Mahabharata — Volume IV (Dutt edition) — Chapter 3

MBh 4 3.1

व्यास उवाच खरा गोषु प्रजायन्ते रमन्ते मातृभिः सुताः। अनार्तवं पुष्यफलं दर्शयन्ति वनदुमाः॥

vyāsa uvāca kharā goṣu prajāyante ramante mātṛbhiḥ sutāḥ| anārtavaṃ puṣyaphalaṃ darśayanti vanadumāḥ||

Vyasa said Asses are being born of cows. Sons hold sexual intercourse with their mothers. The forest trees produce unseasonable flowers and fruits.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.2

गर्भिण्योऽजातपुत्राश्च जनयन्ति विभीषणान्। क्रव्यादाः पक्षिभिश्चापि सहाश्नन्ति परस्परम्॥

garbhiṇyo'jātaputrāśca janayanti vibhīṣaṇān| kravyādāḥ pakṣibhiścāpi sahāśnanti parasparam||

Women who are pregnant and those that are not, are giving birth to monsters, Carnivorous beasts mingle with birds and are feeding together.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.3

त्रिविषाणाश्चतुर्नेवाः पञ्चपादा द्विमेहनाः। द्विशीर्षाश्च द्विपुच्छाश्च दंष्ट्रिणः पशवोऽशिवाः॥

triviṣāṇāścaturnevāḥ pañcapādā dvimehanāḥ| dviśīrṣāśca dvipucchāśca daṃṣṭriṇaḥ paśavo'śivāḥ||

Inauspicious beasts, some having three horns, some having four eyes, some five legs, some two sexual organs, some two heads, some two tails, and some fearful teeth.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.4

जायन्ते विवृतास्याश्च व्याहरन्तोऽशिवा गिरः। त्रिपदाः शिखिनस्तााश्चतुर्दष्ट्रा विषाणिनः॥

jāyante vivṛtāsyāśca vyāharanto'śivā giraḥ| tripadāḥ śikhinastāāścaturdaṣṭrā viṣāṇinaḥ||

Are born with mounts wide open : they are emitting fearful cries. Horses with three legs, with crests, with four teeth and with horns are also born.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.5

तथैवान्याश्च दृश्यन्ते स्त्रियो वै ब्रह्मवादिनाम्। वैनतेयान् मयूरांश्च जनयन्ति पुरे तव॥

tathaivānyāśca dṛśyante striyo vai brahmavādinām| vainateyān mayūrāṃśca janayanti pure tava||

O king, the wives of many Brahmavadins in your city are seen to give birth to Garuda's and pea-cocks.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.6

गोवत्सं वडवा सूते श्वा शृगालं महीपते। कुक्कुरान् करभाश्चैव शुकाश्चाशुभवादिनः॥

govatsaṃ vaḍavā sūte śvā śṛgālaṃ mahīpate| kukkurān karabhāścaiva śukāścāśubhavādinaḥ||

O king, the mare gives birth to calves the bitch to jackals. Cooks, antelopes and parrots are all sending forth inauspicious notes.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.7

स्त्रियः काश्चित्प्रजायन्ते चतस्रः पञ्चकन्यकाः। जातमात्राश्च नृत्यन्ति गायन्ति च हसन्ति च॥

striyaḥ kāścitprajāyante catasraḥ pañcakanyakāḥ| jātamātrāśca nṛtyanti gāyanti ca hasanti ca||

Women give birth to four or five daughters all at a time, and these, as soon as born, dance, sing, and laugh.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.8

पृथग्जनस्य सर्वस्य क्षुद्रकाः प्रहसन्ति च। नृत्यन्ति परिगायन्ति वेदयन्तो महद् भयम्॥

pṛthagjanasya sarvasya kṣudrakāḥ prahasanti ca| nṛtyanti parigāyanti vedayanto mahad bhayam||

The men of the lowest castes laugh, and dance and sign and thus indicate fearful evils.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.9

प्रतिमाश्चालिखन्त्येताः सशस्त्रा: कालचोदिताः। अन्योन्यमभिधावन्ति शिशवो दण्डपाणयः॥

pratimāścālikhantyetāḥ saśastrā: kālacoditāḥ| anyonyamabhidhāvanti śiśavo daṇḍapāṇayaḥ||

Infants as if drawn by death are painting armed images. They are running against one another with maces in their hands.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.10

अन्योन्यमभिमृद्नन्ति नगराणि युयुत्सवः। पद्मोत्पलानि वृक्षेषु जायन्ते कुमुदानि च॥

anyonyamabhimṛdnanti nagarāṇi yuyutsavaḥ| padmotpalāni vṛkṣeṣu jāyante kumudāni ca||

Being desirous of battle, they are breaking down the towns (they have made in sports). Lotuses and lilies are growing on trees.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.11

विष्वग्वाताश्च वान्त्युग्रा रजो नाप्युपशाम्यति। अभीक्ष्णं कम्पते भूमिरर्कं राहुरुपैति च॥

viṣvagvātāśca vāntyugrā rajo nāpyupaśāmyati| abhīkṣṇaṃ kampate bhūmirarkaṃ rāhurupaiti ca||

Strong winds are fearfully blowing and the dust is unceasingly flying. The earth is often quaking and Rahu advances towards the sun.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.12

श्वेतो ग्रहस्तथा चित्रां समतिक्रम्य तिष्ठति। अभावं हि विशेषेण कुरूणां तत्र पश्यति॥

