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Mahabharata
Nivatakavacha Yuddha Parva
Return of Arjuna. The colloquy between Arjuna and Yudhishthira. The speech by Arjuna. The commencement of the fight with the Nivatakavachas. The destruction of the Nivatakavachas. The illusory war. The destruction of the Daityas of Hiranyapur. The exhibition of weapons.
Vaishampayana said:
Once upon a time, when those mighty car-warriors were thinking of Arjuna they were delighted at beholding the car of Mahendra, yoked with horses and bright as lightning approaching all on a sudden.
That flaming car, driven by Matali, suddenly illuminating the firmament, appeared like a mighty meteor hidden in clouds or like the smokeless and blazing tongues of fire.
Placed in that car, appeared Kirita wearing garlands and fresh ornaments. (Then) Dhananjaya, powerful as the wielder of the thunderbolt and blazing of beauty, alighted on (that) mountain.
Arriving at the mountain and descending from the car of Mahendra, that intelligent, one wearing a coronet and garlands, saluted the feet of Dhaumya first and then those of Ajatshatru Yudhishthira.
He (Arjuna) also bowed down to the feet of Vrikodara and was himself saluted by the (twin) sons of Madri. (And then) going to Krishna and consoling her, he stood before his brother (Yudhishthira) with humility.
Those present (there) were highly delighted at being joined with that peerless man (Arjuna). (And) beholding them he (Arjuna) too, who wore a coronet and garlands, was delighted and began to eulogise the king.
Beholding that car of Indra, placed in which the slayer of Namuchi had destroyed seven battalions of Diti's sons, those Parthas with rich spirits, went round it.
Those descendants of the king Kuru, being exceedingly delighted, paid excellent adoration to Matali, worthy of the lord of the celestials himself; and then duly inquired of him about the welfare of all the gods,
Matali too then greeted them and having instructed the Parthas as a father does his (own) sons, (he) returned to the lord of heaven, ascending that car of unrivalled splendour.
He (Matali) having departed, that foremost of the royal race-the slayer of all the foes-the noble-minded son of Sakra, made over to his sweet-heart-the mother of Sutashoma-those beautiful and precious gems and ornaments of sun-like splendour presented by Sakra. Then sitting amidst those best of the Kurus and those Brahmanas having the lustre of the sun or fire, he (Arjuna), narrated (to them) faithfully all that happened (to him in heaven). "In this way, I have learnt the (science of) arms from Sakra, Vayu and Shiva himself;
And have pleased all the gods together with Indra by humility and concentration." Having in short related to them to his stay in heaven, Kirita of pure deeds slept pleasantly that night with the sons of Madri."
Vaishampayana said:
Then when the night came to a close Dhananjaya, with all his brothers, saluted Dharmaraja Yudhishthira.
At this time there arose in the firmament tremendous and dreadful sounds of all the musical instruments of the gods;
Such and O Bharata, as the rattling sounds of the car-wheels and the ringing of bells. (In consequence of which) all the beasts of prey, the deer and the birds gave forth their own peculiar cries.
Ascending cars of sun-like splendour, multitudes of Gandharvas and Apsaras followed from all directions the king of the gods, the tormentor of foes.
Then Purandara, the king of the gods, blazing in transcendental beauty and ascending a car, yoked with horses, varnished with gold and roaring like clouds, set out (to meet) the Parthas. Arriving (there) he of hundred eyes got down from the car.
No sooner had Dharmaraja Yudhishthira beheld that high-souled one, than he approached the prosperous lord of the gods together with his brothers.
And that generous one (Yudhishthira) duly worshipped (Indra) of immeasurable soul as befitting his dignity having strict regard to proper form.
(And) the energetic Dhananjaya having saluted Purandara, stood before the king of the gods, like a servant with humility.
Yudhishthira, the highly energetic son of Kunti seeing, that sinless and devotional Dhananjaya, bearing clotted hair, stand before the king of the gods in humility and smelling (his head), was lost in great joy, at the sight of Falguni and was exceedingly glad at worshipping the lord of the celestials. Then the intelligent king of the gods, Purandara addressed the noble-minded and exceedingly joyful king (Yudhishthira) thus, saying, "O king, O Pandava, you shall govern the earth. Let prosperity attend three, O son of Kunti, Do you return to Kamyaka.
O king, Pandava Dhananjaya has obtained all the weapons from me and has also performed deeds pleasing to me; (therefore) no one in the three worlds is capable of subduing him."
Addressing Yudhishthira, the son of Kunti, thus and being worshipped by the Maharshis, the hundred eyed (Indra) left for heaven with delight.
That learned being, who, for a year observing Brahmacharya and checking his passions and observing vows, peruses with close attention the meeting of the Pandava, residing in the abode of the lord of wealth with Sakra, lives a hundred years free from all disturbances and in great bliss.
Vaishampayana said:
Sakra having left for his own abode. Vivatsu together with (his) brothers and Krishna paid homage to the son of Dharma.
Having smelt the head of the Pandava Arjuna who was bowing down to him, (the son of Dharma), highly glad, addressed (him) in words, broken on account of joy, thus
"O Arjuna, how have you spent this period in heaven? And how have you obtained the weapons and pleased the king of the gods?
O Pandava, have you thoroughly secured the weapons? Have the king of the gods and Rudra cheerfully given you the weapons?
How did you see the divine Sakra and the wielder of the Pinaka (Shiva) and how did you obtain the weapons and how did you worship (them),
And what good service you rendered to that tormentor of foes the worshipful performer of hundred sacrifices that he said "I have been pleased with you,"
All this, O you of brilliant lustre, I am desirous of hearing in detail. O pure one, how Mahadeva and the king of the gods were pleased (with you).
What good (service) you rendered to the wielder of the thunderbolt-the tormentor of foes, O Dhananjaya, relate to me (all) this fully"
Arjuna replied:
Listen, O great king, in what manner I beheld the divine performer of hundred sacrifices and worshipful Shankara.
O destroyer of foes, having studied that (branch of) learning as directed by you, I repaired to the forest at your command for practicing asceticism.
Having repaired from Kamyaktua Brigutunga and having spent there one night in practicing asceticism I met a Brahmana on the way.
He asked me ‘O son of Kunti, tell me where you will go’ O son of Kuru, thereupon, I related to him everything faithfully.
