Kurukshetra War - Day 18

          On the command of their King, the armies prepared for the battle. Armored and with weapons in their grip, standing on their equipped steeds or elephants and some on foot, the warriors gathered, hoping for victory. The Pandavas who came to battle with 7 Akshauhinis had only 6,000 cars, 6,000 elephants, 10,000 horses and one million foot soldiers by their side whereas the mighty Kaurava army, which comprised of 11 Akshauhinis seventeen days back was left with 11,000 cars, 10,700 elephants, 200,000 horses and three million foot soldiers.

          Placing the invincible King Salya as their generalissimo, the Kaurava army marched for the battle. Meanwhile, in the Pandavas camp, Krishna addressed –“With the loss of Pithamaha, Dronacharya and Karna, Duryodhana has got only King Salya in his side who is experienced and skilled in leading the army. King Salya is invincible in the battle by anyone because his power grows when his enemy battles aggressively.  He received a boon that he will obtain half of his foe’s strength, who meets him in the battle with aggression. So, I think it would be wise if Bhīma or Arjuna do not engage with King Salya in the battle. The only person suitable for slaying King Salya will be King Yudhistra.”

Taking Krishna’s words as command-received, the Pandavas rushed to the battlefield and with the sunrise, the battle commenced. Receiving the Pandava soldiers with his showers of darts, King Salya slew them in hundreds. Kekaya King Dhrishtaketu’s son, Prince Chekitana was slayed by Duryodhana, pierced by a pointy and golden winged dart in the chest.

For one last day!!!

Karna’s son Chitrasena encountered Nakula and with his pointy shafts, he cut off the bow of Nakula and slew the steeds and the charioteer. With his sword and shield in hand, raged Nakula rushed against Chitrasena defending himself from the shafts of his foe. Ascending the chariot of Chitrasena, in a wink of an eye, in the sight of his brothers and the Kaurava army, he beheaded Chitrasena. Beholding his brother dead, Sushena and Satyasena rushed against Nakula. Nakula, standing on his grounded chariot with his new bow and darts in hand, beheaded Satyasena, not before slaying his foe’s steeds and charioteer. With a golden winged dart, Nakula, without losing time, beheaded Sushena.

While Arjuna was engaged in exterminating the chariot warriors of the Kaurava army, King Yudhistra, defended by Bhīma, Sahadeva and Nakula, rushed to defend the Pandava soldiers being scorched by King Salya. King Yudhistra, received by King Salya with a dense shower of darts, fell on his chariot, pierced by the darts. As Bhīma and his brothers, accompanied by the UpaPandavas defended Yudhistra from Salya, Krpacharya, Saguni and Aswathama rushed to defend their generalissimo.

Sahadeva, in the encounter, beheaded Salya’s son Rukmaratha with his sword. Recovering from his pain, Yudhistra began to pierce Salya and his defenders with his dart. Piercing Chandrasena with seventy darts and Drumasena with sixty four, Yudhistra exterminated the two defenders of Salya’s chariot wheels. Raged, Salya slew 25 Maharathas of the Chedi Kingdom who were defending King Yudhistra. With Bhīma resisting Duryodhana and his brothers, Satyaki resisting King Saguni and Uluka, Yudhistra engaged with Salya. Arjuna engaged in slaying the warriors who were trying to escape from the wrath of Bhīma and Dhrishtadyumna.     

Duryodhana attacked by Bhima!

With  Bhīma assassinating Duryodhana’s charioteer and making Duryodhana fell unconscious, Aswathama and Kritavarman who were defending Salya, deserted Salya and rushed to save Duryodhana from the irrepressibly running steeds. Utilizing the opportunity, King Yudhistra, hurled the mighty Kala Rathri Astra (Death Night) at Salya. Pierced by the dart in his chest, Salya fell lifeless on the ground. Ceasing not to enjoy the moment, Yudhistra speedily beheaded the younger brother of Salya along with his steeds and charioteer. Delighted at the death of Salya, Satyaki began to chase and slew the frightened and fleeing Kaurava soldiers.

Raged at their King’s death, 1700 chariot warriors and 21,000 foot soldiers of Madra proceeded against Yudhistra. Arjuna, resisting them from reaching Yudhistra, slew every single Madra chariot warrior along with their steeds and charioteer while Bhīma slew the 21,000 armed foot soldiers with his mace in hand. With the extermination of the Madra warriors, no soldier in the Kaurava army desired to battle and began to flee.

King Yudhistra slays King Salya!

Duryodhana, witnessing his army fleeing, addressed – “The Pandava soldiers are still lesser than ours. United, we can slay them all. Kshatriyas in the battlefield will never have fear for their death or foe.”

