1-1-000
नारायणं नमस्कृत्य नरं चैव नरोत्तमम्
देवीं सरस्वतीं चैव ततो जयमुदीरयेत्
"Jaya" must be recited after having bowed in obeisance before Nārāyaṇa and also Nara, the supreme human being, and also the goddess Sarasvatī̄.
1-1-001
लोमहर्षणपुत्र उग्रश्रवाः सूतः पौराणिको नैमिषारण्ये शौनकस्य कुलपतेर्द्वादशवार्षिके सत्रे
The great sages, performers of difficult austerities, were present at the twelve-year sacrifice of Kulapati Śaunaka and were comfortably seated in Naimiṣa forest. Ugraśrava, the son of Lomaharṣaṇa and a sūta, was learned in the Pūraṇa-s.
1-1-002
समासीनानभ्यगच्छद्ब्रह्मर्षीन्संशितव्रतान्
विनयावनतो भूत्वा कदाचित्सूतनन्दनः
The son of Sūta approached the Brahmaṛṣi-s with humility. They were seated and firm in their vows and were delighted to see him.
1-1-003
तमाश्रममनुप्राप्तं नैमिषारण्यवासिनः
चित्राः श्रोतुं कथास्तत्र परिवव्रुस्तपस्विनः
When he reached the hermitage of Naimiṣa forest, the hermitage, the inhabitants surrounded him wishing to hear his wonderful stories.
1-1-004
अभिवाद्य मुनींस्तांस्तु सर्वानेव कृताञ्जलिः
अपृच्छत्स तपोवृद्धिं सद्भिश्चैवाभिनन्दितः
Having been respectfully welcomed by the sages, he greeted them with folded palms and asked them how their ascetic pursuits were progressing
1-1-005
अथ तेषूपविष्टेषु सर्वेष्वेव तपस्विषु
निर्दिष्टमासनं भेजे विनयाल्लोमहर्षणिः
When all the sages had taken their seats again, Lomharṣa's son respectfully took the seat earmarked for him.
1-1-006
सुखासीनं ततस्तं तु विश्रान्तमुपलक्ष्य च
अथापृच्छदृषिस्तत्र कश्चित्प्रस्तावयन्कथाः
Once he was seated comfortable and the sages noticed that he was now well rested, one of the sages began the conversation and asked him about his stories
1-1-007
कुत आगम्यते सौते क्व चायं विहृतस्त्वया
कालः कमलपत्राक्ष शंसैतत्पृच्छतो मम
"Oh lotus-eyed! Oh Sauti! I am asking you. Tell where you come from and how you spent your time
1-1-008
सूत उवाच
जनमेजयस्य राजर्षेः सर्पसत्रे महात्मनः
समीपे पार्थिवेन्द्रस्य सम्यक्पारिक्षितस्य च
Sauti said: I was in the presence of the great souled royal sage and lord of earth, Janmajaya, the son of Pārīkṣit had organized a snake sacrifice
1-1-009
कृष्णद्वैपायनप्रोक्ताः सुपुण्या विविधाः कथाः
कथिताश्चापि विधिवद्या वैशंपायनेन वै
There, Vaiśampāyana recited properly the wonderful and sacred stories composed by Kṛṣṇā Dvaipāyana
1-1-010
श्रुत्वाहं ता विचित्रार्था महाभारतसंश्रिताः
बहूनि संपरिक्रम्य तीर्थान्यायतनानि च
After listening to those diverse stories of Mahābhārata, I wandered around many places of pilgrimage and sacred waters
1-1-011
समन्तपञ्चकं नाम पुण्यं द्विजनिषेवितम्
गतवानस्मि तं देशं युद्धं यत्राभवत्पुरा
पाण्डवानां कुरूणां च सर्वेषां च महीक्षिताम्
After wandering, I finally came to a sacred place known as Samantapañcaka, venerated by the Dwijas(twice-borns). This is the land where a long time ago, a war was fought between the Kuru-s and the Pāṇḍava-s and all the kings of the earth.
1-1-012
दिदृक्षुरागतस्तस्मात्समीपं भवतामिह
आयुष्मन्तः सर्व एव ब्रह्मभूता हि मे मताः
After that, I was anxious to see you so I'm here. O revered sages, you all are like Brahmā to me
1-1-013
अस्मिन्यज्ञे महाभागाः सूर्यपावकवर्चसः
कृताभिषेकाः शुचयः कृतजप्या हुताग्नयः
भवन्त आसते स्वस्था ब्रवीमि किमहं द्विजाः
You shine like the fire of the sun in this sacred place of sacrifice. You, who are pure and cleansed through having performed sacred rites and meditations and chants. You are Dwijas. You all are beyond worldly cares. What can I say?
1-1-014
पुराणसंश्रिताः पुण्याः कथा वा धर्मसंश्रिताः
इतिवृत्तं नरेन्द्राणामृषीणां च महात्मनाम्
What stories shall I narrate? The sacred Puranic stories of Dharma? Or the stories from history of kings among men and great sages and men of great souls?
1-1-015
ऋषय ऊचुः
द्वैपायनेन यत्प्रोक्तं पुराणं परमर्षिणा
सुरैर्ब्रह्मर्षिभिश्चैव श्रुत्वा यदभिपूजितम्
The sages said: Tell us the great Puranic story that was told by supreme sage Dwaipayana, that story which was worshipped by the gods and the brahmaṛṣi-s
1-1-016
तस्याख्यानवरिष्ठस्य विचित्रपदपर्वणः
सूक्ष्मार्थन्याययुक्तस्य वेदार्थैर्भूषितस्य च
(Tell us that story) which has superior narrative, which is full of wonderful words and subtle meaning of the veda-s.
1-1-017
भारतस्येतिहासस्य पुण्यां ग्रन्थार्थसंयुताम्
संस्कारोपगतां ब्राह्मीं नानाशास्त्रोपबृंहिताम्
The story which contains the sacred history of the Bhārata-s in beautiful language and meaning and is enchanced by various scriptures.
1-1-018
जनमेजयस्य यां राज्ञो वैशंपायन उक्तवान्
यथावत्स ऋषिस्तुष्ट्या सत्रे द्वैपायनाज्ञया
We want to hear that holy compilation, that was recited by Dwaipayana at King Janmajeya's snake sacrifice.
1-1-019
वेदैश्चतुर्भिः समितां व्यासस्याद्भुतकर्मणः
संहितां श्रोतुमिच्छामो धर्म्यां पापभयापहाम्
The sacred composition of Vyāsa has been added to the four Veda-s and we wish to hear the Saṃhitā which destroys the fear of sin in righteousness.
1-1-020
सूत उवाच
आद्यं पुरुषमीशानं पुरुहूतं पुरुष्टुतम्
ऋतमेकाक्षरं ब्रह्म व्यक्ताव्यक्तं सनातनम्
Sauti said: The original being is the Lord Īśāna, the one praised by all and to who all offerings are made. The one-syllabled Brāhman, the manifest and the unmanifest eternal is the truth
1-1-021
असच्च सच्चैव च यद्विश्वं सदसतः परम्
परावराणां स्रष्टारं पुराणं परमव्ययम्
He is the untruth and also the truth. He is the existing universe but is distinct from the existing and the non-existing. that the universe is beyond the members of the universe. He, the Creator is the Pūraṇa, the supreme inexhaustible.
1-1-022
मङ्गल्यं मङ्गलं विष्णुं वरेण्यमनघं शुचिम्
नमस्कृत्य हृषीकेशं चराचरगुरुं हरिम्
I offer obesances to the auspicious Hrishikesh, pure and sinless, the lord of the senses, the lord of everything that moves and does not move.
1-1-023
महर्षेः पूजितस्येह सर्वलोके महात्मनः
प्रवक्ष्यामि मतं कृत्स्नं व्यासस्यामिततेजसः
I will tell you the opinions of Vyāsa, the great sage, the performer of wonderful deeds, he who is venerated in all worlds.
1-1-024
आचख्युः कवयः केचित्संप्रत्याचक्षते परे
आख्यास्यन्ति तथैवान्ये इतिहासमिमं भुवि
Some poets have already sung this story before and others are teaching this history now, and in future others will certainly keep telling everyone this history on earth
1-1-025
इदं तु त्रिषु लोकेषु महज्ज्ञानं प्रतिष्ठितम्
विस्तरैश्च समासैश्च धार्यते यद्द्विजातिभिः
Throughout the three worlds, this is a great knowledge is established. The Dwijas possess it in its details and also in its compound forms.
