Kurukshetra War - Day 7

            

            The sun rose in the east and witnessed the mighty Kaurava army arrayed in the form of Mandala Vyuha and the Pandava warriors in the Vajra Vyuha. With the legions waiting to start the seventh day’s battle in the great Kurukshetra battlefield, intensifying his rays of hope and light and indicating the arrival of dawn, the sun gave his approval and with the blow of the conches and drums beaten, the war began, hoping for victory.

           Desire of breaking the foe’s array, both the armies rushed with renewed rage and dynamism. Duryodhana rushed for battling against Dhrishtadyumna while his brothers Chitrasena, Vikarna and Durmarshana raged against the heroic Abhimanyu. King Yudhistra rushed against Kalinga King Srutayush as Nakula and Sahadeva proceeded against their uncle, King Salya. Arjuna was opposed by the Trigartha warriors while Sikandi confronted the undefeatable Aswathama. Bhīma rushed against Kritavarman as the Kekaya King, Dhrishtaketu fought against King Bhurisravas and Kekaya Prince, Chekitana conflicted against Krpacharya.

            Excited in battling the Trigarthas, Arjuna welcomed them for the battle by showering pointy arrows which pierced and slew hundreds of Kaurava warriors and animals. The Trigartha Kings and Princes showered their oil dipped blazing arrows on Arjuna and Krishna but Arjuna, standing heroic on his chariot, invoked the divine Aindra weapon. Summoned by Arjuna, the divine celestial weapon slew thousands of Trigartha warriors, their steeds and elephants. Those arrows did not miss and every single Trigartha warrior was either wounded or slayed. Terrified, the Trigarthas fled towards Bhishma for protection. Bhishma, the patriarch of the Kuru family rushed against his favorite Arjuna with rage and seeing him, on Duryodhana’s command, the fleeing Trigarthas and the platoon under King Susarman rushed in defense for their grandsire. Arjuna, excited on seeing Bhishma, rushed with rage towards his Patriarch.

            In the meantime, Dronacharya, who was engaged in a duel with King Virata, cut off the standard and the bow of the King. Before King Virata could respond, Drona slew the steeds and the charioteer of Virata. Descending from his grounded chariot, the King ascended on his son, Prince Sankha’s chariot and began to strike Dronacharya along with his son. Aswathama came in defense for his father and encountering Prince Sankha, he slew the prince in the very sight of King Virata. Witnessing his son dead, Virata bore the chariot away from Drona and his son out of pain and fear.

            Aswathama, who was then engaged in slaying the resisting Pandava soldiers, was encountered by Sikandi. Like lightning, Aswathama struck Sikandi with his pointy darts and slew the charioteer and steeds of Sikandi and covered Sikandi’s grounded chariot with his arrows. Descending from the grounded chariot, Sikandi, with a shield and sword came running towards Aswathama. With his pointy well-aimed darts, Aswathama broke the shield and the sword and pierced Sikandi in the shoulders. Witnessing the defeated Sikandi standing defenseless and deserted, King Satyaki came in defense and bore him away from the spot in his chariot.

            Generalissimo of the Pandavas, the heroic Dhrishtadyumna who was engaged in battling with Duryodhana, broke his bow into halves and slew his steeds and charioteer. Before Duryodhana could react, in a wink of an eye, Dhrishtadyumna pierced Duryodhana with his pointy darts and the vanquished Duryodhana was removed from the spot by King Saguni.

            Kritavarman, who was engaged in a conflict with Bhīma, was also defeated by the mighty Bhimasena. Forenoon and the Pandava warriors were causing severe damage to their foes. King Bhagadatta engaged in thrashing the Pandava army while Bhīma and Arjuna were crushing the Kaurava army. King Salya, who was battling against Sahadeva and Nakula, slew the steeds and charioteer of Nakula. Encountering Nakula and Sahadeva who were battling from Sahadeva’s chariot, fearless King Salya covered them with his arrows. But, unable to face Sahadeva, whose pointy darts pierced the armor and reached for his chest, King Salya fell unconscious and his charioteer rushed the chariot to the camp.

