Kurukshetra War - Night 15

Final ceremony of Dronacharya!

With the death of mighty Dronacharya, the warriors of Kaurava army retired to their tents with hearts filled with grief, fear and hopelessness. There was absolute silence in the Kaurava camp. The soldiers, though they were tired, were unable to sleep, reiterating the images of slayed Drona and Arjuna in their mind. Tremor passed over their body thinking about their death in the war.

The Pandavas along with Krishna and Duryodhana along with his brothers, mighty Karna and Saguni assembled for the incineration of their beloved Dronacharya. Aswathama lit the fire and performed the customary rituals for his father. Staring at the Pandavas, Aswathama filled with rage vowed to kill the slayer of his father.

Duryodhana, Duchadhana, Karna, Saguni and Salya were present in Aswathama’s bivouac, mourning for the loss of Dronacharya. Inexpressive, none were able to console Aswathama.

“My father loved the Pandavas, especially the mighty Arjuna, more than me. How could they do something like that to him?!” – cried Aswathama, deprived of energy.

Duryodhana, trying to soothe his miffed friend, caressed Aswathama’s shoulder and spoke – “O My dear Aswathama! Those Pandavas were able to do this knowing about the guru’s love for them. They were sure that your father will not kill them. Those wicked souls of earth, supported by Krishna tricked your father and slayed him with the help of that mindless Dhrishtadyumna.  Just like how a lion even it’s tamed from cub will come back at you; the Pandavas did the same for your father too. Don’t you worry, O Friend! For sure, we will slay all of them, sparing none.”

Consoling their friend, everyone returned to Duryodhana’s bivouac. Unable to sleep, they all passed the night in Duryodhana’s bivouac, finding a tactic to slay the Pandavas.

“Wishing for throne, they are even prepared to slay their beloved Pithamaha and guru. They should be stopped and crushed, for sure, immediately. Pithamaha and Dronacharya, though they were fighting for me, their heart was fixed only on the victory of the Pandavas. That’s why the Pandavas were able to slay those illustrious souls who couldn’t even be killed by the devas and demons.” – addressed Duryodhana with rage.

Turning towards Karna and placing his hands on Karna’s shoulders, Duryodhana spoke with courage, “Dear Friend! My mighty souled Karna! I rely on you solely, my friend. O Son of Radhey! Only because of you, I have the hope and belief that the Pandavas can be slayed, especially Arjuna. You alone, my friend, have the power to singly fight against the whole army of the three worlds and emerge victorious. My fate is destined to your mightiness, dear friend.  Not as a King but as a friend, I trust you and hence, I place the burden of protecting my army, myself and my brothers on your shoulders. Strong and hopeful is my heart, only now, hoping for the death of the Pandavas.”

Karna as the Generalissimo of Kaurava army!

Karna, smiled at his friend and replied – “O Duryodhana! I have spoken these words to you earlier. I will vanquish those mighty Pandavas and slay Arjuna in my own hands.  Alone, I can defeat them and slay that wielder of Gandiva. Till I am alive, I assure you, you will live protected. No weapon on this world or in any world can kill you when I am there as your shield. I am your defender, dear friend.”

Cheered and spirited on listening to the words of Karna, Duryodhana announced Karna as the generalissimo of the Kaurava army. Duryodhana, himself, performed the customary rites and honored Karna and made him as the commander of his army in front of the monarchs in the Kaurava army.

“O Karna! I can see my cherishing moment of victory now itself. I can feel the victory. With you as the commander, the Pandavas are to be vanquished, forever, this time. I can’t wait to see Arjuna being crushed by you.” – said Duryodhana with a new wave of energy passing through his nerves.

The hope of victory was strong in the hearts of the Kaurava warriors. With a sense of satisfaction, they all went to sleep, expecting the expected dawn.

The King and the Queen of Hastinapur

Meanwhile, in Hastinapur Palace, the King who fainted on hearing about the death of Dronacharya regained his conscious. His heart was filled with grief for his son, for the death of guru and for the selfish thoughts of him leading to the death of his sons.

“Even the mighty Drona is slain by the Pandavas army. He alone has slaughtered two Akshauhinis of the Pandavas army. That brave warrior, the one who was always wishing for me and my sons’ welfare, the extremely intellectual and beloved soul on earth has finally reached the heaven, to the foremost seat reserved for him. All because of my selfishness and greed, all because of my ego, I have lost the two mighty defenders of Hastinapur and now, I lost hope in the victory of my son too. Destiny, I believe, has crushed every plan of mine and my sons. I wonder how my son, dear Duryodhana is holding himself at this time, with none to support him.”- with tears and grief blocking his voice, King Drithirashtra said to Gandhari, the Queen, who was seated next to him holding his hands.

Vidhura

Unto the King who was sitting with eyes filled with tears, Sanjaya informed about the happenings in the Kaurava camp. Relived on listening to Sanjaya’s words, the King spoke – “On him, that mighty Karna, high souled and kind hearted Karna, I place my trust too. Even though the Pandavas have Krishna on their side, with Karna protecting my son and leading the army even Arjuna cannot vanquish my son. Such is the prowess of Karna.”

Pleased on having Karna, the King retired for a good sleep, sharing the same hope and dream of his son, Duryodhana. 

Kurukshetra War - Day 15

             As the sun was about to rise in the east, the warriors woke up from the battlefield and prepared for the day’s battle, after an exhausting night battle. Desire of victory after a humiliating loss in the past few days, frustrated and wrath filled Duryodhana said –“Though you battle for me, your heart desires for the victory of the Pandavas and your love for your favorite pupil, Arjuna is the reason why I am losing. If not for you and your plans to defend him, I definitely would have won the battle long time back. Divide the army into two, today. I, along with Karna, Duchadhana and Uncle Saguni and their legion will slay Arjuna in the battle while you and the rest of the army fight with the Pandava army.”