1-1-026
अलंकृतं शुभैः शब्दैः समयैर्दिव्यमानुषैः
छन्दोवृत्तैश्च विविधैरन्वितं विदुषां प्रियम्
It is decorated with elegant words and sounds, both human and divine. It's adorned with myriad metres and is dear to the learned.
1-1-027
निष्प्रभेऽस्मिन्निरालोके सर्वतस्तमसावृते
बृहदण्डमभूदेकं प्रजानां बीजमक्षयम्
When this universe was without brightness and without light and everthing was enveloped in the darkness on all the sides, the seed of the great egg was born. The seed of the people was inexhaustible.
1-1-028
युगस्यादौ निमित्तं तन्महद्दिव्यं प्रचक्षते
यस्मिंस्तच्छ्रूयते सत्यं ज्योतिर्ब्रह्म सनातनम्
This seed was created at the beginning of all erā-s. The great divine creation contained within it the eternal Brāhman, that which is true and resplendent.
1-1-029
अद्भुतं चाप्यचिन्त्यं च सर्वत्र समतां गतम्
अव्यक्तं कारणं सूक्ष्मं यत्तत्सदसदात्मकम्
It is wonderful and beyond imagination and perfectly balanced everywhere. The unmanifest cause of good and evil is subtle.
1-1-030
यस्मात्पितामहो जज्ञे प्रभुरेकः प्रजापतिः
ब्रह्मा सुरगुरुः स्थाणुर्मनुः कः परमेष्ठ्यथ
From this was born the one and only Lord Prajāpati, known as Brahmā, the preceptor of the gods. He is also known as Sthāṇu, Manu, the Supreme Lord
1-1-031
प्राचेतसस्तथा दक्षो दक्षपुत्राश्च सप्त ये
ततः प्रजानां पतयः प्राभवन्नेकविंशतिः
From him was born Dakha, son of Prācetas, and Dakṣa's seven sons, and twenty one Prajāpati-s
1-1-032
पुरुषश्चाप्रमेयात्मा यं सर्वमृषयो विदुः
विश्वेदेवास्तथादित्या वसवोऽथाश्विनावपि
Him who all the sages know as the Pūruṣa and the immeasurable Self was also born, as were the Vishwadevas, the Āditya-s, the Vasu-s and the Ashwins
1-1-033
यक्षाः साध्याः पिशाचाश्च गुह्यकाः पितरस्तथा
ततः प्रसूता विद्वांसः शिष्टा ब्रह्मर्षयोऽमलाः
Yakṣa-s, Saddhyas, Piśāca-s, Guhakyaas and the Pitṛ-s were born and after than were born the learned, the Brahmarṣi-s, the immaculate ones.
1-1-034
राजर्षयश्च बहवः सर्वैः समुदिता गुणैः
आपो द्यौः पृथिवी वायुरन्तरिक्षं दिशस्तथा
Then were born the Rājarṣi-s(royal sages) who were endowed with all the virtues. The water, heaven, earth, air, space and directions...
1-1-035
संवत्सरर्तवो मासाः पक्षाहोरात्रयः क्रमात्
यच्चान्यदपि तत्सर्वं संभूतं लोकसाक्षिकम्
...years, seasons, months, days and nights and fortnights were also born. Everything else that came forth was witnessed by the world
1-1-036
यदिदं दृश्यते किंचिद्भूतं स्थावरजङ्गमम्
पुनः संक्षिप्यते सर्वं जगत्प्राप्ते युगक्षये
At the end of an age everything that can be seen, that which is movable or immovable is again brought together
1-1-037
यथर्तावृतुलिङ्गानि नानारूपाणि पर्यये
दृश्यन्ते तानि तान्येव तथा भावा युगादिषु
As the seasons change, the signs of seasons can be seen. Similarly, when a new erā bigins, everything is produced again.
1-1-038
एवमेतदनाद्यन्तं भूतसंहारकारकम्
अनादिनिधनं लोके चक्रं संपरिवर्तते
Thus without beginning and end causing creation and destruction, the wheel of existence rolls eternally causing death.
1-1-039
त्रयस्त्रिंशत्सहस्राणि त्रयस्त्रिंशच्छतानि च
त्रयस्त्रिंशच्च देवानां सृष्टिः संक्षेपलक्षणा
Thirty-three thousand three hundred and thirty three are the gods. This is a brief example of creation.
1-1-040
दिवस्पुत्रो बृहद्भानुश्चक्षुरात्मा विभावसुः
सविता च ऋचीकोऽर्को भानुराशावहो रविः
The sons of the divine Vivasvat were Bṛhadbhānu, Cakṣus, Atmam Vibhāvasu, Savita, Ṛcīka, Arka, Bhānu, Ahswaha, and Ravi.
1-1-041
पुत्रा विवस्वतः सर्वे मह्यस्तेषां तथावरः
देवभ्राट्तनयस्तस्य तस्मात्सुभ्राडिति स्मृतः
Of these sons, Mahya was the youngest and his son was Devabhrata, also known as Subhrāja.
1-1-042
सुभ्राजस्तु त्रयः पुत्राः प्रजावन्तो बहुश्रुताः
दशज्योतिः शतज्योतिः सहस्रज्योतिरात्मवान्
Subhrāja had three famous sons, named Daśajyoti, Śatajyoti and Sahasrajyoti and each of them were progenitors of many learned.
1-1-043
दश पुत्रसहस्राणि दशज्योतेर्महात्मनः
ततो दशगुणाश्चान्ये शतज्योतेरिहात्मजाः
The great souled Daśajyoti had ten thousand sons, Śatajyoti had ten times that number.
1-1-044
भूयस्ततो दशगुणाः सहस्रज्योतिषः सुताः
तेभ्योऽयं कुरुवंशश्च यदूनां भरतस्य च
Again, ten times that number were Sahasrahyoti's children. From them descended Kuru-s, the Yadu-s and the Bhārata-s...
1-1-045
ययातीक्ष्वाकुवंशश्च राजर्षीणां च सर्वशः
संभूता बहवो वंशा भूतसर्गाः सविस्तराः
..the lines of Yayāti, Ikṣvāku and all the rājarṣi-s. Many other dynasties and other living beings were also born with great care.
1-1-046
भूतस्थानानि सर्वाणि रहस्यं त्रिविधं च यत्
वेदयोगं सविज्ञानं धर्मोऽर्थः काम एव च
The three mysteries of knowledge - the Veda-s, Yoga and Vijñāna(Science) - were created. Dharma, artha and kāmā were created similarly.
1-1-047
धर्मकामार्थशास्त्राणि शास्त्राणि विविधानि च
लोकयात्राविधानं च संभूतं दृष्टवानृषिः
The sage had visions of various scriptures containing teachings of Dharma, Kāmā, Artha and rules of conduct for moving the world
1-1-048
इतिहासाः सवैयाख्या विविधाः श्रुतयोऽपि च
इह सर्वमनुक्रान्तमुक्तं ग्रन्थस्य लक्षणम्
He also witnessed the ancient historys and the commentaries and the śruti-s. This text has characterstics of all those
1-1-049
विस्तीर्यैतन्महज्ज्ञानमृषिः संक्षेपमब्रवीत्
इष्टं हि विदुषां लोके समासव्यासधारणम्
Extending this great knowledge, the sage made both abridged and detained forms for the learned of the world to hold
1-1-050
मन्वादि भारतं केचिदास्तीकादि तथापरे
तथोपरिचराद्यन्ये विप्राः सम्यगधीयते
Some read Bhārata from the story of Manu, others from the story of Āstīka and still others from the story of Uparicara
1-1-051
विविधं संहिताज्ञानं दीपयन्ति मनीषिणः
व्याख्यातुं कुशलाः केचिद्ग्रन्थं धारयितुं परे
Some Brāhmana-s read the entire text, and some other learned men mastered the saṃhitā-s. Some offered commentaries on this collection. Some are skilled in explaining it and some are skilled in remembering it.
1-1-052
तपसा ब्रह्मचर्येण व्यस्य वेदं सनातनम्
इतिहासमिमं चक्रे पुण्यं सत्यवतीसुतः
After celibate penance and austerities, after having classified the eternal Veda-s, Satyavatī's son composed this holy history.
1-1-053
पराशरात्मजो विद्वान्ब्रह्मर्षिः संशितव्रतः
मातुर्नियोगाद्धर्मात्मा गाङ्गेयस्य च धीमतः
The learned Brahmarṣi, the son of Parāśara, followed pure vows. He was asked by his mother, and by the righteous and the wise son of the Ganges.
1-1-054
क्षेत्रे विचित्रवीर्यस्य कृष्णद्वैपायनः पुरा
त्रीनग्नीनिव कौरव्याञ्जनयामास वीर्यवान्
Kṛṣṇā Dvaipāyana at their request lawfully became the father of three sons in Vicitravīrya's field(wife). These three Kaurava-s as the three mighty fires.
