1 Dhritarashtra lamented the fall of his son Duryodhana, who had been struck down unfairly by Bhima. Sanjaya described how Kritavarma, Kripa, and Drona's son Ashvatthama had fled the battlefield, filled with grief and anger. They rested in a forest, where Ashvatthama saw an owl slaughter a group of crows, inspiring him to seek revenge against the Pandavas. Ashvatthama resolved to slay the Pandavas and Panchalas in their sleep, using guile to achieve victory. He awoke Kripa and Kritavarma, who were filled with shame at his plan but did not reply. Ashvatthama lamented the fall of Duryodhana and the reversal of fortunes, but vowed to take action. He said, "Though the Pandavas have achieved great feats, this is the end to which their acts lead! If your wisdom has not been driven away, say what is proper for us to do in view of this calamity." Ashvatthama's words were filled with anger and a desire for revenge. He saw the owl's slaughter of the crows as a sign that he should use cunning to defeat his enemies. Kripa and Kritavarma were hesitant to agree to Ashvatthama's plan, but they did not speak out against it. The three warriors were left to ponder their next move, filled with sorrow and a desire for revenge. Ashvatthama's resolve was firm, and he was determined to see his plan through to the end. He would stop at nothing to avenge Duryodhana's death and destroy the Pandavas. The stage was set for a final, brutal confrontation between the two sides. The war may have been won by the Pandavas, but the battle for revenge was far from over.
2 Kripa said, "I agree with your words, but listen to mine. Destiny and exertion govern men's actions. Success comes from their union. Exertion without destiny is fruitless, and destiny without exertion is also unproductive. Even a competent person's efforts can fail without destiny's concurrence. Idle men disapprove of exertion, but the wise know its value. Action is generally productive, while inaction leads to misery. One who acts is capable of supporting life and earning good. If one's efforts succeed or fail, they are not censurable. Those who enjoy fruits without effort incur ridicule. Efforts become unproductive due to destiny without exertion and exertion without destiny. Devoted to action and skill, one should seek counsel from the aged and obey their beneficial advice. Men approved by the old should be solicited for counsel. We should repair to Dhritarashtra, Gandhari, and Vidura and ask their advice on what to do. We should do as they say, for they will know what is good for us. Let us seek their guidance and follow their wisdom. Only then can we hope to find a way out of this calamity." Kripa's words were filled with wisdom and experience. He knew that the path forward would not be easy, but with the guidance of those who had come before them, they might find a way to redemption. The group fell silent, considering Kripa's words and weighing their options. They knew that the road ahead would be long and difficult, but with courage and determination, they might yet find a way to overcome their sorrow and find peace.
3 Ashvatthama, overwhelmed with sorrow and grief, formed a wicked resolution. He addressed Kripa and Kritavarma, saying, "I have decided to avenge my father's death by attacking the Pandavas and Pancalas while they sleep. I will use my kshatriya skills to slay them all, including Dhrishtadyumna. This will bring me peace and allow me to pay off my debt to my sire. I will make the Pancalas follow in the wake of Duryodhana, Karna, and Bhishma. I will grind Dhrishtadyumna's head like an animal and cut off the sleeping sons of the Pandavas and Pancalas with my sword. I will obtain great happiness and regard myself as having done my duty." Ashvatthama's words were filled with anger and a desire for revenge. He had resolved to commit a terrible act, one that would bring him momentary satisfaction but ultimately lead to his downfall. Kripa and Kritavarma listened in silence, knowing that Ashvatthama's resolution was born of grief and a desire for vengeance.
4 Kripa urged Ashvatthama to rest and sleep before seeking vengeance, promising to accompany him into battle alongside Kritavarma. He praised Ashvatthama's prowess and said that together, they would surely slay their enemies. Kripa assured him that neither he nor Kritavarma would retreat from battle without victory. Ashvatthama, still consumed by rage and grief, replied that he couldn't sleep, as his heart was filled with thoughts of avenging his father's death. He couldn't bear the thought of living without slaying Dhrishtadyumna, and the lamentations of his father's death still echoed in his mind. Ashvatthama believed that even Indra couldn't resist the Pandavas, protected by Vasudeva and Arjuna, but he was determined to cause a slaughter among them and then rest and sleep without anxiety. Ashvatthama's anger and sorrow were palpable, and Kripa and Kritavarma could see the depth of his pain. They knew that his desire for vengeance was just, but they also knew that it would be a difficult and dangerous path. They vowed to stand by him, no matter what lay ahead, and to help him achieve his goal of avenging his father's death. Together, the three of them would face the Pandavas and their allies, and they would not rest until justice was served.
