Ashvatthama's Absolution at Dhanushkoti

Verse 1 (skanda.3.31.1)

ऋषय ऊचुः अश्वत्थामा कथं सूत सुप्तमारणमाचरत् कथं च मुक्तस्तत्पापाद्धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात्

ṛṣaya ūcuḥ aśvatthāmā kathaṁ sūta suptamāraṇamācarat kathaṁ ca muktastatpāpāddhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt

The sages said: "O Suta, how did Ashvatthama commit the killing of sleeping warriors, and how was he freed from that sin by bathing at Dhanushkoti?"

Verse 2 (skanda.3.31.2)

एतन्नः श्रद्दधानानां ब्रूहि पौराणिकोत्तम तृप्तिर्न जायतेऽ स्माकं त्वद्वचोमृतपायिनाम्

etannaḥ śraddadhānānāṁ brūhi paurāṇikottama tṛptirna jāyate' smākaṁ tvadvacomṛtapāyinām

"Tell this to us who listen with faith, O best of Puranic narrators; we who drink the nectar of your words never feel satiated."

Verse 3 (skanda.3.31.3)

इति पृष्टस्तदा सूतो नैमिषारण्यवासिभिः वक्तुं प्रचक्रमे तत्र व्यासं नत्वा गुरुं मुदा

iti pṛṣṭastadā sūto naimiṣāraṇyavāsibhiḥ vaktuṁ pracakrame tatra vyāsaṁ natvā guruṁ mudā

Thus questioned by the dwellers of the Naimisha forest, Suta, having joyfully bowed to his guru Vyasa, began to speak.

Verse 4 (skanda.3.31.4)

श्रीसूत उवाच राज्यार्थं कलहे जाते पांडवानां पुरा द्विजाः धार्तराष्ट्रैर्महायुद्धे महदक्षौहिणीयुते

śrīsūta uvāca rājyārthaṁ kalahe jāte pāṁḍavānāṁ purā dvijāḥ dhārtarāṣṭrairmahāyuddhe mahadakṣauhiṇīyute

Sri Suta said: "O brahmins, of old, when strife over the kingdom arose, a great war took place between the Pandavas and the sons of Dhritarashtra, involving vast armies of many akshauhinis."

Verse 5 (skanda.3.31.5)

युद्धं दशदिनं कृत्वा भीष्मे शांतनवे हते द्रोणे पंचदिनं कृत्वा कर्णे च द्विदिनं तथा

yuddhaṁ daśadinaṁ kṛtvā bhīṣme śāṁtanave hate droṇe paṁcadinaṁ kṛtvā karṇe ca dvidinaṁ tathā

The battle raged for ten days until Bhishma, son of Shantanu, fell; then it continued five days under Drona's command, and two days under Karna's.

Verse 6 (skanda.3.31.6)

तथैवैकदिनं युद्ध्वा शल्ये च निधनं गते अष्टादशदिने तत्र रणे दुर्योधने द्विजाः

tathaivaikadinaṁ yuddhvā śalye ca nidhanaṁ gate aṣṭādaśadine tatra raṇe duryodhane dvijāḥ

Likewise, after one more day of fighting, Shalya too met his death; and, O brahmins, on the eighteenth day of that war Duryodhana fell in battle.

Verse 7 (skanda.3.31.7)

भग्नोरौ भीमगदया पतिते राजसत्तमे सर्वे नृपतयो विप्रा निवेशाय कृतत्वराः

bhagnorau bhīmagadayā patite rājasattame sarve nṛpatayo viprā niveśāya kṛtatvarāḥ

When that best of kings fell with his thigh shattered by Bhima's mace, all the kings, O brahmins, hastened to return to their own camps.

Verse 8 (skanda.3.31.8)

ये जीवितास्तु राजानस्ते ययुर्हृष्टमानसाः धृष्टद्युम्नशिखंडयाद्याः सृञ्जयाः सर्व एव हि

ye jīvitāstu rājānaste yayurhṛṣṭamānasāḥ dhṛṣṭadyumnaśikhaṁḍayādyāḥ sṛñjayāḥ sarva eva hi

Those kings who still lived went away with joyful hearts — Dhrishtadyumna, Shikhandi and the rest, along with all the Srinjayas.

Verse 9 (skanda.3.31.9)

अन्ये चापि महीपाला जग्मुः स्वशिबिराण्यथ अथ पार्था महावीरा कृष्णसात्यकिसंयुताः

anye cāpi mahīpālā jagmuḥ svaśibirāṇyatha atha pārthā mahāvīrā kṛṣṇasātyakisaṁyutāḥ

The other kings too went to their own camps; and then the mighty Pandava heroes, accompanied by Krishna and Satyaki,

Verse 10 (skanda.3.31.10)

दुर्योधनस्य शिबिरं प्राविशन्निर्जनं द्विजाः वृद्धैरमात्यैस्तत्रस्थैः षंढैः स्त्रीरक्षकैस्तथा

duryodhanasya śibiraṁ prāviśannirjanaṁ dvijāḥ vṛddhairamātyaistatrasthaiḥ ṣaṁḍhaiḥ strīrakṣakaistathā

entered, O brahmins, Duryodhana's now-deserted camp, where the old ministers stationed there and the eunuch guards of the women's quarters received them.

Verse 11 (skanda.3.31.11)

कृतांजलिपुटैः प्रह्वैः काषायमलिनांबरैः प्रणम्यमानास्ते पार्थाः कुरुराजस्य वेश्मनि

kṛtāṁjalipuṭaiḥ prahvaiḥ kāṣāyamalināṁbaraiḥ praṇamyamānāste pārthāḥ kururājasya veśmani

With joined palms, bowed low, wearing soiled ochre garments, those attendants offered homage to the Pandavas in the palace of the Kuru king.

Verse 12 (skanda.3.31.12)

तत्रत्यद्रव्यजातानि समादाय महा बलाः सुयोधनस्य शिबिरे न्यवसंत सुखेन ते

tatratyadravyajātāni samādāya mahā balāḥ suyodhanasya śibire nyavasaṁta sukhena te

Taking possession of the treasures found there, those mighty Pandavas dwelt at ease in Suyodhana's camp.

Verse 13 (skanda.3.31.13)

अथ तानब्रवीत्पार्थाञ्छ्रीकृष्णः प्रीणयन्निव मंगलार्थाय चास्माभिर्वस्तव्यं शिबिराद्बहिः

atha tānabravītpārthāñchrīkṛṣṇaḥ prīṇayanniva maṁgalārthāya cāsmābhirvastavyaṁ śibirādbahiḥ

Then, as if to please them, Sri Krishna said to the Pandavas: "For the sake of auspiciousness, we should spend the night outside this camp."

Verse 14 (skanda.3.31.14)

इत्युक्ता वासुदेवेन तथेत्युक्त्वाथ पांडवाः कृष्णसात्यकिसंयुक्ताः प्रययुः शिबिराद्बहिः

ityuktā vāsudevena tathetyuktvātha pāṁḍavāḥ kṛṣṇasātyakisaṁyuktāḥ prayayuḥ śibirādbahiḥ

Thus addressed by Vasudeva, the Pandavas agreed, saying "So be it," and went outside the camp together with Krishna and Satyaki.

Verse 15 (skanda.3.31.15)

वासुदेवेन सहिता मंगलार्थं हि पांडवाः ओघवत्याः समासाद्य तीरं नद्या नरोत्तमाः

vāsudevena sahitā maṁgalārthaṁ hi pāṁḍavāḥ oghavatyāḥ samāsādya tīraṁ nadyā narottamāḥ

Accompanied by Vasudeva, those best of men, the Pandavas, reached the bank of the river Oghavati for the sake of auspiciousness.

Verse 16 (skanda.3.31.16)

ऊषुस्तां रजनीं तत्र हतशत्रुगणाः सुखम् कृतवर्मा कृपो द्रौणिस्तथा दुर्योधनांतिकम्

ūṣustāṁ rajanīṁ tatra hataśatrugaṇāḥ sukham kṛtavarmā kṛpo drauṇistathā duryodhanāṁtikam

Having slain their host of foes, they spent that night there in comfort; meanwhile Kritavarma, Kripa and Drauni (Ashvatthama) went to Duryodhana's side.

