कर्ण पर्व — अश्वत्थामाको प्रतिज्ञा

Sanjaya said Thereupon, O Bharata chief, approaching Karna Duryodhana said to the Madra king as well as to other chiefs (present there).

O Karna! This opportunity to fight has automatically come in hands like an opened gate of heaven. Only lucky Kshatriyas can see such opportunity to fight.

If the heroic Kshatriyas fight with their pairs in battle great benefit occurs to them, O son of Radha.

Either having slain the Pandavas let them acquire the prosperous kingdom or being slain by the enemies let them repair to the region of heroes.

Hearing those words of Duryodhana the Kshatriya chiefs shouted aloud and played on their musical instruments.

Thereupon when Duryodhana's army were filled with joy, the son of Drona gladdening all your soldiers said-

Before the entire army and before you all, my father, when he had laid aside his arms, was killed by Dhristadyumna.

By that wrath and for the sake of my friend, I tell you, O king, what I promise-

Without slaying Dhristadyumna, I will not lay aside my arms. If this my promise proves futile, I will not go to heaven.

Forsooth, I will grind him who will come against me, be he Arjuna, Bhimasena or any body else.

Thus addressed the entire Bharata army rushed against the sons of Kunti. The Pandavas also (came forward).

O Bharata king, the encounter of the leading car-warriors was highly wonderful. An onslaught of men like that at the end of a cycle took place before the Kurus and Srinjayas.

When that encounter took place many created beings along with the gods and nymphs came there to see the leading heroes.

Delightedly the Apsaras showered, on those leading warriors, observant of the duties of their own order, celestial garlands, perfumeries and various jewels.

The wind used to collect those perfumes and carry it to the great warriors for their pleasure. The warriors so served by wind laid on ground by killing one another.

That battle-field covered with divine garlands, excellent arrows having gold studded wings attached and the great warriors fighting there got an excellent look as if it was sky with countless twinkling stars.

The appreciation coming down from sky, the sound from musical instruments plied in war, the twang of bows and thrashing sound from wheels of chariots used there made severe noise in the battle-field.

The appreciation coming down from sky, the sound from musical instruments plied in war, the twang of bows and thrashing sound from wheels of chariots used there made severe noise in the battle-field.