Kurukshetra War - Night 17

     Hearing the death of the mighty Karna, King Drithirashtra and Queen Gandhari were grief struck. Weeping for the death of Karna who was her only hope for Duryodhana to be alive and victorious, Queen Gandhari said unto her King– “O King, the final defender too has finally reached heaven, trying to protect your son. As predicted by the mighty Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Vidhura, our last and final hope too has dimmed. All those that you have heard so far is because of all the sins you and Duryodhana have done to the Pandavas. For our son, the mighty Karna has died opposing his brothers! Radhey and Adhiratha have raised a good son but look at the way, the King and Queen of great Hastinapur raised their sons! We are going to be insulted till the end of the world as the worst parents. We are also being responsible for the death of the high souled people like Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna.”

          Filled with fretfulness, Queen Gandhari fell unconscious. The daughter-in-laws of the King and the Queen, who were nearby, took her to her bed.     

      “Gandhari was always right, Vidhura. I ignored her words and warnings because of my ego. Now, for the same reason, I am losing all my sons. The death of undefeatable mighty Pithamaha, Drona and Karna is just the way destiny is working for the Pandavas to win. For dharma to win. My heart is really made of stone for it was able to foresee all this and yet it supported war. Also, even after hearing all their deaths, it’s still beating and hasn’t shattered into pieces. I remained silent when my son did all the evils and insults to the Pandavas and as a result, all I can do now is to remain silent, when my sons bear the fruits of their evil doings.”-  Crestfallen King spoke recalling all the harms they have done to the Sons of Pandu.

          With no words to console the King, Vidhura and Sanjaya stood looking at the King, whose aimless eyes were fixed on the night sky, engulfing the grief in his heart.

          Taking a deep breath, the King spoke – “Sanjaya, tell me what happened in both the camps after Karna’s death.”

          In the meantime, hearing about his friend’s death, Duryodhana came to the place where Karna rests, pierced by the golden shafts of Arjuna. Witnessing Duryodhana depressed, Arjuna and the other sons of Pandu were filled with joy. Arjuna was looking splendid with his Gandiva in his hands. Witnessing Karna lying dead, Yudhistra, relieved of his fear, felt like he was newly born. Bhīma was embracing Arjuna now and then, feeling proud on Arjuna’s achievement. Nakula and Sahadeva stood enjoying their victory against the Kauravas. Krishna…stood there in silence, not enjoying or participating with the Pandavas in celebrating but with his eyes fixed on Karna. Krishna’s tears rested in his eyes, waiting for Krishna’s permission to leave the eyes.

          “O Karna! Trying to save my life, you have given your life!! Where will anyone get a friend like me?! Arjuna, who considers himself as greatest archer has slain you only when you were unarmed? Consider that as a shame to him and as an example to prove your immeasurable mightiness, my friend. In fact, you are mightier and talented than Arjuna, my friend. You died proving that you are mighty. Without you, I have no interest on the throne. Without you, I have no hope to even fight anymore, O Karna. I am deprived of the ray of my life which is you Karna. You are my only refugee. What will I do now?” – cried Duryodhana.

          Though Arjuna was raged on hearing Duryodhana’s words, he did not speak a word, trying to grasp the truth in it. While the Pandavas were enjoying the moment beholding Duryodhana crying, the cry of a women in the battlefield moved their hearts. The voice seemed familiar to them. Confused, they looked at each other and looked at the direction from where the voice was approaching towards them.

          “O my dear Son!” – crying aloud from her heart, Kunti came running towards them, crossing all the slayed warriors and steeds in the battlefield.

          Baffled, Yudhistra grabbed his mother and spoke – “Mother, calm down. Arjuna is alive. Karna is only slain by our mighty Arjuna. There’s none who can defeat Arjuna.”

          “My son is dead! My son left me…My son is dead!”-crying out aloud, Kunti, removing herself from Yudhistra’s hands, fell on the ground holding Karna in her hands.