Verse 17 (skanda.3.31.17)

आदित्यास्तमयात्पूर्वमपराह्णे समाययुः सुयोधनं तदा दृष्ट्वा रणपांसुषु रूषितम्

ādityāstamayātpūrvamaparāhṇe samāyayuḥ suyodhanaṁ tadā dṛṣṭvā raṇapāṁsuṣu rūṣitam

They arrived before sunset, in the late afternoon; and then, seeing Suyodhana covered in the dust of the battlefield,

Verse 18 (skanda.3.31.18)

भग्नोरुदण्डं गदया भीमसेन स्य भीमया रुधिरासिक्तसर्वांगं चेष्टमानं महीतले

bhagnorudaṇḍaṁ gadayā bhīmasena sya bhīmayā rudhirāsiktasarvāṁgaṁ ceṣṭamānaṁ mahītale

his thigh shattered by Bhimasena's terrible mace, his whole body drenched in blood, writhing upon the ground —

Verse 19 (skanda.3.31.19)

अशोचंत तदा तत्र द्रोणपुत्रादयस्त्रयः शुशोच सोऽपि तान्दृष्ट्वा रणे दुर्योधनो नृपः

aśocaṁta tadā tatra droṇaputrādayastrayaḥ śuśoca so'pi tāndṛṣṭvā raṇe duryodhano nṛpaḥ

the three of them, led by Drona's son, grieved there over him; and King Duryodhana, seeing them, grieved in turn on the battlefield.

Verse 20 (skanda.3.31.20)

दृष्ट्वा तथा तु राजानं बाष्पव्याकुललोचनम् अश्वत्थामा तदा कोपाज्ज्वलन्निव महानलः

dṛṣṭvā tathā tu rājānaṁ bāṣpavyākulalocanam aśvatthāmā tadā kopājjvalanniva mahānalaḥ

Seeing the king with eyes overwhelmed by tears, Ashvatthama then blazed with rage like a great fire,

Verse 21 (skanda.3.31.21)

पाणौ पाणिं विनिष्पिष्य क्रोध विस्फारितेक्षणः अश्रुविक्लवया वाचा दुर्योधनमभाषत

pāṇau pāṇiṁ viniṣpiṣya krodha visphāritekṣaṇaḥ aśruviklavayā vācā duryodhanamabhāṣata

grinding one palm against the other, his eyes wide with fury, and, in a voice choked with tears, spoke to Duryodhana:

Verse 22 (skanda.3.31.22)

पिता मे पातितः क्षुद्रैश्छलेनैव रणाजिरे न तथा तेन शोचामि यथा निष्पातिते त्वयि

pitā me pātitaḥ kṣudraiśchalenaiva raṇājire na tathā tena śocāmi yathā niṣpātite tvayi

"My father was felled on the battlefield through mere treachery by base men; but I do not grieve for that as much as I grieve seeing you struck down thus."

Verse 23 (skanda.3.31.23)

शृणु वाक्यं ममाद्य त्वं यथार्थं वदतो नृप सुकृतेन शपे चाहं सुयोधन महामते

śṛṇu vākyaṁ mamādya tvaṁ yathārthaṁ vadato nṛpa sukṛtena śape cāhaṁ suyodhana mahāmate

"Listen, O king, to my true words today; I swear, O high-minded Suyodhana, by my own merit,"

Verse 24 (skanda.3.31.24)

अद्य रात्रौ हनिष्यामि पांडवा न्सह सृंजयैः पश्यतो वासुदेवस्य त्वमनुज्ञां प्रयच्छ मे

adya rātrau haniṣyāmi pāṁḍavā nsaha sṛṁjayaiḥ paśyato vāsudevasya tvamanujñāṁ prayaccha me

"that this very night I shall slay the Pandavas together with the Srinjayas, even as Vasudeva looks on. Grant me your permission."

Verse 25 (skanda.3.31.25)

तस्य तद्वचनं श्रुत्वा द्रौणिं राजा तदाऽब्रवीत् तथास्त्विति पुनः प्राह कृपं राजा द्विजोत्तमाः

tasya tadvacanaṁ śrutvā drauṇiṁ rājā tadā'bravīt tathāstviti punaḥ prāha kṛpaṁ rājā dvijottamāḥ

Hearing his words, the king said to Drauni, "So be it," and then, O best of brahmins, the king spoke again to Kripa:

Verse 26 (skanda.3.31.26)

आचार्यैनं द्रोणपुत्रं कलशोत्थेन वारिणा सैनापत्येऽभिषिंचस्वेत्यथ सोपि तथाऽकरोत्

ācāryainaṁ droṇaputraṁ kalaśotthena vāriṇā saināpatye'bhiṣiṁcasvetyatha sopi tathā'karot

"O teacher, consecrate this son of Drona to the office of commander-in-chief with water from the ritual pitcher." And Kripa did so.

Verse 27 (skanda.3.31.27)

सोभिषिक्तस्तदा द्रौणिः परिष्वज्य नृपोत्तमम् कृतवर्मकृपाभ्यां च सहितस्त्वरितं ययौ

sobhiṣiktastadā drauṇiḥ pariṣvajya nṛpottamam kṛtavarmakṛpābhyāṁ ca sahitastvaritaṁ yayau

Thus consecrated, Drauni embraced that best of kings and, together with Kritavarma and Kripa, set out swiftly.

Verse 28 (skanda.3.31.28)

ततस्ते तु त्रयो वीराः प्रयाता दक्षिणोन्मुखाः आदित्यास्तमयात्पूर्वं शिबिरांतिकमासत

tataste tu trayo vīrāḥ prayātā dakṣiṇonmukhāḥ ādityāstamayātpūrvaṁ śibirāṁtikamāsata

Then those three heroes, setting out facing south, arrived near the camp before sunset.

Verse 29 (skanda.3.31.29)

पार्थानां भीषणं शब्दं श्रुत्वा तत्र जयैषिणः पांडवानुद्रुता भीतास्तदा द्रौण्यादयस्त्रयः

pārthānāṁ bhīṣaṇaṁ śabdaṁ śrutvā tatra jayaiṣiṇaḥ pāṁḍavānudrutā bhītāstadā drauṇyādayastrayaḥ

But hearing there the fearsome roar of the victory-seeking Pandavas, those three led by Drauni, pursued and afraid, fled from the Pandavas.

Verse 30 (skanda.3.31.30)

प्राङ्मुखा दुद्रुवुर्भीत्या कियद्दूरं श्रमातुराः मुहुर्तं ते ततो गत्वा क्रोधामर्षवशानुगाः

prāṅmukhā dudruvurbhītyā kiyaddūraṁ śramāturāḥ muhurtaṁ te tato gatvā krodhāmarṣavaśānugāḥ

Facing east, they fled in fear for some distance, exhausted; then, after going on a while, overcome by anger and indignation,

Verse 31 (skanda.3.31.31)

दुर्योधनवधार्तास्ते क्षणं तत्रावतस्थिरे ततोऽपश्यन्नरण्यं वै नानातरुलतावृतम्

duryodhanavadhārtāste kṣaṇaṁ tatrāvatasthire tato'paśyannaraṇyaṁ vai nānātarulatāvṛtam

distressed at Duryodhana's fall, they halted there for a moment. Then they saw a forest covered with many trees and creepers,

Verse 32 (skanda.3.31.32)

अनेकमृगसंबाधं क्रूरपक्षिगणाकुलम् समृद्धजलसंपूर्णतटाकपरिशोभितम्

anekamṛgasaṁbādhaṁ krūrapakṣigaṇākulam samṛddhajalasaṁpūrṇataṭākapariśobhitam

crowded with many deer, teeming with fierce birds, and adorned with ponds full of abundant water.

