Tripura Saṃhāra story as found in the Mahābhārata

Here in simpler language, is an abridged retelling of the Tripura Sahāra story as found in the Mahābhārata. I used Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguliji’s translation, as starting point …..salutations to that Mahatapasvi.



 The story of Śiva's destruction of the triple city (Tripura) is part of the epic Mahābhārata, specifically in the Kara Parva, also known as the Book of Kara. It is part of the narration by Sañjaya to Dhtarāṣra, recounting how Śiva (often referred to as Rudra, Maheśvara, Sthāu, and Hara) destroys the three cities of the Asuras. The tale is brought up by Duryodhana to Śalya in an effort to convince him to serve as Kara's charioteer in the upcoming battle against Arjuna.

In the Kara Parva, Duryodhana recounts this story to illustrate the importance of having a powerful charioteer who is comparable in status and might to the warrior on the chariot, just like Brahmā was to Śiva. He uses this analogy to motivate Śalya to take up the role of Kara's charioteer, similar to how Brahmā acted as the driver for Śiva.

This story serves as an inspirational tale for Śalya, emphasizing the critical importance of unity, divine power, and the support of a powerful charioteer in achieving victory. It is found within Mahābhārata's Kara Parva. The destruction of Tripura by Śiva is a well-known episode also referred to in other texts, but within the Mahābhārata, it serves as a persuasive narrative to enlist Śalya's support in a crucial role during the war.

 


 


Sañjaya said:
"Then, O king, your son, Duryodhana, humbly approached the mighty warrior Śalya, the ruler of the Madras. With affection, he addressed him in these words:

Duryodhana:
'Oh Śalya, you are a man of true vows, blessed with great fortune, and a hero who brings fear to our enemies. You have heard how Kara spoke to me, and how I have come to you among all these great kings to ask for your help.

You are unmatched in strength, O king of the Madras, and today, I bow my head to you with humility. I ask for your help to destroy our enemies, especially Pārtha (Arjuna). I need you, O greatest of charioteers, to take on the role of Kara's charioteer. With you driving his chariot, the son of Rādhā will surely defeat our foes. There is no one else capable of guiding the horses of Kara like you, O blessed one, you who are equal to Vāsudeva in battle.

Please protect Kara as Brahmā protects Maheśvara. Just as Ka of the Vi race protects the sons of Pāṇḍu from all dangers, you too, O leader of the Madras, must protect the son of Rādhā today. Bhīṣma, Droa, Kpa, you, the valiant king of the Bhojas, Śakuni the son of Subala, Droa's son, and myself—we all form the core strength of our army. Today, Kara needs you the most.'"

Sañjaya said:

"Duryodhana continued speaking to Śalya with determination.

 

Duryodhana:

'O Śalya, we had divided the enemy forces amongst ourselves so that each of our warriors would take a share. Bhīṣma had his share, and Droa had his. But both of them went beyond their allotted tasks, slaying more than what was expected. They were both incredible warriors, but they were also old. Sadly, both were taken down through deceit. After achieving great feats, they have now left for heaven. Many other brave warriors from our side have also fought with all their might, but they too have perished and ascended to heaven after giving their best in battle.

 

Because of that, O king, my army is now reduced to this state. The Pāṇḍavas, who were fewer in number, have slaughtered most of our troops. What should we do now? We must think of something, O lord of Earth, to stop the sons of Kuntī, whose strength cannot be denied, from destroying what's left of my forces. The Pāṇḍavas have already slain our bravest warriors. The mighty-armed Kara is my last hope, along with you, Śalya. You are the greatest chariot driver in the world, and Kara wants to take on Arjuna today in battle.

 

I have great hopes in Kara's abilities, but there’s no one else who can hold the reins for him like you can. As Ka drives Arjuna's chariot in battle, O Śalya, I ask you to be the same for Kara. You’ve seen what Arjuna and Ka have achieved together. Before, Arjuna wasn't capable of such feats, but now his strength has multiplied because of Ka. Day after day, the vast Dhtarāṣra army keeps getting defeated by Arjuna, and it’s all because he is united with Ka.

 

Now, there's only a small portion of the task left that was allotted to Kara and you. Take on that challenge together. Unite with Kara in battle, just as Sūrya unites with Arua to destroy the darkness, and destroy Pārtha (Arjuna). When they see the two of you together—two warriors with the brightness of the morning sun—the enemy will flee. Just like darkness vanishes at the sight of Sūrya and Arua, let the Pāṇḍavas, the Pāñcālas, and the Śñjayas perish at the sight of you and Kara.