            By noon, as the sun reached the meridian, the warriors kept fighting under the scorching sun, holding no respect for their life and health in their heart. Brave and heroic Abhimanyu fought against the brothers of Duryodhana, viz., Vikarna, Chitrasena and Durmarshana. Though the battle was fierce, the brothers were no match to Abhimanyu’s prowess and they lost their steeds, charioteers and standards to Abhimanyu’s pointy darts. Though Abhimanyu could have slayed them in a wink of an eye, he chose not to, remembering the vow of his uncle Bhīma and left the spot after vanquishing the brothers.   

            Kalinga King Srutayush engaged in battling with King Yudhistra. Srutayush pierced Yudhistra in his chest and shoulders with his Kanka feathered arrows. Filled with rage, roaring like a lion, Yudhistra in return shot pointy darts on Srutayush and broke his standard, flag pole and his bow. Without letting his bowstring to rest, Yudhistra kept shooting arrows on Srutayush and slayed his enemies’ charioteer and steeds. Srutayush, along with his platoons, on witnessing the rage of Yudhistra ran on foot, disregarding his honor.

            Meanwhile, Arjuna was encountered by the mighty Trigartha King Susarman and his platoon. With the support from the legions of the brothers of Duryodhana and the Trigartha Rathas and Maharathas, Susarman covered Arjuna and Krishna with his showers of arrows and with all his mightiness he faced the raged Arjuna. Shooting pointy darts effectively and continuously, Arjuna broke the standards and the flag poles of the Rathas and the Maharathas around him. And resting not, to see what happened, he shot arrows dipped in oil, unceasingly, breaking the bows and slaying the steeds and charioteers of the chariot warriors.  Before the warriors could think, he began to slay Trigartha’s mighty Rathas and Maharathas. In that battle, Arjuna slaughtered 32 chariot warriors and more princes and Kings of the small tribes. Ceasing not, he slew the 60 Trigartha chariot warriors who rushed towards him in rage.

            Before Susarman could encounter Arjuna, Sikandi came in defense for Arjuna and engaged in battling with the Trigartha King, letting Arjuna rush towards Bhishma. In the meantime, King Yudhistra, along with Bhīma, Nakula and Sahadeva and their platoons rushed towards Bhishma. Though attacked by the five sons of Pandu, the mighty Bhishma, fought against them with ease and with cheered heart. Defended by his defenders viz., King Jayadratha, King Salya, Krpacharya, Chitrasena and Duryodhana, Bhishma began to attack the Pandavas and their warriors. Vanquishing Susarman, Sikandi too joined the Pandavas and battled against Bhishma’s defenders.

            Unable to face the mightiness of King Salya and King Jayadratha, Sikandi turned back and began to flee, not before King Yudhistra could notice it. Raged on Sikandi’s conduct, King Yudhistra yelled –“Sikandi, you have vowed to slay Bhishma and you are the only one who can defeat the undefeatable Pithamaha. How can you flee like this, without fulfilling your vow and also without any respect for your mightiness and family? Do you think you can attain peace leaving your platoon, your friends and relatives like this? Of course, everyone’s terrified on witnessing Pithamaha’s prowess, but still, we all stand against him. Why is it, you, who has lived all these years waiting for an opportunity to slay Pithamaha, is absconding?”

            Motivated and raged on hearing the punitive words of King Yudhistra, Sikandi turned back and began to battle against Bhishma. But, considering the feminineness of Sikandi, Bhishma ignored Sikandi and began battling against the Srinjayas and as a result, Sikandi faced Bhishma’s defender, King Salya. Meanwhile, Bhīma encountered King Jayadratha and slew his four steeds with his mace. Chitrasena came in defense for King Jayadratha. Chitrasena, taking his shield and sword, descended from his chariot and engaged in a duel with Bhīma singly as his squad of soldiers fled in all directions witnessing the exceedingly raged Bhīma. Terrified not, Bhīma slew Chitrasena’s steeds and also broke his chariot into pieces, by striking with his mighty mace. Witnessing his brother standing grounded, Vikarna came in defense and bore Chitrasena away from Bhīma, in his chariot.

