Critical Edition
वैशंपायन उवाच अर्जुनस्तु परं यत्नमातस्थे गुरुपूजने अस्त्रे च परमं योगं प्रियो द्रोणस्य चाभवत्
AI Translation: Vaishampayana said Arjuna made great effort to honor his teacher. He also became very devoted to the weapon and to Drona.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.1 After 1, K4 Ñ B D ins.: *1382 तं दृष्ट्वा नित्यमुद्युक्तमिष्वस्त्रं प्रति फाल्गुनम् while T2 G2.4.5 ins.: *1383 ततो द्रोणोऽब्रवीदेनं राज्ञ एव निवेशने
द्रोणेन तु तदाहूय रहस्युक्तोऽन्नसाधकः अन्धकारेऽर्जुनायान्नं न देयं ते कथंचन
AI Translation: Drona, having called him, said to him in private: "The cook, you must not give food to Arjuna in the dark under any circumstances.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.2 After 2, K4 Ñ1.2 B D ins.: *1384 न चाख्येयमिदं चापि मद्वाक्यं विजये त्वया
ततः कदाचिद्भुञ्जाने प्रववौ वायुरर्जुने तेन तत्र प्रदीपः स दीप्यमानो निवापितः
M. N. Dutt: On a certain day when Arjuna was taking his food, a wind arose and the burning lamp went out.
भुङ्क्त एवार्जुनो भक्तं न चास्यास्याद्व्यमुह्यत हस्तस्तेजस्विनो नित्यमन्नग्रहणकारणात् तदभ्यासकृतं मत्वा रात्रावभ्यस्त पाण्डवः
AI Translation: Arjuna ate his food, but was not distracted. The hand of the energetic one, for the purpose of taking food, Having understood that it was due to practice, the Pandava practiced at
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.4 After 4, K4 Ñ1.2 B D ins.: *1385 योग्यां चक्रे महाबाहुर्धनुषा पाण्डुनन्दनः
तस्य ज्यातलनिर्घोषं द्रोणः शुश्राव भारत उपेत्य चैनमुत्थाय परिष्वज्येदमब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: O descendant of the Bharata race, bearing the twang of his bow string, in the night, Drona came to him and embracing him spoke to him thus-
प्रयतिष्ये तथा कर्तुं यथा नान्यो धनुर्धरः त्वत्समो भविता लोके सत्यमेतद्ब्रवीमि ते
M. N. Dutt: Drona said: I speak to you truly that I shall do to you that by which there will be no bowman in the world who will be equal to you.
ततो द्रोणोऽर्जुनं भूयो रथेषु च गजेषु च अश्वेषु भूमावपि च रणशिक्षामशिक्षयत्
M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : Thereupon Drona taught Arjuna the art of fighting on horse back and on the back of the elephants, on car and on the ground.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.7 T2 G5 ins. after 7: G4, after 7ab: G1, after passage No. 77 of App. I: *1386 अस्त्रेषु सम्यक्चारेषु द्रोणशिष्यो व्यचारयत्
गदायुद्धेऽसिचर्यायां तोमरप्रासशक्तिषु द्रोणः संकीर्णयुद्धेषु शिक्षयामास पाण्डवम्
M. N. Dutt: Drona taught that Kaurava (Arjuna) how to fight with clubs, the sword, the lance, the spear and the dart. He taught him the use of many other weapons and how to fight with many men.
तस्य तत्कौशलं दृष्ट्वा धनुर्वेदजिघृक्षवः राजानो राजपुत्राश्च समाजग्मुः सहस्रशः
M. N. Dutt: Hearing of his skill, thousands of kings and princes, desirous of learning the science of arms flocked (to him).