 

Kara is the greatest among warriors, and you are the best charioteer. When battle erupts, there’s no one who can match your skill. Just as Ka protects Arjuna at all times, I ask you, O Śalya, to protect Kara. With you as his driver, Kara will be unbeatable, even against the gods led by Śakra (Indra). What can the Pāṇḍavas do then? Trust my words, O Śalya, and help us win today.'"

 

Sañjaya continued:
"After hearing Duryodhana's words, Śalya got really angry. He frowned, his eyes turned red with rage, and he started waving his arms. Proud of his lineage, wealth, and strength, he spoke up:

Śalya:
'Duryodhana, are you insulting me, or do you simply not trust me? You’re asking me, without hesitation, to act as a mere chariot driver! You seem to think Kara is better than me, and that’s why you praise him so much. But let me tell you, I don’t see Kara as my equal in battle.

Give me a greater share of the enemy to fight, O king. I will defeat them in battle and return in triumph. Or if you wish, I will take on the enemy alone. Watch me today as I crush them with my strength! A person like me never accepts an insult lightly. Do not doubt my capabilities. Do not humiliate me by giving me a driver’s role in this battle.

Look at my arms, strong like Indra’s thunderbolt! Look at my bow, and these arrows that are like poisonous snakes. Look at my chariot, drawn by the finest horses, swift as the wind. And behold my mace, adorned with gold. In my fury, I could shatter the Earth, scatter mountains, and dry up the seas. Knowing what I am capable of, why do you make me a charioteer for someone like Adhiratha's son? It is not right for a king like you to give me such a lowly job!

I cannot accept this. To make a superior person yield to a lesser one is a terrible mistake. Brahmā created the brāhmaas from his mouth, the kṣatriyas from his arms, the vaiśyas from his thighs, and the śūdras from his feet. Because of the intermixture of these four varas, many classes have emerged. The kṣatriyas were made to protect others and acquire wealth, while the brāhmaas were meant to guide people and help in sacrifices.

The scriptures say that the vaiśyas are meant for agriculture and trade, while the śūdras serve the other classes. The sūtas, like Kara, are supposed to serve the kṣatriyas, not the other way around. Listen to my words. I am a royal sage, my coronation locks have been bathed in the sacred water. I am a great warrior, worthy of praise from bards and eulogists. There is no way I can act as Kara's driver. I will not fight under such humiliating conditions. Allow me to leave, Duryodhana.'

Sañjaya continued:
"Śalya, filled with rage, stood up and tried to leave the assembly of kings. But Duryodhana quickly grabbed him, speaking to him in gentle, respectful words.

Duryodhana:
'You are right, Śalya. I don’t mean to insult you or doubt you. I have my reasons, though. Kara is not superior to you, nor do I doubt your abilities. You are known for your honesty, and your ancestors were always truthful, which is why you are called Ārāyani. You are also called Śalya because you pierce through your enemies like a barbed arrow. You are generous and virtuous, and I trust you completely.

Neither Kara nor I consider ourselves superior to you. I do not wish for you to be a mere driver. However, Kara is superior to Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) in many ways, and the world regards you as greater than Vāsudeva (Ka). Kara is better than Pārtha in the use of weapons, and you, Śalya, are superior to Ka in knowledge of horses and battle skills. I believe your knowledge of horses even surpasses that of the great Vāsudeva.

Śalya (smiling slightly):
'Since you’ve praised me, Duryodhana, saying that I am even greater than Devakī’s son, I am pleased. I will drive Kara’s chariot when he faces Pārtha, just as you wish. But remember, I must have the freedom to say whatever I wish when I am with Kara.'

Sañjaya continued:
"Duryodhana agreed to Śalya’s condition, and thus, Śalya consented to be Kara’s charioteer during the battle against Arjuna."

Duryodhana:
'Listen, Śalya, there's something else I want to tell you—it's a story about a great battle between the gods and the Asuras in ancient times. The great i Mārkaṇḍeya once told it to my father, and now I will tell it to you. It’s a story of courage, power, and the rivalry between gods and demons.

Long ago, a fierce battle broke out between the gods and the Asuras, each side trying to defeat the other. The root cause of this battle was Taraka. The Daityas were eventually defeated by the gods, but Taraka's three sons—Tārakākṣa, Kamalākṣa, and Vidyunmālin—didn't give up. They started practicing the toughest penances, taking high vows, and emaciating their bodies. They meditated and restrained themselves so much that Brahmā, the Grandfather of all worlds, was pleased and appeared before them to grant them a boon.