5 Kripa advised Ashvatthama to control his passions and wait for the right moment to avenge his father's death. He cautioned that attacking sleeping enemies was not applauded and would lead to hell. Ashvatthama replied that the Pandavas had already broken the rules of righteousness by killing his father and others unrighteously. He was determined to slay the Pancalas, even if it meant being reborn as a worm or insect. Kripa and Kritavarma tried to reason with him, but Ashvatthama was resolute. He yoked his steeds and set out towards the enemy camp, with Kripa and Kritavarma following him. As they approached the gate, Ashvatthama stopped, ready to carry out his resolve. Kripa's words were filled with wisdom and caution, but Ashvatthama's anger and grief consumed him. He was determined to avenge his father's death, even if it meant sacrificing his own morality. The stage was set for a tragic and bloody confrontation.
6 Dhritarashtra asked Sanjaya to describe what happened when Ashvatthama approached the camp gate. Sanjaya described a terrifying being guarding the entrance, with a gigantic frame, tiger skin, and snake sacred thread. The being's body was covered in eyes and flames, and it seemed to be a manifestation of Lord Shiva. Ashvatthama attacked the being with various weapons, but it devoured them all. The being's mouth was open, revealing teeth that made its face terrifying to behold. Ashvatthama tried everything, from showers of celestial weapons to a blazing mace, but nothing seemed to work. As Ashvatthama realized his mistake in disregarding Kripa's advice, he felt overwhelmed by calamity. He remembered the scriptures' teachings not to harm certain individuals and realized his actions were sinful. Ashvatthama acknowledged that human effort is never more powerful than destiny and decided to seek the protection of Lord Mahadeva, also known as Shiva, to dispel the rod of divine chastisement before him. He recognized that his own strength and skill were insufficient to achieve his goal and that he needed divine intervention to succeed.
7 Sanjaya described Ashvatthama's fervent prayer to Lord Mahadeva, seeking protection and offering himself as a victim. A golden altar appeared, and a blazing fire engulfed it, filling the air with an otherworldly glow. Many mighty beings with various forms and weapons emerged, playing drums and horns, and dancing with abandon. They were the companions of Mahadeva, fearsome and joyful, with golden complexions and adorned with beautiful garlands. Ashvatthama, unafraid and resolute, offered himself up as a victim, and Mahadeva appeared, accepting his devotion with a smile. Mahadeva had protected the Pandavas at Krishna's request, but now he gave Ashvatthama an excellent and polished sword, filling him with energy and strength. Ashvatthama became all-powerful, with invisible beings and rakshasas following him like Mahadeva himself. The divine being entered Ashvatthama's body, and he blazed up with energy, ready to face his foes. The scene was set for a fierce and epic battle , with Ashvatthama, empowered by Mahadeva, leading the charge.
8 Ashvatthama prayed to Lord Mahadeva, offering himself as a victim. A golden altar appeared, and a blazing fire engulfed it. Mahadeva's companions emerged, playing drums and horns, and dancing. They were fearsome and joyful, with golden complexions and beautiful garlands. Ashvatthama, unafraid, offered himself up, and Mahadeva accepted his devotion with a smile. He gave Ashvatthama a polished sword, filling him with energy and strength. The divine being entered Ashvatthama's body, and he blazed up with energy, ready to face his foes. Mahadeva's companions surrounded Ashvatthama, playing instruments and singing his praises. They were armed with various weapons, and their forms were diverse and terrifying. Ashvatthama, empowered by Mahadeva, became a formidable force, ready to conquer his enemies. The scene was set for a fierce and epic battle, with Ashvatthama leading the charge. With Mahadeva's blessing, he was invincible, and his foes trembled at the sight of him.