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.9 After 9, S ins.: *1387 तान्सर्वाञ्शिक्षयामास द्रोणः शस्त्रभृतां वरः
ततो निषादराजस्य हिरण्यधनुषः सुतः एकलव्यो महाराज द्रोणमभ्याजगाम ह
M. N. Dutt: O great king, thereupon, Ekalavya, the son of Hiranyadhanu, king of the Nishadas, came to Drona.
न स तं प्रतिजग्राह नैषादिरिति चिन्तयन् शिष्यं धनुषि धर्मज्ञस्तेषामेवान्ववेक्षया
M. N. Dutt: That learned man in all the precepts of religion (Drona) did not accept him (the Nishada prince) as his pupil in archery, thinking that he was a Nishada and considering the interest of the princes.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.11 After 11, S ins.: *1388 शिष्योऽसि मम नैषादे प्रयोगो बलवत्तरः निवर्तस्व गृहानेव अनुज्ञातोऽसि नित्यशः
स तु द्रोणस्य शिरसा पादौ गृह्य परंतपः अरण्यमनुसंप्राप्तः कृत्वा द्रोणं महीमयम्
AI Translation: But that scorcher of enemies, having grasped Drona's feet with his head, went to the forest, having made Drona of earth.
तस्मिन्नाचार्यवृत्तिं च परमामास्थितस्तदा इष्वस्त्रे योगमातस्थे परं नियममास्थितः
AI Translation: At that time, he had attained the highest state of conduct as a teacher. He engaged in the art of archery, abiding by the highest discipline.
परया श्रद्धया युक्तो योगेन परमेण च विमोक्षादानसंधाने लघुत्वं परमाप सः
M. N. Dutt: In consequence of his exceptional reverence for his preceptor and of his devotion to his purpose, all the three processes of fixing arrows on the bow string, aiming and letting off became very easy to him.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.14 S ins. after 14 (T2 G4, which om. 14cd, after 14ab): *1389 लाघवं चास्त्रयोगं च नचिरात्प्रत्यपद्यत
अथ द्रोणाभ्यनुज्ञाताः कदाचित्कुरुपाण्डवाः रथैर्विनिर्ययुः सर्वे मृगयामरिमर्दनाः
M. N. Dutt: O chastiser of foes, one day the Kuru and the Pandu princes with the permission of Drona all set out on their cars to a hunting excursion.
तत्रोपकरणं गृह्य नरः कश्चिद्यदृच्छया राजन्ननुजगामैकः श्वानमादाय पाण्डवान्
M. N. Dutt: O king, a servant followed the Pandavas at his ease with the necessary things (for the hunt) and took a dog with him.
तेषां विचरतां तत्र तत्तत्कर्म चिकीर्षताम् श्वा चरन्स वने मूढो नैषादिं प्रति जग्मिवान्
M. N. Dutt: They wondered about the forest, intent on the purpose they had in view; the dog also wandered about alone and came to the Nishada (prince).
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.17 After 17, T2 G (except G3.6) ins.: *1390 तस्य रोरूयमाणस्य नष्टस्य विजने वने शब्दं शुश्राव नैषादिः शुनस्तस्य तु मारिष
स कृष्णं मलदिग्धाङ्गं कृष्णाजिनधरं वने नैषादिं श्वा समालक्ष्य भषंस्तस्थौ तदन्तिके
M. N. Dutt: The dog seeing the Nishada of dark colour and of body besmeared with filth, with an attire of black skin and with matted hair on his head, began to bark aloud.
तदा तस्याथ भषतः शुनः सप्त शरान्मुखे लाघवं दर्शयन्नस्त्रे मुमोच युगपद्यथा
M. N. Dutt: Thereupon he (the Nishada,) exhibiting lightness of hand, at once struck seven arrows into the mouth of the barking dog.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.19 After 19, G1 ins.: *1391 वेगमज्जन* * * * * * * *ऌअं वनैः आयामपरिणामाभ्यां बभुस्ते तु शराङ्कुराः समप्रमाणिभिर्जिह्मा क्षिप्रैर्व्याभषतः शरैः यथा शैलं शिलोत्थाभिः सप्तार्चिभिररिंदमैः
स तु श्वा शरपूर्णास्यः पाण्डवानाजगाम ह तं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवा वीरा विस्मयं परमं ययुः
M. N. Dutt: The dog, thus pierced in the mouth with the arrows, came back to the Pandavas and the Pandava heroes on seeing this were very much astonished.
लाघवं शब्दवेधित्वं दृष्ट्वा तत्परमं तदा प्रेक्ष्य तं व्रीडिताश्चासन्प्रशशंसुश्च सर्वशः
M. N. Dutt: Ashamed of their own skill, they praised the lightness of hand and precision of aim by auricular perception (of the Nishada Prince).