śveto grahastathā citrāṃ samatikramya tiṣṭhati| abhāvaṃ hi viśeṣeṇa kurūṇāṃ tatra paśyati||

Ketu (the white planet) stops on passing beyond the constellation Chitra. All this forebodes the total destruction of the Kurus.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.13

धूमकेतुर्महाघोरः पुष्यं चाक्रम्य तिष्ठति। सेनयोरशिवं घोरं करिष्यति महाग्रहः॥

dhūmaketurmahāghoraḥ puṣyaṃ cākramya tiṣṭhati| senayoraśivaṃ ghoraṃ kariṣyati mahāgrahaḥ||

A fearful comet is rising, and is distressing the constellation Pushya. This great planet will cause terrible harm to both the armies.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.14

मघास्वङ्गारको वक्रः श्रवणे च बृहस्पतिः। भगं नक्षत्रमाक्रम्य सूर्यपुत्रेण पीड्यते॥

maghāsvaṅgārako vakraḥ śravaṇe ca bṛhaspatiḥ| bhagaṃ nakṣatramākramya sūryaputreṇa pīḍyate||

Mars advances towards Magha and Brihaspati towards Shravana. the sun's offspring (Shani) advances towards Phalguni and afflicts it.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.15

शुक्रः प्रोष्ठपदे पूर्वे समारुह्य विरोचते। उत्तरे तु परिक्रम्य सहितः समुदीक्षते॥

śukraḥ proṣṭhapade pūrve samāruhya virocate| uttare tu parikramya sahitaḥ samudīkṣate||

The planet Shukra rises towards Purva Bhadra. Shining brilliantly and shooting towards the Uttara Bhadra, it looks towards it.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.16

श्वेतो ग्रहः प्रज्वलित: सधूम इव पावकः। ऐन्द्रं तेजस्वि नक्षत्रं ज्येष्ठामाक्रम्य तिष्ठति॥

śveto grahaḥ prajvalita: sadhūma iva pāvakaḥ| aindraṃ tejasvi nakṣatraṃ jyeṣṭhāmākramya tiṣṭhati||

Ketu, blazing up like smoky fire, stops and afflicts the effulgent constellation of Indra.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.17

ध्रुवं प्रज्वलितो घोरमपसव्यं प्रवर्तते। रोहिणी पीडयत्येवमुभौ च शशिभास्करौ। चित्रास्वात्यन्तरे चैव विष्ठितः परुषग्रहः॥

dhruvaṃ prajvalito ghoramapasavyaṃ pravartate| rohiṇī pīḍayatyevamubhau ca śaśibhāskarau| citrāsvātyantare caiva viṣṭhitaḥ paruṣagrahaḥ||

The constellation Dhruva, fearfully blazing, advances towards the right. Both the sun and the moon distress Rohini. The terrible planet Rahu has taken up its position between Chitra and Svati (constellations).

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.18

वक्रानुवनं कृत्वा च श्रवणं पावकप्रभः। ब्रह्मराशि समावृत्य लोहिताङ्गो व्यवस्थितः॥

vakrānuvanaṃ kṛtvā ca śravaṇaṃ pāvakaprabhaḥ| brahmarāśi samāvṛtya lohitāṅgo vyavasthitaḥ||

Three-bodied planct, effulgent like fire passing in a round and round way stops encircling Shravana over ridden by Brihaspati.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.19

सर्वसस्यपरिच्छन्ना पृथिवी सस्यमालिनी। पञ्चशीर्षा यवाश्चापि शतशीर्षाश्च शालयः॥

sarvasasyaparicchannā pṛthivī sasyamālinī| pañcaśīrṣā yavāścāpi śataśīrṣāśca śālayaḥ||

O great king, the earth that always produce particular crops at particular seasons is simultaneously being overgrown with crops of every season. Every stalk of barely has five years and every stalk of paddy has a hundred.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.20

प्रधानाः सर्वलोकस्य यास्वायत्तमिदं जगत्। ता गाव: प्रस्तुता वत्सैः शोणितं प्रक्षरन्त्युत॥

pradhānāḥ sarvalokasya yāsvāyattamidaṃ jagat| tā gāva: prastutā vatsaiḥ śoṇitaṃ prakṣarantyuta||

Those animals that are the best of all creatures in the world and upon whom depends the preservation of the whole universe, namely kine, when milked after the calves have sucked them give only blood.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.21

निश्चरुरर्चिषश्चापात् खङ्गाश्च ज्वलिता भृशम्। व्यक्तं पश्यन्ति शस्त्राणि संग्रामं समुपस्थितम्॥

niścarurarciṣaścāpāt khaṅgāśca jvalitā bhṛśam| vyaktaṃ paśyanti śastrāṇi saṃgrāmaṃ samupasthitam||

Rays of light are coming out from bows and swords produce great luster. It is evident these weapons see before them the battle as if it has already begun.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.22

अग्निवर्णा यथा भासः शस्त्राणामुदकस्य च। कवचानां ध्वजानां च भविष्यति महाक्षयः॥

agnivarṇā yathā bhāsaḥ śastrāṇāmudakasya ca| kavacānāṃ dhvajānāṃ ca bhaviṣyati mahākṣayaḥ||

The shine of weapons, of the water, of the armours and of the standards looks like fire. A great slaughter of men and beasts is sure to take place.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.23

