of Madras, (with heir arrows), drawing their bows with great strength. But that tiger among men, though thus covered by his sister's sons with innumerable straight arrows shook not in the least (but stood immovable) like a hill. Laughing the while, he smote them (in return) with showers of arrows. Then Sahadeva of great prowess, excited with wrath, took up a (powerful) shaft, and rushing at the ruler of the Madras, shot it at him. That shaft endued with the impetuosity of Garuda himself, shot by him, pierced the ruler of the Madras through, and fell on the earth. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, deeply pierced and greatly pained, sat down on the terrace of his car, and went into a swoon. Beholding him (thus) afflicted by the twins, deprived of consciousness, and prostrated (on his car), his charioteer bore him away on his vehicle over the field. Seeing the car of the ruler of the Madras retreating (from battle) the Dhartarashtras all became cheerless and thought it was all over with him. Then those mighty car-warriors, viz., the two sons of Madri, having vanquished in battle their maternal uncle, cheerfully blew their conches and uttered leonine roars. Then they rushed joyfully towards Dhritarashtra’s forces like the gods Indra and Upendra towards the Daitya host.
Yudhishthira fights Shrutayush
Then when the sun attained the meridian, king Yudhishthira, beholding Shrutayush, urged on his steeds. The king rushed at Shrutayush, that chastiser of foes, striking him with nine straight shafts of keen points. That great bowman, viz., king Shrutayush then, checking in that battle those arrows shot by the son of Pandu, struck Yudhishthira with seven shafts. These penetrating through his armour, drank his blood in that battle, as if sucking the very vital energies dwelling in the body of that high-souled one. The son of Pandu then, though deeply pierced by that high-souled king, pierced king Shrutayush (in return), at the latter's heart, with an arrow shaped as the boar's ear. That foremost of car-warriors, viz., the son of Pritha, with another broad-headed arrow, quickly felled on the earth the standard of the high-souled Shrutayush from his car. Beholding his standard overthrown, king Shrutayush then pierced the son of Pandu with seven sharp shafts. Thereupon Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, blazed up with wrath, like the fire that blazes forth at the end of the Yuga for consuming creatures.
Beholding the son of Pandu excited with rage, the gods, the Gandharvas, and the Rakshasas, trembled and the universe became agitated. Even this was the thought that arose in the minds of all creatures, viz., that that king, excited with rage, would that day consume the three worlds. Indeed, when the son of Pandu was thus excited with wrath, the Rishis and the celestials prayed for the peace of the world. Filled with wrath and frequently licking the corners of his mouth, Yudhishthira assumed a terrible expression looking like the sun that rises at the end of the Yuga. Then all Dhritarashtra’s warriors became hopeless of their lives. Checking, however, that wrath with patience, that great bowman endued with high renown then cut off Shrutayush's bow at the grasp.
Then, in the very sight of all the troops, the king in that battle pierced Shrutayush whose bow had been cut off, with a long arrow in the centre of the chest. The mighty Yudhishthira then speedily slew with his arrows the steeds of Shrutayush and then, without losing a moment, his charioteer. Beholding the prowess of the king, Shrutayush leaving that car whose steeds had been slain, quickly fled away from battle. After that great bowman had been vanquished in combat by the son of Dharma, all the troops of Duryodhana turned their faces. Having achieved this feat, Yudhishthira, the son of Dharma, began to slay Dhritarashtra’s troops like Death himself with wide-open mouth.
Chekitana fights Kripa
Chekitana of the Vrishni race, in the very sight of all the troops, covered with his shafts Gautama, that foremost of car-warriors. Baffling all those arrows, Kripa the son of Sharadwat, pierced Chekitana in return who was fighting with great care, with arrows in that battle. Then, with another broad-headed arrow he cut off Chekitana's bow, and endued with great lightness of hand, he also felled with another broad-headed arrow the former's charioteer. Kripa then, slew Chekitana's steeds, as also both the warriors that protected the latter's wings. Then Chekitana of the Satwata race, quickly jumped down from his car, and took up a mace. The foremost of all wielders of the mace, Chekitana, with that hero-slaying mace of his, slew the steeds of Gautama and then felled his charioteer. Then Gautama, standing on the ground, shot sixteen arrows at Chekitana. Those arrows, piercing through that hero of the Satwata race, entered the earth. Thereat, Chekitana excited with rage, once more hurled his mace, desirous of slaying Gautama, like Purandara desirous of slaying Vritra. Then Gautama with many thousands of arrows checked that huge mace, endued with the strength of adamant, that was coursing towards him.