          Though angered on the offensive words of Duryodhana, on hearing the strategy of Duryodhana, laughing aloud, Drona said – “This old man is fighting for your sake and also, the whole army is fighting in the battle against their friends and family without any desire for life. Though my heart regrets for fighting against the Pandavas, I will fight for you, even if you doubt it. I am indebted to Hastinapur and I will keep my word till my last breath. You think I am favoring Arjuna!? You think you can slay Arjuna? He is undefeatable even by the Devas when he is holding his Gandiva. Now, he has got the almighty Krishna with him, leading him and defending him. Do you think you and your army can slay or even defeat him?” Pausing for a second to grab his breath, Drona continued – “You started this war! You are the very reason for all this enmity among the warriors and countries. You said you are a Kshatriya who is not afraid of battle! You have my blessings!  Go and battle against the undefeatable Arjuna and slay him! Which Kshatriya is there to vanquish Arjuna when the illustrious Krishna is there with him?”

          As the sun tinted the sky in red with his rays, the battle commenced once again, to paint the battlefield in red with the blood of the warriors. Observing the Kaurava division standing in two separate forms, on the advice of Krishna, Arjuna equipped to battle against Dronacharya. Arjuna’s shafts knocked the warriors from their horses and elephants.

          Understanding Krishna’s strategy, Drona, taking his legion away from Arjuna, proceeded to the northern side of the battlefield and engaged in annihilating the Chedis, the Panchalas, the Srinjayas, the Kaikeyas and the Matsyas while Duryodhana, Saguni and Duchadhana along with their platoon, under the defense of Karna rushed against Arjuna. Nakula, Sahadeva, Satyaki and Bhīma rushed to defend Arjuna.

Bhima defending Arjuna

          Nakula encountered Duryodhana. Though Nakula fought with his entire mightiness and energy, Duryodhana resisted him on every side with his pointy shafts and made Nakula turn back. Meanwhile, Sahadeva who was battling against Duchadhana beheaded Duchadhana’s charioteer and before Duchadhana could realize that the charioteer has been slain, Sahadeva slew the steeds. Wounded, crying in pain, the steeds ran, boring the chariot away from Sahadeva. King Bhurisravas’s father, King Somadatta was slain by Satyaki in a battle while he was engaged in defending Duryodhana.

          In his encounter with the Panchalas, the invincible Dronacharya slew the three grandsons of King Drupada. Witnessing his grandsons lying dead, King Drupada, defended by King Virata rushed against Drona. With briskness, Dronacharya responded to the shafts of his friend and King Virata. Witnessing the Kings fighting with impatience and rage, clear minded Dronacharya, with a couple of well-aimed broad headed darts, slew King Virata and King Drupada. Beholding his father slain, Prince Dhrishtadyumna rushed against Dronacharya, filled with pain and rage, vowing –“I will kill the mighty Dronacharya today. If I don’t succeed, I will lose my Kshatriya life and rights.”

          Desire of protecting their unconquerable generalissimo, Duryodhana, his brothers and Karna rushed in defense. Prince Dhrishtadyumna along with Bhīma and the Panchala warriors rushed against Dronacharya from one side as Arjuna along with his legion, rushed from another. Bhīma penetrated into the array formed for Dronacharya’s defense and slew every single warrior he engaged with. Taking the path created by Bhīma, Prince Dhrishtadyumna engaged in a fierce battle against Drona.

          Karna’s shafts resisted Bhīma from proceeding forward. Struck by Karna’s darts, Bhīma lost his chariot and his charioteer fell unconscious. Witnessing Karna slaying the steeds too, Bhīma swiftly jumped from his grounded chariot and ascended Nakula’s chariot and Nakula bore him away from the sight of Karna. Meanwhile, undefended Dhrishtadyumna was resisted by Duchadhana. Raged Panchala Prince covered Duchadhana with his pointy darts and witnessing Duchadhana unable to face the prowess of Dhrishtadyumna, Kritavarman came in defense. Nakula and Sahadeva engaged with Kritavarman and unconstrained Dhrishtadyumna proceeded towards Dronacharya.

Arjuna against Dronacharya!

          Arjuna engaged with Dronacharya from one side and Dhrishtadyumna joined the battle from other side. Excited and enthralled in witnessing the prowess of Arjuna, gladdened Dronacharya invoked mighty celestial astras. Counteracting every single celestial Astra invoked by Dronacharya in the most apt way, Arjuna stupefied the eyes of the warriors and foes near him. Dronacharya, though struggling, cheerfully resisted both Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna and engaged in slaying the mighty Pandava soldiers. As Dhrishtadyumna and the Panchala warriors engaged with Dronacharya in a fierce battle, Arjuna engaged in resisting the Kauravas from reaching the Panchala warriors and Dronacharya.

          Duryodhana, who was desirous of rescuing Dronacharya, was resisted by the courageous Satyaki. Both of them pierced each other with their shafts. Raged on Duryodhana as he broke his bow, Satyaki, with a pointy dart, broke the bow of Duryodhana into pieces and showered darts unceasingly. Unable to respond to the shafts of Satyaki, deeply pierced Duryodhana sat on his chariot and witnessing his friend in trouble, Karna rushed in defense.

          Bhīma, engaged in defending the Panchala warriors, slaughtered the mighty King Bahlika, Father of King Somadatta. Witnessing Dronacharya crushing the Panchala warriors, the Pandavas became hopeless of their victory. Concluding that none can slay the fearsome Dronacharya, the sons of Pandu stood clueless.

          Seeing the silence in the sons of Pandu, Krishna said– “Arjuna, the illustrious Dronacharya is undefeatable by humans and by the Devas. We have to adopt some strategy to vanquish him. He will cease his battle when Aswathama is slain, I hope.”