1-1-055
उत्पाद्य धृतराष्ट्रं च पाण्डुं विदुरमेव च
जगाम तपसे धीमान्पुनरेवाश्रमं प्रति
After producing Dhṛtarāṣṭra and Pāṇḍu and Vidūra, he returned to his hermitage to pursie the wise path of austerities again
1-1-056
तेषु जातेषु वृद्धेषु गतेषु परमां गतिम्
अब्रवीद्भारतं लोके मानुषेऽस्मिन्महानृषिः
Until these men were born, grew up and passed on to the ultimate destination, the great sage did not reveal Bhārata to the this human world.
1-1-057
जनमेजयेन पृष्टः सन्ब्राह्मणैश्च सहस्रशः
शशास शिष्यमासीनं वैशंपायनमन्तिके
When requested by Janamejaya along with thousands of Brāhmana-s, he taught it to his disciple Vaiśampāyana, being seated in his presence.
1-1-058
स सदस्यैः सहासीनः श्रावयामास भारतम्
कर्मान्तरेषु यज्ञस्य चोद्यमानः पुनः पुनः
Seated with his compatriots, it was he (Vaiśampāyana) who recited Bhārata at intervals during the sacrifice, being repeatedly asked to continue when he stopped.
1-1-059
विस्तरं कुरुवंशस्य गान्धार्या धर्मशीलताम्
क्षत्तुः प्रज्ञां धृतिं कुन्त्याः सम्यग्द्वैपायनोऽब्रवीत्
Vyāsa has described in detail the great lineage of the Kuru-s, the virtues of Gāndhārī, the wisdom of Vidūra and the constancy of Kuntī.
1-1-060
वासुदेवस्य माहात्म्यं पाण्डवानां च सत्यताम्
दुर्वृत्तं धार्तराष्ट्राणामुक्तवान्भगवानृषिः
The blessed sage has also described the greatness of Vāsudeva, the truthfulness of the Pāṇḍava-s and the evil conduct of the sons of Dhṛtarāṣṭra.
1-1-061
चतुर्विंशतिसाहस्रीं चक्रे भारतसंहिताम्
उपाख्यानैर्विना तावद्भारतं प्रोच्यते बुधैः
Without minor narratives, Vyāsa originally composed Bhārata in 24,000 twenty verses. The learned know this as the real Bhārata.
1-1-062
ततोऽध्यर्धशतं भूयः संक्षेपं कृतवानृषिः
अनुक्रमणिमध्यायं वृत्तान्तानां सपर्वणाम्
Later, he composed a summary in 150 verses, with an index of the chapters, contents and events.
1-1-063
इदं द्वैपायनः पूर्वं पुत्रमध्यापयच्छुकम्
ततोऽन्येभ्योऽनुरूपेभ्यः शिष्येभ्यः प्रददौ प्रभुः
Dvaipāyana first taught this index to his son Śuka and then to other disciples who had the same qualities.
1-1-064
नारदोऽश्रावयद्देवानसितो देवलः पितॄन्
गन्धर्वयक्षरक्षांसि श्रावयामास वै शुकः
Nārada recited it to the gods, Asita-Devala to the ancestors and Śuka to the gāndharva-s, yakṣa-s and rākṣasa-s.
1-1-065
दुर्योधनो मन्युमयो महाद्रुमः; स्कन्धः कर्णः शकुनिस्तस्य शाखाः
दुःशासनः पुष्पफले समृद्धे; मूलं राजा धृतराष्ट्रोऽमनीषी
Duryodhana is a great tree created out of passion, Karṇa is its trunk, Śākuni is its branches, Duhshashana is the plentiful fruit and flowers and the mindless Dhṛtarāṣṭra is its root.
1-1-066
युधिष्ठिरो धर्ममयो महाद्रुमः; स्कन्धोऽर्जुनो भीमसेनोऽस्य शाखाः
माद्रीसुतौ पुष्पफले समृद्धे; मूलं कृष्णो ब्रह्म च ब्राह्मणाश्च
Yudhiṣṭhira is a great tree created out of righteousness, Arjuna is its trunk, Bhīmā is its branches, the two sons of Mādrī are its plentiful fruit and flowers, and Kṛṣṇā, Brahmā and the Brahmānas are the root.
1-1-067
पाण्डुर्जित्वा बहून्देशान्युधा विक्रमणेन च
अरण्ये मृगयाशीलो न्यवसत्सजनस्तदा
After having conquered many countries with war and valour, Pāṇḍu retired to the forest with the sages, because he was fond of hunting.
1-1-068
मृगव्यवायनिधने कृच्छ्रां प्राप स आपदम्
जन्मप्रभृति पार्थानां तत्राचारविधिक्रमः
When out hunting, he brought great misfortune on himself by killing a stag when it was with its mate. Since their birth, Pṛthā’s sons spent their lives there, according to the prescribed norms.
1-1-069
मात्रोरभ्युपपत्तिश्च धर्मोपनिषदं प्रति
धर्मस्य वायोः शक्रस्य देवयोश्च तथाश्विनोः
In accordance with what is laid down in law, their two mothers conceived sons from Dharma, Vāyu, Śākra and the two gods, the Aśvin-s.
1-1-070
तापसैः सह संवृद्धा मातृभ्यां परिरक्षिताः
मेध्यारण्येषु पुण्येषु महतामाश्रमेषु च
They grew up under the care of their two mothers and in the society of holy sages, in sacred groves and forests.
1-1-071
ऋषिभिश्च तदानीता धार्तराष्ट्रान्प्रति स्वयम्
शिशवश्चाभिरूपाश्च जटिला ब्रह्मचारिणः
Then, on their own, the sages took them to the presence of Dhṛtarāṣṭra and his sons. They were dressed as brahmacharis and students, with sacred tufts in their hair.
1-1-072
पुत्राश्च भ्रातरश्चेमे शिष्याश्च सुहृदश्च वः
पाण्डवा एत इत्युक्त्वा मुनयोऽन्तर्हितास्ततः
The sages said, "These students of ours are the sons of Pāṇḍu, your sons, brothers and friends."Saying this, the sages left.
1-1-073
तांस्तैर्निवेदितान्दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवान्कौरवास्तदा
शिष्टाश्च वर्णाः पौरा ये ते हर्षाच्चुक्रुशुर्भृशम्
On seeing the sons of Pāṇḍu who had thus been left with them, the Kaurava-s, the learned among the castes and the townspeople exclaimed loudly with joy.
1-1-074
आहुः केचिन्न तस्यैते तस्यैत इति चापरे
यदा चिरमृतः पाण्डुः कथं तस्येति चापरे
However, some said they were not the sons of Pāṇḍu. Others said they were. Others wondered how they could be the sons of Pāṇḍu when Pāṇḍu had died long ago.
1-1-075
स्वागतं सर्वथा दिष्ट्या पाण्डोः पश्याम संततिम्
उच्यतां स्वागतमिति वाचोऽश्रूयन्त सर्वशः
They must be welcomed. Such voices were heard everywhere.
1-1-076
तस्मिन्नुपरते शब्दे दिशः सर्वा विनादयन्
अन्तर्हितानां भूतानां निस्वनस्तुमुलोऽभवत्
When the tumult of the people had died down, an enormous outcry was heard from invisible beings and all the directions echoed with the sound.
1-1-077
पुष्पवृष्टिः शुभा गन्धाः शङ्खदुन्दुभिनिस्वनाः
आसन्प्रवेशे पार्थानां तदद्भुतमिवाभवत्
As Pārtha and the others entered, there was a shower of fragrant flowers and the sound of conch shells and kettledrums. It was a great wonder.
1-1-078
तत्प्रीत्या चैव सर्वेषां पौराणां हर्षसंभवः
शब्द आसीन्महांस्तत्र दिवस्पृक्कीर्तिवर्धनः
Delighted because of their love for them, the townspeople's loud cries rose up to heaven and in-creased the Pāṇḍava-s' fame.
1-1-079
तेऽप्यधीत्याखिलान्वेदाञ्शास्त्राणि विविधानि च
न्यवसन्पाण्डवास्तत्र पूजिता अकुतोभयाः
Without threats from anywhere, the Pāṇḍava-s lived there studying the Veda-s and various other śāstra-s. They were respected by all the people.
1-1-080
युधिष्ठिरस्य शौचेन प्रीताः प्रकृतयोऽभवन्
धृत्या च भीमसेनस्य विक्रमेणार्जुनस्य च
The townspeople were delighted with the purity of Yudhiṣṭhira, the strength of Bhīmā, the valour of Arjuna,..