Then Chekitana, drawing his sabre from the sheath, rushed with great speed towards Gautama. Thereupon Gautama also, throwing away his bow, and taking up a polished sabre, rushed with great speed towards Chekitana. Both of them possessed of great strength, and both armed with excellent sabres, began to strike each other with those sharp-edged weapons of theirs. Then those bulls among men, struck with the force of each other's sabres, fell down on the earth, that (common) element of all creatures. Exhausted by the efforts they had made, the limbs of both were motionless in a swoon. Then Karakarsha impelled by friendship, quickly rushed to that spot. That invincible warrior, beholding Chekitana in that plight, took him up on his car in the very sight of all troops. So also the brave Shakuni, Dhritarashtra’s brother-in-law speedily caused Gautama, that foremost of car-warriors, to mount on his car.
Dhristhaketu fights Bhurishravas
The mighty Dhrishtaketu, excited with wrath, speedily pierced the son of Somadatta with ninety shafts in the chest. The son of Somadatta looked highly resplendent with those shafts on his chest, like the sun with his rays at mid-day. Bhurishravas, however, in that battle, with his excellent shafts, deprived Dhrishtaketu, that mighty car-warrior, of his car, slaying his charioteer and steeds. Beholding him deprived of his car, and his steeds and charioteer slain, Bhurishravas covered Dhrishtaketu in that combat with a thick shower of arrows. The high-souled Dhrishtaketu then, abandoning that car of his, mounted upon the vehicle of Shatanika.
Arjuna fights Susharman of Trigartas
Chitrasena, and Vikarna and also Durmarshana, these car-warriors cased in golden mail, all rushed against the son of Subhadra. Then a fierce battle took place between Abhimanyu and those warriors, like the battle of the body, with wind, bile, and phlegm. That tiger among men, however, (viz., Abhimanyu), having deprived Dhritarashtra’s sons of their cars, slew them not, remembering Bhima's words. Then during the progress of the fight, Kunti's son (Arjuna), of white steeds, beholding Bhishma, who was incapable of being vanquished by very gods, proceeding to rescue Dhritarashtra’s sons in view of Abhimanyu, a boy and alone though a mighty car-warrior, addressed Vasudeva and said these words,
“Urge the steeds, O Hrishikesha, to that spot where are those numerous car-warriors. They are many in number, brave, accomplished in arms, invincible in battle. Guide the horses so, O Madhava, that the foe may not be able to slay our troops.”
Thus urged by Kunti's son of immeasurable energy, he of Vrishni's race then drove that car, unto which were yoked white steeds, to battle. When Arjuna, excited with rage, thus proceeded towards Dhritarashtra’s army, a loud uproar arose among Dhritarashtra’s troops. The son of Kunti then, having come up to those kings that were protecting Bhishma, (first) addressed Susharman, and said these words,
“I know you to be foremost in battle, and a dire enemy (of ours) of old. Behold to-day the terrible fruit of that evil behaviour (of yours). I will today cause you to visit the manes of your ancestors.”
That leader of car-divisions, Susharman, however, hearing these harsh words uttered by that slayer of foes viz., Bibhatsu, told him nothing (in reply), well or ill. (But) approaching the heroic Arjuna, with a large number of kings in his train, and surrounding him in that battle, he covered him aided by Dhritarashtra’s sons with arrows from all sides, viz., front, rear, and flanks, like the clouds covering the maker of day. Then, a dreadful battle took place between Dhritarashtra’s army and the Pandavas, in which blood ran like water.
Then the mighty Dhananjaya, struck with those shafts and drawing long breaths like a trodden snake, cut off, with great force, by means of his successive shafts, the bows of those mighty car-warriors. Cutting off in a moment, the bows of those powerful monarchs in that battle, the high-souled Arjuna, desiring to exterminate them pierced all of them simultaneously with his shafts. Struck (thus) by Indra's son, some of them fell down on the field, covered with blood. Some had their limbs mangled, and some had their heads struck off. Some perished with bodies mangled and coats of mail cut through. Afflicted by the arrows of Partha, many of them, falling down on the earth, perished together. Beholding then those princes slain in battle, the ruler of the Trigartas advanced on his car. Two and thirty others amongst those car-warriors, they who had been protecting the rear of the slain combatants also fell upon Partha. These all, surrounding Partha, and drawing their bows of loud twang, poured on him a thick shower of arrows like the clouds pouring torrents of water on the mountain breast. Then Dhananjaya afflicted with that arrowy down-pour in that battle, became excited with wrath, and with sixty arrows steeped in oil he despatched all those protectors of the rear. Having vanquished in battle those sixty car-warriors, the illustrious Dhananjaya became cheerful at heart. Having slain also the forces of those kings, Jishnu sped for Bhishma's slaughter. Then the ruler of the Trigartas, beholding his friends those mighty car-warriors slain, speedily advanced upon Partha, with a number of (other) kings in his forefront, for slaying him.