     “But Krishna, Aswathama is invincible. He is fierce and stronger than Dronacharya.” –responded Arjuna in depressed voice.

          “Let’s tell him that Aswathama has been slain. He is battling on the other end of the battlefield.”-Hearing the words of Krishna, Arjuna and King Yudhistra immediately disagreed to enact it. “You want us to lie to our Guru so that we can win this battle! I would not prefer such a victory and throne and I will never lie.” – replied King Yudhistra.

          “Yudhistra, this battle is not for you or for throne but for dharma. A lie or trick that favors dharma is to be considered as dharma only. It will not be a sin. Telling something untrue to save a life is not a sin.”- Krishna tried to pacify Yudhistra and Arjuna. Bhīma, Nakula and Sahadeva too approved for the plan and pacified their brother to accept. King Yudhistra accepted reluctantly–“I accept to your words Krishna. But I will never lie. That is against dharma.”

          Hearing the words of Yudhistra, Krishna thought for a moment and turning towards Bhīma, he said – “Bhīma, you slay an elephant named Aswathama. That way, your brother can say the truth.”

      

Bhima slaying Aswathama, the elephant!

         On the advice of Krishna, Bhīma slaughtered with his mace, the elephant named Aswathama which belongs to Malava King Indravarman who was battling for the Pandavas. Approaching Dronacharya, Bhīma shouted – “Aswathama has been slain by me!”

       On hearing the words of Bhīma, Dronacharya ceased his battle. Beholding Bhīma and the sons of Pandu and recalling the mightiness of Aswathama and his boon, Drona smiled at Bhīma saying –“Bhīma, You cannot singly slay Aswathama. My son is invincible! Even Arjuna will not be able to slay him!”

        Saying so and turning towards the Panchala warriors, Dronacharya invoked the Brahmadanda astra. The mighty astra showering darts at the Panchala warriors instantly slew five hundred Matsyas, six thousand elephant warriors along with their mahouts and elephants and ten thousand Cavaliers along with their steeds. Ceasing not, with his pointy darts, he slew twenty thousand Panchala chariot warriors and beheaded Vasudana. 

          Krishna, desirous of the welfare of the invincible Dronacharya, on witnessing the rage of Drona, addressed – “Dronacharya, you are a Brahman. Well versed in Vedas and the truth in it. Do not fight in an unrighteous manner. Do not burden your shoulders with more sins and do not commit such sinful acts anymore.”

          Dronacharya, enlightened on the words of Krishna, with a depressing heart, turning towards Yudhistra asked – “Yudhistra, you are my only disciple whose words I trust all the time. You never speak anything that is untrue. Tell me, is Aswathama killed by Bhīma?”

          Recollecting Krishna’s words and quivering in heart at the inevitability of destiny, King Yudhistra made up his mind and said aloud- “Aswathama is slain by Bhīma!” Ceasing not, he lowered his head and in an inaudible voice he continued – “Aswathama is an elephant.”-Which even his charioteer was unable to hear as Krishna blew his conch.

          Trusting King Yudhistra’s words, Dronacharya, filled with grief casted a weary look at the Sons of Pandu and Dhrishtadyumna. Looking at Krishna who was staring at him with all kindness, Dronacharya thought that his hour to support dharma has arrived. Beholding Dhrishtadyumna who was rushing at him with rage, Dronacharya showered shafts at him and cut off the bow and standard of Dhrishtadyumna and slew the charioteer. Desire of giving up his life by battling fairly, for one last time, he showered darts at the Panchala warriors from his mighty bow. His darts consumed the life of 24,000 Kshatriyas and approximately one lakh Panchala chariot warriors.

          Laying aside his mighty celestial bow and bowing to all his weapons in the chariot, glancing at the Kauravas, he said – “Karna, with no desire, you fight in this battle. Defend Duryodhana. Duryodhana, Krpacharya and the entire Kaurava army, battle with desire for heaven. I have laid aside my weapons. Defend your friends and King, O warriors!”

          Smiling at the Sons of Pandu, he said – “Fear not my dear sons! You have surrendered to Krishna, the almighty. What you have done and what you are about to do is all for dharma to prevail on this earth. Proceed with cheered heart and trust the words of Krishna.”

        

Dronacharya!

       Bowing at Krishna with joined palms, Dronacharya descended from his chariot and sat on the ground in yogic stance, devoted himself to Lord Vishnu. Not battling, Arjuna and his brothers stood with tear filled eyes. Beholding them, the Pandava warriors of their platoon too ceased battling and so the Kauravas too stood serene. As the warriors around Dronacharya stood in distress, fixing his heart on the almighty Lord Vishnu the mighty soul of Dronacharya left his body and Dronacharya joined the company of the foremost Rishis and souls. None in the battlefield witnessed the soul of Dronacharya repairing to the regions of Lord, except Krishna. Beholding the lifeless body of Dronacharya, raged Dhrishtadyumna rushing with a sword in his hand and gathering all his energy, with a single swing, he beheaded the mighty invincible, highly souled warrior Dronacharya, not considering the words and pleading of Arjuna and his brothers. Dhrishtadyumna shouted out of happiness and witnessing him and the beheaded Dronacharya, the Kaurava warriors fled in all directions. Even the mighty Uluka and Vrishasena fled in fear, leaving their platoon.

    

Arjuna raged on Drishtadyumna!

    Arjuna, raged on Dhrishtadyumna, yelled at him for such an unmannerly and rude battling. While Krishna and King Yudhistra engaged in stopping the fight between Arjuna and Dhrishtadyumna, Aswathama, who was battling on the other side of the array rushed to the spot unaware of his father’s death. Slaughtering the Pandava warriors who were attacking the fleeing Kaurava warriors, Aswathama proceeded towards Duryodhana who was standing on his chariot, not trying to gather the fleeing warriors.