United in purpose, they asked Brahmā for something incredible: immunity from death by any creature, at any time. But Brahmā refused, saying, 'No one can have complete immunity from death. Ask for something else.' After much discussion, they came back to Brahmā and made a different request: 'We want to build three cities and roam the Earth in them. After 1,000 years, our three cities will unite into one. Only the one who can pierce all three cities with a single arrow can destroy us.'

Brahmā agreed, saying, 'So be it,' and went back to heaven. The three Asuras, thrilled with their boon, approached the great Asura architect Maya, the celestial craftsman worshipped by all the Daityas and Dānavas. They asked him to build three cities for them. Using his extraordinary skills, Maya built three magnificent cities—one made of gold, one of silver, and one of black iron. The golden city floated in the heavens, the silver city in the skies, and the iron city on Earth, and they revolved together in a circle.

Each city was a hundred yojanas wide and a hundred yojanas long, filled with grand palaces, mansions, and lofty walls. Despite the grandeur of these buildings, the streets were wide and spacious, with gateways and diverse mansions adding to the splendor. Each city had its own king—Tārakākṣa ruled the golden city, Kamalākṣa ruled the silver city, and Vidyunmālin ruled the iron city.

These three Daitya kings soon began attacking the three worlds with their immense power. They mocked the gods and said, 'Who even is the Creator?' As they grew in arrogance, millions of other defeated Dānavas, proud and fierce, gathered in the three cities seeking refuge and prosperity. Maya provided them with everything they needed, and they lived without fear. Whatever the Dānavas desired, Maya made it happen using his powers of illusion.

Tārakākṣa had a mighty son named Hari, who undertook severe penances. When Brahmā was pleased with him, Hari asked for a special boon: a lake that could bring the dead back to life with twice their original strength. Brahmā granted his wish, and Hari created such a lake in his city. Any Daitya who was killed in battle could be thrown into the lake and come back to life, exactly as they were before. With this, the Daityas began to terrorize the three worlds.

Empowered by their penances, these enemies of the gods grew more fearless. They began attacking cities and towns everywhere, losing all respect for the gods and sages. They were filled with pride because of the boons they had received. They roamed freely, driving away the gods, intruding upon sacred forests, heavenly realms, and the ashrams of the is.

Seeing this chaos, Śakra (Indra), surrounded by the Maruts, tried to destroy the three cities with his thunderbolt. But the cities, protected by Brahmā's boon, were impenetrable. Defeated and fearful, Indra and the other gods went to Brahmā, seeking help against the oppression of the Asuras.'

Duryodhana continued:

"Duryodhana said, 'Listen, Śalya. After the gods and is bowed to Brahmā, they asked how they could destroy the three cities. The wise Grandsire heard Indra's plea and replied:

Brahmā:
‘Anyone who offends you, offends me as well. The Asuras are wicked and always hate the gods. Those who hurt you are also against me. I am impartial to all creatures, but the unrighteous deserve to be punished—that is my vow. The three cities can only be destroyed by piercing them with one arrow. Nothing else will work. There is only one person who can do that, and that is Sthāu (Śiva), also called Īśāna. You should make him your warrior. He is the one who will destroy those Asuras.’

The gods, led by Indra, went to Śiva, the god with the bull as his symbol, seeking his protection. Accompanied by is devoted to the severest penances, they praised Śiva with the powerful words of the Vedas. They sang praises to Bhava, the Supreme Soul, who dispels all fears, who pervades all creation.

Duryodhana (in a reflective tone):
‘The gods, who had learned to still their minds through penance, saw Śiva—called Īśāna, the lord of Umā—appear before them. He had no equal in the universe, and his energy was immeasurable. The gods and is saw him in different forms, as each had imagined in their own hearts. They were filled with awe at the sight of the Unborn One, the Supreme Being who embodied all creatures.

They touched their heads to the Earth in reverence. Seeing them all bow, the mighty Śakara greeted them warmly, saying:

Bhagavān Śiva:
‘Welcome! Tell me why you have come here.’