Kunti crying for her son Karna!

          Looking at Kunti, even Duryodhana was stunned, unable to understand what was happening, just like his cousin brothers, the Pandavas.

          “Mother! Karna is only slain. Your son, Arjuna is alive. I am right here! You must be confused.” – addressed Arjuna, trying to compose Kunti.

          “No…No… my son is lying dead! My son…Karna… the eldest of you five…my son, Karna…my son…!”- Tears and the burden of truth in her heart choked her words. Kunti, with teary eyes, explained the truth and her conversation with Karna before war.

          Shocked on hearing Kunti’s words, everyone stood wordless. Duryodhana, the first to regain his senses, looking at his friend with expressionless pale eyes wailed – “O Karna! You are son of Matha Kunti!?!? You fought against your brothers, for my sake!? For a friend, you stood against your family?! Just because I am your friend, just because, I had eyes on the throne, you remained silent and died fighting for me!? Karna… this war and devastation would not have happened if you had told me who you really are. I, myself, would have crowned you as the King! How will I ever be able to repay you? How will I be able to rule or even live? O friend!”

          Felt ashamed for not being aware of the heart of Karna, Duryodhana wept and ran away from the battlefield. Mortified on losing his brothers, his seniors and now his friend, all because of his greed for the throne, Duryodhana hid himself beneath the waters of Lake Dvaipayana.

          “Karna is our brother!! Mother, if Karna is our brother, he has the right to be the King. This whole war could have been averted if you had informed us about this. All because of you… all because of you...so many deaths, so many losses and pain in people’s hearts. Because of your silence, I started this war and the world will blame me for all these death! You are responsible for all this. I curse that no women in this world ever can hold a secret in her heart.”- filled with pain, Yudhistra cursed and cried looking at Karna.

          “Madhava! You know all this and yet you remained silent!? Now the burden and blame of killing my brother is on me!? How will I be able to save myself from this burden? Why have you done this to me?”- cried Arjuna.

          “You killed him!? Arjuna…do you think you are strong enough to slay Karna? You, individually, could have never defeated him. For saving your life, your father, Lord Indra beseeched the mighty protective armor from Karna. The one with which he was born. Then, your mother, Matha Kunti made Karna to swear that he should use the Nagastra only once at you and never against your brothers. A chariot rider cursed him that, when Karna’s mightiness is needed the most in the battlefield to protect him, his chariot’s wheel will plunge into earth. And most of all, Lord Parasuram cursed Karna that he will forget the mantras to invoke the celestial weapons. I pressed the chariot and protected you from the Nagastra. Thus, we all made the mighty Karna as a simple man on earth and not a warrior, so that you could kill him. The Karna you slew was not the mighty Karna known to all. The one you killed indeed was only the Karna who was deprived of his archery skills and incarcerated by fate. So, don’t think that you hold the blame and burden. None of you could have defeated him when he is the best in what he did. And here you are, like your brother,  afraid of the blame the world will talk about instead of your brother’s death and not knowing about the pain he and your mother was going through all these days!?” – said Krishna, sounding like thunder.

 Seeing Arjuna and others lowering their heads out of shame, Krishna, after a moment of silence, continued- “It’s all way of destiny, Arjuna. Dharma should be sustained on earth. For that, you have to be protected. It’s all fated. So, don’t take the burden to your heart and do what should be done. Prepare for the final sacraments of Karna. Give him a peaceful send off.”

          Listening to Krishna’s words, Yudhistra and his brothers carried out the final rituals of Karna. Arjuna cremated his brother Karna, expecting a peaceful after life for Karna. The Pandavas then proceeded to the camp for the preparations of next day’s war.

          Meanwhile, in Hastinapur, Queen Gandhari regained her conscious. She wept for being unable to save her sons. While everyone gathered were trying to console her, she reminisced Sage Vyasa and his words. Rising from her bed, she said to Sanjaya – “Sanjaya!  Send a message this instant to my son or my brother Saguni saying that I need to see Duryodhana before the sunrise.”