पृथिवी शोणितावर्ता ध्वजोडुपसमाकुला। कुरूणां वैशसे राजन् पाण्डवैः सह भारत॥

pṛthivī śoṇitāvartā dhvajoḍupasamākulā| kurūṇāṃ vaiśase rājan pāṇḍavaiḥ saha bhārata||

O descendant of Bharata, O king, in this battle of the Kurus and the Pandavas the earth will appear like a river of blood with the standards as so many rafts.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.24

दिक्षु प्रज्वलितास्याश्च व्याहरन्ति मृगद्विजाः। अत्याहितं दर्शयन्तो वेदयन्ति महद् भयम्॥

dikṣu prajvalitāsyāśca vyāharanti mṛgadvijāḥ| atyāhitaṃ darśayanto vedayanti mahad bhayam||

Animals and birds, on all sides, utter harsh cries with their mouths burning like fire. This forebode fearful evils.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.25

एकपक्षाक्षिचरणः शकुनिः खचरो निशि। रौद्रं वदति संरब्धः शोणितं छर्दयनिव॥

ekapakṣākṣicaraṇaḥ śakuniḥ khacaro niśi| raudraṃ vadati saṃrabdhaḥ śoṇitaṃ chardayaniva||

A bird, with only one wing, one eye and onc leg ranges in the sky in the night. It fearfully screamed in anger, as if it wants every body to vomit blood.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.26

शस्त्राणि चैव राजेन्द्र प्रज्वलन्तीव सम्प्रति। सप्तर्षीणामुदाराणां समवच्छाद्यते प्रभा॥

śastrāṇi caiva rājendra prajvalantīva samprati| saptarṣīṇāmudārāṇāṃ samavacchādyate prabhā||

O king of kings, it appears that all weapons are now blazing in great brilliance. But the effulgence of the constellation of the seven Rishis has become dim.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.27

संवत्सरस्थायिनौ च ग्रहौ प्रज्वलितावुभौ। विशाखायाः समीपस्थौ बृहस्पतिशनैश्चरौ॥

saṃvatsarasthāyinau ca grahau prajvalitāvubhau| viśākhāyāḥ samīpasthau bṛhaspatiśanaiścarau||

Those two burning planets namely Brihaspati and Shani have become fixed for a year.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.28

चन्द्रादित्यावुभौ ग्रस्तावेकाह्रा हि त्रयोदशीम्। अपर्वणि ग्रहं यातौ प्रजासंक्षयमिच्छतः॥

candrādityāvubhau grastāvekāhrā hi trayodaśīm| aparvaṇi grahaṃ yātau prajāsaṃkṣayamicchataḥ||

Three lunation's, meeting twice or thrice in one and the same fortnight and on the thirteenth day, therefore, from the first luxation, according as it is the day of the fullmoon or the new-moon, the moon and the sun are devoured by Rahu. This forebodes a great slaughter (of creatures).

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.29

अशोभिता दिशः सर्वाः पांसुवर्षेः समन्ततः। उत्पातमेघा रौद्राश्च रात्रौ वर्षन्ति शोणितम्॥

aśobhitā diśaḥ sarvāḥ pāṃsuvarṣeḥ samantataḥ| utpātameghā raudrāśca rātrau varṣanti śoṇitam||

All direction of the earth, covered by showers of dust appears greatly inauspicious. Fearful clouds, foreboding evil, pour showers of blood in the night.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.30

कृत्तिकां पीड़यंस्तीक्ष्णैर्नक्षत्रं पृथिवीपते। अभीक्ष्णवाता वायन्ते धूमकेतुमवस्थिताः॥

kṛttikāṃ pīḍa़yaṃstīkṣṇairnakṣatraṃ pṛthivīpate| abhīkṣṇavātā vāyante dhūmaketumavasthitāḥ||

O king, Rahu of terrible deeds also afflicts Krittika. Rough winds, foreboding terrible danger, are continually blowing.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.31

विषमं जनयन्त्येत आक्रन्दजननं महत्। त्रिषु सर्वेषु नक्षत्रनक्षत्रेषु विशाम्पते। गृध्रः सम्पतते शीर्ष जनयन् भयमुत्तमम्॥

viṣamaṃ janayantyeta ākrandajananaṃ mahat| triṣu sarveṣu nakṣatranakṣatreṣu viśāmpate| gṛdhraḥ sampatate śīrṣa janayan bhayamuttamam||

All these bring in a war, which is characterised by many weeping. The constellations are divided into three classes. Upon one or the other of each class evil planet has shed its influence. All this forebodes terrible consequences.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.32

चतुर्दशी पञ्चदशी भूतपूर्वां च षोडशीम्। इमां तु नाभिजानेऽहममावास्यां त्रयोदशीम्। चन्द्रसूर्यावुभौ ग्रस्तावेकमासी त्रयोदशीम्॥

caturdaśī pañcadaśī bhūtapūrvāṃ ca ṣoḍaśīm| imāṃ tu nābhijāne'hamamāvāsyāṃ trayodaśīm| candrasūryāvubhau grastāvekamāsī trayodaśīm||

A lunar fortnight has hither to consisted of fourteen days, or fifteen days or sixteen days. But on the thirteenth day and in the course of the same month two eclipses have taken place.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.33

