The Mahabharata of Krishna-Dwaipayana Vyasa - Khamkoo

felicity that is in store for such a person. Foremost of Apsaras, numbering by
thousands, go out with great speed (for receiving the spirit of the slain hero)
coveting him for their lord. That Kshatriya who duly observes his duty in battle,
acquires by that act the merit of penances and of righteousness. Indeed, such
conduct on his part conforms with the eternal path of duty. Such a man obtains
the merits of all the four modes of life. The aged and the children should not be
slain; nor one that is a woman; not one that is flying, away; nor one that holds a
straw in his lips[293]; nor one that says. „I am thine.‟ Having slain in battle
Jambha, Vritra, Vala, Paka, Satamaya, Virochana, the irresistible Namuchi,
Samvara of innumerable illusions, Viprachitti,--all these sons of Diti and Danu, as
also Prahlada, I myself have become the chief of the celestials.‟
„Bhishma continued, „Hearing these words of Sakra and approving of them, king
Amvarisha comprehended how warriors succeed, (by battle as their means) in
compassing success for themselves (in respect of winning regions of beatitude in
heaven).‟”
SECTION XCIX
“Bhishma said, „In this connection is cited the old story of the battle between
Pratardana and the ruler of Mithila. The ruler of Mithila, viz., Janaka, after
installation in the sacrifice of battle, gladdened all his troops (on the eve of fight).
Listen to me, O as I recite the story. Janaka, the high souled king of Mithila,
conversant with the truth of everything, showed both heaven and hell unto his
own warriors. He addressed them, saying, „Behold, these are the regions,
endued with great splendour, for those that fight fearlessly. Full of Gandharva
girls, those regions are eternal and capable of granting every wish. There, on the
other side, are the regions of hell, intended for those that fly away from battle.
They would have to rot there for eternity in everlasting ingloriousness. Resolved
upon casting away your very lives, do ye conquer your foes. Do not fall into
inglorious hell. The laying down of life, (in battle) constitutes, in respect of
heroes, their happy door of heaven.‟ Thus addressed by their king, O subjugator
of hostile towns, the warriors of Mithila, gladdening their rulers, vanquished their
foes in battle. They that are of firm souls should take their stand in the van of
battle. The car-warriors should be placed in the midst of elephants. Behind the
car-warriors should stand the horsemen. Behind the last should be placed the
foot-soldiers all accoutred in mail. That king who forms his array in this manner
always succeeds in vanquishing his foes. Therefore, O Yudhishthira, the array of
battle should always be thus formed. Filled with rage, heroes desire to will
blessedness in heaven by fighting fairly. Like Makaras agitating the ocean, they
agitate the ranks of the foe. Assuring one another, they should gladden those
(amongst them) that are cheerless. The victor should protect the land newly
conquered (from acts of aggression). He should not cause his troops to pursue
too much the routed foe. The onset is irresistible of persons that rally after the
rout and that, despairing of safety, assail their pursuers. For this reason, O king,
Mahabharta of Krishna Dwipayana Vyasa, translated to English by Kesarimohan Ganguli
196