      When the King enquired about the need, the Queen explained, “I remembered Sage Vyasa’s words. He once told me that the life I live with my eyes blindfolded is also like a yogic life and so all my powers are in my eyes. With that power, I can even turn anyone to ashes or even give life. I am going to transfer that power to my son, as a protective shield. I can at least save one son of mine.”

         Cheered on hearing Gandhari’s words, the King sent message explaining the need for Duryodhana’s visit. Saguni, on receiving the message, asked Aswathama to look for Duryodhana. Aswathama and Saguni went looking for Duryodhana in places near to the camp. With the help of the informers, they reached the lake where Duryodhana was hiding.

          “Duryodhana! Friend! Come out of the lake this instant. We have a battle to win.”- roared Aswathama.

          “I have no battle to win. I have no interest to win. There’s nothing for me anymore to fight or win. I lost everything. I am an open target in front of the Pandavas. They can hit me or even slay me, anytime.” – replied Duryodhana from beneath the lake.

          “Duryodhana, think about Karna. He fought for you. He wished to see you as the King. You, as a friend, have to fulfill his wish. This is the right time to avenge the Pandavas. And you have the right armor this time.”- Cheering, Saguni explained about the message he received from Hastinapur. “So, get out of the waters and go see your mother before sunrise. We have a battle to win, this time, for sure.”

          Cheered in Saguni’s words, Duryodhana came out of the lake and rushed in his chariot to the palace of Hastinapur. Krishna, who was in his bivouac, came to know about this through his yogic powers.

          Duryodhana reached the palace and went to the chambers of his mother, Queen Gandhari.

          “Remember Duryodhana! While you are going to see your mother, you should be naked. Only then her powers will make your body parts turn into indestructible and imperishable. You don’t need a suit of armor anymore.” – Duryodhana remembered Saguni’s words and undressed himself before entering the chambers.

          While he was walking naked, a young beautiful woman came out of the chambers with her heads lowered, holding a bowl in her hands. The woman was none other than Krishna!! Seeing her and thinking that she’s maid, Duryodhana hid his hip part with the banana leaf nearby. After the woman has crossed, Duryodhana stopped in front of the chamber and thought, “What if there are more maids with mother? I cannot go naked in front of them! What to do now?!”

          Thinking for a minute, he came up with an idea - “Well, in wrestling and in Mace fight, the rule says that the person should not be attacked beneath the hip part. So, even if I get to fight with Bhīma, the one who vowed to kill me, he cannot attack me below my hip. So, I will be safe even if I hid my hip and legs.”

          Duryodhana then, hiding his hip unto his thigh with banana leaves, entered her mother’s chamber. Bowing in front of his mother, Duryodhana stood, waiting for her mother to remove the piece of cloth she used to blindfold her eyes. Gandhari, thinking that Duryodhana is naked, removed her blindfold. As she opened her eyes, her powers hit Duryodhana directly. All her powers were transferred to Duryodhana’s whole body, except the covered body parts. Seeking blessing from his mother and the King, Duryodhana left for the camp, with new spirit and verve.

          Meanwhile, King Balram reached the bivouac of Krishna, returning from his pilgrimage tour. He came to know about Krishna’s strategies in defeating the mighty Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna. He, through his yogic power, came to know about Krishna’s act in the Palace of Hastinapur.

          “Krishna! Don’t you feel that you are being partial to the Pandavas?” – asked King Balram.

        “Brother! It’s war. A war fought for dharma to be sustained. My strategies are not for vanquishing Duryodhana but to sustain dharma. And Duryodhana and his warriors are in its way.So, it affects them. You can’t call it as partial. I do pity for Duryodhana and his followers. I gave them the chance to choose, I also gave them the liberty to choose sides. What they face is because of the result of what they chose. I care for everyone but I take special care of those who surrender unto me, irrevocably. Call it partiality but they have surrendered to me and it’s my responsibility to take good care of them. The Pandavas surrendered to me and it’s my duty to protect them, no matter what. Especially for Draupathi. All this I do to redeem her honor is no match to her devotion and surrender to me, amidst all those mighty warriors and her husbands in the court room. I can never repay to that surrender and trust. That blind belief, hope and surrender is all I seek.”- replied Krishna.