          “Duryodhana, what happened? Why are you in tears? Why is the army fleeing and why are you not stopping them?” – enquired Aswathama.

Grief and tear struck Duryodhana uttered Aswathama about the death of Dronacharya, the trick played by the sons of Pandu and the cruel act of Dhrishtadyumna. Enraged on his father’s death, Aswathama, wiping his tears, addressed – “You cruel hearted and vile Pandavas! Is this how you honor your Guru to whom you were the world? Arjuna, my father loved you more than me and he trusted you than any of us! Is this how you respond to an old man for his blinded love and trust? I will forgive none of you. I will slay you all today and end this battle, right now!!”

Narayanastra!

Saying so, Aswathama invoked the fatal and destructive Narayanastra against the Pandava army. Hearing the sound of the astra which emerged dividing the sky with a loud thunder and forceful wind, the Kauravas rushed back to the battlefield with delight while the Pandavas stood terrified and stupefied. As the sky opened, numerous pointy fire breathing darts emerged from the sky and darkness set in as the result of the darts blocking the sky and the sun. The Pandavas stood deprived of senses.

Arjuna, beholding the astra, said –“Aswathama has invoked the Narayanastra. This weapon will even kill the immortal. There is no neutralizing weapon for this. By killing Dronacharya, we have invited our death from the hands of Aswathama!”

Terrified Yudhistra commanded his generals and soldiers – “Everybody, run and save your lives. Cease battling. Let Duryodhana be crowned as the King. For being dishonest to Dronacharya, I will accept this death.”

Krishna, on witnessing the fast approaching Narayanastra, addressed –“Everyone, lay down your weapons and lie on the ground, now! Descend from your chariots and steeds and elephants. This astra will not hurt or slay anyone who stands unarmed. Even if you run away of even hide deep beneath the earth, this weapon will destroy you, definitely. Lie on the ground holding no weapons!”

Saying so, Krishna alighted from his chariot and lied down on the ground along with Arjuna and witnessing the act of those two mighty invincible souls, the soldiers of the Pandava army dropped their weapons and fell on the ground with the desire for living.

Indiscreet Bhīma, beholding everyone lying on the ground, spoke with rage – “Fear not warriors! Take your weapons and rush against the Kauravas! I will face Aswathama and witness the power of my mighty mace and my prowess. No celestial weapons can slay me!”

Saying so, Bhīma, with his mace in hand, rushed against Aswathama, ignoring the warnings of Arjuna and Krishna. With every single Pandava warrior lying on the ground without weapons, the exceedingly powerful Narayanastra turned towards Bhīma and began to shower its mightiness and energy forcefully at him. Beholding Bhīma struggling with the blazing flame and the viciousness of the astra, Arjuna, like lightning, picked his Gandiva and invoked the Varunaastra at Bhīma and basked on the ground immediately. The Varunaastra pacified Bhīma who was covered in the flaming darts of the Narayanastra.

Witnessing the Narayanastra intensifying its power on Bhīma, Arjuna and Krishna ran towards Bhīma and dragged Bhīma from the dense forest of darts and made him lie on the ground, losing hold on is mighty mace. With every single foe of Aswathama lying on the ground without weapons, the mighty Narayanastra pacified. Cheered on being alive, the soldiers roared in happiness and rushed towards the Kauravas picking their weapons and mounting on their animal.

Raged on seeing everyone alive, Duryodhana said – “Aswathama, invoke the weapon against the Pandavas again.”

Sighing heavily, Aswathama responded – “Duryodhana, it can be used only once.”

Beholding the Pandavas rushing with cheered heart, Duryodhana roared – “Then let us crush them with our own weapons and darts!”

          On hearing the words of Duryodhana, the Kaurava warriors rushed against their foes with rage and desire of victory. Aswathama, raged on the death of his father, engaged in a fierce battle with Dhrishtadyumna and repeatedly pierced him with his golden winged darts. Beholding Aswathama slaying the charioteer and steeds of Dhrishtadyumna, Satyaki rushed for rescue. Slaying the steeds of Aswathama, Satyaki pierced Aswathama in the chest. Slaying then the charioteer and with a desire of slaying Aswathama, Satyaki showered darts at his foe and turned the chariot into pieces, not before showering darts at Duryodhana, Karna, Vrishasena and Krpacharya, who came to defend Aswathama.

In the fierce battle against the Kauravas, Satyaki slew 3000 chariot warriors of Vrishasena’s platoon, 15,000 elephant warriors of Krpacharya and 50,000 cavalries of Saguni. Meanwhile, Bhīma, Chedi Prince and Malava King Sudharsana surrounded Aswathama, with a desire of rescuing Dhrishtadyumna.

Raged, Aswathama with a single pointy dart beheaded Sudharsana and with a gold winged dart, he beheaded Puru King Vrihatkshatra and with broad headed darts, he slew the Chedi Prince. Beholding Aswathama’s prowess, on the command of Krishna, Arjuna showered darts at Aswathama. Filled with wrath, on seeing Arjuna, Aswathama invoked the invincible Agneya astra. As a result, numerous fire breathing darts fell from the sky and burnt the Pandava soldiers alive. Turning the warriors, steeds, elephants and even the golden chariots into ashes, the mighty astra crushed a full Akshauhini of the Pandavas. Though it caused a devastating destruction, the weapon did not affect Arjuna and Krishna.  Arjuna, invoking the Brahma weapon, pacified the Agneya astra and mild chill breeze blew and filled the air with pleasantness.

Beholding Arjuna and Krishna standing unaffected, Aswathama threw his bow on his chariot and ran away from the battlefield, filled with doubts, pain and grief. The running Aswathama was stopped by Sage Vyasa.