अपर्वणि ग्रहेणैतौ प्रजाः संक्षपयिष्यतः। मांसवर्ष पुनस्तीव्रमासीत् कृष्णचतुर्दशीम्। शोणितैर्वक्त्रसम्पूर्णा अतृप्तास्तत्र राक्षसाः॥

aparvaṇi graheṇaitau prajāḥ saṃkṣapayiṣyataḥ| māṃsavarṣa punastīvramāsīt kṛṣṇacaturdaśīm| śoṇitairvaktrasampūrṇā atṛptāstatra rākṣasāḥ||

The sun and the moon therefore undergoing eclipses on unusual days willing in a great slaughter of all creatures on earth. Even the Rakshasas drinking mouthful of blood are not satiated.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.34

प्रतिस्रोतो महानद्यः सरितः शोणितोदकाः। फेनायमानाः कूपाश्च कूर्दन्ति वृषभा इव॥

pratisroto mahānadyaḥ saritaḥ śoṇitodakāḥ| phenāyamānāḥ kūpāśca kūrdanti vṛṣabhā iva||

The great rivers flow in opposite directions. The waters of rivers have turned into blood,

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.35

पतन्त्युल्का सनिर्घाताः शक्राशनिसमप्रभाः। अद्य चैव निशां व्युष्टामनयं समवाप्स्यथ॥

patantyulkā sanirghātāḥ śakrāśanisamaprabhāḥ| adya caiva niśāṃ vyuṣṭāmanayaṃ samavāpsyatha||

Meteors, as effulgent as Indra's thunder, fall on earth with loud sound. When this night passes away, a great danger will fall on you.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.36

विनिःसृत्य महोल्काभिस्तिमिरं सर्वतोदिशम्। अन्योन्यमुपतिष्ठद्भिस्तत्र चोक्तं महर्षिभिः॥

viniḥsṛtya maholkābhistimiraṃ sarvatodiśam| anyonyamupatiṣṭhadbhistatra coktaṃ maharṣibhiḥ||

Men with lighted torches in their hands will meet great difficulty to meet together, for a thick gloom will cover all space.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.37

भूमिपालसहस्राणां भूमिः पास्यति शोणितम्। कैलासमन्दराभ्यां तु तथा हिमवता विभो॥

bhūmipālasahasrāṇāṃ bhūmiḥ pāsyati śoṇitam| kailāsamandarābhyāṃ tu tathā himavatā vibho||

Great Rishis have said that in such circumstances, the earth drinks the blood of thousands of kings. From the mountains of Kailasa, Mandara and Himalayas.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.38

सहस्रशो महाशब्दः शिखराणि पतन्ति च। महाभूता भूमिकम्पे चत्वारः सागराः पृथक्।

sahasraśo mahāśabdaḥ śikharāṇi patanti ca| mahābhūtā bhūmikampe catvāraḥ sāgarāḥ pṛthak|

Thousands of sounds are heard thousands of mountain-summits are falling down. Earth trembles, and in consequence the four oceans.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.39

वेलामुद्वर्तयन्तीव क्षोभयन्तो वसुंधराम्॥ वृक्षानुन्मथ्य वान्त्युग्रा वाताः शर्करकर्षिणः।

velāmudvartayantīva kṣobhayanto vasuṃdharām|| vṛkṣānunmathya vāntyugrā vātāḥ śarkarakarṣiṇaḥ|

Having exceedingly swelled, seem ready to overflow their banks in order to afflict the earth. Fearful winds with stones are blowing crushing all the trees.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.40

आभग्नाः सुमहावातैरशनीभिः समाहताः॥ वृक्षाः पतन्ति चैत्याश्च ग्रामेषु नगरेषु च।

ābhagnāḥ sumahāvātairaśanībhiḥ samāhatāḥ|| vṛkṣāḥ patanti caityāśca grāmeṣu nagareṣu ca|

Bcing crushed by the high wind and stuck by lightning, sacred and common trees in villages and towns are falling down.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.41

नीललोहितपीतश्च भवत्यग्निर्हतो द्विजैः॥ वामाचिर्दुष्टगन्धश्च मुञ्चन् वै दारुणं स्वनम्।

nīlalohitapītaśca bhavatyagnirhato dvijaiḥ|| vāmācirduṣṭagandhaśca muñcan vai dāruṇaṃ svanam|

When the Brahmanas pour sacrificial libations on fire, it now becomes blue or red or yellow. Its flame turns towards the left, and produces a bad odor accompanied by loud sounds.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.42

स्पर्शा गन्धा रसाश्चैव विपरीता महीपते॥ धूम ध्वजाः प्रमुञ्चन्ति कम्पमाना मुहुर्मुहुः। मुञ्चन्त्यङ्गारवर्षं च भेर्यश्च पटहास्तथा॥

sparśā gandhā rasāścaiva viparītā mahīpate|| dhūma dhvajāḥ pramuñcanti kampamānā muhurmuhuḥ| muñcantyaṅgāravarṣaṃ ca bheryaśca paṭahāstathā||

O kings, touch, smell and taste have become quite the contrary. The standards of the warriors often tremble and they send forth smoke. Drums and cymbals cast off showers of coat dust.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.43

शिखराणां समृद्धानामुपरिष्टात् समन्ततः । वायसाश्च रुवन्त्युग्रं वामं मण्डलमाश्रिताः॥ पक्वापक्वेति सुभृशं वावाश्यन्ते वयांसि च।

śikharāṇāṃ samṛddhānāmupariṣṭāt samantataḥ | vāyasāśca ruvantyugraṃ vāmaṃ maṇḍalamāśritāḥ|| pakvāpakveti subhṛśaṃ vāvāśyante vayāṃsi ca|