        “I know, brother. But, all your strategies are favoring the Pandavas to win. You tricked Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna, those undefeatable mighty warriors. Though on an argument, you can say that their death is the result of the sins they did, why are you playing tricks on a mother’s love? Moreover, the Pandavas should win, for once, using their talents. All they do is only fighting while you take care of the strategies. I know that you don’t care being called as trickster in the battlefield but as your elder brother, on behalf of our parents, I expect my brother to be remembered for his generosity and not only for his political tactics. I would like to ask you this as a favor. For once, let the Pandavas gain their victory by themselves. Don’t play any tricks in the battlefield. With you by their side, I know that the Pandavas’ victory is assured. But for once, let them make steps to reach the fruit of victory. Else, the people will lose hope in the mightiness of hard work and skills. I ask this as a favor from my brother.” – said King Balram.

       Thinking for few moments, Krishna looked up at his brother and said, “For once, tomorrow, the Pandavas will do everything in the battlefield using their strategies to earn victory. I assure you that I will be only a charioteer tomorrow.”

          In the meantime, reaching the camp, Duryodhana tested the mightiness of his hands, shoulders, stomach and chest using different weapons. Feeling more energetic, Duryodhana roared- “The end of the Pandavas starts with tomorrow’s sunrise. I am invincible!!!”

          Saguni, Salya and Aswathama cheered for Duryodhana.

          “O King, you are going to be our line of defense tomorrow. Bhīma is going to die in your hands tomorrow, unable to accomplish his vow. The battle will end tomorrow because of your mightiness.”-cheered Aswathama.

          “O friend! You are right! I am waiting to see that mighty Bhīma in a combat. You take care of the rest of the army and I will deal with the Pandavas. Let’s slay our foes before sunset, tomorrow. Well, for tomorrow’s war, Aswathama, tell me whom shall we address as the generalissimo?”- asked Duryodhana.

          Aswathama replied instantly – “O King, make King Salya, the ruler of Madra as the commander of your army. His prowess, fame, battling strategies and skills are well known by every Kshatriya and non-Kshatriya. His art of war is unique and undeniably exceptional. None can match to his prowess when he is raged.”

          Accepting Aswathama’s words, Duryodhana turned towards King Salya and said-“Uncle, your time has come to lead my army towards victory. I am glad to have such an intelligent and skilled warrior as my generalissimo. I would like to offer you the commander-in-chief of my army. Kindly accept my offer and protect us.  Lead my forces to victory.”

Duryodhana..invincible!!!

          King Salya, the ruler of Madra answered – “Duryodhana! O King, I serve for you in this war and it’s my duty to accept your command. I will do everything that you ask me to accomplish in this battle. I will do everything I can to ensure your victory or die trying.”

          Hearing King Salya’s words, Duryodhana cheered and said – “O King, slay the foes in the battle tomorrow. With you as the leader of my army, the Pandavas and their friends are going to rush towards the gates of the heaven in no time. My victory tomorrow is certain.”

          “O King, I assure you that the world will tomorrow behold my prowess, my skills, my strength and the mightiness of my weapons.”- replied Salya.

          Duryodhana then addressed King Salya as the commander-in-chief of the Kaurava army. The warriors roared in support and joy. Cheerful and energetic, they played various musical instruments. The warriors then, with a cheerful heart retired for the day, with new energy and power to battle and win.

                    

Kurukshetra War - Day 16

           

Karna to lead!!!

