ver, of the Satwata race, striking that lance with many keen arrows,
cut it off into fragments and caused it to fall down, stupefying
Kritavarma of Madhu's race (with his activity and prowess). With another
broad-headed arrow he then struck Kritavarma in the chest. Made steedless
and driverless in that battle by Yuyudhana, skilled in weapons,
Kritavarma came down on the Earth. The heroic Kritavarma having been
deprived of his car by Satyaki in that single combat, all the (Kaurava)
troops became filled with great fear. A great sorrow afflicted the heart
of thy sons, when Kritavarma was thus made steedless and driverless and
carless. Beholding that chastiser of foes made steedless and driverless,
Kripa, O king, rushed at that bull of Sini's race, desirous of
despatching him to Yama's abode. Taking Kritavarma upon his car in the
very sight of all the bowmen, the mighty-armed Kripa bore him away from
the press of battle. After Kritavarma had been made carless and the
grandson of Sini had become powerful on the field, the whole army of
Duryodhana once more turned away from the fight. The enemy, however, did
not see it, for the (Kuru) army was then shrouded with a dusty cloud. All
thy warriors fled, O monarch, except king Duryodhana. The latter,
beholding from a near point that his own army was routed, quickly
rushing, assailed the victorious enemy, alone resisting them all.
Fearlessly that invincible warrior, filled with rage, assailed with keen
arrows all the Pandus, and Dhrishtadyumna the son of Prishta, and
Shikhandi, and the sons of Draupadi, and the large bands of the Pancalas,
and the Kaikeyas, O sire, and the Somakas! With firm determination thy
mighty son stood in battle, even as a blazing and mighty fire on the
sacrificial platform, sanctified with mantras. Even thus, king Duryodhana
careered all over the field, in that battle. His foes could not approach
him then, like living creatures unable to approach the Destroyer. Then
the son of Hridika came there, riding on another car.'"

22

"Sanjaya said, 'That foremost of car-warriors, O monarch, thy son, riding
on his car and filled with the courage of despair, looked resplendent in
that battle like Rudra himself of great valour. With the thousands of
shafts shot by him, the Earth became completely covered. Indeed, he
drenched his enemies with showers of arrows like the clouds pouring rain
on mountain breasts. There was then not a man amongst the Pandavas in
that g