9 Sanjaya described the sorrowful scene of Duryodhana's final moments, surrounded by Ashvatthama, Kripa, and Kritavarma. Despite his own pain and distress, Duryodhana expressed joy and pride upon learning that Ashvatthama had slain Dhrishtadyumna and the Pandava children. He praised Ashvatthama, saying that he had accomplished what others could not. With his final breath, Duryodhana gave up his life-breath and ascended to heaven. The three surviving warriors mourned Duryodhana's passing, embracing him and gazing at him steadfastly before departing. Sanjaya, who had been narrating the events to Dhritarashtra, became overcome with grief and lost his spiritual sight. The scene was one of great sorrow and loss, as the surviving characters came to terms with the devastating consequences of the war. Duryodhana's final moments were marked by a mix of pride, joy, and acceptance, as he found solace in the knowledge that his enemies had been defeated. The text highlights the complexities of human emotion and the devastating consequences of conflict.
10 Vaishampayana said, "The driver of Dhrishtadyumna's car brought devastating news to King Yudhishthira of the slaughter that occurred during the night. The driver reported that the sons of Draupadi and the children of Drupada were slain while asleep in their camp by Kritavarma, Kripa, and Ashvatthama. Yudhishthira was overcome with grief and fell to the ground, surrounded by his supporters. Satyaki, Bhimasena, Arjuna, and the two sons of Madri embraced him, trying to comfort him. Recovering his senses, Yudhishthira lamented, "Alas, having vanquished the foe, we have been vanquished in the end! Our victory has ended in defeat. The course of events is difficult to ascertain, even for those with spiritual sight. The foes we thought we had defeated have become victorious, while we, the victors, are now vanquished." He grieved for the loss of his sons and the irony of their victory. Yudhishthira lamented that the princes who had escaped Karna were slain through heedlessness. He realized that prosperity abandons a heedless person, and misery overtakes them. He thought about how Indra had obtained happiness after slaying his foes heedfully and how the survivors among their foes had slain many sons and grandsons of kings through their own heedlessness. Yudhishthira ordered Nakula to bring Draupadi and her maternal relations, and then proceeded to the battlefield, where he saw the bodies of his sons and friends, mangled and covered in blood. He was deeply afflicted and fell to the ground, weeping aloud, surrounded by his followers. The king's anguish was unbearable, and his sorrow was boundless.
11 Vaishampayana said, "King Yudhishthira was consumed by grief upon seeing his slain sons, grandsons, and friends. His friends tried to comfort him, but he was inconsolable. Nakula arrived with the distraught princess Krishna, who had received news of the slaughter. She fell at Yudhishthira's feet, her face darkened by grief, her eyes red and swollen from crying. Bhimasena raised her up and comforted her, but she was beyond consolation. Draupadi lamented the loss of her sons and rebuked Yudhishthira for not avenging their death. She vowed to stay in praya (a form of self-mortification) until Ashvatthama was slain. Yudhishthira tried to calm her, but she demanded that Bhimasena avenge their sons' death. Bhimasena, determined to fulfill her wish, set out to slay Ashvatthama, mounting his golden car and taking his bow and arrow. With Nakula as his charioteer, he proceeded with great speed along Ashvatthama's track, resolved to avenge the Pandavas' death. Bhimasena's wrath was ignited, and he was determined to put an end to Ashvatthama's cruel deeds. He rode his chariot, his heart burning with anger, his mind fixed on revenge. The sound of his chariot's wheels was like thunder, and his bow and arrow shone like lightning. He was a fierce warrior, and his determination was unshakeable. He would not rest until Ashvatthama was slain, and justice was served.