From the top of tall trees crows fly away in circles from the left. They are ultering terrible cries. All of them are sending forth fearful cries of pakka, pakka.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.44

निलीयन्ते ध्वजाग्रेषु क्षयाय पृथिवीक्षिताम्॥ ध्यायन्तः प्रकिरन्तश्च व्याला वेपथुसंयुताः। दीनास्तुरङ्गमा: सर्वे वारणा: सलिलाश्रयाः॥

nilīyante dhvajāgreṣu kṣayāya pṛthivīkṣitām|| dhyāyantaḥ prakirantaśca vyālā vepathusaṃyutāḥ| dīnāsturaṅgamā: sarve vāraṇā: salilāśrayāḥ||

They are sitting on the tops of standards foreboding the destruction of the kings. Poor elephants run hither and thither throwing off urine and excreta. The horses all melancholy, while the elephants are going into the water.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.45

एतच्छ्रुत्वा भवानत्र प्राप्तकालं व्यवस्यताम्। यथा लोकः समुच्छेदं नायं गच्छेत भारत॥

etacchrutvā bhavānatra prāptakālaṃ vyavasyatām| yathā lokaḥ samucchedaṃ nāyaṃ gaccheta bhārata||

Having heard all this, O descendant of Bharata, do what is proper, so that the world may not meet with extermination. are

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.46

वैशम्पायन उवाच पितुर्वचो निशम्यैतद् धृतराष्ट्रोऽब्रवीदिदम्। दिष्टमेतत् पुरा मन्ये भविष्यति नरक्षयः॥

vaiśampāyana uvāca piturvaco niśamyaitad dhṛtarāṣṭro'bravīdidam| diṣṭametat purā manye bhaviṣyati narakṣayaḥ||

Dhritarashtra said Having heard the words of father Dhritarashtra said: It is my belief that all this has been previously ordained.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.47

राजानः क्षत्रधर्मेण यदि वध्यन्ति संयुगे। वीरलोकं समासाद्य सुखं प्राप्स्यन्ति केवलम्॥

rājānaḥ kṣatradharmeṇa yadi vadhyanti saṃyuge| vīralokaṃ samāsādya sukhaṃ prāpsyanti kevalam||

If the kings according to the duties of Kshatriyas die in battle, they will then go to the regions reserved for heroes and thus obtain eternal happiness only.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.48

इह कीर्ति परे लोके दीर्घकालं महत् सुखम्। प्राप्स्यन्ति पुरुषव्याघ्राः प्राणांस्त्यक्त्वा महाहवे॥

iha kīrti pare loke dīrghakālaṃ mahat sukham| prāpsyanti puruṣavyāghrāḥ prāṇāṃstyaktvā mahāhave||

If these foremost of men abandon their lives in a great battle, they will acquire fame in this world and great and eternal happiness in the world ncxi.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.49

वैशम्पायन उवाच एवमुक्तो मुनिस्तत्त्वं कवीन्द्रो राजसत्तम। धृतराष्ट्रेण पुत्रेण ध्यानमन्वगमत् परम्॥

vaiśampāyana uvāca evamukto munistattvaṃ kavīndro rājasattama| dhṛtarāṣṭreṇa putreṇa dhyānamanvagamat param||

Vaishampayana said O foremost of kings, having been thus addressed by his son Dhritarashtra, that best of poets, that Rishi Vyasa, concentrated his mind in great meditation.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.50

स मुहूर्त तथा ध्यात्वा पुनरेवाब्रवीद् वचः। असंशयं पार्थिवेन्द्र कालः संक्षियते जगत्॥

sa muhūrta tathā dhyātvā punarevābravīd vacaḥ| asaṃśayaṃ pārthivendra kālaḥ saṃkṣiyate jagat||

Having meditated for a moment, Vyasa thus again spoke, O king of kings, “there is no doubt that Time destroys the Universe.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.51

सृजते च पुनर्लोकान् नेह विद्यति शाश्वतम्। ज्ञातीनां वै कुरूणां च सम्बन्धिसुहृदां तथा॥ धयं देशय पन्थानं समर्थो ह्यसि वारणे। क्षुद्रं जातिवधं प्राहुर्मा कुरुष्व ममाप्रियम्॥

sṛjate ca punarlokān neha vidyati śāśvatam| jñātīnāṃ vai kurūṇāṃ ca sambandhisuhṛdāṃ tathā|| dhayaṃ deśaya panthānaṃ samartho hyasi vāraṇe| kṣudraṃ jātivadhaṃ prāhurmā kuruṣva mamāpriyam||

It is Time also which creates the worlds. There is nothing here on earth which is everlasting. Therefore show the path of virtue। to the Kurus, to your relations, your kinsmen and friends. You are the proper person to restrain them. It is said that slaughter of kinsmen is sinful. Do not act in a way which would be disagreeable to me.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.52

कालोऽयं पुत्ररूपेण तव जातो विशाम्पते। न वधः पूज्यते वेदे हितं नैव कथंचन॥

kālo'yaṃ putrarūpeṇa tava jāto viśāmpate| na vadhaḥ pūjyate vede hitaṃ naiva kathaṃcana||

O king, Death himself, has taken birth in the form of your son. Slaughter is never spoken high of in the Vedas. It can never produce any good.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.53

