Tripura Saṃhāra story as found in the Mahābhārata
Here in simpler language, is an abridged retelling of the Tripura
Saṃhāra story
as found in the Mahābhārata. I used Sri Kisari Mohan Ganguliji’s translation,
as starting point …..salutations to that Mahatapasvi.
In the Karṇa
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 Karṇa'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
Karṇa 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 Karṇa 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 Karṇa'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 Karṇa like you, O blessed one, you
who are equal to Vāsudeva in battle.
Please protect Karṇa
as Brahmā protects Maheśvara. Just as Kṛṣṇa of the
Vṛṣṇi race protects the sons of Pāṇḍu from all dangers, you too,
O leader of the Madras, must protect the son of Rādhā today. Bhīṣma, Droṇa, Kṛpa, you, the valiant king of the Bhojas, Śakuni
the son of Subala, Droṇa's
son, and myself—we all form the core strength of our army. Today, Karṇa 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 Droṇa 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 Karṇa
is my last hope, along with you, Śalya. You are the greatest chariot driver in
the world, and Karṇa
wants to take on Arjuna today in battle.
I have great hopes in Karṇa's
abilities, but there’s no one else who can hold the reins for him like you can.
As Kṛṣṇa drives
Arjuna's chariot in battle, O Śalya, I ask you to be the same for Karṇa. You’ve seen what Arjuna and
Kṛṣṇa have achieved together.
Before, Arjuna wasn't capable of such feats, but now his strength has
multiplied because of Kṛṣṇa. Day
after day, the vast Dhṛtarāṣṭra army keeps getting defeated
by Arjuna, and it’s all because he is united with Kṛṣṇa.
Now, there's only a small portion of the task left that was
allotted to Karṇa and
you. Take on that challenge together. Unite with Karṇa in battle, just as Sūrya unites with Aruṇa 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 Aruṇa,
let the Pāṇḍavas, the
Pāñcālas, and the Śṛñjayas
perish at the sight of you and Karṇa.
Karṇa
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 Kṛṣṇa protects Arjuna at all
times, I ask you, O Śalya, to protect Karṇa.
With you as his driver, Karṇa
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 Karṇa is better than me, and
that’s why you praise him so much. But let me tell you, I don’t see Karṇa 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 brāhmaṇas 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 varṇas,
many classes have emerged. The kṣatriyas were made to protect others and
acquire wealth, while the brāhmaṇas
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 Karṇa, 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 Karṇa'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. Karṇa 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
Ārṭāyani. 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 Karṇa
nor I consider ourselves superior to you. I do not wish for you to be a mere
driver. However, Karṇa is
superior to Dhanañjaya (Arjuna) in many ways, and the world regards you as
greater than Vāsudeva (Kṛṣṇa). Karṇa is better than Pārtha in the
use of weapons, and you, Śalya, are superior to Kṛṣṇa 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 Karṇa’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 Karṇa.'
Sañjaya continued:
"Duryodhana agreed to Śalya’s condition, and thus, Śalya consented to be
Karṇa’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 ṛṣi 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 ṛṣis.
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 ṛṣis 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 Sthāṇu (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 ṛṣis 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 ṛṣis 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 Śaṅkara
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 brāhmaṇas, 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, ṛṣis, and pitṛs,
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):
‘Viṣṇu, Soma, and Agni
were made into Śiva’s mighty arrow. Agni became its shaft, Soma its head, and
Viṣṇu 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 Kṛta 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 Ṛṣis became protectors of the wheels.
The great rivers—Gaṅgā,
Sarasvatī, Sindhu—and the sky made up its structure, while Day and Night became
the chariot’s wings. The snakes like Dhṛtarāṣṭra 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 Dhṛtarāṣṭra, became its components. The cardinal
directions formed the reins, the Vedic sound "Vaṣaṭ" became the goad, and the Gāyatrī became
the whip. The auspicious four days became the traces for the steeds, and the
pitṛs 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 Śaṅkara that the chariot was
ready.
'The mighty Śaṅkara
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 ṛṣis Atharvan and Aṅgiras
protected the wheels of the chariot, while the Ṛgveda, Sāmaveda, and the Purāṇas stood in front. The
histories and the Yajurveda protected the rear, while all sacred
chants, sciences, hymns, and the Vedic sound of Vaṣaṭ 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.
Viṣṇu,
Agni, and Soma were made into Śiva's great arrow. Since the
universe is said to consist of Agni and Soma, and since Viṣṇu 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, Viṣṇu, 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
ṛṣis, 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 ṛṣis 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 Viṣṇu, Soma, and Agni,
ascended the chariot, his mere presence causing the enemies to tremble. The
great ṛṣis, 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. ṛṣis
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 Sthāṇu, 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 Viṣṇu, along with Brahmā
and Rudra's bow, caused the chariot to sink under the pressure.
Suddenly, Nārāyaṇa
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.
Sthāṇu,
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, ṛṣis, 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, ṛṣis, and the entire universe were restored to peace. They
expressed their gratitude to Sthāṇu,
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 Kṛṣṇa, 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 Pāṇḍava
forces and faces Kuntī's son with Kṛṣṇa 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 brāhmaṇa
once told my father. Listen carefully, and afterward, do what you believe is
best, without hesitation.'
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