Filled with questions and pain, Aswathama, with teary eyes asked – “Vyasa Maharishi! I am filled with doubts and pain. Why is it, my astras are futile when aimed at Arjuna and Krishna?”

 Sage Vyasa enlightening Aswathama!

Sage Vyasa, beholding the perplexed Aswathama, said – “Aswathama, Lord Narayana is the supreme soul from whom every single mortal soul and weapon appeared. He is the creator, defender and infinitely powerful. Against him, every powerful human or godly weapon will be ineffective. Krishna, the charioteer is that supreme soul! Defended by him, Arjuna is alive, unaffected by any of the weapons aimed at him.”

Enlightened on the words of Sage Vyasa, bringing his senses under his control, he bowed to the sage and rushed back to the battlefield. Beholding Duryodhana, who was ready for a night battle, Aswathama, with the sunset, commanded the Kaurava warriors to withdraw from the battle. As the Kaurava warriors withdraw after a miserable day’s battle, Arjuna and Krishna too commanded the Pandavas to retire to their camp and with that, the battle for the day ended, assuring victory for the Pandavas.

Kurukshetra War - Night 14

Death of Jayadratha

         With the sunset falling in, the Kauravas returned to their camp disheartened on the death of King Jayadratha and their loss while the Pandavas returned to their camp with cheered hearts on Arjuna’s success. The sons of Pandu and their army, with grieved heart, prepared themselves for the funeral of the heroic Abhimanyu and the other slain warriors.

          Duryodhana, downhearted and filled with rage upon the death of King Jayadratha yelled at his Kings and generals – “The Pandavas crushed my army like an insect. Arjuna reduced my troops to ashes! He slew King Jayadratha! He cheated…with the support of that trickster Krishna! They cheated again in slaying King Jayadratha, just like how they cheated in vanquishing the mighty Bhishma.”

          Turing towards Dronacharya, Duryodhana said – “Guru Drona! I am sure you are enjoying the success of your star pupil, Arjuna, but, I would like to know about your duties, your trust towards Hastinapur and the King. The Kings and kin who came to the battlefield, desiring my victory are lying dead. Those mighty warriors who came to the battle for my sake are either being vanquished or exterminated by those Pandavas and their army. As the generalissimo of the army, what the mighty, undefeatable Drona has done, at least once, for my sake?”

          Understanding the rage in Duryodhana’s heart, Drona spoke in a serene voice – “O Duryodhana! I know you are raged on the death of your Kings. But, I did warn you about the prowess of Arjuna and Bhīma. Those two are undefeatable. And, of course, about Krishna’s mightiness, even though he is unarmed. Even on the day of the dice game and on the days of peace talks, Vidhura, Pithamaha and even your mother Gandhari, we all warned you predicting the carnage this war would cause. But you ceased to listen, blindfolded by Saguni’s words and your greed.”

          On hearing the words of Dronacharya, Duryodhana’s rage increased further and ignoring his words of advice like all time, he said – “Greater number of akshauhinis… foremost mighty heroes and warriors accompanied…but what’ s the use when I made the mighty Bhishma and Drona as the generalissimo, who favor the victory of my foes. Trusting you, I did not allow King Jayadratha to leave when he asked me yesterday.  I must be a fool…to trust you still!”

          Karna, beholding Duryodhana losing his senses, said –“Duryodhana! Do not blame our generalissimo. We all know that, Pithamaha and Dronacharya battle for your victory. Guru Dronacharya is battling and also leading our army in putting all his years of experience and skills. Our warriors too are giving all their power and talent. With a smaller force and with few mighty Kshatriyas, if the Pandavas are succeeding in the battle, it is all only act of destiny. What else to say?”

          Turning towards Karna with sweltering rage, Duryodhana yelled –“You stop supporting the Guru. I knew that Pithamaha and Dronacharya favor the Pandavas. But, not you! I started this battle trusting you. You promised me that you will slay Arjuna. But you…you have not accomplished your vow yet. You have mighty celestial Astras that can slay him…and yet, he is alive. Why is that?”

          “Duryodhana, the only Astra I have, that can slay Arjuna is the Amoghastra (or Vasavi Shakthi) that I got from Lord Indra. Only that can slay Arjuna, but…” – before Karna could finish, Aswathama, interfered on behalf of Duryodhana and asked – “Then why have you not used it yet? It’s been four days since you entered the battlefield.”

          “Aswathama, I can use it only when I have my adversary in front of me. In these four days, Arjuna hardly battled with me. Krishna turns away his chariot from me in order to defend Arjuna. With an opportunity, I will definitely use it to slay Arjuna and end this battle, with victory for Duryodhana.” – said Karna.

          Silence filled the bivouac on Karna’s words, wondering at Krishna’s simpler efforts to defend Arjuna. King Saguni broke the silence, filling the hearts of the Kings with questions and fear – “How about we give Karna the chance now?!”

          “You want the army to battle in the night?! It’s against the rules of battle. We should not fight at night. Also, the army is tired of the day’s battle!” – said Dronacharya.

“Guru Dronacharya, the Pandavas are not following the rules! They defeated Bhishma placing Sikandi, which is against the rule. Krishna...he tricked and cheated to slay King Jayadratha. Think this way… Arjuna is the only person who can see clearly in the dark. But us… we have you, Karna and Aswathama, the foremost archers who can see in the dark. This is our opportunity to end the war…by slaying Arjuna.”

Delighted on King Saguni’s words, without any second thought, Duryodhana said-“Gather the army! Get ready for the battle! That’s an order from the King!!”

Scouts of the Pandava army informed King Yudhistra who was in the funeral of Abhimanyu about the happenings in the Kaurava camp. On hearing about the battle plans and preparations for a night battle, King Yudhistra too informed his generals and troops to get ready for the battle.