Verse 33 (skanda.3.31.33)

पद्मेंदीवरकह्लारसरसी शतसंकुलम् तत्र पीत्वा जलं ते तु पाययित्वा हयांस्तथा

padmeṁdīvarakahlārasarasī śatasaṁkulam tatra pītvā jalaṁ te tu pāyayitvā hayāṁstathā

dotted with hundreds of lakes full of lotuses, blue lotuses and white water-lilies; there they drank water and gave their horses water to drink,

Verse 34 (skanda.3.31.34)

अनेकशाखासंबाधन्यग्रोधं ददृशुस्ततः संप्राप्य तु महावृक्षं न्यग्रोधं ते त्रयस्तदा

anekaśākhāsaṁbādhanyagrodhaṁ dadṛśustataḥ saṁprāpya tu mahāvṛkṣaṁ nyagrodhaṁ te trayastadā

and then saw a banyan tree crowded with many branches; and having reached that great tree, the three of them,

Verse 35 (skanda.3.31.35)

अवतीर्य रथेभ्यश्च मोचयित्वा तुरंगमान् उपस्पृश्य जलं तत्र सायंसंध्यामुपासत

avatīrya rathebhyaśca mocayitvā turaṁgamān upaspṛśya jalaṁ tatra sāyaṁsaṁdhyāmupāsata

got down from their chariots, unyoked their horses, sipped water there in ritual sipping, and performed the evening twilight rites.

Verse 36 (skanda.3.31.36)

अथ चास्तगिरिं भानुः प्रपेदे च गतप्रभः ततश्च रजनी घोरा समभूत्तिमिराकुला

atha cāstagiriṁ bhānuḥ prapede ca gataprabhaḥ tataśca rajanī ghorā samabhūttimirākulā

Then the sun, its light spent, sank behind the western mountain; and thereafter a fearsome night set in, thick with darkness.

Verse 37 (skanda.3.31.37)

रात्रिचराणि सत्त्वानि संचरंति ततस्ततः दिवाचराणि सत्त्वानि निद्रावशमुपा ययुः

rātricarāṇi sattvāni saṁcaraṁti tatastataḥ divācarāṇi sattvāni nidrāvaśamupā yayuḥ

Creatures that roam by night began to move about here and there, while the creatures that roam by day fell under the sway of sleep.

Verse 38 (skanda.3.31.38)

कृतवर्मा कृपो द्रौणिः प्रदोषसमये हि ते न्यग्रोधस्योपविविशुरंतिके शोककर्शिताः

kṛtavarmā kṛpo drauṇiḥ pradoṣasamaye hi te nyagrodhasyopaviviśuraṁtike śokakarśitāḥ

At the hour of nightfall, Kritavarma, Kripa and Drauni, wasted with grief, sat down close by the banyan tree.

Verse 39 (skanda.3.31.39)

कृपभोजौ तदा निद्रां भेजातेऽतिप याक्रमौ सुखोचितास्त्वदुःखार्हा निषेदुर्धरणीतले

kṛpabhojau tadā nidrāṁ bhejāte'tipa yākramau sukhocitāstvaduḥkhārhā niṣedurdharaṇītale

Kripa and the Bhoja lord Kritavarma, though of great valor, then succumbed to sleep; accustomed to comfort and unfit for such misery, they lay upon the bare ground.

Verse 40 (skanda.3.31.40)

द्रोणपुत्रस्तु कोपेन कलुषीकृतमानसः ययौ न निद्रां विप्रेंद्रा निश्वसन्नुरगो यथा

droṇaputrastu kopena kaluṣīkṛtamānasaḥ yayau na nidrāṁ vipreṁdrā niśvasannurago yathā

But Drona's son, his mind clouded with anger, O best of brahmins, did not succumb to sleep, and kept sighing like a serpent.

Verse 41 (skanda.3.31.41)

ततोऽवलोकयांचक्रे तदरण्यं भयानकम् न्यग्रोधं च ततोऽपश्यद्बहुवायससंकुलम्

tato'valokayāṁcakre tadaraṇyaṁ bhayānakam nyagrodhaṁ ca tato'paśyadbahuvāyasasaṁkulam

Then he surveyed that terrifying forest, and saw the banyan tree crowded with a great many crows.

Verse 42 (skanda.3.31.42)

तत्र वायसवृन्दानि निशायां वासमाय युः सुखं भिन्नासु शाखासु सुषुपुस्ते पृथक्पृथक्

tatra vāyasavṛndāni niśāyāṁ vāsamāya yuḥ sukhaṁ bhinnāsu śākhāsu suṣupuste pṛthakpṛthak

There, flocks of crows had come to roost for the night, and they slept comfortably, each apart, on the different branches.

Verse 43 (skanda.3.31.43)

काकेषु तेषु सुप्तेषु विश्वस्तेषु समंततः ततोऽपश्यत्समायांतं भासं द्रौणिर्भयंकरम्

kākeṣu teṣu supteṣu viśvasteṣu samaṁtataḥ tato'paśyatsamāyāṁtaṁ bhāsaṁ drauṇirbhayaṁkaram

While those crows were sleeping all around, at ease and unsuspecting, Drauni then saw a fearsome owl approaching.

Verse 44 (skanda.3.31.44)

कूरशब्दं क्रूरकायं बभ्रुपिंगकलेवरम् स भासोऽथ भृशं शब्दं कृत्वालीयत शाखिनि

kūraśabdaṁ krūrakāyaṁ babhrupiṁgakalevaram sa bhāso'tha bhṛśaṁ śabdaṁ kṛtvālīyata śākhini

With a harsh cry and a cruel form, tawny-brown in hue, that bird, screeching loudly, settled upon the tree.

Verse 45 (skanda.3.31.45)

उत्प्लुत्य तस्य शाखायां न्यग्रोधस्य विहंगमः सुप्तान्काकान्निजघ्नेऽसावनेकान्वायसांतकः

utplutya tasya śākhāyāṁ nyagrodhasya vihaṁgamaḥ suptānkākānnijaghne'sāvanekānvāyasāṁtakaḥ

Leaping onto a branch of that banyan tree, that bird, the bane of crows, began killing many of the sleeping crows.

Verse 46 (skanda.3.31.46)

काकानामभिनत्पक्षान्स केषांचिद्विहंगमः इतरेषां च चरणाञ्छिरांसि चरणा युधः

kākānāmabhinatpakṣānsa keṣāṁcidvihaṁgamaḥ itareṣāṁ ca caraṇāñchirāṁsi caraṇā yudhaḥ

That bird tore off the wings of some crows, the feet of others, and with its talons severed the heads of yet others.

Verse 47 (skanda.3.31.47)

विचकर्त क्षणेनासावुलूको वलवान्द्विजाः स भिन्नदेहावयवैः काकानां बहुभिस्तदा

vicakarta kṣaṇenāsāvulūko valavāndvijāḥ sa bhinnadehāvayavaiḥ kākānāṁ bahubhistadā

That powerful owl tore them apart in a moment, O brahmins; and then, with the mangled limbs of many crows,

Verse 48 (skanda.3.31.48)

समंतादावृतं सर्वं न्यग्रोधपरि मण्डलम् वायसांस्तान्निहत्यासावुलूको मुमुदे तदा

samaṁtādāvṛtaṁ sarvaṁ nyagrodhapari maṇḍalam vāyasāṁstānnihatyāsāvulūko mumude tadā

the whole area around the banyan tree was strewn on every side; having thus slain those crows, the owl rejoiced.

Verse 49 (skanda.3.31.49)

द्रौणिर्दृष्ट्वा तु तत्कर्म भासेनैवं कृतं निशि करिष्याम्यहमप्येवं शत्रूणां निधनं निशि

drauṇirdṛṣṭvā tu tatkarma bhāsenaivaṁ kṛtaṁ niśi kariṣyāmyahamapyevaṁ śatrūṇāṁ nidhanaṁ niśi

Seeing this deed done by the owl at night, Drauni thought: "I too shall accomplish the destruction of my enemies in just this way, at night."

Verse 50 (skanda.3.31.50)

इत्यचिंतयदेकः सन्नुपदेशमिमं स्मरन् जेतुं न शक्याः पार्था हि ऋजुमार्गेण युद्ध्यता

ityaciṁtayadekaḥ sannupadeśamimaṁ smaran jetuṁ na śakyāḥ pārthā hi ṛjumārgeṇa yuddhyatā

Thus he reflected, alone, recalling this teaching: "The Pandavas cannot be conquered by one who fights along a straightforward path."