       King Yudhistra, along with Nakula and Sahadeva, engaged in battling with Pithamaha Bhishma. Bhishma battled with ease, yet again proving that he is invincible. Vanquished by Bhishma, King Yudhistra, after losing his charioteer, steeds and chariot to Bhishma, ascended on the chariot of Nakula and began to battle against their Patriarch. Witnessing the impudence of King Yudhistra in approaching him even after being defeated, Bhishma felt proud while the enthused Pandava warriors rushed against the Kaurava warriors with cheered heart and engaged in duel with the foe they come across.

      As a result of the fierce and interminable battle, both the arrays were broken by afternoon. Yet, none of the soldiers from the armies retreated from the battle or even looked up to notice the position of the blistering sun. Duryodhana and his brothers battled defending Bhishma. King Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna, who were crushing the Kaurava warriors with their pointy darts, came across the Avanti princes – Vinda and Anuvinda. In no time, the mighty Avanti princes slew the charioteer and the steeds of Dhrishtadyumna. King Satyaki bore Dhrishtadyumna in his chariot as King Yudhistra along with his platoon, rushed against the Avanti princes. Drona came in defense for the Avanti princes and begun to slaughter the Panchala soldiers.

            Though the heroic warriors of both the armies were not tired after battling the whole day, witnessing the vindictiveness in the battlefield and the dreadful river of blood running flooded, exhausted sun began to set behind the hills. Witnessing the twilight, both the armies ceased their fight and retired to their respective camps, with cheered hearts and wounded bodies, making it undisputable that the battle will continue tomorrow.

            

Kurukshetra War - Night 4

*** Kauravas Camp ***

Duryodhana, dejected on witnessing the prowess of the Pandavas and the way his army was slaughtered today, lost his hope of victory and pondered about the reasons for his warriors to run away for their lives. In Pithamaha’s bivouac, depressed Duryodhana was having conversation with Pithamaha.

“We have the undefeatable Pithamaha as our generalissimo. And next to him in the chain of command, we have the mighty Dronacharya, Krpacharya, King Salya, Kritavarman, King Bhagadatta, King Bhurisravas, King Sudhakshina, Aswathama, Vikarna, King Saguni, Duchadhana and many more…and yet, why is it my army fought in such a humiliating way today? Combining experience of every soldier in the Pandavas army might not even be equal to these people’s mightiness, strategies, skill, talents and experience in battlefield. Where do we lag and why is it I was humiliated though having eleven Akshauhinis!?” – asked dejected Duryodhana, unable to find answers on his own.

“O Duryodhana, What I am about to say is the same what we have been saying all these days. All the mightiness and experience we have is no match compared to Krishna’s. With Krishna siding with the Pandavas, they will be undefeatable in all the three worlds. None is born in this world, ever, to even defeat those who are protected by Krishna.” – said Pithamaha.

“Everyone speak high about him. Why is it so? He was born in a jail, brought up by Yadavas and became a King! He is a good illusionist. Relying on him, the Pandavas are able to vanquish me!?? ” – asked Duryodhana.

The creator!

“O Son! What you speak is only his origin. What we know is the reason behind his origin. He is not just someone who got lucky. He is the Supreme. He is the creator and protector of all the three worlds. He lived in the past, lives in the present and will be present in the future too, for he has no origin and no end. He is the Supreme soul of every soul on this earth and he is present in the soul of every souls. He is the Lord. The creator, the leader, the protector and to him, we surrender. For, he is Lord Narayan.” – said Pithamaha with his eyes and heart filled with devotion to the Lord.

Listening to Pithamaha’s words, Duryodhana recalled the day Krishna showed his Vishwaroop in Hastinapur court, while Pithamaha continued – “Listen O Duryodhana, Sage Markandeya calls him as the ‘All Soul’, ‘Supreme Soul’ and the ‘Supreme of all beings’. He was born even before the air, water, light, fire and earth. He who sleeps on the ocean like a bright shining pearl created the glorious Vedas, the magnificent Yoga, the Devas and the three worlds. He is the creator, the author, the critic, the actor and also the action.”