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.21 After 21, T2 G2.4.5 ins.: *1392 श्वानं तु पाण्डवा दृष्ट्वा विस्मयोत्फुल्ललोचनाः
तं ततोऽन्वेषमाणास्ते वने वननिवासिनम् ददृशुः पाण्डवा राजन्नस्यन्तमनिशं शरान्
M. N. Dutt: O king, they, thereupon, began to search in the forest for that unknown dweller of the wood. The The Pandavas soon found him discharging ceaseless arrows from his bow.
न चैनमभ्यजानंस्ते तदा विकृतदर्शनम् अथैनं परिपप्रच्छुः को भवान्कस्य वेत्युत
M. N. Dutt: Seeing that man of grim visage, a total stranger to them, they asked, “Who are you and whose son are you?"
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.23 After 23, K2.4 ins.: *1393 स श्रुत्वा वचनं तेषां पाण्डवानां महात्मनाम्
एकलव्य उवाच निषादाधिपतेर्वीरा हिरण्यधनुषः सुतम् द्रोणशिष्यं च मां वित्त धनुर्वेदकृतश्रमम्
M. N. Dutt: The Ekalavya said : O heroes, I am the son of the Nishada king, Hiranyadhanu. know me to be a pupil of Drona labouring to acquire the science of arms.
वैशंपायन उवाच ते तमाज्ञाय तत्त्वेन पुनरागम्य पाण्डवाः यथावृत्तं च ते सर्वं द्रोणायाचख्युरद्भुतम्
M. N. Dutt: Vaishmpayana said : The Pandavas, having made themselves acquainted with everything connected with him and returning (to Hastinapur) told Drona all about the wonderful feat of archery they had seen in the forest.
कौन्तेयस्त्वर्जुनो राजन्नेकलव्यमनुस्मरन् रहो द्रोणं समागम्य प्रणयादिदमब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: O king, the son of Kunti, Arjuna thinking of Ekalavya all the while, saw Drona in private and relying upon his preceptor's love for him he said-
नन्वहं परिरभ्यैकः प्रीतिपूर्वमिदं वचः भवतोक्तो न मे शिष्यस्त्वद्विशिष्टो भविष्यति
M. N. Dutt: Arjuna said : "You have joyfully told me, embracing me to your blossom, no pupil of yours should be equal to me.
अथ कस्मान्मद्विशिष्टो लोकादपि च वीर्यवान् अस्त्यन्यो भवतः शिष्यो निषादाधिपतेः सुतः
M. N. Dutt: Why then there is a pupil of yours in the world (equal to me), the mighty son of the Nishada king?"
मुहूर्तमिव तं द्रोणश्चिन्तयित्वा विनिश्चयम् सव्यसाचिनमादाय नैषादिं प्रति जग्मिवान्
M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : Thereupon Drona reflected for a moment and resolved upon the course he should adopt. He then took Savyasachi (Arjuna) with him and went to the Nishada (prince).
ददर्श मलदिग्धाङ्गं जटिलं चीरवाससम् एकलव्यं धनुष्पाणिमस्यन्तमनिशं शरान्
M. N. Dutt: He saw Ekalavya with body besmeared with fifth, with matted locks (on his head) with rags on and with a bow in his hand with which he was ceaselessly shooting arrows.
एकलव्यस्तु तं दृष्ट्वा द्रोणमायान्तमन्तिकात् अभिगम्योपसंगृह्य जगाम शिरसा महीम्
M. N. Dutt: Seeing Drona coming towards him, Ekalavya also went a few steps forward and touched his feet and prostrated himself on the ground.
पूजयित्वा ततो द्रोणं विधिवत्स निषादजः निवेद्य शिष्यमात्मानं तस्थौ प्राञ्जलिरग्रतः
M. N. Dutt: The son of Nishada worshipped Drona in the due form and represented himself as his pupil. He then stood before him with joined hands.