On hearing the words of Duryodhana, the fleeing warriors rushed against the Pandavas with rage. Satyaki and Dhrishtadyumna rushed against King Salwa. While Satyaki was engaged in resisting the shafts of Salwa, Dhrishtadyumna engaged in battling against the elephant of Salwa with his mace. Hitting hard on the frontal globe of the elephant repeatedly, Dhrishtadyumna broke the skull of the elephant with his mace and as a result, the elephant fell on the ground wailing aloud. While the elephant was falling, Satyaki, taking the opportunity, beheaded Salwa with a broad headed dart and thus, along with his elephant and the rider, Salwa fell lifeless on the ground.

Ceasing not, Satyaki slew King Kshemakirti with seven shafts and slew the steeds and the charioteer of Kritavarman. Kritavarman was rescued by Krpacharya, before he could be slayed by the roaring Satyaki. Meanwhile, Bhīma engaged in decimating the elephant division of the Kaurava army with his golden mace. Witnessing Bhīma’s rage, the remnant brothers of Duryodhana rushed to defend their army.  Mounting on the car and taking his bow, remembering his vow, Bhīma, with cheered heart showered darts at the approaching brothers. With broad headed darts, cutting the darts of his foes in mid-air, Bhīma slew Srutanta and Jayatsena. Piercing Srutarvan with his darts from head to toe, ceasing not, Bhīma beheaded him and with just three pointy darts targeted to his foe’s chest, Bhīma slew Jaitra, Ravi and Bhurivala. Roaring in delight, Bhīma slew Durvishaha with a broad headed arrow and with ten more darts, he slayed Sujata.

Delighted in near accomplishment of his vow, Bhīma crushed the approaching platoon of the slayed brothers which contained 10,000 diversely armed foot soldiers and 800 cavalries and cavalry archers. Arjuna advanced against the Trigartha warriors who were defending Duryodhana while Bhīma, along with Nakula and Sahadeva rushed towards Duryodhana. Beheading Sudarsana, the last brother of Duryodhana who was alive, Bhīma rushed against Saguni who was attacking King Yudhistra. 

Saguni, who was cherishing his near-victory over Yudhistra who was rescued by Sahadeva after losing his steeds and charioteer, engaged in battling against Bhīma and Sahadeva. Saguni, slaying 700 elephant warriors and 5000 cavalries and 3000 armed foot soldiers of the Pandava army, rushed against Sahadeva with rage. While Bhīma held the entire platoon of Saguni from proceeding forward to defend their King, Sahadeva and Nakula engaged in battling against the vile minded Saguni.

Meanwhile, Arjuna, after exterminating the cavalry division of the Trigartha army, rushed against the remnant Maharathas and Rathas of the Trigarthas. Slaying Trigartha Prince Satyakarman with a razor headed dart and another Trigartha Prince Satyeshu, Arjuna proceeded against the rushing Prasthala warriors of the Trigartha Kingdom. Shooting shafts incessantly, Arjuna beheaded the Prasthala King Susarman and slew 35 sons of the King. Exterminating the Prasthala army and the Trigartha division, Arjuna engaged in crushing the remnant Kaurava army.

Nakula and Sahadeva engage in battling against Saguni and Uluka. Cutting off his foe’s darts in the mid-air, Sahadeva engaged in accomplishing his vow. Piercing Saguni and Uluka with his darts, Nakula broke the bow of Saguni. Sahadeva, in the meantime, beheaded Uluka with a broad headed dart and witnessing his son’s death, Saguni, picking up another bow, sped his shafts at Sahadeva while Nakula engaged in exterminating the Gandhara soldiers.  Pierced by the shafts of Saguni, raged Sahadeva broke the bow of Saguni and slew his foe’s charioteer.

Witnessing the defeat of Saguni, the Gandhara warriors fled, leaving their King. Sahadeva broke the mace of Saguni which was tossed at him. Saguni, standing unarmed, terrified at the prowess of Sahadeva, began to flee. Nakula engaged in pursuing the fleeing soldiers while Sahadeva pursued the fleeing Saguni, addressing – “Cease fleeing and fight like a man! You had fun at the gambling in the court of Hastinapur. Be a Kshatriya and fight with me, King!”

Rushing recklessly against Saguni, Sahadeva sped darts at the King and slew the steeds. As Saguni stood on the grounded chariot, without wasting any moment, Sahadeva, with a broad headed dart, beheaded Saguni. Rejoicing at the death of Saguni, Sahadeva, along with Nakula, exterminated the Gandhara warriors. Meanwhile, Arjuna engaged in consuming the Kaurava warriors like forest fire. Unable to face the prowess and rage of the Pandavas and their army, the Kaurava warriors fled from the battlefield, terrified.