Verse 51 (skanda.3.31.51)

मया तच्छद्मना तेऽथ हंतव्या जितकाशिनः सुयोधनसकाशे च प्रतिज्ञातो मया वधः

mayā tacchadmanā te'tha haṁtavyā jitakāśinaḥ suyodhanasakāśe ca pratijñāto mayā vadhaḥ

"So by deceit alone must I slay them, those who shine in the pride of victory; and before Suyodhana I have vowed to kill them."

Verse 52 (skanda.3.31.52)

ऋजुमार्गेण युद्धे मे प्राणनाशो भविष्यति छलेन युध्यमानस्य जयश्चास्य रिपुक्षयः

ṛjumārgeṇa yuddhe me prāṇanāśo bhaviṣyati chalena yudhyamānasya jayaścāsya ripukṣayaḥ

"If I fight by the straight path, I shall lose my life; but fighting by deceit, victory and the destruction of these foes will be mine."

Verse 53 (skanda.3.31.53)

यच्च निंद्यं भवेत्कार्यं लोके सर्वजनैरपि कार्यमेव हि तत्कर्म क्षत्रधर्मानुवर्तिना

yacca niṁdyaṁ bhavetkāryaṁ loke sarvajanairapi kāryameva hi tatkarma kṣatradharmānuvartinā

"Even an act that all the people of the world would condemn — that very act must at times be performed by one who follows the duty of a kshatriya."

Verse 54 (skanda.3.31.54)

पार्थैरपि छलेनैव कृतं कर्म सुयोधने अस्मिन्नर्थे पुराविद्भिः प्रोक्ताः श्लोका भवंति हि

pārthairapi chalenaiva kṛtaṁ karma suyodhane asminnarthe purāvidbhiḥ proktāḥ ślokā bhavaṁti hi

"The Pandavas themselves acted by deceit against Suyodhana; and on this matter, verses have been spoken by those learned in ancient lore."

Verse 55 (skanda.3.31.55)

परिश्रांते विदीर्णे च भुंजाने च रिपोर्बले प्रस्थाने च प्रवेशे च प्रहर्तव्यं न संशयः

pariśrāṁte vidīrṇe ca bhuṁjāne ca riporbale prasthāne ca praveśe ca prahartavyaṁ na saṁśayaḥ

"When the enemy's force is exhausted, or scattered, or eating, or setting out, or entering camp — then one should strike; of this there is no doubt."

Verse 56 (skanda.3.31.56)

निद्रार्तमर्धरात्रे च तथा त्यक्तायुधं रणे भिन्नयोधं बलं सर्वं प्रहर्तव्यमरातिभिः

nidrārtamardharātre ca tathā tyaktāyudhaṁ raṇe bhinnayodhaṁ balaṁ sarvaṁ prahartavyamarātibhiḥ

"An army overcome by sleep at midnight, or one that has laid down its weapons on the field, or one whose warriors are scattered — such a whole force should be struck down by its foes."

Verse 57 (skanda.3.31.57)

एवं स नियमं कृत्वा सुप्तमारणकर्मणि प्राबोधयद्भोजकृपौ सुप्तौ रात्रौ स साहसी द्रौणिर्ध्यात्वा मुहूर्तं तु तावुभावभ्यभाषत

evaṁ sa niyamaṁ kṛtvā suptamāraṇakarmaṇi prābodhayadbhojakṛpau suptau rātrau sa sāhasī drauṇirdhyātvā muhūrtaṁ tu tāvubhāvabhyabhāṣata

Having thus resolved upon the deed of killing the sleeping, that bold Drauni woke the sleeping Bhoja lord and Kripa in the night; and, after reflecting a moment, spoke to both of them.

Verse 58 (skanda.3.31.58)

अश्वत्थामोवाच मृतः सुयोधनो राजा महाबलपराक्रमः

aśvatthāmovāca mṛtaḥ suyodhano rājā mahābalaparākramaḥ

Ashvatthama said: "King Suyodhana, of mighty strength and valor, has died."

Verse 59 (skanda.3.31.59)

शुद्धकर्मा हतः पार्थैर्बहुभिः क्षुद्रकर्मभिः भीमेनातिनृशंसेन शिरो राज्ञः पदा हतम्

śuddhakarmā hataḥ pārthairbahubhiḥ kṣudrakarmabhiḥ bhīmenātinṛśaṁsena śiro rājñaḥ padā hatam

"That man of pure conduct was slain by the Pandavas through many base acts; the utterly cruel Bhima struck the king's head with his foot."

Verse 60 (skanda.3.31.60)

ततोऽद्य रात्रौ पार्थानां समेत्य पटमण्डपम् सुखसुप्तान्हनिष्यामः शस्त्रैर्नानाविधैर्वयम् कृपः प्रोवाच तत्रैन मिति श्रुत्वा द्विजोत्तमाः

tato'dya rātrau pārthānāṁ sametya paṭamaṇḍapam sukhasuptānhaniṣyāmaḥ śastrairnānāvidhairvayam kṛpaḥ provāca tatraina miti śrutvā dvijottamāḥ

"So this very night, let us go to the Pandavas' encampment and slay them as they sleep in comfort, with weapons of many kinds." Hearing this, O best of brahmins, Kripa spoke to him.

Verse 61 (skanda.3.31.61)

कृप उवाच सुप्तानां मारणं लोके न धर्मो न च पूज्यते

kṛpa uvāca suptānāṁ māraṇaṁ loke na dharmo na ca pūjyate

Kripa said: "In this world, the killing of those who sleep is neither righteous nor honorable."

Verse 62 (skanda.3.31.62)

तथैव त्यक्तशस्त्राणां संत्यक्तरथवाजि नाम् शृणु मे वचनं वत्स मुच्यतां साहसं त्वया

tathaiva tyaktaśastrāṇāṁ saṁtyaktarathavāji nām śṛṇu me vacanaṁ vatsa mucyatāṁ sāhasaṁ tvayā

"Nor, likewise, is it right to kill those who have laid down their weapons or abandoned chariots and horses. Listen to my words, my child; give up this rash design."

Verse 63 (skanda.3.31.63)

वयं तु धृतराष्टं च गांधारीं च पतिव्रताम् पृच्छामो विदुरं चापि तदुक्तं करवा महे इत्युक्तः स तदा द्रौणिः कृपं प्रोवाच वै पुनः

vayaṁ tu dhṛtarāṣṭaṁ ca gāṁdhārīṁ ca pativratām pṛcchāmo viduraṁ cāpi taduktaṁ karavā mahe ityuktaḥ sa tadā drauṇiḥ kṛpaṁ provāca vai punaḥ

"Let us first ask Dhritarashtra, the chaste Gandhari, and Vidura too, and do whatever they advise." Thus addressed, Drauni then spoke again to Kripa.

Verse 64 (skanda.3.31.64)

अश्वत्थामोवाच पांडवैश्च पुरा यन्मे छलाद्युद्धे पिता हतः

aśvatthāmovāca pāṁḍavaiśca purā yanme chalādyuddhe pitā hataḥ

Ashvatthama said: "That my father was long ago slain in battle by the Pandavas through deceit —"

Verse 65 (skanda.3.31.65)

तन्मे सर्वाणि मर्माणि निकृन्तति हि मातुल द्रोणहंताहमित्येतद्धृष्टद्युमस्य यद्वचः

tanme sarvāṇi marmāṇi nikṛntati hi mātula droṇahaṁtāhamityetaddhṛṣṭadyumasya yadvacaḥ

"that cuts through all my vital being, O uncle; and that boast of Dhrishtadyumna's — 'I am the slayer of Drona' —"

Verse 66 (skanda.3.31.66)

कथं जनसमक्षे तद्वचनं संशृणोम्यहम् तैरेव पांडवैः पूर्वं धर्मसेतुर्निराकृतः

kathaṁ janasamakṣe tadvacanaṁ saṁśṛṇomyaham taireva pāṁḍavaiḥ pūrvaṁ dharmaseturnirākṛtaḥ

"how can I bear to hear that boast spoken openly? It was those very Pandavas who first broke the bridge of righteousness."

Verse 67 (skanda.3.31.67)

समक्षमेव युष्माकं सर्वेषामेव भूभृताम् त्यक्तायुधो मम पिता धृष्टद्युम्नेन पातितः

samakṣameva yuṣmākaṁ sarveṣāmeva bhūbhṛtām tyaktāyudho mama pitā dhṛṣṭadyumnena pātitaḥ

"In the very presence of all you kings, my father, though he had laid down his weapon, was struck down by Dhrishtadyumna."

