Page:The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa (1884).djvu/69

Rh the chastiser of enemies from Hastinapore to Upaplavya, and his narration to the Pandavas of all that had happened. It was then that those oppressors of foes, the Pandavas, having heard all and consulted properly with each other, made every preparation for war. Then comes the march from Hastinapore, for battle, of foot soldiers, horse, charioteers, and elephants. Then the tale of troops by both parties. Then the despatch by prince Duryodhana of Uluka as envoy to the Pandavas on the day previous to the battle. Then the tale of charioteers of different classes. Then the story of Amba. These all have been described in the fifth Parva called Udyoga of the Bharata, abounding with incidents appertaining to war and peace. O ye ascetics, the great Vyasa hath composed one hundred and eighty six sections in this Parva. The number of slokas also composed in this by the great Rishi is six thousand six hundred and ninety eight.

"Then is recited the Bhisma Parva abounding with wonderful incidents. In this hath been narrated by Sanjaya the formation of the region known as Jambu. Here hath been described the great depression of army, and also the fierce fight for ten successive days. In this the  Vāsudeva by reasons based on the philosophy of final release drove away Arjuna's compunction springing from the latter's regard for his kindred (whom he was on the eve of slaying.) In this the magnanimous Krishna, attentive to the welfare of  seeing the loss inflicted (on the Pandava army,) descending swiftly from his chariot, himself ran, with dauntless breast, his driving whip in hand, to effect the death of Bhisma. In this, Krishna also smote with piercing words Arjuna the bearer of the Gandiva and the foremost in battle among all wielders of weapons. In this, the foremost of bowmen, Arjuna, placing Shikandi before him and piercing Bhisma with his sharpest arrows felled him from his chariot. In this, Bhisma lay stretched on his bed of arrows. This extensive Parva is known as the sixth in the Bharata. In this have been composed one hundred and seventeen sections. The number of slokas is five thousand eight hundred and eighty four as told by Vyasa cognisant of the Vedas.