Under their generalissimo and Arjuna, the Pandava army prepared for a night battle while Krishna met Bhīma and King Yudhistra for battle strategies. Turning towards Bhīma, Krishna said – “Bhīma, the night battle will favor the Kauravas for they have 3 foremost archers who can see in darkness. We have only Arjuna. For our defense, call your son, Gatothkach and his army. The Rakshasas can see clearly in the night. The night belongs to them and it will help us.”

“But Krishna, inviting my son who is not human to a battle of humans is adharma. How can you say me to call Gatothkach?”- said confused Bhīma.

“Bhīma, anything done to favor and sustain dharma will be considered as dharma only. Call him to protect our army.”- said Krishna. Without any argument, Bhīma and King Yudhistra accepted Krishna’s words.

And, on the dark filled night, both the armies marched towards the battlefield. Setting their hearts on battle, both the troops prepared for night battle with the foot soldiers holding their choice of weapon in one hand and lanterns in another. The chariots held five lanterns while the elephants had three on them and the cavalries, one. Beholding the Kaurava army rushing towards them with blazing lamps, the Pandavas too rushed against their foe and there began a battle, fierce and heartless.

King Yudhistra rushed against Duryodhana with wrath. Crushing the Pandava soldiers blocking him, Duryodhana progressed forwarded accepting the battle in hand. Filled with wrath, Duryodhana shot aimless arrows at King Yudhistra. Cutting off the arrows, King Yudhistra shot at Duryodhana, broad headed arrows which pierced the armor. Deeply pierced by one of those shafts, Duryodhana fell unconscious in his chariot. Beholding Duryodhana lying unconscious, the Pandava soldiers cheered with delighted heart whereas the Kaurava warriors were filled with shock. Beholding Duryodhana, Dronacharya rushed to the spot and engaged in battling with King Yudhistra, witnessing Duryodhana recovering his senses.

Lighting up the night sky!

Regaining consciousness, Duryodhana, along with Dronacharya, began to attack King Yudhistra. Witnessing King Yudhistra in trouble, the sons of Pandu and the Panchala Kings and Princes rushed to defend their King. Arjuna and Karna lighted up the night sky with their showers of oil dipped darts which slew their foes in hundreds while Drona singly slew thousands of elephants and the riders and warriors, thousands of cavalries and chariot warriors and thousands of foot soldiers and spike men. As Drona was devastating the Pandava warriors, Bhīma engaged in thrashing the Kaurava soldiers. With bare hands, he slew the Kalinga Prince by crushing his bones.

Gatothkach and his army of Rakshasas to whom the night belongs, entering the battlefield began throwing rocks and uprooted trees at the Kaurava warriors. With his Akshauhini of Rakshasas, Gatothkach struck fear in the hearts of the Kaurava soldiers and even the Kings and the Kauravas fled in all directions holding their desire to live. On the command of Duryodhana, the foremost Kaurava warriors rushed against the army of Rakshasas. Aswathama rushed against Anjanaparvan, the son of Gatothkach. Aswathama’s arrows broke the moment they hit the bare chest of Anjanaparvan. None of his arrows pierced the skin or even cause a scratch on the Rakshasas. Invoking his celestial astras, Aswathama engaged in slaughtering the Rakshasa army. Breaking the colossal mace of Anjanaparvan into pieces, Aswathama showered pointy darts in hundreds on Anjanaparvan, who, using his powers of illusion, escaped from the pointy darts. Anjanaparvan made it rain blazing darts on Aswathama. Filled with wrath and affronted in fighting a time consuming battle with a younger warrior, cutting off those darts in the mid-air, Aswathama showered in thousands, heated pointy iron darts at Anjanaparvan and slew the mighty Rakshasa in front of the eyes of Gatothkach and Bhīma.  

             Beholding his son dead, Gatothkach rushed against Aswathama, showering millions of darts. Skilled in archery like his father, Aswathama cut off those darts and furiously showered darts at the fast approaching Rakshasha. Creating illusions of all kinds, Gatothkach attacked Aswathama from all directions, at times visible and at times staying invisible. Gatothkach made it rain maces and swords upon Aswathama with a desire to slay him but, with his mightiness, Aswathama dispelled every illusion of Gatothkach by invoking celestial weapons like Vajra weapon and Vayavya weapon. Beholding Aswathama covering the chest of Gatothkach with his pointy darts, the Rakshashas and the Panchala warriors rushed in defense.

    Receiving the mighty Rakshashas and warriors singly, Aswathama, implementing all his skills in archery, showered shafts showing all his splendid talents in archery, impressing Duryodhana and filling his heart with delight. Raining fire breathing shafts at the Rakshashas and the Panchala warriors, Aswathama slew thousands of chariot warriors along with their steeds and charioteer and invoking his celestial weapons, he slew the entire Akshauhini of the Rakshashas, bringing relief in the hearts of the Kaurava warriors. Ceasing not, turning towards the Panchala warriors, Aswathama slew the sons of King Drupada viz., Prince Suratha, Prince Satrunjaya and the ten sons of King Kuntibhoja. With pointed darts, he then slew princes Jaya, Jayanika, Valanika, Prishdhra,Chandrasena and Srutayush who were rushing with rage against him.

        Bhīma, raged on the death of his grandson and the princes, began to slaughter the Kaurava warriors brutally. King Valikha encountering Bhīma lost his head to Bhīma’s mace in one blow and the lifeless head fell on the ground, terrifying the hearts of the Kauravas. Ceasing not, filled with wrath, Bhīma raged against the rushing brothers of King Saguni. Bhīma, with his bow in his hand began to shoot perfectly aimed arrows at them. Failing not to hit in the vital body parts of the brothers of Saguni, those arrows, falling like meteors, took the life of those seven princes along with Satachandra. Ceasing not, Bhīma slew five more brothers of King Saguni, viz., Gavaksha, Sarabha, Bibhu, Subhaga and Bhanudatta, in front of their army.

