|
Srimad Bhagvata Mahapurana: Book 10: Chapter 50: Verses 17-25
From that followed a shivering occasioned by terror in the heart of the enemy's ranks. Looking intently at the two (divine) Brothers, Jarasandha (the ruler of the Magadhas) said to Them, "0 Krsna, the vilest among men, for very shame I do not wish to fight with you, a youngster, (especially) when you are alone. (No,) I am not going to have an encounter with you, 0 stupid fellow, who remained concealed (so long); (therefore), get away, 0 slayer of your (own) maternal uncle ! If there is an itching in you (for a combat), 0 Balarama, offer battle to me and have patience (to see the result). Casting off your body torn with my shafts, (either) ascend to heaven or slay me (if you can). The glorious Lord replied : The valiant never brag; they only exhibit their manliness. We do not (however) take your words to heart, 0 knig, full of grief as you are (over the death of your son-in-law, Kamsa) and about to die.
Sri Suka continued : Marching towards Balarama and Sri Krsna (the two Scions of Madhu), Jarasandha (the foster-son of the demoness Jara[1], who had joined the two halves of his body into one) surrounded Them, including Their troops, vehicles, flags, horses and charioteers, with a very powerful and huge multitude of troops even as a tempest would envelop the sun and a fire with clouds and particles of dust respectively.
Stricken with grief not to perceive on the battle-field the chariots of Sri Krsna and Balarama, distinguished with ensigns bearing the emblems severally of Garuda (the king of birds, the carrier of Lord Visnu) and a palmyra tree, the women (of Mathura), who had climbed up to the attics (on the fort) and (tops of) mansions and gates of the city, fell into a swoon.Seeing His own (small) force oppressed with the formidable shower of shafts repeatedly discharged by clouds in the shape of hostile troops, Sri Hari twanged His excellent Sarnga bow, esteemed by the gods and demons (alike). Taking arrows out of His quiver and fitting them (to the bow), pulling the string (of the bow) at full length and discharging volleys of sharp arrows and striking down chariots, elephants, horses and foot-soldiers (on all sides) without interval, the Lord whirled as a revolving fire-brand. Elephants fell dead with the frontal globes on their foreheads plit up; horses (too) dropped dead in large numbers with their necks cut off with shafts; chariots toppled down with their horses, ensigns, charioteers and masters struck down, and foot-soldiers fell prostrate with their arms, thighs and necks severed.
|
|