O best of kings, hearing me narrate faithfully (everything) that Brahmana became well disposed towards me and, O king, greeted me.
And being pleased, he said to me "practice asceticism. By asceticism you will soon behold the lord of the gods."
Then, following his instructions I ascended the mountain Saisira (Himalayas) and began to practice asceticism, living on fruits and roots in the (first) month.
(And), O son of Pandu, I spent the second month living on water only and in the third I ate nothing at all.
In the fourth month I remained with upraised arms; and it is a wonder that my strength did not diminish.
And when the first day of the fifth month had passed away, there appeared before me a being having the appearance of a boar,
Ploughing the earth with his mouth, striking (it) will his feet, rubbing the ground with his belly and roving constantly to and fro in a frightful manner.
He was followed by another great being, in the shape of a hunter, armed with bow, arrows and sword and accompanied by females.
Then, taking up my bow and two inexhaustible quivers, I pierced that creature, causing the hair stand on the end, with an arrow.
The hunter too, drawing his strong bow simultaneously (with me), wounded him more efficiently, as if making my mind tremble.
And he said to me, O King, "why have you, disregarding the rules of hunting aimed at the animal first struck by me?
Stay (awhile), I will destroy your pride with these sharpened arrows." Then that huge-bodied being taking up his bow rushed against me.
He then enveloped me entirely with mighty arrows (just) as a mountain (is covered with a mighty shower). I too, surrounded him with a mighty shower of shafts.
Then I pierced him with steady arrows of blazing points and inspired with mantras (just) as a mountain is pierced by a thunderbolt.
Thereupon his body became multiplied a hundred and a thousand times. (But) I pierced all his bodies with arrows.
Again, O Bharata, O great king, seeing that all his bodies became merged into one, I struck at it a second time.
He now assumed a diminutive body with large head and then a large body with a small head. And again assuming his former shape, he came before me to fight.
When, O most exalted of the Bharatas, I could not crush him with arrows in the combat, I aimed (at him) the mighty weapon presided over by the wind god.
(But) it was a wonder (to me) that I could not hurt him (even with that). And when that weapon produced no effect I was lost in great wonder.
Again O king, with a vigorous effort I covered him, in that encounter, with numerous mighty weapons.
I then discharged at him Sthunakarna, Varuna, Saravarsa, Ulvana, Salava and Asmavarsa weapons.
But, O king, he instantly devoured all those weapons discharged by me. And when all those had been swallowed up, I aimed (at him) the weapon presided over by Brahma.
He was then completely covered with flaming arrows (issuing from that weapon) and when thus covered with that mighty weapon his body began to expand.
Then on account of the energy of that weapon discharged by me, all the world became oppressed and all the points and the firmament became suddenly illuminated.
(But) that highly-energetic being instantly baffled even that weapon. And, O king, that weapon presided over by Brahma being destroyed, I was seized with a terrible fear.
Thereupon instantly taking up my bow and the inexhaustible quivers, I aimed at him, (but) that being devoured those weapons also.
All the weapons being (thus) baffled and devoured, that being and myself became engaged in a wrestling.
At first we dealt blows and then gave slaps; but unable to crush him, I (at last) fell down on the ground deprived of sensation.
Then, O great king, that being, giving forth a laugh, vanished with the women even at that very spot. And this struck me with wonder.
That divine being, having done this O great king, appeared in another divine form, wearing a wonderful garment.
(Then) that divine lord of the gods, Maheshvara, giving up the from of hunter, stood there resuming his own celestials appearance.
(Then) that very divine being, the wielder of the Pinaka, capable of assuming many shapes, having the bull for his emblem and bearing serpents, appeared before me with Uma.
He with the trident in his hand, coming up to me and seeing me ready for fight, O tormentor of foes, said "I am pleased (with you)."
Then, holding (my) bow and the two arrow-case furnished with inexhaustible shafts, that divine one returned them to me saying "crave some boon.
O son of Kunti, I am pleased (with you). Say what I shall do for you. Tell me, O hero, what is your wish. I will fulfill it.
Tell me what it is that you cherish in your mind if it be not immortality." Thereupon with joined hands and with my mind bent on obtaining weapons,
And adoring him inwardly, I said these words "O god, if you are pleased with me, I crave this boon, (viz.).
I am to have a knowledge of all the weapons presided over by the gods." Then the god, Traymbaka, said to me" I will give (them).
O Pandava, my own weapon, Rudra, shall ever be present to you." (And) being satisfied (with me) he granted that mighty weapon, Pashupatha.
Having bestowed upon me that eternal weapon, Mahadeva said "this (weapon) shall by no means be discharged against men.
If hurled at a being of small energy it will burn up the universe. This powerful weapon can be discharged only when you will be hard pressed.
This celestials weapon, as baffling all the weapons, can at all times be discharged in order to ward off other weapons.
The god Vrishadhvaja (one having the bull for his emblem) being thus pleased, there remained manifest by my side that (weapon) capable of annihilating enemies and destroying the hostile forces,
Unrivalled and difficult to be endured by the gods, the Danavas and the Rakshasas. Commanded by him, I then sat down there,
(And) in my very sight he disappeared at that very spot.
Arjuna said:
Then, O Bharata, by the favour of that high-souled god of gods-Tryambaka-I pleasantly passed that night there.
Having performed my morning devotions when the night drew to a close, I beheld that best of the Brahmanas whom I had previously seen.
I related to him faithfully all that occurred, namely, O Bharata, my interview with the divine Mahadev.
O king of kings, that best of the Brahmanas said to me pleased "none else can see Mahadeva as you have seen.
O sinless being, you will behold the lord of the celestials, together with Vaivasvata and all the Lokapalas, who (the lord of the celestials) will grant you weapons."
O king, saying this and embracing me again and again, that sun-like Brahmana went away whither he liked.
Then, O destroyer of foes, in the afternoon of that day, it pure breeze began to blow, as if making this world anew.
(And) at the foot of the mountain Himalayas, fragrant, fresh and fair flowers began to blossom near and around me.
(And) there was heard from all sides, celestials and sweet symphony together with charming eulogy to Indra.
Multitudes of Gandharvas and Apsaras chanted various songs before the god of gods.
And the whole body of the Marutas, the followers of Mahendra and all the inhabitants of the heavenly regions appeared there on celestials cars.