Verse 68 (skanda.3.31.68)

तथा शांतनवो भीष्मस्त्यक्तचापो निरायुधः शिखंडिनं पुरोधाय निहतः सव्यसाचिना

tathā śāṁtanavo bhīṣmastyaktacāpo nirāyudhaḥ śikhaṁḍinaṁ purodhāya nihataḥ savyasācinā

"Likewise Bhishma, son of Shantanu, weaponless, his bow set aside, was slain by Savyasachi (Arjuna), who placed Shikhandi before him."

Verse 69 (skanda.3.31.69)

एवमन्येऽपि भूपालाश्छलेनैव हतास्तु तैः तथैवाहं करिष्यामि सुप्तानां मारणं निशि

evamanye'pi bhūpālāśchalenaiva hatāstu taiḥ tathaivāhaṁ kariṣyāmi suptānāṁ māraṇaṁ niśi

"In this same way other kings too were slain by them only through deceit; therefore I too shall now carry out the killing of the sleeping at night."

Verse 70 (skanda.3.31.70)

एवमुक्त्वा तदा द्रौणिः संयुक्ततुरगं रथम् प्रायादभिमुखः शत्रून्समारुह्य क्रुधा ज्वलन्

evamuktvā tadā drauṇiḥ saṁyuktaturagaṁ ratham prāyādabhimukhaḥ śatrūnsamāruhya krudhā jvalan

Having said this, Drauni mounted his horse-yoked chariot and advanced toward the enemy, blazing with rage.

Verse 71 (skanda.3.31.71)

तं यांतम न्वगातां तौ कृतवर्मकृपावुभौ ययुश्च शिबिरे तेषां संप्रसुप्तजनं तदा

taṁ yāṁtama nvagātāṁ tau kṛtavarmakṛpāvubhau yayuśca śibire teṣāṁ saṁprasuptajanaṁ tadā

As he went forth, Kritavarma and Kripa followed him; and they came to the camp of the Pandavas, whose people were then fast asleep.

Verse 72 (skanda.3.31.72)

शिबिरद्वारमासाद्य द्रोणपुत्रो व्यतिष्ठत रात्रौ तत्र समाराध्य महादेवं घृणानिधिम्

śibiradvāramāsādya droṇaputro vyatiṣṭhata rātrau tatra samārādhya mahādevaṁ ghṛṇānidhim

Reaching the gate of the camp, Drona's son halted there; and in the night he worshipped Mahadeva, that treasury of compassion.

Verse 73 (skanda.3.31.73)

अवाप विमलं खङ्गं महादेवाद्वरप्रदात् ततो द्रौणिरवस्थाप्य कृतवर्मकृपावुभौ

avāpa vimalaṁ khaṅgaṁ mahādevādvarapradāt tato drauṇiravasthāpya kṛtavarmakṛpāvubhau

From Mahadeva, the granter of boons, he obtained a spotless sword. Then Drauni, stationing both Kritavarma and Kripa,

Verse 74 (skanda.3.31.74)

द्वारदेशे महावीरः शिबि रांतः प्रविष्टवान् प्रविष्टे शिबिरे द्रौणौ कृतवर्मकृपावुभौ

dvāradeśe mahāvīraḥ śibi rāṁtaḥ praviṣṭavān praviṣṭe śibire drauṇau kṛtavarmakṛpāvubhau

at the gateway, entered within the camp as that great hero; and once Drauni had entered the camp, Kritavarma and Kripa both,

Verse 75 (skanda.3.31.75)

द्वारदेशे व्यतिष्ठेतां यत्तौ परमधन्विनौ अथ द्रौणिः सुसंक्रुद्धस्तेजसा प्रज्वलन्निव

dvāradeśe vyatiṣṭhetāṁ yattau paramadhanvinau atha drauṇiḥ susaṁkruddhastejasā prajvalanniva

those two supreme archers, stood alert and ready at the gate. Then Drauni, greatly enraged, as if ablaze with fiery energy,

Verse 76 (skanda.3.31.76)

खङ्गं विमलमादाय व्यचरच्छिबिरे निशि ततस्तु धृष्टद्युम्नस्य शिबिरं मंदमाययौ

khaṅgaṁ vimalamādāya vyacaracchibire niśi tatastu dhṛṣṭadyumnasya śibiraṁ maṁdamāyayau

taking up the spotless sword, moved about within the camp at night; and then slowly approached Dhrishtadyumna's tent.

Verse 77 (skanda.3.31.77)

धृष्टद्युम्नादयस्तत्र महायुद्धेन कर्शिताः सुषुपुर्निशि विश्वस्ताः स्वस्वसैन्यसमावृताः

dhṛṣṭadyumnādayastatra mahāyuddhena karśitāḥ suṣupurniśi viśvastāḥ svasvasainyasamāvṛtāḥ

Dhrishtadyumna and the others, exhausted by the great battle, slept there that night, trusting and secure, surrounded by their own troops.

Verse 78 (skanda.3.31.78)

धृष्टद्युम्नस्य शिबिरं प्रविश्य द्रौणिरस्त्रवित् तं सुप्तं शयने शुभ्रे ददर्शारान्महाबलम्

dhṛṣṭadyumnasya śibiraṁ praviśya drauṇirastravit taṁ suptaṁ śayane śubhre dadarśārānmahābalam

Entering Dhrishtadyumna's tent, Drauni, skilled in weapons, saw that mighty warrior nearby, asleep upon a white couch.

Verse 79 (skanda.3.31.79)

पादेनाघातयद्रोषात्स्वपंतं द्रोणनंदनः स बुद्धश्चरणाघातादुत्थाय शयनादथ

pādenāghātayadroṣātsvapaṁtaṁ droṇanaṁdanaḥ sa buddhaścaraṇāghātādutthāya śayanādatha

In wrath, Drona's son struck the sleeping man with his foot; roused by the kick, he rose up from his bed.

Verse 80 (skanda.3.31.80)

व्यलोकयत्तदा वीरो द्रोणपुत्रं पुरः स्थितम् तमुत्पतंतं शयनाद्द्रोणाचार्यसुतो बली

vyalokayattadā vīro droṇaputraṁ puraḥ sthitam tamutpataṁtaṁ śayanāddroṇācāryasuto balī

That hero then saw Drona's son standing before him; and as he sprang up from his bed, the mighty son of teacher Drona,

Verse 81 (skanda.3.31.81)

केशेष्वाकृष्य बाहुभ्यां निष्पिपेष धरातले धृष्टद्युम्नस्तदा तेन निष्पिष्टः स भया तुरः

keśeṣvākṛṣya bāhubhyāṁ niṣpipeṣa dharātale dhṛṣṭadyumnastadā tena niṣpiṣṭaḥ sa bhayā turaḥ

seizing him by the hair with both arms, ground him down upon the earth. Thus crushed by him, Dhrishtadyumna, overwhelmed with fear,

Verse 82 (skanda.3.31.82)

निद्रांधः पादघातातो न शशाक विचेष्टितुम् द्रौणिस्त्वाक्रम्य तस्योरः कण्ठं बद्ध्वा धनुर्गुणैः

nidrāṁdhaḥ pādaghātāto na śaśāka viceṣṭitum drauṇistvākramya tasyoraḥ kaṇṭhaṁ baddhvā dhanurguṇaiḥ

still blind with sleep and stunned by the blow of the foot, was unable to struggle. Drauni, mounting upon his chest, then bound his throat with his own bowstring.

Verse 83 (skanda.3.31.83)

नदंतं विस्फुरंतं तं पशुमारममारयत् तस्य सैन्यानि सर्वाणि न्यवधीच्च तथैव सः

nadaṁtaṁ visphuraṁtaṁ taṁ paśumāramamārayat tasya sainyāni sarvāṇi nyavadhīcca tathaiva saḥ

As he roared and writhed, Drauni killed him as one kills a sacrificial beast; and in the same way he slew all his soldiers.