Shikhandin attempts an attack on Bhishma
Then the Pandava warrior headed by Shikhandin, beholding those combatants advancing upon Dhananjaya that foremost of all conversant with arms, proceeded with whetted weapons in hand, desirous of protecting the car of Arjuna. Partha also beholding those brave men advanced towards him with the ruler of the Trigartas, mangled them in battle with arrows shot from Gandiva. Then that distinguished bowman, desirous of approaching Bhishma beheld Duryodhana and other kings headed by the ruler of the Sindhus. Fighting with great energy for a moment and checking those warriors that were desirous of protecting Bhishma, the heroic Arjuna of great valour and infinite prowess avoiding Duryodhana and Jayadratha and others, that warrior of mighty strength and great mental vigour, at last proceeded, bow and arrow in hand, towards the son of Ganga in battle. The high-souled Yudhishthira also, of fierce prowess and infinite renown, avoiding in battle the ruler of the Madras who had been assigned to his share, quickly proceeded, with excited wrath and accompanied by Bhima and the sons of Madri towards Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, for battle.
Conversant with all modes of warfare the high-souled son of Ganga and Shantanu, though attacked in battle by all the sons of Pandu united together, wavered not at all. Of fierce might and great energy king Jayadratha of sure aim, advancing in battle, forcibly cut off with his own excellent bow the bows of all those mighty car-warriors. The illustrious Duryodhana also with excited wrath and having wrath for his position, struck Yudhishthira and Bhimasena and the twins and Partha, with arrows resembling flames of fire. Pierced with arrows by Kripa and Shala and Chitrasena. The Pandavas, inflamed with rage, resembled the gods pierced with arrows by the united Daityas (in days of old). King Yudhishthira then, beholding Shikhandin flying away, having had his weapon cut off by Shantanu’s son became filled with anger. The high-souled Ajatasatru, angrily addressing Shikhandin in that battle, said these words,
“You said at that time, in the presence of your sire, unto me “I shall slay Bhishma of high vows with my shafts of the hue of the effulgent sun. Truly do I say this”. Even this was your oath. That oath of yours you do not fulfil inasmuch as you do not slay Devavrata in battle. O hero, be not a person of unfulfilled vow. Take care of your virtue, race, and fame. Behold Bhishma of terrible impetuosity scorching all my troops with his innumerable arrows of fierce energy and destroying everything in a moment like Death himself. With your bow cut off avoiding the battle, and vanquished by the royal son of Shantanu, where do you go, forsaking your kinsmen and brothers? This does not become you. Beholding Bhishma of infinite prowess, and our army routed and flying away, you are assuredly, O son of Drupada, frightened, since the colour of your face is pale. Unknown to you, O hero, Dhananjaya has engaged in the dreadful battle. Celebrated over the whole world, why O hero, are you afraid today of Bhishma?”
Hearing these words of king, Yudhishthira the just, that were harsh, though fraught with sound reason, the high-souled Shikhandin, regarding them as good counsel, speedily set himself about slaying Bhishma. While Shikhandin was proceeding to battle with great impetuosity for falling upon Bhishma, Shalya began to resist him with terrible weapons that were difficult of being baffled. The son of Drupada, however, of prowess equal to that of Indra himself, beholding those weapons effulgent as the fire that blazes forth at the hour of universal dissolution (thus) displayed, was not confounded in the least. Checking those weapons by means of his own shafts, that mighty bowman, viz., Shikhandin, stayed there without moving. Then he took up another weapon, viz., the fierce Varuna weapon for baffling (those fiery weapons of Shalya). Then the celestials staying in the firmament, and the kings of the earth also, all beheld Shalya's weapons baffled by that Varuna weapon of Shikhandin.