The sun has not even reached his zenith point but, Duryodhana saw no single soldier by his side except Aswathama, Krpacharya and Kritavarman while the Pandavas had 2,000 cars, 700 elephants, 5,000 horses and 10,000 foot soldiers left on their side. Raged Bhīma showered darts at Duryodhana and slew the steeds and the charioteer. Unable to witness the extermination of his army, with mace in his hand, raged and humiliated, Duryodhana fled from the battlefield and hid himself beneath the Lake Dvaipayana, making a space beneath the lake using his power of illusion.

Not knowing where Duryodhana is, the exhausted Pandava army retired to their camp, rejoicing at their victory. King Yudhistra announced that he will give wealth to those who informs about the whereabouts of Duryodhana. Meanwhile, Krpacharya, Aswathama and Kritavarman reached the lake and addressed – “Duryodhana, fight with us against Yudhistra. We are more than enough to defeat the Pandavas. Come and fight, to get hold of your victory.”

“Your heart is noble and desires my victory and welfare. But, I do not like to fight now. I am not hiding here out of fear. I am trying to control my anger and clear my mind for I am exhausted. Once I am energized, I will come out and kill every single Pandava soldier by myself. Leave me alone for now. Go and take rest.” –replied Duryodhana from inside the lake.

Unable to get Duryodhana out, the trio left the lake and retired to their camp. Meanwhile, a group of hunters who are assigned to procure meat for Bhīma came by the lake with meat in their shoulders. Exhausted, they were taking rest beneath a tree by the lake side. Overhearing the conversation, delighted in finding Duryodhana, those hunters rushed to inform Bhīma, with desire for wealth.  Filled with delight, they entered the restricted chambers of Bhīma and informed him about the whereabouts of Duryodhana.

"Duryodhana has been found, Krishna!!"

Cheered, Bhīma, along with the King, his brothers, Krishna and the entire army proceeded to the lake. Duryodhana heard the unbridled sounds of drums and conches blown by the Pandava army. Reaching the banks of Lake Dvaipayana, Yudhistra addressed – “Why are you hiding yourself now after being responsible for the death of all the foremost and mighty warriors, Kings, family and friends? You said you are a Kshatriya who accepts death like victory. Come and battle now. Why are you desirous of saving your life alone? Come out…vanquish us and rule the world like you desired.”

On hearing the words of Yudhistra, Duryodhana replied from beneath the lake – “I did not flee out of fear or with desire to live. Out of the tiredness and anger, I entered these waters. Moreover, I do not have any desire to rule the world deprived of my friends, brothers and well-wishers. But I still desire to avenge you all for all the deaths and extermination. After my victory, I will give you the world and the throne. Rule like you are the emperor. I will retire to the woods.Once I am refreshed, I will come out and slay every single one of you.”

“Do not utter such grief filled words, Duryodhana. I never desired for the throne. All we desired was unity among all of us and our share of wealth to live peacefully and with dignity. You refused our request, insulted Krishna and affronted Draupathi. And most of all, blinded by your greed, you did not even think beyond your desire. This world is deprived of your friends and our brothers and son and kin, all because of your greed. Now, you do not have the right to give away the throne. Come and fight!”

Duryodhana coming out for the fight!

Rising from the lake with rage in heart and mace in hand, Duryodhana said -“You are surrounded and defended by your brothers and soldiers. But, I am alone. You all fight against me, one at a time and I will slay you. Today, I will free myself from the debt I owe to my family, friends, Kin and soldiers who died for me.”

Yudhistra, beholding the lonely Duryodhana, addressed – “Duryodhana, I grant you this wish. Fight with any one of us. If you vanquish him, you shall become the King and we all will retire to the woods. We all will stand only as observers. We will not be interfering or defending our brother.”

Witnessing Duryodhana’s delight, Krishna, realizing that no single Pandava brother is match to Duryodhana in handling a mace, addressed –“Yudhistra, what are you talking about? Any one of you five? Duryodhana has lived all his days from his childhood with a desire of slaying Bhīma. He, especially for the past 13 years, lived only thinking about ways to slay Bhīma. I do not see a single person here who will delight Duryodhana than Bhīma in the duel. Against skilled Duryodhana, mighty Bhīma is the one and best opponent!”

Glancing at Duryodhana with smile and rage, Bhīma addressed – “Are you ready to battle against me and lay your life, to accomplish my vow?”

Filled with wrath, Duryodhana replied –“Bhīma, remember that up to this day, I have never been defeated in a duel with my mace in hand! Slain by me, you are going to be the reason for your brothers to live in the woods forever!”

Longing for victory and the foe’s death, both of them stood armed with their mace in their hand and with rage and vengeance in their heart. Duryodhana embraced the right mandala, while Bhimasena took the left. The terrible and extremely callous duel lasted for hours with little time to repose. Attacking and defending, both of them fought vigorously though drenched in blood. Though both of them were dynamic and energetic, Bhīma took most of the blow and fell on the ground. Regaining his senses, he rose and battled again and again.