1-1-081
गुरुशुश्रूषया कुन्त्या यमयोर्विनयेन च
तुतोष लोकः सकलस्तेषां शौर्यगुणेन च
...the humility of the twins and the submissiveness of Kuntī to her elders. The entire world was content with their quality of valour.
1-1-082
समवाये ततो राज्ञां कन्यां भर्तृस्वयंवराम्
प्राप्तवानर्जुनः कृष्णां कृत्वा कर्म सुदुष्करम्
After a few years, in an assembly of kings where the maiden Kṛṣṇā was to choose her own bridegroom, Arjuna performed a difficult task and won her hand.
1-1-083
ततः प्रभृति लोकेऽस्मिन्पूज्यः सर्वधनुष्मताम्
आदित्य इव दुष्प्रेक्ष्यः समरेष्वपि चाभवत्
From that day, he was respected by everyone in the world as a great archer. He became like a sun in the battlefield, difficult to behold.
1-1-084
स सर्वान्पार्थिवाञ्जित्वा सर्वांश्च महतो गणान्
आजहारार्जुनो राज्ञे राजसूयं महाक्रतुम्
He defeated all the kings and all the main tribes. Thus, the king could now perform the rājasūya sacrifice.
1-1-085
अन्नवान्दक्षिणावांश्च सर्वैः समुदितो गुणैः
युधिष्ठिरेण संप्राप्तो राजसूयो महाक्रतुः
Rich in provisions and sacrificial offerings and full of merit Yudhiṣṭhira obtained the right to perform the rājasūya.
1-1-086
सुनयाद्वासुदेवस्य भीमार्जुनबलेन च
घातयित्वा जरासंधं चैद्यं च बलगर्वितम्
With the wise counsel of Kṛṣṇā and the prowess of Bhīmā and Arjuna, he was able to kill Jarāsandha and the swollen-head king of Cedi
1-1-087
दुर्योधनमुपागच्छन्नर्हणानि ततस्ततः
मणिकाञ्चनरत्नानि गोहस्त्यश्वधनानि च
Duryodhana came to this sacrifice and saw on all sides the great wealth of the Pāṇḍava-s—the offerings, precious stones, gold, jewels, cattle, horses, elephants and treasure.
1-1-088
समृद्धां तां तथा दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवानां तदा श्रियम्
ईर्ष्यासमुत्थः सुमहांस्तस्य मन्युरजायत
On seeing this, his envy made him angry.
1-1-089
विमानप्रतिमां चापि मयेन सुकृतां सभाम्
पाण्डवानामुपहृतां स दृष्ट्वा पर्यतप्यत
He fumed when he saw the hall of assembly, like a celestial chariot, built by Māyā.
1-1-090
यत्रावहसितश्चासीत्प्रस्कन्दन्निव संभ्रमात्
प्रत्यक्षं वासुदेवस्य भीमेनानभिजातवत्
Before Vāsudeva, he was mocked by Bhīmā, who said he was of common birth, when he got confused at the architectural deceptions.
1-1-091
स भोगान्विविधान्भुञ्जन्रत्नानि विविधानि च
कथितो धृतराष्ट्रस्य विवर्णो हरिणः कृशः
It was reported to Dhṛtarāṣṭra that while he was enjoying himself with various objects and valuable things, his son had turned pale, yellow and thin.
1-1-092
अन्वजानात्ततो द्यूतं धृतराष्ट्रः सुतप्रियः
तच्छ्रुत्वा वासुदेवस्य कोपः समभवन्महान्
Out of affection for his son, the blind king gave him permission to play the game of dice. When Vāsudeva heard this, he became very angry.
1-1-093
नातिप्रीतमनाश्चासीद्विवादांश्चान्वमोदत
द्यूतादीननयान्घोरान्प्रवृद्धांश्चाप्युपैक्षत
Though he wasn't pleased, he did nothing to stop the dispute and overlooked the fatal game and other unjust acts, as they increased in importance.
1-1-094
निरस्य विदुरं द्रोणं भीष्मं शारद्वतं कृपम्
विग्रहे तुमुले तस्मिन्नहन्क्षत्रं परस्परम्
In spite of Vidūra, Bhīṣma, Droṇa and Kṛpa, the son of Śāradvata, he made the Kṣatriya-s kill each other in the great war that followed.
1-1-095
जयत्सु पाण्डुपुत्रेषु श्रुत्वा सुमहदप्रियम्
दुर्योधनमतं ज्ञात्वा कर्णस्य शकुनेस्तथा
धृतराष्ट्रश्चिरं ध्यात्वा संजयं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
On hearing the news of the Pāṇḍava victory and knowing the vows taken by Duryodhana, Karṇa and Śākuni, Dhṛtarāṣṭra thought for a while and then told Sañjaya:
1-1-096
शृणु संजय मे सर्वं न मेऽसूयितुमर्हसि
श्रुतवानसि मेधावी बुद्धिमान्प्राज्ञसंमतः
O Sañjaya! Listen to all that I am about to say. You will then find that I am not worthy of contempt. You are learned in the sacred texts, intelligent, wise and respected for being wise.
1-1-097
न विग्रहे मम मतिर्न च प्रीये कुरुक्षये
न मे विशेषः पुत्रेषु स्वेषु पाण्डुसुतेषु च
My inclinations were not for war, nor do I find pleasure in the destruction of my lineage. I have no special affinity towards my sons compared to the sons of Pāṇḍu.
1-1-098
वृद्धं मामभ्यसूयन्ति पुत्रा मन्युपरायणाः
अहं त्वचक्षुः कार्पण्यात्पुत्रप्रीत्या सहामि तत्
मुह्यन्तं चानुमुह्यामि दुर्योधनमचेतनम्
My own sons, following the wrong path, were upset with me because I was old and blind. I bore all that, because of my weak state and because of my love for my sons. I was deluded and silly and Duryodhana's folly thrived on that.
1-1-099
राजसूये श्रियं दृष्ट्वा पाण्डवस्य महौजसः
तच्चावहसनं प्राप्य सभारोहणदर्शने
He saw the wealth and power of the sons of Pāṇḍu at the rājasūya sacrifice and was mocked at his awkwardness when he ascended the hall.
1-1-100
अमर्षितः स्वयं जेतुमशक्तः पाण्डवान्रणे
निरुत्साहश्च संप्राप्तुं श्रियमक्षत्रियो यथा
गान्धारराजसहितश्छद्मद्यूतममन्त्रयत्
He couldn't bear this, but was incapable of defeating the Pāṇḍava-s in the field of battle. Unlike a Kṣatriya and incapable of energetically pursuing wealth, with the help of the king of Gāndhāra, he planned an unjust game of dice.
1-1-101
तत्र यद्यद्यथा ज्ञातं मया संजय तच्छृणु
श्रुत्वा हि मम वाक्यानि बुद्ध्या युक्तानि तत्त्वतः
ततो ज्ञास्यसि मां सौते प्रज्ञाचक्षुषमित्युत
O Sauti! Listen to my words and learn all that happened later and all that I came to know. When you hear what I say and learn, you will know that my wise eyes have the gift of foresight.
1-1-102
यदाश्रौषं धनुरायम्य चित्रं; विद्धं लक्ष्यं पातितं वै पृथिव्याम्
कृष्णां हृतां पश्यतां सर्वराज्ञां; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that, in the presence of all the kings, Kṛṣṇā was taken, when the wonderful bow was drawn and pierced, the target fell to the ground.
1-1-103
यदाश्रौषं द्वारकायां सुभद्रां; प्रसह्योढां माधवीमर्जुनेन
इन्द्रप्रस्थं वृष्णिवीरौ च यातौ; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Subhadrā of the Madhu lineage was forcibly carried away by Arjuna and married in Dvārakā and when the two heroes of the Vṛṣṇi lineage set out for Indraprastha.
1-1-104
यदाश्रौषं देवराजं प्रवृष्टं; शरैर्दिव्यैर्वारितं चार्जुनेन
अग्निं तथा तर्पितं खाण्डवे च; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna had satisfied Agni by giving him the Khāṇḍava forest and when he used his divine arrows to check the downpour brought down by the king of the gods.
1-1-105
यदाश्रौषं हृतराज्यं युधिष्ठिरं; पराजितं सौबलेनाक्षवत्याम्
अन्वागतं भ्रातृभिरप्रमेयै;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Yudhiṣṭhira had been defeated in the game of dice by Saubala and deprived of his kingdom, though his powerful brothers were still in attendance.