ततो द्रोणोऽब्रवीद्राजन्नेकलव्यमिदं वचः यदि शिष्योऽसि मे तूर्णं वेतनं संप्रदीयताम्
M. N. Dutt: O king, thereupon Drona spoke thus to Ekalavya, "O hero, if you are really my pupil, give me my remuneration. Ekalavya was much pleased in hearing this and he said-
एकलव्यस्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा प्रीयमाणोऽब्रवीदिदम् किं प्रयच्छामि भगवन्नाज्ञापयतु मां गुरुः
AI Translation: Hearing this, Ekalavya, delighted, said this: "What shall I give, O revered one? Let my teacher command me."
न हि किंचिददेयं मे गुरवे ब्रह्मवित्तम तमब्रवीत्त्वयाङ्गुष्ठो दक्षिणो दीयतां मम
AI Translation: "For I have nothing to give to my preceptor, the best knower of Brahman." "He said to him, ""Give me your right thumb."""
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.35 D5 ins. after 35ab: B6 D4 subst. for 35cd: *1394 यद्यवश्यं त्वया देयमेकलव्य प्रयच्छ मे एकाङ्गुष्ठं दक्षिणस्य हस्तस्येति मतं मम G1 ins. after 35: G4 subst. for 37cd: *1395 बाढमित्येव नैषादिश्छित्त्वाङ्गुष्ठौ ददौ ततः
एकलव्यस्तु तच्छ्रुत्वा वचो द्रोणस्य दारुणम् प्रतिज्ञामात्मनो रक्षन्सत्ये च निरतः सदा
AI Translation: Hearing those terrible words of Drona, Ekalyavya, always devoted to truth, protecting his promise,
तथैव हृष्टवदनस्तथैवादीनमानसः छित्त्वाविचार्य तं प्रादाद्द्रोणायाङ्गुष्ठमात्मनः
AI Translation: With a joyful face, with a sad mind, he cut off and gave to Drona his own thumb.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.37 After 37, G1.4 ins.: *1396 अविषण्णश्च तौ प्रादाच्छित्त्वा द्रोणस्य वेतनम् D2 S ins. after 37 (G1.4, after 1396*): *1397 सत्यसंधं च नैषादिं दृष्ट्वा प्रीतोऽब्रवीदिदम् D2 cont.: *1398 मनीषितं त्वया वीर गुरोर्दत्तं ममोजसा After 1397*, T G1-4.6 M ins.: *1399 एवं कर्तव्यमिति वै एकलव्यमभाषत
ततः परं तु नैषादिरङ्गुलीभिर्व्यकर्षत न तथा स तु शीघ्रोऽभूद्यथा पूर्वं नराधिप
M. N. Dutt: Thereupon, O king, when the help of his other fingers, he found he had lost his former lightness of hand.
ततोऽर्जुनः प्रीतमना बभूव विगतज्वरः द्रोणश्च सत्यवागासीन्नान्योऽभ्यभवदर्जुनम्
M. N. Dutt: Arjuna became pleased and his fever (of jealous) was gone. “None will equal Arjuna," these words of Drona now became true.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.39 After 39, G1 ins.: *1400 एवं वृत्तं दृष्टवान्नोऽथ कर्म प्रज्ञानित्यं खेचराश्चोचुरेतौ द्रोणं पार्थं चात्र धी* * * * * * *त्या गच्छतां स्वं निवेशनम् After the colophon, T2 G1 (om. line 4).2.4.5 ins.: *1401 वैशंपायनः द्रोणस्ततः परां पूजां कुरुषु प्राप्नुवन्धनम् चतुष्पादं कृत्स्नमस्त्रं कुमारान्प्रत्यवेदयत् पार्थिवस्य तु क्षत्रस्य राजपुत्रा महाबलाः अनुजग्मुस्ततो द्रोणं कुरुष्वस्त्रचिकीर्षया G1 cont. (cf. v.l. 41): *1402 युधिष्ठिरो रथश्रेष्ठस्तोमरेष्वधिकोऽभवत्
द्रोणस्य तु तदा शिष्यौ गदायोग्यां विशेषतः दुर्योधनश्च भीमश्च कुरूणामभ्यगच्छताम्
M. N. Dutt: Two of Drona's pupils became greatly expert in club fight, namely Duryodhana and Bhima, who were jealous of each other.