Then Marutvana, accompanied by Sachi and all the immortals, appeared there in ornamental cars drawn by horses.
And, at the very moment, O king, Kubera, of transcendental beauty who is carried on the shoulders of men, came to my presence.
(And) I beheld Yama seated towards the southern point and the king of the gods and Varuna in their respective places.
Having cheered me up, O great king, O best of mortals, they said to me, "O Savyasachi, behold us the Lokapalas seated (here).
You have beheld Mahadeva in order to perform the task in behalf of the celestials. Now, receive the weapons from us seated around.
Thereupon, O lord bowing down to those best of the celestials and with a pure heart I duly accepted those powerful weapons.
O Bharata, having accepted the weapons I was recognized by the gods (as one of them). And then, O tormentor of foes, all the gods returned to their respective places.
And the lord king of the gods-Maghavana too, having ascended his splendid car, said "O Falguni, you will have to visit the celestials regions.
O Dhananjaya, even before my arrival here I had known you (would come). After this, O best of the Bharatas, I will reveal myself to you (in heaven).
O Pandava, as you formerly performed ablutions in various Tirthas (i.e. sacred places resorted to by pilgrims) and were absorbed in rigid asceticism, you will be able to go to heaven.
O destroyer of foes, you will have to practise severe austerities again, for O Pandava, you will surely have to stay in heaven (now in this mortal frame).
At my command Matali will take you to heaven, You are already known to the celestials and the high-souled sages."
Thereupon I said to Sakra, "be favourably disposed towards me. In order to learn (the science of) weapons, O lord of heaven, I make you my preceptor."
Indra said:
O tormentor of foes, O child, you will achieve terrible feats (of arms). And that desire of yours which makes you eager to obtain weapons shall be fulfilled.
Thereupon I replied, "O destroyer of foes, I will never hurt these celestials weapons at mortals except to ward off their weapons.
Therefore, O lord of the gods, O best of the celestials, grant me those celestials weapons. Then I shall afterwards attain to the region of the warriors."
Indra said:
"O Dhananjaya, in order to test you I have said these words. You being my son, this speech is worthy of you.
Repairing to my abode, O Bharata, learn all the weapons of Vayu, of Agni, of the Vasus, of Varuna of the Marutas,
Of the Sadhyas, of Pitamaha, of the Gandharvas, of the Uragas, of the Rakshasas, of Vishnu and of the Nairitas;
And, O perpetuator of the Kuru race, all those weapons are presided over by me." Addressing me thus, Sakra vanished at that very spot.
Then, O king, I saw that sacred, celestials and wonderful and car of Indra, yoked with horses and driven by Matali arrive (there).
The Lokapalas having gone away, Matali said to me "O you of unrivalled splendour, the lord of the celestials, Sakra, wishes to see you.
O creation of powerful arms, acquire perfection first and then perform your task. Behold the regions of the virtuous and repair to heaven even in the (mortal) frame.
O Bharata, the thousand-eyed king of the gods is desirous of seeing you." Thus addressed by Matali and greeting the mountain Himalaya,
And going round it, I ascended that excellent car. And the exceedingly generous Matali, expert in horse-flesh, properly drove the horses fleet as the mind or the wind. (And) O king that charioteer, seeing that I was steadily seated in the car in motion, looked at my face and being lost in wonder said, "Today it appears to me highly wonderful and unprecedented,
That placed in this celestials car you are not jerked even a step from your seat. O best of the Bharatas, I have often noticed that (even) the king of the gods is unable to keep up his balance at the first pull by the horses. O perpetuator of the Kuru race, your sitting (steadily) in the car while in motion,
Appears to me that this power of yours has surpassed even that of Sakra himself." O king, O Bharata, saying this and soaring up to the celestials regions, Matali showed to me the abodes and palaces of the celestials. Then that car yoked with horses soared upwards.
(And) O the best of mortals, the sages and the gods began to pay their adorations to it. Then I beheld the regions moving at will and the splendour of the highly energetic divine sages, of the Gandharvas and of the Apsaras. (And) the charioteer of Indra, Matali, soon showed to me the garden of Nandana and other gardens and bowers of the celestials. Then I beheld the palace of Indra, Amravati,
Gracefully adorned with jewels and celestials trees yielding all sorts of fruits that are desired. There the sun does not shed heat, nor is there any one oppressed with cold, heat or fatigue. And O king there is no senility. O great king, O grinder of foes, nor are the celestials seen there (to be affected with) grief, poverty of spirit, weakness or lassitude. Nor, O lord of the world, there the celestials and others have anger or covetousness.
O king, in the abodes of the celestials all beings are always cheerful. There the trees are always covered with green leaves and fruits and flowers,
And the lakes are adorned with fragrant lotuses. The breeze is there cool, pleasant, fragrant, pure and invigorating.
(There) the ground is variegated with all sorts of gems and decked with flowers. Various beautiful beasts, birds of sweet voice,
And numerous rangers of the sky are to be seen in the air. I then, beheld the Vasus, the Rudras, the Saddhyas, the Manilas,
The Adityas and the Ashvins and worshipped them all. They uttered benedictions for my strength, renown, energy prowess, (skill in) arms and victory in battle. Entering that delightful city, adored by the gods and the Gandharvas,
I stood before the hundred-eyed king of the gods with joined hands. And Sakra, the best of the liberal-handed, gladly offered to me half his seat.
Honouring me greatly Vasava ached my body. There with the generous-hearted gods and the Gandharvas.
I began, O Bharata, to dwell in heaven desirous of obtaining arms and engaged in the study of the science of weapons. (And) Chitrasena, the son of Visvavasu, became my friend.
It was he who taught me that entire science (of arms) known to the Gandharvas, O the best of the Bharatas, there in the abode of Sakra I began to live happily, duly honoured, acquiring weapons, with my desires gratified, hearing songs and the clear sounds of musical instruments and witnessing the dance of the best of the Apsaras.
O Bharata, without despising those fine arts which I learnt properly, I specially devoted my attention to the acquisition of arms.
Thereupon, that thousand-eyed lord was pleased with that desire of mine. O king, thus dwelling in heaven I have passed this period.