1-1-106
यदाश्रौषं द्रौपदीमश्रुकण्ठीं; सभां नीतां दुःखितामेकवस्त्राम्
रजस्वलां नाथवतीमनाथव;त्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Draupadī, with protectors but as if no protectors existed, was dragged to court at the time of her period, with a single garment on and with tears in her throat.
1-1-107
यदाश्रौषं विविधास्तात चेष्टा; धर्मात्मनां प्रस्थितानां वनाय
ज्येष्ठप्रीत्या क्लिश्यतां पाण्डवानां; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the grieving and righteous Pāṇḍava brothers left for the forest, suffering out of love for the eldest.
1-1-108
यदाश्रौषं स्नातकानां सहस्रै;रन्वागतं धर्मराजं वनस्थम्
भिक्षाभुजां ब्राह्मणानां महात्मनां; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that thousands of snātaka-s and great Brāhmana-s who lived on alms followed Dharmarāja to the forest.
1-1-109
यदाश्रौषमर्जुनो देवदेवं; किरातरूपं त्र्यम्बकं तोष्य युद्धे
अवाप तत्पाशुपतं महास्त्रं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna had pacified in combat the god of the gods, Śivā, who appeared before him in the disguise of a hunter, and obtained from him the great weapon Pāśupata.
1-1-110
यदाश्रौषं त्रिदिवस्थं धनंजयं; शक्रात्साक्षाद्दिव्यमस्त्रं यथावत्
अधीयानं शंसितं सत्यसंधं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna, bound by his promise, had gone to heaven and learnt properly from Indra the use of celestial weapons.
1-1-111
यदाश्रौषं वैश्रवणेन सार्धं; समागतं भीममन्यांश्च पार्थान्
तस्मिन्देशे मानुषाणामगम्ये; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Bhīmā and the other sons of Kuntī, accompanied by Vaiśravaṇa, had gone to the land that is inaccessible to humans.
1-1-112
यदाश्रौषं घोषयात्रागतानां; बन्धं गन्धर्वैर्मोक्षणं चार्जुनेन
स्वेषां सुतानां कर्णबुद्धौ रतानां; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that my sons, spurred by Karṇa' s advice, had gone on a cattle-related expedition and been captured by the gāndharva-s, and then freed by Arjuna.
1-1-113
यदाश्रौषं यक्षरूपेण धर्मं; समागतं धर्मराजेन सूत
प्रश्नानुक्तान्विब्रुवन्तं च सम्य;क्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Dharma had appeared before Dharmarāja in the disguise of a yakṣa and posed him questions that were correctly answered.
1-1-114
यदाश्रौषं मामकानां वरिष्ठा;न्धनंजयेनैकरथेन भग्नान्
विराटराष्ट्रे वसता महात्मना; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that when the great-spirited Arjuna lived in the kingdom of Virāṭa, my best had been destroyed by Arjuna on a single chariot.
1-1-115
यदाश्रौषं सत्कृतां मत्स्यराज्ञा; सुतां दत्तामुत्तरामर्जुनाय
तां चार्जुनः प्रत्यगृह्णात्सुतार्थे; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the king of Mātsya had with great honour bestowed his daughter Uttarā on Arjuna and he had accepted her for his son.
1-1-116
यदाश्रौषं निर्जितस्याधनस्य; प्रव्राजितस्य स्वजनात्प्रच्युतस्य
अक्षौहिणीः सप्त युधिष्ठिरस्य; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Yudhiṣṭhira, defeated, wealth-less, exiled, separated from friends and relatives, had been able to raise seven akṣauhiṇī-s.
1-1-117
यदाश्रौषं नरनारायणौ तौ; कृष्णार्जुनौ वदतो नारदस्य
अहं द्रष्टा ब्रह्मलोके सदेति; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard Nārada declare that Kṛṣṇā and Arjuna were Nara and Nārāyaṇa and that he had truly seen them thus in the world of Brahmā.
1-1-118
यदाश्रौषं माधवं वासुदेवं; सर्वात्मना पाण्डवार्थे निविष्टम्
यस्येमां गां विक्रममेकमाहु;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Kṛṣṇā of the Madhu lineage, who had covered the world with one foot, had been engaged on the side of the Pāṇḍava-s.
1-1-119
यदाश्रौषं कर्णदुर्योधनाभ्यां; बुद्धिं कृतां निग्रहे केशवस्य
तं चात्मानं बहुधा दर्शयानं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Karṇa and Duryodhana had plotted to revile Keśava, but he had shown himself in many forms.
1-1-120
यदाश्रौषं वासुदेवे प्रयाते; रथस्यैकामग्रतस्तिष्ठमानाम्
आर्तां पृथां सान्त्वितां केशवेन; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Pṛthā had been consoled by Keśava, when she had stood in front of his chariot, weeping in sorrow at his departure.
1-1-121
यदाश्रौषं मन्त्रिणं वासुदेवं; तथा भीष्मं शांतनवं च तेषाम्
भारद्वाजं चाशिषोऽनुब्रुवाणं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Vāsudeva had become their advisor and Śāntanu's son Bhīṣma and Bhāradvāja had pronounced blessings on them.
1-1-122
यदाश्रौषं कर्ण उवाच भीष्मं; नाहं योत्स्ये युध्यमाने त्वयीति
हित्वा सेनामपचक्राम चैव; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Karṇa had told Bhīṣma that he wouldn't fight if Bhīṣma fought, and saying this, had gone away.
1-1-123
यदाश्रौषं वासुदेवार्जुनौ तौ; तथा धनुर्गाण्डिवमप्रमेयम्
त्रीण्युग्रवीर्याणि समागतानि; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Vāsudeva, Arjuna and the immeasurable Gāṇḍīva bow had come together, a threesome of fearful energy.
1-1-124
यदाश्रौषं कश्मलेनाभिपन्ने; रथोपस्थे सीदमानेऽर्जुने वै
कृष्णं लोकान्दर्शयानं शरीरे; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna, overcome by lassitude, had sunk down on hischariot, and Kṛṣṇā had shown him all the worlds within his own body.
1-1-125
यदाश्रौषं भीष्मममित्रकर्शनं; निघ्नन्तमाजावयुतं रथानाम्
नैषां कश्चिद्वध्यते दृश्यरूप;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Bhīṣma, the great destroyer of enemies, was killing tens of thousands of charioteers every day, but had not killed a single warrior of note.
1-1-126
यदाश्रौषं भीष्ममत्यन्तशूरं; हतं पार्थेनाहवेष्वप्रधृष्यम्
शिखण्डिनं पुरतः स्थापयित्वा; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna, having placed Śikhaṇḍī in front of him, had vanquished the infinitely courageous Bhīṣma, unconquered in many battles.
1-1-127
यदाश्रौषं शरतल्पे शयानं; वृद्धं वीरं सादितं चित्रपुङ्खैः
भीष्मं कृत्वा सोमकानल्पशेषां;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the old warrior Bhīṣma, after killing the somaka warriors until only a few remained, was lying on a bed of arrows, wounded by an arrow with a multicoloured feathered tip.
1-1-128
यदाश्रौषं शांतनवे शयाने; पानीयार्थे चोदितेनार्जुनेन
भूमिं भित्त्वा तर्पितं तत्र भीष्मं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Śāntanu's son Bhīṣma was lying there and was thirsty and Arjuna pierced the ground to slake his thirst.
1-1-129
यदाश्रौषं शुक्रसूर्यौ च युक्तौ; कौन्तेयानामनुलोमौ जयाय
नित्यं चास्माञ्श्वापदा व्याभषन्त;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Śukra and Sūrya united to bring victory to the sons of Kuntī and fierce beasts of prey were always around us.
1-1-130
यदा द्रोणो विविधानस्त्रमार्गा;न्विदर्शयन्समरे चित्रयोधी
न पाण्डवाञ्श्रेष्ठतमान्निहन्ति; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Droṇa displayed the paths of many weapons in the course of battle, but failed to kill a single one of the chief Pāṇḍava-s.
1-1-131
यदाश्रौषं चास्मदीयान्महारथा;न्व्यवस्थितानर्जुनस्यान्तकाय
संशप्तकान्निहतानर्जुनेन; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the great warriors, the sanshaptakas, who had been placed so as to kill Arjuna, were all killed by him.
1-1-132
यदाश्रौषं व्यूहमभेद्यमन्यै;र्भारद्वाजेनात्तशस्त्रेण गुप्तम्
भित्त्वा सौभद्रं वीरमेकं प्रविष्टं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Subhadrā's brave son had single-handedly penetrated our secret battle formation, impenetrable to others and guarded by the well-armed son of Bhāradvāja himself.