“Magnanimous and splendid! If he is such a supreme, why did he come to earth as Krishna?” – asked Duryodhana with respect for Krishna. Pithamaha explained the reason of Krishnavatar.

“For dharma to sustain on this earth, he took the responsibility on his shoulders. Surrendering to him, we can be endued with prosperity. One charming look of his face will bring eternal happiness to the soul. He never failed in protecting those who surrenders to him. Knowing this truth, Draupathi surrendered to him in the Hastinapur court. And for that one act of devotion, he is protecting her till now and will do so, till her death. Same is for Arjuna and Yudhistra. And even for your brother, Yuyutsu, who surrendered to him even in the last moment. Such is his ever loving heart. And for that very reason, they will be undefeatable in this battle” – said Pithamaha in tranquil voice.

Duryodhana remained silence, recalling all the incidents and the mightiness of Krishna in saving the Pandavas.

Pithamaha, noticing Duryodhana’s silence said – “Now that you have known who really Krishna is and Krishna’s love for the Pandavas, you know why they will be invincible. It’s for the same reason, I, Vidhura, Drona and your father pleaded to you –‘Go in peace with the Pandavas’. Ignoring all the opportunities, we have ended here. And for all those disrespects, we, for sure, will be vanquished.”

Realizing the truth behind Krishna and Kurukshetra, Duryodhana rose from his seat and bowed in front of Pithamaha and left for his bivouac without any words spoken.

      *** Hastinapur Palace ***

            On hearing the assault that the Kuru army faced in the battlefield, King Dhritarashtra was dejected and cried for the trouble his sons are in.

            “Sanjaya, it’s been only four days and I can see the mightiness of Krishna and the Pandavas. It appears they cannot be defeated even by gods. There’s no strategy and science of war that Pithamaha Bhishma is unaware of. Even with him as the generalissimo, Pandavas are slaughtering my army, which means it’s all only the acts of destiny. What else I can say? What litanies did those Pandavas do? What enchantment did Krishna used to save the Pandavas?” – cried the depressed King.

            Sanjaya, who was aware of the heart of the King, replied – “It’s not because of prayers and illusions. Even you are aware of the very reason why your army is facing such a slaughter. The Pandavas have dharma on their side. Krishna is with them because of that. Krishna favors the Pandavas because they walked in the path of righteousness. Your sons are addicted to sins and their soul is tainted with evil deeds and acts. Victory favors where morality resides.”

            Sanjaya explained the conversation between Pithamaha and Duryodhana that happened in Pithamaha Bhishma’s bivouac.

            “Your words are true Sanjaya. Vidhura, Pithamaha and Drona warned about the same, every time when I favored my sons. Even Gandhari warned me. Bhīma is going to slain my sons and I will be the only person to swim in the endless ocean of grief, till death. Looks like, I have to carry the penalty for not leading my sons in the path of dharma. I don’t see a way out of this. None is there to save my sons, in this battle. Not even Pithamaha and Karna can.” – cried King Dhritarashtra.

            “O King, Saguni planted the seed of sin in your sons’ hearts. What you reap in the end will only be poisonous fruits. Your sons humiliated the Pandavas, did many deceiving acts, insulted Draupathi and even tried to kill them. For all those devious acts, they are reaping the fruits now. There was once, Krishna, who was ready to protect your sons from this massacre. But you disrespected his words just like how you ignored the words of Vidhura, Pithamaha and Dronacharya. With all these, you favored your son’s sinful deeds, neglecting every door of opportunity to save your sons. All that’s left is to ease your heart and accept the pain.”

         King Dhritarashtra, accepting Sanjaya’s words gave permission for Sanjaya to retire for the day. Spending a sleepless night, the King sobbed, depressed on the fate of his sons. 