When I was killed in weapons and gained his confidence, that one, who is borne by horses, touching my head with his hands, said these words:
"Not to speak of men of imperfect minds dwelling on earth, even the gods are not now capable of conquering you.
You are incomprehensible in strength, irrepressible and also incomparable in fight." Then with the hair of his body standing erect he said again,
"No one shall be equal to you in fighting with weapons who are always vigilant, dexterous, truthful, self-controlled,
Protector of the Brahmana, skilled in arms and brave, O perpetuator of the Kurus. You have obtained five and ten weapons,
Together with the five methods of using (them). O Partha, (Therefore) you have no equal, O Dhananjaya; you have also learnt the methods of their discharge, withdrawal, frequent re-discharge and re-withdrawal,
And the revival of harmless beings burnt by the fire of weapons and the revival of the weapons (themselves) when baffled by those of the enemies. Now, O tormentor of foes the time has arrived for paying your preceptor's fees.
Promise to pay it and then I shall tell you what you will have to do." Thereupon, O king I said to the king of the gods these words:
"If it be in my power to perform the task then consider it as already performed." Then, O king, the slayer of Vitra said to me smiling:
"There is nothing in these three worlds that cannot be achieved by you. My enemies, the Danavas styled Nivatakavachas,
Taking refugee in the womb of the ocean, dwell in forts. They are thirty millions in number and are all equal in structure, prowess and splendour.
O son ofKunti, destroy them there (and) that will be your preceptor's fee." Then he gave me that splendid celestials car driven by Matali and yoked with horse furnished with hair beautiful as the feather of peacocks. (And) he set upon my head this excellent coronet.
Gave me ornaments for my person worthy of his own body and this impenetrable excellent armour of pleasurable feel,
And strung the Gandiva with this strong chord. I then set out ascending that splendid car,
Riding which, in days of yore the king of the gods conquered Bali, the son of Virochana. Then all the gods, being aroused by the sound of that car,
And mistaking me for the king of the gods, O lord of the earth, approached me. (But) having beheld me they asked "O Falguni, what will you do?"
I related to them exactly what had passed and said "I will do this in battle, O sinless ones, O highly fortunate beings; know I have set out with the desire of slaying the Nivatakavachas and bless me for my success." (And) being pleased, they paid their adoration to me as to the god, Purandara.
(And said): "ascending this car, Maghavana had conquered in battle, Samvara, Namuchi, Vritra, Bala, Prahrada and Naraka.
And riding on this car also Maghavana had conquered in battle several thousands and millions and hundreds of millions of Daityas.
You too, O son of Kunti, mounted on this (car) shall, displaying your prowess, obtain victory over the Nivatakavachas in fight as of yore the self-contained Maghavana did.
Here is that excellent conch by which you will conquer the Danavas. By (the help of) it, the high-souled Sakra conquered the worlds.
And then the gods presented to me this shell, Devadatta, having its origin in the sea. I too accepted it for victory. Then the immortals began to eulogise me.
Desirous of fighting, I then set out for the terrible abode of the Danavas equipped .with conch, armour and bow."
Arjuna said:
Then praised by the great sages here and there, I (at length) beheld the dreadful ocean-the inexhaustible lord of waters.
(And) on it were visible, foamy and swelling waves scattered all over, dashing against each other and looking like moving rocks.
Ships full of gems were seen on it all around. Timingilas, tortoises, Timitimingilas,
And Makaras were seen here like submarine reefs. Thousands of submerged shells lying all around.
Looked like stars on a night covered with light clouds. Thousands of gems were floating in heaps.
And a dreadful wind was sweeping over it in whirls, which appeared wonderful to me. Beholding that excellent lord of all waters with strong tides I saw very near, the city of the Daiytas full of the Danavas. There soon entering into the nether world, Matali,
Expert in driving the car and sitting steadily on it, drove it with force. And he drove onward making that city resound with the rattling sound of the car.
Hearing that rattling noise of the car as the roar of the clouds in the sky and taking me for the king of the gods, the Danavas became agitated.
(And) with their minds trembling with fear, they stood, holding in their hands arrows, bows, swords, javelins, axes, maces and clubs.
Then having made arrangements for the defence of their city, the Danavas with hearts troubled with fear, closed the gates so that nothing could be seen.
Then taking my conch, Devadatta, emitting tremendous roars, I repeatedly blew it with great joy.
That sound, ringing through the heavens, sent forth echoes. Upon which, mighty creatures, greatly terrified, hid themselves.
Thereupon, O Bharata, all those sons of Diti-the Nivatakavachas-poured in thousands, adorned with ornaments, clad in various kinds of mails and holding in their hands various weapons, (such as) javelins, mighty maces, clubs, hatchets, Pattishas, Sabres, car-wheels, Shataghnis, Bhushundis and variegated and ornamented swords.
Then O best of the Bharatas, deliberately judging of the course the car should take, Matali began to drive the steeds on level grounds,
Then, on account of the rapid career of the horses, fleet as the wind and guided by him (Matali) I could perceive nothing-and this appeared wonderful to me.
Thereupon the Danavas vehemently began to sound thousands of musical instruments, discordant and of awkward shapes.
Stupefied at those sounds, hundreds and thousands of fishes (huge) as mountains began suddenly to fly away from the sea.
Then the Danavas rushed at me with tremendous force discharging hundreds and thousands of sharpened arrows.
(And), O Bharata, there took place between them and me a terrible fight destructive of the Nivatakavachas.
The Devarshis, the Danavarshis, the Brahmarshis and the Siddhas came there to witness that terrible encounter.
(And) those Munis, eager for my victory, began to eulogise me with sweet speeches as they did Indra, at the war which took place on account of Tara (the wife of Brihaspati).
Arjuna said:
Then, O Bharata, furnished with arms, all the Nivatakavacha flew in a body towards me furiously in battle,
Those mighty car-warriors obstructing the course of the car and uttering loud yells and surrounding me on all sides, enveloped me with downpours of arrows.
Then other demons, of great strength armed with spears and Pattishas, hurled at me spears and Bhushundis.
That continuous discharge of spears together with maces and clubs fell upon my car.
Other dreadful and terrible-looking Nivatakavachas, dexterous in hurling (weapons) and armed with sharpened weapons and bows, rushed at me in fight.
I (on my part) in the encounter, discharging several fleet arrows coursing straight, from the Gandiva, pierced each of them with ten (shafts).