अश्वत्थामा रहस्येषु सर्वेष्वभ्यधिकोऽभवत् तथाति पुरुषानन्यान्त्सारुकौ यमजावुभौ युधिष्ठिरो रथश्रेष्ठः सर्वत्र तु धनंजयः
M. N. Dutt: Ashvathama excelled all in the mysteries (of the science of arms). The twins (Nakula and Sahadeva) excelled every body in handling the sword.
Supplementary Passages:
1.123.41 After 41c, T2 G4 ins.: *1403 स राधेयो महाबलः T2 G1.5 ins. after 41c: G4, after its repetition: *1404 तोमरेष्वधिकोऽभवत् अर्जुनो जयतां श्रेष्ठः
प्रथितः सागरान्तायां रथयूथपयूथपः बुद्धियोगबलोत्साहैः सर्वास्त्रेषु च पाण्डवः
AI Translation: The leader of the army of chariots, the leader of the army of chariots, is renowned throughout the ocean. The son of Pandu is skilled in the use of all weapons, and is endowed with intelligence, yoga, and courage.
अस्त्रे गुर्वनुरागे च विशिष्टोऽभवदर्जुनः तुल्येष्वस्त्रोपदेशेषु सौष्ठवेन च वीर्यवान् एकः सर्वकुमाराणां बभूवातिरथोऽर्जुनः
M. N. Dutt: Though the instructions (of Drona) were equal, (to all), yet the mighty Arjuna excelled all (the princes) and became an Athiratha a warrior capable of fighting with sixty thousands foes all at once.
प्राणाधिकं भीमसेनं कृतविद्यं धनंजयम् धार्तराष्ट्रा दुरात्मानो नामृष्यन्त नराधिप
M. N. Dutt: The wicked minded sons of Dhritarashtra became jealous of Bhima, for he was exceeding strong and of Arjuna, because he was accomplished.
तांस्तु सर्वान्समानीय सर्वविद्यासु निष्ठितान् द्रोणः प्रहरणज्ञाने जिज्ञासुः पुरुषर्षभ
M. N. Dutt: O best of men, Drona became desirous of examining his pupils' knowledge in arms and he collected them all together, all (the princes) skilled in all the weapons.
कृत्रिमं भासमारोप्य वृक्षाग्रे शिल्पिभिः कृतम् अविज्ञातं कुमाराणां लक्ष्यभूतमुपादिशत्
M. N. Dutt: He caused in artificial bird made by an artisan to be placed on the top of a tree without the knowledge of the princes for the purpose of using it as the target.
द्रोण उवाच शीघ्रं भवन्तः सर्वे वै धनूंष्यादाय सत्वराः भासमेतं समुद्दिश्य तिष्ठन्तां संहितेषवः
M. N. Dutt: Drona said: Take up quickly, all of you, your bows and six your arrows on the bowstring. Stand here aiming at that bird on the tree.
मद्वाक्यसमकालं च शिरोऽस्य विनिपात्यताम् एकैकशो नियोक्ष्यामि तथा कुरुत पुत्रकाः
M. N. Dutt: As soon as I give the order, cut off the bird's head. O sons, I shall give each of you a turn one after another.
वैशंपायन उवाच ततो युधिष्ठिरं पूर्वमुवाचाङ्गिरसां वरः संधत्स्व बाणं दुर्धर्ष मद्वाक्यान्ते विमुञ्च च
M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : The best of the descendant of Angirasa (Drona) first spoke to Yudhisthira thus, "O invincible one, aim with your arrow and shoot (the bird) as soon as I order.”
ततो युधिष्ठिरः पूर्वं धनुर्गृह्य महारवम् तस्थौ भासं समुद्दिश्य गुरुवाक्यप्रचोदितः
M. N. Dutt: The chastiser of foes, Yudhisthira, first took up the bow as ordered by his preceptor and stood aiming at the bird.
ततो विततधन्वानं द्रोणस्तं कुरुनन्दनम् स मुहूर्तादुवाचेदं वचनं भरतर्षभ
M. N. Dutt: Yudhisthira who stood aiming at the bird, very next moment Drona said-
पश्यस्येनं द्रुमाग्रस्थं भासं नरवरात्मज पश्यामीत्येवमाचार्यं प्रत्युवाच युधिष्ठिरः
M. N. Dutt: “O prince, behold that bird on the top of the tree.” Yudhisthira replied to the preceptor, "O Sir, I see it."