Verse 84 (skanda.3.31.84)

युधामन्युं महावीर्यममुत्तमौजसमेव च तथैव द्रौपदीपुत्रानवशिष्टांश्च सोमकान्

yudhāmanyuṁ mahāvīryamamuttamaujasameva ca tathaiva draupadīputrānavaśiṣṭāṁśca somakān

He also slew the mighty Yudhamanyu, and Uttamaujas as well, and likewise the sons of Draupadi and the remaining Somakas.

Verse 85 (skanda.3.31.85)

शिखंडिप्रमुखानन्यान्खङ्गेनामारयद्बहून् तद्भयाद्द्वारनिर्यातान्सर्वानेव च सैनिकान्

śikhaṁḍipramukhānanyānkhaṅgenāmārayadbahūn tadbhayāddvāraniryātānsarvāneva ca sainikān

With his sword he killed many others headed by Shikhandi, along with all the soldiers who fled out through the gate in fear of him.

Verse 86 (skanda.3.31.86)

प्रापयामासतुर्मृत्युं कृतवर्मकृपा वुभौ एवं निहतसैन्यं तच्छिबिरं तैर्महाबलैः

prāpayāmāsaturmṛtyuṁ kṛtavarmakṛpā vubhau evaṁ nihatasainyaṁ tacchibiraṁ tairmahābalaiḥ

Kritavarma and Kripa, both stationed at the gate, sent them to their death. Thus, with the whole army of that camp slain by those mighty warriors,

Verse 87 (skanda.3.31.87)

तत्क्षणे शून्यमभवत्त्रिजगत्प्रलये यथा एवं हत्वा ततः सर्वान्द्रोणपुत्रादयस्त्रयः

tatkṣaṇe śūnyamabhavattrijagatpralaye yathā evaṁ hatvā tataḥ sarvāndroṇaputrādayastrayaḥ

it became empty in that instant, as if the three worlds had come to dissolution. Having thus slain them all, the three led by Drona's son

Verse 88 (skanda.3.31.88)

निरगुः शिबिरात्तस्मात्पार्थभीता भयातुराः सर्वे पृथक्पृथग्देशान्दुद्रुवुः शीघ्रगामिनः

niraguḥ śibirāttasmātpārthabhītā bhayāturāḥ sarve pṛthakpṛthagdeśāndudruvuḥ śīghragāminaḥ

came out from that camp, afraid of the Pandavas and overcome by terror; and, swift of foot, they all fled, each to a different quarter.

Verse 89 (skanda.3.31.89)

अथ द्रौणिर्ययौ विप्रा रेवातीरं मनोरमम् तत्र ह्यनेकसाहस्रा ऋषयो वेदवादिनः

atha drauṇiryayau viprā revātīraṁ manoramam tatra hyanekasāhasrā ṛṣayo vedavādinaḥ

Then, O brahmins, Drauni went to the lovely bank of the river Reva; there, many thousands of sages, expounders of the Vedas,

Verse 90 (skanda.3.31.90)

कथयंतः कथाः पुण्यास्तपश्चक्रुरनुत्तमम् तत्रायं प्रययौ द्रौणिर्ऋषीणामाश्रमेष्वथ

kathayaṁtaḥ kathāḥ puṇyāstapaścakruranuttamam tatrāyaṁ prayayau drauṇirṛṣīṇāmāśrameṣvatha

were narrating sacred tales and performing the most excellent austerities; there this Drauni went, into the hermitages of those sages.

Verse 91 (skanda.3.31.91)

प्रविष्टमात्रे तस्मिंस्तु मुनयो ब्रह्मवादिनः द्रौणेर्दुश्चरितं ज्ञात्वा प्राहुर्योगबलेन तम्

praviṣṭamātre tasmiṁstu munayo brahmavādinaḥ drauṇerduścaritaṁ jñātvā prāhuryogabalena tam

As soon as he entered, the sages, expounders of Brahman, knowing by the power of their yoga the evil deed Drauni had done, said to him:

Verse 92 (skanda.3.31.92)

सुप्तमा रणकृत्पापी द्रौणे त्वं ब्राह्मणाधमः त्वद्दर्शनेन ह्यस्माकं पातित्यं भवति ध्रुवम्

suptamā raṇakṛtpāpī drauṇe tvaṁ brāhmaṇādhamaḥ tvaddarśanena hyasmākaṁ pātityaṁ bhavati dhruvam

"O Drauni, sinner who has slain the sleeping, vilest among brahmins — merely by looking at you, our own fall is now certain!"

Verse 93 (skanda.3.31.93)

त्वत्संभाषणमात्रेण ब्रह्महत्यायुतं भ वेत् अतोऽस्मदाश्रमेभ्यस्त्वं निर्गच्छ पुरुषाधम

tvatsaṁbhāṣaṇamātreṇa brahmahatyāyutaṁ bha vet ato'smadāśramebhyastvaṁ nirgaccha puruṣādhama

"Merely by conversing with you, the sin of ten thousand brahmin-slayings would accrue. Therefore, O vilest of men, leave our hermitages!"

Verse 94 (skanda.3.31.94)

इत्यब्रुवंस्तदा द्रौणिं तत्रत्या मुनयो द्विजाः इतीरितस्ततो द्रौणिर्मुनिभिर्ब्रह्म वादिभिः

ityabruvaṁstadā drauṇiṁ tatratyā munayo dvijāḥ itīritastato drauṇirmunibhirbrahma vādibhiḥ

Thus the brahmin sages there spoke to Drauni; and thus rebuked by those sages, exponents of Brahman, Drauni,

Verse 95 (skanda.3.31.95)

लज्जितो निलात्तस्मादाश्रमान्मुनिसेवितात् एवं काश्यादितीर्थेषु पुण्येषु प्रययौ च सः

lajjito nilāttasmādāśramānmunisevitāt evaṁ kāśyāditīrtheṣu puṇyeṣu prayayau ca saḥ

ashamed, departed from that hermitage frequented by sages. In this way he went on to the sacred tirthas beginning with Kashi.

Verse 96 (skanda.3.31.96)

तत्रतत्र द्विजैः सर्वै र्निंदितोऽसौ महात्मभिः व्यासं शरणमापेदे प्रायश्चित्तचिकीर्षया

tatratatra dvijaiḥ sarvai rniṁdito'sau mahātmabhiḥ vyāsaṁ śaraṇamāpede prāyaścittacikīrṣayā

There too he was condemned everywhere by all the great-souled brahmins; so, desiring to perform expiation, he took refuge in Vyasa.

Verse 97 (skanda.3.31.97)

ततो बदरिकारण्ये समासीनं महामुनिम् द्वैपायनं समागम्य प्रणनाम सभक्तिकम्

tato badarikāraṇye samāsīnaṁ mahāmunim dvaipāyanaṁ samāgamya praṇanāma sabhaktikam

Then, going to Badarikashrama, he approached the great sage Dvaipayana [Vyasa], who was seated there, and bowed to him with devotion.

Verse 98 (skanda.3.31.98)

ततो व्यासोऽब्रवीदेनं द्रोणाचार्यसुतं मुनिः त्वमस्मदाश्रमादद्रौणे निर्याहि त्वरया त्विति

tato vyāso'bravīdenaṁ droṇācāryasutaṁ muniḥ tvamasmadāśramādadrauṇe niryāhi tvarayā tviti

Then the sage Vyasa said to this son of teacher Drona: "O Drauni, leave my hermitage at once."

Verse 99 (skanda.3.31.99)

सुप्तमारण दोषेण महापातकवान्भवान् अतो मे भवतालापान्महत्पापं भविष्यति इत्युक्तः स तदा द्रौणिः प्रोवाचेदं वचो मुनिः

suptamāraṇa doṣeṇa mahāpātakavānbhavān ato me bhavatālāpānmahatpāpaṁ bhaviṣyati ityuktaḥ sa tadā drauṇiḥ provācedaṁ vaco muniḥ

"By the sin of killing the sleeping, you have become guilty of a great crime; therefore, from conversing with you, great sin will fall upon me too." Thus addressed, Drauni then spoke this to the sage.

Verse 100 (skanda.3.31.100)

अश्वत्थामोवाच भगवन्निंदितः सर्वैस्त्वामस्मि शरणं गतः

aśvatthāmovāca bhagavanniṁditaḥ sarvaistvāmasmi śaraṇaṁ gataḥ

Ashvatthama said: "O Lord, condemned by all, I have come to you for refuge."