 Sixteenth day of the great Kurukshetra battle. Without the mighty souls Pithamaha and Dronacharya, the Kaurava warriors gathered without any hope for victory. Beholding the cheerless hearts and faces in front of him, Duryodhana, spoke with all his courage– “Warriors of Kaurava army! A true warrior’s real happiness lies in either their victory or in their death in the battlefield. Only from both, the soldier gets his respect in all the worlds. Fight against the Pandavas with all your mightiness, for, every single one of you is mightier than the warriors of the Pandava army. Behold my beloved and our highly respected Karna, our new Generalissimo. Witnessing him, we all know how the Pandava soldiers are terrified. Under his command, let’s battle for what we have started this war. Let us go get our victory.”

Cheered on Duryodhana’s words, with Karna as their new generalissimo, with delighted heart, the Kaurava soldiers proceeded against the Pandava army, forming the mighty Makara array. The Pandava army, setting their hearts in the battle and victory formed the Crescent Moon array(also known as Chandra Kala array). Along with the doors of heaven kept open, the troops waited in the battlefield, setting their eyes in the east, waiting for the sun to give approval to start the day and the battle.

With the first golden ray of sunlight spreading from the east, the conchs were blown, both in the heaven and in the battlefield. Teemed with rage and desire for victory, both the armies proceeded against each other. Blessed by his father, the magnificent sun, Karna began to slaughter the Pandava army with his pointy darts. Staying enclosed in their array formation, proceeding towards their foe, the Maharathas along with their platoon began to strike their opponent. Arjuna engaged in battling with the mighty heroes of the Samshaptakas while Dhrishtadyumna rushed against Krpacharya. Sahadeva engaged with Duchadhana as Sikandi encountered Kritavarma.

Heroic Satyaki covered the rushing Avanti Kings, Vinda and Anuvinda, with his sharp and blazing darts.  Rain of arrows filled the spot and pierced the earth and the chariots of the three warriors. The showers did not fail to break the bows of the warriors too. Beholding his broken arrow in the battle, skilled Satyaki, without wasting time, took another bow and with rage, he sped a razor pointed dart which slew King Anuvinda the moment it pierced his throat. Witnessing their King slain, the soldiers of Avanti rushed against Satyaki and started striking him with their arrows, unto which Satyaki responded by breaking those arrows with his pointy ones, before they could reach him. Vinda shot thousands of arrows on Satyaki piercing him in the chest and the vital parts, not before slaying Satyaki’s charioteer, steeds and making Satyaki stand on a grounded chariot with a broken bow. Feeling raged more than pain, Satyaki, with his sword, slew King Vinda.  Then, with his new bow in hand and ascending Yudhamanyu’s chariot, Satyaki began to slaughter the Avanti warriors along with Yudhamanyu.

Bhīma was opposed by the Kuluta King, Kshemadhurti. The battle between them was fierce like the duel among two elephants gone wild. Standing on their elephant’s forehead, both of them pierced each other with pointy darts and broke the foe’s bow. With his rain of arrows, before Bhīma could react, King Kshemadhurti slew Bhīma’s elephant. Raged, Bhīma took his mace and rushed against the King and with one jump, he struck the forehead of King Kshemadhurti’s elephant and crushed its skull. Before the King could attack Bhīma with his sword, Bhīma slew him by hitting hard on his head. Bhīma then engaged in a battle with Aswathama, who singly came rushing towards him, witnessing King Kshemadhurti lying dead.

Meanwhile, Srutakarma, who was battling the Gandharva King, Chitrasena, though attacked by the King and pierced in vital parts, with his broad headed arrow he cut off the head of the mighty King. Similarly, Prathivindhya who was engaged in a fierce duel with King Chitra broke the bow of the King and his standard, not before slaying the charioteer. Rushing with his mace, King Chitra viciously slew the steeds and the charioteer of Prathivindhya. Jumping from his chariot before the upraised mace of the King crush the chariot, Prathivindhya sped a sharp dart towards the King, who, skilled in archery like Arjuna, got the speeding arrow in his very own hands. Striking Prathivindhya in his right arm with the very same arrow, King Chitra laughed at the son of Yudhistra. Filled with wrath, Prathivindhya hurled a spear in the chest of the King, which came out piercing the armor at the back. Not expecting a sudden response from the fallen Prathivindhya, struck by the spear, the magnificent King fell dead on the ground, amazed at the skill of the little prince. Then, Prathivindhya began to slaughter the platoons of the fallen King who were approaching him, blinded by rage.

