The anxiety of Yudhishthira

Sanjaya said When the armies of the Pandavas were thus being agitated on all sides, the Pandavas and the Panchalas, together with the Somakas retreated to a great distance.

When, 0 Bharata, that fierce fierce and horripilating battle was raging furiously, it appeared that the hour of the world's dreadful dissolution had arrived.

When Drona was displaying his prowess in battle and constantly roaring and when the Pandus, the Panchalas were being slaughtered and reduced in number.

King Yudhishthira the virtuous could not find any protector for himself. And O foremost of kings, he thought-'how will it end.'.

Then longingly looking on all directions with the desire of having a sight of Partha, Yudhishthira was disappointed and saw neither Arjuna nor Madhava.

He could not then find that foremost of men having the money-chief for the device on his banner; and could not also hear the twang of the Gandiva bow. He therefore became greatly depressed.

Without finding also that foremost of the Vrishnis namely Satyaki, that great car-warrior, king Yudhishthira the virtuous became overwhelmed with anxious thought and his limbs became weak.

Then getting no information whatever of those two best of men, the very virtuous king Yudhishthira obtained no peace of mind. The high-souled king then afraid of the reproaches of the world.

Began to think of the car of Sini's grandson-"In the track of Phalguna, I have sent.

Sini's grandson Satyaki, that one of true prowess, that giver of assurances to his friends. My anxiety that was for one only, is now for two, Satyaki and Arjuna.

I should now get information both of Satyaki and of Dhananjaya. Having sent Satyaki in the track of Pandu's son Arjuna.

me Whom shall I now sent in the track of that Satvata hero, If now I strive to get information of my brother only.

Not taking any care for Yuyudhana, the world will blame any say-"King Yudhishthira the virtuous enquiring after his brother.

Neglects Satyaki of the Vrishni race, that hero of infallible prowess. Afraid as I am of the reproaches of men, I shall send Pritha's son Vrikodara in the track of the illustrious scion of Madhu's race. The affection I bear for that slayer of foes viz., Arjuna.

Is in no way greater than that I bear for that invincible hero of the Satvata race. That delighter of Sini's race, has been entrusted with a commission on my behalf.

That mighty-warrior has either for the sake of a friend's words or for the sake of his honor, has plunged into the Bharata host, like Makara entering into the ocean.

Hark the loud noise of the battle that the unretreating heroes are fighting with that intelligent champion of the Vrishni race!

Surely the odds are too many for him. It is therefore high time that I should think of rescuing him. It appears proper to me that armed with the bow, the son of Pandu viz., Bhimasena should proceed to the spot where those two mighty car-warriors are. There is scarcely anything on earth that Bhima cannot bear.

Exerting his best, he alone withstand all the bowmen of the world. Depending on the prowess of his own arms, he can make head against all enemies.

With the help of the strength of arms of that hero of illustrious soul, we have been able to come back from our exile and have never been defeated in battle.

If now Bhimasena goes to their rescue, Satvata and Phalguna will find a competent protector in his self.

Surely I should not cherish any anxiety of those two heroes, as both of them are versed in the use of all weapons and are protected by the son of Vasudeva himself.

However, it is my duty to make myself altogether unaxious on their account. Therefore should I engage Bhima to follow in the track of the Satvata hero.

Having done this, I should think my arrangements for the protection of Satyaki complete.” Thus resolving in his mind, king Yudhishthira the virtues.

Thus spoke to his charioteer-"Take me to the spot where Bhima is.” Hearing the words of the virtuous king Yudhishthira, the charioteer versed in the art of horse-driving.

Drove that chariot adorned with gold, near where Bhimas was. Reaching Bhima, the king remembering the exigencies of the hour.

Became totally overwhelmed with grief and entreated Bhima with numerous prayers. Then overwhelmed as he was with grief, the king summoned Bhima, near him.

Then Yudhishthira the son of Kunti addressing him said-"O Bhima, I do not see the banner-device of that younger brother of mine, who on a single car vanquished the celestials, the Gandharvas and the Daityas in battle." Thereupon Bhima addressing the virtuous Yudhishthira who was in that pitiable plight said

“Never before did I seen you afflicted with such great grief. In days gone by, you were our only comforter when we were afflicted with extreme distress.

Arise, arise, O foremost of king! Command me what act of yours shall I do? O giver of honours, there is nothing which I cannot accomplish.

O foremost of the Kurus, command me! Let not your heart give way to grief.” Then king Yudhishthira, with a cheerless countenance and tearful eyes, said these words to Bhimasena sighing like a snake. 'In as much as I do hear the blast of the conch Panchajanya.

Filled with the breath of the illustrious and highly courageous son of Vasudeva, I infer that your brother Dhananjaya today is slain on the field of battle.

Upon the slaughter of Arjuna, surely Janardana is fighting. That hero on whose indomitable prowess the Pandavas rely.

He to whom we turn for help, like the celestials turning to the thousand-eyed deity at the times of our sorest calamities, surely that hero is now agitating the Bharata hosts in search of the ruler of the Sindhus.

O Bhima, we have seen him (Arjuna) gone, but we shall never seen him return! Alas for Arjuna of dark-blue complexion, who is youthful in years, possessed of curling locks exceedingly charming, handsome and a mighty car-warrior.

Of broad breast, mighty arms, possessed of the tread of an infuriate elephant, of eyes like those of the Chakara, that inspirer of terror into the heart of the foes!

Good betide you! O slayer of foes, this indeed is the cause of my grief, O mighty armed one, for the sake of Arjuna and for that of the Satvata hero.

My grief is ever increasing, like fire increasing when libation of clarified batter is poured on it. I do not see the device on his banner and this adds to my grief and anxiety all the more.

Know him a great car-warrior and lion among the men of Sattvata race, Your younger brother followed him. I do not see him and this adds to my grief and anxiety all the more.

Upon the slaughter to your brother, surely Krishna conversant with all modes of warfare, is battling with the Kurus. Bring me the intelligence of that foremost of men and of that mighty car-warrior of the Vrishni race. Who has ere now followed in the track of your brother that mighty car-warrior. I am also overwhelmed with distress on account of this last-mentioned mighty arm-hered.

O son of Kunti! do you hie yourself to the spot where Dhananjaya and Satyaki of great energy, have gone! This indeed is your duty.

O my most dutiful brother, carry out my behests as I am your elder brother. Think that Satyaki is dearer to you than your brother Arjuna (so try to help Satyaki the more).

O son of Pritha, desirous of doing me good, he has gone in search of Dhananjaya in an impossible track dreadful and in capable of being followed upon by warriors of inferior skill.

Beholding Krishna and Arjuna and the Satvata hero Satyaki sound and alive, inform me of the fact, O son of Pandu, by uttering your war-cry aloud.