Verse 101 (skanda.3.31.101)

ब्रवीषि चेत्त्वमप्येवं कोऽन्यो मे शरणं भवेत् कृपां कुरु मयि ब्रह्मन्साधवो दीनवत्सलाः

bravīṣi cettvamapyevaṁ ko'nyo me śaraṇaṁ bhavet kṛpāṁ kuru mayi brahmansādhavo dīnavatsalāḥ

"If you too speak thus, who else can be my refuge? Have mercy on me, O brahmin — the virtuous are ever tender toward the wretched."

Verse 102 (skanda.3.31.102)

सुप्तमारणदोषस्य शांत्यर्थं भगवन्मम प्रायश्चित्तं विधेहि त्वं सर्वज्ञोऽसि भवान्यतः इत्युक्तो द्रौणिना व्यासश्चिरं ध्यात्वा तमब्रवीत्

suptamāraṇadoṣasya śāṁtyarthaṁ bhagavanmama prāyaścittaṁ vidhehi tvaṁ sarvajño'si bhavānyataḥ ityukto drauṇinā vyāsaściraṁ dhyātvā tamabravīt

"O Lord, prescribe for me the expiation to pacify this sin of killing the sleeping, for you are all-knowing." Thus addressed by Drauni, Vyasa, after reflecting long, spoke to him.

Verse 103 (skanda.3.31.103)

व्यास उवाच एतत्पापस्य शांत्यर्थं प्रायश्चित्तं स्मृतौ न हि

vyāsa uvāca etatpāpasya śāṁtyarthaṁ prāyaścittaṁ smṛtau na hi

Vyasa said: "For the pacification of this sin, there is truly no expiation prescribed in the Smritis."

Verse 104 (skanda.3.31.104)

तथाप्युपायं वक्ष्यामि तवैतद्दोष शांतये दक्षिणांबुनिधौ पुण्ये रामसेतौ विमुक्तिदे

tathāpyupāyaṁ vakṣyāmi tavaitaddoṣa śāṁtaye dakṣiṇāṁbunidhau puṇye rāmasetau vimuktide

"Nevertheless, I shall tell you a means to pacify this fault: at the sacred Rama-Setu in the southern ocean, which grants liberation,"

Verse 105 (skanda.3.31.105)

धनुष्कोटिरितिख्यातं तीर्थमस्ति महत्तरम् अस्ति पुण्यतमं द्रौणे महापात कनाशनम्

dhanuṣkoṭiritikhyātaṁ tīrthamasti mahattaram asti puṇyatamaṁ drauṇe mahāpāta kanāśanam

"there is a very great tirtha known as Dhanushkoti; O Drauni, it is most sacred, and destroys even the greatest of sins."

Verse 106 (skanda.3.31.106)

स्वर्गमोक्षप्रदं पुंसां ब्रह्महत्यादिशोधकम् सर्वमंगलमांगल्यं सर्वाभीष्टप्रदायकम्

svargamokṣapradaṁ puṁsāṁ brahmahatyādiśodhakam sarvamaṁgalamāṁgalyaṁ sarvābhīṣṭapradāyakam

"It bestows heaven and liberation on people, purifies even the sin of brahmin-slaying, is the most auspicious of all auspicious things, and grants every cherished desire."

Verse 107 (skanda.3.31.107)

पवित्राणां पवित्रं च तीर्थानां च तथोत्तमम् दुःस्वप्ननाशनं पुण्यं नरकक्लेशनाशनम्

pavitrāṇāṁ pavitraṁ ca tīrthānāṁ ca tathottamam duḥsvapnanāśanaṁ puṇyaṁ narakakleśanāśanam

"It is the purest of the pure and the finest among all tirthas; it is sacred, dispelling ill dreams and removing the torments of hell."

Verse 108 (skanda.3.31.108)

अकालमृत्युशमनं पुंसां विजयवर्द्धनम् दारिद्र्यनाशनं पुंसामायुर्वर्धनकार णम्

akālamṛtyuśamanaṁ puṁsāṁ vijayavarddhanam dāridryanāśanaṁ puṁsāmāyurvardhanakāra ṇam

"It wards off untimely death, increases people's victory, destroys poverty, and is the cause of increased lifespan."

Verse 109 (skanda.3.31.109)

चित्तशुद्धिप्रदं नृणां शांतिदांत्यादिकारणम् तत्र गत्वा धनुष्कोटौ रामसेतौ विमुक्तिदे

cittaśuddhipradaṁ nṛṇāṁ śāṁtidāṁtyādikāraṇam tatra gatvā dhanuṣkoṭau rāmasetau vimuktide

"It bestows purity of mind on people and is the source of peace, self-restraint and the like. Going there, to Dhanushkoti at the liberating Rama-Setu,"

Verse 110 (skanda.3.31.110)

स्नानं कुरुष्व द्रौणे त्वं मासमात्रं निरं तरम् सुप्तमारणदोषात्त्वं सद्यः पूतो भविष्यसि

snānaṁ kuruṣva drauṇe tvaṁ māsamātraṁ niraṁ taram suptamāraṇadoṣāttvaṁ sadyaḥ pūto bhaviṣyasi

"O Drauni, bathe there continuously for a full month; you shall then instantly be purified of the sin of killing the sleeping."

Verse 111 (skanda.3.31.111)

कुरुष्व वचनं शीघ्रं मम त्वं द्रोणनंदन एवमुक्तस्तदा द्रौणिर्व्यासेन परमर्षिणा

kuruṣva vacanaṁ śīghraṁ mama tvaṁ droṇanaṁdana evamuktastadā drauṇirvyāsena paramarṣiṇā

"O son of Drona, carry out my word without delay." Thus addressed by the supreme sage Vyasa, Drauni then

Verse 112 (skanda.3.31.112)

रामसेतुं समासाद्य धनुष्कोटिं पवित्रदाम् सस्नौ संकल्पपूर्वं तु मासमेकं निरन्तरम्

rāmasetuṁ samāsādya dhanuṣkoṭiṁ pavitradām sasnau saṁkalpapūrvaṁ tu māsamekaṁ nirantaram

reached that purifying Dhanushkoti at the Rama-Setu, and, having made the ritual resolve, bathed there continuously for one whole month.

Verse 113 (skanda.3.31.113)

त्रिसंध्यं रामनाथं च सिषेवे स दिने दिने ततस्त्रिंशद्दिने तोयस्नानाद्द्रोणात्मजस्तदा

trisaṁdhyaṁ rāmanāthaṁ ca siṣeve sa dine dine tatastriṁśaddine toyasnānāddroṇātmajastadā

Day after day he worshipped Ramanatha [Shiva] at the three daily junctures; then, on the thirtieth day, after his water-bathing, Drona's son,

Verse 114 (skanda.3.31.114)

जजाप च धनुष्कोट्यां मंत्रं पंचाक्षरं तदा अकार्षीदुपवासं च द्रोणपुत्रस्तु तद्दिने

jajāpa ca dhanuṣkoṭyāṁ maṁtraṁ paṁcākṣaraṁ tadā akārṣīdupavāsaṁ ca droṇaputrastu taddine

recited the five-syllabled mantra there at Dhanushkoti, and Drona's son also kept a fast that day.

Verse 115 (skanda.3.31.115)

अकरोज्जागरं रात्रौ रामनाथस्य सन्निधौ अपरेद्युर्धनुष्कोटौ स्नात्वा संकल्पपूर्वकम्

akarojjāgaraṁ rātrau rāmanāthasya sannidhau aparedyurdhanuṣkoṭau snātvā saṁkalpapūrvakam

He kept a night-long vigil in the presence of Ramanatha; and the next day, having bathed at Dhanushkoti in accordance with his resolve,

Verse 116 (skanda.3.31.116)

सिषेवे रामनाथं च स्तुत्वा भक्तिपुरःसरम् ननर्त पुरतः शंभोरानंदाश्रुपरिप्लुतः

siṣeve rāmanāthaṁ ca stutvā bhaktipuraḥsaram nanarta purataḥ śaṁbhorānaṁdāśrupariplutaḥ

he worshipped Ramanatha, praising him with devotion, and danced before Shambhu, overwhelmed with tears of joy.