Meanwhile, the high-souled and heroic Bhishma in that battle, cut off the bow and the variegated standard also of Pandu's son, king Yudhishthira of the Ajamida race. Thereupon casting aside his bow and arrows upon beholding Yudhishthira overwhelmed with fear, and taking up a mace in that battle, Bhimasena rushed, on foot, at Jayadratha. Then Jayadratha, with five hundred terrible arrows of keen points and each resembling the rod of Death, pierced Bhimasena from every side who was thus rushing impetuously at him, mace in hand. Disregarding those arrows, the impetuous Vrikodara, with heart filled with rage, slew in that battle all the steeds, born in Aratta, of the king of the Sindhus. Then beholding Bhimasena on foot, Dhritarashtra’s son (Chitrasena) of unrivalled prowess and resembling the chief of the celestials himself, quickly rushed at him on his car, with upraised weapons, for giving him his quietus.
Bhima also, roaring and uttering a loud shout, rushed at him impetuously, mace in hand. Thereupon the Kauravas all around beholding that upraised mace resembling the rod of Death, forsaking your brave son, fled away, desirous of avoiding its fall (amongst them). In that fierce and awful crush (of men) confounding the senses, Chitrasena, however, beholding that mace coursing towards him, was not deprived of his senses. Taking up a bright scimitar and a shield, he forsook his car and became a warrior on foot in the field, for jumping down (from his vehicle) like a lion from the top of a cliff he came down upon the level ground. Meanwhile that mace, failing upon that beautiful car and destroying the vehicle itself with its steeds and charioteer in that battle, dropped on the ground like a blazing meteor, loosened from the firmament, failing upon the earth. Then Dhritarashtra’s troops, beholding that highly wonderful feat became filled with joy, and all of them together set up a loud shout over the field of battle. The warriors all applauded Dhritarashtra’s son (for what they witnessed). Approaching then Dhritarashtra’s son Chitrasena of great energy who had thus been deprived of his car, Vikarna caused him to mount on his car.
Bhishma fights Yudhishthira
During the progress of that general engagement, so fierce and dreadful, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, impetuously rushed at Yudhishthira. Then the Srinjayas with their cars, elephants, and horses, trembled. They regarded Yudhishthira to be already within the jaws of Death. The lord Yudhishthira, however, of Kuru's race, accompanied by the twins, proceeded towards that mighty bowman, that tiger among men viz., Bhishma. Then the son of Pandu, shooting in that battle thousands of arrows, shrouded Bhishma like the clouds shrouding the sun. Those numberless arrows, well shot by Yudhishthira, were received by the son of Ganga in distinct sets by hundreds and thousands. So also, innumerable were the arrows shot by Bhishma (in return), which looked like flights of insects coursing through the air. In half the time taken up by a wink of the eye, Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, in that battle, made Kunti's son invisible by means of his numberless shafts shot in sets.
Then king Yudhishthira, excited with rage, sped at the high-souled Kaurava a long arrow resembling a snake of virulent poison. That mighty car-warrior, Bhishma, however, cut off in that combat, with a horse-shoe (headed) arrow, that shaft shot from Yudhishthira's bow before it could reach him. Having cut off that long arrow resembling Death himself, Bhishma then slew in that battle the steeds, decked with gold, of that prince of Kuru's line. Then Yudhishthira the son of Pandu, abandoning that car whose steeds had been slain, quickly mounted upon the car of the high-souled Nakula. Then Bhishma that subjugator of hostile cities, excited with rage, and coming upon the twins in that battle, covered them with arrows.
Beholding those two (brothers) thus afflicted, with the arrows of Bhishma, Yudhishthira began to reflect earnestly desirous of (compassing) Bhishma's destruction. Then Yudhishthira urged his friends and the rulers (on his side), saying,
“Slay Bhishma the son of Shantanu, uniting together.”
Then all those rulers, hearing these words of Pritha's son, surrounded the grandsire with a large number of cars. Devavrata then, thus surrounded on all sides, began to sport with his bow, felling (all the while) many mighty car-warriors. Him of Kuru's race, thus careering over the field of battle, the Pandavas beheld resembling a young lion in the forest amid a herd of deer. Uttering a loud roar in that battle and striking fear into the hearts of brave warriors by means of his shafts, the Kshatriyas beholding him were all struck with fear, like inferior animals upon seeing a lion. Indeed the Kshatriyas beheld the movements of that lion of Bharata's race in battle to resemble those of a conflagration aided by the wind while consuming a heap of dry grass. Bhishma in that battle felled the heads of car-warriors like a skillful man felling (with stones) ripe (palmyra) fruits from trees that bear them. The heads of warriors falling upon the surface of the earth produced a loud noise resembling that of a stony shower. During the progress of that fierce and dreadful battle a great confusion set in among all the troops. In consequence of that confusion the arrays (of both armies) were broken. The Kshatriyas summoning one another individually, approached one another for fight.