The duel between Bhīma and Aswathama was fierce and brutal. The battle continued for hours. Exhausted, both of them rested on their chariot’s seat for some time, though the rage in them decreased not. Continuing the battle, Bhīma’s arrows pierced Aswathama in the chest as Aswathama’s pierced Bhīma in his shoulders and chest. Pierced Aswathama, unable to take the blow, fell unconscious on the chariot and his charioteer drove him away from the spot promptly.

While Arjuna was proceeding, slaughtering the Samshaptakas along with their steeds, elephants, elephant riders and charioteers in hundreds, he came across the mighty Girivraja King, Dandhadhara who was crushing the Pandava warriors with his skills. On Krishna’s advice, ceasing the massacre of Samshaptakas, Arjuna turned towards King Dandhadhara. Beholding the rushing Arjuna, terrified not, the courageous King sped arrows that pierced Krishna and Arjuna. Raged not but focused in his response, Arjuna, shooting broad headed arrows in hundreds, broke the standard, flag pole, bow of the King and slew the elephant and its rider, along with the foot soldiers and spike men protecting the King. Responding to the fierce arrows of the raged King, Arjuna’s arrows cut off the hands and the head of the King, who was standing on a falling elephant. The elephant and the King fell on the ground lifeless. Arjuna then began to slaughter the elephants and warriors of the King’s platoon, in hundreds.

Prince Kshemya, Son of King Ugrayudha rushed along with the Samshaptakas to slay Arjuna. Piercing Arjuna with his pointy darts, Kshemya invited Arjuna for a duel, to which Arjuna responded with cheered heart. Slaying the Samshaptakas and at the same time, responding to the shafts of Prince Kshemya, Arjuna covered the platoon of Samshaptakas with his arrows and slew the Prince before the Samshaptakas could respond.

Karna who was quelling the Pandava warriors, engaged with Nakula, who was destroying the Kaurava warriors. The duel lasted only for short time as like lightning, Karna’s arrows broke the bow of Nakula and pierced him in his shoulders. Struck by the darts but pierced not, Nakula who was on the verge of death, fled from Karna. Remembering his promise to his mother Kunti, Karna ceased attacking Nakula and engaged in slaughtering the Pandava troops, beholding his father delighted at his son’s prowess from the meridian. Karna slew the Pandava warriors in hundreds, along with their steeds, elephants and charioteers. Downpour of arrows from Karna’s bow failed not to slay the fleeing soldiers too.

The sweltering sun passed his meridian and began to descend witnessing the battle and at the same time, warming up the battlefield. Summoned by Aswathama, Arjuna began to strike the son of his Guru, on the command of his charioteer Krishna. As the duel proceeded for a long time and was fierce, the Kaurava warriors rushed on their elephants to protect Aswathama. Bathed in blood, Arjuna, without losing his patience and senses, shot pointy darts on the Kalinga and Nishada elephant warriors rushing against him and slew them along with their elephants and riders. Without losing a moment, he broke the bow of Aswathama and slew the charioteer too. The steeds ran without control and bore Aswathama away from Arjuna before Aswathama could take control of the steeds. With Aswathama gone, Arjuna engaged in crushing the Samshaptakas.