स मुहूर्तादिव पुनर्द्रोणस्तं प्रत्यभाषत अथ वृक्षमिमं मां वा भ्रातॄन्वापि प्रपश्यसि
AI Translation: Then Drona, as it were, in a moment, spoke to him again: "Do you see this tree or me or my brothers?"
तमुवाच स कौन्तेयः पश्याम्येनं वनस्पतिम् भवन्तं च तथा भ्रातॄन्भासं चेति पुनः पुनः
M. N. Dutt: That son of Kunti (Yudhisthira) said, “ I see lord of the forest (tree), your self, my brothers and the bird." He said this again being asked (by Drona) again and again.
तमुवाचापसर्पेति द्रोणोऽप्रीतमना इव नैतच्छक्यं त्वया वेद्धुं लक्ष्यमित्येव कुत्सयन्
M. N. Dutt: Drona, being displeased, reproachingly told him, “Stand back. It is not for you to strike at this aim."
ततो दुर्योधनादींस्तान्धार्तराष्ट्रान्महायशाः तेनैव क्रमयोगेन जिज्ञासुः पर्यपृच्छत
AI Translation: Then the very famous one asked the sons of Dhritarashtra, beginning with Duryodhana, in the same order, out of curiosity.
अन्यांश्च शिष्यान्भीमादीन्राज्ञश्चैवान्यदेशजान् तथा च सर्वे सर्वं तत्पश्याम इति कुत्सिताः
AI Translation: and other disciples, Bhima and others, and other kings from other countries, and all of us, all of us, we are all condemned.
ततो धनंजयं द्रोणः स्मयमानोऽभ्यभाषत त्वयेदानीं प्रहर्तव्यमेतल्लक्ष्यं निशम्यताम्
M. N. Dutt: Vaishampayana said : Drona smilingly, called Dhananjaya and said to him, “ It is to be shot by you. Turn your eyes to it.
मद्वाक्यसमकालं ते मोक्तव्योऽत्र भवेच्छरः वितत्य कार्मुकं पुत्र तिष्ठ तावन्मुहूर्तकम्
M. N. Dutt: "You must shoot the aim as soon as I shall give order, O son, stand here for a moment with your bow and arrow."
एवमुक्तः सव्यसाची मण्डलीकृतकार्मुकः तस्थौ लक्ष्यं समुद्दिश्य गुरुवाक्यप्रचोदितः
M. N. Dutt: Having been thus addressed Savyasachi (Arjuna), drawing the bow to a semi-circle, aimed at the bird and stood there as ordered by the preceptor.
मुहूर्तादिव तं द्रोणस्तथैव समभाषत पश्यस्येनं स्थितं भासं द्रुमं मामपि वेत्युत
M. N. Dutt: Very next moment Drona asked him, "O Arjuna, do you see the bird, the tree and myself?”
पश्याम्येनं भासमिति द्रोणं पार्थोऽभ्यभाषत न तु वृक्षं भवन्तं वा पश्यामीति च भारत
M. N. Dutt: O descendant of the Bharata race, Partha (Arjuna) replied to Drona, “I see only the bird. I do not see the tree or yourself.”
ततः प्रीतमना द्रोणो मुहूर्तादिव तं पुनः प्रत्यभाषत दुर्धर्षः पाण्डवानां रथर्षभम्
M. N. Dutt: The invincible Drona, being much pleased, spoke again a moment after to that great carwarrior, the son of Pandu, (Arjuna).
भासं पश्यसि यद्येनं तथा ब्रूहि पुनर्वचः शिरः पश्यामि भासस्य न गात्रमिति सोऽब्रवीत्
M. N. Dutt: "If you see the bird, describe it to me." He (Arjuna) again replied, “I see the head of the bird, but I do not see its body."
अर्जुनेनैवमुक्तस्तु द्रोणो हृष्टतनूरुहः मुञ्चस्वेत्यब्रवीत्पार्थं स मुमोचाविचारयन्
M. N. Dutt: Having been thus told by Arjuna, Drona was filled with delight and his hair stood on their end. He told Partha, "Shoot,” and he instantly let fly (the arrow).