12 Vaishampayana said, "Krishna addressed Yudhishthira, saying, 'Bhimasena has gone to battle Ashvatthama, who possesses the brahmashira weapon. This weapon can consume the world and was given to Ashvatthama by Drona, who cautioned him not to use it against humans.' Krishna then recounted a story of Ashvatthama's visit to Dvaraka, where he asked for Krishna's discus in exchange for the brahmashira weapon. Ashvatthama was unable to wield the discus and left Dvaraka, filled with sorrow and anger. Krishna warned that Ashvatthama was wrathful, wicked, and cruel, and knew the brahmashira weapon, making him a danger to Vrikodara. Krishna continued, 'I told Ashvatthama that I would give him any of my weapons except the discus, but he was unable to wield it. He left Dvaraka with many steeds, wealth, and gems, and is now a threat to the Pandavas.' Krishna's story was a warning to Yudhishthira to protect Bhimasena from Ashvatthama's wrath and the danger of the brahmashira weapon.
13 Vaishampayana said, "Krishna, the delighter of the Yadavas, mounted his excellent car, equipped with every kind of powerful weapon. The car was adorned with gold and gems, and its dhur shone like the morning sun. Two pairs of steeds of the Kamboja breed, adorned with garlands of gold, were yoked to the vehicle. The standard on the car was decked with gems and gold and stood high like the Maya of Vishnu himself, with Garuda shining brightly. Krishna, the foremost of bowmen, mounted the car, followed by Arjuna and Yudhishthira. The two sons of Pandu looked beautiful, like the twin Ashvinis seated by the side of Vasava. As they rode, the noise of the steeds' hooves was like birds in flight. They soon caught up with Bhimasena, who was filled with wrath and rushing towards the foe. They saw Vyasa and other rishis near the river, and Ashvatthama, covered in dust and clarified butter, sitting beside them. Bhimasena took up his bow and rushed towards Ashvatthama, saying 'Wait!' Ashvatthama, seeing the Pandavas approach, called upon a celestial weapon, converting a blade of grass into a powerful weapon. He uttered the words 'For the destruction of the Pandavas' and let off the weapon, which seemed capable of consuming the three worlds like the all-destroying Yama at the end of the yuga. A fire was born in the blade of grass, and the very universe seemed to be destroyed."
14 Vaishampayana said, "Krishna, understanding Ashvatthama's intention, quickly addressed Arjuna, saying, 'The time has come to use the celestial weapon taught by Drona. Shoot it, Arjuna, to protect yourself and your brothers!' Arjuna swiftly alighted from the car, took his bow, and shot the weapon, thinking of the welfare of all worlds. The weapon blazed with fierce flames, neutralizing Ashvatthama's weapon. The sky was filled with noise, and the earth trembled. Meteors fell, and living creatures were inspired with great dread. The two rishis, Narada and Vyasa, beholding the two weapons scorching the three worlds, appeared on the scene. They sought to pacify the two heroes, Ashvatthama and Arjuna, and neutralize the energy of the weapons. The two rishis, conversant with all duties and desirous of the welfare of all creatures, stood between the weapons, undaunted by their fierce flames. They acted for the good of all the world, rebuking Ashvatthama and Arjuna, saying, 'Those who have fallen in this battle knew diverse weapons, but never used such a weapon on humans. What rashness is this, ye heroes?' Their words were adorned by the gods and danavas, and they stood like two blazing fires, incapable of being overwhelmed by any force. The two rishis, possessed of great energy, neutralized the weapons, restoring peace to the world."
15 Vaishampayana said, "Arjuna withdrew his celestial weapon, joining his hands in respect to the two rishis, Narada and Vyasa. He said, 'I used this weapon to neutralize the enemy's weapon, but I fear Drona's son will consume us all if I withdraw it. Ye two are like gods! It behoveth you to devise some means by which our welfare as also that of the three worlds may be secured.' The rishis devised a means to secure the welfare of the three worlds. Arjuna, a brahmacari and observer of vows, succeeded in withdrawing the weapon, born of Brahma energy. Drona's son could not withdraw his weapon and said, 'I let it off for the destruction of the Pandavas, and it will take their lives. I dare not withdraw it now.' Vyasa rebuked him, saying, 'Arjuna used the weapon to baffle yours, not for destruction. He has withdrawn it, showing his patience and honesty. Why dost thou seek to compass the destruction of such a person with all his brothers?' Vyasa advised Drona's son to withdraw his weapon, warning that the region where the brahmashira is baffled would suffer a drought for twelve years. Drona's son refused to part with his gem but agreed to throw the weapon into the wombs of the Pandava women, saying, 'This weapon is high and mighty, and incapable of being frustrated.' He threw the weapon, and Vyasa said, 'Do not entertain any other purpose, O sinless one! Stop thyself.'"