हन्यात् स एनं यो हन्यात् कुलधर्मं स्विकां तनुम्। कालेनोत्पथगन्ताऽसि शक्ये सति यथाऽऽपदि॥ कुलस्यास्य विनाशाय तथैव च महीक्षिताम्। अनर्थो राज्यरूपेण तव जातो विशाम्पते॥

hanyāt sa enaṃ yo hanyāt kuladharmaṃ svikāṃ tanum| kālenotpathagantā'si śakye sati yathā''padi|| kulasyāsya vināśāya tathaiva ca mahīkṣitām| anartho rājyarūpeṇa tava jāto viśāmpate||

The custom of a family brings about his own ruin who destroys it resembling his own body. For the destruction of this race as well as that of kings, it is (no doubt). Time that leads you to this wrong path although you are capable to withstand it. O king, in the shape of a kingdom, a great calamity has befallen you.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.54

लुप्तधर्मा परेणासि धर्मं दर्शय वै सुतान्। किं ते राज्येन दुर्धर्ष येन प्राप्तोऽसि किल्बिषम्॥

luptadharmā pareṇāsi dharmaṃ darśaya vai sutān| kiṃ te rājyena durdharṣa yena prāpto'si kilbiṣam||

Your virtue suffers a great diminution. Show to your son what is virtuous. O invincible hero, of what value is a kingdom that brings in sin?

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.55

यशो धर्मं च कीर्तिं च पालयन् स्वर्गमाप्स्यसि। लभन्तां पाण्डवा राज्यं शमं गच्छन्तु

yaśo dharmaṃ ca kīrtiṃ ca pālayan svargamāpsyasi| labhantāṃ pāṇḍavā rājyaṃ śamaṃ gacchantu

Protect your good name, your virtue and your fame. You will then be able to obtain heaven. Let the Pandavas have their kingdom and let the entire Kuru race have the peace.”

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.56

एवं ब्रुवति विप्रेन्द्र धृतराष्ट्रोऽम्बिकासुतः। आक्षिप्य वाक्यं वाक्यज्ञो वाक्यं चैवाब्रवीत् पुनः॥

evaṃ bruvati viprendra dhṛtarāṣṭro'mbikāsutaḥ| ākṣipya vākyaṃ vākyajño vākyaṃ caivābravīt punaḥ||

When that foremost of Brahmanas (Vyasa) was thus speaking in a sorrowful tone, the son of Ambika, accomplished in speech, king Dhritarashtra, thus spoke to him.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.57

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच यथा भवान् वेत्ति तथैव वेत्ता भावाभावौ विदितौ मे यथार्थो। कौरवाः॥ स्वार्थे हि सम्मुह्यति तात लोको मां चापि लोकात्मकमेव विद्धि॥

dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca yathā bhavān vetti tathaiva vettā bhāvābhāvau viditau me yathārtho| kauravāḥ|| svārthe hi sammuhyati tāta loko māṃ cāpi lokātmakameva viddhi||

Dhritarashtra said My knowledge of life and death is the same as yours. The truth of this is well known to me. But men lose (good) judgement in things which concern their interest. O sire, know me to be an ordinary man.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.58

प्रसादये त्वामतुलप्रभावं त्वं नो गतिर्दर्शयिता च धीरः। न चापि ते मद्वशगा महर्षे न चाधर्मं कर्तुमर्हा हि मे मतिः॥ त्वं हि धर्मप्रवृत्तिश्च यशः कीर्तिश्च भारती। कुरूणां पाण्डवानां च मान्यश्चापि पितामहः॥

prasādaye tvāmatulaprabhāvaṃ tvaṃ no gatirdarśayitā ca dhīraḥ| na cāpi te madvaśagā maharṣe na cādharmaṃ kartumarhā hi me matiḥ|| tvaṃ hi dharmapravṛttiśca yaśaḥ kīrtiśca bhāratī| kurūṇāṃ pāṇḍavānāṃ ca mānyaścāpi pitāmahaḥ||

O Rishi of immeasurable power. I pray to you to extend your power towards us. You have your soul under complete control, you are my preceptor and guide. O great Rishi, my sons do not obey me. My mind is not inclined to commit sin. You are the instrument of the fame, the achievements and virtue of the Bharata race. You are the respected grandfather of both the Kurus and the Pandavas.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.59

व्यास उवाच वैचित्रवीर्य नृपते यत् ते मनसि वर्तते। अभिधत्स्व यथाकामं छेत्ताऽस्मि तव संशयम्॥

vyāsa uvāca vaicitravīrya nṛpate yat te manasi vartate| abhidhatsva yathākāmaṃ chettā'smi tava saṃśayam||

Vyasa said O son of Vichitravirya, tell me openly what is in your mind. I shall remove your doubts.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.60

धृतराष्ट्र उवाच यानि लिङ्गानि संग्रामे भवन्ति विजयिष्यताम्। तानि सर्वाणि भगवञ्छ्रोतुमिच्छामि तत्त्वतः॥

dhṛtarāṣṭra uvāca yāni liṅgāni saṃgrāme bhavanti vijayiṣyatām| tāni sarvāṇi bhagavañchrotumicchāmi tattvataḥ||

Dhritarashtra said O reverend sir, I desire to hear from you all those signs that happier before those that become victorious in battle.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.61