Verse 117 (skanda.3.31.117)

ततः प्रसन्नो भगवान्प्रादुरासीत्तदग्रतः दृष्ट्वा तत्र महादेवं तुष्टाव परमेश्वरम्

tataḥ prasanno bhagavānprādurāsīttadagrataḥ dṛṣṭvā tatra mahādevaṁ tuṣṭāva parameśvaram

Then the pleased Lord appeared before him; and seeing Mahadeva there, he praised that supreme Lord.

Verse 118 (skanda.3.31.118)

द्रौणिरुवाच नमस्ते देवदेवेश करुणाकर शंकर आपदंबुधिमग्नानां पोतायितपदांबुज

drauṇiruvāca namaste devadeveśa karuṇākara śaṁkara āpadaṁbudhimagnānāṁ potāyitapadāṁbuja

Drauni said: "Salutations to you, O Lord of gods, ocean of compassion, Shankara, whose lotus feet serve as a boat for those drowning in the sea of calamity."

Verse 119 (skanda.3.31.119)

महादेव कृपामूर्ते धूर्जटे नीललोहित उमाकांत विरूपाक्ष चंद्रशेखर ते नमः

mahādeva kṛpāmūrte dhūrjaṭe nīlalohita umākāṁta virūpākṣa caṁdraśekhara te namaḥ

"O Mahadeva, embodiment of compassion, Dhurjati, dark-red of hue; O beloved of Uma, three-eyed one, moon-crested one — salutations to you."

Verse 120 (skanda.3.31.120)

मृत्युंजय त्रिनेत्र त्वं पाहि मां कृपया दृशा पार्वतीपतये तुभ्यं त्रिपुरघ्नाय शंभवे

mṛtyuṁjaya trinetra tvaṁ pāhi māṁ kṛpayā dṛśā pārvatīpataye tubhyaṁ tripuraghnāya śaṁbhave

"O Mrityunjaya, three-eyed one, protect me with your merciful glance; to you, O Lord of Parvati, destroyer of Tripura, Shambhu,"

Verse 121 (skanda.3.31.121)

पिनाकपाणये तुभ्यं त्र्यंबकाय नमोनमः अनंतादिमहानागहारभूषणभूषित

pinākapāṇaye tubhyaṁ tryaṁbakāya namonamaḥ anaṁtādimahānāgahārabhūṣaṇabhūṣita

"to you who bear the Pinaka bow, to Tryambaka, salutations again and again; O you adorned with a garland of great serpents beginning with Ananta,"

Verse 122 (skanda.3.31.122)

शूलपाणे नमस्तुभ्यं गंगाधर मृडाव्यय रक्ष मां कृपया देव पापसंघातपंजरात् इति स्तुतो महादेवो द्रौणिं प्रोवाच हर्षितः

śūlapāṇe namastubhyaṁ gaṁgādhara mṛḍāvyaya rakṣa māṁ kṛpayā deva pāpasaṁghātapaṁjarāt iti stuto mahādevo drauṇiṁ provāca harṣitaḥ

"salutations to you, trident-bearer, bearer of the Ganga, imperishable Mrida; protect me, O Lord, by your grace, from this cage of accumulated sin." Thus praised, Mahadeva spoke joyfully to Drauni.

Verse 123 (skanda.3.31.123)

महादेव उवाच सुप्तमारणदोषस्ते धनुष्कोटौ निमज्जनात्

mahādeva uvāca suptamāraṇadoṣaste dhanuṣkoṭau nimajjanāt

Mahadeva said: "Your sin of killing the sleeping, through your immersion at Dhanushkoti,"

Verse 124 (skanda.3.31.124)

अश्वत्थामन्विनष्टोऽभूद्वरं वरय सुव्रत मयि प्रसन्ने लोकेषु किमलभ्यं भवेन्नृणाम्

aśvatthāmanvinaṣṭo'bhūdvaraṁ varaya suvrata mayi prasanne lokeṣu kimalabhyaṁ bhavennṛṇām

"O Ashvatthama, has been utterly destroyed. Ask for a boon, O virtuous one; when I am pleased, what is there in the worlds that people cannot obtain?"

Verse 125 (skanda.3.31.125)

अतोऽभीष्टं वृणीष्व त्वं मत्तो द्रोणात्मजाधुना इत्युक्तः शंभुना द्रौणिः प्राह तं परमेश्वरम्

ato'bhīṣṭaṁ vṛṇīṣva tvaṁ matto droṇātmajādhunā ityuktaḥ śaṁbhunā drauṇiḥ prāha taṁ parameśvaram

"Therefore, O son of Drona, now ask of me whatever you desire." Thus addressed by Shambhu, Drauni spoke to that supreme Lord.

Verse 126 (skanda.3.31.126)

तवाद्य दर्शनेनाहं कृतार्थोस्मि महेश्वरम् त्वद्दर्शनमपुण्यानामलभ्यं जन्मकोटिभिः

tavādya darśanenāhaṁ kṛtārthosmi maheśvaram tvaddarśanamapuṇyānāmalabhyaṁ janmakoṭibhiḥ

"O Maheshvara, by your very darshan today I have become fulfilled; your darshan is unattainable by the unrighteous even after millions of births."

Verse 127 (skanda.3.31.127)

अतो युष्मत्पदांभोजे निश्चला भक्तिरस्तु मे इममेव वरं देहि मह्यं शंभो नमोऽस्तु ते

ato yuṣmatpadāṁbhoje niścalā bhaktirastu me imameva varaṁ dehi mahyaṁ śaṁbho namo'stu te

"Therefore may my devotion at your lotus feet remain ever unwavering — grant me this one boon alone, O Shambhu; salutations to you."

Verse 128 (skanda.3.31.128)

उक्त्वा तथास्त्विति द्रौणिं देवदेवो महेश्वरः पश्यतो द्रोणपुत्रस्य तत्रैवांतरधीयत

uktvā tathāstviti drauṇiṁ devadevo maheśvaraḥ paśyato droṇaputrasya tatraivāṁtaradhīyata

Saying "So be it" to Drauni, the great Lord of gods, Maheshvara, vanished right there before the very eyes of Drona's son.

Verse 129 (skanda.3.31.129)

अश्वत्थामापि विप्रेंद्रा धूतपापो विनिर्मलः रामचंद्रधनुष्कोटौ स्नानमात्रेण तत्क्षणे

aśvatthāmāpi vipreṁdrā dhūtapāpo vinirmalaḥ rāmacaṁdradhanuṣkoṭau snānamātreṇa tatkṣaṇe

And Ashvatthama too, O best of brahmins, had his sin washed away and became spotless, in that very instant, by the mere act of bathing at Ramachandra's Dhanushkoti.

Verse 130 (skanda.3.31.130)

धूतपापमिमं द्रौणिं सर्वे चापि महर्षयः शुद्धं प्रत्यग्रहीषुस्ते तदाप्रभृति निर्मलम्

dhūtapāpamimaṁ drauṇiṁ sarve cāpi maharṣayaḥ śuddhaṁ pratyagrahīṣuste tadāprabhṛti nirmalam

All the great sages then accepted this Drauni, now cleansed of sin, as pure and spotless from that time onward.

Verse 131 (skanda.3.31.131)

एवं वः कथितं विप्रा द्रौणिपापविमोक्षणम् रामचंद्रधनुष्कोटिस्नानवैभवमात्रतः

evaṁ vaḥ kathitaṁ viprā drauṇipāpavimokṣaṇam rāmacaṁdradhanuṣkoṭisnānavaibhavamātrataḥ

Thus, O brahmins, I have told you of Drauni's release from sin, brought about solely by the glory of bathing at Ramachandra's Dhanushkoti.

Verse 132 (skanda.3.31.132)

यः पठेदिममध्यायं शृणुयाद्वा समाहितः स विधूयेह पापानि शिवलोके महीयते

yaḥ paṭhedimamadhyāyaṁ śṛṇuyādvā samāhitaḥ sa vidhūyeha pāpāni śivaloke mahīyate

Whoever reads this chapter, or listens to it with a focused mind, sheds all sins here below and is exalted in the world of Shiva.