Beholding the prowess of Bhīma, the Pandava warriors rushed against the Kaurava soldiers with rage while the terrified Gandhara soldiers fled in all directions. Nakula’s son Satanika engaging in battling with Chitrasena (brother of Duryodhana), broke the bow of Chitrasena and slew his steeds and charioteer in a wink of an eye. Chitrasena who was standing grounded, deprived of weapons was saved by Kritavarman. King Saguni, lost his bows and standard to Nakula and pierced by Nakula’s pointy darts, he fell unconscious on his chariot. Witnessing Saguni lying unconscious, his charioteer rode him away from the battle field.

Witnessing the carnage of his army, Duryodhana rushing towards Karna, said with a depressed heart – “Karna, save my warriors. Bhīma and Arjuna are snatching my victory by crushing my warriors.”

“Duryodhana, fear not. I will proceed against Arjuna and slay him tonight and end this battle before sunrise. You will have your desired victory sooner.” – saying so, Karna rushed against Arjuna and Krishna.

Karna noticed the darts of Arjuna falling from the sky like shooting stars and slaying the Kaurava warriors. The Panchala warriors, witnessing Karna, rushed to defend Arjuna. Karna’s darts, mightier like Arjuna’s, covered the rushing Pandava soldiers and their steeds and elephants and made them fell on the ground, deprived of life. Beholding Karna’s prowess, Arjuna sped his darts with wings of gold at Karna and broke the bow of Karna. Taking up another bow, Karna covered Arjuna and Krishna with his pointy darts.

Pierced with arrows in his chest armor, understanding the aim of Karna, Krishna said – “Arjuna, Dronacharya is battling with King Yudhistra. He can easily take this opportunity and seize the King. Let’s proceed towards King Yudhistra to save him. There’s none other than you to stop Dronacharya.”

Pierced by Karna, raged Arjuna slew the steeds and the charioteer of Karna and broke the chariot of Karna with his arrows. With a smile, Krishna rode the chariot away from Karna. Jumping from his chariot and rescued by Krpacharya, Karna ascending into his other chariot, rushed against Arjuna before he was stopped by Sahadeva.

Defending King Yudhistra, Arjuna and his platoon ceased Dronacharya from proceeding forward. Turning towards the King, Krishna said – “Yudhistra, proceed against King Duryodhana. Dronacharya is with plans to capture you. Let Arjuna proceed against Dronacharya.”

Taking the commands of Krishna, King Yudhistra, along with his platoon rushed towards Bhīma who was battling with Duryodhana and his legion. Meanwhile, Sahadeva lost his steeds, charioteer and bow to Karna and was standing on a grounded chariot. Ceasing not, picking up his sword, Sahadeva rushed against Karna on foot. Breaking the sword into two before Sahadeva could descend from his chariot and aiming a golden dart at Sahadeva, Karna smiled and addressed – “Sahadeva, look at you! Standing deprived of all your weapons. Never indulge in a fight with warriors who are skilled, talented and superior to you.” Saying so, taking a deep breath, Karna removing his dart from the bow, addressed his charioteer to rush the chariot towards Arjuna, remembering his vow to Matha Kunti.

Witnessing Karna shredding the Pandava troops and formation, Arjuna said to Krishna – “Krishna, Karna is crushing the Pandava warriors and our soldiers are frightened. Turn the chariot towards Karna.”

“Arjuna, Karna is advancing in the battle like raging sun. But, the mighty Dronacharya is trying to capture King Yudhistra. If you proceed against Karna, there will be none to stop Dronacharya. Let the heroic Gatothkach proceed against Karna. He can stop him from advancing.” – Saying so, Krishna called Gatothkach.

Krishna said – “Gatothkach, Karna is crushing the Pandava army. The night belongs to the Rakshashas than to humans. With your unlimited power and mightiness, proceed against Karna and slay him. Except you, none can achieve this feat.”

“Worry not, uncle. I will slay Karna and Duryodhana by tonight and will ensure my uncle’s victory.  No Kaurava warriors will get to see the sunrise tomorrow.” – Saying so, Gatothkach rushed against Karna.

Perceiving Gatothkach rushing against Karna, Duryodhana said -“Duchadhana, instead of Arjuna, Gatothkach is urging against Karna. Take as many warriors you want and defend Karna at all cost. Don’t let Gatothkach near our Karna. He is the only hope to slay Arjuna.”

Before Duchadhana could assemble his legion to defend Karna, tearing the darkness, a streak of light appeared and like thunder, a Rakshasa appeared in front of Duryodhana. Addressing Duryodhana, he said – “O King, I am Alambusha, son of the mighty and foremost Rakshasa Jatasura. My father was murdered by the sons of Pandu and I desire to take my revenge on them. Command me to slay the Pandavas and also Gatothkach and I will gladly give you your victory.”

Delighted in seeing Alambusha, Duryodhana said – “Blessed I am! Alambusha, Go and slay all those foes of ours, right now!”

Alambusha, taking the command, proceeded against Gatothkach and summoned him for a duel.  Thrilled in seeing Alambusha, Gatothkach rushed against him and Karna with excitement. Terrified not, the mighty Gatothkach invoking his diversified illusions, crushed the Kaurava soldiers approaching him and also pierced Karna and Alambusha with his long pointy darts. Raged Alambusha began to attack the Pandava soldiers and thousands fell dead either struck in fear or struck by the arrows of Alambusha. Beholding Alambusha, the heroic Gatothkach rushed against him and engaged in a duel with him. Grabbing the gigantic Alambusha in his hands, Gatothkach pressed him on the ground, twisting his arms. The battle of the Rakshasas was so terrible and brutal that, they crushed the soldiers, elephants and steeds on their path. The archers and long bowmen of Pandava troops, desire to protect Gatothkach, showered darts at Alambusha. Troubled by the darts piercing him, Alambusha lost control he had on Gatothkach and seizing the opportunity, Gatothkach got hold of Alambusha in his hands and crushed him, breaking his bones into pieces.