व्यास उवाच प्रसन्नभाः पावक ऊर्ध्वरश्मिः प्रदक्षिणावर्तशिखो विधूमः। पुण्या गन्धाश्चाहुतीनां प्रवान्ति जयस्यैतद् भाविनो रूपमाहुः॥

vyāsa uvāca prasannabhāḥ pāvaka ūrdhvaraśmiḥ pradakṣiṇāvartaśikho vidhūmaḥ| puṇyā gandhāścāhutīnāṃ pravānti jayasyaitad bhāvino rūpamāhuḥ||

Vyasa said The sacred fire assumes a cheerful luster. Its light rises upwards. Its flames bend towards the right. It blazes forth without any smoke. The libations poured in it produce sweet fragrance. These are said to be the indications of future success.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.62

गम्भीरघोषाश्च महास्वनाश्च शङ्खा मृदङ्गाश्च नदन्ति यत्र। विशुद्धरश्मिस्तपनः शशी च जयस्यैतद् भाविनो रूपमाहुः॥

gambhīraghoṣāśca mahāsvanāśca śaṅkhā mṛdaṅgāśca nadanti yatra| viśuddharaśmistapanaḥ śaśī ca jayasyaitad bhāvino rūpamāhuḥ||

The conchs and cymbals produce deep and loud sounds, the sun and the moon give forth pure rays. These are said to be the indications of future success.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.63

इष्टा वाचः प्रसृता वायसानां सम्प्रस्थितानां च गमिष्यतां च। ये पृष्ठतस्ते त्वरयन्ति राजन् ये चाग्रतस्ते प्रतिषेधयन्ति॥

iṣṭā vācaḥ prasṛtā vāyasānāṃ samprasthitānāṃ ca gamiṣyatāṃ ca| ye pṛṣṭhataste tvarayanti rājan ye cāgrataste pratiṣedhayanti||

Flying or sitting crows utter agreeable cries. Those warriors that are behind urge those that are in front to advance.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.64

कल्याणवाचः शकुना राजहंसाः शुकाः क्रौञ्चा: शतपत्राश्च यत्र। प्रदक्षिणाश्चैव भवन्ति संख्ये ध्रुवं जयस्तत्र वदन्ति विप्राः॥

kalyāṇavācaḥ śakunā rājahaṃsāḥ śukāḥ krauñcā: śatapatrāśca yatra| pradakṣiṇāścaiva bhavanti saṃkhye dhruvaṃ jayastatra vadanti viprāḥ||

When vultures, swans, parrots, cranes, and woodpeckers utter delightful cries and go towards the right, the Brahmanas say that victory in such cases is certain.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.65

अलङ्कारैः कवचैः केतुभिश्च सुखप्रणादैहेषितैर्वा हयानाम्। भ्राजिष्मती दुष्प्रतिवीक्षणीया येषां चमूस्ते विजयन्ति शत्रून्॥

alaṅkāraiḥ kavacaiḥ ketubhiśca sukhapraṇādaiheṣitairvā hayānām| bhrājiṣmatī duṣprativīkṣaṇīyā yeṣāṃ camūste vijayanti śatrūn||

Those, whose ornaments, armours and standards and their bright shields become incapable of being stared at, always conquei their enemies.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.66

हृष्टा वाचस्तथा सत्त्वं योधानां यत्र भारत। न म्लायन्ति सजश्चैव ते तरन्ति रणोदधिम्॥

hṛṣṭā vācastathā sattvaṃ yodhānāṃ yatra bhārata| na mlāyanti sajaścaiva te taranti raṇodadhim||

Those, that send forth cheerful shouts, o descendant of Bharata, those warriors, whose courage is not damped and whose garlands do not fade, always cross the ocean of battle.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.67

इष्टा वाचः प्रविष्टस्य दक्षिणाः प्रविविक्षतः। पश्चात् संधारयन्त्यर्थमग्रे च प्रतिषेधिका:॥

iṣṭā vācaḥ praviṣṭasya dakṣiṇāḥ pravivikṣataḥ| paścāt saṃdhārayantyarthamagre ca pratiṣedhikā:||

Those who wishing to enter into the ranks of the foe, utter even kind words and those who warn the foe before striking always obtain victory.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.68

शब्दरूपरसस्पर्शगन्धाश्चाविकृताः शुभाः। सदा हर्षश्च योधानां जयतामिह लक्षणम्॥

śabdarūparasasparśagandhāścāvikṛtāḥ śubhāḥ| sadā harṣaśca yodhānāṃ jayatāmiha lakṣaṇam||

When the objects of hearing, seeing, tasting, touching and smelling do not undergo any change and become auspicious and if there is joy amongst the warriors at all time, it indicates victory.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.69

अनुगा वायवो वान्ति तथाऽभ्राणि वयांसि च। अनुप्लवन्ति मेघाश्च तथैवेन्द्रधनूंषि च॥

anugā vāyavo vānti tathā'bhrāṇi vayāṃsi ca| anuplavanti meghāśca tathaivendradhanūṃṣi ca||

O king, these are the indications of victory, namely the winds, the clouds and the birds all become favourable, and the clouds and rainbows that pour beneficial showers.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.70

एतानि जयमानानां लक्षणानि विशाम्पते। भवन्ति विपरीतानि मुमूर्पूणा जनाधिप॥

etāni jayamānānāṃ lakṣaṇāni viśāmpate| bhavanti viparītāni mumūrpūṇā janādhipa||

O king, these are the indications that armies would secure success, while, O king, all these become quite the conirary in the case of those that are on the point of death.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.71