(And) I drove them back by those arrows of mine sharpened on stones. Then those horses being swiftly driven by Matali,
Careered through several courses with the spread of the wind and being dexterously guided by Matali, tramples upon the sons of Diti.
(And) Though that mighty car was yoked with hundreds of horses, yet being skillfully driven by Matali, as they began to move, it seemed as if they were a few only.
By the press of their hoofs and by the thundering noise of the car-wheels and by the discharge of my arrows hundreds of demons fell dead.
Others, holding their bows in their hands, even when deprived of life and their charioteers being slain, were carried (hither and thither) by the horses.
(And) all those dexterous in striking, obstructing all sides and directions, became engaged in the fight with various weapons, at which my mind was distressed.
Then the prowess of Matali appeared highly wonderful to me in that he guided the swift steeds with ease.
O king, then, in the fight, I cut off the Danavas by hundreds and thousands who were furnished with arms, by various swift weapons.
O destroyer of foes, the heroic charioteer of Shakra, Matali, seeing me thus course there (on the field of battle) exerting my utmost, became well pleased (with me).
Then, some (of the Danavas) crushed by the horses and the car, met with destruction and some gave up fighting; while others, in the encounter, challenged by us and afflicted with arrows, opposed me by heavy downpour of shafts.
Thereupon, I began to consume them with hundreds and thousands of ornamented swift arrows inspired with Mantras relating to the weapon of Brahma.
Then those mighty demons sore pressed by me and fired with anger, afflicted me with simultaneous discharge of clubs, darts and swords.
O Bharata, I then, took up that favourite weapon of the lord of the gods, named, Madhava, possessed of exceedingly fiery energy.
Then by the power of that weapon, I cut, to a hundred pieces, the swords, tridents and thousands of Tomaras hurled by them.
Having destroyed their weapons, I wrathfully pierced watch of them with ten arrows.
And the fact that on the battle field mighty arrows like (thick flights of black bees), were discharged from the Gandiva, was admired by Matali.
And the skillfulness with which displaying prowess, I cut off, with my shafts, their arrows which completely surrounded me, drew admiration from Matali.
Being struck, those Nivatakavachas again completely surrounded me with a mighty discharge of arrows.
Having arrested the career of their shafts by excellent, fleet and blazing weapons inspired with mantras, capable of destroying (other) weapons, I pierced them by thousands.
Like waters running down from the summit of mountains, in the rainy season, blood began to flow from their mangled bodies.
Smitten by mighty, fleet and straight-coursing arrows having the touch of the thunderbolt hurled by Indra, those Danavas became greatly agitated.
Their bodies were cut to a hundred pieces and their weapons lost their energy. Then those Nivatakavachas began fighting with me by the help of illusion.
Arjuna said:
Then commenced a mighty shower of stones from all sides; (and) those stones, big as rocks, sore oppressed me.
Thereupon, at that terrible encounter, I crushed (those crags) with showers of fleet arrows, resembling the thunderbolt, discharged from Mahendra's weapon.
Those crags being reduced to pieces, there ensued fire and those fragments of stones fell like sparks of flame.
Then, those showers of stones having been destroyed, there fell near me a mighty downpour of water having torrents of the size of an axle.
Thousand of mighty torrents (of water), falling from the sky, enveloped the entire firmament and (all) the directions and the (ten) cardinal points.
(And) I was quite bewildered on account of that (heavy) downpour, blowing of the wind and the yell of the Daityas.
Those showers, covering (the entire space) between the heaven and the earth and incessantly falling upon the ground, (quite) confounded me.
Thereupon, I discharged that terrible, flaming and celestials weapon, Vishoshana, learnt from Indra, which dried the water up.
The showers of stones being destroyed and the watery shower dried up by me, O Bharata, the Danavas created illusions of fire and wind.
Then I totally destroyed the fire by Salila (watery) weapon; and arrested the fury of the wind by the mighty Shaila (rock) weapon.
(And), O Bharata, on the destruction of these (illusions), the Danavas, irrepressible in battle, produced (simultaneously) several (other) illusions.
Then commenced a terrible shower of rocks and of the dreadful weapons of fire and wind, making the hair stand on the end (with terror).
And that downpour (of rocks and weapons) oppressed me in battle. Then there spread on all sides a dismal darkness.
When the world was enveloped in that terrible and dense darkness, the horses drew back, Matali stumbled,
And the golden whip fell on the ground from his hand. O best of the Bharata, getting terrified, he repeatedly cried out "Where are you?"
(And), when he lost his senses, I also was seized with a terrible fear. And (thus stupefied) he said to me in a hurry,
"O Sinless being, in days of yore a terrible battle was fought between the gods and the demons for the sake of nectar, which I witnessed.
(And) in that mighty and terrible encounter, which took place for the destruction of the (Asura) Shambara, I acted as the charioteer of the lord of the gods.
Again, I drove the horses on the occasion of Vritra's destruction and also witnessed that awful and terrible encounter with the son of Virochana.
O Pandava, I witnessed all those terrible encounters. But never before (this) did I lose my senses.
Verily, it has been ordained by Pitamaha (Brahma) that the creation will be destroyed (at this encounter). For I find no other reason for this battle, If it be not for the destruction of the whole universe."
Hearing these words (of Matali) and pacifying my mind with my own efforts and deliberating (within myself) how to battle this mighty illusion created by the Danavas,
I spoke to terrified Matali, "behold the prowess of my arms and the power of my weapons and that of my bow Gandiva.
O charioteer do not be afraid, calm yourself. I will, this day, destroy the terrible illusion created by them and also .this dense darkness, by illusion-creating weapon."
O lord of men, having said this, I produced an illusion by the means of weapons capable of stupefying the whole creating, for the welfare of the celestials.
That illusion being dispelled, some of the foremost amongst the Asuras, possessed of unrivalled prowess, again created various sorts of illusions,
(In consequence of which) now the world displayed itself, now it was enveloped in darkness, now it disappeared (from view) and, now again, it was submerged into water.
And when it displayed itself again to view, Matali with the well-conducted steeds, began to course in battle field which made the hair stand erect (with fear).
Then the furious Nivatakavachas flew towards me. Seizing this opportunity, I began to send them to the abode of Yama.
