tusks, and that are fierce (as the all-destroying fire at the end of the Yuga), I cannot recognise the points of the horizon nor can I command peace of mind.  Be gracious, O God of gods, O thou that art the refuge of the Universe.  And all these sons of Dhritarashtra, together with the hosts of kings, and Bhishma, and Drona, and also this Suta’s son (Karna), accompanied by even the principal warriors of our side, are quickly entering thy terrible mouths rendered fierce by thy tusks.  Some, with their heads crushed, are seen striking at the interstices of (thy) teeth.  As many currents of water flowing through different channels roll rapidly towards the ocean, so these heroes of the world of men enter thy mouths that flame all around.  As moths with increasing speed rush for (their own) destruction to the blazing fire, so also do (these) people, with unceasing speed, enter thy mouths for (their) destruction.  Swallowing all these men from every side, thou lickest them with thy flaming mouths.  Filling the whole universe with (thy) energy, thy fierce splendours, O Vishnu, are heating (everything).  Tell me who thou art of (such) fierce form.  I bow to thee, O chief of the gods, be gracious to me.  I desire to know thee that art the Primeval One, I do not understand thy action.’[253]

The Holy One said, “I am Death, the destroyer of the worlds, fully developed.  I am now engaged in slaying the race of men.  Without thee all these warriors standing in the different divisions shall cease to be.[254] Wherefore, arise, gain glory, (and) vanquishing the foe, enjoy (this) swelling kingdom.  By me have all these been already slain.  Be only (my) instrument.  O thou that can’st draw the bow with (even) the left hand.  Drona and Bhishma, and Jayadratha, and Karna, and also other heroic warriors, (already) slain by me, do thou slay.  Be not dismayed, fight; thou shalt conquer in battle (thy) foes.”

Sanjaya continued,—­“Hearing these words of Kesava, the diadem-decked (Arjuna), trembling, (and) with joined-hands, bowed (unto him); and once more said unto Krishna, with voice choked up and overwhelmed with fear, and making his salutations (to him).—­

Arjuna said, “It is meet, Hrishikesa, that the universe is delighted and charmed in uttering thy praise, and the Rakshasas flee in fear in all directions, and the hosts of the Siddhas bow down (to thee).  And why should they not bow down to thee, O Supreme Soul, that are greater than even Brahman (himself), and the primal cause?  O thou that art Infinite.  O God of the gods, O thou that art the refuge of the universe, thou art indestructible, thou art that which is, and that which is not and that which is beyond (both).  Thou art the First God, the ancient (male) Being, thou art the Supreme refuge of this universe.  Thou art the Knower, thou art the Object to be known, thou art the highest abode.  By thee is pervaded this universe, O thou of infinite form.[255] Thou art Vayu, Yama, Agni, Varuna, Moon, Prajapati, and Grandsire.