"Duryodhana is to win, for sure!"-Krishna

“Krishna, whom do you think has got the upper hand in the duel?” – enquired distressed Arjuna.

 “Arjuna, Bhīma is strong and potent but Duryodhana is skilled. Between mightiness and skill, skill always wins. If we fight fairly, Duryodhana is going to win, for sure. If Bhīma remembers his vow clearly, then there are chances for us to win.” – hinted Krishna, remembering his vow to brother Balram.

Arjuna, thinking hard, remembered the vow of Bhīma where he vowed not only to slay the Kaurava brothers but also, to break the thigh of Duryodhana in which he asked Draupathi to sit. Gladdened, Arjuna patted his left thigh signaling Bhīma. Understanding the sign, Bhīma, remembering his vow, whirled his mace and hurled it at the left thigh of Duryodhana. With the thigh bones crushed, Duryodhana fell on the ground, roaring in pain.  Smiling at the vanquished Duryodhana, Bhīma, placing his foot on the neck of Duryodhana, addressed-“I have fulfilled my vow! Let me see, laugh now Duryodhana...like how you laughed at Draupathi, me and my brothers in the court.”

The vow...The curse...The defeat!!!

King Yudhistra, on seeing Bhīma’s act, raised his voice– “Cease Bhīma! Do not act immorally. He is a King, a Kshatriya and above all, he is our brother. Take your foot from his neck, right now. You have accomplished your vow. You do not have the right to insult him like this!”

Turning towards Duryodhana, with teary eyes, Yudhistra said – “Forgive the immature act of Bhīma.  Your defeat is the result of your sinful deeds and desires. Though defeated, you will definitely reach heaven while we, though victorious, will live a cursed life, remembered as the persons responsible for the death of their own family, friends, kin and soldiers. The wives of the soldiers and the Kings will curse us and we get to live bearing all those curses in our heart and seeing their raged and saddened face all the time. Mother Gandhari will remind us of our cruel act for the wealth and throne, till we live. You…like a Kshatriya, retire to heaven with peace in your heart!”

King Balram

Meanwhile, King Balram, who was there knowing about the duel, witnessing Duryodhana lying on the ground, attacked in his thighs became extremely irate and raising his plough in his hand rushed towards Bhīma, yelling- “Bhīma, you fool! In a fair mace fight, no person should be struck below his hip. Ignoring the rules, you hit Duryodhana in his thigh, you ignorant fool!”

Beholding Balram with uplifted plough, Krishna seized his brother and embraced him with his arms, saying –“O brother, the accomplishment of one’s vow is also his duty. Bhīma vowed to break the thigh of Duryodhana. Moreover, Duryodhana has been cursed by Rishi Maitreya that he will be vanquished by his thigh bones broken. As a result of these two, Duryodhana has been struck in his thigh. Give away your anger.”

Though not accepting the words of Krishna, Balram dropped his plough, saying – “I do not accept your words Krishna. But still, as those are your words, I cannot go against it too. For his unfair act, Bhīma will forever be remembered for his crooked act and Duryodhana, for fighting fairly, will be remembered as the foremost warriors of mace fight and will attain eternal blessings.”

Blessing Duryodhana, Balram, ascending his chariot, left Kurukshetra. Casting his eyes with rage on Krishna, Duryodhana addressed –“So, this is how you trick people with your words. You have no shame for battling unethically. It was all because of your fraudulent acts, Pithamaha, Dronacharya, my brothers and my Karna are dead and the Pandavas are victorious. This whole war is your fault and your game!”

Glancing Duryodhana, Krishna said –“Duryodhana, I visited Hastinapur for peace talks. You ceased to even listen to Karna. Because of your greed, the mighty and foremost warriors and Kings and soldiers are lying dead. The reason for your defeat and death is the result of your sins and unrighteous acts.”

Breathing heavily, Duryodhana replied – “I get to die as a Kshatriya! I will gladly reach heaven to join my friends and well-wishers while you all bear the burden of the crown and the effects of battle in this ill-fated world.”

Witnessing the Pandavas hanging their heads low, ashamed of their acts and in hearing Duryodhana’s words, Krishna addressed –“Do not take his words to your heart when you have dharma by your side. The war has come to an end! King Duryodhana has been vanquished! The world will be a better place for the future generations under the leadership of King Yudhistra! Cheer for the victory of the Pandavas! Cheer for your victory everyone!!”

And..the battle ends here!

On hearing the words of Krishna, the warriors blew their conches and soldiers hit their shields with their swords, few waved their weapons and uttered loud shouts of enjoyment. The Pandavas blew their conchs and with Krishna blowing his celestial Panchajanya, the sun set in and the warriors returned to their camp, dancing and cheering one another in delight, leaving the fallen Duryodhana in the bank of Lake Dvaipayana.

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.