5
Dhrushtaket, the one to dread
King of Kashi and Purujit
Kuntibhoj ’n Saibya too
Chekitan, their force augment.
6
Uttamouj ’n Yudhamanyu
Abhimanyu so Vikranta
Draupadi’s offspring not to speak
Five-star generals all no less.
7
For thy feel of our own strength
Roll-call heroes of ours O, revered.
8
Thou with Bhishm, Karn ’n Kripa
Make all four our Field Marshals,
Bhurisrav, Aswatham ’n Vikarn
Our Marshals, near Field Marshals.
9
With their lives on line for me
Adept at weaponry varied all
Abound valorous in our ranks
Past masters of group warfare.
10
Nurses Bhishma force our vast
Lot it’s Bhima’s tend their small.
11
Let’s close ranks in well laid files
Cover we flanks for Bhishma’s guard.
12
Words by these moved
Grandsire Bhishm,
Warrior verily unrivalled
War cry he gave with his conch.
13
Egged by Bhishma, geared Kauravs
War cries their rent, those high skies.
14
Krishna ’n Arjun, in their turn
From chariot of white stallions
Gave in kind they with kindred.
15
With Panchajanya, Lord Krishna
Broke sound barriers with Arjun
Who blew to hilt Devadatta
As blared Bhima, his Paundra.
16
Blew conch Yudhisthir full throated
Anantavijaya in tandem
With his siblings, Nakul ’n Sahadev,
Blew who Sughosh ’n Manipushpak.
17
King of Kashi, master archer
Sikhandi Marshal, their formidable
Saathyaki, Drushtadyumn ’n Virat
Warriors they all never vanquished,
18
Drupada as well Draupadi’s progeny
With their hero Abhimanyu
Blew, O monarch, at one go
Conchs of theirs to deafening sound.
19
Tumult that ensued shook the ground
Bewildered Kauravs, as skies roared.
20
When came time to join lines
So it happened O my Lord
With his Gandiv in harness
Hanumaan’s ensign in flutter
Arjun stared at Kauravs hard
And thus spoke to Lord Krishna.
21/22
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Pray posit chariot ours upfront
So that I can have a look
At those itching for this war.
23
Time I discern those backing
Duryodhan the evil minded.
24
Thus spoke Sanjaya:
Upfront Krishna took Arjun
In their chariot drawn by four.
25
Beseeched Krishna then Arjun
That he behold Bhishm ’n Dron
As well all those there gathered.
26
Espied Arjun his clansmen
Grandads, uncles, brothers and all
Teachers as well friends of note.
27
At the sight of
His kinsmen,
He in distress
Spoke worried.
28
Thus spoke Arjuna:
Disturb kinsfolk here gathered
Feel I parched, it nauseates too.
29
Horrify no end prospects war
Un-grips Gandiv, looks I’m sick.
30
Looks like it’s an illusion
Lord I envision bad omens all.
31
Crave I not for power or pelf