In that encounter, fatal to the Danavas, which was still regaining, all on a sudden, I could not behold those demons who concealed themselves under the cover of illusion.
Arjuna said:
The demons, concealed from view, began fighting by the help of illusion. I also by the power of invisible weapons (i.e. weapons operating on unseen objects) fought with them,
And by means of arrows duly shot from the Gandiva, I cut off their heads wherever they were stationed.
Thereupon, the Nivatakavachas, thus struck dead by me, all on a sudden, forsook their illusion and entered into their own city.
The Daityas having fled and everything being disclosed to view, I beheld there hundreds and thousands of the Danavas (lying) slain
(And) I saw by hundred their crushed weapons ornaments, limbs and mails.
In consequence of the battlefield being strewn all over with dead bodies, the steeds had no room to move from one step to another. Thereupon with a sudden spring they took their station in the air.
Then concealed rom view, the Nivatakavachas, covering the entire firmament, rained down crags.
Other dreadful Danavas entering into the entrails of the earth, O Bharata, caught hold of the legs of the horses and the car-wheels.
When engaged in fighting, (they) seizing the horses and the car, covered me on the car, on all sides with rocks.
On account of the rocks with which we were covered and of the others which were falling (around us), the place where we were stationed, looked like a cave.
That I was sore afflicted on account of being surrounded by rocks and the steeds being hard pressed, was perceived by Matali.
Seeing me terrified he spoke these words, "O Arjuna, O Arjuna, don't be afraid; discharge the weapon, Vajra (thunderbolt)."
Then, O lord of men, hearing these words of his, I let go that favourite weapon of the king of the celestials, the terrible Vajra (thunderbolt).
Inspiring the Gandiva with mantras and aiming at the locality of the rocks, I discharged sharpened iron darts having the touch of the thunderbolt.
And those arrows, turned into thunderbolt (on account of their) being shot from the Vajra, penetrated through the illusion and all the Nivatakavachas.
Then those Danavas, big as rocks smitten by the force of the thunder, fell on the ground clashing against one another.
And the shafts, penetrating those Danavas, who entering into the bowels of the earth had seized the horses and the car, sent them to the abode of Yama.
That place was completely filled with those Nivatakavachas looking like mountains, who were (either) killed or wounded and lying scattered like (so many) rocks.
And the fact, that neither did the horses, nor Matali, nor myself, suffer the least (by that event), appeared strange.
Then, O king, Matali addressed me with a smile "the prowess displayed by you cannot be seen even among the gods."
On the Danava hosts being slain all their wives in that city began to bewail like cranes in autumn.
Then accompanied by Matali, I entered that city, terrifying the females of the Nivatakavachas by the rattling noise of the car.
Beholding those ten thousands of steeds resembling peacocks and that car of the splendour of the sun, the females began to flee in large numbers.
Thereupon, there arose a sound of the falling of the ornaments (from the persons) of those terrified ladies like the sound of hail falling upon a mountain.
At last the affrighted ladies of the Daityas entered into their respective golden palaces decked with innumerable gems.
Then beholding that wonderful and excellent city, superior to that of the gods, I asked Matali.
"This city appears superior to that of Purandara. How is it that the Gods do not reside in such a place?"
Matali answered:
O Partha, formerly it was the city of our lord of the gods. (But) afterwards the gods were expelled from here by the Nivatakavachas.
Having pleased Brahma by the performance of rigid asceticism, they asked (of him) the boons, (namely), to dwell here and to be free from all fears of the gods in wars.
Then the self-existent lord (Shiva) was thus addressed by Shakra. "O lord, keeping our welfare in view, do what you think proper."
Thereupon, O Bharata, the lord (Shiva) thus commanded Indra saying "O destroyer of foes, assuming another body you will kill these (demons)."
Therefore, Shakra gave you the weapons for the destruction of these (demons). Even the gods had been unable to slay these that have been killed by you.
O Bharata, as you have come hither just at the appointed time, you have been able to kill them.
O best of mortals, in order to destroy these Danavas, Mahendra conferred on you the energy (that belongs to the possessor) of those excellent weapons.
Arjuna said:
Having killed the Danavas and subdued (their) city, I returned to the abode of the celestials accompanied by Matali.
Then, while returning (to the abode of Indra), I beheld on my way a great celestials city, moving at will, endued with the splendour of the fire or the sun,
Containing trees made of jewels, teeming with many-coloured birds of sweet voice, inhabited by the Paulomas and the Kalakanja ever merry,
Adorned with gate-ways, towers and four gates, impregnable, made of all sorts of jewels celestials wonderful to look at,
Containing trees made of all sorts of jewels and bearing fruits and flowers, inhabited by beautiful and celestials feathery creatures,
Surrounded on all sides by the Asuras, always cheerful, adorned with garlands and holding in their hands maces, swords, darts, bows and clubs.
Beholding that city of the Daitya, wonderful to look at, O king, I asked Matali "What is it that looks so marvellous?"
Matali said:
(Formerly) a Daitya-female, named Puloma and another great giantess, Kalaka (by name), practised severe austerities for a thousand celestials years.
When they had finished their austerities, the self-existent (god) Svayambhu granted them boons. (And), O king of kings, they obtained the boons-viz., that their children might never suffer distress; that (they) might obtain a highly beautiful and an exceedingly splendid aerial city,
Full of all sorts of gems, unassailable even by immortals, the Maharshis, the Yakshas, the Gandharvas, the Pannagas, the Asuras and the Rakshasas,
Containing all the desirable objects and devoid of grief and desire. O best of the Bharatas, created by Brahma for the Kala-keyas,
This is that celestials city, devoid of gods, which is moving about. O hero, it is inhabited by the Pauloma and he Kalakeya Danavas.
This mighty city is called Hiranyapura and is guarded by the powerful Asuras, the Kalakeyas and the Paulomas.
O king of kings, there they dwell happily, indestructible by the gods, free from anxiety and having all their desires fulfilled.
Formerly it was destined by Brahma that they should be killed by mortals. O Partha, (therefore) destroy speedily these invincible and exceedingly powerful Kalakanjas in battle by the weapon Vajra (thunderbolt).
Arjuna said:
O lord of earth, learning that they were indestructible by the gods and Asuras. I gladly said to Matali "do you go to this city speedily.