Gatothkach and Alambusha

Taking his gargantuan mace, Gatothkach hit Alambusha right in the neck and cut off the head of his antagonist. Beholding the brutality of Gatothkach and the terrible death of Alambusha, the Kaurava soldiers fled in fear. Few soldiers, who witnessed the furious face of Gatothkach, fell dead in fear. Laughing appallingly, Gatothkach threw the head of Alambusha in front of Duryodhana, saying – “Watch me slaying Karna next!”-and he rushed against Karna.

          Roaring like thunder, Gatothkach battled with Karna. Showering pointy darts at each other, exhausted not, both the heroic warriors fought their night battle with the desire of slaying each other. Karna invoked various celestial astras while Gatothkach invoked his illusion powers. Taking different forms, Gatothkach provoked Karna’s rage and also implanted fear in the Kauravas. Gatothkach made it rain stones, blazing darts, snakes and even trees. Gatothkach’s illusion slew Kaurava soldiers in thousands. Pierced by darts, both Karna and Gatothkach were dripping blood but still, ceasing not, they both continued their duel. Beholding Gatothkach’s mightiness and the death of his warriors, terrified Duryodhana yelled – “Karna, Gatothkach is crushing my army. If this continues, we will be left without any warrior by our side in the morning. Slay him faster.”

           Karna knew that Gatothkach will respond to the celestial astras if he invokes them, except for the Amoghastra (also known as Vasavi Shakthi Astra). But, Karna was saving that Astra to slay Arjuna. Duryodhana who was battling with Bhīma was on the verge of losing the battle and Karna was in the need to defend his friend. Thinking for a moment and with no time to lose, Karna invoked the foremost invincible dart, the Amoghastra and hurled it at Gatothkach. The Astra, which never fails to slay the enemy when he is standing against, pierced right through the broad chest of Gatothkach and out of pain, roaring like a lion, Gatothkach fell on the ground. Even while falling, taking his most dreadful gigantic form, Gatothkach crushed the Kaurava warriors standing beneath him and pressed by his weight, Kaurava warriors amounting an Akshauhini breathed their last along with Gatothkach.

          Beholding Gatothkach dead, the sons of Pandu were filled with grief. Arjuna, on hearing the loud roar of Gatothkach, urged Krishna to rush the chariot towards Karna. Raged on witnessing his son’s death Bhīma rushed against Duryodhana. Trying to defend their brother, the brothers of Duryodhana defended Duryodhana and proceeded against the wrath filled Bhīma. Showering his well-aimed darts, Bhīma covered the Kaurava warriors and the princes. Pierced utterly, the eleven brothers of Duryodhana viz., Nagadatta, Dridharatha, Vira, Ayobahu, Suhastasena, Viraga, Pramatha, Ugrayudha, Dushkarna, Durmada and Dridhayudha fell lifeless on their respective chariots.The darts of Bhīma slew hundreds of Kaurava soldiers.

          With his brothers dead, Duryodhana rushed against Bhīma and raged on the death of Gatothkach, King Yudhistra urged every soldier of the Pandava army to proceed against Duryodhana. The Panchala warriors resisted Drona as the Sons of Pandu rushed against Duryodhana while Karna resisted Arjuna. At the middle of the night, the battlefield filled with warriors with anger and revenge in their heart was aloud, abysmal and noisy. In the darkness, not knowing the difference between foe and friend, the warriors slew the ones fighting with them.

          Beholding Arjuna, Karna spoke eloquently in a bold voice –“Arjuna! Only now you have the courage to face me!? I can sense the happiness in Krishna’s heart. He is ready to even let go of his favourite sons - Abhimanyu and Gatothkach, in order to protect you! You can call yourself a mighty hero and archer, Arjuna!”

          Not understanding Karna’s words and witnessing Krishna sitting serene, Arjuna asked –“Krishna, I don’t understand Karna’s words. What is it that he is able to discern about you but not me?”

          Taking a deep breath, Krishna said –“Arjuna, Karna got the Amoghastra from Lord Indra with a desire to slay you. No one in this world can stop the power of Amoghastra, not even my blazing Sudhakshina Chakra. Karna is a brilliant archer and foremost skilled warrior. With the Amoghastra, he is more powerful and undefeatable, even by you. Not even by me. With your death, this war will end and so is the reign of dharma. Gatothkach, in order to defend you, took the Amoghastra. So, now, without his protective armor, ear-rings and Amoghastra, Karna, now is like every archer. He can be defeated and slayed. But, trust me…even now defeating him is going to be tough, even for you.  Dharma must prevail on this earth and for that, King Yudhistra should win this battle.”

          Meanwhile, both the troops got exhausted battling from the sunrise. Even the steeds and elephants ceased to listen to the commands of their rider. The twelve hours of daylight battle and the nine hours of moonlight battle drained the energy of the warriors. Even the Kings and princes fought without any vigour. Beholding the state of the warriors and understanding the situation, Arjuna spoke aloud – “Warriors, I can see that you are all tired because of the day’s battle. You all can rest in the field till sunrise. Let’s withdraw from the battle so that you all can go to sleep.”        

          Gladdened on hearing Arjuna’s words, the Pandava warriors dropped their weapons and slept in the field. The Kaurava warriors turned towards Karna for approval. Karna and Dronacharya, witnessing the exhaustion of the warriors permitted them to withdraw from the battle. The cavalries slept on the top of their steeds. And thus, both the troops, forgetting their enmity, slept alongside in the battlefield with the time for sunrise nearing in hours.