ततस्तस्य नगस्थस्य क्षुरेण निशितेन ह शिर उत्कृत्य तरसा पातयामास पाण्डवः
M. N. Dutt: The Pandava (Arjuna) speedily struck off the head of the vulture with his sharp arrow and brought it to the ground.
तस्मिन्कर्मणि संसिद्धे पर्यश्वजत फल्गुनम् मेने च द्रुपदं संख्ये सानुबन्धं पराजितम्
M. N. Dutt: As soon as this feat was performed, he (Drona) embraced the son of Pandu (Arjuna) and thought that Drupada with his friends were already vanquished in the battle.
कस्यचित्त्वथ कालस्य सशिष्योऽङ्गिरसां वरः जगाम गङ्गामभितो मज्जितुं भरतर्षभ
M. N. Dutt: O best ɔf the Bharata race, some time after, the best of Angirasa (Drona) with his pupils went to the Ganges to bathe.
अवगाढमथो द्रोणं सलिले सलिलेचरः ग्राहो जग्राह बलवाञ्जङ्घान्ते कालचोदितः
M. N. Dutt: When Drona was bathing, a strong alligator, as it sent by Death himself, seized him at the thigh.
स समर्थोऽपि मोक्षाय शिष्यान्सर्वानचोदयत् ग्राहं हत्वा मोक्षयध्वं मामिति त्वरयन्निव
M. N. Dutt: Though quite capable of freeing himself (from the mouth of the alligator), he (Drona) spoke to all his pupils in a hurry, “Kill this alligator and rescue me.”
तद्वाक्यसमकालं तु बीभत्सुर्निशितैः शरैः आवापैः पञ्चभिर्ग्राहं मग्नमम्भस्यताडयत् इतरे तु विसंमूढास्तत्र तत्र प्रपेदिरे
M. N. Dutt: As soon as he uttered these words, Bibhatsa (Arjuna) struck the alligator under the water with five sharp and irresistible arrows.
तं च दृष्ट्वा क्रियोपेतं द्रोणोऽमन्यत पाण्डवम् विशिष्टं सर्वशिष्येभ्यः प्रीतिमांश्चाभवत्तदा
AI Translation: Seeing that he was endowed with action, Drona considered Pandava superior to all his disciples and was pleased.
स पार्थबाणैर्बहुधा खण्डशः परिकल्पितः ग्राहः पञ्चत्वमापेदे जङ्घां त्यक्त्वा महात्मनः
AI Translation: He was cut into many pieces by Partha's arrows, and the crocodile, having abandoned the leg of the great-souled one, attained death.
अथाब्रवीन्महात्मानं भारद्वाजो महारथम् गृहाणेदं महाबाहो विशिष्टमतिदुर्धरम् अस्त्रं ब्रह्मशिरो नाम सप्रयोगनिवर्तनम्
M. N. Dutt: “O mighty armed, accept this superior and irresistible weapon, named Brahmashira, with its method of hurling and recalling it.
न च ते मानुषेष्वेतत्प्रयोक्तव्यं कथंचन जगद्विनिर्दहेदेतदल्पतेजसि पातितम्
M. N. Dutt: You most not use it against any human foe. If hurled at a foe of inferior power, it might burn the whole universe.
असामान्यमिदं तात लोकेष्वस्त्रं निगद्यते तद्धारयेथाः प्रयतः शृणु चेदं वचो मम
M. N. Dutt: O son, it is said that this weapon heat not a superior in the three worlds, keep it therefore with great care and listen to what I say.
बाधेतामानुषः शत्रुर्यदा त्वां वीर कश्चन तद्वधाय प्रयुञ्जीथास्तदास्त्रमिदमाहवे
M. N. Dutt: O hero, if ever any foe, if he is not human, comes to fight with you, may then use it against him to accomplish his death."
तथेति तत्प्रतिश्रुत्य बीभत्सुः स कृताञ्जलिः जग्राह परमास्त्रं तदाह चैनं पुनर्गुरुः भविता त्वत्समो नान्यः पुमाँल्लोके धनुर्धरः
M. N. Dutt: Bibhatsa (Arjuna) with joined hands promised to do as he was bidden and he received the great weapon. The preceptor then spoke to him again thus, “None will ever become a superior bowman to you. You will be invincible and greatly illustrious.