With Śiva’s permission, the gods spoke up:

The Gods (in unison):
‘We salute you, O Lord, source of all gods! We bow to you, armed with the bow, and full of righteous anger. Salutations to you, who destroyed the sacrifice of Dakṣa, who are praised by all beings. We bow to you, fierce one, blue-throated, trident-bearing, and capable of defeating all enemies. You are pure, the destroyer of all evil, the irresistible one, the great Brahman, the ascetic, the three-eyed Lord, the slayer of those who harm the brāhmaas, the lord of all, the source of peace. We devote ourselves to you in thought, word, and action. Please be gracious to us.’

Duryodhana (in a solemn tone):
‘Pleased by their devotion, Śiva greeted them again and said:

Bhagavān Śiva:
‘Let your fears vanish. Tell me what you want.’

Duryodhana:
'The gods, is, and pits, feeling reassured, bowed again and Brahmā spoke on behalf of everyone:

Brahmā:
‘O Śiva, thanks to your grace, I am the Lord of all creatures. It was by my boon that the Dānavas gained their strength. But now, only you can dhestroy these wicked beings. We ask you to show favor to us and to slay those who have no regard for the order of the world. Please, O wielder of the trident, protect the universe once again.’

Śiva (nodding):
‘I will slay your foes, but I will not do it alone. The Asuras are powerful, and it will take more than just my might. All of you must unite with me to destroy them, with half my power and half yours. Union is strength.’

Devatas:
‘The Dānavas have twice our strength. We have already seen how powerful they are. We don’t think we can match them even if we combine our strength with half of yours.’

Bhagavān Śiva:
‘If you cannot bear even half of my power, then lend me half of yours, and I will use it to defeat them.’

Duryodhana (smiling):
‘The gods agreed to Śiva’s plan. Taking half of their combined energies, Śiva became more powerful than any being in the universe. From that moment on, Śiva was called Mahādeva, the Great God. He then declared:

Bhagavān Śiva:
‘I will arm myself with a bow and arrow, and from my chariot, I will destroy the Asuras. Gods, prepare my chariot, bow, and arrow so that I may throw down the Asuras today.’

The gods, led by Viśvakarmā, the celestial architect, constructed a great chariot for Mahādeva. They used the power and forms found throughout the three worlds. It was a grand vehicle of unmatched energy, constructed with skill and intelligence.

Duryodhana (describing the chariot):
‘Viṣu, Soma, and Agni were made into Śiva’s mighty arrow. Agni became its shaft, Soma its head, and Viṣu its tip. The Earth, with its cities, mountains, forests, and creatures, became the chariot. The Mandara mountain was the axle, while the Ganges river formed the frame, and the constellations were made into its shaft.

The yoke of the chariot was made from the Kta age, and the serpent Vāsuki served as its binding cord. The Himavat and Vindhya mountains became supports, while the Udaya and Asta mountains were made into the wheels. The ocean was the other axle, and the Seven is became protectors of the wheels.

The great rivers—Gagā, Sarasvatī, Sindhu—and the sky made up its structure, while Day and Night became the chariot’s wings. The snakes like Dhtarāṣra formed part of its structure, and the sky became its other yoke. The fierce clouds Samvartaka and Valāhaka made up its yoke straps, while Day, Night, and other divisions of time were its various bindings. Religion, Profit, and Pleasure were its triple support, while the planets and stars became the wooden fence around it.

The Sun and Moon were made into the two other wheels of the car, and Day and Night became its wings. Many strong snakes, led by Dhtarāṣra, became its components. The cardinal directions formed the reins, the Vedic sound "Vaṣa" became the goad, and the Gāyatrī became the whip. The auspicious four days became the traces for the steeds, and the pits were made into hooks and pins. Action, truth, penance, and profit were made into its binding cords.’

Duryodhana (in an awe-struck tone):
‘Thus, the gods united their power and built the grand chariot for Mahādeva, and with their blessings, Śiva prepared to face the Asuras in battle.’

Duryodhana (with a sense of awe):
'The gods continued to prepare Śiva's celestial chariot. The Mind became the foundation upon which the chariot stood, and Speech became the track upon which it would move. Beautiful banners of many colors waved in the air, and with lightning and Indra's bow attached to it, the chariot shone with a fierce, blazing light.

The space of time that was once fixed as a Year in Īśāna's sacrifice became the bow, while the goddess Sāvitrī became the bowstring, vibrating with energy. The gods made a celestial coat of mail for Śiva, decked with costly gems and shining with impenetrable light, formed from the Wheel of Time itself. The majestic Meru mountain was used as the flagstaff, and clouds adorned with flashes of lightning became its banners.