1-1-133
यदाभिमन्युं परिवार्य बालं; सर्वे हत्वा हृष्टरूपा बभूवुः
महारथाः पार्थमशक्नुवन्त;स्तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that all our great warriors, unable to defeat Arjuna, combined to surround and kill the boy Abhimanyu and then rejoiced.
1-1-134
यदाश्रौषमभिमन्युं निहत्य; हर्षान्मूढान्क्रोशतो धार्तराष्ट्रान्
क्रोधं मुक्तं सैन्धवे चार्जुनेन; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the mindless warriors of Dhṛtarāṣṭra cheered with delight at killing Abhimanyu and the furious Arjuna took his vow about the king of Sindhu.
1-1-135
यदाश्रौषं सैन्धवार्थे प्रतिज्ञां; प्रतिज्ञातां तद्वधायार्जुनेन
सत्यां निस्तीर्णां शत्रुमध्ये च तेन; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna had taken a vow to kill the king of Sindhu and kept his vow in the midst of all his enemies.
1-1-136
यदाश्रौषं श्रान्तहये धनंजये; मुक्त्वा हयान्पाययित्वोपवृत्तान्
पुनर्युक्त्वा वासुदेवं प्रयातं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that on finding the horses of Dhanañjayā exhausted, Vāsudeva unyoked them in the field of battle, gave them water to drink and then re-yoking them, drove on.
1-1-137
यदाश्रौषं वाहनेष्वाश्वसत्सु; रथोपस्थे तिष्ठता गाण्डिवेन
सर्वान्योधान्वारितानर्जुनेन; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Arjuna, on his chariot, fended off all warriors with his Gāṇḍīva bow, when the horses that drew his chariot were indisposed.
1-1-138
यदाश्रौषं नागबलैर्दुरुत्सहं; द्रोणानीकं युयुधानं प्रमथ्य
यातं वार्ष्णेयं यत्र तौ कृष्णपार्थौ; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Yuyudhāna of the Vṛṣṇi race threw Droṇa's army into disorder with the strength of his unassailable elephant and returned to where Kṛṣṇā and Pārtha were.
1-1-139
यदाश्रौषं कर्णमासाद्य मुक्तं; वधाद्भीमं कुत्सयित्वा वचोभिः
धनुष्कोट्या तुद्य कर्णेन वीरं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Karṇa, with Bhīmā in his power, spared his life with some abusive words and dragged the warrior with the tip of his bow.
1-1-140
यदा द्रोणः कृतवर्मा कृपश्च; कर्णो द्रौणिर्मद्रराजश्च शूरः
अमर्षयन्सैन्धवं वध्यमानं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Droṇa, Kritavarma, Kṛpācārya, Karṇa, Droṇa's son and the brave king of Madra allowed the king of Sindhu to be killed in their presence.
1-1-141
यदाश्रौषं देवराजेन दत्तां; दिव्यां शक्तिं व्यंसितां माधवेन
घटोत्कचे राक्षसे घोररूपे; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the celestial spear, given by the king of the gods, was diverted by Mādhava, to the demon Ghaṭotkaca, of terrible form.
1-1-142
यदाश्रौषं कर्णघटोत्कचाभ्यां; युद्धे मुक्तां सूतपुत्रेण शक्तिम्
यया वध्यः समरे सव्यसाची; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that in the fight between Karṇa and Ghaṭotkaca, the spear that would have killed Savyasachi in battle, was unleashed by the son of the charioteer.
1-1-143
यदाश्रौषं द्रोणमाचार्यमेकं; धृष्टद्युम्नेनाभ्यतिक्रम्य धर्मम्
रथोपस्थे प्रायगतं विशस्तं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Dhṛṣṭadyumna, violating all norms of what was right, killed Droṇa, while he was alone on his chariot, insensate and bent on dying.
1-1-144
यदाश्रौषं द्रौणिना द्वैरथस्थं; माद्रीपुत्रं नकुलं लोकमध्ये
समं युद्धे पाण्डवं युध्यमानं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Nākula, the son of Mādrī, engaged the son of Droṇa in a chariot duel before all the people and proved himself to be equal in war.
1-1-145
यदा द्रोणे निहते द्रोणपुत्रो; नारायणं दिव्यमस्त्रं विकुर्वन्
नैषामन्तं गतवान्पाण्डवानां; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that after Droṇa's death, Droṇa's son misused the celestial weapon Nārāyaṇa, but failed to kill the Pāṇḍava-s.
1-1-146
यदाश्रौषं कर्णमत्यन्तशूरं; हतं पार्थेनाहवेष्वप्रधृष्यम्
तस्मिन्भ्रातॄणां विग्रहे देवगुह्ये; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the exceedingly brave Karṇa, unconquerable in war, was killed by Arjuna in a fraternal war that was beyond comprehension even to the gods.
1-1-147
यदाश्रौषं द्रोणपुत्रं कृपं च; दुःशासनं कृतवर्माणमुग्रम्
युधिष्ठिरं शून्यमधर्षयन्तं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the son of Droṇa, the brave warrior Duḥśāsana and the fearsome Kritavarma failed to defeat Dharmarāja Yudhiṣṭhira
1-1-148
यदाश्रौषं निहतं मद्रराजं; रणे शूरं धर्मराजेन सूत
सदा संग्रामे स्पर्धते यः स कृष्णं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! O Bard! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Yudhiṣṭhira killed the king of Madra, who always taunted Kṛṣṇā in battle.
1-1-149
यदाश्रौषं कलहद्यूतमूलं; मायाबलं सौबलं पाण्डवेन
हतं संग्रामे सहदेवेन पापं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that evil Saubala, the cause of the game of dice and the quarrel, though armed by magic, was killed in battle by the Pāṇḍava Sahadeva
1-1-150
यदाश्रौषं श्रान्तमेकं शयानं; ह्रदं गत्वा स्तम्भयित्वा तदम्भः
दुर्योधनं विरथं भग्नदर्पं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that Duryodhana, weakened in strength, without a chariot, fatigued, and with his pride broken, went to a pond and lay down in its waters.
1-1-151
यदाश्रौषं पाण्डवांस्तिष्ठमाना;न्गङ्गाह्रदे वासुदेवेन सार्धम्
अमर्षणं धर्षयतः सुतं मे; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the Pāṇḍava-s, accompanied by Vāsudeva, stood at that pond of the Gāṅga and addressed my quarrelsome son with contempt.
1-1-152
यदाश्रौषं विविधांस्तात मार्गा;न्गदायुद्धे मण्डलं संचरन्तम्
मिथ्या हतं वासुदेवस्य बुद्ध्या; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya I had no hope of victory when I heard that, in the battle of the clubs, despite displaying various marvellous circuits, he was unjustly killed through the advice of Vāsudeva.
1-1-153
यदाश्रौषं द्रोणपुत्रादिभिस्तै;र्हतान्पाञ्चालान्द्रौपदेयांश्च सुप्तान्
कृतं बीभत्समयशस्यं च कर्म; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the son of Droṇa and others committed a horrible and infamous act by killing the Pāñcāla-s and the sons of Draupadī while they slept.
1-1-154
यदाश्रौषं भीमसेनानुयातेन; अश्वत्थाम्ना परमास्त्रं प्रयुक्तम्
क्रुद्धेनैषीकमवधीद्येन गर्भं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that, pursued by Bhīmasena and angered, Aśvatthāma discharged the greatest of weapons named aiṣīka, which killed the unborn in the womb.
1-1-155
यदाश्रौषं ब्रह्मशिरोऽर्जुनेन; मुक्तं स्वस्तीत्यस्त्रमस्त्रेण शान्तम्
अश्वत्थाम्ना मणिरत्नं च दत्तं; तदा नाशंसे विजयाय संजय
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the weapon brahmashira, was discharged by Aśvatthāma and repelled with another weapon by Arjuna, which he then pacified, but Aśvatthāma had to surrender the jewel on his head.
1-1-156
यदाश्रौषं द्रोणपुत्रेण गर्भे; वैराट्या वै पात्यमाने महास्त्रे
द्वैपायनः केशवो द्रोणपुत्रं; परस्परेणाभिशापैः शशाप
O Sañjaya! I had no hope of victory when I heard that the son of Droṇa killed the unborn in the womb of the daughter of Virāṭa through a great weapon, and that the son of Droṇa was cursed jointly by Dvaipāyana and Keśava.
1-1-157
शोच्या गान्धारी पुत्रपौत्रैर्विहीना; तथा वध्वः पितृभिर्भ्रातृभिश्च
कृतं कार्यं दुष्करं पाण्डवेयैः; प्राप्तं राज्यमसपत्नं पुनस्तैः
Āla-s! Woe to Gāndhārī who has lost her sons, grandsons, friends, fathers, brothers and relatives. The Pāṇḍava-s have accomplished a difficult feat. They have again gained a kingdom without a rival.
