The
son of Drona from fear of Bhimasena and impelled by the fates and moved
also by anger discharged a celestial weapon saying, 'This is for the
destruction of all the Pandavas'; then Krishna saying. 'This shall not be',
neutralised Aswatthaman's speech. Then Arjuna neutralised that weapon by
one of his own. Seeing the wicked Aswatthaman's destructive intentions,
Dwaipayana and Krishna pronounced curses on him which the latter returned.
Pandava then deprived the mighty warrior-in-chariot Aswatthaman, of the
jewel on his head, and became exceedingly glad, and, boastful of their
success, made a present of it to the sorrowing Draupadi. Thus the tenth
Parva, called Sauptika, is recited. The great Vyasa hath composed this in
eighteen sections. The number of slokas also composed (in this) by the
great reciter of sacred truths is eight hundred and seventy. In this Parva
has been put together by the great Rishi the two Parvas called Sauptika
and Aishika.
"After this hath been recited the highly pathetic Parva called Stri,
Dhritarashtra of prophetic eye, afflicted at the death of his children,
and moved by enmity towards Bhima, broke into pieces a statue of hard iron
deftly placed before him by Krishna (as substitute of Bhima). Then Vidura,
removing the distressed Dhritarashtra's affection for worldly things by
reasons pointing to final release, consoled that wise monarch. Then hath
been described the wending of the distressed Dhritarashtra accompanied by
the ladies of his house to the field of battle of the Kauravas.
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