Kurukshetra War - Day 6

        Witnessing that the time for sunrise is nearing, the warriors woke up and got prepared for the battle. Finishing their morning rituals and prayers, the warriors gathered for the array formation. On the command of King Yudhistra, Dhrishtadyumna commanded his army to form the Makara Vyuha while the Kaurava warriors, on the command of their generalissimo Bhishma, formed the Krauncha Vyuha.

Krishna blows his Panchajanya

          Not wishing to make the armies wait, the sun rose in the east, chasing the darkness away by discharging his bright golden rays. And with that, conchs were blown and drums were beaten. Excited with wrath without any personal reason, the warriors rushed at each other regardless of their lives, for yet another day, for King Duryodhana and King Yudhistra.

          Bhīma, who was leading the Pandava army to break the Kaurava’s array rushed against Dronacharya. In their duel, with greater force, Bhīma shot his pointy darts which slayed the charioteer of Dronacharya. But still, being indifferent to the situation, the mighty and immeasurably skilled Dronacharya shot his shafts on the Pandava troops and also controlled the steeds of his chariot. Drona was checked by Dhrishtadyumna as Bhīma proceeded forward into the Kaurava array. Bhīma was encountered by the sons of King Dhritarashtra, who surrounded him with their platoon. Furious like the raging sun, Bhīma, without looking back, proceeded forward, rupturing the Kaurava array. Valiant and courageous, Bhīma, standing surrounded by thousands and thousands of Kaurava warriors, slew them all with his sharp pointy shafts, ignoring the mightiness of those warriors. He fell thousands of elephant warriors and cavalries, including their steeds and elephants. Witnessing the rushing Kaurava warriors, Bhīma, with his mace in hand, descended from his chariot and started grinding the Kaurava warriors, leaving his mark by smashing the chariots and slaughtering animals and warriors.  The sons of King Dhritarashtra fled away in fear, leaving their squadron.

Bhima and his mace - Kaurava warriors' nightmare!

          Witnessing Bhīma, Dhrishtadyumna rushed towards Bhīma, following the path created by Bhīma which had the traces of Bhīma’s prowess.  Taking Bhīma in his chariot, Dhrishtadyumna, begun to slaughter the rushing Kaurava army by showering pointy and razor sharp darts. The brothers of Duryodhana rushed with rage again towards Bhīma and Dhrishtadyumna, on the command of Duryodhana. Standing fearless, Bhīma and Dhrishtadyumna encountered the sons of King Dhritarashtra and their legion and slaughtered them with their pointy darts. Dhrishtadyumna, planning to end the duel, invoked the mighty Pramohana Astra and shot it towards the brothers of Duryodhana. Struck by the Pramohana Astra, the brothers of Duryodhana fell unconscious on their chariot. Drona, who was engaged in a duel with his beloved old friend, King Drupada, witnessing the brothers of Duryodhana lying unconscious and defend less, piercing Drupada with three pointy darts in the chest and making him leave the battle, he rushed towards Dhrishtadyumna. Invoking the mighty  Prajna Astra, Dronacharya nullified the effects of Dhrishtadyumna’s Pramohana.

          Gaining their senses back, the brothers of King Duryodhana engaged in battling against Bhīma while Dhrishtadyumna encountered Dronacharya. Beholding the fierce battle between Dhrishtadyumna and Bhīma against the brothers of Duryodhana and Dronacharya and their legions, worried King Yudhistra said, “Abhimanyu! Dhrishtadyumna and Bhīma are battling against the brothers of King Duryodhana and Guru Drona. Take 12 Maharathas along with their platoon and go defend your uncles, right now.”

  

Abhimanyu ...daring and heroic

By noon, supported by the UpaPandavas, Dhrishtaketu and the Kekayas and their respective platoons, Abhimanyu, forming the Suchimukha array, proceeded to defend his uncles. Those who were running away from Bhīma and Dhrishtadyumna were encountered by Abhimanyu and his platoon and slaughtered viciously. Dhrishtadyumna made Bhīma to be removed from the spot by letting the King of Kekaya take him in his chariot. Dhrishtadyumna continued his duel with Dronacharya. With his bow broken and steeds and charioteer slain after a long duel, defeated Dhrishtadyumna ascended on Abhimanyu’s chariot and left the place as Drona began to consume the Pandava warriors.