I will bring about the destruction of all these enemies of the celestials with weapons. There exist no wicked enemies of the gods whom I do not consider my victims."
Thereupon, Matali had me speedily conveyed by that celestials car, yoked with steeds, towards the neighbourhood of Hiranyapura.
On beholding me, those sons of Diti, wearing various sorts of garments and mounted on chariots, rushed at me with great violence.
Then those foremost of the Danavas (possessed) of fiery prowess, angrily assailed me with Nalikas, Narachas, Bhallas, Maces, swords and Tomaras.
Thereupon, O king, availing myself of the strength of my knowledge (in arms), I warded off that shower of weapons by mighty discharges of arrows;
And coursing through the field of battle on the car, bewildered them. Thus confounded, the Danavas began to fell down one another.
(And) with blazing arrows I cut off, by hundreds, the heads of those who, getting confounded, were rushing at one another.
Thus smitten (by me) those sons of Diti, taking refuge in that city, again rose up in the air with it, by the help of illusion peculiar to the Danavas.
Thereupon, O descendant of the Kurus, covering the passage of the Daityas by heavy shower of arrows, I obstructed their movement.
(But) the sons of Diti, on the strength of their boon, easily supported themselves on that celestials and aerial city of sun-like splendour and moving at will.
At one time it plunged into the earth and then rose up in the air again, now it took a curved direction and then again submerged under water.
(Then), O tormentor of foes, I surrounded with various weapons that mighty moving about at will.
And, O best of the Bharatas, I assailed that city together with the Daityas by showers of arrows, shot from celestials weapons.
(And), O king, that city of the Asuras, riven and broken by straight-coursing steels darts shot by me, fell to the ground.
Those Asuras too, O king, wounded by my iron shafts, fleet as the thunder and propelled by Fate, began to rove about.
Then, Matali, soaring to the heavens, as if taking a leap in front, speedily came down to the earth on that chariot effulgent as the sun.
O Bharata, then, desirous of fighting with me, they furiously hemmed me in with sixty thousand cars. (But) I destroyed those (cars) by sharpened arrows adorned with vulture feathers.
They were, then, engaged in the fight, like billows on the sea. Thereupon, considering that they would not be destroyed by the manner of fighting peculiar to mortals,
I, took to discharging duly the celestials weapons. But the thousands of weapons, discharged by those car-warriors, the wonderful fighters, gradually repelled my celestials weapons; and I beheld hundreds and thousands of exceedingly powerful (Danavas) ranging on their cars, in battle, displaying various tactics. Adorned with variegated helmets ornamented mails, furnished with beautiful flags.
And decked with various ornaments (they) attracted my mind. I, in that encounter, by showers of arrows shot from weapons,
Could not oppress them; but they sorely afflicted me. (Thus) hard pressed by numerous (Asuras), furnished with weapons and skilled in battle,
I was afflicted in that terrible encounter and was seized with a dreadful terror. Thereupon, mustering up (courage), I (bowed down) to the god of gods, Rudra,
Saying "may all beings remain in place," and sent that mighty weapon which is named Rudra and is destructive of all enemies.
Then I beheld a person with three heads, nine eyes, three faces, six arms and with hair blazing as the sun or the fire.
(And)O destroyer of foes, as for his clothing he wore huge serpents issuing out their tongues.
Then, O best of the Bharatas, beholding that terrible and eternal Rudra and shaking off my fear, I fixed it on the Gandiva. (And) bowing down to the three eyed Sarva of unrivalled energy,
O Bharata, I discharged (it) for the destruction of those foremost of the Danavas. No sooner had I hurled it, than it at once assumed a thousand shapes;
(Such as), O lord of the earth, those of deer, of lions, of tigers, of bears, of buffaloes, of serpents, of cows.
O Sharabhas, of elephants, of monkeys in vast numbers, of bulls, of boars, of cats,
Of dogs, of ghosts, of all the Bhurundas, of vultures, of Garudas of Chamaras,
Of the celestials, of the Rishis, of all the Gandharva, of the Pishachas, of the Yakshas, of the enemies of the gods,
Of the Guhyakas in battle, of the Nirritas, of elephant-mouthed sharks, of owls,
Of the creatures having the shapes of fishes and horses, of beings armed with various weapons and swords and of the Rakshasas, armed with maces and clubs.
These and numerous other (beings), wearing various shapes, filled the universe when the weapon was discharged.
(And) repeatedly smitten by creatures of many shapes covered with flesh, fat, bones and marrow, having three heads, four tusks, four mouths and four arms, the Danavas met with destruction. O Bharata, then, with numerous other shafts, blazing like the sun or fire, glaring like the fire of thunderbolt and made of the essence of rocks, I killed all the Danavas in a moment.
(And) seeing them cut to pieces by the Gandiva weapon, deprived of life and thrown down from the sky. I again bowed down to that god, the slayer of the (Asura), Tripura,
The charioteer of the gods (Matali), beholding them, that were decked with celestials ornaments, crushed by the Rudra weapon was highly pleased.
Seeing that I performed this unbearable feat (of arms), unachievable even by the celestials, Matali, the charioteer of Shakra, eulogised me;
And with great delight, said these words with joined-hands-the feat, that you have achieved, is incapable of being borne (even) by the gods and the Asuras.
Even the lord of the gods cannot perform such a feat in battle. This great aerial city, indestructible by the gods and the Asuras,
Has been destroyed by you, O hero, by your prowess and strength of asceticism. That city being destroyed and the Danavas being killed,
All their sorrowing wives smitten with grief and with hair dishevelled, issued out of their city lamenting like Kuraris.
Mourning for their sons, fathers and brothers, uttering piteous cries of distress for the loss of their lords and beating their breasts, (they) fell down upon the ground, their ornaments falling off from their bodies. That city of the Danavas, resembling the city of the Gandharvas, filled with lamentation, afflicted with sorrow and distress, devoid of beauty and deprived of its lords, looked like a lake devoid of elephants or like a forest with all its trees dead, (and then) vanished (from sight). (And) Matali speedily brought me, well-pleased,
And successful in my mission, to the abode of the king of the gods. Having destroyed Hiranyapur and killed those mighty Asuras,
The Nivatakavachas, I returned to Shakra. And, O highly effulgent (king), Matali narrated in detail to the lord of the gods, my entire feat (of arms) as it had happened. The prosperous hundred-eyed lord Purandara, together with the Vasus, hearing the fall of Hiranyapur, the dispersion of the illusion and the destruction of the exceedingly powerful Nivatakavachas in battle, became pleased and exclaimed "bravo! bravo!" Then the lord of the gods together with the celestials, repeatedly cheering me, spoke these highly delightful words: “The feat that you have displayed in battle, surpasses that of the gods and of the Asuras.