Getting control of his steeds and with a new charioteer and with a new cart of arrows, Aswathama returned to the field and engaged in battling against the Pandya King Malayadhwaja. King Malayadhwaja, the foremost and mightiest warrior of the Pandavas was devastating the troops of the Kauravas like a powerful tornado. Well versed in the science of every weapon and packed with energy and power, the King slaughtered the enemies in hundreds. Even Pithamaha Bhishma and Krishna were excited and thrilled witnessing the prowess of King Malayadhwaja at the start of the war. Pithamaha Bhishma had called him as the “Mighty and Foremost Maharatha of the Pandavas”. Witnessing King Malayadhwaja viciously slaughtering the Kaurava troops by constantly changing his weapon and responding to the enemies, Aswathama came in as a protector for his warriors and engaged in a duel with the mighty King Malayadhwaja. The duel was fierce and Aswathama was unable to find a gap to slay the mighty King. None of his arrows pierced the King. Karna rushed in as the defense shield and engaged in slaughtering the elephant warriors of the Pandya King. The battle prolonged, but with ease the King was cutting off the arrows shot by Aswathama. The King also succeeded in slaying the two protectors of Aswathama. With intensified rage, Aswathama slew the steeds of the Pandya King and his charioteer. With another pointy dart, he broke the bow of the King and with hundreds of arrows he trashed the chariot of the Pandya King, but not before the King jumped from his chariot.

In the meantime, witnessing a rider less elephant that came roaring in pain as a result of the pointy darts of Karna, the Pandya King ascended to its neck in elegance and began attacking Aswathama by standing on an uncontrolled elephant. Aswathama too was surprised witnessing the skill of the Pandya King.       Regaining his senses and filled with rage, Aswathama pierced the elephant’s legs and before the King could gain control, Aswathama with hid two pointy darts, he cut off the arms of the King and with a pointy dart he cut off the head of the falling King Malayadhwaja. Still raged Aswathama cut off the elephant into ten pieces and slew the six Pandya Maharathas who followed the King. Along with Karna, Aswathama then began to slaughter the rushing Pandya warriors, as eight bullock carts engaged in carrying the shot darts of Aswathama in his duel with the Pandya King and soldiers.

With the time for sunset nearing, the armies engaged in battling with heart full of rage, desiring victory. Bhīma, with his mighty mace engaged in a duel with Kritavarma as King Yudhistra engaged in a duel with his brother, King Duryodhana. The battle among the brothers was at its extreme and yet, the warriors were unable to find who might succeed. Duryodhana, witnessing King Yudhistra’s prowess, with rage filled heart, shot pointy darts which slew the charioteer of King Yudhistra. King Yudhistra responded with five darts which slew the four steeds and the charioteer of Duryodhana. Piercing the armor of Duryodhana with his pointy darts, Yudhistra succeeded in cutting off the standard and the flag pole of Duryodhana. Unable to tolerate the insult, raged Duryodhana broke the bow of King Yudhistra, standing on the grounded chariot. With ease, Yudhistra took another bow and shot arrows which cut off the twain of Duryodhana’s bow and pierced his armor in chest. Ceasing not, King Yudhistra kept showering arrows at Duryodhana. Stupefied and deeply hurt, King Duryodhana fell on his grounded chariot.

As Yudhistra, desire of ending the battle and further deaths, aimed a pointy dart on Duryodhana and before he could let his dart leave the bow, Bhīma came in yelling, “Brother! I have vowed to slay him. This Duryodhana should be slain by me, in my own hands, after he witnesses the death of all his brothers. Don’t slay him now.”

King Yudhistra, recollecting Bhīma’s vow, dropped his dart and saved by Bhīma, Duryodhana who was already deeply hurt, fell unconscious on his chariot. Witnessing Duryodhana lying unconscious, Karna and Aswathama rushed along with Krpacharya. Nakula and Sahadeva, along with their platoon rushed in for protecting their brother along with Bhīma. Krpacharya bore Duryodhana away from the field in his chariot as Karna and Aswathama engaged in slaughtering the Pandava warriors.