          Riding on his golden chariot, Bhīma rushed against the Kaurava brothers who were defending Duryodhana. Though the battle was fierce, Bhīma with all his mightiness was responding to the darts of his Kaurava brothers. Bhīma’s darts failed not to pierce the brothers of Duryodhana. Scared, the brothers begun to flee, ignoring Duryodhana.

          Re-energized after securing their generalissimo, Abhimanyu returned with his platoon to defend his uncle Bhīma.  Abhimanyu and his army struck the fleeing brothers of Duryodhana and their legions. Struck in between Abhimanyu and Bhīma, the brothers were hopeless of their life. Bhīma battled with Duryodhana and his legion while the 5 Kekaya princes fought against Duchadhana. Heroic Abhimanyu battled against Vikarna, Durjaya and Chitrasena while Arjuna was slaughtering the Trigarthas and the Samshaptakas.

Arjuna battling the Trigarthas

The sun began to change his colors from bright whitish yellow to red. Abhimanyu slew the steeds and charioteer of Vikarna and made Vikarna ascend Chitrasena’s chariot and they both continued their battle against Abhimanyu. Though facing two mighty heroes, daring Abhimanyu aimed his pointy darts to strike the armor of Vikarna which pierced it and entered his chest. Struck, Vikarna fell unconscious in the chariot and Chitrasena commanded his charioteer to leave the battlefield immediately, in order to save his brother. Vanquishing Vikarna, Abhimanyu engaged in slaughtering the Kaurava army.

Meanwhile, in the duel, Bhīma pierced Duryodhana with many of his pointy darts. Bhīma slew the steeds and charioteer of Duryodhana. With another two of his shafts, he broke the bow and flag standard of Duryodhana. And with his six pointy shafts, he pierced Duryodhana in his shoulders and chest. Beholding Duryodhana standing undefended, King Jayadratha along with his legion rushed in defense. While Bhīma was battling with Jayadratha, Krpacharya bore away Duryodhana in his chariot.

The UpaPandavas battled with the brothers of Duryodhana. Durmukha slew the steeds and charioteer of Srutakarma (Son of Arjuna) but yet, standing fearlessly on his grounded chariot, Srutakarma battled fiercely against his uncle Durmukha. Piercing Durmukha in his chest, Srutakarma made the Kaurava army flee.  

Satanika (Son of Nakula), defending his brother, engaged in battling with Jayatsena and Dushkarna fiercely. Dushkarna, with rage, cut off the bow of Satanika. Dreaded not, taking another bow and with his well-aimed shafts, Satanika broke the bow of Dushkarna and before he could respond, he slew the steeds and the charioteer. With seven shafts, Satanika pierced Dushkarna’s armor and with the eighth arrow, he struck Dushkarna in the chest, making him fell unconscious on his chariot.

          Beholding Dushkarna vanquished and lying unconscious, the Kaurava army and the brothers of Dushkarna rushed against the UpaPandavas. Standing dauntless, the sons of Draupathi engaged in showering their pointy darts at their foes. The 5 Kekaya Princes rushed to defend the UpaPandavas and engaged in slaughtering the Kaurava army. Kaurava warriors, unable to bear the attack, started fleeing in all possible directions.

Sunset...end of day's battle

Surrounding the fleeing foes, the UpaPandavas and the Kekaya brothers began to crush the Kaurava warriors, their steeds and elephants, unaware that the time for sunset is nearing. In a short span of time, the 5 sons of Draupathi and the 5 Kekaya brothers slew thousands of warriors, their riders and their animals. Bhishma, who broke the array of the Pandavas with his platoon, blew his conch. Following him, the Maharathas and Kings of both the armies blew their conchs and instructed their troops to retire. With cheered hearts, the delighted Pandavas returned to their camp, cherishing the moments of their day’s victory.