Then Shikhandin, sighting the grandsire of the Bharatas, rushed at him impetuously, saying, “Wait, Wait!” Remembering, however, the femininity of Shikhandin, and disregarding him on that account, Bhishma proceeded against the Srinjayas. Thereupon the Srinjayas, beholding Bhishma in that great battle, were filled with joy. They set forth diverse kinds of loud shouts, mingled with the blare of their conches. Then commenced a fierce battle in course of which cars and elephants got entangled with one another. It was that hour of the day when the sun was on the other side (of the meridian). Then Dhrishtadyumna, the prince of the Panchalas, and that mighty car-warrior Satyaki, greatly afflicted the (Bharata) host with showers of arrows and lances. With innumerable shafts, these two began to smite down Dhritarashtra’s warriors in that battle. Dhritarashtra’s combatants, however, though slaughtered in battle (thus) retreated not from the fight, having formed an honourable resolution in that engagement. Indeed, Dhritarashtra’s troops began to smite according to the measure of their courage. While, however, Dhritarashtra’s high-souled combatants were being slaughtered by the illustrious son of Prishata, loud cries of woe were heard among them.
Hearing those loud cries, that couple of mighty car-warriors of your army, viz., Vinda and Anuvinda of Avanti, quickly proceeded against Prishata's son. Those mighty car-warriors, speedily slaying his steeds, together covered Prishata's son with showers of arrows. Thereupon that mighty car-warrior, viz., the prince of the Panchalas, quickly jumping down from that car of his, mounted without loss of time the car of the high-souled Satyaki. Then king Yudhishthira, supported by a large force, proceeded against those chastisers of foes, viz., the two princes of Avanti excited with rage. Similarly Dhritarashtra’s son, with every preparation, stood, surrounding Vinda and Anuvinda in that battle (for supporting them). Arjuna also in that battle, excited with rage, fought against many bulls of the Kshatriya race, like the wielder of the thunder-bolt against the Asuras. Drona also, who always does what is agreeable to Dhritarashtra’s son, inflamed with wrath in that battle, began to consume the Panchalas like fire consuming a heap of cotton. Dhritarashtra’s other sons, owning Duryodhana as their chief, surrounding Bhishma in that battle, fought against the Pandavas.
End of seventh day of war
Then when the sun assumed a red hue, king Duryodhana, addressing Dhritarashtra’s troops, said, “Lose no time!” And while they were thus battling and achieving feats difficult of accomplishment, the sun having become invisible in consequence of his retirement behind the western hill, there soon flowed, towards dusk, an awful river whose current and billows were of blood, and which was infested by innumerable jackals. The field of battle became dreadful, abounding as it did with spirits and with those jackals howling hideously, foreboding evil. Rakshasas and Pishachas and other cannibals were seen all round, in hundreds and thousands. Then Arjuna, having vanquished those kings headed by Susharman along with all their followers, in the midst of their division, proceeded towards his tent. The lord Yudhishthira also of Kuru's race, accompanied by his brothers, and followed by his troops, proceeded when night set in, towards his tent. Bhimasena, too, having vanquished those kings, viz., those warriors headed by Duryodhana, proceeded towards his tent. King Duryodhana (with his troops), surrounding Bhishma, the son of Shantanu, in that great battle proceeded towards his tent. Drona, and Drona's son, and Kripa, and Shalya, and Kritavarman of the Satwata race, surrounding the whole (Dhartarashtra) army, proceeded towards their tents. Similarly Satyaki also, and Dhrishtadyumna, the son of Prishata, surrounding their army, proceeded towards their tents. It was thus that those chastisers of foes, viz., Dhritarashtra’s troops and the Pandavas, ceased to fight when darkness came.
Then the Pandavas, and the Kauravas, retiring to their tents, entered the same, applauding one another. Making arrangements for the protection of their brave warriors and disposing outposts according to rule, they plucked out the arrows (from their bodies) and bathed in diverse kinds of water. Brahmanas performed propitiatory rites for them, and bards sang their praises. Those renowned men sported for a while in accompaniment with music both vocal and instrumental. For a while the whole scene resembled heaven itself. Those bulls among men for a while spoke not of battle. When both armies abounding with tired men and elephants and steeds slept there, they became beautiful to behold.