Thus equipped, the chariot shone brilliantly, like a blazing fire in the midst of sacrificial priests. The gods were amazed by the sight, seeing the entire universe's energies united in one place. They reported to Śakara that the chariot was ready.

'The mighty Śakara then armed his chariot with celestial weapons. He placed his bovine bull on the chariot and made the sky its flagstaff. The Brahman's rod, the rod of Death, Rudra's rod, and Fever stood on the sides of the chariot, protecting it, each facing a different direction.

The is Atharvan and Agiras protected the wheels of the chariot, while the gveda, Sāmaveda, and the Purāas stood in front. The histories and the Yajurveda protected the rear, while all sacred chants, sciences, hymns, and the Vedic sound of Vaṣa surrounded the chariot.

The sacred syllable Om, standing at the front, made the chariot look exceedingly beautiful. The Year, adorned with the six seasons, became Śiva's bow, and his own shadow became the unbreakable string of that bow. The illustrious Rudra is like Death itself, and the shadow of the Death-night (Kala Ratri) became the indestructible bowstring.

Viṣu, Agni, and Soma were made into Śiva's great arrow. Since the universe is said to consist of Agni and Soma, and since Viṣu embodies the essence of the universe, this arrow was of incredible power. The touch of the bowstring, charged with this combined power, was unbearable to the Asuras.

'Śiva then summoned Nīla Rohita, the terrible deity clothed in animal skins, blazing like ten thousand suns, shrouded by an overwhelming fire of energy. Known as the destroyer of even the undefeatable, the one who slays those who hate Brahmā, and as Hara, Śiva stood with beings of unimaginable power around him, ready for battle. It was as if the combined fourteen faculties of the soul were fully awakened in him, making him shine with immense splendor.

The entire universe—mobile and immobile creatures—seemed to draw energy from him, appearing beautiful and awe-inspiring.

'Seeing the chariot ready, Śiva donned his armor and armed himself with his bow. He took up the celestial arrow made of Soma, Viṣu, and Agni. The gods, led by Indra, commanded the Wind to carry all the fragrances of the universe towards that mighty deity.

With a terrible roar that shook the very Earth and frightened even the gods, Mahādeva ascended the celestial chariot. The great is, Gandharvas, gods, and Apsarases began singing praises to him as he prepared to depart for battle.

'The dancing Apsarases, graceful and skilled, praised him with their performances, while the is chanted hymns in his honor. Śiva, armed with a scimitar, bow, and arrow, smiled at them and asked:

Bhagavān Śiva:
'Who will be my driver?'

The gods, in one voice, answered:

Devatas:
'O Lord of the gods, he whom you appoint will gladly become your driver!'

Duryodhana:
'Śiva looked at the gods and said:

Bhagavān Śiva:
"Choose someone superior to me to be my charioteer!"

The gods, puzzled and unsure who could fulfill such a role, decided to approach Brahmā, the Grandsire. Bowing respectfully, they pleaded:

Devatas:
"Grandsire, we have completed all that you commanded to help us against the enemies of the celestials. We have made a great chariot, equipped with powerful weapons. Hara is ready to fight and frighten the Dānavas. The four Vedas have become the steeds, the Earth with her mountains is the base, and the stars are adorning the chariot. Hara is the warrior. But we need a driver who is worthy to guide this divine chariot, one who is superior even to Śiva. You, O Grandsire, are superior to all the gods. Please, for the victory of the celestials, be the driver of this chariot and guide the steeds."

Duryodhana:
'Brahmā listened to the gods’ plea, understanding their desperation, and nodded.

Brahmā:
"What you say is true. I will hold the reins for Kapardin (Śiva) while he fights."

Thus, the Creator of the worlds, the illustrious Grandsire, agreed to be Śiva’s driver. When Brahmā was about to ascend the chariot, the divine steeds, as fast as the wind, bowed their heads to the Earth, showing respect.

After climbing aboard, the Grandsire took the reins and the goad in his hands, and then said to Bhagavān Śiva:

Brahmā:
"Ascend, O Śiva."

Duryodhana:
'Śiva, armed with the powerful arrow made from Viṣu, Soma, and Agni, ascended the chariot, his mere presence causing the enemies to tremble. The great is, Gandharvas, gods, and Apsarases all praised Śiva as he took his place.

Standing on the chariot, Śiva, resplendent in his divine armor and armed with his bow, caused the three worlds to shine with his radiance. He addressed the gods once again:

Śiva (in a reassuring and resounding voice):
"Do not worry or doubt my strength to destroy the Asuras. Know that they have already been defeated by this arrow."