1-1-158
कष्टं युद्धे दश शेषाः श्रुता मे; त्रयोऽस्माकं पाण्डवानां च सप्त
द्व्यूना विंशतिराहताक्षौहिणीनां; तस्मिन्संग्रामे विग्रहे क्षत्रियाणाम्
Āla-s! I have heard that only ten people have survived this difficult war, three on our side and seven on the side of the Pāṇḍava-s. In that fearful war of Kṣatriya-s, eighteen armies have been slain.
1-1-159
तमसा त्वभ्यवस्तीर्णो मोह आविशतीव माम्
संज्ञां नोपलभे सूत मनो विह्वलतीव मे
I see extended and extreme darkness all around me. Delusion overcomes me. O Sūta! Consciousness is leaving me, my mind is delirious.
1-1-160
इत्युक्त्वा धृतराष्ट्रोऽथ विलप्य बहुदुःखितः
मूर्च्छितः पुनराश्वस्तः संजयं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
Sauti said, Having uttered these words in greatest sorrow and lamented his fate, Dhṛtarāṣṭra became unconscious. On recovering, he addressed Sañjaya in these words.
1-1-161
संजयैवंगते प्राणांस्त्यक्तुमिच्छामि माचिरम्
स्तोकं ह्यपि न पश्यामि फलं जीवितधारणे
Dhṛtarāṣṭra said, "O Sañjaya! Since this has happened, I wish to give up my life immediately. I see not consolation nor profit in being alive any longer."
1-1-162
तं तथावादिनं दीनं विलपन्तं महीपतिम्
गावल्गणिरिदं धीमान्महार्थं वाक्यमब्रवीत्
Sauti said, 'Then the wise son of Gavalgana addressed these words full of meaning to that wretched and lamenting king of the earth.
1-1-163
श्रुतवानसि वै राज्ञो महोत्साहान्महाबलान्
द्वैपायनस्य वदतो नारदस्य च धीमतः
Sañjaya said, "From wise Nārada and Dvaipāyana you have heard of many kings, those who had great enterprise and great strength.
1-1-164
महत्सु राजवंशेषु गुणैः समुदितेषु च
जातान्दिव्यास्त्रविदुषः शक्रप्रतिमतेजसः
They were born in great royal dynasties and possessed great virtues. They knew the use of celestial weapons and were equal to Śākra in energy.
1-1-165
धर्मेण पृथिवीं जित्वा यज्ञैरिष्ट्वाप्तदक्षिणैः
अस्मिँल्लोके यशः प्राप्य ततः कालवशं गताः
Having conquered the earth with righteous conduct and performed sacrifices with appropriate offerings, they obtained fame in this world and then succumbed to the forces.
1-1-166
वैन्यं महारथं वीरं सृञ्जयं जयतां वरम्
सुहोत्रं रन्तिदेवं च कक्षीवन्तं तथौशिजम्
Such men were the great warrior Vaiṇya, the brave Sṛñjaya who won through blessings, Suhotra, Rantideva, Kakshivanta, Auṣija, and...
1-1-167
बाह्लीकं दमनं शैब्यं शर्यातिमजितं जितम्
विश्वामित्रममित्रघ्नमम्बरीषं महाबलम्
Bālhika, Damana, Śaivya, Śaryāti, Ajita, Jita, Viśvāmitrā, the slayer of enemies and Ambarīṣa, of great strength, and ...
1-1-168
मरुत्तं मनुमिक्ष्वाकुं गयं भरतमेव च
रामं दाशरथिं चैव शशबिन्दुं भगीरथम्
Marutta, Manu, Ikṣvāku, Gayā, Bhārata, Rāma, the son of Dāśaratha, Śaśabindu, Bhagīratha and...
1-1-169
ययातिं शुभकर्माणं देवैर्यो याजितः स्वयम्
चैत्ययूपाङ्किता भूमिर्यस्येयं सवनाकरा
Yayāti of good deeds, to whom the gods themselves sacrificed and who has left the habitable and inhabitable regions of the earth adorned with sacrificial sheds and stakes.
1-1-170
इति राज्ञां चतुर्विंशन्नारदेन सुरर्षिणा
पुत्रशोकाभितप्ताय पुरा शैब्याय कीर्तिताः
In ancient times, when Śaivya was afflicted with the loss of his son, these were the twenty-four kings whose acts were cited by the royal sage Nārada.
1-1-171
तेभ्यश्चान्ये गताः पूर्वं राजानो बलवत्तराः
महारथा महात्मानः सर्वैः समुदिता गुणैः
But there were other kings who came and went before, with more power, great warriors, great soul and blessed with all the good qualities.
1-1-172
पूरुः कुरुर्यदुः शूरो विष्वगश्वो महाधृतिः
अनेना युवनाश्वश्च ककुत्स्थो विक्रमी रघुः
They were Pūru, Kuru, Yadu, Śūra, Viṣvagaśva of great endurance, Anena, Yuvanāśva, Kākutstha, the brave Raghu, and...
1-1-173
विजिती वीतिहोत्रश्च भवः श्वेतो बृहद्गुरुः
उशीनरः शतरथः कङ्को दुलिदुहो द्रुमः
the invincible Vītihotra, Bhāva, Śvetā, Bṛhadguru, Uṣīnara, Śataratha, Kaṅka, Duliduha, Druma, and ...
1-1-174
दम्भोद्भवः परो वेनः सगरः संकृतिर्निमिः
अजेयः परशुः पुण्ड्रः शंभुर्देवावृधोऽनघः
TDambhodbhava, Pārā, Veṇā, Sāgara, Sāṅkṛti, Nimi, Ajeya, Pārāshu, Puṇḍra, Śambhu, the pure Devāvṛdha, and...
1-1-175
देवाह्वयः सुप्रतिमः सुप्रतीको बृहद्रथः
महोत्साहो विनीतात्मा सुक्रतुर्नैषधो नलः
Devahavya, Supratima, Supratīka, Bṛhadratha, Mahotsaha, Vinitatma, Nālā of the niṣāda-s, and...
1-1-176
सत्यव्रतः शान्तभयः सुमित्रः सुबलः प्रभुः
जानुजङ्घोऽनरण्योऽर्कः प्रियभृत्यः शुभव्रतः
Satyavrata, Śāntabhaya, Sumitrā, the lord Subala, Jānujaṅgha, Anaraṇya, Arka, Priyabhṛtya, Śubhavrata, and...
1-1-177
बलबन्धुर्निरामर्दः केतुशृङ्गो बृहद्बलः
धृष्टकेतुर्बृहत्केतुर्दीप्तकेतुर्निरामयः
Balabandu, Nirāmarda, Ketuśṛṅga, Bṛhadbala, Dhṛṣṭaketu, Bṛhatketu, Dīptaketu, Nirāmaya,
1-1-178
अविक्षित्प्रबलो धूर्तः कृतबन्धुर्दृढेषुधिः
महापुराणः संभाव्यः प्रत्यङ्गः परहा श्रुतिः
Āvikṣita, Prabalā, Dhūrta, Kṛtabandhu, Dṛḍheṣudhi, Mahāpurāṇa, Sambhāvya, Pratyaṅga, Parahan and Śruti.
1-1-179
एते चान्ये च बहवः शतशोऽथ सहस्रशः
श्रूयन्तेऽयुतशश्चान्ये संख्याताश्चापि पद्मशः
These kings and hundreds of others, as many as lotuses, have been heard of.
1-1-180
हित्वा सुविपुलान्भोगान्बुद्धिमन्तो महाबलाः
राजानो निधनं प्राप्तास्तव पुत्रैर्महत्तमाः
Giving up immense wealth and pleasure, these great, powerful and wise kings attained death, as did your sons.
1-1-181
येषां दिव्यानि कर्माणि विक्रमस्त्याग एव च
माहात्म्यमपि चास्तिक्यं सत्यता शौचमार्जवम्
Even those, performers of celestial deeds, great souls who had valour, generosity, truth, purity, pity, magnanimity, faith and simplicity and...
1-1-182
विद्वद्भिः कथ्यते लोके पुराणैः कविसत्तमैः
सर्वर्द्धिगुणसंपन्नास्ते चापि निधनं गताः
whose abundance of good qualities and riches have been described for the world in the Pūraṇa-s by superior poets of great learning, they too went to their death.