O Partha, you have (now) paid your preceptor's fees by slaying my powerful enemies. O Dhananjaya, you will, thus, ever remain cool-headed in battle,
And be able to discharge your weapons unerringly. Neither the celestials, nor the Danavas, nor the Rakshasas, nor the Yakshas, nor the Asuras, nor the Gandharvas, nor the birds, nor the serpents shall be to stand you in fight. (And) O Kuru's son, O virtuous son of Kunti, Yudhishthira, having conquered the earth by the strength of your arms, will govern it.
Arjuna said:
Then the lord of the gods, seeing me, highly faithful and wounded with a arrows and acknowledging me as his own, duly spoke these words.
"O Bharata, all the celestials weapons are with you; (therefore) no mortal on earth shall by any means be capable of conquering you.
O son, when you will be engaged in battle, Bhishma, Drona, Kripa, Karna, Shakuni, together with (other) kings, shall not approach (in strength) a sixteenth part of yours."
The lord Maghavan gave me this impenetrable celestials armour capable of protecting the body, this golden garland,
And also this conch, Devadatta, emitting forth loud roars. (And) Indra himself fixed this coronet (on my head).
Shakra then granted me these precious and beautiful celestials garments and these heavenly ornaments.
Thus, O king, duly honoured, I dwelt cheerfully in the abode of Indra with the children of the Gandharvas.
Then Shakra, well pleased, unanimously with the immortals spoke to me: "O Arjuna, the time for your departure has (now) arrived, your brothers are thinking of you."
Thus, O monarch, remembering the troubles brought on (us) by gambling I passed (these) five years in the abode of Indra.
Then did I behold you surrounded by (my other) brothers on the summit of the lower range of the mountain Gandhamadana.
Yudhishthira said:
O Dhananjaya, fortunately you have obtained these celestials weapons and it is by good luck too, that you have worshipped the lord king of the celestials.
And luckily, O tormentor of foes, O sinless being, you have beheld that very god, Sthanu himself, together with the goddess and pleased them by fighting.
And O the best of the Bharatas, luckily it is that you have obtained an interview with the Lokapalas. It is because you are fortunate that we have prospered and fortunately you have come back.
Today do I consider the entire earth, adorned with cities, as conquered and the sons of Dhritarashtra subdued.
O Bharata, (now) I wish to see those celestials weapons by means of which you destroyed the powerful Nivatakavachas.
Arjuna said:
You will behold tomorrow morning all those celestials weapons whereby the Nivatakavachas were slain.
Vaishampayana said:
Having thus related the events in connection with his arrival there, Dhananjaya passed that night there together with all his brothers.
The night being spent, Yudhishthira, the foremost of the virtuous awoke and performed the necessary duties together with his brothers.
Then he (Yudhishthira) said to Arjuna, the joy of his mother, “O son of Kunti, show me the weapons whereby you destroyed the Danavas."'
Thereupon, O king, O Bharata, the Pandava, Arjuna showed those celestials weapons granted (to him) by the god,
(And) duly observing the purificatory rites, the highly-energetic Dhananjaya, seated on the earth as (his) car, having the mountain for its pole, the base of the mountain for its axle and the cluster of beautiful bamboo trees for its socket pole and clad in that celestials mail of great splendour, looked (highly) beautiful.
(And) O son of Kunti, the handsome (Dhananjaya) of mighty arms, holding (in his hand) the bow Gandiva, together with the conch presented to him by the celestials, was about to exhibit in due order those celestials weapons. (But) As he commenced to display those heavenly weapons,
The earth, being oppressed by the weight of his feet, began to tremble together with all its trees and the rivers and the mighty ocean became troubled.
The mountain were rent, the wind ceased to blow, the sun ceased to shine, the fire did not bum,
And the twice-born (Brahmanas) could by no means recite the Vedas. And O Janamejaya, the creatures inhabiting the entrails of the earth,
Being (sore) oppressed, rose up and with distorted countenances and joined hands and trembling (with fear), surrounded the Pandava (Arjuna).
And scorched by those (celestials) weapons they prayed to Dhananjaya (to spare their lives). Then the Brahmarshis, the Siddhas, the Maharshis,
And the mobile beings-all these creatures arrived there. The most exalted Devarshis, the celestials,
The Yakshas, the Rakshasas, the Gandharvas, the feathery creatures, the sky-ranging creatures-all these beings appeared (on the scene).
Then Pitamaha (Brahma), all the Lokapalas (the guardians of the ten cardinal points), the divine Mahadeva, together with all their followers, made their appearance (at that spot).
(And) then, O mighty monarch, Vayu (the wind-god) bearing variegated celestials flowers, began to strew them all around the Pandava (Arjuna).
O king, commissioned by the gods, the Gandharvas sang various melodies and multitudes of Apsaras danced there.
(And) O king, at that very time, Narada, sent by the celestials, arrived (there) and spoke to Partha these words grateful to the ear:
"O Arjuna, O Bharata, forebear discharging these celestials weapons. These (weapons) ought, by no means, to be hurled where there is no object to hit at.
And unless sore afflicted, one should not discharge these even if there is an object (present). O descendant of the Kurus, it will result in a terrible disaster, if these weapons are (causelessly) discharged.
O Dhananjaya, if these powerful weapons are duly kept, they will no doubt, lead to your happiness.
(But), O Pandava, if they are not (carefully) preserved, they will lead to the destruction of the three worlds. Therefore, do not attempt such a (rash) act again.
O Ajatashatru (Yudhishthira), you will behold them when Partha will make use of them for the destruction of your enemies in battle."
O the most exalted of mortals, having prevented Arjuna (from hurling these weapons), all the celestials and all other beings who had come there went to their respective abodes.
O descendant of the Kurus, when all those had taken their departure, the Pandavas, together with Krishna, began to dwell cheerfully in that forest.
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