Bhīma began to battle against the mighty brothers of Duryodhana and their legion. With his mighty bow, Bhīma engaged with Sama, Dussalan, Dridhasandha, Chitrakundala and ten more brothers. Surrounded by the brothers and their platoon, raged Bhīma showered hundreds and thousands of sharp darts from his celestial bow called Vayavya. The darts failed not to pierce the armor and the vital body parts of the warriors and their steeds. Dridhasandha, the mighty brother of Duryodhana lost his life pierced by seven arrows of Bhīma. Raged on witnessing their brother’s death, Prince Dussalan, Prince Chitrakundala and Prince Sama rushed against Bhīma and succeeded in piercing the arms and armor of Bhīma. The brothers covered Bhīma with their arrows. Filled with wrath, Bhīma’s fifty pointy darts swiftly rushed towards the brothers and cut off the hands of Prince Dussalan and broke the bow of Prince Sama and Prince Pasi. With his feathered arrow, Bhīma then slew Prince Dussalan and before he could fell on the ground lifeless, Bhīma’s arrows slew Prince Chitrakundala. Beholding the rest of the brothers standing raged, before they could recollect their senses, Bhīma shot his darts and beheaded Prince Sama and slew Prince Bhimaratha. Ceasing not, still remembering his vow, Bhīma slayed Prince Dridhakshatra, after slaying his charioteer and steeds. He then began to slay the spike men and the knights of the Kaurava army. Unable to withstand the downpour of arrows, the soldiers, along with the brothers of Duryodhana flew in all directions, with desire to live.

Dhrishtadyumna, along with Sikandi, Chekitana, the UpaPandavas, Yuyutsu and the Chedis, the Kekayas and the Matsya warriors and King Yudhistra, with their vast platoon engaged in showering darts on Karna and his legion. Dreaded not, Karna, with ire, began to destroy the troops surrounding him with his mighty darts.

Witnessing Karna’s mightiness, Arjuna, who was rushing towards Karna, was welcomed by the combined warriors of the Samshaptakas, the Trigarthas, the Sivis and the Salvas. Arjuna, beholding the mighty warriors, began showering arrows at them. Though pierced by the arrows of the Kings and the Princes, Arjuna responded to their darts and succeeded in piercing them and in cutting off their shafts. Beholding the Kings closing, with well-aimed darts, Arjuna slew King Satrunjaya and beheaded Susruta’s son, Prince Jaya. Ceasing not, with pointy darts, Arjuna then slew Candradeva and slew his protectors with five arrows. In the meantime, Satyasena’s golden spear with iron head pierced the left arm of Krishna and Krishna lost control of the steeds. Witnessing Krishna hurt, raged Arjuna sped his pointy darts which beheaded Satyasena in front of his army. Arjuna then despatched the charioteer and steeds of Citravarman to heaven, before killing Citravarman with his pointy arrow. With a razor sharp dart, Arjuna beheaded Mitrasena. Though the Sivis and the Salvas fled in fear, the Samshaptakas rushed towards Arjuna with madness.

Arjuna’s hundreds and thousands of arrows slew thousands of the Samshaptakas. Terrified not, the raged Samshaptakas enclosed Arjuna. Proficient in archery than all those Samshaptakas, Arjuna, with ease, invoked the celestial Aindra weapon and as a result, thousands and thousands of pointy darts kept pouring on the Samshaptakas from the sky and pierced the spike men, the swordsmen, the cavalries, the riders, the elephants, the charioteers, the steeds and the warriors, resulting in slaying them all. As the weapon ceased its mightiness, no Kaurava warrior was seen alive near Arjuna’s chariot while the Samshaptakas and the Trigarthas who fled in fear escaped from the weapon’s prowess. Arjuna then rushed against Karna.

Arjuna and Karna showered arrows on each other and covered the whole place with either dead or wounded warriors. Before the duel between Arjuna and Karna could get fierce, the exhausted sun retired for the day, setting in west. Crushed by Arjuna’s prowess, the Kaurava warriors left the field wounded and worn-out whereas the Pandava warriors retired to their camp deprived of their energy after witnessing the skill and mightiness of Karna.

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.