Duryodhana (in a tone of reverence):
'The gods were overjoyed. They trusted Śiva's words completely, knowing that whatever he said could never be false. With great reverence and hope, they surrounded the mighty chariot, which had no equal.

Duryodhana (in an awe-struck tone):
'As Mahādeva prepared for battle, he was adored by his attendants, fierce beings who danced in joy, their shouts echoing across the skies. is endowed with great ascetic power, and gods full of hope, all wished for Śiva's victory. The entire universe seemed to celebrate, praising Śiva, the great protector.

The Gandharvas played various musical instruments, and hymns filled the air as Brahmā, the Creator, ascended the chariot with Śiva. Brahmā smiled and said:

Brahmā:
"Excellent, excellent! Let us proceed to where the Daityas are. Urge the steeds, for today you will witness the might of Śiva as he annihilates the enemy in battle."

Duryodhana (in a dramatic tone):
'With that, Brahmā urged the divine steeds—creatures so swift they seemed to devour the very sky—towards the triple city, where the Dānavas and the Asuras stood ready. With the entire universe watching, Śiva embarked on his journey, ready to secure the victory of the celestials.

'With Bhava riding on the great chariot, he set out towards the triple city. The moment his bull roared, the sound was so tremendous that it echoed through all directions, filling the sky. Many followers of Tāraka, those enemies of the gods, fell dead just hearing the roar. The others, however, readied themselves for battle, determined to face the mighty foe.

Śiva, also called Sthāu, was furious. Consumed by wrath, he lost himself in that rage, and the three worlds began to tremble in fear. Terrifying omens appeared as he prepared to release his divine arrow. The combined weight of Soma, Agni, and Viṣu, along with Brahmā and Rudra's bow, caused the chariot to sink under the pressure.

Suddenly, Nārāyaa emerged from the tip of the arrow in the form of a bull and lifted the chariot. During the time that the chariot had sunk and the enemies had begun to roar triumphantly, Śiva, still filled with fury, let out a deafening battle cry while standing on the head of his bull and the back of his steeds.

'As he was preparing to fire, Rudra looked towards the Dānava city. While standing in that position, he cut off the teats of his horses and split the hooves of his bull. From that day, all bovine animals had cloven hooves, and horses lost their teats.

Sthāu, with his bow strung and the Pāśupata weapon ready, waited for the right moment, thinking of the triple city. When the three cities, revolving in their separate paths, finally aligned, the gods, is, and Siddhas shouted in joy, chanting Jaya in honor of Maheśvara.

Duryodhana (in awe):
'The triple city now appeared before Śiva—the god of boundless energy, the warrior prepared to destroy the Asuras. Drawing his celestial bow, he unleashed the arrow that embodied the strength of the entire universe. As soon as the arrow was released, cries of fear and sorrow echoed from the cities as they began to fall towards the Earth. The Asuras were burnt by the force of the arrow, and their remains were thrown into the western ocean.

Thus, Śiva, in his wrath, destroyed the triple city, exterminating the Dānavas and saving the three worlds. He then extinguished the flames born of his own fury, commanding:

Bhagavān Śiva:
"Do not burn the worlds to ashes."

Duryodhana (in a softer tone):
'The gods, is, and the entire universe were restored to peace. They expressed their gratitude to Sthāu, whose energy and fury had saved them. Bowing to Maheśvara, they received his permission to return to their respective realms, their mission accomplished.

Thus, Maheśvara, the Creator and Protector of the worlds, acted for the benefit of all beings. Just as Brahmā, the Creator of the universe, became Rudra's charioteer, Śalya, you too must take the reins of Karna's chariot, like Brahmā controlling Rudra's steeds.

There is no doubt, Śalya, that you are superior to Ka, Karna, and Phālguna. Karna fights like Rudra, while you are like Brahmā in terms of wisdom. Together, you two can defeat my enemies, just as Rudra and Brahmā conquered the Asuras.

Therefore, Śalya, act swiftly today to support Karna as he grinds down the ṇḍava forces and faces Kuntī's son with Ka as his charioteer. Upon you depend Karna, our victory, and the fate of the kingdom. Take hold of the reins of Karna's divine steeds.

There is yet another story that I wish to share with you, Śalya. It is one that a virtuous brāhmaa once told my father. Listen carefully, and afterward, do what you believe is best, without hesitation.'

 


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