1-1-183
तव पुत्रा दुरात्मानः प्रतप्ताश्चैव मन्युना
लुब्धा दुर्वृत्तभूयिष्ठा न ताञ्शोचितुमर्हसि
Your sons were wicked, envious, greedy, driven by passion and evil. Do not mourn for them.
1-1-184
श्रुतवानसि मेधावी बुद्धिमान्प्राज्ञसंमतः
येषां शास्त्रानुगा बुद्धिर्न ते मुह्यन्ति भारत
O Dhṛtarāṣṭra! You are knowledgeable in the śāstra-s and characterized by intelligence and wisdom. Those whose understanding follows the norms of the śāstra-s do not succumb to delusion.
1-1-185
निग्रहानुग्रहौ चापि विदितौ ते नराधिप
नात्यन्तमेवानुवृत्तिः श्रूयते पुत्ररक्षणे
O king of men! You know the good fortune and misfortune of fate. You know the extreme sentiments you succumbed to in protecting your sons.
1-1-186
भवितव्यं तथा तच्च नातः शोचितुमर्हसि
दैवं प्रज्ञाविशेषेण को निवर्तितुमर्हति
You should not sorrow for that which was bound to happen. Those who are wise do not feel sorry over fate. Even with the greatest wisdom, that which is ordained will happen.
1-1-187
विधातृविहितं मार्गं न कश्चिदतिवर्तते
कालमूलमिदं सर्वं भावाभावौ सुखासुखे
No one can transgress the path that has been laid down. Time brings existence and non-existence, pleasure and pain.
1-1-188
कालः पचति भूतानि कालः संहरति प्रजाः
निर्दहन्तं प्रजाः कालं कालः शमयते पुनः
Time creates all elements and time destroys all beings. Time burns all subjects and it is time that extinguishes the fire.
1-1-189
कालो विकुरुते भावान्सर्वाँल्लोके शुभाशुभान्
कालः संक्षिपते सर्वाः प्रजा विसृजते पुनः
कालः सर्वेषु भूतेषु चरत्यविधृतः समः
Time alone is awake when everything is asleep. Time cannot be conquered. Time walks in all elements, pervasive and impartial.
1-1-190
अतीतानागता भावा ये च वर्तन्ति सांप्रतम्
तान्कालनिर्मितान्बुद्ध्वा न संज्ञां हातुमर्हसि
Knowing that everything, past, present and future, is created by time, it is not appropriate that you should be consumed by grief.
1-1-191
सूत उवाच
अत्रोपनिषदं पुण्यां कृष्णद्वैपायनोऽब्रवीत्
भारताध्ययनात्पुण्यादपि पादमधीयतः
श्रद्दधानस्य पूयन्ते सर्वपापान्यशेषतः
Sauti said: Kṛṣṇā Dvaipāyana has composed a holy Upaniṣad. The study of Bhārata is such a holy act that even if one reads only one line of a śloka, all the reader's sins are destroyed.
1-1-192
देवर्षयो ह्यत्र पुण्या ब्रह्मराजर्षयस्तथा
कीर्त्यन्ते शुभकर्माणस्तथा यक्षमहोरगाः
Here are lauded the performers of pure deeds, the gods, the devarṣi-s, the immaculate brahmarṣi-s, the yakṣa-s and the great nāga-s.
1-1-193
भगवान्वासुदेवश्च कीर्त्यतेऽत्र सनातनः
स हि सत्यमृतं चैव पवित्रं पुण्यमेव च
The eternal Lord Vāsudeva has been lauded here. It is he who is truth, immortality, purity and holy.
1-1-194
शाश्वतं ब्रह्म परमं ध्रुवं ज्योतिः सनातनम्
यस्य दिव्यानि कर्माणि कथयन्ति मनीषिणः
In it is described the eternal supreme brāhman, who is the constant everlasting light and whose divine action is described by the learned.
1-1-195
असत्सत्सदसच्चैव यस्माद्देवात्प्रवर्तते
संततिश्च प्रवृत्तिश्च जन्म मृत्युः पुनर्भवः
He is the source of the existing and the non-existing, the principle of extension and withdrawal.
1-1-196
अध्यात्मं श्रूयते यच्च पञ्चभूतगुणात्मकम्
अव्यक्तादि परं यच्च स एव परिगीयते
In it has been described the supreme spirit who assumes the attributes of the five elements and three qualities and to whom words like un-manifest cannot be applied.
1-1-197
यत्तद्यतिवरा युक्ता ध्यानयोगबलान्विताः
प्रतिबिम्बमिवादर्शे पश्यन्त्यात्मन्यवस्थितम्
And also those who are free, through the powers of meditation and yoga, perceive established in themselves like reflections in a mirror.
1-1-198
श्रद्दधानः सदोद्युक्तः सत्यधर्मपरायणः
आसेवन्निममध्यायं नरः पापात्प्रमुच्यते
He who is always faithful and always follows the path of righteousness, such a man is freed from all sin on reading this chapter.
1-1-199
अनुक्रमणिमध्यायं भारतस्येममादितः
आस्तिकः सततं शृण्वन्न कृच्छ्रेष्ववसीदति
The believer who always hears this introductory chapter of Bhārata from the beginning never suffers from difficulties.
1-1-200
उभे संध्ये जपन्किंचित्सद्यो मुच्येत किल्बिषात्
अनुक्रमण्या यावत्स्यादह्ना रात्र्या च संचितम्
He who repeatedly utters any part of the introductory chapter in the morning or evening is freed from all sins accumulated during the day or night.
1-1-201
भारतस्य वपुर्ह्येतत्सत्यं चामृतमेव च
नवनीतं यथा दध्नो द्विपदां ब्राह्मणो यथा
In the body of Bhārata, this chapter is like truth and ambrosia—like butter among curds and Brāhmana-s among bipeds,
1-1-202
ह्रदानामुदधिः श्रेष्ठो गौर्वरिष्ठा चतुष्पदाम्
यथैतानि वरिष्ठानि तथा भारतमुच्यते
like the ocean is the best of the lakes and the cow is the best of the quadrupeds. Just as these are the best, so it is said is Bhārata.
1-1-203
यश्चैनं श्रावयेच्छ्राद्धे ब्राह्मणान्पादमन्ततः
अक्षय्यमन्नपानं तत्पितॄंस्तस्योपतिष्ठति
He who makes a Brāhmaṇa listen to one verse of a śloka at a funeral ceremony, his offerings of food and drink to his ancestors become inexhaustible.
1-1-204
इतिहासपुराणाभ्यां वेदं समुपबृंहयेत्
बिभेत्यल्पश्रुताद्वेदो मामयं प्रतरिष्यति
The Veda-s should be supported with itihāsa and the Pūraṇa-s. But the Veda-s are afraid of those with little learning, lest that knowledge be hurt.
1-1-205
कार्ष्णं वेदमिमं विद्वाञ्श्रावयित्वार्थमश्नुते
भ्रूणहत्याकृतं चापि पापं जह्यान्न संशयः
However, if a learned man recites this Veda of Kṛṣṇā's, he will gain. Without a doubt, the sin of killing an embryo is also destroyed.
1-1-206
य इमं शुचिरध्यायं पठेत्पर्वणि पर्वणि
अधीतं भारतं तेन कृत्स्नं स्यादिति मे मतिः
I think that a pure man who has read this chapter reverently at every change of the moon has read the entire Bhārata.
1-1-207
यश्चेमं शृणुयान्नित्यमार्षं श्रद्धासमन्वितः
स दीर्घमायुः कीर्तिं च स्वर्गतिं चाप्नुयान्नरः
The man who reverently listens every day to these sacred verses, it is said he attains a long life, fame and goes to heaven.
1-1-208
चत्वार एकतो वेदा भारतं चैकमेकतः
समागतैः सुरर्षिभिस्तुलामारोपितं पुरा
महत्त्वे च गुरुत्वे च ध्रियमाणं ततोऽधिकम्
In ancient times, the gods and the sages came together and on one side of a scale, they placed the four Veda-s, with Bhārata on the other side. In greatness and in weight, Bhārata was heavier.
1-1-209
महत्त्वाद्भारवत्त्वाच्च महाभारतमुच्यते
निरुक्तमस्य यो वेद सर्वपापैः प्रमुच्यते
Because of its superiority in substance and content, it came to be known as Mahābhārata and he who knows this true meaning is freed from all sins.
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तपो न कल्कोऽध्ययनं न कल्कः; स्वाभाविको वेदविधिर्न कल्कः
प्रसह्य वित्ताहरणं न कल्क;स्तान्येव भावोपहतानि कल्कः
Asceticism is not a sin, studying is not a sin, the natural rules of the Veda-s are not sins and exertion to acquire wealth is not a sin. These become sins when they are abused.