अल्पायां वा महत्यां वा सेनायामिति निश्चयः। हर्षो योधगणस्यैको जयलक्षणमुच्यते॥

alpāyāṃ vā mahatyāṃ vā senāyāmiti niścayaḥ| harṣo yodhagaṇasyaiko jayalakṣaṇamucyate||

Whether the army be small or large cheerfulness of its soldiers is said to be a certain sign of its winning victory.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.72

एको दीर्णो दारयति सेनां सुमहतीमपि। तां दीर्णामनुदीर्यन्ते योधाः शूरतरा

eko dīrṇo dārayati senāṃ sumahatīmapi| tāṃ dīrṇāmanudīryante yodhāḥ śūratarā

One soldier, struck with panic, can cause a large army to be alarmed and to take to flight, it causes even the bravest of warriors to be frightened.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.73

अपि॥ शक्या समाधातुं संनिपाते दुर्निवा तदा चैव प्रभग्ना महती चमूः। अपामिव महावेगास्त्रस्ता मृगगणा इव॥

api|| śakyā samādhātuṃ saṃnipāte durnivā tadā caiva prabhagnā mahatī camūḥ| apāmiva mahāvegāstrastā mṛgagaṇā iva||

If a large ariny is once broken up and rouled, it cannot be easily rallied like a herd of deer in a fright or a mighty current of waters (in rains).

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.74

नैव महाचमूः। दीर्णामित्येव दीर्यन्ते सुविद्वांसोऽपि भारत॥

naiva mahācamūḥ| dīrṇāmityeva dīryante suvidvāṃso'pi bhārata||

O descendant of Bharata, if a large army is once routed, it is incapable of being rallied; on the other hand, seeing it dispersed, even wellskilled warriors become confounded.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.75

भीतान् भग्नांश्च सम्प्रेक्ष्य भयं भूयोऽभिवर्धते। प्रभग्ना सहसा राजन् दिशो विद्रवते चमूः॥

bhītān bhagnāṃśca samprekṣya bhayaṃ bhūyo'bhivardhate| prabhagnā sahasā rājan diśo vidravate camūḥ||

Secing soldiers struck with panic and flying, the panic spreads also in other directions. O king, in such cases the whole army is soon broken up and all fly in all directions.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.76

नैव स्थापयितुं शक्या शूरैरपि महाचमूः। सत्कृत्य महतीं सेनां चतुरङ्गां महीपतिः।

naiva sthāpayituṃ śakyā śūrairapi mahācamūḥ| satkṛtya mahatīṃ senāṃ caturaṅgāṃ mahīpatiḥ|

O king, when an army is routed, even brave leaders at the head of large divisions of the army consisting of four kinds of troops can not rally them.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.77

उपायपूर्वं मेधावी यतेत सततोत्थितः॥ उपायविजयं श्रेष्ठमाहुर्भेदन मध्यमम्। जघन्य एष विजयो यो युद्धेन विशाम्पते॥

upāyapūrvaṃ medhāvī yateta satatotthitaḥ|| upāyavijayaṃ śreṣṭhamāhurbhedana madhyamam| jaghanya eṣa vijayo yo yuddhena viśāmpate||

It is said that the success that is obtained by negotiations and other means is the best. That which is secured by creating disunion (amongst the enemy) is but indifferent. O king, the success that is secured by battle is the worst.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.78

महादोष: संनिपातस्तस्याद्यः क्षय उच्यते। परस्परज्ञाः संहृष्टा व्यवधूताः सुनिश्चिताः॥ पञ्चाशदपि ये शूरा मृद्नन्ति महतीं चमूम्। अपि वा पञ्च षट् सप्त विजयन्त्यनिवर्तिनः॥

mahādoṣa: saṃnipātastasyādyaḥ kṣaya ucyate| parasparajñāḥ saṃhṛṣṭā vyavadhūtāḥ suniścitāḥ|| pañcāśadapi ye śūrā mṛdnanti mahatīṃ camūm| api vā pañca ṣaṭ sapta vijayantyanivartinaḥ||

There are many evils in battle; the first and the foremost is slaughter. Even fifty brave men who know one another, who are not dispirited, who are free from family ties and who are firmly resolved can defeat a large ariny. Even fire, six or seven, who do not retreat can obtain victory.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.79

न वैनतेयो गरुडः प्रशंसति महाजनम्। दृष्ट्वा सुपर्णोऽपचितिं महत्या अपि भारत॥

na vainateyo garuḍaḥ praśaṃsati mahājanam| dṛṣṭvā suparṇo'pacitiṃ mahatyā api bhārata||

O descendant of Bharata, Vinata's son Garuda never asks the assistance of many followers when he sees even a large number of birds.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)

MBh 4 3.80

न बाहुल्येन सेनाया जयो भवति नित्यशः। अध्रुवो हि जयो नाम दैवं चात्र परायणम्। जयवन्तो हि संग्रामे कृतकृत्या भवन्ति हि॥

na bāhulyena senāyā jayo bhavati nityaśaḥ| adhruvo hi jayo nāma daivaṃ cātra parāyaṇam| jayavanto hi saṃgrāme kṛtakṛtyā bhavanti hi||

Therefore the strength of number of an army is not always the cause of victory. Victory is always uncertain. It depends on chance. Even those that obtain victory have to suffer loss.

— tr. M.N. Dutt (1891–96) (public domain)