16 Vaishampayana said, "Krishna, with a cheerful heart, said to Drona's son, 'A certain brahmana of pious vows predicted that a son would be born to Arjuna's daughter-in-law, and he will be called Parikshit. His words will become true, and the Pandavas will have a son.' Drona's son, filled with wrath, replied, 'My weapon will kill the fetus, and your words will not be fulfilled.' Krishna said, 'The fetus will die but will live again and have a long life. You, on the other hand, will wander the earth for 3,000 years, alone and unable to speak, with the stench of pus and blood. You will have no place among men and will be afflicted with all diseases.' Vyasa said, 'Your cruel act will be punished, and Krishna's words will be realized. You will suffer the consequences of your sin.' Ashvatthama, defeated and ashamed, gave his gem to the Pandavas and went to the forest. The Pandavas returned to Draupadi, who was grieving for her sons. Bhimasena gave her the gem and said, 'Rise, casting off your sorrow, and recollect the duties of a kshatriya lady. We have vanquished our enemies and paid off our debt.' Draupadi said, 'I desired to pay off our debt for the injury we sustained. The preceptor's son is worthy of my reverence as the preceptor himself. Let the king bind this gem on his head.' The king took the gem and placed it on his head, and it shone beautifully, like a mountain with the moon above it. Though grief-stricken, Draupadi gave up her vow, and the Pandavas rejoiced."
17 Vaishampayana said, "King Yudhishthira, overwhelmed with grief, asked Krishna, 'How could Ashvatthama, of no great skill, slaughter our mighty warriors?' The holy one replied, 'Drona's son sought the aid of Mahadeva, the eternal and highest of all gods. It was through Mahadeva's power that he succeeded in slaying so many warriors.' Krishna explained that Mahadeva is the beginning, middle, and end of all creatures and can bestow immortality. He told the story of how Rudra, invoked by the Grandsire, created living creatures but became angry when he saw that others had been created before him. Rudra caused his procreative limb to disappear and went to practice austerities. The Grandsire soothed him, saying, 'What purpose would be served by your limb now?' Rudra replied, 'I have created food for these creatures. Herbs and plants will multiply like those that subsist upon them.' He went away to practice severer austerities, and his anger was not appeased. Krishna said, 'This is why Drona's son was able to slay our warriors. He had sought Mahadeva's aid, and thus his weapon became irresistible.' Yudhishthira was amazed at the power of Mahadeva and the story of Rudra's anger."
18 The holy one said, "After the krita-yuga, the gods prepared for a grand sacrifice, but they didn't assign a share to Rudra, the divine Sthanu. Feeling disrespected, Sthanu constructed a bow to destroy the sacrifice. He made the bow from the first and fourth kinds of sacrifices, with the sacred mantra "vashat" as the string. Mahadeva, filled with rage, took up the bow and proceeded to the sacrifice, his presence causing the earth to shake and the mountains to tremble. The celestials were terrified, and the sacrifice ceased to blaze forth. Rudra pierced the embodiment of sacrifice with a fierce shaft, and it fled away as a deer, seeking refuge in the heavens. The gods lost their splendor and were stupefied, unable to comprehend the power of Mahadeva's wrath. Mahadeva broke the arms of Savitri, plucked out the eyes of Bhaga, and the teeth of Pushana, leaving them helpless and aidless. The celestials fled in terror, and the world became agitated, plunged into darkness and chaos. They sought Mahadeva's protection and endeavored to gratify him, offering him a share of the libations. Mahadeva, appeased, restored their sacrifices and gave them back their limbs, reviving the world and restoring order. The gods assigned Mahadeva a share of the libations, acknowledging his power and supremacy. This is why Ashvatthama could slay your sons, and why many heroes were slain. It was done through Mahadeva's grace, and his power alone."